Saturday, December 30, 2006

My Last Last Word

I just remembered another thing I must say before the end of this year, in case I forget about it. I want to talk about teasing. In the past, I am quite 'open' to teasing as long as it doesn't goes out of control. People like to tease somebody about something or somebody with somebody. Initially, I am pretty fine with both but lately, the Lord has been speaking to me about the latter. We tease, we joke so as that we can relax and break the ice. However, the Lord is impressing upon me that such teasing is nothing but destructive. I may sound harsh but as I think about it, it makes alot of sense. Even I am feeling that. For eg, boy A and girl B are being teased. boy A tries to be a good brother-in-Christ by showing care and concern to girl B (vice versa). People who see that action and teased boy A as being interested in girl B and blah blah blah. After a while, both parties will attempt to draw away from one another. And indeed it's sad because something that is right in the eyes of God has been messed up by man. I, myself, is guilty of being the culprit and as I see it now in a new light, I am convinced I want to put a stop to it, beginning in myself. I want to treat my sister-in-Christ well and I will not tolerate any nonsense which will tear down the relationship. And for those whom I have teased before, I want to sincerely ask for your apologies (i know this is a bit insincere) and if in the future, if i do make such teasing commens, pls give a hard knock on my head(I meant literally) Let us all continue to build each other in a Godly relationship that will edify and bring glory to God!

Friday, December 29, 2006

Last Word

This afternoon I went to the movie. Since I had a ticket pass which expired by end of this year, I guess I might as well give myself a treat. So I make my way to Tiong Bahru Plaza to watch Night at the Museum. After I bought the popcorn combo, I went to my seat. Even as I sat alone there feeding myself with the popcorn, some memories started to return to me and I was near to tears. I remember when I was very young, my mum will bring me to the movies. At that time, going to movie is a luxury. Every time that I entered the cinema, I was always filled with certain awe and fear. Not because of the darkness but rather I felt that cinema is too 'high a class' for me. But even as I grew older, that feeling start to disappear. I guess my living standard is improving. I could choose to spend on certain items without much consideration. As I reflect upon all these, I realised that the Lord has blessed me so much more than I actually really know. Yet at the same time, the Lord also impressed upon me that all these blessings are merely for the soul but has no impact on the Spirit. Every cent and dollar I spend on all these entertainment does not bring any growth in my spiritual life. It really keeps me thinking about how best I want to utilise my wealth.
Even as the thoughts linger in my mind, I was challenged immediately. After the movie, I came across this shop that sells a very cute pig torchlight. It cost $10. I coulde easily afford it. But as I was reminded of how well I want to use my wealth, I thought that this is way off the line. I don't need a torchlight and the only reason why I wanted it was purely for showoff. And also another point that cross my mind was the people in Cambodia. On the last night of our stay in Cambodia, the Khmer staff joined us for a celebration dinner. The Khmer staff decided to hold a surprise treat for us. They bought 2 tubs of ice-cream, 2 cokes, a few cans of chips. At that point, I only thought that it was their way of showing hospitality. However, William bought up a point. How much does all this treat cost them? That moment really strucked me. I get my allowance from my parents and they earned their allowance by working and the amount is way below my standard. They most probably had taken a big piece of their allowance just to be hospitable. Knowing this, how can I still happily spend on things that I don't need.
So my new year resolution. I want to strip away all my rights to such treats. I will not be going to movie, Kbox, fast food restaurant and any other form of entertainment. Yes! I'm dead serious. I will rather use the money for better uses. Well for frens out there, you still can invite me to movies and i will only go if you are willingly to sponsor me. And when you catch me flouting any of the above mentioned items, pls kindly remind me.

I thank God for this trip to Cambodia. It was interesting in both good and bad sense. Personally, I could sense the calling being clearer. Things are moving and I'm sure it's the Lord who is moving. I guess I'm in the midst of preparing myself as well. Mission does not start at the point we leave our country and arrive at the foreign country. It starts when one allows the Lord to mould and shape one so that when the time comes, one will be ready for use by the Lord. 3 years!

Another thing the Lord has impressed upon me is this verse, "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." A very well-known verse which is used in the context of missionary. However, the Lord brought me a higher level of understanding. These words were spoken nearly 2000 yrs ago but why is the situation still so prevailing? There are so many conferences, rallies being held and organised to send people forth to the harvest few but then why there are still so few workers? I don't really have the conclusive answer. There could be alot of reasons. But I personally feel is that many of them are not willingly to let go of certain things in their life. Many of them are not willingly to set apart or do not understand what it takes to set themselves apart for the Lord. Until one is ready to set himself apart for the Lord, then will he be able to work in tune with the Lord. Usually it's not an easy job and I guess that's why the workers are always few. I am not trying to be discouraging but in fact, I want to encourage people to take the step of faith and set their lives apart for the Lord.

Lastly, I just thought of ending this story that I had started earlier on. I guess this will be the final episode for this story. And I praise the Lord for He let me see things beyond what I can imagine. Here's the last instalment:


The flower stood there waiting and waiting. The flower still remembered the butterfly paying visits to the flower. The bee had always without fail been visiting the flower as well. The flower is confused. None of it make sense. At one point, the flower looked up into the sky. It saw the sun which governs the day and the moon which governs the night. After many days and nights looking at the sky, the flower was enlightened. The flower has an answer to its problem. It's neither the butterfly nor the bee. There is an even greater thing installed for the flower. As the flower continue to wait in anticipation, the flower petals start to wither. The flower was gone. However, at the end of the withered flower, a small fruit starts to grow. As the fruit grew, it knew that in it contains the seeds that will bear more fruits it can imagine.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Yup! You know wat this is!

I have read a book before
I have run more than 2 miles without stopping.
I have been to Canada.
I have been on some sort of sports team.
I have watched cartoons for hours before
I have tripped UP the stairs.
I have fallen down an entire flight of stairs.
I have been snowboarding/skiing.
I have played ping pong.
I swam in the ocean.
I have been on a whale watch.
I have seen fireworks.
I have seen a shooting star.
I have seen a meteor shower.
I have almost drowned.
I have been so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.

I have listened to one cd over & over & over again.
I have had stitch(es).
I have licked a frozen pole and got stuck there.
I have stayed up til 6am doing homework/projects.
I currently have a job.
I have been ice skating.
I have been rollerblading.
I have fallen flat on my face.
I have tripped over my own two feet.
I have been in a fist fight.
I have played videogames/com for more than 3 hours straight.
I have watched The Power Rangers before.
I do / have attended Church regularly.
I have played truth or dare.
I have already had my 16th birthday.
I have already had my 17th birthday.

I’ve called someone stupid. And meant it.
I’ve been in a verbal argument.
I’ve cried in school.

I’ve played basketball on a team.
I’ve played softball on a team.
I’ve played football on a team.
I’ve played soccer on a team.
I’ve done cheerleading on a team.
I’ve swam on a team.
I’ve been swimming more than 20 times in my life.
I’ve bungee jumped.
I’ve climbed a rock wall before.
I’ve lost more than $20.
I’ve called myself an idiot
I’ve called someone else an idiot
I’ve cried myself to sleep

I’ve had (or have) pets.
I’ve owned a Spice Girls cd. and or tape
I’ve owned a Britney Spears cd
I’ve owned an N*Sync cd
I’ve owned a Backstreet Boys cd
I’ve mooned someone
I’ve sworn at someone in authority
I’ve been in the schoolnewspaper / insights.
I’ve been on TV (called in on CNA)
I’ve eaten sushi.
I’ve been on the other side of a waterfall
I’ve watched all of the Lord of the Rings movies.
I’ve watched all the Harry Potter movies.
I’ve watched the 3 Stooges at least once.
I’ve watched “Newlyweds” Nick & Jessica.
I’ve watched Looney Tunes before.
I’ve been stuffed into a locker
I’ve been called a geek.
I’ve not studied at all for a test and aced it.
I’ve met a celebrity / music / TV artist.

I’ve written poetry.
I’ve been arrested
I’ve been attracted to someone much older than me
I’ve been tickled till I’ve cried
I’ve tickled someone else until they cried
I’ve had / have siblings
I’ve been to a rock concert
I’ve listened to classical music and enjoyed it
I’ve been in a play
I’ve been picked last in gym class
I’ve been picked first in gym class or so
Ive been picked in that middle-range in gym class.
I’ve cried in front of my friends
I’ve read a book longer than 1,000 pages
I’ve freaked out over a sports game
I’ve vomited in public
I’ve washed someone else’s vomit
I’ve ran away
I’ve had a stalker
I’ve had a fight with someone on txt
I’ve had a fight with someone face-to-face
I’ve been in a car accident
I’ve forgiven someone who has done something bad to me
I’ve personally seen someone die
I’ve been confronted by a police officer but got away
I’ve lost someone who meant the world

40/94 Things!

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Just for another FUN

Thks to another fren!


In your bedroom you have:
[] a television
[x] cd player
[x] vcds
[x] dvds
[] dvd player
[ ] playstation
[x] radio
[x] laptop
[ ] computer
[ ] fridge
[ } XBOX
[ ] bathroom
[] posters
TOTAL: 5

You are allowed to:
[x] party
[x] go to the mall with friends
[X] eat unhealthy stuff
[x] stay out til past midnight
[x] have ur own curfew
[x] pick ur own school
[X] buy ur own stuff
[x] drive anywhere
[x] drink liquor
[] curse
TOTAL: 9

Have you ever?
[x] talk back to ur parents
[ ] sneak out at night
[x] been "told" not "scolded"
[x] been out of country
[x] shopped til u drop
[x] been given more money than u needed
[] felt u were heavily guarded
[ ] spent thousands in one store only
[x] made ur parent(s) cry
[] yelled at ur maid
TOTAL: 6

DO YOU
[x] have what u need
[x] get what u want
[] travel a lot
[] have a maid
[ ] have a driver
[x] get a high allowance
[x] do whatever u want
[] have branded clothing
[] have a credit card
[x] eat whenever u want
TOTAL: 5

DO YOUR PARENTS
[x] ever scold you for not following your curfew
[ ] give u EVERYTHING u want
[x] trust you
[ ] buy you things for the sake of buying them
[x] give you "extra cash" when you're out somewhere
[ ]think u should have the best and only the best
[ ] want you to be happy
[x] help you
[x] love you
[x] pay for the mess you've made
TOTAL: 6

mulitply the total number by 2 and

"i'm 62% a spoiltbrat

Friday, December 01, 2006

Just for FUN (yawn)

Thks to you-all-know who! (haha)


IF you get more than 30 you're
paranoid.
If you get 10 or less you're fearless.
People who don't have any are dummies
who want people to think they are tough
stuff.

I Fear...

[ ]the dark (really dark)
[x]staying single forever
[ ]a parent
[]giving birth
[ ]being myself in front of others
[ ]open spaces
[x]closed spaces
[x]heights
[ ]black cats
[ ]dogs
[ ]birds - crows .
[ ]fish
[X]spiders, ticks and/or other insects
[ ]driving or being in cars
[ ]flying
[ ]flowers or other plants
[ ]being touched
[ ]fire
[x]deep water
[x]the ocean
[x]failure
[ ]success
[ ]thunder/lightning

[ ]my boyfriends/girlfriends dad (if i
have)
[ ]my boyfriends/girlfriends mom (if i
have)
[x]mice/rats
[x]jumping from high places
[ ]snow
[ ]rain
[ ]wind
[x]crossing hanging bridges
[ ]death
[ ]Heaven
[]being robbed
[ ]cotton balls
[]cemeteries
[ ]clowns
[ ]large crowds
[ ]men
[ ]women
[ ]having great responsibility
[ ]doctors, including dentists
[]tornadoes
[]hurricanes
[]diseases
[]snakes
[]sharks
[ ]Friday the 13th
[ ]poverty
[ ]ghosts
[ ]Halloween
[ ]school
[ ]trains or railroads
[ ]odd numbers
[ ]even numbers
[x]being alone
[x]being blind
[x]being deaf
[ ]growing up
[]monsters under my bed
[]creepy noises in the night
[]bee stings
[x]not accomplishing my dreams/goals
[ ]needles
[ ]blood
[]dinosaurs
[ ]the welcome mat

I fear 14 out of 70

Just for FUN again

Thks to W.Y!


[x] you have gotten F9 grades for math
[x] you always do last min hmks in class
[] you use ur handphone to text ur friends in class
[] you phone got confiscated before
[] you listen to ur mp3, cd player in class
[x] you sleep in class
[x] you curse teachers
[]you are always late for extra classes
[x] you doodle on tables
[] you make out in class
[] you are rebellious with some teachers
[] you always hand up work late
[] you make fun of the nerds and geeks.
[x] you have broken school rules
[]you always dun have the correct books
[x]you dun take notes
[x] recess is your favourite part of school
[x]you hang out after school
[x] you lie to ur teachers about hmks
[x](sometimes) you tell ur parents that u dont have hmks, when u actually do
[x] u have made someone cry in school
[x] you copied hmks before
[] you threw away hmks before and lie that u didnt recieve it first of all
[x] you laugh at the way some teachers walk
[x] you have been late couple of times


put a cross on the side. when
applicable
once done, count the crosses
and then multiply by 4. and post it as

I AM 60% bad in school

Just for FUN

Well! Thanks to W.Y, came across this and since I need to disstress, here I go:

[] You have a boyfriend/girlfriend.
[x] You have your own room.
[x] You own a cell phone.
[] You have an mp3 player/ipod/discman.
[x] Your parents are still married.
[x] You love your family.
[] There is a pool/spa in your backyard.
T 0 T A L: 4

[x] You dress the way u want to.
[x] You go out more than once a week.
[x] There is a computer/ laptop in your room.
[] You have never been beaten up
[x] You are allowed to listen to the music you want to.
[x] Your room is big enough for you
[x] People don't use you for something you have
[x] You have been to the movies.
T 0 T A L: 7

[] You have over 50 friends on myspace
[] You have pictures on myspace.
[] Your parents let you have a myspace
[x] You get allowance/loan.
[] You look forward to going to college
[x] You don't wish you were someone else.
[x] You play a sport.
[x] You do something after school
[x] You play an instrument
T 0 T A L: 5

[x] You usually don't fight with your parent(s).(quarrel is fight?)
[x] You are happy with your appearance
[] You have never got a failing grade on a report card in your life
[x] You have friends.
T 0 T A L: 3

[x] You know what is going on in the world.
[x] You are happy with your life
[x] You usually aren't sick.
[x] You know more than one language
[] You have a screen name.
[] You own a pet.
[x] You know the words to more than 5 songs.
[] You don't have any enemies
[x] You are happy where you're living.
T O T A L: 6


Total over all: 25

Multiply by 3!


101%+: A+
100-90%: A
89-76%: B
75-70%: C
69-60%: D
59-00%: F

I GOT A C IN LIFE

Monday, November 27, 2006

PSALM 117

A new song unto the Lord.

PRAISE THE LORD

Praise the LORD, all you nations;
Extol Him, all you peoples.
For great is His love toward us,
And the faithfulness of the LORD
Endures forever.
Endures forever.
Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

Indeed, let all the nations and peoples praise the Lord. For His love and faithfulness endures forever. Let us praise the Lord!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Stranded

Who likes the feeling of being stranded alone? Sounds like a comment of lament. Nah! It is actually a reflection point. The Lord has been pin-pointing this issue to me for the past few months. Coming back to that question, I must say the feeling is never good. No matter what, a human has a need for belonging. And once that belonging is threatened, it puts one into a very stranded state. I had been in such situation before all my life. Intitally, the feeling is nothing more than feeling unwanted. Haha! Even as I had experienced such tragedy, I chose not to feel sulky or fire the gun at those who cause the tragedy. In fact, I realised that the Lord has let me to understand that man will fail but He will not. And also He has shaped me to be sensitive to people who are neglected. I remembered once, quite a few years back, had a youth outing to someone's home. Was taking a bus from Simei to that someone's house. I always make an effort to be the last to board the bus. I guess that day I was too tired so I wasn't too observant. I forgot 2 of them. They were left stranded at the busstop. I only realised slightly later. Both of them were deeply hurt and run back home crying. I knew how they felt and to be frank I was very upset with myself. I thank God that we had been reconciled in that manner. But yet, it taught me a priceless lesson.
As I say, this is nvr a complaint but it's a point of realisation. Sometimes it is very sad to see that some people are just contended as long as they are in the 'comfort and safe' zone. They either are not sensitive to the stranded or they find it too much a hassle. I guess it's not for me to judge others but I know that Christ nevers leave anybody behind. Even if someone is left behind, it will be He Himself. I always believe that if everybody holds on to such principle, none will be left behind becoz everybody is looking after one another. But I guess everybody is for themselves. I'm not perfect but in my best effort, I want to hold on to this principle for those who think they have been found are lost and they who are lost will be found. Let me have the passion for the lost.
Have we missed somebody in our lives?

Monday, November 13, 2006

I was flipping through my old PC and came across a few archived letters that I had sent to my mentors. As I read the letters, I was laughing at that the things that happened and also yet grateful that all this while, God has been here with me, guiding me along. In one of the letter, I mentioned about reading a book by Joshua Harris. And in one of the chapter, he mentioned:

“God knows all things. ....................................... But that doesn’t mean our task is to discover what He already knows or to worry that we might miss His perfect plan. Our responsibility is to love Him, study His Word, deepen our relationship with Him, and learn to evaluate our choices in light of biblical wisdom. If we’re doing, these things, we can make our decisions in the confidence that we aren’t somehow missing God’s will.”

This verse really impressed upon my heart. Sometimes in our weaknesses, in our eagerness, in our impatience, we rush to God and start pestering Him for answers. And we totally missed the point of living. And in His words:
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Sometimes, it is better for us not to know certain things at that point of time. We may not be prepared and in fact by knowing, we end up being stumbled. So let's trust in God that He knows when is the best time to let us know certain things.
In my own reflection, I learn this: God has already given me the best thing, Salvation and why would He want to hide away other good things from me. I thank God for Jesus Christ because without Him, even if I own the greatest treasures on earth, it will mean nothing.
In our wait and discovering of God's answers, our responsibility is to get closer to Him, learn His word and at the same time, act out in faith.

small = BIG ???

Now I remembered another thing that happened which had impressed upon me. One of the weekdays while studying in church, I took a break and went to Chapel to fine tune my composition. At first the Chapel was empty. Then after a while, 2 ladies and 1 patient entered the Chapel to pray. As I didn't want to disturb them, I stopped playing my composition. Being me, I was feel that music helps to create an atmosphere for prayer. So with whatever skill I have, I started to play on the keyboard. I played As the deer, I will never be the same again. These are the 2 of the limited songs I know how to play decently on the keyboard. After they left, I wondered to myself if I had done more damage than aiding them in prayer. Haha! As I was on my way back to study, I met the 2 ladies and had a quick chat with them. So as I left the lift, I heard one of the lady commenting to the other lady that it was ministering to have music while they were praying in the Chapel. My heart melt at that point. (Maybe they were being sacarstic. haha) No lah! I really felt that it was the presence of God. What I played was so simple and in fact, bland but yet God use it to minister to the people's heart. Something small in my hands is being MAGNIFIED BIG in GOD'S HANDS.

Lesson learnt: small = BIG in GOd's hands.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

THINKing..... ALOT!!!

Have been thinking alot recently? Dun know whether good or bad! In management terms, it will be considered planning. In human terms, it is called hmmmm.... thinking. Thinking about the present, the near future, the future......... Haiz..... Really a lot of mixed feelings.

At present, feeling a bit tired, trying to pick up on my studies for exams. A bit slow siah! Have to try to push myself to be more consistent, that's all, nothing more, nothing less. Come on, X.J, you can do it. Last semester! (pat on my own back)
Got quite a few things happened which impressed alot but just can't recall. One of which that happened was yesterday. Went to this church in Bedok. They had invited this taiwan-borned Christian singer cum pastor, based in Los Angeles(if i'm not wrong). His name is Chuck Huang. Didn't really know who he was. He was leading in worship and the songs were composed by him. Really very meaningful becoz the lyrics relates to testimony of what God had done in people's life. Amazing. I am really inspired by him. Then he also share about this mentor of his. The mentor was the wife of a pastor. He was sharing that she was a true blue- evangelise. Every moment of her life, she will spend it to spread the good news. Until one point of her life, she had been diagnosed with terminal stage of cancer. And her request was to go to China. Every one person she met, she will tell that person about Christ. My goodness. I was really touched. And Chuck wrote a song about her passion for Christ - One way ticket. I really wish I am able to be so daring and free in my sharing of Christ. And also I want to brush up my mandarin. I would love to be able to compose and write song in mandarin.
Talking about writing song, I wrote another song. Haha! I was in church studying, den study until cannot, went to chapel. Then I was flipping thru the bible and came to Psalm 27. Then the melody came, and bit by bit I added the lyrics. The song is entitled, House of the Lord. The theme to the song is about when we dwell in the presence of God, we need not fear or be afraid but trust that our God is in control. Nothing can bring us down or harm us. I am so excited. hehe!
Today just attended Roysten and Joey's wedding. Haha! Very lovely. Then the page boy very cute. He was very serious in his walk. Take one step at a time. End up very slow. Den Evangeline, the flower girl, was like behind trying to push him to walk faster. hahaha! So cute. Weddings are so beautiful. Then the reception also very nice. Good food! Yeah! Next week will be Charles and Emily's wedding. A huge highlight for the youths. I guess the youths are more excited than Charles and Emily. Haha! Den December will have Zhi Yang and Pei Ren. 3 weddings in 1 months. Woah! Then next year also got a few more wedding. David Chew and Caroline. Larry and Jenny. Hmmmm.... Keeps me thinking. Hmmmm.... Thinking too much. Hahahahahaha!
Well! At least there's still Mission trip to keep me motivated. I really love Cambodia. I'm very excited. Maybe I should just commit myself to go Cambodia for 1 year. Maybe! It will be even better if........ Hahaha!

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

FUNNEH SIAH! (AGAIN)

The 80 year-old said, "The best thing that could happen to me would just to be able to have a good pee. I stand there for twenty minutes, and it dribbles and hurts. I have to go over and over again."


The 85 year-old said, "The best thing that could happen to me is if I could have one good bowel movement. I take every kind of laxative I can get my hands on and it's still a problem."


Then the 90 year-old said, "That's not my problem. Every morning at 6:00 am sharp, I have a good long pee. At 6:30 am sharp I have a great bowel movement. The best thing that could happen to me would be if I could wake up before 7:00 am."

FUNNEH SIAH!

Once upon a time, there lived a man who had a terrible passion for baked beans. He loved them, but they always had an embarrassing and somewhat lively reaction on him. One day he met a girl and fell in love. When it was apparent that they would marry, he thought to himself "She'll never go for me carrying on like that," so he made the supreme sacrifice and gave up his beloved baked beans, and shortly after, that they got married.

It was his birthday a few months later and, on the way home from work, his car broke down.


Since they lived in the country, the man called his wife and told her he would be late because he had to walk.

On his way home, he passed a small cafe and the wonderful aroma of baked beans overwhelmed him. Since he still had several miles to walk, he figured he could walk off any ill effects before he got home. So he went in and ordered, and before leaving had three extra large helpings of baked beans. All the way home he 'putt-putted'. He 'putted' down one hill and 'putt-putted' up the next.

By the time he arrived home he felt reasonably safe. His wife met him at the door and seemed somewhat excited.


She exclaimed, "Darling, I have the most wonderful surprise for you for dinner tonight!" She put a blindfold on him, and led him to his chair at the head of the table and made him promise not to peek.


At this point he was beginning to feel another one coming on. Just as she was about to remove the blindfold, the telephone rang. She again made him promise not to peek until she returned, and she went to answer the phone. While she was gone, he seized the opportunity. He shifted his weight to one leg and let go. It was not only loud, but ripe as a rotten egg. He had a hard time breathing, so he felt for his napkin and fanned the air about him. He had just started to feel better, when another urge came on. He raised his leg and 'rrriiiipppp!' It sounded like a diesel engine revving, and smelled worse. To keep from gagging, he tried fanning his arms awhile, hoping the smell would dissipate. Things had just about returned to normal when he felt another urge coming. He shifted his weight to his other leg and let go. This was a real blue-ribbon winner; the windows rattled, the dishes on the table shook and, a minute later, the flowers on the table were dead. While keeping an ear tuned in on the conversation in the hallway, and keeping his promise of staying blindfolded, he carried on like this for the next ten minutes, farting and fanning them each time with his napkin. When he heard his wife saying goodbye (indicating the end of his loneliness, and freedom) he neatly laid his napkin on his lap and folded his hands on top of it. Smiling contentedly, he was the picture of innocence when his wife walked in. Apologizing for taking so long, she asked if he had peeked at the dinner. After assuring her he had not, she removed the blindfold and yelled,

"Surprise!!"

To his shock and horror, there were twelve dinner guests seated around the table for his surprise birthday party.

Friday, November 03, 2006

CONCERT

(DISCLAIMER: I know some of my church's youths are going for a Hillsongs Concert but what I am going to touch on later is by no means targetted at them but on the general Christians. This is my personal conviction impressed upon by what the Lord is speaking to me and what I have witnessed. If you disagree or have any inputs, pls feel free to leave a comment )

Hillsongs are coming once again to Singapore. If I’m not wrong, one of the mega churches has invited them. And everybody is going around talking about the Hillsongs Concert. Who doesn’t know who Hillsongs is. They are a spiritual band with spiritual leaders and singers, with beautiful and spiritual songs. They are role models to many of the Christians individual and bands. I personally do love Hillsongs, especially Reuben Morgan. I always find his composition very down to earth and yet so meaningful and spiritual. For example, “Who compares to You” and many many more.

For the last 7 years, I had attended countless Christian concerts and I must say I am very blessed by the spiritual elements. My understanding of God has improved, my understanding and application of worship, individually and corporately has been broaden, my passion for music has been widened. I see that there is no reason why I shouldn’t attend more of such concerts. Or am I wrong?

Theoretically, I should and would want to throw myself into any opportunity to witness and encounter any Christian concert that comes along the way. But somehow or rather, the Lord is speaking to me. He is giving me a new perspective of the way I should look at Christian Concert. He is still talking to me and showing me the different angles but as for now, I will just like to share with you what He has spoken to me.

I guess the first thing I will talk about is the word “Concert”. By far, this is the word that has been used by the general to mention about the event. I am not trying to be legalistic here but I feel it is important not to take things or words for granted. I believe in justification. What do I mean by that? If we were to check the dictionary, what does the word Concert mean? Quick definition will be Performance, Show. We as Christians know that worship is never a performance or a show. It is an outward, sincere expression of our love for God. The word itself has undermines the true faith and does not justify our sincere worship unto God. Another point is that, if I were to mention that there is a secular so and so Concert, what does it tell you immediately? The concert belongs to the so and so band. For example, there is an XYZ Concert and we will immediately register it as a concert that focus on XYZ band. Likewise, calling it Hillsongs Concert, or whatever name Concert, it does not emphasize on the focus point. There is a chance that many or rather some will be pulled away from the main focus, which is God, and instead place their focus on the band or the music (disclaimer: I am not blaming the bands. I am just making a point that the word Concert is not a very good word to use). Having critically assessed the word, so is there any solution? I have thought through if there are other better words. Conference. Sounds too secular and management. Symposium. Hmmm, another word for conference. Outreach. Threatening to non-believers. Fellowship. Something that I like but the word sounds too heavy compared to Concert. I don’t have a definite solution. I guess the word Concert in itself denotes a safer and less threatening environment and I believe very much the main attraction is FUN. I personally am fine with the word Concert (no! I am not contradicting myself). I wish that there could be a better word to justify our worship onto God. Even though the word Concert is to be used because of practical reasons, then as a Christian, I must know that my worship is never a concert.

The second point I want to bring up is the purpose of the concert (for practical reason, I will use the word concert when mentioning about the event). I remembered my first concert was when I was 17 or 18 and I attended the Festival of Praise. I was a new Christian then and I was very encouraged, inspired by Hillsongs Australia. My spiritual life has changed after since. And after every subsequent visit to such concerts, my life grew. However, I came to this point of realization. What’s my intention of going for such concert? The music, the big crowds, the occasion, the fellowship? I start to question my intention. As I looked at the concert, I realized that the original intention was always to be an evangelistic outreach. That’s the purpose of the concert. All these while, I have been attending such concert because I found it beneficial to MYSELF only. Never have I once even contemplated to bring or invite any non-believer to the concert. I see no purpose in going to such concert and not bringing or even inviting a non-believer along. Don’t get me wrong. I am not discouraging or judging those who go and not bring a non-believer. If an individual feels that he/she is blessed by God when he/she goes for the concert, by all means go. But personally, I feel that I would have missed out on the best blessing if I do not bring a non-believer. Until I have seen God doing a miraculous work in a non-believing friend, I can firmly say I have not seen the full blessing of God.

The third point is more of a precaution to all Christians. Such concerts are always beneficial and a blessing to our spiritual life. But at the same time, it can swing to the other side. Every time I attend such concerts, I always see the charismatic side. Everybody is pouring forth their voices, hands risen to the max, jumping to the beat (in some cases, catching up with the beat), dancing to the melody, speaking forth in tongues. This is in fact a beautiful sight. Every tongue and tribes will worship the Lord. Yet after witnessing such sight, I couldn’t help wonder if every single one is an authentic worshipper or not. How’s their personal worship like? Is it consistent with the way they worship when worshipping corporately? Back in their own church in the service, are they able to worship with the same attitude together with the more traditional congregation? Some may argue that they feel more comfortable to worship in such occasion than back in church where everything is less ‘charismatic’. True! I agree! Sometimes back in our own church there is certain style or inadequacies that restrict the more ‘charismatic’ worship. But let us remind ourselves, worship is not about convenience. It is about sacrifice. God is like a 7-11, always there but by no means is He a convenience shop. Come to the Lord with awe and reverence. And also, our personal worship dictates our corporate worship and not the other way round. So if even in your own personal worship time, you can’t even raise your hands or sing out to the Lord, I don’t expect to see these when you are worshipping corporately. If one’s personal worship does not reflect one’s corporate worship, then I must say the word Concert fits perfectly into that one’s life.
Another precaution is addiction. Such concert becomes an addiction. It becomes a booster to people spiritual life. After such concert, they feel energized and ready to go out to battle and when they have lost energy, they come back for another booster. These people are no different from a drug abuser. Let me get myself right. Such concert do having refreshing, renewing, healing purpose but then it should not draw our focus away from God because all the refreshing, renewing, healing are from God and not the event. If such events are not held, then will you still be able to be refreshed, renewed, healed?

It is not my intention to discourage people to go for such concerts. If the concert can bless you richly, by all means go. But I just feel that we should go with a purpose. It’s more than just for worship because we all can worship God anywhere, anytime. If it’s an evangelistic outreach, then do make an effort to bring a non-believer. If it’s fellowship, then invite the whole church and not be exclusive. At that same time, I want to end with a note of thanksgiving to God. I thank God for raising so many wholistic Christian band who have committed their life to bring the good news to the world. My prayer is that we as Christians will know and most importantly carry out Your purpose.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Finally, I have decided. It is YOU!

Yes! I have decided. I have been thinking hard, I have been planning, I have been seeking advises, I have been hesitating, I have been searching high and low, I have been sleepless and appetite-less(ok this is exaggerating). I have come to a conclusion. It has to be you. I had make a choice and I will stay with this choice. I have decided what to wear for Charles and Emily's wedding. I will wear YOU on that day! Yeah! Cheers!
Haha! I'm mad! y^v^ Actually wanted to try something else. This is bad but I know most of the rest of the guys will be turning out in white-long-sleeved with a tie and I refused to be in the same dress code as them. Haha! I actually wanted to wear a biege-top with a white vest. So was looking high and low for the WHITE vest. Couldn't find any, so also dun have much time to shop around. So I guess, I just go to my wardrobe and mix and match. And guess wat? I manage to match some tops. Haha! You want to know wat i will be wearing? DUN TELL YOU! ^O* (background: "erh scuse me, like who cares to know what you'll be wearing! once a dumpling, always a dumpling! Doesn't matter wrapped in leaves or plastic!) *o*" Hahahahaha! I'm looking forward to the wedding but yet also not looking forward to the wedding. Why? Becoz firstly it means exams are nearing. Secondly, haiz......... NVM! tsk tsk! Let's rejoice in this ocassion. Hehe! Naughty me! I'm thinking when we will see Charles Junior! Muahahahaha! Den 1 more toddler to play with! Pro-creation is good and it is in line with God's will

Genesis 1

28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

Thursday, October 26, 2006

FUNNEH??? *<>*

Haha! Just wanted to update on some interesting things that happen yesterday. Was suppose to go to school. So was at Dhoby Ghaut MRT. Den suddenly from behind somebody called out "ZHU BA JIE!" And I spontaneously turned around, not to check out the commotion but rather, I turned around becoz I self-conciously thought that somebody had called me. Thankfully, I didn't reply and that person was a distance away. Phew! haha! Has always been like that. Used to people calling me nicknames. I had so many nicknames since primary school and I learned to accept people's humour on my name. In primary school, i remember my bus-kaki all call me Jelly becoz I was ... scuse me! not becoz I'm slimy but rather becoz i was very soft. Haha! And another interesting abt this bus-kaki thingy is we have a hireachy system. We have a Lao Da who usually is one of the oldest kid and he(so far no she) will take care of the rest. In my last year of my primary school, i finaly make it to the top seat. For 1 year, I was the Lao Da where the younger kids will look up to me. Haha! King! Then also on the bus we will play alot of games. We played Chinese Zombie on the bus. Very hard to explain how we play lah but we really enjoyed it. We also play "Ji Go Pak" but slightly different. We played in pairs. 2 vs 2. Shiok! I was one of the top King! Also at certain route, there will be a hump. All of us will be at the last row of seats waiting for Uncle to drive pass the hump and everybody will throw themselves into the sky. Haha! So fun.. until once i kena called by Uncle and got a caning. I was crying so badly until my Lao Da had to console me like a little boy. haha! Shiok siah! Den I also had sweet memory. My first crush. Haha! We were in the same bus for 1 year. Uncle will always pick me up before picking her up. So we usually have a pre-arranged seatings. So my and her seatings were apart. So I purposedly told Uncle i want to change seat and purposedly sit behind her seating. Haha! Shiok! We will like once in a while play "Ji Go Pak" and I will purposedly let her win. Haha! But then she moved house den no longer take the same bus. So sad. But I kept sitting at the same spot, remembering all the sweet memories. Haha! How sweet and innocent can one be when one is young! Anyway back to my nicknames. Secondary also got a lot. Zhu Ba Jie lah, Xiang Jie (Aroma Sister). Den in JC got Xian Ji (Salted Chicken). Den in army got Zhu Zhu(erh.... xox") Den also if you call my name very first it sound like Jie Jie or vice versa. So many times outside and even in church, when people called their Jie Jie, I will spontaneously turned around to check out who is calling me. Pai Seh man! Haha! But i still love my name!

Den another interesting thing was when I was at PS. I was in this video shop and they usually have a few TV on screening different shows. So I happened to look at this TV which was screening a muted WWE. It was showing this female wrestler on the ring yelling away. The funny thing was at the background, another TV was playing this either Korean or Jap movie and was the voice of a female crying and lamenting. It was so funny at that point. Seeing a female wrestler and hearing a different language in a crying tone. I nearly burst out laughing. Haha!

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Hmmmm

A lot of things had happened but I am not too keen to update. Always like tat one. Once near exams, xian 1/2. (no wonder my mum gave me my name) Haha! I'm trying to look on the bright side. This will be my last semester.... if i even clear it. Haha! I must and I will with hard work and God's grace and favour. Most prob this will be the last update (cross-fingered) until after exams. Haha!
Maybe just update on one incident. A very cute and funny incident. During our Mission Dinner Nite, while in the midst of William's sharing, litte Daniel needed to go to the bathroom. Since William was busy, I offered myself to help bring Daniel to the toilet. To my 'horror', he wanted to do BIG one. Oh gosh! HOw! I nvr done such 'maintenane' work before. Haha! I tot of getting Lydia to help but then think again, maybe it is a good training ground for me. So little Daniel sat on the bowl happily while I stand at the door still pondering on the question: "What am i doing here?" haha! So as Daniel was doing his biz, he was making the farting sound with his lips. So I decided to show him how to do the pop sound using the lips. And I ask him if he knew how to do it. And to my surprise, he answered cheekily, "This one too simple, I dun want to do" It really caught me off guard and gave a heartily laughter. People outside must be wondering which cranky person is in the toilet. But as I laughed it out, somehow the word really spoke to me. Do we have such mentality as well? Do we find excuses to not to do some things. In our service to our Lord, do we clearly distinguish what we can do or what we shd do or not. This service is too trival and simple for me therefore I won't do. Stacking of chairs are for the LOGISTIC people, I dun want to do. The list can go on. Sometimes, I'm guilty of making excuses. But it really points down to our heart. In our mouth, we profess that our Lord is a servant King but do we follow His servanthood heart or do we just simply want to be served as a king. Society has shaped us to be inwards looking, taking care of ownself first and being oblivious with the needs of the people around us. I really admired many of our church and ministry workers. They get themselves involved in works that are above what is required from them. And I know it's from their heart, their love for God. But yet it is also sad that many who comes to church, comes with a heart of just being a member. They come with the mentality of what can the church offer me and BY THE WAY, here is what I can OFFER to the church. This mentality is seen thruout church from the youths to the adults. I am saying this not to discriminate or judge against such people but it really saddens my heart. How can one behave as if he or she doesn't belongs to the family? This is not a recreational or country club. Being part of the family requires commitment and love as well. It's not just about paying your 'bills' and you are done. I am worried. Becoz if that's how this generation is moving towards, I can only pray for God's grace and mercy be upon them.

Lord! Help us to heart Your heart beat. Help us to see Your vision. Forgive us for our selfishness and our inwardly looking heart. Help us to turn away and instead fix our eyes on You. Let us move towards where You are moving. Let us come together as a family, loving one another, serving each other, just like what Jesus would have done. Lord, have mercy upon us! Amen!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

haTe haZe

Haze, Haze... Go away
Come again
Another...... (@$#&*@&#*$&#@($

Dun ever come back. You are disrupting my life. The weather becomes so warm and everywhere seems like it's in a fire aftermath. Smoke everywhere. I dun mind if it's like Genting cool fog but it's totally different. And I also realised something from this haze. My nose not working too well. People tell me they can smell BBQ smell becoz of the haze but I totally couldn't. But funny leh! When 'SOMEBODY' sneaked out some gas, I can smell. Why? MR ONG, care to explain why? haha! opss....! Nvm. I think the worst is the haze is disrupting my keep-fit session. I can't go outdoor at all. I can't go play basketball. ARrrrrrrrrgggghhhhhhhh. And I have been feasting the last few days. That's it! I'm putting it back. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
And the haze also affects the mood. Haizzzzzz! Pls, let the haze go away. I want the sun! I want to be cheerful! Yeah!!!!! q : :P

Monday, October 16, 2006

MEN vs BOYS

Yesterday (Sunday), came to church early to bring granny to church and as well as to prepare for worship. Was playing Bass. Finally, I could hear myself. And no more "ko ro pok" sound. I found that the sound was clearer, cleaner and superb. WOOOO HOOO! If I can hear it, it also means everybody else can hear it. Play wrong = everybody hear it. Hmmmm....... But was shiok lah! (and also a big thanks to those who encourage me with their kind comments on my playing! it's all by God's grace)
Oh! And it happens to be our church 3rd Parish Birthday! Wooo HOOO! God is good and His hands have been always there guiding us. By His grace and love He has brought us this far. And I'm sure the Lord has more exciting plans ahead for us. Let's gear ourselves towards what He has planned for us.
So after the 2nd svc, went with the UNCLEs to celebrate Peter's birthday! Went to Sakura at Eastpoint. I ordered only Thai Iced Coffee (uncle Dino calls it Fried Ice Coffee; always disturbing the waiter or waitress) as I ate alot of Birthday brownies. muahaha! Had alot of fun with the uncles. Talked alot and crack jokes. My my! It's so fun to be with the 'old man' You may think they are just a bunch of outdated oldies, in their own time zone. But if you think this way, I'm really sorry for you. You are missing out the good stuffs. They really know how to enjoy themselves, pamper themselves. After the meal, went with Dino to pick up family then we left for Siglap Secondary for the soccer match - Veteran Match: SACC vs All Saints.
Well to keep the match commentary short, we won with a margin of 4-1. However the match wasn't that pretty. A lot of unfriendly and ugly incidents. The intial plan agreed was the match was to field a bulk of uncles. We fielded all uncles except for me and brian. The other side had abt less than half uncles and main bulk of youths. We started off the game well and I guess some of our uncles played pretty hard cotact which 'provoked' the opponents' youths. So they retaliate with rough and unfair play. Then some of the youths (realised that their feet can't do the move) start to let their mouths do the 'moves'. Sacarcism start flying. I was the culprit as well lah! But they started first. Uncle Phua got tackled in the leg and was limping. So I just commented it's an Old man injury. So some 'gin na' shot back at me saying "I tot they say they fielding kids" So I abit not too happy lah! So I purposely look at Uncle Brian and say," Uncle Brian, you know you are a fat kid." (sorry uncle brian, that was a big sacrifice for you) Then they also not too happy den start whining like babies. Well! I stop at that point alreadi. No point arguing with kids. Anyway, my feet is doing the talking. Theirs are just whining. Haha! I'm 25 and I will not resort to arguing foolishly. FULL STOP.

As I looked back on this match, though of it's ugliness, I learn a lot from it.
Firstly, I must really affirm and praise James. He was intentionally "zham'' in his thigh by the opponent. Instead of immediate retaliation, he stood up and walk off. My goodness! What a proud thing to do! Honestly, James look very cool when he just walked off and make the opponent look like a complete fool! A young boy showing an older boy what is sportmanship and most importantly, what is the right thing to do in God's eyes. If for me, I can't guarantee I can keep my cool. So James, not sure if you reading, but I just want to say, I learn something valuable from you that day. Anyway, shame on our uncles, they were the ones who invaded the field confronting the players. I know you all protecting the boys but very bad thing to do. GO and reflect. (hehe)
Secondly, I feel that our boys have matured alot. In the past, the boys always play to win. During the second half, we substituted the boys in and as they played, they were under immense pressure but not once did any lost their cool. And in a hard contact, nvr did they show their temper. My my! I'm so proud of all of them. It's like seeing your own son maturing. The joy, the pride, the heart-warming feeling. And I believe very much it's not the work of man but the work of God. The fruit of the Holy Spirit. So keep it up!
Thirdly, I think it's prety sad that even when Christians come together, it can turn so ugly. I'm not saying that the fault lies with the opponent. We do play a part in it. Sometimes, man(i'm referring to everybody) tends to let emotion run wild especially when in a tight situation. Usually, when you are losing in a match, they can't manage the emotions and they start either showing their frustrations or blabbering. I personally feel that losing a match at most just loses one's pride. But losing one's cool is as good as losing one's intergrity. Action speaks louder than words. Dun go around professing about your faith when your action is nothing but fallen short of what it is. I'm guilty of being a lousy testimony at many times. I am still learning and I thank God for teaching me this lesson in such a gentle manner. I can only come to the Lord seeking for His forgiveness and that He will continue to fill me with the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Back to the game. I played the 1st half as a left back. Not very comfortable becoz last time played defender nvr play offside. So wasn't able to adapt to play to the last man. Keep kena Uncle Dino screaming at me. Haha! But I tot I did well. Got twice I push-up the ball to mid field. Then very shiok becoz the feeling of creating threat to the opponent is so great. The opponents just look helplessly at you as you bring the ball up. Then one of the chance, I indirectly created a goal. Muahahaha! Cheers to me! But need to work on stamina. Improved but still running like a buffalo. Muahaha!

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Sweet Day

It's a sweet day! (with lots of humour at Tampines McDonald! The bunch of us will be banned from there very soon!) And it's also filled with mixed feelings. Haha!

Friday, October 13, 2006

1 Big Mac Meal.... DOWNSIZE PLEASE!

Well! Today, I will share my 3 cents worth about losing weight. There are many reasons why people want to lose weight. "I want to wear sexier clothes'' "I want to look good" "I want to be as slim as that xxx model" "I want to appeal to the opposite sex" Blah blah! I am sure there's a whole list of reasons. To be frank, I am in the midst of 'trying' to lose weight. Am I motivated by the reasons above? I dun think I dare to deny. I sure do want to have good figure, wear nice fitting clothes, be attractive etc etc etc. But I guess my main motivation is not all these. These to me are just by-product of losing weight. My main reasoning is HEALTH.
Being unnecessary 'overloaded' poses a lot of health issues. Heart problem lah, artilery kena stuck lah, diabetic lah, kidney failure lah, blah blah. I may not have this problem now as I am still young but I can't guarantee in another 10 years time. I dun want to be struck with such diseases becoz of my weight issue. It's going to be financially draining and most importantly, those love ones around me will be burdened too.
Look at this way, when one is struck with illness, he/she will not be able to fully 100% love the people around them and neither can they fully 100% received the love from the people around them. What do I mean by that? Imagine I tell my loved ones that I love them while spilling blood, I can't imagine how sad that situation is. I can't fully express my love to them in my sickness. And likewise, the loved ones will have to share the burden to take care of me. This is definitely still love but love with a heavy burden. I will prefer them to love me with a carefree heart. Having said this, I'm not blaming those who had sickness that they are irresponsible and had caused hardship to the people around them. Sometimes, sickness can still struck when we are healthy. There are situations beyond our control. What I am trying to say is that in my best effort, I should take good care (stewardship) of my body so that it can be used by God in it's best optimise level.
So, this is my motivation! To lose weight for God, not for vainity nor for my own interest. That this body is for the Lord's use and let it be at the best condition. (hehe! secondary interest: wear nice clothes and look good) Another 7kg more to lose till year end. Must peservere on!

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

I'm In Love..... Once again

haha! Yes, I'm in love. But I won't say what I'm in love. haha!
Today decided to give myself a treat. Movie Buffet. I watched 3 movies. The Lake House, The Brothers Grimm and Take The Lead. Here's my verdict of the show
(DISCLAIMER: THESE ARE JUST PURELY MY PERSONAL COMMENT. IF YOU DON'T AGREE OR LIKE IT, I'M SORRY ABOUT IT! IT IS STILL JUST MY COMMENT)

The Lake House
Rating: 6/10

As I mentioned earlier on, I said I had watched a Korean version much earlier. This english version simply take the concept and the storyline is pretty much the same as the Korean one. It is about how this guy and lady met. But they lived 2 years apart. Their own form of contact was thru this mail box of this same house they are living in but in 2 different time zone. So the whole story develop and blah blah blah and they live happily ever after. However, I enjoyed the Korean one more. The Korean version was done in more arty way. If i didn't remember wrongly, there was less talking. The director was able to create this atmosphere where both parties are expecting for a reply from the other party. As a viewer, I too felt that feeling. It's like I'm part of the movie. However in the english version, that part of the story flow too fast. No chemistry. Haiz! What a pity. One good thing abt this version is the ending ended differently from the Korean version. At least the director didn't take whole-sale from the korean version.

Conclusion: Watch the Korean version.

The Brothers Grimm
Rating: 6/10

Hmmm.. B-Grade Horror-Comical Movie. Interesting story idea but the whole flow was like nothing much. No suspense, no thrill, no horror, no acting-skill, no romance.... Nothing! Honestly, to rate 6/10 is like doing injustice to my taste. As for the story, it's abt this 2 brothers who initially goes around cheating money by faking evil spirit in villages and then getting rid of them. Then the story develop till they really came to this village where the nearby forest is enchanted. Girls were being kidnapped and they were forced to go and save them from the evil witch-queen. Blah blah blah! So they saved them and it is a happy ending after all. Wow! I am lost for words.

Conclusion: Pay me the money! I will give you real horror and thrill.

Take The Lead
Rating: 8.5/10

This is such a great movie. Why did I totally miss it in the movie? I guess it didn't appeal to the mass. It is about this ball-room dance teacher who decided to go to this school and help this 'school-rejects' to turn over a new leaf thru dancing. Initially, it was hard becoz firstly the teenagers are hip-hop dancer and secondly, becoz they are seen as 'rejects', they do not have high self-esteem. So the teacher had a tough time but slowly he showed them the coolness of ballroom dancing and yet at the same time accepting their own culture and dance. Slowly they build this trust and friendship. They worked hard and picked up different types of ballroom dancing - Waltz, Tango, Salsa... Fantastic! Then the teacher sign them up for this ballroom dance competition. They did brilliantly at the competition - especially at one of the segment (can't remember if it's Salsa or Tango). Suppose to be a couple dance, they had a 2men-1lady dance. Very good idea though they didn't win but it was still very good. I guess it is more than just dancing. There was a moral to it. The teacher, who was under negative reaction from the parents, explained that his method of teaching is about teaching trust and respect. The guy leads the dance and the lady follows. The lady follow becoz she trust the guy and the guy also need to respect the lady. This is one cool and good movie not to miss especially those who love dance (for those pro, pls do not be too critical abt the dance movement and tactics and blah blah! it's just a movie! Enjoy it)

Conclusion: I am dancing all my way!

Well! As I have said earlier on, I am in love with....... dancing. Yeah! As I watch the movie, it really struck upon me. Life is just like a dance. God is the 'guy' who leads in the dance. And I am the 'lady' who simply just trust in Him and follow Him. Imagine if He leads and I simply just dance to my own rhythm and my moves. It's going to be a messy and ugly dance. But if I flow with Him, it's going to be my best dance(life). Something to think about. Personally, I love dance. I dun dare to say I'm a good dancer (especially i'm one who can't keep in beat) but I would love to dance. It's like freedom. Free to express yourself. Don't know how to explain lah but it's really real joy to dance. Maybe I shall go pick up ballroom dancing. Maybe continue with Salsa! Haha! YES! I AM IN LOVE WITH DANCING. But first need to lose more flabs. Kinda uncomfortable to dance with spare tyres. Haha! Talking about losing weight, I feel like bringing up my 3 cents worth of 'theory' on losing weight. Maybe not this entry. Another time. I LOVE DANCING! DANCING LOVE ME!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Craze over.....

Dun know why but suddenly in this mood. This mood to watch movies. But then not at the movies becoz nobody is as free as me to watch at the cinema and neither do I want to watch alone. So end up going to VCD shop to buy VCD and DVD. Haha! Last month I bought 4 VCDs. The Myth, Hoodwinked, Wallace and Gromit and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The Myth isn't that fantastic. The whole plot nothing fantastic and the Korean lady like a vase. Not much acting time for her. Honestly very disappointing.
Hoodwinked is pretty interesting. A bit of suspense but half way thru the movie I know the 'culprit'. However, it is interesting on how the story is being developed. Recommended.
Wallace and Gromit is highly recommended. Simple storyline but yet the whole plot is interesting and exciting.
Pirates of the caribbean (first episode) is superb. I regretted not watching it in the movies. I suppose everybody has watched it and need none of my recommendation. If you haven't watch, pls for your own sake go get the VCD or DVD for clearer picture.
Then today just bought another 4 DVDs. 16 Blocks, The Grim Brother, Take the lead and The Lake House. Haven't watch any of it yet. But i believe all are good movies. Muahahahahaha! Maybe i will watch The Lake House first becoz I actually know the story of this movie. Actually this is an re-enactment of a Korean movie which I had watch b4. I love the Korean version alot. So hopefully this english version is able to live up to that standard.

Why is it YOU?

Why is the wedding ring worn on the fourth finger? Any ideas! I also dun know why but here's an explanation which I came across. Very interesting! You can try it out for yourself. Here's what you need to do:

1) Firstly, (hmmm. dun know how to explain. just make your hand become the picture below)



2)Now try to open up the thumbs. The thumbs represents your parents. Human goes thru sick and death. The thumbs can be opened means that our parents will have to leave us one day

3)Now close up the thumbs and try to open up the little fingers. The pinky represents our children. One day they will grow up and have their own family.

4) Now close up the pinky and try opening your index fingers. These fingers represents your siblings. They too will have their own family and will part with us.

5) Now close up the index and try opening the fourth fingers. YOu can't right! This reprsents the husband and wife becoming as one. They can't be separated. Cool rite!

Monday, October 09, 2006

4, 7, 9?

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Courage!

What is courage? Is it the absence of cowardness? Or is it doing or saying something that you would never dare to? Or is it a reflection of who is our strength? As a child of God, my courage is not in what I can do or who I am but it's becoz I know God is omnipotent. He is almighty. As long as I'm doing things in His will, I am confident and I have the courage to do it. Well! You may think it's easy said then done. I totally agreed. It's nvr easy. I wish I have the courage to do or say certain things but den I will ask myself if i'm doing it just becoz I want to do it or becoz it is right (in God's eyes) to do it. So den it pours down to not abt being courageous but rather am I in tune with God. If it's His will, den His strength will give me the courage to do it. I dun know if it makes any sense to any of you but even as I write this, I initially am writing with a question in mind. As I write, the answer is revealing. Hmmmm....

God is my strength!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

I'm in LOVE......

Yes! I cannot deny anymore. Yes! I'm in LOVE! I have found my true love. In fact, my true love has always been there. I LOVE............... Cooking! Yes! I always enjoy cooking. Dun ask me why! It's just like that. Since young, I will always like to stay beside my mum when she's cooking in the kitchen. I will observe her every actions and will ask her questions. And this is how i picked up my basics. Den later on, it's thru watching cooking shows and observing how other pple cook. I dun dare to say I know how to cook alot of things. I can cook basic chinese dishes. To be frank, frying an egg is the hardest. There's so many ways of cooking an egg. And it really requires skills to cook the egg correctly. I love to bake but I dun know how to bake. Ironica? Yes! I would love to try baking but it's too expenisve. The ingredients are like way too expensive. And imagine I'm trying it for the first time. Imagine the whole things goes wrong and the money is down the drain. Woaahhh! Maybe when i started working den i pick up baking. I think so far I am better with western cuisine. I love my potato salad and pasta. I can say these are the 2 things that I am most comfortable with. Still experimenting on how to improve the dishes. Muahaahahahaha! Maybe they should start to have this title "House-husbands". Isn't this what the ladies want? Equality. YOu go out and bring back the bread and I will make dishes out of the bread. Muahahaaha! Chinese saying "Chi Ruan Fan" (eat soft rice). Too bad last time secondary school nvr offer guys to take Home Econs. I would have enjoyed it alot. Most prob can top the class. hahaha! Well! At least one thing I know is that I will never starve. I know alot of girls will be protesting and even cursing me, but i will still say this, "To depend on (nowadays) girls to dish out a meal for you, I rather do it myself" (Flying frying pan) (!%&#$&#%&#%&) Haha! Dun bother to throw anything at me. Prove me wrong. Bring me food! Edible one! Delicious one! Muaahahahhaha!

Monday, October 02, 2006

WHY? Life is so unfair

Yes! I'm protesting. Life is so unfair. Life being a girl is so much better. They get a wider (sorry! understatement) an unlimited range of closet. It's like what can a guy choose to wear. Either a shirt, T-shirt, polo or pants, shorts, jeans. That's about it. But for a girl, the list goes on. Not fair. haha! I came across this local blog that is selling Korean/Jap clothes. Very nice and also very reasonable price. My! my! How i wish i can wear..... erh.... nvm! muahaha!


Some sample of the dress. The above only S$29. I think it's worth buying sia. Anyway here's the link if anyone of you are interested. http://niuuniu.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Hua! Hu Ji Hua!

On Tuesday, my noon lecture was cancelled becoz lecturer was sick. Hurray! Ok dun get me wrong. I'm not rejoicing becoz my lecturer is sick but becoz I was able to join the church staff for their staff outing. Ok! I'm not a church staff! But I'm 'close' enough! haha! They were goin to have a picnic at Botanic Garden. WOo Hoo! I think the last time i went was Kindergarden. I vaguely still remember we were all walking around (aimlessly). No idea why I'm looking at trees. Den saw batman hanging on a tree. Guess it didn't manage to get a bath. It was smelling. Den we had lunch which I tot I had a hard time eating. It was packet rice with 1 meat and 1 vege. At that time, I dun eat vege. So was trying to 'pretend' to eat the vege den while nobody is watching, quickly cover the packet and throw away. haha! Well! Coming back to the outing, so went to church to meet the staff. Den Karen was not too keen to drive as she wasn't too sure of the way. So I got the privilege to drive. Haha! Yeah! So drove to Botanic den found a hut where everybody gathered and had our picnic. Everybody was starving. Haha! After lunch was worship and games. And after that we went to S'pore Orchid Garden. Quite impressive. Walk around and I'm amazed at the varieties and names of Orchids. After the walk, we went to a "high-classed'' food court where we had our teabreak. Roti John, Prata, Indian Rojak, Murtabak, drinks. Oh shucks! I think i had put on weight siah! Though i perspire alot from the walk, i think i gain more weight than I have lost. Haha! After the makan, we all left for home.
I really thank God for this church and the staff. Though I had only managed to work with most of them for a year, they had always treated me like one of them. Church is as good as my home. The staff are as good as my own immediate family. Even as i enjoy such priviledges, I learn that I can't take things for granted. I have to make an effort to help them. Whenever I go church, I will always go to church office first to offer my help. This is also my way of thanking them for 'looking' after me. haha! I really can't imagine when i start to work. I will have less time during weekday to pay a visit to the church. I'm goin to miss all these good times. (hmmm. unless i work in church) haha! hmmmm......! haha!

In Memory of VINCE

I received a bad news on Tuesday afternoon. A student in Changkat Changi Secondary Sch had send me a SMS saying that Vince, a student whom I had kept in touched with, had passed away. I thought it could be a mistake. I called up the school and checked with one of the teachers. It was confirmed. I was shocked. He was so young. I was still talking to him face to face a few months ago. I knew him for nearly 3 years. And I never get to know him better. As a friend, I'm not too sure if I had done enough. And I never get to share the good news to him. It's too sudden. And I am so busy this semester that I couldn't go to the school and I never got to speak to him. The last thing that I talked to him was about him having to go to work to get money to support himself. He also briefly mentioned abt his family problems. I simply gave him some advise and told him to call me if he needed any help. I wish I had done more. More than just opening that gap. I thank Vince that during the period when we regularly met, his joy and humour would never fail to brighten up others life.
Vince, you will always be remembered.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Throw or not to throw

ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I wish I can throw tantrum. I wish I can just behave like a small kid and simply ignore everything and just play with my tantrum. Or maybe I just want to be 5. No need to think too much. Just be happy everyday. Innocent and ignorance. ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!

I think i will just closed myself up for a while. Leave me alone. Dun bother me.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Ding Dong! Anybody home?

Is it worth knocking on a closed door? If by knocking, is it considered disobedience, taking things into my own hand? Even if I do knock, how will i react when the door open or when the door remain shut? There's so much things to consider. It's just a door. Can't it be just simplier? And to make things worse, there's fencing, there's guard dog, there's all sort of barriers to the door. What is the intention of all these? Do I take it as an answer as "No, dun bother to go to the door. It's not meant to be. Move on" or do I see it as "It's not going to be easy. Dun give up. Must persevere on" Can't it be simplier? Just a simple Yes or No. I can take the answer. If it's a straight No, den i will just simply move on! But it's neither here nor there.

9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9-10
This is Your word. I want to be bold and ask. But yet Lord, not my will but Yours! Help me to discern, help me to know Your will, help me not to look left nor right but fix my eyes on You!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Tuning In

Dun know why but recently tunes are ringing in my mind. It gets stronger everytime when I think of a theme. At present, I have 2 tunes in my mind. 1 is related to Cambodia. Even as I am in the midst of preparing for my 3rd trip up, the Lord is speaking alot to me. From a member to a team leader and now a team advisor. It's quite a big jump and to be frank, I'm feeling abit inadequate. And also with new dynamics of the team and the mission itself, it seems that there are so much things to deal with. I am also making an effort to read up more. Even as I am preparing myself, the Lord impressed upon me abt the people in Cambodia. He reminded me of what the people had gone thru, the sufferings of war, and now poverty and spirtual emptiness. They really need the love of God. They really need to hear about Jesus' good news. And as I ponder upon all these, the tune started to pour in. The words have not been formed but I have a rough idea how the lyrics will flow. The sufferings they had gone thru before and now, and that God is there to heal and build them up once again.
Then the second tune is in relation to my state of life. Lyrics not out but one thing I will say is that it points to His love, His providence, His faithfulness, His timing.
I'm really excited. I never thought I will be able to compose. I dare not say all these songs are fantastic and 'audible' but to me, it is significant becoz these are songs between me and God. Let these be a worship unto You, the Almighty.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

For YOU

A few posting ago, I mentioned about God inspiring me with a tune. I must say it's amazing. I dun dare to say this piece of work is perfect but I must say it is something very dear to me becoz it's my own experience and most importantly, God's hands at work. I was going thru an issue with some frens and that's when God came in to reconcile the situation. I guess there's pain and regrets but after this, I believe God has built and reconciled the relationship to the next level. The 'scar' though healed will serve as a reminder of God's grace and love for us. Coming back to the song, during the initial period of the issue, I was pretty sad and disappointed. I tried to talk to someone abt the issue but there wasn't anyone nor was there any clear direction. I knew I had to come to God. As I poured out to Him, He placed this tune into my heart. I was very assured by the tune becoz I knew He heard me and He wanted to speak to me thru this tune. I tried putting words into it but nothing came out. But the tune was good enough. Then the following day, one of the fren came up and apologised for his mistake. I know that he was remorse and was sincere in his apology. Then was followed by an sms from the rest to apologise. At that point, i wasn't angry anymore. I was still disappointed but I'm glad they realised their foolish acts. After this incident, amazingly as i was playing the tune on my guitar, the words start pouring in.
Basically, the whole song is abt the incident. In a body of Christ, there may be times we have hurt each other in our word and actions. There's is the 'victim' and the 'culprit'. But if we bring our conflicts to God, we will see that God is a gracious and loving God. So as for the 'culprit', he/she must humble him/herself and apologise to the 'victim' and also most importantly with God. And as for the 'victim', learn to be forgiving just like what Jesus has taught us "Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us" As we reconciled our differences, let us move on together, encouraging each other, building up each other for all of us are walking the same path that reaches the same goal. Let's do all these for our Lord. Let's ask our Lord to anoint us with His oil and that our heart will burn for Him. Everything that we do, we do it for His sake. I humbly present to you this song inspired by my Majesty - "For You"

We may have hurt each other with our words and what we've done
We may have carried with us pain and shame
Life is all about moving on in God's grace and love
So let us look to Him,
The God of love
Who forgive and heal our pain

Jesus Christ, pour oil on our fire
Let the flame burn for You
Just for You
Standing hand in hand
We run the race
As we reach the line for You
Jesus Christ, pour oil on our fire
Fan the flame in us
Just for You
Our love for You is revealed in the love for one another
I live for You

27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 10:27

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

A... is for Apple B is for Banana.....

A lthough things are not perfect;
B ecause of trials or pain;
C ontinue in thanksgiving;
D o not begin to blame;
E ven when the times are hard;
F ierce winds are bound to blow;
G od is forever able;
H old on to what you know;
I magine life without His love;
J oy would cease to be;
K eep thanking Him for all the things;
L ove imparts to thee;
M ove out of "Camp Complaining";
N o weapon that is known;
O n earth can yield the power;
P raise can do alone;
Q uit looking at the future;
R edeem the time at hand;
S tart every day with worship;
T o "thank" is a command;
U ntil we see Him coming;
V ictorious in the sky;
W e'll run the race with gratitude;
(e)X alting God most high;
Y es, there'll be good times & yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where no one is ever sad!

Monday, September 11, 2006

Quality Time....

Today went to visit granny with my mum. So both of us were alone together and while on the MRT, we were chit-chatting. Very rare occasion, i must say. While most of the time, it was her talking but I enjoyed every minute of it. She will be talking abt things in the past, when she was young till her adulthood and etc. Haha! Really interesting. Today, after 25 year existence on earth, I finally heard the story about how she met my dad. She was saying that after graduation, she had been working for a few years. Then she decided to quit and go to Hawaii for holidays. At that time, she was staying at her parents shop houses. So got this neighbour shophouse uncle whom the family know wanted to recommend to my mum this guy who is a Hainanese and single. Hehe. So my granny was asking my mum to try to go and know him as a fren first lorh. But my mum decline becoz she said she not interested and that she is going for 3 months overseas holiday. So she nvr got to know him and she left for Hawaii. Den after 3 months, when my mum came back, she found out that the guy was staying in one of the romm of the neighbour's shophouse. But den nvr got to see him. So the 'kay poh' neighbour once again went to 'ka jiao' my mum. So finally after much persuasion, she finally agreed to try to meet him. Den got once, he was sitting outside the shophouse while my mum came out of the shophouse. As my mum needed to run an errand, she was in a rush and he nvr got to see her. Den finally when they met, he said to my mum, "wow, you walked so fast, until i can't see you" haha! Den my mum was saying her first impression of him wasn't too good. Dun know how to dress. 'Orh biang' Haha! Well! After that, all is history. haha! I dun know. You may think it's a fairy tales ending after all these. I won't dare to say so. I know my mum had suffered and sacrificed so much for the family. And she will always advised me to marry a Christian girl. I know where she is coming from. She is not against non-Christians girls but she knows that if I want to serve God fully, I will need the support and help of one who knows God's heart. And I truly agree with her, having her as life-experience example. She never had the spiritual support from her husband, she has to deal with his irresponsibilities but yet not neglecting her responsibilities. And I must say all these are not becoz she is a mentally strong person but becoz she simply trust in God. She may have regretted getting married to a non-Christian man but her faith grew stronger everyday. But yet i must say, it's not an easy life. Marrying to a Christian partner doesn't mean that there are no problems or issues. All these still exists but we know that God is in control and when it comes to differences, we bring it to God to settle it. But if one partner isn't a Christian, he/she will not be able to understand this, and a lot of times friction turns into bush fires.

From my own family, these are the things that will happen if one of the partner is not a Christian:

1) No spiritual authority or support

For ladies whose husband is not a Christians, there is no spiritual authority in the sense, that God has placed the authority in the hands of the man of the household. If the man is not a believer, then how can he exercise God-given authority. And like-wise, as a man, and if your partner is not a Christian, she will not be able to understand your involvement in church. Initially, she may be fine with your involvement but after a while she may resent tat you are spending too much time in church. There's no spiritual support from her side. After a while, you may be battling to a sad ending. Well! All these can be resolved if the partner is converted. True! i agreed that there are such real-life cases but den firstly it's by God's grace and secondly, let's not forget there are also many cases that didn't succeed.

2) Different belief may result in unnecessary friction

Maybe when both parties are studying or just got to know each other, there is more room for freedom and also grace. But as time goes by, the non-believing party may be wondering why the other party is spending so much time in church. Look at it this way. When you start working, every weekday, you work from 8-6pm. (not including OT and blah blah blah) So it leaves you with weekend as your free time. For me, weekend is nearly all spent in church. (I'm not a fanatic, it's just that my main social circle revolves mainly in church) So how am i able to spend time with my non-believing partner. (well! yes again! the prob will be solved if she is converted! But let's put it this way, I dun wan to take unnecessary risk!) And after a while, the other party will feel that you are placing church over them.

3) Compromising

This usually happen when Christians try to resolve the above problems. "I will simply manage my time spent in church" First will be "I will go for only Sunday service and Friday Cell" Den next will be "I will only go for Sunday service" and next will be "I will attend Easter and X'mas svc" and next will be........... Cutting down the time commitment in church so as to be with their partners. Hmmmm......

4) Unable to fully worship God

I guess this is the main reason why I would not want to have a non-Christian partner. If she never get to convert, I will never be able to fully worship God. Why? Becoz a part of me is not able to worship God. If you understand, when two comes together, they become one. And if you do realise, when 2 come together, it is more than just the lovey dovey part but most importantly, the 2 shd help each other to better worship God! I can't imagine myself trying to worship God and yet in my mind having the burden that she is not saved. I need one who not only love God but also one who can assist me in walking the path the Lord has set for us.

I'm not saying that having a non-believing partner is wrong or a sin. I just feel that there are alot of things to look into before you want to make this choice. And all i can say is there's consequences for every action. If it's a good move, you shd praise God for His grace and love. If it's a bad move, den all i can say is people make mistakes and you shd simply just move on in God's grace and love.

I make this prayer to God. I told Him that I will only wait for a Christian lady who fear and love Him and that she likewise will only wait for a Christian guy who fear and love Him. Sometimes when I think about, I thought that I was plain foolish. Haha! What am I asking for? I must be out of my mind. Maybe? Maybe not! Let this be a test of my faith! Let this be a chance for me to witness the faithfulness of God!

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Think before you speak!

I'm sure every era, every century, every generation, pple will have their own form of lingos. This is how they identify with one another. I enjoy every part of the lingo we have becoz many have been formed out of pure creativity. There are also those that were formed becoz of certain incident and it helps us to identify with one another. To outsiders, it may mean nothing and maybe hilarious but it makes a lot of sense to us. But yet, every time I have to be careful with my usage of lingos. Many a times there are a lot of dangers and traps which we do not see. Certain lingos we do not see the significance or we do not know the origin of it. It may have negative influence to ourself without knowing it.

I see that in this generation, pple have been liberalising certain words that are debatable in nature. Like the word gay and lesbian and all the root words. (Hear me clearly, I dun hate gays or lesbians but I dun condone their behaviours.) I see that there are people using the word freely in the sense that these words can becomes adjectives for things. Like some people dun like some things or feel awkward abt something, they will say "this thing is so gay" I have someone telling me this "this color is so gay" just simply becoz he doesn't like it. I was shocked. So mean a colour can be gay? What's next? The colour is HIV contagious huh? Or people seeing guys or girls behaving very intimidating with their good, same gender frens, they will jokingly comment that that is so gay or les. My goodness! Pple do not know what they are saying. As Christians, we believe that God has made Man to be Man and Woman to be Woman. Gayism or lesbianism are a distortation from the evil one. If you understand this, we will be extremely careful not to use these words freely becoz everytime we say or use such words, we are basically saying to the evil one, "Well done! I accept what you are doing in all these people's life!" You may argue that all these are said out of fun with no malicious intention but I tell you, would you go around saying the F word to everyone and say that it's out of fun and no malicious intention. That's something we do want to think abt!

There are also certain words that we commonly used in our daily lives. It seems harmless. We nvr knew its origin but since everyone is using it and no one complains abt it, it shd be alright. Are you sure? I dun think i want to be too comfortable following the majority. Words like "damn" and "bloody". It is commonly used to replace the word 'very' or 'to a great extent'. For example, "You are very pretty" which translates to "You are damn or bloody pretty." Maybe it could be out of exaggeration or sarcasim. The word 'damn' comes from the word "condemn" and if you understand, blood to us Christians reminds us of Jesus' blood. The earlier examples are used in a positive context so it's still not too bad. But many a times, such words are used in bad comments. For example, "You are damn or bloody stupid". The word condemn is a very harsh word and it means you are hopeless, good for nothing. The word damn in itself is such a lousy and negative word. Whether using it for a good or bad comment, it 'corrupts' the message. Let your Very be Very. Also the word bloody which reminds us of Christ and how precious His blood shed for us, we better think twice or even a few more times before we want to use the word to spice up our converstation.

Also there are certain rude words which have been commonlised by the society. So it doesn't sound too 'bad' when said as it is commonly used. For example, "shit lah", "kick your asshole", "WTH", etc...... These are not so nice things to say. It hurts others and it just simply reflect your own nature.

"But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean"
Matthew 15:18
There's this sister of mine and have a habit of saying the word "shit''. So was having a chat with her on this issue and reminded her of the verse and that it requires a conscious effort to remind herself not to say the word. So after a few days, there was this moment that she wanted to spurt out that word but immediately, she withhold her tongues. Though we could tell that she was on the verge of saying that word, I must say I'm impressed with her effort. That's how we need to do to change our bad habits. It's not overnight but it's not impossible. We need to feed ourselves with God's word and understand His word and den we will be convicted by the Spirit that we need to change and that with the guidance and strength from God, we make an effort to change. Let's us continue to encourage one another in doing what is right for God!

I Need............ YOU!

Today was the big day. Most of the things were done. Just left a few more things to tie up and all will be settled. Well! Before this, the day before, I was actually panicking alreadi. As I go thru the items that I need to do, it seemed like there were so many things undone. I told myself that I need to wake up at 7am the next morning to 'piah' and finish up as much things as possible. And another problem with me is that I am quite a 'solo kia'. I do everything myself and I prefer not to delegate to other pple. Despite my worries, I told God to take care of all the matters that were still not done up. So the next morning, I woke up only at 9am. Surprisngly, I wasn't too caught up with the things. So I left for church and reached abt 1o.30am. By around 11am, the rest of the team members were in church. They too had came down to help with the decoration of the event. At that point, I wasn't too sure if I shd trouble them and ask them to help with the remaining task. I just tot of doing it all myself. Den I was just prompted to just ask them. And I just ask them to help me with these and that. And amazingly, things start to finish up faster than i would have if i have done it myself. By 1.15pm, we have cleared all the things we need to do. I was so relieved. In past attempts to lead in events, I was always very pressured and panicky even on the day of event. Becoz firstly, I always fail to delegate work and do everything myself and secondly, I simply just trusted in my own strength. This time round, I'm learning to be more team-minded, getting the team to make decisons and be in charge of certain areas which free me up. (Though i feel i still can delegate more work). Thank you so much for the team, namely, Darren, Wen Yuan, Yvonne, Xin Ling whom have helped so much in the preparation. Also I will like to thank those others who though not in the committee, have been helping us in a way or another. And also those who had kept the team in prayer. And most importantly God for His guidance. I won't dare to say that this year's For Men For Women Celebration Night is a success, but I know God takes delight in it. Everything move so smoothly and this is my 1st time as an emcee, and i simply just told God to take control and He lead. Haha! Pretty fun! Maybe next time will get a partner to co-emcee. : ) hehe.......
My throat now a bit sore from the constant explanation of how to play the games and from the constant raising of my voice to 'try' to bring out the excitement. I realised I can't scream like before. My voice box must have been damaged. I raised my voice a bit higher for a few times and it starts to hurt. Haha! But dun know why. Hitting into mood swing again. Feeling happy but yet moody. I dun know how such two extreme can exist together. It's like I'm walking and running at the same time. Haha! 'sob sob" Hmmmm.......

Dear Father, thank You so much for Your love and Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your hands that carry us up when we are in difficulties. Sometimes we think too much with our own limited wisdom and knowledge and we conclude that we have an answer. But Lord, how foolish can we be at times. We fail to see Your plan which is far better than what we can comprehend. Den Lord, I ask that You give me the patience to wait upon You, knowing and trusting that You have the best for me. And most importantly is that I need You more than any other things. So Lord have Your way in me! Amen.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Life... is all about moving on in God's grace and love

What do people do when they are hurt or depressed? It always seem like these people will never come out from this situation. Even if they get over it, it leaves a deep scar that never heals properly. For me, I always find enough grace to move on from the situation and though there's a scar, it just serve as a reminder that God is faithful. I'm not sure if it applies for everybody. For me, I must give thanks to God. I am very privileged to have a God who is forgiving and loving and faithful. Because of what He had done in my life and how He had treated me, I know He is in control of everything. Emotions are something I believe that the Lord has blessed us with. We are beings with freedom to exercise our feelings. We can be happy, we can be sad, we can be angry, we can be quiet..... There's nothing wrong even if our feelings are negative. It's only wrong if we bring it to the extreme. It is wrong if our sadness becomes bitterness, if our anger becomes hatred.... These are not from God. Basically, where is God when we are expressing our emotions? In our happiness, is God our source of happiness. In our sadness, do we turn to God for comfort and help. In our anger, do we turn to God to look upon His grace and love? In my best conscious effort, when i'm in any emotions, I try to bring God in. One thing I feel the Lord has blessed me with is the ability to move on from set-backs or hurts. This is not becoz I'm a gracious or forgiving person but becoz I know God is gracious and loving. Recently, certain thing had happened and it really brought me closer to God. As we read Psalm, you will find that there are many songs written by David when he is in situations of difficulties. His songs are cry out to God and also there are songs that glorified God for his deliverance. And somehow like David, I had this experience. A tune started to form in my head as I look to Him for counsel. And I really feel so much for this song not becoz I compose it but God has given this song not just to me but us. I hope I can share this song soon, after the whole situation has been closed. To God be the glory, for the things He has done! Amen!