The Grandiose Wedding

Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.

(Revelation 19:7, NIV)

The world turns her eyes once again on the royal wedding. I thought it was just a while ago, the grand wedding was featured in every media coverage for a long period. I was just a young girl. The most talked about occasion on the lips of romantic people. That were the parents of the latest royal newlyweds, Prince William and his beau. Now the glamour belongs to their son and his beautiful wife.

Wedding – some like it simple. Many plan for the grandest occasion. Once in a lifetime. I don’t know about guys. Girls dream of the most romantic do. The dress – oh, that dream dress. I remember my own search for the ideal dress I wished for, and I never really found it here in this part of the world. I only drooled over it in magazines. I managed to settle and made peace with one and wore it on my wedding day. Yes, I was being complimented. My mum-in-law loved it. There was a whole lot of preparation to think through and about together with my fiancé then, and some major decisions with our parents. It was a tedious process of getting ready for just that one day.

The constant reminder to me was not to lose joy in the elaborate process and not to lose focus on the more crucial part – the marriage, the relationship. My fiancé and I talked through a lot of things during our courtship and some of these issues were discussed with greater intensity when we attended pre-marital counselling. The entire preparation entails great effort and deliberate thoughts and actions. My perfectionism and creative side longed for many aesthetic details which I eventually let go due to lack of budget. Nevertheless, it still turned out to be a grand do. The best part of it all, was not all the aesthetic fringes. It was the preparation of the spirit. That moment of standing in the presence of God and worshipping him as he joined me and the man whom I love was an indescribable unity. Simply awesome.

Great rejoicing and gladness filled the air. Weddings – what a glorious occasion! I cannot help it but to think of the Grandest of all weddings. My limited mind cannot imagine the grandiose feeling nor atmosphere of Christ coming back for his Bride. Are you ready?

The verse today urges us to rejoice and be glad, to set the tone to glorify him. We should be ready, but are we? Here is an imagery of our intimate relationship with Christ. How will we look like, be like, when he comes? Are we looking into the important details of preparation? Or losing track concentrating on the insignificant fringes? Is our heart cleansed and excited to welcome the grandiose occasion?

This is a constant personal challenge to me. I urge you to think through and get ready. Be the most beautiful bride, set apart for our Glorious Groom.

Glorious Lord, make ready my heart and spirit as I await the Day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Comfort in The Light

let us walk in the light of the LORD.

(Isaiah 2:5, NIV)

Poof! Not again. The electricity was cut off a few rounds that day. It was already night. The whole house was swamped over by darkness. My husband quickly reached for the candles and lighted them. The household was turned into a warm cozy ambience as some would say with candle lights. But I don’t particularly like the dim candle light, the small yellow fire burning and all our shadows cast on the walls. Maybe for a little while is fun. I could use it to teach some science and play some shadow games with the children. But not for the entire night. I like the clear brightness of the fluorescent lighting where I can see with clarity and move freely.

In the process of getting more candles lighted, the electricity came on again. So it was just a short spell this time. Phew…I sighed a big relief. “How good it is to be in the light,” I commented. Instantly, the thought struck me. “Oh yea, it is so good to be in the light that a short stint of darkness causes so much discomfort.”

God has shown us the way – the path of light in him. I cannot imagine still living in darkness and groping aimlessly with fear and anxiety, without God. The prophet Isaiah gave a strong call, “let us walk in the light of the Lord.”

God’s light enters our life the moment we call him, Lord and Saviour. But we have to choose to want to walk in it. Psalm 119:5 tells us that his word is a lamp for our feet, a light on our path. The Word of God gives us direction and guidance. It is liken to the light which shines at our feet as we walk on the path of life. Walking in his light is a sure comfort knowing that Someone is always watching over us and keeping us on track. It is reassuring to know that we will always have enough light for our steps so we will not fall off. Even if we do fall, the light will govern us so strongly that we will be able to get up quickly and continue with it.

When we are living in the Light, we will recognize the slightest darkness that comes over us. It makes us so uncomfortable we want to be delivered immediately. That was the case for me when the electricity was cut off. This is such a reminder that as children of light, we can no longer live in darkness. But how many people are still trapped in darkness? Let us be urgent to be agent of deliverance.

Dear Lord, Grant me the power of your light to be your agent to rescue many who are still in darkness. Today I thank you for shining your light at my path. If I've gone a bit off track, gently bring me back. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What An Honour!

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

John 15:15, NIV

Friends come and friends go. Today, Facebook, Twitter and many other IT technologies has done us a great favor of linking people and helping us stay connected wherever we are in this planet earth. I am amazed at the multitude of friends on our pages. Some figures seem outrageous. Hmm, perhaps we all know their names and added into our lists but how many of these friends do we really know?

Friends. We can’t do without them. Can we? Some people claimed they don’t need friends. Loners. I can’t quite imagine that, as friends are such a crucial part in my life apart from my family. As I reflected on the many friendships I share in this journey of life, I am so grateful for each of them who had contributed in my growth as a person – for their love and accountability. Memories of these friendships flooded back. Then I remember a very special one – my ever faithful friend. How I met him and he pursued me till I opened the door of my heart to receive his friendship. Jesus Christ is his name.

Isn’t this Jesus the Bible talks about Lord and God? It began that way as I thought of our first encounters. As I learned more of him each day and responded to his invitation to draw near, I began to hear his voice in a different way. He isn’t the God who proudly lord over me but he calls me his friend! The Greek translation speaks of this as “friend in the king’s court”. Indeed an honour to be invited into the king’s presence and listens to him. What more into the fellowship of the King of Kings! The privileges of being his friend is endless but this one highlighted in the verse tells us we are been let into his secrets. Servants are been ordered. Friends – given the knowledge of his plans. What an honour to be called a friend of God!

Let’s hang out with this friend who promised to be faithful and true. Have a cuppa with him today and listen to what he has to say – maybe just a gentle whisper of his love, maybe a command, maybe a rebuke in love, maybe a comforting word, maybe an affirmation, maybe no agenda…but just enjoy his loving presence.

I am a friend of God. Are you?

Lord, it is an honour to know you and be known. Thank you!

Chill Out!

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

(Proverbs 24:3-4, NIV)

Chill out! Every yuppie knows this term very well. After a hard day’s work or a week’s stress, it’s chill out time. There’s endless ideas for every individual or group to chill out. This word fades gradually, sometimes instantly when we step into this crazy world called parenthood; and especially for stay home mums.

Every day is a cycle to beat the clock. There’s neither day nor moment when work ceases. It’s a 24/7 duty. No pay. No leave. No glamour. The irony is instead of receiving, this vocation seeks to give, give and give. How that always reminds me of our Heavenly Father. The fact is we cannot deny the frailty of mankind and the limitation of energy we possessed.

It was Labour Day over the weekend. It is a gazetted public holiday. I used to get triple pay when I was working in the hospital. Was I fantasizing of money? No. All I wanted was to chill out! Perhaps I could get a bit of it since my girls were away with grandparents and aunt. The toddler – another set of grandparents graciously took him for shopping. My awaited moment had arrived. Once I finished all the work needed attention, I could chill out. My choice of chill out – a good book, a hot drink in a cool air-conditioned room…complete silence to help me reflect and declutter my mind and refresh my spirit. The inventory began… a mountain of laundry folded and kept, house straightened up, emails replied, phone calls returned…there were more (like mentioned housework is endless – bottomless pit) but that should be suffice for now. Then I heard the car. The boy was back. Soon, another car. The girls were back. The silent mode in the house was instantly switched back to high volume of all sorts of noises. Excited chatters of their weekend which I was trying to keep up with three impatient girls attempting to share all that had happened. In the midst of it, they alerted me, “Mum, we are hungry.” These all happened within the few minutes they stepped into the house, before I could lock the door!

I promised to get dinner ready soon. The boy was excited to see his sisters after being separated for a night and almost a day. A joyful sight to see their reunion. Did I enjoy? Of course, I did. But what happened to my chill out moment? Probably after they drained their energy and knocked off at bedtime. Perhaps. Bedtime routine is always long – cleanup and change, story, prayer. When their energy is drained, mine would too. Most of the time, I beat them to it. Chill out? Hmm…this term was far from reach by then.

Lights out. The girls snuggled by my sides to get their goodnight hugs and kisses after our prayers beginning with the toddler uttering his most sincere prayers with the cutest voice and increasing vocabulary. The sweetness of such moment could only be captured in the memory to be cherished. Many times, I pray I will not be senile in my old age so I can recall these precious moments with smiles and joy. I had thought it was the end of the night. Perhaps there’s still a teeny weeny bit of time left to – chill out. Oh, was I determined or what?! The dark room did not deter the little one from cracking up jokes and doing silly stuff to make us laugh. The soothing atmosphere broke into laughter upon laughter. We were having such a marvelous moment that I didn’t mind we passed bedtime.

Finally when all were ready to plunge into dreamland, they were ushered into bed with joy and peace. As they close their room door and I sat quietly on my bed, I felt a gush of joy and peace leaping in me. I was refreshed in my spirit. My heart was cheerful. Indeed I chilled out. Not the way I intended but God had his way of meeting my need through the rare and beautiful treasures he filled my room with...indeed, we need wisdom and knowledge in building a home, and seeking to understand our position and situation will put things in order. This is such a priceless chill out.

I am building a home, not just a house. What about you? You can’t find time to chill out being a busy mum? Pray for a creative outlet which will make your heart sing and leap with joy; and be energized for a new day.Or perhaps you are not a mum, but you still need to chill out as you build…whatever that you are building – an education path, a career, etc. Make sure you welcome wisdom, understanding and knowledge of the Lord and watch him fill your rooms with rare and beautiful treasures. Enjoy!

Heavenly Father, establish my life with Your wisdom, understanding and knowledge and fill it with rare and beautiful treasures which will glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Laugh it out!

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

(Proverbs 17:22, NIV)

After cleaning our feet, we gathered around the pool of water and dipped into the habitat of a swarming school of hungry fishes. The Garru Rufa. Oh dear, I had not expected it to be so ticklish. Instantly laughter broke out in our midst as we wriggled our toes trying to keep our feet below the surface of water for the fish to feed on the dirt. Fish spa has been popularized much these days for health purpose. In contradiction, some also fear it will be a source of spread of skin disease. Anyway, I am not giving free advertisement on it nor stating any dispute. The Arts and Science Carnival at the museum in University Science of Malaysia presented the theme, “Transformation” – featuring the development of humankind from stone age to space connection. Fish spa was amongst the stations in between the array of presentation.

We decided to give it a go since it was offered at a minimal fee compared to commercialized centres. The mental energy focused on absorbing all the educational information was given a good break in that brief experience. The children were excited – water and fish always attract them. Even my parents who tagged along for the trip were so thrilled.

Endless giggles and laughter…
Funny facial expressions…
Whole body squirming…

It was a moment of family intimacy as we shared the fun. We continued looking around the stations and booths as the children wanted to do so much more before we hit lunch time. I had another meeting to rush to following this visit to the carnival. The sun was hot and I was drenched in sweat (thanks to my active sweat glands). But somehow, a certain rush of joy and cheer filled my being the entire day. As I sang to the Lord while I drove off to the next meeting after settling my children with my parents who graciously agreed to babysit them, I thought what a therapeutic laugh I had earlier. The whole process of laughing it out while the fish nibbled on my feet brought such a sense of wellness in me.

The words of King Solomon in Proverbs are so full of wisdom. A heart which is cheerful is liken to medicine. The common saying of laughter is a good medicine makes so much sense and not to be taken lightly. Scientific findings proved that when we laughed, there’s a boost in the blood flow. A good sense of humour is a good therapy and promotes good health. Many illnesses are stress-related. Medical care these days include “laughing therapy” to help patients’ healing process.

Our society is so stressed out. Every generation is affected – from the youngest to the oldest. There’s endless worries and anxiety in life as we strive for self-actualization. In the race, many forget how to laugh. Seems the most natural thing but joy is lost in the rush.

I’ve always been a serious girl. As the eldest in the family, I grew up watching how difficult life is for my parents to earn a living. I watched the community I lived in fought for survival and striving for the best in life. Being a melancholy, I was a serious student. No nonsense girl. Self-discipline is good but I must confess I only learned to REALLY play and laugh it out in later years. From a serious little girl, I now enjoy the most silly and funny stuff my kids do and say. They make me laugh and brighten my days. Of course, they say mum is funny and silly too. I must say it has been a good lift for the soul and spirit.

Is something eating up your joy?
Is your heart troubled?
Any medical problems which are stress-related?
Perhaps you are thinking that we all have different personality. Some are more serious than others. Yes, that’s true. But we all ought to learn to laugh it out – at ourselves, and our mistakes (and learn from them).

Heavenly Father, Thank You for one of the simplest gift in life – laughter. What a wonder it does to the spirit, soul and body! When it is hard to laugh, cause my eyes to see You and Your purpose. Grant me Your joy as I live for You daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tears to triumph

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.

(Ps 30:11, NIV)

Life is busy for everyone these days. I’ve hardly met a person who is free except those retired seniors. Even that, many of them fills their days with endless activities. That’s a choice, I guess. As for most people, we all wish we have more hours each day to accomplish our tasks. Days surrounded by children all the time take a different scenario – they are not just busy but tremendously demanding from all aspects. It’s amazing how these little ones can drain you off. No doubt every day is an interesting day living with children. They are so full of life; ready to receive each day with enthusiasm, soaking in life’s lessons every moment and still have more than enough energy till bedtime. Bedtime – oh, that’s a taboo word for them. They have not finish their last play, read their last story, speak their final words, and share their concluding thought for the night. I am not sure about other mums, but I look forward to bedtime where I tuck them in after a long hard day, kissed them goodnight after prayers, and watched them slip into dreamland and savour the moments of looking at their sweet faces as they lie in bed. Oh, not to mention the quietness of the atmosphere after noise pollution the entire day.

Getting through the night routine itself is a great effort. Cleaning and changing, bedtime stories, bible reading and prayers...before I get to sit down to enjoy some quiet moments to keep my sanity. Many times I slipped into dreamland with them too. Then, to awaken the next morning to go through the whole cycle again. My plan didn't work out one night (in fact, too many nights to count) and threw me off balance for a moment. The cheerful atmosphere took a turn. Nothing seemed to work out the way I had anticipated. Screaming and yelling weren’t the answers as we all know. Yet my composure was lost for that moment. Desperately I looked to heaven for help and quickly shot a prayer to God. Very few words but definitely with great intensity. He heard my cry and turned my tears into triumph. The night ended with a sweet note.

Chaos changed into calmness as we wrapped up the night with me spending some moments alone with each child. Nothing beats the beautiful intimacy of being able to snuggle up with each of them and whispered words of love and affirmation as we said goodnight. Finally, the last in turn took up an hour plus as she needed to talk more. It was beautiful and triumphant as I tucked them all in. Joy filled my heart. God responded to my tears of desperation and caused my heart to dance with joy as I retired for the night.

Perhaps this experience isn't about life and death to cause wailing and mourning. Nevertheless, it was suffice to cause a deep desperation in me at that moment.
Are you hurting? Are you in a pressing need? Do not bottle up your tears.
Cry to God and watch Him deliver you. His deliverance may not be according to our timing but He will surely give you a reason to dance and be joyful again.

Heavenly Father, hear my cry and answer me quickly. I need Your help. Grant me victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sighing to Singing

I will sing to the Lord, I will sing;

I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.

Judges 5:3 (NIV)


My little girl sings to almost anything throughout the day. She is like a Broadway star. Joyful noise filled my home and my car as long as she is present. She makes a song to almost anything she sees and hears. She sings her love to mummy which warms my heart every single time a tune is put together with the words she wants to convey. And oh, that sweet cheerful smile of hers! Sometimes a dance is added to enhance the whole point she tries to communicate. Last week, her singing turned into sighing and then whining because she was in great pain and discomfort from her severe sore throat and fever. Her body was aching all over and her hunger called for her attention all the time but she couldn't eat. That's miserable. The little girl's sighing eventually became whines which was really sapping my energy.

I knew she needed my comfort and care. I told myself to be extra patient because she was in great distress. Any adult would feel awful too. What more for a 5 year-old! "I feel lousy," she would constantly tell me. She would make irritating noises to get my attention. My mercy tank was gradually diminishing. I would close my eyes and held my breath as I whispered a prayer to God to help me contain my impatience and deliver my child from her sickness. Honestly, I thought I was doing pretty well staying calm and composed caring for her till one day I began to feel a stirring of agitation rising within me. Her whines was getting intolerable. She was whining at almost everything. Oh, how I missed her spontaneous singing. Perhaps she has a good reason to behave improper. After all, she is just a minor and was sick.

It made me reflect on my own attitude when I come before my Father. How about you? Is our calling upon him bring delight to his ears or is it irritating noises? Do we make it a point to praise and thank him for every blessing and trial? Trial? Did I say trial?? Yes. Thank him for the trials and challenges that come our way. They are meant to make and not break us. Do we complain and grumble instead of being contented and glad? When we learn to count our blessings, we'll be surprised to find that our spirit is liberated. Liberated to sing instead of sigh. Granted, life is not a bed of roses. There will be constant winds of hardship beating at our face. We may stop singing for some reasons. However, every song that flows from a heart of praise and thanksgiving will never be swallowed by the harsh wind nor storm. Even if it is faint and weak. It will reach the Father's heart. Deborah in the book of Judges made a deliberate choice to sing and make music to God even when she was engaged in battle. Can we echo her, "I will sing..." and witness our misery become a miracle of God?!

Grace, my ex-colleague in nursing always whistled and sang as she went about her duty in the ward. I loved working with her. Her joyful spirit is contagious. Caring for the sick is demanding and draining. But her singing attitude made such a difference to the patients and team mates. The joy of the Lord is her strength. I believe that joy is the trademark of a child of God. Do we possess this trademark? Let us stop sighing and start singing. Before we fret, remember our Faithful Friend...arise and break out in song.

Heavenly Father, fill my heart with songs of praise and freedom. Let my spirit break out in joyful noise and bring such delight to you. In good times and bad times, your joy is my strength. Cause me to see from your perspective. Create in me a singing heart. Let me sing a new song today. In Jesus' name. Amen.