| Cynthia 的个人资料C y N t H i @ ' S ~ p A ...照片日志列表 |  工具  帮助 |
|
6月11日 Found it!This is random, nothing to do with the Chronicles of Timor Leste!
I remembered drafting a blog last year Oct/Nov but realised I've never posted it....humphh...
Juz wanted to post it now cos the few events meant something to me. Enjoy reading...
1. Ipoh trip, M'sia (20-22 Oct) Went to visit one of my ex-colleagues who's pastoring a cantonese/mandarin cong in Ipoh. Wanted the trip to be a personal retreat time with one other fren. Didn't expect myself to be sharing on Sun. The moment i stood in front of the cong & began to share, i suddenly felt i was back in missions field...it was quite a nostalgic feeling & i knew my time for missions is not over. Was blessed when diff ones came up to me & commented that they were blessed by my sharing on missions & giving. GOD works in wondorous way to reassure me that His work for me is not finished...Of course, there's also the part where i over-ate - came bk to S'pore with a big belly...haha...
2. My best fren's wedding (3 Nov) Was really looking forward to this day. This fren whom i mentioned to u b4 who contracted cancer (stage 4) was juz 'pushing thru' for this big day. Physically, she's rather challenged with the prep of the wedding & diff stuff & her doc & some of the ldrs actually advised her to reconsider her marriage plan but she & her fiance stuck to it.
The wedding took place as planned & GOD really blessed them. As i spent time with them in their suite hearing the many testimonies i knew GOD has all the while been for them. Their after-wedding stay at a clubhouse, honeymoon & video album (all costing more than 5k) were blessed by others. Her wedding gown - her initial gown selected couldn't fit her anymore as she lost alot of weight after her two ops & there happened to be one which the bridal shop boss said no one wants to take & it was the only piece available. She tried on it & it fitted her like a fiddle...it was victorian style & she looked gorgeous in it! I felt like GOD kept that piece juz for her...
A total of about 500 guests turned up for her wedding - frankly speaking, i've not attended any wedding where almost 95% of the guests invited turned up despite it was on a Sat morning & some of the guests actually rushed down after work.
But the most beautiful part of the whole wedding was the presence of GOD. That was what we (she & i) prayed over the phone couple of days b4 her wedding...the most impt person she wants to be present in the wedding is GOD. It was really beautiful...i cried when they said their vows...hehe...
We're still believing for a miracle for her condition. She needs to go for another CT scan that'll determine whether she needs to hv chemotherapy or other kind of treatment. Praying that she doesn't need to at all...
*Currently, my fren is undergoing chemotherapy & oral treatment for her cancer. Both her husband & herself are in Belfast, N Ireland, working & serving God joyfully despite of her physical condition.
3. Fire (3 Nov) Returned home after a wedding & saw a group of pple under my block - with firemen & police. Asked a neighbor & she said a fire broke out on the 8th floor, corner unit..."That's my house!!!"
I tried calling my mum's mobile but no one picked up. Then i called home & my mum told me the story...It was actually my immediate next-door neighbor - malay family. I was so relieved upon hearing that...
It was really a bad sight. The 50yr-old neighbor (man) was admitted to hospital with a 2nd degree burnt & passed away on Sun morn'g. I was hvg mixed feelings on Sun morn'g - on one hand I was thankful that God has safekept my parents & bro, on the other hand, sad when I saw my neighbor's son sitting outside the house staring at all the charred furniture & stuff...
Life is so short & unpredictable - again I was reminded thru this incident. Can't afford to fool around. But yet i'm thankful that those who really know God thru His Son Jesus Christ, we have a hope. Life becomes not despairing or depressing, but a preparation time for victory...
Still learning life's precious lessons thru others - whether living or dead...
Keep looking heaven-ward, keep tuning our ears to heaven too...
6月10日 Let the Chronicles of Timor Leste continue...Month three – Fulan Tolu
The few times when I sat in the taxi of a curious driver, a conversation usually strikes up. Following is a typical dialogue :
Taxi Driver : “You, from China?”
Missy : “Lae.” (No.)
Taxi Driver : “Mana, husi ne’ebe?” (Sister from where?)
Missy : “Hau husi Singapura.” (I from Singapore.)
Taxi Driver : “Ahh, Singapura? Taxi all come from Singapura.” (Note : the taxis here are not the ones we are familiar with in Singapore. They do not, I repeat, DO NOT, have uniform colour or size or shape. Basically, our country gave away the old, run-down sedan cars to this nation. These later are being used as taxis.)
Missy : “Sin.” (Yes.)
Taxi Driver : “Singapura very good. Very big country.”
Missy : “Obrigada. Maibe Singapura la boot” (Thank you. However, Singapore is not big.) “Singapore is smaller than Timor. Singapore started as a small fishing village – very poor too. Slowly it became better, not big.” (Obviously, my vocab of Tetun ran out so I started to use the language I learnt in Singapore.)
Taxi Driver : “Singapura has many money.”
Missy : ?....“Singapore has many money because the people worked very hard. If you work hard, you will also have many money. If every one in Timor work hard, she will also become better.”
Taxi Driver : “Sin, sin. Mana hatene Tetun?” (Yes, yes. Sister know Tetun?)
Missy : “Hau aprende agora.” (I’m learning now.)
Taxi Driver : “Di’ak.” (Good.)
Missy : “Obrigada.” (Thank you.)
Few things I gathered from the dialogue :
1. Most Timorese always think they are the poorest, they are the least, the most needy in aid. Fact is, they are a remnant God has left to rebuild and re-establish a new Timor Leste under the shadow of NOT the Portugese or Indonesians, rather the shadow of the Almighty. Believe that once the nation is transformed, the Glory of God will be displayed.
2. Language is either a bridge or a hindrance, choose the first.
6月2日 Chronicles of Timor LesteIn every story or here we have a Chronology, there's a main character, a setting/place where the story begins, perhaps a plot & then other characters that come along...
I'm attempting to begin (much inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia) another Chronicles of Timor Leste. It would be politically correct if I were to begin with "In the beginning when Timor Leste was still under the rule of the Portugal Government...." However, I'm not wanting to be involved in any way in the politics. I'm just wanting to show Asia's youngest nation, recently celebrated another year of Independence, her beauty, her transformation thru the eyes of a young & rather stylish (uh-hum) Singaporean lady.
Why do I call this a Chronicle? I guess I'm trying to make it sound catchy & perhaps it would be a continuation of more than one(this) "adventure" (blog entry) if persistence, perseverance & diligence stay very much as part of my traits.
Picture paints a thousand words, they say, but alas! I have none. So, that would mean you'll have to bear with my thousand words....*grin*
A small airport welcomed the Singaporean lady (henceforth known as Missy), apart from a wave of heat that almost knocked her out (pls bear in mind in every story, there is exaggeration). Missy didn't know what to expect really. However, it helped to arrive in Timor Leste not alone but with 5 other people, life becomes more exciting. Going thru the customs was a breeze for Missy but not quite for some of her friends. They were ushered into a room. Missy with another 2 others need to secure their luggages as they come thru the one & only short belt. It's like, it would be (much) quicker if all the passengers just pick their own luggages straight from the 'truck'.
By the time the friends were cleared, Missy & her group of 5 were the last to exit. Ends well, first day...
Ok, it's not gonna work...I'll be the 1st to be bored to tears (if not death) should I continue...
Summary :
2+months have passed, Missy is doing well. Occasionally, she misses home & her S'pore & UK friends, especially when there is power cut in the nights & she just couldn't do other things except to think about them. However, now with a puppy called 'Sugar', she has companion.
It has been busy in the past 2+months with teams coming in & a major Pastors' Summit held in one of the beach resorts in Timor. Missy is catching a breath before more short term teams come in June & before her 4 other colleagues move on - some back to Brazil, one back to S'pore.
Missy is trying hard to organise & set up a proper system in the office. So far so good...she is pleased.
Missy has never doubted that she is in Timor Leste for such a time as this. In fact, she is even more convinced than when she was here in January.
Moving around in town - Dili, has become an ease. She loves to walk but the weather stops her sometimes. However, it would be easier in time when she gets her bicycle & perhaps in months to come the company vehicle.
Visiting other missionaries in the districts & villages have challenged Missy. Roads are bad, journey is long & often, they don't travel in cars but in trucks or buses. Her heart goes out to these esp the single-lady-missionaries.
Missy decides in her heart that she will provide support in every way possible to ease the burden of these missionaries...
The Chronicles of Timor Leste doesn't end here, this is the beginning of an adventure Missy embarked with her Redeemer who is also the Redeemer of Timor Leste.
3月22日 New AdventureBeginning a new adventure in Timor Leste soon...
Having mixed but not confused feelings - excitement with sadness.
Realised it's becoming more and more difficult for me to depart from my families, both the blood-related and Christ-related.
Then again, distance makes the hearts grow fonder... =) 1月1日 Abandoned...but only for a while...Blog site abandoned - for a while...
Distraction - blame it on computer crash for few weeks -> rising of facebook -> (almost) obsession of facebook -> winding down in 2007 -> challenges in 2008 10月8日 Ignited once again...Baked three
 in a row today! Well, not exactly three - two to be exact 'cos one is 'chilled' ...The passion for baking was ignited when I was in Glasgow...
Somehow living alone there, I have more time to try out new recipes. Plus the encouragement of friends, I ventured into the world of 'baking'...
Gradually I discovered baking (& even cooking) is very therapeutic...
The process of buying the ingredients, preparing, mixing, stirring, decorating & waiting for the cake to be done...is soul-satisfying...esp when the people who taste of the finished product is happy!
I guess it's the 'making others happy' that inspire me once again...
10月6日 talk, talk...Had an interesting conversation with dad & mum over breakfast this morning... me : Life is so short... mum : ... (stares) dad : ... (eating his pao) me : One can die anytime right. More & more of such case where the person just dropped & die...I may be one of them...one day I just suddenly drop & die... mum : You cannot die first! me : Orh...you don't want "white-head person send black-head person" right? (italics to be translated to mandarin) mum : No...I don't want to take care of you if you don't die... dad : ... (still eating his pao) mum : Ay, you (to my dad) also cannot die first, I must die first... dad : (stares) me : Aiyah, all die together lah...then no one troubles no one...haha... mum : Yah, yah, that's a good idea...haha... dad : ... (just finished his pao, drinking coffee now) Well, this conversation portrays a common sight in my family, where the ladies do all the talking & the men, the eating... XD 10月5日 Websites to check outCalvary Christian Centre, Dublin http://www.calvarydublin.org NewMercy Church, Glasgow http://www.newmercy.org.uk The Fern and the BambooOne day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me... "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied. "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo." He said, "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said, "then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just six months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle." He said to me, "did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others." He said, "the bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come," God said to me. "You will rise high!" "How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned. "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you... (author anonymous) 9月7日 Joy comes with the morning...Heard & watched so many testimonies of cancer patients who overcame the sickness - some recovered, some passed on...
Whatever, all these have fought a good fight...
One of my close friends (I don't have many anyway =)), also a dear sister, also my faithful prayer warrior, was diagnosed of cancer recently. It affected me very much but she encouraged me with her testimony...
When she was told that she has colon cancer & another op is needed to remove the growth in her large intestine, she took it quite well 'cos prior to the report God already prepared her heart until when she reached home & relatives, friends, family mbrs started to ask her then it hit her...
The most difficult part was when the family questioned 'where's your God?' 'u still want to believe when such thing happen?' etc...Her faith is definitely being tested at this time. Then there were diff opinions wrt the chemotherapy & postponing the wedding etc...
She has been crying & crying but God gave her a word "Don't cry" during one of her devotions & God has been leading her to read Ps 139 every day. She felt God is creating her all over again so by faith she's claiming new ovaries. And she just felt deep in her heart that she shouldn't go thru chemo 'cos the treatment would not just kill the bad cells, also the good.
She went for the service called 'Power Night' last Sun. This is held every month on the last Sunday evening when we are encouraged to bring the sick & infirmed for prayers. After the svc, she went for prayers. She was crying initially but when the guest speaker came to pray for her, he started with "Don't cry!" It was like a rebuke to her. And he encouraged her to keep believing for healing & miracle. Another pastor came & 'advised' that they should cont with their wedding plan - something good is going to take place after that...
My fren told me that i shouldn't cry, in fact all the pple around her should not as God is re-creating her & something wonderful is going to take place...She's an amazing girl...her faith is a testimony...
Joy comes with the morning 'cos of JESUS! 8月29日 Whaz up?For the last couple of months, i've been busy with the preparation & coordination of an Asia Pacific Missions Conference, finally it's over...
Worked really hard, have never travelled to M'sia so often within a week. E'ryday i'll go in to HQ office 1st then either take a bus or catch a ride fm one of the speakers into JB. Thankful to God He sustained me & kept me healthy thru'out the whole period.
However, been feeling 'not-so-up' lately...is it work? is it relationships? is it missing what i've left behind? I guess at times when i'm feeling low, i still lament over Glasgow :-)
But God always send reminders when I become dis-orientate or dis-illusion...
Recently, one of my close frenz was suspected to have cancer juz few months before her wedding...
Then there's another person who died 'cos of an unknown virus contacted when she was out in the field but some said it was hereditary. She had been in out hospital many times but God preserved her. This time 'cos she had to remove phlegm from her lungs, during the process of extraction she fainted & went into a coma...few days later, she passed away...
It sounds so sad but as i reflect on these two lives I was encouraged.
The first one she is so strong & brave. She told her husband-to-be "no matter how weak i am, I will still walk down the aisle"...
So touching...And she testified many times when the pain came, she cried to God & He always, ALWAYS answer.
The one who passed away, someone testified there was once when she was juz discharged from the hospital & she went straight to a worship practice. How many times have i given excuses to not attend certain mtgs or gatherings - some were very lame excuses, & i actually missed the blessings of fellowshipping with my spiritual family.
These two lives really caused me to re-think my priorities at this time. Lately i've been so bogged down by work that i failed to take notice of what's happening in the lives of the people around me.
So, I'm learning more & more to say 'no' to the 'urgent' which many times i realised are not important...
.....I'm learning more & more to take good care of my own health - if i don't, who will?... .....I'm learning more & more that only relationships last for eternity... .....I'm learning more & more that only relationships reap more satisfaction than job/career...
So, my dear frenz...
...Do take time to smell the flowers along the path...
...Cheer another soul...
...Have a good meal & chill out with a cuppa & good book...
...Have fun in the sun or rain with a gool pal...
...Enjoy this life that God has blessed us with & return the blessings to Him...=)
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Always!
Hugz from me! 8月27日 return of a MIAMore than 2 months since I've gone missing-in-action...no remorse, no guilt since i've forewarned 'Cynthia's pace'...my pace...
Anyway, realised that most of those bloggers whom I used to faithfully 'check on' weren't that diligent either...hehe...
I'm back into this space but somehow still can't seem to catch up with the pace of life in S'pore...
Still can't really reconcile how I can be so busy in this world yet still lose touch with those living in the same world as I...so contrary
Many things seem superficial, people seem to pass me by even quicker nowadays...
Recently, some news really shook me...can't take life for granted...can't take GOD for granted.
Wasn't it written that our lives are like a candle flame? Anytime, it can be snuffed out...
Before that flame is snuffed out, how bright is our flame?
And is the flame steady or flickering?
Still pondering on my own flame... 6月10日 Say it..."Today I will make a Difference"Today I Will Make a Difference I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference. I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It’s OK to stumble… I will get up. It’s OK to fail… I will rise again. Today I will make a difference. I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends. Today I will make a difference. 5月23日 Music & Lyrics...inseparable...This song is dedicated to all those who have watched the movie...AND for those who have not...you may want to get the DVD.
Simply love it...
WaY bAcK iNtO LoVe (by Haley Bennet & Hugh Grant)
I've been living with a shadow overhead
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past, I just can't seem to move on
I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need them again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere
I've been looking for someone to shed some light
Not just somebody just to get me through the night
I could use some direction
And I'm open to your suggestions
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end
There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation
All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end 5月17日 LaNgUaGeS oF lOvE websites -check it outThese websites were given from the pulpit on Sunday when Pastor talked about 'understanding one another'.
Pretty accurate, however, these are not the ultimum...
Do we or should we only have ONE primary language of love? NO.
Jesus is the role model; the One we should always look up to for reference -
He wasn't dependant on others to give Him love;
He received direct from God the Father;
He expressed all five during His time on earth... That means, we should strive towards expressing in all five - according to the needs of OTHERS!Pastor threw in one more - the love language of ACCEPTANCE - of ourselves & others.
If we are not made whole emotionally, spiritually...our giving & receiving all expressions of love will be very self-centered...
And we'll probably find it harder to understand others...
Thank you Pastor for the enlightenment... 5月14日 I'm ALIVE!!!YO! EVERYBODY! I'M BACK! I'm still alive if you are wondering...kekeke...
Ok, yes, i'm in one of those cheeky, playful moods...But funny thing, it only began after 5.30pm working hours! *grin*
Been busy (what else to expect from a Singaporean?)...
Don't even really have time to notice how my hair has grown & the fringe covering half of my face causing me to see only half of everything...Oh well, it's gonna be better this week as two of my bosses are overseas...
Slowly i'm phasing back into ministry...building & rebuilding relationships...some spark off almost immediate, some taking more time...
Planning to take up some full-time Bible School courses from July onwards...juz feel that i need to 'upgrade' myself; sharpen my 'skills'...
Have the faintest idea of whether i'll be back in Glasgow or in some other country...no answer for people who are either concerned or curious...Learnt to tune my response to "...shall see...in God's time...within His plan...". Meanwhile, maintaining a 'positive-wanting-to-learn-waiting-thankful' attitude... However, i realise i need to be more disciplined in focusing my energy here. There are so many temptations & distractions (things to do)...
Recently attended a three day's Missions Summit in Singapore & tho' most of the sessions i was assisting in co-ordination, the few sessions i sat in really blessed my heart. Was so encouraged to hear about the different reports on the progress of the works in East Timor; how traditional church congregation began to respond to missions call; how the believers in China are growing...And yes, the desire to be 'out there' nudges again...
...when?...where?...how?...with who?...
Someone reminded me that it usually takes 6 months to a year for a returned missionary to 'settle back' home...i hope i'll never settle back here...(?)...'cos if i do, i'll probably become too comfortable. I'll rather learn to re-connect & in time to come still be opened to be re-channelled to somewhere... =)
Oh by the way, the tattoo on my ankle has been removed...
R was surprised (or shocked?) when she saw my post...haha...the tattoo was a BLUFF! It was air-brush tattooing...Did it at our Church's Family Day, only lasted for a week or so...
Gonna go to bed soon...for those who know me well enough will know that my 'system' kinda starts hibernating from 10pm onwards...then total shut down after a while...Zzzz....
4月28日 yes, the things we do...TATTOO for a change...Was reading Deb's blog & yep, yep, sometimes we do things out of the ordinary & the norm when stressed...
And for me, not that i'm stressed or anything like that but i did something today out of the norm...
I TATTOOED MY ANKLE!!!...HAHAHA...My parents were like...???...why did u do that???...
Photos attached here, have a look...like the design?
Wanna know why i did what i did...watch out in the next space...my pace...=P OMG! 10th Anniversary...Wah!!!!Little did i realise the first missions trip i went was 10yrs ago!!!
Had a little reunion dinner with the other team members & i must say we have ALL grown!
Grown in maturity....grown in size (some of us)
 ...grown in our walk with God...grown...I'm thankful after all these years, we still choose to keep in touch & tho' some may not be in S'pore, the effort is evident...
10yrs down the road, how would it be like?...we shall see... 4月25日 a poemWas very tired last night but mind was so, so active...so juz got up, lit a candle & listened to a song on my mp3 "Come Holy Spirit" by City Harvest Church. Then it came...a contention...been contending with diff things in my life & juz feel that there must be more to what i am doing & what i have now...a conviction...the verse that says 'our heart is desperate...wicked...' came to mind & so true, as i reflect & ponder on the condition of my heart - how untamed it still is! I began to pen down my thots into a poem...
Tame this heart, Lord
A heart that tends to wander
A heart that seeks its own adventures
A heart that gallops after temporal pleasures.
Tame this heart, Lord
A heart that tends to wonder
A heart that seeks its own answers
A heart that very often got lost in its own restlessness.
Be tamed, my heart
By the gentle voice of the Great Shepherd
Be tamed, my heart
By the guidance of the Wonderful Counsellor
Be tamed, my heart
Let Jesus rein
Let Jesus reign
My song - a pure heart...
My prayer - purify my love for You...
My action - remain in Him...
4月19日 Spring is coming...finally...
SPRING EVERYDAY! By Van Walton
Psalm 96:1-2, “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! …tell of his salvation from day to day.” (ESV)
Devotion:
It does not matter what part of the country I am living in during winter. Whether the temperatures have just dipped below freezing or I have endured a deep freeze for months, I always eagerly anticipate spring! I try very hard to be upbeat all winter, keeping my grumbling to myself. Staying positive during dreary days is difficult for me. Gray skies, cold air, wind, and short days depress me.
On the other hand, when sunshine peaks through the clouds and warm breezes penetrate my skin, my mood changes immediately. The truth is that I have a hard time persevering through winter months. I wish it were spring all year long.
Why do I like spring? I like new life. I can’t help but open my eyes with a smile when birds’ songs announce a new day. The smell of fresh wet dirt just after a good rain causes me to breathe life back into my wilting soul. Maybe it is the call of the wild or a basic instinct to start tilling, I am not sure. I just know that I thrive on all things in the spring.
When I first notice the flowers pushing through the dark dirt, I cannot contain myself. I become a fan cheering for the team of flowers that has fought the miraculous fight – popping out of a hard seed in a deep and dark place, forcing their way up though the cold soil, eventually tasting the bright rays of sunshine, and finally blooming in all their glorious color. Clapping and jumping, I announce to my neighbors and friends, “Another spring is here. The flowers are blooming again. Look at them. They are more glorious than ever!”
Guess what? I have great news! In God’s economy every day is spring! Listen to what He says:
2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come." (NASB)
Colossians 3:10, “… put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge, according to the image of the One who created him.” (NASB)
2 Corinthians 5:18-20: “The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him … God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives.” (MSG)
How can I make everyday like spring?
~ Celebrate my salvation. Praise God everyday with new songs that tell of His love and new life.
~ Be intentional every day to be renewed. Make it a priority to become deeply acquainted with God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Learn something new about Him every day!
~ Be an ambassador. Share the good news daily, either through good deeds or saving words. Ask for God's guidance.
Winter's time is drawing to a close for now. It will return all too soon. Yet it doesn't matter if you are prepared to celebrate new life every day of the year. Maybe you don't feel like spring, but instead you are stuck in winter. Even though winter's soil is hard and frozen, allow your heart to be tilled by God’s Word. Then go forth and cast the seeds that are able to come to life even in the darkest of times.
Dear Lord, thank you that every day You shower Your new mercies down on those You love. Help me to always see the new thing You are doing in my life. Give me wisdom and strength to respond in a way that would please and glorify You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
Reflections:
Am I willing to allow God to work something new in my life?
Am I willing to allow God to use my life to share the Good News with others, bringing new life to those around me?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 43:19, “Behold, I will do something new; now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (NASB)
Colossians 2:12, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” (NLT) |
|
|
