Final week of 2006

The final week of 2006. What did you do? How did you end your year?

David wanted to bowl. So we went bowling.... 3 times.... in that one week.

I'm not good at bowling. In fact, I suck. hahaha... So I played little and watch more. There were victorious moments (where Lavinia beat David at bowling), hilarious moments (where Elaine Goh dropped the ball backwards), moments we made it interesting ourselves (David gave everyone nicknames on the scoreboard). There was also pool. foosball and almost Daytona. I think we are reliving our childhood.

For more pictures, check out My Multiply Site

Other than that, we went up to Midvalley to celebrate Winne's birthday. What's that hotel called again? I forget. Winne booked a suite and invited people over. I met up with old CF friends, some of whom I've not met for years. That was certainly a joy. Though I think Winne's a little mad for celebrating in that manner, it was nevertheless fun. Makes me feel more adult (which I really need sometimes)

And not that I'm trying to boast, but I liked the way I looked that night. I seldom look good!~


For more pictures, see Winne's Multiply Site.

Here's Ken, imitating the different popular poses found commonly on Friendster.

Blessed Christmas to all

Christmas is the day where followers of Jesus Christ all over the world commemorate one of the most auspicious day of our faith - the day our Saviour was born into this World. A saviour born to die for you and me. The Saviour that was promised to the people of God for many generations, promises and prophecies written centuries before the birth - each promise and prophecy fulfilled to the minutest detail. This Saviour is none other than Jesus Christ.

The sad thing is so many people don't even know what this day really meant.

Every year, I run about fussing on what to get for my family and friends. There's just too many people and shopping and wrapping presents is just not my passion. Some running around to get their parties organized, food cooked, homes decorated, new clothes bought. The Christmas buzz. How tiring. Joy and peace to the world.
This year Christmas service was all about reminding people "Don't forget Jesus".

Happy Birthday Jesus! My Saviour, Redeemer and Friend. My Lord and Master. God of Heaven and Earth, Creator of all that Lives.

(more pictures refer to Hazel's blog when she uploads it)

Aspirers Christmas Party

Aspirers' Christmas Party.
One night. Almost 60 people in the parsonage.

Honestly, I was feeling quite tired from a long day.

Honestly, I felt the need to just be with my friends. Without having to put on a front, or work hard at it, or even be someone or something. Wanting to just sit and not having been expected of. Just be.

Rain rain rain

It's been raining and pouring for days. This is a strange phenomenon for most people in my area. Though we frequently hear of floodings in different part of Malaysia during this monsoon season, but not here. Not here.

I've never felt so so cold in Seremban. Just so cold for days. *brr*

The Star reports that flooding has worsen in Johor and Melaka and certain parts of Negeri Sembilan (that's where I live) and has claim a few lives. Not to mention East Coast usual floodings. The flood stopped th train to Singapore. Only a few weeks ago, the newspaper reported that the government is taking steps to prepare in the strange weather change in the atmosphere. What can i say? End times man.

Dec29th updates:
Newspaper reports second wave may occur. *shiver* Need to pray for our nation.

My New Toy

After much awaiting, much researching, much dilemma, and much much time. I was finally persuaded into finding one camera that I did like very much. With that I went on to persuade my dad, who had very much wanted to get me a camera to get that one. But he was quite adamant on another model which I did not like.

But much to my delight, he was convinced at the point of sale. I'm paying half of course. But I'm so delighted with my new toy!!

My collection is almost complete. Next target: webcam and headset!

Christmas Sharing Programme 2006

In the beginning, I was thinking this project is by far too big and totally out of my league for me. Cos in my eyes, it was impossible. Looking at what I had and what I knew, it was a major cause of many stress-filled nights. But I serve an awesome God.

This year the Christmas Sharing Programme not only reached out to those in the street but we also threw a dinner for those in the flat areas whom we had to personally invite. We awesome and capable people leading the way in different areas, it was a matter of putting the puzzle together for me. But it was God who made everything happen. From the cooling short downpour, to the willing hands, to the open hearts, to the logistics, to safety.... it was God who was the master puppeteer. Ultimately, we are only His hands and feet, doing what He called for His glory.

I just thank God that in my confusion and sometimes blurness, God provided wise counsel and good examples (from the HOC project) so I only needed to follow after. wahahahah.....

And if given a chance, i prefer not to lead this again....

Yay pics!! Though pics say a thousand words... words alone wont be enough to describe

the HUGE experience

My only reasons for going to HUGE this year was to chaperon the youths and to hear Pas. Mike Pilavachi. I was honestly beginning to feel too old for this. I have been going for these things since i was 16 or 17.












(My camera phone quality is quite good eh?)

But I found that I was blessed... Here are what:

1. I was blessed by the first session where they put up the scourging scene in Passion of Christ during worship accompanied by "Thank you for the cross". Remembering what Jesus went through for us really brought new meaning to the song and deeper depths of worship. Many joined me and were in tears.
   
   
2. I realized that the Psallo band from Indonesia (who were awesome btw) did not jus stand in the sideline to lead in worship but they got involved in praying for us, joining us in worship when someone else led, and just hanging out. It wasn't just about singing. They ministered.
   
   
3. Pastor Mike Pilavachi was, as expected, awesome. His sermons were funny and inspiring.
   
   
4. I was watching and hearing for the Youth Alive committee's heartbeat, and i saw. What I saw i respected. I saw the tears in their eyes, the commitment and dedication they showed... I recognized the passion. And I salute their effort.
   
   
5. The flow of messages starting with talk about commitment, radical living for Jesus and others fired me on for what I had been envisioning for Aspirers. Now I dont doubt anymore.
   
   
6. Kah Lian accepted Christ! wohoo! What greater news in all of heaven than when someone is saved into the Kingdom of God. I can only imagine the rejoicing in Heaven.
   
   
7. I was also blessed fellowshipping with the youths. They are all so different from each other and even further different from me. Yet, it is such a joy (and heartache) to work with youths. No, I don't regret. I believe I can make a difference here.
   
   
8. At the end of the camp, a call was raise for Malaysians to love our country, to stay where God has put us and do His work here. We sang sejahtera Malaysia and held our flag high. I'm actually feeling more patriotic now. Our govt should be happy that this happened. But seriously, I think a good point was raised. If we dont stand for our country, who will?
   
   
9. Throughout the sessions, I keep getting ideas and other kinds of inspirations for Aspirers and yes, these are good things. Watching other youth leaders (I was not trained so sometimes I like to just watch others and learn), catching visions and ideas and dreams.... sometimes some things are impressed in my heart strongly and I'd know I need to look into it.
   

Things I found disturbing:

I shared this with some of the youths. I just expressed it out in hope that they will see my point and learn to live a good testimony. I just felt terrible about so many of the youth's behavior at camp. (Thank God Agapeans behaved enough) I mean what kinda testimony do we leave for the staff and other guests at that resort? What's the point of screaming and praising God in the hall and crying and making dedications, when after walking out of the hall we're not polite, we damage properties, we do all kinds of nonsense. What is the point? I'm so for this whole living-a-testimony thing simply because I believe that action speaks the loudest. Isn't that what Jesus did? It wasn't about the tears we cried, it was the life we live. I pray that Aspirers youth will not just scream and jump and cry... but really live that life that will make the difference.

Overall? I'm exhausted yet refreshed.

Cell Picnic

This is the first Friday night that I have no cell or anything to attend. Except to sit back with the feet on the table and relax. Simply because...

Bkt Kaya youth cell had a picnic at City Park in the evening. Though it rained (rained not drizzle), we went anyway. Everyone just turned up despite the rain. And that in itself was a blessing to my heart. To know that the rain was not a condition for not coming for our little outing. Even those you normally think wouldn't come, came.

We found ourselves a little hut (ok it was not little) to fellowship under. Though it started a little raw (cause everyone had just ran in from the rain and there was just not enough place to sit), we had a hard time ending the picnic. Parents started calling because their kids were not home yet. And this time we had A LOT of food and to my amazement we FINISHED the food (save for 2 cakes). And the night scenery at City park was amazing. Romantic!

Since picture speak a thousand words...

Flood

Ran to my usual photostate shop in a hurry. Was pouring outside but I didnt care. I managed to park rite outside the shop and to my horror it was flooding. But I was desperate. Sacrificing my Vincci heels, I walked in the flood: above-my-ankle-while-on-2inches-heels water.




When all was done, I turn to leave and saw that the water had completely subsided. I was only in the shop less than 10minutes!

Shopping

But not in the sense that you are thinking right now.

Got into the van with ah Fong and Michael. Drove down to Makro Seremban. We did our survey and now it's time to buy buy buy!

Shopping list:
102 cans of red bean
4 cartons of mushroom
100kg of 1kg prai sugar
120 bottles of 1.5 mineral water
10 cartons of Yeo's canned drinks
10 cartons of 2 different type of biscuits
4 cartons of nestum
120 packs of another type of biscuits
200 disposable plates, spoon, fork.
forgot the rest

As you can see it's not your normal shopping. These are the gift items for Agape's *Christmas Sharing Programme 2006. They will be given to various people from the street, needy families and so on. In fact we have 3 types of gifts.

We managed to pack those in our little van, leaving just enough space for the three of us to sit. That empty seat was my seat. Another box and more disposable plates goes on me after that. Pure ingenuity of Michael to be able to fit all that in the van. People were telling us it is going to be impossible!

Tomorrow's shopping list:
150 toothbrushes
300 bath towels
300 bath soap

*Note:
Christmas Sharing Programme (fondly known as CSP) is on the 14th, 15th, 17th December aimed to share a meal and the Christmas joy with those less priviledge on the street as well as needy families we've identified.

Happy Birthdays

December 2nd - Happy Birthday Derrick !
December 3rd - Happy Birthday Brandon
December 4th - Happy Birthday Elaine!
December 5th - Happy Birthday Mummy!
Happy Birthday Joanne!
Happy Birthday Hooi Fun
December 8th - Happy Birthday Suzy!

that itself was tiring. hahaha.....

------------

Speaking of birthdays, my family (plus Perry) celebrated Lynne's and mom's birthday at 10.30pm at Kensington. That is by far the latest family dinner celebration I've ever had. By the time we left we were the only customers around (it was after 11.30pm).

That's me trying to smile after an incredibly long Saturday. Picture stolen from Winne's blog.

Certificate of Fitness

After all the hustle and bustle of the previous week, it was a relief to sleep in and sleep so much. I felt relief that the week was over. It was a real busy week. As I shared at the young adult groups, I found that in the midst of business, I found that God is there. He provides the strength and grace I needed to endure. And through the busy-ness, He turned them to remind me of the passion He had originally given me. Sometimes we get too caught up in what has to be done, and we forget that God's work is all about His people - reaching His people, touching their lives. And when I think about it again, I am honoured to be called partners in His work. Isn't it awesome that the King of the Universe chose us to do His Will with Him?

God is awesome. He cared about the little aspects of me, the little dilemmas and troubles - not one passed Him by. He cares. It matters to Him.

Anyway, I went to do a simple medical checkup yesterday and was given a clean bill of health. Wohoo! I'm perfectly healthy. At least at the basic level. Hahah... I discovered however that I had gained 2 kgs in the past 1 year. *faint* I feel a little urgency to loose weight.

Rain rain go away, not-so-little Anne needs to jog.
Rain rain go away, or at least rain only at night.

And stop making me eat!! Finish your own food people, don't pass them to me. Or maybe can give to David - he's coming back. kekekee....

United Live in Malaysia

Tickets were sold out before they officially announced to the churches.

The KIV list started to drag.

People started pouring into SIB KL almost 2 hours before the event time.

The rain did not stop the people.

People climbed 6 stories high for the concert. After seeing that all the youth were up or half way up, Lavinia and I found ourselves at the end of the line - ground floor.

I was actually no enthusiastic about the concert at all. In my heart and mind, I was bringing the youth up - for some, their very first concert. For me, countless.

Because we were so late we sat in the balcony (6th floor) on the steps between the chairs. I stole the below pic from Fer's blog. I hope Lavi sees this. LOL.

Then the lights dimmed, the video introduced the event, and the congregation went wild as the band got onstage. Then I felt a familiar leap in my heart.

Familiar songs met our ears. Joel Houston encouraged the people to look to God and worship Him. The atmosphere was electrifying as people fell into praise and worship before the Almighty God. Seeing the entire place in passionate worship - wow that is amazing. Knees will bow down and tongues confess that You are Lord! When the people of God worship Him... hearts were turned back to Him... (no I don't have pictures. We were asked to refrain from taking pictures)

You know the difference between a Christian concert and a non-christian concert?

• It's not just about the music - It's about the heart of worship.
  
• The band is not idolized. Glory goes back to God.
• Lives are transformed.

I could not fully see the Aspirers as they were pretty much scattered. But most of them were concentrated on the 5th floor. I occasionally watched them worship from above, and my heart was blessed. Through this trip, I felled compelled to always escort them. It's not about me. It's not about the event. To me, it's about them. Words fail me when I try to explain why I do this. Sometimes I feel I'm too old for this, but yet again I find myself in the bus with them to yet another concert/conference/camp. Simply because.

Oh yes, it was good to meet up with old friends. Wish I had more time to yumcha or something. Next time lah guys!

Vacation Bible Adventures

And quite an adventure it was.

123 children over 3 days. If you dislike children, it was a mad house. But if you love them, it was precious! And since I wasn't in charge of anything other than the worship session, it was precious - to play with the kids, the mess around and kacau kacau (I helped lah). They were adorable. Well most. There are those spoil brats I cant stand. There's always a few in the lot.

This year was unique from other years. The effort put in this year was huge. Altogether there were 60 odd helpers and volunteers (teachers, cook, helper, games, worship team, etc). The classroom decoration was first class. There was a mock river with bushes and all in the "Miriam" class; a mock furnace in "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego" class; 2 chariots in "Elijah" class; a bed and candles in "Samuel" class; and a miniature wall of Jericho with the red string in "Rahab" class. Teachers dress up for story time, craft was really something. Games were stolen ideas from youth meeting (*Sweat* It helps to explain that the youth helpers came up with them)

It's like wow. All that effort.

What else can I say? We are truly a blessed church - with so much talents and willing hands. May God used us in many more ways to reach the community for Him.

Children are a gift from God. But dont ever underestimate them. People always tend to underestimate and look less of children. Big mistake man!

The Needle

I was all ready to stick a needle to my hand. It was a requirement for my insurance policy (some health insurance my dad got us to take) and I had been putting it off for some time. But finally I gathered my guts and took to fasting before the needle-poking-day.

I hate needles.
Did I mention I hate needles?

I sat there with my left arm ready, waiting for it to be over. Looked to my right - and there was a box of new needles there. in front of me were more new needle boxes.

It felt like forever. How much blood is he taking anyway? A lot when I later looked.

I slept the whole afternoon. Lost too much blood. Zzzz..... Is there any theory on this or did I make that up. But seriously I get drowsy and lethargic when I loose blood.

The Nativitiy Story

There's a movie that's about to be release this Christmas - the oldest story in the book - The Nativity Story (note: that means the story of Jesus' birth)

Presented by New Line Cinemas, this is another bold attempt to re-enact one of the Bible's most compelling stories. Directed and casted by unknown people, this movie tries to follow as closely to the actual story as possible, refering to scores of theologians and historical people. I guess the Passion of Christ started something to revive greatest stories ever told on the international big screen.

Though it will obviously be banned in Malaysia, the question that remains is whether it will cause just as much a comotion as did Passion of Christ? (after all there's the scene of killing toddlers)

View the trailer here.

Klutz

I'm such a klutz.

Someone once said that accidents tend to occur to your weaker hand. My left hand is my weaker hand. I can do everything with my right hand but not my left. My right hand is basically stronger, more capable. It is a fact.

So when I scaled my left hand yesterday, I was not unable to do anything. I could even drive and stuff like that.

How I scaled it? Accidentally spill just-off-the-stove soup on my hand while trying to put the bowl on the table with my left hand. Figuring I need both hands to clear the mess, I had to endure the pain for a little longer. Treatment came later. I used the below chinese medicine - Ching Wan Hung, Great Wall brand. VERY good stuff. Buy one and keep in your house. Works for burns, scalds, and even sunburn. really...

When Winne was about 1+yrs old, our babysitter spilled boiling water on her chest. Of course she was treated at hospital and all. My parents, however, put this medicine on her.. and after only a few days, it's completely healed. Of course my parents also prayed hard lah. So there, the medicine is good. Available at any chinese pharmacy.



It doesn't look so scary actually hahaha. Su-Ann's looks worst. Immediately upon scalding myself I actually saw my fingers melecur and skin peeled instantly. Like cooked meat. It's actually almost back to normal. And of course I put medicine and all first before I took the pic la. Tengah emergency where got time to take.

New Eyes

No I didnt go for any eye surgery.

But i did get a new pair of eyes. I quite like it very much. Hhehe..

What do you think? Ok this pic does not do it justice.

Unfortunately my power went up too. A shocking rise after the last few years of plateau. Sigh*

After picking up my new specs and walked out in the pouring rain a good distance to my car - thus getting soaked for the first time in many years.... feels good. hahaha

Road Accidents

Malaysia has one of the highest poll for road accidents in the world. More so over the long holiday season. It is almost always the highlight for each holiday season. The number of accidents per day increases over night.

The Star reported that this last holiday season has seen a 16.2 road fatalities despite an increase of 300% in traffic volume. You could say that is a huge improvement. Perhaps the government is starting to achieve something after all. And as the politicians say, as long as there are still people dying of it, it is not okay.

However, I the responsibility of reducing the road fatalities does not fall solely on those in authority and position in this country. Have you noticed that motorist are especially reckless during the holidays. For some reason people thing rules and courtesy don't apply during the holidays. Road becomes a far more dangerous place where drivers seem to loose it. It is no wonder accidents happen at the rate it does. I guess it's true when they say people don't think accidents will every happen to them. No wonder it does. Malang tidak berbau after all. When will people every learn? When indeed....

Seremban's Era Walk

after choir we decided to take a look at Seremban's new Era Walk - a bintang walk cum The Curve concept. As much as they are trying to pull that off with a taste of Seremban, it didn't feel like much. However, I'd give them praise for the design and concept. It's hitting off rather slowly but I kinda see what the developer must have seen. And that is truly visionary.



Perhaps in the near future, when more shops open up and more people decide to take a walk there we'd really see some thing. For now it's pretty dead. So is the food btw.

Stabbed

Oh hey! why stabbing people.... ah well now have to apply treatment.

Another quiz survey thingy. Now for this thingy, whatever it is.

Instructions: Bold if it's true for you. Italicise if you WISH it's true.

I miss somebody right now. (yea all my friends but not that desperately LOL)
I don’t watch TV these days. (Haha, yeah..right..)
I am currently single.
I wear glasses or contact lenses.
I love to play video games.
I’ve tried marijuana.
I’ve been in a threesome. (not planning on trying ever)
I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship. (I wouldn't go straight to psycho but a little crazy sure why not)
I believe that honesty is usually the best policy. (There's a diff between honesty and being direct without tact)
I curse.
I have changed mentally over the last year. (it's a process of maturing)
I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.
I’m TOTALLY smart.
I’ve broken someone’s bones. (does teeth count? it wasn't on purpose)
I’m paranoid sometimes.
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free. (what for? i'm perfectly happy with it.
I need money right now. (Who doesnt?)
I love sushi. (Wouldn't say love but i do fancy)
I talk really, really fast. (I'd say considerably but I've learnt to slow down too)
I have long hair.
I have lost money in Las Vegas.
I have at least one sibling.
I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.
I couldn’t survive without Caller I.D.
I like the way I look. (generally lah. Altho i have a few complains here n there)
I have a lot of mood swings. (more like PMS and not that vicious)
I have a hidden talent. (I dont have many, whatever I have now I'm using, whatever I don't GOd hasn't given me or not going to)
I’m always hyper no matter how much sugar i have.
I have a lot of friends. (Proud to say yes)
I have pecked someone of the same sex. (Peck? u mean kiss? Yes. Friends what)
I enjoy talking on the phone. (Still much prefer face to face)
I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
I love to shop. (No I don't)
Enjoy window shopping. (that's better. But I tired quite easily)
I would rather shop than eat. (hahah no food comes first)
I don’t hate anyone. (No particular person comes to mind.)
I’m a pretty good dancer. (I know I used to dance a lot but was not particularly good)
I’m completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother. (I'm at that age when it's sweet to be seen out with your mom)
I have a cell phone. (who doesnt?)
I believe in God.
I watch MTV on a daily basis.
I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
I’ve rejected someone before.
I want to have children in the future. (two)
I have changed a diaper before.
I’ve called the cops on a friend before.
I’m not allergic to anything. (I'm allergic to penisillin but it's not fatal)
I have a lot to learn.
I have been with someone at least 10 years older or younger. (been with? means what? date no lah. Hang out with yes lah)
I am shy around the opposite sex. (surprised?)
I have tried alcohol before.
I have made a move on a friend’s significant other or crush in the past. (never!)
I own the “South Park Movie".
I would die for my best friends. (never came to that kinda situation before to know for sure)
I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.
I watch Spongebob Squarepants and i like it.
I am happy at this moment. (overall)
I’m obsessed with guys. (not that kinda girl)
I study for tests most of the time. (what test?)
I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I’ve ever met.
I am comfortable with who I am right now.
I have more than just my ears pierced. (Just my ears)
I walk barefoot wherever i can. (yea man)
I have jumped off a bridge.
I love sea turtles.
I spend ridiculous money on makeup.
I plan on achieving a major goal/dream.
I’m proficient in a musical instrument .
I have worked at a McDonald’s restaurant.
I hate office jobs. (What's wrong with them?)
I love sci-fi movies.
I think water rules. (best drink in the world)
I went to college out of state. (too late for that now)
I like sausages.
I love kisses. (hahahahah this is funny. hhaha i dunno how to answer.)
I fall for the worst people.
I adore bright colours. (currently just think its a nice festive youthful sight)
I can’t live without black eyeliner.
I somehow enjoyed this thingy. (but its taking forever
I usually like covers better than originals. (what??)
I can pick up things with my toes. (but seems i get "nerve pull" there easily i avoid)
I can’t whistle. (its true)
I can move my tongue in waves, much like a snakes slither.
I have ridden/owned a horse.
I still have every journal I’ve ever written in. (it's somewhere lah. except for those i wrote in small pieces of paper)
I can’t stick to a diet. (I don't need to diet)
I talk in my sleep.
I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions. (well it works)
Climbing trees is a brilliant past-time. (never can)
I have jazz in my blood.
I wear a toe ring.
I can’t stand at LEAST one person that i work with. (can't stand is a pretty strong statement isnt it)
I am a caffeine junkie. (almost there i think. hahah)
I cosplay or know what cosplaying is. (What??)
I have been to over 15 conventions. (erm if including seminars, workshops, trainings then yes. Else no)
I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical the better. (mad. A lot of time ah?)
I’m an artist.
I only clean my room when necessary. (When i feel like it)
I like a person of the same sex. (hahah of course. I like my friends. and they are same sex. hahaha)
I love being happy. (Who doesnt?)
I am an adrenaline junkie.

Isolating self to prevent further infection and spreading....
This is a very long list. Tired liow.

A new obsession

Introduced to a new anime, I found it fascinating enough. Thanks Peter.

The title was a little strange "Full Metal Panic" and the lightings a little jarring. Main characters being Kaname Chidori (the blue hair girl) and Sousuke Sagara (the black suit guy in the middle). Not your typical high school life.
The story development was good though and even the characters appealing.
However I found it a little too exposed for any young boy to watch. Even though it is only cartoon, it is nonetheless too exposed.
What I liked about it was the silent love between the two main characters. Captures the audience I guess. You just can't wait to see how it ends.
There isn't much twist to the story, but nonetheless interesting to see the quirky antics of the main characters and like I said earlier, whether the guy is capable of love. LOL.

And I much prefer the serious series to the Fomuffu one.

Obsessions never end in gain. Watching 24 episodes straight in a day is bound to do something bad to your body. And still I went out after that with a throbbing head to watch The Prestige - A most-see film by the way. This is the furthest I've went. By the end of the show I had a throbbing and giddy head, nausea, and all that can be expected from spending the entire day in front of the screen like that.

Lesson learnt? 24 episodes is far too many. And lemon tea helps cure giddy and nausea. And oh I need to go easy on my eye. Am loosing my sight.

Not your everyday testimony

I have a testimony to tell. It gave me renewed faith. I have a story to share.

I was suppose to collect the photostated notes on Friday for the seminar on Saturday before the shop closes for the long holiday. I knew it was closing. I had planned to collect it earlier but I forgot. So I went there after work - the normal time I visit the photostat shop.

So in the midst of panic, Paul said he'd photostate half the bulk in KL (for 8 cents per pc). 70 copies may be too much for one shop in such short notice. The next morning (deepavali morning) I drove around town in a frenzied hurry, searching shop after shop for an opened photostate shop. A small timer will do too. The town was in a buzz, with last minute shoppers, people lepaking for the holiday, and sorts like that. Drivers were being totally inconsiderate (why do drivers think rules don't apply during festive seasons?) . Running out of ideas I opted to search "malls". After much struggle I found parking at KM Plaza (back lane) and ran floor by floor to find the shop.

I caught sight of one. Praise God! I rushed to the shop and pleaded that the lady remained open till I return with my notes. (I only have the softcopy in church and have not even printed it out) She was relunctant but agreed if I would come back fast. 15 minutes I told her. And I dashed to church as fast as I could. I asked God to reserve the parking until I got back (as impossible as that sounds but nevertheless. When you're desperate you're willing to believe anything)I hurried. But in that kinda crowd and traffic, it was quite slow. I returned 45 minutes later, praying she wouold have the heart to wait. Rounding the building for parking was sheer torture. On my second round I jam the brakes and stopped, crying out to God from my desperation, and a car parked next to mine moved. I jumped. I did not see a driver in it. Thanking God I parked. In my hurry I did not notice till later that it was the exact same spot I had asked God to reserve. Impossible you say? Mere coincidence? I highly doubt that.
The shop was still open and kindly photostated the notes. While waiting we chatted and she told me that she had not intend to open that day. She had merely open to photostate something for a friend when I caught her. She never intended for business. Coincidence? I thanked her profusely.

I asked for the receipt and almost froze remembering I have not much cash in my wallet. Though I did not say a word she assured me she would only charge 4cents per page. When I opened my wallet, I found I had the exact amount that was stated on the bill. So I emptied my wallet (save for some smalll change enough for kopi at a roadside kopitiam).

Still think it's coincidence?

Know what I think?

When people get desperate enough and learn to turn to God, God will surely pour out His spirit and answer our cries. God is searching for those who are hungry and thirsty enough so that He can pour out His spirit. That's why revival almost always break out in small towns or villages where people are needy. That's why miracles happen more among the poor.

We live in a generation of plenty. Not in need. Not desperate. Not urgent. That's why we don't see miracles. That's why we don't see God move in our lives. We don't tarry at the altar, we don't really seek Him, we don't even come to God. That's why. Maybe we don't really want to see God move, are not willing to pay the price, don't want to be change.

That day, that morning, I was desperate. Desperate enough.

God still works miracles today.

Blurry days

I don't quite recall what happened or went through my head or what I did exactly the past few days. Even now as I blog it (today is actually 24th but i'm backblogging), I find those few days so far away. Strange isn't it how a few days can feel like a few years ago, and some things a few years ago feels like only a few days ago.

(Makes you wonder about time. Time created by God when he created Heavens and Earth while God lives in a timeless dimension of yesterday today and tomorrow. Mind boggling)

I remember being stressed and depressed. Enough to want to cry. Enough to want to scream. Enough to isolate myself from myself. Finding burdens too heavy, responsibilities too many. Old hurts resurface and my mind running away before my eyes.

But God is good. No one understands me better than God - my Creator.

I spent an entire night on Friday talking to Eunice and it totally lifted my spirits. I don't know why exactly but it did. Spent the whole Saturday busy but I didn't feel it. I came home feeling satisfied enough. Took a bath and felt more refreshed than I had in days.

God is good.

Match Made in Heaven

That's what crossed most if not all of our minds when we heard the good news. Esther and Steven are getting hitched. I've never felt more excited for someone. Maybe it's because I've actually known Esther since like.... forever. I remember we went to Bio tuition together and that was when she used to talk to me bout studying IT.

Looking at Esther and Steven, you just know that God prepared them for each other. You see how perfect they fit for each other and that gives you all the warm fuzzy feeling. I guess they are going to be one of those couples that many people will look to in the future. (I haven't told them this yet)

I wasn't there for the proposal. But those that were are talking. There're pictures, videos and even a powerpoint slide depicting the event. If you're gonna propose in front of such techno savvy and participative crowd, you're gonna expect that. But it was all so incredibly sweet. You may be cheeky, Steve, but I'll salute you for making Esther cry tears of joy.

Haha.. Ok I'll admit. I want that too........

Looking forward to the wedding and bridal shower. We're gonna make Esther cry. Need to remember not to put eye shadow myself.

Trip to Spore

The last time I went to Singapore I was still at my awkward age in my primary years. I only remembered going out with Pastor Nettie, visiting some zoo and aquarium. And staying at Anna Hotel. So if you ask if I've actually seen Singapore I'd tell you 'no I have not'.

This time, without a proper agenda or purpose, I find myself heading to Singapore. Before I knew it I was on a bus heading to Larkin and husling through the daily routine of those crossing the coasway (on the main link). Talk about hassle. But I guess if you're watching your wallet then this is the way to go. I don't think I would even want to think of doing this on my own. I might get lost or forgotten or assulted. Nope, definitely not.

Participants of this adventure: Andrew, Lavinia, Kin Sang, and myself. Of course for the guys this wasn't an adventure.

Day1
Upon arrival, we had lunch at a handmade noodle restaurant. People here speak English or Mandarin. Speaking of which, I've not heard much broken English here. We then headed back to Kin Sang's place at Pasir Ris, where he started ironing his shirt and the rest of us collapsed in front of the tv set. Bummer.

Finally someone stood up and said "let's not waste anymore time here n go see the city" well it was something of that sort. And so with Kin Sang playing hooky, we went to Orchard Rd to just walk. See the sights and the ppl of the city. I noticed that ppl in the city tend to really dress up. Perhaps its a spore kiasu thing or perhaps its a city thing. Of course, this small-town girl is quite ulu and found a lot of simple things quite facinating.


Scan & Listen (Borders); TV Menu (Sakae Sushi); cover for your umbrella; GPS system in taxis

No I didn't buy anything. I noticed that dollar-to-dollar, most things here are cheaper. But after conversion it isn't much different. Perhaps cause the sale is not here yet. Wrong timing. But anyway the only thing I have on my was my credit card, I depended all other cash transaction on my dear cousin Andrew. Yes, dear! Hahha.. So the only thing I bought were the below (silly me, left mine back home)For dinner, I had the opportunity to meet up with VALERIE (I forgot to take pic with u Val) at some frog leg porridge at Lrg 9 Geylang. Looks like the back-alleys of Spore. Since frogs are not my cup of tea, I ate everything else. We spent the nightlife chatting away and eating tau fu fa and yau char gwai. Man...

Even back at the apartment we lived the night away by being online, watching tv, and simply talking with each other. I was the first to head for bed. The tiredness had taken the toll on me.... zzzz....

Day2
We were forced up quite early to follow Kin Sang to work. Aih!~ So off we went grogily to Harbour Front and into McDonalds for breakfast. Why? Oh I don't know. But we spent the ENTIRE morning at that same table eating and talking. Talking mostly (even when Kin Sang joined us for lunch). As though we hadn't had enough of each other yet.

Was only when Pastor Lawrence and Nettie came that we finally stood up and hunted for a place to have lunch. Walking to and fro from Vivo City to Harbour Front, we finally settled for Sakae Sushi where we were joined by Elaine (Tan). We had a great time catching up with the Pastors, talking bout the pasts, recent happenings and future plans. It's been quite some time. All the girls sat on one table and the guys on another. hahaha.... Somethings don't change. Pastor Lawrence treated us.

Kin Sang and Elaine left while we continued hanging around there and meeting up with Lavinia's friend. Some random guy, says she. At least we got the see the sights of the place... Especially the blurry view of Sentosa Island.

We also headed to Bugis and met up with another of Lav's friend. Bugis was a nice place to just hang and walk around. But we only managed to spend over an hour there before we had to catch the bus back home.

And that's ALL I saw of Singapore. *sweat* However, I've determined to come again. Have to anyway. So the adventure will be continued....

For more pictures, click here.