This final month for me is...
A time of refreshing
A time of quiet down and do more listening
A time of seeing the positive in the negative
A time of sowing
A time where faith takes a leap like never before
A time of more s t r e t c h i n g
A time of looking ahead, not behind
A time to seek His desire and will
A time of observing, analyzing
A time of encouraging others
A time to wait for the waves and leap at the right moment above/into the waves
A time to be still and know who is my God, the One that loves and pursues me first
Monday, December 8
Monday, November 10
Complex colors
I know a week has passed for November. Now that we're entering into almost the middle of the month, I just have to say that - looking back - its been a good, awesome, one-of-a-kind-year :)
God does new things every year, and that is what makes life much more colorful. Some years the colors are bright, some years red, some year blue, some years purple. Just like a kid learns from basic colors (blue, red, yellow), there are many shades of each basic color. For example, blue have many shades namely, periwinkle, baby blue, navy, cobalt, Catalina blue, etc ; shades of red are namely scarlet, ruby, pink, crimson, maroon, etc; while yellow(s) are light yellow, lemon yellow, royal yellow, etc.
If I could describe the past years, I would say its like learning about all the basic colors and some of the shades. I dislike some colors and very fond of some colors. This year however, the colors are getting more complex and richer, with more blends.
With complexity comes the struggle to learn it, face it and go through it. I thank God that through Him, I'm able to go through things that I never imagine myself doing. Also, to family an relatives, and the one that believed in me - Ganesh - thank you.
If you are going through some complex situation right now, take heart. You'll just see more colors in your life like never before. :)
God does new things every year, and that is what makes life much more colorful. Some years the colors are bright, some years red, some year blue, some years purple. Just like a kid learns from basic colors (blue, red, yellow), there are many shades of each basic color. For example, blue have many shades namely, periwinkle, baby blue, navy, cobalt, Catalina blue, etc ; shades of red are namely scarlet, ruby, pink, crimson, maroon, etc; while yellow(s) are light yellow, lemon yellow, royal yellow, etc.
If I could describe the past years, I would say its like learning about all the basic colors and some of the shades. I dislike some colors and very fond of some colors. This year however, the colors are getting more complex and richer, with more blends.
With complexity comes the struggle to learn it, face it and go through it. I thank God that through Him, I'm able to go through things that I never imagine myself doing. Also, to family an relatives, and the one that believed in me - Ganesh - thank you.
If you are going through some complex situation right now, take heart. You'll just see more colors in your life like never before. :)
Monday, October 20
Humility
God has been very gracious by being with us in our devotion time in class. We've (I've) learned a lot about humility the past one week. Here's some precious truths about being HUMBLE:
- Humility says, "More of you, less of me"
- Humility birthed true obedience. Philippians 2:8 "... he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death..."
- Being humble doesn't mean you're weak. It means you trust God enough that you choose not to rely on yourself/ your own understanding.
- Humility relates greatly to servanthood. You can't be humble if you're not willing to serve others and ultimately - God.
- Humility is not self-conscious or self-exalting.
- True humility is motivated by true love.
- Being humble doesn't make you weak. It makes you strong and have confidence.
- True humility is the opposite of pride. And pride is the ultimate reason for Satan's downfall. Think.
Friday, October 10
The chronicles of the gloomy days of 2014
7 October 2014
Today marked another flash flood in West Coast of Sabah. Penampang, my hometown, is one of the many towns affected by the catastrophe. No one expected it. I remember peacefully going to bed the night before it happened. I woke up that morning, alarmed (still raining), with no electricity and was getting ready to school. I know a lot of schools were closed down but I just wanna give it a try. Apparently, the school was OK. Thank God.
As we started the morning, things seemed to have worsen. Whatsapp messages keep coming in from many sources, updates and news from family and friends. Around 9.40am, I got a call from my mom. She is already in the airport, waiting to depart for KL. (What a day to fly out from Sabah) Mom told me to go back home and inspect things because many people had evacuated to higher grounds. So I promptly dismissed the class. My student's house also turned into a rescue camp as their neighbors evacuated to their house due to rising waters. A lot of cars were parked at the road side and within less than one hour, many main roads became inaccessible.
When I got home (still no electricity), the water level of the river is as the same level as my house. I told my brother to be prepared and get the important things placed at a higher level in the house. To my surprise (and thank God thank God really), the water didn't rise to our house. But still, we had things moved up just is case the unexpected may happen.
My cousin's area, Kolopis, were one of the areas most seriously suffered from the flash flood. Almost half of the houses are flooded, along with cars. Things were seen floating out from the house. According to them, as they witness the whole flood scavenging each house, they could hear many kinds of noises e.g. things falling, car engine making funny noise. It was almost like 1999 flood repeated itself. My heart goes out to them so badly. I got home that night and still having them in my thoughts. That night was pitch black. Apart from no electricity, there's also no phone reception. Our only hope for communication is the house phone. So bye-bye technology. Old school house phone rocks.
My heart also goes out to the primary 6 students, who has an important exam UPSR coming up in two days after the flash flood. My niece lamented that she hope the exam would go on despite of the flash flood (orelse it would be another exam replacement day). But thank God, the UPSR did go on. Good job all the students out there!
8 October 2014
The aftermath is jaw dropping. Class was only half day and we quickly went to Kolopis to help them do the cleanup. As you have guessed, a lot of things are damaged. I don't even wanna begin to name it here.
Night came and still - no electricity. I couldn't sleep that night. We were even thinking of throwing out the meats in the fridge since it had been more than 36 hours of no electricity. Then suddenly, at I-don't-even-bother-what-time-is-it, the lights were back!
9 October 2014
Morning were still gloomy but its not as bad as the past two days. Just when I thought the day would get better, I went to the post office to get the stuffs we purchased from the States. I am utterly flabbergasted. The stuffs are half drenched in the flood water. With only "Sorry" from the employee, I couldn't even think of what to do. Apparently they have been affected as well. I felt like crying, but its not enough. So we decided to claim insurance. After all, we can't let the things go just like that in vain.
10 October 2014
Finally, the sun is out. I declare this is a better day with warmth and joy. Amen.
Today marked another flash flood in West Coast of Sabah. Penampang, my hometown, is one of the many towns affected by the catastrophe. No one expected it. I remember peacefully going to bed the night before it happened. I woke up that morning, alarmed (still raining), with no electricity and was getting ready to school. I know a lot of schools were closed down but I just wanna give it a try. Apparently, the school was OK. Thank God.
As we started the morning, things seemed to have worsen. Whatsapp messages keep coming in from many sources, updates and news from family and friends. Around 9.40am, I got a call from my mom. She is already in the airport, waiting to depart for KL. (What a day to fly out from Sabah) Mom told me to go back home and inspect things because many people had evacuated to higher grounds. So I promptly dismissed the class. My student's house also turned into a rescue camp as their neighbors evacuated to their house due to rising waters. A lot of cars were parked at the road side and within less than one hour, many main roads became inaccessible.
When I got home (still no electricity), the water level of the river is as the same level as my house. I told my brother to be prepared and get the important things placed at a higher level in the house. To my surprise (and thank God thank God really), the water didn't rise to our house. But still, we had things moved up just is case the unexpected may happen.
My cousin's area, Kolopis, were one of the areas most seriously suffered from the flash flood. Almost half of the houses are flooded, along with cars. Things were seen floating out from the house. According to them, as they witness the whole flood scavenging each house, they could hear many kinds of noises e.g. things falling, car engine making funny noise. It was almost like 1999 flood repeated itself. My heart goes out to them so badly. I got home that night and still having them in my thoughts. That night was pitch black. Apart from no electricity, there's also no phone reception. Our only hope for communication is the house phone. So bye-bye technology. Old school house phone rocks.
My heart also goes out to the primary 6 students, who has an important exam UPSR coming up in two days after the flash flood. My niece lamented that she hope the exam would go on despite of the flash flood (orelse it would be another exam replacement day). But thank God, the UPSR did go on. Good job all the students out there!
8 October 2014
The aftermath is jaw dropping. Class was only half day and we quickly went to Kolopis to help them do the cleanup. As you have guessed, a lot of things are damaged. I don't even wanna begin to name it here.
Night came and still - no electricity. I couldn't sleep that night. We were even thinking of throwing out the meats in the fridge since it had been more than 36 hours of no electricity. Then suddenly, at I-don't-even-bother-what-time-is-it, the lights were back!
9 October 2014
Morning were still gloomy but its not as bad as the past two days. Just when I thought the day would get better, I went to the post office to get the stuffs we purchased from the States. I am utterly flabbergasted. The stuffs are half drenched in the flood water. With only "Sorry" from the employee, I couldn't even think of what to do. Apparently they have been affected as well. I felt like crying, but its not enough. So we decided to claim insurance. After all, we can't let the things go just like that in vain.
10 October 2014
Finally, the sun is out. I declare this is a better day with warmth and joy. Amen.
Tuesday, October 7
Hanamo (BM & Japanese version)
BM version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6uqisrDwNs
Japanese version (original): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLOKGTBm3ug
This song was first known during the Japan Gathering. It was composed by Japanese native. Then it was introduced in Malaysia Day Gathering. Fell in love with this song the moment I heard it. Not just me. Everyone instantly fell in love too.
I strongly felt to share this song, so here goes the lyrics (BM & Japanese):
[Bahasa Malaysia]
Mata air, pancar air yang jernih
Walaupun kau pernah berduka
Suatu hari, s'mua duka dihapuskan
Sukacita ada ditengah kita
Biar bunga, awan
Angin dan juga lautan
Biar segala yang bernafas
Puji Yesus
Langit luas pun serta
Dan rohku tetap bernyanyi
K'sih karunia, k'sih karunia, k'sih karunia
Pandanglah pintu syurga terbuka
Kita semua akan melihatnya
Pastinya bunga akan mekar
Kemuliaan Allah 'kan ternyata
[Japanese]
Kokoni izumi wa waku
Namida o sugiru toki
Yagate mi o musubi
Waraigoe ni michiru
Hanamo kumomo
Kazemo ooumimo
Kanadeyo, kanadeyo iesuwo
Sorani hibike
Utae tamashiiyo
Megumiwo, megumiwo, megumiwo
Aoge tennwa hiraki
Bokurawa mirudarou
Yagate hanawa saki
Eigou no shuga ko rareru
Blessings!
Nethy
Monday, September 8
Dancing with me Amor
At that low point, I couldn't find a way to rejoice or even feel His closeness. It was about time to go for prayer meeting and my mind tells me, "You can skip one night. It's OK."
At that low point, I was negotiating within my brain - to go or not to go.
At that low point, I was ready to give in to my reasoning and physical emotions.
But somehow, I knew. I knew where I should be at that moment. In His house. In His presence.
So before my human mind made up its mind, I take control of every thought and decided to go.
As soon as we enter into a time of worship, God began working in me. The tears are flowing as if they are waiting to be released into the open. I felt His hands embracing me and restoring me. I could feel His love dancing over me, inviting me to dance with Him. And so it continued, for what it seems for more than an hour. In His deep, tangible presence. And at the end, I knew. I was restored. The tears that flowed out was replaced by living water - Jesus Himself. The burden was lifted. Or it became lighter. And I heard Him saying, "Look to me. Fix your eyes upon me." In a serious tone. Like a loving Father saying to a helpless child.
And then I knew. I was rest assured. He is always with me. And the joy of knowing that, and His unstoppable love, is beyond ah-ma-zing !
Come before God (not man) and cry out to Him (not man) for what person could be more better than the One who loved us first?
And I can tell you that you can smile before man. And any situations seems bearable simply because that joy in you weighs more than your problems and situations.
Love,
Nethy
Tuesday, July 1
First Fruit Gathering: 4-6 June
Sabah is known to be the land below the wind. I love Sabah. I thank God for putting me here. I always know that the birthplace of everyone is never a coincidence. (If things are coincidence, then our existence is a mistake. Coincidence means something that is not planned. Then, we are actually saying that God is a mistake!) No, God is SUPREME AND JUST. To begin to understand God fully is like trying to fit in the whole oceans into a small hole. Its impossible. Yet, this same God created us and called us His Precious! His thoughts toward us are so vast and mind-blowing. David said that in the book of Psalm : "How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!"
Our God is intentional when He decided to create you and me. So that He can love us unconditionally. We are not an accident. Isn't that awesome? If I were to have children, I would make sure they know this foundation truth! I am thankful for a mother who intentionally told me about this truth as I was growing up.
So, all of us are placed on earth for a purpose and calling. Last month we have the second Malaysia Gathering in KL. The theme was First Fruit. During the pre-gathering, I felt an unspeakable excitement and burning in me because I know for sure God is going to do something that we have not expected. True enough, we entered into realm after realm that we have not entered before. The first day of the gathering, the first people of the land (Anak Negeri & Orang Asli) was presented before the Lord. Its amazing to see a lot of brothers and sisters in Christ among the Orang Asli, Chinese and Indians turned up. Its a family reunion! :)
The gathering starts on 4 June night, and it falls exactly on Pentecost! The leaders didn't know about this when they decided on the date. Holy Spirit came and swept us away for the next three days. Papa David shared about be careful when the enemy is trying to put us in a neutral zone, where we don't slip black nor move forward. This is what its called as the attack of dullness. I was reminded in Revelation 3:15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other!" Nothing is more worse than being lukewarm. Also, there is an ancient sound in the land that the enemy has forgotten. This ancient sound is the voice of the Orang Asli and the Anak Negeri. Now is the time for this sound to rise up and take authority in the spiritual realm. The enemy fear this sound. We also offered up our first fruit offering which is our worship and praise as we consecrate ourselves before the Lord simply because He is worthy of all the praise!
On the second day of the gathering, spiritual groaning took place during worship. At first there was an intense silence but the moment the flute came in, people started to weep, travail, and groan in the spirit. Romans 8:26 says " We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." It was unexpected but Holy Spirit knows best. I personally also felt that the atmosphere of the convention centre is almost similar to a labor room. Something was birthed that day.
There was a Scripture passage given to the people in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia for 3 times. The leaders felt that if God is speaking about it for 3 times, it means something. This passage was Isaiah 54. Hence, all the leaders did a prophetic act of enlarging the tent, stretching the tent curtains wide, lengthening the cords, and strengthening the stakes. It speaks to the spiritual and spiritual realm that the land is no longer barren but it will be fruitful!
On the last day, 6 June 2014, it is a new day. It is a new season. The Lord has been leading us is an unusual way. We have not walked this way before. Papa David mentioned that we are in a season where many prophets are speaking of. This new thing, or season, is not only for Malaysia but for nations. However, because of Malaysia's role for nations, this is a pivotal and critical moment for Malaysia to enter into her destiny. We need to positioned ourselves before the Lord, like an army positioned themselves until their commander gives the command. As an army of God, we reported for duty. And because the things that we do speaks loudly in the spiritual realm, we need to make a sacrifice of faith that says "We believe!" When people of God began to see and hear with their spiritual eyes and ears, there will be a substance that will cause them to move forward.
Indeed, the gathering birthed something new in Malaysia. And whenever there's a new season, there's joy and wisdom, but there's also resistance. Therefore, the most important thing is to keep on track with God, fix our eyes upon Him and constantly be in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
Lord, I report for duty.
Your servant.
p.s.- 6 June was also my baptism(or I prefer wedding) day. I was reminded of this only after the gathering.
Our God is intentional when He decided to create you and me. So that He can love us unconditionally. We are not an accident. Isn't that awesome? If I were to have children, I would make sure they know this foundation truth! I am thankful for a mother who intentionally told me about this truth as I was growing up.
So, all of us are placed on earth for a purpose and calling. Last month we have the second Malaysia Gathering in KL. The theme was First Fruit. During the pre-gathering, I felt an unspeakable excitement and burning in me because I know for sure God is going to do something that we have not expected. True enough, we entered into realm after realm that we have not entered before. The first day of the gathering, the first people of the land (Anak Negeri & Orang Asli) was presented before the Lord. Its amazing to see a lot of brothers and sisters in Christ among the Orang Asli, Chinese and Indians turned up. Its a family reunion! :)
The gathering starts on 4 June night, and it falls exactly on Pentecost! The leaders didn't know about this when they decided on the date. Holy Spirit came and swept us away for the next three days. Papa David shared about be careful when the enemy is trying to put us in a neutral zone, where we don't slip black nor move forward. This is what its called as the attack of dullness. I was reminded in Revelation 3:15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other!" Nothing is more worse than being lukewarm. Also, there is an ancient sound in the land that the enemy has forgotten. This ancient sound is the voice of the Orang Asli and the Anak Negeri. Now is the time for this sound to rise up and take authority in the spiritual realm. The enemy fear this sound. We also offered up our first fruit offering which is our worship and praise as we consecrate ourselves before the Lord simply because He is worthy of all the praise!
On the second day of the gathering, spiritual groaning took place during worship. At first there was an intense silence but the moment the flute came in, people started to weep, travail, and groan in the spirit. Romans 8:26 says " We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." It was unexpected but Holy Spirit knows best. I personally also felt that the atmosphere of the convention centre is almost similar to a labor room. Something was birthed that day.
There was a Scripture passage given to the people in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia for 3 times. The leaders felt that if God is speaking about it for 3 times, it means something. This passage was Isaiah 54. Hence, all the leaders did a prophetic act of enlarging the tent, stretching the tent curtains wide, lengthening the cords, and strengthening the stakes. It speaks to the spiritual and spiritual realm that the land is no longer barren but it will be fruitful!
On the last day, 6 June 2014, it is a new day. It is a new season. The Lord has been leading us is an unusual way. We have not walked this way before. Papa David mentioned that we are in a season where many prophets are speaking of. This new thing, or season, is not only for Malaysia but for nations. However, because of Malaysia's role for nations, this is a pivotal and critical moment for Malaysia to enter into her destiny. We need to positioned ourselves before the Lord, like an army positioned themselves until their commander gives the command. As an army of God, we reported for duty. And because the things that we do speaks loudly in the spiritual realm, we need to make a sacrifice of faith that says "We believe!" When people of God began to see and hear with their spiritual eyes and ears, there will be a substance that will cause them to move forward.
"Behold! The bride of Malaysia is marching to the nations, following the Lion of Judah!"
Indeed, the gathering birthed something new in Malaysia. And whenever there's a new season, there's joy and wisdom, but there's also resistance. Therefore, the most important thing is to keep on track with God, fix our eyes upon Him and constantly be in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
Lord, I report for duty.
Your servant.
p.s.- 6 June was also my baptism(or I prefer wedding) day. I was reminded of this only after the gathering.
Thursday, May 22
Expresso
I was young and free. Not wild and an avid reader. So you kind of can picture me with book and thick glasses and two ponytails. Well, yeah, but except, I repeat, EXCEPT - the two ponytails. I've not a good sense of fashion at that time. But all is good. Sun is still shining down on me. Hahaha. Ok wait. That's not the point. Thing is - all the story books that I read and read and read prompt me to write, well, a story.
So I did. Using my school exercise book, I began writing a love story. (Hit the Tailored Swan song!)
I know. I can't believe it too. But that was my first genre of a story. I finished writing it and my friends started to read it. (They didn't know it was a story since it was a school exercise book.) In short, good comments. Moving on, to my next project of writing - again, a love story. Different characters and different plot. My cousin Debbie read it and she suggested that I make money out of it. I asked, "Err.. How?" And she said by promoting to people to read it by paying me first and lending them the book. Interesting! But no, I didn't have the gut to do it then. Ha... [Fast forward...] Unfortunately, the books disappeared when my friend, who had finished reading, passed it to her sister and misplaced it somewhere-no-one-knows.
After that, I never write a love story anymore. Too tired to think I guess. But years and years after that, after all the high school years, I started personal journaling. And then I realized - I felt so passionate whenever I write. Its like my brain in action. And then I realize something more - its a passion, its a gift!
Now I understand that I express best in writing & every person alive has a different way of expressing themselves. I found mine. How do you best
Blessings,
Athena
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