Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Have a beautiful, memorable and meaningful holiday with your loved ones.

Christmas for me is a reminder of God's faithfulness, goodness and forgiveness.

It is a day for restoration, reconciliation and faith

It is a celebration of victory, let earth receive her King.

Christmas is a holiday of love, hope, renewal and faith in Christ Jesus, 

who came to this earth for you and I,

to live abundantly in His purposes,

to live in freedom by His grace.

It is also a day to cherish with your friends and family!

Pray together as a family (my favorite),
Read Some verses about Christmas, whether you agree-like it or not, it is Christ's day :)

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. 

Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. 

Make a memory that will last forever,
not just focusing on what presents you will get or to get others for Christmas.
It is fun and all, but it is NOT the purpose of this day.

We tend to commercialized everything,
selling-buying-profit,
then make it all about Santa Claus,
corny Christmas movies that has NOTHING to do with Christ,
mostly about how desperate a woman is to bring a husband to a family dinner,
a workaholic man/woman,
Santa saves Christmas,
 finding a husband for mommy, etc.
LOL
We ruined the meaning of Christmas!

Be a blessing to someone,
especially those who has nobody to celebrate the holiday with,
even strangers.
If you see someone in a supermarket, street, etc,
wished them a Merry Christmas, a smile, a helping hand, share something!

Spend time with your loved ones,
I miss all of my family and my memories with them on this holiday,
those memories makes me smile and I will pass it on to my children someday.
Take a lot of pictures,

Eat a lot of foods,

Laugh,

Love,

Hug!

Hope your day be MERRY and BRIGHT!

;)

xo,

Lindsay

Pray More- Worry Less

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Sometimes, even when we pray, the worry, fear and problems are still there, but there is power in prayer that makes you stronger to face them all. There is a huge comfort in knowing that God is doing something for your own good. It does not mean that you will get your prayer answered the way you wanted it, but it means that God answered it according to what He thought is the best for you.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

(Romans 12:12)

So many times when God showed us what He thought is the best answer to our prayers, we do not like it. In fact, it could be the most painful thing in your life. We may never understand why God would allow such thing to happened in our lives, especially because we prayed. But then one day, we woke up and we get what God was trying to do through that painful time in our lives. He wanted to save us from a future disaster, He wanted us to experience His love and  miracles. He gives us hope and strength that nobody else could provide, etc.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

(James 1:2–4)

But, there are also moments and specific events that we might never understand why God allowed to exist in our lives. But, by faith, we just have to believe that God knows what He is doing, it is above our own understanding to know everything in this world. We just have to pressing through our problems, move forward with our lives and knowing that God is good, even when painful things happened to us, He is still a good God. Why? because that is faith; Pain, suffering, death, persecution, famine, and war will never separate us from God's love. 

Our destination and home is heaven with Him, where there is no suffering, war, pain, sickness and death. This world filled with evil thoughts and acts, but this is not our forever home. Our hope and faith is in God, who is preparing our forever home in heaven. 

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

(Romans 8:28)

Some gives up hope and faith when painful events took place in there lives and hating God for not helping them, for allowing those things to existed, for leaving them when they needed God the most (or at least that's what we thought, while God is thinking and act differently). God will NEVER leave you, forsake you or laughed at you when you are in pain. He cry with you, laugh with you and died for you so that you could experience eternal life, not death (Read/click: 1 Thessalonians 5:10 and 1Peter 2:24)

"Be strong and courageous. 

Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. 

He will not leave you or forsake you.” 

(Deuteronomy 31:6 )

Some gained hope and faith when those things happened in their lives and experience God's love like never before, because they knew that only God could take away that pain from their lives and replace that with unspeakable joy, healing, peace of mind that surpasses their own understanding and fear. 

It is OUR choice to see and experience life differently!

We may chose to be happy and moved on or we chose to be miserable and walk backward to our past. We could chose to give it all to God or to carry all of our heavy burdens to ourselves and let it consumed our lives. We may chose to let God do what He think is best for us or we may chose to do it ourselves and screwed it up because we have no idea what we are doing. We could chose to be free or a slave to our own misery, sickness, pain and troubled life.

My prayer today for you who read this post is that God will gives you peace of mind, strength and comfort, hope for a better tomorrow and love that will filled your heart with gladness.

May God be with you and bless you,

May God takes away your pain and heals you,

May God comfort you and hug you with His arms,

May God wipe away those tears from your face and gives you peace,

May God take away the pain that enslaved your soul and gives you hope as your new anchor for the soul.

Be free in Jesus name! Amen

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 4:6–7 )

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"Still" by Hillsong

xoxo,

Lindsay

Pain and Gain

God is faithful, true and good for generations. 

He never leaves us alone.

We are not forsaken nor forgotten.

He hears our prayers and understands our pain. 

He is our strong tower, our rock, salvation and hope. 

There are things that are just beyond our control and understanding, 

all we could do is trusting God to do the best in our lives. 

Whatever happened, will happened in His time and permission.

Nothing will occur in my life without God knowing it, fighting for me 

and shielding me with His mighty power. 

I am weak, He is strong. 

I am limited, He is unlimited. 

I am not perfect, He is perfect. 

I face storms, He calms them down. 

I am forever grateful for every pain and gain in my life,

for my God is with me 

until the end

♥

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,

 declares the Lord, 

plans for welfare and not for evil,

 to give you a future and a hope. 

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, 

and I will hear you. 

You will seek me and find me, 

when you seek me with all your heart."

xoxo,
Lindsay

Got Problem?

"When I cannot read, 

when I cannot think, 

when I cannot even pray, 

I can trust." 

(Hudson Taylor)

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Sometimes when life is too much to handle, the pain is too unbearable and too complicated to understand the "why" factor, then we feel trapped, lost and alone. Many times we caused our own problems. Sometimes other people caused it and we are in the middle of it. Sometimes it just happened, out of our control, sudden and painful.

When you feel like God is not answering your prayers or is too busy to care for you. When you feel like no one cares. When you don't know how to be alive again. Try to breathe and trusting God. I know it sounds funny, but give God a chance to help you. It is not easy to see God in the midst of your own tears, disappointment and struggling, especially one that caused by those who suppose to love you, care for you or protect you. In some worst cases, there are people who even dare to use god's name for their terrible action. I am sorry for their action and I can assure you, it is NOT God who told them to hurt you, it is their own action that they justified with the word "God."

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8)

...........................And what exactly is love?...................................

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Trusting God does not mean that He will answer things according to what YOU want, but He will help you get through this problem. He will give you what's best for you. It might be hard, too much and hurt for now, but sometimes it is for the best. We do not know what future holds, but He does. We might think what we lost is everything there is in life, but if you trust God to show you what He has for your future, you will be amazed. God has an incredible mind, too complicated for us to understand it. But, He knows best.

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Whatever you are dealing right now. I am praying for you and remember, this too shall pass. Stay strong! You have a God who created you, love you for who you are and longing to show you His best options for your life. Just trust Him and let Him show you the reward of your faith.

♥ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight ♥ (Proverbs 3:5-6)

xoxo,

Lindsay

Who was praying for you?!

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, 

that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 

And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, 

we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15 ESV)

I was on the phone with my mom the other night and it was a sweet conversation we had. My mom and the rest of my family lives in Indonesia, a beautiful country where my heart will always beat with love. We were talking about the family, crazy unpredictable weather (I know, right?!), food, etc. Then she mentioned something about my grandma. Her name is Marlene, Lenny for short. I grew up with her since I am one of the oldest grandchildren (yipee for me) and my parents were still in the college when they had me. So, I spent almost everyday with my grandparents. My grandma LOVES to cook and eat, she is also a perfectionist (I get this from her). She is one of the strong willed woman I have known my entire life. Beside our love of everything being on its place perfectly, we also share one passion in life (OK, beside food lol) and that is PRAYING

Many of you who really knows me will also know my love for God and my passion to pray for anyone or anything. It is something I learned ever since I was a kid and it grows to me personally and it becomes my daily oxygen. Praying is my life, my passion and my joy. It is my calling in life.

OK, now let's go back to my conversation with my mom last night. She told me that my grandma had a chance to testify in her annual woman's ministry last week. In her testimony, she basically said how she knew God, went to some Bible school, serve God and others.

Then, she said something that I already know but it was a great reminder for me last night. She said,

" When God called me to know him personally and to serve Him. It changed my life. I have been a Christian my whole life, but having a special relationship with God is different than just hold onto a title of being a Christian. Since that time, I have PRAYED for my husband, children, grandchildren and those future family that God will give me. I have prayed for God's grace to save their souls and God answered every single one of that prayers of mine. My children and grandchildren now knows God, saved by His grace, and are serving Him. I am forever grateful. As for me and my household, we will (and are) serving the Lord"

The best legacy anyone could ever give their children is not possession, it is their FAITH and WISDOM! You will be amazed of what prayer will change your life and others. You will be amazed how things started in life begins with a simple prayer. Its not about the beauty of the words you said. It is not about the length of time you spent. It is not about you when you pray. It is about who you are praying to and for.

"For there is one God, 

and there is one mediator between God and men, 

the man 

Christ Jesus" 

(1 Timothy 2:5 ESV)

I have seen, heard and proved the power of prayer. I have prayed and God has answered. I have asked, and God has answered. I presented my requests and some got answered, some have not and some might never be exactly the way I wished it to be answered. But, it is worth a try!

So many times, we have blamed God, circumstances, and others for not answering or doing our request the way we wanted it to be done. We think that just because certain things don't comes out the way we expected, then it is simply mean God did not answer,or worst, God is not real. How many times did you ask your parents, boss, husband, wife, kid, friend for a favor and they refused to give it to you the way you asked. Plenty of time! Now, does that make them not real, not answering, or mean to you? or do they have the right reason/excuse? some of them yes, some of them not. Simply because not everything we wished, asked and expected come true the way we dreamed, asked or wished. Why? it is a part of being human. When everything answered then there is no room for faith, hope and even love left. Why? because we got what we want anyway..who needs God or other people to help us? Being self centered, selfish and prideful of yourself is the beginning of self destruction.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."(Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

If you are a parent, pray for your children. Starting by telling God that you believe in Him and trusting Him to give you the wisdom, strength and ability to carry one day at a time. Start your prayer with thanksgiving to God's goodness. Say what is it that you are thankful for the day. The breath of life, food, job, house, pet, family, nature and so on. Then present your prayer request to God, may it be your children, job, financial, etc. But, simply just talk to God in your heart. He already knows what you need or going to ask Him, but He wanted to hear you saying it. In a conversation there is a feeling of knowing each other, intimacy, relationship. That is what God wants from us. Talk to Him and have a relationship with him, daily. Bear in mind that praying is not asking God to do exactly how we want it, when we want it. He knows best for the universe, let alone our needs. Trust Him to do what, when and how is the best way to do things for us and for OUR OWN GOOD.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, 

plans for welfare and not for evil, 

to give you a future and a hope."

(Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, 

who have been called according to his purpose." 

(Romans 8:28 NIV)

Understand that praying is not about making God your server or slave. When we pray to Him, we pray to the living God who created heaven and earth. He OWNS everything. He doesn't owe us anything. If He spared time to hear your prayers, that is an honor. That is not because He must,its because He wants to do that for us. Because God is love. He wants whats best for you and one of the best way to get to know Him is through praying, reading the Bible and obey Him.

If you are curious about God and everything about Him. Start reading the book of John and Romans. If you want some uplifting verses when you are praying, try to read Psalm.

I wanna thank my grandma and my mom for praying for me and teach me how to pray. I started praying when I was still in diapers. I started praying over simple things, like when I woke up every mornings and when I was about to go to sleep at night. I prayed before I ate with thanksgiving. I then started to pray for other people, nations, leaders, celebrity, world issues and even strangers. I found my strength, comfort, hope, love and faith through praying and it is all started because someone before me was praying for me to know God. That someone is my grandma and then my mom. They pray and they show me how to pray. Above all, they teach me to love the Lord and that is the most amazing thing anyone could have ever done in my life.

Who is praying for you? I am praying for you right now as you read this blog. There is always someone praying for you, even those that you do not know their names. Jesus was praying for you. If you need any prayer request, please leave a comment or inbox me. I will pray for you! You are not alone in this world.

xoxo

Lindsay

(All Images: google search)

I am recklessly abandon for God

I am recklessly abandon for God!

How many times do we said “I live to worship YOU oh God”. How many times do we cry in God’s presence. How many times do we say “I love You God with all that I am.”

QUESTION: HOW MANY TIME DID WE FAIL TO FULFILLED OUR OWN WORDS?

Its only because of God’s own mercy and grace that makes me who I am today. I am here is all because of God’s own just and love. I dont know why He chose me, call me and honor me to be His own child, His own servant.

QUESTION: WHAT HAVE I DONE FOR MY GOD?

It breaks my heart to see the world, it breaks my heart to see the lost souls, it breaks my heart to see people are going crazy just to find the true meaning of LOVE. What they dont know is that in order to find the love, you will have to find LOVE itself. There is no other word to describe God in one word than the word LOVE itself. Even hough there are many other words to describe HIM and then we come to this point when we cant describe Him anymore. Because He is THAT awesome that even words will not be able to describe who He is and what He is.

QUESTION: HOW DO WE KNOW WHO AND WHAT GOD IS ABOUT?

By having a relationship with Him through His words and praying. Many times in my life when all I have is only FAITH, like literally only FAITH. I don't have anybody or anything that could help me out BUT my faith to God. 

There are so many times in life, when I complained about how hard life is and how other people is so “happy” with their own lives and I kinda jealous of some of them. But then God is so patient of molding me and teaching me how to face every obstacles. 

Many times in our lives when its all darkness around us, when life is hard and the burden is heavy. Those are the times when God loves us the most, HUH??. Weird, funny, not logical we might think. If God loves us THAT much then why this is all happening to me or to the people I love? But do you know that many times we put ourselves in those situations, its NOT God but us! 

God is rescuing us from our own disasters and tragedy.

Its hard to praise God when nothing seems good and well. Its easier to praise Him when everything is provided for us. But then I know with all my heart that God is and will never abandon me. Sometimes when we feel we are strong,those are the times when we actually weak.

Lord Jesus, from the day I was born, You were there with me. Until this moment I know You are here with me. Teach me to walk with Your guidance according to Your will. For I am living for You and You alone. 

If my nothing can bring glory to others then use that because I know that YOU have and are everything I need to complete my nothing. I am just a pencil, YOU write me. I am just a blank paper and You wrote my life’s story with Your own hands. 

I am just a wind waiting for Your direction to go. I am just a tool in Your own storage, but You take good care of me and fix me when Im broken. 

I am here because of You, I live just for You. I know this life is short and one day I will see You face to face. On that glorious day..oh Lord..do not pass me, do not forget me and do not pass nor forget my families and friends and those names that I have been praying for. 

Hear my cry my Lord, my Father and my everything.

I was a sinner saved by the grace of my Lord. I am not worthy but He who is GREATER than me makes me worthy for His own pleasure. He takes ALL the glory and credit for everything I do for HIM because I am just His servant.

I am RECKLESSLY ABANDON FOR HIM!!

“O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me” (Psalm 25:2)

“Everything we do is just a drop in the ocean,but if we dont do that, then that drop will be missing forever” (Mother Teresa)

xoxo,

Lindsay