Patience - Fruit of the Spirit!

Patience is a virtue. Patience is part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Patience is a test of character.
But yet, to acquire Patience itself needs patience too. Too many times in life, the moment you think you've 'collected' enough, situation just 'conveniently' swing by to test your patience and most of the time, that small level of patience seems to be at the edge of snapping.
You need patience for everything. Patience when you are learning new things/skills, patience in office or school, patience when dealing with people, patience when parenting, patience when at the cross road junction waiting for the traffic light to change, patience when we feel hurt or misunderstood, patience when we are in the wrong and need forgiveness, patience even when waiting for our cup to be filled with water when we need a drink!
Sometimes I really wonder, is it really working? To hold on to my patience, and pray that the situation will just get better? or just let myself go and pick up the pieces after the big explosion? I guess that is the time when we have to weigh the consequences, bite the bullet and let God's peace and patience and L-O-N-G S-U-F-F-E-R-I-N-G take over.
I need patience to be patient!

Looking at even the most minute things in life requires of it, Lord, I need more patience! Teach me Lord!

What is your cup?

A cup is a type of container from which a drink is consumed. It can be coffee, tea, milk, fizzy drinks, herbal tea or even just water. But I just learned from someone that she actually uses different cups for different drinks. A glass cup is used for drinks like milk or bandung, cos you can actually see the purity of the drink before you bring it close to your mouth. But once you use a cup for coffee, that cup should not be used for any other drinks, as we do not want to mix the taste of other drinks into the cup. How true it is, that we never really see a cup as close as that.

But what about us? Are we a 'cup' that is used for many different kinds of 'drinks'?

We need a daily filling of the Lord's presence and His Holy Spirit. But along the way, there seems to be many kinds of 'rubbish' in the world that flood our mind. Do we use e same 'cup' to fill all those too? Are we mixing the different kinds of 'drinks'? Are we polluting our mind and heart?

Let's be a designated cup, only to be used for one kind of drink! Cheers!

A Beautiful Heart

One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town
proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley.
A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect.
There was not a mark or a flaw in it.
Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen.
The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.

Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said,
"Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine."
The crowd and the young man looked at the old man's heart.
It was beating strongly ... but it was full of scars ...
it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in ...
but they didn't fit quite right and there were several jagged edges.
In fact ... in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing.
The people stared ... how can he say his heart is more beautiful ... they thought?

The young man looked at the old man's heart ... and saw its state and laughed.
"You must be joking," he said. "Compare your heart with mine ...
mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears."
"Yes" ... said the old man ... "yours is perfect looking but ...
I would never trade with you.
You see ... every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love ...
I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them ...
and often they give me a piece of their heart
which fits into the empty place in my heart ...
but because the pieces aren't exact ...
I have some rough edges ... which I cherish ...
because they remind me of the love we shared.

Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away ...
and the other person hasn't returned a piece of his heart to me.
These are the empty gouges ... giving love is taking a chance.
Although these gouges are painful ...
they stay open ... reminding me of the love I have for these people too ...
and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting.
So now do you see what true beauty is?"

The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks.
He walked up to the old man ... reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart ...
and ripped a piece out.
He offered it to the old man with trembling hands.
The old man took his offering ... placed it in his heart ...
and then took a piece from his old scarred heart ...
and placed it in the wound in the young man's heart.
It fit ... but not perfectly ... as there were some jagged edges.
The young man looked at his heart ...
not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever ...
since love from the old man's heart flowed into his.
They embraced and walked away side by side.
-Author Unknown-

I'm so blessed!!!

Have you ever stopped doing what you were doing and just sit back, look back from where you were and realise that you have been through an amazing ride in life? I have!
Here I am, a not so noticable, not too smart, not too talented nor am I gifted, but yet, I felt so favoured by the Lord that He has blessed me with all that I needed in life: a wonderful husband, a beautiful family, a healthy and fulfilled life, talents that seemingly can bless others, a career that lets me do what I love to do, friends that are ever so dear and special to me, what else can I ask for???
What about you? Why don't you stop for just a little while, look back, be thankful and just enjoy what the Lord has blessed you?
I am blessed! Are you??

GOOD NEWS SINGAPORE

Good News Singapore - 10th to 12th April 2009, Singapore Indoor Stadium
Preparation work begun as early as last year 2008.
Our church has not been organising such big crusade for a while and everybody was excited about it.
I must say the publicity team did really great with all the video presentations, the outstanding handbills and all.
We had fun doing the handbill saturation, everyone was enthusiatic and really looking forward the event.
When news of people coming to the event from as far as China, Vietnam and Indonesia, we were really excited. We were also told of the many opportunities where church members were able to invite people to the event.
When the day came, the stadium was packed FULL on Friday night and even the overflow hall was fully occupied.
When it was time for salvation respond, my heart teared to see so many gave their hearts to God.
When one soul get saved, the angels in heaven rejoices, seeing so many souls reponded to God, heaven must be having a party cum celebration!!!
I had a wonderful time with the choir too, as everyone was very responsive and served with their whole heart!
I was told that the choir, musicians and lead singers brought such a high impact to the congregation too, many really celebrated and worshipped as a church! Praise the Lord!
I'm so honoured to be part of this team!

Well, GNS was fantastic! Looking forward to the next one, perhaps next year?
:)

The Joy of the Lord is your strength!

Recently has been bombarded with a lot of bad, sad, unfair, sudden, difficult situation etc kind of news. From the media to even people I know of, down to my loved ones, it's been flooding our mind and heart and thoughts. But somehow, beyond all human efforts, solely based on God's promises, we can still find peace and joy in the midst of all these. Indeed the JOY of the Lord IS our strength. For those who are going through a rough patch, cling on!

1. Been missing a dear friend recently, and also just learned of another church brother's sudden demise, I do feel saddened. But all glory to God, I know He is enjoying their company up in heaven :)
2. Also been counselling friends who are going through difficult times, esp in their marriages. It's emotionally very draining, zapping all my emotional, mental n physical energy. But all glory to God, He has been giving me wisdom as to how to help them along.
3. Feeling a little uncertain about what our future holds, esp since I am not working full time anymore, but doing the things that I love to do, I'm still fearful about sudden 'rainy' days, should there be any. But all glory to God, His peace and His presence has always surrounds me everytime I turn to Him.

Last but not least, I'm thankful that whenever I need Him, even if I was just looking for His love, His peace, His joy, His Word of encouragement, His hand of comfort, HE IS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME!!!!

I love Him! Very much!!

Human Nature

Why? I really question why there are so many different kinds of people in the world. I always think that those TV dramas were too exaggerated, esp some story lines n plot, n e human nature displayed were so unrealistic. Well, I WAS WRONG!
Never would I imagine meeting people of every kind, people who would back stab you, people who would try and make you a scapegoat, people who would take advantage of you (every single ounce of it) etc. I was not rightly treated, was very hurt and angry :'( I felt injustice and had an impulse to defend back! I wanted to shout back: 你把我当草，可是也有很多人把我当宝！I am of value, esp in the eyes of God!
I have to learn to lay it at the feet of the cross, let go and let God! Let God be my vindicator!
I really thank God that in times like this, I have a God that I can rely on.
God is good!

Good News Singapore!

Back from China

It's been so long since I've updated my blog. Haiz, I must say, I'm getting a bit lazy liao :P
I just came back from China, out there for 13 days for Ministry work. Had the best time of my life there cos I was able to work with a group fantastic musicians/servants of the Lord! I've never felt so at home serving together with them! They are indeed the best bunch ever!!!! Thank you guys!!!!
More photos will be uploaded later :)
In the meantime, you can check out some photos in my facebook :)
God bless you all and thanks for praying!!!

Nursing an injury

Well, I sprained my upper left arm and shoulder a few weeks ago, and doctor had told me to rest and can only do light work, BUT, how to? I've got to do housework, was in Hong Kong for an exhibition that we had to set it all up - ouch..... don't know what is it, maybe it's what my fren called it - subscapularis injury. Hmm... gotta go find out what that it :)
Well, better get well before Christmas cos I'll be going to China soon, and I would not want anything hinder what God wants to do over there!
God is good and worthy to be praised!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!

On Green Green Plain - Singapore

Was with Chuck Hong on his album launch in Singapore the last two weekends, touring a few different churches.
It was really tiring but a wonderful experience.
Queenstown Methodist Church:














Riverlife, Pasir Ris:














Group shot with the band in Sengkang Methodist church:

My new toy!

I finally got my new toy - Samsung Omnia!
I was not ready to buy one yet because of the price, but since my old phone gave up its ghost and simple refused to work, I had every reason to just go and grab another phone, hehe. And I got it at a good price too! Thank the Lord！
So, if I'm asking you for your name when you sms or call, it's because I am still transfering my contacts, haha, ok?

My Johari Window

Help me find out more about myself :)
http://kevan.org/johari?name=Anne+Sua

Have you been taking your vitamins?

Lately decided to pop in vitamins regularly, then thought 'hey, what about spiritual vitamins?' Well, here are the vitamins necessary:

Anxious? Take Vitamin A.

All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28)
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Blue? Take Vitamin B.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name (Ps 103:1)
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Crushed? Take Vitamin C.
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Pet 5:7)
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Depressed? Take Vitamin D.
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
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Empty? Take Vitamin E.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His Name. (Ps 100:4)
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Fearful? Take Vitamin F.
Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God. (Isa 41:10)
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Greedy? Take Vitamin G.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put unto your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. (Lk 6:38)
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Hesitant? Take Vitamin H.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." (Isa 52:7)
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Insecure? Take Vitamin I.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
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Jittery? Take Vitamin J.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb 3:8)
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Know nothing? Take Vitamin K.
Know this that the Lord is God, it is He that made us and not we ourselves. (Ps 100:3)
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Lonely? Take Vitamin L.
Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Mt 28:20)
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Mortgaged? Take Vitamin M.
My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)
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Nervous? Take Vitamin N.
Never, no never will I leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5)
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Overwhelmed? Take Vitamin O.
Overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:21)
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Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (Jn 14:27)
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Quitting? Take Vitamin Q.
Quit you like men and women, be strong. (1 Cor 16:13)
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Restless? Take Vitamin R.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. (Ps 37:7)
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Scared? Take Vitamin S.
Stay with Me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks My life seeks your life; you will be safe with Me. (1 Sam 22:23)
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Tired? Take Vitamin T.
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:31)
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Uncertain? Take Vitamin U.
Understand that I am (the Lord). Before Me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after Me. (Isa 43:10)
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Vain? Take Vitamin V.
Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Acts 5:16)
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Wondering what to do? Take Vitamin W.
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Mic 6:8)
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eXhausted? Take Vitamin X.
Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. (1 Tim 4:7)
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Yearning for hope? Take Vitamin Y.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff - they comfort me. (Ps 23:4)
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Zapped? Take Vitamin Z.
Zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:14)

Samsung Omnia - My next target!!! :P

Have been thinking of getting this phone. Found this on youtube and it was like, so cute!!!! Anyone got lobang?

God of this city

Let's pray for our nation:

Thanks Ekman for introducing this to me.
God bless ya.
Cheers!

God is my hope and strength

Been thinking a lot lately, guess sometimes it's good to ponder and use that time to pray and seek God for direction. Well, I was at a cross-road of staying or leaving (don't worry, I'm not talking about church :) haha), but felt it's time to just step out in faith. I was praying for God to provide before leaving, but the last few weeks, I was brought back to the story of Peter, where the Lord asked him to step out onto the waters first before even wondering if He was providing him a way to stand on water. Peter responded to His Word. What's His Word for me? I was challenged to just let go and let God! Yes, there are still a lot of uncertainties, I must admit, but I trust and believe that He WILL see us through! So, pray for me ya? The next few months will not be easy, but our God is an awesome God!!!! He is Jehovah! Amen!!

John 3:16

The Father's love and sacrifice!

What is wriiten on your tombstone?

Recently have been exposed to different messages regarding how we are spending so much time in work/school/other activities, but so little time for our family, friends and ourselves. Yes, I am guilty too. I really need to re-think my priorities, or even make drastic changes if need be, so that at the end of the day, I can honestly say that I have done my part in making my family, my friends and me happy.
I remember someone saying this before: What do we want in scripted on our tombstone? Is it: XXX was a 'filial' worker? XXX spent most of his/her days doing lots of OT? XXX slogged for the company who will not remember him/her after he/she left? XXX was a great church leader who ministered to others but not the family?
Or do we simply want: XXX was the greatest father/mother/son/daughter? XXX was fun to be around, to be remembered by family members and friends? You get what I mean....
So, therefore, we decided to help start a little at a time, we finally bot a Wii, after so long. We can use this small little device to play together as a family, help the girls relax and have fun all at the same time. Next target I wanna achieve is to get Lyn her bass guitar (she's been patiently waiting for so long, God bless her beautiful spirit)! My family means so much more than work is to me!
What about you? What do you want to be in scripted on your tombstone? (No choy choy choy cos it's seven month, we're not superstitious ok?)

Mission Impossible Theme song

I like the way it was played. Have a listen: