~Footprints of my Life~

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed the set of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, you 'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troubled times of my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why you would leave me when I needed you most."

The Lord replied,"My child. My precious child. I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

~Footprints of my Life~

Sunday, February 17, 2008

The Redemptive Power of Jesus

Two years ago, I read Stormie Omartian's biography and it touched me greatly. I am going to share her story again here and I hope it inspires you as much as it did for me.

Stormie had a troubled childhood. While she was a child, she was abused mentally and physically by a mentally estranged mother. As a result of not having a supportive family, she had a void in her heart and often sought to seek security in relationships.

When she started uni and began living on her own, she started dating guys. The relationships weren't longlasting and she even had two abortions. Despite all the ordeals that she went through in her relationships, she still very much believed that a relationship with a man and marriage would take away the loneliness and emptiness that she felt. As she admitted, her insecurities led her to literally force a man to marry her even though she knew very well that the man wasn't truly in love with her and had a 'can't be bothered' attitude towards their impending marriage.

Eventually, she got what she wanted. A husband and a marriage. However, it wasn't what she had envisioned to be. Instead of taking away the loneliness and emptiness, it accentuated it. Her husband did not help out in the finances of the house and neither did he help out with the household chores. She had to support the family and do the housework. Other than sex, there seem to be little or no other form communication between the both of them. The man's eyes seem to be stuck on the TV almost all the time. When she mentions to him that he should go out and do something, he would lash out at her.

With a scarred past and a troubled marriage, she was on the verge of desperation and suicide. She saw no other way out. She made up her mind and even planned carefully on how she was going to die. It was at this point that her Christian friend noticed how troubled she was and took Stormie to see her pastor. Then things took a turn. She accepted Jesus and as she slowly recovers from the painful circumstances of her life, she recalled that God spoke to her these words that gave her hope:

"I am a Redeemer. I redeem all things. I make all these things new. Whatever you have lost I will restore. It doesn't matter what you've done. It doesn't matter what has happened to you. I can take all the hurt, the pain, and the scars. Not only can I heal them, but I can make them count for something."
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Much has changed in Stormie Omartian's life since then. She is now a powerful writer who has wrote several bestsellers, using her experiences to encourage other women to be all that God wants them to be despite their circumstances.

Nothing can take away the hurt and the scars that has been inflicted upon us by circumstances and by other people in this world. Maybe you think a hobby, a singer or other pursuits can take away your pain. Maybe they can - temporarily. But it is only by the divine power of Jesus that healing and longlasting change can take place. Only He has the ability to heal your wounds and make you a stronger person after that. Suffering will either makes you a bitter or a better person. Only Jesus can make you a better person. Without him, you will have every reason to be bitter.

Stormie Omartian's life and my life were changed because of Jesus and He can do the same for you too because nothing is too hard for Him, really.

MaRGaReT left her footprint @ 9:09 PM | 0 footprints

God's message to me (and possibly to you)

It's really amazing how God finds unexpected ways to speak to everyone of us.

I went to Sembawang Lib to borrow a particular book yesterday. As I was making my way to the Lib, I spotted a Christian store 'Mount Zion' opposite of the library but didn't think much of it. After getting the book, I was leaving the library and was pretty content with what I have got and so I didn't think I would need anything in the Christian store.

But something made me go to the store. I ended buying a Hillsong CD there. While paying for it, the cashier slipped a flyer into my plastic bag. When I took it out to read it, I nearly cried.

This was what was shown on the flyer:

What We Want and What They Need

Why worry about things we don't have

Things we're unable to get

Is not life more than earthly treasures?

And our faith more than mounting debt

God has given us something more precious

Of more value than priceless stone

Nothing the world can produce

Compares to worshipping at His throne

We can't take earthly treasures with us

What we have now will remain [here]

So why struggle so hard to possess

What is temporal and subject to change

The kingdom of God is what matters

And the souls left to die alone

The lost and the lonely living in despair

Those that have no place to call home

Just look around at the hopelessness

The state our society is in

A world untouched by God's generous love

Drowning in the darkness of sin

It gives us something to focus on

As we open our eyes and see

For God is screaming out for the lost

With tears saying 'come unto me'

And we His messengers must go to them

And show them His love and grace

For nothing will ever change in our world

If we don't put action to our faith

By M.S. Lownde

MaRGaReT left her footprint @ 8:47 PM | 0 footprints

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's

I found a very meaningful and uplifting blog post by Carolyn McCulley. Here's an exerpt

For those--married and unmarried alike--who today are unable to boast in flower deliveries, sparkly little gifts, or uber-romantic dinner plans as evidence of being loved ... there is something even better to boast in.

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24, emphasis added)

You are loved with an everlasting love. And what seems bitter now, can be made sweet.

You can read the rest of her blog post here.

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After a break, I really feel a lot more recharged. It has been tiring mentally for the past few weeks. Thank God for his protection and his faithfulness. Looking forward to the swing of things back in church and of course, to seeing my dear CG members as well!

Happy Valentine's Day to all. :)

Magnificent

Who compares to You?

Who set the stars in their place?

You who calmed the raging seas

That came crashing over me

Who compares to You?

You who bring the morning light

The hope of all the earth

Is rest assured in Your great love

You are magnificent, eternally

Wonderful, glorious Jesus

No one ever will compare to You