Hike + Relationship

I once told Gan that his blog is haunted because it's outdated. I chuckled as I stand in that same spot now, too. My last post was, I  think, about 1 year ago. Seriously honestly, I have only been blogging in this brain of mine. If that's not the case, then it will be journalism. Have I mentioned how I loooooove journaling?? Contrary to what people said, journalism is more than a therapeutic thing to do. The spiritual journal that I have is precious conversation between me and Abba. It's a safe place for me to express myself. Spiritual journalism helped me in a tremendous way. Being an introvert, words are many in my brain than in speech (although I have somehow learned to become extrovert in a way, at times, I do get wordy. P.s.- Gan can testify this hoho)

There was once when I was at a low point, I felt a nudge to read up one of my earliest journal book back in 2009. It was mind-blowing and eye-opening! God has been so so rich in His goodness. I read and read, and although it was written by me, it felt like Abba was consoling me over and over again. I couldn't help but broke down in tears. Even words are so limited to describe that moment.

These few weeks I am reminded again of His favor. That He, stedfastly, is with me. Yesterday, our youth group went for a hike to the Crocker Range. What I thought to be a 3-hours hike turned out to be 4-hours hike. My last, long hike was years ago and so, I felt like an old grandma going up the hill by foot (okay, maybe not as old as a grandma, but my point is - IT'S TIRING)

When we started, it was easy and fun. Then it became challenging as we hike to a higher altitude. Soon, we began panting heavily. The too-relaxed-muscles began to work and contract. As we reached a stretch of palm trees, Fenella said, "This is Forgetful Green!" Now, Forgetful Green she referred to was a place in a book that she just read, where people tend to forget their main purpose/focus/destination. Often, it was because of the attractions of the surrounding or influences that distracts. As we hike further up, it became clear that we need to rest. We continued for the steeper slope and just longing to reach our destination. After 2 full hours, we finally made it!

Life is as such. There are times to walk on, time to slow down, time to rest. However, I learned that the journey is worth it because of the destination that awaits, the company around us that encourages and God's presence that assures & empowers.

(When we reached our destination during the hike, the funny thing was this: Fenella said OK now it's times for us to go back because God says our job is not done yet! haha..)

Moving on...

Today -  marks 2 full years with Gan (YAY!). He is my bestfriend and a man that is after God's heart (and after my heart. No no, I'm kidding. But not really kidding.) I remembered when I first met him, being only as friends, I was being very, very stereotypical about relationship. Like, VERY. I would intelligently predict his motives based on his actions and tried to make conclusion in my brain that his true color would show over the time. Ugh. Ugly truth but, that was how it started. Nevertheless, he was amazingly calm (or, look calm) and wasn't being defensive. That was one of the reasons when I realized he was a very friendly, good guy. We get along well and became good friends.

[Long story cut short] After some years of friendship, prior to going in a relationship, he met with my parents for blessing. Now, let me tell you - this wasn't our custom. Normally, boys and girls hook up with anyone, without anyone's knowing. (I can testify to this, too) So I had some time of my own to process this when Gan brought it up. The day came when he sat down with my parents and dined together. And talked. And it was a good night. I didn't expect to have such a feeling, at that moment. Not only we were already officially a couple, but there was something more. He honored my parents. And that is one thing that I am truly grateful for!

There was ups and downs in our relationship. Needless to say, this is totally normal in any relationship. I would say, in short, over the 2 years, we have learned to respect one another, communicate better, encourage one another better, speak truth to one another, pray for one another and love one another. And I know both of us would say, this would not have been possible if Abba is not in it. In fact, being both leaders, our big heads got bigger sometimes, and there are numerous times when we felt that Abba is teaching us to be humble to one another. Now "that" is something powerful in a relationship. If we are not humble, either one of us will have dominion over the other (And we are no Adam & Eve or whatsoever). Thank You, Abba...

Wow, I would never thought I would write this down in a post. However, I thought it will somehow bless others. So, be blessed!

Nethy.

What's next?

...is a question I've been questioning God since.

"Wait on Him. Wait on His voice."

Its been a pretty amazing days, these past few days, I felt the fear of the Lord is awakening like never before. Never had I felt so scared with what's coming. We had couple of prayer meetings few days back and I remember just crying out and prayer in tears. You know why? Here is what I'm about to share. 

While listening to Pastors's message in church, one of the intercessors hand me over the programme book for 16Sept'12 morning service. Yes, the one with Eagle and Lion on the cover. She said to me "Keep this. 50 years later we won't be able to witness this anymore." Of course, she said it casually. I laughed lightly as well. But something strikes within me deeply. I don't know what is it. I was just fearful. How is it gonna be 50 years later? Its a long way to go but that's what I was thinking at that moment. 

The next thing I knew, the burden came from IDontKnowWhere. I was crying out for the younger generations. How many out there are God fearing? I don't know. But I'm positive there is! 

My fear is that we're gonna burn passionately but only for some time and then the disease of being lukewarm will come and infect us. 
My fear is that we'll lose our patience in the process of waiting on God's voice and act on our own. Too many of 'actions' but less of 'praying'.

I committed everything to the LORD. No matter what people might say, let Him lead the way and just follow Him, shall we?
Prophet Jeremiah was spreading God's word to the people, but they don't listen.
A list of prophets came after that and not all hear them out and obey. There is a 400 years of silence before the times New testament starts. Not even one prophet. There must be a reason for that. Let's set our focus right, made right with God and start to care for the younger generations.

Let's pray for the strength to be patient and wait upon the LORD.
Let's keep on praying and crying out for the younger generations, the current generation, the body of Christ, the country, more revelation from above and let's walk hand in hand until we experience breakthrough and beyond, that reaches to the ends of this earth!

Be blessed!
Nethy.

Ian & Elda

The wedding ceremony has taken place in Maranatha church more than a week ago.
I hadn't got the time to blog about this up 'till now and here I go about their BIG day!

Congratulation to Mr and Mrs Ian & Elda on their wedding day (8sept2012) !!
I am sincerely happy for you guys. ^^
I've known her since forever. She's one of my closest cousin, sister and bestfriend. We shared things together, stories, secrets, food (it depends), accessories, clothing (erm no, not really), car (i drove hers and she, well, don't drive mine. hehe!) and etc. I love going to her house and play when we were small. She was the quiet type during those times but playful as well (remember Datuk Harimau??;)). I recall back when I was celebrating my birthday in my house, she had this really really short hair and skinny back then!

All the ups and downs, tears and laughters... 
It has been a long way down the memory lane.
Now she's married! To Ian the man! =)
I have to say that their wedding is the best wedding I've ever witnessed. I was already tearing up when she was handed over. I guess I was very happy for her. 
I love the ceremony. I love the atmosphere. I love the meaningful vows they've spoken to one another. Its like, heaven stopped, and everyone is watching them. I know God has blessed them. =)
And the wedding is exactly like how I imagined a wedding should be. 
Schoolmates. Now turned husband and wife. Talking about destiny huh. ;)
Here goes the pictures. (Courtesy of Jofanna Bridal.)

Congratulation again guys!

Nethy.

Commitment?

Its one of the important things in life that one must make and arrange wisely.

This is also one thing that I am learning to arrange properly and wisely, especially nowadays and days months to come. I can't remember one night (couldn't remember which night) when mum & I was sitting at the kitchen, I was listing down all that I have to do this holidays (4 months holidays!). All the things I do I list it down in a piece of paper, just to make myself clear, and to organize it. Most importantly, priority is very important. There could be lotsa commitments one can make. But one should prioritize it accordingly: The important thing must come first no matter what and continued by the less important thing (as compared with the important thing).

It would make your life simpler when you know in what area you should put more effort into. =)