Uncanny number plate

This is a number plate that I came across in a small kampung area. I wonder who was it written specifically for?

Anew

I finally decided that I will finally perm my hair. My hair is naturally half wavy and half straight - a phenomenon for hairdo-s. However, it was horribly dry - a hair nightmare. And was totally out of control and there was just no way it could naturally be nice unless I go for treatment every month or so, which by the way will cost me a bomb. I figured might as well curl it all the way then!

And so I did. (pic on the left shows my hair one day after perming) Cost me a bomb too. Took 4 hours to get it right. Four really long hours. And as I began to discover, maintanence is so so high. I had no idea it was so difficult. Mind you, I'm totally non-beauty-savvy. There are many things I don't know. Like what to apply when or how or so forth. I'm still wondering why the top layer of my hair is so dry and the bottom layer (under the thick pile of mane) is so beautiful. Someone help?


A lot of comments I got was that it was really nice. However, I felt quite insecure about it. Not sure why. Perhaps cos i wasn't used to looking at myself like that. Plus the extra mouse on my hair... well it just makes me feel weird that my hair felt like straw. But I guess looking at the above pic now makes me realise that it's alrite after all.

Because once I washed it, and not knowing exactly how to get back the above look. I had this fear that the perm will just go away after I washed it. But My hair now looks like the below. (Yea I mengada-ing) Someone told me I look like I'm trying to "fat hau". Just don't ask me what I was trying to pull... Cos I have no idea.
Anyone care to help me fix it? Or is this alrite? The thought of paying some more at the saloon to get back a look that is fit for a dinner, well its a little scary. I have no idea what happened to the curls. That's why I had earlier prefered straight hair - more manageable, controllable, predictable. Curls... they're too random. yea Val, randomness is not all me. But I'm comforming a little. *wink*

Speaking of new-ness. Lynne and I went CNY shopping these days. Yea in Seremban where else - Jusco lah. I'm an express shopper btw. Not your average girl shopping. I know what I want and I know what I don't. The only time I pause to think is for practicality and price. I won't try and 'fat hau' again and model. Save you the torture of seeing my lame-ness. But I'm happy with my recent shopping result. I don't ever remember being able to shop so much before. Thanks mommy for the bonus!! Hahahaa.....

Day 1: alone 45 mins - 3 item - total Rm100
Day 2: with Lynne 1hr 45mins - 5 items - total Rm150 (Lynne got 4 items for RM150)
Day 3: with Lynne - (to be updated soon)

The road less taken

I glanced at my watch. It was still early. I have just enough time to take a nap before I had to appear for my night shift. The sun was burning and I was glad to scurry into the tunnel ahead. A car drove pass, disturbing the few dried leaves on the ground. As another gust of wind blew it around, I stopped dead in my tracks. A chill ran down my spine. I wasn't completely sure why I stopped but I felt afraid. Not of the quiet streets or the darkening sky, but of the future - The unwritten future. I was at a crossroad - my path was bringing me to two separate paths, and I had to choose. I saw what each held. One was a path filled with everything a young adult could want. And the other was risky and lonely. What will it be?

I was just talking with my cousin, Eunice, yesterday. I chose the road less taken. But it was lonely. I lost things I never thought I could. I found myself no longer on any certain grounds. And worst of all, I just realised last nite that I'm not terribly close to any living soul anymore. And I wonder. Eunice shared what she had just learnt in Tung Ling (definitely not a waste eunice), about how a leader's is always lonely. Emotional attachments are not necessarily good when one is a leader. I never saw it that way before - I just knew it had to be. She reminded me of the prophecy and confirmation that God had given me just last year. Sometimes when you're sitting in the valley, it's hard to look up to the mountains and remember what it was like, or what you have seen. The journey upwards (to the mountain where the vision comes to pass), is so much harder. It's difficult to climb up a mountain while telling people to come along up (to see what you have seen).

"I've been to the mountaintop, and I've seen the other side,"
Those words of Martin Luther King Jr
ignited the passion of the civil rights movement.
His attitude of expectancy caused thousands to follow him,
no matter what the cost
- Minute Motivators for Leaders, by Stan Toler

So many things are uncertain and unseen. How can you possibly be sure that every step you take is the right step? Sometimes we can't even tell when God is chastening us and directing us. How truly will we know which is God and which is our mind speaking? Eunice reminded me to listen to the very voice of God. But I wish He weren't that subtle. Faith is a very thin wire on which we are all walking on. Sometimes it seems like we're grasping at thin air... but I'm reminded of a solemn vow...

"You are my God my life my all
And I live for You alone I am Yours evermore
Heaven and earth will shout Your praise
The wonder of Your name
I'll proclaim evermore
Evermore......"
-Evermore, Planetshakers

No matter what the cost. That was it. And I can't give up now. The 'Secrets of the Vine' series talks about producing more fruits than leaves. And it is hard to release those leaves so that more fruits can grow. What kind of sacrifice am I wiling to make, parts of my life that I'm willing to put down, things that I'm willing to give up and just let God? I will admit it's hard sometimes. When the insides of you long to hang with your own friends, and you know you need to get up and walk over to the other side of the room to talk to someone else.

"God is trying to get more 'sap' to those areas that produces fruit
by cutting away what isn't necessary. (not always bad things only)
That involves surrender and relinquishment on our part.
And that's where discomfort can come in.
We're reluctant to lay something down
that feels important to our happiness."
- Day sixteen, Secrets of the Vine Devotional

"If you love earthly tings, you wander far from God-
the body wanders in places; the soul wanders in affections.
To love God is to throw off every spiritual weight
that will keep your soul from rising to Him."
-Augustine of Hippo

Secrets of the Vine

Pause today to consider how jesus responded to Peter. You'd think such grievous sin (Peter denied Jesus 3 times), would warrrant more intense discipline. But after the men finally landed their nets full of fish, Jesus invited them to sit down for breakfast. And after breakfast, He offered Peter the gentlest of rebukes. Simply a question - "Do you love Me?" (John 21:15-17)

...Commenting on Peter's restoration, the late Roy Hicks Jr. wrote in 'A Small Book About God':

"What breaks your heart and mine is being forced to recognize that even though we have failed Him miserable, we genuinely do love Him. We have failed Him - only to discover that He doesn't want to talk about our failures. he wants to talk about our love. "

How shocking it is to come out of a season of discipline knowing that God is more kind and giving than you ever dared hope and that you want to do His will more than you ever thought possible.

-excerpt taken from Day Fourteen, Secrets of the Vine Devotional

Aspirers 2006

A promo session on Aspirers (Agape's youth group). This is a new year, a new year to make new ammends, resolutions, daring to dream dreams.... Changes are always good for growth. And growth is what we want to see in the new season. Watching the youth has brought me more passion and gave me a sense of urgency like never before. I will not indulge in telling you the details but I know that the time (that i've been waiting for) has finally come. I give you... Aspirers 2006 (left)






I'm truly excited about what's going to happen, about what God's going to do in us and thru us. I truly believe more than ever that something powerful, amazing, bountiful is going to take place. As we take a step of faith and commit ourselves to be His hands and feet to reach out to our youth, God is going to pour out His spirit like never before. Friends and family, if you are reading this, I besiege you to pray for us. Our theme this year is DARE. Dare to dream, dare to believe, dare to hope, dare to love, dare to reach out, dare to commit, dare to do all those things that we have always held back. Once we dare to step forward we will experience breakthrough in our life. It is that one step that we need to take and God will take many many steps towards us. Just one step for us.

Young man see vision and old man dream dreams. Let us than see those visions. God keep them coming. Put a fire in each heart that they may yearn after you. Yearn unceasingly. Help them to believe. Help us, the leadership team to guide them to realise those dreams and potential and talents you've given them. To be all that they can be in You and for You. Jesus, empower us, tear down any strongholds in our lives and their lives, build lasting bridges. Holy Spirit guide us, unite us, strengthen us. We are Yours.

And with that, Aspirer Retreat 2006 has got a new kick, a new style, a new mission. I also believe that the Devil knows that and will do all He can to stop it. So i challenge you (my friends) to rise above those situation and believe for a great outpouring during this camp. Rise above your circumstances and make the effort to come for the camp and bring a friend. The committee is praying and believing that a revival will soon ignite in our hearts, lives, in our youth and in our church. That will be the day man! And that will only come if we (you and me), can say "Lord I'm willing" As our church has been going thru the Secrets of the Vine - believing that we will be fruitful, that is thus OUR first steps to see revival. RIP - revival in progress. So awaken, oh you sleepers, see the coming of our Lord. The harvest is here. What are you waiting for? Do you want to miss out on the greatest thing that can ever happen to you?

The wonders of technology. I have uploaded the video promo and you can view it here. (you have to click on it to activate the video. will take sometime for to download the video first so pls b patient) The video is less than 3 mins long.

Happy 2006

Blessed New Year! A brand new year has dawn upon us. And for the first time in years I truly believe that this is a new year for new goals, new passion, new start, so many exciting and new things that is ready to pounce in my life. For the first time I believe that this is indeed a fresh new start for so many things to come. And with that I began a list of resolution - something I've never done before. Not in any order:

• Aspirers is to see new beginings, new missions, new growth and expansion, but and evermore increasing passion. So much plans and visions and dreams. Daring to believe and going forth with the confidence that God is with us.
  
• My own career is to head towards my destiny. I've already gone freelance teaching and it's not easy I tell you. But I believe that this is a step of faith and Jehovah Jireh - God will provide. One of the hardest thing I had to learn was to surrender my future to God's hands. (i've always been the in-control type of person. so its hard)
  
• It's also a time of reconstitution - to make ammends for my wrong. To bridge back gaps. To build back relationships.
  
• My spiritual life wants to move forward. Mature in the spiritual things. I've been blessed with many gifts and I want to use it rightly so. There's still lots to learn and I'm ready to enroll as soon as I can. God I want to be right for you, ready for your prunings.
  
• My personal life. Ready to let go of the past and open myself to the things out there - or even right n front of me. Ready to embark new adventures.
  

Indeed this is the solar year of the Dog (my year, meaning i've gone thru 2 cycles of the Chinese solar year). But I don't think it has anything to do with that. I have jus reached that age, that time in my life, where I am ready to accept my destiny, embrace it, move on, forget the past, take a leap of faith.

Christmas BBQ

I somehow got into volunteering to open my house to my Chinese students for a gathering of steamboat-turned-BBQ on the only available date to me - 26th Dec 2005. And so it was.... though I had hoped that more would turn out. I worked hard all day cooking and cleaning. Almost stressed out and then it was time... and it was all worth it. There are no words that can ever express why.

Finally the food was more than the people. So I had to call for reinforcement - my faithful friends in whom I can always depend on. Hahaha!~ And still the food did not finish. For more pictures, click here. Pics are self-explainatory. Hey dear students, if u ever read this, wanna tell u that u are welcome back anytime. just give me a call yea?

I find that the most rewarding thing you can do in life is to work in someone else's life and see them do well. I guess that's why they say that it is rewarding being a parent. I'm a teacher by profession because I chose to make a difference in the life around me. Not to say that I'm perfect but because I too am not perfect and understand the need to have people around me who can love me, support me, guide me, etc. One of the five-fold ministry is to be a teacher. Ah and need I explain more than that?

I'll end this blog session with one thing I learnt in youth ministry: "youth needs to be loved, especially those who least deserve it." Something to think about.

Still plenty piling up in my to-do list. It never ends. It's a vicious cycle. (hahah yes elaine, i just wanted to use that phrase again)

Pre-Christmas Activities 2005

Christmas this time around was so jam-packed with activities that some begin to wonder what it's all about. There was caroling, Christmas Sharing Programme, YAN9 Christmas Celebration, some hd their own family gatherings, Choir at Royal Adelphi. Add that to Christmas Shopping. Many barely felt Christmas and it was over but we realised it. But I guess there are many ways you can view it. Personally I felt the stress like everyone else and praised God when it was over. But to know that what has been done has indeed touched some people and brought about a deeper meaning of Christmas to them, it was ALL WORTH IT.

Christmas Sharing Programme - the first of its kind in Agape. Manypeople volunteered and helped out under the direction of FC (i should call uncle FC actually), and the turn-out can bring tears to your eyes. The aim was to touch the less fortunate with God's love. The event spent out in 3 different days. (Pics on the left)

YAN9 also organized a state-wide celebration for the youths. The theme was ONE, as in we come together as ONE to worship the ONE true God. It was huge and I almost thought we couldn't pull it off. There was seemed to be one hundred and one problems but I thank God it all worked out smoothly. There was barely a glitch. Though we had hope for a bigger crowd but it was not too bad. Especially since most of theplanning was relaly last minute and considering we were really that busy. Some of my students came, and that alone I am thankful. Yipee!! (pics on the right) For more pictures click here. For even more pictures get the CD (it will be ready soon).


Besides that we had our one-day carolling led by Su-Ann. We almost canceled it as we felt to bogged down with other things. But thank God we didn't. I felt that the carolling session did such good that our effort seemed like dust. People were touched by our teeny weeny effort and we KNOW it was the spirit of God moving. Give God your best and leave the rest to Him for it is by His Spirit that hearts are touched not by how well we sing or dance or plan or cook or etc. (no pics available). It also gave an opportunity to many young ones to join (some for the first time).

To top it off, the choir was invited to present in Royal Adelphi on the 23rd and 24th of Dec (yes, Christmas Eve). We took it as an opportunity to spread some Christmas cheer, touch hearts with our music. You never know how God can use us. Seeing as public performances are so rare, we decided to snatch every small opportunity we can to be used by God. The manager was actually impressed with us, admitting openly that he did not expect us to be good. Though the crowd was not that large and mainly taken up by our own family and friends, we were still quite the nervous wreck. People came listened and left. Come and go, come and go. Some remained. But even so.... we leave the miracles to God. (pics below)



And then there was Christmas morn' !! I don't have many pictures on it except for the presentations in the morning. Yes, nobody takes pictures while we are all busy giving and getting gifts. But it would be quite a sight if somebody did. Sometimes Christmas morning feels just like any other Sunday in church except for the gifts and carols. I actually felt quite bored this Christmas as it really did not feel much like a Christmas. But I guess Christmas is not about any parties or gifts or even gatherings. Simply that God became man to walk amongst us. To live to die the cruelest of death just so that He can be with us in paradise. The noblest humblest thing... so simple. And I guess that's why so many people can't believe it. Can't accept it. So much love. (pics below)

Stress Free

The last few weeks, nay, months had been so so hectic for me. It was as though I had no air to breath, no time to sleep, and all that. I was stressed till I felt depressed. I cracked easily. There was so much to do.... I began to loose focus, loose reason, and all that. I would not know where to begin explaining all that I went through the last few weeks, alright months... Church, work, studies, socially, family.... it was just too much. It was pushing me over the brim. And alone I sat and cried.

Today... today I slept long and well... (not counting the fact that i hurt my arm during sleep - don't ask how). I felt less agitated, less tired, more peaceful..... it was GOOD. I feel so rest-ed in a long while. I just took advantage of my break to rest and enjoy the things around me. The simple things. Putting my to-do list aside for a while. it feels so GOOD. it's something i've needed for a long time. Just let my hair down and put up my feet. *stretch*


(an old picture - just for fun)



Since then i have:

1. switched to part-time. I teach only when there's classes. Other than that I don't go to the office. To supplement my income I might give tuition or something like that.
   
2. My room has recently gotten messier (was moving stuff around) but when i'm done it should be more condusive to live and work in. Removing the one-eye monster - source of distraction in my life.
   
3. Gone out more, hung out more, getting my social life back on track, and perhaps a little more than that. Have hung out with students and youth... and combined them at some point too. And i'm happy to see the progress. This is what I want. But I need to do more variety.
   
4. I also exercised more frequently. Jog (ok fast walk) in citypark a couple of times, shoot some hoops. Hope to do some badminton too. Must keep it more regular to stay healthy and it is a good way to reach out.
   

I know what I want in life. I know what I should do in life. A lot of people don't see it and won't agree with it. Especially the income part. But I believe that God has called me to this ministry and though it may not seem so normal... I know if God has called, He will provide. It's not going to be easy and I've always been a person that depended on myself - trying to be independent and all. But this just feels right.

I'm back people!!! And ready for more M.A.D. action next year. It's gonna be an exciting, action-packed year. I can feel it in my blood!! Wohoo!~

Days go by

Hours turned into days.
Days turned into weeks.
Weeks turned into months....
Where did time go?
Where did time go...

Gift of Time

When you fall to your deepest end
When you are in despair
When nothing is in your grasp
You fall on your knees and look to heaven

Lord I have sin and no longer worthy
Have mercy on me
Forgive me my divided heart
Have mercy on me

Then a light shines from heaven
A gentle voice floods the room
Letting me know He still loves me
He thought of me on the cross

He did not take my problems away
But He showed me amazing grace
He gave me the gift of time
Jehovah Jireh, my provider...

Agape means divine love

Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
Still you forgive if only I ask
How many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me
-All for love, hillsongs

Amazing love,
Crucified, laid behind a stone
You lived to die, rejected and alone
Like a rose, trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all
-Above All, lenny leblanc

How can it be that You my King would die for me
Amazing love,
I know it's true, it's my joy to honour You
In all I do, I'll honour You
-You are my king

"Greater love has none than he who lay down his life for a friend" - John15:13
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life" - John3:16

24 hours too little

If I hadn't said it already, 24 hours is far too little for me rite now. How do you manage time more effectively without tiring. If I had to spend every waking hour trying to do everything I am supposed to do, I would break down in no time. If not physically then mentally or emotionally or socially. It is a virtual suicide. Things never stop piling up. Clearing the to-do list for one day makes me leap for joy but the list will add on the very next day. It's like a virus!! It's unstoppable

I thank God that I have a God that understands my needs, that takes care of me. I have not felt the pressures of stress even though I believe I should be very. I didnt' fall badly ill: the normal flu that I should get by now is only replaced by a bad case of heatiness and scratchy throat. I have enough rest though I have not had my quota hours of sleep. My work is slowly but surely meeting completion. But there's still a lot... And as for this month.. I just know that I will be max-ed out this month. I'll spare you the torture of reading my list of to-dos. But knowing that God will be with me gives me peace. Knowing that God will find a way where there seems to be no way, gives me confidence. Knowing that I will grow stronger and triumph at the end, makes me persevere.

Isn't God good?

(yea I think I wont be updating my blog so often this month though there's so much I want to write actually.... so many things to blog.. yet)

Like Running Water

"Twigs snapped underfoot, and the serenity of the forest disappeared. Sunlight filtered through the trees, exposing Anna and I as we walked along the forest floor.

We moved out of the sunlight, taking shelter under a tree. In these times, we couldn't even risk basking under the warm rays. Japanese were everywhere."

That was the introduction written by Daniel Chen... one of the boys in my youth. He's only 13years old and I feel so proud of him. 'Like Running Water' is set in Malaya during World War 2. It is a story about forgiveness... Click the link below and read it!

http://www.pgi.com.my/mph_guesswriter_A05.aspx

The Zombie Syndrome

A human being needs up to about 8hrs sleep a day (give or take). That would be 1/3 of your day. Everyday. For the rest of your life. That's 1/3 of your life spent sleeping - recharging. That's a lot of time. Time I'm begining to feel I don't have....And they say young people have all the time in the world.

Unless of course I'm no longer young. You always think that I will have more time one day. But that one day never comes. Time to blog is as precious as ever. Yes, time is gold! Why am I stressing so much on time? And why am I wasting time blogging?

Thinking that I have so much to do, I figured it wont hurt to train myself to sleep less. 7 hours a day should do. How did I fare? Terribly!! I'm facing the zombie syndrome. Now it is no longer forcing myself to sleep less. I simply have no choice. Ok you always have a choice... so I chose to. Thank God I did not face any accident or fall sick (if you don't count purging today and occasionally feverish and tired). Thank God I did not or even come close to having enxiety and stress. My panda-eye side effect is as bad as ever. I can't think of wearing contacts anytime soon.

Here's a brief account of what I have in my head (things I need to do):

• Work (of course) which includes about 11 classes a week plus the Student Activity Room Project (SARP).
  
• Preparation for classes (ppl say dont take work home, but I couldnt finish it at work though I do OT everyday).Ohya did I mention teachers have to prepare test, asgn, revision, marks...
  
• Aspirers (coordinate events etc. this doesnt even include what i SHOULD be doing)
• YAN9 (yes we are planning lots for this year and next)
• Misc church things (like the church camp video an cd, and ocassinal other things)
• House Work - i've got no maid now u know
• Studies - my final project which is due end of October (which btw I've not managed to even touch it)
• Socializing? If I don't i might end up single and alone till i'm 30yrs of age!! Plus, couping myself up is not healthy
• Exercise? I'm putting on a little weight u know. Heheh... And I've neglected exercise lately... Need to stay healthy in this kinda lifestlye ma...
  

Now wouldn't u agree with me that we need more hours in a day? People say (and even myself) time can be made. Somehow I'm no longer that sure. In order to stay unstressed I 'm trying not to stretch myself too thin in one day. I know my limits. But God help me!! Please pray for me my friends....

Aspirers 22nd Anniversary

Aspirers turned 22 this year! After these many years we begin to look back and then look forward. We need to expect more, hope for more... GROW!! Let us pray together for Aspirers to grow...

We had an exciting and fun time this year. It was slightly different as after a short praise and worship and LONG speeches from various leaders who poured their hearts out, we headed down to Shakey's. I managed to book a part of the restaurant for 60pax. Our teens and youth and some young adults turned the place up-side-down. as usual. I hope we dont get black-listed for it. With all the messing around, we had loads of fun. The entire celebration lasted from 5pm-9pm. Woh! kinda long huh? Important thing is we had fun!!

I only hope that besides fun and bonding, we will grow. Grow in each other. Grow in he Lord. Grow in life. What is the aim of aspirers? Our vision our mission, for the new year, has changed. (not confirmed yet so i cannot announce yet) I guess time has changed what Aspirers is....

Aspirers is more than a youth group from Agape Gospel Assembly. Aspirers is the young people in the group. It's about a group of young people who loves Jesus. A group of vibrant, radical bunch of young hearts. In my mind and heart I want to much for Aspirers.. so much hope and dreams that God has placed in my heart. And i promised God that I will not rest till His work is completely done through me. I'm but His vessel. Btw, Aspirers meets biweekly (Sat) in the church premises and meet in homes (in smaller groups) every Friday. For more information find me.

New classes

I began a new week of classes... Much to do about everything.. Almost couldn't believe the things I had to prepare... I believe in being well prepared so it frusts me out whenever I can't. Yet time was not on my side and strength I had little. But I thank God for being my tower of strength. My refuge whenever I am tired.

He grants me
Strength to carry on
Rest for my soul
Wisdom to make choices
Courage when I fear
Comfort for my grievences
He is my provider
Answer to my prayer
My closest friend
Everything I need

Truly I know that without HIM I could have done nothing. I would have panicked. I would have broken down. I would have stressed out..... He has taught me how to keep cool no matter what. I learnt to trust that God will settle it. Lay my burdens down at His feet. Cos He is in control.

I pray that I will learn to manage my time better in order to be more prepared and have more time to do my things. Especially things that matter. There's so much more that I want to do and accomplish. My heart burns for so many things - things God has called me for. How can I neglect? How could I forget? Also I must start training myself to sleep less (e.g. 7 hrs daily) in order to have more time to do the things I need to do.

I was given a second chance to complete my Masters degree and this time I cannot fail. Lord grant me strength, take away the spirit of complacency and laziness. Help me get resources and knowldege to complete my project and subject matter. Lord I want to do this in Your name and for You.

Night out.....

31 Aug
The country stands and say "merdeka merdeka" and yes! that means a day off... sometimes when ur days are starting to choke you and eat you whole... the one thing you need is a day off. There's nothing like a day off with your family and friends to get you back on track.

Spent the day digging through IKEA, admiring all the designs. Absolutely love it. I could stay in there forever. And my family was with me. How often do i get a chance to argue over a furniture or design with my parents. And believe me, my family debates take a looong time. Before long the day was almost over. Fortunately Lavinia was late so i had more time to pick out stuff. Soon I get an urgent call from Lavinia, causing me to run all the way through IKEA's warehouse and out the doors to her awaiting car. The things that girl does to me...

Off we headed to Paul&Hazel's, abandoning my family at the IKEA queue. To the heart of KL!! I wish I took pictures of that nite. It was a gathering of young adults (yes we are now young adults!). We ate, we watched astro, we talked, we played pictionary and laughed till our sides hurt. It was quite a sight. I imagined watching us from above. But it was fun. was plenty of that.. ended up reaching home at 1am. Oh i din drive. was too lazy to do it 2 days in a row.

1 Sept
It was another day of holiday. NS priviledge!! muahahah... *grin from ear to ear* WAke up LATE.... that was a luxury i seldom enjoy anymore... Managed to get some work done... Went out for lunch with Vanessa, who made me wait for her. And finally made the trip up to midvavlley. Though I hated shopping or going out alone, i succumbed to the idea because I had to get some presents anyway and I DID want to go shopping.

Here's a funny story and partially testimony. I was driving up to Midvalley as planned. Upon arriving at Sg Besi I realised I did not bring my handphone. OH NO!! I panicked.. for some ppl it is a small deal but i've never went anywhere without it by my side. I feel safer knowing i can be contacted and that i can contact at anytime. it bothered me so much i somehow missed the turning into midvalley as i drove by it. Deciding to U-turn, I went up a road - only it was the wrong one and I ended on the dunno wat highway. panic again!!!!! i prayed man... i just wanted to end up somewhere safe.. and without my handphone. I'll have u know i'm not a big fan of getting lost AND i was getting withdrawal symptoms. I follwed the signs to damansara - a place somewhat more familiar to me. I ended up turning to one utama and thinking "I wonder if esther is home?" Chances were they had gone to Mt Kiara. But I thank GOD that esther had reached home late that day!! And she was there... along with Lavinia and Hazel... I was SOOO RELIEVED. We went Mt Kiara to a bazaar (was interesting) and headed to Mid Valley's Kim's Gary where we were late for Serena's surprise birthday dinner. Dr. Serena Khoo was back for the week.
Ended up heading reluctantly to Bangsar that night. I figured I should be a good responsible daughter and head home but a small pull in my heart brought me to Bangsar. I ended up in my first pub or club ever. Noise was deafening but u learn to get use to it. The smoke stayed in my hair till morning where I had to get up early to wash by the way. The drinks I could get use to some of it. I guess it waws a better experience going with these guys then other people. But all in all, it's not something I planned to do again. It's just too uncomfortable for me. I have stands and principles I need to stick with. And this is what I want and have decided. However, the experience in itself was worth it. I was forced to dance (it felt purposeless, thus i was not comfortable). Arrived home at 1am.. once again.

Happening life? Well it's something at least... something you look forward to. A break in the routine. Insanity in the midst of sanity. What we can all "life".

Su Ann's 18th Birthday

Su-Ann is 18!! So upon her request we traveled to One Utama, Damansara and organized a large scale dinner. Though it was very last minute, most people made it. It was the 100th (exagerated) birthday celebration for the month. But it never gets stale. What else was there to say except that we probably saw too much of each other in this one week.

All in all we always have a blast. The food was good and the company was great. We are at that age in time. I remember the days when we look up to the young adults in church and figured they were quite happening ( I was a kid then). Now we've actually reached that age. The happening yuppies group, also known as the marriageble age. Guess it IS a cool age. Hahah what else can I say? *smile*

Church Camp 05

It was that time of the year again as we geared up and packed our bags and headed to the mountain top. We were all excited to see what God was going to do and excited to spend much-needed time away from the world and with each other. This year round too I was much more expectant. I was no longer downcast and burdened by things I needed and should be doing. I also brought along my laptop and books in hope that I will some how some way find time to get things done. Big surpirse I never did. When will I learn?

The camp itself was refreshing... Renewed in mind, spirit and soul. We were challenged to get out of our complacency and reached for God. Stir it up in our hearts Lord! Stir up your church that we will long after you like the deer pants for water. You are the air we breathe. Being the official photographer I got to see many antics. What is the most touching picture one can take? Knowing the answer and feeling the need I got off my knees and started snapping. Lord you long to see your people worshipping you. A soul that cries out desperately for God, a family that prays together, a church that worships at your throne, a nation that on their knees. People of God the time has come for us to come back to the living God. The best pictures in the world are that of a people that are not afraid to cry out to God. Some of those pictures I've uploaded in my multiply site. What do I want to see after this? I want to be more desperate for God.

This year we also see a strong rise of young adults in this church. There are so many of us after all. YES we are young adults. I'm a young adult!! We spent days and nights together. Laughing mostly - so hard in fact that our stomachs ached. We played cards, taboo, and God knows what else. We spent so much time together that it felt like yesteryears. We even sacrificed sleep for it. Who's bright idea was it anyway? Sometimes in the midst of it I'll feel slightly guilty for not mixing with the kiddos instead. But aunty Jo reminded me that I can't put all the burden on myself. I cannot forgo my entire life either. I have a life I need to live too. It's not that I neglected all else, I just made time to allow my life to go on. What did I learn through this? I need to socialise with people my age as well... to live to grow.In the course of this camp, I learnt a lot of things. For example how to catch a person when he/she is slain. (I learnt this the hard way) I have injured my back because I was not able to catch people properly and thus them landing on me. Heal me O Lord! I have found much things too. Like renewed friendship as well as made new ones. The list goes on.... But all in all God be the glory forever and ever. Praise His name all ye children, shout unto the Lord.

Check out the pics!