Thursday, June 16, 2011

Greed





Luke 16: 11-12
If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours?

Friday, June 10, 2011

Discernment Once More






Initially, when I saw these video clips, I thought that I appear to manifest some of these signs... But now, I think it's just another wishful thinking because I'm not in the least holy at all.

Friday, June 3, 2011

No Love? No Dream?

Today, I saw this slogan on a T-shirt.


3 essentials of happiness:


Find something you love to do.


Find someone you love.


Find something you can dream about.


I try to reply to these 3 questions.

Yes, I can often find something interesting to do.

But I don't seem to have someone I love. I'm also not sure whether I do love God?

I also don't have things to dream about anymore.







Thursday, December 23, 2010

4th - 6th Sorrows of Our Lady



While the world encourages us to get out of our suffering, Jesus Christ wants us to regard every suffering as super-naturally fruitful, either for me or for another individual. It's a mystical process of the release of God's grace. Jesus Christ is inviting us to imitate Mother Mary, to be a co-redemptorist.


http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=DY7P6PNX

I'm becoming curious with the spirituality of Our Lady of Sorrows. Before the labyrinth walk during the CCD Retreat, I asked God to tell me why Fr Anselm had said that my relationship with my mum is an unhealthy one. What's the role of my mum in my life?
After the labyrinth walk, when I returned to the hut, the first thing that caught my eyes was a wooden picture of Mother Mary at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified. I asked Sr, "What does that picture show?" She replied, "It's Our Lady of Sorrows." (whose spirituality was adopted by the Canossians Convent)
Perplexed...

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

God's Quiet Waters For Me- Coral Sec

A lot of my colleagues have left Coral Sec for various reasons. Some have considered to leave before and some are contemplating to leave the school. Me? I was posted to Coral since Term 2 of 2004. In a fleeting glimpse, more than 6 years passed. I have not only managed to survive there as an ordinary English teacher but am fortunate enough to be 'flourishing' in my involvement in church activities, particularly in the Children Catechetical Ministry.
I had also considered leaving the school twice. The first time was to intend to pursue full-time Masters course at NIE about two years ago and the second time took place during the end of first semester 2010 when I was pondering to switch to another school. After praying, I gave up the idea or so-called 'ambition' of getting a more 'worthy' academic qualification. It was this scripture verse that changed my mind: "For in union with Christ you have become rich in all things, including all speech and all knowledge." (1 Cor 1: 5) For the second time, I did try to look for suitable vacancies in my preferred schools and institutions during the Open Posting period, but to no avail. On both occasions, I took it as God's will for me to stay in my current school.

Recently, I'm reading a book entitled A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller. Through reading this book, I realised that this somewhat disagreeable working place that Lord
Jesus Christ had led me to is actually the best place for me. If I were in other schools where work is more demanding, I would not have been able to multi-task and perform my duties both in school and at church. Of course, there's still much room for improvement in terms of my efficiency in performing these multiple roles in my life, but at least, I'm surviving under God's protective mantle, which I truly must be grateful about it.

In my deep reflection, I soon discover that God is with me in this seemingly 'horrible' place. It is in Coral Sec that I discover that only He can satisfy me, nothing else. I not only receive God's comforting grace there, but also God's discipline on me. (Yeah! Don't be surprised, my friends or students! Teachers / Catechists also need to be disciplined by God! Haha! That's human weaknesses!) I also gradually understand His purpose and meaning of arranging all the events in my life. It is like all the pieces falling into place and sorting themselves out into a definite pattern of usefulness. Such a realisation is so refreshing and invigorating! Thereafter, the peace of God reigns in my heart and I am resolute to stay in Coral Sec because I know that's the quiet waters that God has led me to, the only place where I can quench my thirst. I'm contented.




Thursday, November 25, 2010

Trust Fall (Experiment in 2010 CCD Retreat)



This was where Alycia couldn't trust Patrick (who was acting as Jesus)! Haha!

Anyway, these are some pertinent learning points:

  • Don't limit or underestimate Jesus' capability according to human perceptions.
  • Let your faith overcome your fear.
  • True wisdom consists of obeying God; and in knowing that God is Supreme.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Cartoon Retreat (in 2010 CCD Retreat)









You'll never know what God has in store for you. It's beyond your realms of imagination!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Hymns for 2010 CCD Retreat

On Eagles Wings


The Power of Your Love


When I used this hymn to conclude this retreat, I simply could not sing along anymore.

Friday, November 12, 2010

ACCC2 Retreat

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Fr Anselm for sponsoring me to attend the ACCC. I hesitated taking it up at first, but after the first session, I already know that I have absolutely no regrets for attending this course. Indeed, absolutely no regrets.

Firstly, this course has changed my perceptions and understanding of catechism radically. Secondly, towards the later part of the course, especially during the retreat, it becomes like a personal conversion experience for me. Whilst having all sorts of plans and initiatives for CCD swirling in my mind, I am reminded by Jesus to be faithful to Him in the little things as well. In short, if I want to do catechesis well, I have to buck up on my personal discipline, in the aspects of setting a better example for students as well as gaining more familiarity with biblical knowledge, traditions of the Church and all the doctrines of Catholic faith. I'm actually a far way off from there.....

That day, I did not know where I managed to gather the courage and feel the compelling urge to share my struggles with the whole group of retreat participants. I actually broke down in front of the audience! Unbelievable! During Mass, I was so touched by the Holy Spirit that my eyes were overwhelmed with tears. Through this retreat, I also realise God's immense and incredible love for me, the endless comforting that keeps flowing into my heart, and I realise my poverty as well, and the fact that I'm being drawn closer to the light of Christ. Yeah! Praise the Lord! Alleluia!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Batam Trip May 2010 (2)




My First Hotel Stay!




Breathtaking scenery from my hotel room's window! It's something I can't get to see from my HDB flat in Singapore! I was simply ecstatic beyond words.




The interior of my hotel room. Isn't it simple yet cosy? Most importantly, it's SPACIOUS!
Hee... I'm like a swagu, a frog in a well.