Its been awhile since i blogged. i shifted earlier due to the convenience of using handphones to write and post cos Wordpress has better phone app than Blogger (i personally feel.). But alas, i too, stopped that for quite a long while.
I'd like to journal again. I have no idea how long it may last or how consistent i may be. Two factors needed- to have time and to have thoughts i want to pen down.
It helps when I know my blog aren't that popular which means i'm pretty free to write anything! Yet on the other hand, because its still public, i also want to make it understandable just i case some people were to chance by. I think thats a good thing cos that makes me more likely to re-read my own blogpost and recount beautiful memories or moments with better furbished word choice.
Fasting
So, I was at a prayer meeting and got to hear the experiences of people who fasted. Most concluded that it helped them to rely and God more and because of that, they saw how God worked in their lives. Instead of relying on the things they depended much previously- be it *deserts/food/own resources to solve problems/phone and even doctors*, they chose to wait and let God work. And He really did came through for them. Most experienced God as truly their source of strength and their all in all. With that comes greater faith. There's also an increased in joy and gratefulness for life and people around. Perhaps its because we've depended so much on ourselves and the things around us (like the *words between*, see above) that we took all these things for granted. Now, the things we used to depend on are gone, we begin to see and appreciate the things God has given us (without us buying or working so hard for it). I haven't started fasting (reason being- no desire. I don't want to do something without doing it from my heart.) so I know what it means to depend more on things, it sounds a bit like that-: "i'm more thankful to potato chips than anything or anyone cos it made me feel soooooo (additional "ooooo"s for emphasis) good! Potato chips takes away all my sadness in an instant!" but when potato chips is gone, i only have God, my life, family and friends and thus I learn to appreciate them more. So, i concluded (by hearing from others) that fasting helps one to look to God more than anything else. We need to go back to the Source of our life to sustain us, the One who created us and given us all good things.
Happiness
I wonder do people of the past have less psychiatric disorders? I wonder were they happier with lesser things? Like living in a kampung (village in Malay) with relationships and friendships so readily available, with door so so open, with food exchanges, with F.O.C (free-of-charge) entertainment like longkang (drain in Malay) fishing, spider fighting, picking fruits to eat and not needing to travel far for parks or beach so that you can be in touch with nature. No potato chips too, only wholesome food that aren't addictive. It prevents you from overeating and being picky cos all the food are equally non-addictive. And you also get to exercise a lot when you walk or cycle to get to places without our current excellent public transport system. It has its own set of inconveniences though, mainly hygiene and comfort. I think we've gained somethings, we've also lost somethings. We'll just adapt and tryyy to choose the things that matters (which is quite difficult sometimes.), we are spoilt for choice! Its no longer just about God and people. We have all sorts of things to depend on:- "No relationships, its fine! I can game all day!"... stuff like that.
China and work
My friend from china told me they make their own blankets with the cotton they plant! *So cool! They eat their own strawberries and cherries from their own garden! (I love strawberries! The sweet ones which are so expensive here in SG.) Then, I concluded that people in china don't really need to get a job outside if they have land. And she readily agreed. But I forgot! No doubt food is settled, you still need money for shampoo, furniture, tools, etc. So, you still need a job. Maybe the good thing is there's more options- like you can be someone plucking strawberries all day as a job! WOW! And maybe get to bring lots of strawberries home. Tsk tsk. Anyway, tending their garden and sewing blankets are work too. Its just not about being a worker who have tons work to do (which often requires you to work beyond what was agreed in your contract to accomplish them) AND meeting tons of people's expectations and needs because you get your pay from them, directly or indirectly.
Take time to clear out!
(This is actually what I wanted to blog today- the rest of the stuff above just came to my mind as I start writing. Hehs.)
This morning while I was praying, I just felt like I needed to dig my ears. They itch a lil too.
Rubbish inside- negative emotions/unhealthy thought patterns that perhaps aren't true or biblical.
Rubbish outsides- stuff I haven't been using for many years and still sitting in my room.
Take time to clear out! Thats what I felt He's saying.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1)
