selina
He rolled over me this morning.
His little soft hands stroked my face a few times.
He looked at me, and said, "Let's go eat bread."
He looked sweetly into my eyes and smiled the sweetest smile and pulled me up with all his might.
I was not quite ready to get off my bed, but he was too sweet to decline his offer.
Nowadays he will run into my arms and hold my face with both his chubby little hands, look me into my eyes with such a sparkle, then whispers, "my sweet girl." Then he rushes off to play again.
Yes, it is very random throughout the day. But these little gestures of my 2 1/2 year old is like heaven sprinkling joy dust on me.

The joy of the Lord is [my] strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

Leave a comment and share what are the little things in life that brings you great joy that make your day counts. I'll love to hear you.


edlina & the lynns
I dragged myself out of bed after almost the entire night of lying awake. A promise is a promise. Our "school" in Youth Park this morning. A day out surrounded by nature is always welcoming. I love the simplicity of life - just observe nature, talk, play, learn, observe and think, explore and excite our senses. That's life. That's learning. That's loving - loving the people by connecting, loving nature, loving God by appreciating all these gifts.

Anytime, anywhere - just the park with lots of greens and running space and pool for water play...that's suffice to keep the children happy and contented.

While my mind was still full of thought-processing of being "strong and courageous" (from my previous post), the lure of nature and kids simply enjoying it was enough to call this day - blessed!

Leave a comment to let me know how has your day being blessed.


selina
What does it really mean "to be strong and courageous...to be very strong and courageous"?

It's been a long day and night. A long chat with my Father. He seemed silent while I poured continously from my longing heart. My limited mind cannot contain the chain of thoughts which flooded in...all sort of concerns. I had known this is not an easy season, but God promised strength and courage. My mind understood it well but the heart is still finding its grip every now and then when the ride gets rough. My eyes need constant check to realign and focus. The focal point is the Cross. When it gets too difficult and painful, the reference point is Christ. He settled it on the Cross. How can I nullify that power? "But, God..." Before my train of thoughts chugged on in the dark of the night, he whispered, "Be strong and courageous. Be very strong and courageous." "I know. But like how?" I argued weakly.

The scene of the entire day took a quick flash. "Look at him," he spoke very gently.

Ashton was exploring his steps from his favourite stool to another chair (several trips) at breakfast while munching his cheese. I reminded him to sit. I must say it requires lots of energy to be consistent. Before I said again, he missed his steps and slipped in between those two seats. I hung on to his arm just in time but his right trunk hit the chair and he burst out in tears. He was soothed and cautioned for the umpteenth time this season.

Bath time was fun till he fell right on his back. He cried a bit and got right up and jumped into the tub again ready to continue the joy of the touch of water.

In between his play throuhgout the day he had some minor slips. He wasn't concerned.

In the evening at my parents', he dashed onto the sofa chair to hit himself on the metal rim at the side. It sounded bad. He burst into tears and showed me his hurting lower abdomen. Within a few seconds in my comforting arms, he freed himself to continue his neverending exploration.

Nothing deterred him despite the hits, falls and pain throughout the day. He regained his strength, speed and spirit instantly! He obviously, inevitably grow. The best part is - he enjoys it!

Tonight...hmm, already a new morning...Thank you, Lord for the lesson.

Friends, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts of "be strong and courageous...be very strong and courageous." What does it mean to you?


selina
I am blessed with such a beautiful name which means HEAVENLY. Thank you Dad and Mum!!!!

Labels: 0 comments |
selina
Chrisa woke up this morning saying, "It feels like Chinese New Year just started!" but the 15 days' celebration ended last night. She went on, "I didn't feel it when it was the first day!" We rushed into the celebration - that's why she didn't feel the mood. We were not prepared in many sense. It has been a busy kick-start to 2011. Thus the whole January was on the go; one thing after another. So when the lunar new year arrived, we just jumped into the schedule of visitation. The whole chain exhausted us.

My tired body and mind kind of protested to the party initiated by my dear sister last night. The evening started slow with Ed getting the BBQ pit ready while it drizzled. "Oh no, not tonight," I whispered to heaven. I didn't know who to expect nor how many pax we were catering for as it was all Penny's effort. Friends gradually strolled in while the fire was still in the process. Soon everything just fell into place - good company and good food.

Laughter. The mark of a joyous mood.
Family and friends - and fabulous food. The reminder of God's gifts in my life.
Sparklers. A great way to rleax for our adult friends as they relived their childhood as they excitedly joined my children in lighting and playing these new year toy.

A round of group game wrapped up the night leaving young and old with joy and gladness.
Every occassion is only meaningful when we celebrate life with a tight community. The lunar new year closed well with God evidently in out midst. It is always good when God is in it:)
Labels: , 0 comments |
edlina & the lynns
I woke up this morning feeling more tired than I when I went to bed last night. A string of nagging thoughts interfered my rest. As much I know God grants his beloved children rest somehow rest was far from reach for me :(

Today I requested my man to take the whole troop out since he is already taking 2 girls for floorball training. He graciously agreed. My cherished moment with the girls 2 nights ago was one of the many creative redemptive moment. Now I am enjoying another one for this week. What I thought would be lost is redeemed creatively with the Lord. My pathetic night didn't lead to a pathetic day. My creative juice flows in the quietness of my personal space. I've to push some stop buttons so I can set aside some time now to prepare to speak into the lives of young people at GCC's first Youth Valentine's Party. I can't wait to share the Ultimate Lover.

Come and party with us in pink tonight at 7pm if you don't have any plan. See you at:

"The Atrium"
1-5-29 e-Gate,
Lebuh Tunku Kudin 2,
11700 Gelugor,Penang, Malaysia.

Call us for further info 016-4189511

Pink?? Yes, you read correctly. You can adorn yourself in any sort of pink in any way...pink shirt, pink tie, pink nails, pink accessories...or all the way pink!
edlina & the lynns
The techno bug just attacked the family. We are on a discovery mission of IT. I've always been the IT dummy. I love the conventional way of paper and pen. No matter how much I've seen what IT can do and the vastness of this field, I still love the paper and pen. Call me the "old fashion" girl if you want. The authenticity of penmanship is indescribable. Nevertheless, last night heaven granted us an opportune time. I thank God for IT.

One of my girls hit the bad mood scale and attempted to vent her frustration on the computer screen. It must be the Lord's prompting which led me to sit beside her and whispered a soothing word. The next thing - we were thrown into a sea of IT adventure. We spent the next 2 hours or so browsing the net and learning new things together. Another girl joined us almost immediately. Our girls' hang out was priceless - a time of giggles and laughter, the thrill of new discoveries. An unexpected turn from the ugliness of a bad mood to a cherished moment!