Where art thou ? The true and courageous…

Well, I just have to blog about this. I have kept all thoughts in my heart but  now thinking out loud.
Not many Christians spoke up to a piece of news which shook the Christian community here. In fact, many asked their members to pray and not comment. It made me wonder…where have all the true and bold Christians gone to? Christianity is made to look like a fad. A fashion statement. Look cool if you are found in one of those 'glam' church. I have been a Christian since I was nine. Took it seriously when I was thirteen. Make a count and I realised that I have been a believer for three decades. What have made me kept my faith? Returning to the basics, returning to the word of God again and again and again. If a good speaker has blessed me with his words, God bless his soul and his ministry. I have never looked upon any preacher as a god. That is where most problems arise in the church today. People leave the faith because of man. People go to church because of man. Read the Bible and see for yourself..it is as clear as crystal, from the old testament to the new testament…if I were to list all, this would be my longest entry ever.
 
You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other. Deuteronomy 4:35

Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him". Mark 12:32

This incident has cast doubts even in some believers and made non-believers even more skeptical.  If wrong is done, let the chastisement come. 

(Quote) Rather than trial, sometimes believers experience trouble in their lives because of the chastening hand of God. In that case, Satan does not bring on the trouble; God does. Chastisement of believers from God can be found all through the Old Testament right into the New Testament. Moses himself was chastised in Deuteronomy 32:48-52 as a result of his disobedience in Numbers 20:11-12. He was told at that time that his chastisement would result in not accompanying Israel into Canaan; he died on the east side of the Jordan. The Old Testament is full of believers who were chastised because of their disobedience to God.

In the New Testament we see both chastisement from God as well as trial from Satan. Paul clearly identifies his personal trial in II Corinthians 12 when he says in verse 7, "...there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me..." It seems clear that Paul's "thorn" was an eye ailment, derived from his comment in Galatians 4:15, "...if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me." Conversely, Paul is clear in I Corinthians 11:29-32 that certain people at Corinth were weak, sick or dead (verse 30) because of their sin. Verses 31-32 cap off Paul's discourse by saying, "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world." These verses are clear. These certain Corinthian people defied God, declined to repent (judge themselves) of their rebellion themselves and were therefore judged by God resulting in chastisement (as seen in verse 30) without any involvement from Satan. Hebrews clearly identifies this process of chastisement in Hebrews 12:6-8, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." Chastisement is God's way of dealing with disobedience in believers just as it is for a natural father dealing with disobedience in his son. This is a fact of scripture. (Unquote) Bibletools.org
 
Many have quoted the scripture...

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8 :7b

I was doubtful with the way this verse was used. I went and check on the Bible commentary and I was indeed enlightened. Often, this is how the word of God has been distorted. Quoting without understanding the context. For your information, the story behind this verse was that the Pharisees brought this lady who has committed adultery before Jesus.  Look at how the Bible commentary explained it.

Are adultery and lust (two sins involved in this episode) still sins under the New Covenant? Absolutely! So is the breaking of the other eight commandments. But the church, out of necessity, has to administer it differently. Forgiveness of this woman is implied, as Jesus, Immanuel, said that He did not condemn her. Even though it is not stated directly, He forgave her.
But did He say, "Go, and don't be concerned about committing adultery again"? Certainly not! As the Head of the church, He said, "Go, and don't break that law again!" He justified her in relation to this one law, and warned her, "Don't break it." His forgiveness did not do away with the law! It is ridiculous, on its face, to conclude that, when grace clears us and brings us into alignment with God and His laws, that it eliminates the law! Only when there is a clear statement or example in God's Word that a law has been put aside should we make such a determination

Read more: http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Bible.show/sVerseID/26389/eVerseID/26389#ixzz20IlwQEJw

See how Christ ended this episode …

And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:11-12

See how important it is to get back to the basic. It is as simple as that.

I am reminded of another verse

"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves. And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." Matthew 21, verse 12-13:

Learning from the best

I signed up for a cake making class. This is the first time I am learning from someone who has graduated from Le Cordon Bleu. Le Cordon Bleu is a world renowned network of educational institutions dedicated to providing the highest level of culinary and hospitality instruction through world class programs. http://www.cordonbleu.edu/

Ms Helen, a very humble and down-to-earth instructor. Learning from the best is indeed an eye opener.


The lesson was conducted in a shop selling kitchen equipment. Vey much like Pantry Magic but much better. What a nice setting.


Ms Helen in action. First she demonstrated and we watched. Asking questions and taking down notes.  After that, we returned to our work station and do it ourselves.


Delicious honeycomb. Taste just like Violet Crumble (if you are old enough to know what that is).


This is how you should cool a chiffon cake


This is my Chiffon cake with honeycomb toppings. I had to bring my cake home to decorate it because the honeycomb can only be sprinkled on top of the cake when ready to eat. They melt easily.


Beautiful and soft chiffon. Really different when you learn from a very skilful chef. I also realised that chiffon cake baked by a real craftsman (ahem) and chiffon cake baked using premix or a sponge cake stabiliser is totally different in texture and taste.

Thanks to the spouse. He took the day off to look after the kids so that I can have a day off to indulge in my passion….so he can have yummy chiffon cake for his next birthday. *Wink*

Thinking of home…food


Nasi lemak

What is wrong is the chilli. Not the right one but it is really difficult to get it here. With just two months away from home, I decided not to buy the ingredients to make the chilli sambal. It will really be a waste if there are any leftovers.

We say farewell to an amazing school

This is the last day of school. The kids are sad to leave the school, friends and teachers. It has been a wonderful three years of school life for them. As a mum, nothing makes me happier than knowing that my kids have been happy in their learning journey. Thank you is not enough but still I have to say 'thank you for giving my kids a happy school life here in Shanghai'.



As for me, it is a mixed feeling. Sad to leave behind good friends, excited to see what lies ahead, happy to be back with old friends, families and my homeland…a rojak of emotions.

We've got a visitor

Our niece from NZ came to visit. It was really nice to see her again. The first time we met, she was just three. The next time I saw her, she was seventeen. Just look at her now. When little toddler becomes a pretty young lady, you know you have become a wise old woman *WINK*

Job well done!

The son has received the awards for the last two years, this year, it was the daughter's turn. Awards or no awards, they are my pride.


Best in English and Best in overall


In my eyes, you will always be a winner


The 'star-awards' look alike.

Kai was right to say that Ann did really well. Her very first examinations and such good results. Way to go.  My son, you did just as well. You set a goal of a triple A* and you have achieved it.

I am really proud of Kai. He has sat for his SA2 papers, did really well, surpass all his previous years' results. He flew back to Singapore to sit for his DSA test. The night before, he couldn't sleep well. I guess that was because he was in a new place. The next day, he was up at 6.30am, bright and sunny and went to sit for his three hour papers. He took it well, all in his own stride. Whatever can be done, is already done. We will just wait for the result.

The school concert and graduation ceremony

The end of a chapter in his school life. Cannot imagine that my miracle number one is moving on to a new phase in his life. Time flies indeed!

Can you spot him?

After the graduation ceremony, the students put up a spectacular show…



Where are my kids?


Here they are

What a great way to end their three years of education in a great school – The Shanghai Singapore International School!

My nerves

Flying home this Friday for a really short trip for the son. He has requested to sit for the DSA (Direct School Admission) test to a very good school. I have researched it, "spoke" to forummers , read students feedbacks and I do agree that it is going to be a good school for the son. Making through is going to demand a lot from him. Not making through is going to make him a sad boy. But as a parent, I cannot deny him. Told him he has to try his best.

He is still very cool about it (just four days away). I am, on the hand, a nervous wreck. But I am doing my best-est not to show him that mum is nervous. So, you see, very often, the parents are the ones placing stress on their kids. Kids can actually go through school life without any stress or pressure.

My tribute

The worship leader was leading this song at the Sunday worship service. I felt such a strong sense of emotions. Perhaps, it aptly described how I feel throughout my journey…

Wonderful song. Sometimes, old is good.

My Tribute
How can I say thanks for the things
You have done for me?
Things so undeserved yet you gave
To prove your love for me
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am, and ever hope to be
I owe it all to thee

To God be the glory, to God be the glory
To God be the glory for the things he has done
With his blood he has saved me
With his power he has raised me
To God be the glory for the things he has done

Just let me live my life and
Let it be pleasing lord to thee
And if I gain any praise, let it go to calvary
With his blood he has saved me
With his power he has raised me
To God be the glory for the things he has done

Oh what FAITH

A church tour leader was leading a group of 20 members on a Biblical location tour in Egypt. Instead of putting his tour group in danger, he offered himself to be kidnapped when confronted by Bedouin tribesmen. It began an eight-hour ordeal which ended with his safe return to Singapore. Amazing courage from a man of faith. He was interviewed by the national papers and he ended off with this…

'If God wants me to go, no matter where I am, I'll have to go; but if it's not my time, no matter where I am... not even a hair on my head will fall,' he said. 'That is my belief.' – Mr Vincent Toh

and the Bible talks about having faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains. You know how small is a mustard seed?