"Ye Shall Be Witnesses Unto Me" (Acts 1:8)

Pride - Kill It!

12/12/2011 22:20:00

If there is something that I am not proud of what I was before – it was my pride.

Jesus has been a perfect model of character when He walked the earth. To be His follower means to pursue His ways. Being born again comes with growing up into spiritual maturity.

Along the way there’d be distractions. Things that have always been there, but now that we want to please and obey God, we become mindful of our actions.

How I wish that God could just zap me into maturity. But it is a process. I regard this world as my battlefield, at the same time a place to witness God’s greatness.

He changes me and strengthens me each day. By His mercy and grace He has shown me that pride stops me from worshipping Him fully.

Especially when you are naturally confident, smart, as I always thought of myself. I believe there is nothing wrong with being confident and smart. But the deceiver is always there to distort things until my being confident and smart turns into pride. And how they got me into trouble!

Pride comes with a ‘me and myself’ attitude. Self focused, needs to be in control, on top of everything. And when something irritating comes on ‘my’ way, it quickly hits the ‘pride’ button, then explosion follows.

Pride and ambition killed me.

By God’s grace I am saved.

It did not stop when Jesus saved me. It was just the start of walking according to the path that He wants me to go to. The path that is not about me, but all about HIM. And when it is all about serving my God, pride has got no space in me.

I now have the ‘things above’ to set my mind on.

You came to read this blog for a reason. I’d like to challenge you to look inside yourself. If you believe that pride kills, I encourage you to go kill it before it kills you.

We have the tendency spending so much time thinking about ourselves that we become proud, self sufficient and arrogant. We think that we are in the center of the universe. God cannot tolerate this attitude.

To serve God is not about us, it’s all about HIM.

What Does The Lord Require of Me?

12/12/2011 17:23:00

He has shown you all what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

This, my friend, is my most favorite verse now. It defines my existence, it is a requirement I must follow with gladness in my heart.

It is part of my big word - OBEDIENCE.

I am in this season where everything I have, every waking up moment is to give glory to God.

When God called me for complete obedience, it was followed by Jesus telling me, "Come follow me." (Mark 1:17)

And to follow Jesus, oh boy, do you think it is easy?

I have to drop not many things, but everything. He reveals areas in my life that need fixing. Things that have become normal over period of time, though they were not really normal, you know what I mean? It is uncomfortable being corrected. But because of this commitment to obedience, the grace of God allows me to do so.

He is so full of mercy. One thing I noticed is that He never overwhelms me. Everyday, He gives me something to fix. As I surrender to His will in my morning devotion, He leads me lovingly and gives me strength to face the day.

Sounds crazy to you, my friend? If being crazy for Jesus makes it pleasing to my Lord, so be it.. One really great thing God has shown me was that the more you come to Him in prayers, in bended knees, the more your relationship with the Saviour grows. How can I tell you this - yes, God meets you in your prayers!

Bible reading was nothing for me before. Give me all the business books, and leadership books, they were what defined my old life.

But this commitment to full obedience comes with getting to know God , wanting to love Him and seeking to serve Jesus effectively, EVERYDAY. How do you do that?Where do you go to learn about God, anyway, in the church? How deep can you get with a 2 hour once a week meeting with God?

Do you remember the time you got an interest with someone, you basically stalk the person, right?

I do the same with Jesus now. I stalk him, but not in Facebook. Duh!

It is by constantly praying, and reading His words. The bible is His love letter to me.

God said that if you seek Him you will find Him. If you ask, He will answer, and if you knock on His door, He will open it for you.

And when I said to Him that I chose to do follow Him, Jesus was quick to say, "You did not choose me, but I chose you...(John 15:16) Isn't He sweet?

When I think of what He has done for me, bearing my sins and of the rest of the world in the cross , I just can't get over it. He has done that for someone so unworthy like me? He has given me hope and life to spend with Him in eternity? What is sweeter than that?

With this, I could not give any excuse but to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God TODAY.

I pray for God's revelation in you, my friend. :)

The Missing Puzzle

10/17/2011 12:54:00

I was thinking, when I started the real estate business almost 7 years ago, I thought I started it right not doing it for myself, but with the attitude of wanting to make a difference. I have exercised servant leadership, putting everyone else ahead of my own interest, and yet, I got so broken, nothing seemed to make sense.

The truth is, there were times in between when I would find myself wondering, and asking ‘what for?’ why did I want to make a difference anyway? There were grey times when I’d ask myself but could not really find the answer so I’d just shrug it off, and went on ‘controlling’ the whole thing, doing great things according to my own standards.

God made me realized I was doing all these for myself. So that I’d feel good – or maybe I knew all these before but I did not have the ‘guts’ to admit. I was self focused.

Jesus was not in the picture, when in FACT He was and HE IS the whole picture.

It's not about me. This whole existence, where I am right now is all about giving glory to The One who brings me here for His purpose.

He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30)

God is So Good!

10/11/2011 23:03:00

God is overflowing with goodness.

When He wants to change your mind, He gently asks you to repent - He does not scream "repent!"

There are so many things in life that God has shown me His goodness. And He does this faithfully, I mean, FAITHFULLY, even when at times I was not faithful. He calls me back, and simply waits for me to come back.

The way He calls you back is so subtle, so humble, so very like Jesus.

We all know the story of the Prodigal Son. The focus that most commentators put on is about the kid who went astray, but repented and finally was accepted back.

Thinking about the goodness of the father - He is so good that even when the kid hurts Him, He gladly accepts His son back. I bet He's able to forgive even before apologies were asked. He even gave the best to the wayward son. New sandals on his feet, expensive robe and jewelries, and a feast with the best and fattest meat!

God loves us 'extravagantly.' in fact when you try to define prodigal, it means 'lavishly.' That gets me thinking, God is also prodigal. He loves us 'lavishly' that He would not allow His precious one to be so away from Him.

God is so good. I thank Him that He is just a prayer away. I thank Him that He is The GOD that forgives, and forgets.

I thank Him that His grace and mercy are always fresh and new each morning.

His promises are true. As what the apostle Paul says, God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

I praise God, for He is so good!

The Gift

10/11/2011 22:31:00

Exactly a year ago our family received a surprise gift. A gift not wrapped in a shiny wrapper and without a ribbon, too. It came in rather ugly package, an extra large white envelope, heavy with films inside, with a dedication no one can understand, except the specialist who gave the typed it. It was handed to us casually, with the only word I could understand- or maybe I understood but refused to understand - carcinoma. A gift to all of us, placed in my husband's most delicate body part, a massive tumour in the pancreas.

I call it a gift, not only because it has hit me hard as a surprise, but it has open so many doors of opportunities for the family. In an instant everyone has become so much closer. Everyone was affectionate to everybody. Letters, phone calls, emails from relatives all over the world, we were showered with so much love. It feels so good knowing that you are loved. Especially when everyone is running around doing his own business, trying to make both ends meet, busy making a living. Then suddenly, you hear a BANG! And in me, as a person, and most especially, a wife, the experience has taught me a lot.

It is a gift, and I enfolded so many great things that came with it. I realized "we only have this day to live." Yes, let me say it again, we only have this day to live. Therefore:

1. I will surrender to the will of the Supreme Being. I cannot have an answer to everything, there are things that I simply cannot understand, I will embrace them, accept, and simply surrender.

2. I will make the most of it by loving, giving, and serving my precious loved ones. For I only have this day to live, who knows what tomorrow brings? No complaint, just make the most of it. And when I say giving and loving, it means giving them freely without expecting for anything in return. I have got not allowance for 'hurting even my own feelings.'

3. Last but not the least, I will not give up hoping. It is not over until it is over.

My husband said that as he was being wheeled to the operating room, he murmured a simple prayer saying, "God, I am ready. Take me home." Then he said he fell asleep instantly after the anesthetic needle took effect. He was already thinking that it would be heaven once he wakes up, but then he said told me, "I woke up and saw your face...again!"

See, it's not over until it's over.

Things have never been better than this, after receiving that gift. Everyday is special. Each waking moment, we thank the gift giver. For the whole family has become closer, life has got such a beautiful meaning. It completely changed our perspective. Material possession is no longer in our list. And boy, we hear more laughter. We give out much love and affection, knowing that we only have this day to live...Tomorrow? It will take care of itself. We have this beautiful day, anyway. Oh what a gift!

So next time you recieve a blow, a challenge, a situation...consider it a gift!

Am I Rich?

05/16/2011 00:41:00

One day as I was to step out of a seller's home after signing an agreement to put her property on the market, I looked back and could not help but felt sad for the old lady. She caught me on that moment, and immediately asked why I gave out that look. I said I felt sad because she's selling her property after putting all her time in her beautiful garden, and decorating her pretty and dainty house. I added to the statement by saying, "If I were rich I'd buy the house and let you stay there for as long as you want." Then she asked, "are you rich?"

I was, for a second, stunned by the question, then I heard myself saying, "well, I am not materially rich, but I am absolutely rich in spirit and love. I know God loves me so much, I have a beautiful family, a happy home, therefore, yes, I am rich."

The apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 3:29, "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed,and heirs according to the promise."

Praise be to God, for I am indeed rich!

Am I going to buy the house and let the old lady stay? Sorry folks, that is beside the point. The answer would be..."secret."

God bless us all!

Fresh Salad, Anyone?

11/27/2010 23:24:00

Everything on this plate came from my backyard. I live in a townhouse with not a very big space at the back, but that did not stop me from growing my own lettuces, tomatoes, celeries, cucumbers, some herbs and even a few strawberries. Their fertilizers come from my two chooks, Auntie Betty and Auntie Curly. I brought them home for the manure but they also give me eggs everyday. Isn’t it really great?

It did not take me long to prepare the vegetable beds.

The whole process requires discipline and perseverance. There should be no excuse when you are motivated to eat right, and to live right.

A lot of times we know what to do – we just don’t do it. You may say you have a very busy schedule for not doing it. Or you may say you do not have enough space. There could be many other excuses. It is easier to run to the shop and get your supply. I respect all your excuses. But I encourage you to just do it, and see for yourself.

There is a different high, a sense of achievement and pride when I look at my plate. My vegetable salad came from my own garden. I look at the bright colour, I caress as I wash each leaf. Knowing that they’re free from artificial pesticide, a few leaves go straight to my mouth as I cannot resist the temptation to eat them straight away.

I should be the busiest person on earth running a real estate business in between looking after the meals at home, semi vegetarian, organic and fresh carrot juice everyday. But see what love can do. When you want to do the right thing, and you want to feed your body and of your loved ones the right food, everything comes so easy. Space does not matter, nor busy schedule.

Allow me to say it again, see what love can do. Look at my plate! Fresh salad, anyone?

Life is a Race

10/28/2010 12:26:00

It’s good to know that when you’re in this life’s race you have a partner with you, in marriage. And together you focus on reaching the finish line. However hard and draining the race may be, you are both there running as a team.

This was my reflection this morning when I read a wall post on one of my Facebook friends saying, “which is better, to be away from each other for years and enjoy good income, or to be together, enjoying each other company, but have very little income for the family.” I can feel her sentiment. I know a lot of people in a similar situation. They even call overseas workers as heroes – Heroes in sacrifice. Facing lonely cold nights for years, working their bones out to provide a better life for dearest families back home. I can feel the angst in the statement. Which way to choose, it’s very hard to decide.

Napoleon Hill said, “Begin with the end in mind.” I have since learned to focus on the finish line. It’s no longer about winning, it’s about finishing the race. I once did a steep mountaineering course and almost gave up past the midpoint. Panting and really tired from hours of walking, I looked up and said I could never make it. I looked down, seriously thinking of giving it all up. Then I thought if I go down without reaching the top of this mountain, I'd go down with a heavy heart. So I went on. A few more hours of painful steps, I finally found myself sitting at the very top of the mountain caressing the coolest wind and clouds in a sunny afternoon. Imagine, had I given it all up, I wouldn't reach my destination.

Reaching the end and finally coming home to welcoming hugs and kisses. Picture yourself in that situation, be very clear with details and be very excited about it. Gather the family together and answer the following questions:

a. What is the desired outcome? You are doing these sacrifices of living away from one another, be very clear on what you want to achieve.

b. Up to when are we doing this? Give these sacrifices a deadline. And look forward to it.

Engage the family in teamwork. Not just the couple, but the children are involved and they understand the sacrifices. It is really good when everyone understands why we are doing what we are doing. We are inspired to reach the deadline. When we travail the road, and mind you, the roads are not always straight. Some are dusty, it could sometimes blind you and take you away from your focus, some are really bumpy, it hurts, you wouldn’t know whether to go on or surrender. But look, who’s with you…you are not alone. Your partner is running the race with you, giving you water when you are thirsty, cheering you up. In this race, you are together. Isn’t it the most wonderful thing?

I know you can make it, you will finish the race. Just focus on what you want to achieve together in the end. Is it education for the children? Is it a modest family home? How soon? By understanding the road you are traversing together, and by visually imagining what is at the end, you will see yourself full of energy and inspired move on.

God knows who He’d put together in marriage. When you joined hands and wore those rings, they come with His utmost blessing.

It is my sincerest desire to see everyone finishing the race unscathed, bruised, maybe, but with the whole smiling family gathered together.

Keep going, yes, just keep going!

John Maxwell Loves Me!

10/25/2010 23:48:00

My photo is on the cover of John Maxwell's book, "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect." I am over the moon, I just cannot believe it! I checked out his new book while seting up my amazon.com's associate account. Boy, was I not surprised when I saw a rather recognizable photo. It was simply unbelievable. I think I now know the feeling of being a runner up in a beauty contest! I sent a message to my dear sister Rose when she posted on her Facebook wall how proud she is of her sister being on a John Maxwell book. I said that Mom may have been frustrated for not seeing me join in one of those beauty contests because I lack the vital statistics, but the question and answer portion - I sure am to bring her honour.

I once emailed John Maxwell, The Leadership Guru, saying that he may not know it but he is my mentor. He is one of the greatest influences in my life. It was him who taught me that "life is a journey, not a destination." In this journey, you collect experiences that turn into wisdom. You also create your own legacy. I have always wanted to make a difference. Mediocrity is my enemy. I always want to add value to someone else's life. I'd like to see you become a better person than we first met. You are inspired, you too want to make a difference. Together we touch peoples lives, then, and only then, we make this world a better place to live in. And in the end, God is glorified.

To our journey!

I Harvested My First Batch of Lettuce Today

10/02/2010 20:05:00

This amateur organic gardener excitedly harvested her first batch of lettuce today! I can hardly believe that these lettuces are from my very own produce. The perfect green colour and smell as I wash each freshly harvested leaf from running water. I cannot wait to put them all in my mouth.

It took me almost three months to wait, watering them everyday, feeding them with diluted cow manure for their fertilizer once every two weeks. I cried when I saw small insects creeping on the leaves, afraid that they will eat away my hard work. But thanks to Google, help is just a click away. I found a natural pesticide, and it worked. I put in the blender garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, blended them and mixed with warm water. I then sprayed my 'natural' pesticides and say goodbye forever to my insect perpetrators.

And today, I've got a basket of fresh and organic lettuce. It's worth all the hard work. Actually, it was not really hard work. Coming home at night and watching those leaves grow is a good 'de-stresser.' I instantly forget the day's chaos. I think I could stay there forever watching my vegetables grow. Watering plants is also a good way of relaxation. Gardening is a sure way to keep me sane!

I sure have got a lot to learn about organic gardening. It is a constant reading and research until I make things perfect. For one, my patch is now bald on both sides. In the middle is my batch of healthy looking ‘teenager’ celeries. I got the bak choy from the other three weeks ago and today, the lettuces came from the other side. My next batch of seedlings is not yet ready for transferring. But it’s an everyday learning. And my interest about this thing is above ceiling high, especially it's not just about eating chemical free vegetables, it is very economical, too. I am sure my love for organic gardening will go way deeper.

I cannot wait to harvest my celeries!

The objective of these blogs is to inspire and to encourage everyone to start counting and really looking at what you put inside your body.

So c’mon, I can do it, I know you can do better! Join me here, and let us swap veggies, err, notes!

Happy organic gardening!