hey girls! well in a way lots happened since I left and in a way as well lots didn't. Got to spend time with family and this time really realised more about living in a family is quite difficult. Well clearly, I suppose with 3 generations under one roof haha, life is pretty different from just looking after oneself and hanging out with friends when we are overseas. But I thank God for the moments where there was peace and joy, like the successful Christmas Eve dinner cooked at home (hehe...making a trifle wasn't actually that hard) where everyone was just enjoying themselves.
Share something I adapted from a book I have been reading by Philip Yancey "Disappointment with God" :-
There are times when we are disappointed in God, in Hebrews 2:6-8, bits from the Psalms was quoted- proclaiming that everything was under His (Jesus') feet, and that in putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to Him. However, we still do not see everything subject to Him at present (v8). This does show the truth of the matter in the world, that though Jesus is in control and Lord over all, yet we still see war and violence, illness and death. (Something that I suppose did hit me, especially recently). However the paragraph in Hebrews continues with v9, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned wth glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of death, He might taste death for everyone”. I was deeply encouraged further by v 17 and 18,- where the author of Hebrews showed that Christ was made perfect through His suffering, going through the entire human experience, our feelings, thoughts, temptations, grief. Through Jesus' suffering at
Jesus himself learnt obedience through His suffering, Jesus who was son of God could have chose to end his suffering differently, (maybe in a much more action-packed dramatic escape way?) , yet he chose to live as one of us, to die like one of us. In Heb 4:15, again we are assured that our High Priest, Jesus who is able to symphatise with our weaknesses.
Ok, looks like I am picking bits frm places aha but to me I was encouraged that Jesus' understands our feelings, emotions, limitations. Thus, though sometimes I feel helpless, questioning myself about God's plans, maybe even being a stubborn child and just grumbling in a corner, yet I am grateful that God has come to our level, He sees and experienced pain and understands, and that helps me to go on trusting the invisible God, to believe in His visible power that is able to lift all burdens and heal all wounds.
penned at 1:25 AM
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
I have NO idea if this post will get published or if anyone will ever get to read this, but if i'll still post this anyway. Reason being is that up till today, i still don't know how to access our blog. I don't see anyone else's post, and didn't know how to post something till today. Its my bad, but i've tried a few times and it didn't work. HELP! Does anyone have the same problem? Does anyone know how i can view what other ppl have written?
Just wanted to wish ya'll a MERRY CHRISTMAS & A BLESSED NEW YEAR! So much has happened since I left Brisbane & I've have heaps to share. (which i probably will thru email instead of this blog cos i seriously am in the dark at the moment) So be rest assured that i haven't drifted and been completely on "holiday" mode...i still do remember and pray for ya'll in Brisbane, Singapore-even Malaysia too!
Thank you J8 girls! Love ya'll! *hugs*
Love,
Ann-Louise
penned at 3:06 PM
Friday, December 21, 2007
Jacqueline and myself, we spent some time reading Hebrews 1 the other night and I thought I'll just share some of our thoughts that we shared with one another. Hebrews 1 started with an emphasis on Jesus Christ and no doubt that it tells us who Jesus is. God has not send just anyone but He sent His son, Jesus, for us. And Jesus is not just anyone but He is the precious son of God. This confirms with the scripture in the gospel where it was said, if God can give His beloved son for us, what else will He not give to us? Hence, ask and you shall receive! :)
We are so blessed because God treasures us so much that He is willing to give His son for us. This shows how important we are in God's eyes, even to sacrifice His son, which parent, on earth would rather have their son sacrificed for another? This reminds me of when I heard the news about Zi and on that night as I got home and mum saw it on the news. She told me that I am never to do something like what Zi did because she will go crazy. I can understand mum's heart and that is God's heart that unless it's something very dear to His heart, He will not give up His son. This is the God we have a relationship with, love and serve. He is not one that is high up in heaven, emotionless but full of compassion and love for His people. And remember this will stay the same forever, even after many generations, despite the wickedness of men, when all things deterriate and pass away - God will remain the same, yesterday, today and forever.
Not only Jesus is superior than the angels, we are too! Look at verse 14, though we do not fight the devils like the angels, we are co-heirs with Christ and daughters of the Almighty God. Even angels are sent to protect us and delivering messages from God to us who are imperfect. Angels have not been given the position of being God's children, neither do they have the privilege of fulfilling the Great Commission. This is whom God sees us to be, His children who would choose to trust and grow in a loving relationship with Him that lasts for eternity, to share in His glory and to share in His kingdom.
penned at 10:11 PM
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (1 Cor 8:9)
How much do I consider my words and my behaviours before I say or do them? I have the freedom to say whatever I want and do whatever I want as long as I don't break the law and get caught and having to ask my friend to defend me in court =p But I will choose to restrain myself of what I say and do because I know it impacts on the lives of people close to my heart.
I can say I don't like the food someone cooks but I choose not say so because I see beyond the food, I see the heart and the love and nothing can taste better when you know the one who has cooked for you has done it out of love.
I will try not to criticise and complain in front of people though sometimes I do behind a closed door with God because I know that it may bring others to become negative in their attitudes.
I will not be lazy and exercise favouritism because I know that people are always watching and even imitating - the tag of Christian is one that is under great scrutiny.
I will choose to speak edifying words than unwholesome talk because I know I am taking part in a conversation that has the potential of changing a life for God.
Am I having my way in the way I live or am I letting God to have His way in the way I live? Will I choose to live for Him and His kingdom? God, I pray that I will grow more and more in your ways because your ways are always better than my ways!
penned at 12:09 AM
Thursday, December 13, 2007
noticed that noone has penned any thoughts yet. I just started reading Hebrews 1 today:) hmm haven't consolidated my thoughts to pen yet. Today met up with pei yin and david in kl. was comforting to get together and jsut eat and relax. k be back later with more stuff to write. just saying hi!!
Michelle
penned at 7:58 PM
Monday, December 3, 2007
penned at 9:58 PM