Stubborn stains

Giggle wrote today ...

Have you ever had the experience of feeling so frustrated with stains that seemed irremovable - and the more you focused on them, the more upset you become? Well, it could be stains on some pots and pans ... it could be stains on your favourite piece of clothings ... it could be stains on your teeth (SMILE!) ... it could be stain marks caused by some ink on your fingers, etc.

I was trying very hard to remove the nail polish on my fingers and toes - the ones I did when I was in Phuket. The more I looked at it, the more "yarky" I feel - the coat was really rough and the polish was far from smooth and shiny, and of course not to mention the "mismatching" color I chose, which actually was the "best" within their limited selection that matched my complexion. Anyway, I decided to have it remove before my fingers and toes "died" from lack of oxygen and begin to turn yellowish. Well, not being someone who had the habit of painting my nails, I don't have the nail polish remover within reach, hence I had to make a special trip to purchase it. According to the salesgirl, the nail polish remover she recommended me was C&G (cheap and good) and since it was the last bottle, I just grabbed it.

Now, guess what? I had a hard time removing all the nail polish from my nails - I think it took me 10 minutes just to do the removing of the coat from both my fingers and toes - which I considered to be very long. Usually, a good remover would do the work fairly quickly (at least from my previous experience some time back =) It began to dawn on me that either the remover was not of as good quality as it was recommended to me, or that the coat on my nails were so stubborn that it refused to "budge". I was reminded then that the sins in our life are just like the stubborn coat of polish on my nails - and to counter the stubbornness, we need a good, quality remover - the blood of our Lord Jesus.

Our sins can be so stubborn that it can stick with us, making us frustrated ... making us upset ... making us guilty. The good news is that we don't have to carry on feeling this way because the Lord has provided us with a stain remover - check it out from Isaiah 1:18, Heb 9:14 & 1 John 1:7 if you don't believe me.

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18

God has provided the cleansing agent, take it and believe in its power!

Readings and assignments

Giggle wrote today ...

Ever since coming back from the retreat, my days have been spent in reading, reading and more reading. Well, I guess that's because I want to try my best to clear as many of my lighter assignments during this break - as much as possible, before the school term begins again next Monday and I'm caught with a whole load of stuff and responsibility again. Well, at least I managed to finish reading 2 of the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles - and wrote my reflection papers for all 3 of them. There's definitely touching-up required on these papers, but at least I can take a little breather for this subject and concentrate on the term paper - which I begin to worry how and where to start writing from =(

Much as I'm worried about my NT, I'm equally concern for my papers for FCM too. 2 more response paper - which I don't think I can begin until we had our classes with our lecturers ... sigh* Then there's one more major paper for FCM too, and a week before this paper is due, there's NT exam! Arrgghhh ...

Well, actually I shouldn't be complaining lah - to be able to concentrate and have no worries about other concerns but just focus on my studies, I should be more than thankful to the Lord. Indeed, I am, I'm thankful for the opportunity to pursue further studies, to equip myself not just in terms of knowledge but ministry skills - that's something I'm really grateful for. However, in the midst of all these, I must also constantly remind myself that this education is not just for the intellect, but a process of growth in the Lord.

My chaplain reminded me to "take time to chew, reflect and enjoy my assignments" - I fully agree. Education, tests, exams, assignments are part and parcel of learning - it's not these that make-up what we are, but the process of learning, the joy of learning, and allowing ourselves to be shaped by God. My only prayer is that as I work through all my assignments, I'll remember not to allow "knowledge to puff up within me, but love" (MOV 1 Cor 8:1b) and at the same time, as I study and learn more about God, that I will continue to meditate on His Word, so as to be careful to obey Him in all my ways (Joshua 1:8).

I'm still worried about my 2 major assignments - but this is a faith journey where God wants me to learn to depend on Him and trust Him. I know He will not shortchange me =)

Temperaments, of animals

Giggle wrote today ...

I think I'll write something light-hearted for a change - on the temperaments of animals =)Animals have temperaments too, and for each of the pet that I kept, their temperament differs =)

Well, let me begin with my pomeranian, Rocky, in memory and "respect" for him - actually, he was the second "Rocky" we had. The first pomeranian we "inherited" from my bro-in-law, who was already named Rocky, was ailing when he came to us, and subsequently died of kidney failure =( Although we had him for less than 6 months, the emotional attachment was already very strong that we cannot bear the thought of not having another dog. That was how we bought little Rocky and named him the same as the previous pom. He was only 1 month or so old when we bought him and we had a great time seeing him grow into adulthood. He was a super, super, super glutton and ate anything from plain bread to steamed yam to durians to dog tidbits and chocolates and ... - as a result, he had heart failure because his heart could not support his weight - he was about 7kg or so for his rather small-medium frame. One unique trait about him - though he was called Rocky, he was less than being "rocky" and bold - just put 4 poles on the floor and he will be caged =) My best friend used to "mock" and "tease" him for his cowardice =) He was super sweet-natured though and he remains my favourite =)

After Rocky died, we got Jolly, a maltese when she was about 2 months old - we wanted her to be happy all the time, so the name =) Tell me if you think she's jolly enough to be Jolly *wink* Jolly has mood swings - if she's happy, she will be up on her tummy and wanting you to give her a good rub (my sis says she's so liberal because she was imported from Australia =) My mum doesn't think too great a deal about it and always chided Jolly for being an "embarassment" for her tummy-up behavior. By the way, Jolly's a real fierce one, ok ... - 2 of my students have got bitten by her before when they tried playing with her. She's easily provoked, and I think she "thinks very highly of herself" too - maybe it's because she's the "da-jie" amongst all her animal siblings. We are always afraid of meeting with bigger dogs whenever we bring Jolly out because she would bark excessively at the bigger dogs and even wanted to bite them. She doesn't look like this fierce ya? Don't judge a dog by the cover.

Next, let's come to Toby, my mongrel crossbred - we inherited him 2 years ago from a friend's brother. He is very good-natured - in fact, we were worried how he is going to get along with Jolly when she can really give him no peace, but sweet-natured Toby would so readily give in to Jolly and so accepting of her faults =) Toby's supposed to be a watchdog for us, but he's becoming lazier and lazier - all thanks to my sis who keep feeding him whenever he gives her that "cutie" look - and you guess it - the vet says he's quite weighty now ... wink* Oh, one thing I must mention about Toby - he has motion sickness!! Don't laugh k - that was my reaction when my friend's brother told me about it and now, I "regret" that stupidity ... Each time I bring him out in a car, I'll have to make sure someone comes along with me, with a plastic bag inside a pail, ready for him to throw up whenever he feels so. As a result, Toby hardly goes out but runs about in the garden chasing wild cats =)

Now, the exciting one - the youngest in the animal family, Brownie my cat. This fellow is the super mischievious one - he will purposely make you chase him and then he will run all over the house and hide in corners or spaces he can find to surprise you. Isn't it evident from the picture how he squeezed himself underneath the space in the side table? Brownie's very conscious of cleanliness - every since my sis brought him back (he was a stray - probably a month old or so??) we have been bathing him weekly. I believe you will be amused if I tell you that there were 2 occasions which he slipped into the drain as he went galivanting and he hurriedly run home to us - not even daring to lick his dirty fur on his own =) Brownie has a very wild nature and if he manages to slip out of the house, he won't be back till at least 8 hours later, hence, since a year ago or so, mum has stopped letting him out of the house. Interestingly, he's toilet trained (somehow, don't ask me how) - so we will lock him in one of our toilets during the night and let him out in the morning. He's a creature of habit so he's very used to it now =) I think I mentioned in one of my earlier post that he's behaving quite a fair bit like his doggie sibling - wanting people to stroke him too when we give attention to the others.

Animals are just like humans - they are unique and have their own temperaments. I really thank God for all these animals in my life - they are really a joy to me and my household =)

On uniforms

Giggle wrote today ...

After a few days away, there are really lots of emails to clear and newspaper to read. Anyway, something which kind of strike a chord in me was the section on "Uniform" - Sunday's ST. Well, of course with the issue of uniform, there is always an endless debate of "Yes, let's have uniforms", or "No uniform please". But what's important in all these issues actually, with regard to uniforms? Probably the issue of how to take pride in wearing your uniform if you are expected to wear it.

Having uniforms actually give a number of advantages:-
1. You don't have to worry about what to wear everyday! Save money on your wardrobe =)
2. There's uniformity which represents an organization - if there's no uniform, nobody knows where on earth you are from or who you represent
3. It teaches you to be careful so as to be a good representative of your organization - a good way to cultivate character and discipline
4. It makes you take pride in where and who you belong to if your organization receives recognition for the good that they did

I know many teenagers who "hated" their school uniforms - I mean, I don't "blame" them as some of the reasons they stated are rather valid too, especially when it concerns the material which just causes them to prespire and "faint". However, I also know of many teenagers who simply do not know how to respect their uniform - a basic representation of their character, actually. I mean, if someone wears a uniform in an appropriate manner, straightaway, it reveals to others what sort of character this person is - indifferent, lacking in discipline, unkempt, etc, etc.

I think you will probably be amused at me (like one of my classmate at theological college was) if I tell you I chose my Alma Mater because of its uniform =) Oh yes, besides being able to qualify for the school, the main reason for choosing it is because of the uniform, and I know many others from the school who shares my sentiments =) Wonder which school that is? The clue is - it has blue top and grey skirt, with a tie that we have to put on everyday. Got it? Smart fellows =) Ya, I can be so "crazy" still about the uniform that I had 2 bears in my Alma Mater's uniform sitting in my office's bookshelf, and I get really upset when I drive past the vicinity of my Alma Mater and see girls wearing their uniform inappropriately!!! =(

Do you know that as Christians, we have a "uniform" too! Some of us wear a cross as our "uniform", some of us pin "Christian" badges on our bags, the ordained ones will have their collars, some of us have "Christian" car de-cals on the windows of our cars, etc. Whatever "uniform" we wear to represent Christ, we have to be careful that we do so with pride, for many others are looking at us to see what our "organization" is like, and if we want to be good ambassadors for the Lord Jesus, may we be careful with the "uniform" we wear and not stumble another that they become drifted further away from the Gospel of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20a "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us."

You and I are wearing the uniform as Christ's ambassador - let's wear it properly and wear it with pride! Just as I got upset when seeing my juniors not wearing their uniforms properly, I'm sure God's heart hurts and grieves even more if He sees us not wearing our Christ's ambassadors' uniform rightly.

Retreat

Giggle wrote today ...

I was away for a 4-day retreat in the island of Phuket - an annual staff retreat. When friends and classmates heard about it, they were so envious. Real funny when one of them said, "Oh, I thought you are going to say Bukit ... Timah, or Bukit ... Batok, or Bukit ... Panjang. Phuket! What good life!" =) And of course I got the same response from my lecturer when I told her I'll be missing her class on Friday because the group is leaving early that morning =)

Well, it was a good restful time - away from the crowd, listening to God, catching up with other colleagues. There's of course the "serious" side and the "fun" side. I'll try and recall these as I share them with you ...

The "serious" side
The retreat was a good time of listening to the Lord. It was a time when we are reminded to connect (1) to God, (2) to self, (3) to others, (4) to church/school.

Throughout the retreat, I'm very, very clear that God was reminding me the importance of staying connected with Him in all areas of my life - because only then will I not depend on my own strength and end up being frustrated. And by staying connected with God, He will show me the next step and I will not end up running ahead of Him and getting myself into all the mess that He will afterward have to untangle. Matthew 11:28 and Isaiah 43:1-4 (esp. vs 2) were what I felt the Lord telling me, and of course the reminder from the song "Great is Thy faithfulness" - nothing beats the faithfulness of God and His promises to us! =) The caution is therefore our pride, as we sometimes think we know better than the Lord ... we depend a lot on our own experiences, intuition and feelings, etc. Pastor K reminds us that "nothing sets a person so much outside the devil's reach as humility" which he also rephrase as "nothing sets a person so much outside staying connected with God as humility". How true - the humility as God's children as we come before Him. It's all about identity - knowing who we are and whose we are.

Pastor KM spoke about the need to center our lives around the Lord, allowing Him to mold us, and surrendering our wills to Him as he reminded us about the need to connect with ourselves. It's all about integrity.

Pastor W spoke about us as intercessor as we connect with others. It's interesting that he uses 3 chairs, one stacked upon another, to illustrate his point - God is the foundation chair, we are the ones in the centre as the intercessor, and others represented by the chair in between us and God. He reminded us about praying for our schools and our churches - leaders who are sometimes "sandwiched" in between policies and people.

The rest of the session were spent discussing on how we could improve our ministries in the schools - sharing ideas with each other, our struggles and concerns etc, and of course a proper Holy Communion closing service.

The fun side
Well, it was definitely a retreat where I got to know a number of my colleagues from other schools better. We only meet once a month and for formal meetings, so there really wasn't enough occasions for such catching up except until retreat.

Hmm... it was so interesting how we went galivanting around the vicinity of Patong Beach and having pampering sessions together =) 5 of us went for a real good 2-hr traditional Thai massage to loosen our muscles and joints during our evening free slots. It was so good that a few of the others went again the next day =) As I recall back, it's really amusing that we rather go hungry and have our pampering session first - coz by the time we finished our massage session, it was like 8.30pm (Singapore time 9.30pm!) and by then our minds were not connected with our thoughts because we were SO HUNGRY! And the worse thing that could happen then was we walked the wrong direction, away from the seafood restaurant that we wanted to have dinner at. Only after walking for about 20 minutes did we realize we were on the wrong tracks and had to "keblakan busing" - by then we were almost "crawling" because we were so so so so hungry =p Of course we found the place we wanted (Savoey, a highly recommended one =) and had a sumptuous dinner. We ordered (1) Tom Yam Soup, (2) a veg, (3) 2 garlic butter lobsters, (4) fresh prawns cooked with chilli sauce, (5) fresh fish grilled (salted) - real heavenly as we taste the freshness of the seafood! My colleague took some pictures which she said she will email to me, so when I get it, I'll try to post it here - real big tempting lobsters - haha, hopefully her skills is good enough to show it off *wink*

The next day we went back to the same area, looking for some more pampering sessions. From Famous Five (the original 5 of us), we "upgraded" to Secret Seven =) some of us went for manicure/pedicure, some went for foot reflexology, some went for some more massage =) well, the 3 of us who went for manicure/pedicure concluded that for the price we paid for (S$12 for both), we cannot have too high an expectation - the work is so "rough" and the session so "non-pampering" =( The dinner that night was also rather disappointing - we had Thai food this time round, but the service staff at the restaurant was rather rude (I mean, really really rude and with real bad attitude), so that kind of spoil our moods ...

The final night was real fun - our crazy colleagues came up with the idea of having each group putting together an "MTV" using the music they gave to us (one Mandarin song, one Cantonese song, one English song, one Marcarena, one Tamil song), and we are supposed to have "stupid" items (like shower cap, wig, coconuts, toilet roll, etc) included in the act - and guess what, I had to order 2 coconut juice on 2 separate nights during dinner just to ensure that I get the items for the group ... but oh, we all had fun. It was the craziest time we all had in the entire retreat. Even the few pastors who came along with us participated so spontaneously and we were all bursting out and laughing non-stop =) wink*

In conclusion
On the whole, this retreat was really a good time away from the madness and the rush of our usual everyday life =) And of course, it was a also a good time catching up with some reading that I need to do for my theological studies =P ... a lot more to read though =(

It has also been a time of wonderful encounter with God as He reminds me: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2

If you are feeling tired or having uncertainties in life, may this verse remind you of the wonderful promises and faithfulness of God. Take a step back - retreat backwards before God tell you to move on ahead and forward =)