The Carpenter

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favour. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter.

"This is your house," he said, "My gift to you!"

The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently.

But we cannot go back.

You are the carpenter.

Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. "Life is a do-it-yourself project," someone has said.

Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the "house" you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!

Remember....

Work like you don't need the money.

Love like you've never been hurt.

Dance like nobody is watching.

Pass this on to someone you like. I did!

E-mail Prayer

A dear friend sent me this e-mail and I found it to be quite encouraging and a big blessing. I hope that you too will be blessed!

Dear Lord,

I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God.
You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said, or thought that was not pleasing to You.
I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.
Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over, and it's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak.
Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.
I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.
I pray for those who don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that don't believe.
But I thank you that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers and for each and every family members in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debts and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there are no mountains, problems, circumstances, or situations greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.
In the majestic name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!

Have a great week ahead!

Song Of The Day

Ever had the feeling where your own perception of inadequacy hinders you from attaching yourself to people? That what you've done, what you've said, who you are, may not be "good enough" for your friends and your family? In the event where you've done something wrong, or not well enough, that you feel you've let your peers, friends and family down, that maybe, their love for you has lessen a bit.

I'm following in the footsteps of unconditional love. I do admit that there will be disappointments in being let down, feelings being hurt; brokenness and helplessness starts to seep in. However, I am reminded of a song that simply means this: In your brokenness, you will still be complete in God, for He welcomes you with open arms, regardless of what you've done or even what you will do.

What I like about this song is this: Nothing you can do, could make Him love you more, And nothing that you've done, could make Him close the door. In reality, because of our humanness and imperfection, we cannot guarantee people that same condition but God can. Come to the Father in your brokenness and emptiness, He will heal your hearts and fill your life with His love.

So You Would Come - Hillsong

Before the world began

You were on His mind

And every tear you cry

Is precious in His eyes

Because of His great love

He gave His only Son

Everything was done

So you would come

Nothing you can do

Could make Him love you more

And nothing that you've done

Could make Him close the door

Because of His great love

He gave His only Son

Everything was done

So you would come

Come to the Father

Though your gift is small

Broken hearts, broken lives

He will take them all

The power of the Word

The power of His blood

Everything was done

So you would come

You Live, You Learn

24 hours. That's the amount of time you get in a day. Once that second ticks by, it's not coming back again. It's already past the halfway mark for the year 2005. Makes me wonder, what have I done in the past half a year that is 'significant' or 'worthwhile'?

I know I'm moving in the right direction, at least, I think I am. Music is in my blood, it's in my heart and being given the opportunity to express that, even in a small church setting, I think that was a big start for me. I'm just wondering what's next.

I just booked my first acoustic guitar today. An Ashton guitar. Costs me a bundle, but it's an investment. Yup, I'm reminding myself that it's for long term, so it should be worth the money! I just have to wait for other accessories to come by before I pick up my guitar. After all, it's the first one.

Anyway, back to my title, I'm recently listening in to a few angst-ridden songs, running back and forth between Alanis Morissette and Avril Lavigne. I'm stuck on "You Learn" by Alanis Morissette and it's a song about taking risks and taking chances, because that's what life is about. Taking risks and learning from it, whether the risk taken was a success or a failure, it's still a learning experience.

You live you learn

You love you learn

You cry you learn

You lose you learn

You bleed you learn

You scream you learn

Life is a learning experience. You are being put in situations you wish you aren't in, but at the end of the day, it benefits you as you go along, being tested and all, because then, you become a better person. You live, you learn.

Of Raging Seas and Victories (a.k.a. Song Of The Day)

Ooh, rhyming title there! I'm in a wacky mood this past week. I don't know if it's lack of sleep, too much thinking or both. I went by the beach with a few friends yesterday evening. The sea was rough, but the waves that crashed in was just marvellous. My feet in the sand, the warm evening waves rushing in, this is truly a great creation from our God of Wonders.

It's funny how this song came to me earlier in the week. Having not listened to this song for a while, I only knew how the chorus went, but not the verse. I got to HEAR it in my hostess' house just this Tuesday. What a coincidence! I think God prepares His children ahead of time. I mean, I'm reminded of my friend's blog entry, in which she wrote about what she read in Amy Carmichael's book. It said: We only see today. He whom we worship sees tomorrow.

I'm being a little overwhelmed with thinking about work, friends, life..... the usual. Assumptions are dangerous, I know that for sure, but not knowing what the future holds intimidates me a bit. OK, maybe a lot. I try not to think of what may come, though good or bad, except to bless the Lord and trust that He only gives His children what is best.

You Are - Hillsong

You are my light and salvation

Whom shall I fear?

You are the strength of all my days

And whom shall I be afraid?

Though war may rise against me

Of this will I be sure

That I will bless the Lord forever

I'll bless Your holy name

Yes, I will bless the Lord forever

I'll bless Your holy name

Lord it is You I desire

It's You that I seek

To live with You in Your house forever

Beholding Your beauty

And in the time of trouble

Of this will I be sure

You ask me who do I

Say that You are and I

Say that You are the Christ

Son of the Living God

'Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.' - James 1:17

Be blessed!

Girls' Night In & More

'How do you solve a problem like Maria? How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?'

Sound familiar? I thought it would. It's a family classic dating back to 1965 and is three hours in length. Yup, that's 'The Sound of Music'. Yesterday, a few ladies, well, about 10, sat in a living room of our gracious hostess to eat, watch and sing-along to the music of yesteryear. What a fun event that was.

On a not so happy note, three of our friends will be heading south for their further education in a few days' time. I would like to take this opportunity to leave them each a message. I'll be using initials to 'protect' their identities! haha.....

SY, thank you for your laughter and your joy. You can lift anybody up with that contagious laughter of yours. Keep on laughing and keep on smiling. I'm grateful for your friendship.

MP, it has been a pleasure to be able to help you along these past few months. You have been a joy to work with and to be with. Thank you for your friendship and your thoughfulness. Hope to see you more often when you're on your break!

SM, last but NEVER least! What an honour! To see you playing better and better each week, it's really encouraging. Thank you for being who you are and for your support as well. Come back more often, ya!

Sigh, saying goodbye has never bode well with me. But this is more of a "see you soon" kind of situation. At least, I'd like to think of it that way. 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder', which is quite true indeed.

Visibly Invisible

This song was shared with me by a dear brother-in-Christ quite some time ago, and I happened to review the song again today. It spoke to me at the time when I was first introduced to the song and it still speaks to me time and time again. The message is simple, are we portraying God justly in the eyes of the lost? God created us in His image, and in His image, we are to be like Him.

I've always wondered, do people see God in me, in the way I speak, in the way I carry myself, in the way I react or don't react to circumstances and situations thrown at me, in my friendships and relationships with friends and family? I struggle but I know not to struggle for His grace is sufficient for me. It is also sufficient for you.

God is love. Unconditional love. And, I guess, in order for people to see God in us, we must also learn to love, unconditionally.

For Who He Really Is - Steven Curtis Chapman

"Too many hypocrites," I heard her say,

"I even saw it in the headlines today;

How can I follow God when His own people turn away?"

"Nobody's perfect but I just want to see

Somebody living what they say they believe;

If they've got all this world needs like they say,

I wonder why won't they give some away."

Can she see God for who He really is

In what she sees in you and me?

Can she see God for who He really is,

For who He really is, is all she really needs to see.

He slips into church and he puts up his guard;

They look so happy but his life's been so hard.

He keeps his distance so they won't see the scars;

It's just religion that's all dressed up in white,

And "God is love as long as you're living right."

But does he know that Jesus also has scars,

And His love can reach Him no matter how far.

Can he see God for who He really is

In what he sees in you and me?

Can he see God for who He really is,

For who He really is, is all he really needs to see.

The skeptics are watching to see who will fall,

While those disillusioned search for the Truth in it all;

Maybe today we'll cross their paths unaware,

And they'll stop and look at us. What will be there?

Will they see God for who He really is

In what they see in you and me?

Will they see God for who He really is,

For who He really is, is all they really need to see.

Song Of The Day

Ever had a song or two on your lips or in your head at the start of the day? Actually, I had this song in my heart yesterday evening, standing on top of a rock up a hill overlooking the coastal line in Batu Ferringhi. It just came to me and it's still stuck in my head today. It's a wonderful song. A song about safety and security. As humans, we tend to want to run away from the things that are hurting us, confusing us or distracting us. This song, is a song about running to the One who has always had His arms open for us, just waiting patiently for us to go near to Him.

Secret Place

Lord of my life I love You
Lord of my days I trust in You
Living beneath the shelter of Your wings
My heart's safe

For when I am lost You find me
When I'm in need You shelter me
Lord of my life
You are my Secret Place

Clothe me in Your presence Lord
Draw me near to You
All my heart I long to give to You
Living to be near You Lord
I long to see Your face
Lord forever You're my Secret Place

You're my peace, You're my rest
You're my Secret Place

It has not been an easy journey, to reach to the point where I don't rely on what I can do, but more of what God can do. Many times, I've rejoiced alone or with my friends but not with God. Many times, I've kept all my hurts to myself or share it with a few friends but not with God.

I'm learning to rely more on Him now. It's still not that regular, but it's coming along slowly. Running away or being in denial is pretty much the normal thing to do, but it won't be as effective as running to Him who can help you in ways better than any friend could.

Have a great week ahead.

(Editor's Note: I'll try to make this as a series, if possible. Be blessed!)

Unfortunately.....

I've just found out from my friend that I'm UNABLE to go for the seminar in Singapore ("Romance, Courtship and Marriage") because apparently, I would've had to have a partner in order to sign up for it. As most of you know, I'm currently and unabashedly single! Yeah, unabashedly..... There's nothing wrong with being single. In fact, it gives you the freedom to get to know your surroundings, mingle around with people and just enjoy singlehood.

I know my partner will come. It's just a matter of WHO, WHEN and WHERE!

I'm still hoping that I MIGHT be able to get to the seminar to learn a few things. If anyone is open to me using your name, let me know!

I'm just kidding.....

The Businessman and The Fisherman

I just got this off an e-mail sent to me by a colleague. Interesting read.....

There was once an American businessman who was sitting by the beach in a small Mexican village. As he sat, he saw a Mexican fisherman rowing a small boat towards the shore. He noticed that the fisherman had caught quite a number of big fishes known to be a delicacy. The American was really impressed and asked the fisherman, "How long does it take you to catch so many fishes?"

The fisherman reply; "Oh, just a short while."

The businessman was astonished.

"Then, why don't you stay longer at sea and you could catch even more?"

The fisherman simply does not agree, "This is enough to feed my whole family", he replied.

The businessman then asked: "So, what do you do for the rest of the day then?"

The fisherman replied: "Well, I usually wake up early in the morning, go out to sea and catch a few fishes, then I would come back and play with my kids. In the afternoon, I will take a nap with my wife. When evening comes, I will join my buddies in the village for a drink. We play guitar, sing and dance throughout the night. My day is ever so complete and carefree."

The businessman does not agree with the fisherman's way of life and offered a suggestion to the fisherman.

"I am a PhD holder graduated from Harvard University, specialises in business management. I could help you to become a more successful person. From now on, you have to spend more time at sea and try to catch as many fishes as possible. And when you have saved enough money, you could buy a bigger boat and catch even more fishes. As you go on, you will be able to afford to buy more boats, recruit more fishermen and lead a team of your own. Soon you will be able to set-up your own company, your very own production plant for canned food and do direct selling to your distributors. At that time, you will have moved out of this village and to Mexico City. And then expand your operation to LA and finally to New York city, where you can set-up your HQ to manage all your other branches."

The fisherman asks, "So, how long would that take?"

The businessman reply: "About 15 to 20 years."

The fisherman continued, "And after that?"

The businessman laughed heartily, " After that, you can live like a king in your own house. When the time is right, you can go public and float your shares in the Stock Exchange. You will be rich, your income will be coming in by the millions!"

The fisherman asked, "And after that?"

The businessman said, " After that, you can finally retire. You can move to a house by the fishing village, wake up early in the morning and catch a few fishes. Then return home to play with the kids and have a nice afternoon nap with your wife. When evening comes, you can join your buddies for a drink, play the guitar, sing and dance throughout the night!"

The fisherman was puzzled, "Isn't that what I am doing now?"


So, what does one really hope to achieve in life?
Do we really need to work SO hard in life?
What do you hope to accomplish in the end?