---apple addict---: July 2008

Saturday, July 26, 2008

He's faithful

Last week after Stream of Praise concert at church, I figured out that I really MUST visit my aunt the next time I am back.. Visited her last Monday. My mom and I went because my mom needed to go to China, and in case they cannot meet anymore.. I was quite nervous when I was in the car, on the way to her house, but I just kept singing worship songs. I didn't know what I could offer her. Felt like I couldn't understand what she's going through. Yeah. I indeed couldn't. I wasn't in any position to offer her any words of encouragement...So I just prayed, God be with us.. I really want to be your channel to bring your presence.

In her room, she was all shrunken. No more cheeks. The look was terrible. Initially I was really really scared to look at her. At the same time I was grieved about how cancer struck her. My mom asked her if she recognised her.. so she said yes, and called my mom's name.. I could see her constantly chanting away.. my heart was saddened. She knew Christ.

After a short chat with her mother in law in the kitchen, we went back to her room.. and found her already too weak to speak. She had to struggle to speak. I couldn't bear looking at her face.. She was trying really hard to make a sound..

Tears just flowed down our cheeks. Even her nurse, who had only been taking care of her for a few weeks, was crying. My aunt used all her strength to called out my mom's name and said "we will be sisters forever". That moment my mom just broke down in tears.

I told my mom, that we shouldn't be afraid of where she will be. Because God is faithful. He will finish the work that he already begun in my aunt. I just kept holding on to that promise... I began to cherish every breathe I have, looking at how my aunt has difficulty in breathing.. We knew that her time was about to end.. She was really really down to skin and bones. Almost all her organs are failing.. her kidneys had failed, that's why her feet was swollen.

I've just come back from dinner.. and I didn't realise that there was an SMS from my sis. "Jie, aunt has just passed away, hopefully she will be in heaven." When I heard that I didn't know what to say, although I knew it was coming. But I didn't expect it to be so fast... So I SMSed my mom...

She told me.. "your aunt's younger sister told me that she heard your aunt saying that she is going to heaven".. My heart was still doubting... so I asked her.. whether she knew where she was going. My mom replied and said "She saw heaven.. She said she was going there"

In my heart, I was just thanking the Lord for His faithfulness... He has made it come to pass! Heaven seemed so real. Heaven is very real.. which means hell is also a reality. I think this is the closest encounter I have so far, with someone who's facing death. The fear of death.. and finally the importance of the assurance of salvation and eternal life..

So many people in this world.. wonders around.. sometimes human just don't care where we're heading to because we always think that we will not be the ones who will face death in the near future. But death is so real. My aunt was such a healthy person. The next moment.. she was diagnosed, and then she was so ill... and now resting in peace.

I know that my aunt is safe in Jesus' arms now. Only Jesus knows the way. and only Him gives promises about heaven...

Praise the Lord.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Happy big family built on foundation

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Monday, July 14, 2008

Make me like one of your hired servant..

In the parable of the lost son, the son knew his wrong doings and he was ashamed. When he decided to return to his father's house, he asked his father to make him like one of his hired servant. He said "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son."

However, the father's heart was generous and compassionate. He was always willing to embrace his lost son, without remembering the past.. and he didn't care how his son present state was like. He was still his son. His father did not want to make him like one of his hired servant, but he wanted to put the best clothes on him, and providing with the best that he could, embracing him as a son.

Similarly, in our spiritual walk with God, there are times perhaps when we choose our own ways or perhaps we fall into self-righteousness... Backsliding or walking in disobedience often makes us feel too ashamed to return to the Father's embrace. We want to return home but we feel that we are not worthy of God's love. Or perhaps we have mistaken God as one who's harsh, always ready to punish us for the disobedience we walk in. We want to become like one of His hired servant. We often do not realise that the Father's wants to embrace us as His sons and daughters again. He wants to give us the best he can.

If you ever fall away, and doubt that God can embrace you as His son, renew your mind.. do not fear but run to Him and call Him Abba Father, because He is always ready to receive us as His own children again. His mercy is new every morning.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Short Vacation

Have been having a great time in Batam. Although it's mainly slacking.. but having great time with family. Experiencing the daily boring stuff is also an enjoyment. Haha. wake up to have some fights (haha play2 only) with my siblings. last Sunday, both my bro and my sis' boyfriend got baptised! :)) very glad for them. I shall upload the pictures soon. But not now, cos my internet is overlimit now.

Going to have a 7D5N holiday with my siblings to Bali. Flying off from Singapore because of this budget airline that is having promo. Hehe. Very excited. Expecting some water fun! will be surfing, and hopefully snorkeling too. So please don't contact me through my singtel number of my email (cos I won't be able to check them). I have an Indo number tho. +62 856 6587700

Will be back in SG next week. Haha. Time is so short. But I have to work hard soon. Cannot slack too much!