My nephew and neice have grown up. They no longer treat my room as their playground. My nephew is now in Primary 2 and during the weekdays, after dinner, he had to study, pack his bag and sleep at 9 p.m. My brother tries to cultivate good study habits for my neice. So, she too, studies when her brother studies. Thus, they have not visited my room for a long while.
However, today, my niece showed up in my room eager to play some computer games. There are a few computers in the house, so I liked to think that she chose my room because she wanted my company too. Her visit warmed my heart.
While she was playing "Cooking Mama", I was cleaning my hamsters' cage. Although she did not get personal attention from me, we had personal conversations while each did her own thing in the room.
Personal Conversation 1
I told her, "You know, Megan... I love you. I must say more "I love you" when you are still young. This is because when you get older, you will like to hear "I love you" from your boyfriend or peers. But, you may not like to hear "I love you" from your elder anymore.
Megan said,"But why? I love you too, Da Gu Gu. I will say "I love you" even when I get older.
My thoughts : It was nice to hear her sweet little voice say, "I love you". Even if she will not say "I love you" to me anymore when she gets older, I will still treasure all the moments I had with her when she was little.
Personal Conversation 2
We were both hungry and decided to share a bowl of instant noodles. While sharing the noodles, I asked Megan,"Do you know why we all get a holiday today?" She shook her head. I told her,"It is because today is Good Friday and 2010 years ago, Jesus died on this day." Cleverly, she responded,"I know. And he lived again." I was surprised and asked her,"How do you know?" She told me she just heard about it. And she said,"But, if someone dies, they don't live again. So, I am not sure if Jesus really lived again. Do you really think Jesus lived again?" I told her,"I believed Jesus rose again and is living now. But, many people do not believe, including your daddy and mummy. But, don't just hear from people what they say about Jesus. You should read the bible, study the facts yourself and decide one day yourself if you think Jesus living again is true. Since not everyone is agreeing on the same thing, what we think about Jesus is not the most important. Rather it is what you think about Jesus that is most important." She nodded her head.
My thoughts : Megan is very teachable. I pray that God will continue to teach her about Jesus through me and Auntie Jean (her babysitter) and that she will remember things about Jesus that will turn her to Christ.
Moments like those I share with my niece today were precious. I would like to seize every moment I can have with her in private to do things together and have more personal conversations with her. Indeed, she is my "Precious, Precious".
Friday, April 2, 2010
Monday, September 21, 2009
My niece asked,"Who is Jesus?"
My niece is 5 years old this year and whenever she needs to find a companion for pleasure in the household, she comes to visit me in my room. Therefore, I have plenty of opportunities to have quiet moments with her.
Last Tuesday, I needed time to pray in the evening but she was in my room and I did not know how to invite her out gently without making her feel that she was not wanted. Each time I told her that I needed time by myself, she pleaded with me that she would be quiet. However, as a 5 year old, her promises to me to be quiet only lasted 1 minute each time.
As I would like to pray and she was in my room, I decided to pray for her. It was my first time praying for her with her physically beside me and I could lay hands on her. It was a special moment and miraculously she was quiet during the prayer. At the end of the prayer, she asked me,"Who is Jesus?" as she heard me thanking Jesus and asking Jesus to bless her.
Momentarily, I did not know how to answer her question. I realised I did not know how to explain who Jesus is to a 5 year old. I told her that Jesus is God, and He loves children. I trust Jesus and Jesus is my friend. Jesus is everywhere, is with her and is with me. With a copy of a children's bible, I showed her pictures of Jesus with children and informed her that if she wants to know more about Jesus, she can read from the children's bible. She picked up the children's bible and read some pages.
My niece loves to read and I prayed that God may continue to give me opportunities to plant seeds of faith in her. Although currently no one in my family has become Christians, I feel that they have many opportunities for God to transform their minds and attitudes to turn towards Him.
I pray that in my brother and sister-in-law's work environment in the hospital, they may see Christians at their workplace who display their trust in Jesus. I pray that such Christians' faith and trust in God which transcend all understanding may draw my brother and sister-in-law to Christ. I pray that I may continue to be fearless and bold in sharing the bible messages with my nephew and niece through our quiet times in my room. I pray that I may know how to creatively transform small segments of my play time with them to appropriate time of Christian teaching. I pray that seeds of faith that I plant into my nephew and niece's young lives may one day blossom to be like plants that Totoro planted that grew into shady big trees. I pray that my parents and my sister may also turn to Jesus through my sharing and testimony or through their Christian friends and/or extended family members.
Indeed, God opened my eyes to see lots of strategies and opportunities to bring the gospel message to my household. I pray I may be faithful in praying and be obedient in carrying out God's directions to bring my family to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord.
Last Tuesday, I needed time to pray in the evening but she was in my room and I did not know how to invite her out gently without making her feel that she was not wanted. Each time I told her that I needed time by myself, she pleaded with me that she would be quiet. However, as a 5 year old, her promises to me to be quiet only lasted 1 minute each time.
As I would like to pray and she was in my room, I decided to pray for her. It was my first time praying for her with her physically beside me and I could lay hands on her. It was a special moment and miraculously she was quiet during the prayer. At the end of the prayer, she asked me,"Who is Jesus?" as she heard me thanking Jesus and asking Jesus to bless her.
Momentarily, I did not know how to answer her question. I realised I did not know how to explain who Jesus is to a 5 year old. I told her that Jesus is God, and He loves children. I trust Jesus and Jesus is my friend. Jesus is everywhere, is with her and is with me. With a copy of a children's bible, I showed her pictures of Jesus with children and informed her that if she wants to know more about Jesus, she can read from the children's bible. She picked up the children's bible and read some pages.
My niece loves to read and I prayed that God may continue to give me opportunities to plant seeds of faith in her. Although currently no one in my family has become Christians, I feel that they have many opportunities for God to transform their minds and attitudes to turn towards Him.
I pray that in my brother and sister-in-law's work environment in the hospital, they may see Christians at their workplace who display their trust in Jesus. I pray that such Christians' faith and trust in God which transcend all understanding may draw my brother and sister-in-law to Christ. I pray that I may continue to be fearless and bold in sharing the bible messages with my nephew and niece through our quiet times in my room. I pray that I may know how to creatively transform small segments of my play time with them to appropriate time of Christian teaching. I pray that seeds of faith that I plant into my nephew and niece's young lives may one day blossom to be like plants that Totoro planted that grew into shady big trees. I pray that my parents and my sister may also turn to Jesus through my sharing and testimony or through their Christian friends and/or extended family members.
Indeed, God opened my eyes to see lots of strategies and opportunities to bring the gospel message to my household. I pray I may be faithful in praying and be obedient in carrying out God's directions to bring my family to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Struggles in Giving
What are your views about charity? Some Christians think that there are too many people in need that even if we give, our gifts are too little and cannot help much. But, my thinking is to let God multiply the gifts. If everyone thinks that our giving is too little and chooses not to give, then no one will receive any gifts and help from others.
Then some Christians decided to give but do not know which organization to give to. Also, there are situations in which the gifts go into selfish hands and the gifts do not reach the needy but to the greedy. My guiding principle to address the former struggle is that I give to the organization that God has given me the opportunity to associate with and/or given me the burden to give. As for the latter struggle, I believe in the bible verse from Galatians 6:7 "A man reaps what he sows." I believe that if what I gave fell into a thief, the thief will reap bad fruits and God will judge and punish the thief. So, I could continue to happily give, trusting that God will multiply the gifts and punish those who stole.
Galatians 6:8 to 10 continues to encourage believers to persevere in doing good and to trust God that people who sows bad crops will reap destruction and those who sows good crops will reap eternal life.
Gal 6:8 to 10
8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Actually, these bible verses are not from my bible reading today. But, I see a lot of need in this world and I know God has a big and charitable heart. If God is calling you to give today, and you are experiencing some struggles internally to give, I pray that this sharing may help to resolve some of your issues about giving. Also, I pray that you may experience God's pleasure in your giving.
Then some Christians decided to give but do not know which organization to give to. Also, there are situations in which the gifts go into selfish hands and the gifts do not reach the needy but to the greedy. My guiding principle to address the former struggle is that I give to the organization that God has given me the opportunity to associate with and/or given me the burden to give. As for the latter struggle, I believe in the bible verse from Galatians 6:7 "A man reaps what he sows." I believe that if what I gave fell into a thief, the thief will reap bad fruits and God will judge and punish the thief. So, I could continue to happily give, trusting that God will multiply the gifts and punish those who stole.
Galatians 6:8 to 10 continues to encourage believers to persevere in doing good and to trust God that people who sows bad crops will reap destruction and those who sows good crops will reap eternal life.
Gal 6:8 to 10
8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Actually, these bible verses are not from my bible reading today. But, I see a lot of need in this world and I know God has a big and charitable heart. If God is calling you to give today, and you are experiencing some struggles internally to give, I pray that this sharing may help to resolve some of your issues about giving. Also, I pray that you may experience God's pleasure in your giving.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Be joyful always. Yeah, but how?
Key Verse : 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to 18
16. Be joyful always; 17. Pray continually; 18. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Not having enough time has caused me to be grouchy at work recently. Through these verses, God reminded me to be joyful always, to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. These are not new verses to me and in fact I have written a song about it. But, this is a timely reminder because I have forgotten how to be joyful always. I think it all starts with prayer and giving thanks through prayer.
I mentioned that my prayer life has been disrupted because I often feel tired and cannot focus in prayer. But, this morning, God gave me a thought to write my prayer. To write down my prayer may not be the most efficient way, but it is effective because it helps me to focus and document the things God put in my mind to pray. Also, it helps me to keep a prayer journal and a record of God's work in my life.
16. Be joyful always; 17. Pray continually; 18. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Not having enough time has caused me to be grouchy at work recently. Through these verses, God reminded me to be joyful always, to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. These are not new verses to me and in fact I have written a song about it. But, this is a timely reminder because I have forgotten how to be joyful always. I think it all starts with prayer and giving thanks through prayer.
I mentioned that my prayer life has been disrupted because I often feel tired and cannot focus in prayer. But, this morning, God gave me a thought to write my prayer. To write down my prayer may not be the most efficient way, but it is effective because it helps me to focus and document the things God put in my mind to pray. Also, it helps me to keep a prayer journal and a record of God's work in my life.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
God's will for me - Exercise Mind Control
Key Verse : 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable
When I first read these two verses a while ago, I thought these verses probably do not apply to me. Yet, after a while pondering on these verses, I noticed that my temptation may not be in the area of sex. Instead, my mind is often tempted to do ungodly things and to believe in ungodly beliefs.
After all, I am most interested in pursuing knowledge, and would like to keep my heart and mind pure. However, I find that my mind is often corrupted with ungodly thoughts. Therefore, I find that through these verses, God is trying to tell me the following:
3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should recognise and reject ungodly thoughts; 4that you should learn to control your own mind in a way that is holy and honorable
Controlling my mind is an area that I have not fully grasped as it requires a good knowledge of God's words, a good ability to discern what is of God and what is not, and the act of rejecting what does not belong to God. I know on my own, I will never succeed in exercising control of my mind. But, I believe God teaches me. I may be a slow learner but I know God teaches and pursues me.
3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable
When I first read these two verses a while ago, I thought these verses probably do not apply to me. Yet, after a while pondering on these verses, I noticed that my temptation may not be in the area of sex. Instead, my mind is often tempted to do ungodly things and to believe in ungodly beliefs.
After all, I am most interested in pursuing knowledge, and would like to keep my heart and mind pure. However, I find that my mind is often corrupted with ungodly thoughts. Therefore, I find that through these verses, God is trying to tell me the following:
3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should recognise and reject ungodly thoughts; 4that you should learn to control your own mind in a way that is holy and honorable
Controlling my mind is an area that I have not fully grasped as it requires a good knowledge of God's words, a good ability to discern what is of God and what is not, and the act of rejecting what does not belong to God. I know on my own, I will never succeed in exercising control of my mind. But, I believe God teaches me. I may be a slow learner but I know God teaches and pursues me.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Learning Progress
The first week of February has passed. I observed I can only meet 60% of my plans. Some people get disheartened for not being able to meet their New Years Resolution. But, not for me. I know my initial plans are always ambitious. So, I just have to adjust my plans in accordance to my physical condition. Those unaccomplished goals can be carried forward to next year's objectives and be met over time.
One of my objective was to join Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). I found one close to my home and will be joining the class on 16 Feb 09 (Monday). I am excited because I want to grow more in God's word.
My Korean language study plan is lagging behind. I tried watching news in Korean thinking the news programme may assist me in pronunciation and listening skills. I remembered I learnt good Japanese pronunciation that way. But, news in Korean is too hard for me. Thus, I decided to watch Korean drama instead.
Last Saturday morning, I had a headache. So, I missed one Korean language class. I think I am in trouble because now my textbook is all written in Korean. So, missing one class can mean a hard time catching up since I do not know enough Korean to efficiently self study.
As for my Keyboard class on Sunday evening, I tend to catch on to the teacher's teaching quite quickly. So, I usually do not need to practice much to be ready for school. But, I still have lots to learn to play music well. I figured if I continue learning, by the time I retire from a full-time working life, I should be ready to serve God related to children's music ministry.
Yes, apart from work, I have many other learning activities that is adding on to an already hectic schedule. But, I never lose sight of why I started on these activities. Honestly, I do not know how long I will live and if I will ever live to the age of retirement when I plan to focus more of my energy in God-serving work. But, I like to think that even while I train now, I am serving God and getting myself ready for Kingdom work. Actually, I think as I train now, I am doing Kingdom work.
I need to keep my heart, brain, eyes and ears open when God asks me to stop. Because, I know my heart's desire deceives me into holding on to things that God may not desire me to hold on for my own good. I need to be disciplined in holding myself in check. Indeed, may God help me because I have lots of limitations!
One of my objective was to join Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). I found one close to my home and will be joining the class on 16 Feb 09 (Monday). I am excited because I want to grow more in God's word.
My Korean language study plan is lagging behind. I tried watching news in Korean thinking the news programme may assist me in pronunciation and listening skills. I remembered I learnt good Japanese pronunciation that way. But, news in Korean is too hard for me. Thus, I decided to watch Korean drama instead.
Last Saturday morning, I had a headache. So, I missed one Korean language class. I think I am in trouble because now my textbook is all written in Korean. So, missing one class can mean a hard time catching up since I do not know enough Korean to efficiently self study.
As for my Keyboard class on Sunday evening, I tend to catch on to the teacher's teaching quite quickly. So, I usually do not need to practice much to be ready for school. But, I still have lots to learn to play music well. I figured if I continue learning, by the time I retire from a full-time working life, I should be ready to serve God related to children's music ministry.
Yes, apart from work, I have many other learning activities that is adding on to an already hectic schedule. But, I never lose sight of why I started on these activities. Honestly, I do not know how long I will live and if I will ever live to the age of retirement when I plan to focus more of my energy in God-serving work. But, I like to think that even while I train now, I am serving God and getting myself ready for Kingdom work. Actually, I think as I train now, I am doing Kingdom work.
I need to keep my heart, brain, eyes and ears open when God asks me to stop. Because, I know my heart's desire deceives me into holding on to things that God may not desire me to hold on for my own good. I need to be disciplined in holding myself in check. Indeed, may God help me because I have lots of limitations!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Time with my neice today
Tonight, my brother and sister-in-law were both not at home. My nephew had to study for a spelling test tomorrow. My niece decided to visit my room tonight as she wanted to play "hair dresser".
I was tired but thought that it has been a while since I enjoyed private time with the kids. Therefore, I obliged.
Although tonight, only Megan showed, I had a great time. First, I played some tunes on my keyboard with preprogrammed drums and rhythms. Megan loved the sounds and rhythmns and danced to the tune. She may be fat but she is a cute dancer.
While I was having a shower, she had fun experimenting with the keyboard. I then took the music piece she is learning at Yamaha and set some suitable preprogrammed drums and rhythms to accompany the piece she is learning. I wanted to enhance her interest in music and 'hear' the different experimentation she can do with even a simple piece.
I think my settings were too advanced for her and she could not catch the timing of the rhythms well. But, I think over time, if I give her exposure to various pieces and rhythms, she will catch on very soon and play along with the rhythms.
Finally, I allowed her to be my hairdresser. We took turns and I also had a chance to be her hairdresser. In our imaginary salon, hair color plus hair cut only cost $6 - very cheap. Time flew and our imaginary salon did not last long because my mum soon asked her to go to bed.
I was tired but thought that it has been a while since I enjoyed private time with the kids. Therefore, I obliged.
Although tonight, only Megan showed, I had a great time. First, I played some tunes on my keyboard with preprogrammed drums and rhythms. Megan loved the sounds and rhythmns and danced to the tune. She may be fat but she is a cute dancer.
While I was having a shower, she had fun experimenting with the keyboard. I then took the music piece she is learning at Yamaha and set some suitable preprogrammed drums and rhythms to accompany the piece she is learning. I wanted to enhance her interest in music and 'hear' the different experimentation she can do with even a simple piece.
I think my settings were too advanced for her and she could not catch the timing of the rhythms well. But, I think over time, if I give her exposure to various pieces and rhythms, she will catch on very soon and play along with the rhythms.
Finally, I allowed her to be my hairdresser. We took turns and I also had a chance to be her hairdresser. In our imaginary salon, hair color plus hair cut only cost $6 - very cheap. Time flew and our imaginary salon did not last long because my mum soon asked her to go to bed.
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