The end is nigh!

The end of this year's exams for my daughters, that is.

And N's days as a kindergartener are coming to an end too.

Lastly, our days of squatting at my in-laws' place will soon end... after six long years. What a journey. 

We'll be collecting our keys to the new place on 4 Nov.

New beginnings. Yes. :)

And God just spoke about prayer. *BAM!* To me!

I wrote the previous post just before I went to wash up the kids' stuff and take my shower. After shower, my usual routine is to either read my church's devotional journal, or surf mindlessly on FB or Instagram then do the devotion. Today I went straight to the devotion. GUESS WHAT IT SAYS??

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Prosperity, Prayer and Perspective

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3 John 2-3; Psalm 1:1-6

John’s prayerful wish (“wish or pray”) for Gaius is: “in every way you may prosper and be in good health” (v. 2). In Greek, “prosper” “means literally, ‘to have a good journey’. Metaphorically, it signifies [as here] ‘to succeed’ or ‘to prosper’.” God created us as whole persons, and thus our redemption and its blessings in Christ is holistic – “in every way”. However, John prays that Gaius’ “bodily health and general prosperity may match the prosperity of his soul” – “just as your soul prospers” (v. 2), synonymous to “how you are walking in truth” (v. 3). Christians are “not automatically promised health and success. They are things to pray for, but they are dependent on a loving Heavenly Father's perfect wisdom and sovereign rule. God may or may not answer our prayerful wishes like John's. Spiritual health and strength can only get better and stronger; but not so in the physical realm, for when we grow older we become weaker, and then we die - but to eternity and immortality. 

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Can it get more zhun (accurate) than this? 

I think the main issue here is not exactly about praying for healing or good health and wondering if God would answer my prayer or when. It is instead about praying to a Heavenly Father whom I can trust fully. In His arms, in sickness and in health, I am safe. Just go to Him instead of relying on myself. MUCH. TO. LEARN. 

...

Eternity beckons - when there is no more sickness and pain. 

Will God answer MY prayer?

Many times I pray for others, and believe (to what degree, only God knows) that God will answer my prayer for them. God loves THEM! He longs to show THEM His love, power and glory, change hearts and touch lives.

Well it just occurred to me that I hardly pray for myself when I am sick. Perhaps when driven to desperation then I might remember I have my God to turn to in prayer. Even then, I hardly expect God to answer MY prayer immediately or at all for healing of fever, sore throat or whatever ailment I might be having.I expect the illness to take its full course without divine intervention. Perhaps I've been disappointed too many times with "unanswered" prayers also (why no healing NOW? I want it NOW!). Yes, we live in a fallen world and diseases are just part of the consequential package. I don't expect God to rescue me every time from every illness. So I just simply hardly, pray for myself when I'm ill. I'm okay with no miracles. 

Sigh. This shows clearly how much I believe in God and His ability to answer my prayer (be it a Yes, No or Later). It shows how well or little I know Him in reality. If I TRULY BELIEVE that God loves me and He HEARS me, every single simple prayer for help, why don't I pray to Him more, talk to Him more? Will He actually comfort me when I am down? Will He really remove my fear and give me courage? Was that effort in being bold just my raw guts alone or His supernatural strength? Well I don't know, but I think it'd be good to start with child-like faith. Just simply trust Him. He is real. 

Lord, I want to believe. Help me in my unbelief! 

-I've got this mild fever since Monday. It's been yo-yo-ing up and down each day. And my throat feels swollen. Could be throat or tonsil infection. I HAVE to pray for myself, yes... 

Watch this.

http://youtu.be/G-V_91c5ojU

I put my trust in you

Tired D was late for nap time.

I asked him if he wanted me to hug/抱抱 him to sayang him for a while to soothe him to fall asleep.

He snuggled in my arms, holding one of his fav toy car, and lay his head on my chest.

He closed his eyes, body all calm and relaxed, and fell asleep real quickly.

He knew that in my arms, he can find rest and comfort. 

He fully trusted in me. He did not hesitate, debate nor doubt whether his mommy was a safe place to go to. 

He simply came, arms resting around me as I carried him in mine. 

He knew I loved him, and he just trusted me. Totally, fully, easily.

Do I trust my Heavenly Father as much, as easily?

Do I trust Him fully, to carry me when I'm tired? 

Do I find rest in Him? 

May I grow in my trust in God day by day. There's so much to learn from little children. 

Flu sux

Oh yes it does.

First, me, 2 Thursdays ago. I lost my voice too. 

Then N, 2 days later.

Then last Thurs, E.

Then yesterday, the rest of the tribe: Hubby, A and D.

I've never seen any tot of mine shiver so badly due to chills from the flu. 

The high fever that's going on right now among the last 3 casualties ain't fun. At all. 

It's definitely not the usual cold infection. This is the real deal. Influenza. 

Panadol is now my new buddy. I see it every few hours. Urgh. Stupid flu I hate you!!

For Princess Jolene :)

STILL - Hillsong

Hide me now

Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are king over the flood
I will be still, know You are God