Easter'14

1 John 3:16 = “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

When I was a kid, I wondered what love is and how to love.. For years, I tried to find the answer, but what I found is making me disappointed and hurted..

The world gave me the answer by showing me a selfish love, a love that full of ego and self-advantages. This heart knew it was not right but how to find the right one? I asked myself.. I don’t have a clue..

Until, there was A TIME, when I LOOKED UP.. To the Creator..

At that time, finally I found A SPARK which led me to the right answer..

YES, it’s only need A SPARK.. ONE LIGHT can that make you believe that TRUE LOVE is still exist in this world..

I called that light : A HOPE FOR HUMANITY WHO WAS NAMED JESUS CHRIST.. THE AUTHOR OF LOVE.. THE BEGINNING AND THE END..

Once, I was an unbeliever.. Now, after knowing and experiencing myself that LOVE which HE has given to me, AS A GIFT, I become an absolute believer..

Brothers and sisters, in this Easter, let us REMINISCE about His love for us..

What a perfect example of LOVE : when we were still sinners, He died for us..

Bringing those examples, let us, hand in hand together, showing to the world that they can embrace HIS endless love also..

Let the whole world know this...

           

         CROSS = LOVE

• CALVARY HAS COVERED IT ALL.. THE SALVATION IS COMPLETE.. 

• OUR SINS HAD BEEN FORGIVEN.. OUR SHAMED HAD BEEN ERASED.. THAT CROSS IN THE CALVARY GAVE NEW BEGINNING FOR HUMANITY..

• NOT EVEN A POWER IN THIS EARTH, TROUBLES IN THIS LIFE, NOT EVEN THE GRAVE, CAN SEPARATE US FROM HIS MERCY AND GRACE..

Since in the end, love is not mere words.

It’s not a feeling that can come and go easily.

It’s not afraid of risks since love has courage to overcome every challenges that this life offers.

LOVE IS A DARE.

It’s AN ACTION that needs to be presented beautifully since love is pure.

It does not look for self-advantages or has selfish motive behind it.

Then, believers, let’s teach others the way to love like what Jesus did to us.

Let His love firstly dwells within you, that it can shine from your life.

So in the end, all glory and honour will go back to HIM.

Praise be to CHRIST alone, 

THE CORNERSTONE.

1 John 4:19 = WE LOVE BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.

I am still in the process of learning and practicing the right way to apply His love principles in my life. 

I did so many mistakes that made me feel guilty and shamed almost everyday.

But thank God and thank you people! Especially to all of you who close to me.

Because of your unending support, advices, and encouragement, until this time, I am still able to stand here, striving to be better and better each day.

Therefore, for you who want to start learning about His love now, I guarantee that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

I am still on my way too, perhaps one day, we will meet in the middle of our journey, sharing each other stories about how His love changed us from the inside out.

And please remember that YOU ARE LOVED.. Whoever, wherever, and whenever you are.

GOD IS GOOD.. ALWAYS..  

Ps : This old video is a perfect example of Father's Love.. Happy Easter everyone! :)

Regards, Cindy

An Old Man and His Happiness

Months ago....

Randomly, I searched some good short stories that can inspired me..

I found this......
_____________________

An old man lived in the village.

He was one of the most unfortunate people in the world. The whole village was tired of him, he was always gloomy, constantly complained and always in a bad mood. 

The longer he lived, the more bile was becoming and the more poisonous were his words. People avoided him, because his misfortune became contagious. It was even unnaturally and insulting to be happy next to him. 

He created the feeling of unhappiness in others.

But one day, when he got eighty years old, an incredible thing happened.

Instantly everyone heard the rumor : "An old man is happy today, he doesn't complain anything, smiles, and even his face is freshened up". The whole village gathered. 

An old man was asked : 
- What happened to you?

He answered : 
- Nothing special. Eighty years I've been chasing happiness, and it was useless. Then I decided to live without happiness and just enjoy life. That's why I'm happy. 

THE END.

• BE GRATEFUL AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE AT THIS VERY MOMENT. 
• YOU ARE BLESSED, CAN'T YOU SEE?

* Ecclesiastes 3 : 13 = And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

Regards, Cindy

Greeting!

Hi everyone! How are you?? How's your first 3 months of 2014 so far? Is it great?

It's been a while since my last post before I went on my holiday in Indonesia. 

Therefore, from this post, I actually only want to greet you and share a few stories about my holiday in Surabaya for about 3 weeks.. Enjoy!

1. Maybe some of you can guess it already. Whenever I came home, I will make sure to change this 1 thing : HAIR. Hahahah.. Yap, I changed it again. This time is quite different than the usual. I cut my hair short! Finally, after begging and begging for years and years to my mom, even she didn't say a 'real' yes, she let me tried the haircut that I always want.. But of course, with her sad face watching me every second when the hairdresser cut my hair.. LOL.. This was the 1st change which I did in my 2014. Overall, I LOVE IT!! When it finished, I was so happy!! Finally after so many years, I have a short hair again.. The feeling is just different when you have a big change in haircut, isn't it? I couldn't stop smiling that day.. It was so comfy for me,hhehehehe.. And the next few days, I curled my hair permanently so it could be a little bit wavy..

I don't really have the picture from the front, but I can show you how it looks like from the back :

2. I enjoyed my holiday a lot in Surabaya, spending with beloved ones.. It ate lots of foods, especially these 2 : Ikan Gurami Goreng Cianjur and Top Noodle.. I ate it more than 2 times and I still couldn't get enough of them,hahahhaha.. Holiday spirit was here (WOOT!).

Until the day when I get HOSPITALIZED because of stomach infection and food poisoning, again.. This thing always happens to me in the end or beginning of the year.. It's already 2 times in 2 year in a row (2013&2014) (T_T)..

The beginning of the story was when I went to Pasar Atom.. There were plastic bottles contained chocolate milk inside that I always like, since elementary school.. It's the kind of milk that people always sell in front of school.. Everytime I went home to Surabaya, I always buy it and there is no problem with it.. But this time, I didn't know why, I felt strange when I drank it in the morning. In the evening, around 6PM, I felt so dizzy already and felt that something wrong, when I was in the mall.. I tried to call/whatsapp my mom so many times but there was no signal in the building..

When I walked to the parking area, I couldn't hold it anymore and I was throwing up behind the car.. At the same time, my mom received my message and called me.. I couldn't even speak and made her even more panic,hahahahhahaha.. She only heard the 'throwing up' voice from my phone,LOL.. Straight away I went to the hospital, injected by 3 medicines to kill the bacteria inside it and went home..

However, it did not stop.. My mom bought me porridge to eat at home, but I just couldn't eat anything.. I puked a lot, felt like I will collapse soon.. Quickly, my mom brought me back to hospital, the nurse injected another medicine, and saying that I need to be infused since I couldn't eat at all..

At the end, I stayed in the hospital for 3 nights and changed my flight ticket, postponed it around 1 week like what the doctor said.. He warned me to be careful next time because maybe, my stomach is not quite strong to handle all kinds of food and drinks..

I thank God, my family (especially momma), and friends who's be there for me and always bringing so many foods when visiting,hahhaha :) Thank you all! 

The fact is : Sadly, even I still want it, my mom won't allow me to buy it again forever and ever.. I need to say good bye to this fave choco milk of mine (Huhu)...

3. I arrived in Sydnet at 9PM and the next day I worked straight away.. Holiday is over so serious mode is on again,hehehhe.. There are numerous things that I have to taken care of, one of them is MOVING to new apartment.. I need to inspect the new building, check the paperwork, discuss and sign the contract, buy some furnitures, etc. Start from the day I came back till today, I focused on this moving process..

Me and my flatmates still need to organize few more furnitures.. We still work on our schedule to sort out other things.. My room itself still hasn't completed yet.. However, thank God, thank you for some friends that help also, 1st of March, we were able to start living in this new place.. 

One lesson : MOVING IS HARD.. (LOL)

Be grateful if you have a place that you can call HOUSE, or better : HOME..

* That's it for now.. This week and the next one will be very busy for me.. But I will try to post something.. :)

Take care of your health ya everyone :) Have a great day and week!

Regards, Cindy

2013

I attached a music video here.. Listen while reading,ok? :)

-1st January 2014-

At night, I sat down on my chair, facing my laptop.. Smiling and mumble to myself, "It's 2014 already, how quick".. Then, of course, I did my flashback of 2013..

I wondered, what it meant to me..

Those memories came.. Memories of happiness, sadness, ups, and downs.. All dreams that are still on the way..

What I remember the most are the times when I cried in my own bedroom here..

I remember I cried when I was disappointed with some people.. I remember I cried if I felt this life's just too overwhelmed sometimes.. I remember I cried when I was confuse and didn't know what to do next.. And I remember I cried because of all my wrong-doings, failures, and faults that gave griefs to The Lord and people that I love..

This heart is really fragile in some areas..

In so many ways, I am far from perfect.. In all ways, I have countless flaws and weaknesses..

Regret always comes late, followed by guilty. Even I said sorry to someone if I did some mistakes, I knew I couldn’t take back what I just said or did to that person or to Him.. 

Human is just weak, so am I.. 

When I said I want to change, I want to change, I’m not gonna do the same mistake again.. But the next day, what happen is just another disappointment for The Lord and people that I treasure.. I said the words only to be denied tomorrow by myself.. Again and again..

I feel hurt when people who close to me did it, when they say they want to change, but they didn't.. I forgot, that for several times, I did exactly like that also to them..

More regret and undeserved feeling came.. Saying to myself “I’m a fool, I’m a fool”.

Trapped with self-condemnation.. Even if/when He or others forgave me, I still couldn’t accept it.. I couldn’t believe it.. I expect some punishment, not mercy.. I deserve anger, not patience.. 

At that moment, I realized forgiving ourselves for doing something wrong can become more difficult than forgiving others..

Keep saying sorry in my heart all day long, praying and kneeling down - begging for forgiveness for hours and hours.. Forgetting that He already knew what mistake I will do in moments ahead before I knew it..

If there is a sentence that conclude my 2013, it will be this :

• It’s the year of How The Lord LAVISHED His Goodness in my life.. How He poured out such mercy and grace that I didn’t deserve at all.. Makes me stand in awe for His wondrously deeds..

When I asked who am I that You’ve been so good? He answered ‘You are the apple of My eyes’. (Deutronomy 32:10)

When I asked who am I that You love me? He answered ‘A daughter and I will be A Father to you’. (2 Corinthians 6:18)

When I said I’m a fool, a failure from the start. He said back ‘No, in all these things, you’re more than a winner, through Christ. If anyone in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone’. (Romans 8:37 ; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

When I asked how come such grace’s been given to me? He answered ‘It’s a gift. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD’. ( Ephesians 2:8)

When I answered back that I didn’t deserve it, He said “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinner to repentance’. (Luke 5:32)

When I almost walk away because of self condemnation, because I thought my sins are way too many and big already, He PULLED ME BACK and said, ‘Hear these words clearly for you have read it :  

• “ Who then will condemn you? No one—for Christ Jesus died for you and was raised to life for you, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for you. Can anything ever separate you from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves you if you have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? I am convinced that NOTHING can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither your fears for today nor your worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate you from God’s love. 

• No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate you from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:34-39)

• Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; YOU ARE MINE! "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. "For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, YOUR SAVIOR.. (Isaiah 43:1B-3A)

• Even though you walk through the darkest valley, you will fear no evil, for I am with you; My rod and staff, they will comfort you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. I have you in the palms of My hands”. (Psalm 23:4 ; Deuteronomy 31:6 ; Isaiah 49:16A)

I burst into tears.. In awe of how such goodness is still exist for a sinner like me? How come there is such love for me? 

HIS GRACE ABOUNDS TO ME.. In every situation, in every circumstances, in every part of my life.. His grace is there.. Giving me more than enough encouragement reminder..

" You can do everything through Christ that give you strength.. Where sin increased, God's grace increased much more. Therefore, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness " (Philippians 4:13 ; Romans 5:20 ; 2 Corinthians 12:9)

I started to realize again, that my difficulties were nothing compare to God's given grace..

When I looked again at that grace, what I remember first was my history, a mark from God.. How I knew that HIS grace is the one that bringing me here.. If God, made me able to pass those difficult challenges ONCE, the SAME GOD will also make me able to do it again TODAY..

I am able to live an overcomer life is because His grace always there for me..

Even in my darkest hours, His grace has Its own way to find its place in my heart..

- I thought, there will be a time soon when His grace and mercy will disappear from my life.. I thought, there will be a time when He will grow tired of my continuously transgression and then leave me..

Yet, what happen is just the opposite.. HIS GRACE AND MERCY NEVER STOP.. HIS LOVE IS UNENDING..

HE SETTLED MY MATTERS, MY WRONG DOINGS.. HE WASHED ME AGAIN, CLEANED AS SNOW.. (Isaiah 1:8)

I stopped for a few minutes.. Wiped my tears.. Smiling, saying ‘Then bear with me, be with me, just be with me.. It’s okay if you are quiet as long as you there, it’s enough.. Never take Your presence from me, stay here, just stay.’. A simple replied that once again, made me able to look up and raise : ‘Always, to the very end of the age.....’ (Matthew 28:20B)

Everything that happened TO me in 2013, it is happened FOR me as part of His divine plan in my 2014..

• SLOWLY BUT SURE, I REALIZE THAT OBSTACLES OCCUR, DIFFICULTIES COME, AND UNEXPECTED SITUATION ARISE, ARE ONLY TO SERVE 1 GLORIOUS REASONS.. TO SHOW ME, THAT HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME.. NOT FOR A MOMENT HE FORSAKES ME..

• THEN IF HE STAYS, IF MY CREATOR NOT EVEN ONCE GIVE UP ON ME.. ME TOO, DON'T HAVE ANY REASONS TO GIVE UP ON MYSELF..

• LIFE GOES ON, WHETHER I LIKE IT OR NOT.. THEN I WILL GET UP AGAIN WHEN I FALL DOWN.. FOCUS AND PRESS ON TOWARDS MY BRIGHT FUTURE.. BRINGING HIS COVENANT IN MY LIFE AND KNOWING EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE AS LONG AS I CLING TO HIS GRACE..

Praise be to God always that give me a 2nd chance in this 2014.. Afterall, New Year is also about new opportunities and chances in so many areas right?

My friends, I want to remind you that GOD IS GOOD, WHATEVER IT IS, HE IS GOOD..

IN EVERY TEAR, IN EVERY HURTFUL SITUATION, IN EVERY DISAPPOINTMENT, IN EVERY STEP, IN EVERY DECISION, IN EVERY PRAYER, AT MY WORST, WHEN MY WORLD FEELS LIKE FALLS APART : HE IS GOOD AND WILL ALWAYS BE GOOD..

I don't know what difficulties you're going through now, how bad your heartache is.. To say I understand, it's gonna be a lie, since I don't.. Even in my life, I don't understand a lot of things.. I often ask so many questions to God and He did not answered or showing any signs of answer..

THEN I STARTED TO REALIZE, NOT EVERY QUESTION HAS AN ANSWER OR NEED TO BE ANSWERED.. THERE IS A TIME THAT YOU JUST NEED TO ACCEPT HOW THINGS HAPPEN OR TURN OUT IN YOUR LIFE.. WITH FAITH, THAT GOD HAS HIS OWN AMAZING PURPOSE WHY HE LET YOU EXPERIENCED IT..

AND IF, IF YOU EVER FEEL LIKE YOU CAN'T STAND IT ANYMORE, REMEMBER THIS WORDS, WORDS THAT I SAY TO MY SELF SO MANY TIMES :

• DIDN'T I (YOU) STILL SURVIVE IN SPITE OF THE NEGATIVE THINGS OR EVENTS IN MY LIFE?

FOR ME, THAT'S THE ANSWER.. AS LONG AS I'M ALIVE, AS LONG AS I STILL CAN WAKE UP IN THE NEXT MORNING, I KNOW OPPORTUNITIES FOR ME TO BECOME BETTER STILL EXIST.. I KNOW HE IS STILL ABLE TO TURN MY SITUATION AROUND..

I KNOW HE IS FOR ME, NOT AGAINST ME..

I KNOW THAT MY SAVIOR IS CONSTANT.. HE IS FAITHFUL.. HE IS ONLY GOOD AND WILL NOT HOLD GOOD THINGS TO FALL UPON ME.. FOR HE MAKES EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME.. HE IS SOVEREIGN.. (Psalm 84:11B ; Ecclesiaster 3:11)

THOSE ASSURANCES, MAKE ME ABLE TO LIVE THIS LIFE TO THE FULLEST.. AND MAKE ABLE TO SAY ALWAYS : WHATEVER IT IS, GOD IS GOOD..

To tell you His goodness in my life, this post or my life itself will never be enough.. Whatever happened in 2013, let it stayed there, as a MEMORIES..

• EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE, BUT MEMORIES STAY.. LET IT STAY THERE IN YOUR HEART.. LET IT BECOME YOUR HISTORY THAT MAKE YOU WHAT/WHO YOU ARE TODAY.. WHEN THERE IS A HISTORY, THERE IS A PRESENT ALSO.. HISTORY IS PAST, IT'S OVER.. BUT PRESENT IS WHAT CREATES YOUR FUTURE.. IT'S EVERYTHING.. 

• THEREFORE, PRESS ON IN YOUR PRESENT LIFE.. GO TOWARDS THE LIFE THAT YOU'VE BEEN IMAGINED.. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.. BUILD A KINGDOM OF YOURS TO GLORIFY THE KINGDOM OF GOD..

LET'S FIGHT A GOOD FIGHT AND FINISH THE RACE WELL.. THOSE WORDS ABOVE THAT HE SAID TO ME, IT'S FOR YOU AS WELL.. IF GOD IS WITH US, WHO CAN STAND AGAINST US? VICTORY MY FRIENDS, VICTORY IS OURS FROM THE START, DON'T LET THE WORLD STEAL IT..

• I WILL MAKE SURE I WILL ACHIEVE MY DREAMS.. BEING CONFIDENT WITH THIS, THAT HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN ME, WILL CONTINUE HIS WORKS UNTIL IT IS FINALLY FINISHED ON THE DAY WHEN CHRIST JESUS RETURNS.. (PHILIPPIANS 1:6)

I can't wait to hear your great stories and share mine with you face to face about how amazing this life be with Him by my side.. He's gonna be my 1st always.. Knowing that you're not alone in this world my friends.. We are on the same side, just different place and time.. 

Regards, Cindy
-Thanks for being with me in my 2013..  XoXo..


Ps : Finally, I'm going for my holiday.. Will update again when I come back :)

Road to 2014

Hulaaaaa everyoneee!!!! First of all, I wanna say : MERRY CHRISTMAS 2013 AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014!!!!!!!!!!!! I BELIEVE THIS YEAR GONNA BE MORE AMAZING THAN THE PREVIOUS ONE!! WUHUUUU!! So excited!! 2ndly, I want to apologize for saying it quite late.. T-T (but better 'a little bit' late than not at all, right? Hahhahahah..)

Anyway, how's your Christmas?? How's your New Year??? I bet it's super awesome yaaa.. I saw a lot of wonderful pictures for C'Mas and New Year from facebook and Instagram.. Especially for SurabayaN people, I was so jealous of you.. Hehe.. My family is in Surabaya, they all gathered for dinner and I'm the only one missed (since I was in Sydney).. How I actually really want to spend these wonderful occasions with them.. Huhuhuuhu..

I supposed to write this post earlier, but because I got so tired lately (since Christmas till New Year) due to my work's schedule (it's a holiday season so it's really busy in my workplace), finally I decided to postpone these stories that I want to write now..

I'm gonna divide it into 3 parts :

1. IT'S CHRISTMAS! (25th December)
2. BOXING DAY.. (26 December)
3. SYDNEY'S NEW YEAR 2014!

Why? Because IT IS MY 1ST TIME CELEBRATING THOSE GREAT EVENTS HERE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA AFTER ALMOST 5 YEARS STAYING IN THIS CITY!! Therefore, they're really special to me and I want to share my happiness with all of you :) 

Let's start now!

1. IT'S CHRISTMAS

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR WAS HERE FINALLY!! I am so excited.. This is my 1st time celebrating in Ausie.. Biasanya, saya selalu pulang ke Surabaya sekitar pertengahan December-January.. Untuk pertama kalinya juga saya tidak melihat perayaan Natal yang diselenggarakan my Home Church, Mawar Sharon.. How was it?? I saw the preparation's picture of the event from Instagram.. It's a big one, titled ALL HEAVEN DECLARES LOVE..

I went to Hillsong on Christmas Day.. They have an event there also, full of praise and worship.. It was awesome! I said Merry Christmas kepada orang-orang yang duduk di sekitar saya.. When I met my friends, saya mengucapkan kata-kata itu lebih bersemangat lagi,hahhahaha.. I was so happy! All day long I couldn't stop smiling and keep saying 'OH MY GOD, IT'S CHRISTMAS. AND I CELEBRATE IT IN SYDNEY. LALALLA!!'. They made really big tall Christmas tree in the middle of the city, with its sparkling lamp, stars, and other accessories.. In other place, they made the tree from Swarovski, so it's super super shiny..

With all my heart I give thanks to The Lord, because finally, I have the opportunities to see what Christmas looks like in Sydney.. And it was beautiful, even it's in summer,hahahaha.. Yet, on that day, it's not that hot so I'm grateful again,hihihiihih.. I miss my fam though since we always have dinner together on Christmas Day.. It's gonna be feel more wonderful if I had my family to spend C'Mas together in Sydney.. Hopefully, I can bring them all together to see it one day :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2013 EVERYONE!! I KNEW YOU HAD A GOOD ONE, RIGHT? :D

Some of my Christmas pics :

2. BOXING DAY

Some of my friends thought of it as a real boxing (tinju), but it's not.. Boxing Day disini artinya adalah dimana semua barang di sale sangat besar-besaran lebih dari biasanya, dan all shopping mall opened earlier (Some shops opened at 5AM, others at 7AM)..

I went shopping started at 10AM and it's already people everywhere.. I was so shocked!! I never experienced boxing day before and what happen it's just beyond my imagination.. There was a person that brought a suitcase and went around all the shops.. I bet the suitcase was empty,hahhahahha.. There was a long queue in each shops whether it's shoes, clother, pants, bags, accessories, etc.. You could see securities everywhere in each stores..

Tempat belanjaan yang biasanya teratur dan rapi, langsung berubah jadi seperti pasar lho guys.. Ada baju jatuh berserakan di bagian kiri, bagian kanan celana jeans.. Di bagian sepatu perempuan, tempatnya jauh lebih parah.. Tapi yang mengejutkan, section men's shirt and jeans-lah yang paling messy dari semuanya.. Hahhahahha.. Ada 1 brand yang jam 12 siang sudah habis ludes semua di tokonya, I was so shocked.. Cuma tinggal beberapa baju yang sizenya XL, 2XL, 3XL which was impossible for me,hhahahahha.. I did not really buy much (finger cross, ups!) on that day since I couldn't find my size, it was gone already.. "I should come early, next year then (if I want to come again, LOL)'.

Untung hari besoknya, saya kedapatan shift kerja yang cukup siang.. Jadi bisa mengistirahatkan badan lebih lama,hahahhaha.. I went out at 10 AM, I went back to my home at 10 PM, dan itupun masih cukup banyak tempat yang belum dimasuki sebenarnya.. 12 jam berbelanja masih belum cukup! Hahhaha.. The stores closed at 12AM.. Pada saat saya pulang, masih banyak orang yang berlari berbelanja kesana kemari.. The aftermath of this event was : my feet became so soar.. Jam 5-6an sudah cenut-cenut, tapi masih belum rela pulang,hahahhaha.. Barang bawaan udah lumayan juga, sampai berpikir tadi om-tante yang bawa koper itu bener deh, sudah pengalaman rasanya.. Hahhahaha..

Overall, it was a great experience.. Apalagi melihat tulisan merah discount dimana-mana, I was happy indeed!! Here are the pics :

3. SYDNEY'S NEW YEAR 2014!!

Save the best topic for the last.. I HAVE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE FIREWORKS.. IT WAS SIMPLY ONE OF THE BEST, OR THE BEST IN THE WORLD (at least for me since it's my city,hahahahha)!!

I finished work by 3PM, went home, and straight away getting ready again to watch the fireworks in Circular Quay (tempat Opera House dan Harbour Bridge).. It's quite late already so I did hope and hope that I still could get a good spot.. Like my prediction, tempat paling bagus yang langsung menghadap ke Opera dan Bridge-nya sudah ditutup sejak pagi karena sudah full.. But THANK GOD, there was still a spot di bagian sedikit ke pinggirnya, lebih ke arah samping, tapi itu pun bisa melihat ke2nya..

Jadi langsung diam duduk manis disana deh saya tidak bergerak,hahahahhaha.. Yang bisa dilihat dari ujung ke ujuang hanyalah manusia.. They are everywhere! Ramainya seperti apa juga sudah tidak bisa dideskripsikan.. Yang datang melihat kembang apinya jauh melebihi yang sudah diperkirakan.. It's like all Sydney's citizens gathered to see its fireworks..

Kembang api pertama, called as Family's fireworks, started at 9PM sebagai kembang api pembuka.. Meskipun hanya sebagai pembuka dan berlangsung hanya 5 menit, it was a blast! Semua orang sudah langsung berteriak dan mengambil ponsel/kamera untuk mengabadikan moment tersebut.. I was excited too and record it with my phone,heheheh.. Not gonna miss any moments of fireworks for sure..

Kembang api ke2 diluncurkan sekitar jam 10:30 PM I think.. Yang ini lebih sebentar dari yang pertama, tapi bukan berarti kalah bagusnya,hahahha.. Ada juga beberapa kapal dan cruise yang didesign dengan lampu-lampu menyala mengitari Circular Quay..

Finally, moment that I've been waiting for.. I spend 1 year waiting for this since my originally plan was actually watching it last year.. Unfortunately, I had food poisoning, so I couldn't go anywhere on New Year 2013. BUT GOD IS GOOD.. Maybe last year was not my time. This year, for the first time in a decade , the fireworks will come up from the 4 sides of Opera House and I was able to be there..

The counting starts (60,59,58....), all people raised up, all cameras, video recorders, mobile phones has been ready since this morning to capture this time.. 5,4,3,2,1, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014, THEN BOOM!

IT HAPPENED.

I saw it.. I witnessed the  fireworks that people always said, that people always talking about, claimed it as one of the best in the universe.. After 5 years staying in this city, at last I could really see it with my own eyes.. Those people didn't lie to me, IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.. IT WAS EXTRAORDINARY.. IT WAS SPECTACULAR..

At that 12 minutes fireworks, while recording it, in my heart, I said this to God :
- Thank you.. Thank you for giving me this chance, I waited 1 year more only to watch this.. And I guess, You want me to wait 1 more year, because it will be more fantastic this year, right? You were right though,hahhaha.. It worth my waiting.. Thank you, Jesus.. Happy New Year 2014, be with me, always..

I recorded it, but for you, It will be better if you watch it from professional's video. Enjoy watching!

At the end of the day, I miss my family again.. I hope I can bring them here to spend new year at least once in few years ahead.. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 everyone.. I HOPE YOU HAD A BLAST, AS I AM.. :)

That's it for today.. It's 1:30AM now and I need to sleep.. I have typed topic for next post and hopefully I can publish it next week..

Good nitez everyone.. Sweet dream! :)

Regards, Cindy

A Mother : What Her Heart Knows..

Hello everyone!! How are you? It's been a month! Wow.. And the good news is IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!! IT IS TOTALLY THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!! :D

I'm so excited!! This is my very 1st Christmas here in Sydney.. Usually, I always spend my Christmas and New Year in Indonesia with my family.. So, I kinda miss them a lot here, hikss.. T-T

Do you what day is today?? Hayooooooo,hahahhaha.. It's A MOTHER DAY!! Don't forget to tell your mother ya guys.. I wanna say also here happy happiest MOTHER'S DAY to all mothers.. In Australia, we actually celebrate it in May lho,hohoohohoh..

I wanna do something special for my mom, therefore this post, I dedicate it to her.. Enjoy mommy!!

Okay, the beginning of this story is quite strange though.. I was thinking what should I wrote here while checking my email.. Suddenly, my eyes went to the top of my inbox, fixed on 1 email that has red flag mark beside it.. I remember on that day, the 1st time I received that email, I read it in flash and put that red mark as priorities since I like the contents.. It was written by my Senior Pastor in Hillsong, called Bobbie Houston.. When I read it again (slowly this time), my heart knew : 'This is the one.. The one that will fit her (my mom) in almost every way.. An explanation about HOW WONDERFUL A MOTHER IS"

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A Mother: What Her Heart Knows…

Hi Girls,

Family is a GOD idea and within family, both parents play a critical role - and anyone with any sense of insight or wisdom would undoubtedly NOT disagree.

I am a mum and I love being a mum.  I have three adult children who have each married fabulous partners, who we regard as our own flesh and blood.  Our family is rapidly expanding - with four grandbaby girls and two grandsons on the way. Life is full; life is rich and sometimes the only words I can find to describe the blessing is "my cup runneth over.”

Having said that, life has also had its challenges and I would be lying to say that this joy hasn't come without some seasons of weeping.

I believe the "maternal heart" is a gift from God. Genesis clearly teaches that both men and women are created in the image of God and that for this world to fully know God and for it to see Him perfectly reflected, both men and women need to allow redemption to take its course. This planet needs parents who are growing in the grace and goodness of God, so that the generations stretching into the future don't deteriorate, but strengthen instead.

I love so many things about (redeemed) motherhood. It's a journey and it's a revelation but here's a handful of what I see within the feminine mother heart:

• Her heart recognizes that she has indeed been ENTRUSTED to steward a young life and then grow that young life into the knowledge and purposes of God.
   
• ​Her heart knows that she indeed carries them for only a SEASON, therefore every season matters and every season she has with them needs to deliver its lessons and strength.

• ​Her hearts knows that she is in PARTNERSHIP with their natural father and their Heavenly Father. She knows that her example toward both will profoundly shape their lives and destiny path.
   
• Her heart knows that TENDERNESS is the mark of a wise woman. Solomon in Proverbs 4 remarks, “…Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother."  Tenderness is not weakness. Tenderness issues from the nature and character of God and "little people" need tenderness.  Young plants are tendered. They are cared for, protected, watered and at times lovingly pruned. Psalm 144 speaks of young men who become like full-grown plants in their youth, and young women who become like pillars within a palace - a beautiful picture indeed of the fruitfulness within wisdom.
   
• ​Her heart knows the power of COMMUNITY. An African proverb says that "It takes a village to raise a child.”  Parents who isolate themselves “rage against all wise judgment” (Proverbs 18:1).  Community is learned. Community teaches young hearts how to share, respect, value and contribute. Healthy society needs mothers who underhand the critical importance of "not neglecting to gather together” (Hebrews 10:25).
   
• Her heart knows that the FEAR OF GOD is the beginning of WISDOM; therefore she positions herself and her family in and under His presence and Word. These truths will transform her across the length of her days and they'll transform her children across the length their days.
   
• ​Her heart knows that one day her children will grow up and leave her, but if she has done her best by them, they will never actually LEAVE HER. Regardless of what may separate in the natural, her children's hearts will always lean toward her and always call her "blessed" (Proverbs 31).
   
• She also knows that as a Godly woman, she has the CAPACITY TO RAISE sons and daughters who can be princes and leaders in the land. Psalm 45 promises that - young men and women who become valued leaders and influencers in the world for good!
  
  There is no end to the miracle of motherhood. The moment a child is born, a mother is born... and because we will all never cease to exist, the miracle of Godly motherhood can and will stretch far into eternity. Legacy will mark her love, devotion and investment, and legacy will tell her story somewhere in time and history.

So if you are a mum - pray for your children. Don't ever be too proud to apologise to your children. Believe the best and speak the best over them. Be their greatest fan. Be their cheerleader.  Encourage always. Forgive easily. Discipline and disciple them with grace. Notice what others fail to notice and listen to God's Spirit concerning them.  Always remember that they belong to Him. Ultimately raise them to love the Lord YOUR God, with all THEIR heart, soul and strength.

Be blessed and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY from one mum to another.

Love,
Bobbie Houston

By reading this, I hope you realize how God gives such a big task for every mother in this world including your mother as well.. Try to remember when is your last time saying,'I love you,mom'. If you can't remember, using this special day, please remind her how you too, love her in every way.. Will you do it please? It will means a lot to her, believe me.. :)

- Personally, for this amazing WOMAN OF GOD, I wanna say :

With all my heart I love her.. I am so happy and grateful that God creates her as my mom.. So beautiful in every way, inside and outside.. Everything I did, I can be whoever, wherever, and whatever I am today, it's because God puts her beside me.. I always have this faith : that me and my brother will arise higher than what we are today, and the reason why is because God placed her in our life.. Her never ending support and trust mean the world to me.. Yes of course, even we're close, there's a time when we will argue and fight.. But until today, I thank God that we still can respect each other decision despite all those differences.. I thank God that whenever I look back to her, that she is always there.. She is ready to give all her words of encouragement to me.. The one that said "You can do it.. Don't give up". The one that texting me everyday before I sleep, "Mommy loves you and koko.. God bless you".  The one that can play both roles, as a mother and a father, when my dad passed away long time ago.. Everything that's within me, adore her.. 

I've said it many times and I'm gonna keep saying it : HOW FROM HER IMPERFECTION, SHE IS ABLE TO SHOW A MOTHER'S PERFECT AND ENDLESS LOVE.. HER LOVE IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I WANNA BE BETTER AND BETTER EVERYDAY IN MY LIFE.. FOREVER WILL BE, SHE'S GONNA BE MY EVERYTHING.. 

Happy mother's day mamio.. Can't wait to see you and papio, also koko, opa and oma next month.. Miss you to the max (Huhuuhuhuh).. I love you always.. To the moon and back.. XOXO..

Regards, Cindy

This is just an addition : I like to do random things while we're apart.. One of them is this.. (Pardon me for my last sentence in the letter) Hahhahha.. Thanks for the Cookies and Crumb Surabaya for creating my mom's fave flavour.. Next post is coming soon ya!!

History Button..

Greetings everybody! How are you? I hope everything goes well.. In here the weather just crazy.. It's changing everyday.. It's spring, but sometimes feel like summer or winter,fiuhhh.. Btw, yesterday was a special day for me since it was my brother's birthday, I'll show you his picture later on ya in the end of this post.. :) Also, tomorrow is November already!!! Wow!! Time flies so fast, doesn't it?

Please play this music while reading if you don't mind.. It's the song that I always play these days and it fits well with the post.. Thanks! Let's starts now :)

I actually wanted to share about another thing yesterday. I have lots of postponed posts since long time ago, it's in my draft lists,hahahha.. But I thought this post needs to come 1st before other next posts.. It's about what I felt days ago.. Nothing big happened, it's just a normal good day.. I just realized another great things..

I thought it happend 2 days ago.. In the evening after work, I sat in front of my laptop as usual.. Checking my facebook, replying some emails, doing banking.. Then suddenly there was this urge to clean all the histories in my computer website.. Most times I actually forgot that I need to do that.. In my laptop, sometimes I need to clean it frequently, kalau tidak nanti bisa jadi error sendiri,ahhahahaha.. Mungkin karena laptop saya masih model lama?? LOL.. Sudah seringkali error sampai harus di restore ke factory default beberapa kali karena terkena berbagai macam virus dan software yang saya sendiri tidak tahu itu apa or darimana asalnya,hohohohooh..

So, I cleaned all of them.. Few moments after that, that history button made me reflect on something which was MY OWN HISTORY IN LIFE.. Perhaps for you, It's quite strange how 1 button could made me doing some flashback, even me, I found it odd also but that's the fact here..

I started to remember everything I had done in my past before I knew Jesus.. Starting when I was in primary school then junior high.. It was horrible.. I couldn't even believe I did things that I shouldn't do..

I looked down on people.. Based on economy condition, appearance, and intelligence.. If I thought they couldn't match with me, especially in those 3 categories, I wouldn't be bother even to look at them.. I only wanted to be friends with high maintenance people.. That's so arrogant, isn't it? I did not even know why and how I could do such things..

I took everything in my life for granted.. I did so many terrible things in front of and behind people's back.. I humiliated some people, make them felt like this : if you couldn't match my lifestyle, don't be bother to be friends with me, just go and stay away from me..

The day when I experienced heartbroken, I became super crazy with money.. I keep asking my mom and since she loves me too much, I knew it, that's why once again, I took it as granted.. I knew she would not refuse if I asked.. I was a spoiled brat since my dad passed away.. I was easily got sick, so weak, that made my mom spoiled me in so many ways.. Money just kept running in my hand like water.. If she asked what I spent it for, I said I did not know, the money was just gone, that's it..

• It happened like that for quite a long time, months maybe.. Till one day I realized I was not happy.. I wasn't happy at all.. 

I said it so many times in previous posts already, THE MOMENT WHEN I HAD EVERYTHING, YET I HAD NOTHING.. The broken parts in my heart still there.. Money couldn't fix it.. My friends couldn't fix it.. I found myself still crying at night, every night after my mom slept.. What's going on here? Why everything I have couldn't even fix my heart? I had a lot of things people long to have, why it's not working then to fix my feeling? Something still missing.. What was it then? Those were some of my thoughts..

My turning point was in my last 2nd year in my junior high, or you can say the beginning of the 3rd year.. I believe you know it, since I mentioned it so many times.. I had personal encounter with God in my home church, in Surabaya, Mawar Sharon Church.. My heart, forever and ever, gonna be always so grateful everytime I remember that church..

I was so ashamed of myself.. Even I, consider myself as trash.. I'm not exaggerating here.. Once, I even thought should I just kill myself and die so this misery could go away.. The heartbroken that I experienced was just too much for me at that time.. I lost the one that close to me at that time.. Worse, after I decided to change my life, one by one, my friends, people who I thought will stand by me, rose up and gave their back for me.. More people left me.. People that I considered as important, they stabbed me from the back.. Everytime they mentioned my name, negative comments will absolutely follow it..

• Money, appearance, and intelligence COULDN'T even save me.. 

Things that lifted me up ONCE, became things that brought me DOWN.. Such a pity, that's what people talked about.. "She only had her appearance, beside that, it's nothing", "Lucky, I did not become like her",  I heard those things.. It was spoken by people who closed to me or people that once I considered as nothing compared to me..

That day, even after my decision to follow Him, I still cried at night everyday.. It was so hard.. I had no friend, not even 1 person to support me.. I did not tell this to my mom since she had a lot of work already to take care my family since my dad passed away.. So I could only cried at night.. That's when the word : "I ONLY HAD YOU, GOD", came out from my mouth for the 1st time..

• Slowly but sure, I put aside all those things that I always been proud of.. 

• NEVER AGAIN I TAKE EVERYTHING IN THIS LIFE FOR GRANTED.. 

I push myself down to be humble.. I learnt how to smile 1st, to say hello/hi 1st, to start a conversation 1st, to talk to other people.. I did all of those things for all people, as equal,  not only to certain groups of people.. It was so hard if only I could explain.. I learnt to not hold back my blessing, I learnt to give generously, I learnt to respect people, I learnt not to stereo-type.. I learnt to offer a helping hand in times of need.. It's all a LEARNING PROCESS FOR ME.. Day by day, I practiced and learnt all of those things..

I learnt everything from 0.. Back to basic again.. I learnt to become a new person..

Even I cried every night on those struggling days, in the morning, the joy came back.. Knowing that The One who stands with me is THE LORD now..

• Psalm 30:5B =...;weeping may endure for a night, but joy come in the morning.

I was filled with such joy every day.. Knowing everyday is a new beginning for person like me..

Now, people thought I am a happy person from the start since I always smile.. The truth is I'm not.. I even learnt how to smile.. I became such person since I knew HIM..

Peeps, days ago when I remember all these things, I realized once again and considered myself as the worst among all.. I am the worst.. My past is just awful and full of negativity..

• BUT, I AM NOT ASHAMED OF IT.. Never in my life I feel ashamed to have that history.. On the contrary, I AM GRATEFUL that GOD let me have those past life so that it can bring GLORY TO THE LORD.. 

• SO WHEN I BOAST ABOUT THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN MY LIFE, YEARS AGO-NOW-IN THE FUTURE, IT'S GONNA BE FOR THE LORD'S GLORY..

HOW HE CHANGED THIS TERRIBLE PERSON TO BECOME SOMEONE THAT EVEN SHE, CAN NOT AND NEVER IMAGINED..

Some people will not understand this, perhaps they think I was too holy-talking.. That's fine.. But I believe, for some of you that had experienced similar things with me (maybe in different situations), know that what I said it's true.. HOW ENCOUNTER WITH GOD ABLE TO CHANGE EVERYTHING..

Days ago till today, repeatedly, I was amazed and keep saying in my heart :

* HOW CAN HE POUR OUT SUCH GRACE TO ME? HOW CAN SUCH LOVE IS EXIST? i am the undeserved one, HAS BEEN MADE DESERVED TO RECEIVED SUCH LOVE..

* AMAZING LOVE, HOW CAN IT BE?

• I AM IN AWE.. FULL OF GRATEFUL FEELING.. GRATITUDE TOWARDS THE GIFT OF SALVATION.. MADE ME SING OUT THAT THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THAT LOVE.. THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM, MY SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST IN THIS WORLD..

Yes, I still made a lot of mistakes till this time.. I am not perfect.. But remembering His love, mercy, and grace, are more than enough to push me to become a better person everyday in my life..

HIS COMPASSION, MERCY, AND GRACE TEACH ME A LOT OF THINGS, BUT ONE OF THE BIGGEST LESSON IS :

• MY PAST WILL NEVER BECOME MY TODAY'S AND FUTURE'S LIFE.. MY HISTORY WILL NEVER DETERMINED WHO OR WHAT I AM TODAY AND LATER ON.. NEVER AGAIN MY PAST RULED MY LIFE.. PAST IS ONLY A HISTORY TO MAKE PEOPLE KNOW AND SEE HOW HE BRINGS ME TO A FLOURISHING FINISH.. HISTORY HAPPENED SO PEOPLE CAN REMEMBER THE GLORY BEHIND IT NOW.. WITH GOD, VICTORY IS ALWAYS THE END OF STORY.. THAT'S WHY IF IT'S NOT VICTORY ON MY SIDE, THEN IT MEANS MY STORY HASN'T ENDED YET..  -C.N

So do you my beloved brothers and sisters, COURAGE.. HAVE COURAGE.. Let's practice those beliefs together, will you?

Many people left me after my decision to follow Him, it hurts of course in some area in my heart.. But compares to the joy that I received from The Lord, that hurt feeling was nothing.. I am HAPPIER than I was right now, in every way, in every circumstances and situation, I AM HAPPY..

Do not bother to make all people in this world understand you because such thing will NEVER gonna happen.. Do not bother to explain to all people in the world every reason behind your decisions.. Some people will not understand it even after you explain it completely..They just don't, maybe because they have their own opinions and we also need to/must respect that..

- FOR ME SILENCE IS NOT ALWAYS GOLDEN, BUT IF IT USES IN THE RIGHT TIME AND CONDITION, YES IT CAN BECOMES A REAL GOLDEN..

• LIFE GOES ON, right? 

• If they are really the ones from God for you, they gonna stay.. If not, even if they left, GOD will replace them with better people and it's all FOR YOUR OWN BENEFITS..

Even in difficult times, sometimes it can be blurred to be grateful, I admit.. YET, DIFFICULT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO BE GRATEFUL, RIGHT?

For me, whenever I click the history button in my life, I know :

• WHATEVER HAPPENS IN MY LIFE, EVEN THE REASON TO BE GRATEFUL DECREASE DAY BY DAY, MY HISTORY HAS ALREADY HAPPENED AND COULDN'T BE ERASED.. MY PAST IS A MARK FROM GOD.. A PROOF OF HIS GOODNESS IN MY LIFE.. HOW GOD MADE THIS UNDESERVED ONE TO BE DESERVED TO RECEIVE SUCH MERCY..

I WILL USE MY HISTORY TO BE GRATEFUL.. TO SAY THIS PROUDLY EVERYDAY IN MY LIFE, AS LONG AS I LIVE :

• Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever (Psalm 136:1)

Regards, Cindy


Ps : This is my brother.. The superman in my family.. He turned 24th yesterday.. Amazing man of God and great brother of mine.. I love him with all my heart.. Always and forever will be.. Xoxo..

Another additional information : I'm not gonna post anything in this blog for a while, maybe until December.. So, see you soon again in 1 month peeps! :)