Esther Steven Wedding

Esther Yeow...

I've known this "char-boh" since we were kids. Back then she ran in a different crowd, the older crowd. It was only when we started going to the same tuition that we found steadfast friendship. She even convinced me to study computers and then 'betrayed' me and did accounts herself. Hmph! But Esther has always been Esther - and we all love and 'hate' her just the same. LOL. She'll listen to any crap you want to tell her and of course, you gotta listen to any crap she's gotta say. (Since she talks way more than I do, I only listen to half of hers! oops... my mind has wondered away) And somehow, everyone always expect Esther to marry first. Like we won't ever need to bother bout that question till she is married.

And now, suddenly, she is.... ooops now what? Am I next in line? Why is there a line??

Wedding Preparations...
For months, we've been preparing for the wedding. Dieting to fit the dress, planning and getting things done, loosing sleep over it too. Esther and Steven barely slept the week before their wedding. Poor dears. Dress fitting, video making, car decorating, table arrangements... you won't believe the details that goes into a wedding. I couldn't believe it. It was beginning to seem that weddings are not for the newly weds - but to please everyone else! Perhaps... who knows. And it's so much more complicated in the chinese culture. I'm beginning to feel that I don't want all this when my turn comes around. It's just not worth it.

The Wedding...
The wedding day finally arrived. And I overslept. I overslept an entire hour! After a lot of panic and rushed moments, we managed to be all ready just as the groom hengtai party arrived. Though i'm normally not into ragging but I wouldn't completely call this ragging. The guys were pretty sporting!

And though I didn't think green was a good theme colour at first but I can't deny that the bridal party was absolutely beautifully colour coordinated. And yes, I was the maid of honour. Looking at this picture, I don't regret my dress one bit. Good on you Esther!

It was a beautiful wedding. The whole day was just so natural. It was possibly the longest wedding I have ever attended. But it was so beautiful. The deco was simply lovely! Steven, I want the video! God made everything go so well and everyone was just so ... touched by the entire event. I don't know what it was.. perhaps the sincerity of it all. Perhaps the support that was given, the love that was poured out. FC and sally said that it was the sincerity of love that us girls shared that was most touching. I guess since we ended up crying on stage. It shall be forever remembered as the day Lavinia and Szet Anne cried on stage! (in front of 500+ people)

I mean every word I said in the speech, Esther. =)
And though I was stuttering, I meant everything I said on stage too, Steven. =)

I'm gonna miss you so much Esther. Steven, I know you are a good man, so take good care of Esther.
It's gonna b so hard to begin explaining the friend Esther is to us.
And no words can suffice the pride and love we feel for each other.
There are some friendship bound in the past that cannot be broken, cannot be explained.
Bonds that are more than just a past, but a commitment to the future and everything it holds.
A friend forever I have found, blessed am i among people.

For more pictures, click here or on Su-Ann's photo album

God is Faithful

I've always said that the greatest sight is to see people worship God. And I really desire to see the youths being able to fall on their knees and worship God out of their own willing heart.

God is so faithful. We sow and sow and sometimes wonder about the results. But now I know God is so faithful. He has made himself known to the youths.

In the wee hours of the morning, when there's noone else around but the screw-loose youths, something happened. God came down.

Coversation with Larissa this morning:

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

u know we had like worship session

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

that was so amazing

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

we sang songs

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

then prayed for each other

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

so nice man

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

all cried during it

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

most la

@nne says:

i wish i was there

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

was so amazing

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

joel played the guitar

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

then we prayed

====>L@r!s$@<====Jesus blood never fails me... says:

was so like woow

Conversation with Joel this morning:

+ Difference 17 + 10th ; 16th Day says:

i wasnt expecting all these to happen though...

+ Difference 17 + 10th ; 16th Day says:

so to me it's still surprising.

@nne says:

sometimes GOd moves when we dun expect it

@nne says:

He has His own wayhs

+ Difference 17 + 10th ; 16th Day says:

yeaaaaaa.

+ Difference 17 + 10th ; 16th Day says:

and all the prayers go on from 1 till 3....

@nne says:

remember tat nite for as long as u can

@nne says:

so i heard =)

+ Difference 17 + 10th ; 16th Day says:

it's embeded.

@nne says:

its good

@nne says:

good to know

+ Difference 17 + 10th ; 16th Day says:

it;s 'funny; just to think of this happening after midnight.

God is faithful to Aspirers. His mercies endures forevermore.
He watches over His children and holds them close to His heart,
He answers the prayers of the faithful
He calls His children back to Him, back into His saving grace.

Dress Fitting

Esther's wedding is coming and dutifully we met up with our designer/tailor to get our dress/gown fitted. Since I did not want to drive (and did not know the way around PJ very well), I took the train. And if I can say this, traveling by public transport in this country is no walk in the park. argh!



Here's a funny story:
I arrived at the lrt station after sundown. Thank God it was a busy station, and every 5 minutes more than a handful of people walked in and out while cars came, waited and went all the time.
I waited for Lavinia. She was late......
Esther called. She asked if she should pick me up.
I told her my situation.
After quite a few trains have came and gone, Lavi showed up and we headed to Steven's place (which was a stone's throw away)
Upon arrival, we saw Esther's car leaving. Did they see us?
Oh no! Were they going to pick me? Ronnie, Steven's brother, thought so.
I called both Esther and Steven. They both left their phones at home.
Lavinia drove back to the station to catch them. They weren't there.
Daniel, the designer, had arrived by then.
Lavinia came back, frustrated. Esther and Steven were missing.
Ah bothers! They must have gone to pick up their laundry.... (and they did)

Finally we're ALL TOGETHER and we tried the dresses. I went all the way up just to try on a dress! Though it costs a bomb, I love it. I love my dress. Don't we look lovely? I think Daniel, the designer, must be pretty proud of this.


Despite being told to watch our weight from now on (to fit into the dress), we went to have a scrumtious, major dinner that span over 3 round tables. Because we had overseas guest, we ordered everything we could think of. Such pigs! (too bad i did not take a pic of tat)

After a VERY late night, I had to wake up extra early to catch the train back to Seremban for work. I was late though. Again.

Games Carnival

It was the battle of the age groups: young adults against the older adults. Though deep inside we knew the older adults would win, we battled it out anyway. There were 9 games altogether:

One-Eyed badminton,
Three-handed pingpong,
Mixed gender Basketball
Mixed gender Netball,
Humming Tug-of-war,
40minutes Monopoly,
40minutes Boggle,
40minutes Scrabble,
Draw and Act,

(Note: pictures to be uploaded later)

By chance, I played against my parents in Monopoly. We created havoc.







The young adult won a total of......... 2 games! PingPong (cos we have state players) and Boggle (cos we have frequent boggle players) yayyyyy....

We were squashed like bugs. Like BUGS! It was a landslide. Literally sliding across the field on our butts. What an embarrassment!


My theory on why we lost:

1. Most young adults spend more time indoors, in offices or on computers. And our workout includes the gym.
2. Most of us stayed away from the sporting arena during our school days.
   
3. We didn't do housework either (which we now realise makes the aunties very strong)
4. We depend too much on Microsoft Words for spelling and thesaurus.

Well that's my theory... ;) We'll battle it out again NEXT year!

Why I blog?

Why do i bother blogging even though I know barely anyone reads? Besides I'm long winded and the stories only appeal to myself. So why bother?

1. I like blogging. I like the idea of putting things down into words. Journaling. I like how you could merge words and pictures and video. Am not into traditional journal or diary where ppl could draw nice designs and hardworking enough to cut pics and put. Cos I dont have that kinda skill I guess.
   
2. So that friends far away can still know what's going on in my life. And at anytime i could point anyone (online) to a certain entry about a certain event in my life. More efficient.
   
3. And most importantly, so that I remember. Forevermore. Or maybe cos I need to remember.
   

|NSP!RE session

"We need to teach the youth to pray," pastor says. Yea, I thought. I know deep down that that's the right thing to do. But I wondered how. It's hard for me to keep my own concentration while praying. How do I teach another to pray? I struggle with my own devotion time, I thought, how do I tell another to keep theirs? I know prayer can move mountains. I've heard. I've seen. I've prayed. But how do you teach the youth to pray?

Then there it was on pastor's table "Praying the Lord's prayer for spiritual breakthrough". Hmmm, I thought. I'll need to read that entire book. I thought I should probably be devoted enough. But I didn't finish the book. *grin sheepishly* However, with that book, I managed to produce the syllabus for a "Lord's Prayer" |NSP!RE session.

Response was overwhelming but it was the last day that caught hold of my heart. We spent some time in prayer - for people, for each other. As we earnestly prayed, I felt something caught fire. The youth went around praying for each other - those sitting for major exams - and they prayed for each other. sincerely, earnestly.

There is something... that cannot be explain... when people pray...





You know if you teach one child of faith to pray, mountains can be removed. When you teach a group of innocent young people to believe and to pray, nothing is impossible. What are the things that we are teaching our young ones? What do we wanna leave behind in their lives? We won't be around forever to guide them.

Cell Steamboat Night

Cell was to be canceled and I thought it the perfect opportunity to just bring the youth out. It's fun to go out once in a while and just hang. It brings out the true human nature which can be observed at its very nature. Plus I always feel it's good to expose the youth more, enrich their lives with more memorable and beneficial experiences. And so we went for a Combined Youth Cell Steamboat.

With youths, you need to always expect the unexpected. (check the pics to understand) Big time posers!

Here's a video clip of the "wasabe" game that the youths took to far too much. I still don't 'get' the game. But I'm sure they made enough noise and havoc for us to be forever banned from the restaurant ever again. LOL! But it delights my heart to just watch them. Excites my heart to see the good things that God is doing among them.



I think the most enriching part of this steamboat was:
1) to simply be with the youth and seeing them so crazy - and being there without them feeling threatened.
2) the place overcharged us and when we brought it up they returned too much cash. I came back a few days later in order to settle the account, there were lotsa confusion with the calculation but when they realize ours was right, they were amazed that we would return the money (it was 70+ extra). I just smiled.

Where to next I wonder?
Visit orphanage ... checked.
Sports ... checked.
Waterfall outing...
Eat Korean food...
Go on a mission trip of some sort...
Visit a factory or a farm or plantation...

*smiles*

There's so much I wanna do... wanna show... wanna teach... is it possible to do them all? There's so much more to life to show. It's jus bout learning things. It's also bout experiencing... about living.

GLS promo

Global Leadership Summit

October 22-23

This is the first time Malaysia will be holding this worldwide event where top-notch leaders of the world will be speaking (in Malaysia, we will watching a videocast). The whole idea is to raise the bar of leadership across the globe. A man with that kind of vision and passion I salute.

Agape Gospel Assembly (my church) will be hosting this national event. This event happens in (I think) 193 cities all over the world (not simultaneously but the same event) and it is an honour to be a part of such a major event. And to have it here in lil' ol' Seremban is even more exciting a thought.

But here's where I'm excited about. My name is on the brochure! Well not my name per se (they simplified it). But Pastor did ask me to handle all the registration from all over the world. Altho it's an admin thing but I find it exciting to be a part of something this big. And in a position where every participant come through you. People - as irritating as they can be, it is just as interesting.

On May29th, I traveled up to Awana with Unc. Frankie and family to set up GLS booth during the Minister's Retreat. We were there for a big-time promotion for GLS malaysia. Many pastors were interested, enquired, took brochures, CDs, Forms, and sweets. Yea sweets were the most popular.

Super early bird registration closes on 30th June.
Early bird registration closes on 31st August.

I sat there like a counter girl, watching all the AG pastors and their family walk to and fro. I was rarely acknowledge, much less recognized. And as boring as it was sitting there for each session, I kept thinking watching and thinking. There's much you can learn by watching people - what more men and woman appointed and anointed by God.

I wont say more than this: they are all just as human as you and I. And if God can use such varied people, with different strengths and weaknesses. Then God can use me too =) and I'm glad to know that. And I hope to encourage others with this. Knowing that God can use ANYONE who is simply willing to be used. And THAT my friend is an awesome truth. Because it is not US that is great, but the God who uses us who is great. Cos despite of what we are - the weaknesses, the failures, the weirdness - HE can still use us to fulfil His ultimate purpose.

Parent's Night

We organized an evagelistic parents' night dinner with Dato' Chua Jui Meng as our invited guest. The event was held at WengHeong.

After crucial weeks of preperation and stress, the night came. And the place was almost filled.

Thank God that when the speaker spoke, noone else did. Thank God the PA was good enough to hear. Thank God no babies cried and fussed. Thank God that there were responses.

Lost and Found

Some of the stranger aspects of my job:

#1: Keeping lost items

This pair of shoe sat in my car for one whole month without anyone claiming it. I had NO idea what to do with it. It was found during one of the Easter practices. That was in April.

But it has finally found it's owner. Thank God! hahaah...

(to be continued)

The Greatest Sight

The one thing that never fails to move me is to see the youths at the altar, reaching out to God. What greater sight is there? It never fails to draw me and stir deep within me.

Everything that I've done for Aspirers is to see them connect back with God. No matter what happens in life, I know that if God is their focus, their passion, their center, if they yearn to do what's right and to please God - i know that come what may, it will be alright. Cos God will lead them and bring them through.

I remind myself everytime that

• it is okay if I'm forgotten as long as God is not forgotten.
• life will go on and they will face many problems that is beyond my control. I will need to surrender THAT to God. But if they would recognize the place God should be in their lives now... it will carry them through those times.
• some of them will get hurt and some of them will walk away, and i can't carry all the blame. But i will do my utmost best now to prepare them for the reality of life that at the end of the day, they will still turn back to God and know He is God.
• the greatest reward is to see them knowing God, loving God, serving God.
  

Perhaps one day, I will see some become missionaries or pastors, doing His will around the world. Some to be big time career man and woman that can shape and change this nation through what they do and how they live. Some to be man and woman of faith that will influence many and touch lives. And all to live for God by the way they believe, live and tell their story. All to leave legacies for the coming generations. All to inspire other believers and non believers alike. Perhaps one day.

And I hang on to the promise God gave me. The vision I saw that many years ago.

Mothers' Day

As usual, church is now literally expected to give out gifts for mother's day. like it is the member's right to have it. strange, isn't it? Isn't it the graciousness of the church to remember and pray for each mother this day? I would think that the prayer and blessing is far more valuable than the miserly gifts. What has the world become?

Anyway, a few kaki lepaks gathered to prepare the gifts. None of us were creative enough so it took us a while to decide what to do with it. (this is going to repeat for Father's day). And this is what we came up with. I think it's quite pretty!! It took TWO WHOLE afternoons and about 20 roles of ribbons.

I'm still keeping the extras. Who wants? I need another storeroom to keep all these extras extras.

Inspiration into action

It has been a while since I thought about this and a few attempts realise it. However, I lack the determination and the resources to do so.

So here's to reviving that again.

I'm starting a Job database or as I call it "Jobs Galore". It is basically a collection of jobs opening that has been brought to my attention. There are quite a few.

If you know any job opening or anyone who is looking for a job, contact me. I have a few already. Let's see where this gets to.....

Dare to dream...........

I hope I don't abandon this again.

Updated Note: It is 25th of May and nothing has been done to further advance this project. Sigh!~

Redang trip

Destination : Redang Island, Off Kuala Terrenganu (East Coast)
Date : 3rd - 5th May (2D2N)
Participants : Paul, Hazel, Esther, Steven, Lavinia, Kin Fei, Winne, Myself


This was our much awaited, much needed BREAK. As short as it was, it was still very much needed for most of us. It was also possibly our last trip together anywhere as our dear Esther and Steven will be leaving us. I went on this trip hoping to rest and to rejuvenate myself: soul mind and body. To prepare myself for the long haul ahead. I knew that if I did not have this time away from everything, I'd not be able to endure the next two months. I wanted to watch the sunrise and feel the breeze on my skin and the hear the waves lapping therapeutically on the shore, and to find God again in his wondrous creation. And I did. yyyaaayyyy!

The sea was crystal clear, the sand was soft and white, the sky was as blue as can be, the scenery was picture perfect. You could lie there all day. Besides the sunburn, mosquitoes and sand flies bites, and various other allergy (everyone had some weird allergies or bites or something or one thing or the other) Much to the rest's disappointment we spent a total of 24hours on the island. LOL. Much to anyone and everyone's shock, that is. And they blamed it on me. Hmph!

What we did on the Redang island (and at Pantai Burok, Kuala Terengganu)?

Snorkel
Except for the salt water in my mouth, the itchy contacts in my left eye, the cut that the lifejacket strap gave me, I love snorkeling. Note: Underwater pics were taken with a disposable underwater camera.

Hanging at the Beach
Some say the best thing to do is to lie on the beach all day long. Though that's when you get the sunburns, sand fly bites, and other bites. But just lying on the beach chair, under the shade, listening to the waves lapping on the beach, feeling the...... wait, I believe I've said all that already.

Played games When night falls and there's nothing much to do or see, we find that each other's company is sometimes the best thing there is. You'd think we've seen and known each other enough but I guess there's always more.

Seeing that my blogmates have so effective told the tale (and I'm the last to update it), I will save myself the trouble. Kindly check out the only two other bloggers that went: Winne and Hazel for a more amusing and detailed tale of the accidents, the order of things we did, and so on. (I don't know where the find the time to do all that)

I can peacefully (and lazy-ly) end this tale. hehe...

For more pictures, HERE (flickr collection) or HERE (Winne's multiply collection)

A little souvenir from the trip. Sand fly bites. This was all over my body. ok not ALL over but got la quite a few. The picture below dont do justice. I guess the camera used was not tat good.

AG 1st Cell Conference

The first AG cell conference held in GTPJ with a line up of excellent speakers. I guess cell concept really is sweeping the world. And as they say every concept has its season. What works before may not work today. The method may change but the message is still the same. I have not lived long enough or traveled so much as to see the different kinds of methods implemented in churches around the world, but I hear and I learn. You can learn a lot from the past.

This is the first time I've attended any conference with my dad. I have always gone on my own or with other friends. To me, this conference was special because I got to share it with my dad. I probably will not be able to put into proper words the significance this has on my life and my ministry. But it meant a lot. =)

Video Promos

Here are two video promos I kinda did for announcement recently:

1) Promo for 29:11 (our Young Adult group)



2) Promo for Aspirers (our youth group)
-this one I did not actually do. It's the intro from the video we were going to view. I only added "Aspirers" in it.

Mission: Kota Bahru

This is the second Aspirers-sent mission trip, and I have the intention to be on every single one of it for as much as I can. There is something about being on a mission trip that quickens the spirit being of a person. It's not just the thought of going elsewhere (though that is a big plus) but as much as we receive in our Christian life, we need to give. For as water flows into a stream, it has to flow out, less the water becomes stale. And so in giving we learn to live.

This trip was to Kota Bahru, Kelantan - the land in which Eunice dwelt the last one year.


For MORE pictures, click HERE.

I can only hope that our presence was a blessing and inspiration to the church there. For that reason we came. But personally and as a team, we were blessed as well:

• I was blessed to see how faithful and dedicated the people were to the things of God. It was not a question of how much done but how much more they can give. Even young children served with what they have.
  
• I was blessed to know that parents there placed an importance on the things of God and desire to see their children draw closer to God. Study was not the most important thing, and with that the children were blessed in their studies.
  
• We saw God in small things and small ways as well, as He guided us and protected us.
  
• The people were friendly and opened to us though we are outsider - to be honest I at first tot they were not very friendly but saw how they warmed up, starting from the youngest up.
  

Esther's Bridal Shower

It is of course the job of the bridesmaid to arrange a bridal shower for the bride - whatever that means.

So Lavinia decided we should kidnap Esther in the middle of the night and whisk her away to a hotel for a night of girls-only slumber party. Or rather just a few of the closest girls.

I think we were going easy on her, since Steven was the one tenderly waking her and bringing her blindfolded into the car. *Sweat* But off we went silently to "Labu Hotel" (or so we tell her) so that Esther still did not know who it was. However, Esther was very cool about it and even slept in the car on the way there. It's Steven's fault.



We spent the night drinking Kiwi Shake something, eating egg something and jelly beans. We talked bout random stuff, question Esther bout the whole getting-married-and-moving-to-Australia, and basically laughed our heads of. What did you expect to happen at an all-girls' slumber? I think I'll spare the details.

But here's a short video clip especially for Steven Kuang! hahaha...



The next morning we had a breakfast... farewell? for Esther and Steven at my place. It's just breakfast and friends. But sometimes those are the most precious things rite? Better than a planned event or activity.

Esther Steven Photoshoot

On my final day of travelling with Jamie, I spent the entire day with Esther and Steven. And I do mean the entire day. It was the day of their photoshoot and I thought that they'd probably need a maid to pick up after them, watch their personal belongings, make sure they don't give in to whatever the company might suggest, and to ensure they get their fair share of food and water throughout the day.

I can honestly say that I don't think I would like to go through this when I'm getting married. I don't wanna go through this ordeal and I don't need photos of myself in gowns doing strange poses.

Below are some pictures of the shoot....


Here's a small gift for me from that day:

*ouch*

Adventures of travelling Jamie

Jamie is the name given to my faithful car. I didn't name it by the way. Valerie did. And I have to explain this every time someone sits my car and sees the pillow with the name sewn on it.

Anyway...

This is the story of Jamie's travels over the weekend....

Saturday

Drove down to Melaka with the YoungAdult gang. Visit a real dusun and played with some Bambi so up close and personal. So cool!!! I think that was the highlight for me. To finally see Bambi (the cartoon I used to love as a child). I think I like all the animals there better than the fruits or plants I saw.

More pictures HERE

Sunday
Drove to USJ to spend the night with Suzy, my ex housemate. Had a great time catching up with old friends. I guess we need to create times like these once in a while to keep us connected.

Note: I lost the rest of the pictures and video I took of Abigail. *crryyyyyy* I knew I shouldn't have deleted them!

Monday
Drove onwards to Klang to visit Georginia and her new family. I realized our life has changed so much in such a short time. I guess that's life.
Note: I lost all the pictures I took of Char Maine too. *crryyyyyy* My friends, I'm so sorry!! (Displayed picture was downloaded from flickr)

Headed to BU to meet up with Esther and Steven after that. Esther had her nails done to prepare for the photoshoot. We met with the designer who showed us our materials, which were quite pleased with. Until he told us the price. I could feel cold sweat rolling down our back.

Tuesday
Also droved to PJ to Steven's place. Or more accurately Elaine's place, where I also spent the night. *More story on this day in the next entry.

Wednesday
Back to Seremban in the wee hours of the morning in time for work. Managed to beat the jam and arrived home early enough to catch a short snooze before heading to work.

I am pretty proud of this new achievement of mine.

Testimony
I wanna thank God for protecting me and Jamie the entire time. I know that it has been Him taking care of my crazy going up and downs. He provided people who would guide me to different places or could draw maps for me. I didn't really get lost at all. He also provided in terms of people paying for my food, friends places to crash in, and all that sort of things. It may seem small to some, but for those who know me, this is quite a big thing. I have, after all, a horrendous sense of direction. =D He is indeed with me always!

Easter 2007

A deep question was raised in this year's mini drama. Though everything was brought down a notch, everyone did their very best to throw out one single question to its audience: Does God care?

Actually the drama was quite abstract and some even found it hard to understand. Esp the less English literate. However, many found it to be more stimulating and thought-provoking than our conventional Easter story. And I think they are right. Perhaps it's something we need to look into as a direction of church musicals.

Here are some snippets of the drama. I loved it. It's something we've never done before and it's awesome. The combined effects was awesome - contributed to the total ambiance and story.


But of course the final question is always the same: how many ppl's lives were changed and transformed by it? Sometimes we forget to ask that question. We focused too much on the good show, brilliant performance, etc. But how indeed has it affected lives? How has it changed lives, contributed to the Great Commission, made a difference?

Meeting Old Friends, Making New Friends

Korean with Bee Ling
Date : 3rd April
Venue : Sil Ro Am, Tuaku Jaafar

I've never had Korean before. I didn't even know I was about to have Korean. It's true when they say Korean food is cold, spicy, and sour. The food is authenticly Korean, so are the owners.

Am glad I got to try something new. And I made new Korean friends too. Also the opportunity to help and an avenue to share.

Experience: Satisfying!
_____

HomeCook Western with IMU students.
Date : 5th April
Venue : My Home

9 of us altogther and there were so much leftover. Man, they are small eaters! Felt very much relaxed over the mind-boggling ice breakers Ken and Callie introduced us. This is not my first time hosting dinner and probably not my last. Made some new friends.

Experience: Happy and intrigued!
______

Lunch With Shook Yee
Date: 6th April
Venue: Curry Leave

We sat and talked bout a wide many topics for 2 and 1/2 hours till I realised i'm running late. I don't remember the last time we did this and I don't remember what brought us together like this. But I guess it's as they say, you become a family in Christ.

Experience: Encouraged!

10 things you didn't know about me

I must be too free to be doing this.... or...?

1. I can loose weight easily but don't put on so easily. I don't really put on weight to begin with. It's in the genes. High metabolism.
   
2. I get migraines and insomnias every now and then - i hear it's in the genes too.
3. I'm not into shopping though I am female.
   
4. Lizards totally freak me out.
   
5. I don't watch horror movies. Yea they actually scare me at night or when i'm totally alone.
   
6. I'm an organizing freak. I have planners, calendars, to-do lists, journals, all sorts of paper and notes to put what's in my head down. I just need to see it in front of me - especially the bigger picture. I don't really like surprises.
   
7. To my surprise I like musicals. Must be from the years of Easter musical production.
8. The list of things I don't eat is longer than the list of things I do eat. But I think I've improved over the years *beam*
   
9. I'm very sentimental.
10. I love movies! From cartoon to thrillers, japanese anime to soap operas. I enjoy watching traillers and looking at posters, CGI and 3D animation. I love a good plot too. The depth of which I know no bounds.
    

And I have no idea why I posted all that.

Heartbreak Dreamer

Have you ever wondered what Jesus really died of? I mean obviously all that scourging and torture but what really killed Jesus? You could physically torture someone but you can't break his/her spirit. With the right amount of love and support, I believe we could endure just about anything. Right to the point of death, we'd still be very much vigorous and "alive". But without it, one could be physically alive yet dead inside.

I think Jesus really died of heartbreak: his close friend(s) betrayed him, denied him, abandoned him. Even his father turned his back on him at the hour he needed the most. Sometimes I think the most cruel means devised by men was not any weapon but an attack to the heart. And you know, everyone is doing it. There are so many people walking around feeling all alone in this world, and heartbroken. Inside they have already died.

Isn't it tragic?

With so much heartbreak in this world, it feels like such a hopeless case. Yet we are all forced on this earth to live and breath. To walk a life we don't understand. Can you hear the cries of the people? So many voices just crying out, seeking for love and attention. So much pain. Souls are dying.

I'm a dreamer. Sometimes I don't know if that's my becoming or undoing. Perhaps both. I can envision things yet to come and thus help in my planning and organizing and yet I can create ridiculous situation in my brain that could destroy my own heart later. It could go both ways.

It's funny how I learned a big lesson from two very silly children's show today alone.
'Sharkboy and Lavagirl' thought me that when dreams become a reality, reality becomes a dream. As in when a dream has been realised and made real, whatever that was real at that time becomes a past and a dream.
What happens to a forgotten dream?
It's never really forgotten, it can still become real.
What do you do with a crushed dream?
You just make new ones. Salvage what you still can and make new ones over crushed ones.
'Meet the Robinsons' taught me to keep moving forward instead of being occupied with a failure. Though I've always known all this but somehow today it has more meaning to me than before. (who said movies are a waste of time? LOL)

God knows how to get our attention, doesn't he? God is so creative, the way he reaches and gets personal with us. He'd do whatever it takes to get our attention and remind us. But I guess it's like King David said, better to be in the judgment hands of God than in the enemy's hands, for His mercy is great. So I will take heed.

Time to sweep up shattered dreams, rebuild forgotten ones and new ones. And move forward.

Lord it's time I take my eyes of my own hurts all the time. What I really want or don't get or feelings or things that don't matter as much. I'll leave those in your hands. I need to focus on what's more important. Help me learn to be wholly devoted to you. Help me trust you alone. Help me understand what is in your heart. Let what breaks your heart, break mine.