Stained Glass Masquerade

Dedicated to my sis Esther and my spiritual sister Sue Ann. I think of you as I listen to this song...


"Stained Glass Masquerade" - Casting Crowns

Is there anyone that fails?
Is there anyone that falls?
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small?

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

CHORUS
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Busyess

Can't Wait to Get Home

It's official! We'll be moving to our new house some time before the second quarter next year(we hope!!!) and I just can't wait to move! After feeling as if I've been living for most of my life like a pilgrim, always feeling that we would be moving any time, my family will finally be moving to our own house. I wonder if this longing I feel to be in our new place where we can finally call a home of our own here on earth mirrors this longing to be with The Father one day where I'll be truly home one day.

I'm Thankful

A lot of things have happened in the last few days and I'm still carrying this sense of being amazed as prayers are literally being answered before my very eyes and in so very unexpected ways. It's just so awesome!!! The more hesitant side of me is saying - we'll see how it goes eventually. Deep inside though, there's this sense of joy and assurance that He'll see it through. Sacrifices have been made and prices paid without knowing how things will turn out. However, I am reminded that I am called to obey as He leads me in my time back in the church office - though it may be mundane, tiring, exhausting, filled with heartaches and frustrations at times. I'm praying really hard that the work began will not stop and that things will change for the better - for the sake of those I love and have come to love in the last month.

So for now, I thank Him for just the little glimpse of how He is working and using me for His sake. It's just been really exciting for me. I see Him covering my weaknesses and vulnerabilities through it all and I am in wonder. As I go through another very full day today, I learn again to submit to His will. I learn again that when my strength gives out, He will help me carry on. I learn again where I am lost, He will guide me through. I learn again that it is possible to keep on keeping on because of Him.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Though a part of me is still despondent and all is not perfect, I thank You for all that You are doing. Thank You too that SHE wrote back. I am still praying that she will know too how much You love her one day.

Quotes on Mothers

Her children arise and call her blessed. - Prov 31:28

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincoln

I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. ~Adabella Radici

My mother is a poem I'll never be able to write,
though everything I write is a poem to my mother.~Sharon Doubiago

God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers. ~Jewish Proverb

A Mother's love is something that no on can explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy itor take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secretlike the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.
-Helen Steiner Rice

Special People - Mum

Author's note: This post has been pending for quite a while. I began the series in October(read here and here) and it has been on hold. There is so much to write, so much to say. I'll probably miss out a lot in this post. However, as today is her special day as well, this post is dedicated to one of the most special people on the earth to me.

To My Dearest Mother,

Happy Birthday to you!!! Despite age has added another year to you today, I will always love you. You are one of the most amazing person I've ever known. Your zest for life and passion for God has always inspired me. You are one of the most creative and wisest person I've ever met and I wish that I could be more like you sometimes.

Life has not always been easy and had at times been filled with uncertainties, fears and heartache. Yet, your faith in God in those times has been an example to me. When things get hard, you've taught me how to hold on to Him who is unshakeable.

From you my love for music began. Remember the evenings where you'd sit at the piano and just worship God? I was a little girl and would just sit next to you as you sang . I loved the times where I sang along with you. Today, as I sit at the piano on Sundays or lead worship, it's because you have sown in my life so many years ago. As is your desire when you made me finish my grade 8 piano, despite our many arguments, you have passed on to me your of love of music to me and I thank you for this legacy from you. This gift has become such an essential part of me.

You have a knack of making the most mundane things fun - the word 'boring' was never in your vocabulary. Rainy days will always have a special memory for me. Studies were brought to life as you pointed out how they applied to life. You made education seem fun and until today, my college students who used to be your Sunday school kids still tell me how they remember the Sunday school lessons taught by you. Holidays were never boring in our house as games were played together - games that were fun and yet had many lessons for us. Where many of my peers were into tv and computer games, you've taught us that there was more to life than that.

You've also taught us that it's ok to be different - that following the crowd was not always the right thing to do. And though sometimes it's hard to go against the tide, it's more important to do what's right in the eyes of God and to follow Him wholeheartedly. The boundaries and principles you've placed in my life has become my guide and wisdom.

In the time I disappointed you, you still showed me how much you loved me still and never let me go. That lesson still resounds in me as you embodied to me how God never lets me go and still love me despite my failures. You literally dragged me from my path of self destruction and brought me to the path of restoration. I understood then the kind of love that would go to hell and back for someone that they loved.

Sometimes, you have been my conscience. You have taught me to sacrifice and help those who are in need. You constantly remind me to look beyond myself and to recognise the signs of how God works - and I'm still learning.

I'm so blessed to be able to call you 'mum' and I thank Him for the gift you. :)

With Love,
Your beloved daughter.

About You - by ZOEgirl

A time for keeping the Sabbath

Ever since I've been back working at the church office, a part of me have been very conscious that I've not been taking time to just stop as much as I should. Most days it's just been a mindless going from one thing to another - either having meetings, emailing, planning, training, meeting up with people and just doing stuff. At home, it's been one thing after another and I've yet to settle a number of stuff before Christmas and thereafter heading back to seminary again in January. Sitting down and being still just to do some reading, reflection, listening to music or just chilling out on the piano has been really hard and impossible - as much as I know that it's important to do so. If I have been doing any of the above, it has been purely for functional purposes. There have been many times that I find myself missing fellowship with friends over coffee just for the sake of it. I also miss my prayer group friends - there have been discouraging days and it seems easier to keep it inside.

Am thankfully not burnt out yet (though there have been quite a number of days where I collapse in my bed in sheer exhaustion or just not want to get out of bed after nights of working late) and God has been awesome in answering some of my prayers over things that I'm working on and it encourages me to keep on going when my own strength is long gone. Nevertheless, have decided to just really take some time off just to recharge my soul today. It comes at a much needed time as I've been feeling just rather tired physically and spiritually in the last few days and the next few weeks require me to work most evenings until Christmas is over.

It's been raining most of today and it's just been great weather just to sleep in. I just love the rain - there is just something soothing about watching it outside the window. Though there is a pile of stuff is calling me to work, it'll have to wait a little while more while I recharge just a little more.

Thought for the day

Some people have really weird expectations that is so convoluted when compared to the real world. And the problem is: these people seem to be all around us...

Solving Problems

Song- Praise You In This Storm

by Casting Crowns

Love this song.


I was sure by now, God
that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away
stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "amen"
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Cloudy thoughts

In the last few weeks, I've realised that I haven't had much time to sit down and think. Everything's seem to be a blur. My mind has been occupied with "What needs to be done now", "What needs to be done next", "Have I missed out anything","What else needs to be done before Christmas?", "Who am I supposed to meet today?", "Who else should I meet before these two months is up and when?". Am already going on that tangent even as I write this. *focus... focus.. (Goodness! It's taken me 30 mins to write the above paragraph)..*sigh

It's been a rough week so far. I was hit with a big dose of discouragement earlier this week and I suppose I'm still making sense of it. At the same time, I wonder if I'm just being selfish. *sigh.. It looks like I'll have to push it to the back of my mind again and work on it another time since I have another meeting soon. :p

Quote

“The most essential factor is persistence - the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come.” - James Whitcomb Riley

Thought

Sometimes I wonder if I'm just hitting walls and I'm spending my energy on things that are futile at the end of the day... I have to keep on reminding myself to look up - that I may have a little more strength to keep on going...

My current Starbucks craze

I Love Toffee Nut Frappucino!!! *happy sigh*

Just for laughs

From: xkcd.com

Sad News - Last Season of Monk

Took this from : http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20081115/en_top_eo/69018.. So sad - my favourite tv series will be finishing their final season soon.

MONK TO CLEAN UP FOR ONE LAST TIME
Los Angeles (E! Online) – After six years of getting his hands dirty and then vigilantly scrubbing them clean, Monk is gearing up—probably pretty carefully—for his last case. USA announced Friday that it has picked up its Emmy-winning detective series Monk for an eighth and final season that will air next summer.

The "Characters Welcome" network has ordered up 16 episodes, and E! News is hearing that the finale will clue Monk in on who killed his dearly departed wife, Trudy, the tragedy that turned him into the OCD-addled mystery-solver who cable audiences have come to love. "We want to build to a spectacular conclusion for this wonderful show," said Jeff Wachtel, executive VP of original programming for USA Network.

"By many measures, Monk is the most successful series in the history of basic cable television—and it was certainly the original tentpole of our 'Character' brand. Our fans have been extremely dedicated and season eight should prove to be a very satisfying reward." Monk, which marked its 100th episode last month, averaged 5 million viewers per episode in 2008, so the series definitely isn't being put out to pasture on a downswing.

On whether playing such a neurotic, tic-ridden character has rubbed off on him over the years, three-time Emmy winner Tony Shalhoub told USA Weekend in June: "I think I had low levels of those kinds of quirks, as a lot of people really do, but it's definitely grown over time. I'm not really the kind of actor who brings my work home with me so much, normally, but I sort of feel infected by this character in a way. I think about things that I normally wouldn't otherwise."

World Sight Day

Today's World Sight Day and my church has organised some eye-checking stuff (courtesy of eye doctors and volunteers who are from our church) for the Utar students who are studying nearby. One of the doctors brought over two pretty funky machine (which apparently is super expensive) to check the fundus of the eye. The pics are the fundus of my eyes - they were quite cool to let me download the pic.

One of the volunteers 'tarik-ed' (pulled) me to do the eye tests. At the end of the day, am happy that the doc (who is also a good friend) told me that I had healthy eyes - just had short eyesight which is easy corrected by my specs. *grin.

Another Psalty Favourite

Gonna make a recipe
I just can't wait to start!
It's not the kind you serve at meals
You make it in your heart
If you never tried it
You've got to have a taste!
So come into the kitchen and..
We'll make a batch of praise

First you take a cup of faith
And stir it all around
Add some joy and laughter
Till it makes a bubbly sound
Mix in some agape love
Till it begins to ring!
Pour into a willing heart
And serve it to the king!

*I can't believe I can actually still remember the lyrics after 2o years! This was one of my favourites and I can still hear Charity Churchmouse's voice ringing in my head and singing the song. Hehehehe

Thought

I am running a marathon and not a sprint..

New Favourite Spot

Have found a new favourite spot in the church - the pastor's library. *grin

There's no one to argue with me about the aircond temp, the level of my music and I'm surrounded by books!! :)

Happy Ramblings

I'm quite amazed.. I have not touched my computer since Saturday evening until the past hour. It's probably the longest period of time since I got my laptop 3 years ago. :)

On another note, am absolutely ecstatic! One of my personal projects - another big stone - is moving in a totally unexpected way. Have just been so so so so grateful to how God has just been working - cos no way I could've done it on my own. I've had to hit a few brick walls first before the breakthrough came through. There was a personal risk to it - one that I was willing to take but am glad at the way things had turn out (so far).

The last few days has had its ups and downs but like I told a friend- things have been rather rewarding though it's been tough. On Saturday I was so tired that I just crashed at 9pm - right after the cake cutting for my sister's birthday - till the next morning. On the other hand, the turns that God has been leading me has been just really really rewarding. *big grin*

Make Me A Servant

This song is one of my childhood favourites, a Psalty song. Now that I'm older, the prayer in the song still remains though the reality of it is tough at times.


Make me a servant, Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up those who are weak
And may the prayer of my heart always be
Make me a servant, make me a servant
Make me a servant today

Back to craziness of meetings.. :p

It's back to work, back to crazyness in the office. I calculated and I spent at least 8 hours in meetings yesterday. I planned for one meeting and ended up in 4 meetings. :p 2 of them took 3 hours each - so you do the math.. I'm amazed that I managed to go to the gym for slightly under an hour in between.

I have 2 meetings today, and another 2 tomorrow and the day after and the day after that. I actually enjoy it if it's meeting up and catching up with people at the same time.. It's the one that gives more work that kills me. *grin.

Musings

If I'm willing to do crazy things for You, am I willing to do the mundane things for You too??

Feeling like this..

Two anniversaries and a birthday!

November is a special time for my family. My bro, my sis and I celebrate our birthdays in November within the first half of the month. Just imagine the amount of cake we had in our family! Our parents used to get us one each and our maternal granddad used to get us another one each(That's just a lot of chocolate cake in a month when we kids - I am still off chocolate cake unless it's absolutely necessary). If you haven't already guessed, we kick start the birthday celebrations today.

Today's also my parents' 30th anniversary AND my eldest uncle and aunt's anniversary too - which makes this day even more special (though I didn't used to think so when I was a little girl cos I used to get into arguments with my dad as to who gets to decide on dinner decisions - I wanted to go to McDonalds and he wanted to go for some nice chinese dinner). *grin

Happy Anniversary to beloved mum and dad! I think it's awesome as to how you guys are still together after all these years. Thanks for bringing us up and loving us.

Happy Anniversary to my beloved Tuaku and Aunty Margaret. Love you guys heaps and will never forget the time when you guys were my surrogate parents when I lived in Australia for almost four years!

Counting the blessings of the day!!

It's been a great day for me so far.. I had a few lovely wishes(the kind that makes one cry in a good way) from close friends, family and people from the STM community. I was also amazed that one of my guy friend in Kedah remembered(!!!!), had a great time with family at Gentings, had a lovely surprise when I got home (my aunt and uncle from Australia sent a bouquet of roses!), had an offer for a dinner treat by one of my best friends (had to turn down cos my sis is taking me out for movie - she won free tickets to watch Madagascar today!), found out that my friend Shern Ren will be back for Christmas and the day is not over yet!

Other than all that, one of my highlight for today so far was just spending a bit of quietness in the hotel room while my family went out for breakfast(I was still feeling so stuffed from the buffet dinner yesterday nite) - it wasn't as long as I'd hoped but it was great to just 'be still' before rushing about again. It was one of my main plans that got hijacked when I planned to go up to Gentings instead of planning for a dinner with a bunch of my close friends. Nevertheless, the short time of solitude was sweet. :)

Thank You God for the gift of life. Thank You for Your love through my friends and family. Thank You for Your amazing blessings that have made this day special and a blessed one for me.

Family trip in Gentings (2)

Am back from Gentings! It was just a short trip. The story is, I was planning to go to somewhere with my sis to have a change of scenery for a one day one night trip(leave on Monday come back on Tuesday). I just wanted to go somewhere to rest and have a bit of quiet. The plan eventually snowballed and my whole family ended up going. Here's how it happened:

Saturday evening
-My bro said that he was joining us.
-My dad suddenly called and said he was coming back to be with us on Sunday evening. We told him about the plans and he said that he wanted to come along too (and that meant that mum was going to join us)

Sunday lunchtime
- My dad said that he'd be back in an hour. And instead of leaving on Monday morning, he wanted to leave at 4pm...

So in the end, we left on Sunday at 7pm after playing the "waiting game" (where everyone in my family waits for everyone else to get ready)!! So in the end, my plans to rest came to an end but it was a good trip.. :) Will post the pics up soon..

Family trip in Gentings

Am sitting in a coffee shop in Gentings with my mum and sis while my bro and dad are having their nap. *grin. It's been quite a trip so far (in a good way)... Will blog more soon...

Frustrated ranting

I'm frustrated. Of all days, it has to happen today. Why not next week? The timing would be better. I get this once to three times a year (am happier when I don't get this at all). This is the third time this year and it's just been bad. Ended up sleeping most of the day- since I feel like I was dying otherwise - and despite it all, my head is telling me that all is not right yet.

I need to finish up something by tonite and I die die have to go into office tomorrow - made worse since I couldn't go in today. Am still hoping that the pain does not come back(my back and my stomach is telling me that it's a 50/50 at the moment). It's just not been my day. :( *sigh.

On Facebook

It's been a week since I've been on facebook and am finding out for myself how time consuming it can be(I try to limit myself to an hour a day). And I find myself having less time to blog! *horror.. Maybe it's just the 'newness' of it. Nevertheless, I have no regrets - managed to find one of my long lost friends from college days and found out one of my 'green house' housemate(whom I've lost touched with - she did warn me that she'd be an abysmal letter writer) from Melbourne Uni OCF days just got engaged a few days ago! Another close friend from Melbourne Uni days (now living in UK) told me that she was glad that I was more accessible through facebook too. I've also been able to catch up with two of my mentees because of facebook. *grin

So yeah, it's been definitely time consuming - but it has its rewards as well. :)

I wonder

I was struck by this when I read this recently. When I was packing up my stuff for the end of semester(as is the seminary's requirement), I was reminded that it always amazes me (and my fellow friends at seminary) at the amount of things that we accumulate every 6 months. The usual question on our minds at the time usually is - where did all these things come from?!?!? For this semester, I've tried to leave some of my stuff in the boxes. It has worked somewhat - packing has been faster for me this sem (around 4 hours). I know a friend who needs at least a day. Oh well, will continue to strive for a simpler lifestyle next sem. :)

Quote on tiredness

“One may go a long way after one is tired” - French Proverb

*I think I'll be testing this out over the next two months..

Toss the Feathers

A pretty cool and appealing piece of Celtic instrumental music by the Corrs.

Recession Offer?!?!?

Was walking around in a shopping complex this evening just before dinner and saw this..

Am now on facebook!

It's been a long time coming - have finally succumbed to facebook!! :)

Thinking aloud

It's 12.30am and I just got home not too long ago. I've been strongly reminded of how much things there are to do in church. Had a planning meeting for Christmas earlier this evening (after crashing for two hours) which went well. These few days have made me appreciated on how much time I had in STM this year to just let God work on me. I barely seem to have time to think, much less time to breath and hear myself think or to do any sort of writing (OR reading).

Every meeting means more work, more things I have to do and sort out - especially since I'm back in the office and there are expectations to be met. At the same time, I need to allocate time to meet up with people that I can't usually meet up with during the semester. Am trying to keep a balance between building relationships and working on tasks (which seems to get more and more). So in the last two days, I feel like my original list has been expanded and doubled. In addition, I have also been asked to consider writing a theme song for the church for next year(anyone interested to co-write this with me?). Sometimes, I really really wonder if I'm going to be able cope and wonder at how I used to push myself to do it all. Somehow, I'm just going to have to find a way.

On a positive note, the email that affected me earlier this week has been sorted out today. Thanks to all who have been praying for me. I really appreciate it. In a way, it has been an encouragement to me to keep on going despite the rather monumental task ahead. I'm still learning to take His hand and trust Him more instead of pushing it away and working it out on my own. It's hard but I'm thankful that He's been patient with me and gently nudges me at times.

Oh well.. That's probably all my thoughts left for today. Need to get to sleep. Need to survive through tomorrow...

Craziness at the church office

These two days have been rather eventful. I hope it's not going to set precedence for the rest of my time back here in the office till the end of the year. The getting sick for a week thing might end up not to be merely wishful thinking if this goes on. I'm already almost dead and running on low battery and there's still so much to complete for the rest of the day (and night). Instead of preparing for tomorrow's event, I've spent half the morning troubleshooting and dealing with people issues(which brought quite a few revelation at the same time). I think I'd rather sleep than eat for lunch at this point of time.

Thank God that I also managed to rummage a nice breakfast of eggs, bacon and hash brown(which made me a happy person). Some time of quiet before coming to work helped also. Thank God Leon helped me to sort out with the aircond issue also(one of my colleagues who cannot stand the cold told me that I should be put in the freezer.*grin). I'm also glad I got some time to pray with my mum last night- otherwise I'd probably worse off this morning - though I ended up having around 5 hours plus of sleep.

For the rest of the day there's preparation for tomorrow's meeting for one of the sessions(somehow got caught into it), talk with senior pastor about other issues, sort out ministry issues (part 2 from this morning), prepare for Christmas planning meeting(that's also happening this evening). Have to finish all these because I have a conference to attend for the next two days. If I have any energy left at 5pm, I promised Leon that I'd go to the gym with him also. Have been looking forward to shoot a few hoops.

Ok. Really need to go and get some rest and work out the rest later..

Office antics has started

I've been back in the office for barely one hour and the antics have started. :) Forgot how some people can't stand the cold. On Saturdays I am usually in and out so I barely notice (also the ones that cannot stand cold are out - so i have the liberty of blasting it). One aircond is off, the other one is barely moving. *Sigh. I love the cold, so to me, the air is rather stifling. Will probably move to the other end of the office in the afternoon when it gets really unbearable.

Also, one of my colleagues, uncle Chee Seng is having stomach upset so he has spent the last few minutes literally lying on the floor *grin. (was really tempted to take a pic and post it up but I thought I might end up dying otherwise). All I can say is, good thing senior pastor is not around today. ahhahaha

My Toes Are Also Laughing - conversations with uncle David

Have been spending some time with Uncle David during mealtimes (Yoshua joined us this morning and Chin Ying joined us this morning and this evening) since yesterday evening. He's such a sweetheart and I'm seriously glad that he'll be around until June next year. I must say that I find that one of his expression 'my toes are also laughing' to be rather cute.

I particularly enjoyed this evening's conversation and was rather encouraged by his sharing on how he became a Christian. His faith and his humour was uplifiting. It was definitely a good time of just leaving aside my 'grouches' for a little while and being reminded of the more important things.

I cast all my cares

As a little girl I used to listen to 'Psalty' all the time. I used to love the songs and my parents would play the cassette over and over. This was, and is still one of my favourites:

I cast all my cares upon You
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet
At any time I don't know what to do
Lord I cast all my cares upon You

It's cloudy...

Still have to gather materials, pack, clean up room, tie up loose ends, have dinner with close friends, pack some more then head home. Then it's back to the office tomorrow - and I'm not exactly looking forward to it (not after the other day's fiasco). *sigh. I think I need to sleep for a week. Now would probably be a good time to get sick. :p

Thought for the day

I'm glad for friends who 'emo' alongside me and who cares when I am 'emo'-ing. Thanks CY, DL, VC and SR for helping to see me through today.

Quote on unreasonable people

“Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people.” - George Bernard Shaw

Just need to rant...

Just read an email - and I feel like I've been slapped in the face.... *sigh.. This is just great.... :p

Looks like i have a few options
- put up a drama (worth considering)
- choose to just give up and quit (which is really tempting)
- just take it and be idiotically submissive (bottom of the list)
- hit back hard and to **** with everything (also tempting)
- pray about it (probably the best option)
- sleep on it and work something out-no matter how difficult (which should be the next best thing)

*Looks like my yearly visit to one of my pastor friends is no longer optional - but necessary for my sanity.

Everyone's gone and plans ahead...

The last few days have been a flurry of activities (not to mention lack of sleep). There was the farewell on Thursday nite, followed by commissioning service on Friday morning, graduation dinner on Friday night and graduation service yesterday(Saturday) afternoon- not to mention all the rushing around one has to do in between (the practices, writing farewell cards, pastorate group duties, etc). *phew
I have also spent most of the last 24 hours just catching up with my girlfriends before they leave for the holidays. It's been good just to spend some time with them with all that has happened in the past semester. I appreciated our sharing and reflections on how much God has been working in our lives individually as well as through each other. It's at time like these that make moments at STM precious.

They(most of my close friends) are now all gone and STM is rather quiet. I still have much to do before I leave for home and the office in two day's time - also to find some time for myself before I head back to the craziness in the office. My worship ministry boss has already made several plans for me *sigh*- two conferences to attend, yearly planning meeting, I've been asked to take a music workshop for the next two months for keyboards and worship leading, Christmas planning, reprinting songbooks - and this is barely scratching the surface (have not included the stuff that I have to do for my college uni ministry). Also, have a personal project to work on, a paper to finish by end of this month and start working on thesis.

So for now and the next two days, I think I'll enjoy the quiet, finish up some stuff and try to get a bit of rest before the craziness starts again...

One Year

Someone pointed out to me that it's been one year past since I last went to Cairo. I remember this time last year I was rushing around to get things done to go. How time flies! Perhaps it'll be another year before I do so. I still miss my family and friends there.

It'll be another year (a challenging one) of seminary studies before I graduate and I'm really really looking forward to the end. Yoshua pointed out that it should be something to be savoured too - of which I thoroughly agree. As I think back, I remember in the first semester of my first year, I'd be glad to survive my first year. And now the third year is over and I'm still in STM (how amazing!). So here's to another year ahead! In the meantime, it's back to the church office for the next two months.

Congratulations to this year's graduands!!!

To my dear friends who will be graduating this year,
Congratulations to you guys on your graduation!! Especially to those from my year (Lee Yng, Charles, Daniel) and others who I consider good and close friends (Matthew Chay, Gerrad, Joshua, Uncle David, Desmond Kok, David Lai). Life in STM next year will definitely not be the same without you. You all have been a blessing to me personally and to the community here at STM.

As you continue on in your journey from here, I wish you all the best as you move on to ministry and to where God has called you. May our Lord bless you and keep you.

A prayer in time a time of stress

It cannot be that I do not have the time to talk to You
Nor to think about You

So in the midst of preparing for exams

And in rushing to finish up assignments

To You this prayer I write:

Help me to remember that You are with me

And that You uphold me when I feel like the world is going to crash

That in You, I find my source of hope and strength

I praise and worship You my King and my Master

For You are truly awesome and Holy and full of wonder

So even though my eyes are looking down

At my assignments and study notes

And my heart is at times heavy at the troubles and injustices that I see

Help me to look up and remember who You are

That my praise to You should not stop

Just because of my feelings and my struggles

Only You and You alone have I wronged

When I have not done the things that I should

Or have done things that I should not

I ask that You search deep within and forgive my sins

I love You, My Lord and My God

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart

Be acceptable to You My Rock and My Redeemer

God help the outcast

I thought of this song during one of my social ministry classes during this semester. There's actually another version sung by Bette Middler which I am quite struck by where the bridge goes:

'I don't know if there's a reason why some are blessed and some are not,

And why the few you seem to favour

They fear us, flee us and try not to see us'

However, I chose this version because of the bit that portrays the parishioners - which seems so sad but true sometimes.



Esmeralda
I don't know if You can hear me
Or if You're even there
I don't know if You would listen
To a gypsy's prayer
Yes, I know I'm just an outcast
I shouldn't speak to you
Still I see Your face and wonder...
Were You once an outcast too?

God help the outcasts
Hungry from birth
Show them the mercy
They don't find on earth
God help my people
We look to You still
God help the outcasts
Or nobody will

Parishioners
I ask for wealth
I ask for fame
I ask for glory to shine on my name
I ask for love I can posess
I ask for God and His angels to bless me

Esmeralda
I ask for nothing
I can get by
But I know so many
Less lucky than I
Please help my people
The poor and downtrod
I thought we all were
The children of God
God help the outcasts
Children of God

Random thought

Just realised that it's actually been a long while since I last composed a song. Before I came into STM, I told myself that I should keep on composing. Have saved a few melodies so far but just need to put in the words - something that I'm usually quite weak in. The factor, as usual, is always TIME. Perhaps I ought to take a few days off to compose something one of these days.

This thought just came while I'm doing my exegesis on Psalm 19. Hahaha- definitely worth exploring by the end of this year if I'm not swamped with thesis and church work. :p

Am thinking it'll be cool to exegete a passage in the bible and write a song on that. Definitely something worth trying out one of these days. *grin

Quote

O my Lord, if I worship You from fear of Hell, burn me in Hell; and if I worship You from hope of Paradise, exclude me from Paradise. But if I worship You for Your own sake, do not withhold from me Your Eternal Beauty.
-Rabia Al-Adawiyya (mystic)

*was reminded of this beautiful quote when talking about mystics with some juniors.

Assignments due and exams this week

I seriously have to stop thinking like this next year (even though it's true)!

My Builder's working on me

Throughout this year, it feels as if the walls in different parts of my world seem to be knocked off time and time again. The rebuilding has been taking a lot of time and it has been definitely very exhausting as well for me personally. Just when one wall has been almost completed, another wall seems to be torn down. Of course, I could never have done the rebuilding alone. My Builder was at many times alongside me even though I had quite a few arguments and was rather unhappy at times. I also had help from specialists that He sent. Each specialist helped to build the different walls of the structure and I must say that I am truly grateful for them.

From where I stand, the debris are still all over the place, but the emerging structure seems to be more solid and even more beautiful. The thing is, I really hated it and even was devastated when all the renovations started. I was just happy with just repainting, just doing some minor repairs or just maintaining the structure. After all, I was quite comfortable with the old structure. However, my Builder seems to have had other things in mind - as He so often does - and the unsound walls just had to go.

One of the things that have resulted is that I've learnt to appreciate certain parts of the structure where I used to despise. There was one structure where people have even told me that they thought was bad. I wanted my Builder to tear it down time and time again and I was hoping that He'd do so since the rennovations are quite extensive. However, my Builder keeps on telling me that He refuses to remove that part because it was always in His plan and that it was an essential part of me. He got in one specialist who had a similar structure to help me understand that it is good and to even learn to love it.

There was another part of the structure which I couldn't understand and was even afraid of for a long time now. I was amazed when He sent another of those specialist to help me appreciate it and that it was a gift from Him. The specialist gave me some great ideas of what I could do and helped me not to be afraid.

In the last few days, the Builder seems to be deciding that another wall might have to come down. Things seem to be uncertain at this point. Of course I'll be devastated if the wall has to come down, especially since it might mean losing two specialists that have been helping me hold things up, but I am continuing to learn to trust that my Builder knows what He is doing. The funny thing is, you know the structure that I've come to despise? Somehow, because of this, I'm learning to actually like and even appreciate it. Again, my Builder knows what He is doing and though sometimes He doesn't tell me everything (He seems to love to surprise me sometimes), I'm figuring out that what He does is good.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity."

Strength and weakness

Perhaps this is one of the paradoxes of life. Just when I think that I am strong, I realise how weak I am.

But For Your Grace

Simple but beautiful...


But for Your grace - I would not be saved
But for Your grace - I would go my way
I'm forever grateful that You have been faithful to me Lord
For Your amazing grace

Interesting blog without words

My sister introduced me to this blog - a blog without words and yet it says a lot! I guess a picture IS worth a thousand words. Definitely worth visiting.

Quote

"The great stumbling block is the moderate Christian who prefers a negative peace, which is the absence of tension, to a positive peace, which is the presence of justice." - Martin Luther King Jr

For fun

From www.comics.com

Special People - Thaima

You've been gone for a long while now. It's been 16 years. Yet, your life has had a profound impact on mine in so many ways. And so this very first post in the series is dedicated to you.

My siblings and I used to call you 'Thaima' (Hokkien for great grandmother).
You were never the kind of person who'd stand out in a crowd or draw attention to yourself. I remember you always doing things quietly and faithfully. Also, no matter how life was tough on you, you never became bitter - even to those who have treated you like dirt or to those who’ve wronged you. And from the stories you told me of your childhood and your life, you would have had plenty or reasons to be - living in poverty, then sold by your parents when you were young to a rich man who later became your husband so that you could bear his barren first wife some children. Life was harsh and even unfair to you in so many ways. Yet, you’ve never grumbled, never complained, never uttered a single bad thing about them.

At the same time, I remember that you were always thankful for even the smallest things. You'd take more than 10 mins to thank God for your small fillet-o-fish burger. ‘Kam siah chu’ (Thank You Jesus) would never be far from your lips and I remember hearing them every day.

I also remember you sitting at my bedside every night to pray over my sister and I while we were sleeping. Sometimes I'd wake up and peek at you as you prayed. You’d sit by the edge of the bed and mumble words continuously for a long time in the dark. When I grew older, I remember asking you what you’d pray for us. You said that you’d pray that we'd grow strong in God, that we'd do well in our studies and in our future. Many years after you’d gone, at different points of my life, I’d look back and wonder if God is still answering your prayers for me. I wonder if you’d ever envision that I’d be a full time worker one day – and if you’d be proud of me if you knew.

Your simple faith in God has also always been a challenge to me. God always seem to answer your prayers no matter how small they were. I recollect of the time when I lost my watch or keys for the umpteenth time and I knew I’d be in big trouble if I couldn’t find them and I enlisted your help. Though you scolded me, you prayed that you’d find it. You did so in a matter of minutes while it took me more than a futile hour (which prompted me to desperately turn to you for help).

I remember wishing that you’d be around until I was 30 (which meant that you’d be a hundred years old) so the day you went home was one of the saddest of my life – though I knew you’d gone home to be with God. I remember looking out of the window of the hospital that morning you and wondered why the sky was so clear and beautiful when my world had turned gray.

It’s been 16 years now and there are days when I’d remember you and still miss you. I still want to be like you in so many ways – your simple faith, your thankfulness and your constancy in prayers. As your great-granddaughter, your legacy of faith to me is very much treasured.

Thank You for her.

Special People - an introduction

Today's exactly one month away to another milestone in my life. It's not one of those significantly significant milestones. Nevertheless, it's one that cannot be ignored. At the same time, for the last year or so, I've been contemplating writing a special series on people who've had tremendous impact on my life thus far. In view of my upcoming milestone, I have thus come to a conclusion that this month would be an appropriate time to write the series. My only reservation in writing it is if I'd be able to see it through (after all, it's also assignment and exams time). I've decided to give it a go,regardless, for several reasons.

I write this as a tribute to them. For some, their stories may never be heard otherwise. What I am going to write may not do complete justice to them. It can only be but just a captured picture in their journey of life. Yet, if not for them, I'll not be who I am today - I'd definitely be a worse version of me. Writing this will be a way of expressing my appreciation for them as my milestone approaches.

At the same time, I write this as a reflection on my own spiritual journey. This year has been another year where God has been dealing with me - specifically in the inward parts of me and as a result, my worldview is continually being modified. It's something that I'm still struggling with and am working out as I adjust to my new bearings. In writing this at this time, I remind myself of where I have come from and how far I've journeyed. I also remind myself that if choose to stop learning, to stop moving forward, it's not only bad for me but also bring dishonour to some of these people that I will write about.

Finally, I write this as a way to honour God. It's to acknowledge that in it and behind it all, He the creator, is the one who weaves the stories of their lives and mine.

Therefore, for them, for myself and for God, the the series on 'Special People' shall be written...

The things students say in Christology/Soteriology class

Once saved always saved?
Mr Allen (Lecturer): How can you be sure you are saved?
Rod: “Because I’m an Anglican”.

Mr Allen (Lecturer): Widos. How can you be sure you are saved?
Widos: Because I have a faith.

"Judas was a Lutheran" (so says the Lutheran in the class).
*can't remember the context this comment was made. But I know everyone was a little stunned when that statement was made. Hahahaha

When God Ran

I cry most days whenever I hear this song... On the technical side, I love the vocals and the piano bits..

Thomas and Ju's Wedding recap

Thomas and Ju's wedding yesterday was quite lovely - the bride looked quite radiant and the groom looked the same as ever (with a big grin on his face). It was also good to see Marcus - the bestest cell group leader I've ever had - though his wife, Char is in Singapore due to some baby complications (their baby is due this Dec). :( Ky Vern and May was there too and I found out that they're expecting their baby some time in early Jan. We were all in the same cell group in 2000 so it was quite a nice reunion in some sense.

The ceremony actually started at 10am sharp and was over by 11-ish. Thomas' pastor from Netherlands gave the exhortation. She shared from Matt 17:20, which was also Ju's favourite verse. In a funny way, the sermon and one of the songs really spoke to me - in one of those moments where you least expect it. Was quite encouraged and comforted.

Despite the rush back and forth, am really glad I went.

Quote

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn" - Alvin Toffler

Thomas and Ju's wedding tomorrow

Will be heading home shortly. Just finished taking the Hebrew test a couple of hours ago - it wasn't too bad. Should be able to pass it at the very least. ;) Totally forgot something major today - thank God for lecturers who are understanding and full of grace. :)

Will be heading back home shortly. Last minute I decided to attend my friends' (Thomas and Ju's) wedding tomorrow - despite the big pile of work that needs to be done. I suppose if it was anyone else, I'd have no qualms skipping it. I met them both in OCF Melbourne in 2000. We were in the same cell group - which was quite happening. Thomas is quite a sweetheart (and a bit Ah Beng-ish) and loves having good food. I remember the three of us going down Lygon street to our favourite lamb souvlaki place - which was totally awesome. Ju is from Singapore and I remember her liking all things pink.

Ju, Char, Faye and I used to play mahjong and hang out together. Of course one of the main topic that we talked about was boys. *grin. In one of our late night mahjong games, we promised we'd attend each others weddings. Thomas and Ju are now living in the Netherlands and are getting married tomorrow. So, after going back and forth about this a hundred times, it'll definitely be worth it to go back just to see them again - and to keep a promise.

The song

The song is playing faintly
Some days it is loud and clear
On others, it can be barely heard

It used to be constantly filled with happy tunes
The melody is now but a steady tune
Not quite joyful, not quite melancholy
Just somewhat subdued and dull

Perhaps the melody will change again
But for now, the song will play softly and continuously

Just to relieve stress

Studying for final Hebrew test tomorrow.. If only exams could be this simple:


Taken from http://xkcd.com/

Specs or contacts...

One side of my specs broke at CUG camp and I had to get a new pair. Ever since I started wearing specs at age 12, I notice that most of my specs had calamities befall of them except for my last two pairs. After this last incident, I am seriously considering getting a pair of contacts. So while I was contemplating if I should get a pair (personally, I rather just put on my glasses than spending more than half an hour sticking the things into my eyes), I saw uncle Kam Weng at the shop.

I told him about my dilemma and he cheekily quipped "Guys don't make passes at girls in glasses". Lols.

A few words

Am so absolutely bushed. Just got home from a meeting which started yesterday. It's been pretty good so far. This evening was a highlight for me personally. It was also the first time I tried Iranian food which tasted rather awesome! I particularly liked the kofta-like thing. Tomorrow should be another interesting day. Then it's back to seminary. *sigh

Back from CUG camp

Am back from CUG camp... It's been a good time hanging out with my young people though I felt really really old compared to them. *groan. They have so much energy! The girls and their 'girly' talks were quite cute also. Brought back memories of when I was their age. :D I was assigned to sleep in the same dorm as the girls - and found some of their conversations rather interesting.

I missed coffee! They all seem to prefer milo - the committee apparently brought 5 sachets per person. :p For a person who used to pour down my milo down the drain when I was a little girl, I've had more milo (3 cups which were prepared by my angel Wern Ming) than I've had in the last 10(or even 15) years altogether. So no choice laa - have to set good example and don't want to hurt my angel who's a really sweet person. :)

The group was a small bunch. Nevertheless, the fellowship was good. The games that they played were quite interesting and meaningful - definitely good ideas to keep for the future.. Of course, there was the usual egg, flour and mess for one of the games - part of the modified musical chairs.

Pr Choon Meow did well as he spoke on 'Standing Tall'. He spoke on the two kingdoms and how to face failures and how to keep on going in their walk as Christians. I especially liked the first night as he showed a short clip from 'Chronicles of Narnia' to emphasise that there was a battle that's going on. He showed on the battle scene and just as the battle begun, the clip ended. Hahahha -their reactions were quite cute.

Speaking of cute, little Elijah (Pastor's children) was the usual star of the camp.. For one of the devotions on Joseph, when asked about who's a temptation to you? The people in my group said 'Elijah!' *grin

On the overall, it was a good camp. Got to know some of them a little better - as more than half of them do not attend CUG regularly. As usual, as I hang out with them, I always see the great potential in them and have a burden that they will keep on keeping on in the faith -especially when I see that many of my predecessors who was before me have left the church.

Holy Is The Lord - Chris Tomlin

We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down and worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He

Pre-CHORUS
And together we sing
(Everyone sing)

CHORUS
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory

BRIDGE
It's rising up all around
It's the anthem of the Lord's renown
(Repeat)

Going for camp and quirky taxi ride

This evening, I will be leaving for camp with my college uni group young people over this weekend.It's been almost a month(due to TEE classes, a visiting friend and being away for a family trip) since I last hung out with them - so am looking forward to some quality time with some of them.

Had to rush back from STM to catch the public transport (good thing I didn't go on the bus with the young ppl - they had left before I could arrive). Usually take the bus from Seremban followed by LRT and then catch a taxi to church. Today's taxi ride was rather quirky... After waiting some time for the taxi, I finally managed to hail one. After going one-third of the way to my destination, the taxi suddenly decided to stop and drop me off - he suddenly told me that he had to go to the airport... Which was rather weird... So I had to get off and catch another taxi... *sigh... Was definitely not too pleased with the incident cos I was already in a hurry... It also brought to mind an article I read earlier in the week.

Interesting computer accessories

Went shopping for a mouse last weekend and brought a 'pretty mouse' by g-cube which I really like. :) Another girl asked me about it and I checked out their website. I must say that they have pretty cool looking accessories.. Quite worth it to check out if you want aesthetically pleasing computer accesories. I also like the fact that it's travel friendly and you can wrap the cord in a certain way especially since my last mouse's wire was wrecked.. :p

Just for laughs

Am trying to psych myself to finish one of my assignments tonight. Have been taking forever to finish this. Saw this strip and just really related to it...

When the tears fall

By Tim Hughes

I've had questions without answers
I've known sorrow, I have known pain
But theres one thing that i'll cling to -
You are faithful, Jesus You're true

CHORUS
When hope is lost, I'll call you Saviour
When pain surrounds, I'll call you Healer
When silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart

In the lone hour, of my sorrow
Through the darkest night of my soul
You surround me and sustain me
My defender, forever more

CHORUS

BRIDGE:
I will praise You, I will praise You
When the tears fall, still I will sing to you
I will praise you, Jesus praise you
Through the suffering still I will sing

Slowing down and not liking it

Have a camp coming up this weekend, followed by a 3 day conference(which I've been really looking forward to since the beginning of this semester). Still having full load of classes this week and just finished attending TEE class on Parables over the last two weekends, which has been an eye opening experience in some ways.

So, when I sprained my leg yesterday evening (I was rushing around to pick up something from my brother and tripped on my way back), it's been a bit of a downer for me. Have spent most of today and yesterday in my room resting cos it hurts to walk. *sigh. This is also hard for me because it comes after having to spend a week in bed cos of a never ending fever two weeks ago (and work continues to pile up) and have been hoping to work some stuff out with some friends this week before my conference but am now rather constrained. Please pray for me.

Psalm 91

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the LORD,
"My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
or the arrow that flies by day,
or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD your refuge,
the Most High your dwelling place,
no evil shall befall you,
no scourge come near your tent.
For he will command his angels
concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me,
I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble,
I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
and show them my salvation.

Quote

"I'm an Arminian man with a Calvinist God" - Andrew Lim

Getting out of bed

Somehow I feel like this nowadays... I predict it's going to be like this for pastoral group breakfast in the morning.. Meeting at 7.35am. *groan

To fall in love again...

I want to fall in love with You again
It seems like it's been a while since I've truly been with You
Perhaps it's the mundane rhythm of life
That has crowded out the space between you and me
The vibrant colours now all seem to be just gray
The joyous dance has now become a crawl
The meaningful has become meaningless - boring even

I want to fall in love with You again
Perhaps when I am once more found in You
I'll find myself again

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. -Psalm 130:5-6

My Beloved Principal (2)

Took this photo at a TEE class over the last weekend as principal was trying out the rather 'small' chairs. He looks cute too here huh? *grin

Happening next weekend - Second Chance

It's that time of the year again. PJEFC's harvest event is coming up next weekend. If you are free on Fri-Sun (12-14th Sept), do drop by and check out the play. The script is written by one of my friends - Tan Shin Ee.

An unexpected turn

It never ceases to amaze me where You lead me on this road. Just when I think that the road ahead is straight and leads me to where I've been before, I encounter another unexpected turn. At times, it is exciting. At times, it is hard.

Today has been a pretty great day for me. I made a new friend. For most of today, I had an awesome time getting to know this new friend and have learnt so many new things. The amazing thing is how the friendship was just so 'happening' - like a house on fire. I got to know this friend from a friend from my trip from Cairo who I knew through a mutual friend who I got to know from another long time friend here in Malaysia.

Am beginning to think that there are no coincidences in the way that God leads. I suppose that life is now back on the main road again - but who knows where this unexpected turn will take me one day??? It seems to me that the unexpected turns over the last many years are slowly taking me to a place that I never dreamt of. But for today, this unexpected turn was a good diversion - and a good reminder of how my burden for a certain group of people is not a mere dream or what one would term in Malay as 'angan-angan'. I was reminded again that what is impossible for men - whatever the obstacles may be (race, religion or nationality), it is not impossible for God.

It was an experience to have an Arab Christian visiting my church today (the person welcoming visitors had to read the visitors card a few times to confirm that he was from UAE) - as much as I think that it was a new experience for my friend.

It was quite an experience for me to learn more about and from him in these areas:

- how God preserved his life over a few incidences

- his job - how he was placed in this job despite his nationality and his belief and his age

- how his belief influences his worldview and how he actually practices it daily (especially in his job)

- how life is like in the UAE (both the ups and the downs)

- how much a guy have a lot to say (besides someone else that I know. *grin)
- I was especially impressed that despite his position and his income(both of which came as shockers to me), he was quite an easy person to get along with and quite straightforward.

Like I said, it's been a pretty good day for me cos I made a new friend. As to what lies ahead from here, I can Cairo's my big brother's words "We'll see... We'll see.."

Selamat Hari Merdeka ke-51

Hari ini negara Malaysia akan meraikan Hari Merdeka yang ke-51. Sebagai anak Malaysia, saya berharap semoga negara kita selalu aman dan damai dan rakyatnya - walaupun terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum dan agama - hidup bersama-sama dalam harmoni. Selamat Hari Merdeka kepada semua kawan-kawan dan keluarga!!!

Author's note: Thought to write something in BM, and in doing so, realised how rusty my BM is! Can't believe that I was able to write essays years ago in the language...

Book - "The Voice: A story of faith and trust" by R.W. Metlen

If you are stressed out or discouraged, and would like to read a light hearted book, I'd recommend this book. My friend grabbed me whilst I was in the library a couple of weeks ago and thrusted the book at me and said 'you gotta read this!'. I did, and it was hillarious! And so true... Read it in under 5 mins - the pics are funny.. *grin. The book cover is already quite cute.. :)

My Funny Father

Last week when I went for a trip with my family, I was reminded of how funny my father is. Before heading for our family vacation, we went to Camerons to pick my dad up. I was feeling rather crappy by the end of the journey and had a terrible headache and was coughing quite a storm. So I asked my dad for some panadol before we went out for dinner. Naturally, I was expecting this from my dad:


Instead, I got this:



Hahaha. If you read the label carefully, you'd realise there are ONE THOUSAND tablets in the bottle(Btw - just realised that the man on the left hand side of the pic is my dad! Didn't realised that he was there when I took the pic. *grin). The bottle was half full and I had to put it in my handbag (couldn't find anything to put the tablets in at the time and my head was really pounding) and head off to dinner. As soon as I finished eating, I brought it out and my mum and my siblings laughed till they cried when I explained why I had this humongous bottle of paracetamol with me. My father was quite amused as well.

After dinner, we went back to the house and my cough was quite bad so my dad found some cough medicine for me. He then said that he'd get me some water to down the medicine. Instead of getting a glass of water, he passed me this:

A 5 Liter mineral water bottle! My siblings just laughed and laughed and laughed. In the end, I had to find my water bottle and pour the water into it. My dad was just really funny that evening.

Looking on the bright side, all these antics reminded me of these verses:
Matthew 7:7-11 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

The alternate gardening

This year during STM gardening time, I have decided not to do gardening.. Hahaha.. no- it's not that I've been exempted from or 'ponteng'(play truant) gardening. Earlier this year, my friend and 'big brother' Matthew Chay told me that he would be heading a small team(2-3 persons) who will be helping out with doing some minor maintainence in STM and asked me if I would like to help. I readily agreed as I figured that it would be more interesting than gardening - which usually consists of sweeping the ground, throwing dry leaves, cleaning the drain and cleaning the dining hall and common room and I was right. :)

This afternoon, Matt and I did some painting on the road - it was one of those painting the lines of the carpark. It was a fun experience (and definitely heaps better than gardening)! Of course there were some jibes about me being a girl and whether I'm capable of doing such stuff, that the paint was not yellow (hey - Mr Lee,our STM maintenance guy gave us the white paint ok?!?), that the lines I painted were crooked (:p it was pretty straight upon closer inspection by the accusers. *grin). Nevertheless it's was good fun!

Besides painting, we've done some woodwork (built a funky looking shoe shelf - a prototype which Mr Lee says that will be eventually be done for all the dorms, reconverted an old computer desk and last week we built some sort of netting), some electrical stuff (we replaced a ceiling fan and the control in two different rooms) and other odd jobs (checked out the wiring for a water heater, fixed a fuse in a cooler and got it working, and fixed a railing in one of the dorm rooms). I've really enjoyed working with Matt. Of course he's been quite a gentleman and do generally do the heavier stuff - but lets me have my turn as well. He reminds me of my other big bro in Australia -steady and dependable and good natured. :)

Anyways, it's been quite a learning experience for me - who knows, it might come in handy one day... Doing stuff like these have been infinitely more satisfying too - especially when one looks at the created stuff (like the bookshelf or the painted stuff).

For Fun - Happy Working Song

Thought this was a little bizarre when I first watched it- when fairy tales and reality meet. *grin

Article- "Spotlight on Egypt's marriage crisis" By Magdi Abdelhadi

This article somehow caught my attention.. Thought it gave some interesting insights to Egyptian culture.

"I want to get married" is a perfectly normal thing to say for a young Egyptian man. But when a girl says it in such a conservative society - let alone writes a book with that title - she is making a political statement.

"Girls are not supposed to be actively seeking something, a girl simply exists for someone to marry or divorce her," says the author of the top-selling book, Ghada Abdelaal. "To say she wants something is seen as impolite."

The book started as a blog, before it was spotted by an Egyptian publisher and printed as a series of comic sketches in which flawed and failed suitors came knocking at her parents' door.
A paranoid policeman, a hirsute fundamentalist, a pathological liar and other hilarious caricatures are portrayed in sparkling Egyptian vernacular.

Marriage anxiety
The veiled, softly-spoken Abdelaal is a sharp and witty observer of social incongruity in Egypt, a feisty spirit trying to tear up stifling tradition.

She says her target is not Egyptian men but a tradition known as "gawwaz el-salonat" (living room marriage), where a stranger is brought to the family home and the daughter must decide whether to marry him on the basis of this brief encounter.

"People who go for a picnic need to know each other a little longer than that - let alone make a lifelong commitment," Abdelaal says.

Read more here.