Cross Stitch

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

These are sooooo beautiful ....

The Lord is my Shepherd
http://www.joyfulexpressions.us/HTML/GalleryIII/index.htm

Psalm 119
http://www.joyfulexpressions.us/HTML/CDGalleryI/index.htm
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 11:40 PM, | 0 comments

What God did to win your heart?


I was reading this book this morning. (My dearie's Christmas present from either the facilitator or fellow RCIA-ian).

It is a easy-to-read book and it illustrates the wonderful relationship between man and God through the story of Madeline and Joe (daughter & father). It is about God's longing for us, His gift for us, his inviation to us and what he did for us....

Try to get hold of the book. Or let me know if you want to read it.

May the good Lord bless you.

(SDG)
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 9:57 PM, | 0 comments

Faulty Auto Gear?

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Had my first flare up today.

I know I shouldn’t but is there a better way to let the people know that they should not take their work lightly?

No one bothers if the boss had approved the payment – just blindly put the stack of papers into her room and when it is thrown out, they just assumed that she had signed and another colleague seeing that there was an initial on the documents thought that the boss had signed and was busy looking for the second signatory.

It was only when I wanted to release the documents that I realised that there is only one signatory and the damn documents need to go out today.

Well, no big deal if my payments were delayed.

I am unhappy because

1. Why can’t they do their part?

2. Why must I be the one chasing after the signatories when the administrator just walks around doing nothing?

3. Why must I be the one to chase after them for such things? (they have been in the company for a far longer period of time than me.)

Hai. Keep cool, peace be with me, be humble, be modest … I should really try.

It’s not easy I must say.

 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 11:06 PM, | 0 comments

Am I willing?

So much so for knowing that God loves me but what happens if God asks me to do something for Him?

We read – about what Moses was tasked to do, what Abraham was tasked to do and even Mary.

What happens when God asks me to do Him a favour? Would I love Him enough to do what He told me to do? Would I be as courageous? Would I deny Him? Would I run away like what Jonah had done?

I dunno.

I have these thought all these while. I dunno why but I am just afraid of the unknown. Yea. It is easier to say “I’ll follow You. Let Your will be done on earth as in heaven”. But when the time comes, will I be ready?

I dunno. I can only pray and bear in mind that the Lord will provide.

There are a few trigger points for the above thoughts.

1. when reading about what the saints had done, even what Jesus, Abraham, Moses and Mary had done.
2. when dearie asked – what happens if I decide to become a priest before we get married.
3. when I come across friends who are facing a very very difficult situation.
4. things now are soooo good for me. It's so unbeliveably good. What will happen when things are not so good? Would my faith falter?

I know I am being paranoid. I can only pray that I focus on Him and let all things fall into place and to really act out the prayer – let Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 8:17 AM, | 0 comments

Amazing Grace IV : God's Love for me.

I was telling my friend wondering why I kept thinking about Amazing Grace. He told me that there might be something in store for me – just that it had not been made clear to me then.

I received my answer at Christmas midnight Mass.

When we walked into the Church, there was a pair of big hands mounted on the wall – it’s just like God reaching out to us. After the readings and the homily, we were told to close our eyes and reflect on the pair of hands.

I thought that the pair of hands reminds me of God reaching out to pick me up. The Hands that had began healing me a year ago and now the same pair of Hands is guiding me.

While concentrating on these thoughts, I heard shouts of praise by the youths – “Thank you Father”, “we love you Father” etc. All these praises just drive home the point that God loves us so much, so much. It makes me so thankful to God. I am thankful for His Love and for all the blessings that I have received. What I am having now would be impossible without His Amazing Grace. God wants to be our friend. He wants us to know that He loves us – whether we are FAT, THIN, ROUND, etc. He loves us all the same. It was so touching that I began to tear (unexpectedly).

This is the most wonderful and meaningful Christmas in my twenty plus years of existence.

Thank you Father. Thank you Father for loving us so unconditionally. Loving us to the extent of sending Your one and only Son to die for us on the Cross. He had not sinned but He does Your Will. You gave us your Son, not to judge us but to save us through Him. Thank you so much for loving me and healing me. I am not perfect but You love me nevertheless. Without You, I am nothing. You have given me life. I lift up my thanks to you through Jesus Christ my Shepherd. AMEN.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 8:04 AM, | 0 comments

His Way

God works in His own way.

This morning, while brushing my teeth, I had a thought – it had been a long while since I talked to God.

That was just a thought and I did not think much about it and I proceeded with the day’s activities.


Come night time, dearie and I attended a Christmas Party organized by the RCIA groups – ROMANS, EXODUS & JOHN 10:10. We had a fun time – lots of fellowship.

We had a gift exchange, I received this gift – The Prayer that Changes Everything (Book of Prayers, The Hidden Power of Praising God) by Stormie Omartian.

Great! Just what I need.

Thank you Father.

My dearie received a similar present – he got two books – God’s Love Never Fails & He did this for you (by Max Lucado).

We were both surprised. But I think these are the 2nd best gifts we received this Christmas.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 7:47 AM, | 0 comments

Amazing Grace III

Saturday, December 24, 2005
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine
~~~~~
I found this while searching for the lyrics. Enjoy reading. =)
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all the wonderful graces You have so generously given to me. Thank you for sending Jesus to the world to be our Light and our Shepherd. Thank you for standing by my side when I was at the darkest period of my life and thank you for sending so many of your wonderful workers to be by my side when I need support most. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are my shield and portion and I find peace in Your shelter. I just want to dedicate this hymn to You for Your amazing graces. I lift these up to you through my Lord Jesus, Amen.
Soli Deo Gloria
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 3:18 PM, | 0 comments

2005: In a nutshell

Friday, December 23, 2005

2005

It has been a good year – better than last year. (That's because I have my Shepherd)

EMOTIONALLY
BGR: Things have turned out quite unexpectedly or things are happening faster than expected. Overall, I can say that I have found my ‘other half’

Family ties: erm going through some changes and I am learning how to manage them.

Friends: well, I suppose you gain some and you lose some. But I hope that the rate of loss is slower than the rate I gain new friends.

MENTALLY
I am still sane

PHYSICALLY
Not really fantastic coz I am feeling sleepy most of the time or having aches and I have stopped exercising.

CAREER WISE
erm, still moving on. Not sure how it would be like in the future though. Definitely more responsibilities coming up.

SPIRITUALLY
Not too bad. This is one of the best things that have happened for me for 2005.

 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 2:25 AM, | 0 comments

Something Beautiful

Thursday, December 22, 2005
Ahhhhh..... this is just soooooo beautiful (the heavenly tree and the post before it)

Please go and take a look. http://hayase.blogspot.com/
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 7:09 AM, | 0 comments

Uplifting SMS for today

Wednesday, December 21, 2005
May troubles, worries and problems never linger.
May they only make you much stronger and able and wise.
With our dear Lord, you will make it through whatever comes along.

~VY 20.12.2005~
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 5:54 AM, | 0 comments

Psalm 71

Tuesday, December 20, 2005
1In you, O Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.

2In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me and save me.

3Be to me a rock of refuge,
a strong fortress,* to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.

4Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.

5For you, O Lord, are my hope,
my trust, O Lord, from my youth.

6Upon you I have leaned from my birth;
it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.
7I have been like a portent to many,
but you are my strong refuge.

8My mouth is filled with your praise,
and with your glory all day long.

9Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
do not forsake me when my strength is spent.

10For my enemies speak concerning me,
and those who watch for my life consult together.

11They say, ‘Pursue and seize that person
whom God has forsaken,
for there is no one to deliver.’
12O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me!

13Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed;
let those who seek to hurt me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.

14But I will hope continually,
and will praise you yet more and more.

15My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
of your deeds of salvation all day long,
though their number is past my knowledge.

16I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord God,
I will praise your righteousness, yours alone.

17O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
18So even to old age and grey hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might
to all the generations to come.*

Your power
19and your righteousness, O God, reach the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
O God, who is like you?
20You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
will revive me again;
from the depths of the earth
you will bring me up again.

21You will increase my honour,
and comfort me once again.

22I will also praise you with the harp
for your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praises to you with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.

23My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praises to you;
my soul also, which you have rescued.

24All day long my tongue will talk of your righteous help,
for those who tried to do me harm
have been put to shame, and disgraced.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 6:52 AM, | 0 comments

A Mother's Thoughts

Monday, December 19, 2005
Just wondering how a mother would feel when

1. her daughter decides to embrace another faith and is preparing to get married.

2. when all her kids are all grown up and she does not need to worry abt them failing subjects in school

3. she realised that she had lots of time on hand but dunno what to do with them and her worries would be whether her kids would get a good job

hmmm, maybe she would ask herself what is her purpose in life and maybe if her heart is opened enough, she may just hear God calling out to her.

I suppose her response will not be immediate but I am sure it will happen in His time.... let's be patient while we wait in joyful hope for the day to come. In the meantime, let's just continue to learn and be more Christ-like.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 6:26 AM, | 0 comments

+PSALM 67+

Saturday, December 17, 2005
+Psalm 67+
1 -->The Nations Called to Praise God -->
To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.

1May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,

2that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
3Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth.
5Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.

6The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, has blessed us.
7May God continue to bless us;
let all the ends of the earth revere him.

=============================

Can't help but feel that this psalm is really appropriate for my current mood.

Received news that friends of friends are sick - not just the common flu but something more serious.

This world is troubled. We can only pray and ask God for strength and comfort.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 5:18 AM, | 0 comments

Negative Ions

Why do I feel so much negative energy around me?

Negative in a sense that people around me are behaving as if they are disapproving what I am doing or what I am going to do.

Negative in a sense that my body is always aching (coz I did not exercise?) and I am always in need of sleep?

Pray for me.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I will continue to keep my focus on You and not be distracted.

Grant me the graces that I need as I continue to walk steadfastly along this journey. I also pray for my bros & sis-in Christ that they will not let their current unfavourable situation distant themselves from coming home to You. Instead, I pray that they will seek Your face in all that they are doing and not feel frighted or scared coz You are with them in each step they take.

I pray that people around me will understand all Your wonderful goodness and graces.

I pray that whatever I do is pleasing in Your eyes, for Your pleasures.

I pray that there will be more love, more peace and more joy in this world.

I pray that everyone to be in good health and for those who are sick, please give them strength and comfort.

Dear Father, these are my prayers. Thank you so much for taking time to listen and answer all my prayers and have given me so many blessings. Thank you so much…. I lift up all these to you through Jesus Christ whom You have sent to save us. AMEN.

 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 3:06 AM, | 0 comments

Cheer up!

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Pumped all these balloons on my own at the year end party last year.

It was quite fun.

See my pair of shoes at the bottom of the picture?
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 8:52 AM, | 0 comments

No mood

Feeling so vexed ... maybe it is due to fatigue.

Fatigue from what?

I dunno.

Just not in a mood to talk to anyone, to go out after work, to meet up with anyone after work.

This is even getting onto the nerves of my dear dear. (sorry but I am a woman and such erratic behaviour is often unexplainable.)

Maybe I need a good sleep, a good workout at the swimming pool or on the track.


Bear with me for a while. Just let me go home to eat my home-cooked food and just let me laze around.

I should be OK on the next day. (I hope …)

 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 8:42 AM, | 1 comments

Light

Wednesday, December 14, 2005
"Remembering all the while that a little light somewhere makes a brighter light everywhere.
Shine in all Graces that God in trinity gave in lots of wonderful ways!"
~VY~

God is really showering lots of blessings on the author and she is spreading her light around. =)It is surely super duper uplifting to receive her SMSes early each morning

*hallelujah!*
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 4:28 AM, | 0 comments

Amazing Grace II

For some reason, I did not like the song “Amazing Grace” much in the past and for some stupid, unknown reason, I always link this song to swans ….

But now, I think the lyrics are beautiful, the music is beautiful. It talks about the amazing graces from God, of how a blind can see, of how a wretched person is being saved.

It is wonderful to see how beautiful the Holy Spirit is in inspiring such beautiful songs to be created (probably this ties in with Auntie Tan’s comment on Christian songs).

Indeed. God is wonderful. All things are made possible through Him.

Praise the Lord.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 2:04 AM, | 0 comments

Amazing Grace I

The TV was playing “Amazing Grace” last night … (it was a Jap show and the song at the end of the show was Amazing Grace…..

Auntie Tan commented “this must be a Christian song”.

I was taken by surprised and didn’t really want to answer her on that.

She went on “look at the lyrics (well, there are both chinese and English subtitles to the song). It is singing about God and going home to Him. See, Christian song has a certain tune about them and I know it”

Me: didn’t say much but just ask her – how you know?

She didn’t want to give me her answer. Just said that she knew.

Well, I didn’t probe much.

Pray for her that she will understand our heavenly Father in the days to come.


=)

 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 1:59 AM, | 0 comments

My ThanksGiving

Monday, December 12, 2005
This had been one challenging week where my working life is concerned.


This is the first time I am attempting my first closing. I want to thank my Lord for ensuring that my predecessor had handed over in great details and that He had granted me the graces to still remember most of it.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with such an understanding boss., who, despite her busy schedule, still bother to explain things to me, to help me in my work.

Though this is supposed to be a very busy period, I am still able to knock off on time (or not stay really late) to go for my RCIA and also to attend my other matters.

Thank you Lord for guiding me through this week. For giving me PEACE when there are times I need to rush out some numbers. To tell the truth, I felt totally peaceful and focus while I was doing the spreadsheet. I know I am in good hands.

Thank you Lord. *HUGZ*
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 2:53 PM, | 0 comments

XI YUE

Had this funny thought while sitting at the pill, listening to Father giving his homily at St. Francis .... the message was being joyful and giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for all our blessings and circumstances. He kept talking abt the word XI YUE/XI LE (Ok, it was a chinese Mass) =P

Xi Yue or Xi Le sounds very nice and very meaningful and I thought I would give my child this name that she will bring JOY to the people around her. She will be full of JOY as she has God with her ...

Anyway, this is just a thought for now.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 2:42 PM, | 0 comments

Joy - Xi(3) Yue(4)

Today is the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday, or Rejoice Sunday. It's time to 'rejoice in the Lord'! (Phil 4:4) [from Veritas, 11/12/05)

Indeed - there are lots of things to rejoice – Rejoice because God loves me. Rejoice because God is with me even though I am in the most shitty situation. Rejoice because I have someone steadfast to lean on, someone who has the really big picture for me and knows what is best for me. Rejoice!

Reminds me of the hymn that we used to sing during our JC days.

That was the day that the GCE O level results would be released and the hymn sung went like this:-

“This is the day,
This is the day that the Lord has made,
That the Lord has made,

We will rejoice, we will rejoice
And be glad in it, and be glad in it
For this is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it
For this is the day that the Lord has made.”

Yes. We should always give thanks for all the blessings that we had receive to our good Lord.
Even if we did not pass our O levels, that does not mean the end of the world. It only means that God has another path for us to take - another better path which may only be revealed to us in His own time.
Of course, I did not understand all these back then. But now I do... maybe just like the hymn Amazing Grace goes ... "amazing grace, how sweet the sound, who cures a wretch like me... i once was blind but now i see ..."

Thank you Father! Thank you so much!
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 2:35 PM, | 0 comments

My childhood friends

Saturday, December 10, 2005
Been thinking of my old friends lately - friends whom i have lost touch.

They were my childhood buddies and we used to hang out together after our organ lesson at clementi (either at A&W or KFC).

Wonder how they are doing now. hmmm.... I miss them.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 2:52 PM, | 0 comments

Weird Dreams

Thursday, December 08, 2005
Been having weird dreams lately – flashes of light and the thought that someone closed to me will be dead by the time the flashes stop and last night, I dreamt that my dad had passed away. SCARY.

I suppose I am too tired mentally or I have been thinking about death in my sub conscious lately to be having such horrible dreams.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 12:13 AM, | 0 comments

Uplifting SMSes

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Feeling slightly down because of a slight boo-hoo @ work.

But the following smses had lifted up my spirits a little and make me realised that I need to be humble and accept the boo-hoo as part of my learning process.

A heart who seeks GOD early in the morning will find Joy, Peace and Love even in the midst of a stormy day …

Prayer is a free outgoing call to heaven, no battery power, no charging, no network problem, no simcard. Always good signal and endless talk time! God loves you.


Thank you.

 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 2:26 AM, | 0 comments

Realised the changes?

Monday, December 05, 2005
Realised the changes?
Well, I suppose this is a reflection that I have moved on to another phase. This shall not be a place to share only my thoughts but this blog is dedicated to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Dear heavenly Father, continue to use me as your Light to light up the world. To lead those in despair, those in darkness and those who have lost hope to You through this blog. Lord, I am nothing without You. You give me strength when I am weak and You healed me with Your unconditional love. Take away my proudness and impatience and fill me with love, understanding and patience. I pray that more people - the lost sheep - will get to know what a great shepherd You are, that You are our shepherd and You are all that we ever need during our time one earth. I lift all these to You through Jesus Christ. AMEN.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 3:25 PM, | 0 comments

Glory to God in the Highest

We had a reflection on whether we give credit to God when good things happen to us or when bosses/friends commented us on a job well done. This set me thinking and the following thought just came to me.

Friends mentioned that my blog had inspired them and had motivated them at one point or another.

Of course, I am happy to receive such compliments.

Well, I must say, the credit should go to heavenly Father. *Thank you Father*.

He gives me the inspiration to write and to be able to be His Light in this cyber space.

Sometimes, words do not come out easily when two people meet face to face. By leaving words/thoughts or by sharing out loud a day’s event in the blog, the reader may hearten to know that they are not alone in this world.

Just want to say that there won’t be this blog without guidance from the Father. With Him as the focal point, I am able to do things which I could not do based on my own strength.

My dear friends, if you feel that you are struggling – emotionally, physically – with work, with life, with whatever that is bothering you, lift it all up to the Lord and let Him take charge and you just continue doing what you ought to be doing. Be assured that He is with you all the time and because He loves you, and because He is our creator, He will see you through according to His plan and according to His time. Be patient and follow Him by faith and not by sight.
*Glory be to God!!!!*
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 3:08 PM, | 0 comments

Sunday, December 04, 2005
Finally!

Saw what I want BUT there is one factor that may hinder our plans - that is, the day we want is not available.
=(

hmm, I cannot do much. Just pray for His guidance.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 2:32 PM, | 0 comments

John 3:16

Friday, December 02, 2005

John 3:16 (NIV)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Amen

Isn't it wonderful to know that God loves us, no matter how imperfect we are?

 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 3:46 PM, | 0 comments

It’s so easy to get carried away, chasing after beautiful things, and forgetting the basics.

In the process of this material chase, we would get into disagreement with our loved ones, we would get angry, frustrated, envious of others, jealous of others and disappointment.

Many questions would pop out – often, self blaming or blaming others. These are not constructive questions and may even lead to greater bitterness.

It is time that we get a hold on ourselves.

Take a step back.

Ask ourselves – what are we chasing after? Who are we satisfying? Is there life after all this materialistic chase? What is our original purpose? What are we celebrating?

I suppose we can see clearer after all the hoo-ha have settled and when we can think more logically/rationally or the least, making decisions that would benefit us all ….

Pray for us.

Pray that we are able to share our joy with friends and relatives from our hearts and with Him and NOT sharing our joy in the form of materialistic manifestation, being part of the rat race. Pray that we will stay loving towards one another always and pray for understanding, patience from all the people around us. Pray that we are able to hear Jesus’ directions for us loudly and clearly and not be blinded by superficial things. …. These are my prayers. AMEN.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 3:03 PM, | 0 comments

Theme for today

Thursday, December 01, 2005
Received these smses from my dear sisters-in-Christ this morning….

1. Take the next step into whatever lies ahead without fear or fret for our heavenly father have made plans for us. Follow the guide from Lord Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit!

2. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For I am weak, than I am strong.2 Cor 12:9-10. May His love be your strength.

3. May we all have the courage and strength from the Lord to face the challenges that He has for us. Peace be with you.


See the common theme in the 3 smses?

Lord, thank you so much.
 
posted by Francesca Cecilia at 12:45 AM, | 0 comments