God is.

Still the great “I AM“.

I talked with some of Helene’s cousin and friends and to my ‘discovery’, about 90% of Norway’s population are members of the church but a large amount of them are not Christians. I mean what kind of teaching or custom is this. I just don’t understand sometimes. They attend church occasionally, are baptised, serve and know the hymns better than you and me. When I asked, they will say that they are not Christians but members of the church as they have been baptised there. It’s sad actually… they do everything but do not believe.

but God reminded me again that He is still the great “I AM”. Later in the evening, I followed Helene’s mom to her church and once again, it’s like being home. It was the best fellowship and worship I had since I came here. For once, or should I say, finally, I am able to worship the Lord again. It was good, so good. A lady named Biance shared her story of how the Lord has called her to serve in Norway and after going through many trials and reluctance, she is finally here.

… with Bianca and her family …

It was very encouraging and scary to know as well, hehe, that when God called you to do something, you will end up doing it, no matter how much you didn’t want to. It may take longer than it should have been but by the end of the day, what God has placed in your heart, asked of you, you just can’t run away from it. His will and plans WILL BE DONE ^_^

There were performances by the children and youth of the church. Here are some short videos I managed to take. And yes, if you were wondering, I worshiped in Norsk that evening. Amazing huh? To sing songs you are familiar with, not in English this time but in another different language ^_^ my heart was filled with peace and joy.

God is like the air. You can’t touch it, you can’t see it but you know He is ALWAYS there, around you, FOR you.

God is indeed beautiful. His beauty demands a response that is shaped by that beauty itself. I am amazed. Truly.

For the past one month here, I have came to truly understand what it means by God blesses you so that you in return can bless others. Whatever the Lord has provided and taught you, use them to provide for others. I am not sure though whether there are exact bible verses about it.

God places us in so many different situations, allowing trials of many kinds and temptations into our lives not just merely to mold, shape, and bring us to maturity but also to use what He has blessed us through these experiences to bless, to understand and help others. I’ve always asked why must I go through this and that but by the end of the day, I realized that if I didn’t go through certain issues and trials myself, how can I then be compassionate enough and understand what others are experiencing?

No doubt, there are many detours in life but all will end up in the same destination where God has intended us to be. These detours have helped me to truly understand how others feel over a situation, over a fall, over a secret sin and how I could relate to them so closely. It then acts as a reminder of God’s grace that has brought me through all that and wanted me to do what I could, share what I have experienced to those who need to hear them, to those who need true, sincere encouragement and prayer rather than texbook answers and advice. As I am writing this, I couldn’t help but have tears because I finally understand that I don’t need to do super great things, to be very gifted to serve God for I just need to continue walking with Him and allow Him to use me to bless others in just small little ways.

Thank You, Lord.

friend

“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

Having to read that, I wanted very much to share about this particular friendship I had. Let’s just say it is a church-based friendship. And I mean truly what a church-based friendship should be like. Friendship that saves lives, gives hope, non-judgemental, always available, carries people through thick and thin, encourages each other to stay close to God, setting examples and not afraid to speak the blatant truth.

Humility. Honesty. Love. They all play an important role. Humility allows us to know that we need each other. We can’t live by ourselves, carrying every burden on our shoulders, living life without acknowledging others or merely being alone. Even God says “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 Everyone needs somebody. Honesty holds us together, and even honesty sometimes hurts us. But that is why honesty is vital, solid friendship can handle much more than just mere compliments. They can handle truth. Truth that many are afraid to tell. Then we have Love. Remember from 1 John 4:20 that says “If you don’t love your sister or brother who you can see, how can you love God whom you cannot see?” That explains.

I am grateful and very blessed to have this friend in my life. A true bro-in-Christ. You helped me get on shore when I was drowning. You never fail to encourage me, give me sound advice likewise and more importantly, you are never afraid to point out my mistakes, telling me off, waking me up from my lack of discipline, irresponsibility and silly hopes. You always call just to make sure things are really okay when I say “I am fine” but am not and be there for me giving me support and care when I needed them most. I can share with you just about anything, revealing my true self whom is full of secret fears and hidden emotions. And we can then pray for each other, to provide support. I was never afraid to cry in front of you, because I know you do not judge and understands above all. I trust you and will continue to take up the risk of trusting.

Having to know you, gives me much comfort. I know that even when I have nobody in the coming days, I still have a friend, a brother to depend on. And wanting you to know I am learning to not take things for granted, and to begin with, not take you, ricky tan, for granted.

truly forever friends

making ordinary days extraordinary

I was listening to John Ortberg’s sermon online on “Next Steps: Making Ordinary Days Extraordinary” ( http://www.mppcfamily.org) And decided to try it out, all I can say – it’s worth every bit! i think it’s something that we should be practising every now and then and it just feels wonderful. An ordinary day just somehow turns into rather different It’s all about bringing God with you throughout the world day. I mean, yah, we know He is with us every moment but taking a step further of acknowledging him, just thinking of him in everything that you do.

The best part of the day? I was supposed to be visiting some mining museum here in Kongsberg but it was closed and ended up in a church choir practice instead! I was walking past this little house/hall, and I don’t even know why and how I just feel like going in and, whoa… the people are so warm and welcoming and they actually borrowed me their choir book, haha. But the choir is in norwegian so, I didn’t join in, just sat with them listening to them sing… and though I have not been to Heaven yet, but at that moment, I feel like I am in heaven. It’s just so beautiful, I can’t describe it. They told me they are having service every sunday at 11am and I am definitely joining tmr ^_^

Here are some pics that I’ve taken along the way…

                                                  the choir books

                                        the first lunch outside

oh yah, i went to this cafe for the above, and met this really really cute guy, haha… younger version of Peter Petrelli in Heroes. He’s one of the cafe owners, had him explaining to me what’s on the menu in English and all. Well, if I were to go back there for meals, you know why

                            one of the houses along the street

 and the river that separates the new and old Kongsberg… great sight