End of the World

About a week ago, the world around the Swallow had been abuzz with news about the end of the world.  Apparently, it had been predicted in ancient history records that the end of the world would happen on 21 December 2012.

Was the Swallow caught up with the doomsday messages that had filtered through?

Definitely not!  Her hope was in the blessed return to her heavenly home and that is something she is still looking forward to.  So instead of sitting around waiting for the end of the world, the Swallow had been busy preparing for the arrival of her family from Malaysia.  It would be the Swallow's and her mate's turn to host the family's Christmas dinner in Singapore, and the last few days had been full of activities...wrapping gifts, catching up with her family, playing with her nieces and nephew, and most memorable of all, spending Christmas Day with her spiritual family, remembering the real reason for Christmas - the celebration of her Lord's first coming more than 2000 years ago, and the joyous anticipation of his return again one day.

Now Christmas time in year 2012 has come and gone.  The family has returned home to Malaysia.  It has been proven that the ancient historical records had made a wrong calculation.

So when will the end of the world actually be?  The Swallow does not know, but she rests in the knowledge that her Heavenly Father knows.  Thus, in less than a week, when the year 2012 will also be history, the Swallow will greet a new year with joy, hope and peace.

His Plans Cannot Be Thwarted

Today is no ordinary day.

The Swallow had, several times last night, paused in whatever she had been doing whenever questions like "Where will she be going to?", "Will she get in?", "When will we know the result?", and "Should we appeal?" flashed through her mind.   Four years ago, when she had been in a similar situation, there were no such questions.   Then, when she had no idea what to expect, there had been a sense of calm and peace that her Lord was in perfect control of the situation.

Fast forward to last night, and a similar situation...the sense of calm and peace was missing.  Instead, there was a sense of trepidation.  Having gone down the road before, she now knew what may be in front of her.  Having faced a similar situation, she had a vague idea now what she could expect...what they could expect...because four years ago...

...her older young one did not get into his first choice of school...
...neither did he get into his second...
...nor his third...
...and his fourth...
...nope, not the fifth...
...and not even his final choice of school.

The schools had been chosen as they were closer to the nest.  Posted, instead, to a school where the young one would have had to travel a longer distance, they were initially a little disappointed.  Reminded, however, that the matter had already been entrusted to the Lord, they overcame their disappointment and the young one determined to do his best at the appointed school.  Over the years, the Swallow and her mate had cause for rejoicing. The years the young one had spent in that appointed school had brought him fresh awareness of the Lord and he had drawn closer to the Lord.  However, there were some not-so-good aspects of the school which was sufficient to cause him to say to his sibling when she was making her selection of schools, "Don't choose my school."

The young one heeded her sibling's advice and made her selection.   Giving the selection to her parents for approval, she made some adjustments and submitted her selection. The family prayed and entrusted the matter to the Lord.

It was now this young one's turn to await her school posting results.   The adage "Ignorance is bliss" could not be more true.  Four years ago, the Swallow was blissfully unaware of what may happen - the young one does not get any of her choices, or she is posted to a school that is further away - thus it was easy to say "The Lord is in control".  Over the years, with each not-so-good aspect of the school popping up, it had become an uphill task remembering that the Lord was still in control.  Besides, there was now also the possibility of her young one being posted to her sibling's school...

But the Lord is forever patient.  He never gives up on His faith-less people.  He reminded the Swallow, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29 : 11, NKJV)  Reminded and encouraged by His word, the calm and peace returned.

When the Swallow woke up this morning, the result had already been sent an hour earlier.

The extraordinary thing?  The young one had been given a school which was originally her second choice, but which had been adjusted down upon her parents' advice.

The Swallow and her mate are amazed and awed.  In humility, they see the Lord's sovereignty in this.  Moving the school down the selection list will not thwart His plans if that was where He wants their young one to go.  He has His plans for her.  He knows her future.  Thus assured, they now await the blessings that will come from obedience to His will.

A Pretty Sight

Spotted while on a walk

Orange Fizzy Drink

This quick and easy mocktail is a perennial favourite with the young ones, who have tried mixing it themselves occasionally, leaving the Swallow with a little extra time to prepare that special meal.

Using the level indicators on the bottle, pour out 2 levels of Sunquick orange juice concentrate into a drink container (time to use that punch bowl set!).  Add 4 bottles of Sprite 1.5L, 4 blocks of ice and water to taste.  Mix well.

Prepare this drink about an hour before the guests arrive, giving the ice some time to melt.  Adjust taste, if necessary, before serving.

This mixture can serve about 15 to 20 persons if the young ones do not have a free hand with it...

Roasted Stuffed Turkey

There came a time in the Swallow's young life when having a turkey meal became a tradition during the family's Christmas celebrations.

When she had moved into her own nest, the Swallow continued the tradition by roasting a turkey.  Her first roasted turkey was cooked in turbo broiler.  Using the turkey recipe which had been provided by the broiler's manufacturer, the meat was a bit dry although the stuffing was tasty.

Four years ago, it was the Swallow's turn to host Christmas.  By this time, the Swallow had gathered many tips on roasting a turkey, and she decided to attempt a second try.  Family and friends had commented that the meat was succulent and based on the little that was leftover, this recipe is definitely a keeper.

ROASTED STUFFED TURKEY (serves 15)

Roasted Stuffed Turkey

Ingredients

1 frozen turkey, about 4 to 5 kg (thawed in the fridge for 2 to 3 days)
1 tsp butter

Marinade ingredients

4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dark soya sauce
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp Chinese 5-spice powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
4 tsp honey

Stuffing ingredients

1 kg pork mince
10 water chestnuts, peeled and chopped
100g streaky bacon, chopped
2 stems celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 egg
1 slice of bread, cubed
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Chinese wine
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp basil

Method

1. Mix the marinade ingredients together in a bowl.  Rub this paste, with a little butter, onto the turkey.  Massage the turkey until all the paste and butter have been used.  Set aside.
2. Mix the stuffing ingredients in a large bowl.  Spoon the stuffing mixture into the cavity of the turkey.
3. Place the turkey into a roasting pan.  Cut a piece of aluminium foil big enough to cover the whole turkey.  Tuck the sides of the foil under the roasting pan (this is to keep the turkey from burning).  Rest the turkey for about 30 minutes before roasting.
4. Roast the turkey at 180 degrees Celsius for one hour.
5. Remove the foil, baste the turkey and roast for another 1-2 hours, basting the turkey at each hour.  If the turkey is browning too quickly, place the foil over it again (there is no need to tuck in the sides this time).
6. Check that the turkey is cooked by poking a skewer between the breast and the thigh.  The juice should run clear.
7. Remove the turkey onto a serving plate.
8. Pour the juice from the turkey into a pot and bring to a boil. Depending on how much juice is left, thicken with a corn flour mixture (1 tbsp cornflour and 1 tbsp water) or prepare a Brown Sauce. Serve with the turkey.

Notes

• Cooking time is 30 minutes for every kg (weight includes stuffing). 
• Turkey may be cooked without stuffing. Cooking time to be adjusted accordingly. 25 minutes for every kg.
• After carving the meat, remove the bones and set them aside.  These bones may be used to make soup stock.
• Leftover turkey meat can be kept in the fridge, and used to make cold sandwiches.

Crossroads

As a Christian, the Swallow's final destination will be home with her wonderful Saviour and Lord, but life on earth still has its many turns, corners and crossroads.   When faced with such, she needs to seek wisdom from her heavenly Father so as to make a wise decision.  Yet how does one know what is truly of the Lord and what is actually an impulsive action?

At a crossroad six years ago, she had to make a decision whether to take up an offer from her mate's employer to do some part-time work while being a stay-at-home mother. The work was simple and required time that she could easily set aside while her young ones were at school.  The remuneration was adequate as she would be working from home, and thus there was no need to consider costs like transport, clothing or meals.  The offer also came at a time when the Swallow had been praying for something to do besides household chores.

For the past few months, a lack of blog posts was the result of much time spent praying for wisdom, and time spent deliberating a decision that had to be made as the Swallow came head to head with another crossroad in her life.

Although her young ones were grown and their school hours had increased considerably, the demands for the Swallow's time had also increased.  As the company she was working with had expanded its regional offices, the initial simple work had become more complicated.  Additional time was needed, and with an anticipated further expansion, even more time would be required in the near future.  Add in BSF, preparation for the Sunday School ministry, various ad hoc projects that her Lord had called her to serve in, this blog she had started, the ever-existing household chores, her mate's recent frequent work-related travels, and helping her young ones cope with imminent major examinations, she had been juggling to fit everything in.  The Sunday School ministry was facing some challenging times too, and the Swallow was beginning to feel the strain.  On many occasions, she had found herself in tears, crying out for some relief.

The Lord heard - He brought comfort through His Word.

2 Corinthians 4:7 - 10 (NKJV)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 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.

2 Corinthians 12:9a (NKJV)

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

The Lord heard - He sent words of encouragement through sisters-in-the-Lord via emails, telephone calls and a most unexpected sms at a time when she was at the very bottom.

But it was time to make some adjustments.  Something had to go.

The decision had not been easy.  Although not much, the little remuneration she had been receiving from her part-time work meant she had a little more spending option.  The workfare bonus that had started to come in late last year meant her provident fund had been growing again.  The little contact with her mate's work environment meant some additional conversational topics.  All these would stop if she decided to stop her part-time work, and so she had grappled with the idea of stopping BSF instead.

So how does one know what is truly of the Lord and what is actually an impulsive action?  Spend time with Him - talk to Him, read His Word, meditate on His Word.  

To make a decision, she had also asked herself these questions...
- Who does she want to please?
- Who does she want to serve?
- Who or what has been been providing her needs?
- Who or what has never let her down?
- Who or what has been her true source of comfort and strength?

In the end, she had her answer, and so last Thursday had marked the end of the Swallow's part-time work from home.

2 Corinthians 12:9b - 10 (NKJV)
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Beef Lasagna

After getting her first taste of lasagna at a popular eating spot, the Swallow's young one was hooked.  When she realized the Swallow had a simple recipe she could try on her own, with minimal supervision, she was delighted.  In her own words, "Mama, please put this recipe on your blog so that I can refer to it when I have my own home."

Young one, this is for you.

BEEF LASAGNA (serves 4 to 5)

Beef Lasagna

Ingredients

• 500g beef mince
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 can button mushrooms, coarsely chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 handful frozen corn kernels (no thawing required)
• 1 large jar red pasta sauce (about 700g)
• 2 tsp herbs (mixture of ground oregano, basil leaves and marjoram leaves)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 30g butter
• 30g flour
• 600ml milk
• 9 pcs lasagna sheets (measuring about 7" x 3")
• 250g shredded cheese (mixture of cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan)

Method

To make the red sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a non-stick saucepan over medium heat.  Add onions, and fry them until they are limp.
2. Add button mushrooms, corn and carrots.  Mix well.
3. Add beef mince.  Stir occasionally until the meat is browned.
4. Add pasta sauce and herbs. Mix well.
5. Cover the saucepan, lower heat and simmer the red sauce for about 20 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat.

To make the white sauce

1. Heat butter in a smaller saucepan.  When butter has melted, turn off the heat and mix in the flour.
2. Gradually stir in the milk until the sauce is well mixed.
3. Turn on the heat. Stir the white sauce until it becomes thick and starts to bubble.
4. Remove from the heat.

Putting the lasagna together

1. Spread one third of the red sauce onto the base of a glass rectangle dish (measuring about 13" x 9").
2. Cover the red sauce with 3 pieces of lasagna sheets.
3. Spread one third of the white sauce over the lasagna sheets.
4. Sprinkle one third of the cheese over the white sauce.
5. Repeat the process.
6. Bake the lasagna in an oven at 180 degree Celsius until the top of the lasagna is brown and bubbling, about 30 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

Notes

• Check the manufacturer's guide for use of other kinds of bakeware.
• Use oven mitts when removing the lasagna from the oven.
• Red sauce may be cooked a day earlier.  Keep it in the refrigerator and reheat before use.  This will also increase the flavour of the sauce.
• Baked lasagna may be kept in the freezer.  Reheat thoroughly before consumption.

An Attempt to Bake Chiffon Cake

Pandan Chiffon Cake

The Lord is Faithful!

Every year, the Swallow's church would hold a Bible camp.  Away from the hustle of city life - its attractions and distractions - the church would spend a week together learning from God's Word and from each other.  There would be food, fun and fellowship.

Sunrise in Batam

Prior to coming over to Singapore, the Swallow had attended similar camps with her church in Malaysia.  A popular destination then was Highlands Christian Centre in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.  In the early nineties, the Swallow's first Bible Camp with her current church was also held at the same location.  Over the years however, other venues were chosen to cope with a growing church.

One night last year, the Swallow's mate came home after a camp committee meeting with details of the 2012 camp.  The chosen camp theme was "Solitude with the Lord" based on Mark 6 : 31 (NIV), "He said to them, "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest"".  Her mate brought home other news as well...the Swallow was one of the choices as children's teacher for the camp.  When she realised that he was not joking, her first reaction was "No way."  A few questions later, when she was told that she was the fourth choice, she actually prayed, "Please let one of the first three choices say yes."
 
Over the next few days, while spending quiet moments with her Lord, thoughts of "What will you do if none of the three says yes?" and "Will you obey?" came repeatedly.  Messages given over the pulpit underlined these thoughts.  These were days of struggle.  Even when she had received the invitation via email a couple of weeks later, she continued to struggle with the Lord just like a reluctant child.
 
When finally she heeded His call with her mate's blessings, the struggles persisted.  Feelings of inadequacy and willingness to depend on the Lord fought with each other.  Moments of taking courage from the Lord fought with fear of the unknown.

The camp was initially planned to be in Malacca, Malaysia in the second week of June.  Due to some complications, the venue had to be changed to Batam View Resort in Indonesia, and it would only be available a week earlier.  The timing could not be any worse.  The Swallow's young ones were expected to return to school that first week of June for preparatory work for the major exams that they would be taking at the end of the year.  Her older young one too had to take his Science Practical Assessment (SPA) during that week and would not be able to attend the church camp. The Swallow and her mate assessed that the young one was not quite ready to be on his own for a whole week without adult supervision, and thus her mate would give the camp a miss and stay with the young one.  What should the Swallow do?  Her thought was that if she was to be an effective teacher, she would need her mate's emotional support and physical presence.  Should she quit?

It was a learning journey.  The gentle Lord had to patiently teach the Swallow, yet again, to trust and obey.  She had to be reminded that her strength and any effectiveness come from the Lord alone.  Not from her mate.

Her trust in the Lord and her obedience to His will were not in vain.  Her younger young one's preparatory work was reduced to a week in school (the last week of May) due to some construction work in her school.  Her older young one's SPA was brought forward twice, and he and his father were able to join the camp from the second day.  The Lord is faithful!

There were many occasions when the Lord proved Himself faithful - again and again.  Once, the Swallow had cried out to Him for craft ideas.  What to do?  Where to start?  That same day, a sister-in-the-Lord sent an sms saying that she had several craft books the Swallow could borrow for reference. When that sister brought the craft books to her, there were at least 16 of them!

Another time, the Lord moved another sister-in-the-Lord to ask whether the Swallow needed help with the Art & Craft part of the children's programme.  By then, the Swallow had given thought to the logistics of travelling to Batam and was considering scrapbooking as the children's craft.  This sister-in-the-Lord replied that she was into scrapbooking...she even had a portable mini printer for the photos!

It was a learning journey.  The teacher must first be taught before she could teach.  There were many moments the Swallow learnt to rest in the One who knows the future.  There were many more moments the Swallow learnt to depend on the One who provides for the unknown.  A song leader.  More helpers.  Creative ideas.  Good weather for outdoor programmes.

STILL (author unknown)

Hide me now, under Your wings
Cover me, within Your mighty hands
When the oceans rise and thunder roars
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still - know You are God.

Find rest, my soul, in Christ alone
Know His power, in quietness and trust
When the oceans rise and thunder roars
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still - know You are God.

Camp is over, but the learning journey continues...

Sunrise in Batam

Sunrise in Batam

Braised Mushrooms on Salmon

At a lower cost, it makes sense to buy a whole salmon instead of salmon pieces.  Having the fish cleaned and packed neatly into several smaller boxes was an added benefit.

With some salmon to spare, the Swallow searched her store of salmon recipes.  Finding a recipe which required ingredients easily found in her kitchen, she decided to cook the dish for dinner.  She had second thoughts, however, when she read that the salmon had to be deep-fried until golden brown.  She could literally feel the oil just oozing out from her skin.  This was one recipe that demanded a modification, or else it would go straight into the dustbin!

Since recycling is her usual mode of operation and although she was busy with preparation for her church's Bible Camp in June, the Swallow decided to modify this recipe on an urgent basis.  The modified dish is easy to produce, and many non-essential steps were also discarded along the way.

BRAISED MUSHROOMS ON SALMON (serves 4)

Ingredients

• 600g salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces
• 100g black mushrooms
• 100g spring onions, cut into 3 cm pieces
• 1 piece thumb-sized ginger, sliced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp cornflour
• 50ml light soya sauce
• water

Method

1. Soak mushrooms in enough water until slightly softened. Rinse the mushrooms. Drain and discard water. Soak the mushrooms again with water. When the mushrooms are completely softened, remove the mushrooms from the water. Set aside 250ml of water for later. Slice the mushrooms.
2. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat for a little while. Add salmon pieces, skin side down first. Depending on the thickness of the salmon, pan-fry the salmon pieces for about 4 minutes on each side, until they are cooked.
3. Meanwhile, mix salt, sugar, cornflour and light soya sauce together in a bowl. Set aside.
4. When the salmon pieces are ready, remove them from the oil and place them on a serving dish. Using the oil from the salmon pieces, add the sliced mushrooms, spring onions and ginger into the frying pan. Stir-fry over medium heat for about 1 minute.
5. Add the mushroom water and the seasoning mixture into the mushroom mixture. Lower heat and simmer for about 3 minutes. Season to taste. Pour the mushroom mixture over the salmon pieces. Serve hot with rice.

A New Gadget

The Swallow is writing this post from her new iPad.

The new gadget came under the guise of an early Mother's Day gift cum Father's Day gift. It had taken them all this time since the first iPad was launched before making a decision. It was only after witnessing the many uses of the iPad which far outweighed their fears that they took the plunge of getting one.

There were many missed opportunities for writing over the past couple of months when deep thoughts came at odd moments. Moments when she was doing the laundry. Moments when the desktop computer was switched off. Moments of busyness which kept her from logging into her blog. Maybe with a software called Pages installed into her new gadget, these missed opportunities will be of the past? Let's wait and see...

When this new gadget was bought, guess who were the more excited ones in the nest? The young ones of course! Their excitement was only slightly dimmed when they realised that their access to this gadget was bound by limits and parental permission. Will they be distracted with this gadget in the months ahead? The Swallow and her mate hope that by looking to their Lord God for help and wisdom, this will not happen...

Easy Chicken Chops

When pressed for time, this Easy Chicken Chop recipe can be served with rice, noodles or pasta, and a dish of steamed vegetables to make a complete meal.  Preparation and cooking takes less than an hour.

EASY CHICKEN CHOPS (serves 4)

Ingredients

600g boneless chicken legs
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp light soya sauce
1/2 tsp dark soya sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp pepper
A little butter

Method

1. Marinate the chicken with the other ingredients, except butter, for at least 30 minutes.
2. Rub a little butter on a non-stick frying pan.
3. Heat the pan at medium.  When the pan is hot, lay the chicken pieces, skin-side, on the frying pan.
4. Fry for 15 minutes, turning the chicken pieces at 5-minutes intervals and ending with the skin-side.

A Salad or a Side Dish?

Hot Broccoli Salad

Click here for the recipe and decide for yourself!

Setting Sun in the Horizon

Beautiful sunset in heartland Singapore

Cocoa & Peanut Butter Shakes

Whenever the Swallow needs to clear either the cocoa powder or the peanut butter in her pantry, this is a recipe she considers using.  Although a little too creamy for her, the young ones enjoy this rare treat.

Blend 1 cup vanilla ice-cream, 1 banana (peeled), 1 1/2 tsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp peanut butter and 1/4 cup milk until the mixture is creamy.  Serves 1 to 2.

Chocolate Banana Shakes

This high-energy drink combines two ingredients on the young ones' list of favourite foods.  Little wonder it makes an appearance during the holidays - yes, young ones' always-hungry stomachs strike again!

CHOCOLATE BANANA SHAKES

Two different versions of
Chocolate Banana Shakes
(Version 1 is on the right and
Version 2 is on the left)

Version 1 (makes 2 x 250 ml servings)
Ingredients
250 g chocolate ice-cream
1 banana (peeled), about 100 g
125 ml milk

Version 2 (makes 2 x 250 ml servings)
Ingredients
200 g chocolate ice-cream
2 bananas (peeled), about 200 g
60 ml milk

Method

For either version, blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.

Notes
This recipe is good for clearing over-ripe bananas, or getting your young ones (or young-at-heart ones) to eat their fruits!

Cookie Shakes

This recipe is good for clearing all those sandwich cookies the young ones bring home in their goodie bags.  It is welcomed as a snack for those holidays when the young ones seem to be hungry all the time.

Blend together 2 1/2 cups vanilla ice-cream, 6 pcs broken-up chocolate sandwich cookies (or any other flavour, maybe not jam, then again it may be good...), and 1/2 cup milk until the mixture is a little chunky.  Serve with a few broken-up pieces of cookies as a garnish.  This mixture serves 1 to 2.

Baby Steps

It has been many, many years, but each time the thoughts come, they bring a smile to the Swallow's face.

She remembers the days when her first young one took his first steps.  Not the day of his first actual step, but the days since.  Before he could walk well, he was trying to run.  And where did that get him?  Falls were plenty, while bruises and bumps were his trophies.  Yet the falls did not quench his thirst in taking more steps.  A few tears, a few hugs and kisses, and then he would be off again...

More than a decade later, he is still the same.  Ready at the word 'go'.  Well, sometimes even before the word 'go' has been given, he has already gone, only to be gently pulled back...but that is another story.

One of his favourite games during those early days of mobility was this - his papa (sometimes this honour may be bestowed on his mama too) would stretch out his arms, then count one-two----...anticipation would fill the young one's eyes as he waited for his papa's 'three'.  When it came, the young one would hurry as fast as he could into his papa's outstretched arms, trusting fully that his papa would give him a big hug.  Most of the time, his papa would be the one who had to surrender first to the always-energetic young one.  The young one would have been happy to just go on and on and on...

How delightful it was to see the bond between this father and his young one.  From the time the Swallow had discovered she was pregnant, her mate had been just as trilled as she was, and just as apprehensive of what they would be in for.

Having watched this young one, and the other young one that had followed several years later, grow and take their baby steps, the Swallow gets a little perspective of her own relationship with her Heavenly Father.

Just as the young one seeks his papa's hugs in his little journeys, she seeks her Heavenly Father's loving embrace in her life journey, and it is the thought of her Heavenly Father's waiting arms that moves her to press on in spite of falls, setbacks and discouragement.

Just as the young one looks to his papa for encouragement at each failure, she looks to her Heavenly Father - to pick her up, brush off the dust and tears, and encourage her to try again.

Just as the young one waits in anticipation of his papa's 'Well done' for each success, the Swallow is waiting in anticipation of her Heavenly Father's 'Well done', and some day, when her life's journey is done, and all she can lay before Him are her little trophies of "sins overcomed with His Spirit's help" or "loving others because she was first loved by Him", she is confident that there will be a 'Well done' waiting for her ears because her trust was in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross of Calvary.

Yet her Heavenly Father is also more than the young one's papa. Even with his best intentions, the young one's papa is finite, and is bound by time, structures and limits beyond his control.  After a long and hard day's work, the young one's papa (or mama) is in need of encouragement too.  He will need extraordinary love to show love to his young one(s) and mate.  He will need extraordinary strength to continue serving others selflessly.  He will need to draw all these extraordinary-ness from his (or her) Heavenly Father.

For the Heavenly Father is infinite.  "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (Psalm 90 : 2, NKJV).

For the Heavenly Father is not bound by time.  He is "the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End." (Revelations 1 : 8, NKJV).

For the Heavenly Father is not bound by structures and limits.  "Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.  If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You." (Psalm 139 : 7 - 12, NKJV).

"My Heavenly Father, how patiently You wait for me each morning.  How lovingly You comfort my soul.  How amazingly You continue to love me in spite of who I am.  Lead me on each day, and as I follow, may my steps be like baby steps - full of trust and confidence in You, my Heavenly Father."

Solitude

Psalm 130 : 5 (NKJV)
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.

SOLITUDE by jadeswallow

Time alone with You, I'll spend
That my ways, O Lord, You'll mend
Then my life will shine for Jesus -
Living life within Your plan.

Precious Jesus, You're my Rock
Evil thoughts within me, block
Looking unto You - my Jesus
Learn from You, whom many mock.

Daily cleansing, I will need
Before Your throne, O Lord, I plead
Humbled, hurting - seek my Jesus
Pliant clay, the Potter kneads.

Wait for You, not seek my plans
Daily moulding by Your hands
Bringing glory unto Jesus
Till I reach that Heavenly land.

Turning That Switch On

During the Swallow's growing years in Malaysia, there were many times when her parents had invited friends to their home for a meal.  On one such occasion, midway through the dinner, there was a sudden blackout which had affected all the houses along the road and in the surrounding area.  Although it was sudden, the blackout was not an unusual occurrence, and going by whatever little light was available, the young ones were told not to move while the older ones hunted for the candles, torches and matches that had been set aside for such an emergency.  The highlight of such an event was the lighting of an old-fashioned oil lamp that had usually sat on the display cabinet.

A house may have its lights lit by a power source, but it will not stay lit if the power source is faulty.

In that same home, there was a certain light which hung from the high ceiling.  It had several bulbs extending from it and when it was turned on, its brilliance was a source of delight for the Swallow and her siblings.  They called it "their chandelier".  Yet, the Swallow and her siblings were not allowed to turn this light on without permission.  Due to its high consumption of electricity at each usage, it remained more as a display item than what it was meant to be used for.

A house may have many lights in it, but it will remain dark unless the power source is turned on.

Two weeks ago, during the lecture part of the BSF, the Swallow was reminded of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life.  From the day she had believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, as promised in His word, the Holy Spirit came to dwell in her life, illuminating her life and her walk in the Lord.

Psalm 119 : 105 (NKJV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

With the Holy Spirit's help, the Swallow's life should be victorious, overcoming the challenges found at every corner and milestone in life.  This never-failing, never-faulty power source was and is there 24/7, always ready to help, lead and guide yet over the years, there were many times when she had lived a disquieted, dispirited and depressive life instead - times when she had forgotten to turn on the switch.

As she continues in her study into the Book of Acts, it is the Swallow's prayer that she may live a life like those of the Apostles, glorifying the Lord God with their lives - in what they said, in what they did.

Let's turn on the switch!

Recycling - Reuse, Reduce, Refuse

In the beginning, "God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good." (Genesis 1 : 31a, NKJV).  However, "very good" is not a term that can be used to describe earth today.  That is the effect of sin - "Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life.  Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field." (Genesis 3 : 17b - 18, NKJV).

Earth will only continue to its final destruction.  John, the beloved disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ prophesied "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away." (Revelation 21 : 1a, NKJV).

Yes, the first earth will soon pass away but its departure should not be hasten.  Thus, the Swallow does her part in being environmental-friendly.  She recycles - by reusing, reducing and refusing.

Reuse - using old stuff in different ways

• cooking oil which needs to be thrown away can be stored in an old plastic bottle then disposed.  A fine way to reuse that plastic bottle, keep your kitchen sink from clogging, use less plastic bags, and make less of a mess.  Just make sure that the used cooking oil has cooled to room temperature.
• line dustbins with plastic bags.  Save money at the same time.
• the Swallow's mom had often cut off the wearable parts from clothes with enough stains to deem them 'unwearable', and reused the wearable parts to fashion a quilt or children's pyjamas.
• wrap unsanitary items with newspapers before disposal.

Reduce - removing clutter from the nest

• don't buy anything on offer unless it is a need.
• must there be another set of cookware, dishware, etc to be used only for guests?
• must a broken item be replaced by the purchase of another?  There may be something in the nest that can be used instead.
• pass on children's toys, books and furniture to newer parents.  The same for old-but-still-in-good-condition clothes.  Young ones grow so quickly.  The Swallow's family was a beneficiary of such goodwill when her young ones were toddlers.
• donate to charity organisations that accepts old-but-still-in-good-condition items.
• sell to shops that buy second-hand items.  Receipts of first-hand purchases may be required.
• reduce the use of disposable items as much as possible.

Refuse - no, thank you!

• say no to extra plastic bags.  Bring along a shopping bag.  The Swallow applauds some departmental stores that have made the move to reward shoppers who bring their own bags, or charge those who chose to use plastic bags.
• politely reject those who wants to pass on their old-but-still-in-good-condition items if there is no need.  Better to refuse honestly, than accept grudgingly and then complaining behind the giver's back!

A New Study

This year, the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) will be doing an in-depth study on the Book of Acts (also known as The Acts of the Apostles).  Written by the same author of the Gospel of Luke, it has been likened to a sequel, tracing the steps of some disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ - what they did after He returned to Heaven after His death and resurrection.

Isaiah had been a challenging study.  Will the Book of Acts be any different?  The Swallow cannot wait to find out...

Trust

Jeremiah 29 : 11 (NIV)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

TRUST by jadeswallow

My life is part of God's great plan
I need to trust, not understand,
To yield my life, to hold His hand
For He, alone, will help me stand.
Without the sun, there'll be no rain
I won't know joy if I don't know pain.
All through life's cares, the Master knows
The joys, the hopes, and the tomorrows.

He is my Hope, He is my Light
I'll stay the course, as my soul takes flight
With eyes on Him, I'll soar above
The gloom, the pain, with wings of love.
The heart may sigh, and tears may flow,
He's promised hope though ill winds blow.
So I'll look to Him - My All in All
He'll keep me safe, though I may fall.

And as I walk along life's road
He knows my cares, He bears my load
So I must trust My Lord to guide
My way in life - He's by my side!
And yield my life, and hold His hand
For His promises will forever stand
I'll seek to trust, not understand
My life, my part in His great plan.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

The past month has simply flown by.

Getting ready for the trip back to Malaysia, for Christmas, for a new school year, and with the Chinese New Year barely a month away, time has been precious...not rushed, just too precious to use up for simple musings...

But with the relaxing trip back to Malaysia completed, Christmas well-spent in rememberance of the Lord Jesus' great love for mankind shown through his humble birth some two thousand years ago, and supervision on the wrapping of books and packing of bags for the new school year all done, there is time to settle down to a little reflection of the year past.

The year 2011 was a year of learning.  There were lessons on trust in her Heavenly Father's sovereign control while her older young one tested his wings.  There were lessons on patience while waiting for an end to an overwhelming trial.  There were lessons on endurance when trial's end was put off indefinitely.  There were lessons on faith when moving out of her comfort zone.  There were lessons on humility, love and self-control when wronged by others.  There were lessons on faithfulness when faced with difficulties in the Lord's service and in the study of Isaiah.  There were lessons on joy, peace and comfort in the Lord despite more-than-usual ill-health in the family.

What will come in year 2012?  The Swallow is sure of this - there will be more learning in store for her.

Proverbs 22 : 6 (NKJV)
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

The Swallow is sure that as His child, the Lord God will continue to train her up in the way she should go.  May she stay the course of the training.

Now for some springcleaning...