So I lift up my eyes....

How comforting!

Psalm 121
1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
your Protector will not slumber.
4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep.
5 The LORD protects you;
the LORD is a shelter right by your side.
6 The sun will not strike you by day,
or the moon by night.
7 The LORD will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.
8 The LORD will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.

Resting on His unchanging grace.....

It all started the minute the plane I was on landed in Jakarta. It was Tuesday afternoon on June 3, 2008.

My brain worked like an old VCR rewinding the tape to the very first time I left Indonesia for America to study. It was 8 years ago. It seemed so long ago, yet the memory is still so vivid in my mind.

I was 19 when I moved to America. I remember crying myself to sleep on my first night in Wichita, Kansas because I was scared of what's gonna happen. I was in a total foreign land not knowing anybody. My parents were with me, but I knew they were going to leave me soon. They assured me that it's gonna be OK.

My fear turned out to be a blessing. America is definetely where God changed my life radically. My eyes were opened. I was exposed to people from different nations with different backgrounds and beliefs, and that's when God grabbed hold of my heart.

A heart for evangelism was formed.
A vision was born.

It wasn't long until I graduated and God moved me away to a new place for a new job. It was hard in the beginning, BUT AGAIN, God was faithful. I loved (and I still do when I think about it now) the job I had at the Seminary. I had never thought I would love a job that much until I was at Midwestern. Though there were challenges, but it was TOTALLY rewarding knowing that it was for the Lord. I loved the church I went to and the ministries I was involved in. I loved the prayer meetings I had with the girls and of course the sweet friendships I made.

And, again it wasn't long until God moved me away again to my homeland. Not a completely new place to some people, since this is where I was born and raised. However, having been a way for 8 years, trust me! It's different.

So, I am facing the reality of many changes in my life as of late.

Job title: from Director of Communications to a Total Bum.
Residence: from America to Indonesia.
Church home: from Antioch Bible Baptist Church to "Not sure yet."
Time zone: from "Central Time Zone" to "Waktu Indonesia Barat."
Radio station: from K-LOVE or Calvary to "is-there-even-a-Christian-FM?" radio station.

As I'm writing this entry, I am reminded that it's all about Him and for His glory. Circumstances do change. Family and friends do fail us from time to time. Job title change. But, I know my God has never changed.

As I escaped to that place that allows my soul to breathe and rest and reflect, with His still small voice God reassured and confirmed that He has everything under control.

As I dropped the "yucks" the world and people hand me, He traded them for the fullness of Him.

And as that old hymn that I love says, "On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand," so my soul says, "And, I will not be moved!"

In Christ alone,
lee ya

The Solid Rock
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Chorus:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.


His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

DADDY's girl.....

One thing that I really love about my job is when I get to attend chapel services every Tuesdays and Wednesdays. God often uses that time to really speak right into my heart and open my eyes real big on certain things.

Points after points; illustrations after illustrations; testimonies after testimonies; today, it all came down to one - it is all about the ressurection. Nothing on earth can ever compare to our Heavenly Father's love.

It still amazes me until this very day that my Heavenly Father's love toward me and all His children is the same today, tomorrow and forever. I hear people say certain things like "Oh, she's definetely a daddy's girl" or "Here comes Mommy's girl." Sometimes I wonder which category I would fall into, although I may very well end up in neither one of those :)

I once read an article that it is human's tendency to have what is so-called "favorites" without realizing it. The article went on saying that even parents, although they do not admit it, have their favorite kid(s).

Today, God gave me a great reminder that unlike most earthly parents, He doesn't have His - let's say top 10 - favorite kids. To Him, we are all DADDY'S boy and DADDY'S girl. And, I thank God for that, because I know, with my own strength, if there's ever be a favorite list, I would never be able to make it there.

"It is all in God's hands...."

Yes, it is all in God's hands... This is a very "famous" phrase of a seminary student that I know.... Throughout summer I was constantly reminded that "it is all in God's hands..."

Growing up in a Christian family, this is definetely something that is supposed to be engrained in me. Not that I do not believe that "it's all in God's hands," but to put it in application is certainly very difficult.

This summer, God gave me a wonderful opportunity to go back to my home country, Indonesia. I was able to see so many great things happening back home. I was able to be with my parents, meet my grandmas and relatives. I was given a privilege to serve at Jakarta Baptist Theological Seminary, lead worship at the church where I grew up, and I had to get my VISA thing straightened out. During those experiences,God had streched me a lot. But, He definetely showed me that "it's all in God's hands..."

These past two weeks, I have pondered upon few thoughts, and God brought me to that phrase again... "It's all in God's hands." I trust my God for every situation I have in my life. I know I serve a big and mighty God. And, although it is hard to comprehend what is going to be the outcome, I truly know "it's all in God's hands..."

FIVE things.....

I was tagged by a friend who did this thing.... So, here goes....

5 Things Found in Your Bag
- cell phone
- wallet
- sunglasses
- kleenex
- keys

5 Things Found in Your Wallet
- pictures
- cash
- credit cards
- business cards
- Driver's License

5 Favourite Things in My Room
- my precious keyboard!
- my comfy bed
- my closet :)
- my piggies
- my computer

5 Things You've Always Wanted To Do
- be able to play the piano well and lead worship at the same time
- eat :)
- go back to school :)
- know how to speak chinese
- go on missions trip

5 Things You've Currently Into
- learning how to play the keyboard!
- walking with Alyssa!
- facebook? :)
- BABY (my precious puggy!)
- shopping

5 People You Will Tag
- Jennifer Hendra
- Melissa Hendra
- Alyssa Davis
- Whitney Shafer
- Amy Gilmore

reflection - this weekend, a year ago....

so, i went to the graduation reception at Midwestern last night. i came very late, because i actually didn't feel like going. but, i got a phone call, so i thought, yeah, i probably should go... so, i did... i was looking at the tables that were set up by the white house and i spotted a table where i sat a year ago.

yes, exactly a year ago, i sat at that particular table with my portfolio in hand interviewed by the president. it was a very quick interview.

today, i went to the graduation ceremony. i was there to work. i took pictures and jotted some things down for my story. as i listened to the speaker, my mind did wander - thank God for recorder! i'll just have to listen to it on monday at work to write my story :). i remember myself sitting in the graduation ceremony exactly a year ago thinking where God is taking me after this. at that time, i was a fresh graduate as well. it was a week after my own graduation. to make the long story short, last year today, i was offered the job i'm in right now....

i can't believe that it has been a year since i was offered the job. things did move very quickly. but, i'm glad things happened the way they are. God really know what's best for me. yesterday and today are moments of reflection for me. i'm still standing amazed of Him. i'm serving a great Master and i'm loving every minute of it....

a huge blessing...

I got a keyboard last night! That's a huge huge huge blessing for me. I have been playing the keyboard and leading worship at the same time ever since I moved to K.C.

Pretty strange for some at The Mission :) Friends in Wichita KNOW that I don't play. But, it's happening!

I thought about buying one a few months back for me to practice at home, but it's pretty pricey. Plus, I don't even know what kind of keyboard I should get. I did pray about getting one, but I wasn't really serious to look for one. Two weeks ago, I started desiring to have a keyboard more. And last night, I got it! Someone gave it to me! That's just amazing! God is so good and this is just too good to be true! Praise the Lord!

standing amazed....

Never had I dreamed or even thought I would reach this stage. It's strange, but it's happening. And, it's for real....

Nine months ago I made a decision to step out of my comfort zone and really walk by faith by moving to Kansas City. I moved to America from Indonesia six years ago, so I thought, "How hard could it be?" Plus, Wichita is only three hours away - I can always go back. It's sad to say, but I was so wrong! For some people, moving isn't a big thing at all. Some may take it as an adventure. My family and friends know that I'm a planner. I usually have at least a year plan of my life. As much as I love suprises, when it comes to life, I would settle for the expected ones. A little boring for some, perhaps. But, certainly not for me.

I can say the past nine months have been good, but definetely challenging. Not having a church home is very frustrating. I have missed leading worship. In fact, I have missed it SO SO SO much that I can't even describe it. Sometimes I tell my friends how much I miss it, but I don't know if they can even feel what I feel - how much I long to do that. I love worship. I still do believe God calls me in that area. I don't dare to limit Him to call me to a bigger stuff, but I love it so much that my heart just burns to do that...

Nine months I asked, and I still do now...
Nine months I seeked, and I still do now...
Nine months I knocked, and I still do now...
Nine months I prayed, and I still still do now...
All for a place to serve....

The Lord hears my cry... He answers me....
Doors have been opened....
His face I found....
My prayers He answered...

God is good! Today is a day when I just feel so very excited - excuse me for a bad grammar *wink* I don't know how I got this excitement from, but I'm very sure that it is from Him. I still don't know what is going to happen on the days ahead, but...

Today is a day when I can look back and say, "Lord, now I know why you moved me here.." Today is a day when I say to myself, "Did I say that 'Lord, I know why you moved me here'?"
Today is a day when I am convinced that the grand plan is yet to be revealed....
Today is a day when I can take a deep breath and say, "Yes, God is faithful" with a smile on my face....
Today is a day when I can say, "thank you all for your prayers, because I can see His hands working so well in my life."

I once told a friend that I felt like my life's full of rain. It kept raining that I don't even know if I would be able to see a rainbow in the end. My friend answered me, "Do you have to see the rainbow?"

God made me realize that the rainbow has been there all this while.

I once was "lost," but now I'm so lost in the rivers of His love. I'm swept into the power of His presence... And, here I am standing amazed..... of Him...

if only i knew, i would have fought for it harder...

i'm back....

I'm not a faithful blogger, apparently! :) It's been a while since I wrote... Things have been awesome here! I never knew I would reach this mode ever! But, God has sure been so faithful! Lots of prayers have been answered... I'm so blessed!

ps: Oh, by the way, I'm on facebook now! Haha! I can't believe that's happening either! lol :)

another answered prayer....

My family and some of my friends know that I went through ups and downs for the past months in regards to my working visa. I wasn't at ease in the beginning, but God has shaped and molded me that I was finally at a complete peace on whereever He wants to locate me geographically. I reached the point where either I stay back here in the U.S. or go home, it'll be just fine. Both places really offer great things.

So, Amelia prays.

She had her whole family stood by her as prayer warriors; she had her family at The Mission to pray for her; She also had some people in K.C. to lift her up as well.

My request was only one: for God to show me CLEARLY where I'm supposed to be.

So, the visa application process started in late January. I had been meeting and consulting with an attorney since October. Things looked like it wouldn't work out for me to stay in the U.S., because the working visa quota is full and won't be open again until Oct. 2007, while my visa expires Jun. 1, 2007.

To make the long story short, in late January we found out that we could still try to apply for it. So, we started the process.

Feb. 20, 2007, we finally filed the application. I was constantly reminded that it was "a bit" to late for me to apply for teh visa knowing that my own visa expires in just a few months. And, I was not supposed to find out whether I'm approved or not until late May or even June.

Feb. 28, 2007, I got an email from my attorney saying, "Amelia, when God works on your side, you get a special treatment." That is exactly his line. Just within eight days, God showed me VERY CLEARLY that I am supposed to stay here in the U.S. My attorney couldn't even believe how fast it was for the government to give us the approval, since we didn't pay for the premium processing service, which would have costed us another $1,500.

So, I rejoice for the fact that He shows me where I'm supposed to be.
So, I rejoice for the fact that He once again proves that His promises never fails.
So, I rejoice for the fact that His timing is always perfect.
So, I rejoice for the fact that He's not through with me yet.

Thank you, Lord! I give all the glory to You!

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing - Chris Tomlin

a wonderful answered prayer....

When I first found out that there was a vacancy at the place I work now, I remember myself getting down on my knees at one prayer meeting with The Mission specifically praying for a church or body of believers where I get get connected with. Although I had not gone to the interview yet, I somehow felt that God was moving me to K.C.; that I had to leave Wichita - my comfort zone. Three days after that I learned that the job was offered to me.

I have never stopped praying for that specific request to this very day. After praying and searching; and searching and praying; and praying and visiting; and visiting and talking to people; I found myself actually liking this church that I have been going to for the past month. I told God that I was not in a rush, while I actually was and still am - it just drives me nuts not to have a place to serve! But God just began to unpack a lot of things from week to week to me.

I went to the girls' bible study today. And, I just loved it! I loved it so very much - excuse my grammar :) They all are around the same age as me. They are so passionate about the Lord. They strongly believe in holding each other accountable. As we shared with each other today, things just began to click! I can never thank God enough for what He's doing in my life! Things were rough before, but now I know that I had to walk that path. I know I had to endure those sufferings. I know I had to be still and know that He is God. I know I had to be on my knees constantly.

As His plan starts unfolding, I'm getting more excited with what's going to happen down the road. Although I may feel that my journey in Kansas City has just begun, it actually has started about seven months ago. And I know that God has walked with me side by side, hand in hand, from strength to strength. My life in K.C. is really a character-shaping, get-to-the-down-low deal. I tell ya, although it is bitter-sweet at times, it is definetely much much much better-still than ever!

Lord, I just pray that when I see You face to face one day, You will wrap Your arms around me and say, "Well done, Lee Ya!" Help me to be faithful. If I have to be "grilled," I pray that You "grill" me to the perfection. That You'll be honored and glorified. I love You, Lord! Amen...

Child Dedication...

There was a child dedication at church on Sunday. As I sat and watched each child being dedicated, I found myself flashing back to years and years ago when my sisters and I were dedicated to the Lord by our parents.

I guess I was 8 years old then when I was dedicated. I was a little older for a child dedication thingy, but I think that was the first child dedication that was ever done at my church back home. It is still clear in my head that the three of us with mom and dad walked to the front. The pastor prayed for us and our parents. He prayed that we would accept the Lord one day when we grow up; he prayed that God would use us abundantly. My parents then vowed that they would bring us up in a godly way and teach us about the Lord.

I'm glad that my parents took that step. I'm not saying that I live a perfect Christian life right now; not at all. However, I do hope, strive and pray daily that I would walk in His path; that I stay in His sovereign plan.

I truly thank the Lord for the parents I have; for the life lessons they have given me; for their continued prayers; for their support and definetely for who they really are. I know my sisters would feel the same way too.

As I watched those babies being dedicated, I do pray that one day they invite the Lord to come into their hearts and rule their lives. I also do pray that one day I get to do what they do...

My job has been posted for three days :)

We'll find out... :)

Pictures from last weekend....

It was a fun and relaxing Friday night. We just cooked and cooked and cooked. Then we all ate and ate and ate. Very typical Chinese lifestyle? Perhaps! Except that I don't know how to speak the language... Oh well!

Oh my goodness! The amount of food that we had... Oh, Lord! We're so blessed!

Because I've got YOU...

Exactly today six months ago, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach.
Exactly today six months ago, I entered a whole new world I've ever experienced in my life.
Exactly today six months ago, I had a brand new commitment in my life.
Exactly today six months ago, I got to meet so many different people.
Exactly today six months ago, everything that I read in my textbooks became real.
Exactly today six months ago, I was employed.

Wow! Somehow I still can't believe how fast time passed by. Looking back to the past six months that I've been living, I know that I have made it this far only because He's been through it all with me. There are certainly many challenges; but I can definetely testify the Lord's goodness and grace have been sufficient. God has brought me to a whole different level of commitment.

With all these being said, I know that I can do it because I've got You. I know that when things get rough, I've got You. I know those good days that I have were given for me to taste because I've got You. And, I know that I am blessed because I've got You!

The sign is clear. I have my mind made up. I pray that God continues to open the next few doors in front of me as He sees fit.

new year's resolution(s)?

I once told my friends that I want to make a list of the so called Amelia Hendra's New Year Resolutions, simply because I've never had a list made! Never! So, that was kinda my new year resolution - making a new year resolution - if that makes sense. I even told them that I would make up a list just to go with the crowd. Everybody has one, so miss amelia should have one too! :)

This week I've been sick literally all week - didn't go to work, didn't go to church (man, I feel so convicted when I woke up this afternoon!). There were times when I really sat down and really tried making up a list. Guess what! It didn't work! Haha! Well, no matter what Amelia is still Amelia, isn't it? Well, not that I'm not motivated or anything to achieve a goal or perhaps goals this year, but speaking out of my own experience I find that whatever I had planned didn't match with what I've gotten or experienced.

For some reasons, God has taught me a BIG FAT lesson over the past few years. What I've learned through my personal devotions, sermons and group bible studies has actually come alive - my plan is certainly not His plan! He has brought my numerous last minute's surprise gifts that made me go, "WOW, GOD!"

This is really nothing against those who have made a new year's resolution. I still do believe that it's good for us to make up a list of goals that serves as a reminder for the year. And trust me, somehow I still wanna make up a list just so that I can tell others, "Oh yeah, I've made a list before!" :)

So this week, although I was sick and weak, my relationship with God has grown deeper. I was really fed with His Word - and it's amazing! I'm so content! And this year and the years ahead, my 'resolution' would be to become.... "a lady after His own heart!" And I pray that I may come to know Him, grow in Him and love Him more and more every minute of my life. Oh Lord, I'm so in love....

Oh by the way, I think I do need a second resolution! "I MUST LOSE WEIGHT!" And this is for real! Whewww, at least now I can tell others that "Oh, yeah! I did make up a new year's resolution before!"

Healing rain is coming down...

Again, God laid this song on my heart. Lord, I pray for Your healing rain. Come wash us with Your mercy! Come sing with me!

Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It's bringing mercy, it won't be long

Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain

Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain

And only You, the Son of man
Can take a leper and let him stand
So lift your hands, they can be held
By someone greater, the Great I Am

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
To be washed in Heaven's rain...

Healing rain is falling down
Healing rain is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...

Christ, You are my solid Rock!

During this situation I'm constantly reminded of His grace in my life. Somehow God often speaks to me through songs. This morning I was brought to this old hymn that we use to sing at church back home "The Solid Rock." I personally love the chorus.

This is my third day staying home. I'm still recuperating from the flu. God has once again shown me when I'm on my weakest mode, He is strong. God has spoken to me in a lot of ways. He also keeps reminding me that His arm is streched out to give me love and comfort through my brothers and sisters in Christ. Yesterday the girls at office came by and brought me some orange juice, a box of kleenex (Ha! How do they know I almost ran out of it?), ritz crackers, some medicines and a sweet card. Today, I got some more stuffs! Chicken soup and a bunch of Christian movies! And as I was finishing up this entry, someone knocked on my door. It was a FedEx lady. I got a card from my bros and sisters in Wichita. Oh, how I'm blessed! You guys have no idea how much I appreciate your love and care! Thanks a lot! Without God and all of you, I couldn't make it this far....

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.