Taken care of

So, its less than a week. *Counting the days down*
Got my schedule already (Excited) and preparing things. I'm glad I have more time at home these days.

Recently, I've met a good, old friend of mine (unplanned) and had a wonderful time talking to her about things that God is doing in our lives. I was actually quite shocked seeing her because few days before that somehow I was thinking how is she doing nowadays. Glad to know she's doing well and I was surprised listening to her testimony! We shared the same desire of seeing the body of Christ to be united in prayer and fellowship. She is, in fact, one of my friends in Christ who encouraged, prayed and supported me all through the times since I first believed. The interesting part is this: We seldom meet up. But when we do, it will always leave a memory in me. I thank God for such a friend.

Going for SOM is exciting but thinking of the expenses I need while I'm there, well, I can't say I'm not thinking about it. It worries me (in a way). But God's Word says 'He will provide' because 'we are His children' and that 'He will never abandon us nor forsake us'. So holding onto this, I cast all my anxieties to Him. Recently, in church services, during the tithes offering, I've been giving my LAST note of money. With faith, believing He will take care of me. 

[For early info: We used to collect offerings back in Labuan and these money are used for our ministry back then. So after Labuan, we go to different Uni and my friend kept the money and pass it to another friend, and lastly it was passed to me. I hadn't opened it for ages. I even almost forgot I keep it with me all this time.] 

Couple of days ago, I received a text message from this same friend of mine whom I met recently. She asked about the money. She explained that she has asked the others' opinion and they've agreed to let me use it for my 3months study. I was taken aback and speechless for a moment of time (too speechless to reply, in fact). See, God is so good! He knows our needs and He is our provider. Have faith! :)

Grateful and blessed.

Be blessed!

Nethy. Athena.

Thinker.

A random post: One fact of me is that I think a lot. [And also talk A LOT when I'm with those I'm comfortable with. My former maid actually gave me a nickname which means talkative. Hah.] Sometimes so many thoughts are playing in my mind that most of the time I do not know how to speak it out orderly, which leads to being silent. Its kinda frustrating for me to be unable to speak out when you actually wanna say something. And sometimes these thoughts are so many and overwhelming that it can even confuse me.

But thank God for His Words. It says in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that we "fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ." I listened to this scripture many times before but I couldn't really understand it or apply it practically. What was conceived in this mind of mine is that, most thoughts (except those that are clearly negative ones) are acceptable and debatable. Instead of our thoughts controlling us (and our actions), we are in control of them and we even have the power to block, allow and deny access into our mind. 

Then I'm reminded by Romans 12:2 where it talks about the renewal of mind that brings transformation. During my dark age (as how Debbie say it), I always give in to those discouraging thoughts. What I think basically begin to show in how I act and how I live. Now, it is still a constant battle. But thank God for His Words and revelation, I've learned to fight a good fight. It may seem hard at times but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Be blessed,

Nethy

An illustration of flower.

One of the best illustration of our human life is flower.
Although it cannot speak, smell, hear or see as we do, it can grow from zero to something so amazing for everyone to see.

This is not a poetic entry and I definitely have nothing more to share than a thought.

Flower started all basically from a seed. I'll skip the scientific explanation (for easy understanding) but it always amaze me how this tiny little thing can blossom into something so beautiful. Like all these wild flowers below, their growth are not controlled by human (of course, nowadays, scientist can manipulate these traits already but anyway, lets go back to the basic) and their physical colours are not determined by how much water were watered but by their genetic trait (specifically, DNA). If human were a flower seed, I'm pretty sure we won't know what colour we will show as we grow. Same as in our life, at our infant stage, we were unconcious of these things. As we got older, we still weren't able to see clearly enough how far we can go or to what extent we can grow. But by looking at these flowers, isn't it encouraging to know that we can blossom in such a way that finally leads to a productive life?

Another thing about flowers is that, one species is different from the other. Yet, these flowers can live and grow together in harmony, without destroying one another. Plus, its the color that pops out rather than the weeds. Just like us, we are different from one another. Different talent, different personality, different culture, different height (different weight? =)), and the list goes on and on...

I'm just simply trying to say that its encouraging to learn from these abundant nature God created that we often overlook. Love love looking at nature stuffs (Well, i guess its genetic. =))

P.s.- Personally, recalling back, as i write this entry, a friend of mine gave me a nickname "flower" before when i was young. I never know why. But I guess its just for fun. =) #justsaying

Hidden

Let the unknown, remain unknown.

Let the hidden, remain hidden.

Let it be covered, unnoticable.

What is not known, won't bring further mess.

Needless pain can be avoided.

If only it remains hidden.

But Lord, what's hidden from men is not hidden from You.

So let it be.

Just between You and me.

"I Choose Jesus"

I have searched to find

The meaning of this life

Something that would

Fill my empty soul

Some believe a lie

Choose darkness over light

But I will stand and let

The whole world know

I choose Jesus

I choose Jesus

The One who first chose me

I stand unashamed

Trusting in one Name

‘Cause I have seen the cross

And I believe

This choice comes at cost

All other things are lost

No other love could

Mean so much to me

I choose Jesus

I choose Jesus

The One who first chose me

I choose Jesus

I choose Jesus

For now and eternity

He chose to love me

When I felt unlovable

He chose to reach me

When I felt unreachable

He carried me out

Of my fear and doubt

How I want the world to know

I choose Jesus

I choose Jesus

I choose Jesus

The One who first chose me

My Jesus

I choose Jesus

For now and eternity

For now and eternity

What sustains.

Its been a long while since I last posted something here.
I'm not going to write some poem or something epic to be remembered.

What I'm about to talk about is something personal and something that really means a lot. I have shared about how I came to know the LORD almost 4 years ago. And His overwhelming love that keeps me has sustained until today! :)

Yesterday, we had our final service and I worship led. The presence of God is so sweet and again, overwhelming. When I couldn't contain the overwhelming feeling inside me, I would cry. But everytime I would always be concious and not be strayed away by the feelings because I KNOW that as a worship leader, we are leading the congregation into the atmosphere of worship. What I did not expect was that, after the free worship, God's love suddenly came bursting out like a flood. And I really mean it. A FLOOD. For the first time, I couldn't contain it. It overflowed and I just gave in to His warm embrace. For the first time, I feel like God is saying "Its OK. I am here." And there goes the sobbing like a lost child just found her dad. I must admit, even minutes (even seconds!) in His presence is a life-changing moment. Choking back the tears, we continue deeper in worship.

And as we go deeper to worship, God brings me back to years ago when I first accepted Him into my life as a living God. It was the love of God that i felt that totally change my life. You know, I was about to write it all out here but i really can't find words to express it. God is faithful. There are many times I have (honestly) taken Him as granted. And we all do. We sometimes just lost it, being a human still. But His mercy endures forever.

"If you fall down, get back on track and move forward. Don't stay where you are"

There are times I couldn't bring myself to forgive myself for things that I've done. But its His reassuring words
 that convicts me. And I forgave.

Love in Greek.

It feels like it was just yesterday when I found that agape love. And it is what sustains us.

Be blessed.

2013.

A new year.

A new day.

A new heart.

A new song.

Blessed 2013! :)