Incomprehensible

God is love.

1 John 4:8, 16

I don’t even know where to start. Tonight, I sat through a meeting and watched in wonder and amazement. I should probably point out that early in the year, our school’s community was requested to fast and pray. We were given a bookmark which had a list of various groups of people to pray for. It ranged from the city’s officials to the different staff at the school, the students, and the maintenance people. Each day, we were encouraged to follow the bookmark and pray for the group listed. At the end of January, we had a culminating Community Prayer where everyone was invited to celebrate the end of the fasting and praying time. We prayed for the 27 different nations where the school’s missionaries are from and where they worked at. We also prayed for Thailand and our school. That night, declarations were as well made about how the Lord would answer our prayers. I say, indeed, He did answer. =)

Leading to this week which is the Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) of the school, we were encouraged to keep fasting. I know that some of those in the community kept fasting and praying. Last Saturday, there was a 24 hour prayer vigil as well and it was well attended. I don’t know if this was the most prayed for SEW in the school’s history but I’m sure it ranks way up there. The week started with excellent worship and teaching on how to defend our faith in Jesus, our identity in Him, and what we do now that we know who we are. Tonight, the teaching was on love and the encouragement to love one another. Johnny Vermilya, the speaker, explained so well that God is love; He wanted us to love Him, our neighbours, and ourselves. Johnny V (as he is fondly called) talked about how we were caught up in praying about 'not sinning' when God was more concerned about us 'loving'. I’m sure his message resonated in all of us and not just me because when he started to talk about confessing and repenting, we were all ready to do so. He encouraged those with

Johnny V wants the students to know that he
loves being here. He enjoys the diversity so much. =)

misgivings and offenses to go make it right with the person each one needed to reconcile with. It started slowly but soon, there was movement all over the room. And that was when I started to tear up. I saw teens and children deliberate in their steps to their destined person, talked, bowed heads together, and then hugged. Siblings made up with each other, friends to friends, and teens and children with their parents. It was touching to be a witness to it. At one point, my mind seemed so confused at watching such tender moments. Why was I so blessed to witness that? It wasn’t a common sight but I rejoiced as I pondered it. And it was when I saw “Incomprehensible” at the corner of the banner which hung at the back of the stage. The banner was of a humongous “I AM” with the many names and descriptions of Jesus surrounding it. One could say “Incomprehensible” stood out to me because it was red in color. I believe I noticed it though because I was beholding the teary-hugging-crowd in front of me, an incomprehensible sight. I hope I'll see another one like it in my life time. It was such a blessing; also heart-warming, and loving. Grace came down and manifested itself tonight. Earlier in the week, the band leader prayed that our week would all be about God and His glory. I believe that it was exactly so. Thank you and praise you, Papa God! =D

Hearing God

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27

It’s barely six weeks into this year but I narrated the story of how we sold our house in Toronto twice already. Since a remembrance of a great story doesn’t happen frequently, I thought I’d better write about it. The time was 1997 and back then, both Eng and I were just learning to hear God. He felt the prompting to move to the Philippines then and start a business. As we prayed about it, it became very clear that “Yes, we’re to move.” It wasn’t clear what for as I thought it was to do missions work but Eng felt that he was to start a business. We weren’t sure why we were going but we started to ask God questions about what we needed to do so we could go.

I remembered praying and asking God whether we should rent or sell our house. We both preferred to rent it so in case we came back to Toronto, we still had a home. The next day, a Real Estate agent knocked at the door. He asked if we wanted to sell our house. I was surprised because of my prayer! I explained that we hadn’t decided and thanked him. When Eng got back from work, I told him what happened. “How interesting!” was his remark. He didn’t think there was anything to it. “But Eng",I said, "what if it’s God’s answer to my prayer?” I wasn't sure but I really didn’t want to miss the Lord’s answer so I suggested for us to pray together. Our friend Sarah was living with us at the time so we invited her to join us. I remember the three of us kneeling in our carpeted living room floor. “Lord, please make it clear if we’re to sell our house because agents come like the one yesterday did and we don’t know if it’s just by chance. Thank you that we won’t miss it. It won’t be murky; we’ll know exactly what to do.”

The next day, the same agent came back and inquired if I’d spoken to my husband. Did we want to sell our house? I told him that we hadn’t decided but even if we did, we already had an agent in mind. When Eng came home that day, I wasted no time in telling him what happened. “What a coincidence!” was all he said. Neither of us was convinced to sell our house based on what happened so we didn’t act on it.

Weeks later while I visited friends in Bedford, Pennsylvania with our 3 sons, I told the story above. Our pastor friend said, “You’ve been praying to God to know what to do about your home and from nowhere, a Real Estate agent came two days in a row and you don’t know what to do? Maybe you’re looking too hard.” I could feel a bit of conviction in my heart but in my mind, I silently answered him with, “Easy for you to say, it’s not your house.”

The next day, while at their weekly prayer meeting, a friend we hadn’t seen in a long time, walked in. Since our prayers had started, she quietly joined our group. Shortly after, she laid a hand on me and prayed, “I thank you, Lord that their house will sell. I thank you that I see papers being signed. I thank you that it’ll sell for a good price.” I didn’t know how she knew we were praying! When I asked her why she prayed what she did, she said she couldn’t stop the words from coming out of her mouth. She said she felt uncomfortable in saying them because she didn’t even know if we were selling our house but she couldn’t help herself!

Eng wasn’t there so when we talked I told him that I knew what we were doing about our house. He said, “I already know what you’re going to tell me. You’re going to say God wants us to sell our home.” We sold our house months later. It sold for a good price. We moved to the Philippines and lived there for 4-1/2 years.

I know that because both Eng and I wanted to rent our house, it was hard for us to see how God answered us. Thankfully, He didn’t get upset and stop talking to us. He kept answering until we finally got it. If you're trying to hear from Him, I guarantee you, you'll get it, too. He is answering. You too will hear Him.

Being Used

Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.
Words on a sugar packet served at Lanna Resort in Chiang Mai. =)

I often look for how the Lord speaks to me and how He uses me. Today, I saw a co-worker and when I delivered what I felt the Lord was saying about her, that she was like a “breathe of fresh air” each time I see her, the smile and the pleasure on her face said it all. I knew she was encouraged and affirmed. It felt just like what Papa God would do. He blesses and ministers to our hearts just because of His delight and love for us. He warms our hearts. =)

A few weeks ago, I was at Lanna Resort for my usual quiet time and saw the two sugar packets that came with my tea order. The first packet had “All things are easy” on the first line and the other one had the line above. Before I go on, I should just point out first that it isn’t common in Thailand to see God’s name on just about anything, anywhere, except at Christian churches or Christian schools. Since it is a highly practicing Buddhist country with less than 1% Christians, very few references to God can be found anywhere. So, seeing God’s name on the packet is the first thing that drew my attention to it. Why, in Thailand, would a packet of sugar have what it did? Secondly, when I read extremity, the first definition that came to mind was the one below:

1. hand or foot - a limb of a person or animal, or the part of a limb that is farthest from the body, especially somebody's hand or foot.
- from the Encarta Dictionary

Amused, I then saw the other packet beside it and how because they were side by side, it looked very much like the statements were meant to be read together, just like on the picture. =) Was my Papa God (the God of the heavens and everything on earth) seriously using sugar packets to say something to me? Sweet! =) (I couldn’t resist writing that! =D) Yes, of course He was! Why on earth not? =D He can use anything!

You may disagree and think my imagination is overly active but it actually made sense to me. For God, all things are easy! He uses our extremities to take us places and literally touch people, do, accomplish, etc., with them. Not just our arms and legs, He uses our mouths just like in my story above. We are the sources of encouragement and hope and it’s actually been my daily prayer! Why should I be surprised if I sensed that I should say something to someone and then it brought on a smile, or even tears? Shouldn’t that be the appropriate response if we were touched or ministered to by God through words (albeit through another person)?

Not just our extremities, everything about us, even our very scents; we are God’s opportunity. We represent Him, should reflect Him, exude Him, and be like Him. So the other night, I helped a community prayer gathering by leading the portion when different nations were prayed for. There was a chunk of work that needed to be done in preparation for it. God provided a volunteer to research some of the prayer requests and to put them in cards so we could hand them out. Without the extra pairs of eyes, hands, and legs, I seriously wouldn’t have been able to do what got done. Yes, men’s (and women’s!) extremities are God’s opportunities. =) In His grace, He uses us to be a part of His work. What a privilege we have! Yes, this week, I got busier than usual but it was FUN to be used. Thank you, Papa God! =D

Blessings

Today, a new friend thanked me for blessing her with compassion. =) I don’t think anyone’s ever done that to me before. It's not that I’d all of a sudden become compassionate. Neither was it my first act of compassion. I think that it’s just because she had the eyes to see the motive behind what I did for her. After all, who thanks for compassion? I'm glad she expressed her gratitude because now, I'd be more aware of it, too. Truly, if we’re on the lookout, we can see new and typical blessings upon blessings that Papa God gives us. Sometimes the blessings are plainly obvious: they are (not in order of importance) money, material things, rest, sleep, time, good health, beauty, joy, love, kindness, goodness, patience, peace due to the absence of fear, etc.. Other times, we get blessed with a peace that we can’t even explain. Nothing different has happened, we’re still in the same difficult situation that we’re in before the peace was given. And yet, the peace is evident. It’s there. We stopped fussing about our situation. We’re no longer weighed down by our concerns. We still don’t have answers but we know it will work out. We know we’ll make it.

Last week, we were especially blessed with Eli turning 17 and Eng turning 53. We celebrated with the usual eating out but it was made even more special because my 91-year old father and brother came for a visit. He normally lives in Toronto but he and my sister went to the Philippines to sort out some papers regarding my mother’s death. Since he was in Asia, I invited him to come here. He didn't really want to come because of the flying involved. I also realized that travelling was costly and at his age, difficult. I actually gave up on him coming but I found out he wanted to come. =) He apparently wanted to ride an elephant. I'm sure he wanted to see us, as well. =) He and my brother stayed six days. We had Thai massages, looked at animals, spent time talking, and eventually, they rode an elephant. What a blessing to have them here! =)

The sweetest moment for me was when I touched my father’s left cheek with my left palm. As I held him, his right hand immediately went up and held my wrist, keeping my hand there. His response surprised me because he wasn't usually affectionate. A bit later, I realized that he was missing my mother’s touch. We held one another a little while longer, thankful for the blessing of expressing love through touch, before letting go.

Thank you, Papa God, our giver of blessings. You know exactly what to do to touch our hearts. We praise you for loving us and for being such a blessing!

Falling Leaves

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15

Our oldest son’s friend’s mother died of cancer last Monday. She was just in her mid-50s. When we saw her at our sons’ graduation just last May, she was radiant and full of hope. I remember when I briefly Skype chatted with her earlier last year when her son visited us in Canada. She said she wanted to continue the work the Lord had called them to do in Brazil. During the graduation’s reception, we had the chance to visit some more and I prayed with her for her healing. She lived an extra eight months after that time before going to the one she loved and served.

Today, I just found out that one of our close friends, a “barkada” (a Filipino term for a member of a tightly knit group) in high school passed away due to illness. Although I haven’t seen her in years, I feel the loss. I cannot believe that a friend I’ve grown up with, gone to school with, and hung out with, could already be dead. How is it possible when we’re barely over 50? I will miss her and her friendship. I’ll also miss her cheery and sweet disposition. I’m only consoled by the fact that she believed in Jesus and He was her saviour. In one of our rare phone conversations, she acknowledged her belief in Him. She also indicated that she was ready to go if the time came to do so. We prayed for her healing then and that was around two years ago.

I know I believed both times when we prayed that they be healed. I respect the Lord's wisdom in not answering with a longer time than what they were given. Also, neither were just completely physically healed. Instead, they were spiritually completely healed as they now dwell with the Lord. I don't have the answers, BUT, I am sure that both are much happier where they are now. They’re free from their physical and excruciating pain. They’re also in a place where there are no tears. What could be better? Most of all, they’re with Papa God =) so I don’t think they’ll ever have any problems nor need anything ever again. Perfect bliss. =D

Their untimely departure made me think of my own death and my going to heaven. I don’t know when I’ll be called home but I am ready. I’m very grateful for my life now but I am so looking forward to going home to my final destination (no more moving!).

Last week, I actually took a long climb to the top of a mountain. A monk I spoke to before my ascent told me that there were 990 steps leading to a still unfinished chedi (a mound like structure containing Buddhist relics) which was on the mountain top. I went there to enjoy the panoramic view but I couldn't help but enjoy watching the falling leaves, too. Some leaves danced this way and that before landing gently down. Others dropped unceremoniously down with just a final thud. My favourite are the ones that seem to take the scenic route on their way down. After they twirl, fly, meander, and hang in mid-air; they find their spots and occupy them. Watching leaves fall is such a fascination to me! It’s like Papa God. As indicated by the verse above, our deaths are precious to Him. I know it’s not because He’s a sadist. I do wonder if it’s because He excitedly awaits our spirits to leave our bodies so we could join Him. What a joyous thought! =) I’m looking forward to falling, too, Papa God. One day, I’ll get to see you and join you forever, too. =) YES!

Unfailing Love

And it’s constant in the trial and the change
This one thing remains, this one thing remains
Cause Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me
From the song, “One Thing Remains” by Kristian Stanfill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_o6s5X5LSw

Just today, I was relating the story of how our oldest son’s first year of studying at Houghton College was provided for. My colleague and I had been talking about some concerns of late in our family regarding our second son’s continuing on in college. Eric was considering going to a college that cost $30,000 US per year. How on earth were we able to pay for that? Except, this was a question already asked of us over four years ago. Evan actually wrote about it in this blog. The post was called “Provision in Answer to Prayer” (February 6, 2008).

His college then, wanted us to list our assets and give them a copy of our bank account(s) to prove that we could support his education (totalling $120,000 by the time he finished his 4-year degree). At the time, we had about $400 saved up in our bank so we were in a serious quandary. Our money was just a little over one percent of what was needed. =D What could we do? How would we provide for him? A little later, I suggested that we write, “The Lord God Almighty will provide” in our application form. Eng thought I was crazy but he relented, got the paper notarized at the US Consulate, and sent it off. =)

Because nothing is impossible with God, Evan was accepted at Houghton College in spite how we responded to their forms. For those who regularly read this blog, you already know he graduated last May 2012. Currently, he pays $80 a month to pay for his school loan totalling (drumroll, please) just a little over $5,000. It is mind boggling that the difference of $115,000 was provided for from the total but that is exactly what God did. Evan received scholarships every year, had part-time jobs throughout the school year, two summer jobs, and financial gifts. The biggest gift was for $10,000 US and the smallest was $5,000. They were given by people we hardly knew. I’d known the lady who gave us the $10,000 for barely 3 days. We just met at a week-long silent retreat so we couldn’t even talk a whole lot. =) She was convicted by God, pointing out to me different sections in our collective prayer one morning. It was almost as if she was convincing me why she was giving Evan the money! I was just flabbergasted; I didn’t even know what to say! When I found my tongue, I explained that Evan hadn’t even been accepted by his college yet. Once he was, I told her I'd write her. True to her word, once she heard from me, she immediately transferred the funds to Houghton.

God’s love will do what I just narrated. His ways doesn’t make sense but He is able to work it out. From nowhere, stuff just happens and we just find ourselves with our needs accounted for. I’d learned not to figure it out because it’s inexplicable. Truly, God’s ways are higher than ours. We can allow ourselves to be stressed with our situations, or we can choose to be in complete peace as we wait on Him to provide. Either way, He will come through for all of us. His love never fails, it never gives up, and it never runs out. Really! Ask Him to prove it to you because I know He will. We currently don't know how Eric's schooling will be provided for but we know our Papa God who doesn't change, WILL do so! =) Thank you in advance, Papa God!

Thanks 2012!

For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth
Thou art exalted far above all gods
I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord.
From the song “I Exalt Thee”

Hours after ringing in the New Year, we gathered as a family to pray and thank the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness to us in 2012. We had so much to be thankful for! He is so good and blessed us abundantly. It would make a terribly long post to list them all so I thought to summarize some major points of our year in addition to our highlights and prayers which follow below:
• Gratefulness for the house we lived in in Canada.
• Our move back to Chiang Mai, Thailand (from Toronto).
• Evan and Eric at Camp of the Woods for the summer.
• My mother (and Chris Tom) had gone to be with the Lord. I made it back to Toronto for three weeks to be with family and to attend my mother’s funeral.
• Eng and I traveled to Malaysia to visit family and to celebrate Eng’s Mom’s birthday.
• Fun with friends and family while camping at Doi Inthanon.

We were all grateful that Evan and Eric could be here and celebrated Christmas and the New Year with us but Eng first mentioned it. He would like prayers to know what he should do this year as he senses the desire to do something different.

Evan’s highlight of the year was his graduation (with an English and a Writing major) from Houghton College. He’s also grateful that he was able to take care of his grandfather from August until he came here. He would like prayers to find a full-time job in Toronto but he is also willing to move to the US, if necessary. Also, he would like to meet someone special in his life.

Eric was grateful for finishing a term in his college. His continued prayer is to do well next term and to know what he’ll study next, and where. His one year Liberal Arts program will finish at the end of April. Please pray that Evan can be there for his graduation because neither Eng nor I can be. His current choices for next school year are: Houghton College, McGill University, and Redeemer University College.

Eli would like prayers to continue to do academically well in 2013 as he did in the last semester. He would also like prayers to know what he should do in the future (where to study and what to study) after he graduates from high school. Finishing in June 2014, he hopes that his brothers can attend his graduation.

Ethan’s thankful that we were able to return to Thailand. Because Evan and Eric will leave us shortly to return to Canada, his prayer is that we’ll be able to be together as a family again. =)

Still amazed, I’m so glad my friend from the Philippines came to celebrate my birthday with me when none of my family could be here in August. My prayer is to love well in 2013 in spite relational challenges. I also want prayers for help with my online Counseling courses and the provision of finances for those courses.

The Lord has been so faithful and good. We do exalt Him, thank Him, and praise Him. We are sad to have to be separated again soon (not knowing when we'll all be together again) and we still have unanswered financial needs, a job for Evan, direction guidance, etc., but we can surely trust that the Lord will be just as faithful and good to us in 2013 as he was in 2012. Amen! Thank you, Papa God! We are looking forward to what you have in store for us in this new year.

Happy New Year! =) With love and blessings from us,
Eric, Eli, Evan, Ethan, Eng, and Linda