Just Keep Trusting

Monday, 7 November was a public holiday in Singapore.  In the early morning, a telephone call came.  The Swallow's nephew-in-law was having a fever and if his fever persisted, he would be unable to go to school the next day.  As her sibling-in-law could not take leave off her work, and other means of care arrangement were unobtainable, she sought the Swallow's help.

The Swallow's own sibling was scheduled to arrive from Malaysia that afternoon with her family.  Her sibling's mate was coming to Singapore for a few days for a training session and the rest of the family was tagging along.  Initially, the Swallow had planned to spend more time with her sibling while both mates were at work and her own young ones were at school.  She had looked forward to the extra time with her niece and nephew as they were growing up so quickly.  However, she agreed to care for her nephew-in-law on Tuesday if he had not recovered.

That Monday evening, the Swallow and her family went to the hotel where her sibling's family was staying.  The young ones were very excited to see each other again.  The young-at-heart ones were more controlled in their exuberance, but the joy was there nonetheless.  Her nephew had learnt to walk, and the Swallow whipped out a camera to capture the moments she had missed when he had first started.  There he was, looking into the camera and smiling broadly as the Swallow took many shots of him.  The Swallow also took several shots of her camera-shy niece when she wasn't looking.

Just before leaving for dinner at a restaurant in a nearby shopping complex, the Swallow's nephew suddenly prostrated himself on the carpeted floor.  Putting it down as a case of tiredness after a day's travel, he was removed from the floor, placed into his cot, and given a small bit of grape to chew while the rest of his family got ready.

Then he started vomiting.

Everyone thought he had gagged on the small bit of grape.  The Swallow's sibling cleaned up her young one.  Her sibling's mate called the hotel's housekeeping unit for assistance.  The Swallow and her mate chipped in to help.  The remaining young ones distracted each other.

When all was finally calm, everyone left to meet a relative for dinner.  At the restaurant, the Swallow's nephew threw up again.  Noting the discomfort he was in, the parents decided to bring him to see a doctor.  Due to the public holiday however, the clinic at the shopping complex was closed.  So her nephew followed his mother back to the hotel to rest while her niece remained with her father.

Even with the anxiety over her nephew's well-being, dinner was a relaxed affair.  At the end of the dinner, an order for a takeaway meal was placed for the Swallow's sibling.  Before its arrival though, her sibling-in-law received a call that his young one was still vomiting.  Advised to bring the young one to a well-known children's hospital, he rushed back to the hotel, leaving his other young one with the Swallow's family.  When the Swallow's family returned to the hotel later, they had missed a lift, but coming out of the next lift was the Swallow's sibling, her sibling's mate and her nephew!  The Swallow's sibling was able to receive the takeover meal.  Hugs were shared, words of encouragement were uttered and promises of prayer were made.  It was arranged that the Swallow's niece would stay with her in the meantime.

The Swallow's nephew had caught a stomach flu bug.  He was discharged from the hospital near midnight but by then, the Swallow's sibling had also started vomiting.  Coupled with diarrhoea, she had to visit the adjacent well-known women's hospital.

In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, her niece started vomiting.  The vomiting persisted over the next hour and they wondered what they should do.  Although there were 24-hours clinics near her nest, her niece's passport was with the parents.  Seeking the Lord God in prayer before calling the parents, they sought His wisdom to find the necessary words to communicate the situation to them without raising an alarm.  The Swallow's sibling was then waiting for her own discharge and medication.  Several calls later, it was decided that the Swallow and her mate would bring her niece to a hospital closer to her nest, and her sibling and her sibling's mate would meet them there.  The Swallow's older young one was kept informed on what was happening, and was given needful instructions for staying at home.  Her other young one slept on peacefully.

At the hospital, the Swallow carried her nephew while her sibling, exhausted from her own ailments, crashed out on the hospital seats in the waiting room.  The Swallow's mate and sibling-in-law took turns to stay with her niece in the observation ward.  Over the next few hours, they would feed her blackcurrant juice intermittently and the hospital personnel would observe her response and condition.  When her nephew woke up several hours later, her sibling's mate took care of him while the Swallow joined her mate in the observation ward.

Through it all, at the back of the Swallow's mind was the thought of having to care for her nephew-in-law the next day.  How was she going to cope with a feverish child after a sleepness night?  Would she be able to return home in time to receive him?  She could only cast her anxiety upon her Lord each time the thought came forefront.

Dawn was breaking when they were told that her niece could be discharged.  The Swallow had just called her young one on the phone, waking him from his slumber and delegating him the task of getting his younger sibling ready for school.  The Swallow returned home in time to bring her young one to school.

Her sibling and sibling's young ones stayed with the Swallow's family for the rest of their visit.  Although not a situation she would have wished on anyone, the Swallow was grateful for the extra time with her sibling.  Her sibling's mate had also caught the stomach flu bug, but he was able to carry on with his training session with a little medication.  The Swallow's mate managed to obtain an urgent leave from his work, which gave him a chance to catch up with his sleep.  Although he had caught a cold while moving in an out of the air-conditioned observation ward, he was spared the stomach flu bug.  The Swallow too was spared the stomach flu bug, and when her sibling-in-law called to tell her that her help was no longer required as her nephew-in-law had recovered, she rejoiced and praised her Heavenly Father who knew how much she could endure.  She praised Him for providing  a way of escape for her, for He alone knew what she would have yet to endure over the latter days when her own young ones caught the stomach flu bug as well, and her mate's cold worsen.

How the Swallow, her mate, her young ones, her sibling and her sibling's family went through those days is a real experience of the Lord's grace and faithfulness. He had heard and answered their prayers. He had showered them with His strength to endure the wearying hours. He had sustained them with His comfort and His peace through the anxious times. He had given them wisdom each step of the way.  He had granted them unity of mind and spirit, to come alongside each other and to encourage one another.

Yesterday afternoon, the Swallow received an SMS from her older young one who was in Malaysia on a school trip, and was scheduled to return to Singapore this morning.  He had informed her that he was vomiting.  He had also asked her to pray as he was afraid his condition would aggravate the motion sickness he usually suffers for long journeys.

Her first thought was how far away he was from her.  Her second was how helpless she was, unable to respond to him at his time of need.  Then her eyes were drawn to her young one's photo, and the words inscribed at the bottom, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Psalm 46 : 1 (NIV)".  She could only fall to knees, and pray, "Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.  Lord, not my name but Yours be praised.  We seek Your comfort upon our son.  We know You are with him.  Help him to know it too.  We seek Your help for us to keep trusting You, no matter what happens."

Passing on the bible verse to her young one, she hopes that through this situation, he will also find the reality of the Lord God in his life experiences, and yearn for a closer walk with Him.  For the Swallow, it is yet another glimpse of the wonderful Lord God who has chosen her, and whom she has chosen to call "my Heavenly Father".

I JUST KEEP TRUSTING MY LORD (author unknown)

I just keep trusting my Lord as I walk along
I just keep trusting my Lord and He gives a song
Though the storm clouds darken the sky o'er the heav'nly trail
I just keep trusting my Lord, He will never fail!
He's a faithful friend, such a faithful friend
I can count on Him to the very end
Though the storm clouds darken the sky o'er the heav'nly trail
I just keep trusting my Lord, He will never fail!

I just keep trusting my Lord on the narrow way
I just keep trusting my Lord as He leads each day
Though the road is weary at times and I'm sad and blue
I just keep trusting my Lord, He will see me through!
He's a faithful guide, such a faithful guide
He is always there, walking by my side
Though the road is weary at times and I'm sad and blue
I just keep trusting my Lord, He will see me through!

Anna and Her Act of Kindness

One day, Anna took the MRT to town.  She found a seat in a half-filled train cabin, brought out a book from her bag and settled down for a good read to pass the time.

As the train stopped at each station, the cabins were quickly filled.  Several stops before her destination, a woman came to stand in front of Anna.  Anna glanced up from her book, and noticing the slight bump on the woman, she stood to give up her seat.

The woman responded with a "I'm not pregnant."

Oops!

Flushed with embarrassment for making the mistake, Anna beat a hasty exit at the next station and continued her journey on another train.

So much for her act of kindness.

Read more of Anna's adventures

• Anna and the Rehearsal
• Anna and the Black Tie Affair

Another Tower?

In the early days, the whole earth had one language and one speech.  Then men decided to build a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens because they wanted to keep themselves from being scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.  But the Lord saw their plans and what they were doing.  He confused their language, caused them to be scattered abroad over the face of all the earth, and the building of the tower with its city ceased.  Its name was called Babel.  (See Genesis 11 : 1 - 9)

Precisely what the people had wanted to avoid.

The Lord Jesus told a parable of a certain rich man who had yielded plentifully.  The rich man had thought to pull down his existing barns and build bigger barns to store his yields, and had praised himself for having done well.  But that night he died.  All his plans came to nought.  (See Luke 12 : 16 - 21)

Precisely what the rich man would have wanted to avoid.

King Nebuchadnezzar, of ancient Babylon, had been warned in a dream of the consequences he would face if he took pride in his works.  A year later, while he was walking in his royal palace, he saw how great Babylon had become, and claimed the glory of it for himself.  He was still speaking when all that had been warned to him was fulfilled.  (See Daniel 4)

Precisely what King Nebuchadnezzar could have avoided.

The Lord God has given the modern world the full canon of Scripture with passages as these, to warn its people of the consequences of worshipping themselves, of being self-sufficient, and of claiming glory which rightfully belongs to the Sovereign Lord.

So many warnings from the pages of God's Word.  Yet looking at current news events, the Swallow wonders whether men have been trying to build more towers of Babel.

Precisely what the modern world should avoid?

Reflections on Isaiah

Today is Sharing Day.

After thirty lessons, the study on the book of Isaiah was completed last week.  For the past few sessions, the BSF teaching leader had been encouraging the women to come forward to share, what they have learnt, on Sharing Day.

The Swallow started the study on Isaiah on a high note.  In her post "The LORD is salvation", she wrote that she was looking forward to the study.  Along the way, however, there were many times when she was tempted to give up the study.  These were the times when she was struggling within herself, when her trust in her Lord was tested again and again, when self reared its ugly head.  These were the times of woe...

Isaiah 5 : 21 (NIV)
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

Someone once said that trials can either bring one to the Lord God, or they can draw one away from Him.  Thanks be to the Lord!  Unwilling as she was to give up on One who has proven Himself trustworthy, she clung to Him in her times of fear, her times of worry, her times of longsuffering.  Through it all, He brought peace and comfort to her soul, ministering to her through His Word in the hours of need.  He reminded her of His faithfulness to His chosen people, their sin notwithstanding.  He reminded her that He was the Sovereign One.  He reminded her of the hope that was before her, when the Lord Jesus will return again to take her back to be with Him in heaven.

Reading the notes helped too...

"There is nothing that prepares a person better for facing times of crisis and tragedy than getting a clear vision of who God is and what His person and works are compared to the frightening issues of the day." - Lesson 5

"How much do you enjoy God Himself apart from His blessings?" - Application question for Lesson 10

"God's people, when facing global or personal crises, were to think in a radically different way from the world around them.  God, who revealed Himself to them, was to be their refuge, and they must humbly trust Him." - Lesson 11

"No one and nothing can thwart Him and His will.  Remember who He is and take courage!  God is sovereign and all powerful while circumstances are temporary and transient; and God is in control of all of them too!" - Lesson 18

"Those who know and trust the true God can look to the future with courage and confidence, not because they see every detail of its landscape, or because they can control it, but because the God of the universe, who cares for them, has it perfectly under His rule." - Lesson 21

"Those who know God pray to God in the awareness of His compassionate character and complete power, remembering His past and present kindness, confessing their unworthiness but asking in confidence for renewal that brings Him honour." - Lesson 29

It is finished.  The study is done.  The Swallow has completed it.  Not through her own strength, but through Him who is her "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46 : 1, NKJV)

Corned Beef Patties

Crispy on the outside but mushy on the inside, these patties are suitable as party fillers.  Serve them on a bed of lettuce with a chilli dip on the side.

CORNED BEEF PATTIES (makes about 15 patties)

Corned Beef Patties

Ingredients

1 can corned beef, about 340g
3 large Russet potatoes, about 600g

1 tsp salt
1 stalk spring onion, finely chopped
5 shallots, finely chopped
2 eggs, about 60 g each
1 cup breadcrumbs
2-3 tbsp cooking oil

Method

1. Cut potatoes into quarters.  Place the potato pieces into a deep pot with enough water to cover them and sprinkle them with salt. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer the potatoes for 15 minutes.  Drain the water.  Cover the pot of potatoes with the pot cover and leave for 10 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes. Add corned beef, spring onion, shallots, breadcrumbs and eggs.  Mix well.
3. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan.  Form the potato mixture into patties, about the size of a hamburger disk. Fry the patties until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Notes

• This can be served as a side dish, with rice or noodles, or use it as a hamburger substitute.
• Goes well with Kimchi.

Handicap

It happened again...

Everyone else had had their turn to share something, anything, that had touched them when they went through their study on the book of Isaiah.  It was to be the Swallow's turn next.  She opened her mouth but the words stucked in her throat.  She tried again but her voice started to wobble.  She tried again.  It did not get any better.  Either each word came out with a choke or her voice broke.

Talking had not been a problem when the Swallow was in primary school.  In fact, several of her teachers had noted in her school report book that she was talkative.  In her secondary school days, if the teachers had not arrived for lessons, she would be found debating with her friends.  She had thrived in her first job in the customer service line as she enjoyed the interaction with customers, bosses and colleagues.  But these were personal encounters with close friends, or one-to-one encounters with newly-met people.  When put in the spotlight, however, there was that occasional slip here and there which gradually activated her retreat mode.

Then she became a stay-at-home-mom.

After spending so many years where most of her conversations were with her young ones, she yearned for more conversations with adults.  By then, however, holding a one-to-one conversation with any adult, other than family or friends in the inner circle, became even more of a mental challenge.  With so much effort needed, it was easier to let others do the talking.  Serving in the Sunday School ministry didn't help either as interactions with other teachers were few and far in between, and again it was easier to be a listener, asking a question here and there to keep the conversation going.

Going to BSF changed the status quo.  At each fellowship session, members were encouraged to open up and share.  Initially, she had looked forward to these sharing sessions as she thought, "More conversations with adults.", but at the first fellowship session, when she had to take her turn to share her thoughts, she realised that her difficulties in speaking out had not diminished.

Half a year back, she was asked to share some tips about teaching young children to some members of her local church.  Having experienced the nerve-shaking situations during the BSF fellowship sessions, she was hesitant to do so.  However, after seeking the Lord in prayer for His guidance, wisdom, and equipping, she heeded the call.  The Lord's power and control over all things were clearly seen as the session went smoothly.  Another call up at a Sunday School event had also gone smoothly, based on her trust and confidence in her Lord.

So at a fellowship session yesterday, she was willing to share if she was called upon to do so.  Due to the high number of attendees and the short time set aside for sharing, the Swallow thought she would be spared this time from sharing aloud.  Although there were many lessons she had learnt at the Lord's feet, she would have preferred to let her fingers do the talking.  Alas, it was not to be.  The group size had shrunk by then as several members had had to leave earlier.  Since it was a smaller group of people and most of them were actually quite well known to her, with a little prayer in her heart for the Lord's help, she opened her mouth to speak...and that's when it happened again.

Was there an inconsistency?  Why didn't her Lord answer her prayer this time, giving her the power again to overcome her fear of public speaking?  Why was she faced with her handicap when glorifying the Lord was what she had hoped to do with her sharing?

Well, let it be said here that in no way was the Lord not in control.  He had allowed the Swallow to say that her study on the book of Isaiah had helped her during her trial with her near relative, as many verses had reminded her of the Lord God's faithfulness to His chosen people even when they were not doing the right thing.  Her breaking voice did keep her from any chance of saying unwise words, and she managed to choke out "God is faithful, God is faithful" before her throat closed up.

Psalm 19 : 14 (NKJV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

He Holds My Hand

In Singapore, it is usual to hear of parents who take part of their annual leave to coach their children whenever major exams are around the corner.  Some parents send their children for tuition or enrichment classes at a young age to prepare them for school and exams.

Just two days back, the Swallow was in a conversation with several friends when the topic of children's major exams came about. A friend had noted that the Swallow had young ones who were going to sit through major exams next year too. Another friend was quick to point out that the Swallow was 'relaxed' about it.

The Swallow believes that exams should be taken as a gauge of what her young ones have learnt.  They should not become a challenge between parents to see whose child has done better.  Thus, her contributions to her young ones' academic future are to provide them with nutritious food, ensure that they have adequate sleep, and help them keep a balance between work and play.  Moreso when exams are at the door.  As a homemaker, she stops her housework to coach them only after they have attempted to complete their work on their own but were unable to do so.  Over the years, the coaching part has been getting smaller as the topics have been getting harder.  In spite of this, she and her mate have kept their resolution not to send their young ones for tuition classes.  Instead, the young ones were reminded to put in their best effort, to pay attention in class and to complete all their homework and assignments.

Does this mean that the Swallow is relaxed?  To her friend, it would seem so.

This resolution of saying 'No' to tuition classes, however, is tested each time less-than-desirable results follow the exams.  When comparisons are made, between some parents, of their children's results and the Swallow is pulled into the conversation.  When careless remarks, though unintentional, are made that the Swallow is relaxed concerning her young ones' academic future.

Yet, at each testing, her Lord God had faithfully reminded her, through His Word and through various other means, to keep her focus on Him, on the goals He has set before her, on what was more important than life on earth.  This time, her Lord God used the teaching leader at a BSF session.

She had used a long piece of string to illustrate life - on earth and in eternity.  One end of the long white string had been wrapped with red tape. This red part measured several inches to several feet of the rest of it.  The other end of the string could not be seen as the string wound around the front part of the hall.  Holding the red part of the string in her hands, the teaching leader had likened it to a person's life on earth. There was the beginning and there was the end. The white part had been likened to life in eternity. Where the red part ended, the white part began.

Where will one spend eternity?  What will he be doing in eternity?

The Swallow's eternity will be with her Lord God.  She has seen the wonder of His ways.  When He was unknown to her, He had patiently called to her.  When He became her Lord, although she had faltered many times in her walk with Him, He had never given up on her.  He continues to hold her hand and pulls her up, out of the holes she had dug for herself.  He is worthy of her praise and honour.  Little wonder that her desires for her young ones are for them to know Him too, for them to follow in His ways, and for them to enjoy eternity with Him.

I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW (author unknown)

I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to gray
I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today, I'll walk beside him
For He knows what is ahead.

Chorus:
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Ev'ry step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb
Ev'ry burden's getting lighter
Ev'ry cloud is silver-lined
There the sun is always shining
There no tear will dim the eye
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don't know about tomorrow
It may bring me poverty
But the One who feeds the sparrow
Is the One who stands by me
And the path that be my portion
May be through the flame or flood
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.

The Swallow acknowledges that exams have a part to play in life. Preparing for them brings discipline and endurance. The balance, therefore, is to place enough emphasis on her young ones' studies without extinguishing the flames of joy in learning. The goal, however, is to put exams in the right perspective to eternity.  For that, the Swallow will continue to stay 'relaxed'.  At least until the next testing.

Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian Pizza

Click here to find out how you can easily create this with your children at home.

Super Fruits

One morning, the Swallow came across a slip of paper hidden among the pages of her collection of recipes. On one side of the paper was a poem.  On the other was a list of Super Fruits.

Although some of the fruits in that list of Super Fruits have not been proven for their health-attributing factors, yet their delicious and yummy flavours alone will make them part of the Swallow's own list of Super Fruits.

Kiwi

• a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and fibre
• its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange

Apple

• contains antioxidants and flavonoids which enhance the activity of vitamin C
• may help to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack and stroke

Strawberry

• highest total of antioxidant power among major fruits
• may protect the body from cancer causing and blood vessels clogging free radicals

Orange

• may keep colds away
• may lower cholesterol
• may prevent and dissolve kidney stones
• may lessen the risk of colon cancer

Watermelon

• coolest thirst quencher as it is composed of 92% water
• boosts immune system
• a key source of lycopene, a cancer-fighting oxidant
• has vitamin C and potassium

Guava

• high vitamin C content
• rich in fibre which helps prevent constipation

Papaya

• high vitamin C content
• rich in carotene - good for eyesight

Pork Loin in Plum Sauce

Plum paste may be mixed with cold water to make a cooling drink for hot days.  Another way to use plum paste is by adding some chilli sauce to it.  This will produce a delicious alternative to plum sauce.  So when a recipe calls for plum sauce, the Swallow does not need to go shopping for it...

PORK LOIN IN PLUM SAUCE (serves 4)

Pork Loin in Plum Sauce

Ingredients

• 300g pork boneless loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tsp oil
• 2 tbsp plum paste
• 1 to 2 tsp chilli sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 stalk spring onions, chopped
• marinade - 2 tsp cornstarch, 2 tsp light soya sauce, 2 tsp hua tiow jiu, 2 tsp brown sugar, a few drops sesame oil, 1 clove garlic (minced)

Method

1. Combine marinade ingredients with pork cubes.  Marinate for at least half an hour.
2. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat.  Add pork, reserving the marinade (very little), and stir-fry until browned.
3. Mix plum paste, chilli sauce, and water together with the reserved marinade.  Pour into the wok and mix well.
4. Add spring onions to the mixture.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes.  Stir occasionally.  The sauce would have thickened by then.
6. Serve hot with rice.

Notes

• If plum sauce is preferred, use 2 1/2 tbsp and omit chilli sauce.
• Adjust amount of water to suit individual needs.

Using Plum Sauce in a Recipe

Pork Loin Cooked in Plum Sauce

Click here for the recipe.

Higher Ways

One morning, the Swallow came across a slip of paper hidden among the pages of her collection of recipes.  On one side of this paper was a poem.  Although its author was unknown to her, the words echoed the Swallow's reflections of the past few months...

I cannot trust the plans I make
Nor see what's round the bend
But there is One who is all-wise
On Him I can depend.

Oh, that I may not be stubborn
Nor stray in foolish pride
Oh, that I may not be fearful
Nor from the storm clouds hide.

For the end of the self-sufficient ship
No matter how sound it seems
Will finish in disaster
With a trail of shattered dreams.

His ways are not the way I'd choose
His thoughts are so much higher
But His wisdom knows the best for me
And all things are within His power.

So may I read my Bible diligently
Daily seek to do His will
May I pray expectantly
And learn when to be still.

For when the way seems rough
And I get kind of low
May I press on with a steadfast trust
So that my faith might grow.

Isaiah 55 : 8 - 9 (NIV)
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."

May the Swallow, though wearied and faltering, seek her Lord even more as her journey goes on...

As the Deer

Tired.  Exhausted.
Downhearted.  Downcast.
Stressed.  Uphill struggle.

Negative emotions, all.  Any different for the Swallow?

No!  For she is human after all, and God had not promised that as a Christian, she will be exempted from such emotions.  And as a human, still with the sinful nature within, the times when her eyes of faith are somewhat dimmed, these are the emotions that often assail her...

Yes!  For He has promised that "no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10 : 13, NKJV)

Yes!  For the Lord Jesus has paid the price for her sins, so "though her sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1 : 18, NIV)

Thus, how can she not respond to the Lord's love for her?

AS THE DEER (author unknown)

As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You.

You alone are my Strength, my Shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You.

You're my Friend and You are my Saviour
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything.

Spring of Life

In 2011, if one was staying in Singapore, southern Johor in Malaysia, or Batam, he had the opportunity to tune in to a new radio programme called "Times of Refreshing".  This programme was run on Mondays to Fridays, from 8pm - 8.30pm (Singapore time).

One night, the Swallow's mate led the family in prayer for the radio programme.  The rest of the family was tickled, but contained their laughter, until the end of the prayer.  When everyone said a hearty 'Amen', the young ones were quick to point out to their father that he had called the radio programme "Spring of Life" instead.

Giving more thought to the incident, it was easy to understand why the Swallow's mate had made the error.  Indeed, the Lord God is the Spring of Life to all who seek Him.  He is the Source of refreshment and nourishment.

Isaiah 58 : 11 (NIV)
The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

John 4 : 13 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Every man has a God-shaped vacuum in his heart which is waiting to be filled with this Spring of Life, but many seek instead to fill it with idols of all shapes and sizes.  Even the Swallow, as a Christian, is not exempted because as long as she is in her physical body, the sinful nature is present and she has to actively seek her Lord, daily, to remove idols like family, money, self or pride (these are just some of them...) from the throne of her heart.

Jeremiah 2 : 13 (NIV)
My people have committed two sins: they have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

In the eleven verses of Psalm 42, its writers, the sons of Korah, wrote "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." (verses 1 & 2), and repeatedly made mention of the soul being downcast (twice in verse 5 & once in verse 11), but they also reminded its readers twice to "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God." (verse 5 & 11)

Let all who seek to find the true source of sustenance, to bring them through their days on earth, find Him - the Lord God, the Spring of Life eternal and everlasting.

Edited in 2017 as the radio programme had been discontinued.

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken

A simple recipe suitable for the dining room experience as well as for a BBQ.

SPICY MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN (serves 4)

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken

Ingredients

1 kg chicken mid-joints
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp chilli powder

Method

1. In a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, combine the herbs and seasonings. Add the chicken. Seal the bag and give it a shake, coating the chicken with the herb mixture.
2. Place the bag in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally.
3. Remove the bag of chicken from the refrigerator an hour before cooking.
4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
5. Place a metal rack in a baking pan. Smear a little oil over the rack. Then place the chicken on the rack. Set aside any juices that remain, for basting purposes.
6. Bake the chicken for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and baste the chicken with the juice.
7. Turn the chicken over, baste this side of the chicken and return the pan to the oven. Continue baking for another 10 minutes.
8. Remove the pan from the oven, give the chicken a final basting. Change the baking function to a grilling function and grill the chicken until it is golden brown, about five minutes.
9. Remove the pan from the over and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
10. Plate them and serve with rice, noodles or as-is for a simple snack.

    

    Freshly baked
    Spicy Mediterranean Chicken
    

Notes

• If cooking over a BBQ, follow steps 1-3. BBQ fire should not be ablaze as this will char the chicken without cooking it through. Check the chicken is cooked by poking it. Juice should run clear.
• A whole chicken (about 1.5 kg) can also be used and adjust the cooking time to an hour, basting the chicken at the half interval time.

Sweet Sour Chicken

When chicken breast is required in a recipe, the Swallow usually buys a whole chicken, remove and set aside the other parts for other dishes, and keep the breast for such use.

SWEET SOUR CHICKEN (serves 4)

Sweet Sour Chicken

Ingredients

2 pieces of chicken breast, about 450g cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, sliced into chunky slices
1 can of pineapple rings in syrup, drained (but keep the syrup) and quartered
Roasted cashew nuts (optional)
Cooking oil
Garnish - spring onion, chopped & red chilli, cut

Marinade

2 tsp corn flour

1/2 tsp light soya sauce

1/2 tsp sugar

Dash of pepper

Sauce

2 tbsp tomato sauce

5 tsp sugar

1 tbsp vinegar

Pinch of salt

2 tsp corn flour

4 tbsp water

A few drops of sesame oil

Dash of pepper

Method

1. Marinate chicken for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat wok with enough oil to shallow-fry the marinated chicken until both sides are golden brown.  Drain.
3. Remove excess oil, leaving only 1 tbsp oil in the wok.  Heat the oil for a while.  Stir-fry the sliced onions until they are fragrant and slightly charred.
4. Add pineapple pieces and the sauce.  Mix well.  Add a little syrup from the can of pineapples if more sauce is preferred.
5. Dish up and sprinkle with cashew nuts.

Where Are We Looking?

"To look around is to be distressed;
To look within is to be depressed;
To look up is to be blessed."

The Swallow first heard the above quote at her weekly BSF a couple of months ago.  It encouraged her to stay the course even though at that time, she was going through some trying times.  The quote rings true.

When she looks around, there are news of fires, floods, earthquakes, and news of man's decay.

When she looks within, she sees her sinful nature which struggles against doing the right thing and obeying the Lord God.

When she looks up to the Lord God, she sees...

• His sovereignty - He is always in control, no matter what happens around her
• His patience - He is forgiving, waiting patiently for her to realize the wrongs she is doing
• His grace - undeserving mercy for her; not bringing judgement upon her for all the times she did wrong whether in ignorance or disobedience

But most of all, she sees His love...

• the love of God the Father - when He gave up His own beloved Son, the Lord Jesus; when He had to turn away from His Son as the Lord Jesus carried the sins of the world upon His shoulders.
• the love of God the Son - when He gave up Heaven's glory, came down to earth to be rejected by His own people, set His face to the cross, went through suffering and rejection by His own Father so that men's broken relationship with the Lord God can be restored again; when He promised the gift of a Helper, in the form of God the Spirit, so that she need not ever be alone.
• the love of God the Spirit - residing in her heart; prompting her whenever she is unsure; helping her to see everything in the world in the right context.

Yes, to look up to the Lord God is to be blessed.

Hidden Costs

Having heard of the many promotions offered by airlines for flights to Malaysia, the Swallow and her mate thought of taking advantage of a zero-dollar promotion offered by an airline for their year-end trip back to Malaysia. Making calculations of the airport tax and the fuel surcharge, the cost of taking a flight against taking a coach was a mere difference of S$30 for the whole family. It sounded like a good deal...

After signing up for the membership, they went through the whole process of entering the required information. To their disappointment, there were many hidden costs. Seats, checked luggage, in-flight meals, and travel insurance were just some of these. If they opt for non-premium seats, check in a minimum amount of luggage and take a no-frills flight, the total sum still came up twice the initial calculated cost.

Then there is the travel to and from the airport by taxis, both in Singapore and Malaysia, where airport surcharge and midnight surcharge have to be considered.

Their final decision? They will be booking seats in a coach...

Be Thou My Vision

Loved for the beautiful tune and the meaningful words since the Swallow heard the song for the first time, it serves as a musical reminder to her that her focus must always be on the Lord God, the Creator.  Knowledge of the Lord God is a never-ending journey of discovery.  His blessings, gifts and creation itself should not draw the Swallow's attention away from Him.  Instead, they must point Him and His great love for her.

This song also serves as a prayer in song...

BE THOU MY VISION (author unknown)

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for the fight;
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight,
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tow'r;
Raise Thou me heav'nward, O pow'r of my pow'r.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Hebrews 12 : 2 (NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 3 : 12 - 14 (NIV)
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

You Are Worth It

A mother gazes at the newborn child in her arms, chooses to forget the agonizing pains of moments before, reaches out her fingers to touch the softness of the cheeks, hushes the mewling cries of the infant, and whispers to him, "You are worth it."

A father stretches out his arms to cuddle his toddling child, chooses to forget his tiredness after a hard day's work, does his best to meet demands of "Papa, play, play", and whispers to the child, "You are worth it."

God reveals Himself to His children, through His Word, from "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1 : 1, NKJV) until "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen." (Revelation 22 : 21, NKJV), and the Swallow hears, "You are worth it."

Assam Prawns

Assam Prawns is a common variant of the favourite assam dish.  When prawns are a good buy at the supermarket, coupled with the cold weather, the Swallow will serve this dish to tantalize the taste buds.

ASSAM PRAWNS (serves 4)

Ingredients

• 600g medium prawns
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 5 - 7 fresh chillies
• 1 tsp belachan granules
• 3 shallots
• 4 candlenuts
• 1 cup tamarind water
• 2 - 3 tamarind pieces
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp oil
• 1 can pineapple rings, drained and cut into pieces
• syrup from can of pineapples
• additional boiled water, if necessary
• sugar, to taste

Method

1. Rinse prawns lightly in water.  Trim shells and feelers.  Remove the heads (optional).
2. Ground chillies, belachan, shallots and candlenuts into a fine paste.
3. Heat oil in a wok until hot.  Fry the paste until the oil separates from the paste.  Add tamarind water, tamarind pieces, salt and syrup.
4. Add prawns, large onions and pineapples pieces.  Fry the mixture until the prawns turn colour.  Season with sugar, to taste.
5. Serve hot with rice.

Notes

• Juice from limes may be added for a more sourish taste.

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Proverbs 31 : 10 - 31 (NKJV)
Who can find a virtuous wife?  For her worth is far above rubies,
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain,
She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for no household, and a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honour are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

The Best of All - a book
based on the
Proverbs 31 woman

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Seen to be a superwoman or a paragon by many people, the Proverbs 31 is "not a real woman but a model - someone whose example we can follow.", as written by Gien Karssen in her book "The Best of All".

Having read the book at different phases in her life, the Swallow recently sat down and read it again.  Easy to read, and not too thick (an important point for busy women of nowadays!), the book offers many thoughts on the Proverbs 31 model of a woman.  For an overwhelmed Swallow, they were fresh reminders that she needs to fear the Lord, and He will strengthen her to be "The Best of All".

House Visit

Last night, a call through the gates alerted the Swallow of several people standing outside her nest.  They were the advanced party heralding the soon arrival of an MP to the block, and checking with each homeowner whether they would like a visit from him.

There had been several house visits before but they were usually on Sundays.  It was a year back when the request came while the Swallow was at home.  Alas, the Swallow had to decline the visit.  The time was just not right - there were short-termed guests staying in the nest whose young one had just thrown a tantrum and his cries could still be heard, the Swallow's young ones were sleeping (even with the noise - amazing and thanks to her Lord!), her mate was overseas...no, the time was just not right.

Following the Singapore General Elections in May, a new MP had taken over and he followed in the steps of his predecessor, conducting house visits and "Meet-the-People" sessions to touch the hearts of the residents staying in his ward of responsibility.

Last night's appeal came at 9pm.  Being a school night, her young ones were sleeping.  Her mate was out on his cycling routine.  The Swallow was just about to start her ironing.  Well, the time was just not right - again!  When the Swallow informed them that her young ones were already sleeping, looks of surprise and disappointment flitted across their faces, before they smiled, thanked her and left.

The Swallow is happy that her MP is reaching out with such methods, but she would be happier for more advanced notice.  Having to decline the house visit, she felt like she had taken the role of the inn-keeper who told Joseph and a very-pregnant Mary that there was no room in the inn...

Face the Cross

As mentioned in her post "The Art of Hosptality", there were many low points in the recent years, but at the point when she was ready to throw in the towel, she heard the song "Face the Cross" being sung by one of her young ones in preparation for her church's annual gospel rally in July.  The meaningful words touched her heart and reminded her of the journey that the Lord Jesus undertook for her sake.

FACE THE CROSS by Ruth Elaine Schram & Scott Schram

You came into the world as a tiny Child
Small and unassuming
From Your first conscious thought
You knew Calvary was before You looming
You knew who You were
What You would do
Why You had been sent to this place -

To face the cross, never turn away
The salvation of the world hangs in the balance
You must face the cross, follow and obey
Knowing God will make a way
For You to face the cross.

Mary, on Golgotha's hill, mourning every wound
Broken-hearted, crying
You can't believe your eyes
Cannot bear to see your son and Saviour dying
You heard His first word
Held Him in your arms
Now you pray to Heaven for grace -

To face the cross, never turn away
The salvation of the world hangs in the balance
You must face the cross, follow and obey
Knowing God will make a way
For you to face the cross.

How hard it is to look upon that dying form
To resist the urge to run for cover from the storm
But each of us is free to choose
To turn away, or to stay -
And embrace the cross
Stand and face the cross
The salvation of the world hangs in the balance
Stand and face the cross
Never turn away
Follow and obey
Knowing God will make a way
For you to face the cross
Face the cross
Face the cross.

The Lord Jesus faced the cross of Calvary.  He did not need to, but He did so because of His great love for the Swallow and the rest of mankind.  The reminder put aright her perspectives on apparent hurts.  The going was tough because she had been leaning on her own understanding, because she thought she was easygoing.  She has much yet to learn.

Ephesians 2 : 8 - 10 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

The Swallow is encouraged.  Even if she stumbles along the race that she is running, she is already saved.  Each stumble, each fall, will never take away her salvation.  Jesus has done it all.  The race and all that comes with it are just training-in-progress.  She will choose to face the cross, with the strength and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Solitude With the Lord

E I L N S T

These six alphabets can be used to form two words...

The first word is L I S T E N.

The second word is S I L E N T.

When these anagrams were brought to her attention two weeks ago during a BSF session, the Swallow was amazed how applicable it was for her, as a Christian...in order to listen to the Holy Spirit's still small voice, she needs to constantly seek time to be silent before the Lord, to spend time in solitude with Him, to be still and know that He is God.  In the busy moments of her life, it is easy to get caught up with the hustle and bustle, and leave solitude with her Lord a lesser priority.

In an advancing society and technological setting like Singapore, quiet moments are few or rare unless one actively seeks to find them.  For a homemaker like the Swallow, there are many things that can snatch away such quiet moments of precious time with the Lord.  That pile of laundry waiting to be washed, dried and folded.  Planning the menu and shopping for groceries.  The vacuuming.  Toilets to be washed.  Mate or young ones needing help.  Exercise.  Gardening.  Answering calls or emails.  Even writing blog posts!  The list can be endless...

It was a good reminder.

On the Sunday following that Tuesday, not realising that it was September 11th, the Swallow requested the children in her Sunday School to memorize at least the first verse from the following passage...

Psalm 46 : 1 - 3 (NKJV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its dwelling. (Selah)

When asked by the children what 'Selah' meant, she explained that it was an indication to pause or to stop, and to reflect on the words, and understand what they meant. (Note from a Bible Dictionary: Selah is a word of frequent occurence in Psalms, and supposed to mean an interlude in vocal music.)

When she requested the children to give examples of the disasters as mentioned in the passage, and one of them shouted '911', only then did she remember the date and realised how significant it was.  A day later, one of the local newspapers also carried the news that United States President Barack Obama had read Psalm 46 from the Bible at the 9/11 memorial service.

"Thank You, Lord.  You are my Faithful God.  Always caring for me.  Constantly reminding me to look to You, the Sovereign One who is in control, and I need nor fear disasters that happen around me, because my trust is in You alone.  Thank You, Lord.  You are my Gentle Shepherd.  Always looking out for me.  Constantly keeping watch over this sheep that is prone to wander off the paths that You want me to go.  Picking me up and carrying me in Your arms when I am hurting, bewildered, and feeling lost and alone.  You deserve my praise, my Heavenly Father.  Thank You, thank You, thank You."

Times of Refreshing

In her walk with the Lord God, the Swallow is not exempted from times of distress, times of frustration, times of despondency or times when days were days of "just coping".

However, because of her faith and trust in her Creator, her Lord and her God, she can testify and identify with Paul, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 3 : 8 - 10, "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed - always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."

The Lord Jesus suffered the agony of rejection by His Father as He carried the sins of the whole world on the cross, so He knows and understands what agonies man go through.  Thus, when the Swallow chooses to spend her time immersed in seeking Him - through prayer, the reading and studying of His word - she is refreshed.

Her local church, in recognition of the need to be fed, inspired, instructed, and refreshed daily by the Word of God, and together with Trans World Radio Asia, launched a radio programme called "Times of Refreshing" on 18 September 2011.  This radio broadcast has since been discontinued, but the Swallow is glad that these times of refreshing will not stop with the discontinuation. Her Bible is always at hand.

Acts 3 : 19 (NKJV)
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Edited on 1 August 2017 due to the discontinuation of the radio programme.

The Art of Hospitality

In the early years of their marriage, the Lord God had made it possible for the Swallow and her mate to possess a nest big enough to house a couple of young ones, the extended family from Malaysia, and any other short-termed guests.  With such a blessing from their Lord, the Swallow and her mate were keen to open up their nest whenever they were called upon to do so.  They did not hesitate to comply as the Word of God also encourages one to be hospitable.

1 Peter 4 : 9 (NKJV)
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

2 Corinthians 9 : 7 (NKJV)
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

A couple of years back, an opportunity to be hospitable to a near relative for a short time landed at the Swallow's doorstep.  Besides wanting to please her Lord God by obeying His commandments and pleasing her mate along the way, notice had also been given that it would only be a short stay as the near relative was going to buy his own house within a few months.
 
Starting off in the race called "The Art of Hospitality", the Swallow was glad to serve her Lord God with the talents that He had given to her.  Making arrangements to accommodate the near relative such as preparing the nest adequately and preparing her young ones for the addition were tasks she was happy to do.
 
For a bachelor to stay with a family, adjustments had to be made by both parties as there would bound to be lifestyle differences.  To maintain peace and to avoid conflicts, differences need to be sorted through and communicated with each other.  So if any lifestyle differences appeared, she would mention them to the near relative, and adjustments would then be made to accommodate each other.  Peace would be restored.  What could be more difficult?
 
Then the near relative moved in.
 
Indeed, there were plenty of adjustments to be made.  The extra room which was set aside as a guest room for extended family members from Malaysia was off-limits for the duration.  The furniture in the nest was rearranged to accommodate the near relative.  A schedule for the use of the washing machine and laundry area had to be arranged.  Provision of meals had to be worked out.  So on, so forth.
 
Towards the end of the duration, he mentioned that he was unable to start looking for his own house yet, and he needed to stay for another few months.  "Sure, the Lord has seen us through those months, He will definitely see us through another few months.", the Swallow thought.
 
More and more differences appeared.  She was humbled to realize that she was not as easy-going as she thought she was.  Minor differences slowly became an issue with her.  However, she quickly sought her Lord for help to overcome her sinful self, and her selfish desires to want things done in her own way.  For issues that truly meant a lot to her, she poured out her anguish to her Lord in prayer, seeking wisdom from Him before communicating with her mate to avoid putting him in a tight spot.  The Lord was good and faithful!  He helped her, again, through the next few months.
 
But the call came again, and again, and again...he needed to stay for another few months, and another, and another...the race called "The Art of Hospitality" slowly became arduous...impatience with the Lord's timing seeped in...Lord, how long more?  Bitterness, self-pity, a loss of zeal and lethargy also set in...where was the joy of the Lord?

"Lord, help me please!  You are faithful, and I am faithless.  I feel overwhelmed in these trials I am going through.  I know I must not be selfish with the things You have blessed me with, but it is so difficult to hold these things in open palms.  Lord, help me to trust You to see me through, to trust You for Your good timing.  Not mine.  You have promised to never leave me nor forsake me, and You have always kept Your promises.  I know I am not alone in this trial.  The Lord Jesus has been there before.  He will help me to face this cross just as He faced His cross, the cross which sinful men had placed on His shoulders.  I'm sorry, Lord, for trying to be in control.  You are the Sovereign Lord, the Only One who should be in control.  Not me."  These were constant cries made throughout the two years.
 
For each time she put self on the throne of her heart, there was anguish, but for each time she sought the Lord, in prayer or through the reading of His Word, and placed Him on the throne of her heart, she was refreshed.  It became a cycle of impatience and trust.
 
The near relative has finally found his own home.  The nest is back to normal.  Looking back, the Swallow is grateful for the Lord God's provision of strength to hold on, to press on, to continue in the race and not to give up.  Though she tripped many times in the race that was set before her, He lifted her up again and again, never giving up on her.

The Lord God had never failed her, and He will never ever fail her. His ways are not her ways. Testing and trials are not without pain or anguish, but they are allowed to beset the Swallow so that she can be transformed to be more and more like the Lord Jesus Christ, who had His own cross to face and bear.  As He had provided the Lord Jesus Christ with a Simon of Cyrene to help bear the cross along the Via Dolorosa, He had always provided the Swallow with a few 'Simon of Cyrene' during those difficult days.  May His name be praised!

One Day At a Time

Life's journey is all about phases.

The Swallow is not exempted...
- as a student struggling to learn the Malay language when only English was widely used at home.
- as a new Christian teenager dealing with growing pains.
- as a young adult entering the workforce away from her family and native country.
- as an adult finding love without compromising herself and her beliefs.
- as a new wife seeking intimacy with her mate, and seeking to grow together in their joint walk with her Lord and her God.
- as a young mother bringing up her young ones with her mate, seeking godly ways of parenting from the Word of God and from like-minded parents.

Growing older, there will be new phases in her life...
- mid-life.
- dealing with 'letting go' of her young ones.
- coping with a near-empty nest.
- deteriorating health.
- loss of family and friends.

The Lord God had always been a source of strength for the Swallow.  When the going was tough.  When the days were days of "just coping".  When all she could do was cry out her frustrations to her Lord.  When the sinful self reared its ugly head, demanding that its needs be met.  Asked by one of her readers to explain the gaps in her blog posts, the Swallow could only say, "These were the days of struggle."  Yet, the Lord God saw her through, one day at a time.  He was faithful, though she was faithless at times.

Isaiah 40 : 28 - 31 (NKJV)
Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary, His understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Going into the new phases in her life, she will continue to trust in her Lord, the One who is neither faints nor is weary.  He was faithful, and He will remain faithful.  Great is His faithfulness!

Playdough

When the Swallow's young ones were younger, they love to play with Plasticine, a soft modelling material which could be bought from craft shops or stationery stores. However, the Swallow felt it was not cost-effective to use this material as it hardened quickly if not used often after it has been opened. Thus, when she came across this Playdough recipe, it was a welcomed relief. Although this recipe does not last long either, the cost of the ingredients was only a fraction of the cost for the Plasticine.

PLAYDOUGH

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tbsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 tbsp oil
• food colouring

Method

1. In a large bowl, combine everything together and mix well with a wooden spoon. A ball of soft dough will slowly form. 
2. When the soft dough if warm to the touch, continue kneading by hand until dough is no longer sticky.
3. Store in an air-tight container when not in use.

Improving Communication in Marriage

What is real communication?

To communicate means to overcome the desire to conceal feelings and thoughts which lead to honesty of expression.  -- Henry Brandt

A study was done by Gallup Public Opinion Poll, and this was the finding - A couple's ability to communicate is the single most important contributing factor to a stable and satisfying relationship.  The quality of relationships among couples with excellent communication is strikingly better than those with less satisfactory communication.  (source : O J Gibson's Better Homes & Marriages).

The conclusions from these two parties seem to be that the level of trust in a relationship appears closely tied to the couple's ability to communicate, and that real communication is more than a dialogue consisting of merely words and responses between people.

In the fourth session of "Better Homes & Marriages with the 5 Love Languages", the moderator described communication in this way - A person (the sender) transmit a message to another person (the receiver).  However, this message may be sent on a frequency that's different from the receiver's.  There may also be noises, both internal and external, which may cloud the message.  The sender's and the receiver's feelings play a part in this transmission as well.  When the message has been sent, the receiver has to sieve through all these to decipher the actual meaning.

So how does one improve communication, not just in a marriage but in general as well?

Some of the tips given were...

• Listen for emotional overtones which may reveal hurt, anger, bitterness, frustration or discouragement.
• Clarify instead of jumping into conclusions (more often than not, they are wrong conclusions).  If attacked verbally, don't be quick to go on the defence or the offence.
• Don't tune out even if it may be something that has been said before.  No selective listening and don't let the mind wander.
• No sarcasm.
• If one is naturally quiet, make a point to contribute to the conversation.  If not, give others a chance to talk too.
• Do not interrupt.
• Learn to discuss rather than argue.

Looking at the above tips, there is little wonder that communication is an art...

Anna and the Black Tie Affair

Anna loved happy endings.  In movies, the sight of a knight rushing to the rescue of his damsel-in-distress, while defeating the villain victoriously, often drew a sigh from her.  Stories where the hero overcome all odds to find his true love were always preferred.

One day, one of the King's subjects threw a grand wedding for his son.  Out of love for a fellow subject yet blissfully clueless, Anna and her husband accepted the invitation to the 'Black Tie' affair.  A day before the event, they realized their error of being ignorant - what 'Black Tie' really meant, where the hotel was actually located, and what class of hotel it was - a quick shopping spree was in order!

Anna and her husband were grateful that their King saw their need even before they knew it...the store had a sale...one of their friends lent a suit...and they were ready to go...

On the night of the event, complete with a Prince Charming and a gown, but minus the fairy godmother, the pumpkin and the glass slippers (just a wonderful King, a taxi and solid high heels), Anna felt like Cinderella.  Dazzled by the glitter and surrounded by cheerful fellow subjects, she and her husband basked in the glow of love.

Past midnight, Anna and her husband reached home.  Happy to have experienced the stuff of her dreams, Anna was contented to live happily ever after with her very own Prince Charming, under the always-watchful eyes of her King.

Read more of Anna's adventures

• Anna and the Rehearsal
• Anna and Her Act of Kindness

Calculated Risks

Take a risk?  Sure...after the Swallow has run through a mental checklist, and the result is a satisfying swing to the side of the positive.  More often than not, when an immediate and necessary choice has to be made, without the benefit of deliberation or hindsight experience, the Swallow would probably say, "No, thank you, I'll pass."  Call her cautious or fearful, but she rather be safe than sorry.  Two incidents yesterday drove home that point.

The first incident happened in the morning.  After hanging out the laundry, she went to a nearby supermarket to get some groceries.  Halfway there, a glance at the sky brought gray clouds into view.  Continue on to the store, or turn back home to collect the laundry and bring along an umbrella?  Her thoughts fought with her heart.  Only a few gray clouds...look, the sun is still shining...make a quick trip...take a risk...

At the checkout counter, what had been a few gray clouds had quickly become an expanse of gray clouds.  The sun was hidden from view.  The light of the day had dimmed.  After making payment for the groceries, the Swallow hurried home, trying to outrun the gray clouds but it was futile.  The Swallow was drenched just a short distance from her nest.  A (mis)calculated risk...standing at the cross junction, the Swallow realized that she should have listened to the Holy Spirit's prompting in her heart.  An immediate downpour seemed to emphasize this thought.

However, the silver lining in this gray cloud was that her laundry was kept almost dry.  Her Sovereign Lord kept the rain away from it!  His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, even though His faithful ones err from time to time...

The second incident happened in the night.  There was a collision between a car and a truck at the spot where a previous accident had happened less than a week ago.  Two accidents at the same spot within a week.  (Mis)calculated risks by the parties involved...for some risks, the result may be a matter of life and death...

Guilt or Forgiveness

No different from most young ones, the young ones in the Swallow's nest need adequate sleep to ensure that they wake up refreshed and ready to face the challenges of the next day.  The same goes for herself and her mate.

This morning, suffering from the effects of a late night, getting ready for church was a less than satisfying experience.  The young ones dragged their feet...slow to wake and even slower to move.  The Swallow's reaction?  Suffice to say that it was not a patient mother's response to her young ones' behaviour.

On their way to church, the Swallow was reminded again how easy it was to sin.  Imagine if she had to find her own way to heaven, and that way was from doing good works, the Swallow would have fallen short again and again.

Romans 3 : 10 (NKJV)
As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one."

Romans 3 : 23 (NKJV)
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6 : 23 (NKJV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 1 : 9 (NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

So it was, when she chose to receive the forgiveness offered by the Lord God as she confessed the sins of this morning, instead of dwelling on the guilt of doing something wrong (again!), she was able to worship with a heart of gratitude and a heart welled up with praise to the Living God for His precious gift of the Lord Jesus Christ who took away her sins by His death on the cross.

How wonderful it is that the Swallow need not depend on herself to get to heaven!

Life is Unpredictable

Sounds of tyres screeching, followed by a dull thud, then the non-stopping blare of a horn broke the stillness of the late morning.  Exiting her nest, the Swallow rushed out to the corridor overlooking the cross junction nearby.  The horrific result of a four-vehicle collision greeted her.

A delivery truck was partially lying on its side.  Its container had crushed the driver's side of the white car next to it.  A black car had jumped the divider and was head to head with a gray car.  Policemen, with patrol cars, were already at the accident site and taking control of the traffic.  From the sight of a policeman carrying a white cloth with him, the Swallow deduced that there might be a fatality.

Paramedics arrived shortly after and conducted checks on the victims of the accident.  The driver of the delivery truck was carried, motionless, in a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.  Another two people, a boy and a woman (his mother?), who were initially sitting at the side of the road when the Swallow first saw them, were guided to the same ambulance.  A second ambulance, which arrived a few minutes later, ferried the driver of the black car and another victim.  All this time, the blare of the horn had not stopped.

Firemen in a fire truck, firemen in red rhinos (aka light fire attack vehicles) and firemen on motorbikes arrived too.  The horn stopped its blaring only when the firemen removed the body of the driver from the white car.  The body was bundled up in the white cloth and placed on the grass patch at the side of the road.  A blue police tent was erected above the body.

The Swallow did not continue looking at the gruesome sight after that, but two hours later, when she had to run some errands, she saw several firemen still at the accident site, trying to get the blood stains off the road.  Her mate reported to her that all he could see, on his way home from work several hours later, was a broken divider.  For anyone else who was returning home from work but had not heard an account of the accident, all would have seemed normal.  For these, life would go on as usual.  However, for the Swallow who saw the after-effects of the accident, for her family who heard the account of it, and for those who read this post, it is a grim reminder that life is unpredictable.

Isaiah 40 : 6 - 8 (NKJV)
The voice said, "Cry out!" and he said, "What shall I cry?"  "All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.  The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass.  The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."

Hebrews 9 : 27 - 28 (NKJV)
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Setting Sun Over a Construction Site

New beginnings

School Holidays Are Here Again

"Mama, I'm hungry again, what can I eat?"

In the Swallow's nest, such a cry just an hour or two after a full meal is a frequent occurrence. During school terms, the Swallow need only to cope with preparing dinner and the occasional lunch, but when school holidays come along...

What can a parent do?  If one intends to teach her young ones life-long healthy eating habits, thinking of and providing nutritious yet enticing food can take up a lot of time and effort. Thrown into the mix a couple of fussy eaters and one will realise that feeding growing young ones can be a headache, moreso when the young ones are almost always at home.

What can a parent do?

• Read, read and read - for recipes, ideas or suggestions.
• Enjoy, enjoy and enjoy - choose recipes that the young ones will like, otherwise the food will either end up in the dustbin (such a waste!) or in the parent's stomach (don't complain when the weighing machine speaks up!).
• Practice, practice and practice - nothing like on-the-job-training experience to find out what works and what does not.

With the June school holidays, the Swallow is all set to enjoy, and practice on her young ones some of the recipes that she has read and stored up over the years...

Running & Looking

...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...

Extracted from Hebrews 12 : 1 - 2 (NKJV), the above quote was the theme verse for the Sunday School outing held on 17 May, a public holiday in Singapore in line with Vesak Day.  Held at Labrador Park, more than 200 students, with their parents, enjoyed a sunny fun-filled half-day of food, family and fellowship.  Games were played, and bountiful food was provided and eaten beside sun-reflected waters that occasionally showered waves upon nearby onlookers when boats swept too close to the shores.

Prior to the games which naturally involved much running and looking, the children spent some time learning some truths from God's word.  For the very young ones (children up to Primary 2), the Swallow shared the stories of Zacchaeus and Peter.

The story of Zacchaeus can be found in Luke 19 : 1 - 10.  The story tells how Zacchaeus, described as a chief tax collector, rich and short, was running around, looking for Jesus whom he had heard was coming into his town.  Tax collectors were usually not well-liked.  People shunned them as they tended to take more tax than what was required.  Zacchaeus must have heard of how Jesus befriended those that were generally not accepted by others, thus he was quick to seek after Jesus.  Alas, due to his short stature, it was difficult.  His view was blocked by those that were taller, and maybe due to no one liking him, they did not give way to him.  Did he give up?  No!  Thus the link to 'run with endurance'.  Zacchaeus was an example of someone who did not give up easily when looking for Jesus.  In order to see Jesus, he climbed up into a sycamore tree.  His reward?  He reached his goal of meeting Jesus, and from that day on, Zacchaeus was a changed man as evidenced by his declaration to give half of  his goods to the poor; and to restore fourfold anything that had been taken from anyone by false accusation.

The story of Peter can be found in Matthew 14 : 22 - 33.  Peter was a fisherman, a disciple of Jesus and one of the three found in the inner circle of Jesus' friends.  Quick off his mouth and generally described as impulsive, he was a natural leader of the twelve disciples.  This story of Peter happened when Jesus, after performing the miracle of feeding the five thousand, asked the disciples to cross to the other side of the sea while He went up to a mountain by Himself to pray.  Late in the night, when the boat was in the middle of the sea and being tossed by the waves, Jesus appeared before the disciples, walking on the sea.  The natural reaction?  "It is a ghost!", they cried out in fear.  When Jesus proclaimed who He was, Peter was quick to ask Jesus to command him to go to Him.  Given the command, Peter got out of the boat and walked on water.  Wow!  Alas, Peter took his eyes off His Lord and saw the boisterous wind instead.  Though he began to sink, he remembered to cry out to Jesus to save him, and Jesus did.

The children were reminded that they too can be like Zacchaeus or Peter.  Like Zacchaeus, not to give up easily when looking for Jesus.  He is the One who can and who will meet all their needs.  He will be found if they seek Him with all their hearts.  Like Peter, having found Jesus, they need to continue looking to Him to meet all their needs.  In the storms of life, they need to cry out to Jesus for help.  He will save them.

RUN, RUN, LET US RUN by jadeswallow

Run, run, let us run
Run the race today
Looking unto Jesus Christ
who helps us all the way.  (Yea!)

(sung to the tune of 'Row, row, row your boat')

For all believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, may they too be like Zacchaeus or Peter, never giving up but running with endurance the race that is set before them, looking unto Jesus, the One who will always help them so that they may be found faithful even to the end of their lives.  In storms of life, may they remember to turn their eyes back to Jesus, and call out to Him to save them.

Making the Right Choice

Life is about choices.

Choosing what to eat, what to wear and what to do are daily tasks in life.  As one grows older, there are the choices of school, career and life partner.  Come 7 May 2011, the Swallow, along with her fellow Singaporeans, will need to choose whom they wish to give their support to for the next five years.

Choices are usually non-essentials...choosing to eat fish instead of chicken, or choosing to wear blue instead of black, or reading a book instead of watching the television.  In fact, one can even have the best of both...eat fish and chicken, or wear blue and black, or read a book when the advertisements are being shown on television.

There are times, however, when the choices made could mean the giving up of something for another (which may not necessarily be the better choice).  In such situations, fear of not making the right choice becomes real.  There is an unknown factor because one would not know whether the thing he gave up would actually have been a better choice.

What is one to do then?  Refrain from choosing?  Allow others to dictate one's choices?

The answers boil down to a very basic choice that affects all other choices...

Joshua 24 : 15b (NKJV)
...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...

Joshua 24 : 15e (NKJV)
But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

When the Swallow was in the final year of secondary school, she made a choice to serve her Lord God - to follow His call wherever He would lead her.  She did not anticipate what a major impact that choice would have on her life.  She did not realise that it would mean the giving up of close family and friends.

When the time came to join the working force, no doors were opened for her in Malaysia.  Applications for employment were either rejected or ignored.  "Lord, what should I do?  Where should I go?" was a constant cry to her Lord.  His answer came through wise counsel from her dad.  "Why not consider Singapore?  It's just a train ride away."

Making the choice of taking up employment in Singapore was not easy.  There were days of anxiety and sleeplessness.  Days of fearing the unknown.  When she finally decided, with the Lord's peace in her heart, it was with the thought that the leaving would only be a temporal one.  "Just three years.  I'll be back before you know it." was the answer she gave to family and friends before she left.  However, the Lord's plans were not her plans.  Gradually, during the three years, the Lord taught her to put her reliance on Him, to look to Him for comfort in times of loneliness.  He gently taught her that He alone would provide for her daily needs and necessities.  Through His Word, He reminded her daily that her trust must be in Him and Him alone.

Looking back, the Lord was in control at all times.  He knew the fears the Swallow had.  He lead her, slowly, step by step, to trust in Him.  Days of despair often followed days of trust.  But the Lord was steadfast.  His love for her never failed.  He helped her to shift her former dependence on her parents to a full dependence on Him.  Now, as she makes her choice on polling day, it is no longer with fear of the unknown.  He has shown Himself as the Sovereign One, the One who knows and holds the future.  Whatever choice she makes, He already knows the outcome.  He will see her and her family through the days ahead.  How wonderful it is to serve a God whom one can trust!