A Blessed Christmas to All!!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Holiday pics
Here's one of many pics that I've been meaning to post up since my Nov Hols... These are taken from our jungle trip... It was a great time of fellowship with my dad, Lucy and my dad's two helpers..
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Grateful
I'm thankfully still alive despite the lack of blogging activity...
Have been adjusting rather well to working in church - despite it being busy ALL THE TIME!!! Some days, I just have to remind myself to sit down(literally) in the middle of work and just breathe...
Am grateful for whatever down time I can get and try to rest whenever I am able to.
Several things I miss the most since being here is hanging out with friends, being able to have time to read and reflect...
Nevertheless, being back has been really good. I've been blessed to be with the young people in my church as well as with my uncle, aunt and cousin from Australia who has been visiting (my big bro too!!!)... :)
Have been adjusting rather well to working in church - despite it being busy ALL THE TIME!!! Some days, I just have to remind myself to sit down(literally) in the middle of work and just breathe...
Am grateful for whatever down time I can get and try to rest whenever I am able to.
Several things I miss the most since being here is hanging out with friends, being able to have time to read and reflect...
Nevertheless, being back has been really good. I've been blessed to be with the young people in my church as well as with my uncle, aunt and cousin from Australia who has been visiting (my big bro too!!!)... :)
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Happenings
I am beginning to understand why my friends who have graduated previously blog less and less. As soon as I get to work it's go go go all the way and before I know it, it's the end of the day! I'm still trying to find my footing to slow down to have more time to pray or to do some reading but it oftentime seems impossible. There are a hundred ideas and thoughts of what I have to do running in my head and I feel like I can't write them fast enough before I forget or miss out something.
However, I'm so excited cos there are so many things that are moving in the same time and in wonderful ways!
I'm thankful for gentle reminders from good friends to take time out to pray over stuff along the way - things that I may be concerned or getting anxious about.
I'm also grateful for the help that I've been getting from my young people who are so efficient and reliable. God seems to be sending more along the way and I take these as great opportunities to do mentoring and discipleship.
I'm looking forward to visits from different people this month - from close and dear relatives, from a big bro and best friend that I've not seen in ages, from new found friends at the end of the month. :)
However, I'm so excited cos there are so many things that are moving in the same time and in wonderful ways!
I'm thankful for gentle reminders from good friends to take time out to pray over stuff along the way - things that I may be concerned or getting anxious about.
I'm also grateful for the help that I've been getting from my young people who are so efficient and reliable. God seems to be sending more along the way and I take these as great opportunities to do mentoring and discipleship.
I'm looking forward to visits from different people this month - from close and dear relatives, from a big bro and best friend that I've not seen in ages, from new found friends at the end of the month. :)
Friday, December 04, 2009
Back in church office full-time after graduating!!
Am now in the church office as of 1st Dec 2009.... It's been a crazy last few days - especially because there's a number of big things due by the end of the year. Everything's moving in 5th gear!!! Thankfully I'm not involved in the Christmas preparations *yet*.
Have not had much time to read, write or reflect -it looks like I'll have to leave that for Mondays. I AM thankful for the little help I can get along the way and I'm look forward to see what else God has in store for both my church and for me!!
Have not had much time to read, write or reflect -it looks like I'll have to leave that for Mondays. I AM thankful for the little help I can get along the way and I'm look forward to see what else God has in store for both my church and for me!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Right here, right now
Am chilling out at starbucks while waiting for my dad to finish up his stuff... The traveling around has stopped and am glad to be parked in one place - though it may not necessarily mean that it's peaceful... Following my dad around means that life is always on the move as he always seem to have itchy feet and heaps to do.. I finally had to boycott him yesterday so I could rest and just sit in a chair in front of the house and just stare up at the clouds and the mountains and do some reading.. The plan to going into the jungle for the second round has not materialised as heaps of things have cropped up (not to mention that we were in a rather shocking accident two days ago. Thankfully no one was hurt)..
Am just appreciating the silence and the restfulness.. It's been also good to just sit, pray and just sing with my OA friends... All the things that I won't be able to do when I get back to church office.. Yup - am really appreciating where I am right now...
Am just appreciating the silence and the restfulness.. It's been also good to just sit, pray and just sing with my OA friends... All the things that I won't be able to do when I get back to church office.. Yup - am really appreciating where I am right now...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Prayer for today
Another year has come and gone....
A chapter has finished
And another one is about to begin
Thank You for all that is past, both the good and the bad
Thank You for this day where you have created this child so many years ago
Thank You for what's to come
I ask that You keep on holding on to me
Keep on guiding me for what's ahead
That this life may be truly be pleasing unto You..
A chapter has finished
And another one is about to begin
Thank You for all that is past, both the good and the bad
Thank You for this day where you have created this child so many years ago
Thank You for what's to come
I ask that You keep on holding on to me
Keep on guiding me for what's ahead
That this life may be truly be pleasing unto You..
Monday, November 02, 2009
Traveling around
Am now in Alor Setar having a break after eating a fantastic lunch with Kea Chai, Mee Ngik, Gunaraja and Lucy. Next stop - meeting with Gerrad in Sungai Petani. Whoopee!!! Will be spending the night in Penang with a relative before heading to Ipoh to meet up with other STM friends and relatives tomorrow onwards...
Langkawi for the last four days was great!! Am rather thankful for our host, an acquaintance from STM who took Lucy and I around.. We had some really good Thai and local food.. Since there were a lot of duty free shops, a lot of stuff was worth buying - I bought some chocolates and some bags (I especially loveeeeee my new sling bag which was bought at a very reasonable price)!!
We went for to ride on the Langkawi cable car ride and swimming at Pasir Tengkorak... The highlight of the trip for me personally was our visit to Pulau Payar Marine Park.. We went snorkelling for most of the day - we saw corals and lots of different fishes.. There was even shark feeding... It was an amazing feeling... I even swam next to this huge barracuda!! :)
It's been a really really good break so far though it'll be perhaps more restful for the next few weeks as I contemplate going back to the highlands for some non-traveling and quiet time... Will post up pictures soon when I'm more settled... Need to hit the road again soon!
Langkawi for the last four days was great!! Am rather thankful for our host, an acquaintance from STM who took Lucy and I around.. We had some really good Thai and local food.. Since there were a lot of duty free shops, a lot of stuff was worth buying - I bought some chocolates and some bags (I especially loveeeeee my new sling bag which was bought at a very reasonable price)!!
We went for to ride on the Langkawi cable car ride and swimming at Pasir Tengkorak... The highlight of the trip for me personally was our visit to Pulau Payar Marine Park.. We went snorkelling for most of the day - we saw corals and lots of different fishes.. There was even shark feeding... It was an amazing feeling... I even swam next to this huge barracuda!! :)
It's been a really really good break so far though it'll be perhaps more restful for the next few weeks as I contemplate going back to the highlands for some non-traveling and quiet time... Will post up pictures soon when I'm more settled... Need to hit the road again soon!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Holiday....
The first week of my break has come and gone... It's been a rather exciting week.
Am up at the highlands and spent three days in the jungle earlier this week, living in a bamboo hut with no electricity or toilets.. There's no beds either... Lucy and I had to mandi in the river - but the water's so refreshing that we spent a really long time in it and really enjoyed the experience... It was really awesome.... Would have stayed there longer but food supplies ran out and our work there was done.
Made two new friends - which is always good... It has also been very encouraging to see their love for God and their willingness to serve Him in the jungle... Their enthusiasm has been very contagious and they made the trip really great.. One of them would gather the children in whatever village we went and teach them the song "Tuhan aje bor!" (God is so good) which the children never got tired of..
It was an eye-opening experience for Lucy as it was her first time.. It was a good reminder to me of those who have to live on so little and how much more we have to help them... Many were sick this time round and was asking for medicine - and unfortunately, there was not enough to go around... We had to ration the giving of clothes as well... Many were wearing clothes that were in tatters and some children had to go without clothes - so they were grateful for whatever we could give them.
After coming out, we went to visit a Myanmar refugee camp.. As they sang songs of hardship and of God, those of us who were visiting just had tears in our eyes. It was really beautiful... The stories they shared with us drove us once again to tears.. It was a good time..
The last two days have been more relaxing and today we explored the highlands a bit more.. We're heading for Langkawi next and am really looking forward to doing a bit of snorkelling and visiting old friends...
Am up at the highlands and spent three days in the jungle earlier this week, living in a bamboo hut with no electricity or toilets.. There's no beds either... Lucy and I had to mandi in the river - but the water's so refreshing that we spent a really long time in it and really enjoyed the experience... It was really awesome.... Would have stayed there longer but food supplies ran out and our work there was done.
Made two new friends - which is always good... It has also been very encouraging to see their love for God and their willingness to serve Him in the jungle... Their enthusiasm has been very contagious and they made the trip really great.. One of them would gather the children in whatever village we went and teach them the song "Tuhan aje bor!" (God is so good) which the children never got tired of..
It was an eye-opening experience for Lucy as it was her first time.. It was a good reminder to me of those who have to live on so little and how much more we have to help them... Many were sick this time round and was asking for medicine - and unfortunately, there was not enough to go around... We had to ration the giving of clothes as well... Many were wearing clothes that were in tatters and some children had to go without clothes - so they were grateful for whatever we could give them.
After coming out, we went to visit a Myanmar refugee camp.. As they sang songs of hardship and of God, those of us who were visiting just had tears in our eyes. It was really beautiful... The stories they shared with us drove us once again to tears.. It was a good time..
The last two days have been more relaxing and today we explored the highlands a bit more.. We're heading for Langkawi next and am really looking forward to doing a bit of snorkelling and visiting old friends...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
For the next few weeks
Came back from a pastoral retreat with the pastors of my church. Having a short break before heading to the jungles of the highlands for a couple of days.. Then will be doing some traveling around to meet up with people as well as some time out before coming back to a big pile of work... :)
Friday, October 16, 2009
Finishing line
Today's THE Day!!! The finishing line is here!! I'm finally graduating!!
Thank You God!
It's been a remarkable four years.... :)
Thank You God!
It's been a remarkable four years.... :)
Friday, October 02, 2009
Almost There
Attended my classes for the final round last week. Exams are over. Assignments are over. There is no more restart button (my friend Daniel, used to say that it all restarts at the beginning of the semester - the classes, assignments and end of sem exams). This particular phase of life will be over.
I thought that after all the exams and assignments especially, I'd feel this sense of great freedom and relief. I think what Mr Allen said is more appropriate -it's more of a process of winding down.
For now, the finishing line is FINALLY in view. Personally, the last year has taught me that it's about so much more than the last 4 years. In part, it's a closure of what He's begun in 1999. It's taken me 10 years and the finishing line is almost here. The journey still goes on for there will always be another milestone to reach. However, I am almost there at the upcoming one. I am almost there. I am almost there....
I thought that after all the exams and assignments especially, I'd feel this sense of great freedom and relief. I think what Mr Allen said is more appropriate -it's more of a process of winding down.
For now, the finishing line is FINALLY in view. Personally, the last year has taught me that it's about so much more than the last 4 years. In part, it's a closure of what He's begun in 1999. It's taken me 10 years and the finishing line is almost here. The journey still goes on for there will always be another milestone to reach. However, I am almost there at the upcoming one. I am almost there. I am almost there....
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Craziness - for the final week *hopefully*
Haven't been blogging much lately as I've been trying to put aside everything that distracts and concentrate on studies.. I still find that I need to put a whole lot more effort on a paper than previous years but it's been definitely better than last sem.
Anyways, just thought to note down here that it's going to be a super crazy week ahead, still finishing up some papers, 2 final exams, reflection papers to complete, leading pastoral group on Wed, have dinner to attend and evaluations to finish up and leading worship on Sunday (and I still feel I've left out one or two things *sigh)... Am looking forward to the coming Sunday after church service when things will finally die down.. Lucy's suggestion of sleeping for three days after everything's over sounds REALLY GOOD right now. In the meantime, value prayers for this coming week.... :) Will try to write more after this... Have so many ideas stuck in my head at the moment - just no time to get it out.. :p
Anyways, just thought to note down here that it's going to be a super crazy week ahead, still finishing up some papers, 2 final exams, reflection papers to complete, leading pastoral group on Wed, have dinner to attend and evaluations to finish up and leading worship on Sunday (and I still feel I've left out one or two things *sigh)... Am looking forward to the coming Sunday after church service when things will finally die down.. Lucy's suggestion of sleeping for three days after everything's over sounds REALLY GOOD right now. In the meantime, value prayers for this coming week.... :) Will try to write more after this... Have so many ideas stuck in my head at the moment - just no time to get it out.. :p
Monday, September 14, 2009
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Crazy Conversation with self
Stressed-out-me: Man, there's so much to do.. Dun know if I can finish by next friday.. I blame it on you.. getting me more and more stressed out... If only you didn't take so darn long to finish one paper... STOP making changes!
Perfectionist-me: Aiyah.. But then- if you simply do your work, you're going to regret not putting in more later..
Stressed-out-me: But then.. I'm killing myself here..
Perfectionist-me: Just till next Fri lah..
Stressed-out-me: But that's exactly it.. Friday is so close lah!! Stop dawdling with the work!! Having exam some more..
Perfectionist-me: chill lah...
Stressed-out-me: what chill?!?! stop chilling lah you.. Dun care d... dun care what grade you get lah.. just finish the dratted papers!
Perfectionist-me: but... but...
Stressed-out-me: stop 'but' - ing... get the work done... hey 'taking-a-break-me'.. stop blogging and whatever not and get back to work!
Taking-a-break-me: ok ok... But you guys just stop arguing.. It's driving ME crazy..
Perfectionist-me & Stressed-out-me: Whatever.... (And the two goes back and to their never ending argument)..
The-rest-of-me: *GROAN*
Perfectionist-me: Aiyah.. But then- if you simply do your work, you're going to regret not putting in more later..
Stressed-out-me: But then.. I'm killing myself here..
Perfectionist-me: Just till next Fri lah..
Stressed-out-me: But that's exactly it.. Friday is so close lah!! Stop dawdling with the work!! Having exam some more..
Perfectionist-me: chill lah...
Stressed-out-me: what chill?!?! stop chilling lah you.. Dun care d... dun care what grade you get lah.. just finish the dratted papers!
Perfectionist-me: but... but...
Stressed-out-me: stop 'but' - ing... get the work done... hey 'taking-a-break-me'.. stop blogging and whatever not and get back to work!
Taking-a-break-me: ok ok... But you guys just stop arguing.. It's driving ME crazy..
Perfectionist-me & Stressed-out-me: Whatever.... (And the two goes back and to their never ending argument)..
The-rest-of-me: *GROAN*
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Live For Today - Natalie Grant
This song's got a groovy rhythm. A good reminder for where I am right now.
Sittin' in my room staring at the wall
Wonderin' about the meaning of it all
Why is it this thing called life
Has got me goin' crazy
So I open up Your Word and let it speak to me
The purpose and the plan that You've designed
Is clear to see, and I believe
C:
I'm gonna live for today
I'm gonna follow in Your way
I'm gonna let my little light shine
Like there's no tomorrow
I won't worry about the past
I know my future is intact
So I'll choose to live my life one way
I'm gonna live for it today
You told me not to worry
About what lies ahead
So I am gonna focus on today instead
Making every moment count
And counting every single blessing
I'm gonna set my mind on the here and now
This is what I want my life to be about
And this is how...
CHORUS
B:
My oh so crazy life
It's got me spinnin' round and round
Hanging upside down
Takin' one step at a time
Holding Your hand all the way
And it'll be okay
Sittin' in my room staring at the wall
Wonderin' about the meaning of it all
Why is it this thing called life
Has got me goin' crazy
So I open up Your Word and let it speak to me
The purpose and the plan that You've designed
Is clear to see, and I believe
C:
I'm gonna live for today
I'm gonna follow in Your way
I'm gonna let my little light shine
Like there's no tomorrow
I won't worry about the past
I know my future is intact
So I'll choose to live my life one way
I'm gonna live for it today
You told me not to worry
About what lies ahead
So I am gonna focus on today instead
Making every moment count
And counting every single blessing
I'm gonna set my mind on the here and now
This is what I want my life to be about
And this is how...
CHORUS
B:
My oh so crazy life
It's got me spinnin' round and round
Hanging upside down
Takin' one step at a time
Holding Your hand all the way
And it'll be okay
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