Health is a crucial part of our human life.
Nowadays, I love drinking detox water. Mint and lemon is my favorite combination. They say watermelon, lemon and mint is also very good.
I can feel my digestive system getting healthier and healthier. (literally.)
But exercise is needed too. No matter how much detox water I drank, its not gonna get me anywhere near to good health if I don't watch my food intake.
Taking a step forward is a decision. How do I relate detox-things with this?
We can always be comfortable once we are in our comfort zone (detox water), however, we are not really dealing with the real issue (need of exercise).
At times, we think are we are doing things right.
But it occurred to me that doing the right things, doesn't make us right, if its not REALLY the right thing (even if we think its the right thing).
We human love to justify our actions. You can call it human nature.
Writing this post, I simply just want to share, remind myself & share it with everyone that-
In our journey, taking a step forward in faith and obedience brings us a step up to maturity. (despite people may or may not agree with you.) [and its a personal thing anyway, so, look up and see God smiling down on you as you listen and obey.]
Let us inclined our ears closer to Him and obey.
Blessings,
Nethy
Saturday, May 16
Sunday, February 22
Beauty in brokenness
Humans are wired by God in such a way, that longs for completeness, stability and peace.
Almost all humans also long to be in control of what they want to have control of.
Thus, they consciously (and unconsciously) build walls of comfort around them. Environments they choose, friends they choose, materials, and even maintaining desired status quo. All these things become their wall of fortress. Anything less than these means incompleteness. Anything less than these means "no peace".
Brokenness is seen as a weakness. Fragility is not an option. Ouch.
For the past few weeks, God reminded me gently that brokenness is not a weakness. Because when we realize that we need to be fixed, its the very thing that draw us closer to God. God sees the beauty of brokenness. King David was broken many times, over and over again, through betrayal, hatred, threats, sin of his own, family matters, etc. Yet each time he was broken, he never fail coming to God. Just pouring out his heart to Him. One to one. No veil between them.
Is the brokenness real? Yes.
Is it serious? Yes.
Is there sadness? Of course.
But do you notice? He was being honest to God in his brokenness.
God highly honors honest people. Because honesty is truthfulness. Honesty allows you to know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). It could be painful; it could be not. But it will set you free. King David was set free after he was broken many times.
You may be someone who could memorize the whole Bible. You could be present in all church services. You could be a leader that people look up to. You could be just a backstage crew. It doesn't matter. If there is not honesty between you and God, God couldn't really work 100% in you.
God is a personal God. If He was serious enough to send Jesus to die for us on the cross, then we should be serious and honest enough to talk to Him and to see Him as our Father and Friend and King.
Personally, how amazing and comforting it is to know that we could be honest with Him! Just like friends. Even better. Abraham had a really close relationship with Him that He even negotiated with God! Now that's confidence, brotha ;)
Gently, slowly, God reminded me that even in brokenness, remember to always be honest with Him. No matter what. That's an important key to a healthy relationship (any relationship, really). Then, you'll gain confidence to enter into a more intimate, better relationship with Him.
In a new light, brokenness is beautiful
The beauty in brokenness prevails when there is an active, honest communication with Him and He personally took it away for a fix, while deepening your relationship with Him in the whole process.
Thursday, January 1
Day 1 out of 365 days of 2015
Last night was one of the most relaxing, calming New Year countdown ever. In fact, we didn't even do the countdown. We were just talking and enjoy each other's presence when we heard fireworks after fireworks. That's when we realized its 2015!! Being with family is, indeed, one of the best places you could be on earth. Especially during New Year's eve. Waking up on the first day of the year is a struggle. Partly, well, because I'm sure everyone sleep late.
Well, at last, dear 2015, you are here. I almost felt like butterfly thinking about entering a whole new year. Butterfly means excited as well as anxious and anticipating something. I jokingly told my mom that I'm gonna be a quarter life this year and I somehow feel 'old'. I guess its true then, enjoy and appreciate life especially when you are younger and active. Make the most out of it. Just like what was written in 1 Timothy 4:12. ;)
As I ponder upon the end of 2014, its also quite tragic with the floods in West Malaysia and crashed plane few days after Christmas. As we enter into this year with laughter and warm wishes from dear friends and family, my heart goes out to those who are crying and grieving as they enter into a New Year without their loved ones. For some people, its going to be an exciting year but, to some people it may be challenging.
Look up. Sun is still shining. Birds are still chirping. We are still breathing. Every day counts in God's eyes. So make it count. He is the One who allow us to enter this new year, new season.
Thank You for bringing us into a New Year, Lord.
Nethy
Well, at last, dear 2015, you are here. I almost felt like butterfly thinking about entering a whole new year. Butterfly means excited as well as anxious and anticipating something. I jokingly told my mom that I'm gonna be a quarter life this year and I somehow feel 'old'. I guess its true then, enjoy and appreciate life especially when you are younger and active. Make the most out of it. Just like what was written in 1 Timothy 4:12. ;)
As I ponder upon the end of 2014, its also quite tragic with the floods in West Malaysia and crashed plane few days after Christmas. As we enter into this year with laughter and warm wishes from dear friends and family, my heart goes out to those who are crying and grieving as they enter into a New Year without their loved ones. For some people, its going to be an exciting year but, to some people it may be challenging.
Look up. Sun is still shining. Birds are still chirping. We are still breathing. Every day counts in God's eyes. So make it count. He is the One who allow us to enter this new year, new season.
Thank You for bringing us into a New Year, Lord.
Nethy
Monday, December 8
December 2014 for me...
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
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, 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.
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