I am feeling very sentimental at the moment. I watched one of my favourite movies of all times - what dreams may come and cried my eyes out...again.
Especially at the part where the entire family unites in heaven after going through so much hurt, separation and confusion on earth. It was beautiful. I started imagining my family and me meeting in heaven after this life is over. After all, our lives are so very short, for me, for my parents whom I love so much. But my eyes were on heaven and I can almost feel the joy of that day, when all of us shall unite in Christ again.
Tears are gently rolling down my cheeks thinking about it.
We will see each other again, thank you God for all the hope you have placed into my life. I love you! I love you! How can you possibly take all of us sinners into your big big house? Thank you so much!
I must tell my friends more about Christ, so when the day of separation comes on earth , we all know we will meet again..
I can't imagine the loss of someone that is so close to me. I don't know what that kind of pain is like. I do however know that my heavenly Father has promised a heaven for me and you too, a place filled with joy and love. He had wipe away all my tears, and my heart will sing with praise!
I love my dad. He is truly transformed in Christ. He had left behind his prideful days and surrendered his very being to God. He is my bestfriend, my comforter, he cries when I cry because he loves me so much that he felt my pain. He did his best to make me comfortable at home, and compensated for my mum's temper. He took me into his family and did what many men can never do. He brought me up with so much love. He is slow to anger and shows unfailing love. Though he's not technology savvy, and he can't speak flawless english or remember my friends' names all that well. I am so proud to have him as my dad!
This year, he turns 60. I wish that I was there with him, taking photos as he blows out the candles. I missed it cos I had school. Daddy, I love you and I'm so thankful you are my father.
posted by bob of sunshine* 12:52 PM
If you really knew
What you don't know can lead you to the extremes
Shunning help though you feel a need
You fear to be caught limping and you lose your place
And "Leaning On The Everlasting Arm" is not your taste
Maybe you've heard those stories,
Laughed at what you saw on TV
Or felt disgust as He was used as an excuse for bigotry
But I've got to tell you,
that's not what it's all about
'Cause the truth I know will turn you around
If you really knew
You would change your mind
If you knew the God I know
You would have the time
If you take a chance,
I'm sure you will find
Everything you need in love of another kind
I, too, have been hurt by those who claimed to show the way
It was crazy, their two faces like night and day
But you don't stop believing 'cause you once been burned
In everything, there's a lesson learned
Man is imperfect, there is just One Perfect Soul
So much more loving than than one that you've been shown,
oh How long is it gonna take for you to realize?
I wish that you would open your eyes
If you really knew
You would change your mind
If you knew the God I know
You would have the time
If you take a chance,
I'm sure you will find
Everything you need in love of another kind
I apologize to you,
On behalf of the untrue
Because the God I know would never do the things they do
Mercy and compassion on the right and on the left
Can you give anymore than your last breath?
Oh, too hard to see, well put your mind aside
And stop using fear to hide behind
God's love is enough for you
And it's waiting, if you only knew..
posted by bob of sunshine* 11:16 AM
How Great is thy faithfulness!
God is our provision, the living bread, the everlasting water.
The past year as I struggled to find footing in OCF Flinders, He was there accompanying me through my feelings of loneliness, disconnection and exasperation. He trained me in patience, love and Spiritual stability by engraving in my heart a strong conviction of God's will and God's character.
He is a defender of the widows, the father of the fatherless. Wouldn't our Almighty Father look upon OCF Flinders which is small and humble with compassion and love? Trusting that character of God, I stayed on despite feeling awkward at times, left out at others. Despite all that, God who planned for me to stay on had not abandoned me during the completion of His will. Wherever God leads, I will follow. Wherever God leads, the Holy Spirit that lives in me will be also.
For all that God has done, for all that God has entrusted me, I will continue to use in full. For the Lord has filled my cup and His Spirit will continue to lead me through green pastures.
posted by bob of sunshine* 10:44 AM
I just returned from Melbourne and at the airport on my way back, I was so in love. I am so in love. With Ber. He is my bestfriend, comforter, encouraging me, loving me, taking such care of me all the time. He is so patient when I'm slow or lazy or senile. He drops everything he's doing (laundry, eating, cooking, studying) and gives me hugs when I stretch my arms asking for them..
He gently challenges me to reflect on my flaws, pray for change and work at it.
Most importantly, I see his child like heart for God. In his own quiet, serene way, he loves God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. He would offer assistance wherever help is needed. Looking back, he is a completely new creation - a changed man in Christ. Gone are his short tempered days, or his defensive, prideful comments and thoughts. Gone are his unloving words and actions. i see every one of the fruits of the spirit in him - self control, patience, love, selflessness. He had displayed mercy on the undeserving and showed love to anyone that comes his way. And amazingly, he seeks comfort from Jesus daily. He believes whole heartedly in the goodness of the Lord, and God's promises to us.
I am so thankful that God has given someone like him to someone like me. I am really really undeserving of such a blessing. If this union is according to your will Lord, help me into someone that could give to Ber as much as he has given others. Give me the strength to bring him comfort and be his faithful wife that brings him joy and ease of mind. Provide me with the wisdom to see his troubles before him, so I may ease his burdens in life.
But Lord, please allow me to continue loving Ber second to You. Let my eyes be focused on you Father always.
posted by bob of sunshine* 3:49 PM
My baptism is coming soon. 30th of September.
Upon much thought, I've decided to ask Ber to accompany me in the water during the baptism. Besides my family, he there knew me best through my struggles and growth. He saw me through many of such ordeals and he helped me out them too.
Furthermore, I thought it would be most symbolic for him to be the witness of my ceremonial proclaimation of Jesus as my first love. Just as God will bear witness when I get married to Ber - my second love:)
posted by bob of sunshine* 9:40 AM
Last Friday the OCF new committee has been revealed.
I think the nominees have definitely demonstrated their devotion, and commitment to OCF flinders and they deserve a pat on their back for being recognised as so.
I am really happy that Sumi, who has always demonstrated his sincere heart of love to others, is going to be OCF president next year! It is an exciting time for everyone, and I'm comforted to have him as the shepherd guiding OCF flinders to where God wants us to go!But not forgetting the vice-president who will be assisting Sumi along the way, all the way! Suria. What can I say? She is a wonderful girl. Full of cheer, energy and quick to lend a smile everytime:) It's a delight to have her on board as the VP too.
As we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter, I also pray for Alsen, and his co-workers who had done such a great job this year! They had truly been exhausted and stretched thin at times, but God provides and replenishes, and with that, they continued for the Lord like mighty warriors! An applause for them. Kudos!
posted by bob of sunshine* 10:02 PM
Today in BSF, we had to recall some of the promises God has made to us. The few that were brought up are as follows,
" I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Joshua 1:5
' " For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ' - Jeremiah 29:11
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:12-13.
One of my favourite verses that clears any shadow of doubt of God's grace, and my redemption:
" Because of the Lord's great love we are NOT consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is thy faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23.
" But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6: 33
Lord, before I look at the world and the people around me, help me to see my own shortcomings first. Rid my life of bondage (of sin), and may I repent relentlessly whenever a sin is found. Then Lord, give me the communion of the Holy Spirit, and the Authority to speak into the hearts of men and women. Let me fear not the consequences of speaking in Truth, instead Lord, let everyone who listens know that I speak the truth.
Lord as I face persecution by friends - especially the Christian ones - I know that You are with me. As they judge me as crazy, radical or fundamental Father, You know my heart. Only you understand the depth of my sorrow and rejection. But your will needs to be done.
Therefore Father, let me be guided by your will and not by the desires of my heart. Even as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I know Lord, that you are with me. Empower me, Father. Test me. Bring me suffering and loss and pain if they can test my character, mould me into a fruitbearing Christian. Bring those into my life and take away all that I have Lord...but leave me only with my faith in You.
Then when I regain all that I lost, people can rejoice and say that my Lord is God Almighty! Halleluiah!!!
Whatever is your will Father, may it be executed through my life. May I be a living sacrifice. A sweet incense. A light on a hill. Salt for the nations. Let me be a sweet sweet sound - bringing Good news from afar!
Though I long to be with you in heaven Father, continue to give me life. So I may bear fruits, and from my tree, branches will burst forth and even more fruits will be born!
Though our days are numbered Lord, mine is filled with Hope in You. I rejoice in You! I love you!
posted by bob of sunshine* 7:45 AM
I still find it wonderous that the One who created the oceans, the beautiful stars, the diverse species of creatures big and small, had also chosen to make me.
How amazing. The same mighty hands. The same intelligent plan. I am truly thankful and in awe:)
posted by bob of sunshine* 7:33 AM
Lord, the sky is still blue
for my hope is you
you're the joy and the dream that's still alive.
like the wind on my back and the sun on my face
you are life you're grace
You are blue sky... You are blue sky.
Blue sky (point of grace)
posted by bob of sunshine* 7:33 AM
A real story
I'll be sharing a real story today.
It's a story about a middle aged man and 5 teenage boys. But if you read on, you will realize how this story is so much more than that.
The man was poor, and mentally handicapped, his occupation was to pick and sell used cans from rubbish bins. He carries a huge dark blue canvas bag with him where ever he goes, in case there were used cans that could be recycled for 5 cents each.
The man was haggard and dirty, his hair was mop like and covered his creased forehead. He walked with a slight limp and he suffers from occasional epilepsy attacks. His mouth was always half open and his words are slurred and slow.
But if you looked carefully, you'll notice that he had a pair of beautiful blue eyes. A pair of beautiful eyes that had seen poverty and suffering rather beauty and splendor.
Now to the five boys.
The five boys on the other hand had clean clothes on. Their age ranges from 13 to 17, and they hang out around Rundle Mall every afternoon, skating on the pavement or finding entertainment at all the wrong places. All these boys shared something in common - their sceptism towards love. In response, they were rebellious though timid when they got into real trouble. All of the boys live on the dole and some of them find life so dull, meaningless and depressing that they resort to slashing themselves, leaving huge nasty wounds. Some of them lived inside the walls of a psychiatric ward, while others simply numbed their hurt and disappointment at the treatment of the world in other ways.
When the man and the boys met, there was trouble brewing.
Daily, the boys would taunt the man, grabbing his huge blue bag from him and throwing it into the air, leaving bottles and cans spilling out onto the pavement. They pulled his clothes and tripped him. The man ran around with a limp and grunted desperate sounds, he went berserk trying to take back his bag. He was played with like a monkey in the middle, desperation and helplessness was evident from the look in his beautiful blue eyes.
The man became so angry and helpless, he dashed into Supre and grabbed five tops from the first rack he could see. He threw the clothes at the boys, missing terribly, before running frantically down the main street.
There were plenty of eye witnesses, there were alot of sympathetic bypassers. There were even people who had anger stirring in their hearts as they watched the boys with scorn.
People watched on with righteousness moving in their hearts, but hopelessness guiding their actions.
God however had greater plans.
God knew that admist the crowd, there was one random person who had been feeling guilty about not helping someone in need before.
God who reads all our hearts also knew that the frantic man was feeling extremely ridiculed, rejected and forgotten by Him.
God too knew the hearts of the boys. Peeling aside their rebellion and tough front, they were lost children angsty towards the world. They hated their parents for leaving them. They hated themselves for not being loved. They hated life, nature, beauty, serenity because their insides were at war. A great part of them wish to be cuddled, cared for and nurtured by a loving Father. They want to cry in His warm and strong arms, as He wipes every tear away from their eyes.
God the creator of all things knew all this. In one swift moment, He brought the three groups of people together.
As the random stranger stood up and defended the weak man, she felt no fear. As she calmly picked the man's bag off the floor and held it firmly in her hands, she knew that God is her defender now. With God on her side, who could be against her?
The boys approached her and she shared her heart with them. She told them their actions were very hurtful and it is wrong. Please stop, she said.
Then the boys asked her why she was digging through her wallet for money. 'It's for the poor man', was her reply.
Then the boys started sharing their life with her. They told her how poor and sad their case was. It was clear their motive was to gain pity and money. The random stranger told them she was on 'centrelink too but she is going to give them some money to share with the other friends.'
"I am giving you the money not because I am rich. I am sorry for the life you have gone through. But please realize that there are people out there with even crappier lives. There are people suffering even more than you. Like the poor man, frantically running down the main road. You could have injured him."
Then she said what she wanted to say the most -
"If you think no one cares for you or loves you, you are wrong. I know someone who loves you more than yourself. God loves you."
She passed some money to the kids and tears welling up as she watched them go off.
Then God brought her to the man with his bag still held in her hands. She passed him some money but she was not given a chance to tell him God loves him. He was busy muttering to the police who had arrived at the scene.
At that point, the person sneaked away and dissolved into the crowd.
The story is about God's love
The story is essentially not about the man, or the boys or the random stranger. The story is about God.
It is about God defending the weak through different avenues. It demonstrates God's love towards all His children both the lost and those found.
It is about God's overflow into believers' lives, giving them the extra-phenomenon courage, peace and compassion.
The law of righteousness could be so ambiguous. Who was to be blamed when the boys tormented the man? Are they not all victims of the imperfection and sins of this world? Are the boys not the victims of their unloving families, their separation from the companionship of God?
Men have fallen, but the great news is, God sent His one and only son - Jesus to die on behalf of our sins, to in turn defeat sin and death by rising from the dead three days later!
Now, if we have faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour in our hearts, and declare it with our mouths, we are saved!
Never will man need to be separated from God ever again. Men may live with God by their side forever, starting from today!
It is only through a righteousness from faith that men could clear their sins and be made perfect in Christ!
This righteousness through faith comes with the love of God, which then manifests itself in the love of all that God has created. It is a love not of this world, fed by fuels out of this world.
Because God has done all the above for His children, the random stranger loves God. Because God justified her and everyone else even before their births, she is thankful. She owes God her life, both on this earth and her eternal one. The mightiness of God is so great that she does not even deserve to kiss His beautiful feet.
With God as her role model, the random stranger started on a journey to be more like Christ!
" This is the message you heard from the beginning...
This is how we know what love is:
Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers...
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
1 John 3:11.
At the same time, this story is about God hugging the man and showing him that there is a God looking after him. And though the random stranger did not get to tell him, God really does LOVE him.
Lastly, this story is about God planting the seeds of knowledge in the hearts of the boys. God's work has started though incomplete in them. But God will never give up on them. We are all God's baby and He longs to catch us when we fall, to cradle us in His arms again.
"And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl.
And remember when you walk, sometimes we fall...
so Fall on Jesus Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live."
"Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain,
then Cry to Jesus, Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live."
come to Jesus, come to Jesus. Come to Jesus and live."
posted by bob of sunshine* 3:56 AM
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