I am with you always

Dear Friends,

Thank you very much for stopping by! Thanks for all your prayers and encouragements.

Just a short update on my current condition.

With bipolar disorder, whenever I am well, I am usually kind of hypomanic. Writing and reading is a breeze. My thoughts flow naturally and I can write a lot. I also tend to talk a lot. You can see from my past postings on this blog that I tend to post very long posts and almost every day.

But now I am rather slowed down. My thoughts are dis-jointed. My concentration level is low. Reading and writing takes much effort. Even talking is difficult. When I am a little better, I will tend to want to read, write and talk. But I will be terribly exhausted after that.

So I am coping by cutting down on activities that tire me out.

I learn to lower my expectations of self by not expecting myself to do too much during this period of time.

It is hard as I have perfectionism character trait and begin to feel a sense of uselessness.

But I try to remind myself that I am just taking a break. I can still be useful and contribute when I am better.

I try to exercise more regularly as my body has become so easily tired and lethargic.

I read the Bible and pray daily and am finding much comfort in God's Words.

I re-read this encouraging devotional from CH Spurgeon, that reminds me once again God is with me and will never leave me nor forsake me.

“I am with you alway.”
Matthew 28:20

It is well there is One who is ever the same, and who is ever with us.

It is well there is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life.

O my soul, set not thine affections upon rusting, moth-eaten, decaying treasures, but set thine heart upon him who abides for ever faithful to thee.

Build not thine house upon the moving quicksands of a deceitful world, but found thy hopes upon this rock, which, amid descending rain and roaring floods, shall stand immovably secure.

My soul, I charge thee, lay up thy treasure in the only secure cabinet; store thy jewels where thou canst never lose them.

Put thine all in Christ; set all thine affections on his person, all thy hope in his merit, all thy trust in his efficacious blood, all thy joy in his presence, and so thou mayest laugh at loss, and defy destruction.

Remember that all the flowers in the world’s garden fade by turns, and the day cometh when nothing will be left but the black, cold earth.

Death’s black extinguisher must soon put out thy candle. Oh! how sweet to have sunlight when the candle is gone!

The dark flood must soon roll between thee and all thou hast; then wed thine heart to him who will never leave thee; trust thyself with him who will go with thee through the black and surging current of death’s stream, and who will land thee safely on the celestial shore, and make thee sit with him in heavenly places for ever.

Go, sorrowing son of affliction, tell thy secrets to the Friend who sticketh closer than a brother.

Trust all thy concerns with him who never can be taken from thee, who will never leave thee, and who will never let thee leave him, even “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.”

“Lo, I am with you alway,” is enough for my soul to live upon, let who will forsake me.

(Taken from CH Spurgeon's Morning and Evening, 11 May, Morning)

Thanks again for stopping by!

Take care. Hope you have a blessed weekends.

I will post every now and then to let you know of my condition.

Thanks!

Taking a Break - A Special Prayer for You

Dear Friends,

I am taking a break from blogging to let my health get better and to attend to some family matters.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your visits, kind comments, prayers and encouragements.

It has been a very precious and wonderful experience for me to write on this blog over the last few months and to visit your blogs.

I will miss all of you for a while but I am remembering you in prayers.

Hope you will press on daily in God's grace and strength, and continue on your wellness journey.

I will be back, God willing :-)

Take care!

A Special Prayer for You

I said a prayer for you today
and know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart although
He spoke no word
I didn't ask for wealth or fame
I know you wouldn't mind
I asked Him to send treasures
of a far more lasting kind.
I asked that He be near you
At the start of each new day
To grant you health and blessings
and friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you
in all things great and small
But it was for His loving care
I prayed most of all

Comprehending Loss - coping with tragedies

Dear Friends,

Let us continue to pray for the people in Sichuan China that many may find God's comfort and grace to be upon them as they seek to rebuild their lives. China has the most severe earthquake in Beichuan, Sichuan province on 12 May 2008 in which it is estimated over 70,000 people have already died and many are still buried. The people need lots of prayers and support in this time of overwhelming loss and sufferings. Thank God for many people who are extending their prayers, love and kindness in many wonderful ways.

Let us also continue to pray for the people in Myanmar that many may find God's comfort and grace to be upon them too as they seek to rebuild their lives and homes too. Myanmar was hit by Cyclone Nargis on 2 May 2008 in which it is estimated that up to 134,000 people might have died. They too need lots of prayers and support to rebuild their homes and lives. May God shower His mercies upon them.

Let us also pray for others in other part of the world who are suffering through other natural disasters. And pray for our other families or friends who are suffering in one way or another.

In particular, please pray for the Chapman's family on the loss of their little daughter, Maria. Maria (age 5), the youngest of three daughters adopted from China by Steven and Mary Beth Chapman, was tragically killed in an accident at their home on Wednesday afternoon. It is hard to grasp the immensity of their pain in the loss of this little girl. It is a great consolation to know that God is in control and because of Jesus, through faith in Him the family will see Maria again in glory one day.

My friend, Tracy, wrote a very encouraging post "Comprehending Loss" as she shared of this tragedy of the death of little Maria Chapman and a book she read on dealing with tragedy.

Do read Tracy's encouraging post "Comprehending Loss" and check on Maria's memorial website where there is a very touching video of little Maria with Steven. There were over 16,000 people who had offered words of prayer, love and support to the Chapmans in the condolences. May God continue to comfort this family as they look to Him.

We are persuaded that nothing shall ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Not even death.

Romans 8:35,37-39

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Faces that stir our hearts - earthquakes at Sichuan

My brother-in-Christ, George, sent me some photos and slides on the earthquake at Sichuan, China.

It is really hard-breaking to see the great calamities that have happened to this part of the world.

China has the most severe earthquake in Beichuan, Sichuan province on 12 May 2008. It reached 7.8 scale and is one of the worst one in the past 3 decades. It happened during the day while workers were in their office and children were in their school. It is estimated over 70,000 people have already died and many are still buried.

Many people died in crumbled buildings. Many people perished without saying good-bye.

Bridges collapsed. Historical buildings and foundations were destroyed.

After the earthquake many people have no home, school or office to return to. Many people became homeless.

It is hard to imagine what many people are going through now. The pains and sufferings they experienced from their injuries due to the earthquake is overwhelming. Many suffered physical disabilities and injuries.

Even more people suffered overwhelming emotional loss and pains. Parents lost their children, children lost their parents and many families are disintegrated. The life of many will never be the same again.

In the face of overwhelming sorrows, we read of many heroic stories of how little children risked their lives to saved their family and friends, some teachers risked their lives to save their students and many others who persevered on with the hope of seeing their families and love ones again. The sacrifices and hard work of the rescue teams, medical teams and various volunteers are most encouraging. The resiliency of many people are great encouragements to everyone.

You can read more about the situation in Sichuan China at CCTV.com and China View.

Let us continue to pray for China. China needs our help and prayer. May God bless China and her people in this very difficult time. May many people turn to God and find comfort and consolations in Him in this time of national calamities and personal tragedies.

It is a comfort that God's people who perished in these calamities are now in His presence, no more to suffer in this world.

May God give the people grace and strength to rebuild their lives. It will take a lot of courage and every help that is possible, to help them rebuild their lives. Thank God for many that are willing to help.

The world is mourning for China. We read of how many are moved with compassion and have seek to help by way of prayers, finance, provisions of daily necessities and medical needs. Thank God for all these kind people.

I am reminded of how we live each day by the grace of God. We do not know if we will live to see tomorrow. I hope to cherish this life that God has given me and live each day usefully for God's glory and the benefit of the society.

Natural disaster can happen anywhere and anytime. It is a solemn reminder to me that I need to set my heart and affection on things above, to seek God and His kingdom first. This life is temporary and there is eternal life as God has promised in His Words. If we trust in Christ as our Saviour, we can have the assurance that we will be with Him when we leave this world.

I am also reminded on how we need to cherish our loved ones and all that God has given to us. So often we let little disagreement create unhappiness in our relationship with our loved ones or friends. I am reminded that the time with our loved ones and friends may be short. I need to love and cherish them.

Time of sufferings are also time of sharing each other's burdens and praying for one another. I am reminded that sometimes through others suffering we can extend our love and kindness to others. An in time of our own sufferings, we can experience overwhelming love and kindness.

What about you? How do you feel when you read of such calamities? How has this incident affected you in your outlook in life or your relationship with your loved ones and others?

Therapeutic Walks at the Beach - Another Wellness Activity

I am thankful to God that this week I am able to take a break from work. This is a much needed break and I really cherish it.

At the moment, I can't take a holiday to go out of Singapore, as I am caring for my mother. She has many medical conditions and I need to watch over her daily.

But I am thankful to God for more opportunities to go for walks this week. Walking is very therapeutic to me. Walking has become one of my most important Wellness Activity now.

I love to walk at the parks near my home or go to the beach. Walking really helps me to unwind and relax. As I walk and enjoy nature, fresh air and sunshine, I feel so much better.

As I walk, I will talk to the Lord. I am thankful that God is with me and I can enjoy this quiet walking time with Him. Walking in the parks and beach always remind me that God is all powerful and He is caring for me. I can cast all my cares and difficulties upon Him.

I am thankful to God that on Tuesday I was able to go to East Coast Beach with my good friend, BH. BH is a very sweet and gentle lady. BH knows that walks are good for me in managing my condition and she kindly offered to take me out on Tuesday. Although she has never experienced depression or bipolar before, she is very sympathetic to listen to me. She has other friends who have other form of mental illness, and I can see that BH is not judgemental. She does not condemn me for my experiences with bipolar or depression. She accepts that it is a medical condition, an illness that I need to live with and I can learn to cope by God's grace. BH prays for me whenever I am not well. I am thankful for such a friend.

Here's a video of what I saw at the Beach on Tuesday. Oh, how I love the sea! Watching the waves somehow has such a calming effect on me.

Luther said "The sea of God's mercies ought to swallow up our particular afflictions."

No matter what difficulties I am going through, it is only one drop of water in the ocean. God's mercies will swallow them up! How thankful I am that I can rest in God's love and faithfulness through all the changing scenes in life.

Thanks for stopping by!

Do you enjoy walks? Do you go for walks regularly? Have you found it therapeutic or helpful in some ways?

Hope you have a blessed day!