Joined by God's Love

Today was the BIG day for my Da Ge & Da Sao (officially Da Sao now!).

I'm so happy for them. Happy can't even describe how I feel! But you know what I mean!

God has brought two different people from two different countries to Brisbane together.

He sang while she walked down the aisle. And she sang as she walked down as well. The song finishes when she reaches him.. ah, how it so sings of the Songs of Solomon!

Their lives had never been about themselves since they came to know the saving Grace and Love of Jesus. And even in their wedding, I knew there was a special touch from Heaven that came down. It wasn't about themselves. It was about everyone there who came to share this joyous occassion with them. And it was about God, and His hand upon this marriage.

Whao... If I'm not wrong, not a single person who came walked out without a tear in their eye. Tears of joy, touched by the amazing work God has done in their lives, and touched by their genuine love for one another.

May this be a beginning as they embrace this journey together, with God, the 3rd strand in their lives. :)

"...A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

- Eccl 4:12c

Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Low! Hee hee...

Clap clap clap.... applaud!!!

Peek-a-boo November

Hey everyone, it's November!

Time Flies
Time is just rushing and hitting me in gusts on my cheeks day by day. I was just mentioning to my colleague how amazing it is, and in a month's time I'll be on my little trip back home for 2 weeks!
There's been so much that God has jam-packed into my 2010. And I really felt that extra stretch and test that God's been taking me through. Having said that, there has been also, many breakthroughs. Whao!

Atieno has told me that I didn't need to seek my own ministry. But as I sought God, He would bring my ministry to me. Indeed, God has done so. And through this year, God has revealed more of His purpose for my life, and the little steps that He has been taking me through seemed to fall into the big picture.

1040 DVD

I ordered my 1040 DVD about 4 weeks ago, and it finally arrived early this week - praise God! I thought I should do a little movie screening at my place, but before I could fix a date with anyone, I put the DVD into my laptop, and started to watch it.

It's really powerful, what God is doing in Asia. And it strikes me more in the video, of the hearts of different ones who gave up so much in their lives, knowing that the things on earth (money, fame, career, or even their lives) do not matter when compared to the Kingdom of Heaven.

It touches my heart so much, to know how we can do so much more for those in need. And this video speaks deep into my heart too, because I know how Jin and Van Ness were before they became Christians. Both their testimonies always remind me of how faithful God is.

God's Deep Lesson

Lately, I have been doing some self evaluation and thinking on a recent turnout of events. God had by His Grace enabled me to see things and pray for things, and before all things happened, showed me His way and purpose. In this 2010, the many breakthroughs and things that happened showed me that God is sovereign.

Some things turned out to my naked eye, not good. I look back and think how I could have done better, and I knew there were some things I could have done, and not done. But in the midst of all these reflections, I also hear God telling me not to be too hard on myself. I guess God's been teaching me to be a bit better to myself, because He loves me as well. And I guess I'm still learning to find that balance in life, learning to sit and listen to God more, and learning to sit and be there for those He brings in my way.

The other thing that I have been thinking of is this awesome Church that God has placed me with. Through tears and joy I have journeyed with Hope Church and here I found a loving family who would always be there when I needed them. And I have also learnt to be there for others when they needed me. Even though some of us have moved on to different places that God has called us to, for example differen life groups, I still feel so connected with them. Some times it is not the time spent with one another, but it's just that bond that is so strong and powerful, and the few words exchanged, yet you know you have a place in the heart of one another. That is the power of LOVE from God that unites us together.

I love all the times where we can be real and honest before one another, and talk about the great things that God has been doing in our lives, and also to share about our struggles and difficulties and pray for one another. And even as different ones might be called further away from their ministry, there is this powerful element it seems, that unites us, and though far, we are still connected.

I love this family of God that God has blessed me with. I know many ones are always so busy serving God, and despite the times where all their hard work goes un-noticed, they still continue to love and serve the different life group members. At times, they even get misunderstood for not caring enough or doing enough. But I know they have been doing so much beind the scenes and praying so much more for all of us. God has been good to us, and my prayer is everyone learn to see the GOOD that God has done in our lives. Because God is GOOD! :)

God has been faithful to us, and He has been adding to us. As a church grows, there will be pruning and purification, and the enemy would seek to create more strife between believers. But God is sovereign, and as we choose to walk in the Light, we will not stumble. 

"Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may beome sons of light."

- John 12:35b-36 (NIV)

In the third quarter of this year, God has been reminding me so much about John 15. And my prayer is that everyone would receive and embed this chapter strongly in our hearts.

As we embrace positivity, hope and joy in the Lord, obeying and responding to God step by step in faith, we will see the value of God's word in our lives. Let us be TRANSFORMED as we allow God's word to shape and change us to be better people, living that life of FAITH, HOPE and LOVE...! :)

I won't be quoting many Bible verses today, but all that's written above have been what God's been speaking to me about, and affirming me with the different Bible verses in His word.

Hope that changed a Sinner - Transformed into a Soldier of Light

Many years ago, some might admire Van Ness from afar for his position in F4. Another might dislike him for the fame in F4 as well. And one who knew how deep Van Ness was struggling with his fame issues, have thought Van Ness was a gone case and hopeless person, doom for destruction by the terrors of the entertainment industry. But many ones had that Faith, that Hope and that Love for him. So many ones prayed for him, which he may never know. But most importantly, God loved him, and was pursuing him.

My favourite verse in John 10:10 speaks so much, and sums up a major part of my ministry that God has given me.

I know I've posted so many entries about him, from the day he made that decision to be born again till today. But I'm still going to post this one.

Enjoy, and at the end, you'll hear his new song - glorifying God.

Yes, I like it when he sings his English songs.

Peace, and I'll see y'all again!

Faithstones

What's faithstones? It's not milestones. It's faith stones. Because it's like reaching a milestone, but not exactly a mile. Faith is believing something you do not see.. so, I'll call it Faithstones, cuz I can't see the distance. But... read this entry, to see 3 faith stones that God has highlighted in my life, and those around me... and those far-yet-near to me.

Faithstone 1: Heaven Smiled

I had a great opportunity to witness 3 brothers and sisters' water baptism this morning. It felt awesome there to witness that moment that they publicly proclaimed their faith in Jesus. That moment God kinda nudged me in my elbow and that silent approval and peace was there.

I'm so happy for them, and in moments like that, I learn to appreciate the work that God is doing in many individuals. And at times like that, it was just like Heaven came down.

God is raising up a generation of faith filled people who would respond to Him, both with their hearts and hand.

Faithstone 2: I'm 24 and Thank you

So, my 24th birthday just passed. It's been a different year, and a great year that I've learnt a lot about myself and how to treat others. I also learnt compassion, not just in my head, but in my heart. I also learnt to appreciate others, and be real to myself and others. I don't want to name the few names here, but you know who you are, and you have been a great blessing to me by boldly speaking truth and honesty into my life.

I want to thank God for the floodgates of resources that He opened and how He multiplied one small heart intention greatly. I was a little fearful of doing this fundraiser because I was worried a poor response I might get. But God encouraged me to go ahead and just within 3 days, a total of $723.00 was collected for Compassion Australia. And more is to come... I know, cuz some people said they were going to still add in their share, so I'm going to keep it going! Thank you all, who blessed my heart so greatly in blessing children in poverty on my birthday. And if you still like to donate, please go to my fundraiser website here!

This year has just been a year of great spiritual blessing and that infilling from God just overflowed. Instead of waiting for others to throw me a party or surprise, I decided to have just a couple of friends over to enjoy pieces of my home made pizza. It was such a great time - see more photos on my facebook.

And in just giving, God gave me even more on my birthday. Four birthday cakes, love and a huge present. :) A present in a vision. Don't know what it is yet... :) But God has great gifts!

In addition, I want to thank God for the many people around me and my family... all you who know you've played a part in my life, whether big or small, too many to list. Thank you. You're in my heart and prayers, not just around me.

Faithstone 3: The Potter's Faithfulness - His Work to This Day

You know what makes my heart joyful these days? Knowing God's heart and seeing people rising up see God's heart. People who are willing to lay it all down and say, Jesus you pick it up.

This morning I saw Jin's latest post and it once again reminded me about God's faithfulness:

2002: Age 20. Sitting on the top of the world.

2009: Age 27. Trying to change the world..

In conclusion, each strand of hair represents a life lesson I learned throughout the years.

If you read in my past entries about how Jin played a huge influence in me before I (or him) became a Christian, you'll be so amazed by his every step. I love this man, his willingness to humble himself fully and respond to God, not just in words, but in his heart. Go Jin!

Whenever I'm discouraged, God will remind me of the works He did in both Jin and VanNess's lives. Amazing.

To end my entry, so I can go back to do what I was doing (I really had to get this entry out), I'll just post up part 2 of the NOW I CAN short film. Hee.. ok, I'll post up part 1 again in case you forgot! VanNess and Jin, keep GOING4GOD!

Part 1:


Part 2:

Marvelous Monday

People tend to have Monday blues. But I was excited for work today.

I'm learning to take each step in life with God, instead of always thinking about tomorrow.

Yeah, God's made my Monday so awesome.

Spent this evening being a listener and encourager for two different sisters. Whaoed by God of how He multiplied my time, and even helped me to speak forth words in His Spirit.

I walked away both times claiming them victories in Jesus Name!

Couldn't help but sat in my car at 11pm shouting and worship praising God. Too powerful!

So, 2 days to my birthday. But since I made a bold prayer/wish last year, it's been so awesome. This year, my birthday prayer is even more powerful, and God has helped me to appreciate it, and showed it that it's more BLESSED TO GIVE than to receive.

Please see my birthday fundraiser at http://www.everydayhero.com.au/hero_pages/view_posts/shannon24bday :

Looking Out

I'm turning 24 in 2 days! Every year, I'd be receiving many gifts and cards on this day.

I have been thinking doing this for the past year now and was hoping that this year, instead of having my birthday be all about myself, I'd like to do something much more meaningful.

So I was hoping to be bold enough to make this request. Please instead of giving me gifts this year, why not be a part of helping me fund raise for children affected by poverty?

Having reflected on my life in the past 24 years, I have never really been in lack. I've had a great family, a great society upbringing and now a great God who has constantly blessed me both physically and spiritually in my life.

One of my heartbeats have been to be able to pass on these blessings in my life to those in need.

As much as I'd like to be out there in the mission field, I have not yet acquired resources and time to reach out into the community out there. So meanwhile, I'm going to start with the little I have, right here, to make this dream come true.

So my shout out here is happening! Hope you'll give generously to Compassion Australia for the work they are doing for the children living in poverty in many part of the world.

If you'd like, I'm hoping you'd donate $24 since I'm turning 24.. but if not, any amount is still going to make a difference!

A mustard seed is extremely small, but it grows into a HUGE TREE. So your little contribution will be able to bless many more as well. :)

Thank you!



Some questions that I've been tugging at God lately.

Some inklings and burdens God's placed in me lately as well.

Today was a great spiritual transaction.

I did something that I know God is smiling and happy about. Responding.

And I also believe, today unlocked a beginning in another's life, as well as my own life.

Blessed to be able to bless. Blessed to be able to rest and worship in His Presence.

My God, Jesus reigns forever. No doubt.