My Testimony

April 19th, 2007

Riki is exactly 3 months old today. I couldn't express how thankful am I to God that He's been with me all these time. At times, when Riki is crying helplessly, I pray to God that He soothes him whereever Riki feels uncomfortable. And everyday, I pray so that Riki can grow healthily and free from diseases. Most importantly, I want him to be a kind, patient, cheerful and lovely person who not only obey to his parents but also to God. Walking our life under God's guidance would be the most blessful moment in life. This makes me recall about how my way of thinking of life has changed so much in these past three years. Even though, I've known Jesus Christ since I was kid, I could very much feel more of his love and presence after I'm willing to open up myself to accept his love, grace and forgiveness three years ago and being baptized two years ago. As I walk in the park while pushing the baby stroller in a beautiful day, I feel so thankful about everything that I have in life. Sometimes, we are not supposed to take things for granted and value every moment we have in life as though there is no tomorrow. Everything is under His hand, and we should just treasure every second we have with the people we love. Receiving God's love and grace and accepting Jesus as life's savior maybe difficult to most of the people. Everyday, I pray for those people whom I love so that one day they can also accept this wonderful Grace from God by opening their hearts. I never understood the lyrics of "Amazing Grace" till I actually receive this Grace recently. Tears would fall naturally from my eyes when I sing this song and thought about people whom I love yet haven't accepted this Grace.

I thought how have I changed? The most distinct change I've realize in my life is that I see things differently from before and feel so much peace. This feeling of peace, I'd reckon as one of the most rewarding thing that I experience. No matter how rich or how smart one is, still peace is the one that will bring real happiness in life. I used to be the people who live in rush trying to achieve career status and hopefully be rich, but somehow, those target seems to be so insignificant now. Yes, I do agree that we need money to live. But for sure, money couldn't buy back anything that we miss in life. We could never predict as to what will happen in the future, thus, I try my best to spend as much time as possible with people that I love, especially my family. There are still so many important things in life such as health, wealth, happiness etc., but the peace and assurance feeling that we have in Jesus's promises to have an eternal life is what matters the most. All the material things which we achieve while we live in this world will just be temporary. We are borned naked and also we will die as ashes, bringing nothing but losing only our physical bodies. However, knowing that our spirits will live eternally will make us to look forward in our after life and make the most in this present life. I have just lost a friend from Singapore and she has battled for cancer in these past 7 years, but on April 10th, she has returned to Lord's home by leaving this world peacefully. I felt real happy that I had the chance to spend quite some time bringing her husband and her around Tokyo when she visited us 6 months ago here in Tokyo even though she was still under chemotherapy treatment and I was 5 months pregnant. She was perfectly fine at that time and no one can predict that she will leave us so suddenly. I remembered well when she said that what she's been trying to do for the rest of her life is to sow as many seeds as possible and it doesn't matter as to when these seeds will grow, what's important is to start them now than later. Maybe these seeds that she has sown will grow later in their life but at least it has started. She wants as many people to be saved in their life so that they can accept Jesus as their savior and receive eternal life. I believe she knew that she won't live much longer, and she has also tried her best to have her husband saved. And miraculously, he has changed and accepted Jesus as his savior as well in very recent years. To me, he might the last person who could have changed in accepting Jesus. I knew that he hasn't eaten beef in the longest time due to his former belief. What surprised me the most is that he brings around with him a small book with the title of "The Power of Healing" (I don't exactly remember the title, but it's definitely the book which he treasures a lot) and showing it eagerly to me about how good the book is. I believe by reading this book, he has received lots of assurance, power, forgiveness and love from God to be strong and ways to support his wife. Maybe in his heart, he knew that this long trip will be their last trip together considering her wife's health condition.

My mom was diagnosed with cancer this January and our family struggled in accepting the truth. During the treatment, my mom has suffered a lot of side effects which made her having nausea, fatique and serious diarrhea. She entered emergency room several times and was hospitalized cause the pain was quite unbearable. I reassured and encouraged both my mom and my family to pray more for her. I feel fortunate cause I have known God and that he will continue to watch after my mom even though she's going thru painful experience. I love my mom very much and I want her to be my mom forever. Only by trusting in God's promise that we will have eternal life by accepting Jesus as our savior that I believe I will be with her wherever she will be, in this world or at Lord's Home. This, in turn, gives me a lot of great peace.

Another thought that I have is that money matter will normally cause more problem in our daily life. However, having much money doesn't directly mean that we will have great peace in life. I know that we need to work hard but still, what's important is to achieve the purpose that God has set for us since we're borned cause He's our Creator. Only inventor knows what his invention needs to accomplish. Maybe we're borned to be a great singer or a great business person, but those gifts that we have will sure have their own purposes. Thru prayer, I'm communicating all of my concerns and doubts of life. I seek for his guidance all the time. Taking one step at a time now. Be thankful all the time. I believe that fortune is also a blessing from God. If we are meant to be rich, fortune will fall naturally before us. Of course, it doesn't mean that we just be lazy and do nothing. We still need to be hardworking in whatever we do, but by surrendering all that we do and have to God, I believe that we would receive more joy and peace in doing what we do no matter if it's work, tasks or chores. This will also eliminates a lot of unnecessary stress and worries cause we know that God is with us all the time. Even though problem arises, maybe God needs us to experience it to prepare us for something bigger. I believe everything has its purpose.

I'm feeling real happy to share this with all of you who read this. I'll pray that God bless every parts of your life, and please open your hearts when Jesus knocks on your heart. There is nothing to lose to open up our hearts. I think it will be more costly if we keep our hearts close. Besides, receiving God's love and grace is free. And we will miss out more things by being skeptical and afraid or avoiding to accept and believe in Jesus. Accepting Jesus as our savior will give us 100% assurance for eternal life. Don't u want to spend with people u love forever? Isn't it great to know that Jesus is welcoming us back to our real Home when we leave this world?

Last week's sermon at the church has brought a lot of thoughts for me. Yes, if Jesus didn't resurrect, the whole Christianity is void. And the celebration for Good Friday and easter will be meaningless as well. But, Jesus did resurrect 3 days after his death and he was seen by more than 500 people after his death. If we are going to remain skeptical, maybe it's going to be late cause we never know as to what the future will hold. Unpredictably, we might experience accident, health problem at certain part of our life. Thus, please do not wait till that moment to repent, cause receiving God's grace and forgiveness from now will be the most rewarding thing in life. Developing relationship with Him will give longlasting love and peace which couldn't be bought with money or any material things.

May God bless all of you and filled your heart with Holy Spirit.

Blessings in His name,
Ninih :)

I would like to share the lyrics of Amazing Grace and Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God. And may you sing this song in your heart whenever you feel that you're in need of Him and I believe that Holy Spirit will fill your heart with peace. Close your eyes and tell God what you need him to do. Leave it up to Him and trust that He will listen to you as long as you have strong faith.

P.S. I have inserted the video clips from YouTube for the song "Amazing Grace" at the bottom of this blog. Please double clicks on any of the choices and you can enjoy the song. :)

Amazing Grace


Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail
and mortal life shall cease
I shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun

Amazing Grace (Japanese Translation)

素晴らしき神の慈愛　その甘い響きが
不幸な人間でさえ　救って下さる
いったんは道を見失っても　私にはもうわかる
見えていなかったものも　今ではもう見える

心に敬愛をもたらした　神のお慈悲
神のお慈悲は　恐怖をやわらげてくれた
はかり知れない素晴らしさ　神のお慈悲がわかった時
私が最初に　信じるようになった時

多くの危険や苦難や誘惑を乗り越えて
私はついに　やってきた
私に平安を　もたらしてくれた
神のお慈悲が　私をふるさとに導いてくれる

神は私に　善を約束してくださる
神の言葉で　私の希望が　満たされる
神は　私の盾となり　私の一部となる
命の続く限り　ずっと

ああ　この身とこの心が　衰えようとも
限りある命が　絶えようとする時にも
私はずっと持ち続けるだろう　神の守護のもとに
喜びと　平安に満ちた生命を

私がそこにいた　はるか昔に
太陽のように　光り輝いて
いつだって　神への感謝を歌っていた
私達が　最初にそうだったように


Seek Ye First

Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you, Allelu, alleluia!
Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall find,
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you, Allelu, alleluia!

Terima Kasih Tuhan

TERIMA KASIH TUHAN

Aku bermimpi suatu hari aku pergi ke surga dan seorang malaikat menemaniku dan menunjukkan keadaan di surga. Kami berjalan memasuki suatu ruang kerja penuh dengan para malaikat. Malaikat yang mengantarku berhenti di depan ruang kerja pertama dan berkata, "Ini adalah Seksi Penerimaan. Disini, semua permintaan yang ditujukan pada Allah diterima".
Aku melihat-lihat sekeliling tempat ini dan aku dapati tempat ini begitu sibuk dengan begitu banyak malaikat yang memilah-milah seluruh permohonan yang tertulis pada kertas dari manusia di seluruh dunia.

Kemudian aku dan malaikat-ku berjalan lagi melalui koridor yang panjang lalu sampailah kami pada ruang kerja kedua. Malaikat-ku berkata, "Ini adalah Seksi Pengepakan dan Pengiriman. Disini kemuliaan dan berkat yang diminta manusia diproses dan dikirim ke manusia-manusia yang masih hidup yang memintanya". Aku perhatikan lagi betapa sibuknya ruang kerja itu. Ada banyak malaikat yang bekerja begitu keras karena ada begitu banyaknya permohonan yang dimintakan dan sedang dipaketkan untuk dikirim ke bumi.

Kami melanjutkan perjalanan lagi hingga sampai pada ujung terjauh koridor panjang tersebut dan berhenti pada sebuah pintu ruang kerja yang sangat kecil. Yang sangat mengejutkan aku, hanya ada satu malaikat yang duduk disana, hampir tidak melakukan apapun. "Ini adalah Seksi Pernyataan Terima Kasih", kata Malaikatku pelan. Dia tampak malu.

"Bagaimana ini? Mengapa hampir tidak ada pekerjaan disini?", tanyaku. "Menyedihkan", Malaikat-ku menghela napas. "Setelah manusia menerima berkat yang mereka minta, sangat sedikit manusia yang mengirimkan pernyataan terima kasih". "Bagaimana manusia menyatakan terima kasih atas berkat Tuhan?", tanyaku. "Sederhana sekali", jawab Malaikat. "Cukup berkata, "Terima kasih, Tuhan".

"Lalu, berkat apa saja yang perlu kita syukuri", tanyaku. Malaikat-ku menjawab,

"Jika engkau mempunyai makanan di lemari es, pakaian yang menutup tubuhmu, atap di atas kepalamu dan tempat untuk tidur, maka engkau lebih kaya dari 75% penduduk dunia ini.

"Jika engkau memiliki uang di bank, di dompetmu, dan uang-uang receh, maka engkau berada diantara 8% kesejahteraan dunia.

"Dan jika engkau mendapatkan pesan ini di komputer mu, engkau adalah bagian dari 1% di dunia yang memiliki kesempatan itu.

Juga.... "Jika engkau bangun pagi ini dengan lebih banyak kesehatan daripada kesakitan ... engkau lebih diberkati daripada begitu banyak orang di dunia ini yang tidak dapat bertahan hidup hingga hari ini.

"Jika engkau tidak pernah mengalami ketakutan dalam perang, kesepian dalam penjara, kesengsaraan penyiksaan, atau kelaparan yang amat sangat Maka engkau lebih beruntung dari 700 juta orang di dunia".

"Jika engkau dapat menghadiri Gereja atau pertemuan religius tanpa ada ketakutan akan penyerangan, penangkapan, penyiksaan, atau kematian... maka engkau lebih diberkati daripada 3 milyar orang di dunia.

"Jika orangtuamu masih hidup dan masih berada dalam ikatan pernikahan ... maka engkau termasuk orang yang sangat jarang.

Jika engkau masih bisa mencintai...maka engkau termasuk orang yang besar, Karena cinta adalah berkat Tuhan yang tidak didapat dari manapun.

"Jika engkau dapat menegakkan kepala dan tersenyum, maka engkau bukanlah seperti orang kebanyakan, engkau unik ibandingkan
semua mereka yang berada dalam keraguan dan keputusasaan.

"Jika engkau dapat membaca pesan ini, maka engkau menerima berkat ganda, yaitu bahwa seseorang yang mengirimkan ini padamu berpikir bahwa engkau orang yang sangat istimewa baginya, dan bahwa, engkau lebih diberkati daripada lebih dari 2 juta orang di dunia yang bahkan tidak dapat membaca sama sekali".

Nikmatilah hari-harimu, hitunglah berkat yang telah Tuhan anugerahkan kepadamu. Dan jika engkau berkenan, kirimkan pesan ini ke semua teman-teman-mu untuk mengingatkan mereka betapa diberkatinya kita semua. "Dan ingatlah tatkala Tuhanmu menyatakan bahwa, 'Sesungguhnya jika kamu bersyukur, pasti Aku akan menambahkan lebih banyak nikmat kepadamu' ".