It must be God. He is just so moving in my heart, mind and soul. He is placing a burden in me. It has been a while for me, to think through abt Africa. I never thought that it will be Africa. I thought it will be some nice city and beautiful place for me to do missions work. However, it is actually for the very poor and helpless that God has called me to.
For the past few months, "Africa" simply appears in every form in my life. May it be the sharing with friends or my sheep, may it be the TV programmes, may it be the news, may it be the videos etc. It simply brings a even deeper sense of conviction and connection.
Looking at the video last night at the District Missions night brings me to a greater sense of urgency and desire to fulfill what has been called of me and every believer - to fulfill the Great Commission in our lifetime. The end is pretty near us and I do not want to waste any more time. I shared with my shepherd about my conviction, with pretty much of laughter and I guess that she thought that I wasn't serious. But I am serious. Seriously serious.
She shared that this is and will be a commitment for me to respond to being a missions goer, to Africa. I told her that if I want to go, I would not want to test ground. I simply want to go. Haha.. what a faith-filled me right? haha... but she said "NO!!". I need to go there and see the people, test the ground and develop even much more compassion for the souls there.
Ok. I agreed. I will take the next 2-3 years to grow and root myself strongly in the Word, doctrines, V&P, teachings, skills, foundation, health and stamina etc. There are so much things to learn and grow when you seriously consider the fact that you don't have much youth left. I aim to leave for missions before I turn 30. If not, I think I will really grow old and unable to move. I am willing to give up my rights. Yes, I will.
"Learning to stick to the reason for mission - The Cross"
Labels: conviction, missions
This year's church camp is about "Care Group". I don't know the exact theme but it is definitely talking about Care Group as a family. I have been thinking about the many CGs that I have been in. Every single one of them seems so special, unique and different. I know that God has placed the different spiritual family in my life for a good cause. I want to remember them. I won't want to forget them too. However, it is so true that a spiritual family remains only spiritual when each member of the family plays his or her part to relate to Jesus.
I looked back to this year - 2008. It is such an amazing journey of how God has brought me through for the past 12 years in Hope. Attending church camps is no longer a surprise but it is a "looking-forward" kinda feeling. I've attended close to 20+ church camps and retreats. So how different can it be except for the different themes and committees. But one thing I know for sure. I don't want to forget about my renewal of relationship with Christ. It should be a time that I reflect and remember why I am still a Christian. Talk about Sabbath Day, camp is just like a sabbath to me.
I hope that this year's camp will be a time that the care groups grow to draw closer to God so that the whole Adult congregation will grow in the Lord and walk into the promised land eventually. It is a promise from God and to God! :)
Labels: church camp
Yesh!! Ms Tan Ee Lee will be back this Friday in the morning... and I'm so so happy! Pray for journey mercy and good rest on the plane. Most imptly, pray for her to stay young and pretty.
Anyway I promise her a lot of gd food!! muahahaha... Eelee, you'll be in for a good deal!!!
Labels: friendships, missions
Last weekend was well-spent as I had a good time catching up with ex-colleagues from FP. Anyway here are some photos of my ex-colleagues... many pretty gals... brothers, don't drool ok?? hahaha...
This gal that I took pic with is my replacement at FP. haha... She seems to be quite cute... and guess what? My boss quite like her too... :)
Ilyana, she just had her
FREEDOM last Friday!! Hooray!! Congrats gal!!!
Huiming, Gillian and Ying Jiin...
Pretty babes...
Huiming and Gillian
Benny and Meng Yuan..
I also caught up with Ps Shirls.. She just came back from the LC at KK. She brought back with her more stories and convictions about missions to Africa. And that brought me to tears..
Seriously hope to do something for Africa. There are simply so many things that i need to accomplish before my time is up on this earth. haha.. sounds like i am going to leave any time soon. Anyway Ps Shirls promised me a video clip which I would want to show to those who are interested to go to Africa. :) So Ps Shirls, pls hurry hurry... I want the clip. :p hee...
Oh ya, I actually bumped into Yvonne, the bride to be... haha... She's getting married this sat and I actually bumped into her ydae at Centrepoint Mac!
Yvonne, see ya this Sat!
Labels: ex-colleagues, friendships, fun
© 2007 Tucker Photography.
(Left to right Will Franklin, Maria, Steven, Shaoey, Mary Beth, Stevey Joy, Caleb and Emily)
MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters. More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles. |
| The Chapman family is so grateful for the incredible outpouring of love and support at this difficult time. - If you’d like to meet Maria and express your condolences click here
- By mail, send to PO Box 150156 Nashville, TN 37215.
- In lieu of flowers, the Chapmans request any gifts be directed to Shaohannah’s Hope.
Funeral Arrangements for Maria Sue Chapman
FRI May 23rd Visitation 5-8p
SAT May 24th Memorial service 11a
at Christ Presbyterian Church
2323 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN
(615) 373-2311 |
abstracted from: http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/
Labels: prayers
After exploring so many options and varieties, I finally managed to settled for this blogskin. Haha... it is kinda kiddish but I like it because it is super duper
Colorful!
Spent quite a bit of time understanding what is html code. And now, I finally can appreciate html language. The only sad thing is that this skin do not allow comments. Hmm, can someone teach me how to do in the comment portion pls?
Anyway, pls give me comments if you have any ideas... haha, but then, it will still be subjected to approval! :p
btw, I was kinda disappointed ydae.. I was crying like non-stop ydae... haiz.. or should I categorise that as sobbing... someone lied to me. I felt so deceived. :( anyway it is over. I need to move on.
Labels: b.l.o.g.
I was walking down to take bus at Le Meridien's bus-stop last sunday, after meeting up my leader. As myself n JM parted, 1 of the 3 China guys (in their mid-20s I guess) approached me. I was like question mark... He asked me how to get to China Embassy from Le Meridien. Hmm, sad to say, I don't know where is China Embassy. But then, I started calling one sister from my Unit, who is also from China. She gave me the directions and I quickly gave them the directions. All I could say is that it is at the end of Orchard road, which is like very very very away... haha.. talk about describing with limited vocab... I can be the champ for that! haha~!
Then, when I took my bus and alighted at Raffles Hotel, I walked towards Bras Brasah Complex and suddenly, an early 50s-aged man, quite petite sized, approached. I was laughing to myself in my heart, wondering why today is such a day when people kept asking me for directions. It seems that I have an approachable face or a street-smart look... (literally street-smart isn't it?? Hee..) He asked me where is Bugis and how to walk there... if it is still quite a distance away. This time round, I could only say that it is this, "It is very near... just walk straight and you will reach Bugis." He started complimenting that I speak very good mandarin and asked if I am from overseas or something. I was like... hmm, quite a first time for someone to comment on my mandarin and that I don't sound like a Singaporean. haha... He further asked if I know Cantonese.
Hmm, how would I know Cantonese right? haha... Then he told me that he was from Hong Kong and he is now staying with his sister in Singapore. And guess what, he speaks very good English too. Guess that Hong Kong and Singapore has something in common. We were all once British Colonies. :p
Anyway this isn't the first time that people ask me abt directions. Maybe I have this gift of giving directions that I should start to offer others directions to a place permanent and eternal - the direction salvation. :)
Labels: g.i.g.g.l.e.s.
Ok, what to do... I have to blog about this just after my Pastor's sermon on why we should keep ourselves healthy mentally, emotionally, physically, socially etc...
Well, after a long weekend, I managed to rest a little but did more than asked for. I was out last Friday meeting my shepherd for shepherding. Reached home at about 10.45pm.
Sat was more free as I had the whole day to myself. When evening came, I went to meet my sheep for shepherding. Ended my evening at 10.30pm.
Sunday, I had service and meeting after that. Went to buy materials for our CG banner. Reached home at about 6pm. Not that bad.
Monday, the Public Holiday for all, I woke up at 9am, went to Mikka's place to do the banner at about 11am. The weather was super duper hot. Did the banner from 11.30am to 4pm. I went home, brought my nephew and niece out for a run. In the end, they perspired more than me. Their running is my slow jog lor.. haha... Left Yishun at 9pm. Reached Bukit Batok at 10pm. Bought my dinner. Ended my night at 1am.
Tuesday, went to work. No activity in the evening but in the end, caught a cold in the office. Started sneezing my way from 4.45pm onwards. Then, reached home, my nose worked even harder as it was running real hard. Hmm, ended my night at 9.30pm. Fell ill.
Wednesday, did not go to work as whole body was aching, having headache and nose still not recovering. Started to do my household chores and then went out to see doc in the afternoon. Went back Yishun to rest and then left Yishun home for CG to continue with the banner work. Ended the night at 1am again. The best part is this, I took my medicine that was meant to be drowsy. At the end, I woke up once every hour, from 3am onwards. 3.30am woke up, 4.30am woke up, 5.30am woke up, 6.30am woke up. And finally, 7.15am, I REALLY WOKE UP for work.
And here I am, I'm seriously goggy and can't work properly.
Talk about being able to work, still I blogged.
Got to go back to my half-dead mode. haha... Someone ressurect me pls!!
Labels: sick
DUJIANGYAN, China - From the heart of Beijing to the devastated southwest, China came to a standstill Monday to mourn its earthquake victims as the number of dead, missing or buried soared past 71,000.
Air sirens wailed across the country as most motorists stopped and blared their horns, bringing a halt to China's usually bustling big cities for three minutes from 2:28 pm (0628 GMT), the moment the quake struck a week ago.
Thousands of people, many of them university students, converged on Beijing's Tiananmen Square, holding up flags and chanting slogans of support for the victims.
As the five-star national flag flew at half-mast in front of the portrait of revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, the crowd in the giant square chanted "Long live China!" while punching the air with their fists.
Trading halted for three minutes on China's stock markets and a moment of silence was also held at casinos in the southern gambling haven of Macau.
The last time the world's most populous nation held official mourning was when Mao, the founder of the communist state, died in 1976.
In the town of Dujiangyan, 60 relatives of dead children held candles and incense at one of the thousands of schools flattened in Sichuan province.
One mother who lost both her daughters, Qiqi and Jiajia, collapsed in front of the school building.
"This is unbearable. I lost you both," she wailed.
The official grieving came as mudslides and a fresh aftershock hampered efforts to help the nearly five million people made homeless by the May 12 disaster.
The transport ministry reported that mudslides had buried more than 200 relief workers over the past several days, with no word on how many were dead or alive.
The government last week estimated more than 50,000 people died in the quake -- which measured 8.0 on the Richter scale -- that reduced towns to heaps of steel and concrete.
But that number appeared to be a large underestimate.
The top leader in Sichuan, Communist party chief Liu Qibao, put the toll of people confirmed killed in that province at 32,173, adding 9,509 people remained buried and 29,418 others were missing -- a combined 71,100 people.
A central government spokesman on Monday put the confirmed death toll nationwide at 34,073.
Hopes that more survivors would be found were fading, although rescue teams pulled out two women and one man on Monday, according to state-run media.
The man, aged in his 80s, had survived under a collapsed house for more than 160 hours.
"The quake happened so long before that villagers all thought this old person was no longer there," army officer Qiu Chengliang, one of the man's rescuers, was quoted as saying by state TV. "His leg was severed but he still doggedly clung to life."
But one of the women found under a collapsed residential building near Deyang city later died despite receiving medical care, CCTV reported.
The earthquake has triggered an outpouring of emotion in the country of 1.3 billion people, with thousands offering to volunteer or to care for children made orphans.
The relay of the Beijing Olympic torch -- which has generated excitement across China in the run-up to the August Games -- was called off for three days.
The government also pulled entertainment programmes off television for three days. In Beijing and Shanghai, authorities ordered cinemas, karaoke bars and other leisure establishments to cease operation.
Donors at home and abroad have pitched in 10.834 billion yuan (1.55 billion dollars) to help with rescue efforts, according to Xinhua.
But more assistance was needed, with China's foreign ministry issuing an urgent appeal for tents.
China also said it would open its borders to foreign medical teams after letting in foreign rescuers. Japan immediately said it would send 20 medics.
The United States would provide China with satellite imagery of reservoirs, roads and bridges damaged in the earthquake, the Pentagon announced.
Heavy rain was expected later this week in the disaster zone, compounding the misery for survivors.
Premier Wen Jiabao ordered troops to step up their rescue work. Soldiers must "overcome all difficulties and make sure to go into all villages within 24 hours," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
The chief engineer at the State Electricity Regulatory Commission said that several dams damaged by the quake were under 24-hour watch for signs of collapse and may not be able to withstand strong aftershocks or flooding. - AFP/ir
News Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/348702/1/.html
Labels: compassion, prayers
I've been bringing my nephew, Gabriel and my niece, Angel to Hope Kids for almost 4 weeks. They have been enjoying themselves and my niece seems to understand what has been taught and preached. As for my nephew, haha, I don't know if he understands cos every time I asked him to share what he has learnt, he will always reply with a "don't know" answer.
haha... anyway, here are a few pics that I took when they were on the bus transport.
This is Gabriel...
This is Natalie, their bus-mate...
This is my niece, Angel!
This is Gabriel and Natalie.. :p
Labels: family, Hopekids
Yesh, I'm back from my banner making!! I must really praise the efforts of my CG gals... simply by the 4 of us and we made it happened! What can I say but to really see the efforts of the CG coming to past. There wasn't any strong disagreements or arguments but everyone asked each other for opinions in love. I must say that this activity had brought about the differences of one another into unity! This is such an amazing part of leading CG since a year plus ago.
We enjoyed ourselves truly. In fact, I must really say that my CG comprises of the most artistic, capable people... people who can draw beautifully, and not the sloppy kind.. but those that really can draw and make a plain cloth into a beautiful banner. I am just waiting for church camp to show my frens and Sub-D what my CG had done up!
NG7D2, thanks for serving with me. It couldn't be possible wthout you gals. I am just so proud of you!!!
Labels: care group
I was catching up with Lee online via msn. I was really thinking... he has already grown up and is turning 20 or 21 soon. I keep forgetting his age... which meant that I've grown old already isn't it! He has already left Singapore with his family for almost 8-10 years. How fast time flies! I remember that he was still shy and timid. And now, he is already working part-time and studying. Hope to see him back in Singapore soon...
I miss these people cos they are the ones that stood through with me for the longest time during Youth ministry. Hope to catch them back soon...
From the left:
Stephanie (Darren's sister)
Joyce (girl in red)
Jialin (behind Joyce)
Sally
Adelene
Pearson
Lee (aka Lemer Macasinag)
Khim Kieng
Geok Eng
Jianfu
Darren
Well, well.. time flies. It is time for me to get back to them too... :)
Labels: care group
Ever thought if you would have been in their shoes? What would have happened to you? Or what will your response be like?
I can never imagine myself being in this kind of circumstances. I think I will cry, I will whine, I will complain, I will isolate myself. But these people are the very people who needs help and rescue. They need someone to speak hope and love into their hearts today.
As I read the news everyday, the photos, the description, the grief and the heartaches.. simply bring my heart to cringe. My heart was filled with compassion and helplessness. I want to help bu I don't know how. I want to help not by just donating money or writing some words. I wish to fly there and give hope and encouragement to these children, orphans and families.
Today, as I reflect and think about my life, I know that I am still way more blessed than these kids. I wish that I can bring more joy and hope to these victims.
I know that there is a purpose and calling from the Lord for me. I am reminded of the prophecy that Pastor Jeff gave to me many years back, when I was still leading the youth ministry. Perhaps, it is time to revisit the prophecy and make something happen soon.
Lord, simply send me...
Labels: compassion, missions, prayers
Found this on YouTube.. Celine Dion and Josh Groban presenting "The Prayer"
Labels: music video clip
Haha... guess what? I have a super good boss that is always afraid that I don't eat breakfast and skip my meals. And today, she bought a BIG pack of beehoon for me... with all the vegeterian ingredients inside... yummy!!
So thankful for my boss.. but soon, I will be rolling around le... muahahaha.... :p
Labels: blessings, w.o.r.k.
Wondering if God is angry with the sins of men... As I look at the recent calamities in Asia and USA, I wonder if the end of times if near. Although it is not the first time we see these happening in the world, but it is getting more and more in recent years. Let's take a look at what the scripture says. And only God has all the answers. :)
Nahum 1:1-15
1 A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
The LORD 's Anger Against Nineveh
2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;
the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The LORD takes vengeance on his foes
and vents his wrath against his enemies.
3 The LORD is slow to anger but great in power;
the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.
4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither
and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.
5 The mountains quake before him
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
the world and all who live in it.
6 Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.
7 The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,
8 but with an overwhelming flood
he will make an end of Nineveh;
he will pursue his foes into darkness.
9 Whatever they plot against the LORD
he [a] will bring to an end;
trouble will not come a second time.
10 They will be entangled among thorns
and drunk from their wine;
they will be consumed like dry stubble. [b]
11 From you, Nineveh, has one come forth
who plots evil against the LORD
and devises wicked plans.
12 This is what the LORD says:
"Although they have allies and are numerous,
they will be destroyed and pass away.
Although I have afflicted you, Judah,
I will afflict you no more.
13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck
and tear your shackles away."
14 The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
"You will have no descendants to bear your name.
I will destroy the images and idols
that are in the temple of your gods.
I will prepare your grave,
for you are vile."
[c] 1 5 Look, there on the mountains,
the feet of one who brings good news,
who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, Judah,
and fulfill your vows.
No more will the wicked invade you;
they will be completely destroyed.
Labels: Word of God
This song is specially for "the-other-speaker" with me...
Cheers to knowing u for a good 11 years! Jiayou babe!
Labels: dedication, encouragement, friendships, music video clip
Yes... everyone shouldn't wait. But shouldn't wait for what?
We shouldn't wait till our loved ones have been taken away from us, then we start to think of why didn't we share the love of Christ with them earlier on.
We shouldn't wait for someone to leave the fellowship then we start to appreciate their kindness and good acts of love.
We shouldn't wait for drastic changes to happen then we regret not understanding one another more.
We shouldn't wait to say "I Love You" to the ones we love before we lose the chance to say it again.
We shouldn't wait till God's anger comes upon mankind and then making last minute repentances.
We shouldn't wait to see the many unkind acts of others before we start to be kind to others.
We shouldn't wait to see if missions is for us before we turn old and unable to do his work on the other side of the globe.
We simply shouldn't wait or else we will only wait to regret at the end of the day.
We simply shouldn't wait.
Labels: random
We had our Unit Meeting yesterday, after 2 months plus of break as we had WFL at Bible Hse for the past 2 months. So, the Unit meeting was kinda familiar and bonded as we all miss fellowshipping with one another. What made the Unit Meeting yesterday even more special was that Andrea, Cherise and Jaro (Andrea's Dad) came for the meeting with us. We had a good time of fellowship and worship together. After the whole thing, we went for supper together.
Man... the group was really BIG! We went to Chinatown Smith St for supper and we had 3 tables combined together. We had so much sharing and it was just so automatic that we all bought some stuff for each one of them. What I bought for Andrea and Cherise was these cute little stickers with their names printed on them, kept in a cute little card holder. I bought something else for Uncle Jaro. It was a metal box that can allow him to keep sweets, pills or vitamins inside... so that he won't have to keep them somewhere else. haha...
In return, they gave us a card each with this sweet photo of the 3 of them inside. I think Uncle Jaro was so touched by all of our acts that he started tearing. Oh man, once he started it, Cherise couldn't control as well, that her eyes started to well up in tears.
It is amazing to have brothers and sisters from all over the world, loving the same God and having the same vision. I enjoyed their companionship a lot. It seems that we do have many things in common...many common topics to talk and share about.
I will miss all of them. Just hope to go US one day to meet them... in Arizona. :p
I love u guys... u guys are just such dears to me!
Labels: friendships, missions
YANGON: More than 22,000 people were killed in Myanmar's devastating cyclone and 41,000 are still missing four days after the storm slammed into the country's southern coast, the government said on Tuesday.
Aid workers were racing to deliver food and water to the worst-hit Irrawaddy delta region, which was submerged by floodwaters, leaving scenes of utter devastation with homeless survivors running low on food and water.
Fast Facts
Witnesses described horrific images of rice fields littered with corpses, and there were fears the death toll from tropical cyclone Nargis could rise much further.
Save the Children, one of the few relief agencies allowed to operate in the secretive and impoverished Southeast Asian country, said the toll would rise sharply in the coming days as more victims were found in hard-to-reach areas.
"If at this stage, only four days in, the government are telling us the numbers are already reaching over 20,000 and there are 40,000 people missing, I think it could well go higher," spokesman Dan Collinson told AFP.
"I wouldn't be surprised if it went as high as 50,000," he said.
US President George W. Bush urged Myanmar to allow in international help, as Washington - usually one of the junta's toughest critics - upped its total emergency aid offer to 3.25 million dollars.
"Our message is to the military rulers: let the United States come to help you, help the people," Bush said.
"The United States has made an initial aid contribution, but we want to do a lot more," he added as he signed a law giving Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi the Congressional Gold Medal, the US Congress's top civilian honour.
A US disaster relief team was on standby, and the Pentagon said four naval ships currently participating in military exercises off the coast of Thailand could be redirected to Myanmar, if the junta gave the go-ahead.
"But that's all we can do at this point, is to plan, because we have not received a request from the Burmese government," Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said.
The junta - facing mounting global pressure to quickly allow aid teams into the country - still insisted foreign relief workers would have to negotiate before being allowed to enter, as agencies waited for visas for their staff.
The ruling generals also defied calls to postpone Saturday's referendum on a new constitution - part of its slow-moving "road map" to democracy - saying it would proceed except in the areas hardest hit by the disaster.
Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition National League for Democracy reacted angrily, saying it was "extremely unacceptable" for the vote to go ahead when storm survivors were in desperate need of assistance.
In the government's first news conference since Nargis barrelled into the Irrawaddy region early Saturday, it said 95 percent of the homes in the delta town of Bogalay had been washed away.
"Many people were killed in a 12-foot (3.5-metre) tidal wave," Social Welfare Minister Maung Maung Swe told reporters.
State television said 21,793 people were killed and 40,695 were missing in Irrawaddy division, while 671 were killed and 359 people were missing in Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city and the former capital.
Satellite images from US space agency NASA showed virtually the entire coastal plain of the country, one of the world's poorest nations, under water.
Christian relief organisation World Vision said its teams had witnessed horrific scenes.
"They saw the dead bodies from the helicopters, so it's quite overwhelming," said Kyi Minn, an adviser to World Vision's office in Yangon.
Video footage of the disaster zone showed flattened villages, smashed bridges, and survivors forced to live out in the open.
Aid groups were rushing to bring food, water, clothing and shelter into the country, whose military rulers have long turned their back on the outside world - and prevented many aid charities from operating here.
"Getting it out to the affected populations will be a major challenge, given that there is widespread flooding," said Richard Horsey, a spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Bangkok.
"The urgent need is for shelter and for water. Without clean drinking water, the risk of disease spreading is the most serious concern."
The UN's World Food Programme said it had begun distributing 800 tonnes of food to the hardest-hit areas including Yangon, but that many coastal regions remained cut off due to flooding and road damage.
Brigadier General Kyaw Hsan, the regime's information minister, said the country was "greatly thankful" for the offers of help that have been pouring in from around the world.
But Myanmar faced criticism over its apparent lack of preparation for the disaster, with US First Lady Laura Bush saying the government had not done enough to warn citizens the storm was approaching. - AFP/ir/deLabels: compassion, prayers
I was trying to find some to share my heart feelings with few weeks back. But due to the busy schedules of many, I only managed to find one or two to share with. Though I have a whole list of friends on facebook, sometimes, it is difficult to find someone to share your heart with, especially when issues are overly sensitive.
Just last friday, I managed to meet up with Mrs Goh aka Ms Priscilla Tham. Haha.. it was such a joy to talk to her. Though we weren't too close friends before, I just felt that she is one that I can click with right away. :p
True enough, when we met for dinner at Raffles City, we shared so much common understanding and thoughts. She encouraged me and I encouraged her too.. It was so fun meeting her up. Come to think of it, we do have similar grounds that we can identify with as well. Many things that I've learnt from her, that is learning to pray about the right things in life. She encouraged me to let go of the many burdens that I have been carrying on my shoulders. It is true.
All my life, I have been carrying burdens of my family and I seldom have time for myself. I need time to rest, to think and to plan.
If not for her other side of views, I think I will still be going abt in circles. I think it is just time for me to trust God for greater things in my journey.
Pris, thanks for listening. Anticipate more of such sharing of life with you too.. :p
Labels: friendships
ta-dar!! This is my colleague, MeiFung. hee.. She is the 2nd main character (of cos, my boss is the first one) that helped me to settle down in my job.
We both stay at yishun and she sits just next to me. Though she look young (and I look old.. haha), but she is actually my senior la.. so sad.. i feel so "chao lao"... hee...
I realised that the younger IT colleagues are easier to get along with.. some older ones also.. but not all though.
Good to say this, "I'm enjoying my work here!!"
Labels: w.o.r.k.
It seems to be increasingly more of a habit to blog after my lunch. I think it helps me to get rid of my dizzy spells after the full lunch.
And now, I would like to present to you my friends from the missions field!! And she is Andrea Zukewycz. We (the STM team last year) got to know her at Agape home last year, at Mae Sot. It was through our visit there that we got to know this gal, who is so full of passion, to bless the orphans and the children at the Agape home.
The gal beside her is her best friend, named Cherise. They have knew each other since their age of 5? haha... I am so amazed at their friendship together. It is a blessing to know these 2 gals. Share with you more later on when we meet them up in Singapore again...
Labels: friendships, missions
It was really an awesome Sunday. Ps Jeff preached about how members and leaders should relate to each other and each should play his or her own part. It talked about how members should respect and honor our leaders by taking care of them and their needs, whether financial or physical.
However, leaders are not being given the easy way out. They ought to do their best in teaching and doing God's work as well. Leaders who deal well with the affairs of the church ought to be honored doubly.
I think this is really a lack in the church right now and I am convicted, not because I am a leader but because the Bible says so. Many a times, as a leader, there are burdens that you have to carry through. But seldom will there be anyone who will really understand what a leader has to face. Leaders should build strong biblical friendships among themselves. In this way, the church will grow in quality, when the net is strong.
Ps Jeff prayed for all the leaders during altar call. It was seriously amazing and ministering... He prayed this for us, "Wisdom, Courage and Anointing". Wow.. I needed tt badly! isn't it true that I need so much more wisdom, courage and anointing to lead God's pple? It is not easy to lead, especially when some children are pretty spoilt... hahaha...
Widom + Courage + Anointing = Outreach + Discipleship
Labels: sermons
He Still Loves Me - Beyonce Knowles
Took me a while
But I'm finally here
So I just wanna testify
Make it crystal clear
See I've been picked out
To be picked on talked bout outta me friends mouth
I've been beat down
Til he turned my life around (turn my life around)
Seems like I always
Fall short of being worthy
Cuz I aint good enough
but he still loves me
I aint no superstar
The spotlight aint shinin on me
(no no no no no)
cuz I aint good enough
but he still loves me
Loves me
I used to wake up somedays
and wish i'd stayed asleep
cuz i went to bed on top of the world
today the worlds on top of me
everybody's got opinions
(they share)
They aint been in my position
(they don't care)
that it breaks my heart when I hear
what they have to say about me yeah
(what they say)
Seems like I always fall short (fallin short)
of bein worthy (Lord I aint worthy)
Cuz I aint good enough (no no)
but he still loves me (still loves me)
I aint no superstar
I wanna be for you
The spotlight aint shinin on me
(but i want to be for you)
cuz I aint good enough
but he still loves me
I'm not perfect
(I'm not perfect)
Yes I do wrong
(yes I do wrong)
I'm trying my best
(trying my best but)
But it aint good enough
(just aint good enough)
Shunned by the world
(shunned by the world)
If I don't succeed
Cuz I aint good
But he still loves me
(I just aint good enough)
If you aint worthy just raise your hands
And let me know that you understand
That we are all so blessed
To be loved, loved
Stand for him or fall for anything
cuz through his eyes we all look the same
What will we do
Without out pain
Feels like we always fall short
Of bein worthy
(we are not worthy)
Cuz I aint good enough
But he still loves me
I aint no superstar
(I aint no superstar but I wanna be for you Lord)
The spotlight aint shinin on me
Cuz I aint good enough
(Oh)
But you still love me
I'm not perfect
Yes I do wrong
I'm tryin my best but
(tryin my best)
It aint good enough
(I'm not good enough)
Shunned be the word
(shunned by the world)
If i dont succeed
(i dont succeed-ceed-ceed)
Cuz I aint good enough
But he still loves me
(child sing with me)
I'm not perfect
Yes I do wrong
I'm tryin my best
but It aint good enough
(But the Lord's been so good to me)
Shunned be the word
(Shunned by the world)
If i dont succeed
Cuz I aint good enough
(I aint good enough)
But he still loves me
(The Lord still loves me)
No I aint good enough
But He still loves me
(Raise your hands if ya understand)
No I aint good enough
(How he blessed you cuz he blessed you too)
but He still loves me
(even though I aint worthy)
No I aint good enough
(you aint worthy, He's there for you)
but He still loves me (no matter what I do)
No I aint good enough
(I aint good enough)
but he still loves me
(but the Lord still loves me)
Labels: nice songs
Labour Day ought to be a day away from work and labour? I wonder how many Singaporeans really had a good "break"?
Mine was quite of an interesting day. I woke up at 7.30am ydae and washed my clothes. Wah... talking about rest from work.. washing clothes can be quite a labour too! ha.. I left house at 8.30am as I was supposed to meet Shawn and team for P&W practice for LanSim and Mark's wedding. I reached Redhill MRT station at about 9.20am and no one was there yet.. so I went on to the most happening place in Redhill! The Redhill hawker centre... Indeed, I miss the mornings when I accompanied my mum to market for breakfast and marketing when I was in my prinmary sch days... When I stepped into the market, it feels like I am young all over again! (ha... as if hor...)
Anyway, I text Ps Jasmine for breakfast when I see that no one was there yet. Ps Jasmine used to be my shepherd and I often go to her place for overnight shepherding. Missed those times so much. She called me while I was queuing up for the "char-kwey" which is also known as carrot cake. But then, I think it was too late cos the team was already reaching soon. And I managed to catch Ps Jasmine only for 5-10mins chit chat. Although it was a short summary of catch up, but it was gd! I will catch her up more soon... Haha... anyway, that "char-kwey" took me 20-30mins to queue and the portion was really BIG!! The uncles at the stall looked like ex-gangsters as they have tatoos all over their bodies. However, I reckon that they have the most wonderful service and attitude cos every single packet of "char-kwey" was fried with much TLC. haha..
Anyway, kudos to Shawn who bought us the beancurd! Marvellous breakfast! Equation goes like this:
"Char-kwey" + beancurd + PnW + Cool Fellowship = blessed morning!
So, after pract, I accompanied Shawn (ex-shepherd-in-law) and Christine (ex-shepherd) to IKEA to buy furniture. Besides them buying furniture, I was happily buying stuff for myself.. I bought 2 towels, one accessories hanger, Shoes Shelves etc.. I tink IKEA is currently celebrating their "30 Something" bdae. Therefore, loads of promotions and "creative" activities happening now... If you wanna get a gd bargain, go to IKEA from 1-4 May. haha...
After shopping at IKEA, Shawn and Christine sent me home to Yishun while they headed to Yishun SAFRA for a happening time of KTV. Hmm, the moment I reached home, I went into a blackout time... SLEEP! Slept for 2 hours plus before I was being woken up by my dearest Angel. She was calling me outside my room... and wanted to go into the room and accompany me. haha... I think my niece really misses me. Have I shared this ever before? When I went home for my second or third weekend after shifting out, my niece asked me to put my photoframe somewhere more obvious. She said that by looking at the photo, she will be able to see me everyday even though I am not ard at home. How loving isn't it? I really miss her...
My day ended off with a nice dinner with nice pple. We had pasta at Creation, at Shaw Leisure Gallery. A dinner set comprising soup of the day, main course, drink and dessert, all at a cost of $15.20. The best thing is this: Every portion is N-I-C-E!! It is worth trying if u like pasta... :p The companionship is also an X-factor. Those who were at the dinner were Mikka, Gloria, Lirong and Ei Li. But then, it was sad that I didn't take any picture for the entire day. haha...
Btw, I had a pretty gd time with my sec sch frens on Labour Day's eve. As usual, I was the target for "suan-ing"... What's new right? haha... We went to PS Cafe at Dempsey... It is such a nice place. Anyone wanna go with me again?
Labels: friendships, fun
