oh. I'm very lagging in my top 10s. heck. I've been too busy with PRC camp and other stuff to blog about the past year. And, can I say that I'm seriously too lazy to blog about them?
Met up with liz, sarah & sond on tues. It was good. We laughed over our old school photos. I really miss secondary school days.
Which fast-fowards me to uni days. Results came out. And I'm actually disappointed. Graduation in less than 6months is actually eminent (this word looks odd). But, I can say that each semester has been such a joy. The friendships are such blessings from God.
PRC camp for the past 2 days has been really good. For some, Anntic is the camp to go. But for me, it'd always be PRC camp. Each year that I go for, it's a different thing. Year 1 was God's wake up call for me to quit wallowing in self-pity and to realise that the harvest field is there. Year 2 was really a challenge of trust in God, that He is in control of everything. This year, I just found it all peaceful. My group was the nuah kind. And they are so so sweet. The look on their faces when we gave them the cards that debs, weng seng & I wrote to them. gosh. so priceless. You could tell that they were touched. They started comparing cards, and it was very funny when one of the guys Wen Hao (the mark lookalike) asked why we wrote different stuff on the cards (so sweet rite, debs?).
Plus it's always nice to be with people I can just be myself. I'm very grateful for good co-group leaders. It's way too tiring to manage a group on one's own. Will post photos up when I get them. Sb, help me get from T or is it Tee?? Oh and debs, I got all their emails. will be starting a yahoogroup for them this weekend. I'm looking foward to 13 jan for the afterglow (sb!! our birthday plans!! haha)
out/
Friday, December 29, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
2006 Lesson No. 8 - Work.
I got a whole lot more than what I had bargained for when I agreed to work at Pearson during my summer vacation. The one main thing I learnt was that working life ain't a bed of roses. I never could understand why people who used to serve so actively in church, would slowly fade from the scene when they entered the working world. I used to think they had chosen the chasing after the winds over God.
But experiencing a bit of it when I worked at Pearson, changed my entire perspective. Helping Emily with her Modern World History project (of which, I can proudly say I did the maps in that textbook. heh), made me experience real deadlines and the demands of various people from MOE to the authors. I got it easy. I could leave everyday at 5.25 pm to catch the bus back to Boon Lay. But Emily usually had to stay back to work overtime. Seeing her and the many others in the office who were rushing to meet very tight deadlines, made me realise that it's not really our call to decide how much to work. If there's work that needs to be done by a certain time, it has to be done by that time.
Temping at Pearson in the day, while having various cf meetings at night, made me realise that working life is tiring. It saps the life out of you. I had long talks with a few friends, and we realised that eventually it boils down to oneself. Yes, there will always be a never-ending workload. But we can actually choose how much to work, although it would be a tough choice.
I've also realised that if I don't start putting God first in my life now, it's going to be so much harder once I start to work. Reaching out, spending time with Him can easily fall to second, fifth even last place, if I don't begin and continue now.
But experiencing a bit of it when I worked at Pearson, changed my entire perspective. Helping Emily with her Modern World History project (of which, I can proudly say I did the maps in that textbook. heh), made me experience real deadlines and the demands of various people from MOE to the authors. I got it easy. I could leave everyday at 5.25 pm to catch the bus back to Boon Lay. But Emily usually had to stay back to work overtime. Seeing her and the many others in the office who were rushing to meet very tight deadlines, made me realise that it's not really our call to decide how much to work. If there's work that needs to be done by a certain time, it has to be done by that time.
Temping at Pearson in the day, while having various cf meetings at night, made me realise that working life is tiring. It saps the life out of you. I had long talks with a few friends, and we realised that eventually it boils down to oneself. Yes, there will always be a never-ending workload. But we can actually choose how much to work, although it would be a tough choice.
I've also realised that if I don't start putting God first in my life now, it's going to be so much harder once I start to work. Reaching out, spending time with Him can easily fall to second, fifth even last place, if I don't begin and continue now.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
2006 Lesson No. 9 - Turning 21 in the family.
I turned 21 this year.
In my earlier reflections on turning 21, I wrote about my dad's 'reaction' in that immediate week. Close to a year later, there's been little things here and there that the dad has been loosening the strings that's rather sweet.
Like for example how I asked permission to go night cycling in May, across the far east (of Singapore. heh). My dad smsed: Take care. Then, less than a second later, he sent another: Take care and enjoy yourself.
Now, to do crazy things overnight, going on holidays overseas, I don't have to ask for permission. It's more of just telling them, to let them know where I am so that they won't have to worry. On hindsight, the really good thing about getting a handphone before entering university, is that the parents do not have the habit of calling you up to find out where you are, which I've noticed, annoys some of my friends.
In my teens, staying out late and hanging out with boys were the 2 main things to show that you were "cool". Now I roll my eyes and go "yeah, right. cool." Now that my age starts with 2-, I notice that I usually stay no later than 10pm when out with my friends. I try to get home before midnight, and usually reach home by 11pm. If given the option to stay out later for drinks, I'm always one of the first to throw in the towel and head home.
I've also come to realise that family is really important. While I was younger, I would try to spend as much time with friends. Family was secondary. I'm still no expert now, but I've since learnt to spend more time with my family. And actually enjoy it.
Had a talk with my mom in November, and it just hit home the importance of family. Even if the family can be annoying, but it's the one place people really know me for who I really am. Although 21 means indendence and freedom, I've realised complete freedom is not the doing whatever you want. Rather, it's living life responsibly that makes the people who love you, blessed.
In my earlier reflections on turning 21, I wrote about my dad's 'reaction' in that immediate week. Close to a year later, there's been little things here and there that the dad has been loosening the strings that's rather sweet.
Like for example how I asked permission to go night cycling in May, across the far east (of Singapore. heh). My dad smsed: Take care. Then, less than a second later, he sent another: Take care and enjoy yourself.
Now, to do crazy things overnight, going on holidays overseas, I don't have to ask for permission. It's more of just telling them, to let them know where I am so that they won't have to worry. On hindsight, the really good thing about getting a handphone before entering university, is that the parents do not have the habit of calling you up to find out where you are, which I've noticed, annoys some of my friends.
In my teens, staying out late and hanging out with boys were the 2 main things to show that you were "cool". Now I roll my eyes and go "yeah, right. cool." Now that my age starts with 2-, I notice that I usually stay no later than 10pm when out with my friends. I try to get home before midnight, and usually reach home by 11pm. If given the option to stay out later for drinks, I'm always one of the first to throw in the towel and head home.
I've also come to realise that family is really important. While I was younger, I would try to spend as much time with friends. Family was secondary. I'm still no expert now, but I've since learnt to spend more time with my family. And actually enjoy it.
Had a talk with my mom in November, and it just hit home the importance of family. Even if the family can be annoying, but it's the one place people really know me for who I really am. Although 21 means indendence and freedom, I've realised complete freedom is not the doing whatever you want. Rather, it's living life responsibly that makes the people who love you, blessed.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
2006 Lesson No. 10 - Of Money and Materialism
My travels to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia this year made me realise how materialistic I can be and how fortunate I am to be living in Singapore.
It started off with the HK trip and continued with the Bangkok trip. They were both great holidays. But it was the aftermath that made me wonder whether I was too much of a shopaholic. Granted I had saved a lot and worked at Pearson to fund myself for both trips. Plus I rationalized that the shopping clumped in those 2 trips alone was less than spending $100/month worth of shopping spread out in the entire year.
I felt the pinch more because my former employer delayed my pay check for 2 months, which meant I was seriously in debt for 2 months. And because of that, I had to live at the mercy of my parents who nagged no end. I deserved it though.
The money spent could have been better channelled to the church building fund, people who do not even have enough food to eat, let alone clothes to wear. And here I was adding more variations to a closet that's already too full. But lest you think I'm going to swing to the other extreme and be a hermit and adopt an austere lifestyle, I've come to realise that's not the solution. Whatever God has given, is a blessing. It's good to enjoy life. But, I've since learnt self-control. Before I go on shopping trips, like the recent one to KL, I don't overbuy. Set aside enough to reward myself, and save enough for more fruitful stuff like mission trips.
The KL trip showed me that Singapore is really blessed. I don't know why God would choose to bless us with a good geographical location that's safe from tsunamis, typhoons, earthquakes, etcs. I came back half a day later than planned, because the Malaysian train service was disrupted due to the floods in Johor. At first, I got a kick out the delay. How often can we say, "oh, my plans were disrupted because of a flood?"
While it's a novelty to me, I realised that it's a stark reality to many others. The ride home in the coach with plush red seats and air-conditioning was very comfortable. Too comfortable infact, to be peering out of the bus window to see this:
trees half-submerged, rivers bursting out of their seams, houses flooded, villagers rallying to push a car. I just read in the newspaper today that 60,000 people have been displaced in Johor because of the floods. 4 people have also died because of it. And while some of my friends thank God for great drainage systems in Singapore, it breaks my heart to be there and see that though the waters are shiny on the surface, a lot more lies beneath the calm.
I've also been realising slowly that I am too much of a pampered city girl. While we city folks can often laugh about how we would never survive on a camping trip out in the wilderness with no proper plumbing for any more than 2 days, I guess we often forget that these camping trips are a choice and not a lifestyle. The exco social action game at Anntic (VCF's Annual Teach-in Camp) made me realise the hard way that many of us (soon-to-be graduates) are going to be living a rather easy life.
By the second game station, I (a lowly Indian construction worker) soon realised that those 14 Bible verses that I spent 45 minutes memorising was only going to earn me a measely $5, while a high-flying graduate would only need to memorise 2 verses and be paid a whopping $800 for that. I whined to YanChang that it was unfair, and he was kind and let me work in installments (i.e memorise 3 verses at a shot).
In real life, I know that many would not be able to meet such nice employers. Although it was only a game, it brought home the message very hard to me that there are many others in society who slave and sweat so much, only to earn a few measely dollars. While many of us would be able to work in comfy air-con offices, and although we can gripe about the stress the work brings (which is very real), we would never know what it feels like to work so hard, only to receive $360 a month, with no time for entertainment and other luxuries.
I will always remember that day during the recent exams very vividly, when I was watching an episode of 7Swords on SCV. My dad told me to turn around, to see the Indian cleaner standing at our gate, looking on. 20 minutes later, as the credits ran, he was still standing there. And the sight of him broke my heart. There I was, sitting on my over-squashed but nevertheless still comfy sofa, watching my HK serial, while the cleaner had to stand outside and peer on.
I think when I start work, I need to remember these images and use money wisely for the glory of God's kingdom. With this lesson, I've got few answers but many questions.
It started off with the HK trip and continued with the Bangkok trip. They were both great holidays. But it was the aftermath that made me wonder whether I was too much of a shopaholic. Granted I had saved a lot and worked at Pearson to fund myself for both trips. Plus I rationalized that the shopping clumped in those 2 trips alone was less than spending $100/month worth of shopping spread out in the entire year.
I felt the pinch more because my former employer delayed my pay check for 2 months, which meant I was seriously in debt for 2 months. And because of that, I had to live at the mercy of my parents who nagged no end. I deserved it though.
The money spent could have been better channelled to the church building fund, people who do not even have enough food to eat, let alone clothes to wear. And here I was adding more variations to a closet that's already too full. But lest you think I'm going to swing to the other extreme and be a hermit and adopt an austere lifestyle, I've come to realise that's not the solution. Whatever God has given, is a blessing. It's good to enjoy life. But, I've since learnt self-control. Before I go on shopping trips, like the recent one to KL, I don't overbuy. Set aside enough to reward myself, and save enough for more fruitful stuff like mission trips.
The KL trip showed me that Singapore is really blessed. I don't know why God would choose to bless us with a good geographical location that's safe from tsunamis, typhoons, earthquakes, etcs. I came back half a day later than planned, because the Malaysian train service was disrupted due to the floods in Johor. At first, I got a kick out the delay. How often can we say, "oh, my plans were disrupted because of a flood?"
While it's a novelty to me, I realised that it's a stark reality to many others. The ride home in the coach with plush red seats and air-conditioning was very comfortable. Too comfortable infact, to be peering out of the bus window to see this:
trees half-submerged, rivers bursting out of their seams, houses flooded, villagers rallying to push a car. I just read in the newspaper today that 60,000 people have been displaced in Johor because of the floods. 4 people have also died because of it. And while some of my friends thank God for great drainage systems in Singapore, it breaks my heart to be there and see that though the waters are shiny on the surface, a lot more lies beneath the calm.
I've also been realising slowly that I am too much of a pampered city girl. While we city folks can often laugh about how we would never survive on a camping trip out in the wilderness with no proper plumbing for any more than 2 days, I guess we often forget that these camping trips are a choice and not a lifestyle. The exco social action game at Anntic (VCF's Annual Teach-in Camp) made me realise the hard way that many of us (soon-to-be graduates) are going to be living a rather easy life.
By the second game station, I (a lowly Indian construction worker) soon realised that those 14 Bible verses that I spent 45 minutes memorising was only going to earn me a measely $5, while a high-flying graduate would only need to memorise 2 verses and be paid a whopping $800 for that. I whined to YanChang that it was unfair, and he was kind and let me work in installments (i.e memorise 3 verses at a shot).
In real life, I know that many would not be able to meet such nice employers. Although it was only a game, it brought home the message very hard to me that there are many others in society who slave and sweat so much, only to earn a few measely dollars. While many of us would be able to work in comfy air-con offices, and although we can gripe about the stress the work brings (which is very real), we would never know what it feels like to work so hard, only to receive $360 a month, with no time for entertainment and other luxuries.
I will always remember that day during the recent exams very vividly, when I was watching an episode of 7Swords on SCV. My dad told me to turn around, to see the Indian cleaner standing at our gate, looking on. 20 minutes later, as the credits ran, he was still standing there. And the sight of him broke my heart. There I was, sitting on my over-squashed but nevertheless still comfy sofa, watching my HK serial, while the cleaner had to stand outside and peer on.
I think when I start work, I need to remember these images and use money wisely for the glory of God's kingdom. With this lesson, I've got few answers but many questions.
Friday, December 22, 2006
where did I go wrong
my current earworm: How To Save A Life, by The Fray.
Courtesy of wei's blog and bluetooth technology. It's one of those songs that makes me sad instantly and puts me into a mulling melancholic mood... I guess that beats songs like the teeny bopper version of Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart (and the very next day you gave it away) that every single imaginable shopping centre and radio station has on repeat mode...I passed my earworm to poor jeelee =X
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
speaking of stuff that puts me in a melancholic mood.. I watched Casino Royale when I was in KL. Seeing Daniel Craig kick serious butt beats Pierce Brosnan sauntering in suave suits. It made me sad for the other half of the day. I think as I grow older mt heart gets softer. Jeelee and Val were saying they must be pretty hard-hearted.. I don't know actually. I actually felt sad after a Bond movie. To redeem myself, the movie shows Bond before his flambouyant cassanova ways. So, you get to meet the girl who broke his heart.
And so, yeah, I've grown older. Another year has passed, made new friends, gone for trips, got broken a few times, laughed lots, cried some. Was talking to Clement the other day online, and decided that I'd take a leaf out of his blog. Will post a 2006 Top 10. Clem's doing Top 10 moments of the year.. After lots of mulling, I decided that many of the issues I've gone through can't be pin-pointed to that one particular moment. It's been a journey. So, I'd be posting my Top 10 lessons of the year from tomorrow til 1 Jan. Some of the posts would explain my absence since the exams. So, there.
Courtesy of wei's blog and bluetooth technology. It's one of those songs that makes me sad instantly and puts me into a mulling melancholic mood... I guess that beats songs like the teeny bopper version of Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart (and the very next day you gave it away) that every single imaginable shopping centre and radio station has on repeat mode...I passed my earworm to poor jeelee =X
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
speaking of stuff that puts me in a melancholic mood.. I watched Casino Royale when I was in KL. Seeing Daniel Craig kick serious butt beats Pierce Brosnan sauntering in suave suits. It made me sad for the other half of the day. I think as I grow older mt heart gets softer. Jeelee and Val were saying they must be pretty hard-hearted.. I don't know actually. I actually felt sad after a Bond movie. To redeem myself, the movie shows Bond before his flambouyant cassanova ways. So, you get to meet the girl who broke his heart.
And so, yeah, I've grown older. Another year has passed, made new friends, gone for trips, got broken a few times, laughed lots, cried some. Was talking to Clement the other day online, and decided that I'd take a leaf out of his blog. Will post a 2006 Top 10. Clem's doing Top 10 moments of the year.. After lots of mulling, I decided that many of the issues I've gone through can't be pin-pointed to that one particular moment. It's been a journey. So, I'd be posting my Top 10 lessons of the year from tomorrow til 1 Jan. Some of the posts would explain my absence since the exams. So, there.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Facing exams and existentialism
the parents are away for a holiday with the little brother, the eldest is away at bedok camp, the other, at youth camp downstairs.
so last night was the first night I was home, all alone. Ithink it feels good.
this morning, I was roused from slumber at 6am by the alarm. I woke up dazed. My first thought was, "where am I?". after staring out of my window into the surrealness of the pitch black sky with the lone moon shining from my left, I finally deduced that I was at home. After which, I thought next, "what am I doing today?". after thinking for a long while, I suddenly remembered that I have one more exam today. I actually had to think. gah. must be yesterday's exam. oh wellz. there's only about 7and a half more hours to go...
so last night was the first night I was home, all alone. Ithink it feels good.
this morning, I was roused from slumber at 6am by the alarm. I woke up dazed. My first thought was, "where am I?". after staring out of my window into the surrealness of the pitch black sky with the lone moon shining from my left, I finally deduced that I was at home. After which, I thought next, "what am I doing today?". after thinking for a long while, I suddenly remembered that I have one more exam today. I actually had to think. gah. must be yesterday's exam. oh wellz. there's only about 7and a half more hours to go...
Sunday, December 03, 2006
persistence
"Persistent prayer keeps bringing God and me together, with several important benefits. As I pour out my soul to God, I get it off my chest, so to speak, unloading some of my burden to One who can handle it better. Little by little, as I get to know God I learn that God has nothing in common with an unjust judge or a stingy neighbour, though at times it may seem so. What I learn from spending time with God then better equips me to discern what God wants me to do on earth, as well as my role in that plan."
"Like a child who quits badgering a parent, I have sometimes found that I get an answer to my persistent request after I have learned to without it. The answer then comes as a surprise, an unecpected gift of grace. I seek the gift, find instead the Giver, and eventually come away with the gift I no longer seek."
Philip Yancey's Prayer
"Like a child who quits badgering a parent, I have sometimes found that I get an answer to my persistent request after I have learned to without it. The answer then comes as a surprise, an unecpected gift of grace. I seek the gift, find instead the Giver, and eventually come away with the gift I no longer seek."
Philip Yancey's Prayer
Sunday, November 26, 2006
May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
Some would know that this semester has been the hardest semester of school in my life. It beats year 1 sem 1. Perhaps it's because of the 2 level 4000 modules I am taking, on top of the fact that this is the first semester that I'm taking 4 English modules. I've been rather maxed out by schoolwork that I seriously don't think I want to go through year 4. Then again, realistically speaking, I don't think I would even qualify.
Yes, I am thankful I'm in NUS. A chance to study in one of the top 25 universities of the world (though some may beg to differ) is really granted by the grace of God. And, although schoolwork stresses me out to the max, I do enjoy what I am learning. I think my thinking has been sharpened and my writing polished. (with stress on 'I think')
And yes, I do enjoy vcf tons. I can say that my cf friends are the closest friends I have ever had. I would be a very aimless adeline without them all.. Shan't even attempt to mention names, because they are too many. From my batch who entered the thursday cgs together as freshies, to people I've served together in various committees, to people from cross faculties, to chance meetings, to wise and caring seniors, to bubbly juniors... the list goes on. Nothing beats serving, praying, questioning the same God.
Gosh. I sound like I am writing my farewell speech.
But in the midst of all the I-want-school-to-end-now thoughts, God has been doing a very special work. It's rather ironic that in the semester that I am the weakest, He is doing the most breakthroughs. It is these breakthroughs that always push my back in focus of my purpose in NUS.
It started off small, with my Jap friend A. We started off lunch small talk with me chattering about Jap food and fashion (yes, I couldn't think of anything better to talk about.), she not saying much. As the semester progressed, she started opening up more and talking a whole lot more, to the point that there were times I wanted to get back to an assignment, but seeing how open she was, I decided to just enjoy the company.
The last Fellowship Teaching saw a student from last year's batch of Chinese SM3 scholars, giving a testimony of how he found God through the camp and later the English Speaking Corner. Hearing that he was baptised last month, and how he wanted to join this year's SM3 orientation camp to help out, both flo and I agreed that all the crazy planning and hiccups we went through last year was worth every frenzy, prayer and sleepless night. It warmed my heart to see how it truly is in God's time that fruit is borne.
As if that was not enough, I bumped into one of my Chinese friends from my ESC group, last month. He actually offered to help out at this year's SM3 orientation camp and was disappointed on finding out that he wouldn't be in S'pore then. But, he quickly offered to join my ESC group next year. And on top of that, said he wanted to join a vcf cg. I was rather blown away.
What made me extremely excited was Jig's call last friday, to tell me that M, a fellow E-lang major on exchange from Canada, expressed interest in accepting Christ. The co-labouring with Jig and prayers were actually bearing fruit. It's not that I don't believe that God answers prayers. It's just that I never thought I'd get to harvest them.
It was really amusing on wed to have lunch with 3 non-christian friends. And as I always do, I gave thanks to God for my food and asked God for a good time with them, before proceeding to tuck into my meal.
I was stunned when my friend J looked at me queerly and asked,
J: Why do you pray so fast?
Me: *eyes open very big* Huh? What do you mean by 'pray so fast'?
J: How come you never pray outloud?
Me: I.. er... you want me to pray outloud??
(I turned and faced all three. Each had this look of expectance on his/her face.)
Me: er. ok, er.. I'd say grace for all of us, ya?
And so I gave thanks for the food.
Ok, so maybe you are wondering why I am typing all this. You see, out of that lunch, I found out that the two guys were sitting for their English qualifying exam on friday(yesterday). One of them, David, was dead certain he was going to fail. I told him, that the more he said he was going to fail, he would. So I told him to tell himself, "I can do it! I WILL pass! My English is good!" each time he felt like he was going to fail. And promised to pray for him.
I just checked my gmail to see this:
Yes, I am thankful I'm in NUS. A chance to study in one of the top 25 universities of the world (though some may beg to differ) is really granted by the grace of God. And, although schoolwork stresses me out to the max, I do enjoy what I am learning. I think my thinking has been sharpened and my writing polished. (with stress on 'I think')
And yes, I do enjoy vcf tons. I can say that my cf friends are the closest friends I have ever had. I would be a very aimless adeline without them all.. Shan't even attempt to mention names, because they are too many. From my batch who entered the thursday cgs together as freshies, to people I've served together in various committees, to people from cross faculties, to chance meetings, to wise and caring seniors, to bubbly juniors... the list goes on. Nothing beats serving, praying, questioning the same God.
Gosh. I sound like I am writing my farewell speech.
But in the midst of all the I-want-school-to-end-now thoughts, God has been doing a very special work. It's rather ironic that in the semester that I am the weakest, He is doing the most breakthroughs. It is these breakthroughs that always push my back in focus of my purpose in NUS.
It started off small, with my Jap friend A. We started off lunch small talk with me chattering about Jap food and fashion (yes, I couldn't think of anything better to talk about.), she not saying much. As the semester progressed, she started opening up more and talking a whole lot more, to the point that there were times I wanted to get back to an assignment, but seeing how open she was, I decided to just enjoy the company.
The last Fellowship Teaching saw a student from last year's batch of Chinese SM3 scholars, giving a testimony of how he found God through the camp and later the English Speaking Corner. Hearing that he was baptised last month, and how he wanted to join this year's SM3 orientation camp to help out, both flo and I agreed that all the crazy planning and hiccups we went through last year was worth every frenzy, prayer and sleepless night. It warmed my heart to see how it truly is in God's time that fruit is borne.
As if that was not enough, I bumped into one of my Chinese friends from my ESC group, last month. He actually offered to help out at this year's SM3 orientation camp and was disappointed on finding out that he wouldn't be in S'pore then. But, he quickly offered to join my ESC group next year. And on top of that, said he wanted to join a vcf cg. I was rather blown away.
What made me extremely excited was Jig's call last friday, to tell me that M, a fellow E-lang major on exchange from Canada, expressed interest in accepting Christ. The co-labouring with Jig and prayers were actually bearing fruit. It's not that I don't believe that God answers prayers. It's just that I never thought I'd get to harvest them.
It was really amusing on wed to have lunch with 3 non-christian friends. And as I always do, I gave thanks to God for my food and asked God for a good time with them, before proceeding to tuck into my meal.
I was stunned when my friend J looked at me queerly and asked,
J: Why do you pray so fast?
Me: *eyes open very big* Huh? What do you mean by 'pray so fast'?
J: How come you never pray outloud?
Me: I.. er... you want me to pray outloud??
(I turned and faced all three. Each had this look of expectance on his/her face.)
Me: er. ok, er.. I'd say grace for all of us, ya?
And so I gave thanks for the food.
Ok, so maybe you are wondering why I am typing all this. You see, out of that lunch, I found out that the two guys were sitting for their English qualifying exam on friday(yesterday). One of them, David, was dead certain he was going to fail. I told him, that the more he said he was going to fail, he would. So I told him to tell himself, "I can do it! I WILL pass! My English is good!" each time he felt like he was going to fail. And promised to pray for him.
I just checked my gmail to see this:
Hi Adeline,
First, thank you for your praying!!! I will pass it,...but next sem a tougher one will come to me. I don't know how many exams you have, but anyway all the best for all your exams. Although I don't know how to pray for you, I can help you: if you don't know how to answer questions in the exam, do sms me, I will definately reply immediately,hahahaha,trust me!
I'm going home on Dec 6th. Of cause I'll be back. But just want to know whether you have msn or blog or other online contacts so that i can get in touch with when I'm at home. My msn is... and by the way, if you are free, you may want to pay a visit to my "infant" blog, and of cause you can comment whatever you want there; no matter positive or negative comments, feel free to give. hehe,i won't be angry with you,...because your name is also there.
Finally, again best wishes for your exams, and also Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance (coz i'm afraid to forget to wish you after I leave Singapore)
Regards,
David
aka Zong Liang
So, to David, this entry is for you. I mentioned your name too;)
And to the rest of my readers, I am not boasting to show all the brownie points I think I am chalking up in heaven. If everything has been going smoothly for me this semester, I would be inclined to think that all these breakthroughs are a result of my effort. But it's precisely because school has never been such a struggle that it is so clear that this is all God's work. Just as in 2 Corinthians 12:9,
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
For us who are in the midst of exams, and to everyone else be it at work, school or play, let's remember our purpose:
and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
So, to David, this entry is for you. I mentioned your name too;)
And to the rest of my readers, I am not boasting to show all the brownie points I think I am chalking up in heaven. If everything has been going smoothly for me this semester, I would be inclined to think that all these breakthroughs are a result of my effort. But it's precisely because school has never been such a struggle that it is so clear that this is all God's work. Just as in 2 Corinthians 12:9,
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
For us who are in the midst of exams, and to everyone else be it at work, school or play, let's remember our purpose:
Psalm 67
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.
May God be gracious to us and bless usand make his face shine upon us,
Selah
that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth.
Selah
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.
God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
change
ms will know by now how much I dislike it when I'm told I've to change groups... it has happened one too many times, that each time I hear I've been moved out of a group to another (usually not as fun), I cringe. seriously. and it affects my mood after that.
thankfully, the latest one was an ok one. got moved from one fun group to another. ok, an added incentive to look forward to this year's youth camp. I really hope this year will be a change from the previous two. I really miss being able to sleep late and chatting with friends and the random youth and playing taiwanese heartattack and playing midnight soccer in the mud and laughing at miso soup and challenging youths to love God and hugging youths and singing christmas carols while prancing around.
I guess as much as I say I embrace change, I do like familiarity, especially that of people. crikey.. I'm getting all sentimental now.
thankfully, the latest one was an ok one. got moved from one fun group to another. ok, an added incentive to look forward to this year's youth camp. I really hope this year will be a change from the previous two. I really miss being able to sleep late and chatting with friends and the random youth and playing taiwanese heartattack and playing midnight soccer in the mud and laughing at miso soup and challenging youths to love God and hugging youths and singing christmas carols while prancing around.
I guess as much as I say I embrace change, I do like familiarity, especially that of people. crikey.. I'm getting all sentimental now.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Of doaps and Doulos
The past week seems to have passed by really slowly. A lot of stuff have happened. Which, honestly, is quite a lot to handle in a week. But, I'm still alive. Just a little tired.
I've had an overdose of Doulos this week, in the good sense. A team came down on tues for FT (fellowship teaching) and I was struck by the testimony of L who happens to be a PK (pastor's kid) too.. just that he's a SOAP (son of a pastor) and I'm a DOAP (daugther of a pastor). I think I can safely say I was never too problematic as a pk.. but L was really the stereotypical rebellious pk. What's amazing is how he found his identity in God and not in men. and, it doesn't hurt to say that he's cute with floppy hair. hahah. oh wellz.
God really spoke to me on thursday, when another team from Doulos came down to cg. The first was through the presentation of the world. Let's say, everyone in the world (all 6.5 billion) was to be represented by only 10 people:
3 are Christians: 2 nominal + 1 really christian Christian
2 are Muslims
2 are Hindus
1 is a Buddhist
1 is an atheist
1 is a tribal animist
and, for every 10 Christians in the world, only 1 would end up in missions and another would be actively reaching out back home.
1+1=2. only 2 Christians are effectively living out the Great Commission.
That really hit me.
The second thing that struck me was this G's testimony. I really like her. She's really beautiful (not pretty). She reminds me of Catherine Zeta Jones, has such a wacky personality, has such a fire for God.
She grew up in a Christian home and lived a sheltered life. She joined Campus Crusade in uni and was really on fire for God. But it was only her mid-twenties that she was struck by the price Jesus paid for her. And that meant living her life only for Jesus. She decided she wanted to be serious for God. That also meant serving God together with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend, however, wasn't keen on living all out for God. So, she made the painful decision of breaking up with her boyfriend of 10 years.
Don't know if I could ever make a decision like that.. then again, I don't have a boyfriend to begin with, let alone one of 10 years. so, heh. I don't have to make a decision like that after all!! Her testimony spoke because she was willing to give up someone she loved for God. And since I don't have that someone to begin with, I shall not harp for such things.
I am happy for her though, she's 33 this year, and when she goes home next year, she'd be getting married. Her new boyfriend was willing to wait 2 years for her as she went round the world doing God's work on Doulos. cool huh.
Eventhough my dream to get married by 25 seriously looks bleak, I was very edified by G's testimony. She was willing to give someone she loved, put things on hold for God. And God has blessed her ever so richly.
So, I guess waiting does have benefits. Ok, I'd wait =D
(sidenote to S: this is really waiting. press on!!)
I've had an overdose of Doulos this week, in the good sense. A team came down on tues for FT (fellowship teaching) and I was struck by the testimony of L who happens to be a PK (pastor's kid) too.. just that he's a SOAP (son of a pastor) and I'm a DOAP (daugther of a pastor). I think I can safely say I was never too problematic as a pk.. but L was really the stereotypical rebellious pk. What's amazing is how he found his identity in God and not in men. and, it doesn't hurt to say that he's cute with floppy hair. hahah. oh wellz.
God really spoke to me on thursday, when another team from Doulos came down to cg. The first was through the presentation of the world. Let's say, everyone in the world (all 6.5 billion) was to be represented by only 10 people:
3 are Christians: 2 nominal + 1 really christian Christian
2 are Muslims
2 are Hindus
1 is a Buddhist
1 is an atheist
1 is a tribal animist
and, for every 10 Christians in the world, only 1 would end up in missions and another would be actively reaching out back home.
1+1=2. only 2 Christians are effectively living out the Great Commission.
That really hit me.
The second thing that struck me was this G's testimony. I really like her. She's really beautiful (not pretty). She reminds me of Catherine Zeta Jones, has such a wacky personality, has such a fire for God.
She grew up in a Christian home and lived a sheltered life. She joined Campus Crusade in uni and was really on fire for God. But it was only her mid-twenties that she was struck by the price Jesus paid for her. And that meant living her life only for Jesus. She decided she wanted to be serious for God. That also meant serving God together with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend, however, wasn't keen on living all out for God. So, she made the painful decision of breaking up with her boyfriend of 10 years.
Don't know if I could ever make a decision like that.. then again, I don't have a boyfriend to begin with, let alone one of 10 years. so, heh. I don't have to make a decision like that after all!! Her testimony spoke because she was willing to give up someone she loved for God. And since I don't have that someone to begin with, I shall not harp for such things.
I am happy for her though, she's 33 this year, and when she goes home next year, she'd be getting married. Her new boyfriend was willing to wait 2 years for her as she went round the world doing God's work on Doulos. cool huh.
Eventhough my dream to get married by 25 seriously looks bleak, I was very edified by G's testimony. She was willing to give someone she loved, put things on hold for God. And God has blessed her ever so richly.
So, I guess waiting does have benefits. Ok, I'd wait =D
(sidenote to S: this is really waiting. press on!!)
Sunday, November 19, 2006
humans
human beings are such sinful and complicated creatures. I really do not know why God would choose us to serve Him. I guess, He really chooses the foolish things of this world to shame the wise.
argh. humans. I used to say adults. but, now that I'm an adult. bah. It would be good to be a child all over again.
argh. humans. I used to say adults. but, now that I'm an adult. bah. It would be good to be a child all over again.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
break me
A friend shared something with me on Sunday, which at that time, didn't really sink in. I guess it was meant for today.
She shared that God really spoke to her through the story of the five loaves and two fishes from Elisabeth Elliot's Passion and Purity:
One morning I was reading the story of Jesus' feeding of the five thousand. The disciples could find only five loaves of bread and two fishes. "Let me have them," said Jesus. He asked for all. He took them, said the blessing, and broke them before He gave them out. I remembered what a chapel speaker, Ruth Stull from Peru, had said: "If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad."
As a song goes,
As bread that is broken, use our lives
As wine that is poured out, a willing sacrifice.
Empower us Father to share the love of Christ
As bread that is broken, Lord, use our lives.
If I live my life the way I want it, it feeds only one.
But, if my life is broken, and I allow Jesus to have it, it can feed a multitude.
She shared that God really spoke to her through the story of the five loaves and two fishes from Elisabeth Elliot's Passion and Purity:
One morning I was reading the story of Jesus' feeding of the five thousand. The disciples could find only five loaves of bread and two fishes. "Let me have them," said Jesus. He asked for all. He took them, said the blessing, and broke them before He gave them out. I remembered what a chapel speaker, Ruth Stull from Peru, had said: "If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad."
As a song goes,
As bread that is broken, use our lives
As wine that is poured out, a willing sacrifice.
Empower us Father to share the love of Christ
As bread that is broken, Lord, use our lives.
If I live my life the way I want it, it feeds only one.
But, if my life is broken, and I allow Jesus to have it, it can feed a multitude.
Monday, November 13, 2006
impatience
This is the origami ball that Andrew made for me. So pretty rite? Heh. It was in exchange to keep moi mouth shut from annoying him. You see, he came back from Brunei with nothing for me. Which is fine. Just that you don't get your sister nothing, while you get others something-.-Yesterday was a good Sunday. God spoke to me 3 times on impatience. First through QT, then through Tabby, and lastly through the Bible Study that Sulwyn led.
There is no running away from it. No.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Ask and do not doubt
Since I am on the topic of God answering prayers.. I am in the midst of learning what this verse means:
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.
~ James 1:6,7
Something tells me I am going to be learning this for quite a while.
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.
~ James 1:6,7
Something tells me I am going to be learning this for quite a while.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Then you will know that I am the LORD.
I met Clement (black) for lunch today.
He was sharing with me that he thinks that this semester, the cgs in arts have been mostly going their own ways. which is fine, because that means they are building themselves up.
But, they need to move beyond that. Next semester, each cg needs to do more as a body of Arts VCF.
When he said this, a slow smile spread across my face.
As you would have read in my previous post, I was mulling over the state of things in Arts VCF. In fact, just yesterday night, I was, in a way, feeling impatient and uncertain of this semester and what can be done next. (weiying will be my judge. ha)
She reminded me of what I shared with her from the Ezekiel 12:21-28, a month ago, when I told her to hold on to the vision that God gave her at last year's Anntic.
The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: 'The days go by and every vision comes to nothing'? Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.' Say to them, 'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations among the people of Israel. But I the LORD will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious house, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, the house of Israel is saying, 'The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.'
"Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
Granted, the context of this passage is that the prophecies and visions that God said would be fulfilled, were of disaster and famine.. not exactly things anyone would want to be fulfilled..
But, at that time I read it, I could sense God saying, None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled. The visions that some comm members have seen in June and July will not be delayed any longer. They will be fulfilled.
And in a sense, when I met Clement today, I felt God gently rebuking me. Asking me why have I been doubting what He promised, that they will not come true?Why did I not believe that God loves NUS and IS going to do something.
For it says in Ezekiel 12:20, that all that God allows to happen, both good and bad, only Then you will know that I am the LORD.
Amen. To God be the glory.
He was sharing with me that he thinks that this semester, the cgs in arts have been mostly going their own ways. which is fine, because that means they are building themselves up.
But, they need to move beyond that. Next semester, each cg needs to do more as a body of Arts VCF.
When he said this, a slow smile spread across my face.
As you would have read in my previous post, I was mulling over the state of things in Arts VCF. In fact, just yesterday night, I was, in a way, feeling impatient and uncertain of this semester and what can be done next. (weiying will be my judge. ha)
She reminded me of what I shared with her from the Ezekiel 12:21-28, a month ago, when I told her to hold on to the vision that God gave her at last year's Anntic.
The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: 'The days go by and every vision comes to nothing'? Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.' Say to them, 'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations among the people of Israel. But I the LORD will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious house, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, the house of Israel is saying, 'The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.'
"Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
Granted, the context of this passage is that the prophecies and visions that God said would be fulfilled, were of disaster and famine.. not exactly things anyone would want to be fulfilled..
But, at that time I read it, I could sense God saying, None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled. The visions that some comm members have seen in June and July will not be delayed any longer. They will be fulfilled.
And in a sense, when I met Clement today, I felt God gently rebuking me. Asking me why have I been doubting what He promised, that they will not come true?Why did I not believe that God loves NUS and IS going to do something.
For it says in Ezekiel 12:20, that all that God allows to happen, both good and bad, only Then you will know that I am the LORD.
Amen. To God be the glory.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
A spiritual revival.
"America needs a shaking, spiritually.
I don't think that a change of leadership in any place or whether it be politically or any other way, I don't think a new programme or another approach to evangelism is going to change our nation.
I need we need a spiritual revival starting with me. I need a revival in my life and so do you."
~ Larry Stockstill
I don't think that a change of leadership in any place or whether it be politically or any other way, I don't think a new programme or another approach to evangelism is going to change our nation.
I need we need a spiritual revival starting with me. I need a revival in my life and so do you."
~ Larry Stockstill
This was Sunday's sermon at New Life Church, in response to Pastor Haggard's sin. These lines jumped out at me because I've been thinking recently about artsvcf as the semester nears its end (shoosh). Was wondering what could be done better... and was reminded that it's ultimately God who would have to do the shaking. Not that we have done enough. I don't think we have, honestly.
It's only up to God. But the only thing we can do is to pray and ask God to intervene. Something which I'm still rather perplexed. I can't judge and say whether we've been praying enough. You can't gauge prayer. You can't see people's hearts. Only God can.
I could definitely do with a revival in my life. How about yours?
p/s click here to go New Life Church's website to hear the sermon.
wash me clean as snow
It breaks my heart utterly to read of another Christian in the spotlight for the wrong reason.
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
It's impossible to live a perfect life. I should know.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
Anyone should know actually. How is one to live a life without any sin?
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Although we humans have that hypocritical tendency to grade our sins, yet in God's eyes, a sin is a sin. If you cannot reach his standard of perfection, you are a sinner.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
You may think I'm being simplistic and naive. But tis' not true? I can only pray that God will turn this ugly thing into something beautiful.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
It can get rather ugly when a Christian leader commits a sexual sin. Somehow, embezzling funds does not sound as sinful as a gay tryst coupled with drug abuse.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Throw in politics with this week's American elections and you have a worldwide sensational news-story.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
And you recall how King David had an affair with Bathsheeba, the wife of a loyal soldier, Uriah. Afraid that his sin would be found out, King David had Uriah 'murdered' by sending him to the frontline to fight.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
And yet, God called David a "man after His own heart".
Evangelical confesses to 'sexual immorality'
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
It's impossible to live a perfect life. I should know.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
Anyone should know actually. How is one to live a life without any sin?
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Although we humans have that hypocritical tendency to grade our sins, yet in God's eyes, a sin is a sin. If you cannot reach his standard of perfection, you are a sinner.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
You may think I'm being simplistic and naive. But tis' not true? I can only pray that God will turn this ugly thing into something beautiful.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
It can get rather ugly when a Christian leader commits a sexual sin. Somehow, embezzling funds does not sound as sinful as a gay tryst coupled with drug abuse.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Throw in politics with this week's American elections and you have a worldwide sensational news-story.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
And you recall how King David had an affair with Bathsheeba, the wife of a loyal soldier, Uriah. Afraid that his sin would be found out, King David had Uriah 'murdered' by sending him to the frontline to fight.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
And yet, God called David a "man after His own heart".
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
I also know that God has forgiven him just as He has forgiven each one of us. God loves you and will never leave you nor forsake you.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
The burden of a hidden sin now lifted, brings joy to one, when it comes to light. More importantly, joy that can only come from God.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Evangelical confesses to 'sexual immorality'
Saturday, November 04, 2006
One gaze only.
Our hands were firmly cemented
By a fast balm which thence did spring;
Our eye-beams twisted, and did thread
Our eyes upon one double string.
So to engraft our hands, as yet
Was all the means to make us one;
And pictures in our eyes to get
Was all our propagation.
As 'twixt two equal armies Fate
Suspends uncertain victory,
Our souls—which to advance their state
Were gone out—hung 'twixt her and me.
And whilst our souls negotiate there,
We like sepulchral statues lay;
All day the same our postures were,
And we said nothing, all the day.
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
-- Psalm 27: 4 by King David.
Psalm 27: 13, 14 says,
"I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD."
Friday, October 27, 2006
How do I name fried dumplings? Let me count the ways...
Today's blue skies reminded me of a song I sung frequently in my heydays:
Glad that I live am I
That the sky is blue
Glad for the country lanes
And the fall of dew
After the sun, the rain
After the rain, the sun
This is the way of life
'Til the work be done
All that we need to do
Be we low or high
Is to see that we grow
Nearer the sky
My scgs school song. haha. I guess Clara's like the only I know who'd sing it with me;)
Dear God,
thank you for blue haze-less skies;)
Today was a pretty hilarious day. I laughed quite hard twice.
The first, I bumped into Christian and had a chat with him. That poor guy's inbox is full of messages to himself. Ok, to give him credit, he smses reminders to himself. I laughed for a full minute on finding out, cos, he's like the first person I know who smses himself. What a waste of money. Then again, I promised that poor guy I'd sms him more, since he doesn't know that many people here in S'pore.
The fried dumpling fiasco at Fong Seng's -after-cg-supper was even more hilarious.
The Eskimos have 27 different words for snow, while the English Language has only 1.
How about fried dumplings?
Well, according to Eugene, there're at least 4:
(To put into context, this was after Kumu spent a good 5 minutes trying to get the attention of the "Manchu" auntie who works in a Tawainese (afamosa) noodle shop. In the end, he sends his poor friend Shaun to order.)
Kumu: Shaun, can you go order those fried dumplings?
Shaun: What are they called in Chinese?
Eugene: go ask the aunty for shui jiao (or dumplings in soup)
Me: No lah, they aren't called shui jiao!!
Eugene: Aiyah, then ask her for tang yuan la. ( glutinous rice dumplings in sweet soup)
Me: TANG YUAN?!?!
Eugene: I dunno lah, what are they then? WANTONS? (fried flat dumplings)
Me: EUGENE!! THEY ARE GUO TIES!! (fried dumplings)
Eugene: aiyah, what's the difference? they are all the same!
Trust me, when Eugene said tang yuan, Ryan choked in amusement. He has always been saying his chinese is bad, but at least he knows what tang yuans are.. Liz was laughing so hard, she couldn't eat her noodles.
oh boy, I've not had such a good laugh in ages.
It seems when the weather clears, so does my mood. Hope I actually have joy and not just happiness.
Glad that I live am I
That the sky is blue
Glad for the country lanes
And the fall of dew
After the sun, the rain
After the rain, the sun
This is the way of life
'Til the work be done
All that we need to do
Be we low or high
Is to see that we grow
Nearer the sky
My scgs school song. haha. I guess Clara's like the only I know who'd sing it with me;)
Dear God,
thank you for blue haze-less skies;)
Today was a pretty hilarious day. I laughed quite hard twice.
The first, I bumped into Christian and had a chat with him. That poor guy's inbox is full of messages to himself. Ok, to give him credit, he smses reminders to himself. I laughed for a full minute on finding out, cos, he's like the first person I know who smses himself. What a waste of money. Then again, I promised that poor guy I'd sms him more, since he doesn't know that many people here in S'pore.
The fried dumpling fiasco at Fong Seng's -after-cg-supper was even more hilarious.
The Eskimos have 27 different words for snow, while the English Language has only 1.
How about fried dumplings?
Well, according to Eugene, there're at least 4:
(To put into context, this was after Kumu spent a good 5 minutes trying to get the attention of the "Manchu" auntie who works in a Tawainese (afamosa) noodle shop. In the end, he sends his poor friend Shaun to order.)
Kumu: Shaun, can you go order those fried dumplings?
Shaun: What are they called in Chinese?
Eugene: go ask the aunty for shui jiao (or dumplings in soup)
Me: No lah, they aren't called shui jiao!!
Eugene: Aiyah, then ask her for tang yuan la. ( glutinous rice dumplings in sweet soup)
Me: TANG YUAN?!?!
Eugene: I dunno lah, what are they then? WANTONS? (fried flat dumplings)
Me: EUGENE!! THEY ARE GUO TIES!! (fried dumplings)
Eugene: aiyah, what's the difference? they are all the same!
Trust me, when Eugene said tang yuan, Ryan choked in amusement. He has always been saying his chinese is bad, but at least he knows what tang yuans are.. Liz was laughing so hard, she couldn't eat her noodles.
oh boy, I've not had such a good laugh in ages.
It seems when the weather clears, so does my mood. Hope I actually have joy and not just happiness.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Put my hope in God.
The plus point about having a room that faces Johor Bahru is that when wind blows into your room, it means the winds are blowing down from Malaysia!!!!
Blow wind blow!
Blow what?
Blow all the haze back to Indonesia!
hahaha. ok, I'm really quite happy. the hazy weather has been making me rather grouchy. ok. fine. I've been grouchy either way, the haze just doesn't make me feel any better.
ok. today was a rather interesting sunday.
I woke up, er.. grouchy. the house was in a mess, and my cg was coming up. So, I didn't exactly pack the house in the most glorifying manner. No excuses. adeline was bad.
But service at church was good. Aunty Annabel led my favourite song, no prizes for guessing what it is. Sing with me! I think the main thing was that Ps Ivan gave a very good sermon. He spoke on Psalms 42, which is one of my favourite Psalms because of my favourite verse, Psalm 42:5a,
"Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise Him,
my Saviour and my God."
Ps Ivan brought up an interesting point. Often, when we are down and out, we would often remind ourselves of the "Happy Times" to pick ourselves up.
That's good. Just that we end up focusing on the wrong thing. Instead, we should be reminding ourselves of the God who brought those happy times. It puts the focus back on the Giver and not the gifts.
There is a second part to Psalm 42:5 which is often forgotten,
"My soul is downcast within me,
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon --from Mount Mizar."
Remember God.
sigh. oh well, after that, was cg time. Today, I teared a bit too much before cg. Had to stop myself before streams actually flowed. well, yes. See, I've been rather down lately. But I couldn't even work out tears for myself to vent my frustrations.
It so happened when one of my girls told me she was going through quite a down time, that tears sprung up in my eyes quite readily. If it wasn't for the fact that we were taking a lift up to my house, I would have really cried right on the spot.
ok, what's my point. now thinking things through, I finally understand that whole thing about feeling for someone. This was really one of those few times that I actually felt the person's pain. Can't say I totally felt it. but if it actually evoked tears in me, you can imagine.
After cg, the girls had a time of prayer, and it was a rare moment. For me, that was a breakthrough in ministry to these girls that Sulwyn and I are leading. I truly thank God for this.
I promise to put up pics of the girls.. I seriously have problems uploading pics from home. I need to put my dormant Flickr account into action!!
Then, there was Kairos business meeting from 2-4pm. oh boy. It was seriously quite straining. I have to hand it to Ps Jabez. Sometimes, I whince at having to lead 13 other people in arts comm, but, that's only 13 other people as compared to a total of 24 youth leaders.. to try to get everyone moving in the same direction is a huge feat.
It's exciting though, the plans for 2007 (time flies huh). They are mostly structural changes. And, if you know me, I don't really like structure. Especially implementing them. But, this time round, I think the pros outweigh the cons. And, to me, that's really exciting. In PJ's words, "Kingdom mentality".
It's my prayer that things will work out fine despite the need to change stuff, that God will continue to use our youth ministry to reach out to the youths here in Woodlands. I guess, that's me, getting kinda used to change. It used to be once every few years, then two, then yearly.. now, changes come like every 6 months.
And, with these changes, there will always be uncertainty. That's why there's a need to put our hope and trust in the one unchanging God, who will never fail Himself.
Blow wind blow!
Blow what?
Blow all the haze back to Indonesia!
hahaha. ok, I'm really quite happy. the hazy weather has been making me rather grouchy. ok. fine. I've been grouchy either way, the haze just doesn't make me feel any better.
ok. today was a rather interesting sunday.
I woke up, er.. grouchy. the house was in a mess, and my cg was coming up. So, I didn't exactly pack the house in the most glorifying manner. No excuses. adeline was bad.
But service at church was good. Aunty Annabel led my favourite song, no prizes for guessing what it is. Sing with me! I think the main thing was that Ps Ivan gave a very good sermon. He spoke on Psalms 42, which is one of my favourite Psalms because of my favourite verse, Psalm 42:5a,
"Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise Him,
my Saviour and my God."
Ps Ivan brought up an interesting point. Often, when we are down and out, we would often remind ourselves of the "Happy Times" to pick ourselves up.
That's good. Just that we end up focusing on the wrong thing. Instead, we should be reminding ourselves of the God who brought those happy times. It puts the focus back on the Giver and not the gifts.
There is a second part to Psalm 42:5 which is often forgotten,
"My soul is downcast within me,
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon --from Mount Mizar."
Remember God.
sigh. oh well, after that, was cg time. Today, I teared a bit too much before cg. Had to stop myself before streams actually flowed. well, yes. See, I've been rather down lately. But I couldn't even work out tears for myself to vent my frustrations.
It so happened when one of my girls told me she was going through quite a down time, that tears sprung up in my eyes quite readily. If it wasn't for the fact that we were taking a lift up to my house, I would have really cried right on the spot.
ok, what's my point. now thinking things through, I finally understand that whole thing about feeling for someone. This was really one of those few times that I actually felt the person's pain. Can't say I totally felt it. but if it actually evoked tears in me, you can imagine.
After cg, the girls had a time of prayer, and it was a rare moment. For me, that was a breakthrough in ministry to these girls that Sulwyn and I are leading. I truly thank God for this.
I promise to put up pics of the girls.. I seriously have problems uploading pics from home. I need to put my dormant Flickr account into action!!
Then, there was Kairos business meeting from 2-4pm. oh boy. It was seriously quite straining. I have to hand it to Ps Jabez. Sometimes, I whince at having to lead 13 other people in arts comm, but, that's only 13 other people as compared to a total of 24 youth leaders.. to try to get everyone moving in the same direction is a huge feat.
It's exciting though, the plans for 2007 (time flies huh). They are mostly structural changes. And, if you know me, I don't really like structure. Especially implementing them. But, this time round, I think the pros outweigh the cons. And, to me, that's really exciting. In PJ's words, "Kingdom mentality".
It's my prayer that things will work out fine despite the need to change stuff, that God will continue to use our youth ministry to reach out to the youths here in Woodlands. I guess, that's me, getting kinda used to change. It used to be once every few years, then two, then yearly.. now, changes come like every 6 months.
And, with these changes, there will always be uncertainty. That's why there's a need to put our hope and trust in the one unchanging God, who will never fail Himself.
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