Badminton Mania

It started out as a very normal and casual idea. Hey guys, lets play badminton tomorrow since its a public holiday. After making some very simple arrangements with like 5 people, I just left it at that. Contented I have something to do and WITH the youth.

When I arrive at Louis' residence, I was taken aback. The news had sppprreeaaddd.... The final count was 13 youths. How do you play badminton on one court with that many people? We started by playing doubles, then triples, soon it was five-on-five *sweat* Don't ask me how they managed. You figure....

We also played outside on the playground (cos the dogs kept eating shuttlecocks) with the neighbourhood kids. I think that was GOOD. i got my exercise with Vanessa! Thanks babes. My muscles actually ached after that. =(

Let's do it again soon. Yes it's been playing on my month for some months. And yes, I will think bout an Aspirers Sports Day. But no, I don't want to swim.

These youth are slightly crazy. But I think they learnt from our group. Cos our groups was kinda mad too. LOL!

Publishing agapeline

After all the hustle and bustle, Agapeline is finally at the print. But due to some circumstances, I find myself standing at the publishing house on a public holiday, righting the wrongs. Sigh!

But on the bright side, I got to witness the process of publishing. Now that is cool.


First you check against the mockup copy. Convert the files accordingly and prepare it for print.










Then you print it on transparency sheets and cut them accordingly. Colour pages have for sheets (for CMYK each)










Then you use this large machine to print the colours onto the frames.

The rest of the process I did not get to observe. If I were brave enough, I'd have followed the guy behind to watch. But it's me! What a waste... I only know it involved water. hahah...




And Agapeline Jan 07 issue was formed:
Note: to get a copy, please ask from the church ushers. If you are far away or not from Agape and would like to have a copy. Please contact me. I'll try to send a copy to you or mail you the PDF version (which is very big)

A new look

A new look for the new year. Finally decided to go ahead to change my hairstyle. Was afraid of the price actually. It normally cost about 300++.

But when I finally decided to do it and just hoped for the best price, my normal saloon could not open a space for me. So I turned to another saloon and they had a promotion!! Only rm220 for rebonding and treatment. (normally costing almost 400) Yay!

I wasn’t sure if I liked it at first cos I missed my curls. But people are saying it’s nice. And since I’m back blogging, I’d say after a few washes it WAS quite nice, once I got used to looking at me with straight hair again. I like the feel of it. My hair has not felt so smooth in years!

No pic here. Not gonna mengada here. Pic in later entries.

Family Destination: Bangkok

Our very first family trip in (I think) 15years. So this is the first that Lynne knows off (the last one was to Singapore and she was 4 I think). But that was history!

Winne and I are actual adults now and have decided we HAVE to push this family trip through. My parents need the break! And we need to spend some quality time with just each other before we actually start going our separate ways even more than we already have... It was such an urgent need that we felt inside that Winne and I refuse to let Bangkok bombings, our hungry dogs, or the recent break-in at my dad's office to be a hindrance! (Thank God Air Asia doesn't refund tickets) And to make it more certain, Winne and I did all the planning. Dad you take a break and stop worrying! We've got this under control. (Which he finally admitted AFTER we came back from Bangkok) tehee...

Winne's first overseas flight (Train ride to Singapore doesn't count), Lynne's first plane ride and overseas trip (going to Singapore when she's not even conscious yet doesn't count), Mom and Dad's first non-tour-package-or-planned-by-some-company trip. And my first.... erm.. what ah? Cheh... not my first anything. *swt*

Btw, Bangkok is quite advanced and hi-tech in many ways. And there was no sign of any terrorist or bombings. Perhaps the only notable measures were that there were no dustbins to be found anywhere and that your bags were check at the subways and no photos are allowed to be taken at any "hotspots" such as subway stations and Siam Paragon. But we managed to sneak a few.


Winne already blogged and posted our entire experience. So now it's my version of the story. Pictures tell a thousand words rite? And the grand total number of pics on Winne and my camera is 695! I suspected that I only took 100+ and the rest is Winne's trigger-happy doing. LOL.



























Note: click on the picture for a closer view.

For more pictures, visit Winne's blog or her multiply as mentioned earlier. I'm too lazy to compile that myself.



We had a GREAT family time. Of course there were tempers flared, grumblings, and stuff like that. But since there is no where to stomp off to, we had to work off our difference and work WITH our differences or rather irritating similiarities and move on. I'm so proud to say that we've been supportive, understanding, and there for each other the entire 3 days. No one blamed or complained when I got the insect bite and couldn't walk one night. Dad actually patiently waited (and worried) while we ran off shopping. Lynne was responsible enough to not loose anything, spoil anything, or forget anything. I can only one thing: God you've been SO good to my family! What more can I do but thank You and praise You.

Testimony:
Some insect managed to crawl into my sport shoe and bite my toe :( The pain started increasing and soon I could not even walk. Limping through my evenings and nights. The pain even hindered me from sleeping, so while Winne and Lynne slept soundly (for 4 hrs) the 2nd evening (and mom & dad go Robinson on their own), I was stucked watching Mummy Returns and some Discovery Channel programme on the chinese guy that travelled the world before Columbus did (the name of which escapes me but I remember learning in Sejarah before). Anyway the pain became excrutiating at night that I just cried and prayed that God will take it away. Likewise in the morning, I didn't want to spoil my family trip and I just told God that. Trusting He will heal I got ready and told my family I could make it even though I was limping badly. Ouch ouch ouch... But praise God! He is full of grace and compassion and He hears our cries. As I walked, the pain slowly faded away and by afternoon I was walking normally again. I'm so glad God doesn't go on holidays!

Aspirers Retreat 2007

I'm finally blogging bout it. Every blogger youth had already tell their end of the story. Now I'm finally sitting down to write this...

This is the 4th retreat that I've been directly involved in. The other 3 retreats, I had a team of capable (though sometimes very frustrating) team of people that would handle the retreat. Last year, foresight thought us to start training and delegating the younger ones to organize and plan, alongside us. (Except for the activities of cos) This year's camp initially almost brought me to tears because more than half of that team of people will be absent. I brought my case before God and told Him to provide cos I cannot. To cut the long story short, God is so good. I turned to look elsewhere for a new team of people and He provided. People willing and dedicated to the course. The younger committee handled the organizing and the older ones settled activities. They showed responsibility (most of them), teachable spirit, and plenty of potential and growth. *beam* God is good to Aspirers.


So it was to Golden Sand Baptist we went. The view of the beach was spectacular. You could just sit there and "see the beauty of a sunset's glory, amazing artistry across the evening sky" What can you do but praise God for that?

Note: Please click on the pictures to see a larger version of the picture.

For more pictures, click here. (Not yet)




This year we saw MORE BOYS than girls at camp. It's history in the making! We also saw a lot of NEW PEOPLE. This is revival in the making. Other than that the weather over us stayed CLEAR all retreat thought the other side of PD rained. There is no denying that God's hands were upon us. God is so good to Aspirers. With this knowledge I don't doubt that God has GREAT plans for us as a youth group. That He meant us for greater things. I've got here with me a good group, a multi-talented group. Aspirers, wake up and take note.

For the full what happened first then next and all, please refer to Lynne / Stephanie / Joel / Keong Jian's blog (the only bloggers I'm aware of). I'm too lazy for that. I've thought of putting up a resource page to share all our ideas, discussions, games, activities online. But I need someone to help me do it. I don't have the time or skill to do it myself.

The most defining moment of the camp has and always will be that moment at the altar when God touches us. Without which the entire camp was pointless. Every outpouring of the Spirit seems greater and more than the previous moments. Every time God moves, I don't want to miss it. Though I'm a leader, these moments I don't wanna miss. I want to be right there in the front row when His Spirit move. Cos there is nothing in the world like being in the middle of God's presence. Absolutely nothing. This year everyone was on their knees, crying till their heart would break and tears muddle with mucus flow to the ground. Hearts yearning, hands shaking, voices crying out for God... hearts comforted, words of knowledge and prophecy coming forth, God's spirit ministered. When all the youths had been ministered and prayed for, the older leaders stepped forward. We weren't about to let God's spirit pass us by. And God is faithful. It was hard for me to stop. We, everyone, prayed together for Aspirers. For revival. It was a good one n half hour before the last prayer was offered up. And it was David's - out of the blue, he came and prayed for me. I was so touched.

Something in my heart
Is burning like a fire
I want to live for You
Need Your touch right now
Fill me with Your power
I want to live for You, my God

I will not be moved
I will stand for You

I will go where You send me
Jesus take me now I am Yours
I am Yours...
I lay my life on the altar
Everything I give to You, my Lord
Here I am...
(theme song: Planetshakers, Here I Am)

The message by our speaker Ps. Nirhal, was about attitudes, commitments, revival. How timely too that a lot of it had been in my heart for Aspirers. God is indeed with us.

Pre Retreat Testimony

[back blogging]

It was a few days before the Retreat, and already I was running around preparing last minute preparations. Afraid i might forget something, I went thru my files a couple of times just to make sure I did not forget anything. activities, booklet, prizes, payments..... venue. So I called to make the payment for the venue only to discover that we've been double booked! Argh! Why didn't I make the bookings in black and white earlier? How did that slipped me? Silly me!

Oh God! Please don't let us camp in church! Please please provide us a place.... I felt my heart dropped a hundred feet below ground. My hands were sweaty in prayer as Pastor Sally called a contact. Oh God pleaseeeeeeee... That was how my prayer sounded like as I was totally lost for words.

Then I heard the words "so you DO have space this weekend". I almost leaped in joy! Golden Sands, which was initially booked, a highly popular and difficult to obtain venue which we had been trying for 2 years, is available this very weekend. I almost couldn't believe it. I was so excited to see miracles right before me. As I told the youth later on "God is already working before the camp starts, can you imagine what He's going to do AT camp?" I think the world of my God! Even as I write now, I feel my heart beating.

We drove down almost immediately to check the place out and make necessary arrangements and payments. Of course there are so many changes to consider but I thank God that a lot of things were similar enough that we could work things out.

Oh what a beautiful and amazing provision. When things go wrong, look to God. He is Jehovah Jireh our provider and when He provides He gives the very best. Trust Him for it! Even if it means letting go of something we deem good at the moment. God is good, all the time! Let me hear u say an AMEN!

Isn't life interesting?

10^th Jan 2007

I had the strangest phone call request by far while working in church. The below was how the conversation went:

Me: Hello! Agape.

Caller: (Ang moh) Hello, good afternoon. I was wondering if you can help me.

Me: Yes?

Caller: I would like to get married. And I’m looking for the marriage registrar in Port Dickson. Do you happen to know where I might find it?

Me: Huh? Err….

(pause)

Me: If I can have your contact, perhaps I can call you back after I ask around.

Caller: Excellent.

Thank God I have a PD contact who managed to give me the address and phone number of the jabatan pendaftaran. I was able to return the guy’s call in half an hour.

He was quite relief, saying that it was quite hard to get information in Malaysia as he had asked many places like the police stations and banks and no one could help. He should have called the nearest church! I should have asked how he got Agape’s contact.

11^th Jan 2007

Another strange comment. Something I’ve never heard before. Was at Salvation when:

Salesgirl: are u a piano teacher?

Me: Huh? (pause) No

Salesgirl: u really look like one

Me: I don’t really know piano.

Talk about strange.

Genting Short Trip

This is probably the most spontan thing my family has ever done. Yea if you know my family, we are a group of planners. Spontaneity is not an everyday affair.

But there we were, zipping our way to Genting in the evening. Along with Perry, my family went to visit Winne who brought us to this super high class and expensive restaurant (whose name escapes me at this moment) but they have good food. This is one of the advantages of having a sister working in Genting.
Ok the highlight of this trip was to buy cheongsam. Some of the most gorgeous cheongsam under the discounted prices winne got was so worth while. I've been looking for a cheongsam for so long. I adore my cheongsam. Gonna wear it for CNY. Pic only available during CNY. muahahah!~
But all in all, I found this trip somewhat refreshing and good for my family. Though it is a short one and I'm terribly sunburnt and tired, it's something us sisters know to give our best. I guess it was a good pre-trip of Bangkok.

Click here for more PHOTOS

God is good to my family!

Continental Singers Brazil

Over the weekend, a group of Brazilians and some malaysians dropped by for a weekend of song and dance. The Continental Singers were on tour and Agape was one of its pit stops. So for two nights the gang (26 of them) put on a magnificent show. They managed to sing in English though many of them did not speak much English.

Here's something you'd probably never see in Agape again. I was not confident that the lights wont come down. But she's either very light or the lights are fixed on the ceiling very strongly.



I had the privilege to host two of them in my home and spend 3 days with them. We brought them to mamak, Jusco and Port Dickson. I also made a few new friends which is always a plus.



This clip below was a spontan clip caught of Hadassas (my house guest) during our mamak cum satay outing on the second night (1st performance night). Not sure what they all were high on that night. Orange juice? =)




For more pictures, visit my Multiply Site

Through the 3 days that I prepared almost a week for, I found that I could not sleep. Was too alert. I was dead tired when the weekend was over. And still could not wind down from all the images of the group in my head. Took me two days and a sleeping pill to return to normality. Haha!~ That's apparently how much I was impacted. *wink*

My life's quite interesting! I love what I do.

Blessed New Year

Another year has gone by. What have we accomplished in the past one year? What have we done or where did we go wrong? What could have been better or what could have been worst? Let's count our blessings and name them one by one and see how the Lord has been good to us.

Let's look ahead to the coming year with anticipation to what God is about to do in us and through us. There is so much to do while we are here on this earth. Time is flying and it will wait for no man.

What is it that we want to accomplish? What is it that we are chasing? Sometimes we feel like we're chasing the wind with our empty ambitions and selfish dreams. Sometimes it feels like we are going in circles. Let us in the coming year seek to bring delight to God. Let us chase what is important, and live for what it's worth! Let us look further.. into eternity.

Harvest is plentiful, workers are few.
____________________________________

I was at church for our Watchnight service, counting down with the rest of my brothers and sisters in Christ when the clock struck midnight, signaling the new year. We adjourned after that to Lavinia's house to drink and be merry.Ok we had a little bit of champagne and junk food, talked and laughed, played some games. And since the night was no longer young, David and I stayed over. Slept on the couch.

I spent the rest of the New Year sleeping and doing nothing in particular. :P What a way to start the new year.

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.