Called To Be A Builder

It's a time to reflect and give thanks to God for His grace and mercy in my life, just like what Dr Tan shared in SF Cell last night.

As I reflect on my life and my career paths, it seems that God has called me to be a builder or a restorer. Perhaps this is the result of my childhood experiences... so it's a kind of inner desire in me to want to rebuild what is broken and to build on what's bare.

In my younger days, I created all my own toys, one of them was my 'guitar'.... so funny :P

My initial full-time career was as a Technical Specialist (immediately after my O level), where I was trained to repair radio communication systems (the 1st of its kind then for a female to do that). I love to troubleshoot and do repair works. I can park myself in a DIY shop for a long time, even now. My creativity flourishes there. Sometimes I wondered why God made me female.

My second full-time career was in industrial chemical sales, in an American MNC. By doing my own researches and experiments before selling any solutions to my corporate clients, I had gained their confidence and trust. My name became a 'household name' within the chemical industry then. My competitors used to tell me that they had heard of my name, even if that's our first meeting. I was promoted every year and received many awards. The most prestigious one was the Hall of Fame Award, recognized worldwide in the company. Praise God for that!

My third full-time career was in education, specializing in early childhood. Again what motivated me to switch into an entire different field was my desire to help children in their formative years. I don't want them to go through what I'd gone through as a child. During my last 12 years in this industry I held various roles, such as Student, Teacher, Principal, Lecturer, Curriculum Developer, Manager and Director. I never stop learning. In fact, I learned the most in this field as I had the opportunities to be in so many diverse roles.

Of course, my current full-time role as an ED to help build a brand new organization will not be possible if not for all the positions and roles that God had placed me in. I felt very strongly that God has prepared me all those years for this role.

On top of that, God has recently placed the burden in my heart to set up The Women of Substance (TWOS) ministry. This is even more challenging than my full-time job as it involves spiritual warfare. Just like what I wrote in my poem on 18 Jul 07,

If it is of God, the devil will shoot.
Yet if it is of God, it will bear fruits.
If it is of God, there will be obstacles.
Yet if is of God, we shall see miracles.
- BT

Well, I didn't aspect the devil to 'shoot' me so quickly, but he did. In fact, Satan gave me a very hard 'blow' today. However, that only made me even more determined to build it well, 'cos it proved that's what God wanted me to do. I need lots of prayers and support from my fellow Christians.

Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
- Psalm 127:1

A New Chapter of My Life

God has been blessing me in many ways after I left my previous job. There are many things to thank God for recently.

• A new job last month.
• An improved relationship with my dear one during our recent holidays before our church retreat.
• God has avenged me... the HR Manager who slandered me at my precious work place have left the company.
  

Yes, God works all things together for good to those who love Him. When God closes a door, He will open others and bless His children if we obey His words. Yes, we may stumble and fall, yet He will lifts us up again if we persevere.

I have resolved in my heart to start my life afresh and let go of the things that have been holding me back from being in the will of God fully. I look forward to a new beginning, a new chapter in my life...

My New Career Begin

Today is my first day of work in my new job. I will be working part-time this and next month, as my new working place is still under construction and I also need time to settle some of my counsultancy assignments as soon as possible.

As I reflect on my whole career path, the roles and industries God had placed me in all those years, I knew that God had been preparing me for this day to take up a very heavy responsibility in this new organization, owned by a church. I don't know why the board of this organization trusted me so much, though they don't really know me well enough. Well, a few of them do know me many years ago when I was attending their main church as a youth member.

I admire the faith of this church leaders... in the area of going into such community service, owning a new property, and finding someone to head the whole organization. Surely it takes great faith to do all these, even though they are a small church just like mine. I wish my own church leaders have half of such faith.

I am trusting God to help me do what I should for His church's sake. May His name be glorified and His kingdom extended soon.

Four Good Choices

After I left my previous company, I felt very relieved and happy. God has been good to me as I could transit very quickly into my new Executive Search and Consultancy career seamlessly. Many business ideas came to me and I was contemplating on setting up my own consultancy firm with a few Christian friends. However, there are 3 other very good career and business opportunities that are waiting for me too. I was spoilt for choices.

I prayed for God's direction, wisdom and peace as to which choice I should take. The session on "Discerning God's Will", which I attended last night, came very timely to help me make the choice. The speaker shared with us 7 principles on discerning God's will:

1. The need of the church (Acts 6:1-3)... God will open our eyes to see the needs that call for our actions, if within our abilities to do
2. The choice of the church (Acts 6:5; Prov 24:6)... discernment needed even if it is from the church
3. The circumstances (Acts 8:1,4,5)... open or close doors to prepare us
4. The word of God, general will of God (Acts 1:8)... the bible is a success manual
5. Our own choice and desire (Psalm 37:4)... God wants to grant us our desire that is in His will
6. Supernatural Intervention (Acts 8:26)... e.g. dreams, visions, angels
7. Inner voice of the Spirit (Acts 8:29)... audible voice in time of emergency

The conclusion is that God will guide us by a series of steps, not always expecting us to discern His will from just one indicator.

For me, principle #1 stood out amongst the rest and I knew clearly in my heart which choice I should take, though it may not be the most profitable choice of all financially. I had peace when I decided to take it up.

Praise God for His guidance!

A New Phase of Work Life Begin

I finally left my job last month after much contemplation and struggles since last Nov. I left with a clear mind after accomplishing 4 very important tasks for the organization which I am proud of it. Yet it is sad that the HR manager, who claimed to be a Christian, took a personal attack on me the day after I left the company by defaming me, in order to protect himself. If I were not a Christian, I would have taken him to court. However, as follower of Christ, I remembered that God said in Hebrews 10:30,

For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"and again, "The Lord will judge his people."

Also in Romans 12:19, it said:

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord.

Yes, God will be the Judge and take care of me. The things that happened to Joseph in the Old Testament is another great encouragement for me. God will work all things together for good to those who love Him.

I am ready for the next phase of my work life.