So Ewe See...

Christmas Preps Part 2

2011-12-24T21:29:00.001+08:00

It's Christmas Eve n through the rain, crowds, rush of gift wrapping...prepping of my soul seems even more crucial to keep me sane!

#2

Reread the story of Christ's birth like it's the first time I'm reading it. Awesome can't sum up my thoughts and feelings! In my sister's words 'Love was born' n its impact is felt afresh!

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Advent

2011-12-20T22:11:00.001+08:00

Back to this blog after a long time Well round of applause to the wonders of technology...allowing me to sit in a salon & blog. Freaky but cool at the same time!!!

It is the Advent season, and I've been hvin a nudging feeling to get back to the basics of this season for the gd of my soul. And the very basic thing is simply that advent means the comin of Jesus. It is a time of waiting with expectation and preparing! So how does one prepare 2000 years or more after Jesus had arrived in skin?

So this shall be my 5 day Christmas countdown....and preparation.

And preparation today is...

Well thanksgiving! Guess thats why it is celebrated before Christmas! Its a gd place to start! We oughta thank God for every good thing in our lives esp the folks in our lives! N also its a gd reminder that we can thank God for being with us & seeing us through the tough stuff...cos hey they do make us better!

Till tmr...

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Show Me

2011-08-21T01:22:00.000+08:00

Appreciating What We Have!

2011-06-13T19:09:00.002+08:00

This video makes one think and appreciate what we have! Esp God's Word! :)

The Measure

2011-04-07T00:01:00.001+08:00

The Measure

Let the grace of the Lord be the measure of your sufficiency;
let the peace of the Lord be the measure of your quietness;
let the power of the Lord be the measure of your strength;
let the goodness of the Lord be the measure of your contentment;
let the love of the Lord be the measure of your service;
let the faithfulness of the Lord be the measure of your trust;
let the beauty of the Lord be the measure of your worship;
let the fullness of the Lord be the measure of your joy;
let the sovereignty of the Lord be the measure of your confidence;
let the promises of the Lord be the measure of your expectations;
let the coming of the Lord be the measure of hope.

You are my portion, O Lord. Psalm 119:57 AMP

- from Meet Me In The Meadow by Roy Lessin

http://roy.dayspring.com/2011/03/the-measure.html

2011-03-17T15:45:00.002+08:00

lovin this :)

Distractions...

2011-02-05T00:18:00.005+08:00

Distractions...

What distracts you? And what does this distraction distract you from?

Last year was a year i heard alot about distractions. And i must admit, i've been distracted too. The pressures of having a good life...distracted me from the source of life more than once or even trice. And a conversation i had with a new friend in the Philippines opened my eyes anew to an old thing...

See this friend was talking about his old life marked by gangs of friends and being involved in things that wasted away his life and brought sadness to his family. And when God intervened, he changed. And now he was contemplating serving God fulltime. As he was sharing his heart, he suddenly mentioned his need to stay and grow in the church. Or he was afraid he'd become... ... ... as his mind was loading the translation into English, i offered the word: You're afraid you'd become...distracted? "No", and in about a second he found the word he was looking for, "Im afraid i'd become tempted".

The bulb flashed above my head and i thought its actually kinda better to have less vocabulary sometimes. See whatever distracts us away from God are temptations. The Bible uses the word temptations, i've yet to find a verse with the word 'distraction'. And in urban cultures, perhaps the term distraction has watered down the weight of the matter. When i hear temptation, the word 'sin' is close by...the weight is felt.

My friend continued to share that he was afraid he'd be tempted by friends, earning, living etc away from God back to his old life patterns, back to his old life. Are you distracted? What is your distraction? Does it distract you from God? Its temptation - and the Word of God has the solution so you'd progress to happily ever after, not back to before.

Song of the season...

Lessons From A Shooting Star Part 2

2011-01-04T20:28:00.011+08:00

Lessons From A Shooting Star

Part 2

How would you react if you just saw a star shooting past you in the vast skies when you least expected it but had hoped it just the day before? Silence in wonder and awe? Shrieking in excitement? Would you keep it to yourself though...or exclaim the news to the folks who happen to be around?

Well guess my strange reaction......

I silently gasped in awe.

Then just a few minutes after the event, my sister and two sweet kids - Caleb and Kayla (who i had such fun staying with in Cebu) - came out to the rooftop to wash some clothes and play. I didn't utter a word of what i just witnessed. My heart was urging, my mind on the other hand thought "Hey its over, its no big deal...save your energy" (i don't know what came over my mind!!!no big deal???what energy???!!!). And so i didn't say a thing, not a thing.

Till like ten minutes later, when our conversations based on the children's questions shifted to the stars in the sky. Then i nonchantly mentioned...i just saw a shooting star.

Well guess the kids' reactions........

their eyes went wide! they asked again and again...and again "You saw a shooting star? now? up there? where? how did it look like? did it go like this? oh it was too fast?etc etc..."their voices shrieked higher with every question. And when it was time for them to go back into the house to get ready for bed...guess what's the first thing they told their mum???

"Ate (meaning 'big sister' in the language) Rachel saw a shooting star! Really you know mummy...she's not bluffing! She saw a shooting star"!

Now need anyone wonder why in Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me...for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these"? It's because children never lose their sense of wonder and tireless excitement! A new awesome thing remains a new awesome thing! They don't hide their joy, or fear that something will dissipate and disappoint. I've never seen a child jaded. I've never been jaded as a child.

But that night i realised i had become a jaded adult! I've become jaded at God's handiwork and failed to spread the wonder & joy. And i slowly realised jaded-ness and complacency are not farly related...So as the newness of the new year wears off in the daily grind of life...i'm resolved to be an un-jaded person!

See a shooting star, a flower...or anything worth mentioning? Mention it with zeal to God and your loved ones! :)

Song of the season...

Resolutions Anyone?

2010-12-31T14:06:00.007+08:00

Resolutions Anyone?

Oh the delightful tradition of making resolutions before 2011 dawns on us! This time i have the pleasure of 8 sweet and crazy angels contributing and spurring us on! And as the resolutions came...something dawned on me for the first time ever...

See when we start making resolutions, we express our desires. But actually not all our heart's desires can be resolutions. Some are simply wishes.

Merriam Webster's Dictionary defines wish as

"to have a desire for (as something unattainable)"

Resolution is defined as

"the act of answering, determining".

Resolutions comes from the word 'Resolve' meaning having a fixed purpose and to deal with successfully. It also comes from the word 'Resolute' meaning being determined, bold and steady.

Sounds complicating?...

I wish i could travel the world is definitely different from my resolution to travel the world. My wish is something nice I'd like to do but at the back of my mind many factors are not possible for me to work towards it yet. As Ecclesiastes 5:7 begins "Dreaming all the time instead of working is foolishness...", it brings you nowhere!
But if travelling the world is my resolution, I'm going to plan and work at each factor till i can really accomplish traveling the world.

Simply put...resolutions takes much effort on our part. Effort in our mind, heart and body. Look at your list again...are some actually simply wishes? Should they be scratched off the list for something that God has designed for you to achieve? Or should that wish be changed into a more practical to-do?

But how if we're not sure what to do, or if we have enough effort to sustain us till we accomplish something? That's why Ecclesiastes continues "...And there is ruin in a flood of empty words. Fear God instead." Involve God in the resolution process...ask what, seek strength. And don't you know that God completes everything He starts? (Phil 1:6) If we're afraid we can't, our partner is One who's perfect to follow us through.

In 2011, my prayer for you is this:

"May God grant your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose" (Psalm 20:4)

May your heart's desires be translated to fruitful action and eventually an avenue for God's purposes to unfold.

This one goes out especially to you 8 sweet, crazy angels...you make me abit wiser each day! :)

till 2011...blessed new year! love n peace out! :)

Song of the season...

2010-12-30T17:10:00.001+08:00

Can't help it...still in the spirit of Christmas...fa-la-la-la-laing away!

Lessons From A Shooting Star Part 1

2010-12-27T21:11:00.004+08:00

Lessons From A Shooting Star
Part 1

3 wise men followed a star. Even if i were wise, following a star seems illogical to me. But follow they did and a Savior King they found.

This was just one of the musings i enjoyed while stargazing recently as i stayed in Cebu for two weeks. It's just beautiful there. Like God has spread out a black blanket over the skies and sprinkled glitter for His pleasure. Just awe-inspiring.

And unbelievably one night i caught sight of a shooting star. Which is kinda weird. Because the night before i was on the very same rooftop pouring out my woes in complaining fashion, and asked God to show me His presence with a shooting star. I was shooting my mouth off and simply being a spoiled kid with her Papa. And i waited...a few seconds...hardly believing i would actually see one but hoping i would at the same time. Muttering a playful thanks, because "yeah really! i was going to see a shooting star!" (can you find the hint of sarcasm in my tone???), i headed off to bed. But the next night, i headed out to the rooftop just to catch a breather, not even with an intention to stargaze or catch a shooting star. And the moment i looked up, there was a star shooting across the sky, and just as i caught it, it was over! And i was in awe. Some because of that awesome sight, but mostly because of our awesome God.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

A request could be a need or a desire...and God simply wants us to open up and talk to Him. And wouldn't we believe that if He could give His life to be wrapped in skin that one day suffered upon that cross, a star or anything isn't much to ask for? Need i even doubt His presence? I did ask during the trip's preparations when money was running low, and He provided via a love gift just a while later. And just a few days later when my forgetful self asked in disbelief...God shut my mouth in a loving way with this gift of a shooting star!

This Christmas may we not forget or take for granted our most valuable gift...Immanuel - God with us...even at our not very best moments.

A reminder...

2010-10-12T00:25:00.004+08:00

A reminder that

"God always gives us strength enough, and sense enough,

for everything He wants us to do."

- John Ruskin

God Is Enough by Lacrae

Suprised by God

2010-10-02T01:19:00.013+08:00

October 2010...thats a whole year later from my last post! haha...it's funny how things turn out, cos i wouldn't have imagined where i am, what i'm doing and how things are right now. But it turned out just right, actually better than just right! I'm so at peace...maybe more like feel so loved...knowing that here's where God's always meant me to be. And that's what Serene, Jocelyn and I were just talking about earlier at DG...whenever we really take the time to look back, we can be genuinely see the big picture...how God suprises us! And here's to a new season of being suprised by God! :)

Free To Be Me by Francesca Battistelli

"One Day At A Time"

2009-10-21T21:20:00.003+08:00

“One Day At A Time”

Not sure if you’ve heard of this hymn...it was sent to me as an encouragement by someone i greatly admire and am thankful for: Ms Gerry, my supervisor when i used to work at Treasured Moments. Its words ring true and are kept close to my heart:

One day at a time, Sweet Jesus
That’s all I’m asking of you
Lord, give me the strength
To do everyday, what I’ve to do

Yesterdays gone, Sweet Jesus
Tomorrow may never be mine
Lord, help me today, show me the way
One day at a time

May you be encouraged and blessed too! :)

God's Chisel

2009-09-19T23:56:00.001+08:00

God's Chisel

Happy Birthday To Us!!!

2009-08-10T15:37:00.008+08:00

Happy Birthday To Us!!!

On my recent trip to the Philippines, it was interesting how i was starkly aware of the things/qualities Singaporeans don't have. We don't have mountain tops, or waterfalls. We don't have the slower paced, rustic quality of life. We don't have the open skies unblocked by tall buildings to just gaze at the sea of stars at night. And the list of these delights...of natural unhurried life could just go on.

But i became starkingly aware that no matter how much i felt at home in the Philippines, it was not quite the same. Everytime i saw a menu, my heart would literally jump "Oh they have prata here!". But everytime, my eyes would adjust itself to correctly read 'pata', a local dish. Gosh, i really missed Mutton Briyani, Chicken Curry, Satay, Wanton Soup...ok i'm a bit mad, but i somewhat identified with these food.

And when i returned to Singapore, entering the airport, a poster greeted us "Welcome" in our four main laguages. Aha...This is Singapore. This is what we have. A diverse city. A melting pot of races and cultures. It's wonderful to hear different languages on a bus. Decide whether we're going to have Indian, Malay, Chinese or some other cuisine in a hawker centre. Are there difference between cultures? Of course. But the bottom line is: we live, work, struggle and celebrate together.

I remember one day walking past the Community Centre to get back home. There were groups having their classes and activities in the outdoor area. The Malay Dikir Barat Group in the forefront practising, and at the inner court the Elderly Chinese Folks were having a Folk Dance Class. A mesh of sounds, but a nice, unique mesh. For all that Singapore doesn't have...this is something rare and refreshing that we do have: Fusion. We celebrate our differences yet remain united as one. This is a value that growing up in Singapore has ingrained in me...and the reason why i love and am proud of my country.

An after-thought:

Isn't our island country then a glimpse into heaven? and a reflection of our Creator?

In The Belly Of A Whale

2009-06-15T22:30:00.008+08:00

Are you tired, worn out? beyond resources and hope? does everything seem to be going wrong? are you stuck with no conceivable way out?
Welcome to the Belly of A Whale!

There is a remedy to getting spit out but that takes the miraculous hand of a mighty God. So as you're praying, preparing for the bumpy ride ahead to the oncoming shores...here's a song of a true story to keep your faith in tact and your joy in check!

In The Belly Of A Whale by The Newsboys; this is not the original but really really great though! Enjoy :)

Note: Will be away for two weeks (till 15/7 for a mission trip...excited to be part of what God's gonna do...till soon y'll, take care & be blessed! Love n Hugs out :)

2009-06-03T12:47:00.006+08:00

Lately many sermons, sharings that i've been hearing has been a learning, re-learning of the power that lies the Name of Jesus. Which reminded me of where this first captured me...flashback to something that i wrote sometime back...may His name capture your heart again in a whole new way too!

Confession of a Bollywood Addict

Dhoop was the title of the movie that i was watching. It is about a young soldier serving in the Indian Military Academy. He was called to fight in the Kirgal War, one of India's most unforgettable with Pakistan, where he heroically died and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (India's highest military honor).

At least that was what i thought the movie was about. See what happens is the government gives the soldier's grieving parents a gas station, which they decide to call Kirgal Heights, in memory of their son and every martyr of India. Noble, but the problem was the officials who control the building permit, electrical and water supplies and whatever else you can imagine a gas station needs, were not so noble. They cooperate - on bribes. Sadly a real look at a corrupt side of life in India grieves the parents even more. Did my son die for this they ask. They refuse to give in but they can't give up. And so, whether it was throwing aside their dignity to beg for a building license or being threatened with their lives if they seek help from government ministers or the media - the soldier's father garners strength by saying gently and resolutely to each obstacle "I am the father of Maha Vir Chakra winner martyr Captain Suresh Rohit Kapoor".

Eventually the parents come face to face with the Prime Minister to boldly request change and indeed the justice system is revived and the corrupt officials are thrown out. Kirgal Heights is built. My favorite part is right at the end when one of the "bad guys" really changes over a new leaf and even becomes an attendant in the gas station! You know what's amazing? This isn't just another run-of-the-mill good overcomes evil plot. It is based on a true story (just google Captain Anuj Nayar)!

Can you see why that movie caught me off guard that Saturday afternoon? Reel life imitates real life. I also know someone who died brutally but heroically. I know his motivation was for his love for his people. I know he knew that most of those people are corrupt. But i haven't walked around facing my obstacles with such resolute force...even though this person has a higher honor than a Maha Vir Chakra...and is the martyr of martyrs. What's more...he's no longer dead! He's actually with me when i face silly or serious obstacles. I know we can boldly approach him with our requests. I know he can throw out the corrupt and will, someday soon. I know he's buildingnot a gas station, but a kingdom. I know he has never stopped bringing the "bad guys" over to his side. I know because i'm one of them. You and i are part of the greatest unfolding too-good-to-be-true story!

I was on the verge of hopelessness that Saturday afternoon. Too many huge obstacles stood in the way of my needs and dreams. But God spoke through a movie and challenged my weak mindset. I now know how to face the seemingly too big and impossible. Instead of using my lips to grumble, complain, swear, cry, sulk, frown, or even breathe out anything negative, now i can boldly say, "I am the child of the martyr of martyrs, Jesus Christ."

Chewing...disgesting

2009-05-21T23:08:00.007+08:00

Chewing...digesting

With the extra time on my hands these days...and finally after a long-time craving...i've been savouring every word of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.

Reading the work of Lewis is like learning how to greater understand and appreciate the invisible but very vital air around...and really enjoy breathing.

Apologetics aside; though rational, thorough and thought-provoking; the book is an honest look into the Christian virtues. The opposite of virtue is a vice, according to most dictionaries. Therefore it's been a good, though sometimes hard read, as it requires self-examination and re-learning...and being pliable.

Song of the season...till soon...

Pliable (Live Acoustic Mix) - Brooke Fraser

Waiting...

2009-05-09T03:12:00.003+08:00

waiting...

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

- John Waller, While I'm Waiting

You Are My Stronghold

2009-05-02T20:16:00.003+08:00

You Are My Stronghold

When the pain is too much, till the heart becomes numb
When hopes are dashed beyond, picking the pieces up become impossible
When tears run till no more can, but it still does with a sting
When breathing and walking become too difficult, and loving a command too harsh

Lord You are my stronghold
You see, You feel, You know
You don't ever change or walk away
When everything is dark and too deep to handle alone
You stay, You hold, You hear
You love me despite me

Though i find myself having nothing
I have You my Stronghold
Praise You, Thank You...
Your will be done, Your name be glorified

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."
2 Corinthians 4:8-10

You Are My Stronghold - Watermark

Psalm 40

2009-04-15T15:39:00.002+08:00

Psalm 40 (The Message)

A David Psalm

1-3
I waited and waited and waited for God.
At last he looked; finally he listened.
He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud.
He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn't slip.
He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God.
More and more people are seeing this:
they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to God.

4-5
Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God,
turn your backs on the world's "sure thing,"
ignore what the world worships;
The world's a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts.
Nothing and no one comes close to you!
I start talking about you, telling what I know,
and quickly run out of words.
Neither numbers nor words account for you.

6
Doing something for you, bringing something to you—
that's not what you're after.
Being religious, acting pious—
that's not what you're asking for.
You've opened my ears so I can listen.

7-8
So I answered, "I'm coming.
I read in your letter what you wrote about me,
And I'm coming to the party you're throwing for me."
That's when God's Word entered my life, became part of my very being.

9-10
I've preached you to the whole congregation,
I've kept back nothing, God—you know that.
I didn't keep the news of your ways a secret, didn't keep it to myself.
I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough.
I didn't hold back pieces of love and truth
For myself alone.
I told it all, let the congregation know the whole story.

11-12
Now God, don't hold out on me,
don't hold back your passion.
Your love and truth are all that keeps me together.
When troubles ganged up on me,
a mob of sins past counting,
I was so swamped by guilt
I couldn't see my way clear.
More guilt in my heart than hair on my head,
so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out.

13-15
Soften up, God, and intervene;
hurry and get me some help,
So those who are trying to kidnap my soul
will be embarrassed and lose face,
So anyone who gets a kick out of making me miserable
will be heckled and disgraced,
So those who pray for my ruin
will be booed and jeered without mercy.

16-17
But all who are hunting for you—
oh, let them sing and be happy.
Let those who know what you're all about
tell the world you're great and not quitting.
And me? I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing:
make something of me.
You can do it; you've got what it takes—
but God, don't put it off.

Toby Mac - Psalm 40.mp3 -

Waiting?

2009-03-14T14:26:00.004+08:00

Waiting?

We all know what waiting is.
We've waited in queues, for the bus, for someone who is late.
Waiting...takes patience.
And patience is the strength to wait for the Lord's perfect timing.
That's what one of mugs i received as a gift reminds me constantly.
Are you waiting for something?
Then may this (something i've learned more of recently by an amazing leader with an amazing bunch of people) encourage you:

A Short Devotion

WAITING IS A POWERFUL MINISTRY

All the people mentioned in the first few chapters of Gospel of Luke were waiting. Zechariah and Elizabeth were waiting. Mary was waiting. Simeon and Anna, were waiting. In other words, the opening scene of the Good News was filled with waiting people. All these waiting people heard these words, "Do not be afraid. I have something good to say to you." Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon, and Anna were waiting for something good to happen. God will always have something good for waiting people. But not many people can be waiting people. It is against human nature and human living. We want everything fast, soon and quick. But waiting people are different. They are called to wait upon God. This makes waiting people special, unique and they are among the handful in number. This small number is important to God because it is through this small number that God will show signs and wonders and they are to be Good News bearers and partners. Zephaniah called these waiting people, "... the meek and humble who trust in the name of the LORD" (Zeph 3:12). It is the purified remnant of faithful people who are waiting. Elizabeth, Zechariah, Mary, Simeon, and Anna were representatives of that small group of waiting people.

They were able to wait, to be attentive, and to live in expectation. God appears and speaks to waiting people a lot. "Zechariah, your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son." "Mary, listen! You are to conceive and bear a son." "It had been revealed to him (Simeon) by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord." (Lk 1:13, 31 and 2:26).

Those who were waiting had each received a promise that gave them courage and allowed them to wait. Waiting is a powerful ministry because it causes us to exercise our faith in God and it allows God to work in us one hundred percent.

"…those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles.
They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:3 1).

Everlasting God - Lincoln Brewster

Desert Song

2009-02-06T16:36:00.006+08:00

Desert Song

Truly...

"I will bring praise, I will bring praise,

No weapon formed against me shall remain.
I will rejoice, I will declare,

God is my victory and He is here...
All of my life, in every season,

You are still God,
I have a reason to sing,

I have a reason to worship."

So ewe see my friends...as the year rolls on...keep the faith because His love and promises are unfailing :)

Christmas 08

2008-12-30T14:12:00.003+08:00

Christmas 08

This is one Christmas that i'll never forget...mad happiest time of my life...and this is the reason:

Thank you Father for giving us the opportunity, enablement and anointing to do this...and for granting us the family to do this with :)

Ten Little Christians

2008-12-19T01:01:00.014+08:00

Just Reminiscing

...and recording so as to never forget ever!

Ahhh...finally sitting huddled in my blankie with my lappy and kopi!!! A haven away from today's hustle and bustle, and conundrums. I honestly thought this Christmas was gonna be really quiet n peaceful...new at a church so won't be involved and all. But God had other plans and this is the craziest busiest Christmas season in my lifetime thus far...but i must admit i'm also at my craziest happiest!!!! :)

I've been planning, prepping stuff for our last rehearsal this coming Sun...for the praise dance item we're doing. It's a couple of new challenging stuff i'm trying my hand at...but hey "what i don't know will not be an intimidation but an opportunity"...a quote (by Max Lucado, from On The Anvil) that jumped out at me when i was at work today staring blankly (and very worriedly...cos if you know me you know i freak out quite a bit!) at the stuff i pinned up round my table.

Though my heart beats faster...that Christmas is really actually just round the corner and the dance/drama a day earlier...I feel so blessed that i'm doing this with a great bunch of people...whom i can totally trust and have absolute confidence in! They, opening this door of opportunity, is a privilege for me...and they've opened their hearts too to accept me into their community and that's just something i'll cherish :) Did i mention, and be crazy happy!!!

Thank you Father :)

See the pictures above? They're from our last performance (while we call it a

performance...it's really a ministry for us using the arts to communicate God's heartbeat)! Entitled Ten Little Christians (story by Derric Johnson; dramatic adaptation by John R. Plastow...and we did it before at school, so all the directions n creativity by our lecturers)...and it very realistically portrayed how churches are built up and destroyed...and restored :)

I can't explain to you the process and product of this performance...it was indescribable...pure fun and perfect. God was in it, we were one in it, God drew the audience into it.

So for this X'mas thingy...God take it, make it, we're Yours :)

Till soon...enjoy my song of the season:

Im Free - Newsboys

The Season That Embraces

2008-12-15T00:49:00.006+08:00

The Season That Embraces

Christmas is in the air. In Singapore, the season is marked by rain, donning of coats and shawls (especially during church service), ads of t.v. specials, sale signs, and X'mas Jingles.

But i really like this season. I feel like it kind of hugs you. You know...snuggling under the blankie at night, having a good cuppa coffee or tea almost anytime of the day, warm familiar tunes that keeps ringing in your head...it's like everything gives you a big, warm hug!

And maybe it feels like that because it's kinda like God, the Maker hugged us people, His creation by...wrapping Himself in human skin. God, who is love itself, was born and lived amongst us.

Do we need to wonder any longer why this season then is all about loving, forgiving, reconciling, giving wrapped gifts to people we love...and even perfect strangers at times? :)

And soon after this hug from God, He grants us newness through a new year...a fresh start, a new hope!

So i'd like to end the year by looking back (writing the stuff i missed out on), embracing God for His goodness. And then looking forward (yey!), embracing, dreaming what could be because of my God's greatness! I hope to blog something at least once every two days snug under my blankie...hearing the raindrops pitter patter...having a hot cuppa coffee or tea beside me...and listening (and bopping...ok maybe singing really out of tune at the top of my lungs) to warm X'mas tunes...just being crazy happy...embracing this season aptly named Christmas! :)

Joyful Joyful - Lauryn Hill

King Of My Life

2008-12-05T16:04:00.005+08:00

King Of My Life

Oh Lord...take my heart, make it your throne. Be the King of my life.

(have no clue why the music ain't playing...press the pop out player to hear my song of the season :)

Worship God

2008-11-11T16:00:00.008+08:00

Worship God

This video was the opener at WorshipGod08: Rediscovering the Psalms, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It was put together by Jacob Campbell and Music by Roger Hooper.

I love this video. It's simplicity breathes such life into the Psalms and reminds me that when at times i lack the words to pour out my heart to God...the psalmists have been there and done that. I can use their words and am constantly learning to adopt their posture - complete honesty and trust (like a child to his Father), and reverence (to our infinite God).

This video also reminds me that although talk of the end times is so rampant these days, there's the other side of the coin we shouldn't forget...that the beautiful day when truly "...every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord..." (Philippians 2:9-12) is also on its way!

ps: ewe know its been said that God made every shade of skin like colours of the rainbow...i guess then He's made every language, tongue, accent and slang like music to His ears :)

Diamond Ensemble

2008-10-30T19:00:00.020+08:00

Diamond Ensemble

(from left) Ella, Bee Luen, myself & Avoni (seen here tgt with one of our encouraging cheer'ers, Joel) presented a diamond ensemble during last Sunday's worship service. It was a beautiful experience that God carved out for us since the day we got together to work it out.

Before getting to that, you may be asking: What is a diamond ensemble? I don't quite know how to explain it but from what i gather it's...1) four people in a diamond position, 2) the person in front leads in movement very slowly, 3) the rest follow, but everyone is in simultaneous motion, 4) the leader turns ninety degrees to pass over the leadership to the next person...and on it goes. But most of all, it's such an incredible way for a group of people (not even dancers, just us who can move) to worship our Great Mighty Wonderfully Creative God with all our being.

And that's what we did. We prayed. We practised. We did mirroring exercises. All to be of one mind, heart and spirit. And the Spirit of God flowed. Though we made minor mistakes in our positioning, it didn't show as we were so knitted and flowed as one. We did this to honour God that day, and i sensed deep in my spirit that He was pleased...not with the presentation per se but our offering of ourselves to Him. See, this is the first time the four of us are coming together and doing something. It takes planning, co-ordination, effort and...we are all learning newbies in the field :) But through it all we had glimpses of God's footprints...it seemed like His divine design as He rearranged obstacles around us and allowed our differing gifts to complement each other.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

When i moved out of my last church, i was rather sad wondering why God would have called me and yet tell us it's time to move out of a place where possibility was within grasp and comfort zones were in tact. But now i know, perhaps not so fully as i still wonder and worry about whether i can fully be myself and adapt to where i am now, but oh i do know that He's laying the stepping stones to His destination for me and my family one at a time! This verse assures me of that. And you know what? I may be at a different place now with different people. But we share the same passion and purpose...to love on our Father. And that's concretised my belief in One World, One God, One Love even more (ps: hit the profile button, this is elaborated in there)!

Here's a glimpse of the presentation...till soon y'll!

Everything...

2008-10-20T23:46:00.009+08:00

EVERYTHING

everything whispers what i should be
everything screams what i'm not
then after just a moment of clarity
everything seems to tug, pull, nag, chip and claw
at Everything i make up my mind to be
And my Everything helps me
not to give up, to hold on and to be free
He is my Everything
all i need, all i want...
Now how about you?

Sea of Faces

2008-09-29T13:34:00.005+08:00

Sea of Faces...

When i was feeling low a couple of days ago, i was so touched by so many friends' support and nudges to move forward. I'm truly blessed. Thank you guys...right back at ewe...Always be here for you and more importantly God's always there for you.

Then i got to thinking about how many poeple there may be that...don't share how they feel...and don't get the encouragement they deserve.

If you're someone today or tomorrow or anyday reading this...here's a video i found online. May it's truth encourage and enable you.

Tear Drops...

2008-09-26T16:29:00.007+08:00

Tear Drops...

These couple of days have been just those kinda days when i'm struggling with who i am and the significance of my existence. Maybe it's because i've been unwell these past few days that have left me unable to do much so my mind is whirling into unknown recesses. Or maybe it's time to take a reality check; to be aware of that silver lining between things that are temporal and eternal. I don't know. But i didn't cry in the wake of my struggles...i've resolutely decided that i'm stronger than that, the day will pass and the phase will end. So instead i distracted my mind on the net. First i found some poetry to articulate my pensive mood. The Pains of Sleep by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, was a perfect articulation. But it was little help.

Then for some reason, began looking at old blog entries from some of you, my friends. Came to Cheryl's blog. I enjoy reading her blogs. Apart from being a good friend, she's a good writer - charismatic vulnerable,resolute and comical at the right moments. Well, was really just looking through, numb to my surroundings including a list of to-dos, when i came across an entry of hers posted last year April.

Last April, i was so privileged and blessed to be a part of her church's Easter production. Did new things, learnt new things. But in all the newness, it was also a time which caught me struggling with my mediocrity and insignificance. I always wondered, 'God, i did that play 'cos i love you and wanna do what i can do to point people to you. And you opened the door. But really any role i played that day...did it amount to anything at all?'

I found out the answer today. More than a year later, in a different setting but the same musings. Cheryl's entry (thank you Cheryl for sharing) wrote that two souls were saved, many more souls were seeded and God touched her with a glimpse of His love and compassion for us. So here now my tear drops are unlocked...not because i'm feeling insignificant anymore. But because God's great unfailing love and compassion has touched me. Reminding and assuring me that i am the pot and He is the potter. The potter may use us in normal insignificant circumstances...but who are we, the pots, to say to our Creator that we're insignificant. Our job is not to question Him, it's to trust Him.

Thank You so much, my Father. To say I love You now is an understatement.

God continue to bless and use you my friends...and may this song of the season help you to keep trusting Him...

All This Time - Rachael Lampa

A Series of Unfortunate Events...?

2008-09-19T22:20:00.022+08:00

A Series Of Unfortunate Events...?

It all began two Tuesdays ago. My day at work was just perfect and i was all ready to get to music appreciation class. It had been kinda cloudy for a couple of hours but it hadn't rained so although i hadn't a umbrella, i thought i'd be able to make it to the bus interchange. The moment i got to the traffic lights...the rain decided to skip a drizzle and it poured! I ran under a couple of nearby blocks, slightly wet but alright. But when i stepped into the interchange, i saw my bus pulling away...i was left behind! I knew i'd be super late for class if i waited for the next bus so i thought, 'what the hey, i'll grab a cab today'. I was soooo glad that there wasn't a queue at the cab stand but instead a queue of waiting cabs. Then i realised that i didn't have any cash with me, only NETS (whew...at least i figured this now before taking a cab). But guess what? Every cab in line weren't Nets enabled! After waiting for 5 mins, i decided to walk over to a ATM located at the other end of the mall (by this time, i was half goin mad and contemplating if i should just go back home). Got the cash, walked back to the cab stand...to find that a long queue had formed! Aarrrg! Breathe in breathe out...nevermind stood in line and eventually got a cab with a real street-smart cabbie that drove me to school in record time!

The following days had me running out of cash, being very stressed and...my computer crashed!!! It was really bad timing...i had just ended working full-time and had all the time to really get down to some work, research some stuff on the net, keep in touch with folks through e-mail and blog whatever great ideas were coming to mind. I lost it. I couldn't even pray but just lashed out with such frustration 'God, my laptop has to come back, let it be restored...i don't have the energy and money to fix this...' I don't know if God heard my prayer but i'm sure He heard my mum's. Because when i pressed the switch for what i told myself will be the final time, the screen came alive and went through a recovery process. In the end, i had my laptop in factory condition but had lost all my documents, assignments, pictures, videos etc. All gone!!! Anyway, i let my laptop rest for a few days. Last Friday, i picked it back up confidently and switched it on to find...that it wouldn't!!! I tried and tried and tried to discover that it was the adapter's fault! I eventually got the adapter today and here i am!

The days i've been disabled without my laptop and as i got this laptop going again, i've been reflecting on this series of events...and realised with such clarity that these events weren't unfortunate. They were daily living, trivial things that happen once in a while even to the most prepared of us. These things didn't stop life, or the world from revolving. What was unfortunate was my attitude. I had become so comfortable in the breezy easy life of shelters, IRIS (realtime bus schedule), nets enabled cabs, a laptop, internet connection, electricity...and all the accesibilities that Singapore has. I took these for granted and when little disturbed, turned into a melodramatic complain queen!

Where was God in all this? He was with me...but I had chosen not to look at Him. I'm reminded of a line in "The Irish Blessing"...count your blessings instead of your crosses. In other words, i had looked at all the things gone wrong and ignored the common grace God had bestowed upon me plus all the extra help He was giving me. So ewe see...I'm going to be thankful now by remembering all the good of the last two weeks (well at least the snippets i can recall)...

1) the street-smart cabbie

2) getting to class on time and having great mates that relieved the day's events with humour

3) having a challenging and fascinating class

4) though it was pouring all day on Wed, on my way to class in the evenin it became only a slight drizzle that didn't need me holding an umbrella...yet a kind genleman offered to share his at
a traffic light...modern day chivalry :)

5) Friday was my last day of work and i was so touched cos' the folks i worked with gave me such a kind, warm and fun farewell lunch. Oh and they taught me how to like really bowl (and not just drop the ball!!!)...and their gift of a pearl pendant is something so beautiful that i'll treasure!

6) Having a blast of a rehearsal at sch!

7) Seeing my polymate Sandy being a happy bride and attending the wedding dinner on Sun night with my best pals who never fail to make me laugh...Munirah & Yasmin!

8) Having a fun and memorable performance thingy at school on Mon!

9) Having the chance to catch up on some precious sleep because i wasn't working anymore.

10) Having a temp job i really enjoy!

11) Receiving a really cute teddy bear as a gift :)

12) My sis's b-day: i can't (and don't wanna) imagine my life without my two sisters...i'd be a boring wreck!

13) My computer being restored...it's alright i lost stuff ,at least none of them were irreplacable or works in progress! Phew!

14) Having a mum who bears with it when i turn into a complain queen...and my dad for lending the cash to purchase a new adapter

15) Being right here right now...etc

See! How much great stuff can be overshadowed by trivial discomforts :s Thank you Jesus for opening my eyes...Thank You, thank You, thank You that everything's better than alright =D

Next time something goes wrong, may this song of the season remind you to "count your blessings instead of your crosses"...

Day Like Today
(feat. Toby Mac) - Out of Eden

The Olympic Spirit - Possibilities

2008-08-16T22:10:00.014+08:00

Once every four years i find myself glued to the t.v. screen. It's one week into the olympics. Singapore's going to get a silver or gold medal after 48 years (woohoo!); Nastia Liuken continued her parents legacy, winning the gold in gymnastics, apt for her unbelievably perfect landings every time; China's leading the gold medal tally for the first time in history; and Michael Phelps is "the greatest olympian of all time" and making everyone sit at the edge of their seats as he aims for gold #8! And this is just the gist of the games!!!

Was listening to ESPN radio, and the host was asking what makes Michael Phelps so fascinating. In fact, i'm asking now...what makes any of the athletes especially the consistant winners we name one of the 'greats' so fascinating?

Now if you're a swimmer or a fan of Phelps, i guess your fascination is understandable. But if you're like me and most other folks who have no inkling of most of the sports world for the other 3 years 11 months till the Olympics...why do we get so drawn to these folks? Is it them or is it something else?

I believe it is something else. Something deeper in our being. Something perhaps that gives a hint of how we were made.

What's fascinating is that the Olympics is a open display of the human spirit - it's potential AND all it's limits. We see athletes, underdogs and champs alike, fighting real odds like time, energy and muscle power. We see their results - the list of possibilties rewritten and one more area to proclaim that "it is not impossible". We don't just see (and gasp with our mouths wide open), our souls feel a familiar tinge that everyday life tends to snuff out - that truly nothing is impossible.

Now don't get me wrong here. I haven't had such a fill of inspiration that i'm on a 'positivity' high.

Achievement is defined (in wiktionary) as:
1) The act of achieving or performing; an obtaining by exertion; successful performance; accomplishment; as, the achievement of his/her object.
2) A great or heroic deed; something accomplished by valor, boldness, or praiseworthy exertion; a feat.

See the repeated emphasis on 'exertion'? Exertion means work...with it comes struggling, trying, falling, failing, learning, trying again, practising, perfecting, sweating, crying.......feel like giving up already?

The case in point here is this...when you've got a calling, work at it despite all that you CANNOT do...till it becomes 'do-able'. And in between through all that frustration, criticism from others and from your very self (which i can't tell you not to do because you will) - pray, remember your calling and destination & keep working faithfully!

"...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 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...Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Now don't James (1:2-12) make our reward sweeter than a gold medal? :)

Despite the limitations of time, age, energy, avenues or opportunities, finances, stubborn fingers for pianists or guitarists, pitchings for vocalists, writer's block for writers, muscle memory for athletes and whatever else there may be - God has made us all with potential that outweigh our limits! Nothing is impossible my friend!

Enjoy my theme songs for this season (i really couldn't choose between the two!)...

Set The World On Fire by Britt Nicole :)

Possibilities by Sanctus Real :)

Rays of Light

2008-07-26T22:27:00.004+08:00

Rays of Light

Yipee! I've survived another term! This term, in fact these couple of months have been really hard.

With Aunty's shop closing down, moving out of church, starting a new job, and having less time and energy to really concentrate on stuff i wanna learn...it's been so trying. I honestly was about to call it quits to a couple of things.

But in the midst of all this craziness, i kinda lost my purpose. What on earth was i doing? Why on earth am i doing what i'm doing? What was the point of striving to accomplish all the desires within? I just lost it!

I sense the answers emerging, though still hazy at the moment. But i'm still going on...to be right here, right now. And no i'm not going on 'cos i'm such a strong person. I'm going on because...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). But this verse has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I used to perceive the word strength as being strong physically, emotionally or mentally. Or being able. But this time round my strength was really the listening ear, the encouragement, the laughter and 'don't give up-you can do it' pushing forward of the people around. Yup, God uses people to strengthen us.

Thank you to them...especially Mummy, Michelle, Stef, Tita, Avoni, Munirah, Yas & Div for letting me release my madness via sms or mail too :) You may not be aware of it...but you're used as rays of light that illuminate God's never-giving-up love and grace to us.

This has been a breakthrough for me after certain situations has built a solid rock hard wall around myself. Interesting, that in the hardest of times, something good emerges.

So to Miss independent, Mr I can-take-care-of-myself or the one who smiles to cover up all the questions, the pain, the tears...

Don't throw in the towel

Don't give up

Don't beat yourself up

Don't think nobody knows or cares

We can hide from the world but

He sees

He knows

He cares

He loves

Just call one name and in the most helplessness, you'll find yourself somewhere good.

The name is Jesus.

Now my prayer is 1) you'll find the light 2) i'll stay in the light...

Till soon...enjoy my theme song for this season...

In The Light by DC Talk

In the light - DC Talk

New! It's New!

2008-07-11T22:25:00.005+08:00

Yes, it's been a loooooong.....time! I don't know where the month went but i'm in a state of panic now 'cos another month's coming to an end and i've got two assignments to complete and an exam to study for....ahh...(breathe in, breathe out)!

So ewe see...That's why i've taken a couple of days off to fully dive in and concentrate. To get my creative juices flowing, TADA...old blog; new skin...nice ay?!(Singing "I'm Loving It"...don't believe i was messing round with all that javascript!But APPLAUSE to the designer for such a great skin design (check out links)!

Right...so after channelling my energies into my assignments and studies...i shall be back! Yes to finally write all the crazy, cool, funny, scary but significant stuff i've been yearning to.

Till then...Look at the quote at the right by Max Lucado? Think on this...how have we used our sphere of influence to live such a stirring live? Or have we at all? Inspire me, teach me... by leaving me a tag!

Till soon,
Rach :)

PS: God loves you even if you may forget that!

Make It Matter - Natalie Grant

Quicksand

2008-06-08T22:41:00.008+08:00

I haven't posted in quite awhile. That's 'cos there's been a whirlwind of changes around me. I wouldn't say they're bad changes but change is change. It rocks the boat and tests the status quo. While i'm prepared to say 'Yeah, let's go for it...', it's still rather unsettling as certain unanswered questions linger on. And i've been unsure about how to go on including wrting about it that i guess i withdrew for a bit.

That's when i felt like i was sinking, and quickly too, into quicksand. Like as if all i knew and defined me had fallen apart (but honestly not so). I was sinking, my head just goin under, when i got reminded of something: A clip from my all-time favourite comedy. It not only put a smile on my face (and brought me back to a little bit of optimistic reality), i was also reminded that i have a Friend i could count on to pull me out of this quicksand (well, not quite like the clip though). So i'm writing to you after i've called this Friend - God and you know something...i'm pretty sure i'm not in quicksand anymore. I'm standing on solid Rock now!

Enjoy the clip :) Perfect Strangers - Quicksand Scene from the episode 'Up A Lazy River'

PS: Now that I'm out of this quicksand created by my humanly finite and illusory mind, I'll be back to share the many changes happening round me and its effect on me pretty soon.

Passing it along...

2008-05-15T15:44:00.000+08:00

Most folks including myself hope to live an extraordinary life. However, i think sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life, we scurry past that door or don't look at what's just beyond the tips of our noses. Or maybe we got to evaluate what that door ought to look like...maybe we expect the extraordinary to be wrapped in beauty.

I received this e-mail earlier this week. I don't know who's the original writer, it wasn't indicated in the e-mail. However, here's a thank you to the writer! Since it's being circulated, i decided to post it in hopes that it'll inspire you as it did me in thought, word and deed. See, the extraordinary always begins as very ordinary.

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a b road red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big 'F' at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around..'

His second grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle.'His third grade teacher wrote, 'His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest, and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken.'

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class.'

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, 'Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to.'

After the children left, she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her 'teacher's pets..'

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he had ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer.... The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.The story does not end there.

You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.

They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, 'Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference.'

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, 'Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference.. I didn't know how to teach until I met you.'

(For you that don't know, Teddy Stoddard is the Dr. at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)

Just try to make a difference in someone's life today? tomorrow? just 'do it'.

The Journey Home

2008-05-11T18:59:00.000+08:00

Close your eyes
Imagine a black-tarred stretch
Leading to an infinate beyond
Tress line the sides
With leaves of every warm colour
Put yourself in this common picture
Ready yourself to walk the journey ahead

Now see yourself
In your most comfortable clothes
Nothing in your arms
Not even a watch on your wrist
You take a deep breath
This is it
The journey you've longed to take
Going as far as you can to reach
A little piece of heaven

Don't need no belongings
Don't need no necessities
Just a heart full of faith
Faith in His guidance, providence, strength
Faith in His plan and His constant love

As you walk along
Breathing in His beauty
Swinging your hands
Humming a friendly tune
The road suddenly gets a little steeper
The tar a little rougher

The habit of anxiousness
Creeps in slowly
Doubts and questions follow
I begin to wrestle my God for a bit

That's when i give up
I give up my heart, my soul
My fate to Him
Then i feel light,
Suddenly so very light
I bounce to the tune of the wind

All along the way
Pondering, meditating on His words surfacing
I smile upon hearing a familiar voice
He whispers
"My child, look ahead.
I have carried you back.
Welcome home!"

Praying for Myanmar

2008-05-08T21:26:00.000+08:00

It's times like this, i wish i had the means to pack my bags and head down to help in relief efforts. My time to do so has not come yet...all i can do is pray. And i'm especially praying for my World Vision family...they're a fisherman family so i wonder if they're alright living near the waters and all. I'm praying they and their entire village have shelter, dry warm clothing, food, clean water and hope that everything and everyone they know is going to be alright. I bought a 'Flags of the World' sticker set for my 11 year old friend there just a while back. Then i realized that all communications including mail would be tremendously disrupted at this time. God please, you see them at this very instant - take care of each and every one of them and embrace them through this ordeal.

For updates from World Vision...click here: http://worldvision.org.sg/

So tired!!

2008-05-07T17:30:00.000+08:00

Am typing this entry at work, as the day comes to an end...but no i can't go back and take a nap. I've got class! I needa coffee fix...quick :) Hmm...there's so much i gotta do this week. Cleaning up my super messed up room, getting down to my books, writing on this space and also calling or e-mailing some of you guys...so here's a shortcut shout out to you'll ---HEY!!!

Well...time for me to log out, lock up and get moving. Till the next entry...enjoy this very cute and inspiring comic...

Walking In The Dark

2008-04-26T19:00:00.000+08:00

I remember when i was a kid, attending a Missionettes (a Christian girls' scouts kinda programme) camp. We were blindfolded one night and brought round the area. Every ray of light hit, creating obscure silhouettes. The leader's didn't hold our hands. They told us instructions and we simply followed. Once they called out "Big drain in front...stretch your legs wide to cross over!!!". Gosh....i was too young to think it was just a teaser....did i stretch for my life not to fall into that drain! It was super frightening.

This memory flooded back when i saw a blind man at the MRT station today. I was heading out of the control station..among the thronging crowd, and this elderly blind man was walking in the opposite direction. Walking stick in his left hand, he was feeling his way round with his right arm, constantly but confidently saying sorry, probably cos he was accidently knocking into people. A kind passerby went to his aid. As i was whizzing them, the blind man accidently touched my shoulder and said sorry in my direction. I smiled (only to realize how unhelpful that was to a blind man and knocked myself in the head for it). But i had an instant admiration for that man.

He can't see the world round him, much less his next step right infront of him. It must be terrifying. But what courage he has!

Alot of days, like today, the path infront of me is shrouded in utter darkness. Like i'm groping round for answers. I can't for the life of me make out the step infront of me. But unlike this blind man, i don't even try. I'm afraid of an unimaginable pit, trip or slip. Failure, saying "oops, sorry" and going on is an inconceivable negative in my mind.

Have you ever felt like this. I don't have a tidy little solution or suggestion for this. But Psalms 23:4 beautifully comforts me...check it out (http://www.biblegateway.com/) and tell me what you think.

Confession of a Bollywood Addict

2008-04-22T21:27:00.000+08:00

"I am the father of Maha Vir Chakra winner martyr Captain Suresh Rohit Kapoor", he declared time and time again gently yet so resolutely. I just couldn't shake that impression out of my head though the movie was long over. I am a self-confessed Bollywood junkie but i must admit that when i plopped myself down on the couch that lazy Saturday afternoon, i was caught off-guard.

Dhoop was the title of the movie that i was watching. It is about a young soldier serving in the Indian Military Academy. He was called to fight in the Kirgal War, one of India's most unforgettable with Pakistan, where he heroically died and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (India's highest military honor).

At least that was what i thought the movie was about. See what happens is the government gives the soldier's grieving parents a gas station, which they decide to call Kirgal Heights, in memory of their son and every martyr of India. Noble, but the problem was the officials who control the building permit, electrical and water supplies and whatever else you can imagine a gas station needs, were not so noble. They cooperate - on bribes. Sadly a real look at a corrupt side of life in India grieves the parents even more. Did my son die for this they ask. They refuse to give in but they can't give up. And so, whether it was throwing aside their dignity to beg for a building license or being threatened with their lives if they seek help from government ministers or the media - the soldier's father garners strength by saying gently and resolutely to each obstacle "I am the father of Maha Vir Chakra winner martyr Captain Suresh Rohit Kapoor".

Eventually the parents come face to face with the Prime Minister to boldly request change and indeed the justice system is revived and the corrupt officials are thrown out. Kirgal Heights is built. My favorite part is right at the end when one of the "bad guys" really changes over a new leaf and even becomes an attendant in the gas station! You know what's amazing? This isn't just another run-of-the-mill good overcomes evil plot. It is based on a true story (just google Captain Anuj Nayar)!

Can you see why that movie caught me off guard that Saturday afternoon? Reel life imitates real life. I also know someone who died brutally but heroically. I know his motivation was for his love for his people. I know he knew that most of those people are corrupt. But i haven't walked around facing my obstacles with such resolute force...even though this person has a higher honor than a Maha Vir Chakra...and is the martyr of martyrs. What's more...he's no longer dead! He's actually with me when i face silly or serious obstacles. I know we can boldly approach him with our requests. I know he can throw out the corrupt and will, someday soon. I know he's building, not a gas station, but a kingdom. I know he has never stopped bringing the "bad guys" over to his side. I know because i'm one of them. You and i are part of the greatest unfolding too-good-to-be-true story!

I was on the verge of hopelessness that Saturday afternoon. Too many huge obstacles stood in the way of my needs and dreams. But God spoke through a movie and challenged my weak mindset. I now know how to face the seemingly too big and impossible. Instead of using my lips to grumble, complain, swear, cry, sulk, frown, or even breathe out anything negative, now i can boldly say, "I am the child of the martyr of martyrs, Jesus Christ."

Yey...Welcome!

2008-04-15T10:06:00.001+08:00

Yey! I've finally got my own blog -

So welcome to where, i hope, we could share our journey's ups and downs, thoughts and feelings, "Ah ha!"s and "I see"s together. Cos at the end of the day, though our paths are different, our destination is heavenbound.

That's the reason for this blog, so we could support each other (anyone and everyone) even through snippets of humour or wisdom.

So i'm going to (frighteningly) wear my heart on my sleeves and loose the guards to my soul. And i hope (i may be the only one reading this...lol...but hey i'll pray) that you'll be blessed!

So once again - Welcome and make yourself at home :)