An unexpected twist of events

In an unexpected twist of events, I am all in for a very exciting few months.

I'm going to be getting a new (resale though) flat and a new job.

Both major events happened in a snap.

I'm not expecting any much changes to my life with a new job. But with a new little flat of my own, I thank the Lord for it.

By the grace of God.

Mediocrity

Something random strike me while I am swimming yesterday.


Do not settle with mediocrity. Mediocrity does not come from God. 


I don't know why Paulo Coelho facebook prompted the post on 'Closing Circles' again. It was a post during New Year 2011, to close circles in 2010 and move to a better 2011. I re-posted it on my blog early this year. And here it is, repeating itself on his facebook page. Is God telling me something? Is God telling me close a section of my life and search for one which He is in charge? Is God telling me to move on??

Today, I made a decision to obey. The opportunity doesn't feel right. I chose to follow where God leads me.

God, do the work! I'll follow and live up Your name.

Korea in Aug 2010 (Part 3 of 3)

The final part of the Aug trip to Korea is to Everland!!

Everyday is a holiday at Everland! Everland is at another part of Seoul where we need to take an 1 hr bus ride (~10,000won). The entry tickets to Everland is about 45,000 won per person.

The wet weather makes our mood slightly dampened, wearing our poncho around in Everland. We went for a quick fast food bite.

The Korean version of KFC

Still drizzling, we went to the animal zoo part of Everland.

Creepy huge spider

Red Footed Tortoise

Pretty Parrot

Some bird, with perfect posture!

Porcupines

One lonely African Wild Ass

Sleepy Owl

Polar Bear

Baby lions

Squirrel

Cocks and Hens

In Everland's Poncho

We came to Everland, specially for this. Wooden Roller Coaster which inclines at 77 degree! Which meant that you are almost falling perpendicular to ground.

T-express

The 77 deg fall

Wooden Structure!

A video of the ride

An overview

Bus ride into wide zoo

The boar

Tigers

Giraffes

A show to complete the day

We took a 2 hr bus + train ride and were both tired out by the day's event.

We are due for home on 1st Sep evening flight. So we did last minute shopping and caught the flight home.

But before we board the plane, we had our luggage-overweight saga. Our luggage were 13kg overweight, and it will cost us $500. But God's grace is with us. I prayed hard and asked for someone to help. The first guy is a Korean who spoke perfect English, but the girl at the reception refused to allow us to tag along his luggage limit. I prayed even harder, for a second guy. This time, I walked further away from the counter and prayed exceptionally hard for someone who might be on business trip flying back home. And God respond with the perfect person. A person who had no luggage to check in and whom trusted us. He didn't even bother to open up the luggage as we offered to, but grabbed it and checked it in for us. I couldn't believe how much gratitude I have, and the unexplainable joy that God answered my prayer is the most perfect way.

Also, thank God we came back one day early! Typhoon struck one day later and grounded all planes. Praise God for all the grace upon us.

New beginning~

All is well within 4 days, from first interview, to 2nd interview and to appointment letter. I am amazed at how God has planned all these. 

Thank you, Lord. 

I am looking forward to the new beginning. :) 

Is there more to life than this?

Somehow, this cute advert leaves a really deep impression! 

Enjoy~ 

Contradiction of man

It is such a disgrace of man. 

When God withdraw something from you that you thought you might get, you grew angry with God. 

And when God finally gives you what you want, you compare. 

When you decides that you prefer another one, you ask God for another one. 

And when God didn't give an answer fast as you pleases, you can't find peace. 

Where will, God my Lord, bring me to? 

I ask, sincerely, your plans to prosper me. And I give thanks for everything that has happened. 

What have I done
1) Wikipedia
2) Paulo Coelho website
3) Reading study bibles - Matthew 1-5
4) 女人我最大

Wikipedia can be really fun. It has anything from science, religion, history, health, politics etc to even entertainment. Yes, Edison Chen's is also updated in Wikipedia.com, though more on the legal issues. But for a weird person like me who loves history, science, health and religion, wikipedia can be a very good kill-time tool.

If you love his books, you wouldn't want to miss his website. Paulocoelhoblog.com provides a lot of information on the writer and his works. His books can be a bit too spiritual for some. But his thought-provoking books will make you crave for more. The quotes from his books never fails to bring light to me. I started off with one of his more boring book - The Zaphir. It is quite boring, but the quotes in the book is very awakening and enlightening. His another book - Eleven minutes can be more entertaining but with sexual and erotic literature. A more biblical book - The fifth mountain - is one of my favourite! I've so far finished 6 of his 16 books.

I've got 2 study bible. One is my own usual bible I bought after Cat's recommendation. And a large (really really large) one I received last birthday. I've finished Matthew Chapter 1-5. Most of the impt verses were discussed during service. I'll pick this to share:
Matthew 5:14-16
14: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15: Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I've been watching episodes after episodes of 女人我最大. From skincare and makeup to fashion and hairstyling, it features almost everything. Talk about diversity. It even features luxury bags, thrifty ideas, and even mahjong!! Taiwanese jokes can be very funny!!

I've done so much! But still, 28 days of hospitalisation leave to go.. Boss.. Can I go back to work!?!

My wound is healing! By grace of God, it wasn't as ugly as I thought.

But it kinda stinks and I'm loading a lot of aloe vera gel to expedite its healing! 2 punctured wounds becoming 1 long wound. Sigh. Pray that it heals fast and nice! I'm gg for occupational therapy tmrw @ 2.30.. At least something to look forward.

I've to apologize if I've to cancel or unable to attend any events, esp Suguan's wedding. Also, TBT girls, go ahead and have fun!! It will not be as fun without my presence though (haha! ;p), but remember to poke ass (Coffee enema) to detox the alcohol damage to your liver after partying!!

And yes! Please help this friend of mine to win a trip to aussie!! She promised me some apple strudels. For the sake of my apple strudels and a loving couple's fun and exciting wedd trip, please vote for Dean Lee - Unexpected Perth @ http://unexpectedaustralia.asiaone.com You may get to win attractive prizes like Macbook Air!! Help and win!!

:)

Anger management

I'm deeply moved by a sermon.

I was trying to find activities to occupy time. I realise I couldn't read fiction that well as it is difficult to flip and hold books with 1 hand. I went to d/l the sermon of the part 4 of 'New year New you' that I've missed. It speaks deeply to me.

It is abt anger management. It happens to everyone.

Bible reference:
Matthew 5
Proverbs 18:19
James 1:19
Ephesians 4:32
Hebrew 12:15
2 Cor 2:10-11

L: Listen
- It is not easy to listen. We often end up start giving advice before we patiently listen
F: Forgive
- Forgivesness is to open up tt hurt and wound and bring healing to our life.
- Not forgiving is putting both parties in emotional prison.
E: Encourage
- Goodness of life (from God) encourages us.
- Being an encouragement to others can help transform life.

Gist of the sermon: (for believers and non-believers)
1) James 1:19
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
2) Listen - Forgive - Encourage
3) (for believers) To forgive, power is in Christ. Focus on Jesus, and not on the problem or source of anger. Holy Spirit gives the power to forgive. Focus on the kingdom of God.

My words:
Its a continuous battle with anger and it happens to everyone, almost everday, with situations that irritates one. But listen, FORGIVE, and encourage.

For those interested, I've listened both Adam's and PL's. Adam's seems to convey a clearer idea. Both are of similar content. =)

i HATE christmas

5 reasons i HATE christmas..
1) Jesus grew one year older. *sigh*
2) The malls get way OVER crowded.
3) The sinful food are getting on the dining tables.
4) Headache when getting xmas prezzie.
5) The true meaning of christmas isnt very well made known and appreciated.

Poor Jesus got one year older. But I dont think He minds.

If I could petition, I hope that the govt could try to control the population of Singapore. I know there is economic boom when people spend. More pple, more spending, more economic growth. But the situation is getting way too exaggerating. There is crowd everywhere. I dont think the govt feels the impact anyway. They dont go to the malls. Maybe God should do a mega-flood again, to take control of the situation. *struggle for breathing space*

Needless for explanation, sinful food lures me. Gluttony is a sin.

The idea of xmas has been commercialised. We, now, buy xmas prezzies for the sake of buying. And to accommodate all, we buy trashy stuff for one another. In short, we buy more trash and give more trash. The ones smiling at the end of the day are the retailers. They must be the ones who invented the slogan: The season of giving. The hoax slogan.

What does Christmas mean to you? For believers, it is our saviour's birthday. For non-believers, it is a religion's founder's birthday. It is a day of remembering Him. Some Christmas carols are quite crappy. Personally, I feel that the Christmas song - "Joy to the world" contained the essential meaning of Christmas.

i HATE christmas. To be precise, I hate the commercialised christmas!!

I guess the super duper crowded malls and the buying of prezzies made me real cranky. Does GOD want us to show our love for one another in this way? Jesus gave a lot of prezzies to mankind when He was up and running on earth. He gave sincere gifts - gifts of miracles, gift of truth, gift of life. He gives things mankind need. He gives comfort mankind needs. He gives eternal life mankind needs.

We, disciples of Jesus, give trashy stuff mankind doesn't need.

The best gift you can give to someone is your time, your love, your listening ear.

The best gift I receive so far must be Trinity's Christmas play/performance. It is amazing. Ask anyone who attended it. Astounding is an understatement. I am deeply impressed. God must be at work! Well done!!

Constructive Busybody

Something strikes me during batism service today. Sometimes, it is good to be a 'constructive busybody'. Because you won't know how much your 'constructive busybody' may mean to some one who is lost, desperate and lonely. I want to be a 'constructive busybody'!!!

And after service,

Although I've known HUi for barely a month, it seems to me that it is way longer than that! WOW!! :)

Gotta bed early. Jogging tmrw if it doesnt rain!

The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you

I was reading this book:


And this sentence made me feel...
"The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you."

The book is mainly based on 'The Lord's prayer'..

Spend some time to think abt this:
When we pray for 'You will be done', what comes across your mind?

Is it
a) An 'opt-out clause', just in case your prayers were not answered.
b) sincere wish that God's will to be done, even if it means to incur the most difficult and testing situation in life.

Think about it. :)

I was saying I didnt OT for the entire of last week. Ironically, I stayed for past 3 days consecutively, all unplanned.

But I need to keep my Thurs and Fri free! I better go hunt for a white dress before Saturday!!!!

I thank God

Another week just whisk past...

Mon - Dinner with Gab + red/black phone caught my sight
Tue - Cell
Wed - Dinner with colleague CL
Thurs - Dinner with KH
Fri - Dinner + Shopping with Gab
Sat - Buy mobile phone and service @TCC
Sun - Great Eastern 5km!

woohoo!! So I didnt work OT this week! But let me see, I got 3 things I wish to thank God for:-

1) The mobile phone that I was eyeing was OOS islandwide. And I love it so much! I've got a strong fetish for red/black phones. I'm very sure this one will follow me for years!! Its is OOS everywhere. Many people were looking for it, and many pple in forums claim that it is OOS everywhere! But I really thank God, that I managed to get the last set on Fri! But I had to meet Gab for dinner/shopping so I reserved it and went back to collect on Sat morning!! I'm a happy girl. For those who are interested, I got k810i in pulse red colour. I know it isnt the 'in' phone in town. But I so love it. And I have to trade in my slightly faulty w810i when it still has a trade-in value of S$150. I only top up an extra of S$100 for my new phone! It seems like a w810i trade for k810i. Haha! I love love love my new phone! I thank God for giving me this! :)

2) A friend whom I got to know better on our way to TCC! Somehow, I feel that God is moving things between us. We seems to hit off pretty fast and easy! I'm amazed at how easy we can communicate and enjoy the conversation we had. God's at work! I'm glad she feels welcomed and hope she'll be comfortable and grow together in walk with God! *claps* Thank you, Lord.

3) An impromptu decision - Great Eastern Run - 5km. As requested by LH, my bestest buddy, to do one of my favourite activity. How could I reject? Although it was a really last minute decision (like past Sat midnight), I really enjoyed the run. We completed it in abt 35 mins. Had bananas, drinks and ice creams after the jog. Shiok! And I bet it refreshes!! LH, we should do this frequent too! We shall aim the 10km Stan Chart Run NEXT YEAR. Thank God for the great event. I love it!

One thing I wanna thank God. I had a great GL!! I didnt register for the Grat Eastern Run. And when I went, I was shocked to see everyone's having a number tag. And random thoughts came across my mind, Aiwah (my GL's wifey) registered but couldnt make it. I immediately called my GL to ask for the tag number w/o realising it is early Sunday morning at 8am. I only realised when he hung up my call (which was by accident, he pressed the wrong button) that it was way to early to call someone on a Sun morning. He called back, in a sleepish tone. And at the moment, I totally regret dialing him number w/o further considering thoughts. I kept telling him, 'its ok!' and intending to put down the call. But evetually, after being questioned, I told him abt it. I'm really felt relieved that he showed no sense of anger or irritation. He was with his usual nice, cool tempered tone. And he even read me the tag number! I'm really thankful for that. Really. And I'm so sorry for waking my GL up so early!!

Thank you Alvin, my GL, my boss, my friend. I love you!! (Brotherly love I mean) I shall be good.. I will
1) Listen to you and be a good subordinate (at least for next 1 mth --> exclusion clause.. haha!)
2) Save my money
3) Work harder
4) Be the maid for the department for nxt 1 mth (will expire on my bday)

I think I still love my colleagues. They never fail to tickle me. :)

A day filled with priceless treasures!!

I had a really exciting day. A day that I found treasures!

Early morning, I was excited to receive a friendster request from a long lost friend. Someone whom I have been thinking on and off. And from there, everything sparks in lovely patterns.

I found my treasures of my Primary Sch.. (Qihua Primary, i study in 2 pri sch.. ;p But in Qihua for 5 yrs...)

I found...
- Lilian Ng
- Yen Chiu
- Xue Ling
- Wu feng
- Yuanting
- Dingyao

I've lost touch with them for 15 yrs! Though I saw 2 in NTU, I really miss the rest whom I couldnt find. I tried friendster, technorati, etc, but.. no avail.... Finally!!

What made them so special to me? Or rather why we are special..
1) We studied in a singapore primary sch dominated by Malaysians. (>90% Malaysians)
2) We bring passports to school everyday.
3) We dont get punished for being late, no matter how late.
4) We knew how to cross the checkpoint ourself at the tender age of 6 without parental guidance.
5) We see lorries of pigs transported via the causeway.
6) We all (usually) either belonging to 'Micky mouse' or 'Superman'
7) We (die die) cannot miss school bus.
8) We are Malaysians who cant speak Malay.
9) We can drop off in the middle of the causeway bridge and walk to the checkpoint with all the motorcycles and motorcars zooming past us. We were only primary sch kids then.
10) We were such brave kids.

For so much we went through, we just want a good education that our parents gave us an opportunity. And God gave the opportunity for us to meet, for us to cuddle on to one another during all these difficult times.

I so much want to rekindle the friendships. But I'm sorry that I couldnt rem most guys. I think I do not have a liking for guys when I was young. Hahaaa!!

I love how this day went. Even a grp msn chat feels so warm!! Really!! And I felt so blessed and loved. Xue Ling's call came very warm too. I love calls!! ;p Everyone of them is so special to me.

I moved to SG while they were still in MY. I remember most of them writes me letters. Like Lilian, Xueling, Yuanting, Wufeng, Jacq, etc... And I always saves up my pocket money to purchase telephone cards to call them from public phones.

In fact, I'm still in the state of shocked. I never thought I could have them back. Fate. Thank God.

I was still complaining to God that life has been a little boring recently, not enough new friends. So this grp of old-new friends just SWARM in... Thank God..

Fun Fun Fun weekend..

I had a eventful weekend!!

It started with a half day leave on Friday for Gab's convocation!





It was basically, yet another, convocation. We are the designated photographers for her event. ;p Congratulations Gabby!! And not to miss out, Kaihui, Elvin and Qihui. Congrats!



2007 08 28 - Colleague Emily's baby 1st Birthday

My colleague is really wonderful. Look at the cakes she bakes and the preparation works she puts in!!


The daddy, mummy and 2 naughty ones..


The colleagues.... And note that the food are NOT catered food. They cooked them!!


This 'long term investment' is irresistably cute!!



2007 08 28 - NDP Preview
I was telling a friend who had only 1 tix to NDP preview:
If Heaven drops a NDP tix down to earth, I would accompany you.

I am very amazed. You know the scarcity if this yr's NDP..
Alright, Heaven gives presents. God gives presents... So....




I love this amazing gadget!!





Sunday (2007 08 29) was another shag day. Pictures taking in NTU was fun and filled with memories. But I was too tired to even dig out my camera. So.. oh well.. till the pictures come...

Fun filled, eventful weekend. I like.

I would just like to sincerely say this:
Thank God. For all the friends. For all the love.

I could only ask for:
More passion in the things I do.
For 1Cor 16:14... Do everything in love.

Mighty to save..

Since Sat when Nigel send me this song, it has been playing non-stop, repeating the same song over and over again. At home, on my way to work, back from work, during work. I guess the time I didnt play it was when I was sleeping and when I was bathing.

Mighty To Save
by Hillsong United

Everyone needs compassion
A love thats neverending
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a savior
The hope of nations

*chorus*
Saviour he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as you find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything i believe in
Now i surrender

*chorus* x2

Shine your light and let the whole world see
Were singing for the glory of the risen king JESUS x2

*chorus* x2

Shine you light and let the whole world see
Were singing for the glory of the risen king JESUS x6


Somehow, this song seems to have a good mood for praising God. Strong declaration of God's might and glory.

Probably the exams results were out for NTU peeps, and the people I prayed for did pretty well!! Praise the Lord!!! To be specific, I prayed really hard for 3 persons - Leslie, Catherine and Kaihui.

Leslie used to be just an acquaintance until early this yr. His FYP doesnt seems to have progress even though it is 2nd semester. And if I didnt rem wrongly, his projects encountered so much problems tt his project parts were only delievered in March. With PLC and Touchscreen programming for the hardware, it is not easy to handle in such a short period of time! Definitely not for an undergraduate. Probably I do PLC and Touchscreen programming at work (eeeks.. when necessary only), I felt his tension. With God's grace, he managed to finish. But his unhappy encounters with his prof wasn't encouraging. However, prayers work!!! A pleasantly surprising grade A for his FYP and good grades accompanying, a good honours degree rewarded!! Miracles happen, with faithful prayers and God's mighty hands. Praise to the Lord!!

Catherine, on the contrary, is a friend of mine for 4 yrs. (Psst, easy to count.. since you were yr 1.. haha..) This girl, hall-mate of mine, stayed in my previous room, neighbour of my bestest buddies wrote a testimony at her bloggie. It may be a real long one to read, but really worth reading. I can testify the things that happen, esp Yr 1 and Yr 2. The many heart breaking moments, the many disappointed moments, the diminishing hopes, were too much for the heart to take. I'm sorry that I was struggling to finish my final yr then and couldnt be of much help and comfort. On the contrary, Catherine (and Nigel) showered me so much help and comfort. (You (two) might not have remembered, but I was very touched and soothed when you bought supper for me and we ate in Nigel's room. And after tt, Nigel played the guitar and we just sang along. I'm really v.touched deep inside. And I felt so much better and less stressed up. Thanks!!!) But even if I could, the best saviour and comfort would be, none other than God. God's wonderful plan with Catherine's unceasing faithfulness brought about a change in situation. Especially the implementation of IO came at such a right time. Yr 3 and Y4 are definitely the better years, although the tremendous stress, God faithfully walk beside her. Congrats Catherine. Praise to the Lord!!

It is my first time praying for Kaihui. My JC friend and a non-believer. There's minimal I can help, but only to help her pray. Thank God!! She's graduating too!!!!

"Shine your light and let the whole world see
Were singing for the glory of the risen king JESUS"