Aaaaah it's 11:58!!

11:58 -- nooo 11:59!
This has been fun :)
A brilliant way to end the challenge

Night night

Reflection

I can't believe I posted at 11:59 last night. Hahaha so hilarious, what a close call! Tonight I'm a little earlier so not to worry.

I finished reading the Gospel of John on either Wednesday or Thursday morning. I'm so glad I've been able to reflect on passages in John, as well as a number of other Scriptures over the course of this month. :) I'm blessed to have learnt so much, and learnt that so much is still so little! What I mean is~ there's just so much more to learn about God and His Word. Need to pray a lot more!!

Thankful for each day of this month, even the rainy-wind-in-your-face-umbrella-destroying ones! 

Some stand-out moments from this month (just off the top of my head):

-Reminded of God's guiding light through the fog of life

-I have an identity in Christ and God knows my name

-New life is a blessing from God!!

-Realising the importance of childlike faith

-Birthday surprises! :)

-Reading John's Gospel

-Little praise and worship sessions

-Vanilla tea

-Being encouraged to totally trust the Bible

-Jesus wants us to be joyful!

-God alone is my heart's desire

-Meeting up with friends for lunches/breakfasts/chats/milkshakes!

-The Cross of Christ by John Stott

-Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes

-Beauty and the Beast the musical

-Family reunion

-Sibling band ~ You Raise Me Up

-Primary musical

-Two broken umbrellas

-Rain, rain...

-Realising it is a small world after all!

-Edith

Goodnight :)

PS. Hopefully I don't forget to blog tomorrow! Last day of August!! Nearly finished the challenge…

hello

Painting Inspiration :)

So awed by the beautiful progression of this sunset (28th July 2014)! Check it out below!! :)
Such great painting inspiration! Probably won't be able to paint again until December, but I'll definitely keep these dreamy skies in mind.

Walk in Unity

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:1-6

Love these verses!! :)

Busted light & a lotta rain

Last night it was flickering. This morning I flicked the switch and it didn't work. My room light's busted! :( Typing up this post in a very dark room. Well...not exactly. I've got my little desk lamp on and the light from the computer screen, but I don't think either of them are very good for my eyesight…

On a completely random note, I just wanna say that this has been the rainiest August I've seen in years!

When I Grow Up

When I grow up
I will be tall enough to reach the branches
that I need to reach to climb the trees
you get to climb when you're grown up.

And when I grow up
I will be smart enough to answer all
the questions that you need to know
the answers to before you're grown up.

And when I grow up
I will eat sweets every day
on the way to work and I
will go to bed late every night!

~Lyrics: When I Grow Up from Matilda the Musical

Went to watch a primary musical tonight and some of the children sang this song. I'd never heard the song before but those lyrics just made me tear up on the spot! :'( Yep, I actually started crying. And it was one of the rare times I'd decided to wear eyeliner too haha.

The lyrics are just so sad, so heartbreaking~ for me anyway. Takes me back to my own childhood musings and then it mingles with reality and adulthood and ideas about naivety, intuition, changing perceptions and unfulfilled expectations…

I just~I think it's something I would have thought as a kid. But what really gets me is how as a "grown-up" you no longer think about the prospect of climbing trees, and you're not smart enough to answer all those questions you thought you'd be able to answer. 

I realise I know so little. And more and more I'm seeing a certain wisdom in childlike faith, and a hope I admire.

The Lord Jesus said: (John 10:15) "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." 

Tonight I want to pray to have childlike faith in God, His kingdom and His Word :) And I thank God for the hope of salvation and eternal life. That's a hope that won't change even as I change and grow up. It's an eternal hope in Christ.

Light Through The Fog

This morning on the train, I stared at the fog through the window. It was thick and smoky and oozing over the rooftops like white gravy. It was hard to see where the train was going with all my surroundings so blurred. What I could see though, beaming unashamedly through the low-lying clouds, was that golden bulb of light - yes, the sun, handcrafted by the spoken Word of God. 
And I thought: In a fog, it's difficult to see where you're headed. Maybe it's a fog of emotions, or a fog of work, or relationships, or anything else…but God's Word, like the sun, shines through that fog of confusion. God's Word is clarity in the haze, and light in the dark. God is always there and His Word is eternal.

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

After the fog cleared, this scintillating golden light just filled the scene outside the train window. It just poured into every crevice. It glittered off the leaves. It highlighted all the electric wires. And after being in the fog, it was kinda like an "aahh" (Insert Eb major chord here, two octaves above middle C) moment. 
And I had another thought: Other times we see things so clearly, as God reveals things to us through His Word or through signs and wonders or through other people, or in just the billions of little things in the world! Sometimes these moments are incredible and illuminating (because Christ is life and light!), and sometimes the brightness is piercing. But the Word of God is a sword after all!

"For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it…That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world." John 1:1, 4, 5, 9

I almost forgot again!!!

My sister reminded me by running into the room and waking me up. 11:51pm.

Jesus Prayed For Me!

Painting by Marie Green http://fineartamerica.com/featured/smile-of-the-sunrise-marie-green.html

Falling asleep trying to study...

Zzzzzzzzzzz
Maybe I should practise violin to wake myself up.
I'm just so tired...

A Prayer by John Wesley

O God, fill my soul with so entire a love of Thee that I may love nothing but for Thy sake and in subordination to Thy love. Give me grace to study Thy knowledge daily that the more I know Thee, the more I may love Thee. Create in me a zealous obedience to all Thy commands, a cheerful patience under all Thy chastisements, and a thankful resignation to all Thy disposals. Let it be the one business of my life to glorify Thee by every word of my tongue, by every work of my hand, by professing Thy truth, and by engaging all men, so far as in me lies, to glorify and love Thee.

~ John Wesley, quoted in Disciplines of a Godly Woman (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2001) p.14

南さん、ありがとうございます！

日本からおみやげを買ってくれてありがとうございます！！！
Very blessed today! Studied the Word, heard the Gospel preached, met with lovely lovely friends, found out very wonderful exciting news for the family!! :) 

Here's an encouraging verse for the day in English and in 日本語:
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

どうか、神様があなたがたを祝福し、守られるように。　あなたがたを喜んでくださるように。　やさしく親切にし、平安を与えてくださいますように』と。
民数記６：２４-２６

God is always faithful and good!!

Breakfast and Wonderful Company

Today I'm so thankful to God for the gift of friendship and family in the body of Christ!

VANILLA TEA! hahaha :))) thank you xx

Blessed

Blessed to be saved. Blessed to be alive in Christ.
Praise God for blessing me with another year of life on this earth. So thankful for my family and friends, who all made me smile and laugh in the bitterness of umbrella-destroying wind and icy rain! It's been a special day indeed :) 谢谢！ありがとうございます！

No Compromise!

God’s Word, the Bible, is the ultimate truth and authority. Challenged to live it, love it and wholeheartedly believe it from cover to cover – no compromise!!

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:8-9

“Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” Matthew 22:37

Love God with all your mind. Don’t use human reasoning to try and twist the truth of God’s infallible Word. Have faith! Have full confidence that God means what He says! Love God and love His Word.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Nearly missed a day!

Close call!
Goodnight :) Zzzzzzzz

I just realised...

…I just realised I've been writing today's date as the 14th August 2014 on all my students' books, when it's actually the 15th. I was even thinking ~ yeah today's a palindromic date, four days until my birthday ~ but no, it is indeed the 15th. I'm living in the past! D: 

Speaking of the past, here's a 3 1/2 week old pic of lovely reflections ~ delightful memories. :)

That Your Joy May Be Full :)

I've been reading the Gospel of John this month and in the last couple of days I've been loving the repetition of 'joy'. And just amazed that it's my Lord Jesus speaking about being joyful. Jesus wants me to be joyful and have joy to the fullest by abiding in His love, by loving one another, by following His commandments.

John 15:11 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."


John 16:20 "Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you."


John 16:23-24 "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."


John 17:13 "But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves."


I'm reminded of these wonderful children's praise songs...

This is my commandment,


That you love one another

That your joy may be full



That your joy may be full,


That your joy may be full.


This is my commandment,


That you love one another


That your joy may be full.

Check out Cedarmont Kids (childhood memories!!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPdNyeTAW-c

Also love this song…

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart- Where?

Down in my heart- Where?

Down in my heart

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart- Where?

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the wonderful love of my blessed redeemer way 

down in the depths of my heart…Where?

Way down in the depths of my heart…Where?

Way down in the depths of my heart

I've got the wonderful love of my blessed redeemer way 

down in the depths of my heart…Where?

Down in my heart to stay!

Jesus Christ Has Overcome the World

Really encouraged by this verse in John today: 
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Amen!

Beautiful Rain

I think rain is pretty beautiful. I love the reflections in the puddles, the glitter of the water sheen, the gentle pitter-patter of a sun shower on the pavement, and little raindrops rolling off the leaves.

(I'm referring to gentle rain, light showers, sun showers and so on…Thunderstorm rain is absolutely terrifying! And rain with wind is never a pleasant experience for one wearing glasses.)

Painted Skies

Okay this sunset is about two weeks old but it still looks incredible! :)
"Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God." Job 37:14

A Prayer for my Persecuted Brothers and Sisters

A prayer for my persecuted brothers and sisters in Iraq.

"Deliver them from their enemies, O God; Defend them from those who rise up against them. Deliver them from the workers of iniquity, And save them from bloodthirsty men. Based on Psalm 59:1-2

Deliver them, O Lord, from evil men who plan evil things in their hearts. They continually gather together for war, they sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips. Psalm 140:1-3

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence. Psalm 140:12-13

I will sing of Your power, Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble…For God is my defence, My God of mercy. Psalm 59:16-17

Heavenly Father, deliver my brothers and sisters being persecuted for Your Name's sake and all those suffering unjustly in Iraq. I pray You execute Your Holy judgment on their oppressors. Lord, strengthen and unite Your people. I believe and rely on Your promises of safety and salvation in Psalm 91 for the body of Christ all around the world:

1 

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High


Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;


My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

4 

He shall cover you with His feathers,


And under His wings you shall take refuge;


His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

5 

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,


Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

6 

Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,


Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

7 

A thousand may fall at your side,


And ten thousand at your right hand;


But it shall not come near you.

8 

Only with your eyes shall you look,


And see the reward of the wicked.

9 

Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,


Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10 

No evil shall befall you,


Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

11 

For He shall give His angels charge over you,


To keep you in all your ways.

12 

In their hands they shall bear you up,


Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 

You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,


The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;


I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15 

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;


I will be with him in trouble;


I will deliver him and honor him.

16 

With long life I will satisfy him,


And show him My salvation.”

Psalm 91 Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

New King James Version (NKJV)

加油!

Colossians 3:23 "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."
It's tough to get back into the swing of study…but I today I sat down and made a timetable/schedule for myself. So that's a start! :)
漢字を勉強する時間だよ！ I've been putting this off all day. But no longer! 加油!

Sing to God!

I love having little praise and worship sessions! Need so much more of it!

Revelations 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory, honour and power
For You created all things
And by Your will they exist and were created."

Psalm 145:3 "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised."

Booted

I'm so sad ~ my new boots barely lasted four months! :'(
Too much walking rapidly filed down the soles. The heels ripped and caved in.

I liked them. I really did.

*sniffs

Feeling Unknown

Yesterday I got a little down about having a generic name. And today I got a little down about potentially having a generic face because I was greeted by the wrong name.
It ain't pleasant to feel nameless. Faceless. Unknown. Insignificant.

But I find heavenly comfort in that I am a child of God and my identity is in Christ.

God knows exactly who I am. He will never forget me. 

"For you died, and your life in hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:3
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." John 1:12

God says I am significant: 
I have been chosen by God. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John 15:16

I am God's workmanship.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

I am a joint heir with Christ.
"And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Galatians 4:6-7

God knows my name! :)

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;


I have called you by your name;
 You are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1b

Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep." John 10:14-15

Thank you, Jesus! And BIG thanks to my family for all your encouragement today xxoo

Socially Awkward in Casual Group Settings, Parties…

What more can be said?

Here ends today's post. :)

What a Gentleman!

How kind of that young chap on this morn's jam-packed train to give up the recently vacated seat for the woman standing behind him, when that seat was all his for the taking! He stood for the next half an hour. 
My hat's off to you, kind sir! I admired your chivalric gesture from a distance. 

Whole Heart

This morning on the train I was thinking about how I could incorporate the words "whole heart" into a praise song. At the same time I was flicking through the Psalms in my Gideon's Bible. 
That's when I happened to land on Psalm 138. The first verse read: "I will praise you with my whole heart".
WHOA.
The very same words I had in mind at that very moment! Like…how??? 
But I just love love love it when things like this happen!
God knows exactly what I'm thinking about at every moment. That's a fact that brings incredible comfort and at the same time strikes the fear of God to the heart.

Psalm 138 really spoke to me this morning. Verse 3b "…made me bold with strength in my soul" perfectly captured the way I felt yesterday after hearing the open-air preacher ~ even using the same word "bold"! Amazing!
I also love the word "revive" in verse 7: 
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies, 
And Your right hand will save me." Psalm 138:7

What a beautiful thing! God will revive me indeed. It's very easy to get physically tired or emotionally drained in your studies, at work, at home, over big things, over the little things. But God revives!

The final verse is powerful.
"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands." Psalm 138:8

I went on to read Psalm 139. It's about God's Perfect Knowledge of Man. 
God knows my whole heart. How I long to know His!

PS. Gotta love New King James Version! ;)

Encouraged To Be Bold

Feeling much better today! Praise God!

So encouraged to see an open-air preacher this afternoon declaring the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ! AMEN!
"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2
"As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:15
Encouraged to be bolder for Christ!

A little sick

Woke up feeling a little sick today :( Need lots of sleep.

This morning I was thinking about how I wanted to go to church, and then this verse came to mind: "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Mark 14:38b. I think I pulled it out of context though…

Here's a verse I'll be carrying into the new week (and beyond!) "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10b 

(Hey...I didn't know that verse came from Nehemiah til this day!)

PC: T. Voekler
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sacred_lotus_Nelumbo_nucifera.jpg