About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.
(Acts 16:25-26, NIV)
Rest is not easy when one has pain and discomfort. As much as it is needed the mind tends to focus on the negative in such times. Pain is an incredible distraction to stay focus. Such has been my past week.
My attempts to get a good rest aren’t easy at all. When I thought I had disciplined my mind and body to rest, the nagging pain and discomfort of my muscle spasm kept playing trick on me. The challenging waves of pain and great discomfort overshadow and seek to drown my joy. I know I have to rise above the current to conquer.
One of my bible heroes is Paul, who rose above his challenging circumstances time after time; he was never defeated by difficulties. His perseverance amazes me and courage is far above commendation. I never fail to be encouraged in my spirit whenever I read his accounts. Here in the Book of Acts, he rendered his praises endlessly despite being in prison. That speaks of a deep trust in God. How many of us can say we will lift up our voices in songs in such grim situation? Paul and Silas raised their voices in praise towards heaven and the power of their praises shook the earth and broke the chains of captivity.
It serves as reminder to me every time I underestimate the simplest act of worship – sing unto the Lord. Sing, sing and sing! The power of praise is a great weapon in warfare and an infusion of His joy in uncertainty. As I continue to rest, I seek to sing to him constantly and shift my focus to my Lord.
Is your heart troubled? Is your spirit dry? Are you in some form of pain?
Sing and trust as you live for Him. Watch the unfolding of miracles in your life as you do just that…R.E.S.T. in the power of praise!
REST to me is…Rejoice, Enjoy his presence, Sing and Trust.
Heavenly Father, I will keep praising You every moment. I trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Are You Resting?
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
(Matthew 11:28, NIV)
Rest is essential.
Rest is a must.
Rest is a luxury to some.
Last week, I was prescribed rest in bed for a few days due to sciatica pain which is a recurrence from my last pregnancy. My orthopaedic surgeon said to me, "You need to rest. I know it's hard with four kids. But that's the main thing." I asked in return, "Entire day?" He responded, "Not entire day only but few days!"
Lying down on my bed, I discovered rest is a discipline. It takes more effort to purposely get a good rest. And I mean good rest for the body - it's like fasting from work.
Rest is holy. It is ordained by God and it is a command. Man is restless. Despite the divine strong call and Jesus' invitation to rest, we are still running around attempting to accomplish so much in a day. In this busy world, we are victims of restlessness. We have to intentionally respond to His call to rest in Him.
Won't you respond to his invitation to rest?
As you can see, this is a very short post as I am stealing a wee bit of time to talk to you and then resume my rest.
Dear Heavenly Father, Tame my restless spirit and cause me to rest. I leave my cares into Your hands and trust You with all my needs. In Jesus' name I come...Amen.
(Matthew 11:28, NIV)
Rest is essential.
Rest is a must.
Rest is a luxury to some.
Last week, I was prescribed rest in bed for a few days due to sciatica pain which is a recurrence from my last pregnancy. My orthopaedic surgeon said to me, "You need to rest. I know it's hard with four kids. But that's the main thing." I asked in return, "Entire day?" He responded, "Not entire day only but few days!"
Lying down on my bed, I discovered rest is a discipline. It takes more effort to purposely get a good rest. And I mean good rest for the body - it's like fasting from work.
Rest is holy. It is ordained by God and it is a command. Man is restless. Despite the divine strong call and Jesus' invitation to rest, we are still running around attempting to accomplish so much in a day. In this busy world, we are victims of restlessness. We have to intentionally respond to His call to rest in Him.
Won't you respond to his invitation to rest?
As you can see, this is a very short post as I am stealing a wee bit of time to talk to you and then resume my rest.
Dear Heavenly Father, Tame my restless spirit and cause me to rest. I leave my cares into Your hands and trust You with all my needs. In Jesus' name I come...Amen.
Monday, June 22, 2009
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.
(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.
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