Does your life have Colours?

“The company’s products road map is just too colourful. It doesn’t look serious”.

A colleague gave his feedback as I was working on the technology and products development for the company. “Isn’t colour good?” my mind was thinking. As I flashed back on this colleagues power point presentation when he was doing some training for the company a few months back, It was mostly wordy, no pictures and just one or 2 colour. It looked dull to me, but for him, presentation must be serious. Colourful presentations are kids stuff, or so I thought?

I love colour. Colour helps make presentation clearer and easier to read and understand. There are 4 product groups so I used 4 colours to show each group. One glance and you can figure that out. I also use different shapes of box to indicate movements and growth in the products groups. Those products that we have completed development, I add pictures. To me, it doesn’t show the lack of seriousness, but clarity and easy understanding are important in a presentation.

Colour has great effect on our feelings:

"An executive for a paint company received complaints from workers in a blue office that the office was too cold. When the offices were painted a warm peach, the sweaters came off even though the temperature had not changed." - Pantone

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Red is a very strong color. It is a noticeable color that is often used on caution and warning signs. It is often associated with stop or "beware". It’s a hot color that evokes a powerful emotion of passion, lust, sex, energy, blood and war. Red is a good color to use for accents that need to take notice over other colors. Red is often used in flags for nations, as it is a symbol of pride and strength. It is also a sporty color that many car manufactures choose to showcase their signature vehicles.

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Orange is a combination of Red and Yellow. It is also a bright and warm color. It represents fire, the sun, fun, warmth and tropical images. It is considered a fun light color that has appetizing qualities to it. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain and stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted among young people. As a citrus color, orange is associated with healthy food and stimulates appetite. Any design relating to the tropics, something fun, easy going and youthful should incorporate some type of orange into the design. A darker, richer shade of orange can be associated with autumn.

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Yellow is the brightest color to the human eye. It represents youth, fun, happiness, sunshine and other light playful feelings. It is a cheerful energetic color. Yellow is often used for children’s toys and clothes. Yellow is often hard to read when placed on a white background so designers must be careful when using yellow, that it isn't’t too difficult to read or notice. Though yellow is a bright cheerful color, as it starts to darken it, however, quickly becomes a dirty and unpleasant color. Yellow can also be associated with being scared and, cowards. The term "yellow belly" is proof of that.

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Green is the color of nature and health. It represents growth, nature, money, fertility and safety. Green is a relaxing color that is easy on the eye and has a healing power to it. It is often used to represent anything having to do with health. Many pharmaceutical and nutritional companies use green in their logos and material to advertise safe natural products. Dark green is commonly associated with the military, money, finance, and banking. However it can also be associated with being new or inexperienced as being green or a "green horn". Green is becoming a very popular color in design for web sites.

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Blue is a cool calming color that shows creativity and intelligence. It is a popular color among large corporations, hospitals and airlines.  It is a color of loyalty, strength, wisdom and trust. Blue has a calming effect on the psyche. Blue is the color of the sky and the sea and is often used to represent those images. Blue is a color that generally looks good in almost any shade and is a popular color among males. Blue is not a good color when used for food as there are few blue foods found in nature and it suppresses the appetite.

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Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Throughout history purple has been associated with royalty, nobility and prestige. It symbolizes mystery, magic, power and luxury. Purple is often used to portray rich powerful kings, leaders, wizards and magicians. Purple combined with gold can be flashy and portray wealth and extravagance. Light purple and pink is good for a feminine design and is a popular color among teenage girls. Bright purple along with yellow is commonly used in promoting children's products. It gives the appearance of something that is fun and easy to do.

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Black is often a color used to portray something evil, depressing, scary or even death in western civilization.  It has negative imagery with it at times such as "black mail" "black list" "black hole" etc. Black is also a very powerful color that also portrays one of class elegance and wealth.  Classy clothing is designed in black from the "power suit" to the "sexy black dress" to formal "black-tie attire". Black combined with other colors can have a very strong statement.  Black is a color that can fit into almost every design to add contrast, type, and make the other colors stand out more. Digital Skratch currently offers black plastic business cards.

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White is often associated with being pure, clean, fresh and good. The color of a fresh snowstorm brings up images of a peaceful and pure winter scene. White is a common background for Webster's as it is easy to read black or dark text on it. When used with a design using lots of negative space it gives a very clean look to it. White is also used lots for charities and non-profit organizations to denote something good and positive. Hollywood often portrays their characters in white as being good; the white horse, the cowboy with the white hat, the white wizard etc.  White usually is associated with being pure and almost heavenly, it is associated with hospitals, doctors, and heaven.

Read more: http://www.digitalskratch.com/color-psychology.php#ixzz26J2hDEzf

After all, God did not create the world in monotone. He makes colour. And the best of his creation was when He put a huge rainbow of 7 colours as a covenant to mankind that never again will He destroy the earth with flood.

Is your life mostly back and white? Or is it filled with colour?

Agape

Words are Touchy!! :(

Speaking Truth in Love – easier said than done!!

Even good intentions may sound boastful.

How do you correct other’s error without sounding obnoxious in a Christian group’s discussion? It probably happened a few times to me, without my knowledge.

Oh, I do remember the last incident though. It happened just a few months back. The leader was reading the synopsis of the discussion and there was a misprint on the meaning of “Joab – Jehovah is my God”. That was when I spoke up. I raised my hand and kindly stated that “actually Joab should be Jehovah is my father”

However, the leader looked into my eyes and stated – “Jehovah is my God is the same as Jehovah is my father.” I looked at the group and everyone seemed to agree with him. That was when I felt that I sound boastful to correct the leader. So, I need to clarify:

“Jo-ab is a short version of Jo = Jehovah and ab = abba which is father in Hebrew. And the Sunday’s preacher also said that Joab means Jehovah is my father”

Back in my mind, I knew that Jo-el = Jehovah is my God; el = elohim (which is God), but I just had to speak less and stop talking since I was appearing to be showing off my Christian Knowledge.

Ok. So, did I do any wrong? My mind flashed to Prov 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Was my answer gentle? Tick

Was my conscience clear? Tick

Was my motive just to clarify and speak truth? Tick

Then, about 2 weeks ago, the leader’s wife gently told me about the way I speak. Sometime in the midst of a discussion, I get aggressive and my tone sounds offensive. Also, “we don’t need to correct other’s error even if there are errors”.

I thank her for telling me of my blind spot. I will digest that and make changes. Later in the day, I sent her a SMS message to apologize and thank her for her revelations about my faults.

Since that day, Colossians 4:6 is hanging in my hearts and mind all days long:

Let your conversation be always full of GRACE, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col 4:6)

Agape

Envy the world or Zealous for God?

Coming from the elite schools during his secondary school and Pre-U education, my long time friend spoke disparagingly about how useless he is.

Of course, when you compare with the best of your cohort, you may look ordinary. But this friend of mind is very successful in his own right – a big house, high ranking civil servant; and his wife is at the top of corporate ladder. His children are in elite schools and the eldest is going to medicine school in Cambridge next year. Sure, when he compares with all those ministers and MPs friends, he seems nothing.

I met some of my very old friends last week over dinner. Our discussions tend to focus on success and worldly pursuits. Although, all of us are Christians, I was wondering why we never talk about Kingdom values. I was also wondering whether they are walking well with the LORD. It is the extroverts and those that chase after things of this world spoke the most. I just listened and reflected on what were discussed.

Don’t get me wrong. My friends are all upright citizens. It’s just that we miss out talking about an important part of our lives – our lives in the LORD. Maybe, they don’t see that as very important?

 I left the gathering with this thought:

Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. (Prov 23:17)

Agape

Lessons on Life

Life is what happens while you are making other plans.

A person of words and not deeds
is like a garden full of weeds.

It's better to be trusted than liked,
Underpromise - Overperform.
The key to happiness and success is to have a dream.
All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today.
You always pass failure on the way to success.

You have to wake up in order for your dreams to come true.
Don't let lack of praise nip you in the bud.
The surest way to go broke is to sit around and wait for a break.
The only thing worse than an alarm going off is the one that doesn't.

An ego trip won't get you anywhere.
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little extra.
If you want the rainbow you gotta put up with the rain.
Count your age by friends, Count your life by smiles.

A natural tendency is to want to be understood rather than understand.
Don't prepare for rainy days without enjoying today's sunshine.
Keep your heart a little softer than your head.
Don't think there are no crocodiles just because the water is calm.

Stand for something or you'll fall for anything.
Growing old is when fun is a lot more work.
Never insult a crocodile until you've crossed the river.
If you don't lie down no one can walk on you.

If you think things improve with age attend a class reunion.
A good scare is sometimes worth more to a man than good advice.
Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes.
We have two ears and one mouth, Think twice, speak once!

Experience is the best teacher because it's always on the job.
You're never fully dressed until you wear a smile.
It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.
The greatest mistake you can make is to be afraid of making one.

Happiness is the journey not the destination.
People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.
Does your employer consider you profit or overhead?
Look at life through the windshield not the rear view mirror.

To succeed do the best you can, where you are, with what you have.
Don't let your voice mail be "voice jail" to your callers.
A man without humor is like a car without shock absorbers.
Wisdom is what's left over after we smarten up.

Many people quit looking for work when they finally get a job.
About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age.

Don't wait for your ship to come in swim out to it.
Every job is a self portrait of those who did it.

Talk less - Say more.
Love at first sight saves a lot of time.
Autograph your work with quality.
You can only control two things your attitude and your activity.

Remember, there's nothing more constant than change.
If you tell the truth sooner or later somebody's going to find out.
Experience is the one thing you can't get on easy payments.
Remember change and change for the better are two different things.
Be on the level and you won't go downhill.

All play and no work, does not work.
A goal is a dream with a deadline.
A liar needs a good memory.
Dream of worthy accomplishments and stay awake to achieve them.

The only place success comes before work is the dictionary.
You can be happy without needing others to agree with you.
You are not late until you get there.
Glory comes from daring to begin.

Have a back bone not a wish bone.
Give your troubles to God, He will be up all night anyway.
The greater part of progress is the desire to progress.
Happiness is the place between too little and too much.

Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Destiny is not a matter of chance it's a matter of choice.
Your children need your presence more than your presents.
Each of us has two ends a sitting end and a thinking end,
Success depends on which we use.

Many spend half the time wishing for things they could have if they didn't spend half the time wishing.
For every person who climbs the ladder of success there are a dozen waiting for the elevator. Happiness is a choice not a response.
God works with you, not for you.

If your dreams turn to dust vacuum.
Do it now, you become successful the very moment you start.
People may doubt what you say but they will believe what you do.
Success -Don't do what you like, Like what you do.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Changing Attitude; willing to be Broken

I am careless!



I damaged 2 expensive components while doing some experiment in the laboratory yesterday. Even though the components are free samples, it still spoilt my day. It seldom happens to me. Why, oh why as I began to ask myself again and again.


I have always being very careful in doing experiments and testing, unless I am rushing. As they say – “more haste, less speed”. But then, I am very careful this time round.


In the quietness, I felt some prompting within me. Then I remembered the book that I am still reading by Watchman Nee. It is about being broken for God. We need to be broken in order for ministry.


There is a huge lesson for me in this. Need to change attitude.
Then I remembered the seminar on Be Attitude last weekend.


Blessed are the poor in spirit …
Blessed are those who mourn …


*******************


The story is told of a woman who during the war went to live with her husband in camp on the Mojave Desert. She simply hated the place; the heat was almost unbearable, 50 degrees Celsius in the shade, the wind blew incessantly, and there was sand - sand everywhere.


Finally, in desperation she wrote her parents in Ohio that she couldn't stand it another minute and was coming home.


Quickly came the reply by airmail from her father - just the two familiar lines:


"Two men looked out from prison bars ... one saw the mud, the other saw stars."


The daughter did some real thinking, not only with the intellect but also with her heart. She decided to stick to her post.


She made friends with the natives, learned to love the country, and eventually wrote a book about it.


The desert hadn't changed, but her attitude had. Because she listened with her heart to the words her father sent, a whole New World opened up to her.


Agape

Be broken – A fragrance of Christ

Friday 18/5/12 6:25 am

“blonk!” The bottle of 100ml perfume slipped and spilled all over the floor. How careless of me to drop it, even though it cost me only S$2.90. The whole toilet smelled good, but I smelled bad inside me :( As I picked up the broken glasses, I carelessly cut my right thumb! Cleaning up and bandage myself took away the time for my short early devotion.

So my reflection and meditation as I drove the girls to school was on brokenness. “I break, and I cut myself.” In my quietness, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting - To be an aroma and fragrance of Christ, I need to be broken. What an irony. Who want to be broken? It is painful. Yeah, I hurt myself you know, LORD! The last 3 weeks was good, the Presence of God is real. Since the David & Greta Peters’ seminar, I have encountered the filling of the Holy Spirit. It’s amazing to truly understand how to Walk in the Spirit. Now, it seems that God is telling me to move to being brokenness. I am afraid … and the pain of my  right thumb lingers …

…

Friday 18/5/12 8:05 pm

Should I attend the leaders’ prayer meeting? It’s for leaders and core servants, not for me lah. Perhaps I can learn something? Well, might as well just go and see since I am new to this church.

Interesting, they allowed time for leaders who felt a word from the LORD to stand up and share. A sister stood up and felt God wanting her to tell all who were present to be broken! We need to (1) Allow God to Break in; (2) Be Break through in our life; (3) Enjoy a Break dance like King David (2Sam 6).

A mere coincidence that I choose to come and here is what I heard? Isn’t that what God is showing me in the morning and kept me thinking about it all day? And yet at night, when I think I want to hear and see something different, it is still the same message even though I am not suppose to be there. It’s for leaders and core servants of the LORD.

¹⁵ For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; ¹⁶  to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? (2 Cor 2:15-16 NASB)

Amazing how the Spirit leads.

Agape

What happen after “zapped” by the Holy Spirit?

Two Sunday ago, I got “zapped” by the Holy Spirit!


Nope, I am not going to discuss how it happened or why it happened. Or even is it biblical? This is always the contention between the reformed and the charismatic churches. I leave that to you to figure it out, or to take your side.

So what happened to me after that?

Well, ever since (even till today), there is always a song ringing in me, humming inside me. It’s weird for me as I am not a “song” person. I don’t think this happen to others, but I guess, I need to learn to sing more songs from now on. Then yesterday as I was reading Psalms 42,

I come across this verse (eight):

By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

Perhaps, that song inside me is a continuous prayer for me?

Those who know me would know that my job is always stressful. I deal with technical problems. If there is no problem, I make problems because I develop products and during the development phase, I always see problems. Living in this kind of work-life, it is difficult to have real peace inside me. NOW, I see things very differently. The PEACE of Christ is inside me even when unpleasant things happen. I could feel it because coming to work take on a new perspective. The word “never-mind” becomes my familiar phase.

When face with obstacle, it’s always, “what is HE teaching me?” It’s so easy to give praises and thanksgiving. Complaining and grumbling no longer exist.

The greatest transformation is the sensitivity to impure thoughts and unwholesome talks. You know it is coming and nip it in the bud before it appears in the mind or blurt out in the mouth. The presence of the LORD is always there throughout the day.


It is like Colossians 3:15-17 becomes real and alive in me:

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wonder how long this situation will last?

Agape

Hypocrisy Unveiled

The outward may seem nice,
the inside may be rotten.

The flowers and fruits may be blossom,
but the roots are really shallow and weak.

And so, when the storm comes,
the whole tree is uprooted and topples over!

This is what I saw this morning while walking to the Church:

“What is inside you is more important than what others see you as”, as I think about what I saw. Suddenly, everything became clear. Recently, we hear about 44 men being charge of sexual encounter with a teenage prostitute. Among them are school principle, teachers and social prominent people.
44 men involved caught in prostition

And the list increases by the days: men charges with vice

Friends of these people appear to be in shock. “He is a good man …” was a common reply.
Why are so many people involved in trading sex – men buying sex and women selling as prostitutes? And sure, it’s all done in secrecy. But once caught, the men had to resign from their high positions. If not, they live a hypocrite, double lives. School principal and teachers are teaching moral ethics to their students, with words but not in action. Community leaders also hide their own “secrets”. Our society demands that leaders, teachers, and those in authorities uphold family values otherwise don’t be in leadership positions, as simple as that. Trouble with men is that they are always thinking of sex. To pretend to be holy is to be hypocrite. We men are created that way so as to fulfill the command – “be fruitful and multiply”. But when, Adam sinned, this sexual desire is somehow also sabotaged and wired wrongly.

For Christians, there are ways to overcome this sexual temptation.

The Psalmist asks: “How can young people keep their way pure?” (Psa 119:9a)
He then gives the answer: “By guarding it according to Your Word”.

"I have laid up your word in my heart, that I might not sinned against you" (v11)
Another way is to seek wholesome Christian fellowship, fellowship that edify and build up one another (1Thess 5:11). Unfortunately, even among Christian brothers, we don’t discuss the topic of sex. We prefer to keep it private and pretend that we are OK. So, we Christian brothers always struggle it alone. Those who can’t overcome usually take a step back and not be in Christian services. That is why the church usually has very few men in Christian leadership. The sisters are more willing to come forward.

May God help us men to hunger and thirst after His righteousness!

Agape



Dare to try, Dare to be different

My 12 years old daughter baked me a birthday cake!

She started baking early this year after watching a TV young chef competition. The participations were about 9 to 13 years old. That triggered her to try cooking.

Well done, dare to try!

And I like the cake, it is thick and rich!

Thank you my young baker!

Agape

Are you a friggatriskaidekaphobia?

What is that??

I learn this new word today. Some people just freak out on a Friday the 13th. That is what the word means!

Today is my special day, so I have to blog about it.


Why Friday?
Friday is considered bad omen because they said that Jesus Christ was crucified on Friday. But, for us Christians, the day of crucifixion is a Good day because God chose to redeem us for our sins by dying on the Cross for us. So that is a Good Friday, Okay!


What about 13?
Well, the number 12 is known as the governing or ruling number in Biblical sense because Jesus Christ has the 12 Apostle to govern the church, there are 12 tribes in Israel to form the nation of Israel. In Revelation chapter 4, John saw in heaven, there are 24 thrones seated by 24 elders (2 groups of 12). Likewise, there are 12 hours each ½ day and 12 months in a year to govern the seasons and time of our lives. So, 1 more or less than a complete biblical number is considered bad (just like 7, is a perfect number and 1 less is bad like 666). So 1 more than 12 which is 13 is considered bad. Sound ridiculous isn’t it?

And so Friday the 13th is considered a really bad day because of the double bad omen, and those who have this phobia is called friggatriskaidekaphobia.
(a Greek word)

But not me!

In any case, for me 13 is always my very good number because God brings me into this world on a 13. And I like April. And today is my birthday!

Happy Birthday to me! :))

Agape

Be Considerate when parking!

When you see a person that really need help, I mean, real..lly need help, would you go forward and help him?

I was driving into a crowded HDB open car park last Saturday. Some cars were parked illegally on the double yellow lines. This caused obstruction to those who wanted to get out of their parking lot. So, a poor chap kept trying to steer clear of his car to leave the car park. Clearly, he needed help!

OK, so I got out of my car and move forward to guide him out. Boy, it was tough, the clearance was so narrow, that he had to reverse and move forwards many, many times. You could see the relief on his face after the ordeal.

Of course, the incident held up many cars, but please be patience lah! This guy is innocence. It was the car in front of him parking on the double yellow lines that is the culprit. Some drivers behind me are just not happy.


… to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (Titus 3:2)

Agape

My Achievement – my 3 girls

“Are you proud of your achievement?” My youngest girl asked me the other night.

Without much thinking, I replied, “Yes, of course. My achievement is having 3 lovely girls!”
As I said this, I felt the inner confirmation as a verse flashed through my mind - Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. (Psa 127:3 NIV)

Deep in thoughts, I wonder through all other achievements in my life. But truly none can be more satisfying than to able to see my 3 girls everyday, able to interact and be there as they grow up. All other achievements are but short lived. Why would people want to jeopardize their lives and be separated from their children?

They are my source of motivation.

My greatest achievement is that they will grow up in faith in the LORD and fulfill God’s calling in their lives. My greatest failure in life would be to see any of them denying their faith or slide back into worldliness. It is my duty to guide them in the spiritual life. For that is my motivation to grow in faith also.

My children, listen to what your father teaches you. Pay attention, and you will have understanding. What I am teaching you is good, so remember it all (Prov 4:1-2 GNT)

Agape

Searching for the Presence of God

“How do I sense the presence of God?” My daughter asked, as we were jogging towards the beach late last Sunday night.

She was leading the worship during her cell group meeting the day before. Many of those at the service felt the presence to God, but she didn’t. She wondered why, even though she was much prepared for the worship.

It is good to know that there is this desire for her to want to know God more intimately. It shows that she is searching for God. We have this meaningful discussion whenever we go jogging together.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Jesus said.

“We need to understand first that God is every where” I explain. (Psa 139:7,8)

But God is holy and we are sinful, we could not sense His presence even though the Holy Spirit is in us (Rom 8:9). So for me to develop this awareness of God’s presence, the starting point for a beginner is to memorize the Word of God, meditate and ponder over it. Start with the LOGOS. (when I became a Christian, my Follow-up Leader asked me to memorize Bible verses, so that is how I grow with it)

“Since, the human mind is always thinking, why not put our thoughts on His Word, and breathe (pray) out words to Him as we reflect on these verses.” I always carry Bible verses in my wallet so that I can just go through them whenever I miss a word or two from the verses, I told her.

Also, whenever we encounter something or face some situations, just say a short prayer. Like this morning, there was a massive traffic jam due to the heavy down pour. Instead of getting impatience (or curse and swear at some inconsiderate drivers), why not pray for the situations, other drivers and safety as we navigated out of the situation. Learning to pray in all situations helps me to be aware of God’s presence at all times.

After doing this for many times, soon we develop the sensitivity to the work of the Holy Spirit. He will use God’s WORD – the LOGOS within us, to speak God’s WORD – the RHEMA to us. That is when I start to sense the presence of God and be able to hear Him. He can speak through vision/dream, imagery words and feeling. Most of my encounters with God are usually imagery words and feelings, which are usually proven true later. Usually when such a RHEMA comes to me, I just obey and act according to what is shown to me. I usually keep it to myself until it is proven to be true later. – This is call “walk by faith and not by sight” (2Cor 5:7).

Every Christian has his own way of meeting God, which may be different from what I have done and describe above. Do drop a comment and share with me. Thank you.


For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him… (2Chron 16:9 NIV)

Agape

Conversations, not monologue please!

During a meeting on Monday, my boss made a strong remark that whenever he said something, none of us will give some comments. It’s as if he is giving a “monologue”. Still, nobody said anything after that.

Close friends will always give feedback, encouragement, or even positive criticisms to build one another. But when the relationship become one of “superior-inferior” type of relationship, then “whatever-you-say-I-will-do” conversation will happen. I believe, this is how our boss talk to us. But how did this happen? Well, my boss always talks in a bossy manner. His body language shows. So, we just dare not comment.

As I reflect of this situation, I also have to ask myself how I speak to my subordinate and my children. Do I always talk in an authoritative manner? Have I learn to listen before replying? Does my tone and body language are in anyway incoherent with what I say?

Also, I realize that in facebook or blog, only those who are really at ease will give comments. Be it a joke, feedback or even negative comments, it is still better than none. It shows that they care to say something to you. Other will just so call “spy” on your posts and leave silently. Through the posts, I could really sense who are one that take the trouble to drop a few lines.

These days, I am learning what Apostle Paul call – Gracious in Speech:

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col 4:6)

Agape

A Stagnant Pool or a Flowing Stream

I left Bethany Church at the beginning of this year and worship at a church near my home.

Some people may wonder why I do so. Have I backslide; one member of Bethany Church emailed me. Some see me as “quitter”, a famous word coined by a former Prime Minister for those who leave Singapore to stay in a foreign country.

I have been in Bethany church for 25 years. That is a long time. I have rendered my time, energy and money for the work of the church all these years without grumbling or complaining. Prior to coming to Bethany, I was with another church for 10 years which later closed down. I was also with the Navigators, a para-church organization during my youth and university days. So I am quite exposed to church growth, church health and how church fades away. All these years in Bethany, I have observed that the church health and growth have somehow impeded. Occasionally, I casually mentioned to the Pastor and sometime to the leaders. It is up to them to respond to my sharing.

Bethany is very small. In 1989 we had about 28 members. In 2011, I read from Facebook that Bethany have her 100th members. But, we know that not all the 100 members are still worshipping in Bethany. Most of these memberships are due to biological growth. Our children have grown up. Why is the growth slow? From my perspective, I see the church becoming a stagnant pool. I tried to change that many times. But after reaching the age of 50, I decide to find a flowing stream than to transform a stagnant pool into a flowing stream.

To grow, I need to drink from a flowing stream, not a stagnant pool.

I know that there are many good Bethany members also realize this. So they attend courses organized by other churches such as St. Andrew Cathedral and even the BSF classes. Some joined other churches on mission trips and training courses. I too, attended classes from the Singapore Bible College because Bethany is not feeding her flock. Sunday sermon is the bare minimum for every church. But primarily, the church should be feeding her lamb and her sheep. No, I am not talking about a 1 to 2 hours spur of the moment teaching or training. It must be a structured continuous feeding the lambs and sheep until they too are able to feed others.

With a change of leadership, my hope and prayer is that Bethany can become a flowing stream.

Psalm 1:3
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

The Right Focus

We are often distracted and discouraged when we see better competitors and challenges ahead.

Focus on the goal, not the obstacles.

A few days before the cross country race, my daughter found out that only the top 15 of each level will get a trophy. There were more than 300 runners in each level and also there are many athletes among here peers. As she is not actively involving in any sport in school, she got a bit concern and sent me an SMS:

“Bad news. The cross country only top 15 get price for per level… And plus all the sport, so many already.”

In a race, it is not about your competitors, but yourself. You are running against the clock. So I told her to just do her best and enjoy the run. Winning is secondary. Focus on the end point and sense your performance along the way … start slow, build up and end strongly.

During the race day, I prayed for her. I hoped that she learnt a vital lesson from this run. The lesson is to do her personal best.

After the race, she texted us:

“EVERYONE I GOT 10 POSITION FOR CROSS COUNTRY THANK GOD”

I am happy for her.

As I reflect on this, a verse came to mind:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrew 12:1,2)

In life, there will always be better competitors, insurmountable challenges, difficulties and trials. All these will test my faith. The way to run this race of life then is to fix my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Agape

2 are better than 1

We need someone to pace with us.

Last weekend, my daughter and I ran 10 laps of 400metres track around the Sea Shell Park near my home. She was preparing for her school 4Km run and I thought this might be a good prep run for her. It wasn’t a very fast run, but for her age to clock about 22 minutes is quite a decent timing. Still, I think she felt the pain as she tried to endure through the whole distance.

Discipline, endurance, … self-control …

These words flooded my mind as I reflect on what we have gone through that afternoon. I am glad that she made it and completed her 4Km run.

Yesterday, she sent me an SMS and wrote that she tried to do it again on herself. This time she only managed to complete 7 laps.

Maybe it’s because she slept late last night (after 1am with all those school works :( )

Also, it’s easier to give up when the pain is building up and running alone. We runners all know that. Running in groups is easier. We motivate one another.

In our spiritual journey we also need someone to run with us.

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor: (Ecc 4:9)

I thank God that when I first became a Christian, an older Christian came along and guide me in my growth. Oftentimes, he checked on my Scripture Memory verses, studied the Bible and shared his life with me. Later, he taught me how to do it to others. Then, it was my turn to teach them how to teach others. It’s exciting to be “spiritual grandfather”.

If it wasn’t for all this Christian brother to come along my way, I would just be a Sunday churchgoer today.

The "Still small voice"

How often are we conscious of God’s presence in our midst?

Familiarity breeds contempt, so they say. That probably drowns my consciousness of God’s presence.

But on Wednesday, I had a change of routine. This week is Communic Asia Expo 2011 and I was on duty at Marina Bay Sand Convention Centre. Colleagues advised me to take the train there to avoid the exorbitant car parking price. OK, it has been a long time since I last took the Mass Rapid Transit and I have not even taken the Circle Line since it started operating.

In the train, a heard a lady about my age kept grumbling: “I am squeezed!” and the train I was in was not even fully packed. I was a bit irritated and start harboring ill feelings about her, when I felt within me whispering: “Don’t judge!” My mood immediately changed and I told myself that she was not feeling well. It was then that I heard her daughter asking her about her medication.

Hmmn, was God trying to teach me something?? Does God still speak to me? For me, whether God speaks loud and clear or the “still small voice” inside me speaking does not matter. What I need is able to response correctly to this “still small voice”. Maybe that is the way, God gets my attention …

… after the fire, came a gentle whisper … (1King 19:12)


Agape

Open or close door?

Whenever there is a slight vibration on the adjacent wall of my office, the door just swing back and close by itself. The door’s magnetic holder has weakened its magnetic field, no longer strong enough to keep the door open. It takes me a while to ensure the door stays open every morning when I go into my office. This has been going on for weeks now and I found myself keep asking:

Should I just leave the door close at all time?

That’s what my bosses – the President of the Company, the General Managers do.
Likewise, other Vice Presidents also shut their doors.

I think those who shut their offices' doors prefer to do things in privacy, and maybe telling others not to disturb them unless necessary. This thought is not wild guessing. Working with them for more than a decade, I can safely say this is also in line with their characters.

For me I prefer to have my office door opens at all times. Colleagues can just pop in any time, without ever to knock. It’s my way of saying: “You are welcome to interrupt me. Just drop by for a chat!”

…

In life, I definitely like God to open doors of opportunities and ministries for me:
See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. (Rev 3:8)

In prayer, I long for open door:
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matt 7:7)

To others, I need to be like Job:
but no stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler (Job 31:32)

To my Lord, I want to response with an open door:
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Rev 3:20)



I think I need to buy a door stopper soon … In the meantime; I will just fold a piece of paper many times and slide it under the door to keep it opens. :)

… and be an “open-door” person!

Agape

Lost ... and getting back on track

It’s quite fearful when one is lost and does not know the way home!

Late last night, as I was walking around the quiet neighborhood, a teenager came out to me and asked for direction.

He asked, “How to go to Temasek Polytechnic?”

“Why do you want to go to Temasek Polytechnic, it’s so late now?”

Through the conversation (as I walked with him to a bus stop to catch a bus home), I found out that he was actually lost. He has taken a correct bus but headed toward the wrong direction and he ended up in Pasir Ris. He then wandered about in Pasir Ris. The fear in his face showed it all. But boy being boy (he is in Secondary 1), he was struggling to contain his emotion. I got him to talk to his father through my hand phone. …

After waiting for a long while with him at the bus stop, he finally got up the bus. It must be quite an experience for him.

…


All we like sheep has gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way …

Being lost and gone astray is quite scary. We need help to get back on track again. Spiritually, we are also like that. By making a wrong decision, we drift off and get further and further away (ending up in the East of Singapore!).

I also thought about my children who are not much age difference from this boy. How would they respond if they were lost? Are they smart enough to find their way home? More worrying is, would they know that they are spiritually going astray?

Agape

A Book of Complaining

I have been reading the Bible quite constantly since the beginning of this year, alternating a book from the Old Testament and the New – Genesis, Mark, Exodus, Acts, Leviticus, Hebrews, Numbers … Intersperse reading with some wisdom chapters of Psalms and Proverbs to spice up the reading.

The Book of Number, in particular strike me as a book of complaining. The people complain of no food and no water. The spies complain of difficulty to take the land of Canaan. The Levites complain and rebel. Even Mariam and Aaron (sister and brother of Moses) complain.

It’s tough to live with people that’s always complaining and bitching around.

The results? … All these complainers die without entering the promise land. And they have to move about for 40 years aimlessly. The Book literally covers a 39 years span of time.

Maybe I complain too much also?

Well, thank God for reading this book.

It was quite enlightening.

I may spend a lot of time this year to study this book. :)

Shaming those who fail to turn up for Sunday worship

A new and powerful way of shaming those who do not turn up for Sunday worship – publish their names on facebook (if they have a facebook account). The name list is not in alphabetical order. My name is first in the list. Clearly, I am the most hated person in Bethany Presbyterian Church now. :(

Only the powerful people in the church dare to do that to their sheep. The pastor’s sister-in-law is the church police now. This reminds me of the temple polices in Jesus’ time. They came and arrested Jesus during the night. … (you know the rest of the story)

Good sermons are hard to come by

After missing so many good sermons for the past 20 years (?), the last 2 months of Sunday sermons have totally changed my life perspective and bring me closer to the Almighty.

Some people, if not, most people from Bethany may be thinking that I have backslided. Received an email lately:

Hi Mark

Its a long time since I last saw you in church. Hope everything is well with you. …

I hope you will return to church although I do not know what problem you are facing. From my own personal viewpoint, I believe it is very important to fix our eyes on Jesus and do not let happenings affect us. Ultimately it is to the Lord that we will answer when we meet HIM.

Brother Mark, I hope to see your family again. I will pray for you all.


My reply:

Thank you for your concern. We are fine and doing well.

… I am attending a church near my house that provides thought-provoking, soul-searching and practical sermons every Sunday. I wouldn't want to miss such sermons, yet.

Blessings

Yah, I have learnt alot from the sermons and the style of delivery, structuring, and oratory skills. Each Sunday is a different speaker. This month March, the church is inviting well- known Singapore Speakers - Rev Dr Edmund Chan, and Rev Dr (Bishop) Solomon, Then we will have Gordon MacDonald from the USA coming. We have read his books, now to hear him speak.

Problems? No! ... Growing? YES!! :))

How exciting!

Getting impatience?

“Dad, the students are crossing!”

My daughter blurted out as I tried to ease my car through a seemingly never ending stream of students at the zebra crossing just outside her school this morning.

There was no road marshal to control the flow of students crossing today. School starts later on Monday.

I have been waiting at the zebra crossing for many minutes. And the students just stagger along, moving at their own sweet time with gaps in between. So, I just ease through the gap. It looks pretty harmless anyway.

Maybe I got a bit impatience after waiting for seem like a long time. As usual, I try to rationalize with her. “No lah, I just squeeze through. It quite safe”

On reflection, has my action being callous? What if a student suddenly walked faster and I happened to knock him down or just cause a minor injury? Certainly, I was at fault, no matter what. What if a traffic police is around …

Love is patience, Love is kind…

It’s good that she pointed this out to me. :)

A Good Sunday Sermon

How does one consider a Sunday service sermon as a good message?

For me, the last 2 Sunday sermons that I heard keep appearing in my mind for the rest of the week. The message keeps re-appearing and prompting me to act and do what it says throughout my days.

It's amazing that how such a message can captivate me (and the congregation, I guess). Maybe, that is why the church is growing by leaps and bounds.

Last Sunday sermon was delivered by a Singaporean, definitely younger than me. A youth Pastor. Yet, the message is simple and clear. The strong point is that: he spoke to the congregation, not reading from a prepared write-out.

So different.

Glad I am there to here it.

Strange email

I seldom check email these days, but received a strange email today from someone I know long time ago. (He had my email address):

Hello.

Hope you are doing well today? I am in great sorrow writing this note, I could barely think straight at this point, I'm sorry I didn't inform you about my travelling. I am presently in Madrid, Spain on short programme and as I write to you now, its unbelievable am stranded, got robbed at gun point on my way to a hotel and my money, credit cards, phone and other valuable things were stolen, thank almighty God for save keeping my passport. I really need your urgent assistance quickly, I need loan of $1,500 to sort out my hotel bills and other transactions or any amount you can raise for me, I promise to refund it back to you with interest once i get back home. I have some money in my account but i can't access any here right now, already cancelled all my cards immediately after the criminal stole my things. I am left at the public internet library where am making use of the free internet access so that I could contact whomever that can help me. I will forever be grateful if you can help me, Waiting to hear from you quickly because my return flight leaves soon but need to sort the hotel bills and other expenditures. Please save me from been embarrassed.


Name: XXX XXX XXX Sam

Address: Paseo De Las Delicias 26, 28045 Madrid, Spain.

Text Question: What is receiver's date of birth?
Answer: 21 Dec 1970


Please remember to send me full details of the transfer such as MTCN (money transfer control number) or scan copy of the transfer receipt so that i can get the money here without any delay or problem. Trust me; I will refund back the money to you including the transfer charges on my arrival. I will check my e-mail again later to have the western union transfer details.

Thank you for your help



How would you response?

Pants for the Flowing Water

It's such a long time that I post in this blog, ... but yesterday morning I woke up with this song on my head - As a deer panteth for the water...

Maybe I was hoping to see more people thirst for God and a thought keeping coming to me.
So I started to write it all down on a piece of paper what to do.

Would the plan materialise or just shelf it somewhere in my cupboard like all the others?


Psalms 42

Me & My Big Mouth

It has been weeks of deep thoughts!

All because I want to know what God is doing in Bethany. Maybe I shouldn’t ask HIM this question. Who am I to ask the Almighty what HE is doing. And, that kind of questions should be asked by the Pastor, the Elders and Deacon of the church, not me.

Me: “Lord, what are You doing in Bethany?”

Lord: “See all those who stray away and have not return for a long time?”

Me: “Huh! Sorry, have forgotten them …”

Lord: “Not me, I remember them. Always on the look out for them to come back to me.”

Me: “Must need a lot of patience though”

Lord: “Sure have. Want to join me to bring them back?”

Me: “What? Me? Lord, You ask the wrong guy. I don’t have the persuasiveness to talk. I can’t talk lah!”

Lord: “Well, why then ask me what I am doing in Bethany?”

Me: (thinking) “Ooop! Me and my big mouth” :(

Morale of this experience – It’s better not to be able to hear what God is speaking than to hear and not obey. I now know why being an Old Testament prophet is a tough job.

Agape

The parable of the COMING HOME

Last night, as I was walking along the quiet street along my house, thinking and praying for some people, the thought about “COMING HOME” struck me. I shall call it the parable of the COMING HOME.

OK, probably, I have read a lot about parables for the last 3 weeks. And so, it infiltrates my thoughts. You know, the story in Luke 15:11-32 about a boy who left home and was warmly welcome home by the father? Yeah, I always love to write a parable like this but with a modern and local version that is close to all our hearts. And yes, this one speaks to me right now.

I was praying for those who have left our “HOME” and have not yet come back. We or rather I as a longing father is looking out for them. Then there is another son who is helping in my home. I want this son to also join me in bringing the other brother home. Got the hint? Can guess what and who I am praying?

If you are reading this, think:
(1) Am I the son who has left home?
(2) Am I the other brother who is working at home? Would I join the father to get my brother back home?
(3) I may be not the sons or father, would I join this father (that’s me, Mark) to help bring back the son?

OK, I am blogging in parable and if it speaks to you, you probably understand what I am writing.

Agape

That's Life!

My colleague is back from medical leave for one month and yet my boss still wants me to report and cover some of his jobs which I was doing during his absence. :(

My feelings are …. %#@^ ??? :(

And the projects -many and difficults -are still in development with problems. (which probably stir up fear)

But my LORD is my strength, I will not be shaken.
He makes my feet like hind feet,
He steers me through the quicksand;
And in HIS strength, I will gladly do what is before me!

Learning to seek peace

When things go wrong, finger pointing is very common :(

Worst is when you are unknowing caught into it. And that is what I am in the midst of it now.

Since last year, we have collaboration with an Australian guy (stationed in Singapore) on a UK project. My engineer, who resigned last month was working on it and has handed over to this Australian guy since September 2009. We thought everything was going on smoothly, since we have not heard of it for the whole one year or so… Then last week, he started to find faults. He started to question our design, the way we did things and all the craps … emails that are very hard to read and swallow, and arouse an immediate retaliation.

And on many occasions, my spirit within me was very stirred up. It’s a challenge to hold on to peace. Many times, I felt like speaking up and replying to all the emails but … still it take great strength to remain calm. And thank God, the fruit of the Spirit is GENTLENESS – strength under control.

And so, I just keep to the technical issues and try to resolve the problem. As to the sarcastic remarks about our design not properly done, poor ways of doing things, etc… these are just personal opinions that I choose to ignore.

During Sunday Bible study, one verse seemed like God’s voice telling me what to do:

Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
(Psalm 34:14)

No wonder I was very much constrained in spirit not to do evil things.


Monday (yesterday):
As I was talking to my product manager who was also involved in this project, he started cursing and using the f*** word at the Australian guy (though not in his presence). I thought I was the only one getting emotional.

I am still learning to seek peace.

Devotional Thought: Being Approachable

How approachable are you?

When people have trouble or need an advice, would they approach me to seek me out for help?

NO! :(

These thoughts linger on my mind as I read today’s devotions from Our Daily Bread on Mark 2:13-17. Our Lord Jesus Christ was so approachable that even sinners and tax collectors ate with him.

As for me, no, I don’t think people see me as approachable. There are even people in the church who reject me as friends in Facebook. At least 5 people, as far as I can remember. So, that says so much about me.

And that is the main reasons why I am disqualified to be a leader in the church. It is not about doing things here and there in the church.

It is about connecting with people.

Sermon reflection: The sanctity of Life

Actually, the passage on Leviticus 17 is not about calling us to respond with:

“Lord, what can I do for you?”

or

“Lord, what do you want me to be?”

The whole passage is about BLOOD. And blood is LIFE (verse 14).

(Ya lah!, the word “blood” keeps repeating in the whole passage)

When an animal is killed, the blood is taken out and the animal dies. In Leviticus 17, the Israelites were told not to anyhow dispose the blood or even eat (or drink) the blood (verse 4 and 10).

If the animal is used as a sacrifice, the blood must be brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting (verse 4). If the animal is slaughtered for food, the blood must be poured out on the ground and cover with earth (verse 13). Here, we see that when death occurs, it must return to the LORD. (The tent of meeting is GOD’s presence (v4). The earth (v13) belongs to GOD). So, life or death, the animal belongs to God.

We all know that God is the creator and giver of LIFE (Genesis 1 & 2). So this passage reminds me that God is also the receiver of DEATH. Whether I live or die, I belong to GOD. Likewise for every creatures that have life, including animals and human. Do not take the life (which is the blood) and offer it to idols or abuse it by drinking it. Only God has the right to life.

It’s all about putting God in first place of my life, even if I were to die (Lev 17:1-9). Secondly, it’s all about the sanctity of life - the life of people (Lev 17:10-16). That pretty much sum up the GREAT COMMANDMENT – love God, love people (Luke 10:27.28).

It calls me to my relationship with GOD and with people. It’s not about doing things for GOD. Neither do I need to be someone for GOD. It’s like the story of the footprint in the sand.

OK, so I need to always look at all people with respect, they too have the rights of life as they are also created in the image of God, no matter how lowly they are in society.

The most important in this earth is LIFE, it last for eternity.

Change my perspective, change my life! :)

I am learning to see the present in the light of the end.

The last one month of difficult encounters and maintaining reflective silence has taught me many things. Above all, I learn to look at things from different perspective.

Recently I am reading this book – Finishing Well by Dr. David Wong. It’s about Bible people living their lives and how they close their life’s chapters. It is a wonderful book with many insightful lessons to learn – how Joseph closing a chapter of hurt; Naomi closing a chapter of loss; David; Samuel; etc. I wish all my Christian friends read this easy-to-read book. (David Wong is a Singaporean pastor, trained in Fuller Theological Seminary).

In this book, he shared a wonderful illustration:

In 1946, following the end of the Second World War, a Jewish prisoner-of-war published a book about his years in the concentration camp of the Nazis. In his book, Viktor E. Frankl describes his time in prison as “one misery after another.” He was constantly worrying about whether there would be enough food for the day, whether the foreman at work would be cruel, whether he could find a string to tie his shoes.

This went on for a while. One day he decided that enough was enough. He saw a vision of himself standing in a well-lit auditorium addressing hundreds of people sitting in posh cushioned chairs. He was dressed in a suit and giving a lecture on what life was like under Hitler during the war.

“I became disgusted with the state of affairs which compelled me, daily and hourly, to think of only such trivial things. I focused my thoughts to turn to another subject. Suddenly, I saw myself standing on the platform of a well-lit, warm and pleasant lecture room. In front of me sat an attentive audience on comfortable upholstered seats. I was giving a lecture on the psychology of the concentration camp!

“All that oppressed me at that moment became objective, seen and described from the remote viewpoint of science. By this method I succeeded somehow in rising above the situation, above the sufferings of the moment, and I observed them as if they were already in the past.”

From the day Viktor Frankl saw his life’s final outcome, every experience was viewed differently. Every experience was viewed from the perspective of his vision. Every experience, however hard and painful, became material for his lecture on life in a German concentration camp. His life took on a different perspective, a life’s perspective.

***

This wonderful life’s perspective of Viktor Frankl has changed tremendously my recent feelings and encounter. It no longer become stressful, but become material for my future use…

Pondering ...

Many personal things happened to me for the past 2 weeks. Stress started to build up.

I guess the best way to handle it is to be silent, be reflective and prayerful.

Hence, I did not write anything for the last few weeks.

Isa 43:2

Is God with me?

Caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of life, how do I find the presence of God in my daily activities?

“Busy” is a common reply I hear these days when we ask: “How are you today?” My daily offices work can drive me to the wall. Problem … problems … more problems …

How then can I still maintain an open communication and sensitivity with HIM as I do my daily work, rushing through events and even engaging in a conversation with colleagues?

2 recent incidents came to mind:

On Monday night, as I was driving out of my company’s drive-way, a car came to a sudden stop right in front of me, blocking my exit. He could have stopped a bit further up for me to move on. Clearly, it was inconsiderate. Any driver would give a loud honk. (That was my first reaction). Interestingly, the spirit within me, prompted: “Be gracious, be gracious”.

“Good reminder, thank you” I replied. The busyness during the early part of the day may have made me forget about HIM. HE is with me all along, and appeared when I was almost going to do some stupid thing! How can I forget that? :(

***

We had a 2-hour long project meeting chaired by a project manager yesterday. Sure, there was a lot of “overlooked” errors and unknown. Big bosses tend to make comments as if they are omniscient. Everything they say is right (only in their own eyes). Sitting there, I somehow silently prayed for the project team. This is the first time I did that during an office meeting. Perhaps, we are in the midst of something difficult and I need God’s guidance. Or maybe I happen to sense HIM around. Whatever it is, it is good to know that the LORD is present.

This morning devotion is on Psalms 63. Wonder how David sought God?

O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water. (Psalms 63:1)