Over the Vesak weekend, Alex and myself put aside time to spend 4 days away from the girls with church in BATAM, a nearby island. We were released with a peace of mind per kindness of my parents who helped us take fort of the household. We went empty handed and empty hearted, but fully expected GOD to work in us.
The resort was GREAT. Very hospitable, good food, good facilities and excellent staff! Here's what we got out of it.... in summary, we found spiritual oneness and on top of it, we learnt that GOD is quite prompt in dealing with issues (be careful what you pray for!).
Day 1: We were challenged that Spiritual Harmony requires HARDWORK!! We are constantly in a current that is against the flow of MARITAL ONENESS. It's a battle out there. A battle not against flesh and blood but a battle against the principalities and forces of darkness. We are also reminded that because of the above reality, our marriage NEEDS God and we HAVE to invite and submit the marriage to GOD. I personally got reminded that the "Wife, submit to Husband" command it not a CHOICE but a COMMAND!!! Woah! An eye opener!
Day 2: We learnt that we have to live life by the Principles NOT precepts. We also have to know the difference between the two. Simple commands like "Love your Neighbour" has to be extended to our nearest neighbour, our spouses! When we fight, it is often unseen forces, the fault lines need to be dealt with and by doing so, we have to return to the fundamentals, the root cause of the problem. AND until we are ready to DIE to self, nothing happens, nothing changes. We stood on the promise of Jeremiah 33:1-9. "Call to me and I will answer you,..." The GREAT news is that this is not a wishy washy promise! The promise (vs 14) is already here, it's CHRIST JESUS and he's done all the work on the cross!
In the evening, we were reminded that GOD is Sorrowful that we are not in touch with him (the lost sheep). GOD is ALWAYS Searching to bring us back (the lost coin). GOD celebrates and finds Satisfaction in us coming back to Him (the lost son). How then do we prove our love for GOD? By serving him! We will stay fresh spiritually and we will allow GOD to put together synergy for His purpose.
Day 3: We were challenged with a paradigm shift: "We are actually returning to the UNREAL world". Just when we are sighing at the fact that we have to return to the 'real world' and leave the marital bliss behind in the resort. The life of worship and direct access to GOD is SUPPOSE to be the real world~the real stuff the bible talks about. We now just have to bring the 'realness' back into our present lives. Our Pastor reminded us that it is not just about the lubby-dubby stuff that builds the marriage. We can easily attend 'marriage enhancement courses' for those, it's really about our foundation in CHRIST Jesus! We have to build accountability, have a contented/grateful heart as well as work at growing in our Christian life. When we fail, we have to look up and realise that the victory has been won. The TRUE heroes are the ones who FALLS but pick him/herself up to walk on ('I get knock down, but I get up again..!').
After this weekend, we came away 'cleaner' and lighter as we exposed a lot of issues and had closure to some. We are still seeking GOD in our life direction, wanting to give it all for His glory and economy. Married life is a journey for all of us, those who attended and even those who didn't. We were blessed with a group mix of very loving, trusting and open couples who blessed us even as we sought to be blessing!
To all those who shared their lives, their struggles, we honour you and thank you for your openness. We give thanks to GOD for his work in you! Thanks to Chak, Judy, Wynn, Michelle, Raynard, Evelyn, Justin, SauLing of Group2. It was a blast to have had fellowship with you guys! Till our next 'food event', Stay blessed!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
May-June
This month is going to whiz by quite quickly....we have a buzy, buzy schedule ahead. We've also been very 'inward' looking for the last month, hence the silence. 'Inward' meaning, we haven't been having people over for meals, baking and cooking for hospitality, visiting and general 'socialising'!
Alex and myself have been branching into church life and starting our family ministry again. They have been many 'hats' and roles we are in training and learning. We are seriously praying that we will not busy our hearts too and still our lives just enough for us to turn to HIM and grow in HIM.
Alex has signed up a 2 year commitment with church on a 'Intentional Discipleship Training' with intentions to grow spiritually and be grounded in our walk and talk according to the WORD. It's often tough for us as we sacrifice our Friday nights with him so that he can rush off to attend lectures. The girls miss him but we are use to the routine now. Compounding that issue, Alex is now in a new team involving other work members not just from the UK but also from the United States. This makes teleconferencing a logistical nightmare and that he stays at work till late hours. This is something we have to truly pray for. That GOD will continue to build Alex and his work environment into something that uplifts His namesake.
Mathena has 2 more weeks before Term 2 finishes. We will step into a new adventure where I will have TWO of them in the house together homeschooled. Letitia at P2 level and Mathena at Kindy/preschool level. We have all been waiting for this, all three of us. To my surprise, we all enjoy our time at home and they still how keen interests. Now I have to work harder in getting more resources. Something new to add, now that we have less running around and chauffering, we will add ministry day during the week. We will move as a family to prepare, cook, visit and minister to families we know. I truly want the girls to learn that life/and education is not just about the ABCs and the 123s.
Just read today's paper. Singapore concluded that SAHM(Stay at Home moms) are worth S$23,000 per MONTH. This is based on the 5 key roles she plays and the hourly rate each profession is paid per hour (based on her 17 hour day):
1) Executive Housekeeper: $280 (5 hours)
2) Childcare Teacher: $193 (5 hours)
3) Chef: $170 (3 hours)
4) Personal Assistant: $90 (2 hours)
5) Driver: $73 (2 hours)
MONTHLY Pay: S$22,568.
So there girls, YOU are worth S$293,384 (including 13th month Bonus)
My question is, is anyone WILLING to pay even half THAT amount ($11,000) per month for a Stay at Home Mom! I know someone who is, GOD! HE's economy has no inflation, HE's not effected by the rise in costs. He will supply all OUR need according to His riches and Glory! (Phil 4: 19)
To all the moms...a classic from Audrey Hepburn (RED mine):
Alex and myself have been branching into church life and starting our family ministry again. They have been many 'hats' and roles we are in training and learning. We are seriously praying that we will not busy our hearts too and still our lives just enough for us to turn to HIM and grow in HIM.
Alex has signed up a 2 year commitment with church on a 'Intentional Discipleship Training' with intentions to grow spiritually and be grounded in our walk and talk according to the WORD. It's often tough for us as we sacrifice our Friday nights with him so that he can rush off to attend lectures. The girls miss him but we are use to the routine now. Compounding that issue, Alex is now in a new team involving other work members not just from the UK but also from the United States. This makes teleconferencing a logistical nightmare and that he stays at work till late hours. This is something we have to truly pray for. That GOD will continue to build Alex and his work environment into something that uplifts His namesake.
Mathena has 2 more weeks before Term 2 finishes. We will step into a new adventure where I will have TWO of them in the house together homeschooled. Letitia at P2 level and Mathena at Kindy/preschool level. We have all been waiting for this, all three of us. To my surprise, we all enjoy our time at home and they still how keen interests. Now I have to work harder in getting more resources. Something new to add, now that we have less running around and chauffering, we will add ministry day during the week. We will move as a family to prepare, cook, visit and minister to families we know. I truly want the girls to learn that life/and education is not just about the ABCs and the 123s.
Just read today's paper. Singapore concluded that SAHM(Stay at Home moms) are worth S$23,000 per MONTH. This is based on the 5 key roles she plays and the hourly rate each profession is paid per hour (based on her 17 hour day):
1) Executive Housekeeper: $280 (5 hours)
2) Childcare Teacher: $193 (5 hours)
3) Chef: $170 (3 hours)
4) Personal Assistant: $90 (2 hours)
5) Driver: $73 (2 hours)
MONTHLY Pay: S$22,568.
So there girls, YOU are worth S$293,384 (including 13th month Bonus)
My question is, is anyone WILLING to pay even half THAT amount ($11,000) per month for a Stay at Home Mom! I know someone who is, GOD! HE's economy has no inflation, HE's not effected by the rise in costs. He will supply all OUR need according to His riches and Glory! (Phil 4: 19)
To all the moms...a classic from Audrey Hepburn (RED mine):
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
(Kiss your husband often too!)
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
(and CLOSE one eye sometimes!)
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
(or just share one dish with a loved one!)
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
(or just keep it clean)
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
(Know Jesus)
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
(worth every effort)
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. (parents incuded)
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
(use them)
(Kiss your husband often too!)
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
(and CLOSE one eye sometimes!)
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
(or just share one dish with a loved one!)
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
(or just keep it clean)
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
(Know Jesus)
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
(worth every effort)
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. (parents incuded)
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
(use them)
Happy Mother's Day!
Friday, May 02, 2008
bugs, germs, runny noses
Been OUT of it for the past week. Actually the entire CHAN-girls have been hit hard by the flu-cold bugs. So, we've been quarantined at home, not much happening except plenty of sleep, wet tissues, loads of medicines and tasteless meals.To start this 'sick' journey, I had an accidental cut/lash on my finger. The sort that render trails of blood all over the kitchen sink, the sort that does not seem to stop with just a bandaid, the sort that soaks through the kitchen tea-towel. An hour later, the nerves were still probbing and the pain was excrutiating, so to the hospital I went to have it bandaged and sealed. To add to the fun, I had a Tetanus shot too! From then on, life was a downhill spiral.... I fell sick!
The common cold and flu took on a whole new meaning. The soreness and aches in my bones were so bad that it even hurt to walk on the hard floor!! I could only have a little rest during the day when little M was napping while the rest of the household still had to be running. My saving grace was, we have now 100% outsourced housework and the house is clean everyday without stress (PTL!). By Sunday, the girls have decided to join me with the germs and bugs fun, and each took turns boiling in fever and whimpering in discomfort. By now, Alex had to juggle all three sick puppies and he was very good at joining us with the 'rest' bits!
A week later, Letitia's fever has cleared up along with her post febrile rashes. Mathena still heats up at night but her lively self is back (instead of the dreamy cold stares!). The appetites are far from normal and my tastebuds still taste like ... nothing! If you've wondered why we are so quiet, it's because we were all SICK! Give us another week, we would TRULY like life to get back to normal!!
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