I'll Sing Your Praises Forever

It was pretty late already but I remembered that I needed to get something from the supermarket. After a bath, I was still contemplating if I should head out. Somehow I decided not to and found myself sitting in front of the computer wanting to go through the songs for this week's Sunday service. I found myself drifting into the presence of God as I listened to the first song. Then my heart was stirred to listen to one of my favourite worship songs. As I clicked play, I began to close my eyes. I knew the song by heart and began to sing. It was not even the end of the first verse when I felt tears running down my cheeks. I kept singing but found myself crying more than I could sing. So I just kept crying. In that moment I felt how real God was and His presence just filled me and all I could do was soak in it.Words cannot do justice to what I experienced in that length of the song as I sat weeping and worshiping Him. More than ever, I believe that God is real and He knows my heart. I truly marvel at how close He is to me and knowing me inside out. As much as I have been occupied with work and taking every opportunity to let my hair down when I have the time, not making as much time as I should for Him, He gave me that precious moment tonight when He drew me back to His awesome presence. I realized how much I have taken Him for granted by not keeping Him close but just merely a God who hears and watches over me from 'afar'. Tonight, when He touched me, it was like Him wanting to tell me that He is not far away at all and that He is just as close as a father or a friend.

Here in Your courts where I'm close to Your throne,

I find where I belong.

Proverbs

Sleep

⁶ Go to the ant, you sluggard;
    consider its ways and be wise!
⁷ It has no commander,
    no overseer or ruler,
⁸ yet it stores its provisions in summer
    and gathers its food at harvest.

⁹ How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
    When will you get up from your sleep?
¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest —
¹¹ and poverty will come on you like a thief
    and scarcity like an armed man.

Learning

⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools^[a] despise wisdom and instruction.

Counsel

¹⁵ The way of fools seems right to them,
    but the wise listen to advice.

Discernment

¹⁵ The simple believe anything,
    but the prudent give thought to their steps.

Friends

²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise,
    for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Rebuke

⁸ Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.

Caution

¹⁶ The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
    but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

Humility

² When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
    but with humility comes wisdom.

Change

³ The prudent see danger and take refuge,
    but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

Planning

⁵ The wise prevail through great power,
    and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
⁶ Surely you need guidance to wage war,
    and victory is won through many advisers.

Self Control

¹¹ Fools give full vent to their rage,
    but the wise bring calm in the end.

Heart

²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.

Never enough wisdom.

Year 2011

The year is ending in like 2 days. So here's what I've gotta say about 2011...

I started the year being a fresh grad who have been bumming around for 8 months since graduation. By that time, dad had already finished his treatments and was back in JB. Around that time also I've secured a job with RHB and was asked to start on the first week of Feb. I requested to start a week later, right after CNY, cause I was still on holiday mood haha. So in the second week of Feb, I started working officially! 

First couple of months of work was pretty boring actually. I was given some notes to read on the bank trade facilities and of course, I didn't understand much haha. What I enjoyed most was the stress-free environment and going home on time everyday. Also, after a couple of weeks of work, I decided to get a new ride because I'd be expected to travel for work within N9 till North Johor. And so, a new liability was confirmed and I got Casper :)

Later on, I was sent for courses in Bangi and got to meet up with some KL peeps for dinner during workdays which was quite nice :) I began to travel more to companies within the said region and met all sorts of people. Most of the time I had to converse in Mandarin though - forced to learn some new jargons to make my explanation more effective haha. But more often than not, work was manageable and interesting. I've never traveled on the highway so much before in my life! What I enjoy most is seeing the clouds, sort of a new interest :)

Around June, when I was back in JB for a weekend, dad suddenly had fits. And in the wee hours of that morning, it was the first time I sat in an ambulance. Turns out, he had some lesion in his brain and after some tests, doctors confirmed that his cancer was back again. First things first, a surgery was done in HSA JB to remove the lesion. It was successful but he still had to go through 6 cycles of chemo again, this time in JB itself. After completing the chemo, the next step was a stem-cell transplant. Dad and mom had to be in Ampang Hospital for about 2 months. During that time, bros and I went over to Ampang as often as we could and we thank God for Ps Lisa who opened up her place to us strangers :) Thank God that all of dad's treatments went well and the latest check up was positive. He has lost so much weight since then but we are just grateful that he is still with us :) 

Another highlight would be me getting the iPhone4! I know this may sound kind of ridiculous but sadly, it's true - iPhone changed my life. HAHA

This year was also a year where our friends got married and many more to come next year! Really appreciate these occasions as they are a time for reunion since everyone is now settled down in different places. The only setback is our pockets haha. But I'm grateful for new friendships and also deepening of old friendships this year. I learnt that if we do open up and accept others, things can be really different :)

Christmas was really nice this year. Aunt and cousin from sg came to stay with us and we had a good time having home-cooked food and just chilling out at home :) Just grateful that the whole family can be together :)

Besides that, I managed to meet up with some JB friends too! 

I guess that's about it for this year. It was more of just work and family. No major trips this year, but there will be in the coming year! :) 

Above all, I'm thankful that I can still serve God with what I love.

For all the many downs and occasional ups, I still want to thank You for Year 2011 :)

Hello, Year 2012!!

Others

Life's been so different this year, but I'll get to more details when I do my annual reflection later ;) I guess we can never avoid being in contact with others but that's the root of my ups and downs.
But this morning's devotion reminds me to be at peace with everyone. I'm grateful for all the times that I can get over an issue easily. And for the other times, I definitely need more grace.

It's the Christmas season once again. One of the mellow-est December for me personally. I hope things will pick up soon, and for all of you ;)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

-Romans 12:18

The world needs a peace that passes all understanding - ODB

Sad But True

Find this really funny but can't help but feel guilty!

Why

Sometimes I ask God why can't life be easier?

Why can't good things prevail?

Sometimes it's getting so hard to breathe but I just got to go on.

It's so hard to always see things positively and I really am getting tired.

I wish God would make things right again, as if everything was just a mere nightmare.

But it is still as it is.

'One day at a time' is getting harder to live by. 

I look forward to the day when I do not have anything at the back of my mind to worry about in the midst of everything...I really do.

Please heal, Lord.

You Are Good

You Are Good - Kari Jobe

I Need Thee Every Hour

The Lord has promised good to me

His Word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures

Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

This is my Father's world

the birds their carols raise

the morning light, the lily white

declare their maker's praise

This is my Father's world

He shines in all that's fair

in the rustling grass I hear Him pass

He speaks to me everywhere      

Let us exalt His name together forever

I sought the Lord

He heard me and delivered me from my fears

Let us exalt His name together forever

O sing His praises, magnify the Lord     

And now let the weak say I am strong

Let the poor say I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us

Give thanks.

Thou art worthy.

Wake Up

Sometimes, the things on earth may blind us from the truth, the ugly truth. During this time, we ourselves wouldn't even realize that we're not able to see. And no matter what others say, we feel that we're on the right path because we're feeling good. But the truth is, we're heading towards a cliff. So, wake up.

"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."

-James 1:5

It's never too late.

How about now?

Currently, I'm in my 6th week of work and what can I say? haha...
so far, it's been a pretty good ride!

Just want to thank God that I haven't gotten sick of it YET.
haha...yeah, really...not yet :)

Neon (Cover) - Gabe Bondoc

But one thing's for sure, I'll never get sick of this song,

and of course, my favourite guitarist :)

cheers!

who knows how long, how long, how long...