Fleur De La Lune

The end of the matter is better than the beginning

2009-05-19T19:55:00.003+08:00

Migrating to a new blog to mark a new season in my walk with God....

Add me at live messenger:

sherri_8@live.com

my blog will be published there ;o)

Wonderful Dinner prepared by my beloved brother!

2009-04-14T00:14:00.004+08:00

Brother has always been very adept in culinary. Today brought my mum for walk walk around Telok Blangah area, and before we left, I make a suggestion to my brother if he has time tonight, may want to whip up a terrific western dish for all of us :o)

Amazingly & to our great joy, he really did. Went to cold storage, bought fishes, salad vegetables, potatoes & seasonings & did a wonderful western dinner for us. We had a good quality time together as a family. Thank you so much brother.

Humanitarian work by Sun ... v meaningful

2009-02-22T13:17:00.000+08:00

Seed of Hope ~ Meaningful & very Creative (by Taiwan Artiste!)

2009-02-07T12:27:00.001+08:00

SeedMV from swchao on Vimeo.

Music ~ Eternal Blossom

2009-01-30T21:39:00.007+08:00

Not sure if you've heard of Sun's Eternal Blossom..... this is a chinese song which was broadcasted together with the Szechuan earthquake video clip.....

Recently thanks to Kristy and Gerard, who blessed my sister with Light of the City album, and there was this song "Eternal Blossom" sang by Sun....

Whenever I hear this song, I will feel so touched by the music and lyrics. It gives me a very comforting, noble, slightly melancholic and loving feeling. All kinds of emotions are mired in this little track that stir up every wild imagination and nostalgic memories.

I just felt so loved by God as I listen to this little track.

Thank God for music, and the people who put this all together.

3 golden rule

2009-01-27T11:38:00.002+08:00

3 golden rule when dealing with difficult people:

Remain silent when u're angry
"Reward" negative response with a positive response
Pray for that person

Discretion Part 1

2009-01-26T20:41:00.003+08:00

Discretion is like the finishing school for your character. It is also the invisible glue that holds all the other elements of godly character together and keeps them permanently set inside your heart.

Someone might be a person of great truth, but if he doesn’t understand discretion, he will become so brash that no one will be able to tolerate him. Someone else might be a person of great integrity. But unless he is also a person of discretion, he will become a person of great arrogance. In this way, discretion becomes the governor of all other character traits that we must develop in our lives.

The dictionary defines “discretion” as being careful about what one says or does or the ability to keep silent.

The dictionary also says that this quality is regulated by one’s own choice. For instance, when the law says that something is “left up to one’s discretion,” that means it is left up to a person’s choice. You cannot decide what another person’s discretion is, for it has to do with his own conclusion to the question, How do I think this situation should be approached?

You are a person of discretion because you choose to be a person of discretion. However, discretion isn’t a character trait that you either possess or you don’t. Rather, it is a quality that lives in degrees inside every person.

Other words that help fill out the meaning of the word “discretion” are calculating; careful; considerate; guarded; safe; precaution; foresight; forethought; restraint; and common sense.

People of discretion are calculated, careful, and considerate. They are safe to be around. They are people of precaution who will test the integrity of a situation before they ever go into it.

A person of discretion possess:

· The wisdom to avoid damaging attitudes, words, and actions

· The ability to give insightful counsel to others

· A God-given perception of the nature and the meaning of things that result in sound judgement and wise decision-making.

· The ability to discern spiritual truth and to apply it to human disposition and to human conduct.

Praise & Worship with Anointed cg guitarist - my Darling meimei

2009-01-25T15:29:00.004+08:00

This CNY is one of the best I’ve ever had. Because I had a very good time with my darling sister.

There were some difficult periods that my sister and I had gone thru together. I feel that in year 2009, God has brought us closer. I am very grateful for all that my sister has done for me. Her love for me is unconditional. She can put down everything just for me. She’s very wonderful to me, very loving and sacrificial as a sister to me.

Today, we had a very fruitful time together. I thank God that my sister is such an anointed cg guitarist. I felt the presence of God as we sang. It was so enjoyable and heart lifting.

She gave me a long list of songs, and I chose. We sang the following songs:

· I’m on fire
· The Greatest thing in all my life
· Awesome in this place
· As the deer
· Come Holy Spirit
· Eagles Wings
· Fall
· First
· God is great
· In the Presence of Jehovah
· Like the woman with the issue of blood
· Mengenal-mu (Chinese)

I’m very touched as I sang these songs, especially the last 3 songs.

Lyrics: Like the Woman with the Issue of Blood

Like the woman with the issue of blood
We press in, we press in
Like the blind man waiting patiently
We press in through the crowd
Then suddenly A touch from heaven
Jesus came and rescue me
Then suddenly A touch from heaven
Jesus came and set me free

Lyrics: In the Presence of Jehovah

In the presence, of Jehovah
God Almighty Prince of Peace
Troubles Vanish
Hearts are mended
In the presence of the King

I LOVE YOU SISTER.

My dearest sister Xuan :o)

2009-01-24T12:24:00.001+08:00

Xuan, u're the best sister to me in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD......

cos i only got one sis.... ;op

The Race

2009-01-22T21:38:00.003+08:00

How does it feel when you are set to run in a race God has destined for you?

That no matter how hard you try, you can never even reach the mid-point?

Where ostentatious audiences are cheering voraciously?

And the virtues you claimed became a double edged sword?

Where the heart begins the hardening process?

And the vicious cycle of downward spiralling?

At this moment,

Only God can save you....

Movie: Facing the Giants [RE-POST SEP 07]

2009-01-22T18:04:00.003+08:00

Grant Taylor: "I want God to bless this team so much people will talk about what He did. But it means we gotta give Him our best in every area. And if we win, we praise Him. And if we lose, we praise Him. Either way we honor Him with our actions and our attitudes. So I'm askin' you... What are you living for? I resolve to give God everything I've got, then I'll leave the results up to Him. I want to know if you'll join me."

Last Friday cg was really one of the most blessed cg I've ever had. What a great honor & joy to be able to witness this powerfully made movie that taught us so strongly to resist fear, keep moving on and always giving our best to God. I am very grateful to our cg leader Ziwei for teaching us through this movie and I am so thankful to God for such a powerful msg. This is a powerful common grace. This movie will forever remind me what to do in my encounters with fear.

What I've learnt:

This scene impacted me the most. One scene when Taylor was training his team. There were 2 players he chosen specifically to do the death crawl, where one person will be crawling on the grass with his hand & feet only (knees cannot touch ground) & with another person he has to carry on his back. Then he blindfolded the one who is supposed to crawl. Coach Taylor told him to GIVE HIS BEST. The whistle was blown, and the player started crawling. He feels like giving up after a distance, but Coach Taylor keeps shouting at him to go on and on and on.

Amazingly when the player finally collapsed out of exhaustion, he had covered so much distance. Taylor told him, “You can do it without even seeing it”. This is really a great example about faith --> we do the Will of God without even seeing the results in the natural realm, but we keep trusting in what God is always telling us and keep going on, keep moving, keep persevering, keep crawling, keep running this race.

Kicking Philosophy -- Super funny!

Matt 7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

Taylor’s wife when realizing that the pregnancy test is negative
says to God, “I’d still love you”

One last chance to win this game within a very short period of time! Coach Taylor instructed David to kick the ball for a distance so long that he has never done it before! David was so fearful and not confident of himself. Coach Taylor says, “Do you think God can help you make this kick, do you believe it David?” “But you got to give your best to Him….”

When Coach Taylor was addressing the students, he says “Its not about us, not about how we can win the game, how we can get the ball, how we can get the glory. Its about loving God. The greatest thing is to love God. God cares about our faith and our heart. Football is just one of the tools we use to honor God. Its about your relationships with people, your respect for authority, your behaviour in classroom, and what you do when you’re at home alone surfing the internet. Whether we win or loss, we praise God and honor Him with our actions....."

David: “I’m too small” His father: “You cannot be afraid of failures”

David’s father saying, “Through you, people will see how great God is”

Respecting Authority is so important!!

Pastor walked into Coach Taylor’s office and shared rev 3, stating that until God has clearly spoken to Coach Taylor, he is to bloom where he is planted! Rev 3:7-8 --> “These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”

Pastor said an example, “There are 2 farmers who desperately needed rain, but only one prepared his field so that his field will be ready to receive the rain when it finally comes --> which farmer do you think trusted God to send the rain?” God will send the rain when He’s ready. You need to prepare your field to receive it.

Movie: Facing the Giants (PART II) [RE-POST SEP 07]

2009-01-21T22:56:00.005+08:00

Prayer....

Little Pebbles

2009-01-18T13:47:00.001+08:00

This world is much bigger than you think it really is

;o)

Character

2009-01-11T16:56:00.004+08:00

It is such a quality of life, to clean up and beautify the whole house in preparation for Chinese new year, and after all these, to be able to take a seat by the wooden bench in a little balcony, under the sunny light, with a little crystal glass of warm white tea, and a bowl of delicious snack biscuits, taking my own sweet time, to read a book about God…… all in a day.

I’ve always felt, that life can be as beautiful as you want it to be. At different seasons of our lives, we experience different issues that may cause us to “distorted” in our perspectives, attitudes and emotions. At certain period, we may be extremely happy, but as we step into another period, we may feel very moody or upset by certain issues as well.

When we are very intense and trapped in our circumstances, we do not have the capacity to step out, slow down and reflect. Life became concentrated in a negative way, and we forgot all about the people around us. We lose the ability to appreciate the little pleasures of life, nature and the people around us. Our capacity to love and bless are deteriorating and we started finding shortcuts for everything. Everything becomes an obstacle and a hassle to what we’re seeking or desire.

Recently I’ve read a book written by Robb Thompson and I felt that it is so good.

Really, character is so important. Character is the foundation of everything. We spend our lives with people all around us. The decisions that people make affect us. Thus, we will definitely experience the positive and the negative consequences of the decisions and things people around us make or do.

What is character?

Character is virtue in the life of an individual.
Character is moral strength.
Character is a reputation of integrity built by the hard choices of self-sacrifice and self-discipline.
Character affects our decisions, our words, our attitudes, our goals, our relationships, and our actions.

In marriage, character is gentleness.
In the home, it is respect.
In business, it is integrity.
In society, it is courtesy.
In the workplace, it is excellence.
In sports, it is fairness.
In relationship, it is kindness.
To the victor, it is congratulations.
To the victim, it is protection.
To falsehood, it is resistance.
To yourself, it is absolute truth.

Indeed a true friend is one who would rather risk rejection than not telling you the truth.

And a person of true character will not reject what you tell him or her immediately, but instead, reflects and ask questions first to understand more before even putting on a strong defense about his or her stand.

Sadly, some people will immediately respond with “I dun live my life according to the expectation of others…. As long as it clears my conscience…...”

Life is not all about ourselves. What we think is correct may NOT be correct. Our moral values may NOT reflect the RIGHT moral values. Else we would not need the bible as character benchmark.

Our conscience may be seared. Thus, even when we feel that we’re doing nothing against our conscience, it doesn’t mean u’re right!

One part Robb Thompson shared really impacted me,

“It is impossible for your life to produce anything beyond the strength of your moral fiber”.

How true…….

Looking Forward 2009

2009-01-01T00:32:00.002+08:00

I am beginning to look forward to year 2009.

God has been good to me, for year 2008 has been a year of chastening and growth of wisdom & strength.

How wonderful it is, when the joy of God fall unto us, when the abundance of God unravels spiritually, that we indeed, have no room to contain it.

I am really looking forward.......

Meaningful

2008-12-22T23:24:00.003+08:00

When There’s Only God

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

A walk in serenity along the tunnel

Leading to the other end of waves
A little rest by the stone seat
With a little Word in hand.

Tourists’ dancing around
With cameras and smiles
Their world seems like a better place
Than what I have over here.

Breezes and trees
Are the comfort of a Spirit
Time and Love
Are the Grace of God.

When life has reached the abyss
No human can render help
And if God allows a salting touch
From a heavenly non citizen
The remaining days
Are no longer earth.

Anonymous

Quality Time with Daddy!

2008-12-07T19:12:00.003+08:00

On a normal day, its very hard to get my daddy out of town "Yishun" and go out for a long long time... BUT....

Today...... he brought us to Macpherson to have lunch!!! And after that, we went Northpoint to shop........ where he tried a few pairs of sports shoes, and shirts!! And he bought lots of stuff!

Isn't that amazing............ how God can bless us like this at times... ? :o)

Expectation

2008-11-30T16:28:00.003+08:00

Feng bo bo came to church during Asia Conference and shared something which inspire me a lot recently. She said that she does not have to live up to any one’s expectation of her and she is free. As free as a little child in the Kingdom of God.

As I relate this to my work, I felt so comforted. It is only during this time that I recalled what Feng bo bo shared, and I know God is with me.

This coming Monday is my month end again, and there’s lots of stuff to take note off. Work has became more complicated because of certain issues that result due to economic downturn, and it is extremely stressful.

Perhaps things were going so well for me in work during this period of time, that I’ve started to allow pride to take place, which perhaps explained, why at times, I felt frustrated, if things go out of control. I felt a rebellion spirit building up in my mind subconsciously, that cause me to submit to higher authority unwillingly.

But God hates this kind of attitude. God places authority in our lives for a purpose, and no matter what, we have to submit, unless the authority requires us to do something against what the bible says.

If we’re to glorify God, and honor God in our marketplace, then we must be prepared to submit, and lose our pride for a good cause, for the glory of God. What is pride & submission, compared to the compliments from God, for a character well molded?

When I think about this, a deep sense of guilt came into my heart, convicted me that I’ve not glorify God, and lived up to God’s expectation of me in the marketplace.

But God is not like that. I believe that God grace is always upon us when we’re truly repentant.

And it is never too late to start all over again in the Kingdom of God.

When we make a mistake and fall, we can commit our guilt & shame unto God, and trust that God will help us get up again.

We must never lament too much on the lost time, relationships, resources and efforts because of our mistakes. Every new beginning from God is never too late.

"Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
Rom 10:11

When we live our lives to align with the expectation of other people, we will lose heart easily when things go out of control, and when people speak unjustly against us. And when all goes well, pride builds up and we lose our focus.

1 Cor 3: 18 -19
Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.

As the Scriptures say,
“He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”

In reflection, it is better to let go of all what is expected of you, and just do the best that you know how, and trust in God to lead you, and empower you with the wisdom of God to live a great and victorious life.

When we do not let other peoples’ expectation of us rule our lives, we’re letting go of a great burden, and be truly free to work creatively & effectively, doing our best, regardless of whether our efforts are recognised publicly. Because God knows every good works that we have done, and God will give us a good reward in due season.

Below quote was recited by a yoga teacher during my yoga lesson at Pacific plaza. Inspiring!

Start by doing what's necessary;
then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

- St. Francis of Assisi

IF ONLY..............

2008-11-22T22:47:00.006+08:00

Attended 3 days of Asia Conference and volunteered in Greeters’ ministry. Now settling down in a day of serenity, in a little space of my own, taking stock of my life.

Having being alive for “slightly” more than 20 over yrs on this magnificent earth, I felt that it is so important to be have a mind that is very conscious of the importance of being “open” to good ideas, renewed thinking & other “good stuff”, which we may not be receptive to initially, but willing to ponder over it & exercise good judgement, eventually leading to acceptance & transformed mindset.

This requires humility, wisdom, a pliable heart and a teachable spirit.

Our path in life is really shaped by layers and layers of decisions, resulting in and from consequences to consequences. Short cuts or long cuts, is determined by how open we’re to God’s leading, and how much we are willing to relinquish control, as well as the environment of fellowship (group of friends) we’re in. Bad company corrupts good character, but neither will good company help us much, if we’re not willing to be “open” to our friends’ good intentions, which may not be expressed in a way we may appreciate.....

Sometimes, a little bit of opening up, may sow a little mustard seed which leads to great harvest in our lives. If only we can see this, if only we can hear this, if only we can understand this, if only we can accept this, if only we can listen just this once, if only we’ll try just once........if only............. just a little “if only....”

I guess the “if only” only comes to pass when our hearts totally synchronise with our minds....... our minds may noe what’s the right thing..... but our hearts maybe super retarded..... slow in following up with what should be...... or even the stubbornness to follow up....... if these two are always in tandem..... the world would be a better place......

Our lives are in our own hands..... nobody can force us into any good intentions......

Let us give God a chance, to work in our hearts and minds, to transform us in our mindset, so that we can live a more fruitful and joyful life, have lots of joy and abundance, and many breakthroughs.

Let us give God a chance, to stroll together with Him in our lives, and allow God to lead us and guide us.

Let us talk openly and share deeply with God, like a close friend, allow God to heal our hearts, and take away the hurts and fears that have taken root and empower us with
great courage, boldness, confidence and strength.
Trust that God is really listening.

Let us entrust God wholeheartedly our lives, depending on God fully, no matter how negative the circumstances maybe. God will deliver us in due season.

If you cherish me as a friend, trust me, because I’ve been thru’ and I understand.

PURPLE NAIL POLISH -> KENA SABO BY SISTER (XIAOXUAN) !!!!!!

2008-11-15T23:40:00.006+08:00

MY FEET

MUM'S FEET

DAD'S FEET!!!!!!

My sister she wants to make my mum & me pretty by painting our finger & toe nails for us......

BUT WHAT ABOUT MY DAD'S NAILS???!!!

Wonderful day

2008-11-08T12:11:00.003+08:00

I love Saturdays!!! wonderful!!! Amazing, new beginning, rest, hope, joy! :o)

Rest in God

2008-10-12T13:26:00.004+08:00

Recently life has been so hectic and so overwhelming that things seem to have been so out of control and emotions going crazy every now and then. It is only when things have came to this stage that I felt so deeply that I have been relying on my own strength and wisdom all along. The fact that nothing has happened, coupled with the steadfast victorious momentum in your life, does not mean that everything is alright. In fact, this is the time that we really need to be on alert spiritually, because the devil is always waiting nearby, waiting to prowl on us when we lose guard.

30 Sep 2008 marked the beginning of my rest in God. This is the turning point of my life in God. This was a time when a part of me was lost, and it seems like a drowning experience when you know fully well that the only saviour float is God, and no one else. I take pride in turning to God even in the most devastated circumstances, and I rejoice in the grace and mercy of God, for He has not forsaken me in such a time as this.

Rest in God is not easy. It means finding freedom from mental activity. It means not having to live in the torment of reasoning, always trying to come up with an answer we don’t have. We don’t have to worry; instead, we can remain in a place of quiet peace and rest.

Like a little princess going up to the Father, our Father’s hands are always opened to hug us. I worked my way slowly, and rest began to dwell in my heart. Peace sinks in slowly, and hope strengthens.

When I rest in God, He reveals so much more that is beyond what I could ever imagine or expected. He shows us an alternative plan to the ultimate goal (so exciting!). It is only then we realised the folly of our desires based upon the “Will of God”. Wrong motivation to glorify the Kingdom of God. We need to repent, and abide in the perfect peace of His holy presence.

To love God, is to Rest in Him, and nothing else.

God is good

2008-10-05T20:58:00.001+08:00

First blog using my samsung OMNIA. Amidst a hectic schedule, now I can blog more. I love God so much

Keep your promise!

2008-09-20T00:46:00.002+08:00

How does it feel when someone promised you to one thing, but did not fulfil his or her promise to you?

This is like the story of the boy who cried wolf...... when a person break his promise too many times, his words no longer becomes trustworthy. His words are no longer his bond, and he has no weight in whatever he says.

You will find it harder to trust this person........

James 5:12
“Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.”

When you say “Yes I will do it” => DO IT.

Trust is such an important factor that we should always be very careful of our speech and action in case we slowly squander away trust without realising it, till it is TOO LATE.....

If you cannot fulfil your promise, don’t say it. ESPECIALLY when the promise may seem INSIGNIFICANT.

Bible says, that we should be very FAITHFUL with 3 things:
a) What belongs to others
b) Money
c) Little things

You will notice that at times it is usually the smallest issue that may cause a very negative impact, especially when accumulated over time.

If you promise a treat to a good restaurant, do it.
If you promise to complete a task, do it.
If you promise to help, do it.
If you promise to commit, do it.
If you promise to go, go.
If you promise your time, give!

NEVER take your time to fulfil your promise to others, DON’T DELAY, DON’T PROCRASTINATE.

NEVER fulfil your promises to others BASED ON HOW YOU FEEL. Don’t be temperamental. DO THE RIGHT THING REGARDLESS OF HOW YOU FEEL.

We tend to take very lightly of our promises to those closest to us, like our family members.
Maybe it is easier to get away when we fail to do it.... DON’T TAKE YOUR FAMILY FOR GRANTED.

Trust, when lost, is very difficult to regain.

When you lose trust, you lose relationships.

Keep building trust, you will reap tremendously in all aspect of your life.

Be a person of integrity and good character. God will bless you.

Little pebbles

2008-07-29T20:55:00.001+08:00

Was walking along the road on my way home when I saw the soil and rocks on the pavement. Suddenly I feel that it is so wonderful to be alive, to be able to walk on the pavement, to be able to breathe the air that I breath.

Life is too short to be angry, too vulnerable to be unhappy. Recently I have learnt, that it is so important that we must do the RIGHT THING no matter how intense our emotions are, irregardless of the circumstances and the people around us. The good works that we do is not to earn the praises of man, but God will honour us for all that we have done, God sees, and our labour will not be in vain. We always reap what we sow.

I have learnt, that TRUE CHARACTER is when we’re so overwhelmed, yet we esteem other people’s interests higher than ourselves, when we’re able to let go, and let God, when we’re able to submit to higher authority in the face of injustice, when we’re able to show care and concern to the people around us even when we’re feeling angry, when we’re able to love our enemies, when we’re always trying our best to bless the people around us in the midst of pain and hurts.

I just cherish my family and friends so much. I want to bless them with all that I’ve because God is Love. In the midst of everything, the joy of God is my strength. Righteousness will always overcome darkness. The light of God will shine in the midst of darkness. God is faithful.

Life is too short. I wouldn’t want to waste it. I will DO THE RIGHT THING NO MATTER WHAT. I will try my best to be a person of integrity and good character. I want to go heaven one day, and hear from God personally, “Well done my princess, Xiaowei”.

The love of a father

2008-07-27T21:30:00.002+08:00

My dad always fetch me every morning to mrt.

2 weeks ago, it was raining very heavily. And my dad parked his car below the block, came out of this car with his umbrella, and stand under the block, holding the umbrella, resting his eyes while waiting for me to come down.

I teared when I saw him waiting there for me. He is so tired, resting his eyes even as he is standing, and yet waiting there for me with his umbrella.

I was so touched. I love you father.

Captivated

2008-06-15T20:20:00.003+08:00

The song that is so close to a princess heart.

CAPTIVATED
True Worshippers
Worship

JESUS YOU
YOU HOLD THE WORLD WITH YOUR UNFAILING LOVE
THE HEAVENS SING YOUR PRAISES FROM ABOVE
IN YOUR NAME LIPS SHALL PRAISE AND KNEES SHALL BOW

FATHER YOU
THE UNIVERSE EXALTS IN WHO YOU ARE THE STARS DECLARE YOUR WONDERS FAR AND WIDE
HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR LOVE THROUGHOUT MY LIFE

IN YOU I FIND MY PEACE
IN YOU I BEND MY KNEE

YOU ARE LORD OF HEAVEN
YOU SHALL REIGN IN ALL THE EARTH
I HUMBLY BOW BEFORE YOUR MAJESTY
AND I'LL SING YOUR PRAISES
AND I WILL SING FOREVERMORE
I'M CAPTIVATED BY YOUR LOVE IN ME

Play!!

2008-06-15T20:12:00.001+08:00

Playfulness is an art never to be lost.

It is said we do not stop playing because we get old. We get old because we stop playing. “If others are laughing, laugh along with them. Let it catch you. Get infected.”

The bible has always contained the verse:
“A merry heart does good, like a medicine. But a broken spirit dries the bones”
(Prov 17:22)

Even the Middle Ages mystic Francis of Assisi, who is invariably portrayed as a serious-minded devotee, sees the value of mirth; “When we who are servants of Christ stand in the centre of the devil’s cloud of doubt and accusation and instead of breathing this choking dust refresh ourselves in the water of God’s joy until it overflows even in holy laughter – then not a single demon can harm us in any way.”

Postponing joy until something happens to justify happiness guarantees a miserable life.

Joy is within right now.

~~ Phil Pringle

Birthday of The Precious Princess of God

2008-06-07T21:00:00.009+08:00

Spent at Siloso Beach Resort ~ Heavenly......

Thank you Jesus

Amazing - Genius - Unbelievable - Miracle

2008-05-25T21:03:00.001+08:00

Must watch

2008-05-10T21:59:00.005+08:00

In the video, it starts off with God creating man and showing him God's creation. The "order of creation" was not the most accurate as God created the world first, then man.

But it is amazing in it's message of how Christ saves us in the midst of all our sins.

3 times I watched, 3 times I teared.....

Righteousness

2008-05-10T18:58:00.006+08:00

Proverbs 11:11

" Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted..........."

Through Righteousness, a Nation is exalted. What a great verse, especially for people in the marketplace. Recently, I feel that righteousness is so important.

This is a kind of GODLY righteousness, that nobody can destroy, nobody can take away. This is a righteousness that will remain even in the face of adversity, and pressure.

In our workplace, we need to have such righteousness. Bible says very clearly (Matthew 10), that even though we may be as sheep in the midst of wolves, but we are to be as wise as serpants, and as harmless as doves. Though we may face hypocrites and politics players, God will protect us by giving us wisdom, but God will also want us to be nice to such people unconditionally by giving us supernatural strength.

No matter how negative the environment may be, we need the Peace of God to come into our hearts, and this is the peace that will protect us, make us feel safe and help us to be righteous for God and to honour God in our words and behaviour when it seems so difficult.

Righteousness is so fundamental. It will bring blessings to a family, a company, and a country. Righteousness do not succumb to temptation and pressure. Righteousness is unconditional love, strong foundation, and unyielding protection.

God is righteousness.

Death of a loved one

2008-04-26T17:33:00.004+08:00

This was forwarded to me by a friend, whose friend's wife died from cancer. He shared the whole journey in his blog. Reading his blog down the months, posts by posts, is like walking back in history painful moments. You will realise how powerful blog can be, in bringing life, or death, joy or grief, encouragement or discouragements. It is like a friend who is always there for you.

I nearly teared when I read his blog, and he made me felt so deep that life is so much more than the desires you have in your heart. It is so much more than what you wanted and God hasn't given you. What really matters, is if you have blessed someone today? If you have done something great for a loved one today? If you have really loved with all your heart and deed?

It is so painful for him, I can feel his pain when I read those articles. This person is so strong. I am very very proud of him, and I truly believe God is too. When you read this blog, you will cherish your life and your loved ones even more, and all other things..... doesn't really matter anymore.....

http://jokwan.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-01-08T17%3A00%3A00%2B08%3A00

Quality time at Upper Pierce again ~

2008-04-19T20:07:00.013+08:00

U noe this dog SUPER BIG. When it runs, it makes a galloping sight and sound like a horse! But its super COWARD...... there was one black dog nearby barking at it. It got so fearful of the black dog that it just freeze there on the spot!

Super funny looking at this dog........... it was chasing the birds on the green slope too!!!!!

Too and fro.............. excitedly like a little kid......

Mum & Dad's back view.............. so nostalgic..........

My dearest father pointing back and shouting at me (3rd pic above) for running towards him with SLIPPERS! He worried that I'll trip and fall............ hahhahaha!

A nice gift from a beautiful child of God ~ Wanli

2008-04-19T20:02:00.004+08:00

This was given to me last year.... I felt so blessed and loved to receive this gift from Wanli. She is really very very very nice......

Happiness is Counting Your Blessings ~ By AR Bernard

2008-04-12T21:04:00.005+08:00

"For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield."

Psalm 5: 12 NIV

If you sat down and began counting your blessings, how long would it take?

A very, very long time! Your blessings include life, freedom, family, friends, talents, and possessions. But, your greatest blessing - a gift that is yours for the asking -

is God's gift of salvation through Christ Jesus.

Bible makes it clear: A happy heart is a thankful heart.

We honor God, in part, by the genuine gratitude we feel in our hearts for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Yet even the most saintly among us must endure periods of fear, doubt, and regret. Why? Because we are imperfect human beings who are incapable of perfect gratitude. Still, even on life's darker days, we must seek to cleanse our hearts of negative emotions and fill them, instead, with praise, with love, and with hope, and with thanksgiving. To do otherwise is to be unfair to ourselves, to our loved ones, and to our God.

Today, begin making a list of your blessings. Then, give thanks to God for all good things. His love for you is eternal, as are His gifts. And its never too soon or too late to offer Him thanks.

"Blessings we enjoy daily; and for the most of them, because they are so common, most men forget to pay their praise."

~ Izaak Walton

"God is more anxious to bestow His blessings on us than we are to receive them."

~ St. Augustine

"God blesses us in spite of our lives and not because of our lives."

~ Max Lucado

"Think of the blessings we so easily take for granted: Life itself; preservation from danger; every bit of health we enjoy; every hour of liberty; the ability to see, to hear, to speak, to think, and to imagine all this comes from the hand of God."

~ Billy Graham

"The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation."

~ Psalm 145: 8 - 9 (NLT)

Eucalyptus ~ My Inspiration in 25 Mar 2003

2008-04-12T13:14:00.003+08:00

My Inspiration in 25 Mar 2003
The sub theme of this blog:

http://au.geocities.com/jesus_knows2002/eucalyptus

Sleeping Beauty

2008-04-12T12:59:00.015+08:00

Psalm4:8 (NLT)

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

I love you Buddy (Must watch!)

2008-03-12T14:54:00.001+08:00

God is great

2008-03-02T21:53:00.003+08:00

What is the little thing you can do for a God so great?
Not much really.

Solomon said that even heavens could not contain God, what’s more the magnificent temple he has built with all his riches. The best effort he has placed, does not have the slightest equivalent of a worthy exchange. Imagine this; The Creator of heavens and earth; The One who gave us breath of life; The Father whose beloved Son died on the Cross for you and me. To bring this closer; The One who gave you a new life; A lovely family; A successful career; Fruitful ministry; Beautiful friends; Love; Joy; Peace; Faith; Hope; Comfort; Strength; Future........

Notwithstanding a brilliant defence, that we are doing so much more than we can, and the very best that we know how, God probably has a better idea. He knows us deeper than we know ourselves. We can’t be trusted anyway. Grace is indeed so much more than sufficient.

Our lives are on the altar. We come from Him anyway. What else matter when you have already given your precious to God? What is it that God can’t demand from you when all that you have comes from Him?

Yet God is so much gracious than we think He is.

The threshold of a fresh journey - Is to do the Will of God no matter what. To die, is to Live.

Little Pebbles

2008-03-01T14:09:00.001+08:00

I seek not to BE the best,
but to DO my best.

~~ Sherri

Resurrection

2008-02-24T19:25:00.001+08:00

Matthew 16:25 (NIV)

....whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it....

Forbidden City

2008-01-01T21:03:00.000+08:00

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

Imagination runs wild

Morale flees from adversaries

The Word dates the World

In the sly manoeuvre of a sophistication.

Lyrics from Kit Chan -> Forbidden City

Is this what eyes were never meant to see

The end of hope and all it meant to me

How can I find the strength to carry on another day

Without my pride there's nothing left to say

Is this the way my life was meant to be?

Too late only to say that I was wrong

Perhaps the weak believe that they are strong

I thought that if I tried I'd find a way to earn their trust

Yet all I've known and loved has turned to dust

It seemed there was no way I could belong

The fire that burns within your heart

The pain that tears your life apart

The rain that falls from broken skies

The love I lost beneath the lies

And must I face the truth along?

Is this the end of all I've known?

The years I gave, the tears I cried

Why dream of love, when love has died?

I know one day the story will be told

And in the end the secrets will be sold

And will they look at me and say

I should have known the end

Perhaps I did but why should I pretend?

I only dreamt of love and growing old

The Win-Win Negotiation

2007-12-30T19:39:00.000+08:00

The Win-Win Negotiation

True negotiation takes place when each side respects the other, and their point of view, and enters into the discussion positively. The following are some guidelines to 'win-win' solutions.

Before starting make sure that you know precisely what it is you want, and the maximum price you would be willing to pay whether the price is in money, time, emotions or anything else.

Enter the negotiations in a positive, friendly frame of mind. If you are feeling uptight and defensive, you are unlikely to reach any sort of solution with which you feel happy.

Do your homework. Have your facts at your fingertips. Nothing makes you so vulnerable in negotiations as ignorance.

Find out the interests of the other party. Ask them what they want from the meeting first before you even attempt to put your wishes across. You will often find that there are many more common areas of interests than you had anticipated, and that many of the barriers and obstacles you were expecting do not in fact exist.

One of the best ways to leverage yourself in negotiations is to have plenty of TIME! Those with whom you are negotiating may well have a deadline, and if they know that you are not in a hurry they will become more anxious to complete as time goes on, leaving you in the advantageous position.

Be sensitive to the other person's body language. This ability to read the signals people make unconsciously is an invaluable skill in negotiations.

Always negotiate from a win-win standpoint. If you do this, those with whom you are negotiating will be much warmer and more open to you. This will encourage them to negotiate with your interests in mind and the ideal situation of everybody negotiating for everybody else's benefit will be achieved.

By Singapore Polytechnic

Fresh Air

2007-12-29T21:18:00.000+08:00

Fresh Air

A second a stranger’s glare,

A minute a lingering fragrance,

An hour a bonding reassurance,

A day an unsatisfiable muse,

A week a brave step forward,

A month an eternal matter,

A year a deep awakening to,

A lifetime of impossible reinstatement.

Ballerina @ Orchard

2007-12-28T20:18:00.000+08:00

Was outside Orchard Borders and saw this beautiful ballerina. Can't resist the urge to take down this beautiful sight. What a fairy :o)

Mount Fuji

2007-12-01T21:11:00.000+08:00

Mount Fuji
____

Flesh and Spirit,
Weak and Willing.

Emotions and Control,
Temptation and Discipline.

A broken shell yet,
A place of grey security,
A regime of pride and intelligence,
An exotic destination thus long for.

Augment the enchantment,
With the Question posed .

Kill the magic,
Kill the foothold,
Kill the deception,
Kill the foolishness,
Kill the unceasing lure.

THANK YOU MOUSE!

2007-11-24T20:06:00.000+08:00

I can't express how much I love this bag, & how grateful I am to my lovely sister Xuan. She knows me so well, not only my preferences but also my needs. I will take good care of this bag, will cherish it well. Thank you so much Xuan.

The pink one was given to me by Xuan too when she came back from her student exchange in Paris. She scrimped & save to buy me this bling bling bag.....

The silver bling bag is given to me by my mummy.

I love you!

A Leisure Stroll during lunch

2007-11-23T19:56:00.000+08:00

I took a leisure stroll along the bridge from One Fullerton during lunch time on Friday, to the esplanade Arts Library to look at dance videos before I stroll back to office for work again. This is so refreshing in the midst of a hectic schedule & busy lion city.

Mornings

2007-11-20T19:47:00.000+08:00

Mornings are so important.........

I realise that whenever you start off your day with a great & beautiful morning, the rest of your day will fall in the right place. Your mood will be good, your brain will be creative, your heart will be happy & your work will be productive.

I did a few good things to make sure my mornings are good..... I have set a few reminders in my handphone which will remind me every morning certain prayers I should make. To me, I treat it like a confession that I read out loud & invite God into my world every day.

Like what Dr. Joyce Meyer mentioned in her few audio CD (in Albert's blog)...... devil can ruin our day just by attacking us in the morning, cos that's the time when we wake up weak & defenceless........ if we succumb to devils' plot in the morning, we will feel lousy the whole day.

TCC

2007-11-19T19:40:00.000+08:00

Brought my mum to TCC previously, and we order Apple Sodas.

Its a refreshing sight!

A Baby's Hug - Contributed by Carol :o)

2007-11-17T15:12:00.001+08:00

A Baby's Hug

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.

My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'

Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'

Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.

My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.

I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'

Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'

I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children.'

A lovely day

2007-11-11T20:40:00.000+08:00

Felt so good at service today. Singer Carola really brought in the presence of God with her singing and sharing on stage. I bought a very thick book with hard cover by Rev Dr. Ulf Ekman.

This book of over 400 pages is a compilation of Pastor Ulf Ekman's sermons. Many of them have previously been published in the Swedish Christian weekly newspaper Magazinet and have been much appreciated by its readers. Romans 10:17 says, Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, which is why preaching and teaching from the Word of God has always been a cornerstone in the work of Word of Life Church, both in Sweden and on the mission field. Thousands of people have been touched by the power of the message and can testify that their lives have been changed. Now, this teaching is available in published form, through All Things Are Possible. The teaching is divided into the following categories:Salvation and foundations of faith, Faith, Nation and community, An overcoming life, Reach out!, Prayer, Church and family, Finance, Created to bear fruit, Commitment and sanctification, Life with the Holy Spirit and Healing.Hard covered book, 404 pages.
http://webshop.ulfekman.org/asp/product.asp?from=2&idp=270

I am thinking of bringing this book to my office so that I can read the Word of God during lunch time for a short while before I resume my work. I believe this will strengthen my heart, and constantly remind me that I am the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World in my marketplace as well!

An interesting reminder

2007-11-04T16:15:00.000+08:00

I was in my father's car on the way for dinner when I saw something really amusing that I have got to take down this picture!

Know what does it mean to see a torn parking coupon sticking to a radio volume tuner in my father's car?

It simply means the car is going to run out of petrol and he needs to top up the petrol tank ASAP.

What an interesting way of expressing a reminder!!

Never, never, never, never, never, never

2007-10-31T14:38:00.000+08:00

When times are bad, take it upon yourself. Let there be a reason for everything, yet you don’t have to know if this reason is for you to know. Yes or No, God is the Judge of everything; the Creator of this beautiful world; the Inventor behind every intelligent regime. Relinquish is the right word for Control; Respect is a treasure for the Oppressed; Awakening is timely in every timeline. Never will there be another time for such a time as this – cherish even a second, for it is never too short. If there is a right thing to do – never cause regret in the lifetime of another, never destroy what God has planted, never forbid what God has authorized, never forget what God has instructed, never be willful at the never ending seeds of God’s beautiful plans. Never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never.........

Keep It Short and Sweet !

2007-10-30T22:25:00.000+08:00

Keep It Short and Sweet !

Conciseness is a virtue in communication. It pays, literally, to be concise. Just ask anyone who pays his phone bill by the number of minutes used, or the businessman whose advertisement is charged by column length. Yet how often we waste people's valuable time by being long-winded in our speech or writing !

Being concise means being able to convey the same idea in as few words as possible. Here are some ways this can be done :

1) Reduce phrases to words
e.g. in the event that -> if
at a distance that doers not endanger lives -> at a safe distance

2) Avoid redundant pairs and categories
e.g. true facts -> facts
green in colour -> green

3) Avoid repetitions, implied or otherwise
e.g. The minutes were prepared by the Secretary who took down notes at the meeting. She prepared the draft minutes and had them vetted. After the minutes were confirmed, she filed them.
-> The minutes of meeting were prepared, vetted, confirmed and filed.

4) Use action words instead of noun phrases
e.g. We conducted an investigation on the problem.
-> We investigated the problem.
The Board has come to the conclusion that the proposal was not feasible.
->The Board concluded that the proposal was not feasible.

5) Drop words that do not add to the message content
e.g. I kind of expect the exhibition to be at Suntec City.
->I expect the exhibition to be at Suntec City.
What we need is basically a complete overhaul.
->What we need is a complete overhaul.

6) Avoid starting with "There is/are"
e.g. There is a stall at the corner that sells very good herbal soups.
-> The stall at the corner sells very good herbal soups.

Observe verbal efficiency. Keep It Short and Sweet!
By Singapore Polytechnic

Ouch!..........

2007-10-27T21:11:00.000+08:00

Went to University Cultural Centre (UCC) at NUS to watch my brother
band performance.....

On the way back, I slipped in my LOW heels........and fell down the flight of rough concrete stairs!! Good thing xuan was standing in front of me and stopped me in time. Else I would have roll down the whole flight of stairs!

This was totally unexpected, totally uncontrollable! So scary!

But thank you Xuan for being so discerning!

Creative Sketches By Cousin Rosel !!

2007-10-21T15:30:00.000+08:00

Look at this wonderful sketches by my genius creative director,
cousin Rosel :o)

Top from Left: Annie, Sherri, Ivy
Middle from Left: Carol, June
Centre First row: Xiangcen

Good Assumption

2007-10-19T12:06:00.000+08:00

No Assumption held bolder than this……………
No Honesty fared better than this……….
No Risk braved greater than this……….
No Life experienced deeper than this……….
No Love loved stronger than this……….

Assumption in God for the tantalizing stuff,
Sometimes in your final throes of asphyxiation,
You saw it coming.

Psalm 119:1-24

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Psalm 25:14-15

The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Life is too short to wallow in self pity

2007-10-17T21:54:00.000+08:00

Ephesians 5:17-19 (NKJV)

"Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord"

Pastor Phil once shared the worst thing the devil can do is to discourage you.

Failure can be a trigger for negative voices twirling in hearts and minds, distracting focus away from significant matters.

Bible said to meditate within heart in bed and be still when angry. But don't meditate till you fall asleep, the negative feelings will only hibernate for a while, but surface sooner or later.

After a million failures, you are still looking forward and never give up.

After a million failures, you are still a genius.

Be forgetful about the failures, pick out the essence, analyse it and move on.

Don't indulge in self-condemnation, this is a vicious cycle.

Transform the negative energy into positive energy, keep encouraging others and engage in meaningful activities even in the midst of negative circumstances and emotions.

Time is precious, cherish every time and chance to glorify God through fruitful works.

Lastly remember, God will honour the righteous.

Scenery outside my house

2007-10-11T15:18:00.000+08:00

so beautiful and niceeeeeeeee :o)

WIDER SMILES !!

2007-10-07T17:20:00.001+08:00

hmmm...... realise that sometimes a little smile goes a long long way.....

For me personally, I feel happier and comforted if a person smiles heartily at me when I greet them. When faced with a "surface" smile, with no heartfelt sincerity, people can usually sense it. It kinda darken your day with you thinking if anything has gone wrong for the next ten minutes.....

Lets not be stingy with our smiles :o)

Death and Resurrection

2007-10-07T17:14:00.000+08:00

Indeed death was needed so there could be resurrection.

Sometimes when God wants to bring us to a higher level, He needs to bring about a certain "death" in our ways or plans so that a new strategy and direction can emerge.

Three and Three Quarter Walls

2007-10-03T12:08:00.000+08:00

3 ¾ walls

Be a very good child,
Against the Supernatural World,
Reign in little kingdoms with,
Revelry in a Pandora Box,
Encumbered and withdrawn,
Nobility in its drunken stupor.

Little Children

2007-09-30T23:04:00.000+08:00

Mark 10:13-15 (NIV)

The Little Children and Jesus

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Matthew 21:15-17 (NIV)

"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him.

"Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read,
" 'From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise?"

Young children or even babies, in their early years, can never comprehend the complexity of adulthood. The intricate and contradictory feelings and emotions brought about by various matters are often strengthened in intensity by the unsuspected yet headstrong victim. Ostentatious efforts for a makeover are often futile without the Potter’s hand. “When has life became so complicated?”, they like to ask. Yet in the Kingdom of God, everything is actually very pristine and clear. A pity along the way many personally hand picked veils, originally intended for personal gratification, have destroyed the alpha resolution. Blindness harms many more. Direness spreads. Let there be Light, let purity flows in abundance, let there be many children, And Laughter And Joy.

Unsound Script

2007-09-29T13:28:00.000+08:00

Unsound Script

Manuscript from the heart,
A period of stumbling and death,
A consequence of decisions and sins,
A power struggle between light and dark.

Crushed, Dead, Buried,
Weeping, Choking, Clamoring,
Pressing, Crawling, Stumbling,
Menacing, Blasting, Scathing,
Butchery, Massacre, Annihilation,
Bloodbath, Bloodshed, Bloodless,
Breathless, Lifeless, Spirtless.

Yuki Yaki Restaurant Ice Cream Buffet

2007-09-27T14:37:00.000+08:00

Went with family on Tues and found this restaurant Ice Cream buffet very interesting!

You cook the ice-cream yourself wor....... and on the same place where you cook your hotpot! But the ice-cream taste is not extraordinary....... its just for the fun part of making it ;o)

Pastor Kong

2007-09-23T21:26:00.000+08:00

After 3 weeks of not seeing Pastor Kong Hee, he finally came back today. When I saw him on stage talking to us, I felt so close to him and realise that I miss him so much! Its like he is like a spiritual father to all of us and is always so concern about all of his church members. Really feel so comforted that he is back, and speaking to all of us today. Felt so encouraged and inspired! I really cherish Pastor Kong a lot. Thank you so much Pastor.

Poem: "there is no God"

2007-09-20T23:01:00.000+08:00

Bro Victor LimFei wrote this poem:

there is no God.
all of life is accidental!

no designer ordered earth in its orbit.
no engineer fashioned the heart to beat.
no architect styled nature in its harmony.
no conductor taught birds to sing in symphony.
no biologist grew seeds into flowers.
no man gave life through love of lovers.

have you seen the stars above twinkle?
have you heard a baby's laughter?
have you tasted earth's bounty's flavour?
have you smelled after-rain aroma?
have you felt indignant anger?
all of life displays His splendour!
there is no God?

haa! With a drop of inspiration, I continued his poem with this:

no genius invented wisdom.
no doctor implanted heart feelings.
no teacher taught the flow of breath.
no luck created miracles.
no technology prepared the presence of God.

Indeed all of life is NOT ACCIDENTAL!
There is no God so splendid and magnificent!!!

Little notes

2007-09-19T10:14:00.000+08:00

Today has been a super hot and sunny day. Been walking the whole afternoon to complete certain tasks. But it was been fulfilling. Breakthrus' after breakthrus'. Thank God so much!

Have been having so much fun with facebook cos it allows me to keep in contact with my friends, especially friends like furn, siu mao mao, Amanda who are so far away. I used one tool in Facebook called "X-Me" to SPANK bro Victor and some friends. And bro Victor used the tool to STARE BACK AT ME ANGRILY. Hahhaha.......its simply so fun and interesting!

Found this on a site! Interesting!

2007-09-19T09:57:00.000+08:00

Animator vs. Animation by *alanbecker on deviant ART

Animator vs. Animation II by *alanbecker on deviant ART

Breaths

2007-09-16T21:36:00.000+08:00

Just a minute ago, I walked out to the balcony and take a look at the night scenery outside, I smell the rain and felt the cool breeze. It was an amazing feeling to be so conscious of the fact that you're alive and breathing.

Just like what I've learnt in bible study today, we must even depend on God for the very air we're breathing. Every breath is in tandem with God's Grace.

Pastor Ulf Ekman - Extract from a msg in year 2005

2007-09-14T11:29:00.000+08:00

This is really so important....... felt so inspired as I read it and decided to put it here......

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New Year’s Eve Message for year 2005

The message Pastor Ulf Ekman delivered on New Year’s Eve was a serious one that related to the times we are living in. The key words were “Wake!” and “Watch!”

Here is a short summary of what was said:
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In order to live right, we need to understand the times we live in. In Luke 17:33 Jesus says we are to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him. This is the only possible way in the end times.

In 2001, with the attack on the World Trade Centre, an alarm clock started to ring indicating that the world was changing. The Holy Spirit wants to make the body of Christ ready to face the dramatic time period we are entering, and Jesus urges us to lift our eyes because His return is drawing near.

The words the Lord has laid upon my heart for this year are “Wake!” and “Watch!”. We cannot watch if we are not awake, but even being awake does not automatically guarantee that we are watchful. The word “watch” entails gravity and commitment, and it demands our total attention. It does not encompass fear or distress but clear insight concerning the grave times in which we are living and how we are to react. It does not rob us of joy but removes all listlessness or apathy.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 speaks about being awake and sober, that is, being aware of what is going on. It is possible to be awake but intoxicated by certain things, resulting in a selfish lifestyle where thoughts primarily revolve around ourselves and we are unaware of what is transpiring beyond ourselves.

To be awake and sober, on the other hand, means that the senses are sharp, that we are ready for changes and that we can relate to what is going on. Then God can give us many opportunities to influence our surroundings and spread God’s love to others.

Dare to say NO to the ego, to pleasure, to the love of money and to being politically correct. Dare to believe the Bible as it is; do not cut and paste to make it more palatable. A radical dechristianisation is occurring in Europe, visible in, among other things, the new EU constitution, in the mounting influence of Islam and in the more secularized and multicultural society that attacks the Gospel.

If we Christians do not wake up and become more sober-minded, there is a risk that Christianity will be driven away into oblivion beyond the horizon. The year 2005 is a year of last-minute grace.

The word “Watch!” is not meant to frighten but rather to challenge. If we are watchful, countless situations can be influenced and changed. In the midst of these pressing times, the Holy Spirit will do something new in Europe, and God will gain a whole family of worshippers.

Blackouts!

2007-09-12T23:20:00.000+08:00

My house has been having blackouts recently! Almost 5 to 6 times a month......... my father "investigated" and realise its due to the fridge! We've been having this "mega" fridge for many years and really intended to change a new one recently, didn't noe its also the cause of our blackouts!

What's super funny is that I've just opened and closed the fridge to get my vitamin supplements. 5 mins later, it was blackout! And my brother is in the toilet bathing halfway!! We are combing the whole house for stool to turn on the main power while my brother is waiting in the toilet. The whole scenario really is super hilarious!!

OLENJU - PART 2

2007-09-10T13:19:00.000+08:00

YES! OLENJU IS BACK....

Bluff us she coming back around 12 sep....
Surprise us during cell grp somemore! ;op

OLENJU - PART 1

2007-09-08T12:48:00.000+08:00

OLENJU TRICKED ME............

To Pinkie Dog & Mouse

2007-09-01T13:50:00.000+08:00

I felt that I need to confess my gratitude and thankfulness to my beloved Pinkie Dog (my brother) and Mouse (my sister Xuan).

Today is a rest day for pinkie after a week of hard work. But the first thing he did for me when he woke up is to help me solve my laptop keyboard problem (which I told him on Friday). He is so nice to me and I really appreciate it. He even helped me do more than what I have asked him to help in --> like checking my laptop for virus and cleaning it up....etc.

For Xuan, I want to say all these mushy things to you before I change my mind. You are forever the best sister I could ever have, and God has placed you in my life to make me a better person. No matter what, you must noe that I'm always trying my best. And God is the Head of our family. I want to stay beside you in my mansion in heaven.

OLENJU XIANGCEN IS COMING BACK IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!!!

2007-09-01T13:32:00.000+08:00

PRINCESS OLENJU XIANGCEN IS COMING BACK FROM JAPAN IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!!!

Snakewoman

2007-08-30T15:16:00.001+08:00

Was searching for dance videos when I saw this.

Gave me goosebumps.......

Great Udon Great Mum!

2007-08-29T23:00:00.000+08:00

Initially had a craving for pizzas. But after dance, felt like eating something light. My mum is so nice to whip up a soup of udon for me. I felt so blessed. She's terrific cook!

More Vs Less

2007-08-29T00:54:00.000+08:00

This is my favourite verse......but I always forgot where in the bible it was...... finally found it today and the explanation behind it with the bible study guide....

Luke 12: 48 (NKJV)
"But he who did not know, yet committed things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been commited, of him they will ask more."

Luke 12: 48 (NLT)
"But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given."

In short:

The more resources, talents, and understanding we have, the more we are required to use them effectively.

TRUST

2007-08-27T15:14:00.000+08:00

“It takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it”

“It is far better to be trusted and respected that it is to be liked.”

I FEEL.........

Trust is something that cannot be easily earned, yet something that can be easily squandered.

A trust take a long long time to build up, but once lost, is just like a broken mirror where perfect restoration is near impossible.

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No wonder Bible says:

Ecc 7:1
“A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume.”
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If we want people to trust our word and our character, we should commit to the following:
Let our Yes be Yes, and No be No – where our word and action synchronize
Have INITIATIVE and GOOD STEWARDSHIP even for the slightest things especially our OWN HOUSEHOLD – even bible says we must be faithful with the little things.
Be Accountable – even to people our peers or younger, especially in circumstances where people have sacrificed or made greater contribution so that we could be better in every area.
Communicate your Thankfulness through words & actions – Just like how it pleases God when we give our praises to Him, it will be the same for us since we’re created in His glory.
Jane Addams:
Action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics.

John Locke:
I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.

Multiply - INVITATION

2007-08-27T14:07:00.001+08:00

I am so blur!!!

Didn't know so many people have invited me in my Multiply profile........ good thing Sabie sent me a reminder!!!

Gary was so funny....... even wrote "how come you got Multiply and never add me?"

A great day @ SAF

2007-08-26T13:22:00.000+08:00

Its been a super blessed weekend. We have a few good days of fun @ SAF Yacht Club Tanah Merah.

Everytime we have a family trip like this, I really cherish it a lot, because my father work very hard and seldom has time to relax himself and spend quality time with us. Also, my father's eyes are ailing, thus he cannot travel to faraway places. Furthermore, tomorrow is my brother first day at work, so this is really a trip to reward him as well.

I want to thank God so much for so much fun, super good weather and many nice things fall together.

First of all, the scenery is superb. Take a look at the pictures!

The contrasting night scenery was especially mesmerizing!

Oops forgot to show where we stayed!

Next is the COOL swimming pool! As the pool is just beside the sea, the cool breeze was making our swim much colder!!

We played @ the arcade the dance game & went Pulau Ubin to cycle and eat seafood. It was such a fruitful day.

What Breed of Dog Are You?

2007-08-23T00:40:00.001+08:00

Sherri, you're a Golden Retriever!

No bones about it, you're a popular, fun-loving Golden Retriever. Adored by all and too cool for school, you're extroverted and enthusiastic. Your magnetic personality makes you the life of any bash. Since you're a true people-dog, you genuinely love all kinds of social gatherings. Going to parties, dinners, and other shindigs is the best way to add faces to your constantly growing circle of friends. But besides being on the social A-list, you're a confident, well-rounded pup who's definitely something to bark about. Pretty accomplished at anything you set your mind to, your sunny nature and winning ways make you one of everyone's favorite dogs. Woof!

http://web.tickle.com/dog/authorize/register.jsp?url=%2Fdog%2Findex.jsp

Extract from Pastor Ulf Ekman

2007-08-23T00:09:00.000+08:00

It was an eagerness for this awareness that caused the people to hold fast to the apostles’ teaching. The problem today is that we often begin with the ego. We have a sort of consumption theology that incessantly demands to receive something. Jesus does want to meet your needs, but we do not go to church and become part of the body of Christ so that our needs will be met and we will be satisfied. The Church is not some therapeutic association – it is the Church of the Living God.

People gathered, should not be only to see what they could get, or to see if the sermon was good, but earnestly to seek God. Whether God gives me something in a service or not, it is equally important – and appropriate – for me to offer the same sacrifice of praise and award Him the honour and glory He deserves. A church service is about serving God. We come before God and we acknowledge Him, like priests of the new covenant in the new temple, God’s dwelling place in the Spirit, to which we have access through the blood of Jesus.

There is a mentality today that reacts negatively to the idea of someone being over us; we want to be free and do our own thing. This is worldly and selfish. In the body of Christ, this thinking is transformed because we are now all together and we have a King over us. It is extremely important that we do not isolate ourselves from the body.

INITIATIVE IS A PRECIOUS VIRTUE

2007-08-22T00:40:00.000+08:00

INITIATIVE IS A PRECIOUS VIRTUE

Dr. AR Bernard preaching on 12 August 07

2007-08-20T00:53:00.000+08:00

Felt that the preaching is so important that I cannot leave it just like that.

Want to make mention of my sister Xuan, for without her detailed note taking, would not be able to post this here. Her notes contributed 50% to this post!

Preaching by Dr. AR Bernard on 12 August 2007:

Human erred for 2 reasons --> Don’t understand:
1) The Word of God
2) The Power of God

Babylonian culture

(In Old Testament Scripture the ancient city of Babylon stood for the power structure of evil that opposed God)

Babylonian King offered Daniel & his friends upward mobility (opportunity to prosper and succeed) but was concerned of the conflicts in culture, values & philosophies.

Hence the king put them in education program for 3 yrs to study Babylonian culture.

Daniel was willing to do the following:

· Studied Babylonians culture for 3 yrs
· Was given an identity in Babylonian culture by changing his NAME
· Studied Babylonians arts, language, science…etc

BUT he drew the line by NOT willing to eat Babylonian FOOD --> cos food symbolizes values, philosophy, sense of purpose, destiny....

Daniel would not feed on what the Babylonian society FEEDS on!
(Especially pride, fear, lust, greed, selfish ambition, envy, jealousy….etc)

Daniel & his friends engaged the world BUT were not defiled because they put a limit on the world’s influence on them --> they exercised SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

Learnt:

Word of God sets us free from intimidation of the world.
We cannot lead a culture we’re afraid of.

We learn about the culture but we DON’T FEED on it!
Else we’ll fall prey and be swallowed by the dominant culture!
Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.

Only way to engage culture WITHOUT compromising values --> SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

1) Always Pray

2) Reading Bible consistently

3) Consistent Bible study

4) Regular Fasting

5) Thanksgiving & Gratitude to God

--> the world has discontentment (Lust & Greed), this is the reason why people fall, gratitude to God gets rid of dissatisfaction

6) Solitude

--> set apart from people at times so that we can be with God; when Jesus needs to make important decisions, he’ll go off in solitude & spend time with God

7) Repentance

8) Forgiveness

9) Confession

--> you’ll not change in your life what you’re NOT WILLING to confess, Confession gets the negative out of your life.

If I don’t do the above, I will become vulnerable and influenced by the negative values of the world and culture I am in.

The church helps us in the spiritual disciplines but we individually are responsible to keep the discipline going.

3 John 2
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

--> only when our soul prosper will we be prosperous and be in health

--> Maintain Spiritual disciplines for they are your lifeline!!

DO LIZARDS EAT COCKROACHES? -> PART 2

2007-08-19T21:52:00.000+08:00

DO LIZARDS EAT COCKROACHES? -> PART 2

haha...... this may sound ridiculous...... but we were discussing this topic during lunch today.....

and as I pose this question to my uncle Roger.........he actually said YESS!!

BUT only small cockroaches were eaten.......

and if you want to exterminate BIG COCKROACHES....... u must have BIGGER LIZARDS....!!

We've a good laugh over this! ;o)

PRINCESS CAROL GAVE ME A TEDDY BEAR!

2007-08-19T20:12:00.000+08:00

Really like this bear very much!

Its bright orange in colour!

I told Princess Carol that I'd give it a good name.

Finally thought of this name --> BREADIE

Please answer this question

2007-08-18T14:01:00.000+08:00

DO LIZARDS EAT COCKROACHES?

Ziwei gave a confirmed YES!!! during fellowship yesterday wor.........

Almost laugh die me..... SO FUNNY!

Funny Frogs!

2007-08-18T13:50:00.001+08:00

Thank God for a quality time spent with my daddy. He actually asked me to teach him origami!! This was my hobby since primary 5 due to the influence of a good friend, Joanne.

So I had a funny time trying to teach him how to fold a frog.

The best trick about this frog is that after folding the shape of a frog, we're supposed to blow into a hole to inflate the frog. But I overblown it so much that my frog became "pai ka" ("crippled" in dialect Hokkien)

Take a look at the pics below! My sister said it looks like some kind of monster!

Duck Tour

2007-08-16T21:56:00.000+08:00

Today has been such an eventful day!! My mum has been longing to go for a ducktour since a few years back but I always told her its too expensive for a Singaporean since this is just a city tour. But really felt a prompting from God to fulfill my mum's desires no matter how insignificant it may seem to me.

Also, my mum hopes to bring her elder sister (which is my big big aunti) out to eat, shop and walk around. Cos my big big aunt is very old. So today, we brought her and her grandson out for the duck tour! It was so fun and hilarious to travel in the duck tour with a little baby of less than 1 year old!

Thank God for a wonderful time, for a good weather, for my dear brother Pinkie and sister Xuan, who make this trip a great one by taking care of the baby ;o)

Bon Voyage to YANLIN

2007-08-12T18:28:00.000+08:00

Dear ah ne,

Take care and jia you as you further ur studies in US.

I've composed a little poem for you as a little gift.
As you set off to this faraway place, I pray for God's peace to be with you.

Tan Yan Lin

The wait is finally over,
Assurances too good to be true,
Now is the voyage to a faraway place.

Your Promises are forever real,
Anchoring my heart in Truth and Love,
Nurture my faith strongly as You are with me,
Longing to shine your glory like never before,
I hold Your plan dearly in my heart,
Need you so much more than ever.

When you're spring cleaning your own mess, its never about you alone!!!

2007-08-09T13:33:00.000+08:00

Here my brother is FINALLY cleaning up his MESSESSSSSSSSSSSS accumulated since dinoasuar agesssssss........

A pile of treasures and rubbish lying here and there.......
Thumping once every 5 mins!

And i am not spared!

He came to me with recycle papers, cds.......oldies.....boxes......asking me innocently if i will need these........ or if i'll use that.........

those tthings are super dirty and dusty lor..........

Now he is fixing up the new shelf he bought @ Ikea............. think i am expected to help!

hahhahahhaha.........

Amazing sight......

2007-08-09T13:14:00.000+08:00

@ Sembawang Hawker place........the flowers were every where........ dropped on the whole car and we looked as if we were driving a bridal car!

Ice age + Soup Restaurant = Great Joy!

2007-08-05T19:51:00.001+08:00

Really want to thank God for a fruitful time with my family today. Dad brought us to Causeway Point for dinner at Soup Restaurant.

The meal consist of Black Chicken Soup with dried scallops, Chilli prawns, Bean sprouts with fish, "Samsui Ginger Chicken," moist, fragrant steamed chicken dipped in ginger sauce and wrapped in lettuce, Olive Rice and icy cold desert!! So nutritious and delicious!

Then we went to Courts and look around. My dad saw the High Definition Samsung TV and it was showing ICE AGE cartoon.

It was comical to see my dad standing near the TV, with his eyes glued to the screen, and laughing at the acorn-obsessed squirrel (Scrat) trying to hold on to its precious acorn, clinging onto the ice berg, and at the same time, trying to stop water from seeping out of it!

I think my dad bears a resemblance to Scrat.......... very cute as well......

Alert!

2007-08-03T12:57:00.000+08:00

Really feel that everyday we're prone to devils' attack if we are not careful. Especially after Mike Connell's ministry, I felt an even greater need and awareness to prepare myself to fight the spiritual battle everyday, regardless if its big or small.

1 Peter 5:8 (New International Version)

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

And so i'll pray, that I am an ambassador of God everyday, and I fight a victorious battle with satan everyday, and my heart will be filled with overflowing Love of God for Love is the greatest of all. With this, I felt empowered to pick myself up everytime I am attacked by the stupid evil things.

HILARIOUS @ RESERVOIR

2007-07-22T23:54:00.000+08:00

Really want to thank God for all that happened today. For without God’s presence, the extreme hilarious fun and joy will not be there.

My father decided to bring us to Upper Pierce Reservoir for a walk. Though was a bit tired after a long day, I was very encouraged by my father’s suggestion because its been a long time since we’ve had a great time at the reservoir.

On the way there, he stopped by the golf station nearby and instructed me to buy 5 COLOURFUL golf balls. Hmmm…. I was wondering what was he up to…??

As we stepped out of the car and walked towards the long stretch of path beside the waters, with beautiful flowers alongside, my father started to stop for a while. Then he started to take out the 5 golf balls and placed 3 balls side by side on the rough ground.

With 2 more balls left in his hands, he started to walk away from the 3 balls and came to a spot about 2.5 metres away. With the balls, one by one he used it to aim at the 3 rested distanced balls.

His goal is to play this game like a professional bowler would do, and make sure his attempted aims are fruitful. So this is a bowling game on a rough stretch in a reservoir setting! My father is so creative huh! Hahahhaha…..

The next funny thing happens……..

My father wanted to compete who can WALK the fastest. Yet the rule of the competition is, we are all supposed to TAKE ONE STEP AT THE SAME TIME TOGETHER. No one is to walk more than a step than the rest. Immediately I told my father I will SURELY win because my leg is so much longer than his lor……..

Of course my father doesn’t believe in me. Guess what?! As the competition started, we began to take 1st big step together, then 2nd big step together….

When it comes to the 3rd step, my father held my hand and said, “STOP!”. He decided to give up this competition because he is simply too far behind me even in a SINGLE STEP.

I laugh so hard that I think the whole reservoir can hear me!!!

The next super hilarious thing happened. Not willing that this competition just stop right here………. I suggested to my family that we play another competition. This time we still compete who walks the fastest. But we really walk with speed, and not taking one big step together at the same time.

When the competition started, my father, mum, sis and myself, in one single row, started to walk REALLY FAST. However, the action of walking fast together with your family members was really very very funny.

You could feel someone beside you walking so fast and trying so hard. When I was walking speedily, I closed my eyes! Because the moment I opened my eyes, I laugh so hard at my family members that I almost tripped over!!!

It was such a simple thing in a simple setting. Yet everything can be so fun and so meaningful. I am really very grateful for this great quality time with my family. A time so well-spent that I wouldn’t give, even for what the world could offer.

My sister very niceeeeeeee

2007-07-21T14:01:00.000+08:00

Xuan knew that I love this song of Joey Yung (HK Singer) with title "xiao xiao"....... the way she sings is like Cass Phang........and the music style is very very nice...... got a classical arrangement and very soothing.......... she downloaded this for me!!!

........ but she added, "u better pray that i will not get fine for downloading this"......... in my excitement and thus not listening properly.......... i replied, "Don't worry, I will go to jail on your behalf....."

hahhahahahha...........