Obedience vs Sacrifice

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"Our most precious worship to God is a worship of obedience, NOT sacrifice."

Melissa Cheah - December 27th, 2010.

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When Christ gave His life for us, it was an act of obedience to the Father's will. When He took upon His shoulders our trangressions, sins and shame, it was obedience carried out in love.

Our love to and for Him is proven through our obedience to HIS will, letting hold of our future and dreams to the most Beautiful Dream Maker and knowing that His ways are 'higher than ours'.

Fluffy Pancakes for Brunch

I have been eager to try out this new recipe for pancakes, which promises FLUFFY pancakes.

My desire to make light and airy pancakes was all but a pipe dream. (Previous attempts {here} and {here}.)

However, it is now a thing in the past.

Long gone are the days of flat and rubbery pancakes, behold the days of FLUFFY, AIRY and totally LUSCIOUS pancakes are here to stay!

As I've discovered in the quest of making perfect pancakes, patience is of utmost importance (love and care too, while you're at it).

I scooped three spoonfuls of batter onto the non-stick pan and this was the outcome.

Slightly burnt edges.

I reduced it to two ladles of batter onto the pan and saw a slight improvement.

Blah colour.

One spoonful of batter, allowed slowly to bubble and froth, and you get

Golden perfection - with lightly browned ring.

The texture behind the pancake.

Now, to round up the successful cinnamon-scented raisin pancakes day, drizzle with silky amber honey.

Bliss!

Created For Worship

It is what we are created for, we are created for worship.

To worship is to attribute worth to something. To worship is to revere and to adore. And, we are created for that.

The recognition of that is awe-inspiring and life-changing.

I realised this a couple of years ago and it changed me. It changed the quality of worship I brought before my King, it transformed the sacrifice of praise lifted up.

From then on, no longer was it duty or service, it became a lifestyle.

I love this quote by Joseph L. Garlington, it says this: “Worship is like breathing; you're created to do it ALL THE TIME - It's a lifestyle.”

Beautiful Dreams

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"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Eleanor Roosevelt

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And, how much more beautiful can our dreams get when they are birthed in us by the God of the Impossible, Him who makes ALL things beautiful in His time?

SO blessed!

Christmas Presents Galore

Now, I know I've mentioned that I wasn't going to be big about Christmas presents giving this year around.

I turned over a new leaf last week.

Over almost three hours of intense retail therapy, what WAS my Christmas presents pile {look below}

now looks like this. {points below}

With all the presents being wrapped, decorated and tied with ribbons, I decided to go all out - by personalising gift tags and Christmas note cards. (Read: handwritten, heartfelt, homemade cards and tags.)

Christmas note cards in his and her colours.

Taking A Chance on Love

I snagged these closing lines off a Hallmark movie I watched a couple of weeks back.

"Love is alive and constantly evolving. Don't attempt to understand it. Or, reason with it. Or, deny it entry to your heart with excuses molded from doubt and insecurity in your heart. Rather, when it comes your way, grasp love. Hold onto it for all its' worth. Never let fear keep you from reaching for life's bouquets. And finally, never ever fail to take a chance on love."

Taking A Chance on Love, Astro Diva (Channel 702) - November 30th, 2010.

December 19th, 2010

Last worship leading session for 2010.

It has been almost 7 years (6.5years) since I first started worship leading in TOP. I still get SO excited when I see my name on the duty roster.

It is and always has been an honour to serve in the House of God. It will forever be a privilege.

Father, I ask that YOUR will be done and You have YOUR way.

"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you."

Isaiah 60:1 (New International Version)

Love Package

All the way from UK.

Safely delivered yesterday, received with excitement, opened with joy that very same night.

I felt SO loved. I'm still feeling the warmth of that love. Here, let me show you that love package.

The Love Package.

Gangly reindeer for me.

It is incredibly great (and touching) to have a friend who knows the extent of love you have for your dog and loves you even more to get a Christmas outfit for your little guy. :)

The highlight to my whole love package?
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The Love Letter.

And, finding this {points below} wedged between the fold of the card.

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Dearest Kelfy,

I am glad that you received your love package (from me to you) safely (and in one piece). Some traditions we've shared doesn't change and I am thrilled that this is one of them - Exchanging Christmas gifts although we are 6434 miles apart. Thanks, Baby!

Love you,
Melissa.

Unchanging Love

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"Though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not."

C.S. Lewis

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Thank you, Father, for loving us in spite of our 'feelings'. I adore and love You.

Best Sister Award 2010

According to the polls made by a certain 14 y.o, I have been bestowed with the coveted award some time before lunch today.

I emerged from the shower into my bedroom and upon entering, I saw this {points below}.

It says, "Thank you, M."

It says, "Best Sister Award 2010."


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Dearest Angeline,

I know that we've not always had the best and sunny side up sister-to-sister relationship, but keep this in mind forever: I love you and I always will.

Hugs,
Jie Jie.

Holly Ornament

Remember the little sneak-a-peek I gave you?

Well, today is THE day, folks. The day of the Grand Reveal, the Prestigious Unveiling. (A sprinkle of exaggeration never hurts anybody. {grins})

Gingerbread Man and his Partner is taking a break

to make way for Holly the Header to grace Chatty Lass for a little bit.

Happy Christmas in advance!