Twenty Eleven

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

I was writing today's date that it dawned on me this was going to be the last day for writing '2011'. It's hard to believe that the year is ending. I can look at this year and say it has been a year of 'seasons'. Indeed, a year of seeking and waiting, of weeping (a lot) and laughing, of keeping and casting away. All in all, this year was a good year. Trials, transitions, joys, growth, and all.

TRIALS

The unexpected theme this year.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:3-5)

The biggest trial of 2011 is undoubtedly the search for a house. It began in March and continued throughout the year. The above verses have brought me back to God over and over again in times of weakness. I earnestly sought God's blessing in this matter but wasn't quite prepared for how tough it was! Through all the house inspections, research, unsuccessful offers and everything else that has been given to my portion I really, really thank God for this trial. It's been extremely draining both physically and emotionally - God has truly been my rock through it all. This year I have learnt more about waiting on God - that He strengthens those who wait and helps us to be patient. It is so true! His wondrous grace is so endless and available through prayer and obedience to His will. I trust that God allows trials to happen for growing my faith. No matter how heavy my burdens are, God's with me and the Atonement will heal my broken spirit.

TRANSITIONS

Mostly work related. New team, new training, new role, new manager, new education, new responsibilities are some of the transitions this year. Really thank God for seeing me through each new environment and for all the blessings undeserved. It has been a memorable year of work and a blessed year of productivity because of God's graciousness.

JOYS

This past year, has been that, a year of joy. The Lord caused my hart to rejoice in the marriage of two friends, in the fruitful fellowships I've had and other events too many to list. Reading through the New Testament has also been a source of joy. The Word of God has been my teacher and oft times a timely encouragement. I thank God for helping me to read the Bible, there are many passages I don't understand. I look forward to another year of learning and time with God.

GROWTH

All of the above has grown my faith. I am growing (little by little), because God is at work. In the year to come I pray to live more faithfully in my daily struggles.

2012 stares me in the face. Another year is closing it is not the end. My work on earth is not yet completed; there is more to accomplish for the Lord. More spiritual homework and room to grow in loving the Lord.

I know not what is coming. But it is coming. May I usher in this New Year with faith, trust, and thanksgiving. Thank God for seeing me through thus far, and for giving me all I need to move forward through the days, months, and years ahead, until the day He comes to take me home.

Blessed New Year and warmest wishes for 2012 to all of you. Let's all grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

God bless ♥

My Vacuum Cleaner

It's been two years and we never bonded. I don't like it. It is heavy and awkward and the hose is stiff and it mocks me by falling to its belly every corner I turn. Because of it, I dread vacuuming! I avoid using it if at all possible. I use it only under duress, leavng mum to war the evil machine.

Over the years it has lost significant suction power. Now it struggles to pick anything up. The poor thing has seen better days. It is time to move on and find ourselves a new one.

After much research, my next vacuum will be a Dyson. To be honest, compared to my old vacuum which was just a dust sprayer, anything will shine. But for long lasting sparkles, I've decided to invest in a Dyson. I won't rave about it here as I don't own one yet, but it isn't short of compliments from owners all over the world.

My question is: How on this planet can a person decide what Dyson to buy?

Beyond this brief life

II Corinthians 3

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Faith, Even On A Rainy Day

Tonight reading brought tears to my eyes. God's Word pricked my heart of the doubt I'm starting to have that God is good.

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform" - Romans 4:20,21

Here Paul spoke of Abraham's faith which pleased God. Abraham had no knowledge of the church, Jesus Christ, the prophets, Moses of the Ten Commandments but he was saved through faith in God's promises. He chose to believe in God's promises.

God put Abraham's faith in the Bible for our example, especially mine. Dear God, please help me to believe You to overcome the darkness, the serpent, the sin and the uncertainties which I fear.

And to rejoice in You always.

Many thing about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand. But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand.

Catch on fire

This was in today's LivingWaters.com Newsletter:

"I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn." ~ John Wesley

People are attracted to passion and conviction. Do you burn with love for God? Is there a gospel fire in your bones? I've found that nothing but a clear view of the cross, an understanding of teh gospel, continual prayer, and regular feasting of the Word of God can ignite the wet wood of a lukewarm believer. If you want to be an effective witness for teh King... FIRE IT UP AGAIN! Get on your face, see the cross in all its horror, thank your bleeding and resurrected Saviour, read His precious Word, and speak with Him daily. There is so much attractive about warm light in cold darkness.
~ Kirk Cameron

Student Again

"Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool. I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight. Oh! Back to school... back to school... back to school." - Billy Madison

I have lost count of the number of times I've seen Billy Madison, Steven and I used to watch every Adam Sandler movie on tv! Haha, we were huge fans back in the day.

Anyhoo, back to the blog. HR just confirmed my enrollment, I'm going back to being a student!

Scary huh! I think nearly three years away from academia has spoiled me. Memory is rather distant on exam prep and nightly readings. So far I've seen the course guideline which seems manageable, thank God. Apart from having online activities to complete, I have a project to do and just one exam covering all topics. Not too bad eh except that the textbook is really thick, so there will be lots of readings to do in a short period of time before the next scheduled training course. Thankfully that my manager has said I could study during work if it's not too busy. I'm yet to 'meet' my tutor, he/she is available via online chat hahaha what a great idea!

But I have the peace no matter what disadvantages are against me knowing that this study opportunity has been an answer of prayer. God worked to probe my manager in putting me up for more responsibility without my manipulative tactics ie nagging/whinging. On top of that, things have happened at work to enable this fast track, eg a new manager onbaord, one colleague's leaving and one colleague leaning more towards another team. I can see that God is in this because the timing is too spot on for it to be accredited to 'luck' or anything else. It really felt like that things have just fell into place without resistance from top management. 

O Thou fount of blessing, how I praise Thee for such marvelous lovingkindness to the feeble creature that I am. I pray that my results will indeed honour God.

December Murmur

Happy December people!

Secret Squirrel has a ripe acorn to reveal:

I have a small winter supply of Coles Group & Myer Gift Cards collected over the past few months! 

My workplace has a few rewards programs for keeping staff morale high. My favourite incentive is this, the Coles Group & Myer Gift Cards. I actually didn't intend on saving the gift cards for any special purchase, it's just that I had nothing to buy. Each time the cards came, I threw them into the drawer and then forget that they're actually spending cash.

Tonight I spread the cards out and got a little overwhelmed. Thank God for the almost-forgotten-bonus! It would have been a pity if the cards expired without being used... I'm so ignorantly blur sometimes : (

Now seeing as the money has to be spent, there are a few things that I wouldn't mind having hehe (mainly for the house).

1. Dyson/Robotic vacuum cleaner
2. iPad 3
3. Pro massage chair

I also have credit on another rewards program which must be redeemed by Feb 2012 the latest. Seeing as it's already December, I had a quick browse tonight as well through the website to come up with the following 'possibilities'. 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sounds sad but I'm really indecisive about what to buy... In all honesty it's much more enjoyable being being a working squirrel, the 'collecting' is a lot less complex than the 'spending'.

How do you think I should spend the money?

November Murmur

So here it goes, done with November and it seems days are getting better by the grace of God. I praise God for all the wonderful things He has showered upon me. He continues to weave the good and the bad to achieve His purpose and bring about good in my life.

This morning I enjoyed a free breakfast courtesy of the Commonwealth Bank and Gloria Jeans. I had a large flat white and it turned out to be one of the better coffees I ever had. Admittedly I am a rookie when it comes to coffee but I know what I like: a hint of bitterness yet creamy and smooth to the pallet with lasting fragrance of coffee beans lingering in the nasal canal even after swallowing. Mmm.. Deliciously awakening.

Enjoyed the rest back in the office. Savouring every drop :)

Karen, Rowas and I finally redeemed our Cudo vouchers and signed up for the gym. I had a ball exercising with you girls! All the laughing was good work out for my tummy :)

Last day of Movember!

[Furniture] - Sunbed

I saw a sunbed at Bunnings today similar to the one pictured above.

Immediately I thought about doing QT in the garden!

(Seated comfortably on this lovely piece of furniture)

This is it.

It's going on the furniture buying list :)

God is

Today's devotion :

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1 Peter 5:7

The same theme popped up twice

In audio sermon and in daily reading

Beware of "the cares of this world..."

God says: Julia, be thankful child

see from the very start

that I am God

So thankful today was

encouraging testimonies and words filled my inbox

Sharing of God's rich blessings undeserved

and two answered prayers of mine on waiting on God

The Lord works in our lives

to showeHimself strong

God is

faithful

unchanging

everlasting

trustworthy

just

holy

unique

perfect

truth

love

supreme

all powerful

merciful

sovereign

good

Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, 

which passeth all understanding, 

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4,7 KJV

Rejoice Always

Rejoice in the Lord

God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

Chorus: O Rejoice in the LORD
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried
And purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

...

Last Saturday,

God sent this song when I was driving home alone

And a good tear session followed.

Indeed,

God never moves without purpose or plan

Give thanks to the LORD though my testing seems long.

My Father knows best.

Oct Murmur

11:07 PM

Last day of October
Scariest day of my life

Rushed here after work
Still at the hospital
It's gonna be a long night

這樣吧

有心?

無意?

似有似無

還是無中生有

放棄

決定

輕微的刺痛

A Stranger in this World

Make Me A Stranger
Words and music by Mac Lynch

Make me a stranger on earth, dear Saviour,

Make me a stranger more like Thee.

Help me keep my focus on heavenly treasures,

And not on earthly things may it be.

Lord lead me onward as a pilgrim

Bound for heaven never to roam.

Make me a stranger on earth, dear Saviour,

Till I see my heavenly home.

Lord, I've found myself loving earthly treasures:

Simple pleasures taking Your place.

Nothing can measure to heavenly treasures:

Hearing "Well done," and seeing Your face.

Lord lead me onward as a pilgrim

Bound for heaven never to roam.

Make me a stranger on earth, dear Saviour,

Till I see my heavenly home.

>>><<<

Hebrews 11:13  These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

1 Peter 2:11  Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

>>><<<

This song reminds me as a Christian not to entangle with the affairs of this world which we are passing through. We ought to have eternity in view in what we say and do, choices we make.

Three months ago saw my lowest point in the search for a house. When I was spiritually uninspired, God used this song to comfort and refocus my attention back on Him.

It is incredibly stressful being a home buyer; aside from attending house inspections, there are other things such as finance provision, property valuation, offer clauses and etc to take into consideration. Admittedly, my eyes wandered away from my Saviour and took in instead the glamorous sights of property investment. Thankfully, the God of mercy intervened and the distraction was only temporary. The Lord gently reminded me that I am just a stranger and pilgrim on this earth, a people set apart for His glory.

This song replenished my courage tremendously to pick up my feet again and march boldly toward heaven. I peacefully rest in the sure knowledge that God is sovereign, and my life is best penned by my Master's hand. Some nights I am tempted to fret, but by God's grace I have let go of the self-imposed pressure on being a 'maximizer'.

Still looking forward to the day of home ownership; excited much by the freedom of opportunity to serve God with the blessing that He so lovingly will bestow. Simply going with God's flow, delighting in the promise that He makes all things beautiful, in His time.

"Bound for heaven never to roam".

Shrinking

I have the slight suspicion that my feet are 'growing' smaller...

Sliding into a pair of size 6 heels confirmed the suspicion.

YOU SIR, Expanding Waistline, are next on my suspicion list!

August Murmur

"If stress burned calories, I would be a supermodel!"


A perfect one-liner to sum up my August 2011.


SOME MAJOR EVENTS:
Work
Work meetings
Interview
EOFY Party
Morning tea fundraising
Church meetings
Dinner dates
Breakfast fellowship
Coffee catch-ups
Doctor apt
Dentist apt
Hair apt
Facial apt
Friends' birthdays
Dad's birthday
Adelphe Bible Study
Food buying & cooking
Wedding decor
Bridal shower
HL & A Wedding
Movies
Fremantle fish & chips
Airport
Lots & lots of house inspections
Housing offer & rejection


*Phew*


Looking back at the calendar for August I was surprised to realise that I had just two free nights alone out of the entire month. Being so busy with meaningful projects, both for church and for work, made every sacrifice worthwhile. I don't think that I have complained at all this month about the lack of personal time! Usually I am very much the creature of 'personal-space-now-leave-me-alone', so to have done well being constantly surrounded by people I am extremely pleased. My friends, you guys are a special bunch. MY special bunch haha!


Anyhoo, the month of August definitely flew by much quicker than I was prepared for. One thing I learnt out of this experience was to treasure my free time and use them more wisely. Quite often I like to procrastinate before committing down to something which can waste a lot of time and make my brain lazy. I believe that God allowed me to be this short for time so He could help me learn the lesson of time consciousness. Any wastage would be silly - and sleep deprivation later down the track! I am still learning in this area, but, definitely gained a greater time appreciation that every hour is precious. Through His enablement I am still up to date with the Daily Bible Reading and even had time to make advancement of the book that I love reading, Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret. My biggest tip is AUDIO BIBLE!! It is very handy when driving and eating breakfast both at the same time *smiley face*.


I am sadly disappointed about one thing though, a rejected offer on a house that I really liked. Oh well, more on this later maybe, if enough people are interested to hear the story.


Thank God for a fruitful month of fellowship with Him and brethren in Christ. The privilege of serving God through helping others was humbling and deeply satisfying.


So far September has been pretty cruisy which I am truly thankful for. A good time to rest up and enjoy a more intimate time with God.


G'nite with ♥


J

The real price of death

My work just heard the sad news this morning that someone had taken their life in the public toilet. This happened last night and the police have been around to clean up the scene.

What I found surprising and heart breaking was that apart from the disabled toilet, the rest of the shopping center was business as usual. Nobody was aware of what went on behind closed doors.. We only found out because the center manager is a friend and she came to tell us the story.

As soon as I'd heard what happened, my heart became incredibly heavy.. As Christians, we all know the sad, but sure fate of those who die without Christ. I remember reading something in yesterday's devotion:

This world is the closest thing to hell Christians will ever experience, and the closest thing to heaven unbelievers will ever know.

No matter much suffering and pain we experience in this life, everything comes to an end. BUT Hell never ends; it goes on and on for eternity.

This has definitely been a wake up call on evangelism for me personally.

Um..

Yeah, me too.

Now that my computer has been restored to life, it's time to restart blogging.

Be back soon :)

Overseas delivery

Thanks, Karen!! =) 𠎀J

Loves a good steak!

And good friendship :)

Black out

At work with a cup of coffee, waiting for the power to come back.

Colleagues sitting around my desk exchanging life stories �

Harbour Town madness

All shoes $5!

Coffee

And brain training.

Hot coffee to sooth my sore throat.

What's happening now

Long overdue haircut & treatment.

Could it be...?

I am excited,
I am eager,
I am scared.

Am I too excited?
Am I too eager?
Am I too hopeful?

I am growing anxious.
I am going to pray some more.

God is in control,
I need to relax in Him.
My Lord is in everything,
Including this one.

A small announcement

In case some of you are wondering why I have not blogged in such a long while... It is because my computer broke down.

Well my tech savvy little brother was quickly informed of his big sister's dilemma; thank God Steven was happy to fix this issue for me. He said I needed to find the original Windows disc then he could restore the computer for me. Problem is I can't find my Windows disc.

So now I am stuck.

But thank God for my old Dell laptop. It has been collecting dust for a while and I felt bad about neglecting it all these years. Really thankful for being able to use it tonight to complete this Friday's sermon powerpoint!

And now I am going to bed. Maybe I'll find the disc tomorrow?

Maybe?
Hopefully.

May Murmur

薇最近的煩惱
在於要了解的東西太多
而真正記得的太少

腦容量太少
便宜房子太少
自己錢太少

也因為有太多的選擇
所以舉棋不定
變成了猶豫不決

這樣的我
這樣的我
這樣的我

...


以上    碎碎唸完收工

Sneak peek of the next product review  

What's eating now

Lobster yee mee & sambal fish.

Late lunch after fulfilling the bellies of a packed house of hungry diners

Reflection

Rise and shine!

Checking in at work. Doing overtime this Easter break.

A beautiful hymn came up on the radio which brought a tear to my eye, Jesus Paid It All.

My strength is indeed small, I will watch and pray to find in Thee my all in all.

Happy 9th spiritual birthday yesterday.

Thank you Heavenly Father for Thy Son's precious blood shed for all. Thank You for choosing to love sinners such as I.

Farewell, D90

This post remembers Little Blackie, my much loved Nikon D90.

I.. Sold it yesterday. To a guy living round the corner from me. I am comforted knowing that Little Blackie is in safe hands. Still I feel somewhat sad about letting go.

We sure had some great fun together!