Precious Truth #3: I love my hubby very much

Though it was a simple procedure done many times a day, the possibility of me not seeing my husband again loomed in my mind. He had dropped me off at the hospital earlier and went back to work. As I was wheeled into the operating theatre 15 minutes ahead of time, I quickly called Daniel on my handphone. "I am on the road", he replied frantically. I felt worried for him because I was sure he would want to see me before I was wheeled into the theatre. As I stared at the bright theatre lights, I could sense his worry. He told me later that he was very sullen when he arrived at the hospital and I was already in the theatre.

I asked the Lord to show His grace and mercy. The Lord did. With the prayers of my family and many loved ones, I felt that I was ushered so smoothly into the procedure and in no time, the doctors were shaking me, 'Wake up, Joann'.

Throughout this time, I knew it was hard for him. Being a doctor meant that you knew the various permutations associated with every condition. Being a husband meant that you would worry for your wife and the pain she was going through. On top of that, working woes and other responsibilites laid a heavy weight on him. In the midst of all this busyness, his time with God is not compromised. he has always challenged me likewise. What I truly love and admire about my husband is his determined love for God. During quizzes in camp, he took it as a personal challenge to answer all questions and recited quotes from his favourite book because it indicated much about the personal relationship he had with his God.

In a few months time, it would be our 4th anniversary. Thank you dear Lord so much for another year ahead together...

In Joy and in Sorrow

In Sickness and in Health

Till death do us part

Precious Truth #2: Godliness with Contentment & Hope is NOT Positive Thinking

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain". 1 Timothy 6:6

A simple truth I learnt in camp from the life of Joseph & my hubby.

Contentment first comes with understanding and awareness of your lot - what you have or the lack thereof. This is followed by a humble submission to the will of God to accept one's present lot and not speak bitterly about it. I saw much application of this in the life of Joseph as well as in camp.

Joseph: The direct response of Joseph to his trials and tribulations in the Bible is significantly absent in Genesis. The absence of protests, vindication, justification and pleading from Joseph speaks loudly to me. Was it because Joseph exercised the power of his mind to think that his situation was not that bad thus making the trials more bearable? It would be really funny to think that Joseph convinced himself that he tripped and fell into a small hole as opposed to the reality that his brothers plotted and schemed to deliberately cast him into a hole to die. It would be just as hilarious to think that Joseph convinced himself that he was placed in a special room with special people as opposed to the reality that he was imprisoned and living along side with criminals. From Joseph's final revelation to his brothers [Genesis 45:5-8], it is apparent that Joseph knew fully well the weight of his troubles and difficulties - he knew he was hated by his brothers, he knew they sold him, he knew they wanted him out of their lives, he knew that potiphar's wife had implicated him with a serious crime...he knew and he did not 'postively think' his way out of his trials. He trusted his God and knew that his God was sufficient for all his trials. Joseph submitted his will to God and knew that God is in control. That was the reason for his godly response.

Camp: This brings me back to a truth which Daniel shared with me. When confronted with difficulties, we need not exercise the power of positive thinking to convince ourselves that things are not as bad as it seems. Contentment is the understanding and awareness of the situation and the submission of our wills to God. In light of our camp this year, it is true that it is not the most conducive place to seek solace with God nor is the food of five-star quality. Convincing ourselves or others otherwise may not be the solution. As discerning and prudent Christians, let's make a mental note and humbly acknowledge that this would not be the best option for future camps. As thankful Christians, we know that hard work has been put in to make this camp possible. With that awareness, all complaints should be put aside as speaking bitterly would only worsen the situation. Look around and make the best use of a 5 day leave which many working adults had to take. Perhaps it was meant to be a camp of great fun & fellowship with one another. I have to admit - It has been long time since I had a 'splashing' good time with my family and close friends.

Me: As for me, I would submit my will to God to be content with whatever He thinks is best for me.

1) Kayaking, Fishing, and Fish Eating

2) Cousins and Cousin-in-Laws at Peranakan Restaurant

3) Family & Friends at Jonker Dessert

4) Tenderhearted - The Winning Team!!

5) Family at Shakey's

6) Auntie Chee Kit & Me

.Godliness with Contentment is a Submission of the Will empowered by the Holy Spirit and not a Delusion of Mind empowered by our Imagination.

Precious Truth #1: God is still God & He is Always There

For He Himself has said, " I will never leave you or forsake you" Hebrews 13:5

Time really flies. It has been more than a week ago since the doctor has diagnosed the situation. From the point of diagnosis to further checks and final verifications - the 3.5 hour wait did seem to take forever. But during that time, God gave me His assurance that whatever happens, He is God, He is in control and He knows what is best for me. There was much sadness but there was much calm. God has shown me clearly that He is the giver and taker of life. In giving, it was entirely through His grace. In taking, it was always through His grace & perhaps mercy. The grief was there but the comfort was greater. I thank Him for not allowing my mind to be occupied with a single iota of doubt, confusion or anger. All glory to God!

When I finally saw Daniel at 1 pm, the floodgates opened...

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:1-5

. MY GOD IS MORE THAN ENOUGH .

"Faith is for Life"

That is the title of my hubby's sharing on Friday Night Prayer Meeting - though I had to miss it, he gave me a run through on Saturday. In a nutshell: The Bible is not a book filled with obscure and distant metaphors or figurative language, but it is plain and simple - very real and sufficient for all of life's joys and difficulties. Amen!

This June holidays has been nothing short of an eventful one for me and my loved ones. It has been very very eventful. As I share these happenings as well as precious truths that He has taught me in my next few entries, I ask that the Lord gives me wisdom, humility and love to share what pleases Him.

Count it All Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:2-5

Trust Him

Trust Him when your soul is burdenened

With the weight of all its sin

He will speak the words of pardon,

He will make you clean within

Trust Him when dark doubts assail you;

Trust Him when your strength is small

Trust Him when to simply trust Him,

Seems the hardest thing of all.

Trust in God.

Trust Him for the "grace sufficient" -

Ever equal to your need;

Trust Him always for the answer,

When in Jesus' name you plead.

Trust Him when your cares are many,

Trust Him when your friends are few.

And the time of much temptation,

Is the time to trust Him too.

Trust in God.

Trust Him! He is ever faithful; trust Him - for His will is best;

Trust Him for the heart of Jesus is the only place of rest.

Trust Him through the cloud or sunshine,

All your cares upon Him cast;

Till the storm of life is over,

And the trusting days are past.

Put your trust in God.