Finisher

19:54:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Last year I sustained a pretty big injury requiring some pain medication, physiotherapy and other rehab. It was painful to stand, sit, sleep and walk. I had to give up running and tennis for several months. I was patient in my recovery. I diversified into swimming and have found great joy in cross-training. Thank you for the many prayers during this time of recovery. 

That's why today was monumental. Today I participated in the 10km run as part of the Gold Coast marathon. God has blessed my speedy recovery, and I can use my strength to glorify his name. 

Firstly, thank you to all those who supported this cause financially. Your donations will be used to help children and their communities through the name of Jesus. Together we raised over $300 this year! Thanks thanks!



So a large crowd of people descended on the broadwater at southport before the sun rose. And we were all preparing for the race as the sun rose. The rays of first light hit the water and reflected off the boats, it was a magical sight. As we lined up to do the race I felt a sense of unity. So many people had turned up to run. This was after a huge week of rain on the Gold Coast. I was able to share with those around me, the prayers that have been offered up. And all along the way, I found different causes to pray for. Some people were running for Cancer, and other diseases, others running for particular organisations and community groups. As always I was worried that I wouldn't have enough to pray for, but by the time I had finished, I don't think I have had time to thank God for all the glorious things he has done in my life and the lives around me. 

Started out well across the bridge, but after about 1km running, i thought I would die, kept going, about 3 km, I thought I was half way, about 5 km I thought I had to throw in the towel, but kept going. I skipped all drink stops, only stopped  to help someone who collapsed and managed to sprint across the finish line in 1 hour 7 minutes. So not a bad effort for someone who had sustained a significant injury. And the main point, I finished. God is victorious. He will continue to be victorious! Hopefully I can inspire my kids and those around me to challenge themselves to be tools for God!


1:07


Movie Review: Source code (2011)

21:30:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Movie Review: Source Code (2011)

Movie Summary: A solider wakes up on a train and finds that he is someone else. 8 minutes later, an explosion occurs and he ceases to exist on the train. An army officer tells asks him questions about a bomb and a bomber. The solider is disoriented and doesn't know what is going on. Throughout the movie we learn that the solider had almost died in combat and his body is hooked onto life support. His brain is still active and he is part of an experiment, source code, that can tap into the last 8 minutes of a deceased memory. The particular memory/time lapse he has access to is of Shaun, a teacher on a train of over 200 people who died in a train bombing earlier that morning. The solider's mission is to venture into this parallel time and find out who the bomber is to prevent a series of imminent threats on Chicago. In every rerun the solider dies. But he knows he only has 8 minutes to exist and makes the most out of it.



My thoughts: If you like movies like Inception, you are in for a treat. This was a really well made movie. The actors are all very convincing and you become emotionally attached to them as the movie progresses and you find out about them.The idea of being able to have a do-over, over and over again but being unable to change the outcome is really frustrating. In this hedge-hog day like movie, I found myself trying to problem solve the situation, and like the main character, try to prevent the event from occurring. If you could go back in time to re-live 8 minutes in your life, which 8 minutes would it be? Why those 8 minutes? What changes in your life would you observe if you could redo those 8 minutes knowing what you know today?

Unfortunately, there is no take 2 in life. You only have one shot of every single second of your life. Would you hold back? Wouldn't you take each opportunity?

I don't know why I sometimes hold back. I see opportunities to spread the gospel but yet I hold back. I sit next to someone on a train, I have an hour to spread the gospel to them, yet I choose to play computer games, sleep or read a book. I see my work mates and talk to them about what they did on the weekend rather than something more important. If you knew you only had a few minutes left, I bet you would act differently.

We don't know when Jesus is coming back. Could be in a few minutes. Wouldn't you live differently if you truly believed that he would return?

It's official, we are still together

21:35:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Several years ago I chose a different type of relationship. I decided that I would commit the best years of my life to researching about the role of families in adolescent alcohol use. I decided that I would sacrifice the years of my young, any potential relationships, time with friends. At that time I wasn't 100% sure what I was signing up for. I didn't realise that it was more than a 9-5 job. A PhD is like having a shadow following you around constantly reminding you that you aren't doing enough, you aren't good enough, and you are never going to finish. 

My first, first authored publication wasn't in a scientific journal. It was in a fashion magazine. It talked about the imposter syndrome. It happens to all of us girls who feel like at any moment someone's going to find out that we are imposters. That we don't belong, we aren't actually good enough. People tell me I'm doing a good job, but I can't believe it. Are they just saying nice things? But I've just past another PhD milestone. I got the email the other day. It's been a bit more than 2 years since I started my PhD and a bit more than 3 years since I started my postgraduate studies. I've only got one more milestone left until it's all over. 
This time next year, God-willing, I will be free from this abusive relationship. And my friends know that I've been married to my studies. It's a choice I have made. But now I am starting to see the end of the road and it's kind of scary. By the time I have finished, I would have studied for 22 years of my life. I have worked in many jobs from being a child care worker, to an accountant, to a lecturer and a psychologist. But I haven't really had a long term full time job. And it's a bit scary. The future is a bit scary. I really don't know what is ahead. 

I have given myself significant excuse not to let Love in my life for so long, will it actually happen? Or will I continue to live recklessly and freely? I have self-sabotaged every potential relationship. And it didn't seem like a big deal in my life. But my friends are getting married, having kids, yet I still dream of travelling the world, having new experiences and finding myself. Maybe I just haven't met the right type of person yet. I haven't met someone I feel safe with. 

I feel like I am an Israelite. The Israelites were promised a land of their own flowing with milk and honey. Yet, many, for their whole lifetimes, only knew servitude in Egypt. They endured many hardships yet it was during this time that God built up a great nation. From one family, he made a nation. And eventually, he did give those with faith a land filled with milk and honey. 

I feel like God was building something in me. For the last few years, I have personally seen the changes in my life. All the hardships I have endured have all taught me something, have all changed me. I am a stronger person. I know to trust God more. And have greater faith in what I cannot see. 

Although I don't know what lies ahead of me in the future, who will be there, what will be there, what will I do... I know that there is a heavenly father that is looking out for me, who has already written a fantastic adventure/fairytale- that is my life. 


A pure heart

20:58:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

I was born curious. I remember asking some young men what they looked for in an ideal partner. Some were quite honest and told me of course looks are important- it's hard to look at someone who repulses you. Others touches much deeper qualities: they look for someone who is happy, who is fun, someone who they have chemistry with, someone who is joyful, someone who is pure.

Happiness fluctuates, it's something that changes. People become less fun when a crisis occurs, chemistry fades but someone wise looks for constant qualities. Qualities in their partner that does not change from day to day. Someone who radiates the joy God has put in their hearts, someone who's heart purely beats for God. The latter is what I desire.

Why this topic? I've been talking to a dear friend who is on a relatively young walk with God. Our relationship with Jesus is often paralleled to a loving relationship, we are his bride. Jesus doesn't care what you look like- looks fade. He doesn't care if you are depressed, etc. He loves us regardless. He looks for eternal qualities within us. He wants a heart that beats purely for him, he wants us to radiate joy- so that we can attract others to see his light.

史茵茵-純潔的心 A Pure Heart


纯洁的心,这是我渴慕, 
一颗紧跟随着你的心,谨记你的话语,
A pure heart, that's what I long for
A heart that follows hard after Thee

好让罪不可进入,永远让你来掌管,
一颗专注的心,一颗怜悯的心,
得着你的喜悦,让这馨香的敬拜,直升到你面前

A heart that hides Your Word
So that sin will not come in
A heart that's undivided
But one You rule and reign
A heart that beats compassion
That pleases You my Lord
A sweet aroma of worship 
That rises to Your throne

怎麼還愛我 How can you still love me?

07:53:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Last night I bumped into the first guy that ever asked me out. At first I didn't recognize him and I doubt he recognized me. And then we caught each other's gaze, smile, nodded and continued on our separate ways. It's a funny story, when this guy asked me out, I confronted him, why would you do that? He was stunned at the question this little girl asked him. That little boy has become a great man with many achievements but still that innocent and gentle soul. 

Movies, TV, novels all promise of happily ever afters. And I've heard the same promise made but rarely kept in real life. I don't think people deliberately lie to you though. In that instant, they do believe that they have a future with you. Things happen, people change. There are no guarantees right? 

WRONG. 

There is a love that transcends time. He chose me though there is nothing special about me. And in the crowd or millions and millions of people- he chose you! He promised that he will love you. And he has kept this promise. Doesn't matter how much you have changed. He still loves you. 



Chinese- English TRANSLATION by kikoprincess

作曲:Jason Lai@ETERNITY
填詞:凌東成編曲:Jim Ling



lyrics http://hk.music.yahoo.com/album-song.html?songcode=YAH100008352


怎麼還愛我
[How can you still love me?]

錯過了風光遠途 快已到終點回頭 
[The missed scenery are far away, almost at the end, ]
卻不多不少 思典於眼前
[Not much or little, but your grace is before my eyes]
灰心失意事 總相信有你意思 
[In bothersome things I believe there is always your purpose]
猜不透你心意 因何待我這備至
[I can't guess your will but why wait for me in every way]


看透了悲喜滿懷 鑒察我心思
[I've seen past the joys and sorrows, search my thoughts]
明明是魯莽軟弱 甚或自私
[Obviously reckless, weak or selfish thoughts]
心中的抉擇都想我完全合意
[I want the choices in my heart to be completely acceptable]
今縱逃離你飛向月球中 仍無法能躲開你
[If I now fly away from you towards the moon, I cannot hide from you]

當天去追尋求的誰嫌多
[That day I chased after so many things]
只得軀殼與鏡裡那個我雙雙對望
[Only to avoid the person starring at me through the mirror]
慨嘆歲月唏噓跌盪 憾事實太多
[There are many things that I have regretted]
怎知你於歧途中仍留低
[Why have you stayed behind in the journey]
竟伸手懸崖旁抓著我 再說甚麼
[You reached out and grabbed by hand while I was hanging on a cliff, what else to say?]
是你付上真愛 今永留永在
[You gave real love, eternal and everlasting]
怎可配得這麼的愛
[How can I be worth this love?]

世界多麼的廣闊 日子卻蹉跎

[How vast the world, days wasted]
偏偏你於人群中 給我愛甚多
[You plucked me from the crowd and gave me so much love]
應該放開從前的愁和鎖
[I need to let go of past worries and burdens]
屈膝禱告 過往我已錯過今天慶賀
[kneel down to pray, I was wrong before but now I celebrate]
寄往以後不可怠惰 孕育著愛果
[Never to be stuck in idleness but to be bursting with fruits]
多一秒鐘如能生存仍想
[I want to survive for another second ]
一生終結完成主付託 發放熱火
[To finish the purpose given to me by God, to be burning with a passionate fire]
為你盡我的愛 生命藏愛內
[Through your love for me, to have love within life]
祝福去將紛爭掩蓋
[To use blessings to cover up any disputes]

CHRIST-FREE HOLIDAY?

18:46:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

One month till I head off to the STATES! It's going to be a brand new adventure and undoubtedly I will grow heaps from it. Please keep me in your prayers.

While over there I will be working in one of the best research teams in my area. What a pleasure, it's really an experience that money cannot pay for.

And I will also spend every other spare minute travelling and experiencing the states. I have never been before so I don't really know what to expect. When I was down in Canberra earlier this month, the youth group down there reminded me of something. There is no such thing as a CHRIST-FREE holiday. Although people are taking over my roles in Sunday School, youth group, bible study here, it doesn't mean that I can be CHRIST-FREE while I go to America.


1 Peter 3:15

New International Version (NIV)
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 


I've been in contact with a local church there where they have offered to allow me to participate in service. I think I will learn a lot over there spiritually as well. BUT it's not only that. We are given opportunities to be Christ like and be a witness to Christ no matter what we do, no matter where we go. You just have to be willing and prepared.

The following youtube clip has been on my playlist all week. Repeat repeat, but I'm still so energized and motivated by it. Jesus is a keeper!





Oh oh oh oh oh....

We’ve been deceived I would be seeing on a TV, the lights, cameras, the actions and smoked screens
But the truth that lies underneath, is opposed in the guy that we say we need
Don’t be so easily misguided by the clever schemes in disguises
Look a little deeper and you will discover: affection of another;
Jesus is a keeper

Chorus:
Jesus show us the way that leads to You
Don’t wanna astray, lead us to Truth
Show us the way that leads us to You
Don’t wanna astray, lead us to Truth

In the society we ‘re plagued with confusion, the face value is only an illusion
But the knowledge of reality is dilusion,
Help me form my ultimate conclusion
No more following and listening to what they say (NO!)
They’re nothing in authority anyway
Look a little deeper and you will discover affection of another
Jesus is a keeper

Jesus show us the way that leads to You
Don’t wanna astray, lead us to Truth
Show us the way that leads us to You
Don’t wanna astray, lead us to Truth

Oh oh oh oh....

SNEAK PEEK: forgiveness

11:35:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

SNEAK PEEK: Matthew west is about to launch his new album next month and Forgiveness is one of the new songs.

It too took me many years to learn what forgiveness entails. Like the testimony in the following video, my father died in a car accident due to the negligence of other drivers. I hated this man for many years and even when he was sick I thought he deserved proper punishment for his negligence. I am truly moved by this testimony and song.

God has shown us how to love the unloveable, forgive the impossible. He has forgive us, we who were sinners, he has loved us who continue to hurt him with our actions and thoughts.

We as selfish human beings can't do this ourselves. We needs his mercy to learn to Forgive others. I am starting to forgive that man who killed my dad, and the people who have delibrately ripped me off, those who have betrayed my trust and day by day, I am learning to love the unloveable. 




It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always go to those who don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel
When they pain they caused is just too real
Takes everything you have to say the word
Forgiveness, forgiveness

It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It’s always angers own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying set it free
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness

Show me how
To love the unlovable
Show me how
To reach the unreachable
Help me now
To do the impossible
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Help me now
To do the impossible
Forgiveness

It’ll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what its power can do
So let it go and be amazed by what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Oh, forgiveness, forgiveness

I want finally set it free
Show me how
To see what Your mercy sees
Help me now
To give what You gave to me
Forgiveness


http://www.klove.com/music/artists/matthew-west/


Matthew West's latest song "Forgiveness" is based on a true story of Renee, who lost her 20 year old daughter as a result of being hit by a drunk driver. The driver was sentenced to 22 years in prison, but it didn't take away the bitterness that Renee felt. It wasn't until Renee visited the driver, Eric, in prison and forgave him that she was able to experience true freedom from the anger she harnessed inside. Not only that, but Renee asked the judge to release Eric early, so that he could join her speaking around the country on the dangers of drunk driving.
"Forgiveness" is just one of the songs based on true stories as a part of Matthew's upcoming album Into The Light. The album is a follow up to The Story of Your Life, where Matthew thumbed through thousands of listeners' stories to seek inspiration for his songs.
"I was face to face with the real stories of people's lives," Matthew reflected on an interview with K-LOVE'sScott and Kelli. "It made me take a look in my own life, and I realized that a lot of times, I stay safe in the confines of My Own Little World.
One of the more powerful songs on the album, "Strong Enough," was based on the story of a 19 year old named Haleigh who was severely injured in an auto accident. After 11 surgeries and countless doctor appointments, her Mom encouraged her that the Lord will never put anything on us that we're not strong enough to handle.  "He must think that I'm pretty strong if I was going through all of that," was Haleigh's response.
Matthew stepped outside of the studio this spring to bring hope and gifts to children in Panama throughOperation Christmas Child. "Operation Christmas Child is going to great lengths to reach these children and show them love through these shoeboxes," reflected Matthew. "I felt like God was saying, 'That's just a glimpse of the great lengths that I go to, to search out each and every soul and let them know that they are loved.'"
Matthew West has also used his talents on Valentine's Day every year to bless one K-LOVE listener with a personalized love song. Every February, you have the opportunity to tell Matthew your love story, and Matthew writes a song based on a story submitted. You can see the past "Next Great Love Songs" below, as well as read the stories that inspired them:
Singing and songwriting was not always Matthew West's career of choice. Growing up only a stone’s throw from Wrigley Field, playing for the Cubs was the dream profession for future singer/songwriter Matthew West. As Matthew spent many nights in the dugout during high school, even serving as his team’s captain, his major-league dreams felt closer than ever. As it came time for college, however, he received a four-year music scholarship from Millikin University, instead of the baseball one he really wanted.
During his college breaks, he wrote most of his first songs in the sanctuary of his father’s church, and after graduating from college, a friend suggested that Matthew attend the annual the Gospel Music Association Music in the Rockies event for aspiring musicians.
Eventually making the final round of the songwriting competition, Matthew was offered a songwriting deal. Then after writing songs for established artists including Billy Ray Cyrus, Rascal Flatts and Natalie Grant, Matthew continued writing his own songs and eventually signed with Universal South Records.
His first radio single “More” held on to the #1 position on the Christian adult contemporary charts for nine weeks and his second album, History, scored him two more hit radio singles, “Next Thing You Know” and “Only Grace.”
In 2007, however, it was no longer smooth sailing when his career took a rather turbulent turn. Turns out, Matthew was on the verge of losing the very voice that endeared him to fans. Instructed to undergo vocal rest for two months by not talking at all, the future of Matthew’s singing career lay in the balance. As it turns out, the treatment worked and God wasn't quite finished using Matthew’s voice after all.
Matthew resumed his singing career and went on to write two more hits, “The Motions” and “You Are Everything” to firmly establish Matthew as one of the industry’s premiere songwriters.

Perfect timing

22:09:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Why can't I date a non-christian? There are no single christian guys/girls at my church!


I have been talking to my dear single brothers and sisters in Christ. A concern for many is a future partner. While some speak confidently, others waiver. The core issue is that they know many many beautiful, smart, funny, kind, loving people who AREN'T christians. Isn't it possible to convert your partner later?


Ah, but I warn you brothers and sisters. It's easier to guard your heart from these temptations than to try to erase someone from your memory. Once you let someone into your heart, they are permanently there no matter what you do to try to get rid of the memories. They will fundamentally change who you are. I often talk about a sticky tape analogy: if you let someone into your heart, it's like they become a piece of sticky tape stuck on you, even when you remove the sticky tape, and the pain of ripping them away has past, the sticky tape will never be clear again, part of them, sticks on you. 




Proverbs 4:23

New International Version (NIV)
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.


Of course there are examples of couples who do both eventually become christians, get married and live happily ever after. 


BUT the bible strong encourages over and over again for believers not to be yoked together/married/bond to people who do not worship the same God. Being together with a Christian doesn't necessary guarantee happily ever after either, but if you have faith in God, you will follow his will for your life. I spend time each week to pray for each of my single brothers and sisters in Christ. Praying that they will find their significant other who will compliment them in their ministry and their spiritual growth. I know some who are impatient to find their other half, but I remind them: if they are to be together til death, what's the hurry. 


Then there is the eternal pressure for me to find someone. I think my close family and friends understand what I am waiting for. And why I am waiting. But others find it difficult to understand. I am learning to love God more and more. So that I can learn to love my future partner, if he does exist. And if I can't have the right type of guy- a God fearing, loving, brave and courageous person, then I'd rather have none at all. 


I often look out in the sky and wonder if someone is praying for someone just like me :P


In the meanwhile, I'm finding much joy in singleness and enjoying the freedom it brings me. I can pack up and travel for a few months with fewer burdens and go out to do different types of ministry work freely. I am blessed with supportive friends and family who understand why I am waiting, but also praying for me all the time! Thanks thanks. 






好好戀愛






主唱:彭家麗.王祖藍

彭:我的天父 可否讓我好好地談戀愛 [My heavenly father, can you teach me how to be in a loving relationship]
不再流淚 不再傷痛 不再聚合又要分開 [With no my tears, with no more hurt, and not split up and get back together again]
我的天父 我只想要安穩地找個人來愛  [My heavenly father, I just want to steadily find someone to love]
請讓我知道那個人在不在 [please let me know if that person exists]
 
王︰我的孩子 難道你忘記了我就是愛 [My child, have you forgotten that I am love]
學懂愛我 學懂愛你自己,你就懂好好戀愛  [Learn to love me, learn to love yourself, then you will know how to be in a relationship]
我的孩子 何不嘗試安靜地慢慢去等待 [My child, why not try to patiently and quietly wait]
你就會知道那個人在不在 [Then you will know whether that person exists]


王︰ 每時每刻都在我手裡 彭:願意相信  God: [Every moment is within my hands] Child: willing to believe
合:沒有事情是太早或是太遲 Together: [Nothing is too early or too late]
王︰願意相信 彭:愛我的主 我願意相信 萬事萬物都在你手裡 God:[Willing to believe] Child: [Loving Lord, I am willing to believe all things are in your hands]
王︰我教你順服 我的旨意  God: [I am teaching you to obey, my will]
彭:請教我順服 你的旨意 Child: [Teach me to obey, your will] 



God CAN and WILL

21:46:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments


Today's sermon talked about the faith of the man with leprosy and the centurion from Matthew 8. What struck me from today's message was that both these men believed in the authority of Jesus. Both believed that he had the power to heal if he was willing. 


How many times do we put constraints on what we think our God can do? And when he can accomplish things? 


When we see someone suffering from a Cold, we ask that God heals them. When we see someone with broken bones we ask for speedy recovery. when we see someone with terminal illness? Or at the last stages of life, we ask God will give them peace as they go. Are we putting constraints on God's timing? Of course we must all go at some stage or another but are we limiting our prayers because of our limited faith?


The man with leprosy could have ask for Jesus to ease his suffering, and the centurion could have asked Jesus to peacefully let his servant go without pain. BUT both had faith that God could do far more than that!


Not only CAN do anything, he WILL accomplish great things in our lives. 


Are we only praying small prayers? Can we be brave and have greater faith in the things God can accomplish in our lives?




_________________________

Please continue to show your support for Compassion Australia. Together, we have raised over $300 for my upcoming 10k run!


________________________________



Matthew 8:1-13

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy[a] came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

The Faith of the Centurion

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.

You are still my dear: Sherman's testimony

22:17:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

鍾舒漫分享見證

Sherman's testimony




Testimony summary:
Sherman shares how she went to a catholic school and prayed when she was young. She would pray when she wanted something, she didn't attend any services or fellowships. When she grew up she realised she was creative and artistic. She told God, this talent is something you have put inside of me. She entered a talent contest and from there entered the entertainment industry. She talks about the clashes of the entertainment industry and her reserved personality. 

She talks about how she found God. She says people turn to God when they are in despair. At times she asks where God is when she feels numb on stage- she felt angry at God. At that time, a pastor visited HK and called her. She told the pastor her frustrations and stress. She had thought that if she acted better, did certain things she could earn God's love. The pastor told her that it's not the case. God loved us even before we were born, he loves us in spite of our weaknesses and bad performances. 

Many people seek idols, etc to gain inner peace. 

Sherman was invited by the pastor to sing a love song she looked around but couldn't find an appropriate song. She asked God for a miracle to write a song within a few short days. The song writing process was joyful for Sherman. The song's title is you are still my dear. When she sang this song, people were so moved they were crying. She gives all honour and glory to God. God's love doesn't make sense, he loves her despite the things she has thought and things she has done. 

Although she knows God exists, she is a pessimist. It's easy to lose sight of the purpose you were made. She was worried that she would lose her way in the entertainment industry because there weren't many christians around. She saw how those around her started to believe God and change their lives. She couldn't believe that a christian cd would sell so well. Everyone has a responsibility to spread the gospel, taking every opportunity. Sherman herself felt that she was inapt to spread the word, but was willing to put herself out there to be used in furthering God's kingdom. 

My thoughts: Sometimes I have the same thoughts at Sherman, although I know it's not directly related to behaviour, I sometimes can't help be try to want to please God through reading the bible diligently, etc. I too am still learning and growing. I know that God loves me despite who I am. 
I also see the changes of those around us. If I don't keep moving forward, I will lag behind. There is nothing special about me, but God has allowed me to share his message to others. God has also chosen you to spread the gospel to those around you. 






作曲:钟舒漫
填词:游思行
编曲:谢浩文
监制:谢浩文


人渴望爱 人生孤海 [Man yearns for love, we float on a solitary sea]
人害怕 软弱与障碍 [Man fears weakness and obstacles]
当相爱 也变得悲哀 [When love turns into despair] 
怀疑世界根本不信奉爱 [The world will not believe in love]

忘掉眼睛 忽而明亮  [Forgetting sight has suddenly brightened]
如像黑暗打开的窗 [Like a window has been opened in the darkness]
无杂染的声音 是深心中所想 [Without a depth of sound, is the inner thoughts of my heart]
是你感动我 感动我的回响 [You have really moved me, moved my response]

恒久不止息的爱 似现实存在 [This lasting and unceasing love, can actually exist]
时代季节更改 风吹也没离开 [Neither time nor season The wind will make him leave]
原来还有希望 我哭有你在看 [Realising that with hope, that you see my tears]
还想说着 You're Still My Dear [Saying that You're still my dear]

常会犯错 常不清楚 [I often make mistakes, often unclear]
常恨我 缺陷很多 [[Often hate me a lot more]
多得你爱我 爱小花一朵 [For you have loved me, a little flower bud]
如何错这一位也是我 [The defective me]

柔弱信心长到强大  [Weak faith has become strong]
如树粗壮不跟风摆 [Like a tree that is not moved by the fierce wind]
全部爱的秘密 现今不必在猜 [All loves' secrets, now I don't have to guess]
被你怎样爱怎样爱可明解 [Loved by you, so loved that I can't understand]

恒久不止息的爱 似现实存在 [This lasting and unceasing love, can actually exist]
时代季节更改 风吹也没离开 [Neither time nor season The wind will make him leave]
原来还有希望 我哭也健壮 [Realising that with hope, though I cry but am strong]
全因有你在旁 全因这不死的爱 [All because you are by my side, because of your undying love]
我现在存在 [Now I exist]
尝尽百劫千灾 都可笑逐颜开 [Despite numerous obstacles and disasters, can still smile radiantly] 
仍然还有些彷徨 知你在看[Although with some hesitation, I know you are watching]
扶起我吧 I‘m still your dear  [Picking me up, I'm still your dear]
遇到你人生转化 [Encountering you, my life has been converted]

____________________________
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Movie review: Burlesque (2010)

11:23:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Movie Review for Burlesque (2010)

Movie summary: Ali wants to make it as a performer but is stuck in a rural town waiting tables. She is frustrated and heads to the big city in search for singing jobs. Having no success, she notices a Burlesque club. Once inside, she is captivated by the glamour of the stage and begs for a job. She works at a waitress at the club until she is given a chance. When she is finally given a chance to shine the club faces closure - a development firm wants to take the place over. Ali saves the day by reminding the owner of air rights.

There are other themes throughout the movie including forbidden romance, long distance relationships, homosexuality, office politics, etc but didn't feel the need to comment on those here.

My thoughts: Definitely NOT suitable for children. I watched this with one of my best friends over the weekend. We absolutely loved the movie. Although it is a bit provocative but the two lead characters had such wonderful depth in their voices and were very believable in their roles. The songs were captivating and although naughty, most of the moves required skill in execution. SPOILER ALERT. Air rights was absolutely brilliant. I have seldom thought of the privilege of having a nice view. For the last 10 years we lived as kings on a hill. We over looked hectares of golf course, we can see 3 sets of fireworks on new years eve and we lived in a peaceful environment. Bit by bit our view has become obstructed and our peace and quiet disturbed. There is nothing we can do about it. But I wish we enjoyed it a bit more while it lasted.

It's easy to take for granted what we have until it's gone. Some of us prolong the decision to learn more about God until it's too late. Will you wait until it's too late?

My mother- a Godly woman

09:51:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Firstly, A very happy birthday to my dearest mother who has been a father and mother to me throughout my life. She has made so many sacrifices to ensure that we have the lifestyle we have. She saved money so that we can learn the piano, participate in after school activities. She is a humble woman. A compassionate woman and a God-fearing woman. My mother taught me to read the bible and memorize bible verses from a young age. She frequently sings hymns during her daily tasks.

I was deeply touched to see the way she lived after my father passed away. She never gave up hope and she is a wonderful mother, provider and safe harbour.

Qualities of a Godly woman - part 1 Summary: Waiting for the unseen. Waiting for our future partner without assuming that each man we meet is our future spouse. We can risk being passive-aggressive by manipulating the other and manipulating God's message to fit our desires. We can wait patiently for our future partner to pursue us, just as Christ first died for us on the Cross. But we don't have faith in Jesus just because of things of this earth like having a husband.

The bible talks about godly women being life-givers. For example, Ruth gave up her life in her country to return to the homeland of her mother-in-law. As a widow, she worked and provided for her mother-in-law.

My thoughts: After reading the article, I have felt a bit guilty. I think in my past relationships or interactions with people, I have been very passive aggressive. There is much room to improve and indeed the points mentioned here a) patience b) being a giving person are essential characteristics of being a Godly woman. Being a selfish creature, I know I can't do this on my own, but it would be through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!

_______________________

http://cdtarter.blogspot.com.au/2007/03/qualities-of-godly-woman-part-1.html
Original post:

I think in Christian circles we talk a lot about the necessity for male leadership. It's not uncommon to hear girls on a college campus or in a youth group bemoan the lack of initiative from men - and honestly, I think sometimes men get a bad wrap. Don't get me wrong, I think first and foremost we should be encouraging our men to step up, love the Gospel, and lead fervently, and it must start with them. But also, in our movement to raise up male leaders, we must also speak to women.
Godly men will be looking for godly wives, so how are we supposed to live?
I have talked before about the necessity for women to love theology-and I think that ties in here. We should saturate our minds with Scripture. Study it. Love it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Live by it. As your life is centered around the Word of God, the characteristics of a godly woman will be begin to manifest themselves in your life. Male leadership does not mean that we default to their study of the Word as our sole source of spiritual nourishment. They will give an account for how they lead us, but if we love our Savior we should and will love His Word.
How will the children know if we don't teach them? And how will we teach the children if we don't know it, love it, and delight in it ourselves? We are all (men and women) called to know and love our Savior, but our roles as women are to teach women and children (Titus 2:3-5).
As I said earlier in the week, we must not be on a "quest" for a husband. Like the Bride waits unknowingly for her Bridegroom, Jesus Christ-so we too wait unknowingly for our future spouse. We must never assume a friendship is more than a friendship when it begins, lest we consciously or unconsciously take over a situation because of our false intuition. We won't be able to wait unless we have a deep contentment in Jesus Christ. Waiting causes us to live out the theology that we believe. God's sovereignty over every detail of our lives causes us to rest in the fact that He holds even the smallest details in His hands-even a man's affections for us.
Being the pursued means exactly what it implies-waiting. Anything more than that turns into a rebellious, unbelieving spirit like Eve. Manipulation is our forte, isn't it? And often times we do everything in our power to give the impression that we are patiently waiting, yet we coax the man along passive aggressively. It shows itself in our coordinating of situations so they perfectly leave us alone together so we can surprisingly have to "talk". When we manipulate we are saying that God cannot be trusted in this situation-therefore we have to do something, anything, to make the situation work according to our liking. We usurp the very thing we desire, male leadership, when we attempt to pursue a man.
This is not easy, and it most certainly is not "normal" based on the world's standards. Which is exactly why we must strive for it. The world preaches feminism and independence from any form of order (moral or social). But the Bible preaches a beautiful picture of redemption, in a Christ who purchases a Bride for Himself with His own blood. There is joy in waiting. There is joy in being pursued the way Christ pursued His Bride because it is the way God designed it. Operating outside of His prescribed parameters brings a joyless existence - and ultimately death.
In all of these things we must remember that our pursuit of God is not a means to finding a godly husband. If that is our motivation, then we need to do some serious thinking. Our pursuit of God must be because we want to get God-and if He so pleases to give us the gift of marriage then we will gladly take it, but in all of life our delight in Christ must be because of Christ, not because of what we think we might receive. May God bless you and increase your joy as you pursue Him with all of your heart and mind.

http://cdtarter.blogspot.com.au/2007/04/qualities-of-godly-woman-part-2-being.html
In their book, Women’s Ministry in the Local Church, Ligon Duncan and Susan Hunt describe a godly woman as a one who is a “life-giver” and not a “life-taker”.

Being a “life-giver” in today’s culture poses many challenges to the woman seeking to live biblically. Western culture has so distorted womanhood, and personhood for that matter, to the point of thinking that the world revolves around one thing—me. If I’m sick of my husband—divorce. If my baby is an imposition—abortion. If I don’t like my hands—plastic surgery. Relativism has created a society that views the self as autonomous and authoritative in all matters, therefore, what I say goes and no one can question me. We live in a world of life-taking, when the Bible commands a world of life-giving.

As women who desire to seek Christ and know the Word, how do we know what it means to be a life-giver? In our quest to unpack godly womanhood, let’s look at a true life-giver depicted for us in the Word of God—her name is Ruth.

Consider Ruth, a Moabite woman who married an Israelite. In Ruth 1 we see the first glimpses of her life-giving in response to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Upon the death of Naomi’s husband and sons (Ruth’s husband) she embarks to return to her people the Israelites. Ruth and Orpah (the other Moabite woman and daughter-in-law) are faced with a decision, follow Naomi with no real hope of remarriage or comfort, or stay in Moab, where remarriage is likely and comfort is a given. Orpah stays in her homeland, while Ruth resolves to go with Naomi. Notice Ruth’s life-giving response to Naomi:

“For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD to do to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you” (Ruth 1:16-17). 

What makes a relatively young woman leave her homeland, leave her family, leave her friends, leave the hope of marriage behind? Hope in God. John Piper, in talking about submission, says that a truly godly woman can submit because she hopes in God. Biblical womanhood, and godliness in general, is a life of sacrifice. It requires a daily dying to self and a daily hope in God.

If you follow the rest of the book you will see that not only did Ruth go with Naomi, but she also provided for Naomi. Chapter two tells us that Ruth went and gleaned grain in the fields in order to provide food for Naomi and herself. In a day where young people live only for themselves, where changing diapers and bearing children is seen as subhuman, and where our elderly people are dying lonely deaths in nursing homes, Ruth is a beacon of light to a depraved culture of self-worship. Putting our hope in fleeting things, such as fame, prestige, careers, and power will only amount to death. But putting our hope in God, the giver of life, will sustain us and enable us to give our own lives for the sake of others—even our ailing parents, elderly grandparents and church members, and the little children. In order to be godly women we must renounce any semblance of life-taking in our lives, and seek to be life-givers.

As we seek to live in the Spirit of Ruth, let’s follow first the footsteps of our Christ, who was the supreme of all life-givers.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5-11).