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. (:

had a good time today. :) got our printer, and got to visit baby rhema and her family.

and lunch was viet food at Footscray with housemates and Logan. dinner was home-cooked food by Eric's mum. it was really a nice time having some fellowship together over dinner, and watching baby rhema.

seeing Atom feeding Rhema has probably pricked some maternal instincts in everyone. babies are really wonderful gifts from God to the household. :)

and was quite nice to hear about the meaning of Rhema's chinese name from her grandma. unique. "Cong Mi". it means wisdom and joy. :)

really enjoyed the day. makes me feel so back at home. the journey back home was rather nice too. saw a big moon admist the fast moving clouds. not quite sure if it's full moon. but nevertheless, nice. :)

thank the Lord for always sending people, things, or even nature to be blessings.

tmr's cg is sports at La Trobe. :) look forward!

anw, was listening to the christian FM 89.9 yesterday in the library, and heard this song. and today, the song rang in my head, and i thought i may get to hear it again, so i plugged in my earphones, and true enough, it played this christian pop while i was on the bus to city. pretty moved by the story in the song. the lyrics are really kind of sweet, and meaningful. :)

to listen:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=41810611

Walking Her Home- Mark Schultz
Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date
the night he came to call

Her dad said,
"Son, have her home on time.
And promise me
you'll never leave her side."

He took her to a show in town
And he was ten feet off the ground

He was walking her home
holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled
it stole the breath right out of him

Down that old road
with the stars up above
He remembers where he was
the night he fell in love
He was walking her home

Ten more years and a waiting room
and half past one
and the doctor said
"Come in, and meet your son."

His knees went weak,
when he saw his wife
She was smiling as she said
"He's got your eyes."

As she slept he held her tight
His mind went back to that first night

He was walking her home
holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled
it stole the breath right out of him

Down that old road
with the stars up above
He remembers where he was
the night he fell in love
He was walking her home..

He walked her through
the best days of her life
Sixty years together
and he never left her side

A nursing home
At eighty five
And the doctor said
"It could be her last night."

And the nurse said
"Oh, should we tell him now
Or should he wait until
the morning to find out?"

But when they checked
her room that night
He was laying by her side

He was walking her home
holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled
when he said "This is not the end."

Just for a while
They were eighteen
And she was still more beautiful
to him than anything
He was walking her home

He was walking her home

Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date
the night he came to call...

was reading hongteck's blog, where i came across a familiar photo, which i recalled seeing 10 over years ago. i remembered doing a simple show-and-tell on that newspaper article when i was in Primary 2 or 3.


it was the photograph that epitomized Sudan's famine. and Kevin Carter received the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for this shot.

so googled his name and read his story online, on how he went from fame, to suicide in 2 months. read his life story as well, and from the article, it wrote that Carter's suicide note went something like this, :

"The pain of life overrides the joy to the point that joy does not exist."

and yeah, maybe tlp was right. she said i was looking bothered as i went out of room to the kitchen to make some ginger tea before i carry on reading about Carter's life story. prolly cos this sentence that he wrote in his note just keeps on ringing in my head.

i am trying to imagine myself as Carter, to figure out, exactly how much "pain" he went through..that it hurts so much, that he chose death to escape the hurts of the world.

i can't really seem to understand why he held the pain so tightly. but of course, i knew his life must have been hurting so much, that he can't wait to let it go. losing best friend, failed relationships, witnessing multiple deaths and executions, saw the impact of famine. i bet he must be thinking where is God in all these happenings.

came to a point where i figured that, probably is really about hope in, trust in and probably even, obedience to the Lord. am not quite sure thou, but prolly the loss of hope, is the reason why Carter decided to end it there and then?

sleepy. shall sleep on it for now.

and it feels really nice to listen to chinese songs after so long. :))

washing machine tumbling our laundry now.

went preston market with suet this morn, and joined char and co. for some pizza lunch. realised that doing veggies shopping wasn't that an easy chore for us.

purchasing non-perishables are still our forte. hahas. like tissue boxes. nothing can go too wrong with that.

and our landlord finally gave our fridge a change. now there's a new and COLD fridge. yay. fresh food from now.

also trying to grasp the art of sorting out the clothing pieces- i.e which piece will colour-run, which won't. which clothing the wooley wooley bits will fall out, which won't. and the tags at the clothes of washing instructions aren't helpful all the time. hahas.

cooking's fine so far. trials and errors. so far, satisfied with our home-cooked food. i'm sure after one year, we will all be fantastic cooks. :) all things start from small. hahas. :))

laptop's showing singapore time 4.38pm. in an hour or so, they will have their uni evangelistic service! heard that X2 is tapping on the service and going for 130 people today! wow! praying for it to come to passss!

cooking time!

(and suet just said she thinks we have bought the wrong tofu for our dish. the silkened tofu we bought is meant for desserts, not to fry with others. hurhur. )

my spiritual fam. :) and more phots awaits.

5.35am.

on cold floor.

but all warm within.

internet's finally up for me! it really feels great to be able to connect with everyone once more over the net! missing all of you! (: glad to hear from all of you! and thanks for all the encouragement!

and thanks to eil for his cd which is keeping me company now! matt redman's Facedown. the praise and worship songs really renewed me!

blessings! and i thank God for each and every blessings in my life. in big, obvious ways, and in small little ways. (: from great peeps in church to this internet connection which wouldnt work for me in the entire afternoon, which amazingly worked immediately after prayers a while ago

though sometimes, the thoughts of running back to comfort zone feels pretty real, but i am really thankful for the help of people around who have made me feel comfortable and at home. (:

anw, to my darlings in singapore:
missin' the summery sun in sing! nevertheless, thank you for all your prayers and lovely encouragement letters/photos/smses that warms me up in the freezing cold! you guys hv been great, and i know that you will be greater when i see you all again! (: Acts 2 generation!

to the great peeps in melbs (which i don't think any of them will be reading this thou', hahas):
have been deeply blessed by all of you. the presence and all kinds of support has definitely helped me to assimilate faster, and comfortably. and to the bros and sisters, its great to be serving with passionate Christ-lovers like all of you. really compels and motivates me to give my best in this race too. really. (:

anw, the verses in Rom 5 shared during small group this week were really apt. it made much sense to me along the way, helping me to appreciate the verses even more.

Peace and Joy
"1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God..........5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

40 days purpose driven life: ready? :))

showered.

refreshed. the weather's humid beyond description.

showering's always a good time to sing songs, and reflect in the most casual manner possible.

discipline.

to see beyond.

to be prayerful.

to give.

to embrace flaws, to affirm about strengths.

to be a good listener.

thought about it. some things don't need an immediate answer. or rather, it shouldnt have immediate answers.

let it grow.

what's going through your mind

proud of you woman! :))

http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_133895.html

last friday was graduate's dinner at Mariner's Corner. :)) and was thoroughly surprised to bump into vincent who was working there, and fel who helped out at the restaurant that day!

all in all, was once again a good time catching up with the folks. and taking more photos.

thanks ce ce for the phots!

cheers to the OTties! :))

was talking to reg online just now.

i am really very thankful to Him for everything that i have now in my life.

sometimes, it's really difficult to put down some baggages that were packed previously. i didnt really realise i was carrying them till reg highlighted them to me.

i thank God He found me. and i am able to put them down today, and give thanks with a grateful heart that, with Him, the yoke is easy, the burden is light.

love you Lord. thanks for looking after me.

past week was eventful. and was greatly touched by God's blessings in a lot of areas of my life! prayers answered! :))

evo was really homely too. i love the people. i enjoyed the planning process with mei and leslie as well. i really believe that as the people unite tog, we will experience breakthroughs tog!

RP,DI, NYP! Let's serve the Lord tog with one heart one vision! :)

though physically i wont be with this new combination, i am really excited to hear great news fr everyone! growth will definitely take place!

:)

went down to church office to collect the cheque and passed some stuff to june. june was really nice. hahas. gave me practical tips, and some handy advice on packing for my trip.

headed to vivo thereafter. eclectic group. meihwa, DI-ians, yuhui, eil, sam, kok how. nevertheless, was gd fellowship. surf's up cute! dinner was simple yet sumptous. gloria jean's was great. taking photos under the moonlight was good memory.

i want to take many many many photos of everyone to bring with me!

evo- pic with the girls!

lead me dear Lord, as i venture down under.

water bapt may 2007.

seeing this pict made me smile.

i don't know why, but it made me smile. i feel the vibes of spiritual family.

so blessed.

20 days.

and possibly, as in just a possibility, the next time i get around to see everyone will be 365+20.

tt's quite a bit.

i really wonder, how it will all be like a year later, y'know?

showered, and intended to rest earlier tonight after i reach home.

however, as i was waiting for my hair to dry, i was reading juli's blog. and she had this link to this couple's blog.

http://ashleyisourangel.blogspot.com/

as the lullaby played on, i can't help but teared. the thing is, i don't know them even.

but yeah. i was really touched by how they chose to trust God in everything. every single thing, despite losing 3 children thus far.

sometimes, in such situations that demands your faith and trust in God, one can't help but scream within their hearts..where is God in the picture?

but this couple is amazing..
"However in life, there are many things about tomorrow we don’t seem to understand but we know who holds tomorrow and we know who holds our hands."

"But God does not want us to grieve as ‘people who have no hope’ (1 Thess 4:13). Even as we grieve, God tell us the truth about where our babies have gone. They’ve been dismissed from the hospital called Earth. You and I still roam the halls, smell the medicines and eat coalescent food off plastic trays. They, meanwhile, enjoy picnics, inhale springtime and run-through knee-high flowers. We miss Ashley like crazy but we can’t deny the truth that she’s freed from all pain and struggles and tubes and incubator. She’s really happier in Heaven, in the company of all other child-angels like herself."

:)

anyway, on a lighter note, today was spent with joel, ace, huimei, liyan meeting Ps marcus, his wife stephanie and baby sonika! they came from hope germany to singapore for learning.

had some good time w stephanie, and i thoroughly enjoyed the company of this family. germans are really forthright people! :))

learnt a lot, and one thing that i have came to understand about germany is that, though many are Christians by name, they may not acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah, and does not really have a personal relationship with God. and basically, many are passive by nature. that made sharing the truth a whole lot challenging.

baby sonika was a true joy to the family! and a "natural evangelist". a tough young lady! although the weather was really hot for her, she did not cry a bit. although she fell real hard on the floor, she just struggled to climb up and then, go running all over again! she can be sitting in the pram, waving and smiling at passer-bys. hahahas. you will have instant connection with her!

and i really love how stephanie beamed and exclaimed that she believed God made her baby this way for a greattt purpose. :))

Hoffnung Berlin = Hope Berlin.

here's Hope Germany's webbie! hahas. that is, if you understand german! :)) http://www.hoffnungberlin.de/

fruitful day. helped out in deco too. through these 2 days, i have also realised how committed the brothers and sisters are in doing a work of excellence for Jesus week in and week out. how they really practised on the instruments (for the band), the lightings and sound (MM peeps), the singers for p and w, the programmer (ensuring all things click tog), the deco team, dance team, video programmers etc etc, all for one service!

wow. spirit of excellence.

Expect "Unexpected Valentine" tomorrow for service! :))

today was church office day! :))

went down with leslie and liyan for tape listening.

i really learnt A LOTTT.

when my brain is not as zonked out as now, i ll post up my reflections.

lunched out with the duo and jasmine hahas. jas had her usual dose of giam cai.

had a gd time of fellowship. as we were sharing over lunch, i really can't help but give thanks for our family, Hope.

i love the church, the people.

and i am deeply blessed, that almost wherever we go, there's a Hope family for us. like when i went to Penang. like when i am going to Melb. it's amazing. :)

i thank God for the global minded people, who have decided to plant churches in the different cities, with one vision of building strong and biblical churches in their local land and all over the world.

one God, one vision, one mission.

Matthew 28.

learnt a lot from CLM ytd.

i pray that i will have a heart big for people. i pray that i will be a willing vessel to be used in any way by Him. i pray, that i will be sensitive to His calling. i pray that i will be obedient, and sacrificial to be upward and outward looking.

i can start by praying for the land that i am stepping foot on.

marche-d with nemo, ace and yuyu aft hope resources meeting today. totally great time, except for the part where we were trying hard to stuff the many different types of meat down. man, we are no vege people. no one bought veges! hahas.

i want to love Him, more than anything, and anyone else.

soul desire, sole desire.

although it wrenches my heart many times, i know that i will never go wrong when i follow His lead. i want to be obedient, i want to do the right thing. i am giving my best, and all that i've got. i've got to admit, i have an emotional streak in me. i still can't bear to go.
but, it all seems to me, i should just let go, and go.

Psalm 118:1 : Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

spent good time with class peeps yesterday at Aspire cafe. i really didn't know it was THAT near church office!

the turn up was almost complete and we had the place to ourselves. i loved the fact that we are to write on the cards to affirm and encourage everyone! thanks for the effort that Sil and team put in for the nicely made cards!

i love OT0402. like what rui said, she had the privilege of naming it the "Legendary" when she was the yr 1 class rep. indeed, i am proud that we lived up to it. :))

i pray that as this journey goes, we will still be connected in one way or another. Be it as a clinician, or in some other profession, i hope our paths will still cross somehow.

it's graduation again. counting my kindergarten's, it's the fifth in my lifetime already. :)

but somehow, it's really through these past 3 years, that i felt i studied about "life", and not books.

anyway, spent the night at suet's. with steph and elisa. suet's hse is just BEHIND church office. hurhur. no wonder she knows Hope, even before i mention it. hahas.

this girl's with me to church in melb! wheeeeeee!

off to nexus!

the Legendary.

certain things, i still can't let go.
but i believe in Him, i am an overcomer. :)

i ll miss corrinne may's concert. its in aug. do get ur tix. :)) she's great.

anw, i thought the previous personality post thingy described me rather aptly.

--------------------------

what a mel night. ha.

to sum up my thoughts-

Untitled.

I really dont know how to start

there's really plenty on my heart.

knowing my future's in His hands

dreams, hopes and plans.

Fear fled,

joy sets.

i began to ask Him

where does this whole journey goes

sometimes, i feel that i often stepped into the unknown,

the matters of mind, and sometimes the heart.

i plead to the Spirit

to reveal His ways to me.

i tried to dicepher

and found answers through print.

But i realise, no amount of acquired knowledge

can ever satisfy the quest

until you sit by His feet,

and listen to His soft voice, in peace.

'My child, stand by me.

Haven't you experienced my heartbeat?

Trust in me, and lean not on thy own understanding,

and imitate Christ's humility.

In all things, I am with you.

As you remain in Me..'

-mx 050607

random: glad to hear your voice.

You Have A Type B+ Personality

You're a pro at going with the flow You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer A total joy to be around, people crave your stability. While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity. Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done You're passionate - just selective about your passions

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

heartbeat. in a summary.

• its pretty surreal, that i have approximately 40 days left with my loved ones before i poof off for a year. heart: feels funny.
• missions conference yesterday was powerful. serving Jesus is really a privilege. heart: touched.
• i desire to develop a missions heartbeat. it always starts from somewhere. let now be the somewhere. heart: impacted, greatly.
• i din sleep a wink last night, though i retire to bed at 10.30pm, and tried to shut my eyes. heart: avoidance.
• i cried, for a friend. heart: burdened.
• i prayed, for the friend. heart: uplifted, and assured.
• i cried, about 1 thing that has been weighing me down. heart: confused.
• i prayed, and in worship. heart: peace.

i realised that as i grow up, my heart has undergone various heart conditions over the years.

just like biologically, heart is a muscle, it strengthens when you exercise and work it correctly; i feel that my heart has had a good workout for the past 5 years.

it has strengthened, in love, in burden, in warmth, in sensitivity, in passion.

not by my own works, but by partnering with the Holy Spirit, every minute and second.

heart-to-hearts. His to ours.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LGW75qkpcQ

was blog surfing. came across this.

how do you feel?

me. disturbed.

moreover, i love cows.

today was once again, a great day. with hannah dear for the day and cg in the evening.

hannah just came back from the family camp in JB. yeah, she's married. HAHAS.

nahh..she was part of the HOPEKids camp team, and that's why she was there, tog with yuhan, aifang and joey. seriously, i am very, very, very proud of these girls!

i thank God for their hearts, for wanting to invest their time and energy to build strong and biblical children, so that they will grow, to be strong and biblical people, to plant strong and biblical churches!

hearing hannah share, i know that this camp was fantabulous. Children desiring to worship the Lord; children strong in the Word. It was really encouraging and warm to my heart! :)

hannah shared about many children, and i came to this conclusion that, you may not know a lot, but still, you can love God a lot, like children. :)

this faith that they have for Jesus, their uncompromising love for Jesus, is really something that i know that i can model after.

now, as i reflect about the sharings, and coupled with listening to the song in blog background, i really thank God for the HOPEKids team, for being a bunch of people who believe in these children, and pouring their lives to nourish them. :)

It certainly encouraged me, to walk closely with God, to love Him wholeheartedly, so as to be a Godly role model, and ambassador for Christ for my children in future. I will really hope to be able to love and guide my child, in likeness of Him loving and guiding me, and not to give up when it gets tough, disciplining with love, just like Him.

thanks shar, for the song. it spoke to me greatly too. :)

"I want to know You Lord,
You are a great big God
I'm young and do not know a lot
Come and be my all..

I want to love You more
Giving Him my life and all
You died for me
You sacrificed
I won't forget you Lord...

I love You, Jesus
I'll grow up knowing You.
I love You, Jesus
I'll grow up serving You
I love You Jesus
My life is saved by You.
I'll never forget, never forget
I'll grow up loving You...."

imagine, your children singing this in future. indeed, lovely. :)

today was a simple, but nice day. :)

morning- sentosa with lee rui rui!
photos taken from rui's. :)

afternoon- school for some final fyp-ping matters. one of the photos taken this year during one our meetings in sch lib!

night- dinner at newyorknewyork with OILY aglio olio (thks to rui's recipe...)

[HOPE beyond borders: bring hope through our global communities!]

Missions conference this thurs! quite prepped up about it. chose the conference on south africa. so went to church webbie to find out more about missions in this area.

http://www.hopesingapore.org.sg/mission.html

i was really amazed at how the church has planted seeds in these areas of africa! HOPE in

Africas:- Ethiopia- Ghana- Kenya- South Africa- Togo.

There will be a exploration trip to Gaborone, Botswana in july soon! was reminded of Blood Diamond. :)

"Located just north of South Africa, Botswana is one of Africa’s most peaceful, stable and successful countries. She is also the world’s largest producer of diamonds. There are just so many possibilities in advancing God’s kingdom in this prosperous and beautiful nation..."

HB has been awarded the Tsuyoshi Sato Lecture at the coming Hong Kong APOTC. Hence, he has decided to dedicate the lecture to future occupational therapists. Title chosen: "Of dreams and aspirations: The future of occupational therapy through the eyes of young practitioners".

So a couple of us went back to sch and supposedly share your views and positive thoughts of OT. Video cam-ed. and it will be on part of his lecture.

I realised how difficult it is to respond in interviews to video cam can. I kowtow to TV artistes. Think they are like seasoned. hahass.

And HB cooked! at the classroom with stove. So dinner was Penang Hokkien Mee! relived my days in Penang. hahas. with lots of chilli prepared by assistant chef lee rui rui!

was nice sitting around in class once more, but this time, not lecture notes, but with food and just some casual table talk. guess no more days like these anymore in nyp. :)

i really appreciate my past 3 years in this studies. it was a journey of growth and maturity.

anw, was packing my room a lil earlier on, where i saw an old leaflet of past events that i have attended. typed the url and came to some photos galore! HAHA. *evil grin.

GUESS WHO IS THIS?!

ok, some hints and disclaimers first.

1. the photo was taken in Year 2003, so the person may have changed a little.

2. it's NOT me, though i looked as black as that during this event. hahas.

3. she's was still a non-believer then.

4. That means to say, she's a friend in church now.

alrights, proceed with guessing. HAHAHAHAHAHAS.

had an insightful chat with pearline over msn.

i am all excited for melb!

Hope Melb team is currently sending 2 cgs to establish a student group in the area of Melb that includes La Trobe. And yes, am roped in to be part of this team! Ps Mark's advice was to attend the church in city instead of Waverly's, as city's church is leading the churchplanting movement in area inclusive of Bundoora. (so yeah, my guess was confirmed. it's in city.so.. i will be living ~16km away right..? hahas bus bus bus (: )

i like what Pearl said. as much as she thinks it will take time to adapt and adjust to the culture, she mentioned that it won't be at all that difficult. afterall, its "same vision, same mission, same excitement. Different strategies, different people, but all God's people wanting to expand His Kingdom!". Her spirit was infectious!

For students, CG is by schools. and they have established student clubs such as Campus Christian Movement. La Trobe is working towards that.

as the chat continues, i really felt the adrenaline. you can literally see how He works in your life when you ask of Him to direct.

I have been vexed over gritty issues recently. but am assured that these feelings are temporal.

I have learnt that the beauty of Christ, is that He never reacts; instead, He responds with love and full understanding of your life, thoughts, and emotions.

I really want to worship, My Lord
You have all my heart, and I am Yours..
Forever and ever,
I will love you..

You are the only one who died for me..
Gave Your life to set me free
So i lift my voice to You
In adoration...

addicted to rocher.

now, i pathetically looked at the SIX wrappers on my table. in a span of 15 minutes.

scoff at myself, for having a high and mighty ambition of keeping myself fit for this one month. but i am pleased to say that i am now much more receptive to a greater variety of vegetables. thanks to Penang. *beams.

sis mentioned ytd tt she hadnt been going to gym, and her membership is wasting away. i volunteered to be her accompanying member for this one month since they offer such a deal. hawhaw. i want to do all the boxercise stuff.

i have never been a great supporter of gym. i always believe that nature induces motivation. to me, running on the roads beats treadmilling, anytime.

anyway, i have been thinking about the kids in penang these few days. i realised, the sessions were "playtime" for myself too. the times with them were simply, fun. (:

i particularly miss two of 'em. S.y. and T.y. Wonder if s.y misses tyre swing (he calls it the tyre "swim") and the shark ("CRASH!!"), and if t.y is getting used to the new sch, and growing teeth? ((:

i was really blessed by them. they have made me appreciate the joy of serving children.

hurhur. t.y totally reminded me of my couz to a great great extent! (:

thought of the people abroad.

1. jean in china

2. lolli! didn't catch her when she left for nepal. but glad to hear that she is doing great works in Nepal! way to go!

it heartens me, when the spiritual family is serving One God, on many grounds.

the unity, in diversity, made stronger by Him. (:

finally got the feel that, we don't really have all the time in the world.

heard from suet's that seems like only 8th juls and 4th juls flights are available now.

apart from that, visa.

and housing too. (:

and that's what we fret about for the whole of today's afternoon.

we browsed through the pamphlets that the counsellor gave us. peered at the complicated maps. gotten some webbies. finding the cheapest deal.

it's really not an airy fairy affair. (:

anyway, looking at it from another note, it's pretty fun sourcing out the best deals, and trying to accomodate all 5 of us in the same area. a time whereby we can nicely mix with the internationals, at the same time, have some kind of comfortable support among ourselves.

that aside, am checking out the address of church too. really cross my fingers that it's a stone throw away from home. well, after Penang's experience, i believe that there's always a way out from Him. Just like the faithful ol' cabbie in Penang who drove me to and fro every sunday! hahas. but suet joked that cab fares in Melb will be no joke. *coughs.

committing it to Him!

had a great day of fellowship with Ace and Yuyu after that. nydc-ed. agreed with Ace that we had a fruitful time, sparring on a few thoughts, and though we may not always agree, i am glad we ever shared our opinions and values on various situations. firmly believe this is the way to improvement for myself, and the way to grow. (:

evening was with stella. this dear table tennis junior of mine in poly never fail to crack me up. i love her forthright attitude, and her innocence as she shoots her mouth off. hahas. was comfortable hearing her share about her life recently. (i always feel comfortable and enjoys being the listener, hahas!)

----

was browsing through some photos of mine. nostalgia. prolly only me myself will know the reason behind such feelings. (:

i got to insist that i am easily moved by things around me. its really dead easy to make me tear, you know. hahas.

reflected about certain pertinent parts of my life. carefully dishing out pieces of my heart, and weighing it before the Lord.

seriously, i am no saint. during my private times with Him, i realised what a rag i am. and its always through these times, that i realise, that i am far from reflecting the perfect image of Christlikeness.

there are many times that i do feel unworthy. that i feel pretty undeserving of His Love and faithfulness towards me. i recall reading in McMenamin's book, that sometimes, our energy is sapped because our heart simply isn't right.

it brought me to a passage in Hebrews.
"..let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne..." Heb 1:1-2 (NLT)

the passage ended with an encouraging note
"..10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong...."

the whole passage encourages me to be on deliverance, and to acknowledge that Christ has set us free!

I respond to take captive of every thought that may not be pleasing to Him. And i know, His discipline comes with Love. (:

there have been things which i feel queasy about for quite some time. but at the same time, as i spent time with the Lord on these matters, i do feel a ton uplifted.

i somehow felt that, what i used to deem important, seem to be somewhat unimportant already. perhaps, this is the start of looking at things from a bigger picture? hurhur.

strengthened. (:

end off with a pic of sun's steamboat, where i thoroughly enjoyed the "eilton-calls-it-the-spice-girls-long-walk" with cady, yuhan, deb and yuyu. t'was the bestest time of fellowshipping aft so long. (:

today was significant. water baptism once again!

kaisze, geng, khok yen, rayiant, and dawn!!

like what deb said, finally it came to pass for dawn! recall how she rejected gg for water bapt several times before. so glad that she really obeyed and took the step of faith now! never too late!

the meetup with HB planted something within my heart. He mentioned about having enough passion to set apart 2 years of our lives to sign up with red cross, and volunteer at less developed countries.

sounds so missions-minded, isn't it?

as i chew on that, my mum was watching a show that was recorded by sis. It was xi you ji- hosted by Belinda on how some locals went to parts of the world that was less known to work.

i was deeply touched by the lady who volunteered at this village in China, so touched that it brought about tears to my mum's and my eyes. powerful isn't it. :)

then Mum casually asked me, if I ever have the chance, and with the blessings of my parents, will I go for it?

At that point in time, missions came to my mind.

i was deeply encouraged by the vast avenues of entering a country with what i have studied, the healthcare profession.

i am eager to see His Hand working in my life in this area.

-----
random:
some thoughts in me.
I just want to shout out louddddddddddddddddddddddddddd!!!!!!!

seriously, time flies. it has been almost a week since we are back.

still having a little hangover. like what chuns says, sometimes you wake up, you thought that you are still in Penang. :))

the past few days had been catchups with peeps, and spending some time with myself. :) mon was with yuhan, tues myself, wed with caregroup, thurs w rui and ceyu.

and today's to sch for debrief with HB on Penang.

trying to get parts of my life orientated and organised. it's going well. :)

i thank the Lord for Jean, who remembered me, and we had chats over the phone with her in China and me in Penang. Feels gd to hear from her! Know that she is one hardy woman who thrive in the foreign land! Proud of you Utan!

anw, picts of first day in Penang :)

hahas. that's like how much i can upload for the time being. system's down! :)

Check out my Slide Show!

I am back from an amazing trip from Pulau Pinang.

She is greatly missed. :)

Of course, there are many updates that i must put up to share about the really wonderful island. However, I shall kickstart the sharing with my deepest appreciation to 2 families besides Ms Pek and Mr Lim, who have taken care of us very much like their family when we were living there. :) feel so loved!

The Wong family.

And the Cheah family. :)

Notice the similarity? FOOODDDDD! hahas. we were fed well during our stay there. :))

Some photos on slideshow first. :)) more to come when time allows. :))

Random:

1. Going for Caregroup later! all excited! it's been 8 weekssss since i last joined them.

2. I have sent in my part time job application to my long lost kindergarten school teacher, who is now a principal of an enrichment centre! took quite some time to pray about this, and finally, found some courage to send her an email last night! and yes, shall await some positive reply, i hope. :)

The email goes....

"Dear Mrs Jessica Tan,

I am not sure if you remember me. :) I am Mingxiu, graduating soon from the School of Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy in Nanyang Polytechnic. I was once your student in Living Streams from Year 1990 till 1991 (that's many many years ago!). I chanced upon your education banner under my Block a couple of months ago. I noticed the banner on Special Education and it sparked off in me a keen interest to know more about your programmes.

I have just completed my 7 weeks Overseas Clinical Attachment in Penang. I was attached to the LIONS REACh (Resource and Education for Autistic Children, Penang), a voluntary welfare organisation, where I mainly worked with children with autism, age range from 2 years old to adolescents of age approximately 23 years old. My role over there is mainly to conduct therapy sessions that are more sensory integrative and play focused. However, I also participated in sessions that are social skills, self-help and behavioural modification-based.

This trip has helped me to develop a keen interest to work with children in a community-based rehabilitation setting. I was then reminded of your special school located in the heartland of Singapore, that provides services catered to children with special needs. :)

I am currently awaiting enrollment to a 1 year degree coversion program in La Trobe University, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in mid July this year. Hence, I will like to humbly enquire if there is a vacancy for a part-timer in your special school, as an administrator, or as an assistant to the special education teachers from now till mid july? The main reason for this enquiry is to hope to have an opportunity to work with the children, and to learn more about the programmes provided in Jessin Special School. I sincerely hope that I can be given this opportunity to learn from your programmes, and in turn, I hope that I can serve the children enrolled in your special school from the little experience that I have, as much as possible.

I have visited your website and understand that your programme lasts for 20 weeks. I am willing to accept a position that will bring about minimal disruption to your programmes.

Attached is my CV. I am looking forward to contributing, and experiencing a fruitful time in your school.

Thank you very much for taking time to address this email, and hope to hear from you soon.

Warmest regards,
Mingxiu"

:))

3. I went around some corners of Singapore on Mon and Tues to orientate myself back to my homeland. hahahs. Were great long walks. Bought a book at tecman when I passed by and sat by starbucks to digest the book. It's title? :)

"When You're Running on Empty" by Cindi McMenamin.

The first few chapters were already insightful. It emphasized that one should not just rest, and relax. That's a temporary fix.

One should Refuel during these resting times. Recharge and rejuvenate oneself through God and His Word. :)

Hence, the R & R that we commonly know? That's "Refuel" and "Rejuvenate". :)

I'm back!

for 2 days.

and this is the second day. hahas!

heard great testimonies from Singapore! Converts from Easter and powerful healing session during Camp! Praise the Lord! God has been really good!

God has been good in Penang as well. :)) He has blessed me with great support and contacts. Pulau Pinang is a beautiful place. I am learning a lot from the people, the children in the centre, the culture, the food, Hope Church Penang, and of course, i have learnt a whole lot more about myself. :))

Going back tonight and expecting a packed but exciting 4 weeks ahead! The centre's celebrating the 20th Anniversary this Sunday, and i am really looking forward to the children dance!

some pics to bring u guys to a peek of Penang first. more to come when i m back in sing in May. :))

till May..take cr! :))