faithtricia's steps of faith

3 things that made me smile today

2012-01-25T23:40:00.001+08:00

1. Mum is finally going to church with me. ;)

2. Watched 'We Not Naughty' today. Very reflective of how kids felt and how parents can be better is parenting!

3. Spent time with mum with the entire day. Fruitful time!!

Hope Faith Love

2012-01-18T01:27:00.001+08:00

Amazing love from our heavenly daddy cannot be compared to anyone else at all, not even your spouse.

However I love it when both Alex an myself draw near to God in prayer and worship. Its because that through our experience with Jesus then will we be able to find greater intimacy with each other.

God is amusing. He knows exactly when we start to place much hope and faith in ourselves and will put us in situations to remind us that we need to rely on His power and strength, not on our own. He is not a tyrant btw. He is just trying to teach us to mature in our own beautiful ways.

The past few months have been a real journey for me. The journey that reminds me that my wisdom is no wisdom at all, my experiences are minus compared to the significance of the creator of the earth.

The Lord is gracious and merciful. He will not take me beyond what I cannot bear. He knows exactly where is my breaking point and have decided to pull back from that collapsible.

Above all, hope in the Lord, which will be accompanied by faith in Him. And He who loves me will keep me. He who loves me will always reward me with the best life plan ever.

I will trust in you Lord, by your grace, keep me trusting in You. Amen!

In Memory of A Dear Friend, Li Hongyang (1983-2012)

2012-01-12T22:57:00.003+08:00

Yup, this pic was taken in 2008, during my last days in FP. The colleagues surrounding me were my HR colleagues. But I am not going to talk about anyone else today, but one person. That is him, Hongyang. (The guy on the extreme left...)

I could almost remember the time when he joined us at HQ as a HR colleague. He is someone that you won't take note of as he has a very quiet and shy personality. But not until you know him, then you will realise that his gentle and genuine care for people is truly a magnet that attracts people to him.

I remember those times when we had lunches at the canteen, and bus trips from Tagore to AMK central. We would almost talked about our plans to further our studies, our work, our struggles at work, our personal lives etc. He leads a very simple life. Most of the time, it is either he will stay at home with his parents, read his favorite books or he would play badminton with his favorite gang of people. He is someone that you can count for help and never will he reject you nor show frowns on his face even when he is so busy at work.

Today, those who had known him as a colleague, no longer remain as colleagues, but friends. We knew that this chance had only lasted for a few short years but it is ok. Because we had the chance to cross our paths with each other.

Although he left early and had only 28+ years on this earth, he had left many many footprints in many hearts.

Hong Yang, I will always remember you in my heart.

Christmas in another 2 days!

2011-12-23T09:28:00.004+08:00

Christmas is coming, 2 more days to go! n tomorrow will be countdown, gift exchanges and many Christmas parties. As usual, mine will always be quietly spent. No gift exchanges, no gatherings... how cool can my Christmas be! lol...

But then, I haven't search for the one gift that is for my hubby, and another for my dear Jesus. Perhaps, the Lord wants the best gift from is that I will relocate the joy and contentment that I once had. In my hubby's words, it is call resiliency.

So what kind of resolutions should I have for 2012? Health, Spiritual, Job?

Time for reflections once again!

Christmas Pressies for myself!

2011-12-22T12:22:00.002+08:00

Guess what? I've just redeemed some products with my cash points at Philips Family Rewards! Of cos, these items ain't free! But they are at discounted prices!

Wonderful indeed! These will be new addition the the stuff we have once we moved back to my in-laws' place!

Christmas pressies for myself! Woohoo!!

Reviving my blog

2011-12-21T03:12:00.003+08:00

Today marks my 1 month after leaving my job. The past month hasn't been easy afterall. I was reflecting, rescreening the scenes but they just doesn't make sense at all. Perhaps, I just need time to rejuvenate my mind and soul. Afterall, there have been too much going on in my life for the past few years. I need re-locate my identity once more.

I have also realised that when you are in the bottom pit of your life, you will know who are the true friends that remember you and go through this pit with you.

Seriously speaking, this is a tough time of my life. Well, maybe just one of the tough ones. I've been through many afterall.

Loving my new workplace

2011-07-18T17:54:00.002+08:00

2 months into my job already. it seems like a brand new environment. work is challenging due to its industry but I've been learning and growing in my B2B capacity as a marketing person. Never did I realise that I fell back to the MarCom role again. Guess that I will never run away from this. Good stepping stone for me to grow and learn.

Hope to be able to stay teacheable as always.

I know that God's eyes are always on me.

Our Gift from God

2011-07-17T22:14:00.008+08:00

This is a belated testimony but I still want to share. :)

We started applying for our flats since October 2009 and since then, we have applied for 5 times of BTO & balanced flats altogether. But still, I really want to thank God for watching over us in the entire process.

So last year, when we were still preparing for our wedding, we were consistently monitoring the news on BTO and resale flat prices. After times of discussion, consultation and calculation, we decided not to focus on buying resale anymore, since we don't have so much cash for the COV. Plus the money that we need to come out with for the renovation, furnitures etc, we confirmed our decision even further.

So last year, on my birthday eve, we decided to ask God to bless us in our application to Woodlands Dew. We asked God to watch over us in this application so that we will be able to get a location that is near church and our parents' place. Amazingly, God answered our prayers! After a month of painful waiting, or should I say anticipation, we finally gotten the letter saying that we have gotten a queue number! Our queue number was 478! We were happy for a moment as we finally gotten a queue number to select our flat. But next, we took a re-look at the number of 4-room flats available for our selection and only got to know that there were only 569 units for us to select.

Logically speaking, our chance of selecting an unit at L2-L4 is pretty high, due to our queue number is really quite far behind. We were really praying that God will provide us with the very best for our family. So the day to select our flat came, God gave us a good date where we are able to choose our unit on Christmas eve. That timing also happened only after our honeymoon. Our appointment was 6.30pm and we monitored the units left. Most of the better units were taken up but still, there were high level units around. We discussed, analysed and walk through some selection of units. Amazingly, the block and particular unit that we wanted on the high level, was left with only L12, 13 & 14. As time goes by, L14 was taken, L12 was taken as well. I was praying hard, so was Alex. Finally, our queue number was called. And we took L13!! Praise God! The last unit on the high level was taken by us. God is so good.

So below are some pics of our BTO project, Woodlands Dew. :)

Artist's Impression of Woodlands Dew

It has a eating place (also known as kopitiam), supermarket and some shops. But our block is the furthest away from the carpark. So must walk a bit la. The good thing is that it is quite far away from the Precinct Pavillion, so we won't be disturbed by any events held there. So that is a plus point. Our block also has a childcare centre and also situated near a primary school, so it may benefit us if we have kids next time.

Here's the map of our BTO. Well, it is quite a distance from Admiralty MRT Station but in the future, when the North South Expressway is up, it will be quite near our place. Moreover, coming up is a new Thomson line for MRT track. So I presume our property prices may be going up too. :p

Here's the basic (suggested) layout for our flat.

Alex and myself are really looking forward to our new place. We will be saving up for the new place and we do hope to make our home the cosiest place to stay in, ever.

And yes, I still want to give thanks to God for blessing us abundantly. God, you're the best!

A new season in life!

2011-04-15T10:58:00.004+08:00

It's been 4 months since I've got married to Mr L.X. Haha... The journey is exciting and interesting. Who says newly weds don't quarrel? We quarrel like crap over the slightest, smallest and most insignificant things. Haha!!

But still, it has been wonderful and beautiful what marriage can do. I have decided to quit my job to spend my time nua-ing with hubby... hee... no.. I was just finding that as a lame excuse. The real thing is that I need to search for new directions in my career and asking God for favor in the new job that I will be getting (burp!!... yes I just burped while typing this...)

Anyway I have been wanting to take a break since a long long time ago... My last year has been tough cos studies, work, ministry, wedding... almost drove me up the wall! So now, what can I anticipate? Hmm... continue to transit into my "Mrs Tan" life and re-think about my priorities with God, work on my career prospects and directions, pray and ask God to keep me slim while I go Taiwan in May with hubby for second honeymoon.... eat, sleep, play, eat, play, sleep... muahahaha....

Good news is Mr L.X. is not unemployed anymore as he has found a new HR job with a FMCG company. I wish that I can do that too!! haha.... But still, enjoy life as it is now... and God will provide me with something good soon.

I need to just bring my focus and faith back to the One who has created me and everything else! Yay!!

Btw this is what I bought just last month!! happy... hohoho...

Guess what??

2010-11-30T11:44:00.003+08:00

Guess what?? I'm getting married in 11 days time... oh my gosh... wait... 11 days... is it inclusive of the actual day? or should I just count it as 10?

Anyway it shouldn't be much of a guess...

and ta-da!! here's my invitation card design

Ok... got to go... lunch time...

Life at Work...

2010-10-29T20:55:00.004+08:00

Today is just celebration at work... therefore, we took pictures to have fun and also celebrate our end of Kick-off Meeting. End of our 9 months hardwork... and the start of another...

But I think the fun element is irreplaceable... :D

Never done so much for myself before....

2010-07-12T22:16:00.002+08:00

Sitting alone in my hotel room now... thinking about my childhood days, my schooling days, my church days and my now. I never thought that I would be living for myself. I have been living all my life thinking about how to take care of others, how to bring joy to others, how to please other people. It is only now then I realised that I am starting to live for myself.l Not that I am self-centred or what, but I never thought that I can have a life that can know God but yet at the same time know myself.

My shepherd once told me, "I think you ought to start doing something for yourself and stop thinking about others...". I want to tell her that I am finally living for myself. I started to take my degree course (finally...), I started to take my time off to watch movies that I like (not what others like), and I started to discover more about what I am, not others want me to be.

It is such an amazing journey. However, sometimes it can be kind of scary when God starts to reveal much of you to you. There is just this much that you can take isn't it?

Time has passed and now I am going to be 29. I used to think that I will always be 17 or 18 years old. But now 10 years have passed and life is still a journey.. a way longer than I expected. God is faithful and He has never let me down, even though I have. I hope that the up and coming journey will be much more fulfilments than now, that I will allow myself to know God more. Start living for God, start living for me. :D

It's the vicious cycle again

2010-05-18T15:24:00.002+08:00

Sometimes, when life gets all busy and you wonder if anyone out there remembers your existence, I really think God does. But the very sad thing is that as a human being, I still tend to pin my hopes on men. So what's men all about? Basically, men, like you and me, simply are human beings that tend to fail each other. I am one of them.

I know that I shouldb't be pinning my hope on people but I just simply can't. Sometimes, you know that the effort of wanting to re-establish that relationship is not easy, especially when you are no longer in that radar of sight.

I wish that my friends do remember me. I hope they do. But little sms or calls I get from any of them. Perhaps, it is just because everyone is busy with their lives. Well, I am really busy too. Everyone who knows me will always hear me say, "I'm very busy one hor..."

But still, I always make that effort of wanting to organise something for that birthday girl or birthday boy. I guess that I'm just trying too hard.

Well, I think I shouldn't be doing all these since these are all not taken into account that I am trying my very best maintain that friendship while I'm busy with my work, my studies, my ministry and my wedding.

I feel like just hiding somewhere... away from this world...

Ya Kun coffee @ OC

2010-05-18T13:39:00.001+08:00

Nothing beats more than just relaxing at Ya Kun before going back to office to fight the battle!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Our wedding bands...

2010-03-13T22:10:00.001+08:00

Yeah! Finally got our bands... From Love & Co...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

World Vision Pakistan Attacked by Gunmen

2010-03-11T14:23:00.000+08:00

http://www.mnnonline.org/article/13974

First Meeting with Wedding Coordinator... Yvonne Kong!

2010-03-05T13:44:00.004+08:00

Just on Tuesday, Alex and myself met up with Yvonne... our friend from HA. Somehow or another, we were all from Hope last time. But that is beside the point. The main point here is Yvonne is someone that we can trust to handle our wedding. She is the youngest amongst us, but yet her maturity is amazing! Got married in 2008, she has her son last year August, all by God's grace! And now, her son is almost turning 7 months old! haha... that is really amazing!

Anyway, we had a good discussion and talked about what are the things that we need to do and get back to her. So exciting! Talking abt all the buffet caterer, church, decor, tea ceremony etc... really sounds exciting. After the entire discussion, then I realised that we have missed out a lot of details. Time to buck up now! :p

In the midst of everything, I need to sit down and just look to God. Especially in times when one is feeling really weak. I am weak now, so God, strengthen me as I look to you. :)

Alabaster Box by Cece Winans

2010-03-03T17:06:00.002+08:00

VERSE 1

The room grew still as she made her way to Jesus
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain, some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper, there's no place here for her kind.
Still on she came, through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last she knelt before His feet.
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard,
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of Alabaster.

CHORUS

And I've come to pour my praise on Him like oil from Mary's Alabaster Box
Don't be angry if I wash His feet with my tears and I dry them with my hair.
You weren't there the night He found me.
You did not feel what I felt when He wrapped His love all around me.
And you don't know the cost of the oil in my Alabaster Box.

VERSE 2

I can't forget the way life used to be.
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
I spent my days pouring my life without measure.
Into a little treasure box I thought I found.
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul with the wonder of His touch.
So now I'm giving back to Him all the praise He's worthy of .
I've been forgiven and that's why I love Him so much.

CHORUS

And I've come to pour my praise on Him like oil from Mary's Alabaster Box
Don't be angry if I wash His feet with my tears
And I dry them with my hair, my hair.
You weren't there the night Jesus found me.
You did not feel what I felt
When He wrapped His love all around me.
And you don't know the cost of the oil
Oh, you don't know the cost of my praise.
You don't know the cost of the oilIn my Alabaster Box.

Mental Block

2010-02-25T10:36:00.004+08:00

There is a kind of brain blockage and that is call "Mental Block". Things are running all over in your mind but yet there is so little that you can do to unblock it. I think I am in such a stage as this now. Mentally breaking down.

I can wqke up with a bad headache and that really ruins my day. Random thoughts just run through. What if, what if and what if...

I wondered lately why no one bothers to care anymore? Maybe some.. but those that matter to me seems to be 'disappearing'...

Anyway.. it is a good time to offload cos my brain is so blocked and I don't even know what I am writing is correct. But for sure, this is how I feel now and I don't care anymore how others interpret my blog entry.

Unfolding the date - 11.12.2010

2010-01-30T08:27:00.002+08:00

Finally, I'm unfolding the date for our wedding... We have considered the date since last year and we thought that this is a good date as my studies would have ended by then. :)

So, peeps, please set aside 11 December 2010 morning for our BIG day. haha...

Updates coming soon...

Beginning life as a student once again!

2009-12-14T22:32:00.002+08:00

Last week marked my first week back to school! Sounds like some students that have just finished their sch hols and have head back to the classroom... but if it is so... mine is a gd 8 years of hols... haha....

it seems to be a lil' awkward as I stepped into a classroom with unfamiliar faces... all adults... no kids... no growing teens... and we are all studying after work.

4 hours a day, for 4 days... one module to complete and understand... I thought that this will be a piece of cake but I was wrong. However, I knew that I need to learn to revise smart and work hard! (cos me ain't any smartie... I'm the work hard kind if u know what I meant...)

My lecturer is a UK lecturer but lecturing in an Aust school... I was kinda trying to connect the relevance but it is just tt...

He's a doctorate and what I felt was that either I was too rusty or he was just too high level. But I think it was most prob a portion of both, which made the learning experience quite challenging. But you know something, after taking such a long long break from school, and knowing that learning ain't going to be any easier, I told myself that I need to put my best into this.. give God my best and work with the Lord's wisdom. Work will not be any easier but I think God can help me anyway. So, trust Him.

All the past 4 days were good, learning and absorbing new knowledge like a sponge. Just that I fell sick for my Sat n Sun. I filled my Starbucks paper bag with loads of tissue papers... My nose was working real hard again... drip.. drip... drip...

So now, rest up n be ready for work tomorrow!! Challenges ahead... so ganbatte!!

studying and yet not

2009-12-09T20:47:00.002+08:00

I'm trying to force myself to go through my Consumer Behaviour textbook in my office now but yet, I can't concentrate! Can't deny that technology is quite a distraction for me! ha!!

Just read Shirls' latest blog entry and somehow was reminded of my childhood. I didn't sell ice-cream but I helped my family to do some kind of gluing for the shopping bags that Takashimaya give out during Christmas... Perhaps, out of 25 pcs we glue, there is onlt a 30cents profit. But well, at least I know, my family was quite happy then.

I just thought that kids nowadays would have almost everything that we wouldn't have back then. But I forgotten that there are still those that are also in need, just as I was back then.

The entry of Shirls just simply blew me back to my past... woah! It is not just a story. It is reality. Perhaps, it is a reality check for society to work on giving and not just spending, sacrficial spirit more than selfish gains.

Thanks, Shirls. You got me thinking again. :)

In the midst of office move....

2009-12-02T17:03:00.002+08:00

... I realised that I am missing a lot of people.

Somewhat, the misses didn't come just today. It has been for a while.

Bumped into a good friend recently, and we were both in a rush. Only managed to say hi. Nothing much after that.

I guess that the busyness of life has taken heaps of our memories away.

To be distant meant that friendships are even tougher to maintain.

However, I still believe that friendships are built upon love, grace and effort. It is hardwork.

Anyway, my office is moving to the old cockpit hotel. So if you are around the area for lunch or dinner, you may always drop me a call to see if i'm free for a meal or coffee. :p

November 2009

2009-11-29T22:56:00.004+08:00

The month of November has to be credited to be the most exciting part of the year! It is not without valid reason for me to say that.

In fact, the preparation for my overseas meeting started in Feb this year. I was busy preparing and all geared up for the entire event. But without to say, Nov became the month that many last minute stuff happened. It was the month that I work OT most of the time and only to realise that I have been battling quite by myself. I do have colleagues that helped, supported and made the entire event happened. If not for Sandy, I thought that I would have lost the motivation long time ago. I spent a good 8 days at Kota Kinabalu, Shangri-lah Tanjong.Ahru. Trying to run an event in a resort kind of hotel, with the kind of service standard, I don't think I will ever go back again. But sad to say, a nice place without good service is just a nightmare.

Reached Singapore on 21 Nov. It was nice of Alex to fetch me at the airport and bring me home. Went home for an hour's nap and have to wake up and be ready for a colleague's wedding at Sentosa. That was quite a tiring weekend. I was so tired when I reached home that I didn't want to wake up the next day.

Now, back to the office, I gotta tie down loose ends, and work at the office move to the new place at Dhoby Ghaut. The move is this Friday. What's more horrendous is that the company's D&D is on the same day of the move. I think this will be another weekend thatwill burn me totally.

But one thing that I am all excited about is my studies. I went for my orientation last weds. It was just so exicitng to hear from Australia's lecturers and the stuff we need to know and be educated about our assignments. It is a new phase for me. It has always been my dream to do up my marketing degree. Not just for my career but for myself. Tomorrow marks the first day of my term. I don't what to say and how to describe except that this is all such an anticipation after so many years. I bet that studies is not just about that cert that we are getting but it is about how an amazing work that God is going to do through us.

And one more blessing to count... Alex gave me my first ever notebook as my Christmas present on Hari Raya Haji! I was totally surprised! This came because he knew that I needed one for my studies.

And here's a pic of it... Acer Aspire 1410 and it is red in color!! My fav color!

Thanks dear! You've been a huge blessing to me... in everything! Thanks once again!

Happy Halloween?

2009-10-30T15:54:00.001+08:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Blogging again makes me feel alive!

2009-10-30T13:16:00.003+08:00

Finally, I've forced myself to sit down, face my comp, not to do work, but to blog... I haven't been writing much for the many many months and I ought to write.. cos writing makes me happier... and much more alive! I can just write what I want... you know what I meant right? especially when u r an avid blogger. :p

So what's now? I've finally gotten my 3G iPhone. Not 3Gs. It's 3G. I'm happy... and satisfied. It was a gift from someone. And I love it.

I can now surf anywhere and blog anytime. So what's the excuse for not blogging? haha... Most importantly, I can FB too... hohoho.. cos my company blocked the site... but my iPhone made it possible again. hahaha...

It is a black color one with a great 8GB space. Just nice for me. What's more, I can take pictures anytime I want to, with many different camera applications. I love editing the pics on iPhone too... hohoho...

The best part is... I've gotten a red cover for it.. it's a gift too... I love the black and the red. They are a perfect match... hahaha...

Anyway, 9 oct was Alex's bdae. I went to the web to look for Cupcake Momma and asked them to bake some for his bdae celebration at cell group. And thank God, the Cupcake Momma peeps stay right at Woodlands! And I'm happy cos my cell group is at Woodlands too... the perfect timing for the perfect occassion. The cupcakes were a little small but they taste awesome! Want to order some cupcakes for your love ones or for some special occassions? Visit Cupcakes Momma now!

Oh ya, my latest project at work is my Kick-off Meeting. This year, it'll be held at Kota Kinabalu. KK is seriously a beautiful place to go... I never thought that such a nice place will exist at Sabah.

After the Kick-off Meeting in Nov, my office is going to shift to a new location in Orchard, in between Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut. It feels like back to the church area again. haha... what's more, my school is just opp my office. It is just a 10mins walking distance. So cool... I won't need to rush here and there any more.

Going to ask my boss for the sponsorship for my course. pray for me ba... :)

Today is Friday and tomorrow I'm going for a massage session! I have to go... cos my whole body is breaking down liaoz wor...

Need to do many things now.. but I guess there is this voice from above that tells me... "One thing at a time... :)" Thank you Daddy! I will...

Officially engaged to Mr Tan

2009-10-10T19:07:00.000+08:00

As of 10th Oct 2009...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

my new target for my bdae... yeah!!

2009-09-23T14:01:00.000+08:00

He is back!!

2009-09-15T22:33:00.000+08:00

Yay!!!

Missing somebody...

2009-09-10T13:16:00.003+08:00

I used to think that I can be quite stylo when it comes to relationship. I thought I will be the "拿得起放得下" kind. But I realised that it is not so easy for me afterall. 4-5 years ago, I used to like this guy from my church. We are kinda close friends and we always go out together with other close buddies. That time, I was still new in the adults group, so not many friends. Thus, this group of buddies are kinda dear to me. However, some things went super wrong and I think I destroyed the entire matter thus it became ashes. Even the friendship with this guy didn't really continue on. Though we still keep in contact on and off, but somehow, this is not the kind of friendship that we used to share anymore.

I think I have hurt him quite badly back then. But now, I'm glad that he has found his ideal life partner and is getting married soon. Happy for him.

As for me, it took me quite a few years to get over. Haha... But I am glad that I'm over it too.

Now, I am just missing the guy that God has specially put in my life.

He has been away for reservist for the past 11 days and 4 more days he will be back in Singapore. In fact, every sms that he sent me from Thailand makes me smile.

It may sounds absurd but I think I have never imagine that I can have the privilege to fall in love. And God gave him to me.

Hope that we will continue to grow in the likeness of Christ together and work towards what God has called us to do.

A year has passed and I am still enjoying this journey. Although we had many disagreements and misunderstandings at times, I am glad that we resolved them the way God wants us to. Hoping for more days with ya...

Looking forward to your return.

Kirk Franklin - Lean On Me

2009-09-09T19:43:00.001+08:00

This is for the little child with no father
For that man that doesn't have a place to stay
And for that little boy living with AIDS
(Now tell your story, tell your story)
You can lean on me

There's a man (Oh yeah)
Standing on the corner
He has no home, he has no food
And his blue skies are gone (Yes it is)
Can't you hear him crying out

And there's a girl
Searching for a father and a friend
Praying that the storm someday will end
But instead of walking away
Open up your heart and say

Chorus:
I am here
You don't have to worry, I can see your tears
Ill be there in a hurry when you call
Friends are there to catch you when you fall
Here's my shoulder, you can lean on me

Oh there's a child who is sick and begging to be free
But there is no cure for his disease
He looks up to his mother as
As she hold (holds)
His hand (his hand)
Praying that someday the sun will shine again
And the pain (and the pain)
Pain will end (will end), come on

Chorus

Tell me how can I, how can I love Jesus
When Ive never seen His face
Yet I see you dying
And I turn and walk away

So hold my hand, let me take you to a friend of mine
Hes waiting just to ease your troubled mind
Yeah, yeah, He loves you more than you'll ever know
Instead of walking away, open up
Open up your heart and say

Meet up with the Oldies

2009-09-03T13:25:00.003+08:00

Managed to successfully plan a small dinner gathering with some of the oldies... Mostly pple from HS A and also one who has been around since his sec 1 days...

The peeps who turned up were Nicole, Gerald, Ray Phay, Jialin and Geok Eng. Of cos.. plus me! hahaha... imagine that some of us have not met up for years... but you know something, there isn't a bit of awkwardness at all. :p everyone's busy asking each other questions until I felt a little neglected... hahaha... maybe because I am the one that met up with most of them most of the time.

The dinner was full of catching up, discussion, sharing of the past, talking about our jobs, relationships etc. It was fruitful beyond words. No longer we are just talking about our studies, our ECAs, our evangelism and ministries etc. The catchups seems to cover more aspects as we grow older... Talk about growing old. I believe that we have all grown so much in age.

haha... after the dinner, I think everyone's reluctant to go back but what to do.. we are all working the next day. But I guess we will be looking forward to the next meet up soon. :)

Sometimes, I just felt that smaller group settings are easier to manage and share life with. Everyone gets a chance to share their opinions and ideas... that's why I find cell group such a brilliant idea!!

I want to include everyone of cos but it is really challenging to be able to find out more about one another's lives.

Want to organise more gatherings like this.

The next round will be Jeremy Goh, JX, Shirls, Jasmine, Roy n Shuz etc... Hope to meet up with these peeps more... soon...

4 months and counting...

2009-09-02T13:27:00.003+08:00

Time flies... 4 months ago, I was still trying my best to move out of Hope and settle in a new church. Now is already Sept and very soon.. I am going to turn into 28 le. faint... hahaha... why does birthday approach us so fast? I was still celebrating my 21st birthday back then... (ya right... can't even remember anything significant about my 21st bdae except the fact that I spent it at Joo Chiat... with the YWAM peeps...)

So what about the past 4 months?

I have attended the Membership Class, Ministry Class and also trying my best to fit into my new cell, which is filled with all the married couples and some single ladies, and besides their children whom attended cell with them, I am confirmed the youngest in the group! (So, Lord, please don't bring any peeps that are younger than me into the cell.. i'll lose my status... lolz...)

I can say that I truly miss the people in my ex-CG... Every single FB message or sms or even email, touches me a lot. The matter and the fact is that I often can't help but wanting to hear from them... really miss them...

At the initial stage of the transition, I often cried because I can't help but to miss the fun and laughters that I used to share with the group. But now, I have learnt that I can laugh everywhere I go. No doubt, Tricia's laughter is always contagious... :p

Into my 5th month in Lighthouse now, I've came to realised that re-learning fundamentals can be refreshing too.

Need to teach myself to stay focus and stay on Him and Him alone. :)

Praislight Ministry

2009-08-24T18:55:00.002+08:00

Praislight Ministry is the backup singers ministry in Lighthouse. But in my own words, I say that it is the choir ministry in the church (just like Hope choir). The ministry is somewhat made up of people from the different age group, ranging from 18 years old to 40s? oops... haha... I better not reveal too much here.

This ministry has did quite a fair bit in not just facilitating my service to God but also to help me transit better from Hope to Lighthouse. It is an amazing ministry with amazing people with like-minded passion and vision.

Over here, I've learnt to rekindle my love for God and my passion to worship.

Peeps here are really lovely! Hoping to build more synergy with them... yeah!!

Revelation Song - Kari Jobe

2009-08-18T13:40:00.002+08:00

I remember last year posting a song by Kari Jobe, The More I Seek You, on my blog. Around same time this year, I discovered more of her songs again. She has a gifted voice from God. It is wonderful to see people who worship God so fervently.

Here is another song that she led, Revelation Song:

Enjoy... :)

You Are Good - Kari Jobe

2009-08-13T16:50:00.003+08:00

Steal this video while browsing thru Gerald's blog today... amazing song... be ministered by it ;)

Silliest Girl On Earth

2009-08-03T13:17:00.002+08:00

Here's the silliest girl writing an entry now.

My previous entry was based on a complete misunderstanding due to my own insecurity and over-sensitivity. I repent.

I owe you an apology my friend.

Anyway I'm still insecure. So be careful of what you write next time k? My tendency is to let my thoughts wander about.

So what's now?

I am still laughing at my own silly mistake.

Silly girl I am.

Stream of Praise and Festival of Praise 2009

2009-07-30T14:22:00.006+08:00

Stream of Praise Evangelistic Concert
30 July 2009
7.30pm
Lighthouse Evangelism Church (Tampines)

1 Tampines Street 82 Singapore 528985

Festival of Praise 2009

Singapore Indoor Stadium

31 July 2009 to 2 August 2009

7.30pm

Connection

2009-07-29T15:15:00.002+08:00

When a person is there, you will want to try connecting to him or her. But when the person is out of sight, sometimes, he/ she will also be out of your mind.

I felt really disconnected to my circle of friends now. Out of the home church now, I don't get to see them nor I do get to talk to them. Some sms me, some message me in facebook, some doesn't do anything. But come to think of it, if I want to connect with them, that will be really a lot of work to do.

I do miss the circle of friends, but as some of us get into different stage of life, it can get quite taxing to keep up with the pace of friendships. Therefore, your circle of friends gets smaller. So, I do think that I will want to keep my circle of friends smaller so that I can manage them well.

For those that haven't meet up for a long time, let's make effort to do so.

And yes, I miss you guys... and you know that I am talking about you... :p

Take care. Hope to see ya soon!

I've Signed Up!!

2009-07-27T09:19:00.004+08:00

Yes!! I've signed up for my degree course and also going to budget my finances for now for my studies. And also, I've changed my plans about studying at UCD. I've decided to go for Swinburne instead. Thought that this course will be more manageable on my end.

And the modules for Bachelor of Business (Marketing) are:

Marketing Behaviour
International Marketing
Product Management
Survey Research Methods
Service Marketing and Customer Relationship Management
Marketing Law
Integrated Marketing Communication
Strategic Marketing Planning Project

The modules are simply appetisizing for me and I feel like eating them up!

haha... I am so excited to study a full marketing course so that I can equipp myself better at job.

Hope to build myself up in my studies. And it is never too late to learn. :)

The best part is that my company is going to shift to Dhoby Ghaut in December and this meant even better location for my studies. Thank God for His favor.

Yeah! Thanks be to Him!

Building Friendships at Work

2009-07-22T17:04:00.003+08:00

I wonder how many people really make friends out of work. For me, I definitely find that friendships at work help me a lot in making workplace a more fun place to work in. That is also why my circle of friends keep on adding... majority are my ex-colleagues and current colleagues... and that is super scary.

Yes, don't think of even asking me how many jobs I've been in cos that will be too many to count. But at every job, there are bound to be some pple that I always keep in touch with.

I kinda miss some of them every now and then because the memories that I store up in my brain harddisk always make me laugh at myself.

In fact, many of them are friends that I can just talk to and be frank with.

Somehow, work is just fun when you have people that you can link with...

And simply to say, I do enjoy working life a lot... :P

The Confident Woman

2009-07-16T13:49:00.003+08:00

The Confident Woman
By Joyce Meyer

This week was quite a crazy one. Monday was a mad rush of doing stuff for my colleagues in the office. And Tuesday came and I got to bring my mum to the hospital for a day surgery... a minor one to check her womb.

While I was waiting for my mum, I have decided to take a shuttle bus and go to Novena Square for some shopping etc. However, after walking around, I have decided to sit down somewhere to read the book that someone gave to me since Feb... and I haven't read it at all. So I've decided to give it a go.

I'm not a fan of Joyce Meyer. Never read her books before. I did listen to her sermon once or twice when I was in my previous job in training, but still, I am not the kind of reader that will go for her books.

But this time round, it was really different. It seemed that there are a lot of things she shared in the book really got me thinking. I thought that I heard God's voice so clearly in the book of what she wrote. Of course, I know that there must be a balance in reading and hearing God's voice but the prompting of the Holy Spirit was so strong.

It was just on Monday that I told Alex whether I should just give up studying this year and move on in my normal routine of job etc. I wasn't able to give a clear reasoning on why I want to give up studying (since it has always been my dream...). I told him that I was unsure because I am not sure if intellectually I am able to cope. I am also worried about my physical condition as well as my work load in my job. I am basically worrisome. However, I was not able to recognise that these are basically excuses to feed my fears in my heart. I was just so fearful. I was not confident. We didn't continue to talk about it as I wasn't in my best state, and we left it there and decided to talk about it the next day.

And yes, the next day was exactly the day that I read this book and it was only in the first chapter that God put such deep conviction in my heart, "Do not miss out what I have instored for you." I was absolutely amazed. Sitting at such a noisy Ah Mei cafe at Novena Square during lunch hours, I could hear God speaking so audibly... "Do not give up.."

And yes, I will keep on moving on and not give up.

I was so overjoyed when I know what God has spoken into my spirit and I know that I can move on because He is always with me, backing me up.

2009: It must be God

2009-07-02T17:48:00.003+08:00

I can't help but to note this down (maybe becuase I haven't been disciplined to take note of things around me). I should say that God has been very merciful to me in my life. Despite the many personal challenges and testings, His faithfulness has always been there.

At the point when I felt the least of faith in my heart, God has proved me a thousand times wrong. I know that I should have trusted in Him more and more. I should have placed my little mustard seed faith in Him so that the fruit will be even greater.

However, I should still thank Him for all that has happened for the glory of His mighty power. Looking at my life now, it was almost an impossible a year ago. However, God gave me a better job than the previous, colleagues that empower me in my role, a job that seek to serve others more than myself.

It must have been God. It couldn't be coincidental at all. It must be God.

Despite the many faults in me, God still chose to love me and treat me with His tenderness. It is such a shame that I am not returning my love to Him as much as He does for me. Perhaps this is how God exemplifies His wondrous love for us. Our love can never be compared to His and that He has never require us to repay Him in any way.

I am much humbled, really.

And yes, more surprises will be coming my way later this year. I will be expecting God to act in my life.

Lord, here I am, use me.

Down with flu n fever

2009-06-29T10:03:00.002+08:00

I can't believe that the flu season is so strong and I go hit by it when I got back from Bintan. In fact, I wasn't feeling well on Monday when I arrived at Bintan. I puked and had fever that very night and followed by diarrhea the next morning after my brekky. The feeling of being ill was tremendously horrendous. Went back to work on Thurs. Everything seems ok. But when Friday came, which I was supposed to run an event, my running nose got worse and I felt giddy and floaty..

I was being asked to go home to rest and my chance to run the event vanished. Thank God that there are a few colleagues that covered me. My boss was really nice to ask me to rest. Rested from Fri to Sun. By Sun (which is ydae), I felt that my headache has not subsided... and I attempted to see the doctor another time... the one near my hse was not H1N1 equipped clinic. Thus, I decided to go to the next nearest one at Causeway Point to see the doc. They nearly sent me to the CDC for checks via ambulance. Thank God that the doctor was wise enough to know that Bintan has not been hit. Or else, I think that I would have stayed at CDC for another 24 hours.

The medication that I took yesterday made me feel better now.

Hope to get back to work tomorrow. :)

At a loss...

2009-06-15T13:14:00.002+08:00

Yes... I'm at a loss now. Need God to give me a very clear direction whether to take a Bachelor in Marketing from Swinburne University or University College of Dublin.

Swinburne - 8 modules, finished within 12 months, $14000++
UCD - 12 modules, finished within 18 months, $18000++

I am pretty much for UCD... but am worried about the stress that I got to undergo...

But well, it is time to depend on God for supernatural and divine empowerment once again.

I think my FB kenna banned in Office...

2009-06-11T12:51:00.001+08:00

Ok.. now I can't view my FB in office... so I can only blog here... (thank God that I can still blog... :p)

So what now? Fast from FB in the day lor.. :p

Office is moving soon!!

2009-05-28T13:44:00.001+08:00

Yeah! My office is going to move this year and we are going to leave the pathetic AMK industrial park soon...

Will be in town for sure and I am certain that it is gonna be somewhere nice!

Hope tt it will be near my school. yeah!

Really really going back to school...

2009-05-27T14:01:00.002+08:00

God is really gracious in His rightful timing.

I will be most likely starting school again end of this year. With company's sponsorship, I think I should be able to get a proper degree.

Looking at the many people around me, they have at least a degree or so.

But when I look within me, is this paper qualification so important?

Nope. To me, it is just a paper. However, it is due to the many factors of society pressure that makes this paper such a major. I want to study because I thought that I need to pump in some relevant knowledge and make myself more useful than ever.

At the same time, I know that this degree will be of good in the future, to bring about providence for me and my family.

Afterall, work will be still work. It will only get tougher and more challenging. However, it is just so apt to have a degree and move forward in pace. Not to compare with others, but to compete with myself.

I know that this time round will be such a different story. Because I want to win this battle victoriously.

I may not have parents who help me with the school fees, but I have a God that can answer prayers according to His perfect timing of course.

So, now I have God, work, family, ministry, r/s, friends etc to cope with, I know that life has just started for me. :)

Going back to Choir...

2009-05-06T18:47:00.002+08:00

This Sat will be my first audition. Kinda nervous but really rejoicing from within. I have been out of choir ministry for the past 2-3 years. It has been a long and winding journey for me in this ministry. But I think I ought to think about how I can serve God with the little talents that I have instead of whining about other stuff.

I am thinking about what song to sing and this song came to my mind:

In Your Hands

I'm so secure
You're here with me
You stay the same
Your love remains
Here in my heart

So close I believe
You're holding me now
In Your Hands I belong
You'll never let me go

So close I believe
You're holding me now
In Your Hands I belong
You'll never let me go

You gave your life
In Your endless love
You set me free
And showed the way
Now I am found

All along, You were beside me
Even when I could'nt tell
Through the years
You showed me more of You
More of You

Still thinking if this song can do.. see how again... :)

anyway pray for me that this will be a right start, a new beginning and a correct heart once again. :)

WHO raises flu alert level, warns no region is safe

2009-04-28T11:38:00.002+08:00

MEXICO CITY: World health officials on Monday stepped up warnings of a possible pandemic of swine flu as governments released millions of antiviral drugs and the number of cases rose, spreading into Europe.

With the likely death toll in Mexico, the epicentre of the outbreak, now standing at 149, the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised its flu pandemic alert level from three to four.

While the increase marked a "significant step towards pandemic influenza, it's also a phase which says we are not there yet," said Keiji Fukuda, acting WHO assistant-general for health, security and the environment.

And he warned "that in this age of global travel where people move around in airplanes so quickly, there is no region to which this virus could not spread."

The number of confirmed cases in the United States doubled to 40 and Britain and Spain both said they had registered patients sick with swine flu, the first in Europe.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon warned the new multi-strain virus, which is believed to be a mix of a human flu virus and an avian flu which first came from swine, risked triggering a global pandemic.

"We are concerned that this virus could cause a new influenza pandemic. It could be mild in its effect or potentially be severe," Ban told reporters.

"We don't know yet which way it will go but we are concerned that in Mexico most of those who died were young and healthy adults."

Influenza caused three epidemics during the 20th century, the worst being the Spanish flu between 1918 and 1919 that killed at least 40 million people, according to the WHO.

Mexico, which was rocked by a 5.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday, said the number of confirmed and suspected deaths from the flu had now risen to 149, as other countries urged against non-essential travel to the tourism hotspot.

Schools across Mexico have been closed until May 6 in a bid to stop the spread of the flu, which has sickened more than 1,600 people.

"We're in the decisive moment of the crisis. The number (of deaths) will continue rising," Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova added.

Europe's first confirmed case was reported in Spain, where 26 suspected cases were being probed, while two people were found to have the disease in Britain and dozens more potential cases were being checked in seven European Union member states.

Fears the disease could further strain the already-embattled global economy gave stock markets the jitters, leading to falls in Europe and Asia, while trading on Wall Street was muted.

And oil prices fell sharply on fears the escalating outbreak could further dampen economic activity and impact energy demand.

Although the US government has declared a public health emergency with 40 cases in five states, President Barack Obama urged calm.

The swine flu outbreak "requires a heightened state of alert, but it is not a cause for alarm," he told a gathering of the National Academy of Sciences.

Richard Besser, acting director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said the affected states of New York, Ohio, Kansas, Texas and California and others were receiving 11 million courses of antiviral drugs.

"The good news is we haven't identified it in additional states. But I wouldn't put too much on that," he added, stressing that of so far most people in the US had only been mildly ill.

Swiss pharmaceutical group Roche said it was ready to send out more stocks of the antiviral medication Tamiflu, some 220 million doses of which are in the hands of governments worldwide.

And British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline also said it was "urgently" investigating how to boost production of its antiviral drug Relenza, as the race to develop a direct vaccine for the H1N1 strain gathered pace.

The company has already provided 100,000 packs of the drug to Mexican authorities, along with a further 170,000 doses of its seasonal flu vaccine.

The European Union called emergency talks of health ministers and advised against non-essential travel to areas where the deadly virus has surfaced. The US and Canada were also to issue an advisory warning against "non-essential travel" to Mexico.

Nine people in both New Zealand and Colombia, one in Peru and up to 12 in Canada are under observation with flu symptoms. There have been six confirmed cases in Canada and in the Middle East, a 26-year-old Israeli was also hospitalised. - AFP/de

Those were the days...

2009-04-27T10:09:00.006+08:00

As I look at most of the students today, I can only say that they are pretty much fortunate and blessed to have parents that can afford to buy them stuff that we (our generation) might seldom even think of last time.

As the parents' generation get more educated, sophisticated and the earning power increases as well, children's behaviors, needs and demands change and evolves naturally of course. If one parent do not place high value in building a kid's foundation and principles in their own character, I can foresee quite a fair bit of character problems in the future to come.

Thinking back, I ever remembered that life was really poor for me and my family. Now, we are only an average one. To think back, yes, we were once really poor. Going to fastfood restaurants - pizza hut, mcdonalds, KFC, A&W etc was basically once in 10 blue moons? We can't afford to even buy toys. All we (the siblings) could do is to play with our next door neighbours, hoping that they will lend us their toys.

I don't remember eating at MOS burger before till Nicole introduced it to me during my new believer's days. I have not even know what is Orchard Road till I went to my secondary school later on.

My mum and dad will often skip the celebration of birthdays as we were too poor to celebrate. Very often, when I had the slightest desire to just buy a story book that I like during book fairs in school, I will often get the scolding from my mum for asking too much from them.

Working since 13 years old often put me to think that I was not as fortunate as other kids and I missed out a lot during my growing up days. However, I have also gained many priceless learning points when I was working during my secondary school days. I often wonder, what will happen to me if i have not come to know the Lord. I guess that my life will still be quite a rotten and bitter piece. Thinking of which will be the last day for me on this earth, when will I be able to run away from home, just quit my studies and pursue a job that gives me a stable income etc.

Till this day, I can't help but to appreciate God and the people that He sent into my life when I was in my downest times and darkest valleys. The times when I faced many problems at home, no money to pay for my tuition fees during my poly days, when my father was hospitalised for a good 1 year, when I was finding difficulty even to have the money to take transport to school, God sent angels from all over the place to help me cross the hurdles.

Today, as I look back, I need to give thanks to God, be grateful to Him and give unconditionally to others who need help too. I don't think I am considered any high-income earners, but to the best I know how, I will do what I can to bless others. :)

And yes, those were the days... :)

As the forum goes on....

2009-04-05T11:27:00.003+08:00

I shall revive the blog with my latest updates here in China, Chengdu.

12-15 degrees celsius
cool weather
warm people
busy schedules
requests, requests and more requests
thankful heart to the Lord
nice and caring overseas colleagues

The trip to Chengdu has taught me many things. Independence. Cross-cultural values. Communication. Love for people. Sensitivity towards others.

Met people from Japan, Korea, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia... Not my first time meeting so many internationals but first meeting so many non-christian internationals.

It is kind of different you know.

However, I somewhat feel that God is teaching me something different. He is doing a new work in my heart. Taking out some stuff and repairing some parts. Maybe humans should go for servicing once in a while. :P

I'll be back on Tuesday... and yes, time to take a rest when I come back.

Blogging from office...

2009-03-16T19:54:00.002+08:00

You must be thinking why am I still at office at such a time... that is simply because I still have a long list of tasks that I have yet to complete and I am running out of time now.

Haven't been blogging regularly for a long while.

Been in quite a mel stage in the recent months.

Don't know what to say here, really.

But all I can say that I am asking God to do a new work in my heart.

what to do, life can be such a complicated and contrast at times.

What's more, people simply make things more confusing. :p

It has been a ....

2009-02-25T09:15:00.003+08:00

... long while since I last blogged here. Recently, there were quite a number of changes that took place. I am now an ordinary member in a CG and enjoying to serve with people from all walks of life. However, I believe that whether members or leaders, we all ought to learn to serve and be served. :p

The decision to be a member took a long toil and dilemma in my heart. However, I know what I am in need of and what I need to work on in my life. That's why I took that step.

Now, I am really busy of my work and the load can literally kill me mentally at times. The stress is tremendous and I am still learning to cope. Yes, fixing our eyes on Him is still one of the best ways to be.

Ok, gtg and get my brain cells worked out now.

Ciaos!

Fixing our eyes on the ONE!

2009-02-06T12:53:00.003+08:00

It has been a long break after my last entry. It has been a busy 1 month and it is still busy... so many things to handle right now, especially at work. It is tiring.. But what to do? Life still goes on.

Looking around me, I heard that many companies are retrenching... one after another. Or else, it will be getting people to have a 3-day or 4-day work week. So this year, the pro-family thingy is working. No longer 5.5 days but 4 days. *sigh*

Many bad news on the economy in Singapore and around the globe. But we all need to take a firm stand altogether. That is to really fix on our eyes on our Lord Jesus, who is the author and perfector of our faith. If we keep relying on the bad news and negative reports everyday, I think we will soon be sucked dry spiritually, emotionally and mentally. But I do hope that everyone play a part by giving hope to someone that we meet - everyday.

In fact, 2009 will be a year that many will be tested on their faith and perseverance in Christ. Let's really trust God in everything and not be wavered in the temporary.

Together, we can do it!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18, "16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

The Love For Singing vs The Lord For Worship

2009-01-21T12:08:00.002+08:00

Mr brain went blank when I wanted to blog about my thoughts just now. What should I write about? Maybe I should just pen down my born passion - singing.

I remembered writing about my love to talk. I have learnt to talk before I learnt to walk when I was a toddler of 2 years old. It is amazing when one learns to talk first... while still crawling and bum-ing around at home. That was me.

However, something that amazed me even more was that love and passion for singing.

My mum shared with me that whenever Tracy Huang (黄莺莺） appears on TV, I will always be the first to sit in front of the TV and listen to her singing. I will too sing along with her as I learn the song. It is always a mystery how I can memorise lyrics without much effort at all. Whenever I watch her singing on TV, I will be so focused that no one can seem to interrupt me... as if I was in a trance.

Slowly, it became a known thing that I simply love to sing. My neighbours will always be playing the "talent-time" competition with me, and we will be the singing contestants. It was so funny when every kid at my block longs to be a singer one day. When I went to Primary School, music lesson will be my most look-forward to lesson. I loved the instruments, the notes and the songs. During my secondary school days, my teacher even listened to my singing and invited me to sing in front of the whole class during a music lesson. That was how I have been growing as a kid into singing and music.

But it didn't stop there. When I came to know the Lord in Hope at the age of 15, I came to realise that God touched me really deeply in worship. I remembered crying out before the Lord when i sang "Shout to the Lord". It was a song that ministered to my heart through and through. From then on, I know that worship is a way that I connect with God most. Of cos, I know that it is not the one and only way but God's Word and prayer is also a must to have in my relationship with Jesus. Therefore, I took time to balance it all up during my initial spiritual growth stages.

Today, I know that singing is no longer just singing. I reckon that worship and singing are two different things. I would say that the passion for singing has been replaced by my passion to worship God in love and His Word. Without God, singing would just be so meaningless. I thank God that He has taught me to live life not just in my emotions but in accordance to what has been given to me through the Holy Spirit.

I love to sing still. But I love to worship God even more.

Of cos, worship is not equal to singing and music. Worship is about living out the words that you sing in a pleasing manner unto the Lord. That is worship.

Welcome back Minnieve!

2009-01-20T19:11:00.003+08:00

Took time to spend a little with Ms Eve... Got to know from her tt she's coming back on 17th Jan and she did. And this time round not secretly liaoz lor... haha... Anyway, we ought to have a good time catching up with the group soon.

Miss ya Eve... :p Glad that you are back with us!

2009-01-19T13:55:00.001+08:00

Today's really a very bad day for me. Came in the morning with my director's face black on me. There wasn't any room for booking and the hotel staff is giving me plenty of problems. Dad called me at a time when everyone's getting on my nerves. He's asking for money again. I am just so pissed. Can't it be just a time that he is not asking for this or asking for that? And he only comes to me because he knows that no one else will be bothered about him.

I am just so disappointed because he only comes to me when he needs help. Will he ever think of us when he is all well and happy? Perhaps he does. But only God knows him.

But you know something? The scariest part sometimes is not living with someone. It is living under the shadow of someone that haunts you even when you are not staying with him.

I want to break free of all these negative experiences of childhood. I need to.

Tricia wants to SING!

2009-01-15T09:10:00.003+08:00

My latest tagline for FB is this ~ Tricia wants to sing!

LOL...

I have realised that for the entire year of 2008, I have not really sang my heart out... at Karaoke of cos!!

I am way backdated about the latest Chinese or English pop songs.

Therefore, if I am to go Karaoke today, I will be singing oldies.

Thus, I have set that this CNY, will be the time that I sing my heart out! hahaha...

And it will be so exciting cos this CNY will mark many roller coaster experiences.

Watch out for this blog's announcement SOON and very SOON!!

Short Post

2009-01-08T12:53:00.003+08:00

Ok. I am putting up a short post here. Have been in and out of training since yesterday and I am really tired and falling little unwell. 8 days into the new year and it seems to have so many happenings.

2008 has gone. 2009 will be even better.

Yet will I praise Thee

2009-01-08T12:44:00.002+08:00

Lord You are the one I long for
In Your presence is where I belong
Lord Your love brings joy to my heart
And Your touch is all I need to feel
Deep in my heart
Won’t You satisfy my soul

Yet will I praise Thee
Lift my hands and sing
Yet will I praise Thee
I will bow before the King
and praise Thee
Give to You my everything
I lift up my hands to You
Yet will I praise Thee

Yet Will I Praise Thee - Russell Evans/Paradise Community Church

The Negative Side Of Technology

2009-01-05T09:24:00.002+08:00

Yes, I have to say that some of us are hooked on Facebook while others are always looking at the latest gadgets and technology. It is true that we have all somehow became the victims of technology. Not that we have not benefited from it, but because it offers too many benefits that it also offered some serious side-effects as well.

I remember those days that we have no pagers or mobile phones. There was only a land-line to call to home. Those were the days that we fix meet-ups or catch-up times with merely phone calls or we would fix the appointments way ahead. We used thick planners or notebooks (not laptops) for planning. But we enjoyed every bit of it. In schools, we see love letters tucked under the desks of the ones that we admired, notes of thanks to those that we want to appreciate etc. But somehow, technology has already erased them all.

Where had the punctuality gone to? Where have the notes of love and care went? They have all replaced by smses of “I’m sorry, will be late” and e-cards with little words.

I believe that if technology continue to be so convenient for us that we have also conveniently shown love through the “easier” means, the society would become colder and there would be of less human touch.

Balance it all up and I think it will do us good. And yes, love and care can never be replaced by superpoking each other.

New Camera

2009-01-02T11:33:00.002+08:00

Is this nice? This was taken with my new digital camera... Olympus... yeah!! so happy for the special Christmas gift... :) from Alex! Thanks once again!!

First Post of 2009

2009-01-01T13:15:00.002+08:00

I had my countdown had a church's watchnight service. Many thanksgiving, testimonies and recollection of memories for 2008. I gave thanks for God's faithfulness in my life as He led me through many incidents and precious lessons. To me, it is God's way of teaching me things and my way of learning again and again.

Finally, we stepped into the new year. No loud celebrations. But simply wishing each other a blessed new year. Everyone is believing for a blessed new year. I am believing for it too - for my family, my relationship and myself.

It is kind of rewarding to know that God's hand is pushing me forward towards new understanding in Him. I am awed and amazed by the many wonders that He has created in me. I am still in much amazement of how He created me and empowered me to be where I am today.

I am not in for glamourous fight. I am in for a victorious fight. Not to men's definition but God's direction.

Cheer me on ba!

2nd last day of 2008

2008-12-30T13:32:00.002+08:00

Now the clock shows 1:34pm and this meant that we have another 34.5 hours more to go before we march into 2009! My mind tells me that I ought to take time, sit down and reflect, evaluate and plan some goals ahead of 2009. Besides, I ought to share that setting of resolutions can become a yearly affair instead of really desiring to achieve something for yourself for the coming year. Somehow, this has really become a yearly affair for me. But this coming year, it shall no longer be a yearly affair. It ought to be something that I do enjoy doing and work towards for the best of my personal well-being.

So what shall be the things that I ought to plan about?

I want to plan about my emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

I realised that very often, I have met others' needs more than I have took care of my own. I give and give and give but yet, at times, I really have not taken good care of myself. It is just very me to be involved in others, but well, perhaps, I just need to learn to take a step back and not neglect all these areas in my life.

Definitely, it won't be so much of missing out on people. Just that I need to take note of myself more. Time to recharge myself fully in 2009 so that I can better run the race ahead. There will be some major changes for myself in 2009 and I am really looking forward to it. Of course, no changes can take place without giving up some rights and offering some sacrifices. Yes, I ought to do that in 2009. Offerings and sacrifices. Ok, all these are in brief. I will need to put in time to plan about all these.

And the time will come only when I take a half-day off... so tomorrow shall be the day that I take my off!! yeah!!!

2009 here i come!!

My Cubicle

2008-12-30T11:46:00.001+08:00

My cubicle looks like this now... haha... and with the cute flower... nice isn't it??

I missed my stop!

2008-12-24T09:28:00.005+08:00

I woke up this morning unwillingly and headed towards office. it was pouring, raining, pouring, raining... super don't feel like going to work. But well, one thing motivated me... that is to receive pressies... hahaha...

So my bro dropped me at Yio Chu Kang MRT station and I took a bus from there... When I was on the bus, I was thinking that the bus journey is really long... but amazingly, when I turned around to look at the bus-stop, I realised that I missed my stop!

So panicking, I alighted at the stop after my usual stop... and I have to walk all the way back to the stop that I usually alighted and then to my office. Faintz... I smsed my boss about this and she kept laughing... she said that she'll announce to all this joke of the day. hahaha... silly me...

Anyway, Merry Christmas to all and see u guys at The Rock. :p

Have you seen a cute penguin lately??

2008-12-22T16:22:00.003+08:00

You've seen a cute penguin lately?

This is one cute one that I've seen and received this Christmas... and guess what??

It is a hidden weapon from within.... hahaha...

Take 5

2008-12-17T17:05:00.003+08:00

Yes... I'm taking 5 from my work now... considerably the amount of information that I have to search high and low for the event next year.. and finally, I have finished compiling the costings for next year's event. We are contemplating to choose either Hainan, Cebu or Ho Chi Minh. I quite like Hainan and Cebu personally. But it seems that flights to Hainan is really expensive... faint.. it can cost up to SGD1,600-1,800 each person.. and the hotel ain't cheap either... haha... but i am looking forward to the trips next year. Hopefully can get to do a recce as well.

Anyway, Christmas is just next week! How fast can this be?!? A year has gone. 14 more days to a new year ahead. Many mixed feelings from within. 2008 has been a rather interesting year. I've been in 3 jobs, which meant 2 transitions in my work, and a shifting in and out of house, another transition. I don't remember writing down my resolutions in my blog but I do remember what my resolutions are about. Haha.. I managed to achieve some and some, I only managed achieve partial only. And of course, there were some that I didn't achieve at all. :(

But seriously speaking, it is ok. I am learning to take things in good stride and just simply move on.

I think I need to take a day off to rethink on the directions that I would like to take in 2009. :) It is simply good to just take 5 now...

The Impossible Dream

2008-12-15T12:06:00.003+08:00

I was very touched by the lyrics of this song yesterday. It was talking about a man who dares to dream the impossible simply because of one thing in his heart - Passion & Courage.

There are many things in this world that we can dream and be passionate about. However, passion will only be visible when there are actions.

so, enjoy the song!

"The Impossible Dream"
from MAN OF LA MANCHA (1972)
music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far

To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

Laminin

2008-12-10T14:20:00.000+08:00

Laminin is a protein found in the extracellular matrix, the sheets of protein that form the substrate of all internal organs also called the basement membrane. It is the major non-collagenous component of the basal lamina, such as those on which cells of an epithelium sit.[1] It has four arms that can bind to four other molecules. The three shorter arms are particularly good at binding to other laminin molecules, which is what makes it so great at forming sheets. The long arm is capable of binding to cells, which helps anchor the actual organs to the membrane.

The laminin protein is made up of three separate parts, called the A, B1, and B2 chains. That gives it a total of six "ends", which accounts for a lot of its flexibility in connecting up various kinds of molecules. Because of this, scientists who create biomaterials are extremely interested in the whole family of laminins[citation needed]. They are a family of glycoproteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding in almost every animal tissue. Laminins are secreted and incorporated into cell-associated extracellular matrices.

Laminin is vital to making sure overall body structures hold together. Improper production of laminin can cause muscles to form improperly, leading to a form of muscular dystrophy. It can also cause progeria.

Mood to party...

2008-12-05T14:08:00.001+08:00

Tonight is the night that all my colleagues and myself are going to party and have fun! And guess what, our D&D today has a fabulous theme called "Glamourous Night"... We are all supposed to dress like some Hollywood Star or Celebrities...

I am having headache now on how I am going to dress up etc... But then, I am just so going home to sleep later then decide how to dress up la.. Bought this pair of heels which I hope I can wear despite my ankle injury... "Ai Sui Mai Mia" ma... hahaha...

Await my pics update later on ba!

Simply me

2008-12-02T10:33:00.002+08:00

It is simply me to remain simple.

Life gets complicated somehow, unknowingly.

But I choose to remain simple.

Simplicity does not mean to live without dreams.

Simple me just want to have simple dreams.

But simple dreams can get complicated too.

Simply because it is too simple.

I still choose to go for simplicity.

Remain simple. Remain me.

A new dimension

2008-11-24T17:58:00.003+08:00

I was amazed when I heard this preacher by the name of Kevin Durant preaching about spirit of faith. He was probably one guy who seeks to live out God's word in his life, fine-tuning the every bit and step which will seek to please the Lord.

As I listened to His words, I felt that there is a need to be changed. A need to grow. A need to re-learn. I felt like a young believer once again. Having that vulnerability to learn and receive, digest whatever that has been taught.

He said that praises unto God should not be just about clapping hands. Clapping hands is just a sign of excitement, enthusiasm, a convenient expression. But when we use our tongue to praise God verbally, words flow out from our mouth, praises were lifted unto the Lord. We come out of our usual and do the extraordinary, which pleases the Lord and irks the devil.

There is power in our tongue. If only we all learn to not just express God with "whoo.. yeah... ah...wow.." but to say, "Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, Jesus is so good!!", won't it be amazing?? We all need to go beyond ourselves, our comfort level and live to worship the Lord with our total being.

All these that he has preached inspired me greatly. I want to learn to praise the Lord more verbally and with dancing and singing, because Jesus is definitely greater than a soccer star!

The ringing of Christmas Carols...

2008-11-19T12:46:00.002+08:00

So fast!! It is going to be Christmas again! With the lighting up of the lights along the entire stretch of Orchard Road, Christmas Trees everywhere, sale of Christmas decors and the crazy shopping by Singaporeans everywhere!!

I felt that time has really passed by so fast and that it is going to be a new year all over again... The year of 2008 has been really special for many of us here... really special...

Anyway, 2008 is quite a crazy year for me too. I changed from job (NTUC FairPrice) to job (TR Group) to the current job... everything seems so fast! I thank the Lord for being with me throughout... His presence, guidance and assurance. If not for Him, I think I will be like a lost sheep...

Thank God for being such a great blessing and especially when I'm blessed with him...

Recent days...

2008-11-12T13:39:00.002+08:00

I have decided to make time for my long neglected blog ever since I started on my new job...

This job isn't a job that I can "eng eng" and it requires me to support 24 staff in the team. My body's aching from the shifting of stuff all around office... with all the courier services that I have to arrange to send stuff (heavy and bulky) overseas.. It is kinda challenging but I am enjoying every bit of it.

Trying to balance up things with the time that I have in office... Don't have much privilege to access blogs as much as last time since I have shifted home and change job. Planning my stuff on PCs seem to be tougher than before.

Can't really do personal stuff in office. Not because the IT dept is strict on me but my work is just so overwhelming.

Of course, there are so much things to take into account of course. With a new relationship, new job, adjusting back to home, balancing up work, ministry and personal life, and most importantly, not to neglect my heavenly Daddy, I have so much to grow in. I am missing my friends but it seems that they have been busy too... One in US, one in Australia, one always in gym, one busy selling accessories, one busy impacting youths, one trying to be compliant about work, one busy pak-tor-ing as well, one busying with missions, work and relationship. It seems that everyone's so occupied. I think the next catchup will be helping out in others' weddings or saying "Hi" and "Bye' on Sundays or team rallies.

And yes, Christmas is coming and I would like to catch up with them soon. :p

back from langkawi!

2008-10-29T17:31:00.002+08:00

I stepped back to mainland Singapore last sat afternoon and I have been busy busy. The new job kinda kicked off a brand new momentum for me in my life. New scope and responsibilities and more exposure. I should say that God had really put everything in His right timing. :)

The Langkawi trip has stretched so much further.. Meeting the people from different part of Asia is an eye opener for me. The different culture of the people has really been brought forth together at just one place. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, China, Korea, Japan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines... woah... we have close to 200 participants for this annual meeting.

My colleagues in the team, from the most junior to the directors level... All helped to do packing for the gift bags. I have never seen such an united team before. All have helped and everyone had a role to play. It is just so cool... I love the way they work together and they are just a crazy bunch of people... :p

I've also seen how my boss managed the whole event and how cool she was. I think I need that kind of capacity of steadyness so that I can learn to manage the event next time too. :)

Ok, I gtg.. need to pack up for dinner.. :p

Greetings from Langkawi!

2008-10-22T16:49:00.002+08:00

Yesh! I am at Langkawi now and there is the sand, the beach, the seafood and the rain!! It has been raining since last sat till now... but guess what, we are enjoying every bit here... cos of the nice people factor! It is just so amazing to run the entire event with pple who are super onz!

I am working hard and playing hard and working hard. It has to be the most exciting and also energy exhausting event ever. But I am not losing weight here cos the food is fabulous and I just kept eating and eating and eating!! Toning down now for the next few days and it is time to work out my FATS again!

Catch u guys up when I am back!!

A Brand New Start

2008-10-14T12:48:00.003+08:00

Today's my second day at my new workplace. Pretty different culture and I thought that the colleagues here are pretty "angmoh pai" too. With a few Caucasian bosses, I thought that I need to learn to work with people from different part of the world more and more. However, my colleagues in the team are pretty fun-loving and I am still trying to get used to them. And I'm getting busy already on the first day of my work.

Will be flying off to Malaysia this Friday till next Sat for a big Asia event for my company. Pls miss me ya?

See you guys back on the 25 Oct. :p

Coming out of the closet...

2008-10-07T13:10:00.005+08:00

As requested, I have decided that I should come out of the closet.. slowly and steadily... since there were so many people bombarding on my facebook ever since I put my status as "It's Complicated". My dear friend Gerald was so excited for me that he was trying his best to succumb to his enthusiasm, which obviously he failed.

So here I am trying to come out of the closet discreetly (as described by JX)... And I am now putting up just one picture.. which I think I will put up more in the future. But surely, this is just the beginning and I have more to come. lol...

Yes, this guy has been part of my life for the past 5 years. We crossed each other's paths for a number of times. From CG to friends to better buddies to working colleagues to now. It wasn't then but only now.

It was surely an amazing thing how God brought us together. Yes, together. Something that I could not have imagined happening to me in 2008, and it did. God's grace and love drew this relationship into a possibility.

I felt that it couldn't be more than just words that can express. What I felt most is that God is watching over this entire journey that we are in and we are working towards becoming more like Him in His ways.

We are learning to grow in many things and to focus on what God has intended for us to do.

I believe that if we obey God in His word and keep on holding to His promises, He will surely bring us to a greater glory, then we could ever imagine of becoming.

More blessings will come along the way... soon and very soon... :p

Photofunia Rocks!

2008-10-06T15:39:00.007+08:00

I just discovered this website call Photofunia through someone's blog and I thought that this is really fun! Some pics to go about for now... :p

Cool isn't it?? It's so fun!! hee...

Blessings Poured Down From Heavens

2008-10-03T10:28:00.003+08:00

In the midst of the economic downturn, stock market crashes, political issues everywhere, global warming etc... there are still good things happening. Eh, maybe I should change the words. Not just good things but these are blessings to me!

I'm awed and amazed at how God is doing his work in my life and I am working one step closer to fulfill what He has planned for me.

Thank God for His faithfulness, grace and mercy.

I am blessed and thankful.

Yeah!

Bdae celebrations....

2008-09-30T09:41:00.013+08:00

Ok. I think I have been eating and eating and eating and eating... catching up with so many people until I wanna explode from all the food.

So I will not say much here... but only "Thank You" to all that have sms-ed me, wrote on my facebook wall, celebrated bdae with me in big and small ways...

I am a blessed girl with blessed network of friends (697 till date)... hahaha... and still counting...

Let the pics speak the million words ba...

21 Sept 2008 - Dinner with Liping and Xiuping at Ministry of Food
(Bugis Junction)

26 Sept 2008 - Birthday Celebration with Colleagues

27 Sept 2008 - Tea-time with CG Gals (Rena, Lirong & Mikka)

27 Sept 2008 - Dinner with TK & TKGS girls

28 Sept 2008 - Birthday Lunch with CG

29 Sept 2008 - Birthday Dinner with Shirls and Nic...

Bdae Celebration with FP Alumni!

2008-09-24T15:18:00.001+08:00

Last Friday was pretty cool.. On friday evening, I met up with my ex-colleagues and we had a whirlwind of fun.. as usual... my dear ex-boss, Pammy was the star and we were all having a good time becoming drama kings and queens.. It was really funny... Ah min tried her best to hide the surprise cake but failed bcos the plates came before the cake arrived!

Here are some pics for viewing...

Jermaine & Drama Queen, Ms Pammy!!

Meimei and Didi

Huimin & Kevin

The funniest thing is that Andrew is not in any of the pics.. haha.. perhaps I didn't want to put him in... hee...

Dinner before WFL

2008-09-23T15:56:00.001+08:00

Met Junming, TH & Jong Yong for a drink before the WFL. I had mine thus I didn't really eat. So just ordered drinks... so what happened is that Junming ordered green tea and I ordered chrysanthemum... But when the drinks came, Junming took the chrysanthemum and drank it instead. I looked at him... laughing to myself and I started asking him... "What's wrong with you?" haha... then he started to look at me, thinking that there is something wrong with me.

At the end, I reminded him abt his order... all of us bursted out in laughter..

Haha... this is so amusing...

My fellow CL is kinda sotong also.. muahaha...

Counting Down...

2008-09-22T16:42:00.000+08:00

Ok, it's the time of the year again...

Time to grow older...

Time to be wiser...

It is just the time that I thought it will be spent best with my dearest friends n loved ones...

:p

Badminton Games With Colleagues

2008-09-17T14:07:00.001+08:00

My hand's aching from the badminton games that I played last evening. Guess that skipping 3 weeks in a row is not a very good idea. Got to catch up more on my games... :p

Drink Your Water!

2008-09-16T14:19:00.001+08:00

i am sure you heard all of us tell you that you need to
"drink your water"!

and regardless of if you do hot yoga every day or not,
water is essential for our bodies.

did you know that by the time we feel thirsty,
we are already a little bit dehydrated?
did you know that we are sweating *all* the time?

in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, we often forget about
one of the most important things for our health - water!
the human body is 60-80% water.

when the body is dehydrated, its systems cannot function properly.
even bowel movements are effected by how much water we drink!

it is generally recommended to drink 2 liters of water each day.
what i like to do is have a *big* glass of water first thing in the
morning and drink throughout the day as much as possible.
i always keep a water bottle nearby!

TIP #1 - add a little something to your water

to ensure that the water is actually "soaking" into your system,
add a slice of lime or lemon or even, yes, a tiny bit of sea salt.

TIP #2 - distilled water vs mineral water

please do note that is better to drink tap water or mineral water
than "distilled" water. distilled water has been "cleaned"
so there is absolutely nothing it in. if you are drinking
distilled water, you are not replenishing any minerals.
even though "distilled" water is cheaper,
it is not so good for replenishment. or add a bit of "sea salt"
(must be "sea salt" normal table salt is not good for you!)

TIP #3 - are you getting headaches? time to "replenish"

and, finally, if you experience slight headaches after class
(don't worry, it's very common), it's normally because you have
sweated out a lot of minerals (sodium, potassium)
& need to replace them. these can be easily replenished
with 100Plus or Gatorade.

or try a coconut - it's nature's sports drink!
or i like to eat a bit of seaweed (seriously -
seaweed has lots of important "trace elements/minerals"!)
try to korean seaweed ...
comes toasted, pre-cut in little packets. very yummy, too.

TIP #4 - do tea, coffee, juices etc count?

generally, it's best to drink 2 liters of *plain* water per day.

there are some studies that show all liquids help hydrate the body.
but, caffeine is a slight diruetic (which makes you pee more)
which makes your body lose more water - which defeats the point!
so, try to get as much regular, plain water as possible.
it's really the best way.

Potong Pasir Bazaar and Birthday Dinner with Jane!

2008-09-15T16:48:00.003+08:00

Believe it anot, I really had a very happy, enjoyable and marvellous weekend last sat, 13 Sept 2008. Beside spending time with Nicole, I managed to meet up with Ms Jane Tok again for dinner this year!

Ok, we'll talk about Nicole's Bazaar first. Saturday morning, I am supposed to be at Potong Pasir at 9am.. But due to the heavy rain and my sleepyness, I only managed to reach there at 9.15am. The best is that I was so hungry that morning, I decided to go for a McDonalds' breakfast and in the end, I only appeared at 9.45am. Oops... hahaha...

The set-up was pretty much of a mad rush. When I was reached there, I saw Nic and Wilfy setting up, I told myself that I better make myself useful.. haha.. or else I will be banned from the "helping list" next time perhaps...

You will be surprised at the items that nic and wilfy sells. haha.. the most sellable items are the doraemoan fridge megnets! fwah.. 1 for $0.20 and 3 for $0.50. woah...

Anyway the bazaar was really fun and I had loads of fun with nicole. I managed to grab her to take a pic with me finally! and here's the picture of Nicole and me... My first shepherd in Hope.. Ok, I shan't repeat the long-winded story le.. just that without Nicole, there will be no Faithtricia. :p Thanks Nic... :)
Later on, I met up with my bestie friend from NYP. She is one interesting character that I never thought that I could click off with her during our TEP (Teaching Enterprise Project) attachment. But really, it was fun running a little IT store, selling Macintosh computers with her.. watching 环珠格格 together, managing POS (Point-of-Sale systems) and doing design banner for our shops.. wahaha.. so cool. But the best part is that she is one that we can talk about almost anything. Though she comes from a pretty well-to-do family, she never ever boasts about it or even have a bit of 千金小姐 tantrum. She is just such a lovely babe... We serve in different churches but yet, I can sense the love that we have for God all in all. It is great to have friends that serve God together with you in spirit.

Jane is really a girl that is so sweet and wonderful. She is a woman of God.. really. Love her for that! Keep it up babe!!

All in all, God is good to me and He never fails to show me His favor. I am trusting Him for greater things ahead. :)

God's Word - The way life should be

2008-09-15T13:45:00.003+08:00

Last Friday, the Adults came together in Nexus for a time of combined CG. Wow, the whole Nexus was filled with people and the adults came altogether to enjoy this time of fellowship. Pastor Jeff surprised us with a movie screening with a theme on marketplace ethics. It is kinda exciting to watch a movie with so many brothers and sisters in nexus. I remember vaguely that my last 2 movies in Nexus were "Left Behind" and "Passion of the Christ".

But this time, the movie gave a very good depict of the importance of Word of God in our lives. It showed us that when one hold the Word of God closely and firmly to our hearts, God will honor his , guide him through in all circumstances and exalt him above all things.

I can't help but have to agree fully with Pastor Jeff's sharing on Friday that the Word of God should be the focus of our living. because life can get pretty deceitful and compromising at times if we do not have the truth in our lives. I remembered saying in one of my previous entries about how hay-wire, messed up or confusing at times if one does not know the truth.

My spiritual walk with God has been greatly blessed since my youth days because my leaders and shepherds kept on feeding me, helping me to understand the Word of God. If not, I think I will just be one of the lukewarm Christians that are warming up the seat in service every Sunday. My leader used to "force" me to memorise the verses everytime. He gotten me a small notebook and ask me to write down and memorise the verses. I felt obliged at the start. But as I memorise for a while, I realised that the Word of God has brought forth so much peace and joy to my heart that I simply cannot stop memorising at all!

So I would like to encourage all to start memorising the Word of God as it will definitely bring you much blessings and joy in your life.

Below is a portion that I copied (illegally... haha...) from Ps Jeff's blog. Let us memorise these verses together and live life to the fullest ya? And here's a verse that I would like to encourage all:

Hebrews 4:12 (New International Version)

12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

So let us all start memorising these verses for now.. They are memorisable.. just take 5-10 minutes to memorise one verse each day.. You will complete them in no time. :)

Experiencing A New Beginning
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Experiencing Intimacy with God
Jeremiah 33:3
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Experiencing Supernatural Power
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Experiencing His Truth
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Experience Helping Friends Experiencing God
Matthew 28:19-20
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Experience Community of Another Kind
Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Experiencing Identification with Christ
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Experiencing the Joy of Giving
Proverbs 11:24-25
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Discover God’s Character
Ephesians 1:13-14
13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

Discover How to Worship
John 4:22-23
22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

Discover Victory in God
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Discover Faith in God
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Discover the Significance of The Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 11:26-28
26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
27Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.

Discover Why We Obey Leaders
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Discover the Basic Principles of Your faith
1 Timothy 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Discover Why You should Serve in a Church
Ephesians 4:12-13
12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Compassion for foreign workers

2008-09-15T13:22:00.002+08:00

It is kind of weird because I realised that I have a compassion for a pretty neglected group of people. These people are those who left their homes in their countries and come over to this small little island call Singapore to work. Therefore, they are called "foreign workers".

Nope. They are not the foreign expatriates that stay in nice service apartments nor do they have their families with them at this point. They are workers from Thailand, India, Blangadesh, China, Myammar, Sri Lanka etc. These are the workers that we see working on the roads, construction sites etc.

My dad used to be a driver ferrying these workers from destination to destination to work. So I thought that they are just another group of people that are uneducated, rough, boor etc. However, when I shifted from Ang Mo Kio to Yishun in 1998, my dad engaged some of these workers to help us in shifting the house. There and then, I realised that some of them are very nice people. They are not educated but they are humble and hardworking bunch, wanting to earn an honest living here for their families back in their countries.

I applaud their courage to leave their homes so that their families can have a better life back home. Now, I look at them as people who love their families, persevering and wanting to work hard for a better future. Who says that education is everything? In fact, some of the 'boors' that I've met might be people who are from the more educated or wealthier backgrounds. But surely, not all people respond these ways.

Some churches in Singapore charter buses for these workers to their services on weekends. I think it will really be nice if a ministry like this can be started here in Hope. God don't just love the professionals. God loves everyone the same. Hope to see this group of people knowing the Lord in ways that we can provide.

There are still so much room for growth, won't you agree with me in this? =)

Ang Mo Kio - The place where I grew up

2008-09-12T14:52:00.002+08:00

Have I shared with you before that Ang Mo Kio has a very special connection to me? I shifted to Ang Mo Kio when I was about 4 yrs old. That was when I was about to step into my PAP Kindergarten education. I stayed at Blk 245 (a 2-room flat block) for 13 years of my life. Basically, majority of my growing up years, I spent it all there.

Somehow, my neighbors and my siblings (including me of cos) had the craziest childhood at Blk 245. We would often ask every kid from every unit to come out and play after our school in the morning. We will play from 3pm till about 5-6pm in the evening? What do we play? Hmm, catching, 7-up, Pepsi-Cola, Hide & Seek, Zero-point, five-stones, marbles, soccer.. anything and everything. We will often explore around the neighborhood area and play with the animals that we can find.. whether is it cats or birds etc...

I remember once that a little new-born bird dropped down from the nest on a tree near the block. A few of us were panicky and don't know what to do. We did what we can to feed the bird with water and we wanted to try all means to put the bird back to the nest, but we couldn't. The tree was too tall. Thus, we helplessly watch the little newbie die. I was really sad... We buried it under the tree. Yes, we buried it.

These were memories that bring me back to my childhood, reminiscing and having that desire to become a kid again. We were kids that really had childhood. We had so much fun back then. But sad to say, all the 15-18 of the kids, that stayed at the same level 2 did not keep in contact with one another. We lost touch as each family shifted house as the days go by. It is really a pity that we did not managed to find one another after we grew up.

But one thing is that I can always remember how a particular Christian family always attempt to invite all of us to the nearby Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church during Christmas season. That was when I was exposed to Christianity and the gospel of Christ. There were Sundays that i will sneak to the Sunday School at the church and have loads of fun with the kids there. Back then, I only remembered that the kids were all very well-dressed and me and my friend were quite shabbily dressed. But they loved us all and accepted us as who we were.

I am really thankful for that neighbour who invited us to the church, the lady who knocked at the door of my house and shared the gospel with my mum and my family, the Youth-For-Christ girls who persistently shared the gospel with me and my friend at Changi Airport when I was Sec 2, my primary school teacher Mrs Mary Lim who brought me and my friend to her church when I was Sec 1. So many things have happened when i stayed at Ang Mo Kio. The place where I gradually get to know Christ. The place where I grew as I came to know the Lord. The small 2-room flat that I grew and learn to pray to Jesus when I knew Him in my Sec 3 days. It was just so wonderful to think back about the days at Ang Mo Kio.

I wonder if I will ever be able to find my childhood friends again. I hope to find them again... :P

Guess the price!!

2008-09-11T14:08:00.003+08:00

Would you like to guess how much is this ring? It is my new found baby!!

2008-09-11T11:57:00.002+08:00

I love this song very much.. but can't find the full song streaming on imeem... but really, just enjoy the song man...

Pour My Love On You
Philip, Craig & Dean

Verse 1:
I don't know how to say exactly how I feel
And I can't begin to tell you what your love has meant
I'm lost for words
Is there a way to show the passion in my heart
Can I express how truly great I think you are
My dearest friend
Lord, this is my desire
To pour my love on You

Chorus:
Like oil upon your feet
Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you
If praise is like perfume
I'll lavish mine on you
Till every drop is gone
I'll pour my love on you

Verse 2:
Is there a way to show the passion in my heart
Can I express how truly great I think you are
My dearest friend
Lord, this is my desire
To pour my love on you

Chorus:
Like oil upon your feet
Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you
If praise is like perfume
I'll lavish mine on you
Till every drop is gone
I'll pour my love on you

Chorus:
Like oil upon your feet
Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you
If praise is like perfume
I'll lavish mine on you
Till every drop is gone

Pour my love on you
Yeah

Chorus:
Like oil upon your feet
Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you
If praise is like perfume
I'll lavish mine on you
Till every drop is gone

Chorus:
Like oil upon your feet
Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you
If praise is like perfume
I'll lavish mine on you
Till every drop is gone
I'll pour my love on you

Pour my love on you

Blogging at Shirls' place now...

2008-09-10T15:40:00.002+08:00

Muahaha... I'm at Shirls' place now... but i think she is too sick to talk to me now.. and that is why I'm blogging now..

Anyway, i've been running around today and I want to say that it is good to just take a day off from work and start to do things that you really enjoy.

I miss staying with the melindas... it was really fun when i stayed with them at Holland. Missed those times that we bullied Livi to do household chores.. haha.. n of cos, the place was always flooded with a lot of Central kids.. :p

Now I am really working hard at making some things happen! So simply watch out! Updates coming...

A Drama Took Place

2008-09-10T10:40:00.003+08:00

I went back to Yishun last night. When I stepped into the house I was still listening to my MP3 player.. Didn't realise that a drama was taking place outside.. at my neighbour's place. A bit of background, my neighbour here is a old couple, maybe in their late 60s and they have a son of 25 year old. The son has a child of 5 years old. The mother of the child is definitely not with him anymore. However the mother of this cute little boy still brings him out once in a while.

The drama took place when I heard my neighbour - the auntie, crying and talking in cantonese, which of cos I can't understand a single sentence at all. I thought that he was quarreling with his husband, therefore, I didn't take a second glance. But later on, I got to know that it was her son that was creating havoc. He ran to the road in front of my hse and started to attempt commiting suicide by asking the vehicles to knock him down. My gosh! I was like... my elder bro then went to the road trying to pull him back. Then he came back and went to the nearb void-decks, wanting to beat up the passer-bys. I think I was really afraid to respond at this point. I think he was on drugs.. This is not his usual self.

His girlfriend was at his house. She was crying, banging her head against the wall. But mind you, she is not easy to handle as well. I wanted to help but I didn't know how to. But all in all, an ambulance came, the police came etc.. Nightmare...

After this incident, I was just thinking to myself.. how can one's life be so messed up? Yes, one's life can be so messed up if it is without God. It may not be so horrendous but it will be lacking of God's fullest plan all in all. I pray that God will use me to help him know Christ soon. Such a testimony will display God's richest glory and power and majesty. Lord, only you can change lives! Because mine was changed too!

Secure In The Lord

2008-09-09T10:34:00.003+08:00

When I stepped out of house this morning, I saw a very amusing scene. My neighbour was waiting for the lift and carrying his daughter at the same time. The daughter was sleeping so soundly and her head was lying on her dad's shoulders. This is kind of a sweet scene to me.

It really reminded me of how God has brought me so far, ever since the day my dad n mum got divorced. God has played a very important role of a Father to me. Some others do have difficulty relating to God as a Father, due to the family situation and lack of the role model of a father at home. But I am just so thankful that I do not have such test in relating to God like a child or daughter because I knew that I lacked a father's love, and that is why I sought God for it.

God never fails to comfort me and help me to overcome the struggles like this. To me, the Lord is the most comforting Father that I can ever go to. I love this passage from the bible, it says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7,

The God of All Comfort

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Yes, I am comforted till this point and I know that God will be my strength and refuge in times of needs and difficulties. The Father that never fails to hold His child's hand and walk through the darkest valleys, and helping her to soar on wings of eagles, that is my Father, that is my God. :)

Movie - Make It Happen

2008-09-08T16:07:00.003+08:00

I thought that it will just be about dancing, music and steps. At the end of the show, it was about this thing - Pursuing Your Dream. Lauryn Kirk chased after her dream... drove for miles to Chicago and wanting to pursue her dream. But she failed the audition. She didn't want others to know her failure. So she lied throughout, telling her brother that she has gotten in. But at the end of the day, she took that courage to go for the second audition again.

This movie stirred up a lot of thoughts in me. The dream, the pursuit, the ideals, the abilities to do what God wants me to do. It is just so amazing! How can it be that God made it all possible by creating me - passionate, persevering and always wanting to press on. Sometimes, I do feel like Lauryn but I know that God just spurs me back to that dream that He has created me to have. Every time I am discouraged, God will encouraged me by ministering to my heart, speaking to me through people and using God's word to spring me up! I simply love the feeling of God revealing to me more and more of His plans.

Something's brewing...

2008-09-08T10:23:00.002+08:00

yes.. and it is kinda exciting!

Never expected God to work in such marvelous ways despite the difficult times that I am going through now.

Thank God for His providence.. and I am going to take faith and take heart to believe.

Yesterday's sermon simply assured me again about His faithfulness and that He always watches over me in my job.

So God, what other miracles are you gonna perform now leh?

*smiles*

Learning to keep in step...

2008-09-05T11:46:00.003+08:00

... with the Holy Spirit!!

Yes... that is something that I've learnt yesterday. I was praying hard for the chairing for yesterday's unit event and I was prepared to share a passage from 1 John 4: 9-10, which says, "9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son^[b] into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for^[c] our sins."

However, I was also contemplating to share John 3:16-17, " 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,^[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.", since the theme was on God's love. But at the end, I just gave it a 'miss'.

So we had the prayer, the worship, the exercising of spiritual gifts... haha... and I shared on the parable of the lost sheep instead. Well, I think the passage was really good but it could have been even better if I have shared on the passage of 1 John and John. So the best part is that all these verses were covered in Desmond's message later on.

I felt a little kind of disappointed when I didn't obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. I should have obeyed and spoke through the passage by faith. Well, perhaps, I wasn't too focus enough and there were too many things happening within a day.

I really need to repent and learn to be in step with the Holy Spirit..

In John 14:25-27, "25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Ok, I shall let the Holy Spirit be my Counselor. :)

Ganbate!