Was just pondering about how Jesus was a giver and how E348 could become a group filled with givers...I really believe more than anything, the bottomline of building a cg lies in building people whose hearts and lives model after Jesus. Somehow, we are conditioned to be people who like to follow, so much so that leadership becomes a one-way track. It provokes me to see great ideas and talents that should have been shown to benefit the body of Christ hidden, just because people are too used to being on the receiving end and believing that only the leader should preach, only the leader can speak and build up the spiritual atmosphere. It provokes me when people believe that only the very rich can give, be it in finances or in giving of our lives to lead, because what really touches the heart of God is really in the one who is not-so-rich, yet DECIDES to be a blessing to be a giver!
What if the leader stops praying? What if he/she takes 'leave' for a week? What if he/she stops talking? Will things still be functioning? Will there be people who know that despite their weaknesses, they can be counted on to stand in the gap, they will fill in the silence when the leader stops talking, they will lead when the leader is injured and needs to take that MC? More than just being strong givers in the area of finances, I believe its time for us to move on to being givers...of our lives.
On a sidenote, just had a revelation on what differentiates passion from just interest. Interest is something you like to do, but without it, life goes on. However, when passion comes into the picture, life will lose its color when you are not being able to do that for which you are passionate about. It becomes very much a craving, and your soul is very fulfilled after doing it. You will never allow it be fall below the BEST of what you can do for it, because only the BEST is acceptable for it.
Confidence. Let no one take it away.
Before I begin, just wanna say a million thanks to the many who have tagged and left a message in some way or another, regardless of content, on my tagboard! Thanks for reading, but especially thanks for your words of encouragement! They mean so much! Wanted to say that so many times, tried tagging to reply to you guys, but something wrong with my blogger I think, can't tag. So Jamie, Vann, Yuling, Ade, Roy, Janet, Val, Vic and Charles, this is for you! =)
Also to :), in response to your question on what is life, this is my simplified definition: An exciting journey equating to a rollercoaster ride. You have your downs, but the ups will come along soon! Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
Alright now time to begin proper on what I have to say...
The word 'effectiveness' has been very much on my mind the last few days. How effective my ministry, my work, my efforts, my relationships are...the degree to which my actions have impacted and influenced others, these have been a point of reflection, even as I want to engage my world in a deeper way.
We talk alot about wanting to MAKE IT HAPPEN. But what specifically do we want to see happen, and what is the action plan for it to happen? Does the plan lie in a 'maybe-someday-I-will-try' route, or will it really take place? Does the state of what you see provoke you to want to change it, travail in prayer for it, fast for it, carry a burden for it so much so that it will bring tears to your eyes? I believe there are many things that we feel strongly for or about, but how often do we talk about it and bring it up? Have contentment become commonplace for us, have we come to the place where we no longer want to move ahead? It really scared me even as that came to my mind, because it dawned upon me that being there is like being attacked by cancer and not being in the knowledge of it till the final stages where medical attention no longer warrants recovery.
As I look at my life, I do feel there is so much more room for growth, room for me to feel so much for something till I can literally feel the pain of wanting to see it come to pass on my heart. I want to be known as a Zoe who is passionate. Passion propels you to move on and try again in spite of failure, it makes you want to drop everything and put all your effort into giving it your best shot.
Zoe the passionate singer.
Zoe the passionate worker.
Zoe the passionate leader.
Zoe the passionate friend.
Zoe the passionate servant.
I like the sound of that. =)
Aspiring models. Check out the various interpretations.
We thought of you, Jialing. =p
Recognise the classic 9 different 'number' poses?
Ending off our session with a picture-perfect family portrait. =)
Pretty ladies all in a row...
More of the ladies!
Janet and Zoe.
Okay, we did have alot of yusheng veggies left. And it was most fortunate that all the gals won at Indian Poker! Cheers to the ladies! =)
Finished! What an accomplishment.
That's a cabbage flower! Can you believe it?! Size-wise, its the exact size of the cabbage that we eat!
I Can’t Believe
Looking back to where it all begun
What a journey it has been
Wrought by all the pain
See it beaten down and shamed
By all that sin has done
Many times, it has seen an empty smile
What could come from a heart
So hollow
Is there more than this
Wondering how to make it through
That was how I came to know of You
Can’t believe Your love is part of my life
How my heart in Yours has found its life
In your eyes I know I can find
The hope that fills me with joy
Now that I have You as mine
Can’t believe the miracles in my life
How You’ve made the wrong into right
Found the answers I’ve been searchin’ for and I
All my life
I live to sing for You
All my life
My life will sing of You
Just had the inspiration of writing this song (or rather the lyrics) after hearing a song a friend wrote of a little girl victimised by hurt, yet still holding on to hope in all its entity. I know this friend will never read this blog, but thanks for letting me see hope through the eyes of a little one.
That made me reflect on my life. I just felt that I wanted to speak to anyone out there who needs to hear this at this moment: I know and understand that life's battles are tough and the battle wounds may heal over time but scars will remain. Sometimes, people will never understand how something so small could mean so much that tears alone cannot express the pain. But before you make that choice to let go of God, always come to the place of thanksgiving: what would your life be without Jesus? Could you have lasted the pain? Could you have lasted the journey, without the hand that'll never let go of you? Learn to struggle with God, share your battles with Him, because one thing I've learn and taken away from that place is that the place of struggles always seeks to bring one back into perspective and thanksgiving, that God is always sovereign and without Him, my life would have been in a wreck.
P/S: Melody's in the works, but if anyone wanna contribute and join me in making this song happen, you are most welcomed and very much appreciated! =)
I need to be more creative.
I need to be more innovative.
I need to PERFORM things the better way.
I need to leave the place of NORMS.
I need to move on, to explore, to capture.
I need to swim in that river 24-7.
It's no longer a WANT, it's now a NEED.
I am beginning to love giving. Many times, I admit that I don't feel the effects of giving till I look at my bank account, but the feeling of being able to bless and make someone's day satisfies me so much more. It literally makes my whole inside smile.
I believe inside every individual lies a deep desire to want to contribute, to want to be part of a cause. When I'm able to help someone effectively, to impart and influence; somehow my confidence is developed. Bottomline, you are made to feel you matter, you count, and you are important. I will not deny that giving can sometimes be difficult, but make giving a part of your life, a part of your culture; and you will come to realise that it opens your life to alot of opportunities.
I know of someone who always fights to give. Thanks for being my inspiration to be more like Jesus in this aspect. =)
Lead. Guide. Hold. Support. Empower. Prompt. Edge on. Encourage.
Give. Pour. Sacrifice. Beyond reason.
Strengthen. Hold close. Comfort. Cry with. Embrace. Being there. Looks beyond. Hears beneath. Feels for.
Listening ear. Outstretched hand. Understands. Heals.
Brings life. Joy. Hope. Rest.
Vision. Anointing. Wisdom. Confidence.
Completes.
That's who I gave my heart to that day. Thanks for everything.
Princess Being
I have a friend
His name, Hope
He loves to visit once in a while
With helium-filled balloons
In one hand, and in the other
Party poopers
That makes funny noises
He said
He wanted to throw me a PARTY
A handful of Hershey’s choco drops
Followed by strawberry kisses
Teddy bear hugs
Frilly princess gown
Shiny heels, as
Glitter rained down on my hair
Smell of flowers permeate the air
And my feet was found
Set off in graceful motion
In dance
The stars sang in symphony
As Daddy called me
His princess
And my tiara seemed to wink at me then
And I knew
Everything’s gonna be alright