RED! GREEN! YELLOW! BLUE!!!

after sending Zoe we returned to GRC on the pretense of doing work :P

haha... we ended up playing a mixture of Uno, Snap and Heart Attack. Can we come up with a new name for this? it's not exactly heart attack as we shouted out the colours...

Uno Attack? Uno Snap? Snap Attack?

*zoe... miss you a lot right now. Do blog and let us know you've arrive safely :)*

giving thanks =)

since ps gloria was talking about having a checklist of thanksgiving, here's mine because i think these people deserve a public ovation for what they've been to me for the year 2008 =)

God:
you have never failed to remind me of Your goodness, mercy and forgiveness. The year would never been complete without you.

Monica:
thank you for being understanding of the changes I've been going through. Through the rough time you were there to care and ask and not judge me. it's priceless.

Connie, Colleen, Elaine, Belhu:
haha... the notorious "flower sisters"... I totally enjoyed going out with the four of you... the endless photo taking sessions... scheming for Bel's surprise birthday at her own house. Talking nonsense to relieve stress.. praying together and facebooking photo comments..

I could go on with so many memories, but I'd like to give thanks for your friendship, fellowship and support. My year would not have been so fun-filled and memorable if it wasn't for our outings together. Let's make more memories in 2009!!!

Clement Hu:
who would know such a quiet chap would bring so much joy and entertainment! you might seem quiet but inside you have so much to say and think about. having you along for our outings definitely made it all the more joyful and memorable. Thanks for being our "undercover spy" for your sister's birthday. not to mention the other places we went together like the Agricultural Park, Korean BBQ, lunch after church and so many other occasions. You're a part of us as much as we are a part of you :)

Mr. Fan:
Thank you for being the understanding employer that you are always. I'm not an easy-going employee and my temper gets the best of me and its more than once [sorry!] that I've come storming into your office demanding to be heard :P

You are an inspiration in how you deal with all the situations that have cropped up in 2008 for GRC. I look forward to going another year with you and the other staff to make God's fame even more known through this ministry!

Uncle Kevin:
I give thanks for the spiritual input, guidance and advice given. You're like a father to me at times because you care and you watch out for me and all the other children in GRC. Not to mention encouraging me to walk another mile when I am tired and helping me to get a set of wheels to drive to work :)

Soph Chong ;)
When you left to do your O Levels it was kinda tough on me. I've learnt to look at you not just as a student, but as a friend and someone who understands me though there's a 10 year age gap between the two of us.

Watching you grow as a teenager has been joyful as I've seen how you dealt with issues of the heart and how you refused to let those dark times hold you down. You are always ready to look to God and give it one more go. True, there were depressing moments, but you never allowed youself to wallow in despair for long :)

Even now, though I don't see you in school anymore, I'm thankful we still keep in touch through MSN. It's cool to be able to have someone to talk to and share about stuff that I go through as well. Haha, though I wonder if you ever think why an adult like me would come to a teen and open up... that's because you're mature beyond your age :)

God bless you, love you lots kiddo ;)

Lydia Chang:
Thank you for literally helping me out in any area in the school. I know this year has been tiring for you. I promise to ease your burden in 2009. Your help and input this year has been valuable and I'm grateful for that. Your leadership and care for your fellow friends in school has not gone unnoticed. Though they irritate you to no end at times, you still choose to love, accept and guide.

I pray that in 2009 you will accomplish well in your studies and God will prepare you for a new stage of your life even as graduation approaches. I will be there for you to help you as much as I can. It's a promise :)

My kids:
Sometimes when people ask me how many children I have [as if i'm married] I love to tell them I have 109 of them. And the number will continue to grow every year I think ;)

Thank you for making me who the person I am this year. We've had a great time doing a lot of stuff in 2008. It's been a year of achievement, so many of you have taken the extra effort in your studies and in your character development as well. There were times when we thought it wouldn't work out, but somehow, God pulled us through some tough times.

It's my hope and prayer that next year we'll conquer even more mountains for God's glory. That we will be able to arise and shine for the glory of God. I look forward to 2009 when we shift to a bigger place and watch how this family at GRC will grow and expand :)

Love you, kiddoes =)

* of course the list could go on... but don't take offence if i didn't mention your name. I AM grateful for each and everyone of you whom I do know and gotten to know. God bless you as well!

the world you and i live in

On November 22nd, someone took his life.

A 19 year old college student from Florida, US had posted on forums his intentions to take what kind of drugs to kill himself. People thought he was joking. The day came when he turned on his webcam and declared he would do it in front of at least 1500 viewers online.

Some egged him on, telling him, "go ahead and do it,". Some thought it was just a stunt and that it was funny and punctuated their sentences with "lol". Their comments were seen instantly at the side of the screen. Many debated about whether the guy would actually kill himself. Some believed it to be joke. Some wondered if he would have the guts to do it. Yet, there were some who did take the effort to try to convince him otherwise. The boy called himself "useless, a failure" in the forums as he cited these reasons for his suicide.

In the end, when someone notified the authorities and the internet community saw the police barge into his room and check the now lifeless body, "OMG" was their instant response. What had been a joke turned out to be a real case of suicide.

The question is: what could have been done to stop that from happening?

The internet has long been debated to detach us humans emotionally. We lack the moral responsibility online because we can conveniently wash our hands off from what we say or do on the internet. What has happened to our humanity?

True, the guy had a choice in taking his own life. But that does not justify the fact that there are individuals out there who when the situation arises, they would choose to encourage someone to take their own life - whether in jest or seriousness. Is it a joke when someone tells you that they want to take their own life and end it just there and then?

Or is because its the internet... you can't trust everything you see on the internet?

If that is the case and reason, then what kind of world do we live in when we go online? When we log onto Facebook, are we really looking at the actual profile of a person or is it a conjured-up profile to cheat other Facebookers? When we blog or read blogs, are the things seen online true or are they written to attract attention?

What is the internet now to us? A thing for us to utilise or something that has been manipulated and twisted to a point where no one takes seriously a suicide attempt? Will our society one day reach a point where even if you're face-to-face in person with someone, you would just walk away and ignore a plea of help? There is nothing evil about the internet, tragedies like this speak of the level of development of our society, the moral responsibilities and duties that we have neglected.

ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the world you and i live in.

A world that certainly needs God.

Hi,

If you're reading this and you have intentions of taking your own life. Please, don't do it. It's not worth it to kill yourself over things, people, family, friend, financial problems and other crappy stuff. Talk to someone who is close to you that you can ask for help. Talk to a counsellor. Talk to someone in church. Talk to someone you know who will help you go through those difficult moments in life. Pray to God. But whatever it is, don't take your life and end it just like that. God has more things in life to bless you with. It doesn't matter what religion or faith you profess, you know deep inside of you... you were created for a higher purpose. Don't kill yourself. Please.

where am I amidst all of this?

I started the year 2008 hoping for things to be different... and I prayed and asked God to have His way in my life even more for 2008... well, I got what I asked. I won't go into too much details... but I must say... without God, I would not have survived this year by myself.

.

There were moments in this year where I disobeyed His voice a lot. I turned away from God's Word and Voice many, many times. Things happened to me, and even if I didn't do it directly, I indirectly did blame God for letting things happen the way they did.

.

But now as the year closes soon as the end of November approaches, I realised that God knew what He was doing for the past 11 months. That in His mercy and grace, even my disobedience had been used by God to show that He is still in control and running from Him is a bad decision compared to staying by His side.

.

It's not that I don't know it, it's not that I don't practise it... but well, sometimes... we can always treat God like a Coke machine and decide what we want out of Him and refuse to let Him decide for us instead.

.

It's been a year of learning to be broken before God. I think i've been strained financially, emotionally and spiritually for a reason. Not that God takes pleasure in seeing me fail time after time... but rather, God allowed things to happen to me for a reason.

.

TO KNOW THAT HE IS GOD. HE MEANS BUSINESS.

.

I'm a stubborn child. I want results. I demand explanations. So on purpose God has allowed situations to break me. He has allowed delay and He has also remained silent on certain things I continue to petition Him about.

.

He isn't deaf, He isn't cruel.

But my God is wiser than I could ever be.

.

I've been a run away from God enough already for 2008. I want my 2009 to be a year where I recommit myself. I'm taking steps now even as I speak. There are things I want to do so much again and put my heart in for the year 2009:

.

1. Evangelism - God, renew that passion for seeing the lost find You

2. Prayer - God, help me restore the connection point with You

3. Finance - Lord, I want to believe for more to give away next year

4. Relationships - Lord, Your wisdom and comfort in this area as I commit to pray by faith

5. Faith - To believe for greater things, to see a greater manifestation of You in my life

6. Ministry - I want to bless the youth, children and sick. Lord guide me in this.

.

At the moment, these are urgent things for 2009. Though simple, I know I've lagged in these areas for the year 2008.

.

Jesus, I'm going to decide for a better year ahead. I've had enough of being toyed around by the enemy. It's time to rip out the chains that have been holding me back. I'm charged and ready for a battle like never before!

.

My ifs will become an IS starting from today! Let's go, God! Together!

if anyone ...

if anyone would... it would have happened by now...
if anyone should... then why, where and how?
if anyone must.. it would have been allowed.

if... just if...
if... maybe if...

but well.. and if is just an if and never will be an "is".

How I wish things were an "is" right now.

not "if its going to be..."
but "it IS going to be"

if it IS meant to be... God, please stop the "ifs" for me.

I'm dying for an IS.

Remove not

Remove not these emotions that you have placed

within me since the day I was created

Remove not the capability to feel happiness, hope,

determination, patience, love and thanksgiving

Remove not the capacity to feel compassion,

to feel that prick of my conscience

to do good and justice instead of evil

But most of all, remove not the ability to cry

when sadness sees fit for tears,

remove not the ability to feel sorrowful, confused

and lost at times

when my emotions seem to tether

between reality and a self-conjured wall of security

Remove not the yearning to be

the person you want me to be

and even more than that,

remove not the urge to make a difference

in this life and banish notions of wanting

to just exist, breathe and eat

Remove not these feelings

that give me a personality and character
That I may never lose the gift

you have placed within me

the difference that separates me

from the animals and plants

You have given me a soul

that is capable of

feeling the good and also the bad

a soul that rages against the unfairness of life

a soul that weeps when it is afflicted

a soul that learns day by day

to depend on you for renewal,

restoration and redemption

Remove not the part of me

that makes me human, God

Remove not my feelings

despite the pain

because without the pain,

I would not have learnt to reach for you

for comfort and unfailing love

Remove not these feelings

for they become the stepping stones for me

stairways to honesty and acknowledgement

of the times when I fail

that you were there

to accept me the way that I am

this is to the he/she/they/me who cries at 3 a.m. alone...

this is to those moments where we feel so helpless and wish we would stop caring so we could feel less frustration....

this is to God who knows what He's doing though we haven't got a single clue sometimes...

Lord, Paul's plea to you during the thorn in his flesh... was remove not as well I think.

For in my weakness, my God's strength will be made perfect. One day, I'll give a testimony of it!

p.s. to you who knows this blog post is for you... love you. will always stand by you.

the reality of life

Can i be totally honest? Like how my blog title is?

... I need to spend more time with God. I think I've been treating Him like a Coke machine and a towel. When I need my quick fix.. I throw in a few coins and hope for a miracle from Him. When I make a mess, then I use the towel to wipe it up with His help and I go on living as if I don't need Him until the next mess.

I know. God doesn't want to do damage control. He'd much rather be pouring out blessing into my life.

I know that. I really know that.

I just need to hang on to His promises and not turn aside from them.

Jesus, I need You. I think I'm messed up and You know it though the whole world doesn't.

let the pictures do the talking =)

The place... =)








The food ;)


Cute menus :)


Breaded Chicken Chop


Mushroom Cappucino + Orange Green Tea


ICE CREAM!!!


Milk + Green Bubble Tea?!!! (ask Belinda)

Colleen =)


Connie and Belinda =)


Belinda the Birthday Girl


The Flower Four =) (Con, Elaine, Colleen and Bel)

Belinda again ;)

Colleen again :P

Andrew, Suzan, Connie and Leslie - The Fab Four

Posing =p

Meng Hao and Belinda

Belinda and Elaine

Connie and Clement (zhen xin peng you)

In the store goofing around =)

Admiring decorations

Trying on accessories

Accompanied by mannequins :)

Posing again =)

Gifts at the dinner =)

We found some lambs on the way as well =)

i'm getting into You

This is a song that's really nice to listen to. If you have the time... look up Relient K's songs...nice for the soul and spirit =)

God knew what He got Himself into when He chose to love us. Are we aware of of what we've gotten ourselves into?

Getting Into You
When I made up my mind and my heart along with that
To live not for myself but yet for God, somebody said,
"Do you know what you are getting yourself into?"

When I finally ironed out all of my priorities
And asked God to remove the doubt
That makes me so unsure of these things I ask myself, I ask myself,
"Do you know what you are getting yourself into?"

I'm getting into You because You got to me
In a way words can't describe
I'm getting into You because I've got to be
You're essential to survive
I'm going to love You with my life

When He looked at me and said, "I kind of view you as a son."
And for a second our eyes met and I met that with a question,
"Do You know what You are getting Yourself into?"

I'm getting into You because You got to me
In a way words can't describe
I'm getting into You because I've got to be
You're essential to survive
I'm going to love You with my life

I've been a liar and I'll never amount to
The kind of person You deserve to worship You
You say You will not dwell on what I did but rather what I do
You said, "I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into."

I'm getting into You because You got to me
In a way words can't describe
I'm getting into You because I've got to be
You're essential to survive
I'm going to love You with my life

You said, "I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into."