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Jul 31, 2006

One Book Meme

I've not been using my brain for a while (two months, I guess) since my "liberation" from the university (Yess! I graduated!). This is the chance for me to think hard and try to remember the books I've read so far. Okay, let's see what I've got.

Tagged by Moneybags.

  1. One book that changed your life:
  2. I've read lots of books, English and Chinese alike. All those books contributed in changing my life, in one way or another. But the book that made the first impact in my life is A Sister's Joys and Sorrows by Sr. Thomasetta, published in 1961. My thought of considering religous life was first sparked by this book.

  3. One book that you've read more than once:
  4. Chronicles of the Christ: God Came Near by Max Lucado. Love it. One of the first books that brought me closer to God.

  5. One book you'd want on a desert island:
  6. The Word of God, The Bible. I'll need that to live and it acts as a reminder to me that I will never be alone.

  7. One book that made you laugh:
  8. Does the comic book count? Hehe. If not, then it goes to A Sister's Joys and Sorrows. Young Sr. Thomasetta was a Chinese nun who knew no English when she first entered the Convent. She translated some English words into Mandarin, which sounded similar but turned out to be totally different in meaning. And yes, those are really funny.

  9. One book that made you cry:
  10. As far as I remember, it was You Can Be Healed by Willy Nakar. Really touching.

  11. One book that you wish had been written:
  12. None for the time being.

  13. One book that you wish had never been written:
  14. Playboy Magazine. Hope that counts.

  15. One book you're currently reading:
  16. Journey of Faith by Willy Nakar.

  17. One book you've been meaning to read:
  18. Karol Wojtyla: The Thought of the Man Who Became Pope John Paul II by Rocco Buttiglione.


I tag anyone who's been reading extensively. God bless.

Jul 28, 2006

July message from Medjugorje

Message from Our Lady of medjugorje on the 25th July:

Dear Children!

At this time, do not only think of rest for your body but, little children, seek time also for the soul. In silence may the Holy Spirit speak to you and permit Him to convert and change you. I am with you and before God I intercede for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.



My dear Lord, so many things happened in my life in such a short time. Please help me to handle them. All those events have driven me into confusion. Lord, please take control, for You are the Master of my life. Our Lady, Mother of our Lord Jesus and our mother, pray and intercede for me as you've promised. Through Jesus' name. Amen.

Jul 21, 2006

Rituals can be lies


That was the main theme for Monday's first reading (Isa 1:10-17).

During the Evening of Prayer last Wednesday, I noticed how people said the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

They were fast, as if it was a must to finish the prayer in an instance. No full-stops, no commas; with one breath they can finish Our Father. I was only half way through the Hail Mary and they have already finished the whole prayer. Wow. This is really 'impressive'.

The questions I asked: Were they really praying? Did they mean what they say? Or they got so used to the prayers that they become nothing but automatic words? Were they performing what Prophet Isaiah mentioned as empty rituals?

I realized that sometimes, I pray like that too. I slurr the words, my mind is empty, and I don't even understand what I am talking about. Lord, have mercy on me!

Praying means communicating with God our Father. Or in other words, we are having a conversation with God during prayer. I personally don't like it when friends are not sincere during a conversation. Likewise, I know that God would not be happy if I pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be just for the sake of praying.

As I write this, I am challenging myself (and readers) to always say what I mean and mean what I say when I pray. Prayers said with a sincere heart, besides bringing glory to God and pleasing Him, we will be blessed with joy, peace and strength.

That is the beauty of prayers (worship & praises to God) when they are said with sincerity and love.

Jul 13, 2006

Love affair

How many people out there actually know that our relationship with God involves an intimate loving relationship, the kind of relationship that is between a husband and a wife, a man and a woman?

A divine romance is happening right here on earth today, between the Creator and His beloved creation.

The greatest love story ever told -- God loves us even more than He loves His only Son. He loves us to the extend of giving up His only Son for us sinners (John 3:16). Through the prophet Hosea, the Lord revealed His love for us His people in this poem of love.

I have friends who are single and desperate. They said they marvel at how I am able to enjoy my single life, and better still, I am considering religious life. Some even told me that I'm foolish for not giving a chance to guys. Well, tell me then, my friends. How can I love another when my heart has been so totally taken by God? I want to let the whole world know that I belong solely to Jesus, the Prince of my heart and soul. And nothing can and will come between this love of ours.

Here's a piece of good news I would like to share with all those who are single and desperately looking. Stop looking for those who cannot give you total satisfaction. Give the Perfect Lover a chance, try Him. He would never let you down. When you accept Him to be your Lover, you will find yourself bursting with joy everyday. That is what I'm experiencing right now. I found myself giggling when my thoughts are filled with Him. I wanted to scream when I hear His Words of love for me. I know that I am alive because of His love; I am made for Him. I feel that I'm the happiest person in this whole wide world! Even though things don't come easy at times, my heart knows that He will never ever leave me. He has become my everything.

Remember the vow the bride and bridegroom will have to make during wedding? God has actually taken the initiative to take the vow for everyone, now it's our turn to live our lives as His spouse. Add this to your personal prayer and really mean what you say, and see how your lives will be transformed:

"I promise to be true to You in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. I will love You and honour You all the days of my life."

For all of you who have made up your mind to make a commitment in this divine romance, all the very best to you. ;)



Inspired by reading on Monday 10th July '06 and A Penitent Blogger.

Jul 9, 2006

Memories...

Malaysia-Philippines Gathering at the Bread of Life centre. We exchanged thoughts, sharings, and gratitude, etc. Everyone's attentive to what each other was sharing.

Yummy yummy... it's Pizza time! Everyone had pizza for lunch! Thanks to Uncle Paul and Bread of Life community!

Posing with the guitarist.

Me posing with the other 3 Elim members. They are young, single and hot. Anyone interested??? Yes? Ask God for their contact numbers, I'm not their manager. LOL.


Kiddo and Dondon. Kiddo, errm... well, you said you don't get why everyone calls you crazy, right? See, here's the proof. Haha.


Posing with two other very pretty girls from Elim (3rd and 5th from the left).


Shopping for souvenirs. Some of us followed them, including me (well, obviously. I took this photo). I wasn't helping at all, actually I was just curious of what stuffs they would be buying. In other words, I was just being 'kepo' (= nosy).

Jul 8, 2006

Fan Into Flame

The Conference
That was the theme of the conference/seminar that lasted for 3 days. It took me a while to decide whether I should go or not, whether it worthed my money or not. I went after much consideration, expecting nothing. For me, it was probably another seminar that was similar to the others which I've attended.

On the first day after the first session, one of the uncles in the Morning choir said to me that that would be another wake-up call for all of us. My heart didn't agree with him... I felt that this one would be more than just a wake-up call. And I was right.

I witnessed the speakers burned with zeal as they conveyed God's messages to us participants. Not only that. At first sight, I saw joy on their faces... and I knew right then how much their love for God was. So I told God in my heart, "Lord, make me like them."

The message was actually simple -- God loves us. He loves us as an individual, as who we really are, as who we are made to be. He loves us not because of the things we've offered Him; He loves us just like a mother loves her own child. There is no condition to this love of His. But to experience His love and receive the Spirit He's promised during His Ascension, we need to be open and willing to receive from Him.

During the ministering, I fell in love with Him once again, deeper in love this time! And I renewed my promises I've made -- to live a life of chastity and to put Him above everything else. He also planted something into my heart -- God-fearing spirit.

The Concerts
The climax, was of course the 2 concerts. Honestly, worship concerts like these are not new to me and to the youths here in Kuching, but the scene that left me in awe was this: those in their 40's, 50's and even 60's were among youths who were in the "fire zone"! They were also jumping, lifting their hands as all of us youths are doing, and they jumped even higher and longer than we did! Wow! Amazing, eh? My jaws dropped as I saw them dancing for the Lord! So I told myself: "If they can dance and jump like mad as if nobody's business, I certainly can do better than them!!"

After the whole thing (conference and concerts) were over, I find myself unable to walk. Hmm... when was the last time I went jogging?!?!

The pain in my tighs... so what? Most importantly, God has set my heart on flame!!

Coming Soon!
Some of our Youths were invited to a special session with Elim. I'm really thankful to God that I was given this opportunity to take photos with them as remembrance. I've even made some friends! Chances like this don't come easy. Understanding this, I've learned to capture and treasure every moment.

I hope I will be able to upload those photos soon. Not much, but it is for these great people whom I met.

God bless everyone!

Back soon...


I've been sick with running nose and respiratory inflammation. Am taking some rest, and much better now. I'll be posting soon. Sincere thanks to those who are concerned.

God bless!


Photo courtesy Windsor-Essex