Learning to Say: "The End"

We didn't know it then but this was the last Bright Lights meeting!

Bright Lights has been such a big part of my life ever since we started in Singapore over 8 years ago. Back then, Bright Lights meetings used to be over 5 hours long! So it is not surprising that planning and coordinating meetings took up a good part of my week. Even so, it was so enjoyable and I learnt so much that all the effort hardly felt like work. I loved the new girls that we would meet, the leaders I got to work with, and eventually the friends that became so dear. Looking back, I definitely wouldn't trade those times for anything!

Over the years, things changed. Some girls moved away, some girls got "too old" for Bright Lights, some girls pursued "broader" paths, but the saddest thing of all to me was seeing girls get "too busy". Messages unreplied and promises to come unkept...yet all the while, everyone continued to affirm how important Bright Lights was to them and that it should keep on going. It became clear that the issue was as Charles Hummel noted in his booklet "Tyranny of the Urgent": "our dilemma goes deeper than shortage of time; it is basically a problem of priorities".

As the group size dwindled, it became clear that questions had to be asked. Did we need to change something about the way we were doing things? Or was it God's will that the group be small? Or was this a sign that we should stop meetings? Whatever the answer was, I knew that I should not be influenced by sentimentality for a ministry. Bright Lights is a great ministry but God's work is not confined to an organisation. Since our allegiance is not to one ministry but to serving the Lord, it seemed that sometimes the ending of a ministry might bring greater fruit and more opportunities as opposed to keeping to status quo. 

And so, yes, we ended Bright Lights meetings here in Singapore. I was sad with how it had to end, a little anti-climactic and announced over a whatsapp message. It's easy to buy into lies that a successful ministry is one that has the longest history and hence the ending of Bright Lights was my failure. But I know that these thoughts are not true because all ministry is the Lord's, not ours! So I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store next, and most importantly, I'm glad to know with certainty that God is in control and He will guide us each step of the way. 

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." - 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

This blog might stay dormant for a while but you never know what's next...cause there's no such thing as "the end" with our Lord, only new beginnings! :)

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Simply Trusting Everyday

demonstrating how to play a harp! credit: Nathan Corduan

One year. One whole year since I had been on any mission trip. This was really a record for me as I typically go on about three or four mission trips a year. So, I left for the Taiwan CI trip full of anticipation but also already dreading the end of the trip, knowing how time would fly by.

And fly by it did. So much so that when it was all over, we looked at each other and asked "Was that really the end?".

I can't pick one highlight of the trip. Believe me, I've tried and I don't think I can even pick a few because every moment was a highlight.

I do know though what the Lord taught me on this trip and for some reason those encounters all began with tears. As Laura Story's song Blessing goes, "What if Your healing comes through tears?".

Teargate #1

Dora could possibly be the most cheerful girl that I have ever met. She was always smiling and would run to give me a hug whenever I walked past. Sometimes, she would go into fits of giggles while watching a skit in large group and leave me a little worried about her frame of mind.

But behind that cheery disposition were hurts that no girl her age should have to go through. At church that Sunday, she bravely gave a testimony of how first her mother and then her father abandoned her at a young age, leaving her to the care of her elderly and sick grandparents. She cried as she spoke and there were few dry eyes in that sanctuary when she finished. 

As I cried with her, I realised that, more than just sorrow for her situation, I was crying because I was convicted of my obsession with myself and my problems. Convicted because I see my little difficulties as insummountable and let myself get discouraged so easily. Do you trust me? It seemed the Lord was asking me.

Teargate #2

It was one of those days that I was so flustered. So many things to do, so little time. I started large group unprepared and the children were being especially fidgety. My lack of energy and disorientated state that night only made things worse and it seemed like not even half of them were paying attention despite my best efforts.

No, I did not cry then, thankfully! 

I would not let this happen again, I told myself. I purposed to spend all my time till the next large group making sure I would be well prepared. But my help was needed and I ended up spending all my time at a little prayer meeting we had with some of the children. So, since I was stuck at a prayer meeting, I prayed that the next large group would go better. Was prayer as good as being prepared? I wasn't quite sure.

But the next large group was perhaps the most amazing one of the entire trip. Without me even pushing the children very much, they recited the verses and sang so loudly. As we sang the song That Which Heaven Treasures, a slow song without actions, several children closed their eyes while they sang and that sight was so moving that I was close to tears. And again, the same question: Do you trust me? It seemed the Lord was asking me.

Teargate #3

I was on the bus, on my way to the Taoyuan airport, leaving Taiwan for home. An email notification popped up on my phone and I opened it to find a progress report from my school with my grades for all my modules so far. I was incredulous at the realisation that I had gotten distinctions for almost all my modules. Umm, how did that happen?

You see, I had made it my goal to study hard but to make it secondary in my life. That meant that I would plan a Bright Lights meeting even if I had a huge assignment due the day before. Or that I would ignore the advice of my school and take double modules in the months before this trip so that I could take January and February off to be in Taiwan. So, good grades? Not what I was expecting.

And yet, as I sat there looking at my results, I knew that putting God first was worth it. All my worries about whether I could cope with school and everything else suddenly seemed very silly.

I really couldn't help crying on that crowded bus. I hope the lady sitting next to me thought I just suddenly had a runny nose. 

Again, the same question: Do you trust me? It seemed the Lord was asking me.

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There were so many other ways this trip that the Lord taught me to trust Him. I saw so many of my prayers answered, so many of my worries proved unfounded and I got to work with such an amazing staff team!

But I write all this down because I know that I will forget. Already, I have to stop myself whenever I'm tempted to worry about my plans for the year ahead, what the Lord has in store for me. How silly of me! May this record of what the Lord has taught me be like the memorial stones that the Israelites gathered in Joshua 4.

There is no need to be anxious. We serve a God that we can fully trust in. May we never forget!

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. - 2 Corinthians 4:7

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A Stylishly Modest Wardrobe

Being a well dressed person involves more than just looking nice. We see through creation that God is a God who loves beauty. He could have made just one type of flower or created the world in black and white but He didn’t. I remember meeting a blind lady who despite her disability, still took the trouble to dress beautifully. Her colourful clothing sent the message that she was grateful to God. Similarly, when we dress modestly yet stylishly, we do more than look nice - we are sending a message that we serve a good God.

Shopping Smart

Why? Many times we walk through the mall and buy whatever catches our eye. However, that results in a wardrobe that has beautiful clothes that don't really go together. Buying basics and shopping smart will eliminate the problem of having a wardrobe full of clothes yet still having to lament “I have nothing to wear!”
How?

• Only buy a piece of clothing if you can think of other clothes in your wardrobe that you can wear with it. 
• Learn from your past shopping mistakes to figure out what you like and what you don’t. 
• Consider your lifestyle and the types of clothes you need. For example, if you seldom attend wedding dinners, you might not need a whole lot of fancy dresses. 
• Keep a list of things you need to make your closet complete so you know what you really need when you go shopping. Often, it’s better to buy quality clothing over quantity. Buying a $50 skirt that you wear once a week is a better investment than buying a $10 skirt you only wear once in your life. 
• Shopping requires work! If you see something you like that is too expensive, remember to stop by the store a few weeks later and it might be on sale.

Check out Audrey's series on Building a Remixable Wardrobe for more great ideas!

Clothes for Different Occasions

Why? It’s not so much what your personal style is but figuring out how to be dressed appropriately wherever you go.

How?

• Observe and take note of what others are wearing. It’s always better to be a little overdressed than underdressed. Some things such as T-shirts and flip flops are commonly worn by people everywhere they go but are not always appropriate. 
• By changing your accessories and what you match something with, you can often change a piece of clothing from formal to informal or vice versa.

Take Note of Proportions

Why? Especially for skirts, a higher waistline usually looks better. Having the right proportions makes you look put together and also can make you look taller!

How?

• Tuck in your shirt. 
• Use a belt to define your waist. 
• It works a little differently for each person based on your body type so try different things out in front of a full-length mirror to see what works best for you!

Choosing Colours & Patterns

Why? It’s important to have a good mix of colours and neutrals to make your wardrobe interesting.

How?

• Find out the colours that look good on you. Do you prefer bright colours? Pastel colours? Neutral colours? Black? 
• Go through your closet and find out what colours you need to add.

Layering & Accessorising

Why? These are easy ways to make an outfit look better!

How?

• Play with proportions. For example, wear a longer cardigan with a high waist outfit. It’s easy to forget about buying sweaters or blazers since the weather here (in Singapore) is so hot but often you can find short sleeved versions so you can layer while staying cool. 
• Sometimes, you might be given sleeveless clothing that isn’t modest but looks nice. Keep these for layering!

Lastly…

1. Always take an extra look at the mirror before leaving the house. If in doubt, change!
2. Get a Pinterest account, search "Modest Fashion" and pin those that you love. Get ideas from other's modest outfits! Ask yourself, What makes this outfit work? Here's how my Pinterest board looks like!
3. Visit Polyvore and practice putting together modest outfits for various occasions. 
4. Take time to read style blogs or observe what you like about the way the people around you dress. I recommend Olivia's blog on Fresh Modesty!

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Youth Retreat: Journey to the Heart 2014

Join Us On A Youth Retreat Like No Other! 

IBLP South East Asia is organizing it’s first Journey to the Heart this August. Journey to the Heart is an excellent program from the United States that has touched and changed many lives. This Journey will be facilitated by both American and local leaders. Will you join us to experience the reality of God?

TRIP INFO:

Dates: 11 - 20 August 2014 (10 days)
Location: Puncak, Indonesia
Cost: Regular Price - SGD$100/day* (SGD$1000) || ATI Student Price- SGD$80/day* (SGD$800)
*Cost includes training, materials, meals, lodging and transportation. Cost does not include the flight from your country of origin to Indonesia. 
Closing Date: 30 June 2014
Requirements: Youth between 15 - 26 years
Questions? Please email Mr. Teh (tteh@sg.iblp.org)

WHAT IS JOURNEY TO THE HEART? 

We live in a fast paced world. Social media, books, friends - all good things but they often distract us from taking God seriously. Whether your walk with God is strong or almost nonexistent, the goal of the Journey is to help you go deeper into the person of God. How does this work? Here are a few ways:

• You’ll hear powerful truths that can help you break free from past hurts, bitterness, guilt, and hidden sin.
• You’ll be able to spend time alone with God and His Word, learning to hear His voice and speak to Him. 
• You'll study 18 heart conditions described in the Bible, both good and bad. 
• You’ll spend time as a team encouraging one another through prayer and small group discussion. 
• You’ll hear stirring life stories and messages from the hearts of people who love God. 
• You’ll be able to have good fun and Godly fellowship through sports, singing, etc. 

Here's the group picture from when I went to the same retreat in USA! Can you spot me?

Click Here for Journey to the Heart's USA website.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13

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Arguing and Disputing

We had a really fun meeting last week, discussing how to keep from arguing and disputing. It was a really good topic to reflect on, share notes on what we had learned in this area and give advice to those who were in difficult situations. 

The first question we each answered when we arrived at Bright Lights was: When was the last time you had an argument and how did it happen? Unfortunately, though most of us would argue (hehe) that we don't have a problem in this area, we realised that every one of us had had an argument either that day or the day before. 

Anyway, Leah came up with a great activity to reinforce this lesson and here's what we did!

Activity: How Not To Argue...
1) The girls should be split into groups of twos or fours.
2) They, each group, should be given a handwritten scenario of a common argument*.

3) The girls must act out the scenario that has been given to them, and the correction of that scenario.

After the three steps above, have a short discussion asking the following three questions:

• How could you have kept the argument from starting?
• How could you have stopped the argument from continuing?
• How could you have corrected things after the argument in order to keep bitterness/anger at bay?

*(note that the scenarios need to be prepared in advance)

Do all things without complaining and disputing. That you may be blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. - Philippians 2:14

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2 Things that Rainbows Symbolize to Christians

We saw this rainbow on our way back from Bright Lights this week! Isn't it pretty?
I think it's so neat that rainbows are mentioned in the Bible. Not just are they mentioned but God says that He put them there to be a reminder to us!

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 9:13

Rainbows remind us of...

1. God's promise that will never allow a world-wide flood (as in Noah's time) on the earth again.
2. The covenant of grace. That even though we are sinners, we have a second chance through Christ's work on the cross.

More information about rainbows here!

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Be Thou an Example - 1 Tim 4:12 [Free Desktop Wallpaper]

It's been a long time since I last designed a desktop wallpaper! Looking back at my last post in December 2011 makes me cringe a little. Don't quite like how that looks!

Oh, talking about designing, I started a new blog to post all my designing endeavours! Hopefully I'll be posting more desktop wallpapers over there!

Anyways, this is one of my favourite verses and one that Bright Lights is very much based on! Enjoy as you meditate on this!

>> Free Download: iPad ~ 1366x768 ~ 2560x1600

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Because It's Been a Long Time Since...

...we posted a group picture! Unfortunately, though this is the most recent one I have, it's from last September! And the picture quality is kinda blah. Oh well, better late than never...better a picture than none! Love these girls!!

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Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

- Steve Green

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Where is the Path of Life Leading You?

Has God ever led you in a really clear way? 

Maybe it's because people overuse the phrase "God told me", but I feel that God's direction often gets bad press. We're much more likely to doubt than to believe the stories we hear others tell. No, it must have been their own thoughts that they confused with God's voice...or maybe it was their conscience? 

One thing we know for sure, when we are in God's will and He is leading and guiding us, we will experience the fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore that only He can give. Truly, the greatest blessing comes when we put our trust in Him!

1 Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.- Psalm 16

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Love, Joy, Peace Christmas Tag

In remembrance of the love, joy and peace that was brought into our world some 2000 years ago by the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed Christmas everyone!

Here's an idea this Christmas...bake some cookies (I used this eggless recipe and added crushed candy canes), add the tag given here and spread the reason for the season to all those around you! You could even add a little gospel message to the back of the tag!

>> Free Download: Love, Joy, Peace Christmas Tag

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A Polka-Dotted Thank You Card

When I think of appreciation, this story always comes into mind. As one writer concluded, "If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?" 

More recently, there was this other true story that made a similar point. The value of the painting was based on how much it was appreciated - to art collectors, six figure sums, to others, $60.

If we would only take the time to think about it, it would be easy to come up with a long list of people we need to thank but haven't. Let me make this easy for you...download the file below, put some white card stock into your printer, print it out and cut it into half. Fold it and there is your card! Now, you can spend all the time you saved making the card on writing a heartfelt note! Have fun!

>> Free Download: A Polka-Dotted Thank You Card PDF

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Live Feed from the #FULFIL2013 Conference!

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Because They Say Cleanliness is Next to Godliness...

Explore more infographics like this one on Visually.

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Tips to Sharing a Powerful Testimony

Have you ever been asked to share a testimony in front of a crowd about something the Lord taught you? Public speaking gives most the jitters but here are some tips to sharing a testimony that will really reach the hearts of those you are speaking to!  

1. Share a specific instance, not just a general occurrence

• It's easy to say "I find it hard to understand my Mom when she doesn't let me go out with my friends..." That's great, but we want to hear about a time that actually happened. Use words like "one time when...".
• Include details that might be personal and descriptive. But do use discretion about sharing things that are someone else's secret or make someone else look bad.

2. Share something that happened recently

• Sharing about something that happened when you were five isn't necessarily wrong but can send the message that you only did bad stuff when you were that age and not any more (which obviously isn't true!)
• You'll probably remember more details about something that happened recently
• Sharing something that happened recently really gives others a glimpse into your life and helps them see that you are a work in progress too!
• Share something that matters to you (not the smallest thing I've done wrong in this area cause I don't want others to think badly of me). Hopefully this is a mistake you made that you want to tell others about so that they don't do it themselves!

3. Relive your feelings at that time

• A testimony is not just a story, it is YOUR story! Let us know how you felt, why you struggled, why you were tempted, what made it so difficult to do what was right.
• Take time to really recall what went through your mind at that time

4. Leave out unimportant information

• I don't know about you, but some of my testimonies are complicated, long stories. A lot of what makes the testimony complicating is that much of what happened is not relevant to the testimony and can be edited out. For example, we don't need to know the exact date this happened, we don't need to know the whole events of the day which this happened and sometimes we don't even need to know exactly who the person who wronged you in the story was.
• It is important to think about the order in which you are going to share your testimony. When should you give different pieces of important information? Will withholding some information till later in the testimony encourage curiosity?

Most importantly, share from your heart. Even though in some sense you are going to be doing public speaking, this is NOT public speaking in the sense that this is NOT just a speech that you are giving. Jesus told the man He cast demons out of...

Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. - Mark 5:19

Do you think that the man wrote out a speech about what the Lord had done and read it in a monotone to his friends? NO! I imagine him giving a heart-felt speech, choking up as he recalled all that the Lord had done for him.

Dear Reader, you can write out the most perfect testimony that meets all the points above and if it does not mean something to you, everyone can tell! As the saying goes, "a message prepared in the mind reaches a mind; a message prepared in a life reaches a life"

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When You Say Goodbye

Sadly, goodbyes happen often at Bright Lights. It's no wonder that we even have a label on this blog dedicated to them! But though they happen often, it doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye to people that have become great friends, that will truly be missed.

Even as we are sad to say goodbye, we also remember how grateful we are to the Lord. That against all odds, He caused us to meet at Bright Lights, to learn together, and as the years went by, to lead and teach together.

So till next time! Goodbye to the Lees, Lynches and Mcdermotts...it's been an amazing journey!

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: - Philippians 1:3-6

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2012 Bright Lights Conferences Update!

Looking back, what transpired was really amazing. It had all begun as a "joke" over lunch at the Bright Lights office - that we would do an "around-the-world" Bright Lights trip comprising Alaska, Melaka, KL, Singapore and Melbourne. But we serve a great God and what had seemed like a "joke" was really Him giving us ideas and dreams which resulted in the planning and finally, the action that made the conferences possible!

The conferences were such an encouragement to all. The biggest praise was all the little and big prayer requests that the Lord answered. Mr. Mally was really resourceful and creative when it came to assembling the chalk easel for the chalk talk. There were numerous hurdles that he faced and duct tape came to the rescue for most! But even duct tape could not help when we had an electrical problem and the black light refused to turn on during the chalk talk. We prayed fervently from the back as they tried frantically to fix the problem. Just when it seemed like nothing would work, the lights miraculously came on! We found out later that the problem was due to a wire becoming disconnected in the power transformer that the black light was plugged into. There was no reason why it should have worked, but it did!

Initially, we had problems with the book shipment for both KL and Singapore as there were additional regulations to comply with that we had not expected. We prayed for these important materials to be released and I was surprised when they were and we were able to go ahead with the book sales! It was definitely a time that strengthened my faith in the Lord!

I enjoyed so much working with the girls on my different teams! It's always so amazing and encouraging to meet girls of all ages and different nationalities who want to know the Lord better!

I'm so grateful for the Lord's hand in all the conferences! He is faithful!

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"Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." - Psalm 33:3-5

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On Valentine's Day

Written by: melodiousecho.blogspot

Picture from: likealilyamongthorns.blogspot

I prayed for a man committed to God.

Jesus smiled, "I and my Father are one" -John 10:30.

I prayed for a man that would be a spiritual leader.

Jesus unashamedly declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me" -John 14:6.

I prayed for a man of hight standards and integrity. 

Others testified, "He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth" -1 Peter 2:22.

I prayed for a man of the Word.

Jesus opened up His arms with love as He whispered, "I am the living Word, and I came to live with you" -John 1:14.

I prayed for a man that knew how to be a servant.

Then I heard others whisper with amazement, "Jesus made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" -Philippians 2:7.

I prayed for a man that was full of spiritual life.

He smiled again, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" -John 10:10.

I prayed for a man of faith and prayer.

Then I watched with amazement as He went out and spent all night in prayer... "In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God" -Luke 6:12.

I prayed for a man that would provide for my needs.

He not only fed the five thousand long ago, He also feeds me today! "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" - Philippians 4:19.

I prayed for a man that would be the head of the home and a leader...someone I could look up to and respect intellectually and spiritually. 

Then I realized that not only had Jesus been knocking on my door begging to be allowed to be the head of my home, but He was so far ahead of me intellectually, I would have all eternity to learn from Him. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" -Isaiah 55:9.

I prayed for a man of steel and velvet...someone that could be strong but also tender at the same time. Then I remembered Jesus’ words as the nails were driven into His hands, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" -Luke 23:24. And how, when dying upon the cross, some of His last thoughts were to make sure His mother would be cared for (John 19:26). I also remembered how that when even a little sparrow fell, He noticed and cared (Matthew 10:29).

I prayed for a man that knew how to love others...even the unpleasant outcasts. 

Jesus replied, "In that while you were all yet sinners [the lowest outcast], I died for you" -Romans 5:8.

I prayed for someone that I could share my deepest thoughts and dreams with, someone who would walk with me through joys and through sorrows. Someone that would not only hold my hand, but would hold my heart. Someone that I could stand behind, love, respect and serve with all my heart. 

I looked up in awe as He not only began to walk beside me and hold my hand (Isaiah 4:1), but also to share with me the hidden riches and secrets of eternity...heart companionship and beauty that I had never had with another. (Isaiah 45:3, Psalm 34:8) And I just knew that He was someone I could not only love, but stand behind and serve for the rest of my life!

I prayed for someone that would help me walk closer to God.

And the more I got to know him, the closer I drew to God(Psalm 23). "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" -Matthew 6:33.

"I know this may be frivolous God and it’s a small thing, but could you also send me someone romantic," I had prayed. "Someone that will love me so much, that he’ll want me and only me! That he’ll be willing to do whatever it takes to win me...even bring me chocolate?" 

Jesus said nothing as He lay down His heavenly honor to come to earth to win me. Although I doubted His love and resisted His advances at first, He slowly, sweetly, tenderly won my heart and love. "Then He led me to His great banqueting house, and the banner He put over me was love" -Song of Solomon 2:4. “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good” He tenderly whispered -Psalm 34:8. And as He looked deep into my heart, I knew that nothing would separate us... (Romans 8:35-39) for He had won my heart forever!!

Last, but not least, I prayed for a man that would not be afraid of pain or trials.

Then it was that I realized it was He, Jesus, that was carrying my cross and making the ultimate sacrifice of love...for not just anyone, but for me! "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" -Matthew 16:24.

Special thanks to Anna who sent this to me! It really spoke to me today...praying that you too will find the True Love in your life - Jesus! :)

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2012 Bright Lights Conferences in Singapore!

We are so excited to welcome the Bright Lights team to conduct their Strong in the Lord and Radiant Purity conferences in Singapore this November! The conference venue will be Bethesda Hall (Depot Walk), 10 Depot Walk Singapore 109590.

Register online or leave a comment here for more information!

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“He keeps telling me he really cares about me, but I know he hasn’t talked to my dad…”

“He’s too friendly and I don’t know what to do about it…”

“He keeps sending me gushy Facebook messages!”

“He follows me everywhere and asks me really personal questions!”

“He’s not marriage material yet but I hate to push away someone who likes me so much…”

“He stopped me in the store and asked me for my name and phone number…”

“He is just so sensitive and sweet and affectionate toward me – I know he’s pushing his boundaries, but I’m starting to fall for him anyway…”

“He asked me for a date, but I’m committed to courtship!” 

We had fun at Bright Lights role-playing these scenarios. As you can see, some of us were a lot more into it than others:) But these are very real problems...problems that we often don't realize we have the power to change. How, you ask?

Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin give us some ideas...

If Don Juan accosts you in the dentist’s office waiting room and tries to charm you out of your phone number, a firm “I don’t give out my personal details to people I don’t know” is usually sufficient.

If Lancelot might be a possibility someday, but is acting like he wants to be married now– pushing the boundaries of your friendship and letting it get a little too emotionally intense way too early – it’s usually possible to remind him of what’s appropriate in your own respectfully reserved conduct. If he doesn’t take the hint, you can ask your father to talk to him about it.

If Romeo seems smitten with you and showers you with attention and compliments (and is exactly the sort of Montague your parents do not approve of), you can make it very clear in your cool but respectful manner that you are not interested in sharing a balcony scene with him.

If your friend Han Solo asks if he can take you for a ride in the Millennium Falcon and you are affronted because it is a bucket of bolts and you’ve already kissed romantic intergalactic joyrides goodbye (and you’d rather kiss a wookiee anyway) – you don’t have to tell him so rudely; there is a polite way to say, for example, “Have you checked with my dad on that?”

If Edward Cullen is stalking you in a creepy manner, always staring at you across the room and trying to corner you so he can ask you creepy questions about yourself – you can respond so honestly (“Yes, I believe in Total Depravity”), seriously (“I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how God judges sin”), and confidently (“What is your position on supralapsarianism vs. infralapsarianism?”) that he will probably never come ask you questions again. If something firmer is needed, your father or brothers should be able to do the job.

If Willoughby wants to take you on a solitary ramble to read Shakespeare’s sonnets and then have you stay home from church so he can ask you a Very Particular Question, you’d better be sure your father or father-figure is fully behind what W. is doing. If you know that W. is not playing by the rules, you can point him towards the right person to ask, or ask your father to talk to him.

-excerpt from this book that is supposed to be reaching me soon!

What do you think? Is this doable in 'real' life?

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When you have to say: I was wrong

"Researchers have discovered that 'sorry' isn't the hardest word to say - because three quarters of people rarely mean it. Seven out of ten people are not being honest when they apologise and simply say sorry to avoid confrontation or end an argument." -http://www.onepoll.com/press-archive/when-we-say-we-sorry-lie

Maybe 'sorry' isn't that hard of a word to say but admitting you were wrong and clearing your conscience takes a great deal of courage!

As I was growing up, my mom had one rule that we all knew that we weren’t allowed to break – no watching of the television. Well, one day when my mom was out running some errands, I was bored and decided that I would watch the television. It felt like I had discovered a forbidden paradise! 

Soon, my mom came back home and she didn’t find out what I had done so I continued doing that whenever she was out of the house. I felt bad about it and I knew that I was doing something that was wrong but it was hard to stop doing something that was so enjoyable. Many times when I read the Bible or listened to sermons in church I would feel really convicted but I told myself that I might confess to my mom someday, just not right then. 

This continued for a long time. One day, I decided that I couldn’t stand that guilty feeling and decided that I would confess my sin. But the thought of how angry my mom would be made me quickly postpone the idea. So I decided to confess it only to God. That was a win-win situation, I reasoned. My mom wouldn't know (and get angry) and I could erase my guilty feelings (or so I thought). Well, obviously that didn't work. Finally, I was so convicted that I decided I had to confess it to my mom. 

It was really hard but I realized that all the excuses I had for not confessing my sin were lies that satan had been using to hinder me. Of course, my mom forgave me and the immediate release and peace I felt was so worth it. 

Clearing your conscience might seem unnecessary and trivial to some but it is a really important habit that we should all cultivate in our lives!

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