Refreshing 1D1N Sydney trip + Ex-Files Promo Video

Physically exhausted and drained.

But I had a great trip.

Impromptu trip.
Had the weekend off from work. Yes - I have to work weekends now.

I needed a breather. Some time to let my emotions take a break, and enjoy the nice air and food of Sydney. It was a very quick trip, definitely not the ideal holiday plan for many of the people I know.

The idea was to leave home (Brisbane) at 5am in the Saturday morning, and return at 1pm on Sunday in time for Sunday church service. A lot of people would not understand why I wouldn't skip a Sunday of church to go for a holiday. Or some would not accept my itinerary plans of rushing back to Brisbane on Sunday (thus forgoing half a day of extra 'self-time'), because of Church.

My answer is very simple. And I found myself giving my colleague, who once asked me the same question, this very answer, "I just choose to put God above all other things in my life."

God has graced my trip to Sydney with an awesome bunch of people. People who love God and loved the time God has given us to enjoy. It was like a very thankful and life giving trip, because we kept discovering the little blessings God has placed in our trip. The prayers that stopped the rain. The buses that came at the right time. The taxi driver who was willing to charge us less. The "lap cheong" shop owner who came to start his shop 2 hours before opening hours just because they knew we wanted to buy something... The timing of every single event, the food we ate, the places we went... God left His fingerprint on all of them.

Adriano Zumbo Patisserie - Macaroons, Chocolate Mousse, and the famous V8 cake (photo credits to Chee)

Not only was it a very refreshing trip, I also walked through the same paths I walked together with Atieno back two years ago... Those faith filled little steps back then.. and my today... I think I'm encouraged, and reminded once again of God's faithfulness... and His abilities to bring His promises to pass.

Relationship with God, is a journey.

My prayer... is that more people develop their relationships with God, knowing He is a trustworthy and promise-keeping God.

There are so many burdens I have to lay down before The Lord. And I'm learning to do them... so I can run faster after Him.

Goodnight world. :)

Oh.. yes, Ex-Files Promo Video... after many late nights and God's grace (I really mean this), it's completed. Be blessed.



Someone came to me after today's church service and told me they almost cried after watching the promo video. That comment really meant a lot to me.... such an encouragement in this season. :)

Climbing out + Ex-Files Teaser

I'm coming out of the hole.
Still in the process of re-ordering my life.

Leadership is not easy. Not fun at the moment.
Awaiting the many promises ahead..
Looking on the bright side.... it will be a fulfilling journey.

Learning to grow into these new shoes, too big for me to wear.

So... picking up the fallen pieces of where I left my ministry....
Here's the latest video... all by God's amazing grace.

I'm coming back.... Pray for me.

Jesus Shining on the Courts of NBA

I can't help but write this entry.

There's a lot going on for Jeremy Lin right now in the lime light.

Jesus is shining on the courts of the NBA.

In the midst of all the WOWS and fame, let us pray for Jeremy, to continue to shine for Jesus, for his heart and his victories won in Christ Jesus.

Lots going on right now.. this year.. my prayer list just gets longer. It's hard to remember what to pray if I don't write them now...

Let's pray. :)

Tasting the last bits of 2011

It's the last day of this grueling year of 2011. I'm seated at my desk, before what we call a 'laptop', with many thoughts. Should I attempt to write an entry in 45 minutes, so I can head off to explore Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre?

Yes, I guess I'll do that. So stay with me.

Dented Start

The year began like many years, with a BANG. A bang can imply what "Ris Low" depicts, "BOOMZ", or "SHINGZ". Maybe, a shingz in some way, maybe a boomz in another. Depends on how you see it.

For me, the year began with Wen Huey and her sisters chilling with me in my living room, watching the Taiwanese TV Drama "Stories of Time". It's funny how to this day, I still think of the drama every now and then. For me, that lodged deep in my heart something... for myself and a bond between Mum and Dad. :)

A week or two later, the Queensland floods hit us. I thank God for His protection upon me, and also for my many brothers and sisters, of whom some missed being in Toowoomba, and was protected from the massive disaster there. A few friends had their houses flooded, many lost their belongings.. a heart wrenching season for many, but at the same time, the community spirit in Queensland grew. We braved through it together.

In that same season, a life shaking experience happened for me. My faith was shaken due to a specific event. My tears ran dry and I didn't know how I could move on in life for awhile... but God held me during those times, and He was faithful in carrying me through... and also gave me hope. I miss my Double A sister. Can't wait till the day we meet again. "...we gon' make it!!"

Well, for me, the beginnings of 2011 painted a direction for me to achieve. And I called it a "Year of Faith". A journey of finding deeper faith in God, and knowing where I stood in this place.

The Year Progressing

The year moved really fast after the slow turmoil of January. I began this great journey of faith, as it seemed, God wasn't too slow to embark me on the process.

In terms of media and ministry, His faithfulness showed up. My brother gave me his DSLR so I could use it for filming. With God's guidance and inspiration, I completed my first film in my lifetime - Unmask. What came even better was my dream-come-true production of preparing a 'Movie Trailer'. That was a breakthrough in my ministry life.

The Unmask Short Film:


Later on in the year, I also attended a Filmaking & Directing course, and made a short film called "What Comes This Way".

Here's a poster I made for it. The film is still in post production... hoping to finish it soon!

Do you see my name in there? Hee hee.. Praise God for the wonderful experience.

Growth Through Uprooting

This year, my security in Christ grew massively. With many of my precious close sisters and brothers moving away from my life, it's like a spiritual uprooting of where I stood. Although physically I wasn't the one uprooted, it felt like my position in life was massively shaken. Who was I and where could I be? Who did I live for, and where was my hope and security? Those were the questions I found myself asking myself time and again. It felt like God was placing a new foundation for me, strengthening the core of my being, and I found myself at the cross many times surrendering it all to God again. At those points, I realised that God was my security, and He would never leave me nor forsake me.

And I thank God, that in the midst of all the shifting, sieving and shaking, I stood firm, and the friends I had, remained in touch. Though far away, deep in our hearts, there remains that connection, and blood of Christ that has bounded us together.

Character Development through Pruning

This year God dealt massively with my character. I had different events rock up in my life - pastoral, ministry, work or even friendship related. Situations that I was too incapable to handle, or peer pressure to do or say the wrong things at times. Or even at times the few encounters of being misunderstood and accused for something I did not do. All part and parcel of what we go through in life. I found myself in rage at times, startled by how angry I could get. I knew I was emotional, but in terms of anger, I never knew how dangerous I could become. Yet it all pointed to one thing, my imperfectness, and where my securities laid. Through these series of events, God indeed embarked me on some painful pruning!

Pruning ain't fun at all! But you know, as a gardener myself, I know that pruning causes more fruit production, and healthier plants. So as the Chief Gardener, God cut off pieces of me that rotted, and snipped of my impurities. He gave me constant health checks and starved some of my bad habits to death. He purified me through the cleansing from His Word, and convicted my actions and speech, and even helped me made right choices regarding the movies I watched and the music I listened to.

Through encouraging friends and honest brothers and sisters, I was constantly slammed with reflective modes and struggles in my action intentions. I thank God for helping me go through what I've done and said at times, and for His endless mercy and grace that fell abundantly over me. I grew in humility, and learnt how to say sorry and sometimes, do the right thing.

Am I perfect yet? No way... but with honesty and nakedness before the Lord, I am able to embrace my weaknesses and bring them before God, who would then help me be transformed by the cleansing power of His Spirit and Word.

To my friends out there who strive to grow in God, don't be afraid to be who you really are. We can't make it through by just doing what seems right, or doing good hypocritically, if we don't have a change in our heart. Allow ourselves to reveal before God who we really are, then He can change and transform us, that we may stand before Him pure and honest, yet covered by His Grace and Love... walking in Grace. :)

Learning to Live

It used to be all about ministry and legalistic routines. But one thing I learnt this year was to learn how to live this life God has given me. His love for me extends to the point where I am allowed to enjoy the beauty of this world He made!

This year, I traveled and chilled lots. One thing on my bucket list - to travel to Ayers Rock. I did it!! And even more so, I climbed the Kings Canyon and conquered the Valley of Winds at Kata Juta. Breath taking experiences... beauty of God and His Creations... My soul was refreshed and my eyes are opened.
I built great friendships through coffee, chilling, hiking.. and just doing things together with many ones.

Thank God for the friends He's put in my life... whao, too much for me to write in just one day. But... again, pictures tell a thousand words. Great places... great friendships. (not in chronological order - just too difficult with blogger.)

 

 

Turning 25th

Mum came and spent my 25th birthday with me in Australia. On the day, we went to Tasmania. I had an awesome time... she did too. Pictures, tell a thousand words. :)

I've come to embrace the fact that I'm a quarter of a century years old. To many, it seems like a quarter life crisis. Sometimes I feel like that too. But each time I'm reminded of how God picked me from the falling pit to where I am today.. Five years ago, I touched down in Brisbane, not knowing how much my life would change. Four years ago, God touched my heart and saved me.

Amazing Grace.. how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind but now I see. My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God my Savior, has ransomed me. And like a flood, His mercy rains. Unending love, amazing Grace...

I had almost half a day chatting with a brother recently... laughing at who we were five years ago, and who we've become today. It's just amazing, the transformation power of God and His work. Our God is faithful, though we may not see it at one point in time or another, we know He never stopped working for the good of those who love Him. My life, just in the past 5 years, has already shouted how great God is. I don't know what the next few years would entail, but definitely something good.

And as I walk to the last day of 2011. It's amazing... what God told me four years ago. Tomorrow, I walk once again in close proximity with the Lord, I will wait for you.

It's been definitely a year of Faith for me. And I made it through. Job changes, life changes, ministry changes, friends changes.... many more things to believe for. But God saw me through.. I'm still in Brisbane, working.. and growing. What's next? I'm not sure, but definitely something Good.

So, it's almost 45 minutes. I'm about to end my entry.
I'll be counting down to the start of 2012 tonight... I can't wait.

For my family, I miss you.. May God bless you all greatly... Mum, Dad, Sis and Bro, all my aunties, my uncles... cousins... Grandma... extended relatives that I may have met once or twice in my life time... so many of you, may God bless you, and I pray for the day we can together all worship the Great Almighty God who loves us and blesses us endlessly.

Vibrant Church Conference Promo Video

My new piece of work.. done within a very short time.. heaps of time constraints.

God still enabled me to pull through it. Lots of miracle moments, and coordinate lock-ins.

Many watched and asked, "Did you make it Shannon? We can see your style in it."



Now thinking... noticing my 'style', is it good or bad? Hm... does it mean, it's time to upgrade and learn new skills.. yes I guess so.

But then again, Atieno once told me, make something your style and it will be recognised straight away - in a good way.

Whatever the case, God be above all these...

Direction and many other things... I'm praying for......
I really miss home.

You Are The Reason

As more and more artists begin to open their spiritual eyes to see the Grace of God in their lives... they begin to churn out music that so reflects God's work in their lives.

Songs written that comes in plain nakedness in acknowledgment of our own carnal nature and our weak ways... and songs that so sings the heart beat of many Christians, the attempt of reaching out to God.

God is so perfect... we aim and strive so much to be like Him... and be Holy, but we eventually realise it's His Grace that sees us through... and faith that we develop as we take small steps in obedience.
Ouch... to see individuals serve God and seek God in their own strength... that really hurts. But on the other hand, seeing individuals understanding that He loves us no matter what, and that we can come to Him anytime, and He would throw His arms around our dirty bodies... that's really touching.

So this song... a new rapper that Jin recommended on his blog... whao, amazing... touched my heart the moment I opened the youtube link.

May this song bless you... (it's not a heavy rap song... really nice and gentle to the ears.. enjoy.)



And so.. I wrote the lyrics out too!!

You are the Reason

Chorus

Teach us to love

Because we are searching for the son

You are the reason

Though our world has come undone

Don’t hide away

You are the reason we are here

We need You with us

And to guide us again without  fear, you are the reason…

Verse 1

Everything I am I try to live my life for You

I want to glorify myself so now I’m all confused

Do I need your help, and do I need a saviour

I try to read Your word but I push if off for later

I never try to talk about You but I want Your help

I don’t pray about Your glory I just pray for wealth

I just pray for health, and I just pray for me

But I never really thought about it carefully

I tell myself I’m righteous, I’m on the only path

To make a solid living, but is it worth my past

I never thought that I could take control of things I do

But every time I did it always led me back to You

You feel so far away, I need You close to me

I can’t remember the last time that You spoke with me

I need You here right now, because I need a home

I need a reason for my life because I’m all alone

Verse 2

The reason You were beaten down was because of me

And every time I think about it You’re my company

But every time I say Your name they all make fun of me

Like do I really need Your Presence right in front of me?

I live my life conceded, no room for me and Jesus

Who cares if I succeeded, who cares if I repeated?

It’s not about my life, it’s not about my lines

It’s all about the Saviour, ‘cuz He was crucified

I never thought about it, but You’re my everything

And You will be there when I give my girl her wedding ring

And You will be there when I’m crying every tear I have

And You were with me when they came and took away my dad

You were with me when I moved into this basement

I forot about my past and the pain You just erased it

You’re the only one that I can believe in

And thanks to Your love my life has a reason

 Ending

 Looking through the eyes of love

You know the world may seem a better place

And yet the moment that you realise

There’s so much pain before your very eyes

Inspirational

King David wrote some of the best music and poems in tough times.

Looking back at my facebook statuses, I'm amazed by what I churned out over the past few days. Indeed it has been a quick week that has flown by. Some times, it feels like gear 1, but at times gear 5. I'm getting the momentum of this ride with God now... but I'm still learning more. This magic carpet ride with God is getting more and more exciting!

But anyway... just for memory and keepsake, I've decided to just copy and paste my past two facebook status updates here. Cuz... to be honest, I think they're pretty cool and inspirational...! :)

16th June, midnight:
Preservering yet it feels like Gethsemane... Sheer vulnerability. A scapegoat, doormat, broken and poured out, hurt and misunderstood. Did the King mean to love sacrificially? Yet being hurt in the process. He understood, went through and now comforts because He understands...

17th June, midnight:
The guns fired and She finally realised. It's not an illusion but She did fire in accuracy and precision. The King was not delayed in fulfilling the promise. She saw the clouds dissipate, and clarity revealed. Now She pivots and makes a directional change. Her eyes and heart are on the field, where the King is calling Her to. As for the rest, She trusts and know the King has His time. :)

I've booked my flights to Melbourne, and then to Uluru. 10 days of holidays after my last day at work. Time to rewind, relax and find inspiration.
 
My personal short term ministry faith goals for the next half of 2011:
 
1) Purchase a good condenser microphone, pistol grip, and boom pole.
2) Improve after effects video animation skills
3) Make 2 short films/documentaries.
 
As the Lord guides... :)

Starting small

Freddie short films always cheer me up. And here's what he's got to say.



Just a quick snippet for the day! :)

Underage Short Film

I sometimes wallow in self-pity and over-magnify my own minute state of life... yet forgetting my security is found in Christ. And in times like this... God does bring me gentle reminders. And at the same time, encourage me through His faithfulness, that I have a friend like Him. This season hasn't been most easy, neither has it been too difficult. But all things work for God and He uses all things.

I've been sick at home for the past 3 days... hasn't been an easy 3 days as well. See.. I had to be near a toilet all the time. Haha... But I thank God for rest, and even friends who rang up and drove me to the clinic.It's been a good time for me to reflect on my life as well.. hard not to, when I'm facing four walls in my room daily. And to let God search my heart..

At the same time, I've seen some amazing but heart wrenching short films (some on my facebook now cuz I can't link it here)... The world needs to see more of these films... it is the truth... why are we magnifying celebrity gossip news, or news about things that people just sit back and go, "oh, that again? ah, that's stupid." But things that happens daily in the world that nobody really sees... and when we screen them on TV, people go "so sad... but they just do this to ask us to donate".




I don't know about you but these films don't just make me want to donate, but make me want to be OUT THERE, fulfilling a purpose greater than myself. Living a life more than just for myself. I'm not noble and true I can't step out this day... but film and media - that's the avenue I have at the moment... I want the world to see it. And see it, so there hearts will say, "Here I am Lord, send me." This work cannot be done alone. The body of Christ needs to unite and do it together, each fulfilling their role.

Hurray!! Victory!!!

I am very happy girl today. It's a joyous occasion. Something I've been praying for more than 4 years now has happened. God is faithful.

And other things... are making me happy and joyful as well.

2 job offers... 1 more to come? Crossroad number 2, but I'm praying for clarity.

Ps Wenan said they were all praying for me. It's so encouraging... I'm really thankful, and see God's favour.

Went for a jog this morning, and felt a strong uncomfortably plus depressive blow strike at me from the enemy. When things are going well, the enemy tries to destroy and steal. I kept praying and praying... and stood firmly and held strong unto God. To be honest, it wasn't easy but I prayed and praised God as I ran... soon the enemy left.

In the midst of many battles, both mine and my friends, I see lots of victories happening too... in two of my sheep's lives... in my leaders' lives... in my fellow sisters' and brothers' lives.. The enemy's been defeated,  death couldn't hold Jesus down. Friends, know who we stand in the Lord, and keep praying! Prayer is partnership with God to partake in Victory!! Yeah, I'm waving the flag of victory....!

And it's amazing, I randomly clicked on one of the sermons at Mavuno today. It's not a very recent sermon but out of the many sermons on the site, I just clicked this one. And it apparently talked about the MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT industry! How clear can God strike His vision for me when He really wants to?

Enjoy this sermon... from 37:00min onwards... you'll be so so blessed. Really.

03 Setting The Agenda (Wired For Greatness) from Mavuno Church on Vimeo.

Tonight I commission Xiao Jie to do God's work tomorrow in His safe hands. The Church needs more prayer and covering! So please pray pray and pray pray pray!! :)

Goodnight... and now let's welcome another exciting victorious week!!!

God is awesome!!!

May stone?

No.. it's not a 'maybe will stone' title. As my blog is always filled with 'faith stones', I thought I should pop in a 'Month of May 2011 Stone'!

So... now's just a word filled update... photos will follow next month when I get my laptop back!

'...life without a basic technology...'

I haven't written in a while. A lot has happened, and I don't have a laptop right now. But these days without a laptop has definitely drawn me closer to God, and got my body rested. Goes to show how much time I spend with technology!

But yeah, my laptop is repaired and I'm getting it on Monday. But I thought, till then, I should lock in an entry for this month of May, cuz I haven't!

So... a lot has been happening! What has been?

I don't know if I will ever be able to write it all in my blog! Maybe if I listed them, I would have missed some as well...

"...man will leave his father and mother to be united to his wife...."

But of course, I must write - TWO BEAUTIFUL WEDDINGS over the past 2 months!

Congratulations Veon and Derrick!
And... congratulations Elysaa and Puay Siong!! :)

These two sisters who have positively impacted my lives in the past 4 years - I'm really thankful and also happy to see them blessed and 'married happily ever after'!

'...Scene 1, Take 1!...'

I attended an awesome film director's course. Met some great people with the same passion. Worked with the director of Giant Vision Films - Chris Hobart. Over the short 6 days of this intensive course, he definitely gained my respect, and taught me lots of great skills... not just technical skills, but how to be a good leader.

To top this section off with some icing, I was complimented for good camera skills! :)

Well... I'm excited with what God has for me in the media industry!

'...embracing the storms...'

So, life's got its ups and downs... and in the midst of lots of great things, some difficult things have happened. So, I'm losing my job - was initially verbally guaranteed continuation for another year, but due to financial budgeting, the company realised they could not keep one full-time-employee, and chose to keep 3 part time employees to increase the hands.

When one door closes, another door opens. I know a lot of my friends at work have a lot to say about the decision made. Some of them even felt angry. But for me, I know God has the best and there must be a greater purpose in these all. So, I'm praying for direction and greater things to come.

Being in my current company has been a great blessing in my life. I've learnt a lot, both technically and in my character, and also learning to work with people who are extremely different from me. It's been great and I'm sure that as we look back to these years, we would have appreciated all the opportunities given to us by our company.

My current job had been a blessing from God. So as the song goes, "You give and take away... my heart will choose to say... blessed be YOUR NAME!"

I've already got invited for an interview on Monday (pray for me!), and also my ex-supervisor is going to have a meeting to try and give me a job for 6 months. Applied for three other potential job too! Doors are opening, and I'm leaving them to God.

Hallelujah! When one God shuts, another opens! So... I'm excited for what's coming!


'...conferences 1: Oceania Convention 2011...'

Bootcamp!

Had been great! Personally, a great breakthrough for me in the area of combatting discouragement. A breakthrough for me in the media as well. Shekinah performed a great stage play, and to top it up, I was invited to be a part of the media production, where I worked with professional stunt directors. The short film was awesome, and it also spoke to me deeply! Spiritual warfare? Look to Jesus. We have the victory!

'...conferences 2: ASCC Scientific Conference 2011...'

This year I was invited to attend a conference my company organised for all Stem Cell Scientists. It was hosted at Kingscliff, NSW. It was great... and I have the privilege to create a poster for my company, and present it.

I'm happy also to be able to sit through more talks without falling asleep (except for twice!), but for the rest, I was actually interested in some of the talks! I was speaking to Set Yen about it and she said it was normal... the first years in the Science industry is sometimes difficult to know what everyone else is talking about... And for me, the most difficult part is when things get too in depth with the combination of a speaker that drones.... in a single tone!

Well, apart from that, I had fun! And was extremely blessed! You know... I was given such a beautiful room! I'll post photos next time.. but I had the sea view cuz I was on the top floor! And although some got upgraded to an apartment, they didn't get the nice view like I did!

I spent great time chilling with God... and also reading a book. :) Hee.. interesting book Maggie mammiee lent me. Cough - it actually belongs to SHIN YEE MAM!!! Haha.... yes, nice book.

'...hello - working adult synergy night...'

Alrighty, it's time to log off and go to Portside Wharf for our church's 'Working Adult Networking Night'!

It's going to be fun.

Unmask Preview

It's been crazy of late... but today I'm sharing in the joy with my Father God. This partnership and productions that blows my own mind....

I'm happy to present the preview of my FIRST short film production - Unmask Trailer.



Enjoy..
Looks like it's gone in 1:45 min... but that took a long time... but God showed up and made a miracle happen.

I wish for a MacBook Pro, or an Alienware... but God said He'll use the little that I have, and He'll take me through it... and He did!

I thank God for His providence... all the props, venue, sunshine, and the camera.. and the people and timing of the filming... the software... they were 100% provided...
God's amazing... as for the whole short film... Come to Unmask!

I'm just a simple 9-5 scientist, 5 days a week.. but God's multiplied my time and talents, for His kingdom.

It's a new season in my life.... with many changes... and many unknowns coming up...
It's also a season where I'm constantly drawn to praying more, falling back into God's embrace, because I can't do things for myself nor with my own strength anymore.

I know, to the world this sounds weak.. but I'm not living a life for the world...
The time is drawing closer, and believe it or not, Jesus is coming back real soon.

I'm sick of arguements and debates.... it's time to show love, grace and share about Jesus... whether or not people run with you, or appreciate, it doesn't matter anymore. Let us unite, and strive for the same purpose and goal. Stop arguing or allowing people to draw you into arguements. Love irregardless.

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

- John 13:35 (NIV)

It's not about us, not about me. It's all about God!

Run - with hearts aflame!

Rayson & Shin Yee's Love Story

It's my honour to present Da Ge and Da Sao's Love Story :)



Hee hee... True love waits.
Yes. TRUE love. True LOVE.
WAITS.

It's deep. Very deep, and true.

Claiming the Media for God

I'm on a special journey with God. He's taking me on a magic carpet ride.

In the last 25 days, it has been more than just awesome. God has been showing me visions and even speaking into my heart.

I want to in this moment take some time here and thank both Atieno and Elysaa for being such great spiritual covenant friends and mentors in my life. Getting to know God more and more do bring about some difficulties from the world, but God who has been faithful in pursuing me has sent great angels like them to watch over my life.

The Pathway of Preparation

Over the past year God has been speaking to me more and more about cutting off from secular music. That is also why you realise I don't like to listen to the radio in my car while I drive. I think there is already a lot that the world is speaking to our minds in our day to day life. The last thing we really need are worldy songs that can resoud and stay in our heads for a long time.

The Holy Spirit has just been further convicted in discerning the times and trends arising. Something inside of me wants to be shut off from what the world or hollywood is telling me, but maybe I have not truly been addressing this issue.

Protection from God during times of Training

Today I watched a snippet of an extrememly long documentary that exposes what the enemy has been doing lately. As I was watching it, I felt that there was something not right within. Thank God for protecting me and letting me go to work instead of staying at home. And something in me knew that I had to get Atieno to watch this with me.

God is soverign and amazing. Atieno received a word from the Holy Spirit this morning to stop watching what the media shows. And... so when she came over to my house and watched the video for the first 4 minutes, she decided it was time to stop. The Spirit spoke to her. And then we spoke. And at that point, I knew why the Holy Spirit wanted me to get Atieno to watch this video with me. The thing is, the video talked so much about the enemy and his work, and even showed many things that can be deterimental or make us fearful.

Stop deciphering the enemy's lies

There's no need to know what the enemy is doing. Yes, we know the anti-Christ is coming, and he is mentioned in the Bible. But our role as a Child of Light is to remain in the Vine, be a tree planted by streams of living water, which yields its fruit in SEASON.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

- Ps 1:1-3

We need to put on the armour of God, so that we may stand against the schemes of the enemy. Note how the Bible does not say 'determine the schemes of the enemy and use our own wisdom and understanding to fight them'. It says, TAKE YOUR STAND AGAINST, with the FULL AMOUR of God.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled aroud your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

- Eph 6:10-18

Have we got the belt of truth and the sword of the spirit well buckled and handled? If not, why not focus on that? There's so much more about God that we can know and grow in. We can never know enough of God.

I thank God for His protection in my life, and His protection of my inner being.

The ministry is there, but the ministry has to be an outflow of the wonderful relationship that we have with our magnificent God.

Let's Pray.. for the Saints

I pray for the media industry, and that men and women of God rising into fame will continue to be rooted in Christ and wait for the SEASON to come where God will allow you to bear fruit and prosper, with His strength. Let us not debate about what the enemy is doing, but instead, stand firm in God and take instructions from only our General Commander - God, the Holy Spirit.

Ah... that's all I really wanted to write for now...

I know there's a lot more, but I know God is saying, all that rest, put on hold till the SEASON comes for me to write them.

Have a great weekend guys! Me, I'm going to be on an exciting trip in Sydney with Atieno until Wednesday~~~!!

Hello!

Hey all, I have been missing in action lately.

Some things been going through and I'm just taking some time off with God. Yeah, I'm on this journey with God I can't exactly write in words now... but it's exciting and breath taking, I know something good's gon come out of it.

God's been putting this in my heart lately. In Luke 13:18-21:

Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."

- Luke 13:18-21 (NIV)

Next up, snippets of God's Faithfulness

Christmas 4 Kids Promo:


Cardboard Testimony Multimedia:

Unpublished WAC promo:


Maybe photos of what I've been up to...

Cooking my Medium Rare Salmon

Making Gula Melaka Kaya

Planting Pak Choy

My first harvest! My first fruits!! :) God thanks to God!! And my mum for those green fingers!

Cooking and eating my 1st harvest! Man, it's extremely sweet and crunchy!

Harvesting 2nd round...!

Eating my 2nd harvest. That was 5 bunches... can you believe how much they shrunk?

Well, that's all for now folks!

If you'd like to pray for me.. please pray this simple prayer for me.

And that is, that I will be able to hear God's voice clearly and accurately, being fully set apart for Him and being able to discern the voices and make wise decisions.

Glory to the God Most High

It's me again. As promised in the previous entry, here are the videos. But before that... let me write some reflections.. :)

Time to embrace other things in my life... keep running the race, and learn to rise up to other things I'm being called to. I really thank God for the 3 months of gruel intensive media training... where my media skills skyrocketed - from the basic Windows Movie Maker to PowerDirector to Adobe After Effects.

From the simple Working Adult first promo video, to the Oceania Convention Rediscovering our Core Values... to Working Adult 2nd promo... and then Unleash.

I, myself, am even amazed by the growth... not to mention it was definitely not my own work... but only the guidance, opportunity and ideas from the Holy Spirit..! And I remember throughout the whole 3 month training process I contemplated giving up so many times. I remember crying in my room when I ran dry of inspiration... "God, am I really called for this?"

And time and again, more than once, would I receive words of encouragement at either Church or Prayer Meeting... Time and again, I wanted to give up, but God never gave up on me..

2 weeks ago, I was praying for inspiration before I embarked on the UNLEASH conference video.... amazing as I sat on my bed, prayed... worshipped God... closed my eyes... and the inspiration, peace and idea just flowed and I found on a journey that led up to UNLEASH!
Ah... like a plane taking off...
Like a rocket, about to go to space!

Hence, here... I'm about to show you... ALL the videos... From the mediocre first video... coming up to Unleash... it's totally God's work and to His Glory it shall be.

First WAC promo video:


OC2010 Rediscovering Our Core Values Shekinah Competition:


WAC 2010 Influence Promo Video 2:


CCM Unleash Promo Video:


I'm amazed by you Lord. :)
I'm affirmed by you...

God has been my most faithful friend, my great heavenly Father who cares, my awesome Lord who leads, my great Teacher who teaches. His Grace upon me... makes me just stand in awe of Him... nowadays, I feel like all I can do is to stand in awe of God... and since of late I've been going through the Book of Proverbs and the Book of Ecclesiastes... nothing facinates me more than God's wisdom and the insights God has reveal in my spirit.

Just want to share the following verses:

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.

- Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Mid year is about to come... Looking back at my journey so far.... 2010 has indeed been one of the most fruitful year in my life. Pray that I will keep up with this pace and God unravels even more treasure as we break the hard soil. :)

Lord I'm amazed... by You
Lord I'm amazed... by You
Lord I'm amazed... by You
And how You love me....! :)

2010

--mission: back to intimacy . training ground: media production . battle: the desire--

Heavenly Dad above...

What are You doing?

It's not tug of war I pray...

Cuz I'll let you win...

Take my heart and purify it.

Going Gear 5 with God

There's been a lot going on in my life lately. A lot, does not mean a lot of events. But yeah, God doesn't wait too long when He chooses to use someone! Hehe.. But yes, here's an update you have to read!

Right after I posted my previous entry, God began His work. For some reason, like I mentioned a month ago in my previous entry, that God was speaking something to me through JMa's preaching. That was a Saturday.

That night I responded after watching the video - can you see the power of media? Jaeson Ma doesn't need to be here to preach a message from God. God has anointed him and given him this gift of using the media as his pulpit to preach the good news!

Look, here I was crying, "Yes, God. Use me!"

So... there went Saturday night. Little Miss Shannon climbs into bed, hugs Daddy and goes to sleep.

Next day, at church....  I went up at the end of the service during the altar call. And I can't remember what I went up for now, but the person who prayed for me instead gave me a prophetic word and encouragement! God spoke a vision through her:

I was holding a tool and digging the soil. It feels like I've been hitting the hard rocks and my tools are about to break and I don't seem to be getting anywhere with my labour. Even to a point where my tool was exhausted and broke! But God is telling me to persevere and hold on! Because God will provide me with a new tool! And then I will see the rocks began to break open and the receive whatever is in there for me!

Guess what? Doesn't that sound like the vision that God gave me early in the year? Yeah, it has been on my Facebook all these while since the year began: "Embracing the treasures of 2010. Yes... Treasures hidden below hard soil... :) Faith, Hope, Love - LIVE and RUN!"



Amazing! Let me tell you what the prophetic word revealed!

Hitting Rocks
It has been really hard meeting the expectations of the videos that I was asked to create, I was already hitting rocks as I decided that this was what God has called me to. But I believe God was also teaching me faithfulness and perseverance! Which was very much the prophetic word that was given! I was really encouraged to hear the word... and also to embrace my heart as the prophecy told of what was to come. Anticipation!

I had a dream...
I felt the anointing of the Lord come upon me and God was enabling me to do what He has called me to. God used a person as a vessel, and through that person He gave me that anointing. It was an affirmation, a tangible empowerment and an experience that I knew that the message in the dream had already come to pass.
Tuesday 20th, I wrote in my Facebook status that day:
"....and he said, 'come closer', and with a strong and mighty breath, it felt like he blew the Spirit unto me... there was empowerment, joy, strength, gentleness, peace and warmth."

First part of prophetic word came to pass - My tool broke
A couple of weeks passed, and the software I was using to create my videos for the Working Adult Conference expired. There I was sitting in my room, staring at my computer, knowing it wasn't good. The deadline for the video was drawing near.. but I had no software to complete it! The software costs AUS$1700++, where was I to find such a software!!
Wednesday 21st, my Facebook status wrote: "portion of tool just broke... waiting for Providence..."

I sat there a couple of days... asking around for the software, asking who would provide me one... seeing the days go by... not knowing how I could continue the work entrusted to me....

Second part of prophetic word - Tool Provided by God
Thanks to God's grace, someone told me that any full time student can get it for a student price as long as they have a minimum 2 year degree course. So Kuzi agreed to help me out despite not knowing much about computers! The amazing thing is that I got the package shipped to me within 1 day and it got verified within 12 hours.

A miracle! Why a miracle? Because there was so much complications within the process, too much that I can type here. I couldn't register Kuzi's email, and there was 2 emails linked my account. Kuzi was receiving emails for 'Shannon', and I didn't want to lie that I'm Kuzi.... etc etc.

Cut the long story short, God provided...!! Because.... the software is right here with me!!!

Thursday 29th April, my Facebook status wrote: "The prophetic word came to pass... my tool was broken... God provided. I got a new tool! the work continues.. :)"

Third part of prophetic word - receiving what was in there for me
I began the next part. Endless nights of toiling in this field. Ok, don't take that literally. It was not a field, but my room. Sleeping around 2-4am over a couple of nights to finish the multimedia for the Working Adults Conference. When it finally finished, there was that sense of accomplishment within. It wasn't easy at all! But it was such a great feeling... This was my feeling, totally. "It felt so awesome I actually completed what seemed like the FIRST MAJOR kingdom assignment ever entrusted to me, and God has been with me throughout the time of making it!"

The day I submitted my video to the Church, I got an email asking if I would like to join WAM's media department where I can be trained to take the skill to the next level. Words will not express how elated I felt. To me, it's an honour, not to feed my pride, but to know that my work is appreciated. And at the same time, it's a great affirmation to me what God has placed in my heart. To me, this whole media industry has always been 'taking small steps at a time, not knowing where I will head'. In the past, I did it without God. Now, I'm doing it with God...

I look back to where I was a month ago, and where I am right now.... This was definitely God. And definitely, looking back beyond 1 month... or even to last year, where I decided to entrust this burden for the media industry wholly to God.... it's all about surrendering what is really precious to us... isn't it!

But God didn't take it away!! God took it and refined the skill.... God took it and remoulded my heart... God took it and washed it's impurity! And now God has placed the new tool in my hand, much better than before.... because He has given this gift to me, not to use it the way I intended to... but they way He intended to! Only the Maker knows the purpose of each and every creation!!

Where is the video? You will see it at Church this Sunday. :) I'll post it up only after it has been screened at Church. :)

Shin Yee, Nicole... yes, God has surprised me. And I'm still awaiting more surprises!

And doing what God wants me to do is really exciting... and I also learn to fully rely on Him, because He is the creative director of my soul! Hee...

The next video that I've been currently working on is the Student Conference - Unleash.

And then another one soon...

I don't know where it's going to go ya know... but I'm just learning to be faithful, learning to persevere.

I won't say I'm faithful... because I have heaps to improve and learn on what being faithful is... In fact, I am so far from being faithful... and I know my weakest link is faithfulness. But I am definitely having a faithful God who is teaching me faithfulness through His faithfulness. :)

6th May, my Facebook status says: "Faithfulness is the KEY to unlock the doors God has promised He'll lead you to. =) Revelation!"

Thank You Lord... for everything. I'm still finding my way... learning to be faithful with the little I have..

So yeah, I've been really busy. And was talking to Kuzi about how busy we were! And her's a contribution of a positive view about being busy! Here goes:

Being busy does keep temptations away.

It's good to be busy... because when King David wasn't busy when he was supposed to be busy....

Yeah, you know... He stayed back during spring when kings go to war...

Walked around his house....

Looked out of his house.... and knowing he was already looking at the wrong place...

He saw her bathing... and then used one sin to cover up another sin.

Haha.. that's a bit random. But it makes sense doesn't it! Hee..

Ok, I'm going to sleep le.Thanks for reading and praying! :) Hee...

God bless you!

God's plans rock and He is sovereign.

I'm just sitting back and relax.

No, I'm also labouring as He calls.

But... I'm enjoying this whole journey....

And you know, the life lessons and all.......

The sense of humour my God has......

Yes yes, what are you doing God?

The Media Wave - Calling of the Artisan by JMa

God is definitely using the media to touch lives. I can't help but say whoever has a heart for the media industry, you got to hear this message. If you don't, then I hope you do see what God is going to do in this current generation.

This message is so powerful and real in my life. That's because I was having the same revelation and passage during my quiet time yesterday morning. And today, after I watched this sermon, I was affirmed.

Here goes:

At the last “Kingdom Come” in Los Angeles I gave a message on “The Calling of the Artisan” from Exodus 35, 36… watch this youtube flip cam sermon part 1-8. This message is a clarion call to those who have a calling in the arts, media & entertainment field. It is key to understand that God can not create culture without the “artists” creating on earth as it is in heaven. The Spirit of God fills artisans to create, influence and shape culture for His glory. Watch this messages series, be inspired, and know that God has given you a gift to create, innovate and infiltrate culture with His creativity personified through you! Read more here...







He talks about Jin in this part of the clip.