BLAME IT ON GOD!

Many a times we produce last minute work for the Lord, last minutes songs for the weekend worship, last minute lessons for Sunday School, etc. We also hear of countless stories how God last minute provided for His people in their needs. That's why I say "Blame it on God." because He showed us the example. He provided last minute so we also serve Him last minute lor - since we are so busy with our work, our duties, our home, etc., God surely understands lah.

On the other hand, we are taught to put God first, give Him our best, love and serve Him with all we have. How to reconcile these facts and reality? Some gracious people would say" be understanding, people have to make a living, they are serving voluntarily in church you know, cannot expect too much", some 'ungracious' ones would murmur and say "always last minute, setting bad examples.", etc. Sigh, confusing isn't it? What then is the right attitude and approach? I am still trying to find out but in the meantime, let us consider the song below:

Give of the best to the Master, Give of the strength of your youth;

Throw your soul's fresh, glowing ardor, into the battle for truth.

Jesus has set the example, dauntless was He, young and brave

Give Him your loyal devotion, Give Him the best that you have.

V2

Give of the best to the Master, Give Him first place in your heart.

Give Him first place in your service, Consecrate every part.

Give, and to you shall be given; God His beloved Son gave.

Gratefully seeking to serve Him, Give Him the best that you have.

V3

Give of your best to the Master; Naught else is worthy His love.

He gave Himself for your ransom; Gave up His glory above.

Laid down His life without murmur, You from sin's ruin to save.

Give Him your heart's adoration, Give Him the best that you have.

Father's Day / Mother's Day

We celebrated Father's Day last Sunday because our son wanted to go for a nice buffet with 2 of his friends and since they could get a 15% discount with Peter's credit card and we had to be present, he decided to kill 2 birds with a stone :)

This weekend, we will just have a simple meal as family and I baked a Orange Cranberry Cheesecake for the man of the house.


Last month, Eliza gave me a voucher for a set a "exercise" clothes for my Jazz class as a Mother's Day gift. With conditions of course - "purchase must be affordable for Eliza Pte Ltd, purchase must be appealing and voucher is valid till 31 Dec 09." It was a very pleasant surprise indeed - so creative :) She is really thoughtful and sweet. She knows what I need and that I find apparel for sports too expensive. Will let her have time to save up first before I go shopping :)

Renfred was the first one that day to give me a hug and wished me Happy Mother's Day. He stillowes me a Durian Waffle at Icekimo :)

While writing this, I am reminded of my Father in heaven, the True and Faithful One. Here's a song by Brian Doerksen:

Verse 1
Father I can't explain this kind of love, this kind of grace
I know, I still break your heart and yet You run to welcome me

chorus:
This is my song of praise to You
For who You are and all that You do
From the moment my life began, You have been faithful

Verse 2
Father, I love the way You hold me close and say my name
I know, when my life is through my heart will find it's home in You

Bridge
Father, certainly as the rivers reach the sea
Certainly as the sunrise in the east
I can rest in Your faithfulness
Surer as a mother's tender care
Surer than the stars still shine above
I can rest in Your faithfulness
We can rest in Your faithfulness

You have been faithful
You will be faithful
Forever faithful
Father.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

Proverbs 22:6

Our son, Renfred joined the "Singapore Idol 2009".We sent him down to Doby Ghaut to queue and get his number tag last Friday night after our church's prayer meeting. Came home at around 1am. His dad sent him down again at 6.30am for his audition. He waited 10 hours before he got to meet with the Executive producers and a couple of other guys. After singing two songs (1 verse and 1 chorus each), they asked him to go to the holding area to wait for the result. He got in! The next time he will get to sing in front of the judges and he has to prepare 3 songs for this round. We thank God for blessing Renfred with exceptional courage and a good vocal.

A couple of church friends asked if we are okay that he joins such an event. We had our rounds of "interviews" with him. He said he is trying it for the experience. One thing that assures us that he is matured enough to know how to handle situations on issues between spiritual and secular, is that he told us that the participants had to answer a questionaire. One of the questions they asked is "who is your idol?" Renfred replied "I am not supposed to worship an idol. But if you ask me to choose one, I would say "Jesus Christ". Still, He is not an idol. He is God." I am so proud of him that he stands up for who he believes in and am sure if there should be any conflicting issues concerning his faith, he will make the right decision.

Parents in the Lord, it is very important that we ground our children in their faith from young. If you had done so and if your children are now going through a phase in their lives, take heart!

An Offering

The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love

There is no shadow in Your presence

No mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne

Before the Holy One of heaven

It's only by Your blood,

And it only through Your mercy

Lord, I come

I bring an offering of worship to my King

No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing

Jesus may You receive the honour that You're due

O Lord I bring an offering to You

I bring an offering to You.

Tiramisu and Agar Agar

This Tiramisu recipe was given by a brother
who can cook and bake very well.
I use Baileys Irish Cream and each
taste of this Tiramisu is so flavourful.
You might even feel a bit tipsy after eating it ;)

I learnt this agar agar recipe from

one of my relatives many years ago.

It's crunchy, not too sweet and has

got coconut milk.

You can add your favourite colouring.

A nice dessert to consider for any

gathering :)

Granny Smith Green Apples

Many people like to use Granny Smith Green Apples for their desserts and so do I. Below are two baked desserts; Apple Crumb Muffins and Apple Crumb Pie. Those who have eaten them simply love them :)

My family and I ate these Apple Crumb Muffins for breakfast. They are really delicious - with the pieces of crunchy apples and the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon toppings :)

Apple Crumb Pies baking in the oven.These are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you are not afraid of calories, add a scope of ice-cream on top. Can just imagine the taste and sensation travelling down your throat. Just heavenly :)

How Great Is Our God

These are some of the pictures of clouds that I had captured with my Sony Ericsson K8OOi handphone. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. There are many more and everyone is different. Isn't our God creative? Not only did He create the heavens and the earth, He also paints them and each one is never the same.

Chorus:

How great is our God

Sing with me, How great is our God

And all will see, how great, how great is our God

V1

The splendour of the King

Clothed in Majesty

Let all the earth rejoice,

All the earth rejoice
He wraps Himself in Light

And darkness tries to hide

It trembles at His voice

Trembles at His voice

V2

Age to age He stands

And time is in His hand

Beginning and the End

Beginning and the End

The Godhead Three-In-One

Father, Spirit, Son

The Lion and the Lamb

The Lion and the Lamb

Bridge:

Name above all names,

You are worthy of all praise

And my heart will sing

How great is our God