On one fine Sunday morning, the Christmas choir were to perform a teaser of what was to come during our church's Christmas event. So, many of us in the Alto sat nearby each other. Before the teaser, we had our worship session, of course.
As we started singing songs to God, I could hear the people's voices around me, rising to praise our Father in heaven. And of course, the voices of the two strong young singers in the Alto, both on my right, would have been heard in my ear.
Well, I was tempted to sing louder. Maybe it was to prove that I could sing as well as them. And so I had to remind myself that singing songs of worship and praise is not to glorify myself, but to glorify God. Who was I praising? Myself? No! I was praising God!
It's so easy to be tempted in subtle ways. Singing louder during worship sessions for the wrong reasons. Playing louder in the musician team just to be heard. Quoting the Bible and saying all kind of theological stuff with the motive of showing off. All done with the right intentions are great services to God. But we can so easily be tempted to have wrong motives, or am I the only one?
Performing these tasks for the wrong reasons MIGHT not harm anybody but it will definitely harm you. Don't feed your ego or need to be recognised. Pride comes before a fall (You can check that up somewhere in Proverbs). Serve the Lord, not yourself.
I myself have much to learn and fix.
I'm currently struggling, maybe a dry season or the result of my laziness and lack of discipline, I'm not sure. But I'm not giving up. So no worries. :)
Who are you praising? Yourself? Or God?
Char Siew Pau.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
My Man.
A rhyme. No, I don't have a boyfriend. But it was fun to come up with this. :)
For a boy who's clueless:
I can't tell you how to be a man,
But I can tell you how to be my man.
Melt my heart with your chivalrous deeds,
Hold the door for me, help those in need,
Give me your jacket when I'm cold, or hug me instead,
Hold my hands, make me feel secure,
Take my hands; you lead,
Don't be a dictator or too much a democrat,
Take me to a place where we're both comfortable at,
Talk to me, be my best friend,
Love God first and love me then,
Cheer me up when I feel down,
Lend an ear, learn to calm me down,
Know my flaws and accept them all,
Be ready to be known, don't hold onto your ego,
Share everything with me,
Simple and complicated,
Even if it invokes anger or jealousy,
I rather the truth than something twisted,
Surprise me, romance me,
Doesn't need to be expensive,
Carry me like a kid,
Kiss me on the lips,
Tell me how you feel about me,
Whenever it comes to your mind,
Fight with me but don't let it last for a night,
Apologise first if I am stubborn,
I'll know my fault and then I'll ask for your pardon,
Joke with me, flirt with me,
Even when we're old,
Hold my hand and help me stand,
Correct me in quiet when I misunderstand,
Teach me when I'm wrong but don't embarass me,
Tease me all you want but never insult me,
Go through trials with me,
Don't ever think of leaving me,
Pray for me and our future,
Pray for those who need a cure,
Love me more than you love your money,
Speak out words as sweet as honey,
Though tis' much I ask overwhelms,
Just be who you are,
If you truly love God, then me,
These will naturally be up to par.
Then one day, when we have kids, we'll teach them how to love,
Don't be frightened, be patient with me, as I as well would love to do all of the above,
For you.
Janelle C.
For a boy who's clueless:
I can't tell you how to be a man,
But I can tell you how to be my man.
Melt my heart with your chivalrous deeds,
Hold the door for me, help those in need,
Give me your jacket when I'm cold, or hug me instead,
Hold my hands, make me feel secure,
Take my hands; you lead,
Don't be a dictator or too much a democrat,
Take me to a place where we're both comfortable at,
Talk to me, be my best friend,
Love God first and love me then,
Cheer me up when I feel down,
Lend an ear, learn to calm me down,
Know my flaws and accept them all,
Be ready to be known, don't hold onto your ego,
Share everything with me,
Simple and complicated,
Even if it invokes anger or jealousy,
I rather the truth than something twisted,
Surprise me, romance me,
Doesn't need to be expensive,
Carry me like a kid,
Kiss me on the lips,
Tell me how you feel about me,
Whenever it comes to your mind,
Fight with me but don't let it last for a night,
Apologise first if I am stubborn,
I'll know my fault and then I'll ask for your pardon,
Joke with me, flirt with me,
Even when we're old,
Hold my hand and help me stand,
Correct me in quiet when I misunderstand,
Teach me when I'm wrong but don't embarass me,
Tease me all you want but never insult me,
Go through trials with me,
Don't ever think of leaving me,
Pray for me and our future,
Pray for those who need a cure,
Love me more than you love your money,
Speak out words as sweet as honey,
Though tis' much I ask overwhelms,
Just be who you are,
If you truly love God, then me,
These will naturally be up to par.
Then one day, when we have kids, we'll teach them how to love,
Don't be frightened, be patient with me, as I as well would love to do all of the above,
For you.
Janelle C.
Daughter or Servant?
A few weeks ago, I went to the market with my parents and Uncle W and Aunty B. I followed the men to buy fruits as I usually do (yes, I like checking out the fruits). After some time spent on fruit-shopping, the two uncles (my dad and Uncle W) took their "shopping bags" and headed to the car. Naturally, as my dad's daughter I would take his "shopping bags", which I did. So now my dad is left empty-handed. He talked to Uncle W as we headed for the car and I followed behind. And I saw. I saw one man free of "shopping bag" because his daughter came along and another man carrying his load. And it got a thought into my head.
I am not my father's servant but as I am his daughter, I would naturally serve him.
If I was his servant, I still would not be his daughter no matter what.
But if I was his daughter (which I was, and am still), I would naturally be his servant.
If I was my Father's daughter, I would naturally be His servant.
So I guess serving comes naturally to all those who knows God as their Father in Heaven. :)
As the Bible says, in one of the books written by the apostle Paul, He has adopted us as children through what Christ has done on the cross.
Just something to think about. :)
Char Siew Pau.
I am not my father's servant but as I am his daughter, I would naturally serve him.
If I was his servant, I still would not be his daughter no matter what.
But if I was his daughter (which I was, and am still), I would naturally be his servant.
If I was my Father's daughter, I would naturally be His servant.
So I guess serving comes naturally to all those who knows God as their Father in Heaven. :)
As the Bible says, in one of the books written by the apostle Paul, He has adopted us as children through what Christ has done on the cross.
Just something to think about. :)
Char Siew Pau.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Been studying, and working (in the hols) since June.
And man, all I can say in this blog is how much I've deteriorated, if I may say, as a Christian.
But I believe writing these events will remind me and warn you readers.
In these days, of lack of time spent on reading the Word of God and little time praying and very much effort put into concentrating during prayers but to no avail, I feel afraid. It is a very scary feeling.
I still believe in God, and I always will. I guess it's true when they say that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. My excuse? Laziness and procrastination. But they are very lame excuses. Pathetic in fact.
But God is good. :)
He has always been. During this time, He still is with me. He listens to me when I come to Him, He is there. He reminds me of His goodness, and reminds me that the end is near. He fills my heart with songs of praise and of worship to Him, and I am reminded everyday of Him.
I hope as time goes on, I will be more disciplined in my devo time.
That's all I want to share.
Phrasesoftheday?
Here's one: I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back. The cross before me, the world behind me, no turning back, no turning back.
Char Siew Pau.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Business or Busyness?
Which would you choose?
To have business or to be busy?
What business? Business with God I mean :)
But it seems that we humans tend to drown in busyness rather than actively involve ourselves in God's business.
I have been feeling really busy these days,
writing minutes as a secretary, trying to cope with homework and lack of sleep, am gonna have a first aid examination tomorrow afternoon, will have my last driving lesson on SUNDAY, and then the driving test on Monday, and also, my monthly exam starts on the end of this month. And I have not even mentioned my responsibilities in church.
Well, why do I jump into all these you wonder?
Good question.
I always feel the need to learn more, but I know this has been a foolish act on my part as I have not been coping too well. I will soon though, no worries. :)
But my point is, what am I so busy for?
Where is my time for God then?
You're absolutely right, I don't have time for God.
But everyday I try to talk to Him, and guess what?
It's not enough.
I'm trying to spend more time with God now, yes I'll try. But most importantly, (you may call me a hypocrite anytime now) I must cut down on my activities aka busyness of the world so that I can play a part in God's business in the world.
Why don't I just give up trying to spend time with God since it seems that I can't find the time?
I can never live a day without God, it's like asking a flower to sit in the sun all day with no rain. I don't belong to this world and I can't bear to live in it without God.
PLUS, He's my God, my Father, my Friend, Counsellor, Redeemer and King. He owns my time. He's just been graciously allowing me to use it for myself.. Yep.
Btw, I was just reminded of how little time left I have on this earth and what the real important business is amidst all the hectic days of my week when I came down the dark stairway today with the song 'Turn your eyes upon Jesus' in my head.
It's so true that the things of this earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
It's so crucial that we turn our eyes upon Jesus. And to look full in His wonderful face.
Don't ever miss out on God's business because of busyness.
So step 1, stop being busy.
Step 2, put on your suit (spiritual armor) and get into business.
How does this business look like?
I guess we can start by living like little Christs. :)
"He owns my time. He's just been graciously allowing me to use it for myself."
"Don't ever miss out on God's business because of busyness."
Char Siew Pau.
To have business or to be busy?
What business? Business with God I mean :)
But it seems that we humans tend to drown in busyness rather than actively involve ourselves in God's business.
I have been feeling really busy these days,
writing minutes as a secretary, trying to cope with homework and lack of sleep, am gonna have a first aid examination tomorrow afternoon, will have my last driving lesson on SUNDAY, and then the driving test on Monday, and also, my monthly exam starts on the end of this month. And I have not even mentioned my responsibilities in church.
Well, why do I jump into all these you wonder?
Good question.
I always feel the need to learn more, but I know this has been a foolish act on my part as I have not been coping too well. I will soon though, no worries. :)
But my point is, what am I so busy for?
Where is my time for God then?
You're absolutely right, I don't have time for God.
But everyday I try to talk to Him, and guess what?
It's not enough.
I'm trying to spend more time with God now, yes I'll try. But most importantly, (you may call me a hypocrite anytime now) I must cut down on my activities aka busyness of the world so that I can play a part in God's business in the world.
Why don't I just give up trying to spend time with God since it seems that I can't find the time?
I can never live a day without God, it's like asking a flower to sit in the sun all day with no rain. I don't belong to this world and I can't bear to live in it without God.
PLUS, He's my God, my Father, my Friend, Counsellor, Redeemer and King. He owns my time. He's just been graciously allowing me to use it for myself.. Yep.
Btw, I was just reminded of how little time left I have on this earth and what the real important business is amidst all the hectic days of my week when I came down the dark stairway today with the song 'Turn your eyes upon Jesus' in my head.
It's so true that the things of this earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
It's so crucial that we turn our eyes upon Jesus. And to look full in His wonderful face.
Don't ever miss out on God's business because of busyness.
So step 1, stop being busy.
Step 2, put on your suit (spiritual armor) and get into business.
How does this business look like?
I guess we can start by living like little Christs. :)
"He owns my time. He's just been graciously allowing me to use it for myself."
"Don't ever miss out on God's business because of busyness."
Char Siew Pau.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Unmasked.
Masks. Hmm. Interesting. Like a masquerade?
Tonight, my youth will be talking about Masks. And today, in a 'x' meeting, we have had Masquerade as a suggestion for the theme of the 'x' event.
And suddenly, today, I was also thinking, do how we act outside reflect how we act at home?
As I finished my hunt around the houses with my friends, hunting to find kind people who would come outside the house to give us money for the fundraising at our school, I then sat back into the car and talked to my dad even more politely than I normally do with him but still in the same tone as I have used around the houses. How odd...
Why do I sound different? And this is not the first time I've realised it, but this time was another striking reminder that I should treat my family as good as I do with the people outside.
It's not that I'm mean, but sometimes it's easier for me to be nice outside of the house, but less conservative at home.
But for some, it may be the opposite. They could be super nice at home, but a real meanie outside.
But the question is, why?
Are we acting differently because we are uncomfortable with ourselves? Or are we mean outside because we feel the need to defend ourselves? Are we nicer outside because we are intimidated? Are we tougher outside because we are afraid of rejection? Why?
Maybe the answer is because we don't know our identity in Christ.
For if we know that we are His sons (and daughters), we will treat everyone as our brother, and love everyone as ourselves, treating them according to what the Bible had revealed to us through the Holy Spirit.
Then you won't feel the need to put a mask on. Because now your heart is the same to everyone, everywhere. You will feel free? Free from self-consciousness and the bondage of intimidation.
You will be unmasked.
I want to one day be fully assured in my identity in Christ too.
I want to be unmasked.
How do you know your identity in Christ?
How can you know your identity in Christ if you don't know Christ's identity?
How can you know Christ's identity?
Read the Bible. Really, it's that simple. Read. The Bible.
Do you have a mask?
Are you ready to be unmasked?
Char Siew Pau.
Tonight, my youth will be talking about Masks. And today, in a 'x' meeting, we have had Masquerade as a suggestion for the theme of the 'x' event.
And suddenly, today, I was also thinking, do how we act outside reflect how we act at home?
As I finished my hunt around the houses with my friends, hunting to find kind people who would come outside the house to give us money for the fundraising at our school, I then sat back into the car and talked to my dad even more politely than I normally do with him but still in the same tone as I have used around the houses. How odd...
Why do I sound different? And this is not the first time I've realised it, but this time was another striking reminder that I should treat my family as good as I do with the people outside.
It's not that I'm mean, but sometimes it's easier for me to be nice outside of the house, but less conservative at home.
But for some, it may be the opposite. They could be super nice at home, but a real meanie outside.
But the question is, why?
Are we acting differently because we are uncomfortable with ourselves? Or are we mean outside because we feel the need to defend ourselves? Are we nicer outside because we are intimidated? Are we tougher outside because we are afraid of rejection? Why?
Maybe the answer is because we don't know our identity in Christ.
For if we know that we are His sons (and daughters), we will treat everyone as our brother, and love everyone as ourselves, treating them according to what the Bible had revealed to us through the Holy Spirit.
Then you won't feel the need to put a mask on. Because now your heart is the same to everyone, everywhere. You will feel free? Free from self-consciousness and the bondage of intimidation.
You will be unmasked.
I want to one day be fully assured in my identity in Christ too.
I want to be unmasked.
How do you know your identity in Christ?
How can you know your identity in Christ if you don't know Christ's identity?
How can you know Christ's identity?
Read the Bible. Really, it's that simple. Read. The Bible.
Do you have a mask?
Are you ready to be unmasked?
Char Siew Pau.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Are you ready to die?
I had some thoughts tonight as I was reading the Bible,
Am I ready to die?
I imagined the possible future of being killed for cannibalism that might arise due to future famine, or maybe just plain being killed in the future, or maybe just dying an old peaceful death.
But either way, was I ready to die? Am I ready to die?
I would say no, honestly, 'cause right now in my life, I don't think I am giving my 100% best to God. And if so, how can I dare meet Him already? He'll ask me questions like 'Did you think homework was more important than spending time with Me?', 'You called Me your best friend but honestly, you spent more time with your best friend on Earth' and He'll be right, 'cause homework is not nearly a quarter as important as spending time with God because when I die, I won't be talking to homework everyday for eternity but I'll have my Father to talk to everyday (I hope so :) ). And He matters. He does. And frankly, He knows me so much more than my best friend does, but my response doesn't measure up.
I don't feel guilty for not spending time with Him. Okay no, I do feel a tad guilty. But guilt is not what I want to feel, because it's not a chore or a task. I want to want to know Him just because. I want to want and like spending time with Him because it's like, oh my ice cream, it's God! And it makes me sad everytime I choose something else over Him..
So why don't I not choose something else?
I wish I knew why too...
But I'm so humannnnnnn, if that makes sense..
But I know He'll be there for me, but I also know that He won't wait forever,
And the worst part of all, is that I know.. but I haven't changed.
So I must change. I must change! I must CHANGE! I MUST change!
I should start saying this everyday,
"Father, let's talk." :)
Char Siew Pau.
Am I ready to die?
I imagined the possible future of being killed for cannibalism that might arise due to future famine, or maybe just plain being killed in the future, or maybe just dying an old peaceful death.
But either way, was I ready to die? Am I ready to die?
I would say no, honestly, 'cause right now in my life, I don't think I am giving my 100% best to God. And if so, how can I dare meet Him already? He'll ask me questions like 'Did you think homework was more important than spending time with Me?', 'You called Me your best friend but honestly, you spent more time with your best friend on Earth' and He'll be right, 'cause homework is not nearly a quarter as important as spending time with God because when I die, I won't be talking to homework everyday for eternity but I'll have my Father to talk to everyday (I hope so :) ). And He matters. He does. And frankly, He knows me so much more than my best friend does, but my response doesn't measure up.
I don't feel guilty for not spending time with Him. Okay no, I do feel a tad guilty. But guilt is not what I want to feel, because it's not a chore or a task. I want to want to know Him just because. I want to want and like spending time with Him because it's like, oh my ice cream, it's God! And it makes me sad everytime I choose something else over Him..
So why don't I not choose something else?
I wish I knew why too...
But I'm so humannnnnnn, if that makes sense..
But I know He'll be there for me, but I also know that He won't wait forever,
And the worst part of all, is that I know.. but I haven't changed.
So I must change. I must change! I must CHANGE! I MUST change!
I should start saying this everyday,
"Father, let's talk." :)
Char Siew Pau.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Christian or Christian-ish?
So, we've been through this question before.
What is being a Christian?
But if my parents are Christians and I go to church, I'm a Christian right?
Even though I don't read the Bible? Or even when I lie and use foul words?
But I go to church!
Nah, that sounds hypocritical right?
It's like, saying you like chocolate ice cream but never tasting it in your life.
It's like, saying you don't like music but you enjoy playing the guitar.
It's like, saying you're such a Hunger Games fan but having never read the trilogy or watched the movie.
(I haven't read the books or watch the movie too T.T)
That sounds,
Christian-ish.
And for one thing,
being Christian-ish means you're not a Christian. At all.
There's no lukewarm in this matter.
"being Christian-ish means you're not a Christian. At all."
Think about it.
Char Siew Pau.
What is being a Christian?
But if my parents are Christians and I go to church, I'm a Christian right?
Even though I don't read the Bible? Or even when I lie and use foul words?
But I go to church!
Nah, that sounds hypocritical right?
It's like, saying you like chocolate ice cream but never tasting it in your life.
It's like, saying you don't like music but you enjoy playing the guitar.
It's like, saying you're such a Hunger Games fan but having never read the trilogy or watched the movie.
(I haven't read the books or watch the movie too T.T)
That sounds,
Christian-ish.
And for one thing,
being Christian-ish means you're not a Christian. At all.
There's no lukewarm in this matter.
"being Christian-ish means you're not a Christian. At all."
Think about it.
Char Siew Pau.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
A New Blog & Currypuff.
Wheee!
Happy birthday new blog! :D
I hope you will stay healthy for a long time :)
Today, let's talk about one of my favourite food - curry puff! :9
The ideal curry puff would be one that has a hard-boiled egg, soft bite-size potato cubes, not-too-creamy and not-too-hard filling texture with a small kick of curry spiciness, crispy three-to-four-thin-layered curry puff pastry on the outside with a touch of black pepper on the surface, baked to golden perfection. Having small thin slices of chicken inside would be nice as well hehe.
I hope I didn't miss anything out.
Still searching for ze perfect curry puff *dreamy face*
Bye!
Char Siew Pau.
Happy birthday new blog! :D
I hope you will stay healthy for a long time :)
Today, let's talk about one of my favourite food - curry puff! :9
The ideal curry puff would be one that has a hard-boiled egg, soft bite-size potato cubes, not-too-creamy and not-too-hard filling texture with a small kick of curry spiciness, crispy three-to-four-thin-layered curry puff pastry on the outside with a touch of black pepper on the surface, baked to golden perfection. Having small thin slices of chicken inside would be nice as well hehe.
I hope I didn't miss anything out.
Still searching for ze perfect curry puff *dreamy face*
Bye!
Char Siew Pau.
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