I came across her blog and got to know that she is going through a process of healing - for breaking up with her bf almost 10 months ago. 10 months, yet it still hurts for her. B must have been a great man for her. It hurts to know that she is hurt.

Reading her posts soon made me realise that it's toxic to my soul. Resurrecting those past hurts does no justice to God's healing for the past 3 years. Foolish, I was.

Honestly, there was a mixture of jealousy, hurt and yet thanksgiving. Thankful, knowing that indeed God has a perfect plan for us all - to prosper us and not to harm us; give us hope and a future. Reading her blog revealed so much that we are worlds apart. Certainly, if we had continued with the r/s back then, it would be stiffling for our spiritual growth and other endeavours.

But thank God for His grace tonight. My prayer for her is to continue to be strong in the Lord; experiencing the fullness of joy and peace in her endeavours. "I pray God's healing into your life LK, for full restoration of your soul that you can once again serve Him effectively. Take heart!"

I believe the Lord will bring to her life - someone who truly loves her the way she is and prepare her well. If it is God's will, B will return to her.

Above all, we look up to a merciful and loving God who provides and heals. Always, always, always put God first - Love God more than your wife/husband, bf/gf. Be deep-rooted in God. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

"It" will be a great testimony. (: Remember: It's ALWAYS for your good!

Over-speaking

I have never spoken as much in Lifegroup, as in the past week. On reflection, they were sometimes plain unwholesome and even gossip-ing.

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ecclesiastes 10:12 
Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

33J BB Boys and 3rd coy Girls are in Siem Reap right now for their Service Learning trip.

Embark on this wonderful journey with them by visiting this blog: https://sites.google.com/site/fmspug/

and praying for them! (:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

When God speaks, through His Word or in our inner man, we are not to reason, debate, or ask ourselves if what He has said is logical.

When God speaks, we are to mobilize - not rationalise.

In other words, do not rely on reasoning. Reasoning opens the door for deception and brings much confusion.

God gives us understanding on many issues, but we do not have to understand everything to walk with the Lord and in obedience to His will. There are times when God leaves huge question marks as tools in our lives to stretch our faith. Unanswered questions crucify the flesh life.It is difficult for human beings to give up reasoning and simply trust God, but once the process is accomplished, the mind enters into a place of rest.

#Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer#

Notice that in Mark 11:23-24 Jesus did not say," Whatever you ask in prayer, wonder if you will get it." Instead, He said, "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it - and you will!"

As Christians, as believers, we are to believe - not doubt!

- from Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer

Romans 4: 18-20 - Faith

 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,

Encouragement - till the very end

*Ni: The love and joy of the Lord will be your strength

*Yu: Live by faith, not by sight.

*Ye: Lamentations 3:1-33

If God is for you, who shall be against you?

The Lord is faithful, He will see you through till the very end.

Have faith! Faith looks up!! (:

It has been a 4-year journey of trusting God through my Medical studies, and prolly I'd have to wait a little longer.

Yesterday at 4pm, I received the news on Blackboard that I've failed my Final OSCE exam. It came as a shock as I was preparing for graduation already. Questions on where and how I've gone wrong in the exam, to this extent.

But I was reminded to give thanks, under any circumstance. It was tough, but I had to.

Bro YL said, "To live by faith, and not by sight." Indeed, as with many other students, God has been teaching me to have faith in Him and to trust Him. This is the final ultimate test of faith and like sis YM said, "I'm gonna pass it." Beyond the medical degree and the results, the test of faith much more crucial.

Thank God for His peace, when I received the "news". The stillness and the calmness in this "storm" left me dumbfounded. I even asked bro B if he knew what was on my mind, cos I was not as upset or depressed as  I thought I'd have been. This must be from God.

Thank God even for the PnW practice session at 5pm yesterday. (Yes, it was one hour post-results release).  It was not easy leading and singing the songs, "Happy Day", and "Blessed be Your name". But it was easier, singing then, than before. In fact, having to praise and worship God for who He is, despite one of the most difficult time in my life, is a great experience. I would not trade this for anything else :)

God is just too awesome. hehe. I thought he must have been playing a "joke" on me, having to PnW Him just  imm after this ordeal. But it was a great opportunity to surrender to God and just believe in Him. The music that was played, the prayers said, the company and presence of unity before Him and the lyrics that we sang, were so comforting and reassuring of His goodness. That everything will be alright.

Much has been said and God has brought me thus far. I believe He will continue to see me thru till the very end.

God is good and I'm gonna put my faith in Him.

Pray for me as you read this, that I can be offered a supplementary paper between 12 and 14 Dec. That I can graduate despite not attending the graduation ceremony.

Pray for my parents that they would have received this news better than I. That their salvation in Christ will come through this ordeal.

Many good things will come out of this.

Walk by faith, not by human sight (:

Amen. Thank you Lord.

"For I know that plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."

God is in control. I shall not be shaken.

Thank you God. (:

This arvo was the final OSCE which Year 4 Med students have to take before their grad.

And I am proud to say I've given my best.

Results regardless, I am pleased (:

ANNDDD.. I've learnt one crucial investigation not called for during the exam. BSL for any patient who's unconscious! (: Every exam's a learning point!

"Jesus, help me to see this world the way you see it."

The exam, relationships, friendships, family, hospital settings, workplace, missions, quiet time.

Special Sunday (:

When tears flowed during worship in church this morning, I knew victory has arrived. Victory in Christ cos the tears were tears of joy, tears of thanksgiving, tears of triumph over negative thoughts, tears which reminded me of God's goodness - His grace and love - in the past 3 years of Brisbane life.

It felt different. So so different! :) In the past, the tears were one that focus on the 'problems'. But this morning, they were beaming of God's goodness. Thank you Lord. There is breakthrough. There is the element of "overcoming" and God just reminded me of that. So surreal. But God is real. His intangible love. His everlasting love. 

I remember the prophesy that encouraged me last April - "All these that has happened... for His glory!... Trust Him." 

And I see that happening this morning, as I shared a simple yet personal testimony in Church. I believe many have been touched by God today. A few ppl came up to me to share their "similar" story. And I feel so encouraged that they are encouraged by the testimony. Wow!

Thank God for the boldness and courage to share. Thank God for making me, like every other, a living testimony to testify of His love and grace.

All glory and honour to God, for without Him, this story would not have been possible.

For His glory, Amen (:

Every min that passes by is a tic closer to the day I'll officially be a Doctor.

How time flies, really.

Beyond the practicality of making ends meet, I'd pray for a heart that says "Dear God, break my heart for what breaks yours."

Dear Doctor Loh, look beyond the demands and expectations this profession entails. Beyond which is love.

Love your patient, as Jesus would.

I pray.. I pray that I will never lose the compassion for my patients.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umLkfADe17s
(Dr Richard Teo)

http://www.joniandfriends.org/television/when-disability-hits-home/#.UIP9UJokJpQ.facebook

"There is no qualification to the biblical language that says healthy children are a blessing. It says Children are a blessing."

Dropping by to say HEY! I'm still alive heheh :)

Paeds rotation is in its 4th week out of 8. Started pretty slow but enjoyed this week thoroughly. This week's with the Respiratory team and we got to see a few kids with Cystic Fibrosis, a kid with Gower's sign, and even witnessing a bronchoscopy done on a boy, and incidentally finding a ? "foreign body" located in one of the bronchioles of the lung. Very interesting week it has been!

3 weeks to Paeds exam and another 2 to the big Finals! Preparing preparing and the studying with Dom and Ian has been quite enjoyable!

In CF clinic, we saw a single Caucasian mother of 3 austistic kids, helping to take care of a kid with multiple problems including Bronchiectasis, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (neonatal period) and Autism. Different skin colour (She's caucasian and he's aboriginal). Having had 3 autistic kids at home, however "well-behaved" as they were, this mother has surely displayed pure altruism by taking care of yet another autistic kid. We call this kid a "nice rascal".

Thank God for His grace upon these many children. Right place at the right time to receive the right treatment. Jesus loves these little children.

A brother just shared this inspiring story via fb msg and it kinda reminded me of how we should look beyond the "handicaps" of the little children in RCH. With God and the right determination, nothing can stop them in pursuing their "little" dreams. Dream big, "little" ones :)

THE WILMA RUDOLPH STORYWilma Rudolph was born into a poor home in Tennessee. At age four, she had double pneumonia with scarlet fever, a deadly combination which left her paralyzed with polio. She had to wear a brace and the doctor said she would never put her foot on the earth. But her mother encouraged her; she told Wilma that with God-given ability, persistence and faith she could do anything she wanted. Wilma said, "I want to be the fastest woman on the track on this earth." At the age of nine, against the advice of the doctors, she removed the brace and took the first step the doctors had said she never would. At the age of 13, she entered her first race and came way, way last. And then she entered her second, and third and fourth and came way, way last until a day came when she came in first. At the age of 15 she went to Tennessee State University where she met a coach by the name of Ed Temple. She told him, "I want to be the fastest woman on the track on this earth." Temple said, "With your spirit nobody can stop you and besides, I will help you."

The day came when she was at the Olympics and at the Olympics you are matched with the best of the best. Wilma was matched against a woman named Jutta Heine who had never been beaten. The first event was the 100-meter race. Wilma beat Jutta Heine and won her first gold medal. The second event was the 200-meter race and Wilma beat Jutta a second time and won her second gold medal. The third event was the 400-meter relay and she was racing against Jutta one more time. In the relay, the fastest person always runs the last lap and they both anchored their teams. The first three people ran and changed the baton easily. When it came to Wilma's turn, she dropped the baton. But Wilma saw Jutta shoot up at the other end; she picked the baton, ran like a machine, beat Jutta a third time and won her third gold medal. It became history: That a paralytic woman became the fastest woman on this earth at the 1960 Olympics.*Adapted from Star Ledger, November 13, 1994.

13 things - All for one purpose

Watch and listen to the testimony of Jeremy Lin, the basketballer who made the whole world go crazy with "Lin-sanity". (See how 13 things happened that changed His life; how God made these possible for one purpose.)

Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.

If we learn to take note of and thank God for the little or big things in life, good and bad, we will be able to witness how God indeed has made all things good for us. Look beyond the present and trust Him.

Keep a journal, that you can see how God has been faithful in His promises; how much He loves you. How God has walked beside you all this while, even when you doubted Him, denied Him and sinned against Him. God's love is unconditional and sacrificial. He will never leave you nor give up on you. Our Abba Father.

Matthew 16:26 - What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? 

Only God can fill the emptiness in our hearts. No matter how much we have gained on this Earth, from the best grades to the best things attainable from money earned such as a huge beautiful house overlooking the sea, etc, there will still be emptiness in our hearts. Only God can give the everlasting peace and joy to fill our soul.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. - Matthew 6:19-21 Which is temporal and which is eternal?

Lin reminds us this,"To honestly evaluate what you live for every day. What you spend your time on? What do you think about all the time? Do you truely live for God everyday, or can you prioritise the things in your life to make God Number one? I'd like to encourage you guys to diligently spend time with God. Treat others better than you treat yourself. Find joy and peace even in the tough circumstances that life may bring you. Serve your church but also serve the poor. Serve the under-privileged. Serve the outcast in society. Because they need God's love just as much as we do."

Retrospect

Was reminiscing on the Perth Mission Trip we had last summer. Those children are so blessed. Their childhood seemed so carefree and filled with joy. Indeed, Jesus loves His children such as these.

I call  this place the "Little Kunming" town. Back to Kunming or Katanning one day? (:

3-time Father

This day marks the final day of delivering babies for my Obstetrics and Gynaecology rotation.

If there's anything to take away from this rotation, it's probably the experience of "catching" babies that makes it so unique.

For the first 2 "catches", they reminded me of Genesis 3:16 where God declared that henceforth, mothers-to-be had to bear with the manifold-increased labour pain. Every scream of pain with each contraction, every tear shed, and the sweat drops on their forehead is testament to that. They have to pull through with the hours of pain which often times leave them v exhausted. Yet, they still continued "pushing", hoping that the next would be the last. How great a mother's love for thee. Now, I understand better how much my mother loves me so!

The final catch today was something worth mention. This mummy had an Antepartum (third trimester) bleed last night at 2am and was admitted to the Obstetrics Review Centre cos a bleed is usually abnormal, though at this late stage of pregnancy. At 11am, her "waters" broke. Yay! got baby to catch... And she was sent to the Birth suite, ready for delivery...

Well, not quite.

I arrived at 10am from tute, and stayed with mummy for a good 11 hours before little "Junhao" was born. In the 11 hours, we had to monitor the fetal heart rate and contractions, for any abnormality. Poor baby had quite a few late decelerations which require further investigations such as fetal scalp lactate and continual change in mummy's lying position to make the baby "heart-beat" happily.

Intially, mummy was very very brave, declining epidurals or morphine to relieve the pain. But soon enough, the pain became unbearable and an epidural anaesthetic had to be given. And that did WONDERS for her. She managed to take naps. :)

Long-story-short, mummy's contractions at the 10th hour were not good enough for the baby's head to be delivered. She must have been exhausted much. 'Cause further delays in delivering the baby could pose a risk to the baby, a plan for vacuum suction delivery was made. Thankful there weren't much complications and baby J soon arrived.

The greatest gift for any new and first-time mothers was to hear their babies' first cries.

Happy Mother's Day, Mummy C!      

And I'm a proud 3-Time Daddy!! =D

"Does the Bible instruct us to forgive and forget?"

The phrase "forgive and forget" is not found in the Bible. However, there are numerous scriptures commanding us to “forgive one another” (Matthew 6:14; Ephesians 4:32). A Christian who does not forgive can reap bitterness and the loss of eternal rewards (Hebrews 12:14-15; 2 John 1:8). Forgiveness is a decision of the will. Since God commands us to forgive, we must make a conscious choice to forgive. This frees the forgiving one from the past. The offender may not desire forgiveness and may not change (Matthew 5:44). Ideally, the offender will seek reconciliation, but if not, the one wronged should still make known his decision to forgive.

In one sense, it is impossible to truly forget sins that have been committed against us. We cannot selectively "delete" events from our memory. The Bible states that God does not "remember" our wickedness (Hebrews 8:12). God is all-knowing. God knows that we have “sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, having forgiven us, He treats us as if the sin had not occurred. If we belong to Him through faith in Christ, God does not hold our sins against us(Romans 8:1). In that sense we must "forgive and forget." If we forgive someone, we must act as if that sin had never occurred. We remember the sin, but we live as if we did not remember it. Ephesians 4:32 tells us, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

From The Gift of Forgiveness by Charles Stanley.

P.S. Let's practise discernment as we read passages on human interpretations of the bible. Nonetheless, this is a gd read and a point of reflection.