Hello, my name is ..

When I first heard this song, it sounded a little too young-ish for my liking, so I didn't pay much attention to it. But I heard it over and over at the christian radio, pressumingly a top 10 and I finally hear what this song is all about.

There are things we do, think or feel which lead us believe in the enemy's lies. These lies, spelt "regret" and especially "defeat" can replay themselves over and over in our minds until it replaces our true identity in Christ. Once Satan succeed in causing us to doubt our identity, it is easy to drag us all the way down.

But God is more merciful & faithful than we can imagine. He draws close to us in our whisper. He is only but a heartbeat away.

I am no longer defined by all the wreckage behind. The one who makes all things true is proven is true. Yeah! :) Today, I want to sing "Hello, my name is child of the one true King. I've been saved, I've
been changed, and I have been set free. "Amazing Grace" is the song I sing. Hello, my name is child of the one true King! What love the Father has lavished upon us, that we should be called His children. I am a child of the one true King."

After a gruelling four months, dawn has finally broke. I believe I am finally begin to taste freedom. Thank you God. What a God. :)



Hello My Name is - by Matthew West

Hello, my name is regret 
I'm pretty sure we have met 
Every single day of your life I'm the whisper inside 
That won't let you forget
 
Hello, my name is defeat I know you recognize me 
Just when you think you can win I'll drag you right back down again 
'Til you've lost all belief
 
These are the voices, these are the lies And I have believed them, for the very last time
 
Chorus: Hello, my name is child of the one true King 
I've been saved, I've been changed, and I have been set free 
"Amazing Grace" is the song I sing 
  Hello, my name is child of the one true King
 
I am no longer defined by all the wreckage behind  
The one who makes all things new Has proven it's true 
Just take a look at my life
 
Hello, my name is child of the one true King 
I've been saved, I've been changed, and I have been set free 
"Amazing Grace" is the song I sing Hello,
my name is child of the one true King
 
Bridge: What love the Father has lavished upon us 
That we should be called His children  
I am a child of the one true King
What love the Father has lavished upon us  
That we should be called His children
 
Chorus: Hello, my name is child of the one true King 
 I've been saved, I've been changed, and I have been set free 
"Amazing Grace" is the song I sing Hello, 
my name is child of the one true King
I am a child of the one true King

Lyrics: Metro Lyrics

Steady my Heart

Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy
Why is pain a part of us
There are days I feel like Nothing ever goes right  
Sometimes it just hurts so much

But You're here You're real I know 
I can trust You
Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard  
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You Cause I know that You are 
Lover of my soul  
Healer of my scars  

You steady my heart (x2)
I'm not gonna worry I know that 
You got me Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment  
What's good and what gets broken

Happens just the way that You plan
And I will run to You  
And find refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You Cause of everything 
You are You steady my heart (x2)

  [ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/steady-my-heart-lyrics-kari-jobe.html ]

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) - Hillsong United

I was in a vortex situation. Things were spiralling downwards quickly. I wrote furiously. Every single thought that sprang up, I wrote it down. I had my journal everywhere I go. It was one of the ways I learnt to cope.  I did that intensely for the first month, then gradually over the second month.

Then I would worship on my keyboard in the morning and cry at my desk in the afternoon when kids nap. I cried at the movies, I cried during worship, I cried whenever something triggered a memory. The tears would come at the most unexpected moment.

I read voraciously. I found solace in perfect strangers, in biographies of those who went through the same. I kept away from people who judged or "knew better". 

I was reminded by what the pastor said, " A desert is a place you go alone. No one could go with you. It is also a place that God can be found."

Today, I was reminded of the Shofar. The first pendant I bought last year was a Shofar pendant. Shofar is a symbolism of victory. I fell in love with the pendant when I first saw it. I love being victorious. I think it is an important aspect of life and no one should live without experiencing Spirit-led victory in their lives. I remembered it was kept carefully in a box and I had not worn it for awhile.

F. Scott Fitzgerald said that the "test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." I seriously have no idea how a person could live like that. I tried and could not. Was I suppose to be running high on first-rate intelligence yet ignore a heart that was literally torn into two, with either side shouting the loudest?

It was a feeling that could easily lead one to give up on everything, or risk it all and go for the kill. Either or, it is a neurological mixed-up. I believe I was a double-minded man, unstable in all my ways. James 1:8 that "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

It was difficult to shake that off.  In the midst of educating and caring for the children, organising and running activities with the various groups that I was taking care of, the Lord would so graciously set aside time for me. He met me in unexpected moments.

He draws me gently, soothes my pain and let me drink by his living stream, a sip at a time. I learnt to enter his rest again, a familiar embrace that never once gave up on me.

Peace and Strength are found his presence. And this is no two opposing ideas. This song echoed my deepest heart cry.

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior."

As if someone up there hears me, a lady in church prophesied over me yesterday, "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4.

There is only one way and it will be the Lord's way.

"Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now"

Please enjoy this wonderful worship song.



"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

I first heard this tune from Piano Guys, and came to check out the vocal version. Loved Christina Perri's sultry voice and the beautiful lyrics. A gentle love song.

"I have died everyday
waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more..."

Heart beats fast

Colors and promises
How do be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid
To fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt
Suddenly goes away somehow

One step closer

I have died everyday
waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything
Take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath,
Every hour has come to this

One step closer

I have died everyday
Waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid

I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed
I would find you
Time has brought
Your heart to me
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

One step closer
One step closer

I have died everyday
Waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid,
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed
I would find you
Time has brought
Your heart to me
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Songwriter(s): David Hodges
Copyright: Emi Blackwood Music Inc., Tsbd Louisiana Llc, Summit Base Camp Film Music, 1206 Publishing

Lyrics from elyrics

We are weak, but you are strong

I first heard "You are my strength" in a friend's wedding. Watching my friend who had gone through so many relationship trials prior to her getting married, I could understand why this song.

I found myself so weak in similiar strain. Sometimes, something will trigger a memory and I couldn't help but cry. I may be strong in some areas, but I am definitely weak in others. Everyday, I seek for solitude so I can hide in the shadows of His wings. This song definitely takes me there. It is also for you. When you are weak, He is strong. 

Lord, you see a heart that is bleeding
there is no way to run
except towards you

but sometimes I still want to runaway
And I don't even know why
I see the past, I see the present
And I bleed

Won't you stay in my heart forever
so that no other can come in?
how long will this journey be
I am weary and I want to rest

Hold me, show me, tell me
how great your love is for me
Stronger, Deeper, Higher, Fuller than anything I can imagine



You are my Strength - Hillsong

You are my strength
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me

You are my hope
Hope like no other
Hope like no other
Reaches to me

In the fullness of Your grace
In the power of Your Name
You lift me up
You lift me up

Unfailing love
Stronger than mountains
Deeper than oceans
Reaches to me

Your love O Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness
Reaches to the skies

Striving is a work of the flesh

Today, God said "ceased striving" Striving is a work of the flesh. If our flesh is week, we are only fighting flesh with flesh when we strive.  When our flesh is weak we need grace. It is done, God has done it all on the cross. I just need to know I am redeemed and follow my redeemer. Away from the old life...

Awesome truth, awesome song. I am redeemed, you set me free, shake off these heavy chains, rub off every stain, I'm not who I used to be ...



Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me
“Son, stop fighting a fight that's already been won”

(Chorus)
I am redeemed
You set me free
So I'll shake off theses heavy chains
And wipe away every stain
Now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed
I am redeemed

All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, “Child lift up your head”
I remember oh God, You're not done with me yet

Chorus

I don't have to be
The old man inside of me
'Cause his day is long dead and gone
Because I've got a new name
A new life I'm not the same
And a hope that will carry me home

Chorus (X2)

Lyrics

You are God - Philips, Craig and Dean

Some time at some point of our lives we experience pain. Sometimes it stems from being helpless, sometimes we fall, sometimes we hurt, sometimes we lost. And we want to shake that feeling off, only it wouldn't go away as easily.

I was walking along the underground walkway at Orchard Road the other day and saw a busker. I whipped out more than I would usually give. He said "thank you very much", and I could tell he was surprised and immensely grateful. Unknown to me, my act of self-preservation at trying to heal my own pain through random act of what I thought was an extravagant gift looked feeble in contrast to his gratitude. God spoke to me instead. He said, "My child I forgave and I was the one who was extravagant" That is why this song  spoke to me, God is still in control no matter what circumstance.We can never out-give him, even in our pain. We cannot save ourselves. I used to believe we love only when we give till it hurts. But I know now God doesn't want our act of pious-ness, he wants our hearts. When we truely love, we give our hearts unreservedly.

When I was in the bookstore yesterday, a little child of about 2 or 3 came to me as I was browsing. He couldn't look at me in the eye, and was holding back his tears. He asked "Aunty, do you know where is my m...mummy?" I looked at him and was at once overwhelmed with his sense of lostness-ness. I stood up and assured him & held his hands, "Its ok, little boy, your mummy is looking for you too, she should be in this shop."

He was sobbing as his mum emerged from behind the shelves. The scene vividly reminded me of the God, our heavenly father who is always there, always looking for us when we get lost. He never forsake us and never gave us up. Do we look for him when we are lost? He is unchangeable, unshakeable, unstoppable, that's what he is, he is God alone. Right now, in the good times and bad, he is on the throne. He is God alone. If you have a situation that is taken right out of your hands, trust it into your loving heavenly Father's. Be blessed.



 You are not a God
Created by human hands
You are not a God
Dependant on any mortal man
You are not a God
In need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that's just the way it is

[chorus]
You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone

You're the only God
Whose power none can contend
You're the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
You're the only God
Who's worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And that's just the way it is

[chorus]

[bridge]
Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are

LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community

The more I seek you - Kari Jobe

If there may be a place in your heart that you needed someone to reach down and say you are worthy, you are beautiful , you are needed, how much you are wanted and treasured. know that this person is God. If there may be times you face rejection, know that God never rejected you. If there may a place you have fallen short, know that God's mercy wants to embrace you. If there may condemnation, God's love said that his heartbeat is for you. Know that he will  let you lay against him and let you hear his heart beat. So much is his love, he is beckoning you to melt in his peace. Be blessed. 



The more i seek you,
the more i find you.

The more i find you,
the more I love you

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

The more i seek you,
the more i find you.

The more i find you,
the more I love you

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace...

I ask for a stronger vocal chord!

God find us in the way he can reach our heart. I have a wish. I love singing but the song is in my heart, when it comes out from my lips, I always think I don't sound good enough. But I could not stop singing. And thank God he looks into our heart, because I won't even stop to listen to myself sing! yeah.. pretty bad, that is. So while I am recovering from a nasty cough, I want to sing this song in the studio. Why, I could ask God for a stronger vocal. My voice has always been thin, as my once choir teacher from Singapore Youth Choir described it and I dislike it. But then if God can heal the sick, he can change my vocal chords... ha! So yes, I will ask. And I will sing this song in the studio till God change me. Because he is God!



Phillips Craig And Dean - You Are God Alone Lyrics

You are not a God created by human hands
You are not a God dependent on any mortal man
You are not a God in need of anything we can give
By Your plan that just the way it is

You are not a God created by human hands
You are not a God dependent on any mortal man
You are not a God in need of anything we can give
By Your plan that just the way it is

You are God alone from before time began
You were on Your throne,
You're God alone And right now, in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne and You're God alone

You're the only God whose power, none can contend
You're the only God whose name and praise will never end
You're the only God who's worthy of everything we can give
You are God that's just the way it is

You are God alone from before time began
You were on Your throne, You're God alone
And right now, in the good times and bad
 You are on Your throne and You're God alone

Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are

Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are

You are God alone from before time began You were on Your throne,
You're God alone And right now, in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne and You're God alone

Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are

Prayer for healing

When we pray for healing, we do not need long impressive chain of vocabulary or to have the right methodology. There is no need for dramatic showmanship, waving, snapping of fingers etc. I am convinced that when we pray, we only need two things. Presence of God & Power of God.

Matthew 13: 58
Now he did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Jesus himself was not able to perform any miracles because the people in his own town did not believe. Jesus was present, but because they did not believe, there was no miracle.

Ex 33:14-18
And He said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" Then he said to Him, 'If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here..."

Moses would not move until He has God's presence and the lord said to Moses "I will also do this thing that you have spoken for you have found grace in my sight, and I know you by name.: And he said, Please, show me your glory."

Moses encountered the glory of God at Mt. Sinai and yet he seeked the presence of God to go with him.

Luke 5:17b
"... and the power of the Lord was present to heal them."

In order to do God's work, it has to be done his way. We do not seek the perfection of a christian walk, but a pure heart. One that is saturated with his Spirit and a vessel that is pure so that his presence can dwell in us.

Luke 11:2
Jesus said to his disciples, when you pray, say

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from the evil one.

There is only 1 model prayer and the only longest prayer Jesus uttered. Many people confused power with length of prayer, amount of words used or how intensely one prays. Jesus prayer was often authoritative, short and decisive. True power does not depend on how loud a prayer is or how wordy it is. Let's see how Jesus prayed for the sick.

Demon-Possessed Man Healed
Mark 5:8
For he said "come out of the man, unclean spirit!"

Girl Restored to Life
Mark 5:41
The he took the child by the hand and said to her :"Talitha, cumi" Which translates, " Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age.

Unclean Spirits Cast Out
Mark 1:25
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "be quiet, and come out of him!" And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.

Boy is Healed
Mark 9:25
He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it "Deaf & dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!"

To God be the glory.

Revival - Mark Robin

The day is nearly ended. What do you do at the end of the day when all's done. I retreat to the most amazing place on earth, God's presence and I soak.  I can't contain my joy and I have to shout it out! And I was hoping you can hear me!

This blog went through so much in the last 6 years. It is my personal journal, my heart cry, my challenges, my inspiration, but it is one walked with the one whom I love most, my Lord, my papa God. Today, finally, housekeeping is done. This would be a blog that is dedicated largely to my Faith Journey & Education.

I believe there is no where on earth better than God's presence and if I have the chance, I would love to bring you all here.  So in little ways, I blog about what I experience. It is my belief that men of God that God calls will walk in spirit and in power. And signs and wonders would be as natural as seeing rain. It is my heart to see people set free, saved and freed. It is my heartbeat that people's eyes open to the truth.

In all things, there is a solution. There is a way. And you never have to walk in fear, or be in bondage. Friends, when the day is done, where do you go? Come, come to the place of rest.

Best place on earth - God's presence. Enjoy!



I hear the voice of one calling, prepare ye the way of the Lord.
And make His paths straight in the wilderness
And let your light shine in the darkness
And let your rain fall in the desert.

As sure as gold is precious and the honey sweet,
So you love this city and you love these streets.
Every child out playing by their own front door
Every baby laying on the bedroom floor.

Every dreamer dreaming in her dead-end job
Every driver driving through the rush hour mob
I feel it in my spirit, feel it in my bones
You're going to send revival, bring them all back home

I can hear that thunder in the distance
Like a train on the edge of town
I can feel the brooding of Your Spirit
"Lay your burdens down, Lay your burdens down".

From the Preacher preaching when the well is dry
To the lost soul reaching for a higher high
From the young man working through his hopes and fears
To the widow walking through the veil of tears

Every man and woman, every old and young
Every fathers daughter, every mothers son.
I feel it in my spirit, feel it in my bones
You're going to send revival, bring them all back home

I can hear that thunder in the distance
Like a train on the edge of town
I can feel the brooding of Your Spirit
"Lay your burdens down, Lay your burdens down".

Revive us, Revive us,
Revive us with your fire!

Because of who you are

Loved this worship song. Amazing voice, incredibly great in declaring His name, the truth! Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Nissi!

 

Vicki Yohe
Because Of Who You Are lyrics

Because of who You are, I give You glory
Because of who You are, I give You praise
Because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say
Lord I worship You, because of who You are
Lord I worship You, because of who You are.

Because of who You are, I give You glory
Because of who You are, I give You praise
Because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say
Lord I worship You, because of who You are
Lord I worship You, because of who You are.

Jehovah Jireh, my Provider
Jehovah Nissi, Lord You reign in victory
Jehovah Shalom, my Prince of Peace
And I worship You, because of who You Are

 

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/v/vicki_yohe/because_of_who_you_are.html ]

'Creation' craft (for 3yr-old)

In my attempt to teach the concept of "creation" to a 3-yr-old. My goal was to make it very simple, fun, hands-on,memorable and can be played over and over again.

So I looked over my NIV Bible for the days of creation and came up with a visual concept. Then I used http://www.biblestoryprintables.com/BiblePrintablesCreation.html
for sequence and reference, and then looked for similiar coloured paper to cut out.

Below are the instructions for the craft.

I tore the papers to create LAND for both sides of the paper.
cut out blue SKY, leaving the bottom part wavy in order to match the sea waves.
cut white clouds as DAY.
cut dark blue sea and its wave
Looked for cliparts of BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES in the AIR
Looked for cliparts of FISH in the SEA
Looked for cliparts of ANIMALS on LAND, MAN & WOMAN, TREES & FLOWERS
Looked for cliparts of STARS, MOON & SUN

Then I look for a large black piece of paper, enough to cover the entire small magnetic white board
placed magnetic stips behind so it sticks tightly. I laminated all cut-outs items, as well as day by day creation timeline. I assemble all parts and have it within reach of the child.

First we read from the childrens Bible, and then I used the creation timeline as a sequence card to retell the story. I go " On the first day, God created DAY and NIGHT" and my son will pick out the half a white piece of paper to place beside the black background. "On the second day, God created the SKY and the WATER" and my son will pick out the SKY and overlay on the white paper and so on...

And after God made everything, I say, God saw all he had made and he said "It was very good".

The child can play the creation game by himself once we lay the sequence card for him to follow. A great game that also trains observation skills, memory by story sequencing.

Application lesson:
We trace his body outline and tell him that God made him special.

Why learn Chinese

When we forget to speak chinese for days and then we had to do our Chinese lesson, this is what my 5 yr-old son will say " I dislike chinese". And today I made him tell me 10 good reasons why we should and must learn chinese. Here's his version.

1) We must learn Chinese so we can become smart.
2) We must learn Chinese so that when we go to China, we can speak to people in Chinese.
3) We must learn Chinese so that we can answer others when they speak Chinese to us.
4) We must learn Chinese so that people will not laugh at us.
5) We must learn Chinese so we can sing Chinese songs.
6) We must learn Chinese so that we can read Chinese books.
7) We must learn Chinese because God made us Chinese.
8) We must learn Chinese because it it a beautiful language.
9) We must learn Chinese so we can watch "Who are the Chinese".
10) .... ?

God of Jacob

Who is this God of Jacob?

Jacob's name means surplanter or deciever. Jacob was that self-willed, selfish businessman. Jacob stole his brother's birthright, cheated his dad and then was cheated by his Uncle in return. For 25 years Jacob ran away from his family. Time does not heal. It only pushes things further into the recesses of the heart and it got worse. But God was with him, not because he was good, but because God was good.

He was a man who wrestled with the angle until God touched him. God had to remove the strongest part of his body so that through nothing, he can be finally look to God for strength. It was symbolic of his tendency to rely on his natural strength and ability. Through brokeness, he was made whole. And his name is no longer Jacob but Israel.

I am convinced that we too have dip our hands, our eyes, our hearts, and our thoughts hence our time and energy that corrupts that which does not glorify. So like Jacob we are self-willed and selfish. Because God in his abundant grace does not bull-doze his way with us, we get into the habit of squandering our God-given freedom.

So in the attittude of humility, let God turn our eyes from evil. Give us pure hearts, let us not lift our souls to another. Let nothing be above the love we have for him. Let nothing from the past nor the present holds us down from being abandoned to God.

Revival can only start with us. Humility begets repentance, begets revival. Make this your prayer today and stand for ourselves and the generation.

Give Us Clean Hands

Capo 3
Intro
G   C 
G   C   D  G  
   (verse 1)
   G                  D
We bow our hearts, we bend our knees.
   C                    
O Spirit come make us humble.
   G                D
We turn our eyes from evil things.
  C                      C
O Lord we cast down our idols.

Chorus
                 G
So Give us clean hands
                   D
And Give us pure hearts
       Em                        C
Let us not lift our souls to another.
                  G
And Give us clean hands.
                   D
And Give us pure hearts.
          Em                    C
Let us not lift our souls to another.

(bridge)
              G                    D
Oh God let us be a generation that seeks.
               Em              C
Who seeks Your face, oh God of Jacob 


Em   D    C  

             
C
You're my God,  You're my God  

Em   D    C   Am  D  G
Oh oh 

Back to Chorus

Shekinah Glory - Holy Spirit Increase

Have you ever felt like wanting to be engulfed by heaven so badly? I remembered I was in church one day and wanted to stand up on the chair and reach my hands into the sky ... all because I wanted so much to touch heaven. My spirit has already tasted heaven but my physical body hasn't yet caught up. And my heart would ache and ache and suddenly, I realised that must be how we pine for home.

Its amazing how we are only made whole in the Spirit, Mind, Soul and Body. God is more than good, he always desire to meet us to complete us. All we need is to wait on him. Only that the waiting can be so much more difficult in this age when everything seems to move at lightning speed.

You know, I have to say Lord, I am grateful. Grateful because I am a stay home mum and because I stay home I can control the pace and filter the amount of junk I recieve or not!

As I sat , late into the night at my laptop, soaked in the presence of the Lord, pondering upon things of the day and tossing about with Jesus. I felt a sense of heaven overcome me again. God told me "praise opens heavens" and I was pleased each time I praise, something happens in the heavenlies. He is such an awesome awesome God.

... for the various upheavals throughout the day.
The heart of being in hope, of pining and wanting to close a chapter of my life,
2 or 3 months in wanting, of searching, praying, perceiving and confusion at times,
a sudden situation that reminded me of not being the favourite child
an anxious heart that weighs upon a matter, and
a memory of long time ago revived

I say I can't get enough of your presence, presence
I say I need the release of the fullness of your spirit, so I say, Shekinah Glory come!
I need more..... more ... more....

Where his presence dwells, there is freedom..
peace... strength... courage... hope...

Enjoy this amazingly gentle yet anointed worship. He reigns forever. Wait for Him.

Rest

I am picking up lots of vibes these days... sometimes it intoxicates me and I had to leave that room, or a page if I am online.  Let's say you were in a roomful of smokers even though you are the first to be in the room, you have the power to just l.e.a.v.e.

Restlessness can be a dangerous thing. Next to it is an addiction to restlessness. This article The Last State of the Man is Worse expounds this topic so well. A worthy read.

I won't attempt to re-write what restlessness is all about. All of us feels it to various degree. I am just curious to know if we could actually recognise it, so we could do something about it?

When my son comes to me and say "I'm bored". I tell him, whenever you feel this way, pray and ask the restless spirit to get lost and then go do something that is worthy, good and pleasing to the Lord.

This is the nation of extreme provision, information and yet people are restless, largely discontented and greedy. I felt grief that there is so little peace in a prosperous country. Restlessness comes in form of boredom, anxiety, fear and more specifically looks for the next high, the next novelty, the next sensation a person can possibly get to.  If money was not an issue, than money will get one there.
 
Be careful what our eyes see, where our feet goes, choose wisely what appetites are we immersing ourselves. One person puts it so wisely, "Our credit card reveals our preoccupation". You have the ability to leave, step out and say no when you feel that the shift in atmosphere is not helping your growth or advancing the kingdom or glorifying God in anyways. Leave. You have the power to do the right thing.

I absolutely think this song is a God sent in such a time as this, listen to the words in the song, "We are restless, until we find rest in him". Indeed, those who finds him, finds rest.

God gives rest to those he love. Get under the wing of the shadow of the most high and.... rest. Shalom!

Here's the great song by Audrey Assad - Restless

Publish Post

I just got a hug from heaven

This week God did something different. He listened to my thoughts and ... answered them. I was pondering about life, about our home education and about my walk with our heavenly Father. I was giving thanks in the way I was experiencing him in our home education.

How do I put it? It is not about being Christ-centred in the way we learn or even topics in regards to knowing God.

I experienced a day when we were talking about "butterflies and insects" in mandarin. When we were out one day, just strolling by the sidewalk, two butterflies came our our way and the boys immediately played with the them. My elder boy then stretched out his hands and the little butterfly landed softly on his palm for a split second. That was priceless for my 5 year old. Then we saw an image of  a butterfly cast on a concrete, and then an image of a bee in the playground.  In speaking, we learn to speak and the boys had a blast identifying the creatures and naming them in mandarin.

I was particularly touched when God did that. Because in my lack of resources to teach the boys mandarin and with the limited understanding on how I can motivate them to love the language more, God showed up. And that experience stayed in my heart in a special way. I began to hunger to want to follow him, wherever he takes us on our home education journey. So when I heard this song yesterday, I just had to praise him. This song speaks of how joyful and how purposely our lives can be when we simply... follow.

The other thought I had was about how I can continually "host his presence" and then, the other day, I read that a new book by Bill Johnson, titled "Hosting the Presence" was released! You bet I was going to get that and learn to live it!  What a God we serve.  What love he has for his children ... he who listens to our thoughts and answers them.

Side note to parents: Our children will only follow us as we follow Christ.

Chris Tomlin - I will follow you



CHRIS TOMLIN - I Will Follow

Intro Chorus
Em                            C/E
     Where You go, I’ll go
                               G/D
Where You stay, I’ll stay
                                  D
When You move, I’ll move
                       Em7, C2, G, D
I will follow…

Verse 1
C                         Em7
All Your ways are good
                            D
All Your ways are sure
         G        D/F#   C
I will trust in You alone
                         Em7
Higher than my sight
                       D
High above my life
        G                  C
I will trust in You alone
     D
In You alone

Chorus
Em7                          C2
    Where You go, I'll go
                                G
Where You stay, I'll stay
                                 D
When You move, I'll move
I will follow You
Em7                         C2
    Who You love, I'll love
                              G
How You serve I'll serve
                 D                       Em7, C2
If this life I lose, I will follow You
                   G   D                   
I will follow You

Verse 2
C                    Em7
Light unto the world
                     D
Light unto my life
        G          D      C
I will live for You alone
                           Em7
You're the one I seek
                        D
Knowing I will find
        G                C           D
All I need in You alone, in You alone

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge
C                  G          D
In You there's life everlasting
C                  G            D
In You there's freedom for my soul
C                  G           D      C        
In You there's joy, unending joy
G                D
and I will follow

Ultimate Guitar.com

Introduction to Music

Since young, KB loves music more than anything he does, and I could resonate with him. I too love music and could not live without it. I reflected upon our 'musical journey'.

Babyhood - listening
Toddler - movement and listening, occasional instruments (drums, bells, percussion, triangle etc.)
Preschoolers - praise & worship, signing with singing, movement, solfege, intro note reading, rhythm, instruments

I wanted to inspire him on solfege and pulled out this incredibly inspirational clip. KB and I learnt this song when he was 3 years old, so its an old favourite, but this is way inspiring and fun and we can't help but wanna dance with it too.




Why is listening important?

KB at 4.5yrs old went for a simple interview to see if his fingers could curl and play last year. It seemed that he was and he played a single song under the instruction of a teacher. Even his last finger was able to tap on the keyboard nicely. He was happy when he came home and went to the keyboard to tinkle abit. I printed out the score for him and he played for daddy to hear.

But I didnt sign him up for that class. If looking at the score and learning to play is what he is doing now, when will he develop a ear for music? I decided that it is best to delay playing and learn to listen well. I know he has occassionally told me how sad or happy a music piece is, he is learning to listen with his heart, not just the rhythm, but the feel. My brother, a guitarist and drummer commented that KB has a good sense of rhythm.

And because music is a language of the heart, we really needed time to develop that. We need both technical aptitude and inspiration. In piano education a good ear and good sight reading are both important.

Character, character, character
I up the level of solfege training last week, just to see where he is. He was not so happy. He didn't want to do it when it comes to practise time. We were doing do-re-mi and I went all over to fa-so-re. A rather diffificult sequence to pitch if he hasn't gotten them in his heart. So we talked a little about tenacity and how Christ who enabled us. But I also scaled down and worked with him at his level.

Then I played "Jingle Bell" and "Twinkle twinkle little starts" today, and sang it all in solfege. And realised that Jingle Bell is the easier song as the melody only ranges from Do - So. So begins our journey in solfege singing.

I taught signing in solfege and that was fun, since he already signed actively during worship, but we'll see where it leads for now.

Various methods for teaching piano
I am no expert on the best methods, but here's a list for exploration. As with all things that a child learns, I work on inspiration, gifted-ness, readiness and best suited approach. Check this out.Piano Education.

workboxes in!

This year, We start our 3 year old on light academics, still peppered with lots of play, while our almost 5 year old transit to doing some 'real' work. So we looked around for a system that facilitates independent learning so that I would not really be needed to sit with both kids at the same time. Sue Patrick's Workbox System was something we have been eyeing for some time and it was ready for implementation.

We got our workboxes from IKEA. Yes, it is cheaper but also because it is not completely 'boxed up', it gives us the flexibility to put a toy or a manipulative that is taller than the drawer or materials for craft that ain't really the size of the drawer. All we need to do is to shift it up or down a step. Easy!

The only problem is the transport. IKEA charges $60 for any amount of furniture we buy, and the frame does not fit into the car boot. But thanks to my mum, her friend helped transport it back for us via a truck.

Instead of the usual numbering , I added fruit of the spirit onto the number tags, so I could call out the fruit or the number. I printed and laminated each fruit in colour and the same fruit without colour, so its abit like shadow matching.













Velcro set is brought from Diaso. Any velcro set that is designed to hold wires together usually works, but I like the flap at the end of the velcro best. I cut each piece in half and stuck the one with the flap sticking out to the back of the coloured fruit tag. You have to be sure the other part is stuck to the frame.

Next I would work out which fruit goes to which child's drawer only because it would speak to them as I converse with them daily.

Once the child is finished with his activities/learnings, usually from the drawers top down. He would peal off the left fruit and stick it to the one on the right. That way, we all know that the work is done. He would let me mark it on the spot and chuck it into the big white drawer for me to collect at the end of the day. See how the flap at the end helps the child pull the tag out?












My almost 5 year old was a breeze to work with as it was easy for his nimble fingers to peal and paste and he usually enjoys independent work. Since he also work really quickly he enjoys going to the boxes himself while I can busy myself with the younger one. My 3 yr old needed some coaching on how to use the workboxes. Granted work boxes were not meant for little ones as they hardly have any academics to work on, and fairly little independent learning at this stage. But I still threw in puzzles and manipulatives for my 3 yr old to do, if I needed to spend time with the elder one. We have been using this for about two weeks and it worked perfectly for us. :)