With RayLeeSah Blog, I Am No Longer Solo

In May 2008 I began to share my thoughts and my life experiences through Michan Petite blog as a single lady. Four years later, I was married to a man who had got to know me through this blog.

Moving into a new season of life, I thought it was time for me to stop posting in this blog and focus on RayLeeSah, a new blog which my husband (Ray Lee) and I (Lee Sah) started early this year. Our names were merged in this amazing way.

The Bible says that "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIV). So we believe that when we two RAYdiant liveLEE SAHguines contribute together as a couple to our blog, we can do greater things for the Kingdom of God.

Thank you for reading my Michan Petite blog whether you are a first-time or a regular visitor. Now I welcome you to visit my new blog.

From Tintin To Alvin

Two Saturdays ago when I went back to Batu Pahat, my friend YT gave me four movie vouchers from her business partner. The vouchers, each entitled to two seats, were only valid at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) in Melaka and by 28 December.

I had not stepped into the cinema since Chinese New Year in February. Although I was not a movie fan, I was very glad with this offer. I planned to watch three different movies with my new colleague XW, my mentee John and my brother Ah Yu's family when they came to Melaka for holiday later.

I surfed the GSC website to check the movies and showtimes at Jaya Jusco Bandaraya Melaka. My first interested title was "The Adventures of Tintin" because Tintin is a very famous Belgian comic character in France. I invited XW to go with me last Tuesday afternoon but she had a class. I thought of John but he had gone to a youth camp. As the movie was not shown at night, I decided not to change my plan. Instead of going to the cinema alone and wasting another seat, I prayed to God to give me some names. Grace and her two children appeared in my mind. I remembered she had told me they would be back to the Philippines during the Christmas season. Nonetheless, I immediately SMSed her to see whether they were around and free. Her response was prompt and positive!

I drove to pick them at the meeting time and place. Niger and Melissa were very excited as soon as they got into my car. Grace explained to me that they had cancelled their trip back to the home country. And she told me the two children had never watched a movie at the cinema previously, so they were looking forward to this experience. We arrived at the shopping mall half an hour before the showtime. There was a huge Christmas tree in the middle and beautiful decorations were everywhere. When I showed my two vouchers to exchange tickets at the counter, the employee told me that I could use them only at Dataran Pahlawan. How careless I was to overlook this important information when reading the vouchers earlier.

I was not sure if the same movie was also showing at that hour at Dataran Pahlawan, but I decided to go there even though I did not like the place because of the traffic jam. So I apologized to Grace, suggested that she took some pictures with the children before we left the mall.

There were many vehicles on the way there probably because of the school holiday in Malaysia and Singapore. We finally approached the shopping complex. We were hoping to catch the 3.30pm movie and praying for an available parking space. I turned into a place but the parking was totally full. So I had to make a big round to return to the area. With the terrible traffic if we did not miss the 4pm movie we would be very fortunate. The children began to grow impatient. This time I decided to pass the vouchers to Grace and drop them first before turning to another direction for parking. I told Grace to use the lift to go to level 4.

Praise the Lord I managed to get a small parking space nearby very fast and rushed to the mall. When the lift was open, I saw Grace, Niger and Melissa! They had gone to level 4 but it was a Karaoke. I checked the signboard and realised that the cinema complex was on level 5. Finally we went up together!

Since I had no idea what movies were available, another thing I was praying in my heart was that we would have something suitable for the children. Grace accompanied her children to the washroom first. I looked at the screen. It was a pity that "The adventures of Tintin" was not (or no longer) showing there at all. Among all the titles, my eyes zoomed into "Alvin and The Chipmunks 3".

I had watched "Alvin and The Chipmunuks 2" with the Calvary Care Home gang last year. I did not quite understand the story line especially in the beginning because I had not known the first episode. This time although I was not very keen to watch this third episode, I knew it was the best choice for all of us.

Finally, not only Grace and the children enjoyed this adventure comedy very much, me too. And I was surprised to hear French words spoken by one of the characters. When we came out from the cinema complexe, Niger and Melissa were all smiles. Then I brought them an ice-cream each. That was my humble Christmas present for this family. All of us went back satisfied. Praise be to our Lord!

My Humble Definition Of Love

Love is a divine commission to appease all kinds of tension.

Love is an exclusive admission to a special coalition.

Love is a submission to a God-given mission which is greater than our own ambition.

Love is a decision to give our best to one another without condition.

Love is a collision of sparkles that produces a life-long salt and light emission!

My Article For "Calva-Write 2010" Ist Issue

Last Sunday, Calvarites finally got a copy of the first issue of "Calva-Write 2010".

Being in the publication committee last year, I was in charge of reporting a few church events. As a volunteer at Calvary Care Home (CCH), I was also required to write my testimony for the CCH 10th anniversary newsletter which was later included in this Calvary Life Assembly bi-annual magazine. The article was quite similar to my blog entry of 25th May 2009.

Dad, you used to encourage me to write. And whenever I had anything published in a newspaper or a magazine, you were always proud of me. Two years after you left me, I took over your career in another way. Now, not only I regard myself as a journalist when I blog, I also feel myself like a nurse when I care for others. My childhood ambitions to become like you or Florence Nightingale, my first heroes, are both being achieved!

I dedicate this article to you.

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“I thank God for transforming my life
through caring for these adorable little ones,”

As a newly committed Calvarite in early 2008, I did not even know that Calvary Care Home existed. I first saw the children’s pictures in the CCH anniversary newsletter and learnt that the Committee was calling for tutors. I had a desire to volunteer but never contacted the Care Home seriously.

When I was an assistant teacher in the Children's Church, the youngest CCH boys were in my upper-primary class. I was aware that they required more attention than those who were under their own parents’ care, but I was not to manifest my special concern for them, which might have been misunderstood as favoritism by other children.

After I had resigned from the post, I still thought of reaching out to these boys at the Calvary Care Home where they were doing most of their daily activities outside school. God opened the door again when Wilson Ti whom I had known at the CCH Fund-raising Jumble Sale told me he needed someone to help in his Chinese subject.

In March 2009, I finally stepped into the Care Home. In the beginning, I gave tuition to Wilson Ti only. After a few times, I also befriended other boys. Soon afterwards, I resumed my baking hobby to share some snacks with them. It was always a pleasure to see them appreciating whatever I brought to them, even though the results of my baking experiments were not always successful. As they grew familiar to me, they were no longer bashful to talk to me.

Along the way, I became acquainted with Bro. Albert Peh, who spared his evenings conducting the boys’ study programme or spending devotion time with them, Sis. Annie Choo and her daughter Adrienne who collected and delivered donated food items to the Home, and Sis. Jothy Bai who often showered the children with motherly love and advice. I realized that there were many others who were faithfully serving CCH from behind the scenes. These loving people were setting a good example for me to be a CCH caregiver aside from my full-time teaching job.

Later, I made regular visitations to the Calvary Care Home to help the boys with their homework. As I got to know the CCH boys better, I was willing to spend more time with them. During the last school holidays, I often participated in their recreational outings, events, sports, preparation of meals, etc. I began to enjoy my new roles of driver, cook and tailor, and to feel at home with this God-given family at Bukit Baru. The children were also comfortable with my presence as a big sister or an aunt.

God has His time and season for everything. I believe that He has put the burden in my heart for the CCH children so that I can be a mentor to them during this stage of their life where they start to form their own thoughts, ideas and concepts, which sometimes lead to conflicts with adults or guardians. Having gone through this transitional stage, I am able to relate to them by lending an ear and sharing my life experiences. In return, I have earned their trust and friendship which are very precious to me.

I was not passionate about caring for children in the past. Now when I look at the CCH boys with Jesus’ eyes, every one of them has the potential to become a great man of God. I give thanks to the Lord for bringing me closer to the kingdom of heaven through caring for these adorable little ones.
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Christ Must Increase, But I Must Decrease

A few months ago, the Holy Spirit began to remind me, "Christ must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30 NKJV). As a disciple of Jesus, I understood that God wanted me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him daily (Matthew 16:24).

Last Sunday, we were introduced to the church theme for 2011. It was from Psalms 115:14. Ps James specially mentioned the King James Version of the verse "The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children."

That afternoon at Calvary Care Home (CCH), each of us talked about what we would like to increase this year. I had not given thought to this question. When it was my turn to share at last, I spontaneously said, "1. The fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23)--I want to be kinder, more gentle... 2. Giving--my time, my money and my talent."

After I went home, I remembered God's expectation of me again. And I realised that my answers at CCH actually indicated that I was no longer as self-centred as before. Instead, I was putting the benefit of the Kingdom of God as my priority. The Lord also approved of my desire to serve others more with my gifts.

That day for the first time, I felt that the little girl in primary school at whom the teacher had pointed and to whose face she had told, "Lee Sah, you're very selfish!" had progressively decreased.

Father God, I'm willing to let Christ in me increase. And I'm willing to decrease.

My Life In 2010 -- A Year Of Courage, Collaboration, Competence And Commitment

Early last year during the MLM class, I learnt that 2010 was a year of courage, collaboration, competence and commitment. Now when I look back the past twelve months, these words, given by God, were truly reflected in my life.

Courage:
I had the ability to confront fear, uncertainty, intimidation and discouragement, which I had not experienced so strongly since 1995 when I had first stepped into a foreign land.

I shall continue to ask myself a few questions:

1. Do I stand up for what is right even if I stand alone?
2. Do I cave in to negative peer pressure?
3. Does fear of failure prevent me from trying things?
4. Am I afraid to express myself just because some people might disapprove?
5. Do I work to solve problems without violence?
6. Do I intentionally ridicule, embarrass, or hurt others?
( from www.GoodCharacter.com)

Collaboration:
From a lone ranger who went to Calvary Care Home (CCH) as a tutor in 2009, I began to cooperate with other caregivers who have a vision for the Home. And through the MLM classes which I had been attending faithfully, I became a member of Melaka team for Project Harap.

I shall not forget that an effective team
1. cares for one another.
2. knows what is important.
3. grows together.
4. has a chemistry that fits.

a. Relationships are strong.

b. Desires are similar.

c. Trust is evident.

d. Roles are clear.

e. Abilities are complementary.

f. Players are appreciated.

g. Morale is high.

h. Wins are frequent.

i. Motives are pure.

j. Benefits are received by all.
5. places individual rights below the team's best interest.
6. realizes everyone plays a special role.
7. has a strong bench.
8. knows exactly where the team stands.
9. pays the price.
10. says "yes" to the right questions.
(from MLM Notebook Two)

Competence:
My ideas often became actions which were not only blessings to others but also to myself.

I shall not stop to evaluate my level of competency:
1. My ideas often turn into plans.
2. I can figure out how to finish a job I start.
3. I am good at solving problems.
(from MLM Notebook Two)

Commitment:
I had more commitment in many aspects, which had not been the case previously. I was more willing to sacrifice my personal interest to the benefit of people around me.

I shall constantly remind myself to be committed to Christ as much as He is committed to me. "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20, NKJV)

Father God, I thank You for bringing to completion what You had empowered me to do in 2010.

My Birthday II: Greetings And Presents

My dear custard apple tree, thank you for the ripe fruit on my birthday.

My dear friends and family, thank you for the birthday greetings and presents in different forms.

I may not remember your birthday, but I will never forget your kindness and the great moments we have spent together.

My Birthday I: Message From God

On 24th December morning, I was driving to church. As soon as I switched on the radio, I heard a familiar English oldie with the refrain:

Nothing's gonna change My love for you
You ought to know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love

Suddenly, I realised that this was the message for my birthday.

Father God, thank You for Your love.

A Piece Of Cake And A Burger Meal

Yesterday morning, while I was clearing my inbox, I read this email forward by a church friend:

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Sometimes we asked ourselves, "What did I do to deserve this? Why does God let these things happen to me?" Here is the explanation...

A daughter tells her mother how everything is going wrong for her: She probably failed her maths exam... Her boyfriend just dumped her for her best friend.

In times so sad, a good mother knows the thing to cheer up her daughter... "I'll make a delicious cake."

In that moment her mother hugged her daughter and walked her to the kitchen while her daughter attempted to smile.

While the mother prepared the utencils and ingredients, her daughter sat across from her at the counter. Her mother asked, "Sweetheart, would you like a piece of cake?"

The daughter replied, "Sure, Mum, you know how much I love cakes."

"Alright," the mother said, "Drink some of this cooking oil." Shocked, the daughter responded, "What?! No way!!"

"How about a couple of raw eggs?"

To this, the daughter responded, "Are you kidding?"

"How about a little flour?"

"No, Mum, I'll be sick!"

The mother responded, "All of these things are uncooked and taste bad, but if you put them together, they make a delicious cake! God works the same way. When we ask ourselves why does He make us go through these difficult times, we don't realize the what/where these events may bring us. Only He knows and He will not let us fall. We don't need to settle from the raw ingredients, trust in Him... And see something fantastic come about!"

God loves us so much. He sends us flowers every spring. He makes the sun rise every morning. And any time you need to talk, He is there to listen. He can live anywhere in the universe. But He choses to live in your heart!

...
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This story reminded me of one of my favorite Bible verses "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV)

Later in the afternoon, an impromptu decision which I had made led me into a trouble. I remembered John once wrote to me "I wish trouble will disappear.", to which I replied, "Trouble won't disappear, but the fear of trouble will disappear as we learn to confront it." The statement "Hardness of heart, much more than failure, is the true relationship killer." that I had read the previous night from one of the "Boundaries" series also flashed into my mind.

So I calmly prayed, "Father God, You know very well my motive. I didn't expect the reactions I received. I can become bitter or better. I believe that all these things will turn out a good learning process for all of us. Give me Your wisdom to deal with this situation." Very soon, I had three pictures in my mind.

I presented all my ingredients to God for baking. Not only I felt peace, I was virtually savouring the piece of cake. And because of an emergency meeting due to this incident, I stayed back longer and was given a burger meal treat to fill my hungry stomach and quench my thirst. Moreover, it was something I had just thought of in the morning! I also had the revelation that baking a cake is much more fantastic than preparing fastfood. In the end, I smiled all the way home.

I truly thank God for this wonderful experience.

A Bad Day Turned Good Day

Last Saturday I had two meetings to attend in the morning. The first one was at Calvary Life Assembly at 10am. After driving twenty minutes, I arrived at the church and only was told that it had been called off. Since there was the second one at Harap Learning Centre half an hour later, I did not feel too bad, though I would have preferred to be informed earlier.

After another fifteen minutes' journey, I reached my next destination at Bukit Baru. The centre was locked. There was no sign of those who were called. I SMSed and called Mrs Ee but no reply. Since Dr Wong's clinic was in the same flat, I telephoned him to find out if there were any changes. As he was having a patient, he sent his assistant to open the door for me to take a seat inside.

I prayed, "Father God, you know I hate driving all the way for nothing. And I could have gone back to Batu Pahat if not for these two meetings. I can consider today a bad day. But I want to think positively and believe that you have a better programme for me in town."

I telephoned my former colleague Saratha who lived nearby, planning to visit her if she was around. She was not in the house but her happy voice immediately cheered me up.

"Hi, Lee Sah! I haven't heard from you for such a long time. Yesterday my maid was asking me what was happening to you. Today I've got your call! If I had known you were coming, I would have cancelled my outing. I should be back by four o'clock and will give you a call when I'm at home..."

Dr Wong came later, invited me to his clinic to check emails and introduced me to his assistants. From Mrs Ee's latest email, we learned that the meeting was actually postponed to 1pm. Dr Wong let me continue to surf the Internet and shared with me his vision to serve God and the people. Since I had known him because of the EFC Leadership Summit last April, I hardly talked much to this MLM classmate whose initiative to help a poor family had led to the opening of the first Harap Learning Centre in Malaysia.

Mrs Ee and others finally arrived at the centre. She gave Joel L and me a giant mango each which resembled a papaya! She told me that she was attending a talk in the morning and that her handphone was off when I contacted her.

When the meeting was over, it was before 3pm. I decided to hang out alone at Jaya Jusco Ayer Keroh. To my great surprise, there were special sales that day! Holding a sub-card, I was not a shopaholic like Ping. However, during two whole hours at the ladies department there, I could not resist the temptation of buying my favorite items at discounted prices. Oh! Weak vessel... Convincing myself that I needed them when the new semester started in January, I happily seized a blouse, a pair of shoes and a handbag which Ps Richard had reminded the men to never buy for women. Moreover, I got to redeem a voucher for the price I had paid. As you may imagine, I left the shopping mall full of joy. Although Saratha forgot to contact me because she had fallen asleep after she had gone home, I did not mind at all.

God had definitely answered my prayer by fulfilling my desire of shopping at Jaya Jusco and by turning a bad day into a good one. Hallelujah!

My Face Is On A Mousepad!

At the end of my last class with my first batch of AM228 students last month, they took a group photo with me and an individual photo of mine. Muharram said to me, "Mademoiselle (Miss), we'll give you something next week." I guessed they were going to print out the group picture and frame it for me to keep as a souvenir.

The following week was the revision week. None from their group looked for me. Sometimes I saw some of them checking their on-going tests marks in front the notice board outside my office but nobody mentioned anything. I began to think that they did not mean it that day.

Three more weeks were over. I had almost forgot about it. This Tuesday, someone knocked my door in the afternoon. Muharram entered with a big smile on his face and a big envelop in his hand.

"Mademoiselle, this is for you." He was already leaving.

The envelop was lighter than I had imagined with a frame. "Thanks. Can I have a look first? It must be a photo."

"It's a mousepad with your picture..."

What a creative present! When I pulled it out from the envelop, it was funny to see my portrait appearing on an object in such a size. As I had been using my office desktop without a mousepad, this was just nice to give my mouse a mat and let it rub against my face.

Now, even when nobody gives me a smile at my workplace, at least I get one from myself when I enter my office. Hallelujah!

That Day, I Heard That Three Children Had Stomachache In School

That afternoon, I heard a boy say, "Every day, I have stomachache because I'm hungry." When I asked the two other boys who were in the same school if they experienced the same thing, they smilingly nodded. All this while, I had thought that they had something to eat during the recess time. I even saw one of them carrying a tiny packet of junk food when he was back from school. I had not realised that he might have "fasted" by no choice since early in the morning. My heart began to cry though my face did not express much.

While thinking of solutions, God's word came to my mind, "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:14-17, NKJV). Without hesitation, I obeyed Him to satisfy these children's immediate need.

I was planning to look for others to help solve the problem in a long-term basis. Yesterday morning while I was cutting grass, God spoke to me by recalling me the lessons I had learnt during the MLM classes, the supper sharing by Ps Richard Tuesday, my conversation with VC regarding the spiritual gifts, the book "The Hole In Our Gospel" I had read last year, the sermon I had heard from Rev Teo more than a year ago, Ps Susan Tang's testimony, etc. I answered Him, "Father God, if I claim that I love these children, I am not going to keep my money in the bank and ask others to feed them. Afterall, it's Your money and You're the Provider."

Once again, I thank the Lord for stirring my heart and reminding me that He is looking for an available man, not an able man.

Health Is A Great Thing In Life To Thank God For

Last Tuesday morning when I opened my eyes from the sleep, I felt dizzy. In my memory, it had never happened to me at wake-up times. I had to leave for work in about 45 minutes. I was scheduled to be out in town until late evening because of my two classes to attend, which I would not like to miss. And I might have a meeting in the afternoon. Knowing that Jesus is the Healer, I immediately sought Him by prayer, after which I moved my bowels several times and the urge to vomit was gone little by little.

Feeling much better, I managed to take a shower. Nevertheless, the sensation of nausea was not totally gone. So I abandoned my chicken cheese bun and doughnut which were already laying on the dining table. Instead, I put a packet of Marie biscuits and an apple in my bag to fill my empty stomach later. As I was getting ready to go, I was still a bit weak but I kept telling myself that I was going to be OK.

During my driving journey, I was recovering more and more. I suddenly thought of chronic patients. While I happily take my breakfast as soon as I wake up every morning, many of these people must be suffering the way I had experienced earlier, if not worse. Before I reached the campus, I was back to my usual physical condition again. Praise the Lord! Regretting not to have brought the two buns, I quickly munched the biscuits in my office five minutes before I walked to another building and climbed the stairs to the seventh floor. I was able to talk loudly in class as usual and felt myself energetic enough to even chase after wild boars!

That day, I decided to just have the apple for lunch and to continue "fasting" until evening. After my MLM class, I joined the supper outing. I had an exceptional appetite for the late meal thanks to my morning sickness.

The following days, I learned that a few people I knew had fallen sick and were down with a fever. Many of them were either on medical leave or lying in bed covered with blankets. I realised that my good health is indeed one of the greatest things in my life I should thank God for.

Nick Vujicic's Testimony

Two Sundays ago after the church service, Albert P invited the Calvary Care Home gang to his house to watch two DVDs, first of which was Nick Vujicic's testimony.

This morning when I was clearing old emails, I realised that I had already read about him in September 2008.
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My name is Nick Vujicic and I give God the Glory for how He has used my testimony to touch thousands of hearts around the world! I was born without limbs and doctors have no medical explanation for this birth "defect". As you can imagine, I was faced with many challenges and obstacles.

"Consider it pure joy, my Brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

.... To count our hurt, pain and struggle as nothing but pure joy? As my parents were Christians, and my Dad even a Pastor of our church, they knew that verse very well. However, on the morning of the 4th of December 1982 in Melbourne (Australia), the last two words on the minds of my parents was "Praise God!". Their firstborn son had been born without limbs! There were no warnings or time to prepare themselves for it. The doctors were shocked and had no answers at all! (There is still no medical reason why this had happened and Nick now has a brother and sister who were born just like any other baby.)

The whole church mourned over my birth and my parents were absolutely devastated. Everyone asked, "if God is a God of Love, then why would God let something this bad happen to not just anyone, but dedicated Christians?" My Dad thought I wouldn't survive for very long, but tests proved that I was a healthy baby boy just with a few limbs missing.

"And we know that in all things God works for the best for those who love Him." That verse spoke to my heart and convicted me to the point where that I know that there is no such thing as luck, chance or coincidence that these "bad" things happen in our life.

I had complete peace knowing that God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all. I completely gave my life to Christ at the age of fifteen after reading John 9. Jesus said that the reason the man was born blind was "so that the works of God may be revealed through Him." I truly believed that God would heal me so I could be a great testimony of His Awesome Power. Later on I was given the wisdom to understand that if we pray for something, if it's God's will, it'll happen in His time. If it's not God's will for it to happen, then I know that He has something better.

I now see that Glory revealed as He is using me just the way I am and in ways others can't be used.

I am now twenty-three years old and have completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting. I am also a motivational speaker and love to go out and share my story and testimony wherever opportunities become available. I have developed talks to relate to and encourage students through topics that challenge today's teenagers. I am also a speaker in the corporate sector.

I have a passion for reaching out to youth and keep myself available for whatever God wants me to do, and wherever He leads, I follow.

I have many dreams and goals that I have set to achieve in my life. I want to become the best witness I can be of God's Love and Hope, to become an international inspirational speaker and be used as a vessel in both Christian and non-Christian venues. I want to become financially independent by the age of 25, through real estate investments, to modify a car for me to drive and to be interviewed and share my story on the "Oprah Winfrey Show "! Writing several best-selling books has been one of my dreams and I hope to finish writing my first by the end of the year. It will be called "No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!"

I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and if it's God's will, you will achieve it in good time. As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all! What's worse is putting limits on God who can do all things. We put God in a "box". The awesome thing about the Power of God, is that if we want to do something for God, instead of focusing on our capability, concentrate on our availability for we know that it is God through us and we can't do anything without Him. Once we make ourselves available for God's work, guess whose capabilities we rely on? God's!

ONLY FEAR IN LIFE IS THAT I FORGET HOW GOD HAS LED ME IN THE PAST!
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Two years later when I read this written testimony again, I felt even more related to this man whose life, like mine, had been transformed by God's Word.

Though physically we are quite different, spiritually we are the same--"to become the best witnesses we can be of God's Love and Hope".

Women, Friends And Tears

These few months, three ladies opened their hearts to me.

The first person had bitterness towards her in-law family, which indirectly led to her husband's having affair with another woman who lent him her ears. She wept and said to me, "I never thought that one day I myself would become a main actress in this kind of drama. Lee Sah, after you told me that the most precious thing he found in me before our marriage was the fact that I got along with his family very well. I've been trying to make effort to treat them like I used to. But it's too late..."

When I held her arm, my tears also dropped.

She is temporarily separated from her husband to calm down. I could not offer my house as her three-month shelter. Nevertheless, I welcome her as a guest to drop by anytime to chat, even late at night, or have a meal with me.

Since this incident, she realised that close friends are very important because there are things she cannot tell her original family who live in other states, even though she keeps in touch with them on the phone every day.

The second friend has been experiencing difficulties dealing with her lady boss who has a very different personality. A few weeks ago, she told me that she was very busy. In order not to disturb her, I seldom telephoned her, let alone visited her. Last Thursday morning, when I was driving to work, I received a call from her with a sobbing voice. "Lee Sah, please pray for me. Actually I've been restraining myself from revealing to you my working stress and anxious thoughts, but I can't take it anymore. I don't feel like going to work. I remember you told me that even if the people in whole Melaka ignored me, you would still care for me..."

After she hung up, I also moved to tears in my car and started praying that the Lord had mercy on her who had been going through so much hardship for years. I went to her place that afternoon and spent one hour eating her oyster chicken rice with her family, telling them about my recent social life, then my turn listening to her and hitting her shoulder softly when we were alone in her room. She looked quite cheerful after crying to God and to me. Since I had known her, I learned to give physical comfort to friends of the same gender.

The third lady was someone I had only met two times. I was told that she had been working as a shopkeeper in a bookstore but I did not step into that shop for a long time. Two weeks ago, I thought of going there to survey bibles and sermon CDs. As there were nobody else besides us, we began our casual conversation. She was facing more and more unfavorable situations with her husband who had transferred his feeling to another woman as a result of their past long geographical separation. Being a foreigner in this land, she had limited moral and financial support.

As she poured her heart out, she took tissue paper to wipe her wet eyes and nose. All I could do was to say encouraging words, offer some simple help and remind her that God has His timing for everything. She invited me to go for lunch with her but as customers entered on and off, I preferred to join her one week later. Last Friday when I saw her again, she told me that she felt better after talking to me.

In the latest MLM class, Ps Richard said that the most underutilized resource in the Kingdom of God is the men, most of whom are still in a lying position. Maybe when the men finally get up, the women will no longer need to shed so many tears in front of their friends.

Let Go To Appreciate Better

After treating my house like a motel for months, I finally gave it back its original identity of my home sweet home when the Raya holiday started. Early last week, I spent a lot of time to attend to my garden which I had been neglecting due to my rare presence during day times.

Four years ago, as soon as I was back from work, I squatted in the frontyard and backyard until sunset to remove small stones from the ground, pour in soil and plant flowers which I had bought from nurseries. That was one of my ways to bury my grievance for Dad's passing.

Some plants died for various reasons. Others still grow very well this year despite lack of fertilizer. As I was cutting grass, I noticed that a survival plant was blocking the view of the some purple trumpet flowers.

Actually it also sometimes produced very beautiful orange and red flowers. But this time, I decided to let go one of the plants, which I would not have borne to do in the past. I began to use scissors to cut off the branches and pulled the trunk together with its roots out of the ground.

Once the job was done, the small purple flowers were immediately in a better position to show their lovely smiles.

I was reminded of myself. As I learnt to set my priority and chose what to let go, I could appreciate better the more beautiful side of my life.

101% Principle

In the morning of my second visit to Selandar, I dropped by at Calvary Care Home (CCH). When I reached there, I saw David pacing the front yard alone. While waiting for Sarma and Kee Ming to pick me, I spent about half and hour chatting with this boy who was keen to show me how he exercised to train his muscles. That day, I desired to do something for him so that he would not idle those precious hours of Saturday mornings. I planned to bring him and the other boys for swimming if there was no discipline problem among them during the week.

Unfortunately, I could not fulfill my promise soon--I had learned that I had to replace my 18-hour lessons in advance on all the four Saturdays in order to have an extra four-day holiday in September. Last Saturday, my morning class started at 10.30am. So I made up my mind to serve as the CCH driver for this sport. John would not be available. After taking the rest of the boys' recent behavior into consideration, only David was qualified. He did not mind at all not having other companions to swim together.

Saturday morning, I did not have to wake up this early bird in my house. During our journey to the swimming pool at Bukit Beruang, I asked David, "You like to do your own things alone sometimes, right?" I had observed this quite some time ago. That was why he usually was not the person I approached most when I spent a few hours at the Home. I added, "I'm also like you. That's why we get along."

We arrived at about 8.15am. The previous time in February, I had not noticed this huge tree whose leaves turned red beautifully like in autumn. David told me that in those evenings there where he used to go for swimming lessons in the past, leaves fell onto the surface of the water and created a magnificent scenery with the reflection.

A mother was sitting on a bench under the tree. At first, I also wanted to follow her example. I returned to my car to take a book. When I walked past David who was in the pool, he asked me, "Do you want to see me swim?"

Suddenly, I realised that what this boy longed for was not only swimming itself, but also my attention to his interest. I immediately said yes, put back my book and sat at the pool side to watch him swimming as if I were attending a live concert.

I thought of my teenage days. Even when I did not have to go to school, I still got up early. Dad's presence was my motivation to do reading in the living room while he was writing his article or browsing through a newspaper. Sometimes when he was free to listen or talk to me, that was a bonus.

Then I also remembered once I suggested to the CCH boys other people to send them for swimming. I thought they just needed a driver. But their reaction showed that they would not be keen to follow anybody except for those whom they identified as their friends.

I began to understand that if I had simply left David there alone, even though swimming was his favorite activity, he would not have enjoyed himself as much as when there was someone willing to make him feel special during one hour,

someone who made him feel like a hero when he showed his self-invented swimming style.

That morning, I also decided to bring him for breakfast at an Indian restaurant to extend my quality time with him before I sent him back to CCH and went to my class. We shared about our experiences of diet and exercise.

That day, I was actually the more blessed one because David had given me an occasion to practise the "101% Principle" that I had learned in my MLM class--Find the 1% you have in common with someone, and give it 100% of your attention.

Travel Plans To The Final Destination

Recently, I have been making a few travel plans three months ahead for my year-end semester break. I still hesitate between 1. going alone to places I have been to visit old friends, 2. going alone to places I have never been to visit old friends, 3. going alone to places I have never been for adventure and 4. going with friends to places I have never been for adventure. As I have not contacted any friends to see if they will be available to receive me or travel with me, nothing is yet confirmed.

Today, I received a forwarded email from Irene:
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TRAVEL PLANS

For the Christians amongst us...

Did you ever realize that all the arrangements for the final journey have already been made?

Read this check-list and give thanks.

ACCOMMODATION
Arrangements for first-class accommodation have been made in advance.
"In My Father's house are many rooms ...... I am going there to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2).

PASSPORTS
Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the gates without having proper papers/credentials and having their names registered with the ruling Authority.
"Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life". (Revelation 21:27).

DEPARTURE TIMES
The exact date of departure has not been announced. Travellers are advised to be prepared to leave at short notice.
"It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority." (Acts 1:7).

TICKETS
Your ticket is a written pledge that guarantees your journey. It should be claimed and its promises kept firmly in hand.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24).

CUSTOMS
Only one declaration is required while going through customs.
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
(Romans 10:9).

IMMIGRATION
All passengers are classified as immigrants, since they are taking up permanent residence in a new country. The quota is unlimited.
".......... they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one........ He has prepared a city for them." (Hebrews 11:16).

LUGGAGE
No luggage whatsoever is necessary.
"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." (1 Timothy 6:7).

AIR PASSAGE
Travelers' going directly by air are advised to watch daily for indications of imminent departure.
"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

VACCINATION AND INOCULATION
Injections are not needed, as diseases are unknown at the destination.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain......" (Revelation 21:4).

CURRENCY
Supplies of currency may be forwarded ahead to await the passenger's arrival. Deposit your heart, mind, soul and life.
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:20)

CLOTHING
A complete and appropriate new wardrobe is provided for each traveler.
"...For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness. ..." (Isaiah 61:10).

TIME CHANGES
Resetting of watches will not be necessary to adjust to the day/night schedule.
"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.......... for there will be no night there." (Revelations 21:23,25).

RESERVATIONS
Booking is now open. Apply at once.
"........ now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)

CORONATION CEREMONY
The highlight of the journey is the welcoming reception and coronation which await the arrival.
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8)
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I realised that my most important and exciting travel plan has already been made. Where I will go at the end of my life on earth, I will meet my heavenly Father, my biological father, my old friends and new friends.

My dear friends, do you have the same travel plan or would you like to go to the same final destination with me?

Australian Boys Choir & Kelly Gang In St Peter's Church

I had planned to go back to my hometown last Friday and at first had not said "yes" to several activities which would be going on last weekend, until Piek See blessed me with a RM80 entrance ticket to the Australian Boys Choir and the Kelly Gang Charity Concert to reward my occasional humble service in the BOM and MLM classes.

So Friday evening, I drove to St Peter's church which was located in town. Majority of the people who had turned up at this fundraising event were graduates from mission schools. I also saw same familiar faces that I had known at Calvary Life Assembly, Agape Care Centre and my leadership class.

When the Australian boys came onto the stage, I recalled that this Oceanic country was getting multiracial as there were descendants of Asian immigrants among the those with blond hair and sharp nose.

The conductor Noel Ancell gave an explanation of the song before each performance. The boy sopranos presented both sacred songs and secular songs with their unchanged voices. They reminded me of my 11-year-old nephew Zer Yih. When he answers my phone, sometimes I take him for his 8-year-old sister Zer Nin.

The little choristers' "big brothers", the Kelly Gang, were mostly former senior members of the boys choir before they broke their voices. Personally, I preferred the more mature and technically skilled vocals by these boys of secondary-school age.

The Choir and the Gang also sang together to present wonderful chorales and Australian folk songs. In this Singapore/Malaysia tour, they specially performed the famous Indonesian hymn "Bengawan Solo" during the encore, after which the audience responded warmly with a standing ovation.

My ticket had allowed me to take a front seat. As a result, I could appreciate the live concert visually and acoustically from a near distance. It was much greater than listening to a CD with the same songs. And I was glad to have decided to stay back in Melaka as I would not get this kind of cultural exposure in a city like Batu Pahat.

Back To Melaka

Home is where you are welcomed back

by the beautiful sky

after being away for more than ten days.