I am constantly reminded of the goodness of our God. He is faithful as He is righteous.
We must decrease, that He may truly increase and be Lord over our lives.
As I prepare my sermon for this coming Saturday, God's gentle reminder has been ringing in my heart: "To obey is BETTER than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22).
The Christian that He seeks, His followers, His sons and daughters, His heirs; in short, us - His heartbeat for us is that we OBEY His Word, rather than make sacrifices out of guilt due to disobedience.
Over the past two months, I learned and grew. More than I have for some time. What I thought obedience was, I re-learned its' definition in this new season of my life.
St. Gregory "the Great" (540-604) helps put things into a profound one-liner, "In sacrifices a man offers only strange flesh, whereas in obedience he offers his own will."
I went to visit my dear friend, Mi-Chelle and Baby Kyra (pronounced as 'Kai-rah') today.
It has been some time since I last cuddled a baby close to my heart.
I carried Baby Kyra in my arms, took in as much of that newborn baby scent as my lungs would allow me to, tried rocking her to sleep (and failed!) and I think I got a little carried away with the baby talk.
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Dearest Mi-Chelle,
Darren and you are incredible parents, Kyra is one fortunate and blessed little girl! I pray that her life will always bring delight to yours, and may she grow up to be a woman who fears the Lord.
With love, Melissa.
P/S: I am looking forward to see her rocking her new booties! ;)
22 years and counting, I have had Ice-Cream Days. I have also had Chocolate Days. When the going has been a wee bit tougher, there is Dark Chocolate Days. Then, there’s Peanut Butter Straight from the Jar Days. There’s also Strawberry with Cream Days (That doesn’t work out too well in Malaysia; the strawberries are sour and the only heavy-duty cream you get is found in a can. Hardly artery-clogging and heartache-soothing).
And then, there’s today: Tea and Bikkie Day.
Yes, sometimes all I need to perk up my day is making it a Tea and Bikkie Day.
P/S: This photo and post was written on Friday, April 15th but remained unpublished until today due to the sucky Internet connection at my KL pad.
"She actually refused to have cake for her birthday. -_- Is that socially acceptable behaviour ah?"
Yes, the story of my life - The year where I insisted on not having a cake for my birthday celebration.
Then again, why have cake when you can have ice-cream? :p
Dearest Ping, thank you for {this} blog post and {this} gift. I now have to hurriedly finish the entire jar so that I would no longer be tempted by these colourful, tiny sweethearts. Much love, Mel.
For the birthday wishes on Facebook. For the emails. For the e-cards. For the stream of texts (from even as far as Shanghai, China). For the phone calls (I had one very special late-night caller from UK). For the presents (pre and post) birthday. For the meals and icy treats.
All 113 wall posts on FB, which I have personally replied to. Beautifully written text messages, all 19 of ‘em.
22 years and I cannot thank Him enough for all He has done, is doing and will be doing. I pray that all my days will be lived poured out and completely spent for Him.
Love to all, Melissa.
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UPDATE (8:12pm): 116 wall posts on FB.
UPDATE (11:11pm): 131 wall posts on FB, 21 text messages.
UPDATE (1:03pm - April 13th, 2011): 138 wall posts, 21 text messages.
One reason that our friendship has grown, lasted and blossomed through the years is because of the love and care we have shared between us. It is probably more than the sum of what some people go through a lifetime, wishing they had. We may not see each other face-to-face, but we are never far from each other's hearts. Thank you for making my birthday extra special this year.
I am blessed with some pretty awesome friends. Seriously.
A week ago, a friend of mine made a trip all the way from Kampar just to spend some one-on-one time with me (or so, I thought).
Turns out, she had a surprise hiding up her sleeve. Our dinner ended in style; a surprise brownie ala mode with a lit candle accompanied by a loudly sung birthday tune.
Thank you for being encouraging always. It is not often that friends like you come along. You are a blessing from On High.
Much love,
Mel.
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And then, there was tonight. After finishing dinner with a childhood friend, I was handed a package with the sweetest of sweets, that not showing them off to you borders on almost sinful.
You see, I never told this to anyone, but it has been my top-secret, well-kept and shrouded in secrecy lifelong desire to be the First Lady Pope.
Click on image to enlarge.
Alright, maybe I was not that secretive about it. But, from what I have learned over the years, expressing inner dreams and desires is vital and necessary.
Anyway, the first two paragraphs were expressed humorously only to enlighten you, Dear Readers, on the following two screen shots of the email that made its' way into my Inbox earlier today.
Click on image to enlarge.
What a courteous and generous email. It is only fitting that I responded in the same, if not better, manner.
Click on image to enlarge.
P/S: Her Highness, Pope Melissa the Awesome. It has got a nice ring to it.
Two weeks ago, my family came down for a much-needed visit.
Over Skype and texts a few days prior, my sister told me that she had a special surprise in store for me and I was sure to love it.
(Sideline: I am not fond of surprises. Really. Just get to it and tell/show/reveal to me what it is.)
So, as soon as she arrived and unpacked, she quickly handed me the wrapped package; eager as a beaver, hustling me to open my early birthday present.
I slided the ribbon off and found a soft toy inside. I gave her my "Why-on-earth-did-you-get-me-a-soft-toy-for-my-birthday-am-I-not-old-enough-already?" look. She cheerfully explained, "I know you miss Max. This will make up, temporarily, while you're away."
I named her Aurora Raye, and she's pretty adorable.
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Angeline,
Thank you, darling, for my birthday gift. The present is a small gesture of how much thought you have put into it and it tells me that I matter to your heart.
