#beginning24

[racheyyyl]

Can a boat sail without restrain,  Can a boat sail without its sail,  Who’s to fear the solid steer, Of wind and rain, My God, My aim. 

[racheyyyl]

The Move

Even a slightest bit of sound, Even the darkest patch of dark, Even an imperfect wooden board, Or a crack in between the ceiling walls, They all stir up a queer.

White walls traded for pastel ugly yellow, Green doors traded for brown cheap timber, Solar geometries now replace the waves of my window grills, The place where I rest my head.

Same interior, same dimension, Same location, but different position. Different condition, different situation, Different ambition, but same population.

The feels, the smell, The creatures could tell, The way the floor felt, My heart felt still. My surrounding seemed bigger,  Without my furniture,  But my heart grew smaller, With each yellow feature.

It doesn't feel mine,  Nor the other mine anymore, A yellow walled stranger stared at me,  An empty core.

This is a poem expressing my inner thoughts and personal experience about the recent change in my life. An adjustment had to take place. A move had to be made, but I’m still adjusting. In the middle of the process finding small joys and remembering that no matter where I lay my head and no matter in what circumstances my God is still the same. On the outside things might seem strange, things might be hard and things might seem lonely. But inside, there is a quiet and firm assurance of hope. Soon this awkwardness will become a joy and good things will come out of all this. 

[racheyyyl]

The rest is still unwritten. Even in the face of music, the marks of a Proverbs31 women serves as powerful reminders. Life goes on even in the waiting. #mustbebali #camerashy #halftrueconfession #throwbackthursday #laughinginthemoment #spontaneous #beginning24 #writings

[racheyyyl]

Just waiting for the moment

Spring comes with a promise of new life,  After a season of hibernation, Where life seemed to stop.  A layer of snow, of ice and cold, Blankets of white and frost that bites, Hiding a seed of potential. Germinating and awaiting,  For Mother Nature to call it’s name.

Break forth little one, You who have not slumber, Even in winter.  You’ve waited patiently for time to come, The Sun will soon pierce through the cold, And day will soon become longer and warm. In winter you have watched through layers around you,  When all life seems ghostly still,  Your colors kept its hue, Your life preserved, Slowed down to still,  A strong pulse of life relentless,  Just waiting for the moment.   The Creator sees the very seed He created and knows that as long as it does not give up even in winter, life is taking place. Even underneath layers of snow and cold He has a purpose for the winter. Life does not end even underneath all the white burden. “It’s not lost, just hidden.” 

[racheyyyl]

2018

The first entry for the year. Where do i begin? Let's begin with a December quick recap. Life in December was expected and forecasted for greatness. Boy did I know what greatness would mean?

Everyone defines greatness differently. So mine was great in my very own personal way. After a rollercoaster ride of almost 10 months, I'm no longer single and available. I'm now someone's significant other. That's right! My own personal adventure for the genre of romance and boy-girl relationship. All those years of reading and watching people talk about relationships what it would mean and imagining how it would look came. It didn't came too soon. Nor too late.

Yet it did feel rather express. But when God's timing is right. A lot would fall quickly into place. So here I am at this stage in life. What happens next I am not sure but I am sure if I keep my feet planted in God and stick to His ways, God will direct my paths.

We will still face struggles even when we meet our significant other.

One of the biggest topics I expect to face even though I am in this phase is still temptation and lust. Guess what, it's something that we all face even in singleness or when we meet our significant other. Temptations in fact becomes greater when we think we do not need to keep a firm check on ourselves. Keeping our conscience in check and our thoughts in control is a decision that we all need to make. #thestruggleisreal becomes my reality now that the attractions and chemistry is permitted to grow in an official relationship. Changing one's status from single to in a relationship does not discount of the struggles and issues faced in singleness. Setting healthy boundaries is now so crucial and having accountability to the people around us keeps our feet on the ground although our heads might be floating on cloud nine.

Being good stewards of God. This area is so broad and general yet it holds some of the keys to who we truly are as an individual and person. Growing up my whole life I was brought up with a lot of conservative and Asian ways. Being conservative and filial as well as learning how to respect the people in my community was topics that were always talked about. Besides my upbringing, God's Word shaped and molded my rough edges during my single years. Even once you have met your significant other a clear and firm reminder is this; You still need to keep your walk with God going. It's one foot in front of the other and a constant and persistent journey. Being a good steward in all that you had and all that you do in your singleness applies even now more than ever. The difference is that you have another person by your side who is also pulling his wagon.

2018  ...

What would it hold? Potential.

Potential for growth, potential for many more new experiences, lots of potential. And within those potentials there is also a conscious reminder that there are potential dangers and risky situations as well. One thing’s for sure, keeping one foot in front of the other following Jesus Christ is a must. Nothing worth living is not lived without a greater purpose in mind. Knowing this it’s back to reality and living out the faith. Persevering until we reach the end. 

[racheyyyl]

MADE FOR MORE

I’m back to writing. 

What I write is not meant to please an audience but an audience of One. For the past few months I’ve been struggling yet I found certain pieces of life coming together ; making sense in areas which I wanted to avoid talking about or face. We all have them. 

Growing up as a kid, sometimes I wondered what made me kept certain decisions and commitments in check. Was it just because I was better in some ways? My environment was more conducive? I had less exposure and negative influence? What made me held on to those tough choices? 

Sitting here after a discussion pondering about life, feeling an inner satisfaction, peace and gratefulness. This particular phase deserves a share, who knows there are others like me out there. I’ve been asking myself in a day and age as this what would make one live life purposefully.

Truthfully, living life with a purpose used to be my personal mantra but it has changed since I started getting involved with youth ministry. It feels like at every chance that I get I find myself just wanting to tell younger people about this message. But living life purposefully needs to be started off on the right foundation. 

Mantras like #YOLO #TakeAChance #Bethechange #Getlostinlife #LifeisanAdventure .. true, yet so many young people have trouble finding their purpose and direction in life.

Finding that direction doesn’t come directly nor is it easy. It’s tough trying to identify a direction in life. It takes a lot of self-discovery and personal reflections. A lot of trials and errors to be made and valuable lessons to be learned. The one thing that I have found to be helpful and helped me hold my ground was this : 

“ Knowing you were made for more and having hope and purpose in life changes the way you live life. ”

In the pursuit of life and the meaning of it, I decided that I wanted my life to be different and I needed to start from somewhere. It started with my foundation; my Creator. Knowing who I was in Him secured me through those tough days when I had to make a call that would decide my direction. Some of those days seemed dark and bleak. Other times it seemed foolish and naive. But during those days it was knowing the assurance that I was made for more that sustained my grip to hold on relentlessly.

Pressing on towards the goal I run my race; Starting out right, Living it out each step a day at a time and striving to end well.  Keep it locked in and focused on the finishing line for it will change the way you live. Through every decision made, the choices and priorities laid and kept it shapes the life lived a day at a time. 

My hope is that young people will not give up working on their decisions and living. If you have not found meaning in life, I challenge you to seek this Eternal Hope which I have found and now built my life upon.  

[racheyyyl]

A view to call an end to the past weekend and holidays. Reflecting on God's goodness and feeling thankful for all that's happened. Saying goodbye to my two ladies, hanging with the chaps, best breakfast meets. Precious breaks like these are hard to find. So grateful. Thank You Lord. Time to refocus and get productive again. The next few months might be hard as it's approaching the fourth quarter for 2017. More to look forward to. #blessed #backtowork #seeyouagain #fromwhereIstand #skyview #beginning24 #bestbreakfast #bestlunch and yet #thebestisyettocome #lifegoals💯

[racheyyyl]

Mengiring-Mu seumur hidup ku (I’ll Follow you for the rest of my life) Masuk dalam rencana-Mu Bapa (And I will walk in your purpose O God) Pikiranku, kehendakku (All of my thoughts and my desires) Kuserahkan pada-Mu (I give it all to You)  Harapan ku hanya di dalam-Mu (I've found my hope, I’ve found it all within You) Kukan teguh bersama-Mu Tuhan (I’ll be made stronger in Your Presence O God) Jadikan ku, bejana -Mu (to be Your Vessel I give my life) Untuk memuliakan-Mu (To Glorify Your Name)

Bejana-Mu, by JPCC Worship

Growing up I had my own thoughts and own desires in one specific area. And yet once I reach this point of my life I realize this life is not my own. I cannot find fulfillment in life from my own direction. As soon as I profess I want to live for You, I find Your tests and my own will being stretched. What was what I wanted and desired now stands on the line of choosing You and Your ways or my own.  Indeed my own ways, timings, actions and plans are so limited. My sense of development and plans for development and growth plans from a human perspective sounds brilliantly intelligent. Yet, when I re-examine the motives and purposes and start counting the costs, I step back cowardly. My whole plan comes crumbling down as I realize nothing that I could have planned or crafted out would be good enough. No matter how I tried using the mind and this physical self You had created me to be. 

A daily decision waking up to choose to be Your vessel, I begin to commit. Not knowing what would lies before me, not knowing the in-between moments or the ups and downs. Fear of not being good enough or worthy for such greatness. Fear of the unknown will be there, nevertheless courage is not the absence of fear. I’m writing this to tell myself that it’s okay !  Everything will work out fine and alright, Start right, live right, end right. Keeping the end in mind, I press on ahead with these words in my heart and my heart on the line before my Creator. After all, You are still God. All beginnings and ends are Yours. Life is a gift and a person does not choose her gifts. In the end, my calling first of all is to be the woman that God called me to be, to answer first to my Creator and His Will. To submit in obedience in the littlest things and I trust the greater ones will come. 

[racheyyyl]

Looking out for adventures is this one, my dearest taiku. It's amazing how in life I have seen many iron ladies. And I tell you she is no less of an example of how refined woman should behave. From young I saw her occasionally but each time she never cease to amaze me with her love for life. Her enthusiasm for people. Her love for the children and family. Her discipline and principles while being brought up by conservative chinese parents. She is my closest inspiration of life long learning. A lady who is a peacemaker. Strong and firm yet meek and gentle; all packed into one petite frame. She never fails to inspire me. I hope I grow old like you. Aging gracefully, loving selflessly and walking faithfully. Thank you members of the church that has supported my taiku so well. Looking forward to see you again. #refinedwoman #ironlady #oldisgold #mymsyong #beginning24circle #beginning24 #inspiringpeople #KeepBeingInspired

[racheyyyl]

She Don’t Know

Sunday, 30 July, 2017

Revisiting one of my favorite places with spiritual family and team mates; a loving and caring family filled with acceptance, guidance and counsel stirred up feelings I didn't realize were still there. I couldn't hold back those falling tears as the emotions unboxed itself in the form of memories of our favorite food. Came across a song by Tatiana Manaois | She Don’t Know.

“She Don't Know” made me reflect deeply on the past months and how much life has carried on. I'm dedicating this post in thoughtful memory of my beautiful cousin who passed away tragically last year.

"She Don't Know" was more than just a song title

They were more than just beautiful lyrics. These were like echoes of my heart that I would've wanted to write and penned and written as a song. I fear I have not been dealing with these very wisely and God needs to work through me as He leads me to my conviction while I stand at a cross road.

The lyrics went like this :

I'm not waiting for your call But I have been waiting for so long And I guess that I don't know any better Cause I'm waiting on you still And everyone would ask me Why are you here alone And I still don't really know

But I know love, love is forever And I know love, love is your friend And I know love, love is forever Oh but she don't really know, she don't know love

I should have known Cause she looked at me with those eyes I know she never met him Or knows she didn't know he's alive But he loved her And he would say that it will get better Or I'm always by your side And he would always ask her Why do you feel alone And she still don't really know

But he knows love, love is forever He knows love, love is your friend And he knows love, love is forever Oh she don't really know, she don't know love

So he would always tell her Baby you're not alone Oh I'll always be your home

Cause I am love, I am forever I am love, I am your friend And I'll be your love Cause I am forever No I'll never let you go No I'll never let you go Cause you are my love

Losing you was so sudden. The timing just before I went for my 4/14 Nurturer's conference last year. Approaching your anniversary, I am still trying to cope with the reality that life still goes on. I'm going to find myself thinking about you and tearing up every now and then. Memories of places we've been together, our chatters and laughter, your interest in baking, common interests in music and guitar, doing creative things together, bumper car rides, festival gatherings, little treats and gift exchange and girl hang outs. Lost times and missed opportunities that could never happen. You even wanted to start a blog which I never knew about. So much potential there. 

Losing you made me realize how my time investing into young people's lives and keeping an eye out for those in my sphere of influence is precious. It has shaped me to recognize more about how precious one's life is. If only you had known Jesus and realize that He cares for you. How much He loves you. What He did for all of us in this world. Yet despite it all, still giving a choice to choose whether Him or to reject Him.

Youth Ministry Calls 

Wrapping up this week with deep convictions of why youth ministry is close to my heart and how losing someone changed my perspective of eternal hope and eternal destination. This post and the following future postings related to youth ministry will bear a scar of

you

. When a youth puts my patience to test, whenever I feel like running away from the calling to serve, whenever it gets hard and when I begin to doubt, whenever I question is it worth it to walk this tough road. I write this with courage and sincere conviction and a prayerful heart. 

I just pray that you made it and I hope to see you and that you received this Eternal Hope.

[racheyyyl]

Where is thy faith

These are days where words like “coming together” isnt a stride across the room. Its not a happy thing tone to say in and its the kind that is filled with brokennes inside and wavering faith; Doubts and insecurities, pain and shame, anger and dismay. Disappointments and fear of the unknown and adjustments to be made.

With all due respect, yes i agree much prayer is needed. Much more desparation. But when the walk across the room to meet, seems like a journey of walking through an endless dessert. Not being able to bring together and not being able to hold it together.

Walking on eggshell faith is what I am in right now. Encouragement seems like a plaster to cover up the ugly wound but it doesnt stop the pain or bleeding.

I’ve tried taking my eyes off the situation and looking to God. But the reality is that the struggle that we always say is real, is REAL. The struggle to come together. To lay it all down. To throw it away. To let go off. To put it all off.

Where is thy faith, they say where is thy faith, With weaken knees, and unsteady feets, Clamouring hands, sweaty foreheads, Shriveled is my faith, My eyes barely open, My strength becoming frail. Where is thy faith, where is thy faith, I feel as though the walls are caving in, So much I can’t comprehend, So much to bear, Such weight, I’d like to run away. Where is thy faith, where is thy faith Let me borrow faith from those faith filled lamps, Lamps of lives that ran before me, Lamps that burned bright even in the midst of pain.

Where is thy faith, where is thy faith, My pain will be His gain, My shame will heal in His name, My strain will be for His gain, My life is yet but part of His plan. Where is thy faith, where is thy faith, Be still my soul, wait patiently, The cross to bear, the soul to spare, The body complains, the heart despair but the spirit and mind fixes its eyes on the Cross.

Where is thy faith.

[racheyyyl]

Mum's orchid stood tall and proud, The Southern Cross next to it from this angle, My phone's camera couldn't capture the beauty from where i stood, a significant reminder of what I learnt today. #miraclechild #iam #anansweredprayer #therestisstillunwritten #beginning24 ⭐ | story of my life | I only found out today about my birth story. People had been praying for me even before my parents attended church. Apparently my parents wanted a child and I was the answer to their prayer during their early Christian years. Indeed children are God's gift to married couples. Parents train the child in the way that he or she should grow so that when they are old they wont depart from the Lord.

[racheyyyl]

The scripted lines of today includes Subscribe, Follow, Like

On Youtube so often we hear this:

Then there's Instagram with :

On Twitter we see hashtags like these :

And don't forget Facebook :

What's been happening

The whole Internet is riding on the amount of audience it can attract. The person, individual or user with highest number of followers gets a "reward" and acknowledgement from the virtual audience. They're made into idols, popular figures, icons and "leaders" of the Internet society. The virtual life on the Internet now seems to be a race of who will rise to fame and stay at the top of the pyramid. We're seeing an increasing amount of young people and even older people hopping on the band wagon of  Youtube channels, Vlogs, Blogs, Vimeo and the upcoming world of LIVE stories featured in social media's top players.

Blogs are slowly phasing out. Sites now don't just provide information, they are supposed to provide engagement as well. Landing pages are set ups that lead to official websites (or just lands the products and makes a big impression) Made possible with the availability and accessibility of short term web development courses almost anyone with a keen interest and determination to pick up the skill is able to produce something for the world wide web audience. Websites now are pushing forward to audience engagement and interaction. User interfaces and user experiences are determining factors in maintaining the website's effectiveness and activity.

It's no longer just about the information. Its about how it's displayed. How are people attracted to the content? What does the content mean to them? What does the content have to do with people? What's in it for people? What will it connote? How will it influence people?

Still the greatest

Of all the strategies of gaining followers and social marketing techniques used by people out there is one particular person whose scripted lines have been everlastingly effective and is still a living proof and a standard to strive for.

How he phrased it depends on what versions you read. It goes along the lines of "Come, Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Sounds familiar?

Jesus didnt leave us with an option to leave a comment, nor a thumbs-up or thumbs-down button, no?

In all of Jesus' calling of his disciples Jesus went to them and extended an invite. He made contact, personal contact. Going down to where they were and being present Jesus told those men who were really nothing much but ordinary and some were really just young people.

The word follow as used in our social media is a subscription of some sort. When you subscribe you're still able to make a certain kind of choice to approve or disapprove and to feedback. And when things don't seem appropriate or relevant anymore we even tap Unfollow.

If like, then follow. If don't like, unfollow.  

Counter-cultural, the way Jesus taught about following was a response of obedience. Meaning following after in commitment, love and to the point of abandoning oneself. It wasn't just following in a subscription kind of way but it was about devotion following, leaving behind certain things, lifestyles, and even personal ways until there was no room left for thumbs-up or down approvals and likes and comments. None. Just simple words "Come, follow me."

To read about how Jesus called his first followers, read Mark 1:14-20 & Matt4:18-22. 

[racheyyyl]

More Than Just

More than just a person, I’m a creation. More than just a girl in an office, I’m laying my foundations. More than just chasing after my own goals, I’m setting my priorities straight.  More than just my fighting for my own rights, I’m laying down my rights. More than just being, I’m becoming. 

As I sat in my office these few weeks I realize the timing and the skills acquired, the routines passing through and the habits developed. The perspective doesn’t change but the explanations are starting to come together. Not every day I had it all together, not everyday was I fast enough or effective enough. Yet, I found a certain joy of being in this position I’m in. I know that in time to come I shall miss being able to stick stamps, call customers for monthly collections, to just be able to be on auto-pilot function with a routine. Starting out from where I am now seems scary and the fear of the unknown once again knocks on my door. Just when I’m getting comfortable I have a feeling He is will say okay time to move on. So while I’m still in this, grant me just enough for each day and each month. Polish my insights, widen my thoughts, broaden my horizon to see beyond the now and to be faithful for whats to come. While I struggle with my daily frustrations and constantly ponder about the important things in life, help me to never forget that even in the midst You are there and You see it all.  On the screen each morning I see the words, “Nothing is hidden from Your sight, You know every season of my life, You are God and You don’t miss a thing”. Finding my place in this world might seem a little grey at the moment but its in the grey of things I see where the colors will shine. 

I am more than just. 

[racheyyyl]

👑💓💐🌷🌸🌻☀ Here's to International Woman's Day! Being a woman does not make you any less. God has Great Plans for us. So stay aspired to inspire before you expire. We all have a role to play. #internationalwomansday #beginning24 #thejourney

[racheyyyl]

He wore his heart on his sleeve, she saw it through his eyes.

Rachel Yeong