Selamat Hari Merdeka, Malaysia!

Just about 2 weeks before, I was approached by Ps Lee Choo and was asked to say a prayer at the pulpit during one of the church services during the merdeka weekend. Not only that, she also encouraged me to find a team to lead the Praise and Worship session during the Merdeka prayer night, which was supposed to be on from 10pm to 2am. Honestly, I was very, very reluctant to say 'yes, I'll do it.' to Ps LC on the spot and I told her that I will think about it.
I kept prolonging my respond to her for days... I even almost ignored her SMSes when she reminded me of these 2 things. Thankfully, Colin's been a great encouragement to me, time and time again. He reminded me that I was showing the 'signs of Moses', somewhat. It made me realise that I was trying to cook up 1001 excuses claiming that I am not eloquent to do any of these. Remember that I have an issue with stage fright? That's only one of it. I also fear what people would think of me. What if nothing comes out from my mouth when I am up at the pulpit? O Lord, please send someone else to do it!! (so familiar.. wahaha..)

¹¹ The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." - Exodus 4:10-12

Reading the verses in Exodus really gave me a push to stay obedient. I finally tapped an SMS to Ps LC and agreed to do both. Amazing that it was not long ago that I mentioned about allowing God to chisel me out of my comfort zone.

Honestly, I struggled when I was preparing myself as the day drew closer. Finally, the day came and I was called to pray during the 8.30am service. I woke up early dawn and kept praying and one thing that I said to God again and again was that I want to be humble. Let everything be about Him and nothing about me. I knew how pride would naturally take over me. Let this not be a performance, this is not a performance!
Really, I thank God that I was given the privilege to pray for the nation at the pulpit. I personally felt ministered to and I knew that the prayers I made were for me too.

P&W on Merdeka eve was amazing too. I really thank GOD for the support given by my cell and zone members in uniting together to serve the Lord in singing Him the praises and worship that he deserves. I was personally very excited in my spirit throughout the day that I couldn't fall asleep! *LoL*
Anyway, this song came about at the very last minute when Ps Lee Choo had the prompting to get the congregation to sing it to end the prayer session. For a moment there I thought I couldn't remember how to sing it but surprisingly, I was able to remember a large portion of the song lyrically! I guess thanks to the times when I used to hear it on local TV on RTM channel when I was very little, especially when I was waiting for Mighty Mouse or Superdave to come on TV. Before last night, I could only remember it as a familiar tune and words that never really meant anything to me, possibly because I was too young (or too ignorant, rather.) to understand it. I never actually caught what the song was about until that night!
The song has been stuck in my head for a few days already...

Puji and syukur pada Ilahi (Praise and thanks be to God)
Anugerah-Nya tiada terhingga (His favour is unending)
Kedamaian, kemakmuran (Peace, Prosperity)
Malaysiaku bahagia (My Malaysia is blessed)

Dengan tekad untuk berjaya (With determination to succeed)
Berbakti pada nusa dan bangsa (To serve our homeland and nation)
Kami junjung cita-cita luhur (We uphold the noble aspirations)
Perpaduan seluruh negeri (Unity throughout the states)

Seia, sekata, sehati, sejiwa (One mind, one voice, one heart, one soul)
Menghadapi cabaran (In facing challenges)
Kami setia, kami sedia (We are loyal, we are ready)
Berkorban untuk negara (To sacrifice for our country)

Bersemarak Malaysia tercinta (Shine, beloved Malaysia)
Kibarkan panji kebesarannya (Lift up her banner of grandeur)
Kami rela menjaga nama mu (We are willing to honour your name)
Sejahtera Malaysia (Peace be unto Malaysia)

The flag bearers for the 11.00am service.
I held the Melaka state flag

⁴ In that day you will say:

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.

⁵ Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.

⁶ Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

Happy 52nd Independence Day, MALAYSIA... Tanah tumpahnya darah-ku...

I LOVE my COUNTRY, do you?

God's Chisel

An email I sent to my cell members recently....

Hey Friends!

Warning: A very loooooong email. Read it when you are really really free.. or if you cannot finish it at one go, take a toilet break, go have a cuppa in between while you read this....

I wonder how's everyone's Saturday afternoon so far. How was cell meet for those who were there last night? Though it was a small group, but still, I hope you're equally blessed as I am (or more). This probably sounds strange but here I am feeling that I wanna let out some 'verbal diarrhoea' which I wasn't able to express out much during last night's cell meet, as those of you who were there, knew that I wasn't feeling very well. Nonetheless, just want to say a big THANK YOU to those who were there for the support and prayers to sustain me through facilitating 'Word' time. Just to share a GOOD GOOD news, I am feeling a LOT more better today! I hardly coughed! YES! Do NOT short change the power of prayer because it takes only a small mustard seed of faith for God to MOVE mountains! And anyone can have the gift of healing, if only you believe!

Anyway, for the benefit of those who were not there last night, we watched a short skit called "God's Chisel"

Yes, it is a message about God chiseling away the unwanted things in our lives. it could have been pride, anger, comparing to others instead of God, lust, pretending to be busy etc.. These flaws in us could have been stuck on us for so long and yet we do not realise it. Just want to say many thanks to all of you openly shared about your experiences, be it past or present, about how God has pruned you out of being your old self, to who you are today. Also, to those who openly acknowledge that we need to change, although it is hard. You guys are awesome, and I love your transparency because it makes me feel a lot better knowing that I am as sinful as you are but we are here to encourage one another to grow out of our hindrances in allowing God to chisel us to who He desires for us to become ==> more like HIS SON.

Just to recap on my testimony for those who were not there, I shared that I used to be a very performance-driven person. Ever since I was young, I have been a stage-person. I used dance, sing, go for story-telling competitions etc a lot.. so yeah, I grew up in an environment where I liked to be noticed and self-image is very important to me. I always wanted to win and I wanted to be excellent in everything I do so that I could sustain the confidence that the people around me have in me. I loves the trophies that I have won and I enjoyed counting them every end of the year during the prize-giving ceremony in school. Yes, I was one of the popular stage girl in school.

After coming out of primary school, I moved away from KL and went up to Penang. When I was in Penang, I felt that I lost a big part of my life. In this little island, no one knew who I am, no one knew that I was a performer etc. I was a nobody. I kept a very low profile. Until 2 years later, I felt that I missed the stage, I decided to participate in a choral speaking competition. During the day of the competition, I felt lots of butterflies in my stomach and I felt very nervous, to the extent that I actually threw up before the competition. I was once the President of the Interact Club, I went up the stage to deliver a speech, I couldn't stop shaking. Many at the at the floor noticed. Through these incidents, I felt that I lost my confidence in myself. I wasn't who I was anymore. I lost my confidence in speaking in public and my desires of being in the limelight just faded away.
Looking back at these experiences, I felt that God was really chiseling me out of many things. He was chiseling me away from being a people-pleaser. He was also chiseling me away from being self-dependent, always thinking that, "it is I who can do it!" He was chiseling me away from being a 'performer'. He knew I was desiring so much to gain the approval of men.

I am not saying that He has finished His works in me. Until today, I believe He is still moulding me and pruning me in my character. In His own way, He is showing me that it is not by my own strength or capabilities that I could do certain things, He was showing me that I needed Him. He had to gently push me out of my insecurities and thoughts of inadequacy to show that His love has no boundaries. He has placed me in places to serve where I felt not too comfortable in (eg. back in Australia, I used to serve in the Worship Ministry). As much as I felt that I didn't want to be 'up there', He placed me 'up there' because in this relationship that we have with Him, HE HOLDS US UP, whenever we fall. And I can testify that. I believe it is the same in many parts of your lives too. In all honesty, yes, it takes a lot of courage for me to come back again, to serve, even to facilitate "Word" time. As mentioned, I fear being in front of a crowd when all eyes are on me. So yes, again, thank you for your support and prayers. I know it probably wasn't the 'best' that I could have done, but you know what, God is not looking for someone who is willing to perform, but He is looking for someone who's wiling to avail themselves, even if it has to take us out of our comfort zone. I really wanna applaud Jonathan for availing himself 2 weeks ago to serve together with me as my faithful guitarist during worship time. Really, like I said, it is not about playing the right keys or sounding great, but just wanna assure you that you were AWESOME that night. I know full well that God is pleased that you are worshipping Him with your Gifts despite your tiredness in preparing for your KK trip, you still came to serve. I wished I said it last night, so that we could applaud you again, but aiya, forgive me for not remembering, so, FRIENDS, let's REPLY to a VIRTUAL applause to JON, ok?? :) *CLAP CLAP CLAP* Looking forward to serving with you more, brother!

I really liked what Colin shared last night, when he said that God is changing us and it is for our benefit, and it is something that will last through eternity (ok la, something like what you said, can't remember the exact words!). Looking back at the trophies that I have won (haha, can check it out at my family hall..), These trophies are just plastic stuff which does not have much substance or use to it. When I leave this world, I can't carry these trophies with me. Through this, I realise one thing, one thing that I am bringing along with me when I meet my Father in Heaven, is ME. I am HIS TROPHY that will last till ETERNITY. I am WORTH IT because I AM HIS MASTERPIECE. I am His PRIZED-POSSESSION.

James 1:18 (NLT) says: "He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession...

Wow, do you get that? Not just me, but you too, are someone’s prized possession! Not just someone’s prized possession; but God Almighty’s prized possession!

Really, why do we have to go through all these painful, chiseling moments in our walk with God, just like how it says in the skit, the moment you said that you want to receive Him as your Lord and Saviour, He never promised that it was going to be easy. But one thing I believe is that, it is worth it. God doesn't create junk. He creates something that he can be PROUD of. When He created you, he said that you are GOOD. The Message Bible says “…showing us off as the crown…” WOW. He wants to chisel you to be more like His son, Jesus Christ, so that he can show us off!How cooool is that?

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. - Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT)

Yes, let us not be picky in how he can shape us. Be open with what He wants to chisel off in you so that you can become is everlasting masterpiece. So yeah, let's do this together as a cell. By His grace, we can be changed!

So, the same question I asked the cell last night,

What is it that God is chiseling away in you right now, and how are you responding to it?

Have a think about it Friends..
Hope you are blessed..... told you it was verbal diarhhoea... (a good one, i hope!) HAHA...

And bless you, fellow blogger reader :)

Heart of Gold

Heart of Gold,
How are you today?
It's been a while since you decided to stay
Are you feeling cold?
I wish your feelings would be told
It's okay if you want to go away
I will give you breathing space
To find yourself a hiding place
Till the end of the day
I just want you to know
You are in my thoughts whenever I pray
So if you don't mind,
Can I ask again,
Heart of Gold,
How are you today?

...Safe from the crazy world...

Note: this post was written through a series of time. I just never got around to finishing it till today. heh.

Not too long ago.... (more like a month ago..)

What a strange experience. With the H1N1 flu going around, I was just thnking, what are the chances of it affecting me in any way at all. Papa and mummy did not feel too well (down with fever) after their flight back from Manila so they went for a check-up.
Mum was tested negative on the flu but Pa was tested positive.

I was in the office, and I received a call in the office from the Ministry of Health Dept, and was instructed to leave the office immediately. For a moment there, the little naughty me exclaimed a silent "woohoo~~!!" in my heart =P The whole family had to be quarantined for 7 days. So yeah, I was isolated from being in contact with the outside world for a while.

Some of my friends / colleagues were envious by the thought of being quarantined, thinking that wow, working in the comfort of your own home is a gem! I thought so too, but it didn't take me long to realise that being 'imprisoned' at home is not all that fun after all. I felt that it was pretty bad timing altogether. I missed Lorraine's housewarming cum farewell party (for Joanne, who left for Singapore for a teaching course... and probably will not return any time soon since her other half is permanently settled there. heh.). I really wished I could be there. I even complained to God asking Him why does it have to happen at such a time as this. I felt agitated quite a lot. I felt abandoned. I kept craving for human attention. Yes, I confess that I am a whiner.

At the back of my mind, I felt like beating myself up for having these selfish thoughts in my mind. During one of the evenings when I was sitting outside the porch with Axel (my dog), then it hit me, my heart quietly spoke to me... slowly.. gently.. confessing -- "I miss God." I struggled in seeing the bigger picture, I forgot about asking God why do I have to go through this and what can I learn out of this. Tears welled up my eyes. I don't know how it happened. I guess it's been too long. God missed me too. I had to be plucked away from this crazy routine life that I was going through. Especially with the new job on my plate, the new cell... I just got too caught up. I always prayed asking God for what's instore, how can I change myself to be an impact to others, what can I do to please Him, etc. I got too caught up with striving for being excellent in the doing bit. It seems like I am one of those in the CROWD who wants to do SOMETHING for God, but am not one of those FEW who are willing to just stay behind and do NOTHING with Him. I know, sounds paradoxical, ain't it? He just wanted me. I had to be taken away.... safe from the crazy world, to be with Him.

Often enough, I just forget how big my God is and I run around with what I call the “Martha Syndrome” trying to make everything just right when all I needed to do is just Trust in the LORD with all heart and lean not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). I was reminded, again that Jesus told us to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to us (Matthew 6:33) That’s what Mary did. She sought Jesus first. Perhaps this can be called the “Mary Solution.”

It's been almost more than a month since then, I'm still going on with my roller coaster ride with God. I know He's really moulding my character in all corners and angles.... gently rebuking my flaws. So many dreams and desires that I really want to see happening, but really, all it takes from the start is to just sit at His feet to enjoy His presence. How can we give when we are not filled?

Father God, I am sorry. And I am running back to you. There's no where better than the warmth of your embrace now. That's where I want to be... safe from a crazy world.

Hey you.

Yeah, you. Reading the blog now.
Wow, it's been almost 3 months since the last one. Seriously, I didn't think anyone would drop by anymore. Anyway, thanks for the shoutouts in the cbox, you two "jie-meis". Feel kinda guilty because I have been dropping by your blogs and really always am blessed and inspired by your posts and I'm being a little selfish not posting anything up lately. Sorry! Looked through my list of drafted posts which I never finished. I think it's a little too late to put it up already. Looks like I have learned to move on. :) I will write some time soon. So really, thanks for faithfully dropping by.
It's a little late on my side and I need that quiet time with God now.

Be patient with me and thanks for caring (yes, i think you care because you still drop by. =D).

Update on me..

Currently trying really... really hard to study but I can't seem to get my "engine" to cooperate with me.
Not a big fan of law subjects at all, studying cases of the past honestly, bores me :(

Anyway, besides studies and all, there are certain promises in store coming along the way for me.
Pray for me for this Wednesday, for those who knows what's going on..... Hope it'll be another promise fulfilled. Will share more of it later on when I know the end news of it.
Also, this weekend, Friends cell will be heading up to Cameron Highlands for our cell retreat. It will be our last gathering together as Friends cell as we officiate the multiplication this time round.
I am really waiting for exciting times this weekend.
My prayer is that it will not be just another ordinary retreat, but it will be one where we'll be retreating together with God and really seeking His purpose and will for us as a multiplied cell.

Let's press for a goal and wait in expectation as the Lord speaks into our spirits!

I'm back again..

It's been tough hanging on with the work pressure and I am glad that I am off for the whole month right now for my study break. Yep, exam's in a month's time. It seems like not too long ago that I mentioned about exams, eh? Never really liked the pressure of exams. I actually do lose my appetite when I get too worked up about not feeling prepared for something. Well, sounds more like I don't like pressure at all! Bah. Who does?

Anyway, that aside, a lot has happened in one go. FRIENDS (yep, that's my cell name) cell has just multiplied on the first week of April. Colin and I are anchoring the new cell together with our cell leader, May Lee. Looking back at how things just fell into place, makes me wanna really stand in awe in the awesomeness of our God. I remember how much I was anticipating on the wait, wondering how things would work out looking at the circumstance, I guess He's proved me wrong again and again in how I perceive Him . We've been praying together even for this new cell, as we sense that God is really going to do great things in us. He laid this parable in Mark 4 in my spirit even as I prayed on...

³"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. ⁸Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."⁹Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

WoW. What mind boggling words! Really, even as we are just at the tip of the iceberg of growing together as a cell, I really believe that we should not take our "beginnings" lightly. Being a part of the CORE team, my prayer is that the Lord will really work in me inside-out to be that seed that falls in good soil! I really do not want just a temporal emotional rah-rahs, crying bags of tears then carry with me an unwilling heart dragging my feet towards His purpose. I know that's one massive struggling that I am facing even at this point. But really thank God for His endless Grace over my attitude. I can sense greatly that God is opening up doors and opportunities for me to work towards having more time to serve in church. I am claiming this in Jesus' Name and I really believe that this is going to be great testimony to share when it happens!

We have yet to have a name for the new cell.... so, temporarily, we are called "FRIENDS 2". *LoL* we so....need a new name!! The CORE team's been praying for a name, hopefully as we come together as a cell, we'll agree on something that's in line with God's, really really soon! =D


Lord, I am waiting at Your feet.....


PS: HaHA... Charis, it seems like you're my driving motivation to keep posting. Creates that "guilt" in me for not posting whenever you drop cbox messages... teeheee... Be EMPOWERED in the OC this year, babe! =)

I am a sucker for guitars....

...yeah I am....
Felt connected with this song as I was browsing randomly on youtube....
Couldn't find the original version by "By the Tree" but here's the cover version by this 2 Singaporean brothers which really blew me away too~!


When I'm broken, You're the missing piece
When I'm empty, You are my drink
When I'm tired, You are my strength

You are my desire
No one else will do
Only You can satisfy
No one Lord but You

Surround me this is what I pray
That Your presence will guide me through each day
By Your mercy Lord, in me, have Your way

You are my Desire
No one else will do
Nothing else can satisfy
No one Lord but You

You've given me a passion to follow You
To worship You Lord in spirit, in truth
I have found the warmth of Your embrace
Lost in the shadows of Your grace

What I listen on repeat mode now..

Got this CD as a gift for serving in the "Resonate" service organising team. Had it with me some time ago but never got around to paying much attention to it until a few days back. Great CD with simple, uncomplicated lyrics. Track 08 particularly got hold of my spiritman. Tried looking for a youtube version of the song to put it up here but to no avail. Ah well.. nonetheless, I believe the words speak powerfully on its own...
... may it lift your spirit the way it's lifting mine now.

"SURRENDER"

Everything that was
Is in Your hands
And all that is to come
I give to You
Take control

This life belongs to You
Forgive me Lord
For walking my own road
Take control
Jesus take control
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
Now and forever

I surrender
I surrender
I surrender
To You
To You

That I may hear Your voice
That I may know Your heart
That I would see Your world
Through the eyes of hope
This my prayer oh God
This my prayer

Words and Music by Jaye Liubinskas
© 2007 Paradise Worship
Administered by Word Publishing Australia
CCLI # 4992192

PS: Special thanks to Mr G for picking the CD. Good choice :)

Randomness

I've recently had a conversation with my personal career coach in my firm during one of my after work hours. I feel extremely blessed for having her as my personal guider / adviser journeying through my work life here in this firm. Appreciate her patience and support especially when this job really demands a lot of a person. We did a random catch-up and had dinner at Zen's somewhere just outside the our office. During our meeting, this particular question she threw to me left a thought in my mind for a bit. She asked me this, "Are you a random person, or a logical person?"
Erm, I felt that I could be a bit of both, but maybe leaning more towards the random side. Funny that it got me pondering when was my last "I-did-it-because-I-felt-like-doing-it" moment. Honestly, I couldn't remember at all!

I've recently shared that I am in the midst of braving through some struggles. I somewhat feel so caught up with it. I desire so great to break-free. I thought that switching on my "randomness" mode during times like these would provide for a temporary cure in these times of rocky roads.

And so... I recently did this:

....woke up one morning at 7am, thought of going to TTDI park for a jog. Didn't have Pinky (my GPS) with me, took random turns not knowing how to get to the park. In the end, if this is not random enough, I ended up at another hilly park somewhere within TTDI.. hmm, I thought might as well!:PPp Had my iPod strapped on my right arm, turn on my usual "jogging playlist"(yeah, mostly upbeat songs - I named the playlist "ROcK On Jesus!!" Heh... heh..) and I was ready to go!! :P *Huff Puff HUff Puff*

Anyone got a clue where's this place? (ok, photo not that helpful. Nevermind =P)

'Twas a good sweat after such a long time of not exercising regularly due to long working hours and all. my calves are still hurting, actually. Blergh.. UNFIT. :(
Random Mir didn't quite end her morning with just exercise at the park. Teehee... Drove to 1 Utama after that with a thought of hunting down for an almost overdue birthday present. It was only 9.30am when I got there and most shops where still shut. There was Kluang Station open already for brekky. I had my bible and journal with me, so I did my QT just right there. It was a great time of unwinding having my me moments, away from the usual mundane routines of my life. Oh yeah, for the record, I left my purse in the car and I had to dash to the carpark to get it to pay for my brekky. =P Good thing the guy at the counter trusted me. *LOLOL* My day can't get any random-er than that.

HMmMM... Toasted kaya bun and hot milo... BAGUS.

Indeed, I had a good day. A good time spent reflecting on many things...I enjoyed the temporal freedom. I felt refreshed.
So yeah, if you feel that you need a break, just go out there and do something you usually don't do, or haven't done in a long time.

Yah, Just Do It. I think it does make a difference. At least it did for me any way.

So I am random after all. :D

Sitting on a fence - Pit stop.

I recently remembered about my first blog post talking about my life taking a huge leap when I returned to Malaysia. I think I am currently going through the phase where God is leading me into the second chapter. Looks like the "storm" is taking its toll on me again. I've been thinking a lot about the things that God's been laying in my heart. My hands are pretty much "itchi-fied" to get started with this group of people that I am intending to serve. But yet, I've got mixed emotions swimming within me. I think I am falling into that trap of doubting and I feel like as though I have got a wall right in front of me, blocking my view. I know there's light at the end of the tunnel but I can't see it from here and I wish I could see it now. I don't know how I ended up at where I am today. I'm stuck in a moment of uncertainty. I need a breather. I didn't think I'd feel the way I do now. I feel rather self-centered feeling that no one appreciates the kind of pressure that I am facing. Maybe I think that I am in such an exceptional situation that very few really could. I'm emotionally spent. I think I'm at the wrong place at the wrong time. If I am wrong, please someone tell me so.

I'm reciting in my mind that my Creator is not at all surprised at where I am. The excellent marksman does not waste his ammunation. He waits for the right opportunity and then sends his arrow flying at the precise moment for the maximum effect. I want to believe that He's doing exactly that with me right now. I've just got some polishing up for Him to do before He sends me for the right assignment - to send me soaring. Really, if only a miracle could happen. If only I could wake up the next morning, knowing that the time of waiting is over. Gah, I don't know how long am I going to take to understand the existence of time. This is hard but really, I don't want to be one who professes my trust in God and yet feel like everything depends on me. I am tempted to throw in a quick worldly fix to this situation but I would probably be interfering in a God-willed provision.

I am raising the white flag in this situation now. My bum hurts like crazy sitting on this sharp fence. I know eventually I will be calling it quits for this, but in the mean time, I gotta get through this victoriously. Gotta finish this well. Time to pick up my feet and do the balancing act with You again. And I'll be getting closer towards the end, sooner than expected. I'm closing my eyes now. I'm sinking, help me - You balance my feet (Matthew 14:30-32).


"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who actually is in the arena... , who at the best knows in the end of the triumph of great achievement , and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place will never be with those cold timid souls who know neither victory or defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt.

Oh yeah, Happy Lunar New Year 2009 to everyone! :)

The reunion with my small humble family....

"Let Him blow away your pillow!"

"Pull Up Anchor and Catch the Wind for New Boundaries!"
by Chuck Pierce
Dec 3, 2008

Prophetic words given on November 30, 2008:

This past Sunday AM was one of the surprise moments where the Lord comes suddenly and begins to speak to us for the days ahead. This was unusual after all the Turkey Day Festivities, but the Lord's timing is perfect. Use this word below in your prayer time.

Do Not Resist the New Boundaries

"This is a time that I will kindle a fire again, stir the embers, and return the flame of My People. I will have a people who burn again. This will be a season like none other you have known. This will be a season of resetting boundaries. I AM coming into your life and sphere to set your boundaries in new ways. I will be reordering the way you have walked. Your finances will have new boundaries. Your vision will have new boundaries, and many will be positioned in new territories.

"The way you love and express My love will have new boundaries - for in days past your trials have pulled your emotions from their abiding place in Me. Your passions must have new boundaries and your desires must be encapsulated in a new way. This will cause you to burn again. I must have a fire in My people this hour!

"I must gather the embers that have been scattered, because this last season you have been scattered in many areas. I will regather your scattered emotions and get them into a new place within you. I must gather the embers together so I can blow on them and create a new flame. Do not resist the new boundaries. Do not resist the way I will have you doing your assignments this season. This is a time of bringing forth the fire again. I AM the fire, so give me liberty to BURN!

"I will release the wind that will blow on the coals and embers that have lain dormant, smoldering within you. Today is a day of a reverberating sound within the heart of My people. What you are hearing in your heart is My sound, filled with My love - the love of the Father.

"I would say to you - the wind will come gently at the beginning, but by March it will be a torrent upon you. Receive the gentle wind that will begin to blow today that will push you within the boundaries I have for you. Do not resist My wind. If you resist the blowing of My wind and the boundaries that are being reformed around you, My wind will become adversarial to you. If you will receive My wind and your new boundaries, I will become an adversary against your adversaries.

"In March, there will be conflicting, contending winds, therefore, you must have your feet planted. Receive the gentle wind now at the beginning - for My winds will increase and the enemy will also increase his winds and you will see the whirlwinds come by March. If you do not plant your feet and refocus your vision, you will be blown outside of the fence that I have given you and you will say, 'Lord, I'm wandering again. The warfare in this field and the food in this field is not what I need for my future. How did I get here?'"

Raise Your Sail

Keith Pierce has a vision during the prayer time. He shared:

The Lord showed me that some people have let their sails down. As a prophetic act, if you will begin to raise your sails, God will release the wind to bring you out of a troubled place and you will begin to gain momentum to move forward in a new way. Where wandering and wilderness have latched onto you the Lord says:

"Raise your sail. I am releasing the wind so that you can gain momentum this day to come into the fullness of March where there will be a new roar of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. I am building in My people and gathering this day so raise your sails and catch the wind.

"Raise your sail of expectation for you have lost the power of expectation that I will do anything. If you will raise your sail of expectation today, I will send a gentle wind that restores your desire and your emotions within the new boundaries that I'm setting. Raise your sail of expectation today and you will sail into a new port in days ahead. Raise your sail of expectation today."

I led us in asking forgiveness for letting our sails down in the middle of a crisis time instead of pressing through the adverse waters to the other side. I asked the Lord to forgive us for allowing our expectations to be lessened and fallen in this last season.

The Spirit of God began to speak again: "I am reordering your boundaries and you will have to raise the sail in these new boundaries - for you have let it down in your old boundaries. Now bring your sail up in a new way and watch a new wind begin to come into the new boundaries that I will set for you this month. Let go. Do not worry about depleting your resources. Don't worry about getting to the end of this season. You will raise sail in this new boundary and the wind will blow and you will sail into a new port."

Janice Swinney began to share a vision she had:

When Chuck started praying about lifting the sail, I saw an anchor. The Lord says:

"Regret is like an anchor. Many in this hour have dropped an anchor of regret that is holding them in place. Cut the rope linked with the anchor of regret. You might drift for a while but at least you will start moving again. Hope is in the future. Regret is in the past. Cut off regret so that while you are raising the sail of your boat, My wind can catch you and take you farther than you ever thought you could go - into places you have not even dreamed possible. This is the hour for raising the sail, but also for cutting off all regret so that hope can become the anchor of your soul."

Pull the Anchor Up!

When Janice began sharing, I was reminded of the shirt I wore on Saturday. The shirt was red and covered with gold anchors. While I was out and about shopping all day, I found myself looking at people or thinking about people and declaring that they would pull up their anchors and get ready to head to another shore. I would look at someone or someone would call and I found myself saying, "Pull the anchor up!" At about noon, I heard the Lord say:

"Decree that the thing that has been taunting and mocking My people, to distract them and get them outside of My purposes for their lives and bring them into a place where they are confused or warring amiss, will be addressed in a new way. Declare where some have attempted to settle and protect an old shore and refuse to hear and enter into what I am doing, will now pull up anchor, end that season, and begin to row to a new shore.

"Watch Me bring you into new boundaries. Watch Me move My people forward. If you will tell them to get up and get in the boundaries, no matter how small or even if they have to start over, I will move on them in a new way. I declare now is the time to get in the new place that I am calling you to come to. Reform your boundaries with Me. Raise your sail, lift your anchor, and expect the wind to come.

"Declare a season ended. Declare old thoughts to be pulled out. Declare changes in alliances. Let go of losses. Let go of bruised expectations. I have new assignments. Flow to a new shore!"

We declared a release of the wind to bring forth the flame of the Spirit within us in a new way. After we made the decrees about the wind, on University of North Texas, the wind was clocked from 6 mph at 8am to 26 mph by 1pm!

I went by Target to pick up a new car seat for Chloe and two pillows for our bed. When I walked out of Target, a gust of wind grabbed one of the pillows and it began to blow across the parking lot. People were yelling, "Someone lost their pillow! Look at that pillow!" The Lord then spoke to me personally and said, "I will make sure that you do not get too comfortable this season."

The wind was strong enough that I could not get the pillow at the risk of losing the rest of the supplies I had. I let the pillow go and secured the rest of the purchase. You fill in the blanks.

Blessings,

Chuck D. Pierce
Glory of Zion Ministries