A road trip

On the craziest weekend there is (of course it had to be), I find myself being hurried into a little car that would take me far north - on my first ever road trip with my best friends. I had anticipated the trip for a long time but it wasn't until we were in the car and really heading north that the excitement kicked in. It started in my hungry tummy and shot up my nerves for the next few hours. My imaginations ran wild with idealistic images of what I could only hope for.

But nothing could have prepared us for it. The constant rain that dampens the atmosphere throughout the three days, the icky motel that creeps under your skin when you sleep, the traffic jams that teaches patience, the parking summon that we said we'd never get, the fully booked ferries heading out because the whole world was heading to the same island, the tour that we missed because our ferry was late, and the list simply goes on... and on... There were a hundred things that deserves to be complained about... It felt like an internal ticking bomb, ready to go off. I heard the soft ticking at the back of my head.. getting louder. I had to tell my heart to be still for God is still Sovereign. GOD!

What makes something perfect? What makes it wonderful? Seeing everything go exactly the way we want or had hope for? Without blemish. Is God good only when everything falls into place? But how do you appreciate a rainbow if there were no storm, or a good meal if you were not hungry?

We were so determined to have a good time and we stuck to saying God is good, hanging on to His good graces... asking for favour at every turn. And He never fails. Every time we choose to put it in His hands, He never fails. In spite of all the frustrations, there were moments of pure bliss - the rhythm of perfectly good music while we chilled from the pouring rain, having a good soul at the hotel help charter a boat for us to the islands, floating in a lake surrounded by endless mountains in the clouds while rain drops lightly on the surface, watching the sun rays shine down from heaven as we speedboat away from paradise...

(There's nothing more stunning than nature - the work of His hands)

It was simply awesome! Waiting for my photos...

I had so much more to say, but let's leave that to fester in my heart. Some things you can't buy. And those are the ones you treasure. Here's to forever...

blood type

Blessed Christmas to all

It's been quiet Christmas for me this year. Perhaps its a good way to end the year in quiet reflection and gathering of thoughts through solitude and rest.

As usual Christmas morning involves paying honours where it is truly due - to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who is the reason for the season. He came - God in an embryo, all of Heaven's glory and splendor confined in mortality.... living to die for you and for me - the perfect sacrifice, a heavy price for salvation of men.
Then the day was spent at home with a very proudly decorated tree .

We had Nasi Kandar for Christmas lunch and dinner (and the next day dinner too).

Blessed Christmas to all !

Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas
And all was abuzz - wrapping gifts, cooking dishes, wishing friends...
Every year we get caught in the Christmas 'spirit'
And in that moment of stress cry out, 'what is Christmas all about?'
May we never forget the answer
As we celebrate His birth this year



Blessed Christmas to you and your family
May His light shine down on you
Bringing good tidings of joy and peace and love
Let every lonely heart and rejected spirit know
That there is a God who came in love for you and for me.

Aspirers Christmas Party 2008

It was hectic with a long list of things we forgot. But I guess that's how we learn - not through perfection but through glitches and mistakes. Don't protect your kids from the rain or they'll miss the rainbow. The mistakes in life is what makes you who you are.

Aspirers Christmas Party 21.12.08 - Kodak moment!



As I am thoroughly lazy to blog and/or upload pics of this, please refer to Lynne's for pictures.

Other than that, it had been a long weekend for me, whereby one thing followed another and another. I guess my body was screaming in tiredness and I eventually caught the bug that was going around. My fervent prayer was that I not fall sick for real. *sniff*

But never regret that which has been done whole-heartedly unto the Lord. Nothing is done in vain for the Lord. Man labours but it is He who gives the increase.

Aspirers Leaders Retreat

I hopped into our church Unser and hoped we would survive my drive all the way down to Melaka. We hijacked all our young youth leaders for a retreat at an amazingly beautiful bungalow down at A' Famosa. There was a mini pool and fully furnished bungalow with Astro! What a retreat!

The youth, of course, made use of this opportunity to hang out with each other till the wee hours, kick their heels up and watch tv, stash their mouths with junk food, throw someone in the pool, etc. Not withstanding the chance to camwhore and even Dota (I hear). Huh! Thought I didn't know leh. But I'm sure you can hear all about that from them.

But what's more important was that which passed between our hearts and theirs, God's heart and ours. That's what we call a defining moment. I've learnt the importance and necessity of communicating a vision and imparting a dream, as well as doing it with more vigour. But the most part was when God just moved in our midst. His presence was undeniable. It covered us like a blanket and settled in every heart. When we prayed for each other, there was such a sense of release and empowerment. God is so awesome. He who has a word let him speak...

Right until the hour we were too leave, not an eye was left dry. We lift each other up, empowered every single leader and saw tat return to us, the older ones. I believe this was so because their hearts were hungry, longing. Because as we say "revival in progress", hearts were really being prepared. And now that revival is here, their hearts are so full and ready to burst. No wonder God's spirit just fell! God is so awesome! Now I know for sure that God will be faithful to Aspirers to the next generation.

I pray that this is only the start of greater things in Aspirers - for a release of spiritual gifts and anointing among the youth as they step forward and take on that which has been entrusted to them. That's one of the thing I would like to see next year. O God, we are ready to go to the next level.

Tissue anyone?

For more stories and pictures of what happened there, read Larissa's blog.

2 Thes 3:3

But the Lord is faithful;
he will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.
(2 Thes 3:3)

tearing down the stage

An hour after the musical ended last nite, it was announced that we needed to tear down EVERYTHING - everything that took weeks of hard work, planning and careful hands to put together. It was kinda heart-breaking to even hear it being said. But boss' orders are final.

*clap* *clap* "Aspirers, come help!" a voice rang across the hall.
And they came like wolves ready to ravage everything.


I rolled up my sleeves to help carefully peel of the backdrop.
Lari screams, "I wanna do it" and takes over the spot I was at. *Hmph!*
After a while, I decided to help roll up the metal netting that held the clouds in place.
Jian says, "go away I don't need your help" *mata sepet-ed*
Dav laughs and says, "they're grown up and don't need you already"
Aww, I'm not sure I feel more pain or joy.

Person 1: Wah these kids still got so much energy, I feel like I'm ready to collapse.
Me: Uncle, haven't you heard that youths are the best labour force.
Person 2: Look at them go at it. Thank God for them man.
Me: Ya aunty, this is youth ministry**. Wanna join? (bahahaha..!)

** Qualifier: I said it as a jest.

His Story

Pics taken available on Rachel, Lynne, Esther, Joseph

(this pic courtesy of David Yeow)

At the end of every musical, we feel sad watching the stage torn down and the production almost forgotten. Most look forward to the DVD as mementos and product to show-off to their friends and family. It's something we hold proud of and pats our own back for.

But let us not forget the real reason we worked so hard to put this up less we labored in vain.

Who wants the DVD?

Lyrics of my favourite songs. Both very emo:

(sung by the choir of angels during the crucifixion)
O God He's dying, O God He's dying
O God He's dying, O God He's dying
Can't you feel His pain? Could this be a grave mistake?
Can't you hear His cry? You must know His heart will break
O God He's dying, O God He's dying
O God He's dying, O God He's dying
Must we watch His death? Speak the words we'll set Him free
Let your angel host, destroy the world and conquer calvary
O God He's dying, O God He's dying
O God He's dying, O God He's dying
O God He's dying, O God are you crying?

(A story of Jesus' great love)
They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed
They led Him thro' the streets in shame.
They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin;
They said, "Crucify Him; He's to blame."

He could have called ten thousand angels
To destroy the world and set Him free.
He could have called ten thousand angels,
But He died alone, for you and me.

Upon His precious head they placed a crown of thorns;

They laughed and said, "Behold the King!"

They struck Him and they cursed Him and mocked His holy name
All alone He suffered everything.

When they nailed Him to the cross, His mother stood nearby,

He said, "Woman, behold thy son!"

He cried, "I thirst for water," but they gave Him none to drink.
Then the sinful work of man was done.

To the howling mob He yielded; He did not for mercy cry.

The cross of shame He took alone.

And when He cried, "It's finished," He gave Himself to die;
Salvation's wondrous plan was done.

Tagged

I was considering whether to do this or not. I mean it is yet another tag. Who keeps making these stuff up anyway? It's time to get more creative ;) Anyhow...

1. Who are you?

A child and servant of the Most High

2. Who is more important to you? Friends or boy/girlfriend?

hahah... equally! Friends are my support and boyfren is my future family. So how can you choose one over the other?

3. How often do you think of committing suicide?

That was a very long time ago...

4. Do you think you have enough confidence?

Nope. I always wonder how I am able to do what I do. Then I remember Jesus stood by my side and held my hand =)

5. How many babies you want?

Two.

6. Do you believe in seeing a rainbow after the rain?

Rainbow doesn't always appear after the rain. And when it doesn't, Sovereign Lord.

7. What is your goal for this year?

You mean for 2008. One of it was something to do with my focus for Aspirers.

8. Do you believe in eternity love?

There is only one eternal love. He who is.

9. What's a perfect boy/girlfriend like to you?

That image has changed over the years. Kinda doesn't exist in my mind anymore. Reality is harsh. LOL.

10. What feeling do you love most?

Being loved.

11. What are the requirements you wish from the other half?

lol. I won't list it here less I scare the world. Perhaps if you ask, I'll sit and tell you.

12. Is there anything you wanna tell the people you hate ?

Yea... "Chill!"

13. Do you cherish every single friendship of yours?

Even if I don't call or make effort to keep in touch, know that whenever you do call or find me, I will always make time. Really one.

14. What does flying means to you?

Taking a break, a holiday.

5. What do you crave for the most currently?

Right now... something to drink.

16. Who's hotter?Chace Crawford or Kevin Peake?

Who?

17. Describe the person who tagged you in 5 words.

A warrior princess who does not yet recognize her call.

18. What have you done to yourself make yourself happy?

Sleeeepp

19. If time were to rewind, when will you want it to be?

I wanna fastforward time not rewind it!

20. What are your fear(s)?

Oh, the lizard family, that I never be what I need to be, loneliness, that I might become too proud one day, angering God and loosing His favour, loosing my sight.... among other things.

Full Dress Rehearsals

The madness has begun. Two FULL days of of FULL dress rehearsals. Morning till night. By the second day, people were dragging their feet and falling on their butts. You won't believe the amount of work that goes behind the musical. The sweat and bruises and blood and saliva!


But on Sunday night, during our mock full dress full rehearsal, we had an audience. Real audience. Pastor even gave the salvation call and two people accepted. I mean it was a practise! Isnt' that awesome? As tiring as it was, it was awesome

Heaven smiles on you

Early this morning, scores of excitement built up to talk about the smiling moon. With a grave face I asked what smiling moon. It seems I had just missed it. It's like missing the sun eclipse! How could I? Why didn't anyone tell me?

Apparently Jupiter and Venus had lined up with the moon crescent to form what looked like a smiley face. It's a phenomenon that was much hyped about in Australia but would have appeared as a frown in the States. The next time Jupiter and Venus would line up like that would be five years from now.
It's almost as if heaven was smiling down on us. In times of turmoil and trouble in our world today, some would think it cruel for heaven to smile innocently down at us. But I'd like to think it as an assurance that He is still with us and finds favour upon us. I'd like to think that it was symbolic of Him who love us and reminds us of His sovereignty and control over circumstances - over sun and seas, over nations and people. How it must have felt to look up in your darkest hour and see heaven smile upon you - as if to say 'all is not lost'.

Vacation Bible Adventure

Archive note:

Vacation Bible Adventure 2008
Kingdom of the Son: A Prayer Safari
December 1-2, 2008 (Mon-Tues)
>100 kids with about 40% unchurched children

The sound of screaming reached the office. I could not help but feel all warm inside just to hear the laughters of children. I used to say that children's laughter is one of my favourite sounds to hear. I felt like I wanted to walk out and gather them in my arms and touch their cute faces. But walking out of the office was like walking into an oven. The afternoon sun combined with the smell of sweat from hyperactive children is not the most pleasant of feeling. But nevertheless. Esther said all the youth are kids-crazy this year. They love kids... even the boys. That's good right?

The lesson rooms were insanely beautiful. Children's workers have put in a lot of effort into creating a colourful atmosphere of props and stuff toys - it was a safari indeed. I've always said we've got some major talent here in our church. My pictures don't do justice. Perhaps you'll find better pics on Fong's page.


I later asked Ann if she thought VBA was worth it. She said yes, seeds were sown. For children, the answer is always yes. It's always worth sowing and investing in children and young people. =) May we always remember that.