A Safe Haven

(shot taken on November 2010 at Herdsman Lake, WA)

Yesterday was my usual “powerhouse laundry and cleaning” type of day.  You know the type when just spend the whole day keeping house.  I popped in this fairly nice movie, “Safe Haven” portrayed by Julianne Hough and Joash Duhamel, While folding the new laundered clothes fresh from the dryer.  A suspenseful movie about a young lady (Katie) trying to escape from an abusive husband who beats her to pieces.  Her past sets her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. She then landed into this remote place and met a widower (Alex) forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.  As Katie begins to fall for Alex more and more, she is still haunted by her past and isn't sure what her next move should be. Thus the melodrama begins.

“There's no safer place for you than here with me.”  These

were the words of Alex when he found out everything about this woman. 

Then, it made me think.

I am still settling down from a 4-week homecoming vacation and at several occasions, I wish I didn’t have to come back to the “grind”.  You see, I realized coming back to work was my greatest FEAR:  of making a mistake,  of the shift work and of not getting enough rest and sleep, of limited support from the workplace, amongst the many qualms. 

Then, it struck me.

I have a friend who is battling with stage 4 cancer.  We all do not know how long he is going to last.  I saw him early this week and I was just torn into pieces.  He is only 30, young and full of dreams for his young family.

“Why?  Why Lord?”  I was driving home baffled.  I was trying to hold my tears.  The query lingered in my mind until I came home.  It brought me down to my knees.  I realized it could happen to me too!

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”  Psalm 91:4 NLT

He will cover you with his feathers.
  As birds do their young, who cannot cover themselves.  This they do from a tender regard to them, whereby they both keep them warm, and protect them from those that would hurt them. 

This represents the helpless state of the children of God, who are, like to young birds, weak and unable to defend themselves: the tender regard of God unto them, as the eagle and other birds have to their young; and the warmth and comforts souls have, as well as protection, under His powerful and gracious presence; He comforts them under their tribulations, as well as defends them from their enemies:

The psalm above was speaking to me as if it were the same words uttered in the movie, “There’s no safer place for you than here with me.”

The psalm can be both victorious and confusing.    It is a victorious psalm because it is full of promises of God’s protection on those who turn to Him for their refuge and was actually written as a song. On the other hand, it is quite disturbing because so often it seems to not be the case in our life experiences.

Life experiences such as: Christians who pray for healing only to hear silence? Why do children die of SIDS or have birth defects? Why is there so much suffering among people who believe God is good and can always be trusted? Why do marriages that start at the foot of the cross end up in devastating divorce leaving the children torn and demoralized?  And why this young friend suffer from stage 4 cancer leaving behind a beautiful wife and gorgeous son to fend for themselves?  Why? 

Questions were racing through my mind.

Bad things do happen to good people. We live in an imperfect and fallen world and no one is immune to the pains of life.

While we still experience suffering and evil in this fallen world, God has promised divine protection and deliverance.  God will give complete security and victory to the person who dwells in Him and puts his trust in Him (no matter what is happening in the physical realm). Intimacy and faith will be the fruit of this in our lives.

There is a better place than in the misery, the pain, the heartbreak. Let us be  strong in the Lord and powerful in His might!  If safety, security, and love are not enough, maybe it isn't where you need to be, but I want that place. There is a yearning in my heart to be closer than I have ever been to my Lord. It does take diligence, and yes, time to get there, but once you achieve this goal, you will KNOW just how precious and personal your walk with the Lord can be.

And you know what? There is one more extremely valuable commodity associated with being in that secret place.  PEACE!!!

PSALM 91 NLT

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the LORD:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

he is my God, and I trust him.

For he will rescue you from every trap

and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

though ten thousand are dying around you,

these evils will not touch you.

Just open your eyes,

and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the LORD your refuge,

if you make the Most High your shelter,

no evil will conquer you;

no plague will come near your home.

For he will order his angels

to protect you wherever you go.

They will hold you up with their hands

so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

You will trample upon lions and cobras;

you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.

When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation.”

When I was 19

(birthday poem for secondborn, Jed)

When I was 19, I didn't have a dream
Was passing through time and oblivious, it seemed.
Now that you're 19, dreams are big for you,
You pray and work at it, I see that's what you do.

When I was 19, I made so many mistakes
And I never, ever knew what was at stake.
Now that you're 19, you've had mistakes and all
But that's okay, it will equip you for the haul.

When I was 19, I kept friends to just a few
The old are my bestfriends, and some, I made anew
Now that you're 19, you're everyone's bestfriend!
From them I only hear good stuff and all the high commend.

When I was 19, I was always on a panic
I ran like a fool, or so I was a manic.
Now that you're 19, you keep composed, always cool
You take your time that oftentimes you're late for school.

When I was 19, I was unmindful, forever a kid
My steps were unsure, never knowing what I did.
Now that you're 19, I expect you'll say, "I'm just a kid",
But you're mature, you use your head to think!

When I was 19, I sew, I drifted, and I wrote poetry
I loved the arts, I painted, I danced and such, you see?
Now that you're 19, your hands get dirty and busy
Skillful in metalworks, at home you're such a handy!

When I was 19, I had no work nor a good job
Sure, some business on the side, but end up a flop.
Now that you're 19, at work you excell, you make us proud!
You bloom where you are planted, you stand out in the crowd!

When I was 19, I rode on my parents' cars
They won't let me drive, they said, "just because".
Now that you're 19, you bought your first sexy "whip"
Oh so sleek and shiny, it made my eyes flick!

The only good thing about my being 19 then
was when I met your Pop
Now that you're 19, you linger, you don't rush
You know she'll come around, this you must trust!

I'm more than double the age of 19, but I'm proud of you
Will be here, will pray, will guide you, will always do.
Now that you're 19, my son, keep your faith strong
laugh, love and enjoy life's blessings that come along!

--------------------------

Belated Happy birthday, kiddo! (July 18)
I love you, Jeddi! Congrats on your first car! Can you take your not-so-young mum for a spin?

 — 

Thank God for Grace!

What is HOPE?  According to Wikipedia, Hope is the state which promotes the belief in good outcomes related to events and circumstances in one's life.

But what if HOPE is no longer an option? 

There is Grace.

Grace is God's unmerited favor.  It is kindness from God we don't deserve. There is nothing we have done, nor can ever do to earn this favor.  It is a gift from God.

The grace of Christ is sufficient;  sufficient to cover our debt, sufficient to transform us, sufficient in the most trying times, and sufficient to help us as long as that transformation process takes.

Grace is not the absence of God’s high expectations.  Grace is the presence of God’s power. God’s grace is sufficient.  Jesus’s grace is sufficient. It is enough. It is all we need. Don’t give up.  Don’t quit.   Keep trying.   Don’t look for escapes and excuses.  Look for the Lord and His perfect strength. Don’t search for someone to blame.  Search for someone to help you. Seek Christ, and, as you do, you will feel the enabling power and divine help we call His “amazing grace”.  We surely need the reminder that whatever we require, however big our lack, how so very great our sin, there is GRACE.   

Grace that is greater.  

Grace that is free.

Grace that saves.

Grace that sustains.

Grace that is sufficient.

Grace that is amazing.

Because Jesus is more than enough and He is able to make all grace abound to you and me.

“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”  2 Cor. 12:9




Color: Purple Wax

When everything else dies in winter, this purple wax flowers in my garden takes grand entrance!  That is GRACE made manifest.  Thank you, Lord!

Of Rainbows 
And 
Sunrise

Winter clouds may appear gloomy and grey
Yet no, that will not ruin my day.
For it no longer usher rain or storm
Enough of the sadness, weary and mourn.

Hello sunrise! You bring forth light -
Oh my, you are such a wonderful sight!
Etched on the sky, the colors of the rainbow
I stop and took you all in, what a view!

In the heavenlies, God’s HOPE is displayed
Oh how pleasant it is, with my heart at ease.
Of rainbows and sunrise or by moonlight skies
Your splendor spread out, O Lord, as You please!

My friend, your sky may be heavy and impervious
Your trials may be lonesome, crooked and mischievous
I pray that may your mountains rise above the clouds
And know no limits, God’s GRACE and LOVE abounds!

I dedicate this poem to a very good friend of mine, JM. This was the view coming home from night shift. The sunrise on the east tells of God's hope and the rainbow westforth portrays of His amazing grace. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers, dearest friend. Be strong. Know that you are not alone in this journey. God be with you!

The
Crazy Things
We do!

Have you ever done anything bizarre for the sake of obeying God?  I have.  In fact, many times I have done mind-boggling things just because I am prompted to do so.

Most often, people think that the out-of-this-world things we do for God may be unacceptable, objectionable  or simply just “crazy”.  However, we haven’t considered the purpose of the instruction.  Have you ever thought that the “crazy” thing could be someone’s MIRACLE?

“Then Mary, taking a pound of perfumed oil of great value, put it on the feet of Jesus and made them dry with her hair: and the house became full of the smell of the perfume.” John 12:1-11.

Jesus is only days away from His crucifixion, and he stops at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany.  While in this home, Mary came to Jesus with a very expensive jar of perfume and poured it over his head as He was reclining at a table.  In John’s account of this story, she also poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet and washed them with her hair.

The disciples were not happy about Mary pouring this perfume on Jesus, as it was very expensive.  In fact, the disciples point out that the perfume could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money could have been given to the poor.

Jesus, however, was pleased with Mary’s gesture, and said, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”(Vss 10-13)

Mary poured a very expensive perfume on Jesus feet and used her hair to wipe them.  In a common person’s mind, that’s crazy!  But not in Jesus eyes.  Mary did not seem to care that the perfume was costly nor did she mind people criticizing her.  Jesus confirmed that Mary had her priorities straight.  The important thing is, she followed her promptings to obey and serve the one true Saviour!

And God was honored.

Same goes with us.  I hope you wouldn’t mind doing “crazy” things for Jesus.  As we spend more time with Jesus, we will continue to grow and mature in our faith, and we will find that we are better able to serve Him in all that we do.

Color:  Mauve

My flowers blooming in winter! A miracle unfolding!

Dust

In Your

Eye.

A little over three weeks ago, a staff at the workplace offered me a promo of her very own “falsies” business.  “Falsies” is a short term for “false lashes”.  How can I resist a bargain which is a third of its trading price? I thought it was  something I will enjoy.  After all, I work hard.  I deserve such a treat.  At  least  my hubby thinks it’s “sexy”!  

Just yesterday,  I noticed the “falsies” are starting to fall off, one by one.  One got into my left eye.  It was the most agonizing feeling!  I had to shut the affected side as it felt like it was cutting into my eye’s surface!   The one effective trick I learned during  my youth and that is to take the speck out by burying the whole face in warm water. And while my face was in the state of complete submersion, I flicked my eyes open and close several times until the speck had been douched out.

This experience brought me to one of Jesus’ amazing “sermons in the Mount”.  Jesus reminded me that we often pass judgment on others to keep from examining our faults, shame and weaknesses.  Jesus emphasized that before we start removing someone else's sawdust, we had better get our own “blinding plank” out of the way. We spend so much time finding all the little things that are wrong with others while we ignore our own inconsistencies.  Too common, but true, am I right?

Matthew 7: 3-7 says, "Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your brother's eye, but you don't notice the big piece of wood that is in your own eye? Why do you say to your brother, 'Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye'? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye." You are a hypocrite!  First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to take the dust out of your brother's eye.” (ERV)

I pray for the Almighty’s special anointing to convict me and produce in me a holy character and not find the faults of others to keep from dealing with my own.  I hope that is your prayer too.

Keep those eyes looking up, expectant of what God can do in your life today!

Color:  Ash

Video presentation of Jesus at the Mount:

My Women's Small Group

(From left to right:  Irene and Baby Bella, Faith, Jannie, Ysa, Tara, Me and Grace.  Plus the little monkeys:  Bianca and Marge)

Always a blessing to fellowship with my beautiful and lovely women of God!  

Missed those who couldn't make it--- Gel, Tracey, Elim!  See you all girls next meeting!  

Remember:  "Expect the impossible from God!"

On Things Eternal

These are just a few of my spectacles, some bought from different convenience stores, others are prescribed multi-focals or bi- focals.  Why so many?  Because I lose them all the time!   I lose a lot of reading glasses, which means I buy a lot of them as I consider them my one important possession of surpassing utility.

I keep them around the house in various rooms, in all places, so there will always be one handy no matter where I am. I have one by my bedside, one at the car, one in my work bag, one on my computer table, one lying around somewhere, and mostly one suspended above my head!  The moment I reached the age of 40, my eyesight started to dwindle.  I felt like I’m losing a limb.  I feel so disabled not having my reading glasses around.  I am literally blind without it.  Sounds familiar?

I hope not so in our spiritual walk with our Heavenly Father.  I pray that we do not lose hope and sight of HIM.   "Faith is the evidence of things not seen". There are unseen things, as well as things that are seen. There is this vast difference between them: unseen things are eternal, seen things are temporary.

I pray that all of us grow in our walk with God, and that we keep our minds on things above, on things eternal instead of temporal.

2 Corinthians 4:18 says,
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Color:  Glass

The Spring of Winter

The winter comes; I walk alone, 

No bird in sight that  sing; 

For me to keep my heart my own 

The winter is "my" spring. 

No flowers to see--no bees that hum-- 

The coming spring's already come.  

I will love the cold, the slippery road 

 I’ll keep warm in my abode.  

All sacred gifts sent unto us 

Are made by God's own hands - 

And always, they are precious ones 

To love just as He plans! 

While lillies in the valley rest, 

And clad are crystal trees... 

A lifeless day revives the soul 

Through coldness on a breeze. 

These heavenly troves to come our way, 

So beautiful, big or small... 

Will touch our lives through each new day - 

God's gifts... they're best of all!

Head On!

Head on! Quite a mouthful there.  Need I say more?