tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26452384115545652122023-11-16T12:08:20.861+00:00The road less traveled...Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-47894128847735015822017-08-15T11:18:00.001+01:002017-08-15T11:19:23.636+01:00Keep On Keeping OnAs I stare at my blank screen, wondering what to write after so many years... so many things, people, thoughts, memories, events, pictures crossed my mind. Just like every other story, there's always a "In the beginning" or "Once upon a time"... Hence, I'll begin with this thought at the beginning of 2017.<br />
<br />
<i>Jot down ALL that God has spoken to you throughout the day... be it a thought, song lyrics, a conversation with a friend, an ad, bible reading, or a picture... Keep your mind on Christ throughout your day. </i>(Taken from a sharing by Pastor Bill Johnson)<br />
<br />
So that became my aim. And it has been. Since I do not write as much as I used to, nor kept up with journaling...<br />
I've resolved to doing just this:<br />
Simple.Short.Notes.Thoughts.Pictures.Songs.Words.MainPoints.Highlights.ShortPrayers.<br />
<br />
This has helped me keep track of my thoughts; as to what I've been feeding my brain and emotions with. When a thought of a friend I haven't seen for some time comes to mind, I'd contact my friend within a day or two. When I feel like my thoughts are everywhere, I tend to space-out and hide in my invisible cave or some sort of an island. Thus, it is important for me to keep writing, keep singing, keep smiling, keep it real, keep thinking, keep living and breathing, till "...I stroll at leisure with God in the sunlit fields of life." (MSG Ps.56:12-13)<br />
<br />
POMEGRANATE - was the word that came to mind at the beginning of this year. Here's what I've gathered with a little search:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>some believed it to be the fruit in the garden of Eden</li>
<li>the fruit is 'holy'</li>
<li>can be found on the hem of High Priest's garment</li>
<li>there are a lot of seeds but lesser 'flesh' in the fruit. Our lives are liken to the fruit; to be seeds (salt & light to the world) and to share or plant seeds in the lives of others. Most importantly, giving more of one's self (by sowing seeds) and having less of one's self (flesh).</li>
<li>the fruit has a grown on it head. Signifies <i>righteousness. </i></li>
<li>To sum it up, 1 Pet.2:9 comes to mind: "For you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who brought you out of darkness, into His marvellous light."</li>
</ul>
<br />
I am reminded that I am chosen, to be holy and righteous, to be salt and light to the world. Interesting enough, not only does salt function as a preservative or a flavourin<span style="font-family: inherit;">g agent,</span> it can also kill. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you tried dropping some salt on a slug? Well, I have. Salt basically kills a slug. In Judges 9:45 </span>"So Abimelech fought against the city all that day; he took the city and killed the people who were in it; and he demolished the city and sowed it with salt." Wait a minute... sowed it with salt? But why? Apparently, salt was used to signify total irrecoverable destruction. Salt soil is also bad for vegetation which eventually leads to barrenness. Some commentaries commented that it was to show Abimelech's detestation of the city, to express that the city should not be inhabited again and to deter other cities from rebelling against him. Despite Abimelech's act of destroying a city, it also symbolises God's judgement upon the city for making Abimelech King plus they acknowledged his act of tyranny by killing his 70 brothers. <br />
<br />
With this, I am not encouraging anyone to kill slugs, destroy a plot of land with salt or throw salt on evil spirits if you encounter one... but rather a reminder that we ARE salt and light to the world. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against ruler, spiritual hosts in the heavenly places (Eph.6:12). We can apply the name and the blood of Jesus. The realities of life are real. Troubles may come our way, but we are to face it and not run away from it. Jesus faced it squarely and He wants us to do the same. <br />
<br />
<i>That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! </i>Rom.15:3-6<br />
<br />
And till I blog again dear reader, keep on keepin' on! <i>May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope! </i>Rom.15:13Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-62748365133357828692013-11-25T15:22:00.001+00:002013-11-25T15:25:57.213+00:00It's been quite a while… Hello blog!<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It
has been more than a year since I last posted something. Life has been an
adventure since I settled back home - it was a transition from student life to
working life, while making plans for the future. As the year is coming to a
close, I am reminded to meditate on some proverbs - for they are wisdom for
life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs
3 is an interesting one. Firstly, the headline says: <b>Don't assume you know
it all</b>. It is true that at times, we think we know where we're heading,
what we're doing, and how it's all going to work out. But it isn't necessarily
true. God's word says to <i>trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try
to figure out everything on your own</i> (v.5). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
love it when it gets to the second half (v.13-20): <b>The very tree of life</b>. In
The Message version, here's how it is said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> when you make friends with Madame Insight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">her friendship is better than a big salary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her value exceeds all the trappings of
wealth; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With one hand she gives long life,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with the other she confers recognition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her manner is beautiful, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">her life wonderfully complete. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace
her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Hold her tight—and be blessed! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Lady Wisdom, God formed Earth; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with Madame Insight, he raised Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They knew when to signal rivers and springs to the
surface, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and dew to descend from the night skies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Verse
18 talks about Lady Wisdom as being the <i>very Tree of Life itself</i> to all
who embrace her. This brings me back to Genesis 2 when God created the Garden of
Eden:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8-9</b> Then God planted
a garden in Eden, in the east. He put the Man he had just made in
it. God made all kinds of trees grow from the ground, trees beautiful
to look at and good to eat. The Tree-of-Life was in the middle of the garden,
also the Tree-of-Knowledge-of-Good-and-Evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As
proverbs 3 mentioned: God formed the Earth with Lady Wisdom and with Insight,
He raised Heaven. So, Wisdom existed since the very beginning - before the
point of Creation. Out of all the trees that grew from the ground, two trees
were mentioned specifically; namely the Tree-of-Life and the
Tree-of-Knowledge-of-Good-and-Evil. We know that Adam and Eve chose to eat the
fruit from the Tree-of-Knowledge-of-Good-and-Evil. But what about the
Tree-of-Life? What happened to it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In
Genesis 3:22-24: God said, “The Man has become like one of us,
capable of knowing everything, ranging from good to evil. What if he now should
reach out and take fruit from the Tree-of-Life and eat, and live forever?
Never—this cannot happen!” So God expelled them from the Garden
of Eden and sent them to work the ground, the same dirt out of which they’d
been made. He threw them out of the garden and stationed angel-cherubim and a
revolving sword of fire east of it, guarding the path to the Tree-of-Life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interestingly,
God has hidden the Garden of Eden from men's discovery. God is gracious not to let us eat the fruit from the Tree-of-Life, and live with the knowledge
of good to evil forever. The good news is He gives out Wisdom freely. We can go
around searching for knowledge and wisdom, but wisdom begins with the fear of
the Lord (Prov.1:7). Proverbs 2:1-7 (The Message) says: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good
friend, take to heart what I’m telling you; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">collect
my counsels and guard them with your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tune
your ears to the world of Wisdom; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">set
your heart on a life of Understanding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s
right—if you make Insight your priority, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and
won’t take no for an answer, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Searching
for it like a prospector panning for gold, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">like
an adventurer on a treasure hunt, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Believe
me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you’ll
have come upon the Knowledge of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And
here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is plainspoken in Knowledge
and Understanding. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a
personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although
wisdom is given freely, God sets us out on this mission to search,
collect, and hunt down wisdom - like a rare treasure. Surely, blessed is the
one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law
day and night. For that person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
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Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-34493068851099111472012-11-03T14:24:00.001+00:002012-11-03T14:41:15.334+00:00A soundtrack for 2012I'm missing you, God. This song <i>You are Here </i>by Charissa, is to us. Cheers!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.box.com/s/udj5sxvtxyjgkyvnoed9">https://www.box.com/s/udj5sxvtxyjgkyvnoed9</a>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-13119657755988059052011-07-04T17:02:00.005+01:002011-07-04T17:06:26.933+01:00Best quote of the day:<p> <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Every </span>life needs a soundtrack; even if no one else can hear it.</em></p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-38145910826673560432010-12-02T18:00:00.004+00:002010-12-02T18:11:38.786+00:00You are worth it all!<p class="MsoNormal">Just as a snowflake melts away as soon it reaches the palm of my hand,</p><p class="MsoNormal">So have you disappeared and vanished from life like a vapour in the wind.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">How long does it take for you to realise? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Must you go down this path; even if it hurts Papa to let you go?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oh yes, Papa has decided to let you go.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He did all He could for you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But you would not listen, nor did you turn your head to look at His face…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">His ever glorious face showed grief instead.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I cannot call out and ask you to return.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is no point in it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love has been burnt into ashes…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It seems – wasted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">He, keeps silent.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Though His heart cries out for you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You know the way to the Cross,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Therefore no one will hold you back from going the other way.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You slide away like the sand on the seashore.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our hearts cannot hold it in any longer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We will move on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We will not look back.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nothing is like seeing the face of our Beloved!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our lives are embedded in the palms of His hands.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nothing escapes His fury eyes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But do you know Him?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">His heart is for you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He wants to capture your heart.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He said He would be all that you want Him to be, and even more!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He is the greatest Lover of all!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No one may understand you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">No one may know what you are going through.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">No one may even remember your name.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But there is One, who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">knows</i> you through and through.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My Lord Jesus died for you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is not a small cause; we are the greatest cause of all.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But He said it is worth it all to give us His everything.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Till today, He still thinks you are worth it all.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">*In this time of advent and this season of life, this poem is dedicated to my close friends out there. (You know who you are.) You are loved and thought of much! Peace be with you.</p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-59054309401650318612010-12-01T09:30:00.000+00:002010-12-01T09:32:08.320+00:00...till the last snow falls to the ground<p class="MsoNormal"><em>The first snow arrived in November.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>And the weather began to change.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Nothing has changed; it is still cold.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>I open my eyes to find that everything has gone white.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>There’s not a trace of footprints,</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Nor a living organism in motion.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>And I begin to hear the snow falling...</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Variation of its fall is seen as it falls from heaven.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>I do not find what I’m looking for.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Not a sigh, not a sound, not a breath…</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>In a moment, all I see is You.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>You who made the heavens and the earth.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>You who made rain and snow to fall from the sky,</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>And to water the earth.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>So shall Your word be, You said.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Your promises will not return to You void;</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>It will accomplish that which You purposed.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>I am waiting… I am still waiting…</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>How long will it take, my Beloved?</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>I long to hasten that which You have promised; but yet</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>I’d rather wait for the right time. </em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>When the season changes, </em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>I will find what I’m looking for.</em></p><em> </em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>I will be here, till the last snow falls to the ground.</em></p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-54767618348568913742010-10-16T22:25:00.011+01:002010-10-18T17:35:08.879+01:00HOPE<p><p>It's been too long a silence and I'm finding it hard to begin...</p><p><em>Twenty-five and moving on...</em><em><br /></em></p><p>This month, I have just celebrated my 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> birthday. I did a search on the biblical significance of the number twenty-five months before my birthday. The number five signifies grace and redemption. Twenty is the number of expectation. 25 = 5 x 5 This means grace intensified. Therefore, this year God's intense grace shall be further extended upon my life as I enter a new year, a new season, a new life with Christ.</p><p><em>Too many happenings; I'll pick a few...</em></p><p>I've had quite an interesting start of the year. It wasn't smooth sailing all the way. I struggled. I cried. I prayed. I surrendered. God was indeed present through it all. He showed me a better way. I had to forgo many personal choices and preference. It's always letting 'self' die in order for Christ to reign. When I could let go and let God, it seemed like Spring came. Certainly, spring came!<em><br /></em></p><p>Firstly, I was able to teach piano around my place of stay and I had really lovely students! Then I was accepted on a masters programme in a prestigious University (not my first choice, but God's definite choice.) The next thing that took place was a holiday with my family in Europe! It was such a blessing from God (and I didn't know when was the next round I'll see them again.) Much as I was reluctant to shift to a new city, God made provision and He made it all easy and possible for me with much pushing and help provided. (You must be thinking, she's such a 'princess'! Oh yes, Papa does pamper me as well. I'm spoilt!) Anyway as things progressed, I got another summer job and that paid for my return flight to Malaysia. Ultimately, it was such a refreshing month spent back home with family and friends. </p><p><em>God, goodness and all that follows...</em></p><p>Perhaps... I believe more in the thorns that pricks and hurts you compared to the beauty in the rose itself. Generally, I do believe the rose represents beauty and it is beautiful. As I grew older, I somehow believed and felt more of the thorns. There's nothing wrong with it. Knowing that thorns do exist brings us back to the reality of the rose itself. The thorns are not the main theme or subject; rather the rose. Throughout my life, the prophecies that I have received reflects a common theme: God's good plan and His goodness. The good plan is still in progress and it hasn't come to completion as I know. His goodness however, exists and lasts for a long long time whether or not we believe or experience it - it is real and it is there for us to tap into it. His perfect will displays His goodness. His perfect will, includes the rose as well as the thorns. Yet, they are all GOOD. I have to remind myself not to doubt God's goodness for the sole reason that He loves me, His heart and His thoughts are for me. Would you begin to believe that for yourself today?<em><br /></em></p><p><span style="color:#009900;">Psalm 139:11-13 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NIV</span>): If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.</span><span style="color:#ff6600;"><br /></span></p><p>When all hope is gone, when life seems pitch black and the cross seems invisible; this verse says that <em>darkness is as light to God.</em> Even in the darkness His light shines and He will show us the way home...</p><p></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCS8TM1sEhIaGyxEpWufIiMhBAERfnrNbL-lMk6FeUmYPd6qCqXqWvUo4HGsbQ7jicqFgl6xpJAwK63PU8nefN7Yyicw7Y0dK76JNKmPzwQLvhKJ67xmcSzd3x52xEYkMpm9OxjcMlhY/s1600/DSC02402.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCS8TM1sEhIaGyxEpWufIiMhBAERfnrNbL-lMk6FeUmYPd6qCqXqWvUo4HGsbQ7jicqFgl6xpJAwK63PU8nefN7Yyicw7Y0dK76JNKmPzwQLvhKJ67xmcSzd3x52xEYkMpm9OxjcMlhY/s320/DSC02402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528776901914128098" /></a><br /></p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-65605432954767779102010-07-05T23:39:00.003+01:002010-07-05T23:46:19.001+01:00Defining Moments…<p class="MsoNormal">It has been a while since I last blogged. Honestly, I have not had the inspiration to write anything. I am in a unique season of life… though I myself am uncertain what season this might be. Life has been and is still good. There were “ordinary” days; some were “extraordinary” and others just happened to “pass me by…” This is not one of my encouraging or inspiring post but merely an update and record of my life. Please bear with me as I try to find the words to describe it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wanted to survive… to just survive… I wondered why it seemed so hard to just survive. Yet, I knew – this is not how it should be. God does not want me to merely survive, He wants me to be free and soar with Him. It was not easy. I went through seasons of conflicts within my spirit and soul… I know my mind had to be renewed. I needed a change of heart. I could not see, could not hear, and could not understand what God is doing or what He wants me to do. I felt lost yet not entirely lost…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wanted to ask someone; I want to know what I should do. I wished someone would pray with me. Beyond all these, I know the best way is to directly connect to God – through seeking and praying to God by myself. Somehow, I hesitated… (As if I know not how to reach God anymore)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It came to a point where I could not bear it any longer. I started to reach my hands out to God much as I was reluctant… God helped my reluctance and He came for me. The Bridegroom is always for His bride. God always makes the first step to us even while we were lost in darkness and unworthy of Him. Did not God make the first step to us? “For God so loved the world that He <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">gave</i></b> His only Son…” Even after Adam had sinned, God <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">went </i></b>into the garden to look for him. (It is not as if God does not know where Adam was hiding.) <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I see it so clearly that God is wooing His Bride back to Himself in these last days. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have not seen or heard or understood everything I wanted to find out from God. But this is what God has been teaching me: to live each ordinary day, extraordinary when I live for Him and with Him. Take one day at a time… There is too much to think or worry about that could rob my job and my place at His feet. Every moment has to be connected with the "Life wire" in order for “His Kingdom to come and will to be done on earth as it is in heaven…”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There has been a wave of dreams coming back to me - encounters with God, prayers I have prayed and promises made to God that came sweeping in. When God gives a dream, He does not just stop at the dream itself; He will see it to completion. He will stir us up and remind us of it. It seemed like a recollection of memories I have forgotten. It matters to God when we make a promise. He remembers our prayers and will bring it up when the time is right. He is God; and I am not.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On another note (*in the key on E major), I had a great time with my beloved family when they came for a holiday in May. We had a very packed schedule. Time flew; yet it felt like it stood still when we prayed together as a family. It went by so quickly that I needed time to adjust and digest the happenings… I had always wanted to show them "part of my world"; and God blessed us with this golden opportunity. I was blessed to have all of them here with me! I am sure, there will more to come. Thank you Dad, Mum, Clarence and Chrysler for coming and making yourselves available for the family holiday!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On another note (*this time in the key of C major…Ha-ha), I will be going to University of Sheffield to do my masters in September. As the blog title suggests, I believe this season contains defining moments for my future. Most importantly, these defining moments must involve God that His will may be established and He be glorified.</p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-7164944029051095112010-05-10T14:41:00.002+01:002010-05-10T14:50:20.035+01:00Love bites for the day!<p><em>I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.</em> (Psalm 22:10; 17:15).</p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-4805393358324809652010-03-29T00:41:00.006+01:002010-03-29T01:28:54.357+01:00Guess who’s against us? (Desire - Part 2)<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>The Enemy's Desire</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">The Psalmist prayed: “Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence” (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ps</span>.27:12).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Even the enemy has got desires too. The enemy uses our sinful desires to enslave us. Sin is crouching at the door, it desires to have you but you must master it (Gen.4:7). The Bible states the motives of the enemy clearly: he desires to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Similarly, desire is a form of seed planted in our hearts. We are the ones to decide whether to water it or let it dry up and die… James 1:15 tells me that desire is first conceived before it gives birth to sin; and sin, when full-grown, it gives birth to death. But hear what the Word says about our hearts: Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown" (Mark 4:18-20).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>Evil Desires</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">The Bible says the unfaithful, are trapped by evil desires (Prov.11:6). Are we unfaithful in our love to God? Or are we unfaithful in giving our tithes and offering? How about unfaithfulness in our marriages? Are we unfaithful in following through our plans and goals? How is our usage of time? Are we able to stick to just one hand-phone for years and change it only when it wears out? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmm</span>… </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Rom.6:12 “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires”. For sin produces evil desires or deceitful desires and every kind of covetous desire.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Fleshly deceitful desires includes lustful desires (2 Pet.2:18), foolish and harmful desires (1 Tim.6:9), evil desires of youth (2 Tim.2:22).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>God’s Desire for Us</u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">However, “you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires” (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Eph</span>. 4:22) “and clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom.13:14). As you are being renewed day by day; so are your desires renewed and cleansed to reflect the desire of the Spirit of God. How do you do that? Well, it all begins in the mind. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires (Rom.8:5). </b>It is only natural if you find your desire in contrary to the Spirit, so that you do not do what you want (Gal.5:17).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">The good news is “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Gal.5:24). “The world and its desires will pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:16-18).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">How can God be so confident of us or so confident of Himself (Him-selves)?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">God is a God of integrity; God knows our hearts and He tests them (1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Chro</span>.29:17; 1 Sam.16:7; 1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Thes</span>.2:4). The Word says, when we seek Him, we WILL actually find Him when we seek Him with all our hearts (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jer</span>.29:13). Amazingly, God also tells us where to find Him. Give a guess? Matthew 6:6 “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The Father is said to be in the secret place waiting for us to come to Him. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">It is true that we have lots of desires, plans and dreams. But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain… </i>(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ps</span>.127:1).<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> </i>Proverbs 19:21-23 says it best: “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LORD's</span> purpose that prevails. What a man desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Knowing that the fear of the Lord leads to life, I can now rest contented and untouched by trouble. God is not cruel; He does not want to destroy our dreams and desires. But He wants to bring it into His light and give it life. Just as the Lord has chosen Zion and has desired it for his dwelling: "This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it” (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ps</span>.132:13-14); He has also chosen our hearts a place for His dwelling. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Being as human as we are, we have built walls of defences against people who hurt us, or might hurt us; built walls against pain, against receiving love, against trusting others, against disappointments, against desiring the best or even for the better… and the list goes on. But hear me out! The word “Zion” essentially means “fortification”. Our heart is a stronghold that God wants to strengthen by building defensive structure like walls or mounds for the purpose of resisting and defending us against the influence of Satan. Instead of trying to build our own walls using “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Lego </i>blocks”, why not allow God to build and fortify our hearts? Why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“Lego</i> blocks”? Because you and I know they will tumble one day. I trust, God is a much more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">skillful</span> and talented builder compared to me. Another definition of fortified is used for wines that had grape spirit added to them. Here, the definition not only applies for wines; but for our lives too. God adds His Holy Spirit upon us to desire His will and with that, He strengthens our will. DONE! See how God strengthens and builds His wall around our hearts for His own dwelling? Let me re-quote <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ps</span>.127:1 “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain…” (and the lyrics of this particular song continue with), “So let’s take time, to wait upon the Lord”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Let this be our prayer: Isaiah 26:7-9a “The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth. Yes, LORD, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.</b> My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you”.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><em>Selah</em></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Having said so much about desire, learning to be contented is a great way to live. One of my favourite quote from Elisabeth Elliot's <em>Let Me Be A Woman</em>, quoting her husband Jim Elliot, “Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living”. Truly, as the Apostle Paul puts it: “But godliness <strong>with</strong> contentment is great gain” (1 Tim.6:6). Nothing else beats being contented in Christ!</p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-13592026156403453892010-02-28T15:39:00.007+00:002010-02-28T16:05:44.532+00:00Desire – Part 1<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The reason for this long post is because we've all got desires; whether they have been fulfilled or waiting to be fulfilled. Lately, I have been thinking about my desires and whether they are what God desires too. I want to know and understand “desire” more plus to know how to direct them as God desires. I'll split this long post into two – it's easier for digestion.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I began with a search on the word “desire” and one of the first few verses that struck me was: 2 Samuel 19:38 The king said, "Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever pleases you. And anything you desire from me I will do for you." And;</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">2 Samuel 23:5 "Is not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?”</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Am I willing to say to God or can I say to God with confidence, “I will do whatever pleases You. Anything You desire from me I will do for You”? Moreover, to say that to a fellow human being is rare and almost unthinkable. In our generation, we can hardly find such a man of integrity who is able to say likewise. God makes an everlasting covenant with each one of us and that covenant is arranged, secured in every part (2 Sam. 23:5), written about in the scroll (Ps. 40:7-9), and one that is sealed by His Spirit (Matt. 28:18-20). I believe our desires are endorsed by God.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> Even if we think it is of ourselves or of the flesh, if we yield to God, He has and will have to endorse it before He allows it to bear fruit in the natural. This is for the same reason mentioned in God's word: unless the seed/desire falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds (John 12:23-24).</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Bible talks about desire as something we </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">rule over</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (1 Kings 11:37), as something that is </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">birthed within our hearts</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (1 Chron. 29:17-19) - as He tests the intention of our hearts, </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">placed in our hearts by God</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> as they are </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">God-guided</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ps. 107:29-31), </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">meant to be satisfied</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (Ps. 145:15-17; Ps. 145:19; Prov. 10:24; Prov. 13:4), it </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">has a purpose</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> as it either brings good or evil (Prov. 11:23), </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">can be stirred, aroused, or awakened</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (Eccl. 12:5; Song of Solomon 2:7), meant to be </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">directed to God and His name</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (Isa. 26:7-9; Ps. 73:25; Ps. 40:8) and it is something we </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">yield our spirit to</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (Gal. 5:17).</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Bible clearly distinguishes two types of desires: </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">1. Worldly desires/desires of the flesh and; </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">2. Desires of the Spirit.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Through my search of the Bible regarding desire, I found so many promises or desires fulfilled in the Bible. It is not just something of the past; it happens today too. God gives us the desire of our heart and does not withhold the request of our lips (Ps. 20:4; Ps.21:1; Ps. 145:19; Prov. 10:24; Prov. 11:23; Prov. 13:4). He satisfies our desires with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle's (Ps. 103:5); for hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life (Prov. 13:12).</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">There are desires of our hearts, such as a desire to live a well and good long life. “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.” (Ps. 34:12-13)</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Or desire for shelter and safety in Ps. 107:29-30: “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Examples of desires that we should awaken or cultivate: </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Desire to know God</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (Ps. 73:25); </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">desire wisdom</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> for “She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her” (Prov. 3:15; Prov. 17:16); </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">eagerly desire spiritual gifts</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> – especially the gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 12:31; 1 Cor. 14:1), </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">desire what the Spirit desires</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (Rom. 8:5), </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">desire to live honourably in every way</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (Heb. 13:18), and </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">desire to do His will</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> (Ps. 40:7-9).</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">There are also desires that God has placed in our hearts (2 Chron. 1:11): God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honour, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honour, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have." Solomon had a God-given desire for wisdom although he could have asked God for wealth, riches and honour or anything else for that matter.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Similarly, like all things under heaven, we are submitted to God's time and season. Even our desires have got their own time and season as to when they will be fulfilled. (Ps. 145:15-17) “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">In Habakkuk 2:3-4 it says: For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. "See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous will live by his faith…” God is not a liar; He will prove Himself strong and Faithful. The promises of God are yes and amen; they come on time and will not appear to be a second or minute late.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As for the wrong desires in us, God will remove them if we allow Him. “How will I know if I have wrong desires?” you asked. The Word tells me “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Rom. 8:5). “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want” (Gal. 5:17) and “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24). If our desires are contrary to the Spirit, they will be in conflict with each other. So then, are any of your desires in conflict with the Spirit? Uncertain about it? Let me give you another verse: 1 John 2:16-17 says “For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” Therefore, the worldly desires will pass away; but remains, is our desire to do the will of God.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Does God have desires too? What does God desire then?</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">God's Desire</span></span></u></b></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">2 Chron. 9:8 and Song of Solomon 7:10 states that </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">God delights in us</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> and desires to uphold us forever. Hosea 6:6 and Ps. 40:5-7 says that </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">God desire mercy, not sacrifice</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Psalm 51:6 tells me that surely </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">God desires truth</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> in the inner parts; for God teaches us wisdom in the inmost place. </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">God intents to accomplish what He said He will do</span></span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> for He is a promise keeper and a God full of integrity and righteousness. </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Key verse: Isaiah 55:10-12 says “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and ac</span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">hieve the purpose for which I sent it.”</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I believe that truth comes along with desire. Truth in our inmost being, truth about our true intentions; and with truth God provides wisdom to apply them and wisdom to carry out our desires. Somehow, unless and until our desire becomes His desire; or rather His desire becomes our desire, that seed has not gone through the process of falling to the ground; it will not bear much fruit. If we will, but surrender our desires to God and make His desire ours, until then Jesus said: "</span><span style="font-size:100%;">I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one" (John 17:9-11). If we realize all that we have, all that we are, all that we desire is His and is for His glory; nothing is impossible for we will not be in want. </span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-48922304322272216242010-02-11T17:59:00.012+00:002010-02-12T23:49:20.128+00:00Finally...<span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em><span style="color:#666666;">Finally... I see the sun for the daylight; I feel His breath for the wind and He is here with me now. </span></em><span style="color:#666666;"><em>Spring is coming...</em></span> </span><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#666666;">Sometimes I wonder, when will God call me home? Will it be sooner than I expected? How soon will it be? How would my loved ones take it? How would we part?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#666666;">Often I imagine being in heaven with God and looking down on earth, also being part of the 'cloud of witnesses'...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#666666;">I imagine myself, looking down at the funeral procession. Who do I see? What do I see? Who are the ones celebrating or who are the ones broken with tears? What will I leave as a legacy? What will people say about me? Will I achieve my lifelong dream by then? But... should I even leave these people behind? What will they make of me or what will they make of God? What will people make of life in such situations?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#666666;">Will I leave behind a story good enough to be published as a book? What words of wisdom will I leave for those on earth? What will people remember me for? What have I done for God that is worth mentioning? Have I left a monument on earth that will cause someone to look to God? Will someone remember my music? Will anyone remember my piano playing? Will anyone remember my heart? Will they? Will you?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#666666;">I do not know how long I'll be here; but this I know: I live each day for the Lord. I seek to live for His glory. Life is for living, they say. We've only got one life to live and therefore, live it to the fullest, live it for God! Life is short as God measure our days on earth. He knows the end from the beginning and He is the Alpha and Omega.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><strong><span style="color:#666666;">Psalm 39:4-5 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">handbreadth</span>; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." </span><em><span style="color:#666666;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Selah</span></span></em></strong><span style="color:#666666;"></span></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#666666;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#666666;">Surely, what is life but a breath. Heaven is the place where I belong. I wonder if it's only me which such thoughts or perhaps you have thought of it too... I know it's a very very odd post and probably disturbing to some. But hey, this is Charissa. Welcome to the real world! Sometimes I desire to live a long life. At other times, I would not mind going to heaven earlier. Yes it does sound selfish; and probably also the reason that holds me back from desiring a lot of things in life. For me, I feel that nothing beats being in His arms and beholding the beauty of His face... Also, nothing can take that desire away from our hearts from wanting to be with Him in heaven. It's meant only for God to fill and for us to seek Him. </span><strong><span style="color:#666666;">The moment everything else matters not; that's when you truly learn to live for God.</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em><span style="color:#666666;">I want You, Lord! Let your goodness pass before me and Your presence go before me.</span></em><span style="color:#666666;"> </span><em><span style="color:#666666;">One day, I know for sure we'll be together. This is my love letter to God =)</span></em></span><em><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#666666;"></span><span style="color:#666666;"> </span></span></em><em><span style="color:#666666;">___________________________________________________________________________________________________</span></em></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">Spring is Coming by Steven Curtis Chapman</span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#006600;">We planted the seed while the tears of our grief soaked the ground<br />The sky lost its’ sun and the world lost its’ green to lifeless brown<br />Now the chill in the wind has turned the Earth hard as stone<br />And silent the seed lies beneath ice and snow<br />And my heart’s heavy now, but I’m not letting go<br />Of this hope I have that tells me<br /><br /><em>Spring is coming, Spring is coming<br />And all we’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ve</span> been hoping and longing for<br />Soon will appear<br />Spring is coming, Spring is coming<br />It won’t be long now<br />It’s just about here<br /></em><br />Hear the birds start to sing<br />Feel the life in the breeze<br />Watch the ice melt away<br />The kids are coming out to play<br />Feel the sun on your skin<br />Growing strong and warm again<br />Watch the ground<br />There’s something moving<br />Something is breaking through<br />New life is breaking through<br /><br /><em>Spring is coming (Out of these ashes beauty will rise)<br />Spring is coming (Sorrow will be turned to joy)<br />All we’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ve</span> been hoping and longing for (All we’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ve</span> hoped for)<br />Soon will appear (soon will appear)<br />Spring is coming (Out of the darkness beauty will shine)<br />Spring is coming (All Earth and Heaven rejoice)<br />It won’t be long now (Spring is coming soon)<br />It’s just about here (Spring is coming soon)</em></span><em> </em></p><p>Click to hear the song: <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/ft6px3jvhq">http://www.box.net/shared/ft6px3jvhq</a></p><p>Taken from Steven Curtis Chapman's new album - Beauty will Rise. Just a recommend site and article on to keep your heart pliable and burning for God: <span style="color:#006600;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#666666;"><a href="http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/music.htm">http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/music.htm</a></span></span></span></p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-69197378061687294302010-01-17T13:15:00.012+00:002010-01-17T13:47:11.551+00:00January 2010 feels like at the edge of the water...<object width="425" height="344"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DKhwylNCxZI&hl=en_GB&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><p><br />Have you ever been haunted<br />The way I've been by you?<br />And have you ever felt<br />The measure of the days<br />That I've spent waiting<br />Pining for you?<br /><br /><em>I can't see the sun for the daylight<br />I can't feel Your breath for the wind<br />I don't want to step from these shadows<br />Till You're comin' back again</em><br /><br />I've dammed these emotions<br />To keep my lanterns lit<br />Shaken by this longing<br />Coursing through my veins<br />In my mind, I can't make sense of it<br /><br /><em>Can't see the sun for the daylight<br />I can't feel Your breath for the wind<br />I get so used to these shadows<br />Are You comin' back again?</em><br /><br />Do we give up the search and turn out the lights?<br />And give up this Holy Ghost that rattles through the night?<br /><br /><em>Can't see the sun for the daylight<br />I can't feel Your breath for the wind<br />I don't want to step from these shadows<br />Till You come back again</em><br /><br /><em>Can't see the sun for the daylight<br />Can't feel Your breath for the wind<br />I get so used to these shadows<br />Will You chase away these shadows<br />When You come back again?</em><br /><br />When You come back...again<br /><p>____________________________________________________________________________<br /><em><span style="color:#660000;">Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."...LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:1-2; 5-11</span></em><br /></p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-31012130243214238492010-01-10T18:37:00.010+00:002010-01-13T16:25:10.229+00:00Here is Love Vast as the Ocean<p><span style="color:#666666;">Lyrics by William Rees, originally in Welsh; translated into English by William Williams in 1900. ‘Here Is Love’ is a love song which came out of the Welsh Revival in 1904.</span><span style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color:#666666;"> <object width="425" height="344"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/APrUPPC8bFY&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></span></p><p>Here is love vast as the ocean<br />Loving kindness as the flood<br />When the Prince of life, our ransom<br />Shed for us His precious blood<br />Who His love will not remember?<br />Who can cease to sing His praise?<br />He can never be forgotten<br />Throughout Heaven’s eternal days<br /><br />On the Mount of Crucifixion<br />Fountains opened deep and wide<br />Through the floodgates of God’s mercy<br />Flowed a vast and gracious tide<br />Grace and love, like mighty rivers<br />Poured incessant from above<br />And Heaven’s peace and perfect justice<br />Kissed a guilty world in love<br /><br />Let us all His love accepting<br />Love Him ever all our days<br />Let us seek His Kingdom only<br />And our lives be to His praise<br />He alone shall be our glory<br />Nothing in the world we see<br />He has cleansed and sanctified us<br />He Himself has set us free<br /><br />In His truth He does direct me<br />By His Spirit through His Word<br />And His grace my need is meeting<br />As I trust in Him, my Lord<br />All His fullness He is pouring<br />In His love and power in me<br />Without measure<br />Full and boundless<br />As I yield myself to Thee.<br /></p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-13619240258363206712010-01-09T18:11:00.003+00:002012-11-03T14:03:58.762+00:00Terebinth Tree<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A year ago, my mom shared with me that God impressed upon her heart that I have found my ‘</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">terebinth</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> tree’ – a place where I belong, a place where God is, a place where I have met with God, a place where I would not have found if I had remained in Malaysia, and it’s my hiding place in Him. In line with this, I did some study on the ‘</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span style="font-family: georgia;">terebinth</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> tree’ as mentioned in the Bible. Here’s what I got: </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Of all the trees God could have chosen to represent Israel in Isaiah 61:3, why did He choose the oak? Maybe the best–known oaks in the Bible are the “oaks of </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mamre</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">,” where Abraham settled in </span></span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hebron</span></span></span></st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> (Gen. 13:18). Today there is an oak referred to as Abram’s Oak near </span></span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hebron</span></span></span></st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">. It is 23 feet (7 meters) around, and its foliage reaches a diameter of around 90 feet (27 meters). A few, however, have reached a girth of 70 to 90 feet (21 to 27 meters). The slow-growing tree produces a hard, tough wood that is almost indestructible. After checking 11 different translations of Isaiah 61:3, I found five that simply say “trees of righteousness,” five say “oaks,” and one says “</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span style="font-family: georgia;">terebinth</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">.” There are six Hebrew words in Scripture rendered “oak.” The word used in Isaiah 61:3 is </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span style="font-family: georgia;">ayil</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">, which is most often translated “ram.” Its root word refers to strength and power. It can also mean “pillar” and refers to a strong leader. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pistacia</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> (</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span style="font-family: georgia;">terebinth</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">) develops a very deep and extensive root system and therefore remains green even in years of drought. It often sprouts from the stump after being cut, as noted in Isaiah 6:13. Because of its large size and great age, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span style="font-family: georgia;">pistacia</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> trees were well-known landmarks and were used as memorials for the dead. Absalom, great in his own eyes, was trapped in a large </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span style="font-family: georgia;">pistacia</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">. As often in Scripture, great trees are associated with great men. Gideon was by a large </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span style="font-family: georgia;">pistacia</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> when he was called by God (Judges 6:11). David faced Goliath in the Valley of the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pistacias</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> (I Samuel 17:2) (</span></span><em><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span style="font-family: georgia;">elah</span></span></span></em><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> in Hebrew). </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">From this, I realized that this secret place is a place I meet God face to face, a place that I encounter God and His love, a place of security and a fulfilling of God’s promise and will. It is also a place associated with greatness and a significant place in my life for such a time and such a season. More so, it’s a place to dig my roots deep into Christ, extend and expand from here. What reminded me of my ‘</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span style="font-family: georgia;">terebinth</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> tree’ was today’s reading from Gen.28:10-22. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Meanwhile, Jacob left </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Beersheba</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> and traveled toward </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Haran</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">. At sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep. As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway. At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”</span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span style="font-family: georgia;">wasn</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">’t even aware of it!” But he was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!” The next morning Jacob got up very early. He took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it. He named that place </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bethel</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> (which means “house of God”), although the name of the nearby village was Luz. Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God. And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.”</span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Verse 15 struck me most: “...What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” These words seemed so familiar. I heard it before I left for England. But now, these words are taking me on a new journey. I see them partly fulfilled and partly in progress. This is my assurance – God will not leave me until He has finished giving me EVERYTHING He has promised me. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bethel</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> is as significant as a ‘</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span style="font-family: georgia;">terebinth</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> tree’. Every one of us should have our own “</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bethel</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">” and “</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span style="font-family: georgia;">terebinth</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> tree”. These are places and encounters which keep a person focused on the promises, and gives strength at the lowest points of life. It is a remarkable and memorable place simply because heaven came down on earth and opened a stairway to heaven. Moments like these calls for a divine engagement with God; a meeting of hearts, where deep calls to deep... Our gateway to heaven only gets better by developing a deep and extensive root in Christ. Only then will we be able to “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.” (For a full picture, read Isaiah 54:1-5) Such is God’s covenant with those whom He loves. </span></span></div>
Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com103tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-33193012092737200352009-12-06T02:59:00.003+00:002009-12-06T03:21:52.371+00:00A song of ascentsIf I could describe Your love, how would I describe it?<br />What choice of words would I use?<br /><br />If I were to paint Your love, what would I draw to describe Your love?<br />Would colours be enough or would it remain as a blank white sheet?<br /><br />If I were to sing or write a love song about Your love, how would it sound?<br />Rather, how should it sound? Would there be words? Or would there even be a sound? <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Selah</span></em><br /><em></em><br /><br /><br />Take time to ponder while listening to 'Awaken'. God will reveal His love. <br /> <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/pqqtsp05rp">http://www.box.net/shared/pqqtsp05rp</a><br />(Taken from Alberto and Kimberly Rivera, <em>Live Soaking Series Vol.1</em>)<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><em>...More than the watchmen wait for the morning, more than the watchmen wait for the morning, my soul is yearning for Thee. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. ...put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Psalm </span>130:5,7</em>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-53379801867183916322009-11-29T16:22:00.004+00:002009-11-29T16:46:08.875+00:00Be Thou My Vision<div align="center">Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;<br />Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.<br />Thou my best thought by day or by night,<br />Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.<br /><br />Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;<br />I ever with Thee, Thou with me Lord;<br />Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son;<br />Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.<br /><br />Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight;<br />Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight;<br />Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower:<br />Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.<br /><br />Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,<br />Thou mine inheritance, now and always:<br />Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,<br />High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.<br /><br />High King of heaven, my victory won,<br />May I reach heaven's joys, O bright <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">heav'ns</span> Son!<br />Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,<br />Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.</div>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-73186099563309917572009-11-22T18:31:00.012+00:002009-11-22T19:15:09.606+00:00The Life I Owe<span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Trust me, I have not earned your dear rebuke, -<br />I love, as you would have me, God the most;<br />Would lose not Him, but you, must one be lost,<br />Nor with Lot's wife cast back a faithless look,<br />Unready to forego what I forsook;<br />This say I, having counted up the cost,<br />This, though I be the feeblest of God's host,<br />The sorriest sheep Christ shepherds with His crook.<br />Yet while I love my God the most, I deem<br />That I can never love you over-much;<br />I love Him more, so let me love you too;<br />Yea, as I apprehend it, love is such<br />I cannot love you if I love not Him,<br />I cannot love Him, if I love not you.</span><br /></span></em><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Christina Rossetti<br /></span><br /></span></div><div align="center"><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">O Love, that will not let me go,<br />I rest my weary soul in Thee;<br />I give Thee back the life I owe,<br />That in Thine ocean depths its flow<br />May richer, fuller be.<br /></span></em><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">George Matheson</span></div></span></span>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-3873501032911909542009-11-12T12:22:00.010+00:002009-11-12T12:50:13.998+00:00Beautiful Mercy<p><strong>Beautiful Mercy by Laura Hackett</strong><strong><br /></strong></p><strong></strong>There is no pit too deep that Jesus cannot reach<br />There is no sorrow so strong that would overtake His beloved one<br /><strong><em><br />And He’s brought me to the wilderness where I will learn to sing<br />And He lets me know my barrenness so I will learn to lean</em></strong><em><br /></em><br />Beautiful Mercy, do what You have to do<br />Jealous Lover, do what You have to do<br /><br /><em>So I will sing; yes, I will sing<br />I will sing, even in this brokenness<br />I will sing, even in this loneliness</em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/cfreijqfxc">http://www.box.net/shared/cfreijqfxc</a>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-53412309898542298062009-11-07T16:54:00.006+00:002009-11-07T17:19:58.654+00:00Found by love<strong>Jamie's Song by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kristene</span> Mueller</strong><br /><br />She's a sparkle in her Father's eye<br />Kind of like the moon tonight<br />She's destined for divinity<br />His portion is His purity<br />And a glance His way <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">comes</span> across her face<br /><br />He sheds a tear, oh oh<br />Amazing grace how sweet the sound<br />Amazing love<br />Oh she's been found<br />A sparkle in her Father's crown<br /><br /><em>Holy love come raining down</em><br /><em>Come storming in, be jealous found</em><br /><em>Come violent love, Come stormy seas</em><br /><em>Sweep fear away and you shall be</em><br /><br />And even if he had ninety nine<br />Stayed at home and stayed in line<br />He would not be satisfied<br />He would still go out to find<br />The one who's always on His mind<br />And bring her back, arms opened wide<br /><br />He sheds a tear, oh oh<br />Amazing grace how sweet the sound<br />Amazing love<br />Oh she's been found<br /><br /><em>Holy love come raining down</em><br /><em>Come storming in, be jealous found</em><br /><em>Come violent love, Come stormy seas</em><br /><em>Sweep fear away and you shall be</em><br /><em></em><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/j39kzls9kp">http://www.box.net/shared/j39kzls9kp</a>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-53476406505480996912009-11-03T00:04:00.015+00:002009-11-07T17:12:15.593+00:00Learning to wait<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">While I'm Waiting - John Waller</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm waiting<br />I'm waiting on You, Lord<br />And I am hopeful<br />I'm waiting on You, Lord<br />Though it is painful<br />But patiently, I will wait<br />I will move ahead, bold and confident<br />Taking every step in obedience </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">While I'm waiting, I will serve You<br />While I'm waiting, I will worship<br />While I'm waiting, I will not faint<br />I'll be running the race<br />Even while I wait<br /></i><br />I'm waiting<br />I'm waiting on You, Lord<br />And I am peaceful<br />I'm waiting on You, Lord<br />Though it's not easy<br />But faithfully, I will wait<br />Yes, I will wait </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I will serve You while I'm waiting<br />I will worship while I'm waiting<br />I will serve You while I'm waiting<br />I will worship while I'm waiting<br />I will serve you while I'm waiting<br />I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord" Psalm 27:14</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/21zwqfegwk/1/16050572/350976430">http://www.box.net/shared/21zwqfegwk/1/16050572/350976430</a></p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-12636771857737298902009-10-23T11:07:00.008+01:002010-02-28T16:12:35.730+00:00Jesus: The Light of my lifeThis miracle happened numerous times and I find it so amazing! I have no idea how it is formed, but yea, it is there... Rather, God is ALL OVER me and I will remain in His circle of love and protection.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYT-JsLI5AAW2mdgPfxjHV6mx2LGfxInTKgaQaCzmyKIQsK2ey0L-7-rqtdNzvoNpyZUFL4h-W6bkmemmOwu9FeM1F8dpkIGs1UkfrbAxIAiEA9I04oIHVjKWSoxeFHW-tOiedy2-W9fA/s1600-h/DSC01355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395736942945599906" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYT-JsLI5AAW2mdgPfxjHV6mx2LGfxInTKgaQaCzmyKIQsK2ey0L-7-rqtdNzvoNpyZUFL4h-W6bkmemmOwu9FeM1F8dpkIGs1UkfrbAxIAiEA9I04oIHVjKWSoxeFHW-tOiedy2-W9fA/s320/DSC01355.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEA_jnPZXTEiGX0rUjKQdU7WmkaQwSwFTxmt-cKYVPif6e5K1jeydS6lB6L61D00TkPyYKsRZLkoy4-Kack7FwxtknN5FLBqfGjnGVQcUeNo_NrzvQ0skzww648QRYWs6V1yVuScm_3k/s1600-h/DSC01357.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395736946205784946" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEA_jnPZXTEiGX0rUjKQdU7WmkaQwSwFTxmt-cKYVPif6e5K1jeydS6lB6L61D00TkPyYKsRZLkoy4-Kack7FwxtknN5FLBqfGjnGVQcUeNo_NrzvQ0skzww648QRYWs6V1yVuScm_3k/s320/DSC01357.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4gLvTpnRUBYb0tJ5bKmo_izuaqQ7gh8nU72L8As075ZPvQ52vNTWv9AYZM9tlbzuFA6fgr1q989xuFAuVCxnJVG-wlYnNCYpEdRDm4J1x6rsUg5Cd8-WteG2qgKvQcteMkFG2NMLnSw/s1600-h/DSC01363.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395738444481904322" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4gLvTpnRUBYb0tJ5bKmo_izuaqQ7gh8nU72L8As075ZPvQ52vNTWv9AYZM9tlbzuFA6fgr1q989xuFAuVCxnJVG-wlYnNCYpEdRDm4J1x6rsUg5Cd8-WteG2qgKvQcteMkFG2NMLnSw/s320/DSC01363.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div><div></div>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-75664422590120421962009-10-18T14:46:00.001+01:002009-10-18T14:49:33.956+01:00Let me not live in vain...<p>If I can help somebody as I pass along, <p>If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, <p>If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong, <p>Then my living will not be in vain. <p>If I can do my duty as a Christian ought, <p>If I can bring salvation to a world once wrought, <p>If I can spread the message as the master taught, <p>Then my living will not be in vain. </p><p><em>Adapted from</em><em> <span class="MediumRedBold">The Historic "Drum Major Instinct Speech", delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, on 4 February 1968.</span></em></p>Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-47929416256623543032009-08-14T17:30:00.003+01:002010-02-28T16:12:35.731+00:00The Ultimate Source of WisdomJames 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NIV</span>)<br /><em></em><br /><em>As we go through life we discover there are many ways to gain wisdom, such as: </em><br /><em>1) Writing down and reflecting on what we've learned through experience. </em><br /><em>2) Gleaning from the collective knowledge of others. 'By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom' (Proverbs 13:10 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NKJV</span>). </em><br /><em>3) Thinking outside the box. Statements like, 'This is the way we do things around here' warrant scrutiny when they're used to defend ways that no longer work. </em><br /><em>4) Not rushing to closure. Growth is always a work-in-progress. Creativity is untidy and unnerving. The ability to stay focused and faith-filled in the midst of change is a hallmark of maturity. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>But the ultimate source of wisdom is God! A young executive told his secretary he'd an important meeting and didn't want to be interrupted. But his boss needed to see him and walked in. When he found the young executive on his knees praying, he withdrew quietly and asked the secretary, 'Is this usual?' 'Yes,' she replied, 'he does it every morning.' 'No wonder I come to him for advice!' said his boss. If you need wisdom, talk to God: 'For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding' (Proverbs 2:6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NKJV</span>). 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally...and it will be given to him' (James 1:5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NKJV</span>). 'The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy' (James 3:17 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NKJV</span>). 'I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you...' (Psalm 32:8 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NKJV</span>).</em><br /><br />(Adapted from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">UCB's</span> Daily Devotion.)Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2645238411554565212.post-17607712979768233222009-08-14T16:27:00.002+01:002009-08-14T17:04:21.554+01:00TaggedGuess what? I just realised I was tagged. Sorry Mich!<br /><br />1. What have you been doing recently?<br />I've been relaxing, pondering and preparing as much as I can for departure.<br /><br />2. Do you ever turn your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">handphone</span> off?<br />Only when it's bedtime!<br /><br />3. What happened at 10am today?<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">LOL</span>. I was still in bed...<br /><br />4. When did you last cry?<br />Last night<br /><br />5. Believe in Fate/Destiny?Destiny<br />Both<br /><br />6. What do you want in life now?<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hmm</span>... to treasure people around me. I want to know what to do in life in the near future.<br /><br />7. Do you carry an umbrella when it rains or put up your hood?<br />If it drizzles, I'll put my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hoody</span> on. If it rains heavily, use the umbrella then.<br /><br />8. What's your favourite thing to do in bed?<br />Sleep and day dream<br /><br />9. What bottoms are you wearing now?<br />Err...pyjamas<br /><br />10. What are the nicest things in your inbox?<br />Inbox? Mails from my parents and heart to heart emails from close friends.<br /><br />11. Do you tend to make relationships complicated?<br />Nope. I'm not a complicated person (or so I think).<br /><br />12. Are you wearing anything borrowed from anyone?<br />Borrowed? Nope<br /><br />13. What was the last movie you caught?<br />Let me see... Ice-Age 3<br /><br />14. What are you proud of?<br />I'm proud of my name, in full. Proud of who God has made me to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">coz</span> it's the best!<br /><br />15. What does the oldest text message in your inbox say and who is it from?<br />It's from Hotlink offering me a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">KFC</span> voucher.<br /><br />16. What was the last song you sang out loud?<br />What He's done for me by Martha <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Munizzi</span><br /><br />17. Do you have any nicknames?<br />Charis, Cassey<br /><br />18. What does the newest text <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">message</span> say and who is it from?<br />"X think so" from my brother<br /><br />19. What time did you sleep last night?<br />Before 1am<br /><br />20. Are you currently happy?<br />I think so. I should be. Therefore I am.<br /><br />21. Who gives you the best advice?<br />Much as I don't want to admit it at times, the best advice comes from my parents!<br /><br />22. Do you eat whipped cream straight from the can?<br />Why not?<br /><br />23. Who did you talked to on the phone last night?<br />No one. My last call was from me mom in the evening.<br /><br />24. Is something bugging you right now?<br />Maybe.<br /><br />25. Who is the last person to make you laugh?<br />The first and last person to make me laugh - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">meself</span>.<br /><br />26. Do you like yourself?<br />Oh yes i do.<br /><br />27. You want $5 or $10?<br />Both.<br /><br />28. Do you think you are stupid sometimes?<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Haha</span>. I may be uninformed, yes; and do silly things, yes. I don't believe God made me stupid.<br /><br />29. Who is your best best best friend?<br />A few. But the safest answer - Jesus.<br /><br />30. What will you do if you like that boy?<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">LOL</span>. I don't want to fall for a boy. I'd rather choose a man! But if it's a boy, I'll just say that he's cute.<br /><br />31. Who are your favourite stars?<br />I don't remember them by name.<br /><br />32. You hate your mother sometimes in some ways?<br />No I don't hate her at all. We're just different and we work out our differences.<br /><br />33. Do you had even stead before??<br />Huh?<br /><br />34. What type of boy/ girl do you like?<br />Good boys and good girls who love and obey the Lord and their parents.<br /><br />35. Now are you single/attached?<br />I'm single and attached to God.<br /><br />I'll end the tag here. I don't like tagging people <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">coz</span> I dislike being tagged too.<br /><br />- THE END -Charissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11222029316638192319noreply@blogger.com2