17/5/12 I Stepped Back, I Reflect...
selina
I pulled the blanket over my cold body. Ashton pulled it off a little and whispered with loving eyes, "Mum, let's go eat breakfast." I couldn't resist his affectionate smile. "OK," I said. Before I got out of bed, he scrambled back onto the bed with two books in his hands. "Read to me, mum." As much as I wanted to start my morning routine (if there's any success everyday to have a routine), I couldn't bring myself to decline such a polite request. Here's how it went the moment I hit the morning...there's no stopping...one thing to another...

We read...
We prayed...
We ate breakfast...
We read some more...
We cooked. Chrisa stirred the soup and learned how much salt and seasoning to add while Ashton insisted to learn too...
We read again...this time all the children, all four surrounded mama for a long forgotten story, The Donkey Prince, a welcoming warm story of loving the person just they way they are...
We discussed on homosexuality...oh, what a big word for small people...
We ate again...
The children baked bread for dinner...three out of the four cramming over the kitchen counter to get the measurement right...some practical math in process...mama only hoped it turn out alright...
They all got busy with their work in their own corners...one learned Tagalog for the coming trip to Manila and collecting ideas for children's work there; one browsing through the Prayer Guidepost to learn how to pray more effectively and moaning in discomfort mostly of her unwellness; one was reading endlessly on the couch then played with the little one; and the little one...he was never done with exploring one thing after another...the entire living room was in (and still is) a creative mess...yes, it's messy because there is never lack of projects going on in the home, and creative, oh yes, certainly...one working on a board game of her own, one making his pictures, all travel logs reviewed and added...
They washed toys while I washed clothes...
We read, we wrote, we talked, we laughed...in between there were some bickering which mama hates, and the children know it...correcting behaviour is never easy and needs consistency...
Three stayed home to watch a show...
One went with mama to shop for utilities, our chance to talk...
We rode to the park, we played our hearts out...
We enjoyed the freshly baked bread...
We read the Bible, we talked, we prayed...we almost ended our day...they jumped on mama, kissed her goodnight, hugged her tight...I turned off the light...
Shh..."sleep, babies..."
Is mama's time with the Father now...I sat by the dim light and thanked God for the full day...a gift from heaven...
My day had been full...indeed my hands too, but it is all worth it because my heart is full too...as I reflect and realized that I've been kissed countless times, hugged very often, told "I love you, mama"...and I know this is my vocation...
What about "school"...hmm, do they need to be classify into subjects? We have no time to study. Everyday is so busy...we are busy learning, busy living, busy loving...and...
That's LIFE!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10, ESV)

 



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15/12/11 When I Wonder...In the Heat...
selina
I wonder...I don't know how...I don't even know "what we ought to pray" (Romans 8:26). But the words of the apostle Paul assures me that I can be absolutely sure of one thing, which is..."that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

When I am left wondering in uncertainty and in the heat of of a fiery furnace, I know I can rest in the knowledge that God is good and He is great!


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10/12/11 My Quest in Life
selina
She was just a simple girl.
She loves to draw.
She loves to dance.
She loves to teach.
She wants to do her part in loving humankind.
She dreamed of marrying a good man,
raise their young - children of destiny.
She wants to continue loving the family she grows up in.
She dreams of a quiet simple life.

Along the journey, she met Jesus.
He changed the way she sees life, the way she loves, the way she thinks.
He sees a bigger potential in her.
Now he calls her, "mother of the city",
then he expands her heart for the nations.
She is humbled by his majesty,
empowered by his strength;
but deep inside her...
her quest remains the same - simplicity.
She can only do all these and remain simple when she
"seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given..."

That girl is me. To stay true to myself and my quest in life, I can only look to Jesus as he calls me, 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)



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15/6/11 Resting in God's Love!
selina
Rest comes in many forms. For a busy stay home mum surrounded by endless noises of children, a quiet personal space is a luxury. I cannot have all my ideals. But God knows and takes care of all our needs. I am counting my blessings for every small and big gift coming my way.

All the excitement of coming to Singapore - it's here! We are here - in the Lion City. I am so excited for Ash and Nat. Their very first RAD Ballet Summer Camp. Being in a foreign land and flapping their new wings - they took off this morning by themselves to the ballet studio for their third day of camp. All geared up for more dance work on Mary Poppins. Sounds so fun! Their legs are surely strengthened by all the dancing and walking around the city.

The past days had been full days exploring different parts of the city and familiarizing with the routes. Pretty much of an adventure! Indeed a very convenient city. Impressed with the efficiency despite many visits here. The call is deepened every time I think of my own nation. We are called to make a difference and be agent of change. No matter how comfortable and convenient another place is - my call is to be part of the wave of transformation back home.

Thank Lord for opening my eyes - the eyes of my heart to the smallest thing that speaks volume of our generation and nation. I am positioned strategically for such a time like this. Here I am resting in his love. Here I stand for his higher purpose...



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31/5/11 Thirteen Tremendous Years!
selina
Every year on this day, brings me back to my humble beginning as a mum.

Cuddling this tiny 2.3 kg load offered a lifetime of responsibility. I remember beaming with such joy yet so overwhelmed by the tremendous task set ahead of me. The scene of me sitting at the bedside of the maternity home holding this precious life still stays fresh. It was my enrolment into the School of Motherhood - one specialized school so uniquely tailored for every student, offers no certification nor graduation, but guarantees a huge load of work which requires diligence, patience, consistency and love - yes, lots of love! Many hours of sleepless nights, days of toil...AND I gladly willingly stepped into this school. After thirteen years, The Principal Teacher gave me added assignments - he added three more tiny loads, all not more than 2.5 kg as a start but power-packed with promising potentials to be yielded for his glory.

Today I watched my first tiny 2.3kg load transformed into a much bigger size than me, could even lift me up in the air, adorned in her all new attire from top to toe (gifts blessed by wonderful people) got ready for the day. She kissed me and went off with a smile, all ready for the youth conference for the next 3 days.

She is thirteen today! She is clothed with strength and beauty. Her name is Ashlynn.
She is a terrific, tremendous teen. I am proud to call her 'my daughter'.

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY, DEAREST ASH!





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3/5/11 The Continuous Pursuit
selina
I hardly could sit in one position. I struggled to find the right angle to sit and sleep. I could hardly breathe properly. Every breath was an effort. The baby was growing. He was pressing down to my pelvic bone. The pain increased with the days. The intense discomfort made my fourth time mummy experience unbearable. But I endured. I would persist till the baby come in full term. He was God's handiwork woven in the fabric of my womb.

We could not stay still any longer. We were challenged to reposition. Repositioning required action. It demanded drastic and radical move. Joshua and the Israelites were commanded to "move out of their position and follow the presence of God." Then only they would know the direction clearly. The book of Joshua is a dangerous book to read. It is filled with intense passion, propelled by faith to release the power to achieve the impossibles. A seed has been planted in our spirit and had been brewing in the secret place for years. The time had come. We embraced it with strength and courage to protect the conception of this spiritual seed. There were shaking off old mindsets to fully understand the seriousness and intensity of God's call and commands. We were stripped bare of our comfort zone to cross over to the unknown. Then only would we see the power of God parting our "Jordan River". Indeed he did.

The physical babe we conceived, Ashton - strong fortress and the spiritual baby, Gateway City Church were God's favour and honour. He weaved both in our physical and spiritual womb at a significant time to amplify the seeds of his faithfulness, love, strength and power. These two are strong reminders of who our God is, and what he can do - he majors in impossibilities! The joy of at the end of the labour pain was guaranteed. My role was to PUSH - till I hear the triumphant cry! The cry of release of the impregnated seeds. To God be the glory!

Today Ashton turns 3. He is a visual reminder of GCC's milestone.

The saga continues...



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2/5/11 Learning From Nature
selina
I saw. It flapped its wings. Flew low. I caught sight of its bright beautiful blue. And back to the power line, it perched and be still. My morning ritual of standing in front of my bedroom window was brightened up with the glow of a kingfisher. Simply beautiful sight. I had just prayed the day before that I wanted to marvel at the simplest finding. I want to learn like how little children learn. They just keep wondering and keep learning. They are thrilled by the simplest finding.

My conversation with the Lord was interrupted by the bird. It was as though God was saying, "Watch..." A peaceful quietness filled my heart that moment as I followed the moves of the bird. A little bird with a long beak, clothed with gorgeous blue and brown feathers. Simple tone but nevertheless, beautiful. Beauty in its simplicity.

I had been praying to be renewed like the eagle - strong and steady. Now I asked to be beautiful too. Lessons in birdwatching!


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29/4/11 My Ultimate Teacher
selina
I sought every person I know who knows the subject.
I devoured every book my hand could lay on.
I was hungry. I was thirsty.
I wanted more. More of him. More of the truth.
There was a deep longing, for the deep calls for the deep.
I gathered some tips and good guidance along the way..."What and how to pray?"
But is it enough? The spiritual intimacy I craved could only be satisfied by the Ultimate Teacher. The Holy Spirit whispered to me, one day, "I will teach you..."
Where have those years gone? Seems like a glimpse.
Now, I am hungry and thirsty more than ever...and am looking to the Ultimate Teacher for his nuggets of wisdom for, God, you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. (Psalm 51:6, NIV)

Friends, who are you looking to for wisdom and teaching? Find your way to his heart and mind.


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28/4/11 The Fourth Watch: God is Judge
selina
And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for God himself is judge.

(Psalm 50:6)

In response to God's call to arise in prayers and intercession, we assumed our gatekeepers' role by watching the 3 - 6 am slot monthly for the last one year, which we hope one day can be more regular. We are still learning in this act and art of seeking his heart and face in this wee hours. As we take baby steps, the Lord himself has been teaching us to yield our spirits to his.

This morning we proclaim his righteousness and his wise judgement over the land, blessing the land with his light and life.

Join us in unity to call down his glorious presence!


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24/4/11 Easter Thought and Vision
selina
My heart longs for my Saviour King.
I asked intently that my eyes will see a new vision of the Cross.
A faint dark scene of Jesus being hung on the cross with his left side facing me. I wonder why this view. The scene is gloomy as he wrestled in his loneliness and pain while the noisy massive crowd looked on, but I couldn't really see them. But I saw him...on the Cross.

My heart is raised towards heaven and my lips broke into worship as I sang this song from Hillsong by Marty Sampson and Raymond Badham:

I search for You God of strength
I bow to You in my brokenness
And no other King could have so humbly come
To save my soul and heal my heart
I have nothing more than all You offer me
There is nothing else that’s of worth to me
And I love You Lord
You rescued me
You are all that I want
You’re all that I need
I pray to You God of peace
I rest in You my cares released
I have nothing more than all You offer me
There is nothing else that’s of worth to me
And I love You Lord
You rescued me
You are all that I want
You’re all that I need
In Your freedom I will live
In Your freedom I will live
I offer devotion, I offer devotion

I purposed in my heart to step and walk in the power of his resurrection.
What is God's message for you this Easter?

Swing by GEMS for more encouragement.


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Be Strong and Courageous
selina
BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!

This has been the tag line of the season - from the youngest to the oldest.

The book of Joshua trumpets this call. The charge has been given by God, the Mighty Warrior to the church.
My husband is a sure model of a contemporary Joshua. He preaches it, impart it, rally it, live it.
It is heard from the lips of the young. "Be strong and courageous. We are the Joshua kids."
It has been echoed in the floorball court, amongst the players even out of court.
We remind each other of this strong command when we are shaken.
We enthuse each other with the phrase whenever we meet.
It has been charged into our spirit.

Strength and courage are not two concrete elements we can purchase and possess in our hands. They are two internal elements we earned by walking in the unknown with only one absolute, God!






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19/3/11 Floorball Heat
selina
The floorball heat is on, burning in my home where everybody - husband, daughters, siblings are active players and highly potential player, Ashton who owns his first stick now :)

The Penang Division 2 League kicked off this morning at Balik Pulau Stadium with a majority of new faces making their debut. Young fresh faces and passion that set the atmosphere with a new scent of floorball. Three all girls' team also make their way for the first time in court - all exuding the enthuasiasm of a good spirit. Bravo, girls!

Flashback: I hurried to put my two preschoolers to nap during siesta in Youth Camp 2002 @ Chefoo School, Cameron Highlands. All the youth were getting ready for a new sport. Ed returned from a sports conference in Hong Kong with a new vision and brought a brand new game, floorball back to be introduced. I rushed down to the scene of excitement to find that it was "game over". The putting the two lil' ones to nap took longer that I thought. I was stung with disappointment. I didn't get to try out after all the hoo haa.

God always has his way. His way is higher than my way. Always. I found out I was conceived with a new baby when we returned from camp. He spared me from all the falls and injuries which all these first timers suffered.

The rest was history. The vision and passion of floorball birthed in this man has taken the sports to state level and linking up to others who together grew the national level in a tangible way. Now he sits in the Asia-Pacific Floorball Development Committee.

Today I stood at the balcony of the stadium cheering my hearts out as I watched my two young teens (then were the preschoolers whom I had to put to nap) run and manoeuvred the ball with such great sporting spirit. I also watched with great delight the big pool of youngsters who fought fearlessly for the win. At the cheering end, my two lil' ones now, Ashton and Chrisa were also running around with their own sticks and having a go. High chances one day they will make their way into court too :) And me...hmm, despite all the encouragement to get on court for training, I definitely have no time for such intensive training, I shall remain as a great supporter - I watch and pray.

Nine years in the Penang scene, I am reminded of the impossible dream of a strong and courageous Dreamer. He stood at a new church plant overlooking a vast field almost two decades ago and told a young teenager boy, "I want to build a stadium for sports ministry." I've heard this so many times, and often laughed at him, "This is an impossible dream."

Today I am married to the Dreamer who is ever dreaming big and bigger dreams. I must applaud his determination and strategic mind. The biggest inspiration is how he handles every challenge and hiccup in this journey. I've watched him ploughed the land and planted the seed. He watered, watched as the seedling sprouted. He weeds and continue to grow it. It is a tedious task but he endures. Yes, I am proud of him and more so, proud of the Source of this vision and passion. He always chooses the right person.

For all the gungho floorballers, keep the vision! Fuel the passion!


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18/3/11 The Song of Freedom
selina
The song of my heart the last couple of weeks...also asking the Father to sing over me again and again....

A song of freedom is on my lips
Today, today
I sing about the One I love

Today, today

All I can see is Your mercy
All I can feel is Your grace

Your love is so wonderful
Let all the people sing that
Our God reigns above all

by Hillsongs 2003

If you've missed my post The Songs of Life in Gems, let me ask you what song are you singing in your heart? If you find it hard to sing at present, what else do you want the Father to sing over you today?? Do share your songs in the Comment.
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10/3/11 Joyful Chaos
selina
A child enters your home and makes so much noise for twenty years you can hardly stand it - then departs, leaving the house so silent you think you will go mad. - J.A. Holmes

My house was insanely noisy and I wished there was a moment of silence to keep my sanity, when my eye caught the saying above which was printed on the calendar of Focus on the Family. I instantly smiled to myself and felt so blessed that the home is so full - full of life! So I'd better enjoy the temporal mess and chaos for this season and not regret a single moment of it later :)


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1//3/11 The Voice of Dance
selina

Thought-provoking: (above) Dancer-choreographer Aida Redza (with blindfold) performing "Stop it Now"- a dance against sexual crimes, with the children at 1st Avenue Mall, Penang (featured in The Star, 28/2/11)

‘Stop Sexual Crimes Against Children’ now - the message was amplified with a creative move by the children. The campaign was championed by the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce's Young Entrepreneur Section.

Dance has always been a big part of our lives especially for Ash and Nat. This is part of our contribution to the society using the gift of dance - urging for a safer world to live in. Hear the voice of the children through arts!
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28/2/11 Good Morning!
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.


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23/2/11 A Blessed Day
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.


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23/2/11 Lesson of the Day
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?


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

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18/2/11 A Night to Remember
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:)
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