HUMILITY

I saw someone's nick today which said like this:
"Humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less!"

I thought it's so true, isn't it?

LIKEWISE

Sometimes I don't know how some people think! I just cannot understand.

However, whatever you want other people do for you, do it for other people.
You can't please everyone, then don't expect everyone to please you.

I'm just tired..............

BUSY THEN SICK

Busy week last week with my daily routines. Had always had to be in more than 1 place everyday. First Uni, then work, student's place and church (rehearsals for the Good Friday service). I had to run around, walk fast (on my heels) trying to catch the public transport in time. Plus weather was pretty bad. After those busy schedules and long tension I'd had last week, now I suffer the consequences of being sick, sore throat and flu. Thank God it's Easter Monday so I can rest at home to recover. Please pray for me guys.

On Saturday we had Pemuda fellowship as usual and there was one newcomer, he's bule with unkempt appearance. What would your first impression be when you saw people like that around? I must admit that I would have negative feelings towards them, suspected if they were drinker, insane, or bad people try to mess around - which scares me. Alastair was kindly chatting with him afterwards, while I was paying attention from the other corner feeling bad because I wouldn't have that same courage to talk to people like that, would I? As christians we should be welcoming any kinds of people, good or bad (according to human standards, while if we measure from God's standard - none of us is good anyway). We expect people coming to church with decent looks, tidy and clean clothes, smelling good perfumes etc. What about those people with nothing to offer, they may simply come just to find 'peace' (like any dramas we've seen, any stories we've told). We look good because we can afford buying good clothes, we eat good food, on the other hand those people might not have the same priviledge like we do, and that shouldn't hinder them from coming to God.

I remember once there was this big event at church. By the end of the service, a bule guy entered the church looking suspicious. Suddenly heard from people around warning us to be very careful with our bags and stuff because of this bule guy. It's good to be cautious, but what about us judging him for no reason? Someone could have come up to him and chatted perhaps, instead of trying to get as far away as possible from him before he could snatch our bags. I don't know... this really taught me something and questioned myself as being a christian, how are we supposed to react/help these people. Perhaps we need special gifts for handling that or maybe not!

Though the bible tells us: "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (I Samuel 16:7b)

Today I was really bored at home, I practiced my piano then decided to go out for a walk (in a sick condition haha) to buy some fruits and veges (all the healthy stuff). Again, I nearly fainted. I shopped for nearly 1 hour and a half, I quickly went home before I really fainted and no one could help me. As soon as I got home, rested on the couch with my quilt covering my whole body watching TV until nearly felt asleep. Hope tomorrow I'll be better.

Happy Easter everyone! :)
“Don't be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." (Mark 16:6)

AMAZING LOVE

My Lord what love is this

That pays so dearly

That I the guilty one

May go free

.

{chorus}

Amazing love!

Oh what sacrifice

The Son of God

Given for me

My debt He pays

And my death He dies

That I might live (2x)

.

And so they watched Him died

Despised rejected

But oh the blood shed

Flowed for me

.

"...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

~ ROMANS 3:23-24 ~

COMPASSION

When we think of compassion, we think of a person "with a heart". Someone without compassion is someone to be feared - ruthless, unmerciful, callous, no heart. Compassion is both an emotion (we are moved with pity for someone) and an action (acting kindly to those in need).

Jesus felt great compassion for the crowds of people who followed him, desperately searching for meaning and longing to be healed from sickness (see Matthew 9:36). Jesus also had compassion on them by healing many and telling them the good news about God (see Mark 6:56).

Compassion is a tearing of the heart, a true caring, something deeply seated in our emotions as we respond to another in need. In many ways, compassion is a litmus test of our commitment and desire to love others as Christ loves us. To be Christlike is also to share his compassionate feelings towards the needy, particularly the needy who cannot help themselves.

If we are not moved by the incredible needs and hurts around us, we are developing hearts of stone, which will soon become too hard to respond to others.

He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the opposed, who have no one to defend them (Psalm 72:12).

GOD'S PROMISE:
The Lord is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love (Psalm 103:8).

NOW I KNOW!

Jadi guru piano cape hati juga....

Butuh kesabaran - your students obviously know lesser than you do.

You need to be a little tough and encouraging at the same time.

I might be the one who's hated in the lessons but wanna be loved as a person by my students.

Kalo dipikir2 lagi, I would say more "thanks" to my crankiest teachers that I have ever had, than the ones that were truly nice and sooooooooo understanding (even when I didn't practice!!). :p

I was really cranky with one of my students today for lacking of practice at home, hope that she'll thank me one day too.

Yeah.. now I know what my teachers had to put up with.

ONE VOICE

ONE VOICE

Robert Gay

Father we ask of You this day
Come and heal our land

Knit our hearts together

That Your glory may be seen in us

Then the world will know

That Jesus Christ is Lord

Now is the time for you and I

To join our hearts in praise

That the Name of Jesus

Will be lifted high above the earth

Then the world will know

That Jesus Christ is Lord

{Chorus}

Let us be one voice

That glorifies Your Name

Let us be one voice

Declaring that You reign

Let us be one voice

In love and harmony

And we pray O God

Grant us unity

BELOVED DADDY

Praise the Lord, it is finally an answered prayer! My dad is getting baptised on the 27th March 2005 (Easter Sunday). When I heard about the news from my sister, I was so overwhelmed with joy. It's been our prayers (the "Su" family :]) for years that dad will come to declaring his faith. There's only him left in the family who isn't baptised. God is able to change people's hearts (in His own time).

When I went back to Medan 2 years ago, I was ashamed to myself when I heard (from mum) that dad never missed a prayer everynight on his knees talking to God. I saw him praying one night (we had to stay in one room - dad, mum and me, coz we were having a few guests staying at our house), even I skipped it alot of times.

I realise that 'baptism' doesn't seal you as being "a christian" if you don't live like one. My dad isn't yet baptised (although he was brought up in a christian family) but his action and life lay out his heart as Christ-follower. He always reminds me to live fearing God - especially being abroad and miles away from family.

Of course my dad isn't a perfect man, he's also sinful like us. But I'm glad that in his sinfulness he depends more on God and is absolutely humbled by His goodness. He is now involved in Church ministries, doing visitation, attending men's fellowship every Thursday night (or maybe a fortnight, not sure) and Sunday services. All I am saying is that he has become a blessing and encouragement to me personally (perhaps without him knowing it).

*Keep praying for you Dad, that you'll stay strong in your faith and keep bearing fruits for God along your christian journey.*

Now... Fred and I are trying to figure out what to give him as our congratulations. Any ideas?

Aah before I finish-up here... there's one thing that I think Fred and I will regret... we won't be able to witness his baptism ceremony, hiks! Oh well.. not a big deal, as long as we know he is forever saved by the blood of Jesus and is part of eternity. :)

Heart with thankfulness to God...

INSIGHTFUL LINGUIST

Congratulations, Jenny! Your IQ score is 133.

This number is based on a scientific formula that compares how many questions you answered correctly on the Classic IQ Test relative to others. Your Intellectual Type is Insightful Linguist. This means you are highly intelligent and have the natural fluency of a writer and the visual and spatial strengths of an artist. Those skills contribute to your creative and expressive mind. And that's just some of what we know about you from your test results.

FAREWELL SHIENY

One of those feelings, feeling 'kelabu' (not sure what's the english word for it - aah must be 'feeling blue'), feeling sad, feeling empty, feeling left alone - all those sorts of feelings when someone left for good. Well, Shieny (one of our very dearest BS members, we usually call her "Seni!"), believing that whatever we choose in life (in our faith in Jesus) is the best. Wishing you a great and challenging life in Indo. Stay in touch ya Shien (I know you are reading my blog :]). Maybe that BASIC Bali trip we were talking about will happen someday in the future :), we can meet then!

People come and go, life is meaningless!

ENCOURAGERS

I had a long online chat with an old friend today, it's amazing how we ended up encouraging one another so much. Nothing was a coincidence I don't think. God knew we needed that. :)

Here's a little devotional on encouragement I read today:

ENCOURAGEMENT

When strength fails and we grow weary and discouraged, we need someone to come alongside us, show understanding, cheer us up, and inspire us to have the strength and commitment to move on. When bills pile up and money runs short, we need an encourager. When we become a single parent and the world seems against us, we need an encourager. When friends or family turn against us, we need an encourager. Our strength and resolve weaken. Oh, for someone to come beside us and lift us up and comfort us. Encouragers help us stir renewed commitment, renewed resolve. They inspire us with courage and hope. Encouragers bring a beautiful gift, often a spiritual gift, when they bring renewal through encouragement.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. (Phil 1:3)

LIVE WITH/WITHOUT

Just came back from drama practice at Church, I was going to bed, but somehow felt like posting something now (in case later I forget).

Busy and long days for me this week. Study, work and ministry are more than enough to keep me occupied, especially ministry at church has been so demanding - it is preparing for the upcoming Good Friday and Easter. In the end may I/we not loose sight of what's really significant and important in these events, that is Jesus' death and ressurection which brought us eternal salvation. Pray that everything we are so consumed with right now (that is drama, music, choir, etc), they only point to one purpose, we long to tell/remind people about 'the Lord Jesus' who saved us once and for all, His sacrifice brought us new life in Christ, Jesus fills our hearts with heavenly peace. It isn't about the production, not how organised we are, nor how competent the players are... Lets focus on the message and Who the message is about! Finally I wanna pray that He'll keep us humble and totally surrendered to His power and might. Only God will make this happen, only Holy Spirit God can work in each heart and be changed.

Part of me feels really good, less burden, because I've finished my final composing (sorry Ing for the delay.. thx for your understanding). At least now I don't have divided concentration between my Uni and the pressure of composing. I had been so worried that I wouldn't make it in time. O well, all done! We just need to practice a little bit more now.

What is it that you can't live without? (Not in a spiritual sense hehe). There might be a variety of answers there, but I think I can't live without a watch (jam tangan), although I don't really like wearing a watch. Often when I need the time, my mobile has it, easy, I don't need a watch. It was so unlucky that I left my mobile at someone's place on Wed night and haven't got it back until now. I went out to Uni on Thursday having no watch and remember (?) I didn't have my mobile either! It was so hard for me, I lost track of time, I could only guess roughly by looking at the position of the sun (nah.. I'm joking, I'm not that smart yet). So I ended up having to ask people the time (I don't like bothering people you know.., but I had to then). I could survive without technology - mobile (just a matter of convenience), but definitely couldn't live without a watch/time (NOW I could appreciate my watch abit more hehe, where's my watch?!).

COULD'VE BEEN SMARTER!!

I did a terrible thing last night. I got online on MSN messenger and it was set to "away" as I was having dinner. As soon as I got back to my desk, got a link from a friend - http://home.earthlink.net/~gallery10/omg.pif (don't worry, this one isn't linked to anything! :P), I clicked on it and there's a screen popped up asking whether I want to open or not. It got me thinking for few seconds, it was suspicious, but I wasn't as alert so I tried to open it, and it was successful. Guess what happened then, my screen started blinking and it was sending the link to everyone online at that time. I was in panic!! Attempted to close it but it didn't allow me to click on anything. So I quickly did "ctrl+alt+del" and "end program". It stopped!! Yeeeyy I stopped it! But just not a while after that, everyone started sending me messages like: "what's that Jen?"; "apaaann?"; "waassuup?"; "ga bisa dibuka"; "JEEEENNNN!!!" (those who were screaming at me, they realised it was a virus!!). There were about 7-8 people messaging all at once, I was even more panicking! It was a terrible.. terrible.. feeling! I tried to explain the whole situation to one by one. Pheeww!!!

My computer seemed to be fine, it was fine today. Thanks to "Symantec Antivirus" which I always update everytime I get online. So I guess there's no virus (I hope!!), otherwise it must have done something to my compie. I'm sorry to 3s who happened to have picked up the virus. :( But I was told he's found an antivirus for it, hope everything is fine by now.

As I said... I could've been smarter. Well I learn my lesson. Next time must be more careful.

Chatted to the my friend whom I got the link from, she told me the whole system in her company was effected by the virus. Oh dear! But Erwin told me last night that the virus wasn't a dangerous one. O well, what do I know about viruses, know nothing about technology.

I was told it was something similar to this:
http://au.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=description&virus_k=99356

PRAYER

The most universally practiced yet least understood of human experiences, prayer is one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith. Its simplest definition is communication with God. Yet so often we approach prayer like a one-way telephone conversation, forgetting that God also wants to speak to us. And how do we pray - on our knees or standing; silently or out loud; alone or with others; by rote or spontaneously? And does prayer really induce God to manipulate events or otherwise act on our behalf?

Although the Bible does not take up these or other questions directly, prayer appears on nearly every page as the very essense of a faith relationship with the living God. Simple enough for a child to understand and yet so profound we spend a lifetime plumbing its depths, prayer assumes that it is possible for us to have an intimate relationship with a God who hears, cares, and is able to act.

'... The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.' (James 5:16b)

'The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.' (Psalm 145:18)

BORING?

I'd like to share this (some of you might have read it from today's passage from ODB). Often I complain alot about the things that I've had which aren't as interesting and have wanted the things that are far better and more exciting. Sometimes I ask for something that's more than what I need. And again be reminded that what I have already had is part of God's beautiful blessings and it's exactly what's best for me at this very moment. So I need to be thankful instead of whinging / complaining (sinful nature!! ;p)

Read: Numbers 11:1-9
Our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes! —Numbers 11:6

Many of our recurring complaints focus not on what we don't have, but on what we do have and find uninteresting. Whether it's our work, our church, our house, or our spouse, boredom grumbles that it's not what we want or need. This frustration with sameness has been true of the human spirit since the beginning.

Notice the protest of God's people about their menu in the wilderness. Recalling the variety of food they ate as slaves in Egypt, they despised the monotony of God's current provision: "Our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!" (Numbers 11:6).

God provided exactly what they needed each day, but they wanted something more exciting. Are we tempted to do the same? Oswald Chambers said: "Drudgery is the touchstone of character. There are times when there is no illumination and no thrill, but just the daily round, the common task. Routine is God's way of saving us between our times of inspiration. Do not expect God always to give you His thrilling minutes, but learn to live in the domain of drudgery by the power of God."

During the boring times of life, God is working to instill His character in us. Drudgery is our opportunity to experience the presence of the Lord. —David McCasland

Steadfast, then, in our endeavor, Heavenly Father, may we be; And forever, and forever, we will give the praise to Thee. —MacKellar

'Blessing is found along the pathway of duty'

MY YESTERDAY WAS LIKE...

Had a hectic Sunday yesterday. But it's all worth it.

Here's my boring report of my typical Sunday:

Started off with Sunday morning service. Arrived church pretty early and so enjoyed listening to the music practice (a touch-up) they had before the service. We had 2 new beloved brothers playing on that Sunday, Andy (drummer) and Ivan (violinist). They are great musos!!! Praise be to God! Yeah we need new blood. :D

After service, it was choir practice, as usual.. we are busy practicing songs for Good Friday and Easter Sunday plus songs for regular Sunday services (= 5 songs in total). We also had a new member joining, it's Vicset, that's great! There was lunch afterwards.. *thank you again tante Cien, nice food as always.* :)

I then had to teach a music theory and as soon as I finished I had to go to Java restaurant to pick up some food I ordered earlier for dinner. Had family friends over for dinner. I also cooked 2 other dishes which were beef soup and sticky chicken (something like that :p, it's mum's recipe - therefore no english name for it). So I picked up the dishes, then went straight to Sugi's for an accapella practice. It went alright, though wasn't as effective because everyone was tired and it's a lazy Sunday afternoon mood. But we managed to practice for nearly 2 hours, not bad huh. Well, coz I had people coming over for dinner, had to rush back home to prepare some food. Went home and went shopping for some veges, chicken, rice, etc. Only started cooking at 6pm, they arrived 6:30ish. I was rushing so much.. didn't get to taste my cooking (just trusted my instinct), and they turned out not bad, they loved all the food. Although I regret that I cooked too much rice (they didn't eat that much rice, I was surprised, well I didn't either hehe). So now I have to make fried rice with the leftover.

By the end of the day, I felt exhausted and run down. Took shower, got online for a while then off to bed, oh it felt so good. The best part is to apply eucalyptus oil at the back of your neck, on your nose and forehead, it helps you relax and sleep/smell like a baby :).

That was it. What a Sunday! I hardly rested, I missed my regular Sunday nap ;p. But I slept in this morning :D. Woke up 9:30am (which was meant to be 8am), then felt a little dizzy in the morning. Maybe because I slept a little over.

So here's another day is almost ended. How much faster could these days be passing by!!

My favourite verse for the day:
Isaiah 50:4 - "Morning by morning He awakens me and opens my understanding to His will."

A HEART LIKE YOURS, LORD JESUS

I tried to reach out for You but I fall
Sometimes You seem so close and yet so far
Oh I need another chance
I need to know Your mercy
Just give me the strength
To change within

I know I'm not all that I can be
My weakness seems to get the best of me
But as long as You are here
I know that I will make it
Every step along the way
Please hear my prayer

(Chorus)
A heart like Yours is my desire
A heart like Yours
Is what I'm searching for
Full of compassion
Nothing wrong within
Please hear me Lord
Give me a heart like Yours

So much grace, so much kindness
So much faith, forever true
Strong as the wind, soft as the shadows
If just once, I could be like You

A heart like Yours is my desire!

-By. Cece Winans-

RE: "SOMEONE"

The "someone" I was talking about... is named 'Timothy Manuel Chandrik'. Yep my nephew!!! Thanking God for such a wonderful gift He gifted our families. Also glad that my sister is doing fine (talked to her earlier on the phone), the baby is well and healthy. Little Timmy weighs 3.7 kgs and is 57cm in height, yes.. he's tall! I wished I could hold him now in my arms! It's alright, I'm determined to go back this year after I finish Uni.... that's my short-term goal. :p

Congratulations to my sister and my brother in law, may God bless this family, and may they build it in their obedience to God. :)

Very tired at the moment, I should go to sleep, I'm having 9am class tomorrow morning. Nite2!