Laugh a Little Each Day

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."
(Proverbs 15:13)

One thing that I would love to cultivate more is learning to laugh more and more. Laughing at my own mistakes; laughing during playtime...simply just laugh.

The staff that works with me and in the office know me well. They gave me a nickname, "Three O'clock'. Around that time, I will walk out from my room to the cubicles and start to make silly and lame jokes, ending up laughing, sometimes all by myself. And of course, we have a Senior Pastor who laughs a lot and believes in laughter. He mentioned this in his blog, "You can't work at my office if you aren't really good at laughing."

(to read, blog in to http://souliswell.blogspot.com/2009/03/laughter-humour.html)

Matthew and I laugh a lot more as compared to three years ago. He always make me laugh heartily with his jokes, his actions and just being him. I am enjoying every bit of it. At home, these are the three values that I seek to grow and give to my love ones too - Life; Love and Laughter.

Laughter is a gift from God and it is one of God's loving ways of keeping us healthy, emotionally and physically. It releases us from tension and keep the heart alive. A cheerful heart makes the face cheerful indeed.

The Executive Digest Magazine wrote this in one of their publish edition:
“Scientists have been studying the effects of laughter on human beings and have found, among other things, that laughter has a profound and instantaneous effect on virtually every important organ of the human body. Laughter reduces unhealthy tensions, and relaxes the tissues, as well as exercising the most vital organs. Laughter, even when forced, results in beneficial effect on us, both mentally and physically. So, the next time you feel nervous and jittery, indulge in a good laugh.”

One of the thing I enjoyed is reading good clean jokes and have a good laugh. Recently, someone in the ministry send me some jokes. Sharing with you here and have a good laugh if you have not for a long time.

Advertisement in a Long Island Shop:
Guitar, for sale....Cheap...
....no strings attached.

On a bulletin board:
Success is Relative
The more the Success
The more the Relatives

When I Read about the Evils of Drinking,
I gave up Reading.

My grandfather is eighty, and still doesn't need glasses
He drinks straight from the bottle

Sign in a bar:
'Those of you who are drinking to forget,
Please do pay in advance.'

Sign in Driving School:
'If your wife wants to learn to drive,
Don't stand in her way..."

Laugh and the world laughs with you,
Snore and you sleep alone.

Sign at a Barber's Salon:
'We need your heads to run our business'

To Gain Jesus

There is so much to learn in this church camp. The impact of it was it had changed my responses, attitudes and perceptions within me and the Holy Spirit is still at work. When there is a change in our mindsets, there will be a change in our behaviour. This is called breakthrough.

The first night brought a heart reality check. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21). Suddenly, it make more than sense in this verse and cuts through my heart. The yearning spirit and desire within Paul to be able to proclaim this verse. This is not just something we saw as a hanging banner in funerals with this written verse. It carries much more depth and a cry from within.

Whatever that robs away my devotion from God is an idol in my heart. This is the first silent voice of God. It has nothing to do with whether it is the right or wrong things in our lives. Reducing down to anything and anyone that steals that God-devotion away from me. Even the very things that God had blessed us with could be a stealer. I remembered as I sat down and to have our nightly evaluation with the pastors and this is what Senior Pastor mention, "If God had given is lots of blessings and we still do not yearn for Him, we kind of been cheating God." Woe to that lack of hunger for the Giver and desiring only the gifts.

'MY IMPORTANCE' is a subtle yet obvious idol in my heart. Basically, I am a pride person and I have no qualms to credit myself for anything. Subtly, I could even take credit for every brokenness that I had gone through, pampering and flattering my ego and worth. That spells danger. No one could take the credit away from God and what He had done. The flesh is a frightening and yet 'loving' thing. I have not hated my flesh enough to allow the yearning for God to go deep. In the past, I tend to protect my privacy so much that it had become a non-negotiable in my life. Matthew and Cleff are so 'used' to it that it does not even hit my conscious. Not until the Lord convicted me of my own selfishness three years back. I began to remove my 'non-negotiable' and allow people to invade that privacy. However in this camp, the Lord once again spoke. Though I had removed the boundaries, I had not increased my personal time with Him. It remains the same portion and time that I gave to Him.

'MY MARRIAGE' is a God-given gift. In my journey of this covenanted relationship, God has been refining, building and restoring us into useful earthen vessels. An alert alarm went up in the camp as the Word reminded me the possibilities of placing my marriage above Him. The gifts could become the stealer. That night, I surrendered 'My Importance' and 'My Marriage' at the altar once again for a divine exchange of a deeper yearning and longing for the King.

After the 3rd night, I told God and myself, "I want to be the 5 talents guy." The one that does not waste any God-given opportunities to glorify Him, even it means I can end up to be a 'Moses that does not enter the Promise Land." Practically, it spoke to me in two areas. I always dislike being an announcer. Sometimes, I think this is tougher than to teach the Word of God. Of course, I am sure that I can still do a good job with this functional role. But it would also mean like what I had started earlier in this blog, "A change of behaviour without a change of heart and mindset is zero." Allowing God to do a surgery work in that portion was immediately tested. I was asked to be the Sunday announcer due to unseen circumstances that none can be doing that Sunday. I confessed at that moment, a roar of discontented arose but was checked immediately. Cheerfully I served.

The Lord also spoke to me about my flesh preference of my trip to KK, Sabah. Though the trip was confirmed, there was no on intention to be there for a week. Four days will be sufficient. I just wanted to be at home. It is about all about me and my preference. The purpose call to made the trip was clear and loud. His Spirit or my flesh. I decide. I gave the Lord the liberty to cut away my flesh that night.

The Kingdom of God rules and reigns in my heart. The final afternoon was a transaction between me and My Servant King. Going out at all costs to have the Kingdom of God in our hearts. Senior Pastor lead us in a time of reading the Declaration together in one accord. And he got us to read first, meaning every word that was said. Then he lead us to read the declaration with guts and courage. At that moment, I felt that the Holy Spirit whispered this into my ears, 'Surrendering can be sweet." How true! I used to think that brokenness and contriteness is something painful and tearful, not sweet and cheerful. How wrong was I!

That afternoon, I declared the declaration with a new spirit and a new heart.

My take home? Reduced to one single thing: 'Whatever situations and people God brought into my life, they are opportunities that lead me to hunger more for Him - to gain Jesus."

I love this quote from Ps Lawrence in 'The Practice of the Presence':
"I have at times such delicious thoughts on the Lord, I am ashamed to mention them."

One Hunger; One Desire Declaration

Declaration of One Hunger, One Desire

Today, I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; and my decision is irrevocable. My one hunger, one desire is Jesus Christ! There is no turning back. I will live the rest of my life longing for God, pursuing after Him, serving His purposes, with His people, on His planet, for His glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home waiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry and fulfill His mission for me while He has for me here on earth.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me", character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position and pleasure. I know what matters most and I will give it all I've got. I will do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today. I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal; not on the sidelines or on those running by me. When times get tough and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide.

I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm spirit-led, purpose-driven, and mission-focused so I can't be bought. I will not be compromised and I shall not quit until I finish the race. All this because my one hunger and one desire is Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Saviour.

I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday and generous with everything that God entrusts to me. I will keep growing in big faith, rooted in Christ, rooted in love and rooted in His Word. I will attentively hear His practical Word for me; be found in providential relationships; faithfully practice the private disciplines; be involved in personal ministry and grow through pivotal circumstances.

I hereby declare my supreme allegiance to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is my one hunger and one desire. I say this: However, whenever, wherever and whatever you ask me to do, I want my answer is to be yes! Just give me your unfailing grace! I'm ready. Anytime. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day, I'll hear you say,"Well done, good and faithful one. Come on in and let the eternal party begin!"

He Is

When God speaks in a still small voice into my soul. It brings every being of me alive...

* He is my Creator who spoke, "Let there be light' in a formless and empty soul.

* He is my Shepherd who, "Makes this restless sheep lie down in green pastures and rest.

* He is the Lord Almighty that is here to save me from destruction.

* He is my Restorer who comes for my lost heritage.

* He is my Living Fountain that refreshes my soul.

* He is my Miracle Worker that does the supernatural while I do the natural.

* He is my Justifier whose voice is louder than mine when speaks on my behalf.

* He is my Resurrection who brings the dead in me alive and pinned the flesh in me dead.

* He is my Sin Bearer and there is No One Else

* He is my Redeemer, redeeming me from legalistic laws and pours out amazing grace.

* He is my Friend who sticks closer than anyone else.

* He is my Everlasting Covenant, Who keeps His Word and never break it.

* He is my City of Refuge who hides me from pursuing enemies.

* He is my Judge, yet never stand to judge me but loves me with His loving kindness.

* He is my Builder of everything that is broken.

* He is my Burden Bearer and refuses me to carry the yoke upon me.

* He is my Wisdom that I cannot even live without it.

* He is the Suffering Servant who deeply understands my brokenness and contriteness

* He is my Love and forever faithful in His love to me.

* He is my FATHER who fathers me and be there for me at all times.

* He is the Reigning King, the Coming King that reigns forever more.

Heavenly Measures

David darkest days were those spent in the caves running away from King Saul; running away from his enemies.

Caves are dark, wet, cold, smelly. I remembered I had been to one when I was in Sandakan. Filled with insects and reptiles too. Not the one that I thought it should be.

The caves were David's castles. The pits were his home. That's where God met His man, character is formed in the caves.

Suffering was giving birth. Humility was being born.

By earthly measures, he was a shattered man.
By heaven's measures, a broken one.

God is drawn to the broken, and there is where it all begins.

Ten Commandments of Marriage

Looking through my notes again and spotted this article given to us when I attended the Workshop Session, "How to be your Spouse's Best Friend' in Pastors' Prayer Submit 2007.

Ten Commandments of Marriage:

1) You shall have no other man/woman

• Let there be no doubt

2) You shall take care of the image of your spouse

• Do not look at other men/women or compare him/her with other men/women

3) You shall not misuse the name of your spouse

• Do not speal about your spouse lightly or needlessly

4) You shall not devote one day a week to your spouse

• Make time for your sposue

5) You shall honour your spouse

• Honour your parents and parents-in-laws

6) You shall not murder your spouse

• Do not abuse your spouse physically or verbally

7) You shall not commit adultery

• Be faithful to your spouse

8) You shall not steal from your spouse

• Give credit where it is due

9) You shall not give false witness

• Be honest and open in your communication with your spouse

10) You shall not covet

• Do not be jealous of your spouse

Spear Thrower

'"but there was a spear in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the spear, for he said, "I will pin David to the wall." But David escaped his presence twice."'
(1 Samuel 18:10-11)

What would you do if someone pick up a spear and throw right at you? One's normal reaction is first to quickly shunned away from the weapon. Next, pick up the spear and throw back at your attacker.

David probably never raised his suspicion against King Saul until it happened to him the first time. Thank God, it missed him. He was more prepared for the second one to come and it missed him again.

If I am David and I had a King Saul throwing his spears straight at me. This is probably my immediate response:

• Pick up the spear and throw right at him back OR:
• Secretly make my own set of spears (sharper ones surely), awaiting for the right time to throw back.
• Start to tell everyone that Saul is a mad spear-thrower.
  

Unlike a 'human response', David did not throw back Saul's spears at him. Nor did he quietly make some spears of his own and throw back at King Saul. Something was different about David. All he did was dodge the spears. Weird response from a human.

Twice, David escaped from being hit. One could easily tell when someone has been hit. It could easily turned into a deep shade of bitter.

I wondered, if David was really hit. Would he still maintain his calm and posture?
I choose to believe he will. Many chapters later in 1 Samuel 24, we saw David sparing the life of King Saul, although he has all great and fitting opportunity to get rid of his attacker.

From David's response, I saw and learned three things from this great man:

1) Don't master the art of spear throwing.

Since school days, 'Good Citizen' session always taught us this principle - Don't do to others what you do not want people to do to you.

Nevertheless, we are still surrounded by people who had mastered the art of spear-throwing. I cannot stop that, neither change that. But neither do I wish to become one of them.

David do not want to become another spear-thrower. Neither do I.

2) Stay away from the company of spear throwers.

Spear throwers attract spear throwers. Who am I attracted to? Who are in my community that I fellowship?

Spear throwers are probably insecure; jealous; self-seeking, 'too-free' beings. Maybe, they are once a victim of a spear thrower.

David never joined the 'Saul' club because he was aware - he can become another Saul.

3) Don't become another King Saul.

David could also easily become another King Saul, but he did not. I believe God had used the 'outer' Saul to show David that he could also become one. God used the outer Saul to kill and cut away the 'possible' and inner Saul inside David's heart. David never retaliate because he was allowing God to put to death his own 'inner King Saul.'

David did not want to become another King Saul. Neither do I?

So, how do we deal with the possible 'inner Saul' in us?
I learned to allow God to deal with my 'inner Saul', using people and circumstances.
I learned to throw my spear at God (whenever I needed to) instead of men. God is able and capable of handling it better. By the way, He never get offended at me having to pour my injustice and grievances unto Him.


David knew he was the appointed, anointed and selected one to be the king. God called David. No one and no situations can change that. Unless God changed His mind about David, no one can.

So David walked in his destiny.

So am I.

Live Life

Recently, my son Cleff pinned a note in my Facebook entitled the 'Paradox of Time' and written by George Carlin, comedian of the 70s and 80s.

As I searched through the website, it seemed that it was actually Dr. Bob Moorehead, the former pastor of Seattle's Overlake Christian Church had written that in his essay, appeared in 'Words Aptly Spoken', Dr. Moorehead's 1995 collection of prayers, homilies, and monologues used in his sermons and radio broadcasts. He retired in 1998 after 29 years in that post.

Whether it is George Carlin or De. Moorehead, I found this writing worth penning down for reflection and meditation. This is how it goes:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character; steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce; fancier houses but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

How can I not put down everything I am doing at that moment and take a good look at myself now.