It's supposed to be E-Learning week for NIE students BUT...we have so many things to do! Project meetings, rehearsals for Reader's Theatre, I have spent on Thursday, close to EIGHT HOURS drawing and colouring and drawing and colouring my props for my Reader's Theatre Performance on Tuesday at NIE..am so tired..Next week's crazy, 4 presentations, plus rehearsals for Chinese New Year service...
I have questions!
Questions for myself and to ask God...
1) When every guy around you treats you like a buddy, and treats you in a very "chor lor" manner, does that mean that the one that sees all this and treats you with much gentleness and respect is the ONE? hehehe...yes he is very wen1 rou2..How far do I want to compromise? I wait in anticipation...
2) What plans does God has for me in this new school? No longer a boys' school but I am sure missing my little boys now...
3)When God places many new people in my life and they warm up almost immediately to me, does that mean I would be shepherd to many more?
4)Should I go for Grade 7 exams this year? Can I afford the time and the dough? at least a few more $K lei...was looking at my CPF statement the other day and saw the EXORBITANT amount of money that I owe the Singapore government or rather my mum, I wanna cry...when I can finish servicing my debt?
ah...questions questions..
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
David and Pui See's Wedding 3rd Feb 2007
I was very privileged to be able to play violin for two of our Church Planters in Chile, David and Pui See.
It was a very lovely and definitely God-centred wedding whereby you see two people with equal visions and zeal and passion for the lost in the mission field coming together as a couple, definitely the Kingdom of God will be extended to greater extent!
From the praise and worship songs chosen by them, led by Priscilla from NG12, the songs they had chosen, 1 Chinese praise and worship, 2 English songs, Draw Me Close and How Great Thou Art, all sung in at least 2-3 languages, English, Malay and Spanish. It really depicts the couple's wish to be able to touch people from different nationalities and different tongues to hear the Word of God.
I personally was very inspired by their videos where they showed the charity work they had carried out in the land of Chile, the language courses they taught, the Christmas present giveaway, where you see our Church planters dressed up as Santa Claus and singing to the people there...It really takes a great heart for the people to be able to go out of your own comfort zone to touch people of different races.
Ps Dinah shared about how the couple grew to love each other, it was not a typical "I fell in love, or love at first sight" kinda love story, it was thru working together on the missions field when they grew fond of each other and that it was the mutual understanding that God is in the center of their relationship.
At that point of time during the dinner, there were jokes shared on how Pui See told her good friend then that it be IMPOSSIBLE for her to marry David many years ago due to each other's quirky habits. When each couple wrote down what they want their children to inherit on separate pieces of paper, me and another sis joked behind on saying what kinda response they would write, eg looks lah, intellect la...when the emcee finally revealed the couple's separate response, we were all touched and inspired when they had actually written that they want both their children to inherit their heart and vision for God in the missions field.
It was not rehearsed or coordinated kinda response but it really reflects 2 hearts beating as one for the glory of God!
Although it was a small-scale but it was really a cosy wedding by the poolside of Furama Riverfront.
Congrats once again David and Pui See! Thank God for such a godly couple! :D
Photos with the couple are at another cam, sorry yeah?
Dinner tables at the poolside
Me and CC
The cute flower girl Michelle and Page Boy Daniel
Me and Choon Yam
grabbing the two bros, Daniel and Moses for a shot
It was a very lovely and definitely God-centred wedding whereby you see two people with equal visions and zeal and passion for the lost in the mission field coming together as a couple, definitely the Kingdom of God will be extended to greater extent!
From the praise and worship songs chosen by them, led by Priscilla from NG12, the songs they had chosen, 1 Chinese praise and worship, 2 English songs, Draw Me Close and How Great Thou Art, all sung in at least 2-3 languages, English, Malay and Spanish. It really depicts the couple's wish to be able to touch people from different nationalities and different tongues to hear the Word of God.
I personally was very inspired by their videos where they showed the charity work they had carried out in the land of Chile, the language courses they taught, the Christmas present giveaway, where you see our Church planters dressed up as Santa Claus and singing to the people there...It really takes a great heart for the people to be able to go out of your own comfort zone to touch people of different races.
Ps Dinah shared about how the couple grew to love each other, it was not a typical "I fell in love, or love at first sight" kinda love story, it was thru working together on the missions field when they grew fond of each other and that it was the mutual understanding that God is in the center of their relationship.
At that point of time during the dinner, there were jokes shared on how Pui See told her good friend then that it be IMPOSSIBLE for her to marry David many years ago due to each other's quirky habits. When each couple wrote down what they want their children to inherit on separate pieces of paper, me and another sis joked behind on saying what kinda response they would write, eg looks lah, intellect la...when the emcee finally revealed the couple's separate response, we were all touched and inspired when they had actually written that they want both their children to inherit their heart and vision for God in the missions field.
It was not rehearsed or coordinated kinda response but it really reflects 2 hearts beating as one for the glory of God!
Although it was a small-scale but it was really a cosy wedding by the poolside of Furama Riverfront.
Congrats once again David and Pui See! Thank God for such a godly couple! :D
Photos with the couple are at another cam, sorry yeah?
Dinner tables at the poolside
Me and CC
The cute flower girl Michelle and Page Boy Daniel
Me and Choon Yam
grabbing the two bros, Daniel and Moses for a shot
Friday, February 02, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
In pain
I know having a toothache stands at one of the lowest ranks the hall of fame of the different kinds of pain. But I must say that I have not felt so hopeless for a very long time. Before the internet connection goes down I must blog this down.
On Friday I went for my tooth operation, the anaesthetic took one hour and the surgery was a quick half an hour, but after the effects wore off, I was in great pain. Prolly because the tooth had decayed and infected the nerve area.
I cried myself to sleep, din know I was so helpless, I thought I was garang enough to withstand lotsa injuries, just this tiny toothache has defeated me?
I could hardly open my mouth, being a loud blabbermouth this is tough..I could not chew and till today 4 days after the operation, I am still on liquid food. I can't burst out in laughter like I always do, and face is still swollen...:(
The immense hunger and pain got me depending on GOd more, knowing that it is impossible for me NOT to open my mouth over the weekend with the birthday celebrations and church, having to sing and all...
Today my NIE fren, Mazlin told me she went through the pains of childbirth so her threshold of pain has increased...well, Lord help me then to ease this pain! Thanks for all the bros and sis who prayed for my healing...appreciate it lots!
Argh...
On Friday I went for my tooth operation, the anaesthetic took one hour and the surgery was a quick half an hour, but after the effects wore off, I was in great pain. Prolly because the tooth had decayed and infected the nerve area.
Moral of the story: Never delay your dental appointment.
I cried myself to sleep, din know I was so helpless, I thought I was garang enough to withstand lotsa injuries, just this tiny toothache has defeated me?
I could hardly open my mouth, being a loud blabbermouth this is tough..I could not chew and till today 4 days after the operation, I am still on liquid food. I can't burst out in laughter like I always do, and face is still swollen...:(
The immense hunger and pain got me depending on GOd more, knowing that it is impossible for me NOT to open my mouth over the weekend with the birthday celebrations and church, having to sing and all...
Today my NIE fren, Mazlin told me she went through the pains of childbirth so her threshold of pain has increased...well, Lord help me then to ease this pain! Thanks for all the bros and sis who prayed for my healing...appreciate it lots!
Argh...
Monday, January 22, 2007
Difficulty in walking...shiong weekend
It really takes sure grit for me to walk around my NIE campus today...super pain!
My muscles everywhere are aching so badly...my legs and arms...
Today my Papa dropped me off at NIE carpark 3 near the canteen, I had to rush to my 830am lecture..then i met the STAIRS. The longest one in NIE yet...I felt like dying...wahhah you know little Mermaid when she had legs granted to her? In the original version she walked as if knives were cutting her feet?
That's exactly how I felt..I hardly had the strength to lift my legs up to the next step! I walked very very slowly around campus today..even standing up and sitting down is a real pain!
Well, I dun need to actually travel around to get hurt:
Situation A:- Fren A: Rachel! Have you zapped the latest readings? (grabs Rac's arm)
Rac: (*wincing in pain, teeth gritted tightly)
Situation B:- Fren B: Rachel! How are u man? (Slaps Rac on her upper arm)
Rac:(grinding teeth...) Aiiiii'm ccccoool.
Situation C:- Fren C: Come sit with us!
Rac: (grabs the chair as if an old lady would for support)OOOOOOkaaaay. Thanks!
Am reconsidering next time if I wanna play two sports - bowling and badminton in one day...This is too much..:P
My muscles everywhere are aching so badly...my legs and arms...
Today my Papa dropped me off at NIE carpark 3 near the canteen, I had to rush to my 830am lecture..then i met the STAIRS. The longest one in NIE yet...I felt like dying...wahhah you know little Mermaid when she had legs granted to her? In the original version she walked as if knives were cutting her feet?
That's exactly how I felt..I hardly had the strength to lift my legs up to the next step! I walked very very slowly around campus today..even standing up and sitting down is a real pain!
Well, I dun need to actually travel around to get hurt:
Situation A:- Fren A: Rachel! Have you zapped the latest readings? (grabs Rac's arm)
Rac: (*wincing in pain, teeth gritted tightly)
Situation B:- Fren B: Rachel! How are u man? (Slaps Rac on her upper arm)
Rac:(grinding teeth...) Aiiiii'm ccccoool.
Situation C:- Fren C: Come sit with us!
Rac: (grabs the chair as if an old lady would for support)OOOOOOkaaaay. Thanks!
Am reconsidering next time if I wanna play two sports - bowling and badminton in one day...This is too much..:P
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Bloopers, "Bimbo" Rac
And I thought I had a fair share of my bloopers throughout my life already...until I found this next video of me ...(Warning: The following scenes you are going to watch are going to create nauseatic reactions, Caution to all to prepare paper bags.)
I was reading Ps Jeff's blog entry on his 10th Wedding Anniversary with Claudia. There was a wedding pic of them then...wah... that was just 10 years ago! Dun worry Ps Jeff! You look so much betta now.
This video was created for the NTU Freshmen Orientation of 2002 under the Generation Acts Club Singapore. I was roped in to play the role of Ah Girl in the last minute...gosh, Ps Jeff you thought yours was bad? No worries man, I shrink into horror at my "act cute" moments in the camera. Okay la...definitely much slimmer then...makes you really miss the old school grounds too...
Notable Cameos are AH CHENG!! with some voice overs too, CK (miss ya!) and Daniel with Peiru as the camera woman.
Take cover...you are warned...presenting the first of 3 videos..
I was reading Ps Jeff's blog entry on his 10th Wedding Anniversary with Claudia. There was a wedding pic of them then...wah... that was just 10 years ago! Dun worry Ps Jeff! You look so much betta now.
This video was created for the NTU Freshmen Orientation of 2002 under the Generation Acts Club Singapore. I was roped in to play the role of Ah Girl in the last minute...gosh, Ps Jeff you thought yours was bad? No worries man, I shrink into horror at my "act cute" moments in the camera. Okay la...definitely much slimmer then...makes you really miss the old school grounds too...
Notable Cameos are AH CHENG!! with some voice overs too, CK (miss ya!) and Daniel with Peiru as the camera woman.
Take cover...you are warned...presenting the first of 3 videos..
Monday, January 15, 2007
Celebrating Sarah...:)
It was a really crazy, exciting weekend. Our dear Ms Lau celebrated her lovely **th birthday on the 13th Jan!
What was really exciting was that it was a themed celebration...all of those ladies who turned up had to wear dresses. I tell you that's really challenging, I hardly had any casual dresses that I could wear out. Still, we had a great time catching up at Waruku Restaurant at StarHub Centre. Superb good food, great company, what else could you ask for?
Really thank GOD for Sarah and Jeannie for these two gal frens/sisters/buddies who have been with me since NTU days...May God watch over our friendship for many more years to come!
We ate and ate, until the waitresses had cleared all our cutlery, still we ordered more sushi, and ice cream, think we were quick to catch the look they all gave us, they must be thinking, "Man can this table of ladies really EAT!!!" Well, after Sarah shared about her aspirations and dreams and of course hehe her criteria...well Non- rich, dashing, young, spiritual guys need not apply...nah kidding la that was from me :P...I am sure God will provide for Ms Lau and to supply all her needs!
We did a few more poser shots, hey its the weekend, stressful already as it is, we are not without our own fair share of troubles and worries, so let loose la...ended the night singing away at KTV...:P
Hahah capitalising my previous experience in the Hall Pageant team, not contestant la, just helping with the makeup, clothes, hair and poses! hehe..Ladies and Gentlemen, there are really certain poses that you can make when you take photos that would really look 1 million dollars better...
Here are some la...presenting the ladies of the night!!
Pose 1
The lovely sweet, Flo with her new hairdo! :D
Pose 2
Sweet demure Jeannie!
Pose 3
What was really exciting was that it was a themed celebration...all of those ladies who turned up had to wear dresses. I tell you that's really challenging, I hardly had any casual dresses that I could wear out. Still, we had a great time catching up at Waruku Restaurant at StarHub Centre. Superb good food, great company, what else could you ask for?
Really thank GOD for Sarah and Jeannie for these two gal frens/sisters/buddies who have been with me since NTU days...May God watch over our friendship for many more years to come!
We ate and ate, until the waitresses had cleared all our cutlery, still we ordered more sushi, and ice cream, think we were quick to catch the look they all gave us, they must be thinking, "Man can this table of ladies really EAT!!!" Well, after Sarah shared about her aspirations and dreams and of course hehe her criteria...well Non- rich, dashing, young, spiritual guys need not apply...nah kidding la that was from me :P...I am sure God will provide for Ms Lau and to supply all her needs!
We did a few more poser shots, hey its the weekend, stressful already as it is, we are not without our own fair share of troubles and worries, so let loose la...ended the night singing away at KTV...:P
Hahah capitalising my previous experience in the Hall Pageant team, not contestant la, just helping with the makeup, clothes, hair and poses! hehe..Ladies and Gentlemen, there are really certain poses that you can make when you take photos that would really look 1 million dollars better...
Here are some la...presenting the ladies of the night!!
Pose 1
The lovely sweet, Flo with her new hairdo! :D
Pose 2Sweet demure Jeannie!
Pose 3The lovely wonderful birthday gal! Sarah!
Pose 4
The usual ah Lian Rac!
Girls all sugar and spice and all things nice! :P
Happy Birthday my dear Sarah! We love you lots! :D
Thursday, January 11, 2007
幸福是。。。
我是一个很简单的人。。。所渴望的幸福并不复杂也其实很天真。
往往让我感到幸福的时刻也许在别人的眼里会是些很无聊的事。就说今天吧，当我在准备上学时，我望着我的梳妆台上的首饰， 绝大多数的首饰都是一些好友或亲戚送的。也许我在别人的眼里表现的是一位很爱收集首饰很爱美的女孩吧！
就在这时候，我看到了它。。。
埋没在一个不起眼的角落里，是一条很漂亮很漂亮的项链。我的东西实在太多太乱了啦！
我嘴边露出了微笑。。。
原来， 能戴着一位你欣赏的人所送的项链上街。。。也是一种幸福。。。
:P
往往让我感到幸福的时刻也许在别人的眼里会是些很无聊的事。就说今天吧，当我在准备上学时，我望着我的梳妆台上的首饰， 绝大多数的首饰都是一些好友或亲戚送的。也许我在别人的眼里表现的是一位很爱收集首饰很爱美的女孩吧！
就在这时候，我看到了它。。。
埋没在一个不起眼的角落里，是一条很漂亮很漂亮的项链。我的东西实在太多太乱了啦！
我嘴边露出了微笑。。。
原来， 能戴着一位你欣赏的人所送的项链上街。。。也是一种幸福。。。
:P
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Reflections, Resolutions...2007
Read some interesting posts on reflections and resolutions recently around ppl's blogs ...
Why reflect? Why make resolutions? Ppl argue that resolutions are plain routine which ppl make and never set down to do it in the end...for me I do agree that sometimes the decisions and things that I choose to do in the year is really out of my "planned" schedule. Sometimes, things happen, situations put you down or set you in a totally new life station.
I am a person with plans...(I hope) I cannot do something without a plan. Say I can't go on a free and easy trip without plans or the itenary laid before me. I cannot go through a week sometimes without checking my schedules or simply filling it up with many many slots...
Ah...all these have a toll on me...where is the time for God? Where is the time for family and loved ones? I do my review every year and hopefully push myself for greater depths and distances covered, not just for myself but for God.
6th Jan 2007
I heard some news that normally I know I would jump around, wail, fling my arms around and cry. But unusually, funnily, I was really calm. Really calm. Not that its an hardening of my heart..It was the manifestation of my worst fears but GOD has changed me. I did not feel the least bit affected. Prolly the angst of praying through and crying to GOd has come and gone and there's this new level of handling emotions, new level of staying calm and being peaceful with the Lord. I guess its the months of preparation that led me to this stage. Come what may...God seemed to say it with me...
5th Jan 2007
We had met as usual for CG at Ah Cheng's place and our leader Poy-san wanted us to list down our reflections and resolutions if possible for the year 2006 and 2007.
I had some Thanksgiving points too.
1) Jobs - Thank God for all the timely providence in all the jobs big and small. UOB- Bank Analyst, Relief teaching job...all these came to me when I was down and out and had little financial support.
2) My career - Finally settling down in something that I know I would like doing and a fulfilment of my soul. I told J today that "It's not about the money" when he asked me why I did not take up music professionally where I would have a chance to earn big bucks.
Its being personally there at ground level by working with children that I know it would really change my viewpoint. This job is for me....:)
3)Missions Trip to Jakarta - Exposure to missions work and working in a team which I have not worked before, sharing to people of different culture.
4) Able to serve God in major church events :- Church Anniversary, Corp. Prayer Meet, Church Camp, Christmas services.
5) Played for my friend's wedding - very first Jazz band experience.
6) For my sheep Zhu Zhu for committing back to church.
7) Influx of new life into our group, Jason, Wils, Joe, Qiuping, new dynamics in the group, our group has certainly more life and fun filled days.
8) Thank God for Godly shepherds! CC, Kim
9) Thank GOd for our mini string orchestra! Shen Teng and Sijia!
10) Bonuses and pay increment! :)
11) Able to run and train for Stand Chart run!
12) ALL the trips and hols! Sarawak, Taiwan, Jakarta...:P
Things which I could improve ah...these would be compiled in the CG list...
1) Be more active in sharing my faith - Sharing the Gospel to friends and family, this is something very important, if you dun start with the close ones, where else?
2) Be more spiritually disciplined in praying and reading the Bible.
3) Be more spirt Controlled, slow to anger and temper, "volume" control according to Poy, develop gentleness, <- God's definition ...:P
4) Do Bible study of at least one book every two months using Study Bible helps.
5) Be faithful in follow up, planning lessons and sharing to sheep.
6) Get to know more friends, get out of my comfort zone.
7) SAVE MONEY!! See at least $2K more into my bank Account this year...:P
8) Exercise regularly and lose weight! wahahahahah...
9) Improve my communications with my family members, sisters and parents, spend more time talking to them.
10) Be more meticulous in my work in dedication to planning for lessons, teaching materials for the kids that I would be teaching...
11) Be more controlled in speech, less curt more love, that's my tag line for this year...:P
Any more inputs? Feel free to give suggestions...:P
wah.wah wah. School starts tml wor...
Why reflect? Why make resolutions? Ppl argue that resolutions are plain routine which ppl make and never set down to do it in the end...for me I do agree that sometimes the decisions and things that I choose to do in the year is really out of my "planned" schedule. Sometimes, things happen, situations put you down or set you in a totally new life station.
I am a person with plans...(I hope) I cannot do something without a plan. Say I can't go on a free and easy trip without plans or the itenary laid before me. I cannot go through a week sometimes without checking my schedules or simply filling it up with many many slots...
Ah...all these have a toll on me...where is the time for God? Where is the time for family and loved ones? I do my review every year and hopefully push myself for greater depths and distances covered, not just for myself but for God.
6th Jan 2007
I heard some news that normally I know I would jump around, wail, fling my arms around and cry. But unusually, funnily, I was really calm. Really calm. Not that its an hardening of my heart..It was the manifestation of my worst fears but GOD has changed me. I did not feel the least bit affected. Prolly the angst of praying through and crying to GOd has come and gone and there's this new level of handling emotions, new level of staying calm and being peaceful with the Lord. I guess its the months of preparation that led me to this stage. Come what may...God seemed to say it with me...
5th Jan 2007
We had met as usual for CG at Ah Cheng's place and our leader Poy-san wanted us to list down our reflections and resolutions if possible for the year 2006 and 2007.
I had some Thanksgiving points too.
1) Jobs - Thank God for all the timely providence in all the jobs big and small. UOB- Bank Analyst, Relief teaching job...all these came to me when I was down and out and had little financial support.
2) My career - Finally settling down in something that I know I would like doing and a fulfilment of my soul. I told J today that "It's not about the money" when he asked me why I did not take up music professionally where I would have a chance to earn big bucks.
Its being personally there at ground level by working with children that I know it would really change my viewpoint. This job is for me....:)
3)Missions Trip to Jakarta - Exposure to missions work and working in a team which I have not worked before, sharing to people of different culture.
4) Able to serve God in major church events :- Church Anniversary, Corp. Prayer Meet, Church Camp, Christmas services.
5) Played for my friend's wedding - very first Jazz band experience.
6) For my sheep Zhu Zhu for committing back to church.
7) Influx of new life into our group, Jason, Wils, Joe, Qiuping, new dynamics in the group, our group has certainly more life and fun filled days.
8) Thank God for Godly shepherds! CC, Kim
9) Thank GOd for our mini string orchestra! Shen Teng and Sijia!
10) Bonuses and pay increment! :)
11) Able to run and train for Stand Chart run!
12) ALL the trips and hols! Sarawak, Taiwan, Jakarta...:P
Things which I could improve ah...these would be compiled in the CG list...
1) Be more active in sharing my faith - Sharing the Gospel to friends and family, this is something very important, if you dun start with the close ones, where else?
2) Be more spiritually disciplined in praying and reading the Bible.
3) Be more spirt Controlled, slow to anger and temper, "volume" control according to Poy, develop gentleness, <- God's definition ...:P
4) Do Bible study of at least one book every two months using Study Bible helps.
5) Be faithful in follow up, planning lessons and sharing to sheep.
6) Get to know more friends, get out of my comfort zone.
7) SAVE MONEY!! See at least $2K more into my bank Account this year...:P
8) Exercise regularly and lose weight! wahahahahah...
9) Improve my communications with my family members, sisters and parents, spend more time talking to them.
10) Be more meticulous in my work in dedication to planning for lessons, teaching materials for the kids that I would be teaching...
11) Be more controlled in speech, less curt more love, that's my tag line for this year...:P
Any more inputs? Feel free to give suggestions...:P
wah.wah wah. School starts tml wor...
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Thanksgiving to the Lord!
This is my prized certificate...I fought very hard for it...its my Violin Exam Certificate! (Which cert were u thinking of eh?) I passed my Violin Exams in the midst of preparing for Church Anniversary, My crazy workload and preparing for the pieces which drove me crazier some more last year...2006.
Year of many breakthroughs..God brought me through it, time and again He brought me through the stress the uncertainty and once again proven that In all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Unworthy as I am of His love, His hand is there to help me again...
Yupps this is another motivation for me to strive to higher grades, more genres of music, better skills...
THANK YOU LORD!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Met an Angel!
Just yesterday..the first day of year 2007, our group decided to meet at Shi Ming's place for cook-out and KTV.
I was late for the gathering and super lost and had wandered around Smith Street in Chinatown for a good half an hour thinking to myself: "Where in the world is Blk 335B Smith Street?"
Wondering up and down the streets...334, Blk 4 (which is very near Fairfield Methodist Church le), Blk 335, Blk 335A...Where in the world is Blk 335B where Shi Ming stays?
Then, i finally wandered to CK department Store and I met....HIM.
There's this old man, I have never met him or talked to him before in my life... the moment i crossed the small railing into the corner, he saw me, its rather immediate, i was looking at my handphone...he turned and smiled at me, "Miss, this is block 335 are you looking for Blk 335?" Can you imagine the shock i have? How can someone read your thoughts like that? I nearly freaked out.
Then he went ahead asked directions for from the nearby fruits stall and pointed me to the correct direction, he even walked with me for a while to make sure I got it right...
I was lost for the second time turned back and saw him again at that same place he asked me if I could find the block again..this time round I found the block FINALLY.
WOW.
Amazing.
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."
~ Hebrews 13:2
Still blows my mind...
I was late for the gathering and super lost and had wandered around Smith Street in Chinatown for a good half an hour thinking to myself: "Where in the world is Blk 335B Smith Street?"
Wondering up and down the streets...334, Blk 4 (which is very near Fairfield Methodist Church le), Blk 335, Blk 335A...Where in the world is Blk 335B where Shi Ming stays?
Then, i finally wandered to CK department Store and I met....HIM.
There's this old man, I have never met him or talked to him before in my life... the moment i crossed the small railing into the corner, he saw me, its rather immediate, i was looking at my handphone...he turned and smiled at me, "Miss, this is block 335 are you looking for Blk 335?" Can you imagine the shock i have? How can someone read your thoughts like that? I nearly freaked out.
Then he went ahead asked directions for from the nearby fruits stall and pointed me to the correct direction, he even walked with me for a while to make sure I got it right...
I was lost for the second time turned back and saw him again at that same place he asked me if I could find the block again..this time round I found the block FINALLY.
WOW.
Amazing.
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."
~ Hebrews 13:2
Still blows my mind...
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
3 girls, one most "romantic" night at Changi Beach...
It was one of those days, last Thursday 14th Dec when I decided to have a "chiong" night out with SR and JN. This is so farnie.. a rare chance that I can "jaga" my dad's car and go for a spin. The last time we did that we had so much fun at Serangoon Chomp Chomp where we stuffed ourselves silly.
As usual I was lost again...can never get to JN's place without making a Tour de Tampines and Bedok and Jalan Ubi...yes, I am bad at directions.
Finally got all the lovely ladies in the car, my dear SR was hysterical with laughter at my bad sense of directions and called up JN to complain!! gosh....help me la...I had a wild idea...would drive the girls to Changi Village before driving them to the favourite spots where I used to go for "par tor"(dating). Hahah those were the years man! After a lovely dinner of XO bee hoon and fried san1 lao1 my favourite, we picked up some drinks at Cheers and there we were 3 farnie girls heading for the beach.
I took SR and JN to the spot along Changi beach whereby the planes will fly overhead of you when they are about to land...yes that spot was where I used to go with my past boyfriend years ago. It was a very clear night and we could actually see many stars! Occasionally there were a few shooting stars in the night that left JN and me in awe. Must recommend you all this place at night near the Army jetty, think the guys will know..before you all set off to Pulau Tekong...the planes look like UFO's hovering over the sea in the distance and when they are about to land the whole aircraft will light up like a space ship and fly directly over your head!
SO farnie....our dear SR was not to be romanced in such a manner...she yawned, she went, "You sure that was a shooting star???" To which my explanation is, to people who do not believe in miracles and wonders of nature, you gotta use really down to earth explanation,"OOh that was just a seagull flying very fast past the sky!!!"
As we joked about how easy i was "deceived" by those guys with bikes or cars in the past, actually dating in the past was, I felt rather silly...In your teenage age years you talk about, loving each other forever, you talk about non sequential stuff, such as, "Why do you love me?" , "Am I pretty?", "Are you jealous?"...etc...nothing to build up the other person but just a temporary ego boost. I know many people will disagree with me but how many times have I fallen into the trap of being rather surface in my liking for the person?
Surface? Broad word, for example, "Oh he shares the same interests with me, I think I like him!" , or I go, "Oh, he's sooooo talented!", "He's so cute!"...traps, that are so shallow that I am unable to see beyond the beauty of the person's heart or spirit. Oh that it felt good to have someone to hold your hand again!! I have read quite a number of dating and relationship books and I really think that what matters in a person is really the mind and the heart for God. Can I build up the person? Can I help the person grow closer to God? Am I too dependent on the person that the person cannot seek God? How much does he love God and His word? In the process, I myself must first draw so much closer and intimate with God and before I know this is the person for me.I fell so many times, yet this simple truth from God is so hard to grasp...I am not picky, not too high standards....hahah the ONE has not been revealed yet...
Being single is not easy especially when I get invited to many weddings a year plus invited to play violin in a couple more weddings. Not that I am complaining, its a blessing to be invited, but I do admit that the loneliness do get to me. When's my turn? When's my season under the sun? heheee...I worry, I get frustrated, I get sad...
It's tougher when you have relatives who cannot stop poking at your hurts when they argue that you are too picky in choosing one, you are too fat, too ugly..etc just to name a few la..Dun they understand the power of waiting for the ONE? I can't just take the whole Gin Gang of guys right? These times of struggle are never easy. I keep my mind occupied more with things of Him our Lord Jesus, in perfecting my music skills, in praying more for help and His grace in my life and also most important to help me be strong.
Temptation comes but like a fleeting wind which brushes past your hair and your face... you do not know it but it has already touched you...
*** *** ***
I drove SR and JN along this lovely stretch of the road beside the airport runway where I rolled down the car windows and drove at cruising speed...it was simply lovely...
Lord, help me to be strong when all pressures of the world engulf me. Help me believe in the power of trusting and waiting on the Lord and believe in that You Lord is preparing the one for me if it's Your will. Yet, in my weakness Lord I ask that You will use me, use my hands, to do Your work, give me a bigger heart to love my friends, give me a bigger burden for my lost family and friends. I am treasured, cos I know You treasured me. I am precious cos I know that You Lord would stop at nothing but the best for me. I lay my anxiety, worries and hurts in Your hands.
This is going to be a different year for me Lord ...I know it! Amen!
As usual I was lost again...can never get to JN's place without making a Tour de Tampines and Bedok and Jalan Ubi...yes, I am bad at directions.
Finally got all the lovely ladies in the car, my dear SR was hysterical with laughter at my bad sense of directions and called up JN to complain!! gosh....help me la...I had a wild idea...would drive the girls to Changi Village before driving them to the favourite spots where I used to go for "par tor"(dating). Hahah those were the years man! After a lovely dinner of XO bee hoon and fried san1 lao1 my favourite, we picked up some drinks at Cheers and there we were 3 farnie girls heading for the beach.
I took SR and JN to the spot along Changi beach whereby the planes will fly overhead of you when they are about to land...yes that spot was where I used to go with my past boyfriend years ago. It was a very clear night and we could actually see many stars! Occasionally there were a few shooting stars in the night that left JN and me in awe. Must recommend you all this place at night near the Army jetty, think the guys will know..before you all set off to Pulau Tekong...the planes look like UFO's hovering over the sea in the distance and when they are about to land the whole aircraft will light up like a space ship and fly directly over your head!
SO farnie....our dear SR was not to be romanced in such a manner...she yawned, she went, "You sure that was a shooting star???" To which my explanation is, to people who do not believe in miracles and wonders of nature, you gotta use really down to earth explanation,"OOh that was just a seagull flying very fast past the sky!!!"
As we joked about how easy i was "deceived" by those guys with bikes or cars in the past, actually dating in the past was, I felt rather silly...In your teenage age years you talk about, loving each other forever, you talk about non sequential stuff, such as, "Why do you love me?" , "Am I pretty?", "Are you jealous?"...etc...nothing to build up the other person but just a temporary ego boost. I know many people will disagree with me but how many times have I fallen into the trap of being rather surface in my liking for the person?
Surface? Broad word, for example, "Oh he shares the same interests with me, I think I like him!" , or I go, "Oh, he's sooooo talented!", "He's so cute!"...traps, that are so shallow that I am unable to see beyond the beauty of the person's heart or spirit. Oh that it felt good to have someone to hold your hand again!! I have read quite a number of dating and relationship books and I really think that what matters in a person is really the mind and the heart for God. Can I build up the person? Can I help the person grow closer to God? Am I too dependent on the person that the person cannot seek God? How much does he love God and His word? In the process, I myself must first draw so much closer and intimate with God and before I know this is the person for me.I fell so many times, yet this simple truth from God is so hard to grasp...I am not picky, not too high standards....hahah the ONE has not been revealed yet...
Being single is not easy especially when I get invited to many weddings a year plus invited to play violin in a couple more weddings. Not that I am complaining, its a blessing to be invited, but I do admit that the loneliness do get to me. When's my turn? When's my season under the sun? heheee...I worry, I get frustrated, I get sad...
It's tougher when you have relatives who cannot stop poking at your hurts when they argue that you are too picky in choosing one, you are too fat, too ugly..etc just to name a few la..Dun they understand the power of waiting for the ONE? I can't just take the whole Gin Gang of guys right? These times of struggle are never easy. I keep my mind occupied more with things of Him our Lord Jesus, in perfecting my music skills, in praying more for help and His grace in my life and also most important to help me be strong.
Temptation comes but like a fleeting wind which brushes past your hair and your face... you do not know it but it has already touched you...
*** *** ***
I drove SR and JN along this lovely stretch of the road beside the airport runway where I rolled down the car windows and drove at cruising speed...it was simply lovely...
Lord, help me to be strong when all pressures of the world engulf me. Help me believe in the power of trusting and waiting on the Lord and believe in that You Lord is preparing the one for me if it's Your will. Yet, in my weakness Lord I ask that You will use me, use my hands, to do Your work, give me a bigger heart to love my friends, give me a bigger burden for my lost family and friends. I am treasured, cos I know You treasured me. I am precious cos I know that You Lord would stop at nothing but the best for me. I lay my anxiety, worries and hurts in Your hands.
This is going to be a different year for me Lord ...I know it! Amen!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Taiwan Trip Part 2
When we say GOD is SO GOOD! This phrase never fails to reveal to me what new perspectives of how good GOD is to us.
There is always this period of dryness in any ministry, any person who serves for quite some time and you do not see fruits you get discouraged and disillusioned..
Friends may not respond to you or even want to hear about the reason for your faith in Christ..You feel down, you wanna cry, the people you are overseeing hurts you, you get struck by worry, you struggle to want to let go the problems to go, you want to give up...you see no one running the race with you in something that you are really passionate about, they cannot relate to you why you share so enthusiastically on the things you are willing to sacrifice your time, money and effort into to see that it comes to past...
We all do have that "down" period of times don't we?
That's when I know I gotta slow down and pray, seek God...Do I rely on GOd's standard and timing or on my own? The bible says in Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything, a season for everything under the sun, and that God's ways are higher than our ways. I fail to understand God too, so the taking a break off everything, to seek God and to ask Him about the purpose about why i am doing all these things healed me.
This trip is definitely therepeutic. I asked God to heal my hurts, tears just flowed, I asked God to give me the grace to love and to forgive despite all the hurts, I marvel at the wonders of His creation and the magnimity of all things including nature. When I saw the sights I saw I was amazed at how once again the simple things of life could actually bring much joy.
This trip has been been a blessing right from the start. Rach Lee had won a Zuji Travel voucher for a trip for 2 to HK which we later change it to Taiwan! Blessing one.
Blessing two. We met all the Hope Taipei bros and sis and they really took so good care of us.
Blessing lost count.. I saw how warm the Taiwanese people are, although I really must say that they way that they "teh" guys and girls alike make me cringe. The shopkeepers will cling onto your arm to thank you for shopping at that place, they like to add a "oh1" at the end of their sentences, they are so civic minded! Students would spring up at their feet when they see elderly board the MRT or bus. No questions asked and they disappear way down into the carriage in their shyness.
There was this one incident which really touched me. There was a group of Koreans sitting near us on the train when one of them started to break out in cold sweat. This father of 3 young girls stopped what he was doing and muttered in his broken English, "Are you okay," to him. Rach Lee helped to translate between the both groups of people what happened and that the guy wanted to help. The Taiwanese father actually wanted to offer the Korean some medicated oil!
Can you imagine such scenes ever happening in Singapore? I was told in horror that Rach had a fren's fren who fainted on the MRT and NO ONE tended to her until she woke up!
They can be so satisfied with the little things in life. All over the places there are night markets when simple games are played such as street basketball, fishing guppies off a small net, shooting water balloons, the Taiwanese crowd all these stalls from playing at these games. I wonder if I had lost in my world of hectic schedules to really appreciate that such simple games could actually bring much joy such as theirs.
Their service is TOP NOTCH! I was at this information counter at Cheng2 Pin3 Bookstore or Eslite BS where I was searching for some Goong1 comics and a particular book by a Chinese author. It was a busy time, the guy there just dropped what he was doing and helped me search all the books I wanted!I was lost in the sections all written in majority traditional chinese.. wow! He even went down to the basement to search the books for me! Many places I went, the people were so service oriented and they were smiling and sincere. Your time and your comfort is important to them as it is important to you.
Hahah i rem we made a joke once among my fellow teacher trainees, what is the most common thing you hear from the service staff in any retail store, say a clothes store and you want to ask for sizes? "IT's ALL THERE ON THE RACK HOR!"
OKay la, we can't compare but it is really the upbringing. Oh yeah one more thing, at the MRT, people actually QUEUE to go into a train! You would get really rude stares if you dun do so and on the escalator, lines are drawn in the middle such that people would have to auto keep right for people to overtake on the left! I remember those times i dread weekends where I had to put my bag in front of me as protection before I can squeeze out of the Singapore MRT or risk get trampled!
wahaha..
Such small things in life...such little wonders that the Lord has shown is to help me see that I am living in too comfortable living conditions that I dun appreciate what I actually have here.
People we are just so so small in this vast world...
Finding God's purpose in my life could be a lifelong process but I am willing and glad that the Lord has placed me here. As Pastor has shared there's a reason for our being here. We are significant.
Recharged , Refreshed, Renewed mind.
READY!
clockwise from TOP LEFT: Hope Taipei bros and sis, Miramar Ferris wheel, YE Liu rock formations, Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall - lovely flowers at the park.
Strong winds at Ye Liu.
Scenic views from the train on the way to Hua Lien. My favourite shot from this trip! :D
There is always this period of dryness in any ministry, any person who serves for quite some time and you do not see fruits you get discouraged and disillusioned..
Friends may not respond to you or even want to hear about the reason for your faith in Christ..You feel down, you wanna cry, the people you are overseeing hurts you, you get struck by worry, you struggle to want to let go the problems to go, you want to give up...you see no one running the race with you in something that you are really passionate about, they cannot relate to you why you share so enthusiastically on the things you are willing to sacrifice your time, money and effort into to see that it comes to past...
We all do have that "down" period of times don't we?
That's when I know I gotta slow down and pray, seek God...Do I rely on GOd's standard and timing or on my own? The bible says in Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything, a season for everything under the sun, and that God's ways are higher than our ways. I fail to understand God too, so the taking a break off everything, to seek God and to ask Him about the purpose about why i am doing all these things healed me.
This trip is definitely therepeutic. I asked God to heal my hurts, tears just flowed, I asked God to give me the grace to love and to forgive despite all the hurts, I marvel at the wonders of His creation and the magnimity of all things including nature. When I saw the sights I saw I was amazed at how once again the simple things of life could actually bring much joy.
This trip has been been a blessing right from the start. Rach Lee had won a Zuji Travel voucher for a trip for 2 to HK which we later change it to Taiwan! Blessing one.
Blessing two. We met all the Hope Taipei bros and sis and they really took so good care of us.
Blessing lost count.. I saw how warm the Taiwanese people are, although I really must say that they way that they "teh" guys and girls alike make me cringe. The shopkeepers will cling onto your arm to thank you for shopping at that place, they like to add a "oh1" at the end of their sentences, they are so civic minded! Students would spring up at their feet when they see elderly board the MRT or bus. No questions asked and they disappear way down into the carriage in their shyness.
There was this one incident which really touched me. There was a group of Koreans sitting near us on the train when one of them started to break out in cold sweat. This father of 3 young girls stopped what he was doing and muttered in his broken English, "Are you okay," to him. Rach Lee helped to translate between the both groups of people what happened and that the guy wanted to help. The Taiwanese father actually wanted to offer the Korean some medicated oil!
Can you imagine such scenes ever happening in Singapore? I was told in horror that Rach had a fren's fren who fainted on the MRT and NO ONE tended to her until she woke up!
They can be so satisfied with the little things in life. All over the places there are night markets when simple games are played such as street basketball, fishing guppies off a small net, shooting water balloons, the Taiwanese crowd all these stalls from playing at these games. I wonder if I had lost in my world of hectic schedules to really appreciate that such simple games could actually bring much joy such as theirs.
Their service is TOP NOTCH! I was at this information counter at Cheng2 Pin3 Bookstore or Eslite BS where I was searching for some Goong1 comics and a particular book by a Chinese author. It was a busy time, the guy there just dropped what he was doing and helped me search all the books I wanted!I was lost in the sections all written in majority traditional chinese.. wow! He even went down to the basement to search the books for me! Many places I went, the people were so service oriented and they were smiling and sincere. Your time and your comfort is important to them as it is important to you.
Hahah i rem we made a joke once among my fellow teacher trainees, what is the most common thing you hear from the service staff in any retail store, say a clothes store and you want to ask for sizes? "IT's ALL THERE ON THE RACK HOR!"
OKay la, we can't compare but it is really the upbringing. Oh yeah one more thing, at the MRT, people actually QUEUE to go into a train! You would get really rude stares if you dun do so and on the escalator, lines are drawn in the middle such that people would have to auto keep right for people to overtake on the left! I remember those times i dread weekends where I had to put my bag in front of me as protection before I can squeeze out of the Singapore MRT or risk get trampled!
wahaha..
Such small things in life...such little wonders that the Lord has shown is to help me see that I am living in too comfortable living conditions that I dun appreciate what I actually have here.
People we are just so so small in this vast world...
Finding God's purpose in my life could be a lifelong process but I am willing and glad that the Lord has placed me here. As Pastor has shared there's a reason for our being here. We are significant.
Recharged , Refreshed, Renewed mind.
READY!
clockwise from TOP LEFT: Hope Taipei bros and sis, Miramar Ferris wheel, YE Liu rock formations, Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall - lovely flowers at the park.
Strong winds at Ye Liu.
Scenic views from the train on the way to Hua Lien. My favourite shot from this trip! :D
Friday, December 15, 2006
Taiwan Trip Part 1
Was really looking forward to this trip...although it went through many hiccups in the planning and eventual setting off...I am glad that I am flying off after all. But sad to say...I have to forgo the Stand Chart Run that I trained so hard all these months!!!!! *sob* SOb*! The flights were all full and there was no way I could change the flights....
Badly wanted to go on a Sabbatical....too many things happened in the past one year plus months and weeks of sleepless, restless nights...enough is enough...I need a break or I will go crazy. Being rather high-strung, I find it hard to let go and relax sometimes...I would try to do something, I would attempt to try to solve things myself...there it was..red warning light from God...I gotta rest and see the world...get my perspectives renewed.
God never let you go.
No matter where you try to hide, He speaks to you, He makes sure you get it. NO matter the language. I was amazed myself at the Hope Taipei service where dear GOd spoke to me to love despite all the hurts and unforgiveness I am facing as a follower of Christ. The praise and worship, sermon, even the Bible was in Traditional Chinese, "fan2 di4" but the LORD spoke....He spoke right into my heart...it was simply beautiful...the next thing I knew I stood up...vision blurred by tears...
God soothed me and made me realise His awesomeness through this trip and I encourage all to really travel to if possible go for missions to experience the different lifestyles and culture of people around the world. Once again I was touched by the things and sights that I saw.
You gotta try travelling. Not too often la...hahah once in while is good...
Poy prayed about us meeting new friends, indeed the trip is blessed with many friends, friends from different nationalities..on the flight to Taiwan, I met a Taiwanese man, named Daniel Kuo, train to Hua Lien, I met Myong Sook, a Korean gal travelling with her parents, on the flight back I met Mr Tan, a filter company co-boss..
It's amazing how God placed people beside me when I was wanting to rest and relax. I din get to sleep much despite my heavy head and droopy eyes! The people just appeared out of nowhere and I chatted with them for hours!!! Gift of missions? Amen?
More testimonies coming up...watch this space
First night at Taiwan! Shilin Night Market...met up with How Joo, CK, Peiks and Emma!
Striking a "model" pose at the Taipei subway...wahahahaha...its cold!
Eating Ma2 La4 Huo3 Guo1 with Hope Taipei bros and sisters, Sister Jessica, Pastor Maria, Bro Caleb and sis Stella!
Lovely view of the night sky after our HotSpring Bath at Yang Ming Shan!
Badly wanted to go on a Sabbatical....too many things happened in the past one year plus months and weeks of sleepless, restless nights...enough is enough...I need a break or I will go crazy. Being rather high-strung, I find it hard to let go and relax sometimes...I would try to do something, I would attempt to try to solve things myself...there it was..red warning light from God...I gotta rest and see the world...get my perspectives renewed.
God never let you go.
No matter where you try to hide, He speaks to you, He makes sure you get it. NO matter the language. I was amazed myself at the Hope Taipei service where dear GOd spoke to me to love despite all the hurts and unforgiveness I am facing as a follower of Christ. The praise and worship, sermon, even the Bible was in Traditional Chinese, "fan2 di4" but the LORD spoke....He spoke right into my heart...it was simply beautiful...the next thing I knew I stood up...vision blurred by tears...
God soothed me and made me realise His awesomeness through this trip and I encourage all to really travel to if possible go for missions to experience the different lifestyles and culture of people around the world. Once again I was touched by the things and sights that I saw.
You gotta try travelling. Not too often la...hahah once in while is good...
Poy prayed about us meeting new friends, indeed the trip is blessed with many friends, friends from different nationalities..on the flight to Taiwan, I met a Taiwanese man, named Daniel Kuo, train to Hua Lien, I met Myong Sook, a Korean gal travelling with her parents, on the flight back I met Mr Tan, a filter company co-boss..
It's amazing how God placed people beside me when I was wanting to rest and relax. I din get to sleep much despite my heavy head and droopy eyes! The people just appeared out of nowhere and I chatted with them for hours!!! Gift of missions? Amen?
More testimonies coming up...watch this space
First night at Taiwan! Shilin Night Market...met up with How Joo, CK, Peiks and Emma!
Striking a "model" pose at the Taipei subway...wahahahaha...its cold!
Eating Ma2 La4 Huo3 Guo1 with Hope Taipei bros and sisters, Sister Jessica, Pastor Maria, Bro Caleb and sis Stella!
Lovely view of the night sky after our HotSpring Bath at Yang Ming Shan!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Pic Collage of Taiwan Trip 2nd Dec to 8th Dec 2006
Went for a mini "Sabbatical" trip with Rach Lee to Taiwan and came back just last night before starting my whirlwind kinda life in Singapore again..Those 7 days were definitely well spent, refocusing and recharge before embarking on another round of activities and much performances and services. Shall blog more soon...watch this space...
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