Good Day, Beautiful People! Happy, joyous, healthy and prosperous new year in all area of your life.
So blessed to usher the new year, a new decade in the most beautiful city in the world with lovely and wonderful friends!
Abba Dad in Heaven, is going to a new thing, a new season, new decade, bringing dry and deserted wasteland to life. (Isaiah 43:19) He is breathing freshness, newness, renewing and restoring you and things around you. A change, a shift has started. Sense of 3 Rs taking place: Reset, Restitutions and Restoration will take place for many who had suffered deeply in many area of your life. Be ready to process your promise land, no more living in wilderness. Just declare and prepare for it.
He has equipped you with the full armour for the road ahead. (Ephesians 6:10-20) Stay focus with the visions and dreams He put in your heart. (Habakuk 2:2)
May His wisdom guide you in this new decade.
“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong. Then you will find the healing refreshment your body and spirit long for. Glorify God with all your wealth, honoring him with your very best, with every increase that comes to you. Then every dimension of your life will overflow with blessings from an uncontainable source of inner joy!”
Proverbs 3:5-10 TPT
Seek His presence daily, the first thing and last thing you do. Immerse in Holy Spirit and you will see chains falling and sudden turnaround. His peace resting on you.
This is a celebration season that most of us are busy getting ready for Christmas, attending parties and gathering with loved ones, families and friends. Whether you are a believer or not, most of us in the world celebrate Christmas. Christmas is one of the international public holiday that enjoy by many. Christmas can joyful for some and sorrowful for others. My heart goes out to the people suffer great loss this Christmas. My prayer is that you find treat #peace and comfort .
15th December 2014, the world woke up shocked, received a dreadful news that Sydney Siege. We are all saddened by this news and watched on TV and mass media live coverage helplessly at this new form of barbaric terrorist act unfolded itself. Tears just stream down my eyes, prayed for quick resolution. I knew many prayed over Sydney and Australia. Thank you so much.
This really brings it home. ” Two decent and innocent people have lost their lives, and their families and friends now face life without them. The proximity to Christmas will make each anniversary a little poignant. Others were physically injured and all have been through a trauma that none of us can really imagine.”- Amanda Vanstone
A week aftermath, Sydney still loved, stands taller and stronger. People just pay respect at Martin place. One good thing that happened is seeing Christians and Muslims cried and hugged one another. It is touching to see sea of flowers. Great tragedies bring out great unity. Once again, we are reminded the lessons of humanity.
We are really living in crazy time. We still trying to recover from Sydney Siege. Two days ago, we woke up with another tragic news, Cairns massacre.
Eight children were being murdered by a 37 year old mother. This is beyond comprehension. It made me speechless, dishearten and pray for the victims family and friends.
Hope for good closure for all the victims’ families and friends.
Tips by Ps Joel A’Bell
TIP 1. LOVE
Love conquers all. And genuine love fills our homes with acceptance, hope and a sense of belonging.
TIP 2. FORGIVE
Forgiveness is not always easy, but the results bring unity in the home and between the members of the household. The Bible says; where unity prevails God commands a blessing (Psalm 133).
TIP 3. FOCUS
Whilst social media is informative and can keep us connected, it also has the ability to keep us disconnected with the people who matter the most… family. This Christmas why don’t we put down our phones and electronic devices, on purpose, and engage in life-giving conversations.
Have a blessed Christmas with Jesus as the reason for the season.
In the South, we are celebrating Father’s Day, first Sunday in September, Spring. We honour and celebrate the men in our world, natural father, spiritual father and Heavenly Father for how they love and shape us. I feel and pray for people who suffer the loss their dads through death or separated due to unforeseen circumstance or choose to remain absent in their lives. Pray for kids that lost their dads, have confident in God, their Heavenly Dad loves them and He deploys angels minister to them, watch over them, protect them and ensure they are safe from any harm cause by evil device. Pray that spiritual Dads will continue to stand in the gap for the spiritual children in their sphere.
The nostalgic side of me pops up especially on special occasion, I can’t help myself but think of my Dad and miss him daily. My Dad had promoted to eternity since 4th March 2004. [My prayer and hope is that he chose grace again before he walked into infinity. I stand in the hope and believe I’ll see you on the other side of eternality.] To the world, you are one nice person who work hard for your family. To us, you are the world.
My Dad, William Soh BT, was born 26th August 1941. Life was never easy and straight forward for him. His Dad died in Second World War. His Mom could not cope financially with three kids. Dad was the youngest and smallest child. Consequently, she gave my Dad up to a distance relative for adoption. Dad was kind, funny at times, generous, strongwill, determined, resilient, strong, serious and industrious man. He worked diligently in the day and persevering studied night classes to upgrade himself for better qualification. He worked his way up to the top of his profession as a Marine Engineer with PSA and SJSY. Looking back, vaguely that at one stage, he was given a great position in a huge company with lots of overseas assignment. He started to make decent money to provide for us. For few years, we hardly see him. He came back home for a short break bought us gifts and flew back to work. It did put a strain in term of long distance relationship between Dad and Mom and us, kids. What a huge sacrifice to ensure our family could move forward to a better standard of living and lifestyle. He missed family and our growing up moments and milestones. Eventually, he gave up the overseas work and chose to take a pay cut and work locally. Dad loved to contribute to community and grassroots level of volunteer serving. He never stop learning new things. He was learning computer course and studying to be Chinese Physician after he retired. He loved different cuisine, attempted to do french cooking and cooked for us special treats when he had free time and when he retired.
My favourite memories was Dad and Mom to bring us out to the parks, beach, movies, zoo and to the islands to visit grandparents (my mom’s parents) during our school holiday and weekend that Dad was available.
My fondest childhood memory was as a family, Dad, Mom and I went to church together. It was a small traditional church. In my flashback, I reminisce that I skip and prance down the aisle trying to choose a seating area at one of the solid mahogony pews. Dad was actively involved in serving as a choir member and as an usher. Dad always suit up, Sunday Best clothes when we headed to church Sunday morning regardless rain or shine. Oh, how we love Sundays! One day, we came back from church he was really upset. He told Mom “From now onward we are not going to church!” I could not remember the reason. I had asked Mom on various occasion she could not tell me the reason Dad got so offended. Mom has a shocking memory. All she said was it happened ages ago, so could not recollect the incident. As a young child, 3 or 4 years old, I didn’t know what was happening. I just knew my happy Sunday morning routine was squashed. Dad was not the same ever. He seemed more aloof, strict, discplinery then approachable. He also has some bad company who influenced him in alcohol and smoking. So thankful, he gave up smoking for us and reduced his alcohol intake later part of his life. I felt that I regained some part of my Dad back.
My Dad taught me to live life to the fullest. Despite of bad breaks, poverty and lousy situation you can rise above that, never give up, never stop learning new things, continual education, be generous to charities and be a contributor to society.
I made a promise myself never be so offended that I cannot forgive, let go and move on. The truth is people will disappoint, betray and offend us from time to time. I’m sure dad was not the only one that walked away from church and God due to offense. Sadly, we like to equated people especially leaders to God’s nature and behaviour.
Our Heavenly Dad is way more loving, caring, bigger, stronger, protective than any natural and spiritual dads can ever be. He loves us that much to give us His only son, Jesus and the freedom to choose whether to accept His love. Well knowing we may not love Him back at all. How deep is Heavenly Dad’s love! How vast is His love!
May 28 2014, the world has lost a legendary poet, author, teacher and warrior of peace, equality and tolerence, Dr Maya Angelou. Heaven gains a great heroine. Her writing has inspired and encouraged multitude in America and around the world. Even though she led a kaleidoscopic life, her writings was so soulful, sensible and pragmatic. Good night, Dr Maya Angelou. You will always live in our hearts. One day, we will meet in heaven.
In case for some reason you are not familiar with her handiwork, you are in for more than just a treat. It is encouraging, empowering, powerful and life changing. Sharing some of my all time favourites, Dr Maya Angelou’s poems.
Still I Rise
You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you? Don’t you take it awful hard ‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines Diggin’ in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I’ve got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.
Touched by Angel
We, unaccustomed to courage exiles from delight live coiled in shells of loneliness until love leaves its high holy temple and comes into our sight to liberate us into life.Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies old memories of pleasure ancient histories of pain. Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls.We are weaned from our timidity In the flush of love’s light we dare be brave And suddenly we see that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.
Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can’t see. I say, It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a woman
Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need of my care, ‘Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
The free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats downstream till the current ends and dips his wings in the orange sun rays and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see through his bars of rage his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings with fearful trill of the things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom
The free bird thinks of another breeze and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.
Below is a significant teeny portion of Dr Maya Angelou interview with Oprah Winfrey.
I will leave you with her last profound tweet, ” Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.” It is still resounding in my heart.
Mon Ange 