tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297641422024-03-28T13:26:29.975+08:00Watered GardenA garden. Where it all began. Where flowers and fruit bloom in colours bright, nestled amongst the foliage vibrant and lush.
A delightful confection of shapes, sizes, smells and textures.
All around you can witness life begin as a tiny shoot, aiming for the sky.
Possibilities flower as the magical confluence of wind, water and sunlight cause graceful whorls of green to emerge from the earth.
It's a place of hope, joy and manifold pleasures.
Take a walk and be refreshed.Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.comBlogger850125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-41361614486138713012024-03-28T13:25:00.002+08:002024-03-28T13:25:50.123+08:00Redeeming myself<p>For me this Lenten journey has been about remembering where I come from, all the graces I have received thus far, and to show true gratitude by being faithful in small things, disciplined in prayer, and to always enlarge the tent of my heart, extending kindness, comfort, practical advice, generosity and empathy where needed on a daily basis. It is the only way I can make myself worthy of His love, and to redeem myself of past and present sins.</p><p><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">How slow I was to turn back to Him,</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Choosing stubbornly to walk in circles <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">For long years lost, miserable and afraid, <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Unable to dream big or dare for greatness.</span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">So grateful now that He never gave up,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Whispering unending words of guidance, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Words that grew me when I caught their essence,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Endowing my faith story with treasure.</span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">This is redemption, this return to Christ<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Giving up my pride on His altar of love<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Crumbling the insular curves of my heart <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Obedient to the Spirit’s bidding.</span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">If I seem gentle, it’s all His doing<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">He saw me - He loved me at my ugliest!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Nothing is impossible with His might.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Don’t give up even though it’s darkest night.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-24850993487008714892024-03-07T10:51:00.000+08:002024-03-07T10:51:12.570+08:00Attentive attitude<p class="MsoNormal">My grandson has taken it upon himself to ensure that Gran knows
whatever he knows. Any new thing he learns, he is always eager to transfer his
knowledge to me. And he is a very good teacher, giving instructions
methodically, and correcting me when I am wrong. It started out with him
teaching me how to spar when we played with his Pokemon figurines – he would
prompt me when I forgot what characteristics and powers my Pokemon had.
Nowadays he teaches me to play new board games, and any new activity he is engaged
in. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To encourage him to grow in confidence, I have made myself out to
be someone who has limitations and shortcomings due to age. He responds with
empathy by teaching me whatever he can to increase my quality of life, and he
shows compassion when I fail, by comforting me and encouraging me. I feel
privileged to be the recipient of his attentions inasmuch as I have placed
myself in this position of need, in order to teach him life skills and virtues.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Every interaction with my grandchildren is an opportunity to teach
them, and I begin first by being fully present with them, listening to them,
gauging where they are on a daily basis, then responding with what I feel is appropriate.
There is no lesson plan. I go with the flow and everything is fair game –
vocabulary, ethics, reasoning, social awareness, ecological stewardship, etc.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This brings me back to my relationship with my Father, am I as
attentive with Him as I am with J and C? The ability to attune myself to the Father’s
heart is something I work on constantly all the time so it’s easy to get
complacent, fall away from good practices, or become casual in my ways. This
Lent, I find myself reminded constantly to retune my ways, to make my ways His
ways. Whether it is the readings at daily mass, or when I read the Bible, I
always used to wonder how someone so loved by God and so in love with God can
fall away - just like that! But when I read the stories of great kings like David
and Solomon, these are the stories of my life. I have been given wisdom, I have
been blessed to be able to experience the Lord in very real ways, so many
graces and consolations, and yet, do I sin? Of course, all the time. I fall short.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The key is obedience, and I must say I find myself guilty of
disobedience quite frequently throughout the day. I cuss at inconsiderate drivers
and I am not the most patient and courteous of drivers. I don’t hold the lift
for other people when I am rushing. I am not very patient with my helper. I
show my irritation with P quite easily. How can I even begin to teach my
grandchildren courtesy when I do not respect another’s dignity in all these
little ways? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>If I am to be more clued in to those around me, to be more
connected, I must ensure my behaviour always elicits positive responses from
others. I must attempt to make each encounter with people life-affirming. Thus,
I have to listen actively, attune to others not just with my mind but with my
heart and spirit. Just as J understands failure can be disheartening and he is quick to
offer commiseration and constructive instruction that makes learning
pleasurable, I need to be more like him with others. Put on a listening, humble
and caring heart. Only then can I truly become more and more like Him. </p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-34275298444302609022024-02-27T10:44:00.004+08:002024-02-27T10:44:59.322+08:00Creating grace periods<p class="MsoNormal">We are now in the season of Lent. Prayer, fasting, almsgiving - so
much is written about these spiritual acts, and we can read any number of good
articles to understand why we pray, fast and give. I have been ruminating on
how I can make my Lenten season count. Regardless of the liturgical season, I
already put effort into all three associated Lenten activities, so what more can
I do that would make these next few weeks, personally, more meaningful, and
transformative, that will bring me closer to Jesus? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Meeting with my SD recently inspired me. The most important takeaway
I got from him was to listen. Be still and know that He is God, the Almighty
who does marvellous things for me, and holy is His name. The best way to be
still is in prayer. “Prayer is the gift of time we give to the One we love.” I
thought that such a profound statement. We were talking earlier about how God
is out of time and how there are no such things as coincidences or luck – it is
the goodness of God in our lives, it is He who blesses us in all things. We simply
need the eyes of gratitude to see where our blessings fall each day, and that
requires an awareness of God that comes from prayer. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My main frustration with myself this period is fatigue, which
leads to impatience and a short temper. But SD invited me to take on a new
perspective on time. Instead of rushing around and getting stressed out when I
feel that I am falling behind my schedule, I need to slow time down, make it
stretch, but, most especially, to make time for what is important, that is, the
relationships I have in my life. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If my priority is relationships, and it is, then I need to ensure
that every person I encounter, in any given day, is perceived and treated with
proper dignity and respect. I need to be loving and life-giving. Mostly, I need
to follow His lead with whom I should get in touch – often I think of certain
individuals when I pray, but I don’t follow up on reaching out to them. I don’t
make time to express how I feel about them properly. Many lost opportunities
thus far.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just as I decided not to sacrifice my quality time with my
grandkids by trying to beat the clock when I drop them off at school so as to
avoid paying the parking fee of $1.20, I can choose to slow time down. The
$1.20 is worth the extra time of contact with them, a true grace period. Best
of all, there are days when I actually do make the grace period despite not
rushing my goodbyes, and I get to park for free, a bonus!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have decided for this Lent that I will create grace periods with
people, grace periods that involve wasting time with people, choosing to make quality
time for others by being wholly present. When I act with an open heart and give
undivided attention to a person or task at hand, I am better able to respond to
the Spirit who leads me in acting with wisdom and compassion as I go about my
day. And I should always choose to act in freedom, without the constraints of
time colouring my emotions and causing me to rush, and therefore be less
present. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>It’s inevitable that tension will arise from my strong compulsion
to do everything, but I need to deal with conflicts of time and know what is
important before I act; to step back and take a moment to figure out where I
need to be before I rush headlong into the day. I am happy that I was able to
hear and act out the promptings of the Spirit this weekend past, and it was a
fruitful weekend of reconnecting with who I am and where I am called to serve,
despite the busyness. Best of all, I managed to serve all my “grace recipients”
with the proper posture of respect and compassion, and that has meant time well
spent, productive and grace-filled. </p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-61008422421822961882024-01-30T12:30:00.002+08:002024-02-02T00:03:11.896+08:00Loving lightly<p class="MsoNormal">P is away on a work trip for a week and I have to say I miss him. Even
though my days are busy, I actually feel as if there is something off kilter in
my life. I tell myself I am being silly for it’s very temporary, but throughout the day I wonder how he’s doing, and whether he’s okay. There is a fear inside I
try my best not to acknowledge, that he may not come back to me. So I pray a
little more fervently that he is protected from all evil. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All this got me thinking wow, is this what love can do to you?
There is this tendency to cling on, and never let go, afraid love will
disappear if I but blink. The scarcity principle of fear of loss, rather than
want of gain kicked in hard, giving rise to crazy thoughts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here is where I hold onto the wise words from Kahlil Gibran’s The
Prophet:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Let there be
spaces in your togetherness. And let the winds of heaven dance between you.
Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it be rather a moving sea
between the shores of your souls. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And, of course, 1 John 4:18:<span style="color: #0b5394;"> <span style="background: white;">There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts
out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached
perfection in love.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am brought back to the One who first loved me, and with Him, love
is boundless, abundant, generous and everlasting, and all things good. Love
should not give rise to fear. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Have I not experienced (and am still experiencing) His brand of love
first-hand? Yes, of course. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Am I not to love in the same way as I have been loved? Yes, I am. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am also brought back to the truth that we are all pilgrims on
the journey in this life and we can look forward to eternal life, especially with
those whom we have loved in this life. There is no need to cling too hard onto
love. I must hold lightly with contented gratitude. Give praise to the One who blessed
me with P, and, finally to trust Him in all things. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>So while I will continue to miss P until he comes home, I am
reminded to be more loving when he is around, and not to take him for granted. Thank
you, Lord, for loving me so much, and giving me so much. I am grateful for all that
I have received. Help me to focus on my gains, without allowing fear of loss to
detract from my pleasure and gratitude in the here and now.</p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-22852212577038497562024-01-29T11:23:00.000+08:002024-01-29T11:23:02.140+08:00Happy birthday J<p><span style="color: #351c75;"><b> Thought of you yesterday</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Since it was your birthday</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Not to say I don't think of you every day</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>I do especially when I pray</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>But I missed you more cos I couldn't say</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>How much I love you always and a day </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>And to rejoice with you as was our way </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Big hugs sending my heart your way </b></span></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-89258436708746831112024-01-21T16:47:00.005+08:002024-01-21T16:50:05.454+08:00Discipline for abundance<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It has been a flurry of activity since the year began. I am most
grateful for the meet ups with friends and family that I no longer see as often
as I would like, so I would say the year kicked off extremely well. P and I
have begun another year of reading the Bible in a year. I have also begun a
discipline of regular fasting, walking and attending weekday mass, to take care
of my own spiritual, mental and physical health. I recognize that ageing well
is key to maintaining my ability to serving the Lord wholeheartedly without
burnout, thus it requires a sustained commitment to self-care. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The biggest push has been the attempt to get my “house” in order,
literally, just because I am not inclined to organization. I am a tad
overwhelmed at how much stuff I have accumulated over the years, but I am
determined to strip back and simplify my life, and put some needed order into
it. Ordering my life has included assessing my financial health and planning
for retirement, fun, adult stuff I normally eschew. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The thirst for orderliness comes from a place of dissatisfaction
within myself, with myself. Chaos cannot breed peace. I have spent valuable
time and expended finite energy hunting for things, fretting about misplaced
things and how it all makes me feel highly incompetent. How can I be a good example to anyone, an
authentic witness, when I have no discipline in all areas of my life? Or to put
it another way, if I keep growing in virtue, cultivating as many as I can along
the way, then perhaps I can be a more credible and empathetic witness of
Christ’s love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I am entering the mid to late-autumn of my life, the increasing
scarcity of years left make it imperative to spend every moment given to me
with greater wisdom, to make every second count and live it well. I remember E
commenting on how this is the age of generativity, of giving back and of making
a palpable difference in this world, not so much as a legacy born of pride, but
one that finds its impetus in God. Jesus living out just three years of
ministry but touching countless lives over many generations. What incredible abundance!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let me not wait until serious illness strikes me before I attempt
to cram more meaning into life, or to only then take steps to regain good
health frittered away by poor dietary and lifestyle choices. My latest blood
test results have demanded that I make some changes today. Wisdom decrees it is
the only way forward for me; only discipline can give rise to abundance from now
on. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">What I would like to hold onto this year is the ideas of
impossible joy and transformative light.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Impossible
joy</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">SD
shared with me on my last visit with him that Christmas is the season of the
impossible made possible. First, we have the conception and birth of John the
Baptist to a mother well past her child-bearing years. Then we have the virgin
conception and birth of Jesus to Mary. We also have the full acceptance of
Joseph who takes on the role of husband to Mary, and foster fatherhood to
Jesus, when he was well within his right to walk away from what looked like a
less than desirable life choice. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Each
event or decision is marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit and humanity’s
willingness to cooperate fully with Him. If I am able to say yes to situations
and circumstances so unreservedly, despite knowing that great challenges may lie
ahead, then, together with the Lord, I can help make the impossible possible.
Jesus can be birthed into this world which seems marked today by increasing, pervasive
darkness. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This
birthing of light and joy is the panacea the world needs, and I must be an
active participant (together with Christ) in conjuring this spirit of Christmas,
not just in December, but in all the months of the year. I need to remind
myself daily that all things are possible with Him, impossibly possible. And no
matter what life throws at me, joy and gratitude must be a conscious decision
of mine.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Transformative
light</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><i>For with you is the fountain of life;</i></b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><i>in your light we see light. </i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This verse, nine, from Psalm 36, struck a chord with me when I
heard it proclaimed at mass on the several days that I had attended weekday
mass in January. It underpins what I heard at our first community meeting in
2024 about being Christ-centred. The only way I can experience Jesus in a very
real and current way is to encounter Him constantly, not just in the Eucharist
or in prayer, but also in the Word of God, the Bible, who is Jesus Christ
Himself, and not merely a collection of divine inspired writings. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To cultivate a biblical sensibility, where I unconsciously see the
world and act in the world (in His light I see light) in a Christ-centred way, it
necessitates gnawing (a word appropriated from Bishop Robert Barron’s series The
Sacraments) on the Word of God. I must steep my being in devoted reading and
study of the Bible, in order to </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">put
on the eyes, mind and heart of Christ, to be His light bearer, and,
consequently, to be able to render the ridiculous twists of the Christmas story
into a form that elicits joy and wonder. It is a transformation of self that, again,
requires discipline, but yet promises an abundance of light, springing forth endlessly
from the “fountain of life”.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="line" style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
sometimes feel like the world’s biggest grouch so it is a worthy challenge to
try and live this year with the impossible joy and transformative light of
Jesus, to graft myself onto His being so that I can truly decrease and He
increase in me. Discipline for abundance, this will be my clarion call this year.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-46529031126919926062024-01-01T22:57:00.001+08:002024-01-01T22:58:11.729+08:00Divine motherhood<p><span>It is only fitting to begin a new year celebrating a feast that honours Mary of Nazareth, the Mother of God for her divine motherhood. From humble beginnings can God's glory be revealed, and that is what Mary's simple yes is all about.</span></p><span>Sandwiched in between conception and all the years of motherhood must have been moments of fear, anxiety, doubt, despair, mixed in with the joy, pride, hope and resolve that Mary experienced as Jesus grew into adulthood, right up to the agony of witnessing His excruciating death on the Cross. </span>
<br /><br />Father Karol reminded me this morning that a good mother is one who imparts to her child his or her true identity as child of God. And as true children of God, we, too, like Mary, must build His kingdom, by empowering brothers and sisters we encounter in our daily lives. <div><br /><i><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span>Through the incarnation</span><br />
<span>Divine transcendence became</span><br />
<span>An intimate immanence </span><br />
<span>Spirited in our hearts</span><br />
<span>Sealed by God's kiss</span><br />
<span>For Mary said yes </span><br />
<span>to becoming a Mother</span><br />
<span>Of God, His Son</span><br />
<span>Who lived among us</span><br />
<span>Nurtured by her holiness</span><br />
<span>Her discipleship of Him</span><br />
<span>Days spent in obscurity</span><br />
<span>Mundane, growing in mystery</span><br />
<span>Toward a reality stark</span><br />
<span>Persecution to eventual death</span>
<br /><span>Motherhood pierced by agony</span><br />
<span>Salvation impossible to fathom</span><br />
<span>Supreme faith is necessary</span><br /><span>To keep on walking</span><br />
<span>Like Our Mother</span><br />
<span>Witness by pondering</span><br />
<span>Act with grace.</span></span></i><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_240101_220020_205.sdocx--></div>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-77603641615713233622023-12-31T17:34:00.005+08:002023-12-31T17:41:49.360+08:00Last words of 2023And so we have reached the end of 2023. Unbelievable how fast the year went by. My one regret is not blogging, or writing, as much as I would like, although I would say I am quite happy with how I have managed to stay on top of my financial housekeeping and organization, always my weak point. There’s always room for improvement and I will endeavour to move up to the next level, which will involve decluttering and organization to a higher degree. My dream is to be able to find any of my possessions without hesitation, or rummaging around cupboards. <div> </div><div>My old boss commented that I led a charmed life having read my Christmas letter, and I have to agree with him. It’s been an amazing year, not just because of the many trips P and I took, the highlight being our pilgrimage to Mexico and visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but it has also been a year of experiencing God’s grace in innumerable ways, seeing His saving and protective hand in so many situations. </div><div><br /></div><div>The word surrender is key, and it is an act I have engaged in over and over through the year - when Mum fell and fractured her hip bone, all the way through her rehabilitation and her remarkable recovery. </div><div><br /></div><div>A very dear childhood friend discovered she had advanced cancer through God’s prompting. She is now undergoing treatment, and is responding well. Again, much prayer and surrendering required. </div><div><br /></div><div>Journeying with others through their various illnesses, crises, and personal losses… interceding for community brothers and sisters as they experience upsets and challenges… navigating tricky situations in family life… I am content that I have been able to mostly allow the Spirit to lead me with gentleness and wisdom. </div><div> </div><div>It is no accident I watched a testimony this morning by a Swiss Guard who knew both Saints Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. </div><div><br /></div><div>My takeaway this final day of the year is to pray the rosary constantly, continue to consecrate my days to Mother Mary who will inevitably and unerringly lead me to Her Son, and to be able to do whatever He tells me with skill and enthusiasm, as both JP2 and MTeresa did. </div><div> </div><div>I hope to continue to walk with zeal and faith in the new year and I am beyond grateful for all the wonderful experiences I have been gifted with in 2023.
</div>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-24224611802536303092023-12-24T17:48:00.000+08:002023-12-24T17:48:04.095+08:00Christmas eve musings<p>P and I recently returned from a pilgrimage that took us to Catholic shrines in Mexico, the highlight being the Marian shrines of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Ocotlan. Ever since we got married on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Gaudalupe coming to seven years ago, it has been a dream of ours to one day be able to give thanks in front of the celebrated image of a pregnant Mother Mary immortalized on the tilma of Juan Diego, to whom she appeared first on December 9, 1531 on Tepeyac Hill. </p><p>This year was the appointed time and it was such a time of blessing. There was private mass celebrated daily in English in beautiful churches, and most significantly, in the Church of the Fifth Apparition (also known as Santa Maria Tulpetlac) which is built around the home of Juan Bernardino, Juan Diego's uncle, who saw Our Lady, and was subsequently cured of his illness. Both P and I felt very privileged to visit these places where Our Mother appeared all those years ago, and we both know she is here with us still, quietly encouraging us to serve in tangible selfless ways. modelled on Jesus and what He did when on earth. </p><p>We saw many holy relics as well as the incorrupt body of Blessed Sebastian de Aparicio who became a Franciscan brother at the age of 72. We were also privileged to meet the Bishop of Cuernavaca, Bishop Ramon Castro Castro who was about to officiate at a confirmation mass when we were leaving the grounds of the Cathedral. He gave us a blessing before he went in for mass.</p><p>Apart from the many stories of miracles, and the opportunity to lay eyes on the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on three separate occasions, what was most edifying for us was to witness the fervent faith of fellow pilgrims, young men and women who were moved to tears as they prayed in front of the sacred image, and the endless processions of joyous pilgrims who thronged the Basilica grounds. Not forgetting the rich history of this particular Marian apparition and its very concrete evidence (of the tilma), and how it led to the conversion and healing of many, even to this very day. </p><p>There is no question in my mind that God is alive, and that He lives in you and me. He is alive in the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ, who continues to walk among us some 2,000 years later after His resurrection, inspiring us through His Holy Spirit. God also shows up in the many ordinary people, like Mother Mary, and all the different men and women who said yes to Him and His will in their lives. </p><p>As Advent draws to a close, a season where we are encouraged to turn back to Him, to experience repentance, I like to think that I did succeed in changing my heart and mind in little ways that demonstrated me exercising the gift of faith I received in baptism. Of course, I fall short, and I will always fall short each day, but I also know that if I try my best and never stop striving to be more like Him, then His ways can prevail more and more. </p><p>My biggest takeaway from this pilgrimage to Mexico is to never stop being faithful in worship and prayer, not just for my own personal growth that comes from self-revelations I receive in my prayer time, but to also pray for others and their needs. This should always be my first pass when serving others, both loved ones and those whom I come into contact with on a daily basis - prayer, followed by practical and concrete action. Prayer transforms the way I love and it aids me in loving with humility and wisdom; to know when and what to do, and when to let go, and let God do the rest. </p><p>And when I need inspiration and encouragement, I would do well to go to Mother Mary who once reassured Juan Diego all those years ago: Am I not here, I who am your mother? Thank you, Mother, for your guidance and gentle ways. Teach me how to listen to the Father, as you did with such unerring obedience.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCPMH9tk3HbIbWXnx9BiVQnAdVT3fi8P0Bgx01B_vMragIn77Hf0ILMzbywtWJqR9LSsWdv7C1uSoF4zXP-y-WUZVceNUC2fGEfM2FQpH4GVpQztzi8iZfCI4PUj30FM2h8SOFzgseuetbVkC3H71TaY-NsntDEgV0fqbjJlLrbBhj2nBYLAEX_A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCPMH9tk3HbIbWXnx9BiVQnAdVT3fi8P0Bgx01B_vMragIn77Hf0ILMzbywtWJqR9LSsWdv7C1uSoF4zXP-y-WUZVceNUC2fGEfM2FQpH4GVpQztzi8iZfCI4PUj30FM2h8SOFzgseuetbVkC3H71TaY-NsntDEgV0fqbjJlLrbBhj2nBYLAEX_A=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-76801746188179358332023-12-12T08:13:00.001+08:002023-12-12T08:19:18.643+08:00Anniversary perfection<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgwptrJa81xm0oFiHbQRGm6EWEG0cyOBAFnDgIOLsO3xAZ8EGL1u4BAzFxjjkdbN2HfjHr6eUFKHDahLoXovHhiDYnB5PAlPlcn6ZxdLgTTsykJ2XmrBYadWfI2LrfNtjT25rdxt7TPn2uGm3w4VLAR4TVUWAuPQEpNflfZRoPzgubLsEagxyeg/s9248/20231128_122252.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="9248" data-original-width="6936" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgwptrJa81xm0oFiHbQRGm6EWEG0cyOBAFnDgIOLsO3xAZ8EGL1u4BAzFxjjkdbN2HfjHr6eUFKHDahLoXovHhiDYnB5PAlPlcn6ZxdLgTTsykJ2XmrBYadWfI2LrfNtjT25rdxt7TPn2uGm3w4VLAR4TVUWAuPQEpNflfZRoPzgubLsEagxyeg/w300-h400/20231128_122252.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Today P and I celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, giving thanks for her protection and care, for we placed our marriage under her patronage seven years ago. </span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Thank you, Mother Mary, for bringing us together in the first place. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">And thank you for the chance of meeting you in Guadalupe, a huge, huge blessing for both of us, and a big tick off the bucket list. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Love you, P, more than you will ever know. </span></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span><i><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaORr7vCoaaOK_YUgINJE9NNRlx9dA2QwZsUPWaS2LLJD3IMOboPxLiEQ0M2eOjTJ2SBEjYCCvUAeKS3VDV_43RkbRe9Gkcttw86w7mzNVKaxCrXqgttp_w8P8F6wBdAui40XL5H5s-mWB-gTIDI62KfH91kV1wd9yU1RIN8iaVt5wcQU7-N_fA/s1600/IMG_2773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaORr7vCoaaOK_YUgINJE9NNRlx9dA2QwZsUPWaS2LLJD3IMOboPxLiEQ0M2eOjTJ2SBEjYCCvUAeKS3VDV_43RkbRe9Gkcttw86w7mzNVKaxCrXqgttp_w8P8F6wBdAui40XL5H5s-mWB-gTIDI62KfH91kV1wd9yU1RIN8iaVt5wcQU7-N_fA/w240-h320/IMG_2773.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><i><span style="color: #45818e;">Love was never mine, till you came along</span></i></div></i></span><i><span style="color: #45818e;">
<span>Turned my world upside down and proved me wrong</span><br /><span>Marriage and motherhood were meant to be</span><br />
<span>His plan revealed years ago then mystery</span><br /><span>Your second spring, for me love come lately</span><br />
<span>Perfection in open hearts joined tightly</span><br /><span>In union with the Spirit, made holy</span><br />
<span>And healed by sacramental grace mostly</span><br /><span>I've learned and grown much by Mary's fiat</span><br />
<span>And your example of clean hands pure heart</span><br /><span>Your face grown precious these seven years past</span><br />
<span>I still marvel at how we met - holding fast</span><br /><span>To gratitude and joy, chiefly wonder</span><br />
<span>Life is sweet as together we wander</span></span></i></span><br />
<!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_231212_072725_203.sdocx--></div>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-57386879632280568962023-11-28T11:51:00.000+08:002023-12-10T16:22:35.410+08:00Walking together<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 20px;">I wore your shoes today</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAu711ZL5ykANXTO6a4POI45S5Y9kDXSQR7_hrWHmOaAtklIeYIsezSkRBPAFXv2V5XTbKO9NYaS-rhJ2LTeTKVl-bJkQ_jTZnIVVTI0k85bz-K0qsOprK6rrjjBnDUIcx3cft8LOS8QpLLkoXwvmEbyJLc4B2zbDno0byYM0GStqNHuUyoSIHQ/s9248/20231128_165418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="9248" data-original-width="6936" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAu711ZL5ykANXTO6a4POI45S5Y9kDXSQR7_hrWHmOaAtklIeYIsezSkRBPAFXv2V5XTbKO9NYaS-rhJ2LTeTKVl-bJkQ_jTZnIVVTI0k85bz-K0qsOprK6rrjjBnDUIcx3cft8LOS8QpLLkoXwvmEbyJLc4B2zbDno0byYM0GStqNHuUyoSIHQ/w150-h200/20231128_165418.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><p></p>
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Together we went places</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Mass, then the Basilica</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">To say hi to Our Lady of G</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">We walked alot and saw much</span></div>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">That pleased the eye</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Edified the soul</div></span>
<span style="font-size: 20px;">And somehow I felt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20px;">You were with us</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20px;">And you were delighted, too</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20px;">At this lovely day of worship</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20px;">Our love, like God's </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20px;">Transcends space and time</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20px;">And I could finally rejoice</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20px;">Knowing we will meet again</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20px;">Despite the ache of three years</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20px;">Of missing you, dearest coz.</span><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_231128_214204_321.sdocx-->Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-654651331637809282023-11-02T18:32:00.002+08:002023-11-02T18:32:19.806+08:00Celebrating the communion of saints<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Today is All Souls Day,
and mum and I went for mass and visited the columbarium at Saint Teresa’s this
afternoon. I sometimes wonder if everyone in my family has already made it out of
purgatory, but just to be sure, I still pray for all my deceased family members.
As P puts it, double tap. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The insight that came
to me today was that my Dad has been busy praying for all of us although I
never put much thought into this. I still remember one conversation we had not
long after which he passed on. He told me one of his biggest regrets and worries is
that he could not see me married (actually one of my biggest regrets is that he
was not here to walk me down the aisle when I eventually did get married). I
said why, I was happy where I was. He replied, “Who is going to look after you
when I am gone?” I was immediately insulted, outraged and extremely touched all
at the same time. I, of course, retorted that I could take care of myself. But
the insight into my father’s heart was priceless for he was not one to articulate
feelings of love. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">That I am married
today is definitely due to his prayers for me. Thank you, Dad, for always
looking out for me, and for praying for me, and for loving me so much - still. I
am glad that we are still connected to each other and that I can look forward
to a time when we will all be reunited in eternal life, the gift of love that
the Father wants to bestow on all of us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">As Father A said,
today is a day of celebration. I celebrate the lives of all those who have gone
before me, people I still love and miss a great deal. I give thanks that they
were a part of my life and that they continue to be an integral part of my life, albeit
in a different way, for our hearts still connect in prayer, whether I pray
for them or them, me, and especially at the celebration of the Eucharist every single time. *</span></p>
<p><span style="background: white; color: #002856; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">*Catechism
of the Catholic Church paragraph </span><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">962: "We believe in the communion of all the
faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being
purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we
believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is
always [attentive] to our prayers" (Paul VI, CPG # 30).</span></i> </p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-54278600075699746002023-10-28T21:22:00.001+08:002023-10-28T21:22:17.568+08:00Labyrinth truths<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Just yesterday evening
P claimed I had a new addiction – to house flipping shows. I admit to a
fascination with house flipping as well as a show called Sort Your Life Out
where a team of people come in and help families seriously declutter and
organize their homes which have become hoarding or dumping grounds that
affect daily living and overwhelm the inhabitants. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">While on my labyrinth walk
this morning, I realized why these shows appeal to me so much. It’s about
houses that have become run down, or homes in chaos, all in need of change and
transformation. All it takes is some timely and expert intervention, and the changes wrought are often incredible –
beauty, function and order are restored. Homes become oases of peace, enabling inhabitants
to live harmoniously, rest and be restored. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Jesus has been, and still is, my personal house flipper or sorter outer when I am messed up. When asked to reflect on truth (my labyrinth walk this morning was led by Edwina Yeow, </span><a href="https://www.anamcaraministries.com/">Soul Tending | Anam Cara Ministries</a>), I was asked to be aware of the
guides that often taint my behaviour: pride, envy and shame.
These often deflect or distort the truths in my life. Edwina also shared that Jesus wanted all of us to live our lives by
the greatest commandment of loving God, and loving our neighbour as ourselves, and that this actually reveals three entities: God, other and self. Thus, the necessity of
tending to self was as important as our endeavours to love God and those around
us. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With that, I began my
walk. As I progressed, I noticed the cracks on the labyrinth and they came to represent my pride, where my good acts were often marred by my pride which showed
up as impatience, the need to control the situation or to be right, and a very ego-driven view of the world. As I walked further, I noticed little plants
growing in the cracks, making them places of new life. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The thought that came to
me was that if I immerse my seeds in the fire of Holy Spirit, my seeds will
become good seed that grow into good plants, that will bear good fruit. So, whatever I do in life, I always need to offer it up to the Lord to burn away my self-indulgent tendencies and poor motivation. Do I do something good
because I want the affirmation of others, or because this is how a good woman
should behave, or do I simply do good because I love Jesus and I want to glorify
Him? With this purification of intent, the cracks of pride can now be receptacles of life and beauty. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Soon, I began to notice
black splotches on the path which I immediately identified as my envy. I am always envious of
people who attract others to themselves, men and women whom people just like
from the get go. As an introvert, I have to work really hard to be socially
acceptable, and because one of my core distortions is I am unloveable, I
struggle a lot when I think someone else is loved more than myself. I often feel rejected, and my competitive hackles raise up. Then I heard the Father saying to me, my grace, and my love, they
are both sufficient. As long as you KNOW I love you, why do you feel you need
to earn the love of others? Just be, and become the you I created. Everything
else will fall into place - so chill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">What am I most ashamed
of? The ugly bits of who I am, for all my defects point to the fact I am not
worthy of being loved. Envy and shame take refuge in the me
that is a horrible, repellent failure of a person. I could hear the Lord say to me: Silly
child, when will you accept that you are my beloved, the apple of my eye, and I love you just
the way you are. Stop rejecting your darkness, your
brokenness. Instead, take my hand, and let me transform you. Let me
restore</span> who you are, for I can take what is beyond redemption and make it into a masterpiece of true beauty and goodness.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRB8Ps2Hpsad2rmLpdK8dOdSVEkEWv7_bFBEt7o6Fedta9j8X-k1dRLuT_ClESw6timOp3OXVyodEvhO5T7jcEcKzfrX-FWXnzf_aELrQjSGB0icMv1lYIIKnFbNidA0wVoBwHfD3Lk9XKbLaNjPxi6fUc_fynsC3zs-BVjZqvApDb2BkGknT3A/s8307/20231028_132325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6379" data-original-width="8307" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRB8Ps2Hpsad2rmLpdK8dOdSVEkEWv7_bFBEt7o6Fedta9j8X-k1dRLuT_ClESw6timOp3OXVyodEvhO5T7jcEcKzfrX-FWXnzf_aELrQjSGB0icMv1lYIIKnFbNidA0wVoBwHfD3Lk9XKbLaNjPxi6fUc_fynsC3zs-BVjZqvApDb2BkGknT3A/s320/20231028_132325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I was reminded of the
first time I read Isaiah 62:3-5. It blew my mind for the words gave me such hope. I never imagined that I could ever be so desirable as a woman. Today, the words took on another layer of meaning, and I am so grateful for His reminder. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">,</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 5pt; line-height: 7.13333px;"> </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i>You shall no more be termed Forsaken,</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 5pt; line-height: 7.13333px;"> </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i>but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 5pt; line-height: 7.13333px;"> </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">and your land Married;</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="background: white;">for the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"> delights in you,</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 5pt; line-height: 7.13333px;"> </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">and your land shall be married.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i>For as a young man marries a young woman,</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 5pt; line-height: 7.13333px;"> </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">so shall your builder</span></span><span class="text"><sup data-fn="#fen-NRSVCE-22746e" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-22746e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]"><span style="background: white; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 10.7px;"> </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">marry you,</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i>and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i>so shall your God rejoice over you,</i></span></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><i><span class="text"></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span class="text"></span><span class="text"></span><span class="text"></span></span></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">So this is the truth I
took home with me today. With my eternal Bridegroom, I am a delight, His radiant bride. I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me (Song of Songs 7:10). </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif"> </span> </div><p></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-45074255516277463492023-10-26T15:45:00.013+08:002023-10-26T22:41:54.633+08:00Slave of Love<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Lately what has been resonating
with me from Scripture is slave to righteousness, slave of God, obedient slave.
The word slave suggests control, subjugation to another, you are not your own
person, but you belong to someone else. There is nothing pleasant about being a
slave. And yet, it is a word Saint Paul uses frequently in his letter to the
Romans, who knew exactly what slavery meant. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I took my commitment
last Sunday, which was more than just a commitment to my brothers and sisters
in community, for it was also a renewal of my baptismal covenant with God. It was an action on my part to declare
publicly that I am a slave of God, and I am happy to belong to Him - a far cry
from the day of my baptism when I was only 12 days old, and it was my parents
who gifted me with the awesome gift of baptism, out of their love for me. I
will be eternally grateful for their consecrating me to the Lord, for it has shaped
my life so powerfully, especially in the last 20 years when I began to take my
baptism much more seriously. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">What does being a slave
mean in concrete terms? It means that I place His will above mine in all areas
of my life, so I must be careful to love Him by always doing what is right and
good for the other, and not merely go for low hanging fruit or self-preservation,
that is, be a minimal or nominal Christian. I cannot take a raincheck when I am
tired, or just want to goof off. Faithfulness requires obedience, perseverance,
endurance, discipline, humility, energy, effort, joy, peace, and courage to be
a good witness despite the sacrifice, hardship, and an inner inclination to say
no. Say hello to struggles, tears, sweat and exhaustion – even desolation. It is all that, and more. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So why did I make a
commitment when it seems impossible to carry out, knowing full well, I will
fail numerous times? I love Him. It is as simple as that. He is my portion and
cup. The sun rises and sets on Him. I am the apple of His eye, His beloved, His
pearl of great price. And I say yes to allowing myself to be moved by Him, His
Spirit, His reason, His love for all those around me. I know I am wonderfully made by
Him and I want to live up to this by saying as Mother Mary did: My soul
magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my saviour. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4nMaM2MR0uH7mqm3JhsADWtiAIi2X-Ga8bByl-uS6ZDWjMVS9HT5biE7OWNZ86CKIcCgkXj3OTO8Yh28ScpdueEHYM2Iq8w0oB-miM38jO9kWljNRopdr5KnmaSHl0_PzqYWj5-OqepckwI8S7K_z-Rf6UcbxuQs2dW8CQoQrrwro1FO1U-60Q/s4475/20231006_113246.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4475" data-original-width="3747" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4nMaM2MR0uH7mqm3JhsADWtiAIi2X-Ga8bByl-uS6ZDWjMVS9HT5biE7OWNZ86CKIcCgkXj3OTO8Yh28ScpdueEHYM2Iq8w0oB-miM38jO9kWljNRopdr5KnmaSHl0_PzqYWj5-OqepckwI8S7K_z-Rf6UcbxuQs2dW8CQoQrrwro1FO1U-60Q/w168-h200/20231006_113246.jpg" width="168" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-US">I chose to offer up to
the Lord a small statue of Our Lady of Fatima for I desire to be like Mother
Mary, who always listened with humility, and I wish to heed her words to follow
Jesus, and do whatever He tells me. I also chose my rosary as an offering for prayer,
constant prayer, will be my weapon against evil. In my commitment which I could
pen myself, I chose a verse from Micah 6:8 for to me, it tells me exactly what
I need to do to be a good and faithful servant, an obedient slave:</span><div><b style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #7030a0;">He has
told you, O mortal, what is good; </span></b></div><div><span class="text" style="text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #7030a0;">and
what does the </span></b></span><span class="small-caps" style="text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></b></span><span class="text" style="text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #7030a0;"> require
of you </span></b></span></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="color: #7030a0;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">but to do justice, and to love kindness </span></span></span></span></b></div><div><span class="text" style="text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #7030a0;">and to
walk humbly with your God?</span></b></span><span> </span></div>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-64683575765162336252023-10-17T08:34:00.009+08:002023-10-17T13:13:05.196+08:00Covenant community good<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I spent Sunday with some
of my fellow community brothers and sisters who will be taking their five-year
covenant (I will be taking my five-year commitment) this coming Sunday, and it
was a time of inspiration and drawing closer to one another. We shared our own
personal journeys from the time we each took our first covenant to now. There
is a common thread we see in our collective journeys: from not really knowing
what covenant was all about when we first said yes to this particular community,
to the sweetness of the first yes, the honeymoon period. This was followed by a
period of disillusionment, of struggles and challenges, and finally coming to a
place of clear-eyed decision on our next step. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The grace of saying
yes initially was costly, measured over time, as we looked back on the past,
but each one of us continues to say yes, knowing that life will always be uncertain,
but the faithfulness of God never changes. God, who first loved us, and called
us into covenant, God who upheld the covenant despite our many missteps and
lack of faith through the years. He is the one each of us loves, and wants
to affirm our faith and love for Him in this upcoming covenant-taking.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">What was really evident
was the internal chaos and pain caused by the departure of a couple mid-way
through these last shared years together as a community. The loss made each
one of us question our own covenant-taking, our faithfulness. The gravitas of
the covenant was almost undermined, or was it truly? Certainly when “bad things”
happen, whether it is to us personally, or caused by an event that impacts us
so significantly, it causes us to pause and question our own responses. Faith is
shaken, like it or not. But we must never forget to cling on to God’s promises
during such times, when we find ourselves in despair or confusion,
and pray through it all, asking for divine help to smoothen the path again, and
bring clarity and light to the darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Roadblocks are inevitable,
and part of the course. We will experience conflict, misunderstanding and maybe
even great hurt at times in community. Yet, because we said yes to community,
we cannot walk away without first trying to reconcile, not just with others,
but first of all, within ourselves, our relationship with God and our own inner
equilibrium. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">One great insight on Sunday
was health, our own healthy psyches and bodies, as well as the health of our
fellow brothers and sisters in community. We need to tend to our own selves first,
growing in self-awareness, and wanting to change for the better. We need to
adopt the discipline of a healthy lifestyle, tending to our physical, emotional
and mental well-being so that this holds us in good stead as we then try to
help our brothers and sisters come to that same state of health. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Of course we will
never grow at the same speed, but, if we ourselves are in a state of health, we
will be better able to hold the space for others, and help them achieve
progress. By virtue of the covenant, we must not allow fragile egos to clash
and burn relationships forever. We must always try and take a mature response
to perceived hurts, forgiving the other immediately, presuming that as beloved
brothers and sisters, we never set out to hurt the other intentionally, with
malice in our thoughts, actions or words. Walk softly, hold all things lightly,
and speak gently. And should we need help, we can rely on other brothers and
sisters to help with conflict management. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">E stressed a very
important word – interdependence. For relationships to thrive and be healthy,
we must understand the symbiosis of our community relationships and contribute
actively, in a life-giving manner. The pains we take to know the other and connect with the other is key
to nurturing healthy relationships. No man or woman is an island, so we each give
our love, understanding, time, effort and talents to the table of community;
and we each take from this table the love and empathy of others as seen in
their time, effort and talents at various times. We know we can lean on the strengths
of others as we, in turn, allow others to lean on us for strength. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">There is no
mistake that we are in community with each other and we should welcome the learning moments of hurt, anger and conflict which can lead to building deeper
bonds of love, but only if we each allow this to happen. Reconciliation is a
beautiful thing that affirms all relationships and helps each of us grow
spiritually, to become who He has created each of us to become. Let us also
not forget all the good and joyous moments, allowing these to be the mortar
between the bricks, especially when conflict comes along. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I have also learned
through the years to not take myself so seriously, to be able to laugh at
myself and situations, to not sweat the small stuff. The Scripture that speaks
deeply to me is from Matthew 7:5: </span><b><span style="background-color: white; background: white;">You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and
then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour's eye.</span></b> <span lang="EN-US">When I feel aggrieved or wronged, I sit with it,
inviting Jesus in. As E pointed out, we need to touch the wounds of Jesus
ourselves, in order that we can begin the healing process of conversion within ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Above all else, pray. Rely on the divine grace of the covenant to propel us towards life and joy, for that is exactly what God desires for each of us. So, this coming Sunday, I look forward to knowing, loving and serving Him in a very particular way, with a very specific group of people whom I call brothers and sisters. What power and joy there will be in saying yes wholeheartedly!</span></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-47137587702237594762023-10-09T20:44:00.008+08:002023-10-17T13:05:47.813+08:00Child's play<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ever since J was a
toddler, I have read to him storybooks and I have told him stories, especially on
the way to school, to engage his attention constructively. I use the drive time
to teach him practically anything - about the world we live in, virtues, life
skills, vocabulary, or just to fire his imagination and sense of wonder. Woven
inside these stories is simply one message – to affirm him that he is loved,
and therefore I always have time for him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Later when it was both
him and his sister C, I would do the same if they requested stories. Sadly the
way to school was too brief, in the last year, to really do justice to stories.
So now it is usually on weekend outings, when the drive time is 20 minutes or
more, that stories are requested. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Just last week, on one
such trip, J experienced a breakthrough, and I was again reminded that there is
such great power in story-telling. The story I told both of them was not new, it
was about perseverance, and the courage to try, and try again, despite failure,
but this time around, it really resonated with J. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A couple of other things
stood out for me as well. Chiefly, never underestimate the power of prayer and
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. J is currently going through a stage where
he lacks self-confidence and due to that, he sometimes refuses to keep at an
activity until he attains mastery over it. What’s more, he tends to refuse to
believe in his achievements and rejects compliments. I have been wrecking my
brains on how to help him and it is only through the Spirit that I was given
the words to speak, and for him to receive those words with an open heart and
be transformed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Secondly, every moment
is a teaching opportunity, whether it is about imparting new knowledge, or simply
to communicate love, in such a way that the receiver has a felt experience of it.
For when someone knows they are loved, they trust the person who loves them,
and they are open in that relationship of love and trust to receive new things,
even discipline. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">My grandchildren know
I love them, not so much because I tell them I love them, but more so in my
actions. I make time for them. I do things for them like making pancakes for
breakfast. I give them the gift of my presence when I am with them, and I show them
that I delight in them. We have fun together, and we laugh together. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Joy is a necessary
ingredient for growth. Without joy, the lesson is not as effective as we may
have wished. That was what also came to me in J’s recent breakthrough. It began
as a designated fun day so we got to ride cable cars with different pokemons decorating
each cable car. We went on rides, played games, and we ate food they both liked,
finishing off with ice cream, J’s favourite food in all the world - his ice
cream face is one of unadulterated joy. So he was having a good day, and he was
primed for the afternoon, after his nap. He expected more fun and he got it. When
I told that story about perseverance on the car ride to River Wonders, he was
ready to hear it, and to make it his own, which he did the very next day. May
he continue to retain this kernel of self-believe in more challenging days to
come. I think I can, I think I can…I can do it!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">At yesterday’s
community meeting, D reminded us that being a missionary disciple requires a
holistic approach in which we not only receive, but we give. There is no linear
progression and we have to be open to how these roles are interchangeable and
complementary. He highlighted three roles we all need to grow in, in order that
we can love God in a way that keeps us excited and enthusiastic in how we
serve, until the day we go home to Him. How we keep the passion going
in our relationship with God is vital. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">CHILD: As children of
God, sons and daughters, we have to experience ourselves as beloved, precious
and delightful. We engage in play, exploration, enjoyment, observation and in
just being who we are. At this level, we trust in the Father, we accept our own
identities and we are secure in who we are. However, we cannot remain as needy, narcissistic younglings, only opening our mouths demandingly to receive all the time. We need to channel the child in us to change the world with child-like glee.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">DISCIPLE: A disciple
is one who is a follower, student, novice or apprentice and there is great emphasis
on learning, discovering, imitating, training, experimenting and assimilating. The
qualities of being teachable, obedient, open, humble, patient and persevering
hold us in good stead here. For there is always some gift or talent to hone, to
make us ready to serve well. Although a fundamental mindset to have, we must
not remain stuck in this mode only, if not we will never exercise our true
purpose on earth – what we are actually created to do, and, consequently, to find meaning and
self-fulfillment in life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">STEWARD: Here if where
our mission takes place. We give back as a mentor, leader, guide, teacher,
evangelist, shepherd or apostle. We serve the Lord with all our heart, soul,
mind and strength by sharing, imparting and pastoring. We love our neighbours
as ourselves. This is huge. If we only focus on this aspect, we will very quickly
get burned out. Or we may even lose our way by serving not in the way He wants
us to serve, but only by my own strength and mind. Spiritual dryness is a constant. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Like J, I need days
where I luxuriate in fun. Like a child, I play, I laugh, and I sing. I depend on
the Father in a way that shows I trust Him and all His plans for me which are
pure love. I commit everything into His hands, and I am free to just be,
nothing more, nothing less. I let Him love me in a way that I can experience joy
and deep inner peace. I stop being an adult who uses logic, and I tune in to
the mystery of His love, which is always so much more than I could ever
envision. By so doing, I prime myself to be better at the roles of disciple and
steward.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Life is not all fun
and games. It can present challenges. Growth can be painful. Loss and decay
(ageing and sickness) are all part and parcel of life. Death is real, but so is
life. So every moment of our lives, there is something to glean, to learn from,
and then to give back: to make lemonade out of the lemons, and then to give the
lemonade away, for free, so that others may be refreshed and rejuvenated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Just as teaching J can
be rewarding and frustrating all at once, I learn so much from both he and C
when I engage with them. I get in touch with my limitations and my weaknesses,
as I do my strengths and divine-inspired inner beauty. We are all complex beings
and we should honour our own complexities by taking the time to know and
understand them, and to decide what we want to do with them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The Shema Moses gave
in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 seems fitting whether I nurture the child, disciple or
steward me:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;">Hear, O Israel:
The </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background-color: white; background: white; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"> is
our God, the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background-color: white; background: white; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"> alone.
You shall love the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background-color: white; background: white; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background: white;"> your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your might. </span><span id="en-NRSVCE-5093">Keep these words that I am commanding you
today in your heart.<sup> </sup>Recite them to your children and
talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down
and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on
your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.</span></span></span></i></b> <span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p>Lord, let me spend
each day remembering what I learn each day, as a child, and disciple, in order that I can
be a better steward today. </p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-58604576977861145942023-09-27T11:16:00.001+08:002023-09-27T11:16:22.985+08:00Listening with humility<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I just visited my SD yesterday and it was a fruitful
visit covering a range of topics. When he asked me what I learnt from my visit
to Fatima, I summarized it in three words for him for he is a little hard of
hearing: Listen with humility. With a Gallic twinkle in his eye, he added, “Especially
to those whom you are allergic to”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How true. We often summarily dismiss the words of
anyone, especially those for whom we lack affection or respect. I know I do it
all the time – I shut them down and I shut them out. Worse, I often go around
thinking I am right, and if anyone says anything contrary to my world view, I
am quick to reject his or her words even if I happen to like the person. I, therefore,
lose the possibility of gaining insight, wisdom and empathy, aside from the deepening
of relationship bonds. Without humility, true listening cannot happen, thus, relationships
have no space to breathe and grow. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So listening with humility is a key activity for me to
master in this stage of my journey if I do not want to end up an insufferable
fool. Every day I have to stop myself from allowing quick, impatient words to tumble out
of my mouth, words that are ill considered and can cause more harm instead of
the good I desire; words that tear down, instead of building up. Another pearl
my SD offered me years ago is that a person of good will is like fat in all the
unwanted places. I do not wish to be a do gooder who lacks insight, wisdom and
compassion, and whose actions are therefore of no discernible value. Meaning well
and actually effecting real good are two entirely different things.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The prayer SD taught me years ago that is pure gold is
to simply ask: Lord, show me how to love today? And in order to curb my impulsive,
foolish tongue: Lord, please put Your words on my tongue today. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our Lady of
Fatima also inspired me to make real in my life those fateful words at Cana: Do
whatever He tells you. As a servant of the Lord, this imperative is vital, to
being a good and faithful servant. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">SD and I also spoke of illness, mission, covenant and
marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“As long as we are alive, we have a mission to
accomplish!” he ended his answer to how he was, given the infirmities age has
imposed on him. Despite his lack of mobility and deafness, he still makes the
effort to connect with people every day, and when we shared about people in our
lives with cancer, he ended with a request that I pray for his friends as he
will pray for my friends. What a testament to God is his zeal, his beautiful missionary
heart still at work. I hope that I will never lose this living faith that SD
embodies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On covenant - something I have been reflecting a lot
on recently, given my upcoming five-year commitment taking with the ICPE
Mission – SD shared another pearl, that covenant goes beyond a legal contract
or duty, and that it is a choice, but a choice that needs love to be true. Love
is at the heart of any covenant. It is initiated first by God, out of love, and
I choose to respond with a yes, out of love for Him. This response made out of
love must first translate in concrete ways of loving my community brothers and
sisters in ways that they need to be loved. This requires a daily intention to
love; effort, on my part, to love; and perseverance to love. 1 Corinthians 13:7
reverberates on what love should be: </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></sup></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>It bears all things,
believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.</b></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No community is perfect, no one is perfect, all of us
have our own quirks and issues, we will irritate and hurt each other at times,
we may not see eye to eye, we may become disillusioned, even broken… However, community
is the place where we can each grow in tolerance, graciousness, generosity,
compassion, patience, and all those wonderful virtues, gifts and fruits of the
Spirit that every missionary disciple should possess, especially if we want to
transform the world with the good news we bring. So, yes, love has to be the superpower I
choose, for my covenant to be life-giving and rich, especially when my
experience of living out the covenant can be hard going at times. All
commitments to covenants are marathons, not sprints, I can only ask for the grace
to keep running the race, and attaining the merits of enduring love, hope and
faith. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Finally, we spoke about marriage. What did I desire to
pray for? I said I wanted to be able to love my husband in the way he needed to
be loved, and not the way I thought he needed to be loved. He rejoined, “Ah,
you are becoming more aware of his weaknesses.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Initially I couldn’t quite see the connection, but he
went on, “Men are not as strong as you think they are, and they all need to be
pampered”. I could then see his point. I have taken P for granted in many ways because
he is strong, capable, reliable, and someone I know I can lean on. Despite
his many sterling qualities, there is a boy inside of him who also requires
nurturing, gentleness and maternal warmth. Just as the girl inside of me needs
someone to care for her in order she feels cherished and confident. The inner
child who still resides in each of us needs assiduous tending. What a great
reminder! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And so it all comes back to listening with humility,
and doing whatever He tells me to do. I thank God for all the people He has put
in my life to help me see truths and I also thank Him for giving me the heart
to do whatever I need to do every single day. Without His love and His grace, I
can do nothing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Take, Lord, and receive all
my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have
and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O Lord, I return it. All is
Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and Thy
grace, for this is sufficient for me.</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 306.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Saint Ignatius
of Loyola</span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-42069243733642137302023-09-21T00:03:00.001+08:002023-09-22T09:37:47.857+08:00Fatima reveals<span style="font-size: 17px;">When one goes to a Marian shrine like Fatima in Portugal, there are expectations, especially when the day of the visit falls on 13 September, the date of the penultimate apparition of Mother Mary to young Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta in 1917.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">I wasn't disappinted. Despite my initial dismay and stress induced by the brevity of the visit, I was given hard but clear insight as to what a pilgrimage is really meant for - a conversion of heart. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">What did I really want to get out of going to Fatima? The answer was crystalline: peace and harmony that comes from the ability to love and forgive, as suggested by our driver cum guide, John, before we got there. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">When I knew what I wanted, it was easy to know where to go, in spite of my initial confusion. The way forward was to jettison all negative emotion and to be led by the Spirit. I could hear Mother Mary encourage me: Follow him. So together with P by my side, we went forward to receive Jesus in the Eucharist as we became one with the pilgrims who were attending mass in the main square. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">Before we left, some insights that came to me were that the love of Christ is always attainable, even when I am distracted and not quite feeling it. Conversion requires nothing more than the sincere desire to follow Christ, and then for me to make good that desire in action. Not an easy thing to accomplish most times, but doable mainly because Hi</span><span style="font-size: 17px;">s grace is always available to those who want it. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">Jesus is always there for me, and with me, and He wants to bless me, but in order to be blessed, I have to receive Him with a repentant heart, a heart fully aware of my own sinfulness, but humble enough to rely wholly on Him to help me change, and thus to be able to refine my thoughts, words and actions continually. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">The message given to the children that September in 1917 remains fresh:</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">You must pray! Continue to pray the Rosary every day in order to obtain the end of the war. </span></i></b></span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">Praying unceasingly is the only way we can end the wars waged not just externally, but especially those we each wage internally. Unless I win those skirmishes with my inner demons that breed fear, resentment and discord, I cannot be His ambassador of peace, nor His face of love. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">Our Lady of Fatima pray for us who believe, who adore, who hope, and who love God, and who ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love. </span>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-24511463978584506252023-09-12T20:41:00.004+08:002023-09-26T09:28:23.546+08:00Marian availability <p><span style="font-size: 17px;">Recently at a cell group meeting we were each asked to reflect on where the Lord was calling each of us in different areas of our lives, and what would we each want to see in terms of personal growth or accomplishment over time? </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">The overarching thing for me was my availability, not just in tending to my own spiritual growth, or ageing physical self, but in giving time and energy to others which allowed them to experience the love of God. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">That said, this year has been filled with many tumultuous events, and a varied group of people have come into my life, each of whom require something different from me. It has been challenging, to say the least, for it has often led me to question myself for I have felt stretched, and it has showed in my waning stores of patience, compassion and wisdom. I often feel that I frequently fail, that I could've been nicer, more gentle, and just more loving in my responses, rather than allowing my frustration and impatience to show. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">The virtue of gentleness, a gentleness Mary of Nazereth displayed in dealing with life, either on the fly, or in pedestrian routine, this is what I desire. Life will always be messy and chaotic, storms do not appear at infrequent intervals but often in a flurry of atmospheric displays. I often feel I am batting desperately at a volley of shots that come my way, fast and furious, and from every angle. It is tiring, I get stressed out, I often feel like screaming, and yet, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my life the way it is.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 17px;"></span><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 17px;">I find meaning in everything I have been tasked to do, whether it be at work or on the domestic front. I find joy in my relationships: I feel loved and supported by my spouse - my heavenly Bridegroom and my earthly one - and I find myself able to love those around me, not always perfectly, but in ways they need to experience love. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">My mission is to change the world in every personal encounter I have, and in the humblest of ways, often engaged in making a difference where my presence is not visible. As my SD pointed out, Mother Mary was first and foremost a humble Jewish girl who simply said yes to God, again, and again, and again. All her titles, especially the loftier ones, stem from her humility and her open heart. Nothing more than that. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">So I seek to be more like her, every day, to listen, to ponder, then to act with sensitivity, and a generous heart. What I would like to see as accomplishment by year-end, is to better manage my temper and my fear of being wrong, and of looking stupid. I would like to be more confident, and calm in how I respond to adversity and challenge, and to behave with graciousness, acknowledging in my heart that being kind is better than being right. And when I fall, not to give up, but to quickly pick myself up and try again. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 17px;">There's something about Mother Mary that makes the world a better place. She had a talent for getting people, like Jesus, perform miracles, and she still changes lives by appearing in quiet ways and effecting transformation in the hearts of those who see her. So more of her in me, please.</span><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_230912_133306_813.sdocx--></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-53798637787207625092023-08-18T13:06:00.005+08:002023-09-21T00:07:05.068+08:00Resting in Him<p>Can one be
in a place of consolation and desolation at the same time? I’d like to think
that there is where I am right now. While I can see all the goodness of God in
my life, how He places His hand of protection over me in inexplicable ways, and
I can experience gratitude and joy from all the little and plentiful miracles
showered on me, I am in a funk, no mistake about it, and it shows.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am highly
irritable, some of which can be attributed to lack of sleep, but mostly, I feel
within me a lack of patience which breeds a lack of compassion and
understanding. I am snappy and quite disagreeable. I find myself highly
irritating, for there is this perpetually sour and crabby person within me, who
is highly critical and cannot shut up. I am unsure if I can ever shut her down,
and I fear that she will get the better of my intentions to be a likeable,
lovable person whom people gravitate towards as I endeavour to be more
Christ-like. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is at
times like these that I desperately miss E, who would always know what to say
to challenge me and put fresh heart into me. She had this rare ability of channelling
the Father’s needed mercy that brought relief and healing to my weary and broken
interior, and this made me whole again, willing and able to continue the
journey of being God’s broken healer to the world. The Spirit would give her
the words to put a finger on what was wrong and what needed to be repented and
renewed. Or rather you would be made aware of it yourself, for change can only
come from self-awareness and self-acceptance, plus the willingness to want to be
transformed, to change. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Of course I
am aware that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, is the ultimate Counselor and Healer, and
I have direct recourse to Him, but I just miss hearing His voice through E. My
SD just asked me if I was lonely, and I replied, I am, I am lonely for her love,
her friendship, her companionship and gentle guidance. I don’t often articulate
this thought, but I guess the conference in KL really brought this to the fore.
I kept meeting people who knew her and loved her, and they shared stories of
how she transformed their lives. Dammit, I want her to continue transforming my
life, as she did in the past. I need her to see the best of me when I am unable
to see it myself, and to articulate it to me, which she did so well, so that I
know I am on the right path. There isn’t anyone who can receive me the way she
did, and give to me the love I need, as she did. And I know she is missed in
this respect by many in my community for how she loved each and every one of us
in the way we needed to be loved. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And so I go
for reconciliation more frequently and I can only pray that that I learn to
receive the love of the Lord more through the people and situations of my
everyday life. SD reminded me that we don’t just hear His voice when we are
deep in prayer, but it is in the mundane and banal details of our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I can also continue
to hope that it will not be such a colossal struggle to acquire the virtue of
gentleness, I look forward to the day that it will be second nature to me and I
don’t have to power through the inner processes of weeding out the
uncharitable, ungracious, hateful thoughts that surface so readily. SD also reminded
me to let go of my burdens and to take on Christ’s yoke and burden which are
easy and light respectively. Silly me for trying to go it alone. I will give desolation a rest today and simply rest in Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-77494396343700422842023-08-12T16:30:00.006+08:002023-08-14T05:59:25.133+08:00More, like you<p class="MsoNormal">While
attending a conference in Kuala Lumpur by the Institute for World
Evangelisation, ICPE Mission, the Catholic lay community I belong to, I was
completely captivated by a painting of the Eucharist which adorned the front of
the altar. I wanted to know where I could actually get a similar image but
never got round to asking the organizers. Plus, I figured I could shop online.
Lo and behold, it was an original painting done by my community sister B who
lives in KL. I texted her to tell her how taken I was with it and she promptly gifted
it to me. I was thrilled and felt really loved and honoured by her.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXnYzeBj7LNtP6I_CZeMExvNdd25zaq4FZ3-eI2YsXdGd-GovbBrXNvy3BJeBwEsufpQz-t_WutgwrBhmkneYRVWEE1d9SLE-SpMUolXc_8ZApmJ_yMlWKJmM1JoSO5BlFTx6VNwFxk3GiLBqBI7_GB-jqDow1boPpjNKwi7owCfcaslJkzAkNA/s8465/20230812_162526.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8465" data-original-width="6266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXnYzeBj7LNtP6I_CZeMExvNdd25zaq4FZ3-eI2YsXdGd-GovbBrXNvy3BJeBwEsufpQz-t_WutgwrBhmkneYRVWEE1d9SLE-SpMUolXc_8ZApmJ_yMlWKJmM1JoSO5BlFTx6VNwFxk3GiLBqBI7_GB-jqDow1boPpjNKwi7owCfcaslJkzAkNA/s320/20230812_162526.jpg" width="237" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-US">B had
painted it in four minutes flat, in preparation for an outreach she did in 2018,
where she decided to showcase her gift of art. The painting was a response to
the question: What is so special about being Catholic? B felt that as a Catholic,
she was united with all her brothers and sister universally – past, present and
future – when she received Jesus in the sacrament of the Eucharist. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">She used the background
splash of colours to represent how the Body and Blood of Christ burst forth
life and love onto and into everyone, and everything under the sun. Our God is always
lavish with His love, like the sower who wastefully sows seeds everywhere, even
on the path and rocky ground, and His extravagant love flows from that one tiny
piece of unleavened bread and a singular goblet of wine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When B asked me
how her piece spoke to me, I said it is only when I place Christ before me (and
within me and around me), that I am able to see what is true, good and
beautiful emerge in my life, as represented by the vibrant colours. Through
Christ, my world comes fully alive, in real living colour. That the colours
were like a rainbow reminded me of how God always calls me to be in covenant
with Him, to allow myself to experience a fulfilling intimacy that can only come
from bonding with Him sacramentally. It implies a full-hearted yes as answer
from me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB6l3FEAMsAOxtrJ7VQ15s8FWfe62sgxGFe4Ww1RT8-FXVefTyeXcYJIdwpT07xO5tjS_-nXB10QCUpyBPf6Q7EkgGeHOjkY9NDcIE0kIu5ij1IyQ2TgcjlhAR-K0OIyHUOpU4dweb2yqyQxzT5feBoe8DYwD-VfwADG3KBS7SiJ1YtuXS6F6gQ/s8748/20230812_162601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5284" data-original-width="8748" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB6l3FEAMsAOxtrJ7VQ15s8FWfe62sgxGFe4Ww1RT8-FXVefTyeXcYJIdwpT07xO5tjS_-nXB10QCUpyBPf6Q7EkgGeHOjkY9NDcIE0kIu5ij1IyQ2TgcjlhAR-K0OIyHUOpU4dweb2yqyQxzT5feBoe8DYwD-VfwADG3KBS7SiJ1YtuXS6F6gQ/w400-h241/20230812_162601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I placed B’s
painting in between my grandchildren’s creations and what came to me, on the
Feast of the Transfiguration, was this: as individuals, we are like single fish
swimming along, beautiful and complex in our beings, but if we have not
encountered the Lord, our world, and we, ourselves, are devoid of colour. We
live in a world that is flat, maybe even dark, without colour, as solitary creatures, lacking
real purpose and identity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">However, in
a personal encounter with the living Christ, we cannot help but be transformed.
The true colours of our identity emerge, for the colourful rays of Christ’s
love have touched us and we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. And so we can go
out, together, as missionary disciples, to spread the joy of the Good News to
everyone. We can live and breathe the hope and light of the <i>kerygma</i>, enabling
those around us to believe that life can be so much more than what it is, just
because Jesus came to save us by His life, death and resurrection. Love, this
salvific love, the act of dying to self, for the better of the other, is what
it is all about, as followers of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">While the
parameters of my life haven’t changed very much since returning home from the conference,
I do feel renewed in my faith, and I know that more is expected and required
from me, as more was just so recently given to me. Challenges lie afoot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The word,
<i>magis</i>, sums it up for me, which is the Latin word for more. What do I desire in
my life? If indeed it is more of Christ in my life, which it is, then I can
only strive to do more for Him, for His greater glory. Thus, I must be more,
every single day, without fail. And maybe, just maybe, I can grow more and more
into the person He sees in me, a me of whom I only have occasional glimpses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Dear Lord</b></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Make me
more</b></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Like you<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>So I can be
more<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Your hands
your feet<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Light in
the darkness<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Comfort in
sorrow<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Strength in
sickness<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Courage in
fear<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Peace in desolation<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Food for
the hungry<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Life to
those who are bereft<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>Make me
more<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><b>By Your
grace</b></i></span></span></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-14573588592616984722023-07-06T12:29:00.002+08:002023-07-06T12:31:41.776+08:00Vacation highlights<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I returned
from vacation and just finished wading through all the shared digital photographs we took - editing and organizing the lot, quite a project. I created an album called
highlights to be able to share with interested friends and family members when I
meet with them. As always, the true highlights are not the spectacular
landscapes or amazing food, the rich exposure to people, places, and culture - my real highlights have an
inextricably linked spiritual dimension. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">First of
all, I am amazed at how much the Lord loves us and laid His protective hand
over us. It doesn’t mean I didn’t get food poisoning, a URTI (upper respiratory
tract infection), or COVID, but despite all these ailments, I was fortunate
enough to extract maximum joy and pleasure from this trip. I played, I ate, I
laughed, and I spent time visiting with relatives, which is so precious, the
older we all get.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uaJTj3gZQPKuTEgUKnl-l8V5yPDWUFEgAJXKZ7-logxUu66gC6ijtleRmNU2HhR-qk8aLbOrin4aCdR2zbOZ6Z15fpENprUKN1J3-cR1PyH6fZTVJcsti9bj8-F9tukBFd_rk8EDWxIq2Gk2Kexx9Ts9APMJHwO3BB78HhyF8XlkpmCuNlENBw/s6316/forgetmenots.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6149" data-original-width="6316" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uaJTj3gZQPKuTEgUKnl-l8V5yPDWUFEgAJXKZ7-logxUu66gC6ijtleRmNU2HhR-qk8aLbOrin4aCdR2zbOZ6Z15fpENprUKN1J3-cR1PyH6fZTVJcsti9bj8-F9tukBFd_rk8EDWxIq2Gk2Kexx9Ts9APMJHwO3BB78HhyF8XlkpmCuNlENBw/w200-h195/forgetmenots.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">P and I were
blessed to be able to enjoy our small plane and helicopter rides to visit two glaciers,
for we <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">were told cancellation rates were 80 per cent due to inclement weather.
Banal as it sounds, I prayed for good weather, and Jesus granted it. We
were not disappointed, for the land sang out its beauteous nature wherever we
went, echoing resoundingly the glory of God’s handiwork. Everything, and I mean
everything, even the wildflowers were beautiful.</span></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Again,
knowing the desires of our heart, we were always within walking distance of a
church to attend mass. The most amazing one was in Whittier, when the Holy
Family Cathedral was diagonally across from our hotel so we could squeeze in
morning mass before we caught our motorcoach to the port. Best of all, we visited
two cathedrals that Saint Pope John Paul II visited. This has become part of
our holiday tradition for almost every country we visit, we have been able to
follow his ‘trail’. I am an ardent JP2 admirer, if you didn’t know that.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The two
months preceding this vacation have been brutal, so it was a blessing to be able to take time off to recharge. Travel
can be fraught with setbacks and frustrations but ours went like a dream, no
missed connections, no lost luggage, or being scammed by tourist traps. We were always safe, even
when we walked in dodgy neighbourhoods seeking out comfort food. And I slept well, a
much-needed sleep that has been denied for so long. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoUC70kAm0_P00nSFeHvKeKZraxvG2ayGiA4kZCy4SY21HE4wLGPD6uEcW5EqiKstH3DEaEUQET7ytMV6gKTIvmX7Gv2vM0FB69hQY0aKnR0RVrmYkX5V9tEB_6rDDuso8jfzcOLSVGXhfMJddtAucGsJ_XIyfrlsbNabIENa0Hj0H5iR2ZX7Bg/s6847/homeless%20Christ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4446" data-original-width="6847" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoUC70kAm0_P00nSFeHvKeKZraxvG2ayGiA4kZCy4SY21HE4wLGPD6uEcW5EqiKstH3DEaEUQET7ytMV6gKTIvmX7Gv2vM0FB69hQY0aKnR0RVrmYkX5V9tEB_6rDDuso8jfzcOLSVGXhfMJddtAucGsJ_XIyfrlsbNabIENa0Hj0H5iR2ZX7Bg/w400-h260/homeless%20Christ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">My biggest highlight
from this vacation is how much my husband loves me and how much he cherishes </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">me
for he really set out to make my birthday this year extra-special. I felt very
much renewed in our marriage, and very much affirmed as a woman and his wife. This
is not due merely to the fact he treats me with an over-abundant love, but because he
is truly a man who sees Jesus in everyone he meets, and treats people
unfailingly with kindness, gentle respect, and generosity. His heart is set on the
Lord and he never fails to honour the Father in everything that he does, even
on vacation. As the Na’vi people greet each other in the Avatar movies, “I see
you”, I could see P and all that he is, so clearly, and I really love what
I see.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Finally, my
biggest insight is this: my personal cross, which
encompasses my vocation and my state of life, will not only win me the crown of
eternal life after I die (I can only pray for His mercy in this endeavour), but,
it is one I carry most willingly, for it not only speaks of sacrifice, hardship,
and great demands; of hurt, loss, and pain; and of sometimes going where I do
not desire to go; but it also speaks of impossibly beautiful moments and soul-gratifying, fulfilling experiences; of overflowing peace, joy and deep, bountiful love; and of many
opportunities that can potentially lead to the making of me. I can only weep
and give thanks in awe of my cross, and I thank God for vacations, and this particular
one to Alaska. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56l9AzDH3fiNH7xbXJjWQwyFz69OfL48k6mRfCDLJjoWsY-Gr__fl2BdOB3ZHXpgZmZoCOBefrLP6uemgwQ0jxacVtyTMbUDo_hieWxVZLGp1Iw5l744FzUHlahKygwV09V8hRa500LEIGHdnboFjvtZJFAyiw37xWr9BANhsgb-xm-M2pWAGwA/s4727/loose%20dog.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2247" data-original-width="4727" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56l9AzDH3fiNH7xbXJjWQwyFz69OfL48k6mRfCDLJjoWsY-Gr__fl2BdOB3ZHXpgZmZoCOBefrLP6uemgwQ0jxacVtyTMbUDo_hieWxVZLGp1Iw5l744FzUHlahKygwV09V8hRa500LEIGHdnboFjvtZJFAyiw37xWr9BANhsgb-xm-M2pWAGwA/w640-h304/loose%20dog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-22158809778837857272023-04-21T17:03:00.003+08:002023-04-21T21:40:45.130+08:00Love me differently <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">J<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>asked<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>on<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>our<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>drive<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>school,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>“Grandma,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> is it </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>scold<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>because<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>don’t<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me?”<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>‘If<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>didn’t<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>wouldn’t<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>scold<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>but<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>promise<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>will<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>be<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>more<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>gentle<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>future”<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>was<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>response<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>after<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> had </span>explained<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>at<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>length<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>why<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>“scolded”<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>him<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>his<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>own<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>good<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>(he<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>had<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>refused<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>take<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>his<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>meds<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>runny<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>nose),<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>also<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>explained<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>how<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>can<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>be<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>demonstrated<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>many<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>ways, and he just needed to be able to pick them out<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Damascus; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12.3px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>finished<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>our<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>conversation<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>by<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>hugging<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>him<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>telling<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>him<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>loved<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>him<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>bigger<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>than<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>ocean<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>or<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>sky<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>His<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>check-in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>photo<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>tells<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>he<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>got<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>it<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>His<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>question<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>really<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>caught<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>off<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>guard<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>gave<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>insight<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>how<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>needed<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>proceed<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>future,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>with<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>more<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>words<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>affirmation<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>gentleness<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Damascus; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12.3px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Love<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>tricky,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>how<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>we<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>show<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>others,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>how<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>we<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>receive<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>feel<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>loved<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>return<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>This<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>made<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>worse<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>when<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>we<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>grow<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>up,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>adults,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>we<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>tend<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>hide<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>our<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>ever<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>demanding<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>finicky<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>needs,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>while<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>children<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>are<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>more<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>forthright<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>have<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>much<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>simpler<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>needs<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Damascus; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12.3px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>drive<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>home<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>after<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>drop<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>off,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>it<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>hit<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>husband<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>had<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>just<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>given<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>huge<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>ILY<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>evening<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>before<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>He<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>had<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>skipped<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>an<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>evening<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>lecture<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>take<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>out<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>dinner<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>instead<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>While<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>had<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>enjoyed<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>our<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>evening<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>together,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>did<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>not<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>fully<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>recognize<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>his<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>sensitive<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>support<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>until<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>morning<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>after<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>am<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>going<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>through<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>quite<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>challenging<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>time<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>now,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>this<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>was<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>his<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>TLC<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>towards<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>This<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>wow<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>moment<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>made<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>realize<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>how<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>easily<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>could<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>have<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>missed<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>this<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>precious<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>insight,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>this<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>how<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>he<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>loves<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>quietly,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>yet<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>so<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>powerfully<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Damascus; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12.3px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>am<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>humbled<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>now<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>filled<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>with<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>new<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>resolve<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>recognize<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>acknowledge<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>different<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>ways<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>comes<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>through<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>others,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>instead<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>rebuffing<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>what<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>deem<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>insufficient,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>imperfect<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>or<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>unwanted<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>To<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>simply<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>say:<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>thank<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>with<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>sincere<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>gratitude,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>thank<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>thinking<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>thank<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>making<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>effort<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>show<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>thank<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>being<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>who<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>loves<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Damascus; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12.3px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Last,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>but<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>not<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>least,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>thank<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Lord,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>loving<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>through<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>those<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>around<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>May<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>respond<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>happily<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>J</span><span style="font-family: Damascus;"> did to me.</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Damascus;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPB8ATXsXDbf08MXcoWsHuAonNFkQOYnpW8EcEA0mR4Ocl3kW9NQU8AxatNPUt4AJ1lfLOkltVOYCu9E4mgLLDaqslTpVB1FRW_N-2_UdnT21TE7eulNFLmKsU1OxLHI4XOpMwTBypEftsYOTHJgY64KKYlflnDbQ7QcsyQgiYilYGYMum7X0/s721/CB3AA4F5-AC18-4D80-B398-9DAA01ED7A71.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="556" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPB8ATXsXDbf08MXcoWsHuAonNFkQOYnpW8EcEA0mR4Ocl3kW9NQU8AxatNPUt4AJ1lfLOkltVOYCu9E4mgLLDaqslTpVB1FRW_N-2_UdnT21TE7eulNFLmKsU1OxLHI4XOpMwTBypEftsYOTHJgY64KKYlflnDbQ7QcsyQgiYilYGYMum7X0/s320/CB3AA4F5-AC18-4D80-B398-9DAA01ED7A71.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Damascus;"><br /></span><p></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-91290376619957874422023-04-15T09:22:00.004+08:002023-04-15T23:12:11.869+08:00Living the Easter story in chaos<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>were<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>share<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>how<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Holy<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Week<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Easter<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>octave<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>has<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>gone,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>it<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>would<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>sound<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>like<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>litany<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>things<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>went<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>wrong<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>just<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>because<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>they<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>could<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span></p><p style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>already<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>acknowledged<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>how<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Lent<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>was<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>season<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>being<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>open<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Spirit<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>getting<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>involved<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>life,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>not<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>so<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>much<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>time<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>inner<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>reflection<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>time<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>with<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Jesus,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>but<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>more<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>time<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>meeting<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Jesus<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>those<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>around<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>who<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>asked<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>He<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>did<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>woman<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>at<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>well:<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Give<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>drink<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>water<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span></p><p style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Back<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Holy<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Week,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>more<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>so<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>this<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>past<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>week,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>it<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>seems<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>though<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>God<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>has<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>answered<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>constant<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>prayer<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>humility,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>trust,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>faith<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>obedience<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>spades<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>So<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>many<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>situations<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>happening<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>at<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>once<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>required<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>exercise<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>wisdom<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>compassion<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>by<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>processing<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>negative<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>emotions<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>at<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>snap<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>before<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>acting<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>(not<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>something<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>high<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>feeler<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>like<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>myself<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>excels<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>at)<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>So<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>many<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>cries<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>help<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>assault<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>ability<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>practise<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>healthy<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>boundaries<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>strike<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>balance<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>between<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>giving<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>receiving<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span></p><p style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>have<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>already<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>been<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>feeling<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>overwhelmed<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>lately,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>but<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>none<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>more<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>so<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>than<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>yesterday<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>when<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>mother<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>suffered<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>hip<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>fracture<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>requiring<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>surgery<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>Too<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>much<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>back<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>story<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>here<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>will<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>not<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>delve<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>into,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>which<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>not<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>what<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>this<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>post<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>about<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>anyway<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span></p><p style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>messiness<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>chaos<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>life,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>how<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>do<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>experience<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Resurrected<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Lord<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>new<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>ways,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>ways<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>would<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>mean<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>faith<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>has<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>grown,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>am<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>better<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Christian<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>despite<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>it<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all?<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>How<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>can<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>honour<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Him<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>with<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>obedience<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>by<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>allowing<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Him<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>take<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>control<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>situations<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>cannot?<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>would<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>have<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>say<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>that<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>while<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>cannot<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>purport<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>have<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>many<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>experiences<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>great<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>joy<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>this<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Easter,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>do<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>hold<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>His<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>peace<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>heart<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>time<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>know<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>He<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>has<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>been<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>there<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>along,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>walking<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>with<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>He<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>did<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>disciples<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>at<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Emmaus<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>And<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>recognize<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>miracles<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>He<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>has<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>effected<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>thus<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>far,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>am<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>most<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>grateful<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>them<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>can<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>give<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>wholehearted<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>thanks<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>One<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>who<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>loves<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>so<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>tenderly,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>which<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>very<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>important<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span></p><p style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>can<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>also<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>see<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>have<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>been<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>able<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>let<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>go<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>more<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>easily,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>not<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>cling<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>ideas<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Mary<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Magdalene<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>did<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>when<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>she<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>first<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>encountered<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Jesus<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>at<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>tomb,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>post-Crucifixion<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>Let<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>go<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>go<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>with<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>flow,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Jesus<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>control<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>This<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>has<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>helped<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>be<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>more<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>patient,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>more<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>forgiving,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>most<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>be<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>able<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>empathize<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>be<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>kind<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>gentle<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>with<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>those whom<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>have<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>also<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>been<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>able<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>live<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>moment<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>cherish<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>those<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>sacred<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>moments<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>when<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>they<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>present<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>themselves<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>see<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>lot<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>grace<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>this<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>gift<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>have<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>been<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>given<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>by<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Jesus<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span></p><p style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>come<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>back<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>reflection<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>did<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>day<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>prayer<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>fasting<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>did<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Lent,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>forgiveness<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>others,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>which<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>would<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>like<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>share<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>here<span style="font-family: Damascus;">. </span>First,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>two<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>passages<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Scripture<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>spoke<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me:</p><p style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18.4px;"><br /></p><ol>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Damascus;"></span>Luke<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>7:47<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>-<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>tell<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>her<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>sins—and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>they<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>are<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>many—have<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>been<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>forgiven,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>so<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>she<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>has<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>shown<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>much<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Damascus;"> </span>But<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>a<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>person<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>who<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>forgiven<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>little<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>shows<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>only<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>little<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>love<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">”</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Damascus;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Matthew</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Damascus;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">11:28-30</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Damascus;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">-</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Damascus;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">“Come</span><span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>all<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>who<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>are<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>weary<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>burdened,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>will<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>give<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>rest<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span><span style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"> </span>Take<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>yoke<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>upon<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>learn<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>from<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>me,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>am<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>gentle<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>humble<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>heart,<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>you<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>will<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>find<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>rest<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>for<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>your<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>souls<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span><span style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"> </span>For<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>yoke<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>easy<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>and<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>burden<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>light<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span>”</li></ol><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Unforgiveness” is a kind of hardness of heart, a burden, that all of us carry in some form or another. Two things came to me as I was praying: </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21.9px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">One, in order for us to forgive others, we need to experience the forgiveness of God in a very real way, like the woman in Luke’s gospel (see above) who was able to first recognize the depth of her sins, and was courageous enough to approach the Lord; and humble enough to place her sins at the Lord’s feet with real sorrowful repentance in her heart. Thus, she was able to show great love, unlike the unforgiving servant in Matthew chapter 18.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21.9px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Two, we need to let go of the heavy burdens of “unforgiveness” that weigh our hearts, and instead carry the Lord’s yoke, which is to be able to see things from His perspective and to be able to say: Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Only when we can see with the eyes of mercy, God’s mercy, can we find rest for our souls and be able to forgive not just others, but ourselves as well. </p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21.9px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As missionary disciples, forgiveness of others is so fundamental to how we actively live out our faith, so we need to renew our own efforts in exercising this in all our relationships, foremost within our families, marriages, and communities, and the wider social networks of our lives.</p><p style="font-family: Damascus; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>reflection<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>is<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>one<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>hope<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>live<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>out<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>concrete<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>terms<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>as<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>I<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>rise<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>to<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>face<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>new<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>day<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>of<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>the<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>Easter<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>story<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>in<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>my<span style="font-family: Damascus;"> </span>life<span style="font-family: Damascus;">.</span></p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764142.post-21959400815871770012023-04-08T09:48:00.002+08:002023-04-08T23:19:03.313+08:00A love song<p>So I borrowed riffs from various songs (with a few choice phrases from the Bible) to write this love song to my lover, my best bud, my consolation in times of sorrow, my husband. See if you can pick them out.</p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">It's been seven years and five days now*</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">Since we first met that sunny afternoon </span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">I can see your face then and feel your sincerity</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">Your desire to share your life, impress me.</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">I did a silly woman thing and thought to myself</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">Can he actually be THE one, it's true.</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">So glad time has proven that to me</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">What a gem you are, a priceless pearl!</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">I wake up grateful that we are married</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">That you are the one I get to samba through life with, so nice**</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">Every day I love you just a little bit more ***</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">It's a lifestyle, a feeling, my best decision in life</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">Thank you, Lord, for saving the best for last</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: trebuchet;">Allowing me to cherish the love, every moment, our life together. ****</span></i></b></p><p><br /></p><p>* Nothing compares to you</p><p>** Summer samba/So nice </p><p>*** <span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(86, 88, 93); color: #56585d; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 700;">每天爱你多一些</span></p><p>**** Cherish</p>Watered gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065276157473967433noreply@blogger.com0