Wahseh..
So tired. Just finished dinner say about 30 mins ago. It's gonna be 12pm soon. My gosh! Been having late dinner but thank God for exercise too or else my waistline will go wider! :P Oh yea, Jojo cooked me Nasi Briyani.... yes, from scratch. We had around 20 mixes of Indian spices and by the time we finished it, we can feel our bowel ready to explode. Yes, from too much HEAT!.... Anyway, I will give it 7/10. Not too bad for a first timer. :)
What can I say? My body is aching. My eyes is droopy. As I was writing this, I can hear the "cling clang" sound as Jojo is packing the cutleries away. Today has been a restful day. Last night was amazing. We swam at MAC and had one of the most awesome dinner ever cooked by Charles. :) :) :) The food was restaurant standard, I tell you. :)
Wah, another 1 1/2 weeks to go and I will be back in KL, Malaysia. Can't wait to see my family, Bebe, niece and nephew and friends. I deeply yearn for a trip away just to relaz and not care about things. I need time to zone out from "responsibility", to be take care of at least for 3 weeks.
Oh no, Jojo just mentioned that his heart is feeling "weird". What to do? From too much "ghee". Ghee is a special oil blended with milk. Its a type of oil used for the nasi briyani. Told him that we are to used it sparingly but no, he wanted to finish the old can. Oh well, one just need to go through "suffering" to learn. :) Anyway, we all are the same, aren't we. That's human.
Anyway (got sidetracked), I can't wait to be home. Away from Melbourne. And the best part is I get to go back twice this year. :):):) hehehe.. okay dy, I need to zzzzzz... will talk to you later..
Adios amigo,
Doreen C
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
In Pursuit of Crown of Life
Scriptures (James 1)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Those who doubt should not think they will receive anything from the Lord; 8 they are double-minded and unstable in all they do.
12 Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each of you is tempted when you are dragged away by your own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Observation
James wrote this to encourage the congregation on how to persevere through trials and temptations. These wisdom provide the congregation a better understanding on what to do when they are placed in such circumstances.
Application
When tested, it is good to know that temptation does not come from God but we fall because we choose to go our own way. We know that God will provide a way out when we ask for it.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your words that give life. May these words be the source of my strength whenever I face trials and temptations. Amen!
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Those who doubt should not think they will receive anything from the Lord; 8 they are double-minded and unstable in all they do.
12 Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each of you is tempted when you are dragged away by your own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Observation
James wrote this to encourage the congregation on how to persevere through trials and temptations. These wisdom provide the congregation a better understanding on what to do when they are placed in such circumstances.
Application
When tested, it is good to know that temptation does not come from God but we fall because we choose to go our own way. We know that God will provide a way out when we ask for it.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your words that give life. May these words be the source of my strength whenever I face trials and temptations. Amen!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Desires for Year 2010
My desires for 2010
To grow in the Lord
- Mediate His words
- Self Bible Study (with Jo)
- To pray more (with Jo)
To be healthier
- Food Intake = Exercise (Swimming)
- Sleep EARLY
To teach dance
- Sem 1 & 2
- 3 months each / 2 styles
- Movie Nites
To organise dance projects
- Annual Dinner (June)
- Talent Nite
To build relationships
- Housemates
- House Church
More to come.. but that's all for now.. :)
Love,
Doremi
To grow in the Lord
- Mediate His words
- Self Bible Study (with Jo)
- To pray more (with Jo)
To be healthier
- Food Intake = Exercise (Swimming)
- Sleep EARLY
To teach dance
- Sem 1 & 2
- 3 months each / 2 styles
- Movie Nites
To organise dance projects
- Annual Dinner (June)
- Talent Nite
To build relationships
- Housemates
- House Church
More to come.. but that's all for now.. :)
Love,
Doremi
Listening Points
Scriptures (Psalm 40) TNIV
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened [c]—
burnt offerings and sin offerings [d] you did not require.
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart."
Observation
King David was in a desperate situation where his enemies are seeking to kill Him. Out of his desperation, He cried out to the Lord. His cried is not out of a heart that does not know God but ones who knows God inside out. We can see it from the ways he listed out God's character in this psalm. Although I am not in a place where I am experiencing persecution, I'm very careful not to go down to a "comfort" level. To me, there is "danger" just in being too comfortable. I do not want to offer sacrifice that God does not desire. I do know God wants my heart and total devotion to Him and this is the very thing that I want to consciously give to God.
Application
Just like King David, I want to be mindful of where I am at. I do not want to be in a place where I am too comfortable. I want to desire more of God. Perhaps, one thing is to start to mediate His words.
Prayer
Lord God, I desire to do your will. Give me strength and focus to meditate your words. I know far too well that I can never do this with my own strength and that is why I am asking you for help just like King David. I will place my trust in you as you begin to open doors for me to act upon this now. Amen!
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened [c]—
burnt offerings and sin offerings [d] you did not require.
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart."
Observation
King David was in a desperate situation where his enemies are seeking to kill Him. Out of his desperation, He cried out to the Lord. His cried is not out of a heart that does not know God but ones who knows God inside out. We can see it from the ways he listed out God's character in this psalm. Although I am not in a place where I am experiencing persecution, I'm very careful not to go down to a "comfort" level. To me, there is "danger" just in being too comfortable. I do not want to offer sacrifice that God does not desire. I do know God wants my heart and total devotion to Him and this is the very thing that I want to consciously give to God.
Application
Just like King David, I want to be mindful of where I am at. I do not want to be in a place where I am too comfortable. I want to desire more of God. Perhaps, one thing is to start to mediate His words.
Prayer
Lord God, I desire to do your will. Give me strength and focus to meditate your words. I know far too well that I can never do this with my own strength and that is why I am asking you for help just like King David. I will place my trust in you as you begin to open doors for me to act upon this now. Amen!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Scripture
" Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field." Genesis 2:19-20
Observation
God created the earth and all the living beings in it. His ultimate masterpiece is Adam, who is made in His image. God is a relational God. He wants Adam to be involved in His creation. Thus, God brings Adam to his creation and gave opportunity to Adam to participate in his creation. Adam obeyed and whatever he did, it came to fruition.
Application
Just like Adam, God has given me a finance role. I can see that God has trained me and bring me to a season of management and implementation of finance structures in this community. I also believe that God is starting a new thing. A different way of implementing finance structures that is closed to His heart. Just like Adam, I will obey.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I would like to thank you for You have given me this opportunity to partner in your creation. I want to take hold of all the opportunities that you have given and do my very best with it. Please continue to direct, counsel, guide, mentor me in ALL YOUR WAYS. I will follow and obey them. :)
Much love,
Doreen C.
" Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field." Genesis 2:19-20
Observation
God created the earth and all the living beings in it. His ultimate masterpiece is Adam, who is made in His image. God is a relational God. He wants Adam to be involved in His creation. Thus, God brings Adam to his creation and gave opportunity to Adam to participate in his creation. Adam obeyed and whatever he did, it came to fruition.
Application
Just like Adam, God has given me a finance role. I can see that God has trained me and bring me to a season of management and implementation of finance structures in this community. I also believe that God is starting a new thing. A different way of implementing finance structures that is closed to His heart. Just like Adam, I will obey.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I would like to thank you for You have given me this opportunity to partner in your creation. I want to take hold of all the opportunities that you have given and do my very best with it. Please continue to direct, counsel, guide, mentor me in ALL YOUR WAYS. I will follow and obey them. :)
Much love,
Doreen C.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Cry from deep within
This is a story about a woman named Hannah. She was constantly ridiculed by his hubbys' second wife because she was barren. Out of sheer desperation and anguish, Hannah cried and prayed to God. She prayed for a child. The Lord listened and answered.
As the child was weaned, Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord.
I loved how Hannah worshipped God.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2: 1-10
1 Then Hannah prayed and said:
"My heart rejoices in the LORD;
in the LORD my horn [a] is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
2 "There is no one holy like the LORD;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3 "Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the LORD is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.
4 "The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
5 Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
but she who has had many sons pines away.
6 "The LORD brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.
7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honor.
"For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's;
on them he has set the world.
9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.
"It is not by strength that one prevails;
10 those who oppose the LORD will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the LORD will judge the ends of the earth.
"He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed."
========================================
This has truly "opened" my eyes . It is truly not by our own merits/might that things happen. God sees and He blesses His faithful ones. God can rise up one and sent the proud down. God sees, He hears our cries. But, my question for myself is. What am I crying for? For injustice? For hopelessness? For His truth to be revealed here in this land that He has called me to?
Father, what do I have burden for? What do I want to see happening?
Truly, Father, I want to one day be able to see all your children rising up to take their role as your representative. Indeed, We are "IT".. not anyone else. Father, use and show me how to guide them towards this journey of self-discovery through you. Truly, I want to see glistening of hope and light coming from every individual. Father, I am not content with half-hearted people who simply live in their comfortable life. I want to encourage them to pursue you with all their might and thus, influencing the new generations.
Father, just like Hannah, I want to praise you and worship you. Even as I am waiting for my dearest, Father, direct, guide, counsel, mentor, teach me in all the ways that you want me to go. Father, you said pride comes before downfall. I don't want it. Father, lead me not into a place of testing but deliver me from them. Loving you! :)
In Christ ALONE,
Doreen C.
11th January 2010
LifeXP Office
As the child was weaned, Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord.
I loved how Hannah worshipped God.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2: 1-10
1 Then Hannah prayed and said:
"My heart rejoices in the LORD;
in the LORD my horn [a] is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
2 "There is no one holy like the LORD;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3 "Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the LORD is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.
4 "The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
5 Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
but she who has had many sons pines away.
6 "The LORD brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.
7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honor.
"For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's;
on them he has set the world.
9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.
"It is not by strength that one prevails;
10 those who oppose the LORD will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the LORD will judge the ends of the earth.
"He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed."
========================================
This has truly "opened" my eyes . It is truly not by our own merits/might that things happen. God sees and He blesses His faithful ones. God can rise up one and sent the proud down. God sees, He hears our cries. But, my question for myself is. What am I crying for? For injustice? For hopelessness? For His truth to be revealed here in this land that He has called me to?
Father, what do I have burden for? What do I want to see happening?
Truly, Father, I want to one day be able to see all your children rising up to take their role as your representative. Indeed, We are "IT".. not anyone else. Father, use and show me how to guide them towards this journey of self-discovery through you. Truly, I want to see glistening of hope and light coming from every individual. Father, I am not content with half-hearted people who simply live in their comfortable life. I want to encourage them to pursue you with all their might and thus, influencing the new generations.
Father, just like Hannah, I want to praise you and worship you. Even as I am waiting for my dearest, Father, direct, guide, counsel, mentor, teach me in all the ways that you want me to go. Father, you said pride comes before downfall. I don't want it. Father, lead me not into a place of testing but deliver me from them. Loving you! :)
In Christ ALONE,
Doreen C.
11th January 2010
LifeXP Office
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Praise the Lord
I just want to praise God for His providence. My colleague and I are given the tasks of teaching and guiding the congregation for 2 Sundays consecutively. Last week is soso, but I am PUMPED for this coming Sunday.
INspiration upon inspiration come into me just now when I was preparing for it. The initial plan was to sleep early tonight and have it done tomorrow.
However, I woke up and started to type what I have in mind. I believe God has lead me to Acts 16:13-15. Hence, I started to write. Words, examples kept coming in. Praise the Lord... Indeed, to those who has breath, praise the Lord.
Father, I want to commit our Sunday onto your hands. Father, give me this courage to speak your words that is as sharp as double-edged sword. Father, I am your vessel and I pray for a humbling heart. I pray for a meaningful time with Auntie KL tomorrow and may the works the the office team do be of yours. Father, may we be led by the Holy Spirit and not do things out of our own strength.
Father, forgive me for my shortcomings. Do let me know , purify my hearts and mind.
Loving you always,
Doreen..:)
INspiration upon inspiration come into me just now when I was preparing for it. The initial plan was to sleep early tonight and have it done tomorrow.
However, I woke up and started to type what I have in mind. I believe God has lead me to Acts 16:13-15. Hence, I started to write. Words, examples kept coming in. Praise the Lord... Indeed, to those who has breath, praise the Lord.
Father, I want to commit our Sunday onto your hands. Father, give me this courage to speak your words that is as sharp as double-edged sword. Father, I am your vessel and I pray for a humbling heart. I pray for a meaningful time with Auntie KL tomorrow and may the works the the office team do be of yours. Father, may we be led by the Holy Spirit and not do things out of our own strength.
Father, forgive me for my shortcomings. Do let me know , purify my hearts and mind.
Loving you always,
Doreen..:)
transitioning
in the midst of transitioning. lots of things to do at work. am truly looking forward to my getaway in less than 1 month away.
I was taken aback by last night ordeal. Friendship is not meant to be this way but I'm not sure it has been. My friendship with AW seems to be one sided where I'm the giver. I do know that I have begin to place some healthy boundaries and would like it to be this way. Anyway, since Ive chosen this path, so let it be. I am still waiting for my listening point, of what my beloved Father will guide me in this matter. Father, I know that you will reveal to me in due timing.
Father, I believe in you. I trust that you are in control of all things. This include my relationship with JC, families and friends, work, passion in life, safety, finance and health. I would like to commit all of these unto your hands.
Father, please continue to guide me in all matters of my life and I want to commit all of it to you. May your will be done, not mine. I surrender it to you. Open my eyes to see, ears to hear, heart to feel you.
Loving you,
Doremi
I was taken aback by last night ordeal. Friendship is not meant to be this way but I'm not sure it has been. My friendship with AW seems to be one sided where I'm the giver. I do know that I have begin to place some healthy boundaries and would like it to be this way. Anyway, since Ive chosen this path, so let it be. I am still waiting for my listening point, of what my beloved Father will guide me in this matter. Father, I know that you will reveal to me in due timing.
Father, I believe in you. I trust that you are in control of all things. This include my relationship with JC, families and friends, work, passion in life, safety, finance and health. I would like to commit all of these unto your hands.
Father, please continue to guide me in all matters of my life and I want to commit all of it to you. May your will be done, not mine. I surrender it to you. Open my eyes to see, ears to hear, heart to feel you.
Loving you,
Doremi
My day today
Woke up after I dreamt about JC & another church friend. Woke up feeling uneasy but God gave me a scripture. Genesis 2:23
How faithful is our God.
Went to work, long day. Has meeting in the morning. All went short and sweet but it was not as meaningful as when TG is leading a meeting. Interesting.
Met up with my sis' friend. She is hopeful to be married say in June this year after 3 months of dating this man from a prestigious church in S. Interesting encounter with her. I observed that not many people are very open when sharing about personal things. This is one of them. I shared something really personal about my family but the conversation was changed almost instantly. One wonder why.
Got back to work. Had a very direct conversation with EK and she took it very well. I like the extent of maturity and the spirit of teamwork in our office. Thank God that TG has formed us inside out from day one. Brave, TG. :)
Went swimming with CT, EK, DA at MAC and had dinner with them + SL & WL. They looked good and loving together. Was sleepy at the end of dinner.
Reached home and saw a spider on my wall. Tried to vacuum but it stuck to the wall. Finally, managed to lure in unto my vacuum hose and fling it out to the night.
Received a txt from AW to confirm our outing tomorrow. Txt back to say that Ive got 3 hours to spare. Received a txt asking to make it next week. Txt said that I may not as I will be busy with work before my overseas trip. AW called at 12.30am in the middle of the night. Oh, I'm so gonna get it from my housemate. AW is wanting to catch up with me according to her wishes but Ive given the options of what I can and what I can't. Hence, start the blame shame game. This time I make the choice not to follow her wishes as before. To me, friendship is equal and I do not believe in having to constantly meet the expectations of the other party. I do not wish for Friendship Boundariless Part 2 to happen again her. Grace given when not taken as grace will be like pearls given to a herd of pigs who trampled at the sight of the pearls. So, Ive stand firm and put my boundaries of what I can give and what I will not give. Hence, this not taken well. After much rising of voice and blame, shame game, the conversation was cut short when the other party realised that she is not getting her way into me. Barely a short time after this, received a "Private Call" when a very brief sarcastic remark, "What a Good Christian you are". Oh well, my thoughts are this," Its ok. I won't take this personally because I know where I stand". Nevertheless, I forward this to my dear friend,
"AW dear, I would like to be and have always been your friend since day one. But, I won't be able to meet up with your expectations. After you have cool down, we can resume what we have left off. Love, Doreen."
Ta-Dah, that's my day for ya.. :)
Lord God, may all the things that I do brings glory back to you. Give me wisdom and love to make the choice that is lifegiving.
Lov,
Doreen C.
How faithful is our God.
Went to work, long day. Has meeting in the morning. All went short and sweet but it was not as meaningful as when TG is leading a meeting. Interesting.
Met up with my sis' friend. She is hopeful to be married say in June this year after 3 months of dating this man from a prestigious church in S. Interesting encounter with her. I observed that not many people are very open when sharing about personal things. This is one of them. I shared something really personal about my family but the conversation was changed almost instantly. One wonder why.
Got back to work. Had a very direct conversation with EK and she took it very well. I like the extent of maturity and the spirit of teamwork in our office. Thank God that TG has formed us inside out from day one. Brave, TG. :)
Went swimming with CT, EK, DA at MAC and had dinner with them + SL & WL. They looked good and loving together. Was sleepy at the end of dinner.
Reached home and saw a spider on my wall. Tried to vacuum but it stuck to the wall. Finally, managed to lure in unto my vacuum hose and fling it out to the night.
Received a txt from AW to confirm our outing tomorrow. Txt back to say that Ive got 3 hours to spare. Received a txt asking to make it next week. Txt said that I may not as I will be busy with work before my overseas trip. AW called at 12.30am in the middle of the night. Oh, I'm so gonna get it from my housemate. AW is wanting to catch up with me according to her wishes but Ive given the options of what I can and what I can't. Hence, start the blame shame game. This time I make the choice not to follow her wishes as before. To me, friendship is equal and I do not believe in having to constantly meet the expectations of the other party. I do not wish for Friendship Boundariless Part 2 to happen again her. Grace given when not taken as grace will be like pearls given to a herd of pigs who trampled at the sight of the pearls. So, Ive stand firm and put my boundaries of what I can give and what I will not give. Hence, this not taken well. After much rising of voice and blame, shame game, the conversation was cut short when the other party realised that she is not getting her way into me. Barely a short time after this, received a "Private Call" when a very brief sarcastic remark, "What a Good Christian you are". Oh well, my thoughts are this," Its ok. I won't take this personally because I know where I stand". Nevertheless, I forward this to my dear friend,
"AW dear, I would like to be and have always been your friend since day one. But, I won't be able to meet up with your expectations. After you have cool down, we can resume what we have left off. Love, Doreen."
Ta-Dah, that's my day for ya.. :)
Lord God, may all the things that I do brings glory back to you. Give me wisdom and love to make the choice that is lifegiving.
Lov,
Doreen C.
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