From the depths of my heart, my soul cries out to You

Never take life for granted. Live it to the fullest and with purpose. Life is like a piece of thread, so fragile yet so precious.

Life's one certainty is its sheer of uncertainty. As Scripture reminds us, we 'do not know what will happen tomorrow.' (James 4.14). Learn to appreciate the essense of life itself and live it with purpose for His glory.

I was shocked, well shocked last night when I recieved a text from dad. Literally burst out into tears for mum esp when Dad's text from Indonesia was so vague. Mum being sent to Manipal emergency ward- pls pray for her. So many things crossed my mind, and for once my faith went down to the pits! But I kept mum in prayer, secretly wishing for a miracle even with the little faith I had left.

While having dinner, I felt emotional again. And I started crying all over. I lost my appetite over my mixed vegetables; didn't even finish it and instead opted for digestives with nutella. Why did mum have to go through such pain and suffering? Why did such an accident befell her while my dad was travelling? Why???!

These questions shall only be answered when I reach heaven. However, I must acknowledge that peace and comfort overflowed as I read and meditated on Psalms. My fear slowly diminished as I entrusted my mum to the Lord, knowing that He is ultimately in control and that He would not give her more pain than what she could endure. I learnt what it means to have faith even in the midst of adversity. How to commit and trust.

I thank God and praise Him that He has heard my family's cries and mine too. She just had a couple of stitches done, lost 5 tooths in total and had some soft tissue injuries on her arms. Her chin and arms have all been bandaged and I'm so glad that she didn't fracture her jaw or broke any bones or it could well have been much worst. I am believing and trusting God that she will recover soon, that in the name of Jesus, all pain be gone. Her many cuts and wounds especially on her tongue will soon disappear and that she'll soon be able to enjoy her food. I thank you Father for your protection and for watching over my family.

For his unfailing love never ends...

This week has been a difficult week. Last Sunday, I fell from the bus and as a result sprained my ankle very badly. In fact, the pain must have been so great that I woke up a number of times! The next morning was worst. I literally struggled to class. Walking down the stairs have never been so torturous and painful. For once, I wished I stayed on the ground floor. I nearly gave up going to lectures but due to some commitments I made earlier last week, it was essential for me to be present.

After my work, I decided to give my local GP practice a call. Unfortunately, they were fully booked and hence could not see me. Following that, I dragged myself to the local NHS walk-in centre near the Piccadily train station but got absolutely frustrated because they refused to see me without proof of my original student visa. Reason being: not a permanent resident and never been to a walk-in clinic before.

Even in those frustrating circumstances, God has been so gracious. He has watched over me and heard my cry. I praise the Lord for the friends I have, every single one of them for their support, encouragement and care. As a result of my immobility, I spent a lot more time at home. I have enjoyed the precious moments reading His word, dwelling in His presense and praising Him in my room. His joy and peace were so great and His assurance and promises were so comforting in the midst of my struggles.

And I really thank the LORD for the great friends I have, every single one of them. For Melissa, for believing and having so much faith that my ankle will heal. For her care and concern. Her love and compasssion has never failed to touch my heart. For her faithful texts everyday, how's your ankle today? I have never found a friend like her; so true, so faithful and so loyal. And I can only thank the Lord for our friendship.

For Janice, for her encouragement, her prayer and her visits. Her love and her effort of specially taking the bus and bringing her super Kui Fah Yau all the way from Whitworth Park. I am extremely grateful for her thoughts of even coming over to pick me up by bus on Saturday for bible study. Thank you dear Janice for just being who you are!

For Jennie, for giving me her chinese ointment and Yoko Yoko. Truly appreciated your calls and for just being there for me. Remember that you are a wonderful child of God, created perfectly for His purpose.

For Feedo, for giving me his bandages when I needed them most. For offering me your painkillers when you saw me in such pain.

For Chris, for his advice and for going into city just to help me get the ankle support.

For my coursemates, for being so understanding and kind even during those times.

Thank you dear friends for everything! Words can never truly sufficiently express how grateful I am to you all. But above all, I give God all the glory for His great and supernatural healing.

"The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies, we have been kept form complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself.'the LORD is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him!' The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him."
Lamentations 3:22-25

Healing in the name of Jesus

I was feeling quite discouraged when I couldn't talk to my mum today again. But I know God is her healer and that she has already been made well. She will regain her strength day by day and that she will not feel weak any longer. In the name of Jesus, cleanse her with Your blood and may you deliver her completely from her sickness. In the name of Jesus, I claim complete healing.

Psalm 30 (NIV)

1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9 "What gain is there in my destruction,
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Thank you dear Lord for your healing. To God be the glory forever and ever.

How to know if you are Chinese?

I really had a good laugh reading it! Hilarious. Enjoy reading:)

Some interesting facts about being Chinese. Some of them are actually quite accurate.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE CHINESE?

1. You unwrap gifts very carefully, so you can save and reuse the wrapping (and especially those ribbons).
2. When there is a sale on toilet paper, you buy 100 rolls and store them in your closet or in the bedroom of an adult child who has moved out.
3. You keep a thermos of hot water available at all times.
4. You save grocery bags, tin foil and tin containers. You use the grocery bags to hold garbage.
5. You hate to waste food:
a) Even if you are totally full, if someone says they're going to throw away the leftovers on the table, you'll finish them. Your mum will give a lecture about starving kids in Africa.
b) You have tupperware in your fridge with three bites of rice or one leftover chicken wing.
6. You don't own real Tupperwares -only a cupboard full of used but carefully rinsed margarine tubs, take-out containers and jam jars.
7. You have a collection of minature shampoo bottles that you take every time you stay in a hotel.
8. You wipe your plate and utensils or wash them in a small basin of hotwater you eat everytime you go to a restaurant.
9. You own a rice cooker and a slow cooker.
10. You wash your rice at least 2-3 times before cooking it.
11. You fight (verbally) over who pays the dinner bill.
12. You have a teacup with a cover on it.
13. If you're under 20, you own a really expensive walkman. If you're over 20, you own a a very expensive camera.
14. You're a wok user.
15. You only make long distance calls after 7 p.m.
16. You prefer your shrimps with heads and legs still attached - it means they are fresh.
17. You never call your parents just to say hi.
18. If you don't live at home, when your parents call, they'll ask if you have eaten, even if it is midnight.
19. Your parents tell you to boil herbs and stay inside when you get sick. They also tell you not to eat fried foods or baked foods because they are heaty.
20. You e-mail your Chinese friends at work, even though you only sit 10 feet apart.
21. You always cook too much.
22. You eat every last grain of rice in your bowl, but don't eat the last piece of food on the table.
23. You starve yourself before going to 'all you can eat' buffet.
24. You know someone who can get you a good deal on jewelry or electronics.
25. You own your own meat cleaver and sharpen it.
26. Your tooth-paste tubes are squeezed paper-thin.
27. You wrap with napkins all the knives, spoons and forks of the airline that you fly on and put in your travel bag as souvenirs.
28. You never forget to take with you all the unused bath and facial tissues when you check out from the hotel because you believe that you have paid it all.
29. You will laugh at yourself when you read all of them.
30. And you will always be proud because you are Chinese.If you are laughing,you should be proud being one.

For my dearest sister

You, O Lord make my paths straight,
You are my guide and my light,
Help me O Lord to change, I pray,
In everything I do, I commit unto You.

Make me, mould me to what you want me to be,
My desire is to seek you first,
To honour You all the days of my life,
To run the race and fight the good fight.

Guide my heart, help me and teach me,
For I know with my own flesh, I am weak,
But in You, I am made strong,
May my weakness be made perfect in Your sight.

May I always be grateful and content,
For each and every single blessing,
No matter how big or small,
For I know all good things come from You!

May the life I live,
And the words from my mouth,
Continue to glorify Your name,
From now and forever!

(dedicated for Careena)

With God's favour, nothing is impossible!

How true is that statement! When we are in a difficult situation, when things are going tough, the best and only true remedy is to pray and seek God's favour and help. For we know we worship an awesome and powerful God and that with Him, nothing is impossible! Absolutely nothing!

Finally managed to sort out my banking this morning with Halifax after much hassle. But through it all, I have learnt so much about the finance and business world. The investments available, the different saving accounts with various benefits and the different interest rates. I have sat down with finance managers (though regretted not demanding for a cup of coffee as well, haha) for the first time seeking advice and being financially educated about the investment funds available. I have come to realise how important it is to be confident, assertive and be in control at all times. To make wise decisions and not be rash or easily influenced.

But I thank the Lord for his protection and wisdom as I handled all this. All part of the growing and learning process.

And yes, my FW contract has arrived today by post. Lots of paper work to do tonight, especially with the seemingly endless forms to fill:)

Growth is essential

Growth is not an option. It is essential. Without growth, we don't stay status quo, we deteriorate. Growth are essential for leaders and like Duanne Seeley said, 'when you stop growing, you stop leading'. Personal development takes perseverance and determination. It is not automatic. It must be planned, intentional, constistent and eagerly desired. More than what we plan to do, we must take action.

Goals and visions must be set in place. Develop a passion to see things grow. To not be content but always seek and grap any possible opportunities. Use our God's given talent. I was reminded by the parable of the king's ten servants in Luke 19: 11-27. How the king was so harsh on the man who had not increased the money. God too eagerly desires for us to grow spiritually and be mature in our understanding.

Good memories

Cindy and Charles enjoying Dim Sum at Pacific!

3 sweet sisters in Manchester:)
U gals rock! Love u all...

Easter hols

Easter hols have been great even though it is now drawing to an end... Have really enjoyed myself especially catching up with old yet precious friends.

Walked and explored round Manchester to places I have never even been before!

Took a look behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Stood at Fergie's spot in a match, sat at the player's changing rooms and emerged from the player's tunnel to the roar of the crowd.(envious?)

Marvelled at the splendour of the Manchester Art Gallery collection. Really appreciated some of the glorious artwork especially the Pre-Raphaelites paintings by Millais, Waterhouse and Rossetti (I guess all under the influence of our dear Cindy, hehe).

Admired the gothic architecture of the Old John Rylands Library in Deansgate. A must visit if you have never been before! An opportunity to see a rare fragment of the John's gospel:)

Oh, the joy of watching my friends savouring and enjoying their dim sum in the famous Tai Wu and Pacific.

Not to mention, the late nights chatting, baking and cooking together. The mouthwatering chewy nutty brownies, the amazing carrot cake with walnuts, the wonderful banana bread and the crumbly apple crumble with creamy custard... how could I resist???

And the trip to Peak District was most enjoyable eventhough it was freezing. I was certainly in awe of the breaktaking scenery, a wonderful reminder that our mighty God created it all! I'll upload the pictures later..

And even spending time with Meli has been great. I really thank the Lord for blessing me with such a wondeful sister. Continue to press on! Remember that you were made to be extraordinary ...crafted by God perfectly to fit his plan and purpose. These years will hold many significant signposts and will definitely prepare you for greatness!

Facing the giants

Just finished watching the movie 'Facing the Giants.' What an awesome movie it is and what a wonderful reminder that with GOD nothing is impossible!

'For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.' Philipians 4:13

Another answered prayer...How can I thank my God enough?

As I was cleaning, I saw this prayer in an enclosed envelope I wrote to Jesus on the 26/11/07 during the Monday Grosvenor CU bible study.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for what you have done for me on the cross.I pray that I will always remain faithful to studying and reading Your word. I pray that I will always give you all the honour and glory you rightly deserve.I pray dear Jesus you will help me through this journey. I especially pray for my interview with FW at 12pm on Wednesday and that it will go on smoothly. I pray I will keep calm and confident,speak slowly and steadily and that I may have the favour of the interviewer. I thank you Lord for what you have already done and accomplished. I know you have the best intention for me.

Thank you dear Lord,
Sheena

This prayer has been answered. Just last week, I received a phone call from FW saying that they wish to offer me a summer placement. I am so ever grateful...now awaiting the contract which is on its way!:) Thank you Jesus!

Back again

Tonight I have the sudden edge to begin blogging again after being silent for almost a year! Mine you, my walk with God hasn't been dormant, rather it has been an exciting journey.

There has been times when I was down but nevertheless because of His grace and faithfulness, I have risen again and grown.

There has been times when I have learnt to trust in Him wholeheartedly, everyday and every second of my life even when the answer seems far away.

There has been times where I have learnt what it means to live in the shelter of the Most High and find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.To not be afraid, because we are more than conquerors.

There has been times where seeking God's wisdom and discernment were essential especially when making wise decisions.

There has been times when I have learnt to surrender it all to Jesus.

So many things have happened within this year. But looking back, I know I have made it this far only because God has been gracious and kind towards me. The blessings He has showered I can never repay. Thank you Father! I will continue to seek YOU first above all things!