New Beginnings...

via Pinterest

Well, after a rather long absence, I'm back! I really apologise to my dear blog encouragers and viewers for this unforeseen prolonged absence. Since I posted last in December 2012, a lot has gone on in my life...especially in my life as a student with the work load expectedly increasing as I come nearer to finishing my degree. 

Throughout those last few months I've been really thinking and praying about blogging. However, I found it very difficult to get much inspiration for this blog for the time being...that is, that would be in tune with the main purpose of this blog, namely history and faith in history. 

What I needed was a new place to share those things freely without the constraints of the main purpose of this blog, which does tend on the more academic/literary side. 

So, I decided to launch a new blog - 'Of Simple Things'! A place with more 'scope for the imagination', as I like to say! You'll probably find this new blog a little different in tone, a bit more conversational and personal. I hope it is a blessing to you and it would make me extra encouraged if you would join my blog and be a regular encourager. Thank you very much!

Of Simple Things

Many Blessings, 

Beacons of the Past...

Byron Bay, NSW, Australia

It's been a long time since my last post and I do apologize to all my readers for this. But it has been a rather busy two or three weeks, with major university assignments and all. Perhaps sometime I'll share some of the interesting things I've been learning. 

In the mean time, however, you've all probably noticed that there have been some major changes to this blog. Yes, I've changed the blog design. This is not a final look, however. More importantly, though, I've changed the name of my blog to 'Beacons of the Past'.

I felt that the older title of 'Gems of Faith in History' was a bit of a mouthful of title! This new one is much shorter and easier to remember. I think it is also more captivating and perhaps a bit different and thus more of an eye-catcher, which I learned is an important part of any title to a book, article, or a blog/website. This is the first thing that a person sees upon opening a blog-page. 

More importantly, I believe this new title captures more of what I desire this blog to be. While the discovery and the study of history, His story, often could be seen as an uncovering of gems from the dark mine of the past, more and more I feel that it is more than that. 

Those familiar with the movie Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, may recall the moment of the lighting of the beacons of Amon Din. A moment when Pippin, at the instruction of Gandalf, lights the first beacon of the chief city of Gondor, Minas Tireth, as a signal for help to their allies from Rohan. There were seven beacons set across the mountains linking Gondor with Rohan (a fast way of communication). On each peak were watchmen, who would light the beacon when they saw the one closest to them lit. There is an amazing feeling of joy, hope, and inspiration when those beacons are lit...yes, 'hope is kindled!'. 

In this scene I also see a special view for us of the past. Many who came before us were watchmen (men and women) who lit beacons of Godliness, faith and hope. The light they carried we now see. Now it is for us to light our beacons for those around us who are lost and continue this relay, and light the way for the future. This light is His light working in His people. 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.' (Matthew 5:16) 

Thus, the title: 'Beacons of the Past'; and the subtitle: 'Illuminating the Present, Guiding the Future' was inspired. 

My basic aim of showing that history is really His Story; that He is Sovereign over all nations, peoples, and individuals in every time in history; and that everything happens under His control and permission according to His perfect wisdom for His glory, the advancement of His Kingdom and the good of His people; has not changed. 

Our greatest comfort in an uncertain world is to know that our Heavenly Father is also the Sovereign Lord over all creation. It gives me personally great joy and comfort when I see His hand at work, or when I see glimpses of His plan in History. History is not just about the past. It is about the present and about the future, because 'Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever' (Hebrews 13:8). What God did in the past, He will do today, and will do tomorrow. This constancy gives me great strength and HOPE. Yes, it is the beacon of light in this dark world. 

So, generally, there won't be much change in the aim of this blog, but perhaps a slightly different theme perspective subtly running through the blog  as a whole. I will try to keep up the 'Hall of Faith Series' as time allows. They are bios of some of those watchmen and women who carry the light and light the beacons. But I will also be sharing on different topics and subjects as well. Some will be related directly with history, others will be fun or inspirational, and others devotional. 


So, join me on this new phase of my blogging experience.

I'd really love to hear from my readers. It gives me great encouragement and inspiration. So, please, I'd really be blessed if you'd share your thoughts and ideas with me in the comments area and whenever I can I will try to answer them. 

God bless,

Tagging Fun

North-east view from the northern top of Mount Kosciusko, Australian Alps via Turner to Monet: The Triumph of Landscape

North-east view from the northern top of Mount Kosciusko, Australian Alps
via Turner to Monet: The Triumph of Landscape 

Something is going on in Blogger Land. Tagging seems to be the fashion these last few days. I've never done this before, but I've had the honour (or shall say fate:), lol) to be tagged by Joy. So, I've decided to try it out, too. Enjoy! 

Here are the rules.

1. Post these rules

2. Post 11 random things about yourself (optional)

3. Answer the questions the tagger posted for you in their post.

4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

5. Go to their blog and tell them that they have been tagged.

The Glass House Mountains - Southeastern Queensland, Australia
via Google Images

11 Random things about myself

Mmmm...that's often hard to do, but I'll try my best...here I go:)

1. I love listening to audio theatre drama - they give real 'scope for the imagination' and are fun and very encouraging. 

2. I really love the music soundtracks for the Narnia movies by Harry Gregson-Williams, The Lord of the Rings by Howard Shore, and The Nativity Story by Mychael Danna - they're just so awe-inspiring.

3. I love singing...I'd really love to get professional training someday, if the Lord wills. 

4. I have a major problem with procrastinating when I'm not passionate about doing something...like finishing assignments:(

5. When I was still in school, I almost never managed to write an essay (with maximum 1000 words or so) in less than two weeks minimum! Now I can write a university essay (up to 2500 words or more), with full proper research and referencing in less than a week, sometimes in a couple of days even...amazing what uni can do! It even surprised me:)

6. I'd love to write a historical novel someday...still not sure what it will be, though:) 

7. Watching the movie Cromwell excited my curiosity and set me on the exciting journey of studying history. Oliver Cromwell is certainly one of my historical heroes.

8. I've become quite fascinated with the literary works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. 

9.  I love Christian apologetics. I particularly love the works by contemporary Christian apologist, Ravi Zacharias. 

10. I love reading Puritan devotional books, particularly those that meditate on the Person of Christ and His work. 

11. I love the biblical account of Joseph (Genesis). I love to meditate on his faith in all his trials and how his life was a shadow of Christ. 

The Three Sisters - The Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia
via Google Images

Joy's questions and my answers:

1. Who are your top 3 favourite classic fiction authors and your top 3 favourite modern fiction authors? (by the word 'classic', I'm referring to authors of the past up to the mid 20th Century, and by 'modern', I'm referring to authors who wrote and lived from the 1960s and up)

My Answer: 

Well, that is not easy. There are so many, particularly since I prefer classic fiction than modern...mmm....
My top 3 classic fiction authors would be: 
- Jane Porter (1700s): she wrote Scottish Chiefs, a historical novel about Sir William Wallace. I really love it. She wrote other historical books...They're on my reading plan:)
- J.R.R. Tolkien 
- C.S. Lewis
- There are other very good ones: John Bunyan, Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes)
My top 3 modern fiction authors would be: 
- Jannette Oak: though not all her books. I particularly like her Acts of Faith Series. 
- Davis Bunn: co-author of Acts of Faith Series
- Chuck Black: Knights of Arrethtrae Series particularly.

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2. Which character in John Bunyan's immortal classic, The Pilgrim's Progress, do you identify with the most in their/your spiritual journey? (Christian, Faithful, or Hopeful)

My Answer: 

Wow. That's difficult. I'd say that there are different thing in each that I would identify strongly with. However, Christian would most likely be the most one I'd identify with the most. 

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3.  In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, we see that Sam's and Frodo's responses to Gollum-Smeagol are different.  If you were in either character's position when they had a chance of killing him, would you have done so and rid yourself of his wickedness and treachery, or would you pity him, having carried the burden of the Ring yourself, known its temptation, and shown mercy? (P.S. if you haven't watched/read The Lord of the Rings, you can skip this question)

My Answer: 

That's not easy to decide. I think I would have felt similarly to Frodo and Sam. I don't think I could kill him, but I certainly wouldn't trust him. I may want to tie him up somewhere when I feel threatened. I think I would have some pity for him...you know...'There but for the grace of God I go'. 

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4. Which do you enjoy more: reading a book or watching a movie?

My Answer: 

To me there are just two different activities, the one does not fully compensate for the other. However, I often find that a movie helps me to 'get into' the world of the a related book. The two often go together. 

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5. What is your favourite kind of music to sing, hear and play and who do you think was the greatest music composer of all time?

My Answer: 

I love to sing that glorify the Lord. I like traditional, classical Church music and hymns. I love Libera boys choir very much. I also like more contemporary praise and worship that has good music and deep words of worship and praise.  

I also like good traditional, classic and folk songs. Some songs in movies are also nice to sing and hear (like the Sound of Music for example).

It is difficult to say who is the greatest composer of all time, since it seems to depend mostly on the kind of music I'm in the mood of hearing at any particular time. But I have to say that Harry Gregson-Williams,  Howard Shore, and Mychael Danna are some of my favourite modern composers, and for classical composers I like Bach, Handel, and Beethoven. 

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6. Which 2 books of the Bible do you tend to read from the most?

My Answer: 

I tend to go to the Psalms and the Gospel of John. 

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7. Is there a figure in history (outside the Bible) that you love the most? And why?

My Answer: 

I love the figure of Oliver Cromwell. I spent a number of year already researching and studying about him and I never fail to be amazed at his stature in the history of the Christian world and at the same time his great and deep personal faith in Jesus Christ that shaped his life and his great magnanimty,  humility, and forgiveness of his enemies who were often very cruel and unjust in their judgement of him.  My extensive personal research has shown me that he was very much misunderstood and wrongfully vilified  both by his contemporaries and history. However, the Western world owes him a great deal.  

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8. Is there a book or movie that you've read/watched and you've wished something had gone differently and would like to re-write it?

My Answer: 

Oh dear...sorry...nothing comes to mind at present

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9. What are your 2 favourite scenes in The Chronicles of Narnia (taken from either the films, books or both)?(P.S. if you haven't watched/read The Chronicles of Narnia, you can skip this question)

My Answer: 
Well, there are so many favourite scenes for me, but my dear younger sister Joy (the one who tagged me) has graciously granted me the addition of two more scenes...Lol:)

scene 1: In Prince Caspian movie - When Lucy meets Aslan. She asks him why he did not come roaring in to save them like he did before. He answers: 'Things never happen the same way twice dear one'. 
scene 2: In The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe  (in the movie) - When Aslan comes roaring into the battle after he rises again and finally defeats the White Witch. 
scene 3: In the Silver Chair book - When Puddleglum says that he still believes in Aslan, even if the Lady of the Green Kurtil says that they're imagining it all. 
scene 4: In the Last Battle book - When they finally reach Aslan's country and see him all the past characters and see Aslan. 

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10. What are some of the books (fiction + non-fiction) or movies that have inspired and changed your life?

My Answer: 

The Cromwell movie, the Lord of the Rings movies, John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress (book and movie: Journey to Heaven), Ravi Zacharias' book Deliver Us From Evil, Ravi Zacharias' sermons (videos) The Uniqueness of Christ in History and Jesus Among Other Gods (also a book), the story of Vanya, and Siberian Miracle (story of persecution of a whole Church congregation during the Soviet Union).
These are just some examples, but there are many more...too many to name here...visit 'My Bookshelf' page for an idea:)

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11. What do you love most about the place where you live?

My Answer: 

It's in the beautiful state of Queensland. Brisbane combines the rural and the urban together very beautifully. You don't have to travel far to find rural properties, farms, and bush and then some shopping centre with all modern facilities. I love it. If you're ever here, I'd love to show you round:)

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Lavender field in Bridestowe Estate, Tasmania, Australia. The plantation is one of the largest lavender farms in the world.
via Pinterest

My Questions: 

1. Who is your favourite historical figure (outside the Bible)? Why?
2. What are your favourite 2 to 4 scenes from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (taken from either the movies, books, or both)? (P.S. You may skip this question if you haven't read or watched Lord of the Rings)
3. Which character(s) do you identify most with in the Lord of the Rings(book or movie)? Why? (P.S. You may skip this question if you haven't read or watched Lord of the Rings)
4. What is your favourite historical era? Why (a couple of reasons or so)? 

- Ancient - B.C. (or)- Late Antiquity - Roman and Greek A.D. (or)- Medieval - from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance in the 14th and 15th centuries (or)- Early Modern Period - from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment, including the Reformation (16th to 18th centuries ) (or)- Modern Period - 19th to 20th centuries 

5.  Do you have a particular historical event that you find especially amazing, intriguing, or inspiring? Why? 

6. Which do you like doing more: singing (either solo or with others), listening, or playing a musical instrument?  

7. Are there any non-fiction books that have inspired and changed your life in some way or another? 

8. Who is your favourite Biblical Character? Why? 

9. Is there a certain devotional, theological, or spiritual book that has really touched and changed your life? 

10. What is your favourite food? 

11. Is there a certain country, city, or state you'd especially love to visit someday? 

Bellingen, NSW - Very close to Coffs Harbour where I lived with my family some years ago
via Pinterest

I Tag...

Danielle from Danielle Carey

Rachel from Covenant Maiden

Emily Grace from A Life Worthy of the Lord 

Carra from A Life in the Wilderness

Shaz from Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz.

Well, unfortunately, my younger sister Joy, has already tagged some whom I would've loved to tag, but if ANYONE would like to participate in this Fun Tagging, I'm tagging you too... so please feel free to join! :)

Not An Average Girl

TA DA! Today I'd like to announce the grand opening of a new blog, Not An Average Girl! It is a magazine blog created by seven (up til now) young ladies from Australia: Hannah, Dakota, Mary, Joy, Jessica, Brooke and myself.  God willing, I'll be contributing to it as much as I can. You are all very welcome to view it anytime and find out more about us. Guest posts and other contributors will also be welcome as time goes on. So, please visit, 'follow' (or become a regular reader) and get in contact with us. We pray that it would truly be to the glory of God and be an encouragement to other young ladies who want to grow in their walk with the Lord Jesus. More here...

Click Here!

Be blessed today! And I suppose I should say "Happy Valentine's Day!"

What is True Love?

1 Corinthians 13

New King James Version (NKJV)

13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,^[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Amen! May the Lord grant us to live this. 
God showed us this great love through our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 

'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' (John 3:16)   


God Bless,