Psalm 37:5

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this

What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and serve God. Commit thy way unto the Lord; roll thy way upon the Lord, so the margin reads it. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, the burden of thy care. We must roll it off ourselves, not afflict and perplex ourselves with thoughts about future events, but refer them to God. By prayer spread thy case and all thy cares before the Lord, and trust in him. We must do our duty, and then leave the event with God. The promise is very sweet: He shall bring that to pass, whatever it is, which thou has committed to him.
http://biblehub.com/psalms/37-5.htm

THE SECRET OF BEING CONTENT

Hari ini kami berkesempatan pergi menemani saudara-saudara difabel (diffable=differently able) pergi bertamasya ke luar kota. Masing-masing sukarelawan berpasangan dengan saudara-saudara difabel dan menolong mereka selama perjalanan. Songmin dan saya berpasangan dengan seorang kakek berusia 65 tahun yang sejak 7 tahun silam kehilangan daya penglihatannya. 

Yang paling membuat saya terkesan adalah ketika saya bertanya kepadanya: 'ketidaknyamanan apa yang dia rasakan sehari-hari?'... Beliau hanya menggelengkan kepalanya dan tersenyum saja.
Tidak ada sepatah kata keluhan keluar dari mulutnya. Padahal dia bisa saja dengan mudah mengatakan kesulitan-kesulitan yang dia alami dalam hidupnya, apalagi dia pernah merasakan bagaimana memiliki penglihatan yang normal.

Saya kemudian mengevaluasi diri sendiri, betapa mudah mengeluh dan menggerutu, betapa mudah menyerah ketika ada kesulitan datang, betapa sering merasa tidak puas dengan keadaan yang ada. Saya ingin menghitung berkat-berkat yang saya terima dan mengucap syukur dalam segala kondisi, baik susah maupun senang.

Sudahkah Anda mengucap syukur untuk hari ini? 

"Kukatakan ini bukanlah karena kekurangan, sebab aku telah belajar mencukupkan diri dalam segala keadaan. Aku tahu apa itu kekurangan dan aku tahu apa itu kelimpahan. Dalam segala hal dan dalam segala perkara tidak ada sesuatu yang merupakan rahasia bagiku; baik dalam hal kenyang, maupun dalam hal kelaparan, baik dalam hal kelimpahan maupun dalam hal kekurangan. Segala perkara dapat kutanggung di dalam Dia yang memberi kekuatan kepadaku."

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Psalm 46:10

We must learn to tell our fearful and anxious thoughts to shut up, just as Jesus calmed the sea. Jesus immediately asked the question to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Have you so little faith?”

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10

Today's lesson

Pelajaran hari ini: Tidak ada seorang pun yang bisa dipercaya di dunia ini kecuali Tuhan. Orang yang kita percaya bisa menjual cerita ke orang lain dengan bumbu-bumbu tambahan. Orang memanfaatkan kita untuk kepentingan dirinya sendiri tanpa memperhatikan kondisi kita. Hubungan dengan teman menjadi renggang karena cerita yang tidak benar. Pelajaran besar untuk menjaga mulut dan sikap. 
*Treat your suffering as the opportunity to glorify the Lord and as training for your future.*

Beautiful

When people say that you're beautiful, then what is your answer? I found some different culture backgrounds in answering such a question. Some will say thank you, but some will refuse, saying no, I'm not beautiful, just trying to be humble or shy. Which kind of people are you? Do you afraid if you say 'thank you' then people will think that you are proud of yourself? Or do you really don't think you are beautiful? Each of us were wonderfully created. If you say you're not, it means that you deny that your Creator's work is wonderful, and in this case dishonoring Him. You are more beautiful than what you think.

Things for thought!

Things for thought: Learning the language of the country where you study is essential. Why do you study in a country which language you don't understand? It is non-sense if you study in a certain country if you keep begging to read or write your paper or thesis in another language. You have chosen it so fight for it! ~ and yes I'm about to die now...God please give me wisdom and strength!

My Privileges

God give me the privilege to be able to see how He loves you, guides you, and blesses you day to day without fail. Other privileges are to respect, support and be with you in any circumstances.

Teaching a child

"Teaching a child is more difficult than pursuing a doctoral degree." -Dita Utomo- 

Discipline

Hebrews 12:11- “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness.”


*Patient & Consistent...two words that are in my mind...*

Have you run to the cross?

Because of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, that place of safety is available. Have you run to the cross? (ODB)

The Old Rugged Cross 

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suff’ring and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

A beautiful reminder

"Segala perkara 
dapat kutanggung di dalam Dia 
yang memberi kekuatan kepadaku"

(Filipi 4:13)

Race + Family Park? Is it a good one?

We went to a Race Park in Busan on my birthday. We went there not because of celebrating my birthday, but our church (Korea-Indonesia Church - Ebenhaezer) has a tradition for having sunday service outside to celebrate Indonesia Independence Day. The day the members decided to go was luckily my birthday, too. 

We had gone to Haeundae in the last two years consecutively. This year we wanted to go to another place, so we went to this place. I didn't realized that we would go to a race park because we were told the park name in Korea. I just didn't get it. 

After we arrived in the park, I remembered that some times ago, there was a field trip to this park after visiting Renault-Samsung Car Factory held by the language center where I studied. I didn't join the field trip on that day, but saw pictures from friends' facebook.

The park initially offers people horse race and you know what I mean with this race. You put your money and bet. If your choice wins the race, you will get money depends on how much money you use to bet. 

The park is designed nicely and facilitated with many attractions for family. It was summer time when we went there, so an additional big plastic swimming pool was installed there for kids to enjoy. You can also find water fountain, bicycle rental, convenient stores, gazebos, and many more! Beside that, you also can visit horse health center to learn more about horse. 

The park is extremely big and clean. The entrance fee is very very very affordable for such a good park like that. Moreover, you don't need to pay for using any attractions, bicycles, tricycles, etc inside the park. I thought that it will attract many people come to the park. Operating such a big race park where many people come to play and bet, the operator will get many revenue and won't be bankrupt for giving free bicycle rental or other free facilities. 

It was Sunday when we came to the park. Therefore, there were many people came. Some people went to bet and see races, some others were having family time with their loved ones. It was obvious to see that while parents were busy betting on race, children  were playing in the park. 

San and I were sad to see it. 

We don't agree on the activities of racing and betting, but we love the park. Combining race park and family park in one place is really not a good idea for us. Children learn from their parents. Even if parents don't teach them to love gambling, bringing children to the park while parents gamble will let children learn by seeing what their parents do. They will grow up with the thought that gambling is fine, nothing wrong with it. They learn from what they see, and it is so dangerous!

As what I said above, we love the park. Joshua saw many kids were riding bicycles and I wanted to let him try. We rented a small size bicycle, still a bit too big for him though. He was so excited riding his bicycle. He even didn't let me hold the steer, he wanted to hold it by himself! 

As you can see, he was still too small for the bike, his feet couldn't reach the pedal ^^

It is too bad that the family park is combined with the race park.
Anyway, it is my personal point of view.

Berkat di hari Minggu

Saya bersyukur karena hari ini bisa berkonsentrasi penuh pada Ibadah Hari Minggu di Gereja Korea Indonesia (GKI) Ebenhaezer. Ini kali pertama sejak saya melahirkan JoSH, saya bisa memuji Tuhan dan mendengar firman Tuhan tanpa harus bingung mengurus Joshua.

Malam sebelumnya juga untuk pertama kali, saya & JoSH bisa hadir di Doa Malam di gereja. Bahkan kami menginap di gereja sampai esok harinya.

Untuk pertama kali juga, JoSH pergi ke Sekolah Minggu bersama papanya. Biasanya JoSH pergi bersama saya. Jika saya tetap di gereja mengikuti Ibadah hari Minggu, JoSH yang sudah semakin aktif susah sekali duduk tenang dan diam selama ibadah. Dan lagi di gereja, tidak ada ruang khusus untuk orang tua & anak bisa mendengarkan ibadah (beberapa gereja menyediakan tempat kedap suara untuk orang tua yang membawa anak-anak, dilengkapi dengan TV dan audio system).

Sudah sering saya melontarkan kepada suami bahwa saya kehilangan kesempatan untuk mengikuti ibadah dengan utuh. Saya minta dia untuk sesekali menemani JoSH ke Sekolah Minggu supaya saya punya kesempatan mengikuti kebaktian. Akan tetapi, karena jadwal pelayanan dan juga alasan bahwa kemampuan bahasa Koreanya tidak cukup fasih untuk mengantar JoSH ke Sekolah Minggu (di gereja lain yang berbahasa Korea), membuat saya tidak bisa mendapatkan kesempatan itu.

Sebelum hari Minggu tiba, saya menyatakan keinginan untuk hadir di Ibadah Minggu dan memintanya mengantar JoSH ke Sekolah Minggu. Di luar dugaan, suami bersedia!

Setelah pulang dari Sekolah Minggu saya menanyakan apa yang terjadi di sana dan bagaimana perasaannya. Dia merasa sukacita bisa mengantar JoSH. Selama ibadah, JoSH bersikap tenang dan tidak rewel sama sekali. Orang-orang menyapa dia dan menanyakan dimana saya. Dia menjelaskan kepada mereka bahwa sesekali dia akan datang bersama JoSH, supaya JoSH mengerti bahwa kedua orang tuanya, bukan hanya mama saja tapi keduanya menaruh perhatian kepadanya, membawa dia ke Sekolah Minggu untuk mengenal Tuhan lebih dalam lagi.

Saya bersyukur untuk hari ini. Kesempatan beribadah kepada Tuhan itu suatu hadiah Tuhan yang luar biasa. Kita mungkin sering kali menganggap Ibadah sebagai suatu rutinitas yang kehilangan arti spesialnya dalam hati kita. Saya dikuatkan lewat puji-pujian dan firman Tuhan hari ini. Bersyukur untuk semua itu.

Salah satu pujian yang menguatkan saya hari ini, kiranya boleh menguatkan saudara-saudara juga.
Puji syukur kepada Tuhan!

Kaulah Harapan

Bukan dengan kekuatanku

ku dapat jalani hidupku.

Tanpa Tuhan yang di sampingku,

ku tak mampu sendiri.

Engkaulah kuatku yang menopangku.

Reff:

Kupandang wajahMu dan berseru,

pertolonganku datang dariMu.

Peganglah tanganku jangan lepaskan,

Kaulah harapan dalam hidupku.

Mom, before and after delivery...

Pic was taken after I recorded my story for Busan e-FM. 2010, August 9.

On the last month of pregnancy I got total 20kgs >.< ,

mostly because of my body was swollen a lot.

Right after delivery, I lost 11kgs on the 5th day.

And lost total 18kgs a month after.

Walking, sleeping, and standing were difficult with my 'big size' body.

You know that in Busan, which 'san' means 'mountain' 

you will hardly see flat roads here.

San needed to push me from the back when the road was steep

or when I needed to climb stairs.

Pic was taken by Sam, our friend from Hongkong on the day

we visited Jagalchi Market in June, 2011.

I was almost back to my normal weight.

Joshua was about 8.5kgs at that time.

Many things have changed after I lost that 20kgs, but one things still remains.

San still pushes me from the back when the road is steep or when I need to climb stairs.

Because now I hold Joshua! ^^

생일 축하 해요

Have a blessed birthday Hon Ayank.

I just want to say that "I love you so much".

I want to always love you by God's gracious love.

Because of His love, we can live in His miraculous world.

I Corinthians 13:4-8, 13

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

God bless you hon.

-san-

Joshua - The little light of mine

When I was pregnant, I enjoyed listening to songs or classical instrument. I would play it quite loud so the baby inside my tummy could hear it, too. I searched for Sunday School Songs through youtube and found many. Mostly, I have learned that songs while I was in Sunday School, but some of them were new for me.

Sunday School songs are easy to listen, easy to sing, also easy to remember.
The songs use simple words but able to describe the meaning clearly. That's what I love.

One of the new songs I learnt and played many times for Joshua is the song titled "The Little Light of Mine". You have to see the lyrics and you will agree with me that the lyrics have a great meaning. Even when I am writing this post, my heart beats so hard while I am thinking about the meaning.

Even I only have a little light, I will not hide it. I will protect it and let it shine till He comes again.
Everytime I play the video for Joshua, I do hope he writes it down in his heart.

The Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine )3x

Let it shine 3x

Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine )3x

Let it shine 3x
Don't let Satan blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine )3x

Let it shine 3x

Let it shine til Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine )3x

Let it shine 3x

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine )3x

Let it shine 3x

No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden,
or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand,
so that those who come in may see the light.
Luke 11:33

PS. For R.A.B, when I read your comment on my post "Joshua, being the cutest is not important!", the song popped up in my head and inspired me to write this post. Thanks a bunch!

Instant noodle - My way or God's way?

One day in Busan, I was so tired and lost my appetite. One thing that I wanted to eat is the instant noodle from Indonesia that we bought at Asian Mart (It's mie goreng Indomie). I asked San's if he wanted to make it for me, and he said yes.

After a while, the fried indomie was ready. The smell was good, but wait....something is strange here. The color looked pale.

"I think the color of this Indomie is different with the one I used to eat in Indonesia " I said to San.

I started to eat it and this time I felt the difference in it's taste.

"I always heard that Indomie taste in Korea and Indonesia is not the same. Now I know that it's true. It's not as delicious as the one in Indonesia. " I said.
"Hm...maybe." He answered.

With that thought in mind, I kept eating the noodle and finished it. When I went to the sink to wash the plate and spoon, I saw something familiar to me next to the sink. The Indomie sauces sachets! The soy sauce, chilli sauce is still there in the sachet. The seasoning powder was still about half of it. What's this??? No wonder the indomie tasted different!

"Why you didn't put the sauces and seasoning on the noodle? That's why the taste is plain. It's not about the difference between Indomie in Korea and Indonesia, but it's because  you didn't use all the sauces." I complained to San.
"Hm...I don't like the sauces. I like it plain. The seasoning is also too salty for me, so I just used half of it." He said.
"What do you say? To whom you cooked the noodle? For you or for me? Why did you use your standard instead of asking me what I want?"

That story always reminds me of our relationship with God. We as human also like to do everything in our way, using our style and what we like; instead of asking our Creator what He wants and what He likes. We often use our logic and assumption that God will love a certain way without faithfully and dilligently seek His guidance. We think God will be happy with our way, and what we do is right. We are so proud of ourself and failed to surrender in God. Let's seek His wisdom! (2 Cor 10:5b, ...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.)

Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments,

and his paths beyond tracing out!

“Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been his counselor?”

“Who has ever given to God,

that God should repay them?”

For from him and through him and for him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen. 

Rejected by school bus driver

Yesterday, I wanted to go to the nearest subway station to meet my classmates for lunch. As usual, I went to the bus stop which is the school shuttle bus stop point. This time, I was with my baby, Joshua. And this was not the first time I board the school shuttle bus while carrying him with me, although it still can be counted.

I saw the school bus was coming. I waved my hand signaling that I wanted to board the bus. But the bus didn't stop. It stopped 5 meters away from the bus stop point and I had to run to catch it. After arrived in front of the bus door, the bus driver still didn't open the door. But he opened it finally. I almost wanted to step in the bus before he asked me questions and underestimated me. He thought that I should not stopped the bus because he thought I was not a student (for carrying a baby) and I didn't have the right to board the bus.

I knew that driver and I thought he would remember me if I didn't carry the baby. I said that I am a student, too. And by looking at his shocked face, I knew he wouldn't mind if I enter the bus without waiting his answer.

I still felt angry about that until night, till I realized that it was just because of the difference of worldview.

So, I am married and I have a baby and I am a student in the same time.
If I am not a person in this position I also can say that it is not right. I would say that Mother should stay at home, taking care of baby, taking care of house, helping husband and doing everything related to family matters. But I have a reason that made me choose to study again. One of the reasons is to be able to stay with my husband, and not to separate my husband from our baby. And for that reason, I won't regret it.

I remembered that one of Korea lady told me that I am lucky that my husband allowed me to study even though I am married and have a baby. Most Korean men would not allow their wife to study after delivering baby. It happened to the lady when she found her pregnancy after five months studying in US.

I understand the basic reason behind the Korean men's way of thinking. I agree with them if the reason is to give full attention to the baby's growth and family life. I think not only in Korea, in my country or other countries, staying with the baby and managing household is on mother's first list.

It's the ideal way. Mine would not be that ideal, but it is the best choice in our case.

I felt relieved after thinking about the diference of our worldview. It was very understandable if he mistaken me on that day.

I learnt to appreciate other people's way of thinking. That's my food of thought today.

소나기

이번 주는 내 생활이 소나기 처럼 같았다. 눈 깜짝할 사이에 많은 것이 갑자기 변화했다. 안타깝지만 아직도 하나님께 감사를 드립니다.

Joshua, being the cutest is not important!

Joshua,
It's not important for you to be the cutest in the world because you are not comparable. The most important thing is you know and love your Creator, and do what He wants you to be.

Psalms 139:14
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well"