Have a Not-to-do list

'...My purpose is to give them a rich...satisfying life.' (John 10:10)

Jesus wants you to enjoy a '...rich..satisfying life' (John 10:10), without getting bogged down by things that don't add value or meaning.

Life coach Robyn Coffman says, 'Clutter isn't only what you can see, it's what you can't see. It perpetuates your overloaded schedule, endless commitments and overwhelming fears. A cluttered mind means over-thinking, over-reacting, over-analysing, over-worrying and over-committing.'

So, Run on sentence here de-clutter your mind by giving yourself permission to have a not-to-do list:

Not to feel guilty for saying no to something that may be good, but not right for you.

Not to worry about how well-adjusted your kids will be as adults.

Not to hang something new in your wardrobe without giving something away.

Not to feel over-responsible for everybody else's well being.

Not to answer the phone after a certain time each night.

Not to say yes just because you've been invited.

Not to schedule busy activities on Sundays and family days.

Not to buy somethng just because it's on sale.

Not to think you have to make a meal requiring more than three ingredients, do laundry, clean the house, and spend quality time with you family all on the same day.

Not to ruminate over your own, or other people's mistakes.

Not to compare yourself.

The more you give yourself permision not to do, the more you free yourself to live a centred, abundant life. And God will help you to live this way.

Listen: 'He gives power to the weak...those who trust in the Lord will find new strength...' (Isaiah 40: 29-31). Make spending time with God each day a priority, and everything else will fall into place.

Reflection:

This passage is quite relevant to me at this point where I have a 'cluttered' mind. Don't get bogged down on things that don't add value or meaning in life, eg. outcome of finals etc...By thinking about irrelevant things in life, I not only am not able to concentrate on work, it makes me fear...

I need a not-to-do list...and at this point it is...

Not to go online till after midnight so that I can concentrate on work.

Not to think of what will happen to me at the end of this 26 days but focus on what I can do now.

Not to ruminate over what I could have done today.

Not to compare myself with my coursemates who are so much smarter than me, hence making me lose my confidence.

Not to feel that I have to go to tong palace every friday just because it is a habit but put priorities first.

Other times, I should....

Not buy things just cuz it is on sales..that's why I end up with a room full of things but I hardly use them.

Not to feel oblige having to make nice meals with more than 3 ingredients. Eat simple!

MOST IMPORTANTLY, not to feel guilty for saying no to something that may be good, but not right for me.

This is cuz I have been feeling really guilty for not going into placement. But I think I will probably learn more if I study rather than turning up for placements at this point cuz what I am lacking right now is knowledge. I know it may be good. Turning up for clinics, if I am lucky, I see things and signs on patients...but it may mean only learning half an A4 of things only. If I spend the time studying at home, I probably can do much more than that in 2 hours.

So I shouldn't be feeling guilty but rather spend the time wisely catching up on things that I am left behind in..

The last placement I had, my doctor last comment was...'...you really need to read...'

So I really need to study...I study but I dun retain..so annoying...how many times I have read...but everything does not really connect at this point which really frustrates me.

I need to pass my exams........I really need to.............I got no choice.......I REALLY WANT TO GRADUATE!!!!!!!!!

Trust in the Lord and in Him, we find new strength.

'He gives power to the weak...those who trust in the Lord will find new strength...' (Isaiah 40: 29-31)

I want to live a centred, abundant life! De-clutter my brain!!!

A test of faith

'..you...tested us...refined us like silver...brought us to a place of abundance.' (Psalm 66:10-12)

When Jesus explained the cost of following Him, some of His disciples walked away. Yet the impact of those who didn't is still felt in the world today. By the time they wrote their epistles. His apostles had learned to see every test in life as a chance to strengthen their faith and multiply their effectiveness. Tests of faith are opportunities to surrender something of value to God, even when we have the right not to. In a test of faith, you'll feel assaulted and stretched by circumstances, yet not distant from God; tried by them, but not judged or guilty.

The Psalmist writes, 'For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver...you brought us to a place of abundance.' (Psalm 66:10-12). A test of faith doesn't really test anything unless it pushes you beyond your last test - past what you've already proven! If you try to run or pull back each time you reach what seems like your limit, you'll never know how much you can trust God - or how much He can trust you.

The fire that refines us like silver can come as a job lost, a relationship lost, good health lost, or a reputation lost. But with God, the end result is never in doubt.

If you're wondering today, 'How much more can I take?' listen to the words of Bishop JC Ryle: 'This only we may be assured of, that if tomorrow brings a cross, He who sends it can and will send the grace to bear it.'

In God's kingdom it works like this:

'Faith tested, character refined, abundance given.'

Reflection:

How much do I trust God in times like this?

When I think I have reached my limit and wanting to pull back/give up, I will never be able to know how much I can trust Him and surrender everything to Him.

I always think medicine is part of God's plan for me in my life. But many times especially towards the end of fifth year, when it is nearly the end point (as a student), I wonder if this is what I am really meant to do. I wish I never took up medicine and live a simple life as a teacher or something. I wish I did pharmacy. I wish this...I wish that...but it is all too late. I have spent all my parent's money because I chose to study medicine. I am not rich like other people who can choose to study something else and abandon medicine halfway through. So I have to finish the race (for the time being) which is to complete medical school. Medicine takes such a long time.....If only I wasn't blinded by the reality of being a doctor when I was in A-levels, I probably wouldn't have chosen to study medicine...

Haha...my rantings as finals is approaching...

Today had been a very tiring day. Did nothing much and wasted most of my time doing irrelevant stuff. Doing examinations on Lynda isn't the easiest thing because I had to carry the 'hips' and 'knees' repeatedly somehow just worn me out totally after 2 days of practising. I wonder many times where has the motivation and especially the strength that I had for my resit gone to? Somehow I had the strength to carry on non-stop throughout the 4 weeks. But right now, I have been skipping placement since NEEC trying to catch up on work (the doctor said we could miss our placement if we have work to catch up on) but somehow I don't have the energy to do the work that needs to be done!! Going for placement, even if only for half a day, can really worn me out so much that I cannot study anymore for the rest of the day. I did not go for placement yet I still don't have the energy.....

27 more days left to go....

The biggest test of faith....

How much can I trust God to pull me through to the end?

I NEED strength from Him at least to last me till the end of 27 days....

ps: Sorry am really so tired (though I really didn't do anything much today..literally nothing) that I cannot even construct my sentences properly...grammar etc all wrong...so hopefully what I have written is still understandable..

Turn your eyes upon Jesus - Hillsong

Ever since I heard this song in NEEC, fallen in love with it instantly. Although it is quite a short song, but it has such beautiful melody and meaningful lyrics that caught my attention instantly. Hope everyone love it as much as I do. Bless the songwriter and the one who wrote the lyrics. Amen.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the eyes of His glory and grace

April 13, 2010: He Never Sleeps

Please read Psalm 121: A song of ascents

¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

² My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

"Describing God’s continual concern for us, the psalmist declares, “He who keeps you will not slumber” (Ps. 121:3). In the context of this psalm, the writer makes it clear that God’s sleepless vigilance is for our good. Verse 5 says, “The Lord is your keeper.” God keeps us, protects us, and cares for us—with no need for refreshing. Our Protector is constantly seeking our good. As one song puts it: “He never sleeps, He never slumbers. He watches me both night and day.”

"Are you facing difficulties? Turn to the One who never sleeps. Each second of each day, let Him “preserve your going out and your coming in” (v.8)."

The Rock of Ages stands secure,
He always will be there;
He watches over all His own
To calm their anxious care

Thoughts: Very often we forget that God will always be with us no matter where we are, what we do, and what time it is! The Lord watches every single thing we do. Our God is a faithful God, so we have to run to Him to seek comfort, advice, direction, guidance, or more. Without Him, we are nothing. He will always be there, so we have to learn to seek Him and listen to Him.

Heavenly Father I just want to thank you for watching over all of us, all the time, please continue to take care of us, our needs, and may Your will be done. Thank you for what you had done for us so far. I pray that you will calm down the hearts of those who are anxious, let them know that You are always there for them, no matter what. Thank you for listening to our prayer.

As the bible written: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. (Ps 19.14)"

The One who upholds the universe will never let you down.

*Encouragement*

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Words to Live By in Troubled Times (1)

Another passage from "The Word for Today" by UCB.

'...THE WORD OF OUR GOD STANDS FOREVER.' [Isaiah 40:8 NKJV]

For the next few days it would be renewing our minds with some of the wonderful promises God has given to us through His Word. Let's not just read them casually, but process them slowly, deeply, prayerfully and repeatedly, letting the truth of them change our thinking and strengthen our faith.

1) 'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord...' [Isaiah 54:17 NKJV]

2) 'The Lord...is with you; never again will you fear any harm...he is mighty to save. He will...deal with all who oppressed you...' [Zephaniah 3:15-19 NIV]

3) 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king...With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us...fight our battles...' [2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV]

4) 'My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my...fortress, I will never be shaken' [Psalm 62:1-2 NIV]

5) 'Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand...' [Philippians 4:6-7 TLB]

6) 'For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord' [Romans 8:38-39 NKJV]


The reason I highlighted (4) and (5) because it just sums out everything.

I shall end this post with these verses:

Matthew 11:28-30 | Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.'

Making Important Decisions

While I was at NEEC, I walked around and saw lots of those brochures and leaflets near the reception desk where one of them caught my eyes (apart from food stuff) - "The Word For Today". It's the Spring 2010 edition covering March to April, printed (I think) by the UCB (United Christian Broadcasters). Monday 1st February (which was long time ago): topic is on "Making Important Decisions". So I thought to share it here because at this time of year, many people, including myself, could be at the crossroads making decisions. Decisions that can be small, but could have significant impact on our future directions.

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly..." [Psalm 37:23 NLT]

There are three considerations to bear in mind when making important decisions.

1) Beware of 'people pressure'.

Facing 30 000 Philistine chariots, and Samuel the prophet not around to offer the required sacrifice to God ensuring their victory, King Saul decided to usurp the prophet's office and offer his own sacrifice instead. When Samuel showed up a week later and demanded an explanation, Saul said, 'The Philistines will now come down on me...I felt compelled...' [1 Samuel 13:12 NKJV]. He gave in to 'people pressure'. Samuel said to Saul, 'You have done foolishly...now your kingdom shall not continue...' [1 Samuel 13:13-14 NKJV].

God's will must be done God's way, so wait for His instructions and don't rush ahead of Him.

2) Make sure the timing is right.

God says, '...I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it...' [Revelation 3:8 NKJV].

When you open a door you have to work to keep it open, but when God opens it, 'no one can shut it'. You don't have to manipulate anybody or anything - you can just walk in.

3) Remember the 'restraint and release' principle.

Paul's missionary team tried to go to two different cities, '...but the Spirit did not permit them' [Acts 16:7 NKJV].

Have you ever tried to teach a teenager to drive? What's the first thing you teach them about - the accelerator or the brakes? The brakes! If they're not interested, take your car keys back; they're obviously not ready to drive.

As you get to know God better you'll discover that He guides by the 'restraint and release' principle: the brakes and the accelerator. That's how it works when your steps are directed by the Lord.

Reflection: Learn to seek the Lord for direction before making decisions. Trust in Him. "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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. [Jer 29:11-12]. (Thanks Vincent for this verse!)

'..It is God who makes us able to do all that we do.' 2 Cor 3:5

Another version says: '⁵Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.'

God's plan is to minimise you, and maximise 'Christ in you'! And He will do whatever it takes to make it happen. When you succeed through your own efforts, you take the credit. But when you have to depend on God, He gets the credit: '...It is God who makes us able to do all that we do' (2 Cor 3:5). That doesn't make you worth less, it just identifies the source of your worth.

Chuck Swindoll says, ' The very things we dread, brought contentment to Paul. He never said to the prison guard, "Next time you're near the emperor's assistant urge him to get me out. I shouldn't be here in the first place." Paul's attitude prevented him from keeping record of wrongs done to him. He was in prison by divine appointment...If you want to learn contentment, develop an attitude of unselfish humility.... Start with family and neighbours; model it before employees and clinets...You won't have to raise flags or pass out tracts...the results will amaze you.

"Do everything without complaining and arguing, so...no one can criticise you. Live...as children of God...in a world...of crooked and perverse people." (Philippians 2:14-15)...Joyful acceptance, free of petty disputes and bickering....Nothing's more contagious!' Paul continues, '...I am glad to boast about my weaknesses...that the power of Christ can work through me...I take pleasure in... insults, hardships, persecutions...troubles...For when I am weak, then I am strong.' (2 Cor 12:9-10).

If you haven't reached that point yet, remember this acronym based on the word SELF:

S-urrender to Christ daily;

E-mpty yourself of anything that hinders you from doing His will;

L-ift up your heart to Him;

F-eed on His word.

Reflection:

Reminds myself to depend on God and rely on my own strength. Whatever I have, all glory goes to Him and not to myself.

I am not on this journey by myself. God is with me. Everyone have weaknesses and so do I. For when I am weak, then God can do amazing things and let his power work through me, therefore, makes me stronger. I will rejoice in all hardships, troubles because it is only through these, I grow closer to God for I realise how much I really need Him in my life. I surrender all my worries to Him and let Him take control of whatever situations I am facing right now. Even though I find it difficult to see the direction I am heading to, I believe that God will show me the way and direct me along the way.

Right now, I need God to strengthen my memory to be what it was like a few years ago...I need Him to help me continue with whatever I have to overcome and not give up...I need Him to help me not think of the outcome but focus on what I need to do now with whatever time I have left....I need Him to bring me hope when everything seem hopeless and pointless...I need Him to stop me from falling sick....I need Him to clear my sinuses and stop it from being so blocked...I need Him to give me strength cuz I feel so tired easily....

I need to pass my exams.....even though I keep forgetting whatever I study....

Help me Lord...

My competence comes from You and all glory goes back to You.