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!


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.




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 :)


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!


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?