Reminder from Deuteronomy 20

 Today's QT with the Lord reminds me -

1) My LORD, GOD is with me and my family.
     Do not :-
     Be fainthearted (of small courage or be feeble minded)
     Be afraid (fear)
     Panic (be disturbed)
     Tremble (be shakened or alarmed)
Because He goes with me and my family to fight for us and to save us.  V 1-4

2) Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Since my family and I have started our faith in the Lord Jesus, He is the Author and Finisher of our faith journey, we are to persevere and run the race of life turning to Him for strength and grace to endure whatever He has set for us.

Hebrews 12:4-13

4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

6because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”^a

7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13“Make level paths for your feet,”^b so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

In Deut 20: 5-7 talks about the man who planted the vineyard, the man who built a new house and the man who is engaged that they should finish their tasks to enjoy the fruit of the labour. These 3 verses reminded me that if man should do that, what more a covenant- keeping GOD. A faithful GOD. A merciful and loving GOD. A GOD who gives and wants the best for us.

Yes, Lord, we need You. Please have mercy on us and heal us. Help us to obey 

You and be sensitive to Your Spirit's leading.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mq59iE3MhXM - Be still my soul
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nCg-QXhhC5I - It is well with my soul

Reflections on current church crisis

What did I learn from an ongoing church crisis of 4-5 years?

1) A Senior Pastor (SP) who ate lots of humble pies and remain teachable and faithful to GOD, in spite of what he and his family are going through; the hurt, humiliation, grieve, etc that they face and endure.

2) Honouring GOD and obeying; following instructions from His Word. Because SP obeyed and trusted GOD, GOD used a group of church members to celebrate his 60th birthday with cake-cutting in church and a dinner attended by members and friends. This encouraged not only SP, his family but also the members of the church. The event was aimed at building bridges, showing love and reinforcing the fact that we are one in the Body of Christ. There maybe fractures but the true Body of Christ cannot be broken. 1 Cor 1:13 "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"

3) Despite the above sufferings, SP continues to persevere in prayers and walk with GOD. Walk your talk! Be an example to the flock of sheep GOD has placed under your charge. Show us what it means to believe in a Sovereign GOD.

4) Looking back to the first EGM where one of the elders announced the board's decision to 'transit out' the SP, GOD has caused things and situations to happen, raised members to be part of His work, bit by bit, just like He led the Israelites in Exodus 23:22,30.

5) SP sought the Lord and heard from Him through the Scriptures, through members and circumstances, to be bold and courageous, to stay and continue to serve as SP in the church.

6) Upon reflection of the above, there are positive things that came out of the group whom the Lord has raised, giving feedback and enforcing unity, love, forgiveness, reconciliation and building bridges in the Body of Christ Jesus although others may view them differently. May GOD grant us clear eyesight and not tainted ones to see His hand working through this group of members.

7) GOD brought us all into this family of His for a purpose.

Romans 12:6-8
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let us practice what we preached - to love and accept one another. Many are not having a good time; they do not feel loved, not feel accepted, have been hurt again and again by the so called brethren in the Body. May we have the eyes and heart of Christ to see them as He would. Love and accept them as Jesus would -  don't see them with tainted eyesight and wrong perceptions. They are also human beings with feelings.

May GOD open our eyes and hearts, be obedient to Him and learn the lessons of the Israelites; not to harden your hearts or be rebellious to His grace upon us and the church.

Ephesians 4:1-8, 17-24

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it say: “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives and He gave gifts to men....

17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Surrender

GOD gave me these words when i struggle with so many "Whys". Still learning to surrender bit by bit as i journey with Him as my Guide and Comfort.

V1
Surrender, I must surrender.
All these feelings,
All these anger,
Surrender them to Jesus,
He will understand.
Only He can mend.

V2
Surrender, I must surrender
All these disappoinments.
All these heartaches
Surrender them to Jesus,
He can heal, and He will.

Chorus
Each and every heartache He feels.
Each and every teadrop He sees,
Every lonely moments He knows.
And He has always been there for me.

V3
Surrender, I will surrender.
It's His battle, I'll surrender,
He allows things to happen,
He is in control. I can trust Him so.


V4
Surrender, i will surrender.
For He loves me and He'll save me
Surrender them to Jesus,
He will restore.
Praise Him forevermore!

Isaiah 45: 9-12

9.        "Woe to him who strives with Him who formed him,
             a pot among earthen pots!

            Does the clay say to Him who forms it, ‘What are You making?

            or ‘Your work has no handles’?

10  Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?’
 or to a woman, ‘With what are you in labor?’”

11 Thus says the Lord,
 the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him:

“Ask Me of things to come; will you command Me concerning my children and the work of My hands?

12 I made the earth  and created man on it;
it was My hands that stretched out the heavens,

 and I commanded all their host."

December 2015 DIY project

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Thank GOD for His blessing of creativity.  We do not have money to buy gifts for our friends and relatives but GOD has given me the gift of giving and service so I enjoy blessing others with whatever He bless us with; even at times like these where my husband has been unemployed for about 10 months and there's practically no income for the family. Sounds ridiculous but GOD has provided somehow and though we cannot give expensive gifts, we still can give something. Hope the recipients do not mind the inexpensive but labour of love put into each and everyone of these mugs and phone covers.

The mugs were painted individually with nail polish made in Korea and I chose to write "Jesus love so and so" to remind the recipients of GOD's love for them each time they use their own special mug 😊

These are the phone cases. The first on the top row was done for a friend's grandson, who loves dinosaurs.  The one next to it is a design I took from Eliza's FB profile (wanted to do one with a design she likes so that she would use it) Oh, the third one was especially done for Pete as he loves planets and universe.  In fact, I especially selected different ones with different verse and design from what I could gather of the recipients' like and dislike. Any ways, none of them really expressed that they like them - so, it does not matter.

As for the phone cases, I especially pick Bible verses and beautify them with nail polish to remind the recipients of GOD's precious Word. I think they are so special because of  GOD's Word even though they may be inexpensive. Unfortunately none of the recipients really like for them as I have not heard from them that they do 😌 It's ok, I tell myself. Everyone has different likes and dislikes so I just do all these as unto Jesus and not be sad.  Sometimes, I ask Him, why give me gifts that make me do foolish things like theses :(  Instead, give me lots of money so that I can buy expensive stuff people would appreciate :)

These 3 were especially hand carried to Eliza and her 2 flat mates. Because Eliza and myself love Colours, I made one with bright and cheerful colours for her 😍  We also sent many small presents to her for her Birthday and Christmas.

Pete's family wanted us to join them for Christmas this year as we have been avoiding this "expensive" occasion each year for the past few years as we can't cope with buying 30-40 presents for his family members. So I told him that we should at least get them something, though small but something personal and from our hearts. It took me many days to paint 30+ individual mugs for each of his relatives.

 These two plastic ones are especially done for his two grand nephews. Hope the recipients like them :)  Blessed Christmas :-)

Gatekeeper

Many years back, I attended a worship seminar at St John - St Margaret church and at one of the workshops, this lady worship pastor shared with us her role as a gatekeeper when it comes to introducing new worship songs to the congregation. They have a worship committee to get through new songs and the lyrics so as to ensure that they are biblically correct.

I brought home this important message, and since then my husband and myself have been practicing this role of gatekeepers by His grace and discernment as older brethrens in the faith. We find this role necessary, especially in these last days when false doctrines come into the church;

Romans 16:17

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

Matthew 7:15

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 

John 14:26

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

GOD knows our hearts and motives- we are concern for the future generation of young believers; the diluting of the Word, the powerful influence of the media, etc.  It has not been an easy task thus far as we have been seen as trying to "show off", "think we are so clever", "nosey", etc. but by His grace, we will stand up for our faith in the Lord Jesus.  Col 3:23 - whatever we do, we do it unto Jesus. 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus

1 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high His royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory,
His army shall He lead,
till every foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed.

2 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict,
in this His glorious day.
Ye who are brave now serve Him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.

3 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in His strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.

4 Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next the victor's song.
To those who vanquish evil
a crown of life shall be;
they with the King of Glory
shall reign eternally.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?hl=en-GB&gl=SG&v=r11Gmdq__-8

May GOD raise up more gatekeepers for Him and His Word in these last days, especially the pastors and leaders who have studied His Word. 

Wisdom

Yesterday, I had a minor wisdom tooth surgery at Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital in the afternoon. 

Thank GOD that the surgery went smoothly and He provided a skilful dentist who did the job in 20 minutes including the application of local anaesthesia.  The queuing and waiting for the medication to go with it took much longer - 45 minutes.

 

The wisdom tooth was still quite good and solid but unfortunately it was growing slanted towards the pre-molar next to it, thus affecting both teeth.  So, pay one get one free, the pre-molar extraction came free with it :)  I was still conscious of every movement the dentist made, even the two stitches he did to close up the gum.  Thank GOD all was well in His hands as my husband prayed for me :)

The recovery is good thus far - no pain and discomfort, am still able to eat well and sleep well :)

This is just a wisdom tooth that we can do without but we need the wisdom that comes from GOD above which is found when we fear Him. 

"The fear of the Lord is foundation of true wisdom.  All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom.  Praise Him forever!"  Psalm 110:10

March - October 2014 Bakes, etc

Heehee, I did not realize that I have not been updating my bakes, etc for such a long while :)

 

Starting from the most recent, the above yam and threadfin soup is one of my favourites.  The steamed pork ribs and yam was a dish that we had at tim sum recently and I decided to give it a try.  The third dish is a classic tau gay with salted fish :) 

Tangzhong Wassant.  I am not able to achieve what Provence is selling outside but these are soft and yummy as well :)

Chocolate Buns with Cream Cheese filling.

Mini Chempedak Tarts for my husband's teabreak :)

 

They guys at home were given a choice - Homemade Beef Stew and Buns or Homemade Jam on Toast with Brewed Coffee for breakfast.

Peach and Blueberry Tarts for praiseband practice.

Blueberry Tart for family members.

Love the fluffy and soft texture of this Egg Loaf recipe.  One original, the other I topped with some cheese and poppy seeds.

A simple chocolate sponge cake with caramelized bananas and peanut butter filling.

Homemade Fried Silver Fish and Peanuts.  If you have the time, homemade fried stuff are healthier as we do not reuse the oil like those from the shops.  This dish goes well with plain porridge or rice, nasi lemak :)

Renfred brought home some prosciutto so I used some of them in my baguettes ;-)

 

The inside of the mini prosciutto baguette. 

I enjoy playing with dough.  Maybe Play dough was not invented during my childhood days :)

Love to make pretty loaves like these :)

A simple vanilla sponge cake with homemade jam filling and a very simple drawing of a road bike for my hubby's 52nd birthday. 

Strawberry Chocolate Tart. 

A simple dish of Fried Chicken with herb seasoning. I am not good at following recipes, so I just add whatever I like :)

Nutella Flower Loaf

Apple Baked Ham and Cheddar Loaf

Made some Banana Walnut cakes for praiseband practice. 

Am happy with the crunchy walnuts and chunks of bananas :)

A Wagu Beef Dinner with homemade Soup Bowls and a bottle of 2005 Red Wine.

Made some mini pizza strips from the remaining olive dough where I made my soup bowls.  Topped them with Sundried Tomatoes, herb butter and curry fish.

Honey Coated Macadamia and Toffee Cinnamon Buns.  Lovely combination. 

Just love the texture of these buns :D

The night before, I made some Crabmeat Patties.  Used some of them to make Crabmeat Patties sandwich with my homemade Highway 10" French Baguette.

 

Bought these two huge flower crabs at the Marsling market, steamed them, added seasonings, etc and made my own Crabmeat Patties.  Those you eat or buy from outside are so expensive.

A friend ordered close to 100 sets of these cookies for her daughters' school Children's Day events. 

So I experimented and made different flavours and colours of heart-shaped cookies.

Quality and taste are very important to me, especially when it comes to selling my bakes. 

 

 

Chocolate, Vanilla, Raspberry, Cranberry, Lemon and Orange Heart-shaped cookies wrapped and sealed in individual small containers, ready for delivery :)

 

Orange Chocolate Tarts for Renfred's classmates.  One of his lecturers gave them a lunch treat so he asked if I could bake a dessert for his classmates.  Always very happy to do so whenever my young adults want their mom to bake for them :)

Homemade Straw, Blue and Blackberry Jam with peach liqueur from Nice.

 

Orange Cranberry and Stripes Agar Agar

Chocolate and Raspberry Muffins

Meringue topped with Balsamic Strawberry and Chocolate drizzle.

 

Made these Chocolate Tarts to share with some friends.

 

On this particular day, I just felt like doing some stencil baking.  So I baked these :D

Hope you have enjoyed looking at the above as I have enjoyed baking them.  GOD bless :)