THE BEGGAR

Yesterday we went to VicL's house for a bible study. Before we started, I had a sudden crave for 'cen cu nai cha' (milk tea with pearls) from Easyway, so did everyone in fact. So we took order and some of us went to buy it. As we were walking towards the Easyway at the Hoyts Cinema, I spotted a beggar sitting at the side of the walking path with his usual money box for people to throw money in, holding a bible in his hands and reading it. I was surprised, I just never saw something like that before. It might not surprise you, but that's ok.

Usually if I encounter something interesting like that, it gets me thinking, I'm a thinker afterall hehe, o yeah of course (!) I have a brain. :p

I am made realised again that the gospel of Christ is for everyone, to change people and to bring them salvation through Jesus; not just for educated and decent people with decent life. When we go outside and share about the gospel, do we ever think that we should go to these people who thought they had nothing to offer to this world (as the world would view them), the beggars, the homeless people etc.? It should be easy for me to say, because I will admit that it seldom crosses my mind to share the gospel to the poor. When we talked about spreading the word of God, we often meant going to our friends at Universities, work place etc etc.

We should pray for these people, because God loves them too. Who knows they will also take part in living an eternity with God.

WORRIES - ROUND AND ROUND THEY GO

As I was confiding in a friend (it isn't a secret really as everyone has it) about my worries in life. If you think about it, it's a never-ending story. Like I have finally completed my 4-year degree in Music, and of course feeling relieved. But here we go... WHAT'S NEXT? Now I gotta find a job to fill up my morning hours, I'm currently teaching in the afternoon. And then what..?

So many things I like doing, but I don't know if I am able to do it, there's constant doubt spinning around my head. Maybe because I haven't trusted God enough in the way I should.

That song I posted earlier in the other entry hit me straight to my heart, God truly holds my future. Life is not meant to be easy, this is when faith in God comes around to strengthen us to hold on to His promises.

Lord, help me to have never doubted that.

OLD HYMN - BUT GOD'S PROMISE STANDS 4EVER

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

....

I don't know about tomorrow

I just live from day to day

I don't borrow from its sunshine

For the skies might turn to grey

I don't worry o'er the future

For I know what Jesus said

And today I'll walk beside Him

For He knows what is ahead

....

[Chorus]

There are things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand

....

I don't know about tomorrow

It may bring me proverty

But the One who feeds the sparrows

Is the One who stands by me

And the path that is my portion

Maybe through the flame of flood

And His Spirit stands before me

And I'm covered by His blood

....

And each step is getting brighter

As the golden stairs I climb

Every burden's getting lighter

All the clouds are silver lined

Over there the sun is shining

And no tears will dim the eye

And the ending of the rainbow

Where the mountains touch the sky

....

[Chorus]

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand

Yes I know who holds my hand!

THE FORK

I love reading good articles, parrables, simple stuff - simply because I love to think simple, I hate things associated with imagination, something behind something, etc.. etc.. That probably answers why I don't like movies such as 'The Lord of The Rings", "Harry Potter", I can't understand what it's all about really.

Living in today's world, people expect you to be 'smart'. To be honest, sometimes it scares me to think that whatever 'clever people' say, there must be more to it than just the saying. What is said can be so manipulative. Maybe I shouldn't start judging others here. But it's a great reminder for us not to be so manipulative in our thinking, our saying. Say what needs to be said, black is 'black', white is 'white'. Because if it's 'green' and 'yellow', they turn out 'orange'!

Anyway, what I just talked about has no relation whatsoever to the following article you are about to read (if you haven't finished so). I sent to quite a few of people through e-mail yesterday, it's so good and encouraging that I'd like to leave it in my blog so it won't get lost and some other people can still read it.

Read on.... 'THE FORK'


There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.

"What's that?" came the pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from there on out, I have always done so. I have also, always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.

'In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, "Keep your fork". It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming... like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

"So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?'. Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork ... the best is yet to come."

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye.

He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question "What's with the fork?". And over and over he smiled. During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her.

The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right.

So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.


Oh, maybe there's some relation afterall, how can this very simple limited mind of mine possibly understand the goodness and the marvelous Kingdom of God in Heaven? That little illustration above helps me to see that "yes, the best is yet to come"; and "yes, I'm looking forward to stepping into the ETERNITY with GOD".

Think simple, because this world is already too complicated, sometimes it confuses me!

ALL THE EARTH

Father, into Your courts I will enter

Maker of heaven and earth

I tremble in Your holy presence

Glory, glory in Your sanctuary

Splendor and majesty Lord

Before You all life adores You

________

[Chorus]

All the earth will declare

That Your love is everywhere

The fields will exalt, seas resound

Hear the trees joyful cry

Praising You and so will I

A new song I'll sing

Lord I will glorify

And bless Your Holy Name

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.

In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of the solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love... No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness, I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace... I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complaining that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness... I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness... I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness... Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose gentleness... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control... I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

SOME THINGS ABOUT SOME PEOPLE

Apparently I found these pieces of papers sitting between the piles, saying some things about some people:

Den-Den

• Lucu
• Talkactive =)
• Join koor + upgrade into singer
• Fun
• Spontaneous
• Joker
• Multi-talented
• Cheerful
• Cooking, singing
• He's in the choir, so he's cool

Wenny

• Kalem
• Has a nice smile
• Likes to listen to music
• Not sure
• No comment
• Seems nice
• Friendly
• Sweet
• Singing
• Cool clothes

Joan

• Serius
• Calm =)
• Your expression that makes me envy & sing the 3rd voice as well
• Enjoy photography
• Good singer
• Nice voice :)
• Kind + motivated
• Caring
• Has sweet voice
• Photography
• Very nice

Rav

• Adem ayem
• Has the incentives to mix with others
• Impressing when singing a song in VG
• Leaving on Monday
• Nice friend
• No comment
• Active and motivated to serve
• Associate well with others
• Responsible
• Is a good friend
• Sports, soccer

Tris

• Talkactive
• Lucu
• 1st impression... kamu kocak dech
• 21 years old
• Friendly
• No comment
• Nice
• Funny, friendly
• Enthusiastic
• Has a funny personality
• Mad
• Cool sunnies

Debby

• Smiley-face
• Tops in playing classical music - piano
• I like the way when you sing a song even dalam kebaktian (sebagai jemaat or singer)
• Sleeping
• Good singer
• Very good in music
• Talented in serving
• Strong, motivated
• Sense of humour
• Good in musical instrument
• Singing, listening to music
• Good piano player

Gloria

• Kritis
• Simply nice
• Keliatan cute sich
• Study psychology
• Very lovely person (kind)
• Innocent looking :)
• Patient and kind
• Hardworking
• Smart
• Good in psychology
• Listening to music, singing, phychology
• Caring

Victor L

• Baek
• Creative in arts/design
• I wish I like design as well lho
• Singing
• Not sure
• Good singing skill, confident
• Seems nice
• Confident
• Enthusiastic
• Video games
• Funky shirt

Han-Han

• Cool
• Lucu, good in drama
• Voice kamu bagus lho
• Likes to come late on meetings
• Good singer
• Outgoing type of person
• Dedicated
• Courageous
• Annointed & talented
• Has a good leadership
• Cars, singing, church
• Mad car!

William

• Kalem
• Good at creating songs
• I am jealous of you, I wish I could play piano like you too
• Making videos
• No comment
• Motivated to serve
• Willing to learn, multiskilled
• Has a willingness to learn
• Has a strong will
• Cool filmaker

Catherine

• Kalem
• You can defeat (and humiliate) a guy hahaha
• Yeee your subject difficult yach... anyway your car... looks good lho
• Study food tech
• Good friend
• ?? No comment
• Nice + friendly
• Kind-hearted
• Cheerful
• Is well equipped with martial art
• Taekwando
• Friendly

Steinly

• Cool
• Is open and can get along well with people
• 1st impression sich kok keliatan cool dude!!?
• Hobby in going to the church
• Nice person (friendly)
• Cool
• Friendly
• Caring
• Creative
• Has a good personality
• Sports, graphic design, basketball
• Funky hair

Jenny

• Adorable
• Love your voice =)
• I wish I could play piano like you & sing a song especially 3rd voice
• Study music majoring in piano
• Good singer
• Friendly and talented
• Honest, open, be herself
• Faithful
• Has sweet voice
• Performing arts, singing, piano
• Maadd! singer

A LITTLE ABOUT MY LEATHER-THEMED B'DAY

This year's birthday is a leather-themed b'day for me. I received most of the stuff made of leather, nice! (Not a leather jacket; I wish to have one though) Huehuehe... too late now.

I think I've mentioned in the other post about the lovely black leather Oroton pencil case from TnY. Now it's worth to mention that I love the choice from the BaSIC guys of that elegant brown leather Morrissey wallet as a gift for my b'day, thanks guys.... you got the taste :) And then a nice soft pink leather Equip wallet from InV and last but not least a funky yet elegant black leather photo frame from DnV. Oh gosh, thanks to you all for the great gifts, I didn't wanna expect anything, just friendships. Thanks, so whenever I use them, I'll remember you.

There are also some non-leather pressies, I got 2 beautiful winter scarfs from S's family and from VnL. Also a few beautiful cards, thoughtfully written for me; one of them is from a special sister F. Thank you all, they are as beautiful as you are.

And thanks for all the encouraging wishes over the phones/emails/sms-es from the encouraging people.

May God bless and enrich you in everything. :)

PS. All of the above are not in any particular order, love them all, and most importantly.. love you all!!

Reflection:
God has often blessed us with good gifts and blessings in life, do we then worship the Giver or the given?

LOVE YOU MOM

Feeling sad.. Mom is leaving for Medan tonight. We'll be sending her off to the airport, it's a temporary farewell, she's coming back again with Dad soon enough.

Reflection:
People come and go in your life, but they will always stay in your heart for good, especially those who make a big difference in your life.

ALMOST DONE

I did my first exam today, it was an ensemble performance exam. I think it went alright, could be better. I wonder if anyone is ever satisfied with their own performances, no matter how good it was. Coz all everyone was doing after their performances was whinging, I'm one of them. Oh well, it's done and I'm 40% relieved.

One more tomorrow and I'm done! It's my solo piano recital (no audience - phewww) with 3 panelists. Playing 6 pieces by memory -_-'
Hope I'll do just fine.

ALL ABOUT FAMILY

We were on the phone call with my Dad and sisters last night. It made me realised that we are now on different stages of life. We are miles apart (at the moment; who knows in the future), my sisters are now married - one of them has got a little cute baby who is now going to be 4 months old.

It is the reality of life, people cannot stop walking on their journies. I miss times of our childhood, teen age and youth. Hmm... I'll treasure!

What a comfort to know that we have a great God who is in control of our lives, a God who holds us all together in Christ eventhough we are physically distanced; in our hearts we still put our faith and hope in the same Mighty God.

I start getting abit emotional now thinking it's only another 2 weeks or so before Mom is leaving for Indo. Time has obviously flown. Am I too 'manja'? Hehehe.. maybe, I just miss having lots and lots of time with my parents and sisters and koko (I see him everyday, but that's what I've often taken for granted).

LONELY MONDAY

Woke up feeling abit unsual, without having mom around isn't the same. No, she hasn't gone back to Indo yet, she's just out whole day today for a church picnic on a boat, I'm sure she's enjoying herself right now. :)

Brother is also out there watching Jazz music with few friends, enjoying a beautiful dayout on a beautiful weather.

While I'm home doing assignment and practicing. Not fair!

But I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling the pain of studying, so it's alright.. and I think I'd better be studying considering this is the only chance I can graduate. ;p

Back to study..

HE MUST BE LOVE

Lowell Alexander

What kind of God could shape the earth and stars

Yet watch o'er the sparrow as it flies?

What kind of Father could forgive the failing heart

And dry the tears that sinners cry?

If eyes could know one glimpse of heaven . . .

~

He must be beauty and splendor

He must have strong hands that guide with gentle touch

He must be hope, and He must be joy

But more than these He must be love

~

What kind of Lord would build for us a place

With seas of glass and mansions high?

What kind of Friend would save us from the grave

By giving His own Son to die?

If hearts could see for just one moment . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~

THANK YOU!

I love my new black OROTON pencil case, it's gorgeous! Thanks T'nY, love it love it love it, and love you guys heaps. :]

Also "all the best" to everyone having exams, God is with us, Amen? Don't forget spending our quiet time and prayer each day, inspite of our busyness. For.. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom...".