Saturday, September 19, 2009

The Power of Gossips




Gossips have been a hot topic early a few years. People hear it over and over again about the harm and injustice that it can bring. Yet, we still hear it on a day to day basis, sometimes even through our own mouth. The power of gossip is much greater than we think. It breaks relationships, trust; put people in hard situations, placing one in the situation that might not even be created without the slightest gossip. The more we practice it, the greater the power of gossip will grow. However, conscious or unconscious, a gossip is a gossip.

One last good lesson that I learned in Malaysia just before I came back is that we need to be frank to people. Be frank with LOVE. And we, the one who is listening, listen with an open heart. How important is this theory to avoid much misunderstanding and complication among friends, community and nations.

I also learned that even if people do not listen to our opinion and what we have to say, we cannot force our idea on them. It is of their choice to follow no matter how good we think our methods are, they are still greater thinker out there.
Let us come together and practice the power of encouragement instead of the power of gossip. See the difference that it brings to ourselves and those who are around us.

Our lips is a powerful weapon that may do much and also much harm. May we choose wisely which is it we want and may God continue to use our lips to be a blessing to Him and to others.

Friday, March 27, 2009

-.-


Taking a break, refocusing.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

The truth and makes us better




It has been really busy this year, but its all good!!! Out of this busy period, when we sit down and think, and reflect the things that has happened, only then we realize how much we have learned, how much we have changed and how much we have missed.

But God is always very good, He is always there in the mist of our busyness, reminding us that He cares, that He is listening, that He is still in control and He will strengthen you no matter how tough the situation seems. He send people to check out on you, send people to encourage and send people to just have fun with you.

We can see that sometimes, when one person complain, the other people around might agree and a small thing might seem so hard to achieve or the situation is made worse because of the way we look at it. My mum never encourage us to complain, in fact she thought us how to overcome things. For example, when we complain about how hard the assignment and how hard the things that we are going through, she will remind us that we are not the only ones who are going through this phase, many have done it and many has overcome it. We have an extra helper on this earth, the Holy Spirit will be there to help us as well. All things are possible. Telling us the truth about reality (stop complaining, you are not the only one that is facing it) allows us to make a difference and look at things from a different point of view.

I never really liked to read when I do not understand something. I know that I can still get things done by people explaining to me, by people doing it for me. I know that no matter how many times I ask, they will pity this little person and will spend the time explaining patiently. My brother is a fast learner and he likes to read and learn things on his own. One day, my brother just decided not to help me out with the computer and asked me to read for myself and do it. READ IT, DON’T BE LAZY, ITS SIMPLE. I started reading, and solving my own problems. Just a simple truth, of “don’t be lazy”, I now read first before I do something, if I really don’t understand, only then I’ll ask people.

I have this friend that says whatever he sees, many times, people who does not know him gets offended. But what he speaks of is the truth. I realized that I am putting on weight since I first got to UK, but people around just say that its alright, you still have room or they say its alright, that’s what normally happen when people come to UK. I really appreciate this comfort, I do. This particular person, when he notice the change, he just said, “you’re getting fatter, go exercise!!!”. And yes, a simple truth can change the way that we eat, the way that we live our lives.

Sometimes, when we get too involved in church, our life sort of revolved around it rather than God himself. When we serve, we might unconsciously try to please our members rather than God. We dedicate our time, our effort, all we have into this place and losing the focus of our purpose. I know that we still love God and still want to continue to serve Him. But we are the living testimony of Christ, our lives reflect our relationship with Him, not only inside the four walls of the church. When I get too involved and lose focus, my mum will just ask, “what is your ministry here? Why are you there? Are you glorifying God outside the four walls of the church as well?” Then I realized that I spend too much time in church getting too exhausted to run my own life out of the church. Coming to class late, not able to focus in class, not giving my very best in my assignments, not caring about my friend’s needs ( outside church) etc, are also ways of not glorifying God. One thing I learned is that glorifying God doesn’t mean that I need to attend every single church activity, it is living a life that is pleasing to Him.

There are many people who will give us words of comfort, which is very good. But at times, even when the truth hurts or seem to put us down, we know that by identifying it, acknowledging it, acting on it, we can change and make better of the situation. We can be a better us when we know where to improve and what to change.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Don't make the small smaller!!!


Today started dull, I was so blur during my electronics test. Anyways, things moved on as normal as always. Went to the library, went for discovery, have my dinner, that’s my Monday.

Just to share a little here are some things that I find rather irritating recently:

Have you been in places where people just don’t see you. Just because we are small/short, does not mean that we do not exist. Especially some guys (I’m not sexist) they think that girls can’t put on a DVD player, can’t hang something on the wall, can’t handle machines etc, they can’t stand when you try to give them opinion on these things, its something like “I can’t fix it, you are a girl, you think you can do better? And they try their own ways and try to prove that they are the MAN!!!” Well, you can do the work, I just happened to have a suggestion that perhaps can make your life easier. Not even a word I am saying gets into their head. What do I do when I meet these people? I walk away. What is the point of me standing there. After that, I pray, I pray that God will give me patience, control my thoughts, and look at the bigger picture. Its also one of the reasons that I hang out a lot with my MISC gang, they know you for so long, they know that when you try to say something, it has at least little sense in it, unless when I’m telling a lame joke. After hearing, if it’s a bad idea, discard it.

And sometimes during meetings, conference, I choose to keep quite when I’m with “I think I am highly educated and all knowing people.” When I open my mouth, please do not give the face of “you think you have an idea huh”. I know that you know a lot of stuff, but I reckon that if you would try to listen to the younger/little ones around, you’ll learn from them as well. I was in the Kid’s Church on Sunday, talked to this kid for about 15 minutes. Crying, he told me something shocking “my life is ruin, nobody likes me, they just think that I can’t do anything.” What do I say to this seven year old boy? Only after a little while, I realized that all he wanted is to have a chance to serve. I know that they are fantastic excellent people around, but give the smaller ones a chance, if we do not let them learn, how will they get better? And as they get better, they might give and teach us things that we never knew.

We were talking about excellence the other day. I would like to tell some people that excellence is not only when you are hanging out with leaders and known that you have this attitude. Please treat the new members, the normal members the same as well. Even if we are serving, it doesn’t make us more holy, highly than them. Value people simply because they are precious. I can’t stand people who do not practice what they preach!!! I can’t stand myself sometimes, I talk about self-control, about discipline, about eating healthy food, about exercising, about giving our best for the Lord etc. Occasionally, I still sleep till very late, just lazy to get up, I still eat a lot of cookies, I still can’t control myself when I start on movie series, I am sometimes not discipline in my quite time etc. Only when I see this flaw in others that I realized that I need lots of improvement myself.



Anyways, this blog is not about the things that irritates me. That was just an intro of my thoughts. My day ended well!!! I received a letter all the way from Malaysia. Its from my “Ex.” In it is a serious book so that I’ll continue to walk with Christ“THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB” , a distressing comic book, and a lovely card. Its all from ASVIN!!! =D This is truly a true friend. Not because of the present that I got, but it’s the thought that you know you are somebody. It is not just a post, it’s a packet filled with love, friendship, hope, and joy. This is what I call true friendship, we do not need to talk often, we do not need to see each other often, there is no need of explanation of our actions, no need to report of what we are doing. But I know that I am befriended just for who I am, I am kept in prayers, I am still in a tiny part of the heart. No silly statement of, “we haven’t spoken in weeks, months, is there something wrong?” no doubt, no need to do what we do not enjoy, just be ourselves.


I’ll continue to grow in Christ!!!


Book to distress!!!


This term has really been busy, the Malaysian Night, Church, Studies, “social life” etc. I really Miss my family, my mother’s lecture, just sitting by my dad in the car, just talking and teasing my sis, just shopping with my brother. I too miss my dogs, miss my friends, miss my church. More reason now for me to focus and do what I’m sent here to do. Bring glory to God in all that we do. Make the fullest in all situation

To end, here is a very beautiful thing that I read :

IMAGINE
Imagine a place so irresistible that people can’t wait to get there. Imagine a place so functional that no one ever wants to leave. Imagine a place where the atmosphere takes your breath away. Imagine a place where this same atmosphere causes huminity to flourish. Imagine a plave designed fot no other reason than to connect you with a world beyond your wildest dreams. Such a place exists and has existed within the heart of God since before all time.
Bobbie Houston, ‘Heaven is in this house’

Sunday, February 22, 2009

My 21st Birthday!!!


I’m writing this blog because I do not know that to write on my assignment. I should just perhaps write a short summary of my birthday.

The 21st birthday is suppose to be the BIG event for many. It is suppose to be one of the most memorable birthdays ever. Well, we have the sweet 16, and when we turn 21 and 40 and 60 and 70 etc.

When you’re 21, it means that you are no longer a teenager, you’re now a young adult. Now, I have to be more responsible of my actions, accountable of my actions and make decisions on my own and accept whatever consequences that results.




Well, everyone has been so busy preparing for the grand Malaysia Night, busy with studies, assignments, church etc. My Malay buddies, out of their busyness, manage to squeeze out time for a little party, pizza and cake. (Special thanks to Kak Nadya, Iylia, Hanis, Hari, Amir, Azli, Fahim, Pei Pei, AL, Helmi, Faiz, Khairul, Wynne, Lucia, Ally, Mable, Ben[who is not there in person], Syammi, Firha etc). When blowing out the candles, I was told that I have 3 wishes. I stood there for a while, well, I do not know what to wish for, I haven’t got time to sit down and think of what my 21st birthday wish would be. So at the spot, I wished for 3 general things. First is that God will cover my family with the blood of Christ. Secondly, that God will bless the hungry children and thirdly, that all my friends, including myself will be successful in whatever we’re doing. Well, that was birthday eve.


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Then, on the actual day, we went for a good proper lunch(Wynne, Alex Lawrence and I!!!). Finally, no sandwich and crips for lunch. We’re actually eating real food. We went to China Town and had real Dim Sum and called a few dishes. Thanks to brother Lawrence who generously foot the bill. Then, at night, we had to go home and finish up our assignments.



The day after the big day, Amir brought me to Nandos. We had a long chat, you never know how much of your friend’s life you’re missing out on unless we really have the time to sit down and talk. Its good old friend bonding time. So many things that we overlook when we are busy.

The best is all my sisters text me at the same time(Malaysian time) on my birthday. We chatted for quite some time and time flies. My brother, however, own me a big one. Since he asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I simply replied, “I’ll ask for a big one in 2012, when I get to celebrate in Malaysia again” My mom sent me to loveliest email, it is a prayer for me for my birthday. This is priceless, so much blessings and love in it.

ASH called all the way from Malaysia to wish me, but I missed both of his call. Hehhehee.. But eventually, we got in touch, had a good chat and updating on what’s going on time.

Thanks for all the face book wishes!!! Too many to reply, but I’ll reply everyone in due time. =D
Thanks for the gifts and the effort and even the thought. These memories are indeed something money cannot buy and is something that will last.

God has been good to me, the fact that I am here is because of His grace and mercy. Some of my friends are born knowing that they have the chance to come to UK and study, but for me, this is a real privilege, with God’s blessings, parents wisdom, and everyone’s encouragement. This life for me is full of surprises and I have the assurance that God will provide everything for us for His glory. I’ll continue to walk by faith, knowing that God will be my true friend and hero, who will stick with me at anytime, any situation, any place.

Ending my day by listening to the word of God. I chose the book of revelation, chapter 1. Out of the blues, but it’s a good book. How is the day complete without God in it.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Festival of LOVE


It is this festival of LOVE again, VALENTINE day!!! This is a festival when lovers get more romantic than usual, it’s a festival where they are to spend a little more than usual on a very special meal and exchange a little gift from the heart.

I just read a story written by my friend Joash, a very touching and lovely story. His stories are one of the best original short stories that I enjoy reading very much. (highly recommended)

For those of my single friends out there, it’s a day for us to celebrate as well, don’t miss out this festival of love, for some, this is the day where new relationships begin, this is the day where girls get to feel special and guys to show their gentle side.

No, this is not a sad day for the singles, it is how you view it, who you spend it with, and how you treasure each friendship. If you’re feeling lonely at home, just find a couple of friends and hang out together. If you like a peaceful valentine’s day, just have a few friends over for a movie and some pizza.

Go out, invite the friends who you know are going to be alone, let them know that this festival of love is for all to share. Show love to them by buying them little gifts, some chocolates perhaps, and just go out and have a good meal together. We can make a difference, make each and everyone feel special because deep inside, we know that everyone are special in their own special way.

For those who have their special dates, enjoy yourselves, cherish the moments that you with each other.

We can all make a difference, living footprints on the sand, SHARE THE LOVE.

HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!!!

Friday, February 13, 2009

The Power of Giving


It is sometimes hard to explain to someone who have no experience of what you’re saying.

How do you explain to your rich friend the value of money? 1 Pound for them is just tips, 1 Pound to some is already a meal; 10 Pounds to them is a simple meal, 10 Pounds to some is few day’s allowance; 50 Pounds to them is daily outing pocket money, 50 Pounds to some we can throw a party for 20; 100 Pounds to them is preparation money to go for a fancy dinner, 100 Pounds to some is sponsoring a compassion kid for 5 months.

I once came across this incident where one of the adult asking for a free place to stay overnight for the kids in his church during a church outing. The people incharged of the accommodation looked at him in a way and said, “but its only RM12 per night, its so cheap, why so calculative?”. Yes, RM12 to some is nothing(might not be enough for their one meal), but think again, if you’re from a rural area, RM 12 is what you use to eat for your whole week. And that amount of money times by the number of kids you‘re bringing, it is a lot. (But long story short, thankfully, they had place to stay for free that night - we need more understanding people around.)

It is hard to explain to people who have never been through a day without food. Our worries are sometimes, what should I have for dinner, what dessert will be better? But to some poorer people, their father’s worries are “how am I going to put food on the table?”, “how am I going to tell my kids that we have nothing for dinner today”.

When you look at kids from different family background, you will be able to see how the value things. Some kids are from a rather rich family background, they are very picky of what they put into their mouth, they waste food like there’s oversupply of food everywhere they go. Look again, when you give a proper meal to a hungry poor kid, look at the joy on their face, look at the willingness of them to share what little they have with their family and friends around, look at the gratefulness on their faces.

We need not be extremely rich to give, but start giving, even with the little. Maybe to some rich people what you’re giving is nothing at all, but remember that it matters to those who are receiving. Don’t compare with your neighbor what you are giving, but give out of love, give because you care and give because it will make a difference.

“Those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly and those who sow generously will reap generously.”

Give while we are able, give while we can, give while people are still able to receive.

It is the same, hard to explain to someone who have never feel love the true meaning of love. I’m not talking about the fairy tale love at first sight, this love is where someone will come willingly to chat with you, someone randomly out of the blues treat you a meal, someone passing by smiling to you, someone that you see daily just asking you about your day, a steady handshake, a warm hug from your friends. Do these unto others for it makes a difference, a very big difference to some.

My friend once asked me, what is your dream. I simply answered that I want to be very rich. Why? People might view this answer as a selfish, greedy, without much aim answer. But i want it because I have seen what money can do, how life have changed, what difference we can make. We human do not need a lot for ourselves, having the basic necessities and perhaps a few good meals once in a while is more than enough. This is one of the reasons that we have to work smart and be rich, so that we will not say, “if only I had the money”. Money if handled carefully performs miracles so wonderful.

We are living in this world, not alone, but with the companions of millions, many that we are able to reach out to but still not know them. But think about this, how much joy is it when you can see the smile on others when you yourself are smiling. How precious is their laughter, how simple is their heart.

We ought to be thankful, learn to love, willing to give and expect nothing in return, for the treasures in heaven is much more valuable than what we have now. THE POWER OF GIVING IS GREAT. And it brings more joy to the giver than the receiver.