birthdays!
mum's! awaiting sis to send this year's photos. :) heard dad has put on a lot of weight. hahas. maybe he has an easier life back home without me around.

and of cos, leeee ruirui's! who's having a whale of her time in perth. hahas.

time sure passes us by fast. :) i can still vividly remember their celebrations last year. :)

woke up from a short sleep. and cant get back again. no idea why.

feeling, was indescribable. weird? unsettled, maybe. prayed for the number to call.

and was reminded of this chapter. decided to read other versions as well.

Matthew 11: 25-30. Amplified Bible.
25At that time Jesus began to say, I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth [and [a]I acknowledge openly and joyfully to Your honor], that You have hidden these things from the wise and clever and learned, and revealed them to babies [to the [b]childish, untaught, and unskilled].

26Yes, Father, [I praise You that] such was Your gracious will and good pleasure.

27All things have been entrusted and delivered to Me by My Father; and no one [c]fully knows and [d]accurately understands the Son except the Father, and no one [e]fully knows and [f]accurately understands the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son [g]deliberately wills to make Him known.

28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [h]ease and relieve and [i]refresh [j]your souls.]

29Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([k]relief and ease and refreshment and [l]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.(A)

30For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [m]good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Probably its not v comparable to what the passage had described, in the note of heavy-ladened, over-burdened and such. just like the worship, prayed for Jesus to lift me higher. want to uplift everything to Him, cos sometimes, i dont know my heart condition very well too. and seriously, sometimes, i sit back and ponder, what will happen to me, if i had not found a friend in Jesus today.

i dunno, i really dunno.

what i appreciate about the Amplified Bible, is the clear meaning of certain words in the verses.

words that caught me were:
-babies [to the [b]childish, untaught, and unskilled].
-rest. [I will [h]ease and relieve and [i]refresh [j]your souls.]
-rest ([k]relief and ease and refreshment and [l]recreation and blessed quiet)
-gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart
-wholesome (useful, [m]good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant)

Father,

Today, I pray for child-like faith that's pleasing to you. Let me come before you, just like a baby to the parent, desiring nourishment and growth on a clean slate. Let me find rest in your dwelling. Grant me spirit of meekness and humility, and help me to understand from your lenses and not from my own understanding, that your yoke is wholesome; it is comfortable, pleasant. and most importantly, filled with thy grace.

Lord I want you more.

Amen.

did our 40-day purpose discussion this morning for yesterday's chapter.

"..Christlikeness is all about transforming your character, not your personality.

God want you to develop the kind of character described in the beatitudes of Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit, Paul's great chapter on love, and Peter's list of the characteristics of an effective and productive life."

so Suet asked a question. which i thought was really good. what's the difference between personality and character? :)

what say you? :)

quite a bit spoke to me. for one, I have a fresh understanding, that God's ultimate goal for our life on earth is not comfort, but character development. Heaven is already the pure, sanctified and perfect place to be, so why settle for a man-made heaven on earth?

I recall a teaching about God has created us to enjoy life. now i finally got what it meant. enjoying life did not refer to enjoying the materialistic pleasures, and gratifications of life, but to enjoy His creations, where He has put us to be, and what He has called us to fulfill on earth.

and moving ahead of weaknesses. do the right thing in spite of your fears, feelings, and emotions. this is how we work with the Holy spirit, and thats when our character grows.

Obedience unlocks God's power. Trust that He will give you His very best!

the question to ponder after the chapter evoked some thoughts too. In what area of my life do i need to ask for the spirit's power to be like Christ today?

I thought about my resolutions for 2007. there was one thing that i desire to work towards to- Discipline. and i specified aspects of Discipline. and i thank God, as I run through the list, i experienced breakthroughs in particular ones. and of course, more hard work on the others.

but as i was sharing, i thank God for each experience He placed in my life. though some processes are hard to understand, and may be even painful, i know He wants the best for me. The experiences are not by coincidence, but by His plans, cos I know, He knows my heart the best. :)

ve been listening to the songs composed by Hope aust.

wanted to head to bed to rest. but this song came on again. suddenly thought of some things in my life, but for a brief moment.

this particular song, brought me to heart of worship, once more.

"You have lifted me higher,
Jesus I adore,
There is no other,
Lord, I want you more..."

-Lifted Me Higher. Charis Chua

25th August 2007- city; Anzac building.

good saturday out again, meeting up with leo and david, together with logan for some fellowship, and sharing.

witness Ray of Light ceremony. was meaningful and cool, where they remember the people who sacrificed for the war.

and had a picnic-alike lunch on the grass nearby. with the familiar shanghai dishes to leo and david, the father and son. (:

from the top.

with dave and logan.

father and son.

hahas. and i think this photo is comical. leo wanted to take with the crow. and i thought chinese had superstitions? hahas!

day out at ikea! colourful day. august 24th. :))

play pen.

hungry for ants.

little me in a big warehouse.

housemates!

steffie+suet.

stef+mx.

jon tan+camel yellow+suetty+tlp.

p.s. camel yellow just like to make as many appearances as possible. :))

"Date: 8th Sept
Time: 10am - 1pm (buffet lunch from 11am - 12.30pm)
Venue: Cedar Girl's Sports Hall

I've decided to hold it at Cedar Girl's as it holds many fond memories for all of us. The building will be undergoing renovations for the next 2 years and Cedar will move to a temporary location. Hence it'll be a good chance for us to walk around that day before the school closes..."

coach's 80th birthday. its the 3rd year that i've missed it, or rather, going to miss it for some reason, somehow.

the only time that i managed to make time for it was last year. and i was so happy. to be able to meet up with him and coach chen wen. adore them both.

every year, the captain of '97 faithfully contacts all the captains that coach has ever taught before, and informs us to invite our own batch for his birthday every year! always blessed by her thoughts of coach and wanting him to be happy.

i was just sharing about him to suet and tlp that day. about how his faith in me has helped me to grow in tabletennis. i vividly remember the day where i ran into the training ground at 10 min to end of training time.

i wanted to just drop by training after some extracurricular classes that day. and i was very sad that i missed training for the day.

so when i had that last 10min, i went to the sports hall, wanting to just watch the rest play. i was still in secondary 1 then. and very very raw in this game.

and when i saw that some of them were packing the tables up at some corner while a senior continued training with coach, i decided to change out of my blue and grey, and wore my training stuff to help in packing up cos i didnt want to dirty my uniform.

and guess what, my innocent act of appearing even though it was already 10minutes to end of training; changed into training gear; and helped in packing up left an impression in coach's heart. i mean, that's what he told me at least. hahas.

he told me, that was one of the determinants that he have decided to invest his time in me, to build me up, cos i have demonstrated desire to learn, and even positive attitude as a sportsman.

haha. now thinking of it, i was just being simple-minded. i just wanted to lend a hand, and want to keep my blue and greys clean.

but anyway, the lesson i learnt from this experience and carried over to my life now is, 10minutes are powerful things. 10minutes offered to someone may seem trivial, but they can make a difference.

it translated into my spiritual walk as well. no matter how tight my schedule may be, if i can be there for the last 10minutes for a gathering of some sort, i ll still try as far as possible to turn up.

and use the 10minutes to fellowship, and most likely are walking to train stations with them.

to me, it may seem to be time-inefficient at times, but as far as i know, i think this 10-minute principle has brought me opportunities to build new friendships, and strengthen old ones.

sometimes, i just need to stop doing the hard calculation, and make some heart decisions. and i qualify, not all the time, but at least, to your best possible.

i think the 10minutes principle speaks to me, of "you are still very important in my life."

of course, sometimes, i failed. sometimes, i cant even meet for 10minutes. sometimes, i cant turn up at all.

but as far as i can, i ll try my best.

anw, today had student host training for La Trobe's open day this sunday! am assigned to simpson lawn (which i have no idea where, and that it ever existed) to be a guide to visitors.

pretty exciting, to be in red shirt and red cap, ushering and directing people around the school which i half know. hahas. i think i better study the map hard first.

me and suet are eyeing the freebie that they are given out to kids. hahas, its a red frisbee! hahas!

played basketball, or rather, watched some of the brothers play thereafter in the sports hall. think they have made new friends! :)) eric was there too. and i think the lactic acid built up in his muscles will make it very sore to carry baby Rhema in his hands from tomorrow onwards! hahas.

and the heidelberg household met jon for ikea. meatballs!

i love ikea. always cheers people up, and you can just walk inside and out without any purchase, but leaving feeling refreshed.

the bright colours and the simplicity in their designs are what i like. pretty down-to-earth concepts.

it was fun; took silly photos and did silly things. like competing with suet who can roll on the trolley over a longer distance. hahas.

and i welcome to the heidelberg household, a few new little friends. namely Rat; Ostrich Pink with green neck; Giraffe Blue and last by not least, Camel Yellow with red polka dots.

i love ikea!

a good day out today.

the weather was exceedingly good at 17degrees. light sun and maybe a little breeze. i was thoroughly pleased at the decision to go out of the house to catch the sun a little bit.

city library was obscure. nevertheless, i thank God for the passers-by who assisted me in reaching my destination.

collected my library card. and cant wait to put it to some good use. checked out some cds, country songs and australian jazz.

basically, i just picked covers that looked pleasing to my eyes. :)) just want to hear the cds out.

and hahas, adding to the list a dvd documentary on australia's greatest cricketer, sir donald bradman. i know. i'm kinda off. once again, it was picked cos it looked pleasing to my eyes. :)

it goes. "In 1948, seventeen Australian cricketers set sail for england to defend cricket's ultimate prize, 'The Ashes'. they played six days a week for five months and did not lose a match. they were 'The Invincibles'."

i shall watch it during my long break tmr and see how good it is. :)

saw a book on organizing your life, and thought it felt like some CDS-alike material. sat down and browsed through it and gotten some nice stuff, which i kinda agree.

"..rather than willpower and discipline, Messies need focus."

i agree. its never usually the issue with willpower and discipline. is more likely getting first things first.

picked up another book that's filled with short stories. i like stories. short ones. but sadly, the content was not as good as i thought it will be.

What we talk about when we talk about love. the title that is, i think. i wasnt quite keen in reading on after just a chapter. it's filled with pretty much the negative side of love. the book made love seemed so hardgoing and tough.

but i cant fault that. prolly that's how many view love to be. it seems to suggest that love must have its ups and VERY downs before one can testify that he/she has loved before. but somehow, i disagree. i may be wrong about this, but yeah. that's what i think.

In 1 Corinthians 13, God spoke of what He defines of Love. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres..."

The words He used are absolute. it doesnt allow grey areas and inconsistency, and definitely not to just love when you 'feel like it'.

anw. shall drop it there. ventured around the perpendicular roads and finally saw some familiar buildings. did some big w and mini grocery shopping before i thought i officially closed my day.

had familiar nasi lemak for dinner and yes, it tasted slightly different, but pretty good. and of course, with the ever familiar style of english that was spoken in the background by the boss, i think.

i thought she was sporean. from JB instead. her tonation and choice of words does bring some degree of Home and familiarity to me. :) you really cant miss a singaporean. when you bump into one, it's usually obvious. :)

mountain. or rather hill, was nice. hadnt done this for quite some time. the moon and countless stars were in their places, close to one another. pretty, as some gently twinkles.

a nice overlook of the city as well. the kind of, so near, yet so far feel. you see the busyness somehow on the freeways, and the lights of the buildings, but you cant hear nor feel them.

which is good.

appreciated the sharings which reveals the heartbeat for loved ones. appreciated the level of openness and real-ness. always an encouragement to my soul when i hear of other's experiences.

it helps me make sense of my personal experiences as well. and does motivate me to be the salt and light in my family. that's the power of sharing and fellowshipping as His family. it brings about encouragement, naturally.

"Cause You know me,
You called me by name.
From the moment that You've touched my life,
I've been changed.

You found me,
and set me apart.
Now I'm reaching for my destiny,
This future You have planned for me.."

Into Your hands, i commit.

it always feel good to wake up bright and early. and when all is still.

and its always a wonderful feeling to wake up on the right side of the bed and feeling that you have enough stored energy for the rest of the day. :)

yesterday's cg was on fellowship. and it was my turn to host the discussion. now i kinda know how it feels like when you post a question and there's pin drop silence. pretty intimidating. :))

so have decided that to share with everyone else the scrapbook that's filled with photos, of me and the people that i serve with back in sing.

and yeah, that really kinda warmed up things a lil. but still, i hadnt had enough courage to reveal all photos. and danny enforces the "covenant of honesty" unto me, and urging me to show some of the photos i've skipped. hahas.

o wells, my level of openness may be conditional for some photos at the moment i suppose. hahhahas. :))

we shared cg covenants tog, and we represent a sheep each. and as each of us read it to the person on our left, it was an immensely warm feeling left in my heart, when a friend speaks of wanting to share and experience life with you in God's love and covenant.

and the worship yesterday spoke of our hearts: we love the family of God, very much. purpose-driven sums things up nicely for the day: i need others in my life, no doubt about that. :)

One day, God handed two people a piece of blank paper and told them to write in that piece of paper what they wanted Him to do.

The first one wrote a list of things that he wanted God to do. The second one wrote nothing.

Nothing? Nothing!

Both handed the piece of paper to God. God asked the second "My child, why didn’t you write anything?"

The second answered, “God, I've left it blank for you to tell me what you want me to do..”

yesterday was a fruitful day with everyone else.

neuro presentation over; had some start on Worksite proj, thanks to sarah for her contacts; went Word to meet tlp, suet and logan, as we bought pres for birthday boy anth; bought 90 minutes in heaven for myself; good ride back to country from city; savoured aust meat pies from petrol station (though i was laughed at but i shall drop that); experienced travelling on the wrong side of road seeing oncoming cars; visiting the potential location of new service at Oakhill which was to everyone's expectations.so with M exclaiming her excitement for the nice kitchen; ying with playing of guitar; eric's rather funny comments on the small tiny chairs the place provides for seats; senior dr taking photos; simon and anth playing with a ping-pong ball using hands, and seemingly enjoying it; logan indulging in the joy of a children's playground and maybe a toy car.

:)

the night ended well at eric's with encouraging affirmations from everyone present for anth. indeed, i have heard, and even seen how everyone pours out for Him, with their time, talents and giftings, even though it has just been a month and half with this spiritual family.

thankful, and blessed.

"Grow in the Lord. Walk in His light. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always..." Psalm 105:4

the pioneering team for Darebin. :))

all walks of life, and pretty much international.

and looking at this, it just blesses my heart that God has His ways of bringing everyone together to serve for 1 vision and mission.

:)

saying that i was to go sleep. i cant. think i need some time to get used to it. (: so back to read emails. reply emails. and complete the blog entry.

was really tickled by how yuhan had signed off for her email:

"with much love,
your sheep who is also gonna be a da bu shi de zhang lang spiritually"

was reminded of the scene where i shared to em the analogy that, i hope to grow to be someone that is resilient to challenges. to be so persistent in what she sets out to do, despite obstacles.

so summing that up, it suddenly felt to me that the description fits the characteristics of a cockcroach. hahas. adaptable. persistent. and tough. i mean, positive characteristics of the pest that is. :))

hence, one of the principle that i hope to live by since then, was to be like how the saying goes, a da bu si de zhang lang, spiritually. whenever i see one, i am often reminded to be like it, in some way. before mortein takes over next, hahas.

today was a good day out at box hill. never had such an intense discussion about coffee beans like today before. i learnt from leo's spirit. he seizes every opportunity that he has to acquire new knowledge. and is always inquisitive and humble to listen to me, even though my life experiences and knowledge pales much in comparison to his.

and his help for the veg picking adds to me a touch of a fatherly figure, giving pointers on what to look out for in picking nice veg.

and thanks logan for the shout on lunch! and with leo saying grace in mandarin. and i seriously think david smiled more today. hahahs! cool.

and visit to a chinese christian bookshop was interesting. every material was in chinese. and the lyrics in the worship songs that was played in the background was meaningful as well.

bought a card for mum for birthday. it's really rare to get hold of cards with verse in mandarin, for me at least. and yeah, dad can read the card too since its mandarin. and more pass-it-on cards. nice pictures, and it was calling out to me to buy them. happy with my buys. (:

a great day. though tired, it was fruitful fellowship.

dinner was good too. finally we went into something new like curry. hahas. though its pretty idiot-proof type of prepared mix, at least we progressed to this from eggs and chooks. and more eggs and chooks.

and yeah! suet had this new recipe of dessert that they experimented with my bag of green apples that never seem to finish. batter and caramel and stuff. with the flour bought. and, the end product was good! i like sweet.

learnt from today's chapter, that true worship lies in faith, not in experience. when you feel abandoned by God, and you continue to trust Him just like Job, you worship Him in the deepest way. (:

and the beauty of everything is, He hadn't, and will never abandon you.

that's His promise, and covenant with you. (:

Indescribable
Chris Tomlin

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and
You know them by name.
You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God

Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

help. 2.40am here and i cant sleep. hahas. what's wrong with me!

and praise God for healing! woke up with a slight sore left eye, with a little growth under my lashes. and it's completely gone now!

saw a few people online. and i was so overwhelmed by the great works God has done in YouthDNA! Hope centre was praying for a turn up of 200 people for the 10th anniversary of Hope Centre. and guess what i just heard? it was such good publicity, the goal is now level up to...

7000 people!

I am quite sure I didnt see wrong on MSN. Correct me if i am wrong donald!

It must be His hands moving! blessed by the testimony!

sharing was great time as usual. was reminded of a picture that i had when i was younger spiritually then.

i remember the lesson learnt from the picture was about "Passion". I remember the picture as fireplace, with firewood burning within it to keep the fire going.

it started from a spark, to a small fire, to bigger one when more firewood was burnt.

However, as the temperature felt nice, cozy and warm, the person stop putting in the wood. He sat back, and enjoyed the temperature of the room, feeling pleased.

and soon, the fire became smaller, and weaker.

the man realised the importance of consistently burning the firewood, keep the great fire going. never remain in a comfort zone for too long. do beyond! :)

just saw from YahooNEWS that some peruvian states had a quake. whenever mention about Lima Peru, i ll always remember Julian and Serene who are there for church planting.

and as i was walking home with suet and tlp just now, i mentioned that i ll share with them a testimony that i have heard in church of how God protected this brother from danger and harm in the country that he went church planting for.

now, i can't believe it myself too. the brother is none other than Julian.

let's say a breath prayer for Peru.

launched.

Beautiful Seed. - corrinnemay.
http://www.corrinnemay.com/

ever ministering.

so blessed! thanks to jace for the wonderful dinner!

was nice just standing around watching her cook. hahas. basically i was just trying to make myself useful by doing really brainless stuff. like slicing mushrooms. washing rice. defrost rissoles? hahas. oh. and time check for the steamed chooks.

besides that, i was dispensable, and the only value that i had was my PRESENCE in the kitchen! hahas.

alrights. but think jace could have done better without me. hahas! nevertheless, it was therapeutic just watching people cook. and who knows i have internalised some culinary tips from jace's in-all-seriousness cooking. :))

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9e7c4b40cf5a13cea6ca&page=1&viewtype=&category=mv
love the part when she ended "and now i shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.", and with a smile.

reminded me of the weekly memory verses that we have every week! shall memorise it and end with a smile man! hahas.

"superabundance." it cried out to me from the journal article on occupational risk factors, as i was doing my readings this afternoon before tutorial.

superabundance. overflowing. beyond capacity. flood.

the park opposite our house!

usually lifeless, so when i saw life, i must take a photo! :)

and maybe cos the hasty snap so that i wont lose the child, the effects turned a little, like a painting instead. like the skies were painted blue and white, the grass with different hues of greeen!

and of course, the red is the little child on the bike, who seems to be busking in his enjoyment and excitement of the activity.

i love this photo, simply. :)) my top 5 reasons off my head are...

- it signifies "life" to me, finally.
- it portrays a family spending time together!
- the boy sure looks like he is having fun!
- it's like an appreciation of God's creation, with the skies and grass and people.
- i took the photo (and this is pretty much the primary reason. hahas!)

anyway, was very touched by ying's and leo's testimonies and conversion stories today at CG! i learn from ying that, always hope, always perservere, and always cover your family in prayers. and it will come to pass that one day, your entire household will serve the Lord as you faithfully serve Him.

Leo taught me about father's love to son, and i was inspired by him sharing that Christ, in very essence is about the Truth. no matter how wretched a person can be, he is made complete in Christ when the Truth fills him, comforts him, and touches him.

and heard from housemates that their discussion with CG was fruitful too. just with the occasional unthinkable and fatal mixups between stef and suet by our dearest CL. as usual. :))

have been deeply blessed by this family of His.

for all my sweets. my prayers for you tonight. :)

I knocked on Heaven's door this day.
God said "What can I do for you?"
"Favour", I said.
"Please love, protect and bless my friend reading this message."
He smiled and replied, "Always."

good night. :)

Simplicity

"Simplicity- Taking action to align one’s exterior world with one’s interior values and commitment to God.(2 Corinthians 4:18)

Through simplicity, we become consistent. We live out the values we profess; we discard what doesn’t serve us. Simplicity can help us overcome the general sense of “hurriedness” that hounds us daily. We become focused, energized and fruitful. We feel complete—not pulled in many directions, but rather in the one that really matters."

- willowcreek.org

in a way, i think melb has helped me to appreciate simplicity much more.

woke up really early today. wanted to snooze more, but cant seem to fall back to sleep. am not quite sure why, but yeah, it sure feels good waking up feeling pretty sane early in the morning. i desire this freshness everyday!

probably the key to good sleep, is when you have completed the day with a surrendered heart to Him. prayers and worship to restful sleep. :))

now finally, i think the verse by my bedside lamp makes sense. "I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me."- Psalms 3:5.

prayer meet was a refresher for the spirit and the soul indeed. :) it was a good time to exercise the true meaning of "surrendering" to Him in worship and prayers.

hearing the prayer needs of others stirred my heart, deeply. particularly one. it was timely. and i thought there and then, what will Jesus have done if He was me in the seat.

He will have surrendered the pain and load to our Father, and go forth to encourage others with His experience. afterall, He has His purpose for everything. do i trust Him? :)

i thank Him for the people in my life. :) you are very appreciated.

was blog reading.

touched by a love story. THE love story.

through His blood, we are redeemed.

what greater love than this?

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5&page=1&viewtype=&category=mv

prayers and sleep really collects one's feelings and emotions.

somehow, i felt it, and even as i mentioned that gramps was 100 years old to suet that night out of the blue, i felt strange.

it was supposed to be her hundredth birthday celebration on my first week here.

and finally somehow, as i asked about her another time yesterday late night, the dead silence from sis for many milliseconds on MSN tells me that it's true. and the reply finally came. think sis just cant hide it anymore, and the feelings within me were confirmed. thankfully, i wasnt talking to anyone on msn anymore except suet.

i tried flashbacking to 2 weeks ago and subsquently. and thinking back, i am strucked by how my parents really contained their emotions and called me sounding so happy each time. no one told me the truth for MY sake. they thought of me even in their pain.

and that made me cried more.

all my life, even till now, i learnt about honouring parents from my dad. his life is a true example of loving your parents, and giving them beyond what you have.

just when i was saying i learn through people's lives. so apt. dad is one of them. he taught me how to love my close ones. and he taught me through his life what's love for a mother. he taught me how to be mature in my emotions as well. like how he has demonstrated to me through the calls.

just praying for healing in dad's heart. he loves grandma very, very, very much.

writing this in the kitchen. tlp the barley drink taster is have some quality control over the contents in the pot. hahas!

our kitchen's turning into barley brewery man! so comical. so cute.

once again, i am so recharged after today's sharing time. suet brought us to a particular paragraph that's worth meditating on.

"First believe. Believe God loves you and made you for his purposes. believe you're not an accident. believe you were made to last forever. believe God has chosen you to have a relationship with Jesus, who died on the cross for you. believe that no matter what you've done, God wants to forgive you."

anw, just think that God sends His Love in His most unique way. :) i really can't believe how timely it was, i received an e-card too, from singapore that is! :)) as we bless, we are blessed too!

it was from joanna!

"Dearest Mingxiu,
I have been wanting to write to you to find out how things are for you but haven't had a chance to. So I'm taking this little short weekend break to let u know u're in my thoughts. Hope all is fine in Melbourne...are u coping well there? Shining for God and being a great testimony there? Do drop me a note when u're free! Will be praying for u!

Love,Joanna"

wheeee! so loved!

wanted to listen to singapore's national day theme song 2007. :) it's kit chan again if i am not wrong. Kit chan's always good stuff. love her voice.

but anyway, the songs can never beat the older ones we sang in childhood. they are still the best-est best. :))

all time warm-hearts fave. it sounds like a love song to Singapore.
-it's the little things.
http://www.singsingapore.org.sg/songs.asp

meeting yesterday was refreshing. in big ways, little ways. :) love the spirit of the people in God's house.

and finally got to see atom again. it just brings me back to the day where i saw dorcas in church too. listening to them share always makes you appreciate mothering and parenting a lot more.

and thank God for this gentle and timely reminder. mum's birthday's around the corner. :)

http://www.davidtatnall.com/

had a trip to city library today. his mini exhibition was on.

Melbourne: Pinhole.

some unique photos he took.

i always admire people who can capture the beauty of a person, or a structure. turning the seemingly ordinary into extraordinary.

photographers are one of them.

today. august 5th. plenty of new experiences.

-today, i felt a level up in terms of the sharing and fellowship in the house. i thank Him for the openness and the level of trust in the sharings. i believe that He will guide each one of us in His own unique ways, with different callings. we'll see how. :)

listening to them shared evoked some thoughts. think it was Him who placed a checkpoint for me to evaluate about the relationships that i've built in my life.

i am thankful. the heart felt light, and right. :) believe He has placed people in my life to mould me, and shape me in the way He meant for me to be, prior me leaving for here. and sure, i do believe that He will continue to use each one of us here to spur one another on in this journey.

-today, we had a sprint towards bus stop. pant a lot that is. we still missed the bus in the end. but somehow, it allowed us good time to put down our appreciation for our cg peeps and pearl at the bus stop. He being creative, think it was His unique way of setting apart time for us, to remember to give thanks for the people that He has placed in our lives thus far in Melb. and suddenly, the bus wait didnt seem that long anymore. :)

-today's svc marked the start of the 40days campaign. what touched me loads, was the gentle reminder that we were indeed, created by God to be loved and enjoyed by Him, and i liked the way that Ps Mark shared that we are the apples of His eyes.

CDS by gary made a lot of sense to me as well. the discussion came to a point where we discussed the fine line between perfectionism, and the spirit of excellence. who else, but Jesus, will be the perfect example who possessed the spirit of excellence. :)

-today, was my first time learning how to play mahjong in public. gloria jean's in QV that is. pretty radical. or should i say, crazy. :) but can't care much. it's melb. no one knows me, yet. and probably, not many seen the game even. but definitely an experience that will leave lasting impression within me. careleader mr pham wants to pick up this mental "sport" to build bridges in fellowship with the sg peeps. it attracted children and hongkonger as well. hmm. allure of mj.

- today, we took a visit to a church endowed with fine architecture. i realised that its been quite some time since i went to places like this and take a walk around. somewhere at the back of my heart, just felt that the way i appreciate these buildings held a different meaning to me now. prior knowing Him, these places seem to hold the perfect "ambience" for me to "feel" and probably experience even, His presence. it feels so much like a place where God will just probably appear right before you. it feels like THE place where your prayers will seemingly be amplified and heard more loudly.

now, i seem to have lost that feeling? this place, is probably one of the grandest churches i've seen by far. however, it felt more like, an appreciation of the structure, and the details of it. the appreciation of her beauty under the moonlight. and perhaps, a trigger in wanting to know about her history. but, that's probably about it, really.

i was trying to figure out, why the change. and somehow wondered if my heart has become dull to these things.

realised that, and i do hope that its true, that i have already bypass that need for tangibility to enter into His presence. its pretty much ready access now, with prayers and petitions, anytime, anywhere.

yet, the experience of and with Him is not less real than it is in these majestic buildings. :)

off to rest.

today was a good day. a blessed day. a joyful day. (:

healesville sanctuary.
the chat with Kim on bus.
the conversations virtually.
the conversations face-to-face in the house.

so much to say, but i think i ll save the writing for another day... (:

today's dinner was over at jace's and co. we cooked some dishes and sped our way through the biting cold with the pots and pans in our hands! :) so that is suet with tupperwares of chooks. me balancing pot of rice. tlp soup, and steph drinks.

geared in our comfort wear of slippers and i suspect, pyjamas for SOME of us, we really looked odd on the cold streets. steph's was classic: socks with slippers?!

nevertheless was good time with the rest, sharing the familiar chinese food and spending time in jace's bedroom, which apparently seems to be our "playpen".

tomorrow's off to healsville! kinda upbeat about it. i'm getting a lil sick of city and buildings. nature should be good stuff. the air should be good stuff too. pray that the weather will be clear and nice!

yesterday's meeting was refreshing. it's a faith journey ahead. but am thankful to Him for His providence in every little way.

eric shared about the parable of the good samaritan. it din seem to speak to me as much there and then. so scribbled some notes so that i may go back to it again at my own time.

thought about it as i got home. it's always easy to love someone lovable, give to someone whom we think "deserves it", to share with someone whom we are comfortable with.

was brought back to what my ex-shepherd used to share to me: to love with all your heart till it hurts, to give it all that you have till it hurts.

i suppose, we don't often give or love till it hurts, cos we detest the feeling of being vulnerable and having nothing left. humans being humans, we expect reciprocation. a conditional giving.

but i've learnt from the passage that, there are 3 distinct groups of people. the takers, the keepers, and the givers.

true giving, is where you invest your all without calculating the costs and expecting returns. not taking, not hoarding. true giving comes from Christ's love.

not easy.

but it sure can be done as we practise the art of giving. :)

off to watch amer football between bulldogs and eels. shower. sleep.

and, i just discovered a new thing!

shows 12.04am on laptop.

so it's 2.04am already. and i can't seem to fall asleep.

after shower, as i came back to the room and started packing my table briefly whilst i dried my hair, saw purpose-driven life book at the back of my laptop.

took it and fast-flip through it. read this book 2 years ago, when i was working for ACTS bookstore. but somehow, i think i didn't put in much heart into reading it, cos i can't really remember the contents now.

so, back to flipping again, a title kinda caught my attention.

it was What matters most.

so sort of put down everything at hand, and read through the verses below the title. i didn't want to read through the contents, cos ll want to leave till the actual day itself to read it when the campaign starts. yeah, pretty anal about such stuff. hahas.

one of the verses was on 2 john 1:6, new century version. checked out NIV's, and it gave me some fresh perspective about the whole idea of Love.

thinking back, whenever anyone talks about love, its always common to share about John 3:16, and probably, we hear much about Corinthians.

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love."
- 2 john 1:6.

not quite sure if this equation is right, but this verse seems to suggest to me that walking in love=walking in obedience with the Lord. it was a pretty fresh idea to me, as i have never associated obedience with the idea of love so much at all in my christian walk so far .

but true enough, i think this verse does speak of, to love one another, we are to walk in obedience in Christ. only obedience can bring about an unconditional and a pure love. without which, all love is out of human efforts.

i really suppose, this love will feel so right; one that is not tainted with impurities of sin, regrets or shame, but one that is pleasing, sweet and eternal, cos the heart has haboured and honoured obedience unto Him.

so, a gd reminder. though it may be hard sometimes, walking in obedience exudes love. (: