Bug's news....Feb-Mar 2008

James 1:3-4
'Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.'

'Many people are willing to suffer, but do not know how long the suffering will take.
Many people can praise a short sickness, but after a long sickness, they will grumble. If you want to learn the lesson of patience, you must remember there is no clock in Heaven.'
Quoted from "Streams in the desert".

With the change of weather around February-March, I came down with a severe head cold (that's what my colleague/nurse said..).
Picture this...
" Congested nose, inability to breathe properly when I lie down to sleep, constant cough to loose out the phlegm, blowing of nose, no voice...BUT somehow anything below my neck seems to be working in perfect condition!!!
I described it as having 'my head in a bubble'.
I usually recover from a cold within a week. This one, it took …almost over 2 weeks to recover.
I was quite distressed. I, who is an active person,was unable to exercise at the gym, to hike or even to hold a proper conversation! It was a struggle, physically and emotionally.

It was a constant battle and daily I had to rely on HIM for strength and proclaim HIS word to keep a 'sound mind' as mentioned in 2Timothy 1:6-7 (New King James Version).

As I was coming out of that "bubble", the LORD spoke to me through James 1:3-4 and the above quote. I understood that during that down moment in my life, He was showing me of my own limitation and teaching me ...PATIENCE with myself and not running ahead but be always STEADY in HIM.
At the same time, He reminded me that HE was with me at all times protecting me as the enemy wanted to pull me down.
Praise be to GOD for HIS covering over my life during those moments…I do have the assurance that HE is with me at all times.

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EASTER OUTREACH
After this bubbly chapter :):) … EASTER was just around the corner. I asked the LORD about HIS plan over my Easter break (2weeks). Finally I signed up for an outreach organised by my church over the Easter weekend.
I was looking forward to visit a Girls' home under the St Stephen Society led by Jackie Pullinger. (She is the author of the book "Chasing the dragon"). But I only got a day of visit. Somehow I was glad that I was able to go even for one day.

Well knowing of my inability to speak Chinese (Cantonese), I reminded myself that this was not my 1st outreach! So with my "Girl Guide motto in mind- BE PREPARED", I told the LORD I was prepared to serve in any way.
The British staff leader reassured me over the phone that some of the young girls are able to speak a little bit of English.

Well, on the day of outreach, as I was introducing myself and answering the usual question about my nationality, they found out that one of the official language from my country is French. I sensed some excitement among the girls…
Suddenly, one of the girl (Ah Chen) who sat besides me, said something that sounded…French! I understood her question and I politely replied her. She was excited and a few of them were chatting even with greater excitement. I was clueless.

With a big smile, the British staff (Tracy) explained to me that a few of them were learning French as part of their "interest" activity. They already had 2 sessions with her. So with relief and excitement, Tracy asked whether if I could lead the session in the afternoon after lunch! Besides conversational French, they learned baking, photography and glass painting.

And so, I helped them to practice simple conversational French. What was meant to be a day outreach became a 3 times visit at the Girls' home, teaching them a Christian song in French and of course, making the popular French crepe! I went back for a fourth time to see their little presentation.

The ladies are preparing the batter, cooking the crepes and having them for tea time!

This whole episode taught me or, may I say reaffirm me of my identity in HIM. HE did not make a mistake when HE created Doris, a woman born in a far away island, Mauritius, and of Chinese origin.

As Acts 17:26b(NIV) puts it "…and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live."
I am ME and I am where I am called to be in this season of my life!


SURPRISE BIRTHDAY TREAT!

And to celebrate HIS creation (that's me!), God arranged a surprise treat given by two friends on the eve of my birthday! It was really unexpected!
And on my birthday, I made crepe with the ladies at the Girls' home plus I had another dinner treat from my local friends. NO big birthday bash but it was all meaningful ones!!

The day after my birthday, I asked the LORD "Is there any specific from HIS Word that He would want me to read?" He said, "Joshua"

Right from the start in the book of Joshua, the phrase "Be strong and of good courage" occurs four times in the first chapter.
It spoke to me of God's encouragement for my life personally and as HE keeps bringing revelation through the following chapters, I receive revelation of HIS care for me and I know He was preparing me of what is lying ahead…

One challenge that is coming soon is that in August, I will have to look for a new flat for myself.
God was already impressing on my heart about this matter and it is confirmed that it will happen.

With expectation and excitement, I trust HIM for HIS guidance in this matter.

... Psalm 37:34 "Wait on the LORD,
And keep His Way
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;…"

I will keep you update in the months to come of the happenings.

Once again, do drop a line whenever you are free

With thanks,

Doris