The Courageous Pilgrim

A Pilgrim is He who not only dreams, but seeks to live the Journey.
Though the Journey may be braced with Mountains and Valleys,
Yet with courage he edge forward, knowing that the Maker of his life is his Firm Foundation.
With every step, He finds himself being drawn closer to the beauty of his Maker.
Each step marks a step of Faith and Trust in the One whom He knows is Sovereign.
Each step marks the building of Spiritual muscle and stamina that not only sustains him, but builds in others the same Fervor and Stamina in the Maker.
Truly, such Spirit and Tenacity is a Wonderful Treasure in the Maker’s eyes.
Surely the words “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant” will be bestowed as the Pilgrim journey on.
A Delight to the Maker’s heart indeed is Pilgrim’s faith.
A Sweet Offering of Praise and Worship to the Maker is His yielding Heart to the Maker’s Will.
Journey on with Courage, Dear Pilgrim. And remember to enjoy the beauty of the journey that the Maker has for You!

The Courageous Pilgrim by Ant

The Sheep

For clear evidence that laughter is contagious,
Hang around with this Sheep who is infectious,
With joyfulness and always a big smile,
She welcomes and refreshes even if just for a short while.

A sincere heart she has for our Lord,
His face she would everyday sought.
If you too would like to look for the Shepherd,
She is one to spur you onward.

Her opinions she would frankly share,
This is how she shows she cares.
She listens to the hearts of her friends,
It is as if she is holding their hands.

Over many meals would friendships be built,
Cos this Sheep’s stomach is seldom filled,
Just like her desire for our heavenly Father,
She wants Him much more than any other.

The Sheep by Pilgrim

The Three Young Cats

A refined and more detailed version of the story shared in a gathering last Friday.

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Once upon a time, there were 3 little cats. They grew up in a palace together with their father. Although they were brothers, they were very different from one another. The eldest was full of passion and energy, but he has a short attention span. The second was pragmatic, always ready to analyse and plan with cool-headedness. The third was one who was most obedient to the father and purest in heart, but seemingly the weakest of all the cats. They would gather at the window daily, looking towards the jungle near their home, longing for the day that they would be able to go out into the world to prove their worth and experience life.

Finally, one day, the first cat came of age and said to the Father, “I am a son of the great Lion and I have energy and passion, not to mention a great vision for the world. I am ready!” So he packed up his bags hurriedly and went on his way. In less than a year, he was back in the palace. Working non-stop for a few months in a row tire him out and the busyness of life has stripped him of his passion. He decided he needed to rest and came home, and has been resting ever since.

One day, the second cat came of age and said to the Father, “I am a son of the great Lion and people would expect a lot from me. Though I am of age to set out in the world, yet I feel that there are many areas that I am inexperienced and unschooled, I need to learn and read more so that I would not disgrace my Father.” So he spent his time in the library, day and night he was there. And is still there. He never once stepped out of the house.

The youngest cat witnessed the actions of the two elder brothers and thought to himself what he should do. He could not come up with any better ideas or suggestions of what he can and should do out in the jungle. “I am a son of the great Lion, my Father is the One who rules the entire kingdom and jungle, surely He would know what is best.” So the third cat went and inquired of the Father. Day by day he listened and noted on how to manage his life and kingdom, night by night he allowed the words of the Father to stir in him the visions and passion for the kingdom.
When he finally came of age, he was ready. Yet he did not go alone. He asked the Father to give to him the best adviser and guide in the land, one who knew the Father’s heart, so that they might travel together. He asked for a pigeon so that he can always have direct line to his Father in the palace. Whatever he did and wherever he goes, it was as if the Father went along with Him. He was the one, though he was the weakest, yet was the most successful.

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The Pilgrim

Pilgrm on the road,
Unbattered by the storms,
Tenacity he shows,
On every path he goes.
Few are his words,
Yet each is meaningful.
Befriending him,
You'll regret not,
He is giving his all.

The Pilgrim by Oink aka Owl
Have put it up here in case it disappears after some time on the tag board.

The Owl

Just like fruitfulness defines,
The quality of a tree,
A look at her carecell you’ll find,
A leader this Owl is meant to be.

With words of wisdom and knowledge,
She guides His sheep aright,
With a shepherd’s heart she will stage
Opportunities for those below to rise.

Always seeking to grow
To know our Dear Lord more,
Always yearning to sow
Treasures in many hearts she stores.

No doubt in time we’ll see
Much more of God’s imprint,
Bringing her jubilee,
Into her destiny she will sprint!

The Owl by Pilgrim

The Seahorse

There is no one with more celebratory eyes;
Wonderful birthday parties she designs.
With gifts and numerous surprises,
The numbers of people blessed are endless.

Much love for her friends she has,
Obvious from her blog this is.
Her passion no one needs to guess,
Our Lord is the One she please.

If you need to be a little wild,
This Seahorse you must ask for company,
Or someone to shop for things with style,
I’m sure she will go happily.

If you need a friend to listen,
This Seahorse is one you ought to know.
Not someone to argue or reason,
God’s love and patience she would show.

The Seahorse by Pilgrim

The Starfish

Who could reside in the heavens?
At the same time in the seas?
The one guy amongst the brethren,
Who looks good in shirts and tees.

A star he is definitely,
His servant heart often shining!
Be at the altars he is likely,
For many others he is praying.

Not afraid to get his feet wet,
Always teachable and learning.
Into deep waters he won't fret,
He knows God's hand is holding.

So have a blessed birthday Starfish,
Be it in the heavens or the seas.
For God's work to be accomplished,
In you is what we long to see.

The Starfish by Pilgrim

The Polar Bear

Three days of celebration,
With much appreciation,
For our friend the Polar Bear.

With words of encouragement,
Without any judgment,
He would willingly share.

Time he gives freely,
To those that are needy,
He has a heart that cares.

So we ask of our Father,
To bless this brother
Better than the average bear.

The Polar Bear by Pilgrim

Victory at last

My friend the Horse told me recently that I had been on a ten game losing streak (the last time that I won playing with them was way back in June 2003). That was when I just graduated from NTU and started working. Playing sparsely since then, my skills and stamina have both deteriorated. After coming back to the game recently and losing a few games, I was determined not to continue this downward trend.

Coming into the game on Sunday (6th Aug), Horse and myself decided to make some risky changes to our usual tactics, going for the stamina draining man-to-man marking instead of zone defense right at the beginning of the game. We had no idea if we can last the whole game, but it worked to good effect. We won the game with a pretty big margin eventually.

I was glad we won the game, was happier that I played a good game. Gone are the feelings of “if only I had done better in this or that…” or “if I had stamina…” Victory is sweet indeed. The man in the arena has finally gotten a victory.

There is a lesson to be learnt here for me; perseverance and hard work would eventually pay off. The rewards may not be immediate, but coupled with patience, perseverance would reap what was sown.

A line from a story I had written,

“You need to learn to play the right way, with the right attitude, do that and the wins will take care of themselves.”

And even if victory is still elusive, I believe the rewards would come in other ways. The journey builds character; the rewards of character are many.

Thank you Horse. Your hardwork paid off too in more ways than one.