not ashamed of the gospel?

You'd think I have no problem with this. But I do. I can preach it and pray about it but I still have that fear.

I carried my heavy, thick 'Christian Theology' to the bank and JPJ, knowing I can catch up on my reading assignment during the LONG waits in those places. In holding my book and reading it, I hope to God nobody notices what I'm reading. How in the world am I to explain what that is. True enough, two people decided to ask me. An Indian Mak Cik and a petite Malay lady.

"Studying ah?" They ventured to ask. They think I'm a student *beams*

"Ya," I politely answered with a sweet apologetic smile and directed my attention back to the book. Please don't ask the next question, I kept repeating in my head. Please don't ask what I'm studying or where I'm studying. It was so hard to answer that I'm studying Theology at a Bible College. I know my answer will follow with gawks and awkward silences or even a polite and forced "good for you" instead of "you crazy ah".

Thankfully they did not venture to ask further. Probably not wanting to disturb me further.

Or had I just missed an opportunity to testify? Sigh!~ Silly me. =(

Book Indulgence

I've always loved books. Used to read 2-3 books a week in higher primary primary and lower secondary. Would visit the second hand bookstores, people's libraries and so on. I loved ETC's and Rachel's book libraries (when I chance to go there for cell those many years ago). The reality was this:

• I couldn't afford to be buying books.
• My sight was worsening as I indulge in books.
• I was shutting the world out when I sit by myself and read.
• I had to study.

So I stopped. Read only two books a year. Tops. My eyesight power was too high. Didn't want to risk going blind. I never allowed myself to want to buy books. At least not brand new ones that cost 30-50bucks. To me it was ridiculous. Second hands were okay as they only cost a max of rm20. And so that was how it was. Until one fine day.

• I realised I could afford.
  
• I realised I should read more (my english was deteriorating).
  
• I realised my sight had stabalized.
• I realised I still wanted that library.

So it started one dreary day while I was soothing my down times, walking alone down the aisle of Popular, allowing myself to browse. I saw it. Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility". I actually like classics. And wanted it. And I bought it after another 10minutes of consideration. And read it. And was glad. Recently, I allowed myself the pleasure of buying books. As strange as that statement may sound to many. I actually feel happy after buying a book. I'm also starting to 'get' the shopping therapy. Oh no... And here's the recent addition to my library - one I'm starting to build for Aspirers and for myself (separately). Note to youth: Screwtape letters for Aspirers - about . a senior devil writing letters to his nephew, a junior devil, about how to lure and destroy his human subject. Note to self: I need to start reading the books I'm buying.

Vaio Vive

Have you ever eyed something and knew in the depths of your heart that you wanted it? Some of us would just go for it. Some others, like myself, would hesitate, more often than not, and partially believe it's not ours for the taking (in some twisted sense). Well, I don't often see something I really want. And even less often reward myself with it. No, I don't understand myself either.

I wanted a Vaio CS. A blood-red Vaio. [Refer] But it comes with the higher end model. So I settled for Pearl White. The same colour as James, my MyVi. I wanted as much memory capacity as possible too - 4Gb. But the lower end model has only 2Gb. We gotta live with what we can get rite?

So my dear friends, who do not think I can do this on my own, came with me. They won't even let me drive my own car up, loan me a lot of cash so I have no other excuse, bargained and checked with the shops cause I won't dare to, embarassed me with all the questions they asked regarding the Vaio, even carried it after. I'm glad they did. Was literally my driving force to get the Vaio I had only said I wanted but still delayed to getting it. I felt like I was dragged up and had the laptop shoved into my hands. Thank God for irritating friends like that. That's testimony#1.

Here's testimony#2. They actually ran out of the white I wanted. I felt like merajuk-ing to Lav like a spoilt child cos I did not want to settle for any of the other two colours. I regret I didn't trust that God would give me the best that I wanted. I was upset (over a colour. How childish!). But at the very next shop, that Der insist on checking out, their branch had JUST called about an available final stock white one! Hallelujah! On top of that they were upgrading it to 4GB for absolutely FREE! (I asked him thrice if he was sure). I almost couldn't believe my blessing.

So I got:
A white Sony Vaio CS
with free upgrade to 4gb
and free laptop bagpack
and free bluetooth laser mouse

In that split moment I felt like hugging God, mentally. (I didn't actually feel the actual excitement till the day after - delayed reactions) I didn't even pray about it or for it. And I hadn't been as devoted as I wished I was yet He saw the desires of my heart and He granted it. There was no condition clause! It was like God saying "Nah, for you. Be happy. Know that I see your heart's desires. Now and always." ETC onced said God knows you're gonna use it for ministry so why won't he give if you only ask. Why not ask? I sincerely do not know. But even so. He blows my mind.

So here is she..... Yes its a 'she'. Because it looks like a girl lah.
Introducing,
Vaio Vive


Note: I'm taking my own sweet time to migrate over. I need to borrow all kinds of installers, please.

Fasting

Chapter 18: Prayer, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem [page 390] Several benefits come from fasting, all of which affect our relationship to God:

1. Fasting increases our sense of humility and dependence on the Lord
   (our hunger and physical weaknesses remind us how we are not really strong but need the Lord)
2. Fasting allows us to give more attention to prayer
3. Fasting reminds us that, just as we sacrificed our personal comfort by not eating, we must continually sacrifice all of ourselves to him
4. Fasting is a good exercise in self discipline, strengthening our ability to refrain from sin
   (training to accept the small suffering willingly, we will be better able to accept other suffering for the sake of righteousness)
5. Fasting heightens spiritual and mental alertness and a sense of God's presences as we focus less on material things.
   
6. Fasting expresses earnestness and urgency in our prayers
   (we are saying to God that we are prepared to lay down our lives that the situation be changed)

Perhaps I should fast more. But it's so hard....

He knows best

I've always wanted to be married by 28 and start my own home. I can't wait to 'play house' and fuss about furnitures and household chores (as boring as they sound to many ppl). And I want children of my own. I want the kind of commitment the media marked as feared and unwanted.

But I suppose it is my singlehood and support that has allowed me to do what I did these last few years. Ministry has had my undivided focus to be advanced. I would not have heard God if I had been preoccupied. I suppose He knows best and makes all things beautiful in His time.

I've always wanted that streak of independent adulthood. To live and taste life as any young adult ever did. To believe I can reach for the stars or dine under them. I looked across and the pasture looks greener, as they always do. We're all taken in by the media. A life like that is always tempting. Age has that effect on you.

But I suppose it is the simplicity of my life that thought me to appreciate the little things in life, to remember there are those in need. Compassion can be caught and learnt. And at the end of the day, it's the simplicity of life that won my heart. Luxury looses its sparkle when learnt the simple joys of seeing lives grow. I suppose He knows best and plants eternity in our hearts.

I've always wanted to travel the world and see all nature's beauty. To say I've been there and I've done that - said with the different chops on my passport. I'd like to live and taste the world's diverse culture, to marvel at God's creativity be it nature or people. To find that people are so different yet innately the same somehow. A lifetime would not have suffice to see all that the world has to offer.

But I suppose it is this town that my heart is most familiar with, where God has called me to dwell for now. The rest of the world can wait when God's calling is concerned. The world is going no where. I wonder if it's man's similarity or diversity which attracts me most. I've been blessed to have gone to different places, as doors are being opened and my desire fulfiled. Perhaps one day I'd get to, one city at a time. I suppose He knows best and holds tomorrow in His secure hands.

Sometimes I don't believe that I can have what I want, yet as I look around me I realise He has answered many of my little desires. Sometimes I'm too afraid to reach out and believe, yet God brings people of situations right unto my lap. Why then am I still afraid? Why then do I still find it hard sometimes to believe it's mine for the taking? Why then I still want those things I have chosen to forego? You don't have because you don't ask. Ask and you will receive, knock and the door will be opened. Sometimes fear gets the better of me and I find myself still standing behind the iron bars I thought I'd walk out of, ashamed of what was and is.

Sovereign Lord, give me the strength to endure, the courage to break forth, patience to wait upon You, serenity to accept, wisdom to decipher and make right choices, discipline in the everday, faith to conquer, compassion for the broken, humility to learn, and more of You.

"I'm set apart, not living life my own ways..."
May I know the reality of that.

Croc

My maid claims there was a baby crocodile walking down our bushes this afternoon. One as long as the length of your forearm.

I wonder perhaps if it was a very large monitor lizard instead. I live on a hill, far from any source of water or swamp. There never has been a croc in the area before. There has been frogs, snakes, monkeys, squirrels, monitor lizards, but never a croc.

If it where a baby croc, the mother must be near by. What news that'll be for Seremban town. Should I turn Croc Hunter? Let me get my khakis.

Aspirers Camp 2009: Song

Sing a New Song
This is the song birthed into Ann's heart, before the camp. It is a song about expecting from God and waiting on Him and asking from Him.

We remember, Jesus, you cried
Go into all the world and say
You loved the world so much you gave
Spirit hear us when we pray
We're gonna give our all and say
O let your presence fall today

The expectation is building
It's rising up within us
It's burning, it's burning
Deep within our souls

Pour your spirit on us Lord
Send us dreams, give us visions
Don't let this flame die down
More of you in us we pray
As we answer the call
May our hearts beat as one with yours
May our hearts beat as one with yours

My Saviour and my Lord
I stand before and I pray
I'll never walk the other way
In Your name we boldly come
We wanna lift Your name on high
This is our one heart's desire

We did this song last Sunday, Mar 1st during Sunday service - sharing our song and heart's cry with the rest of the congregation. This post has been back dated.

Aspirers Camp 2009: Testimonials

Testimonies







-Ale

Overall, I felt camp was G-R-E-A-T! And I felt so much more blessed cause this year instead of being at the altar going me, me, me, me. I went to the altar going, Them, them, them, them. It was the first time I never stood up front to be prayed for -Lynne

What I am trying to point out here is that God use many ways to touched our lifes...I was so longing to be blessed by God and I didn't feel it until I went up to pray for these younger ones... Hearing them speaking in tongues were really a fulfillment in my life...The satisfaction and joy u gained is much more than you expect...I was simply touched by it so much...See,God touched His people with different ways... -Jian

The one thing about Aspirers retreat is that you sort of leave everything behind, all your worries and troubles are suddenly lifted from you, and you find rest in God. I could see everyone there felt free and peaceful. It was a great experience. There was crying, there was shouting... it was all a cry to the Lord. Some were so deeply burdened that when God touched them, they instantly released all their sadness. -Warren

many were touched..His presence was so strong...You could just see Him pass by..I thank you God for being so real to me...for listening to all my crys..and understanding..besides that ps julie khoo was the bomb man..her sermons were like musicals..lol..she loves to sing...wheee.!! - Larissa

Ppl... Wat i wan to say now is God wil never forsake you no matter wat... Just dun turn away from God when something bad happen to u o when u feel dry.... Dun ever run away.. Juz pray nd talk to him.. And trust me...God wil touch you in a very special way... -Qing

Anyone care to add? Let's give Him the glory

Aspirers Camp 2009: Expect

Expectations
This year's camp was one of the hardest to encounter. It wasn't the logistics but something more. We've been talking about this camp since months ago - we believe that this camp is gonna be so much more where lives will be launched to a whole new platform of faith. We told them to Expect.

But instead of anxiousness, I was down most of the time. And I witnessed that the rest of the leaders and committee were down and out. They faced difficulties and hindrances, both with the task at hand and in their own lives. Because of that, I believed even more that this camp was special, that it would be different. Or so my head keeps telling me, because my heart was not responding.

The night before camp, Chaco asked me what it was that I was expecting in camp. I said souls saved. This is the highest ever recorded number of campers ever and there were so many new people. I remember thinking we've all had the spiritual highs over and over again, now I want more. I want to see souls saved, lives transformed by the power of His name. God, oh God! Because I know God is in THAT business and I want to be in THAT business too.

"Chains be broken,
Lives be healed,
Eyes be opened
As Christ is revealed!"
- You'll Come, Hillsong

Did God disappoint?
No. Never. I cried when I heard the words.
Was camp better this year?
It was different. And yes, revival is here.
Was it up to expectation?
It kinda depends what your expectation is right? Don't put God in a box!
What can we expect from this?
The beginning of a generation that is rising up to take their place in Faith.

This year we saw our youths rise up in faith. They prayed. They did their job. They held on even when the storms came in. They didn't give up. They believed. They fused the enthusiasm. They mentored. They reached out. They ministered and prayed for others! They prophesied. They did things I never did when I was 16 or 17. I can retire.... almost =)

Oh Lord, I see what you are doing. Give me now the strength and boldness, wisdom and guidance, patience and compassion, to take it to that next level.

..to be continued.

aspirers camp

ASPIRERS CAMP 2009:
EXPECT
Expect Great Things
(13th to 15th February 2009)

....is coming...

Sony Vaio

While scouting around for laptops, I fell in love with this:

It has everything that I need (want) and it's so sleek. It's tagline has the word 'passion' in it - one of my favourite words. And this red is gorgeous. It was the advert on the newspaper that caught me some time back. I mean it's a Sony.

Do I really even need it? But have you ever gazed at one, caressed it and hear it call to you?

Woe is he who brought me into the Sony shop.

It is slightly over my budget. Should I get it? I know it's an indulgence! I saw an Asus which is pretty good for rm700 less than this. My heart is warring within me.

Lost Generation

This is a video I received as a forwarded mail. It won second place at the AARP U@50 video contestand it is about the Lost Generation. As the next generation comes dangerously close to becoming this, believe that we can still make a difference.

Take time to watch this. You won't regret it.

eating habits

Everybody has strange eating habits. Just go out a couple of meals with someone and you'll begin to see those strange habits coming out. You may just be shocked.

There are about a hundred things I don't eat and I will spend the time to pick them out one by one. People wonder why I go to all that trouble picking out the onions on my noodles.

Some people eat their burger in layers, some people layer everything they eat with chili padi, some people destroy every straw they use.

Eugene eats the cake but not the cream. Even if it's Secret Recipe.


What's yours?

Chinese New Year 2009

Advertisements have, yet again, dominating the scene and competing to wish everyone in the most creative way possible. Although Petronas (by Yasmin Ahmad) continues to warm the heart and even KFC is picking up the trail (can't find it on youtube though), I think this year Carlsberg's says it most boldly as it sheds a different kind of light. It's been a quieter festive season this year. The Ox year has brought in more distress than joy as we forsee the hardships ahead. Carlsberg newspaper advertisement begs to differ, suggesting that "life favors those who see things differently". Perhaps so. Perhaps that's what we need. Chinese character for life is only one stroke different from that of ox.

Note: pics of advert unavailable

And though we are older and lazier to bai nin, CNY is CNY with its soh mee and bak gua, reunion dinners and overeating, ang pows and chor tai ti, catching up with long lost friends or family... It also means relatives and friends hassling you about getting married (or having children) which you politely smile to while hoping they will drop in a hole beeath them.


Here's wishing you a very Happy Niu Year!

Faithful One

O Lord my God
You're my one and only
When everything is in disarray
You're my peace my sanity

You've always, always seen me through
You've always, always been there for me
Faithful One
Whom have I but you

When I have cried all my tears
I know you caught every drop
When I have no more strength
I know you will refresh my soul
When I have no where to hide
I know I can run to you
When I'm at the end of my rope
I know you've provided the way out

Circular Argument

What is circular argument?

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem gives some example:

pg.78
We believe that Scripture is God's Word because it claims to be that. And we believe its claims because Scripture is God's Word. And we believe that it is God's Word because it claims to be and so forth.

pg.79
My reason is my ultimate authority because it seems reasonable to me to make it so.
I know there can be no ultimate authority because I do not know of any such ultimate authority.

I think these kinda argument might appeal more to the Chelliah brothers.

The Food Factor

Food has its way of bringing people together. It's more of an Asian thing, I hear. Fellowship involves food. Reunions involves food. Parties involves food. There's something about food that brings people together. Perhaps our minds are really in our stomachs? Or perhaps it's as the Bible say... something about breaking bread together?

We like to bring food up to BCM (whenever we have classes) for breakfast and tea and so on. And it has been my observation that it becomes a factor to draw people together too. Once the 'bell' is 'sounded' that the food is on the table, sleeping ones will awake, studying ones will close their book, and from across the hall they'd come (even from the other class') with Lionel diving head first. It didn't matter if we're not all that acquainted.

And that's what I love about this place. lol.

This video, unfortunately, sees people more fatigue than usual: test was in an hour's time.

More siew pau the next time we come, guys!

Theology 1

I've been taking a course these last two weeks, Theology 1: God, Revelation and Man, at BCM (a place I'm starting to be familiar with).

Theos = God
Logos = word or discourse.
Thus the proper definition for 'theology' is the discourse about God. According to August H. Strong, "theology is the science of God and of God's relations between God and the universe."

What is covered in this course? Well...
Bibliology, theology proper, anthropology, harmatiology.


When I first read that, I laughed so hard. It felt like I was reading a different language altogether. But honestly, it wasn't so bad. =)

Animal Bites

Yeah, literally. That little thing that you thought was so cute and innocent... it bites!

Mojo is a monkey, belonging to someone I know. I met him in an estate in the middle of nowhere Banting. Guess what, he bit me!! What did I ever do to him? It's not cute!

This is Mr.Squirrel who was sitting in front of my door when I came home one day. I thought it was cute and all, plus it's not afraid of people. But most of all, it did not move to let me in the house. After a few pictures and small pats, it bit me! And then it jumped on me and I freaked! AHH! Do I have a sign on me that says "bite me"? (Of course, Mr. Squirrel wasn't done and decided to bite my maid till her finger bled deep)




And I had a bundle of sharpened pencils stacked facing upwards. Only that I had to put my hand on it without quite realizing it, recoiling after a 2 second delay. I found a piece of led sticking out of my elbow and Fiona shrieked. She told me stories of how someone she knew went mad while Vanes (or was it Veron) fainted after having a led stabbed them. That's not comforting. But I didn't do anything about it except press as much of blood out as possible.

Maybe I'm asking for it. pfft.

The Louises

Introducing the Louis sisters:





You guys were awesome!

resolutions

Lord, I have but one resolution this year. I want to be a better person.

I need to let go of all my hang-ups and not allowing it to affect my current relationships and decisions. I cannot continue to build walls. Teach me to engage my heart and not be afraid to cry. I can change.

I want to erase my prejudices and be kinder to people regardless of how I feel because I know God loves them still. God that I may love the way You love, see the way You see. I need to be less critical and more encouraging.

I need to press on to seek Your face, extend Your kingdom, pray more and obeying Your voice. I will not fear because I know You hold my tomorrow. Come what may that I will follow You.

Here's the facing 2009! Bring it on...

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.