Y-Generation

As i was looking at the past photos, i was reminded of my younger days, those times when i was in the youth service-the memorable, meaningful, impactful & passionate moments of my life. The energy, passion & "chiong" spirit were evident in us that i felt rather different in today's Y-Generation.

Not because of the gap & generation we are in, but the culture, exposure & environment are also diverse. Good in terms of your ability of accommodation, adaptability & adjustment to this present young generation, which sharpen the people & communication skills. You are not just stuck in your old days, but open & exposed in relating to different types of youths. Bad in terms of the rapid changes in technology, media, culture & education pull you backward if you don't catch up. The lingo is no longer the same even 5 years ago, so what's more about our older days right?

I thank God that i could still link up with the Y-Generation. Though it is challenging, the effort is worthwhile because you are that M.A.D person God uses to touch others, esp young people who need lots of attention, guidance & concern.

Note: Go for the CET class "Understanding Your Teenager" if you want to connect with the Y-Generation. IT IS NOT JUST FOR PARENTS WITH TEENAGER CHILDREN. Make that connection by exhibiting your interest & showing your action to tell them that you care!

Finally

Haha..finally! 我破戒了
After 7 long months, i brought myself 2 blouses today. Haha your jaw might drop but it's true! I have not been buying things, not because there is nothing to buy, but just that nothing interests me. Probably this is good, as it helped me save $$..
After gym, saw G2 having 50%+25% (with citibank card) discount, so casually walked in & see see. Hehe..see until casually walked out with 2 blouses, but it is really a good buy. Finally!

Wah..thinking of clothes hor, i headache liao. Still have to hunt for evening dress for my bro's wedding & don't know should tailor-made or not.

Anyway, i will not be blogging for the next 2 days as will be going up to Malacca for a short break. Finally!
Tell you all more when i come back :0

God Takes Interest

Every month, i have to renew my season parking for both my house and work areas. At times due to busyness, tend to forget the renewal. Many had asked me to sign up for giro, but i simply refused. When i tried to renew these areas on the internet, as usual i have no problem with renewing the church area, but the house area is full. Jialat man! Don't tell me i have to park at the multi-storey carpark again, which cost me $90 ($25 difference from the open carpark). The lady at the aljunied HDB branch advised to go back to the hougang branch for appeal, since i am the first owner & the only one in the family that owns the car. However, she did say the appeal is not a guarantee unless someone refunds the lot or misses the booking.

Oh dear..i was praying super hard that the lot would be available. Haha me of little faith..yet i was prepared to park at the opposite block. When i went to the hougang branch this morning, my heart was pumping hard, haha also don't know why especially this is a small thing. Initially, the lady told me that the carpark is really full & there is no way that i can get a lot. She asked if i want to wait till 10am, in case someone refunds or misses the booking. Without any much choice, i returned back to office pending for her call. The phone rang, picked it up then at the other end the lady said "Hey, ms chua, you are very lucky. It is very rare that someone would refund the lot 2 days before month end." Wah..my heart really leaped with joy! Our God is a prayer answering God!

On one hand, i thank God for hearing my prayer.
On the other, i ask God for forgiveness over my ye of little faith.
This episode reminds me that God takes interest even in the small things of my life. Many times, the least that we expect, He works in ways we cannot see.

To God be the glory!

Snails

Erm..as i was pondering what to share at today's cell meeting, suddenly i was reminded the blog that i have written on 22 July 2008 about the SNAILS. Interestingly, as i flipped back, i was intigued that God can speak & teach us lessons through any of His creations. Never underestimate anything, as God can even use the donkey to do His work.

I was relating to them this news that had caught my attention about this snail competition in Germany, where audience gathered at a round platform to watch these snails competing with each other. It took 3hrs 30mins for them to crawl to the finishing line & it was not even half of the platform. One of the cell members reminded us that we are like the snails & God is the audience, making sure that we walk to the finish line. Though the race can be slow & takes a long time, God is in control & He watches over us. Or we may even run in circles, lose sight & do not hear the voice of God properly, yet He will guide us back to the right path by His hand.

It is really encouraging because in the midst of running lost in the circles, God is there!
He never loses sight of us :)

To Grow with Love

Recently have been watching this HK serial "To Grow with Love" on Channel U that speaks about the life of this supposedly fat girl, though not outstanding in her looks, yet is able to impact others around her.
The predicaments that she went through, including people's mockery on her size & people's views on her looks, show that 人是看外表的.
The low self-esteem, the tolerance of people's mockery, the comparison spirit, the inner struggles between self & the outside world show that 人是在乎仪表的.
We are living in a world where looks & appearances are highly regarded. There is a place for that, but if we overdo it or unconsciously do onto others, then it is something that we have to reconsider & evaluate ourselves.

The fat girl may not be outstanding in her outward appearance, but she is able to turn her weaknesses into strengths because her bubbly & cheerful character influences people around her. She does not lament over her size but grows with love that she said: “我虽是肥，但我要活得开心！” How positive can that be? isn't it true that we should be joyful in spite of hindrances & weaknesses? It is not the outward appearance, but it is the attitude that makes the difference.

Do you want to look good & yet not happy? Or
Do you want to be happy & yet not look good?
Make your choice.

"God does not look at the outward appearance of man, he looks at the heart!"

Nice People with Nice Smiles

Upon request..taken at auntie doris's house & the playground..as usual the photographer no chance to take herself, so cannot be one of the nice people with the nice smiles :)

Not Free At All

Few days of "toil, pain & agony" for the ST exams is finally over!
Whew :) though i knew i didn't do well, at least i tried my best trying to remember those chimology terms & facts. I think the lecturer will be shaking her head when marking our papers, as i think alot of them also struggled with it. I SHALL NOT THINK ABOUT IT. Take a break & have a kit kat for the next few weeks before the third term starts in end of Aug.
(Free from the chimology. Haha how come these theologians think so deep ah? Can't they make our lives more easier?)

This one whole week will be my sermoooooooon preparation week. Next tues will be preaching at the staff devotion, then Aug will be doing in the Chinese service.
On top of that, still have to do planning for next year.
Not free at all man!

Suddenly crave for durian milkshake...
Sometimes in the midst of "not-freeness", the power of food & drink can still attract your attention.

Packed

How busy can this day be? Oh my gosh..when i was writing this blog, i didn't realise i have done so many things today. No wonder felt my body signaling me the white flag to sleep!

Look!
9am-1020am reached church, drank my standard drink kopi, played with kaixin, shook a few's hands, talked to a few people, chasing after people for the membership updates, then to audi to interpret for the MC

1020am-1230pm "interrupter" for the MC, feeling the lousyness of my interpretation & the deterioriation of the language. How frustrating can that be when you were stuck right on the stage, don't know how to translate those hard terms.

1230-130pm had lunch with a few people before proceeding to meeting.

130-330pm meeting & meeting.

330-630pm went to auntie doris's house with the kids, played with the hamsters, then played with them & brought them to see-saw..happi to see them enjoying themselves.

630 - 830pm met a good friend for dinner & had a good time catching up.

830 pm slacking away

1000-130am piaing for my exams tomorrow

Packed! Packed! Packed!
I just can't believe how this day has been so siong for me & yet by the grace of God, i survived.

Simplicity

I was sitting at the suntec city republic foodcourt, drinking my toastbox coffee, eating 4 eggs (2 given by auntie doris..hehe next few days NO EGGS for me) & 2 pieces of toast bread, waiting to go to the final day of conference. Then i saw this young lady wearing a pair of jeans with a bright top & she looks good. Haha..never thought someone whose wearing is so simple can attract my attention. Maybe i have nothing better to do, since i was sitting there looking away at the passing crowd. It dawned on me that many times simplicity is good. Not merely clothing, but in everything that you face & handle including your friends. I love friends who are simple & down-to-earth - no pretence, no act act, just be who they are & most impt sincerity :)

In terms of food, i also prefer simple ones especially japanese. Not sure if you consider that as simple..oh my gosh, i miss those days when i was touring Japan. Hmm..when will i go back again? This time to Hokkaido :) EUNICE WHEN WHEN?

Sometimes, you just wish life can be that simple as dressing & food but you know it is almost impossible. Everyday flipping the papers, you can almost see things just are not right. Even the adverts have become more sophiscated compared to the earlier days. Probably life will be harder to be simple (what a paradox), but with Christ in your vessel, you can still be that simple & sincere friend that others are seeking for!

M.A.D.

Learnt this today at the Eagles Conference.
Do you know that we are all MAD people..especially the Christians?
Wow..what a strong statement! Haha..no lah..actually we are REALLY MAD people! I 100% chop for that :)
Ok. M.A.D means Making A Difference.
Haha..get it? Not that kind of mad that we are thinking about lah, but rather we are M.A.D. Christians in this generation. Anyone wanna join in the M.A.D. gang?

Hmm..guess i was too tired..literally dozed off at 2 sessions. Not the whole hour lah, but here & there just wandered into the dreamland. COFFEE! Cannot lah..i limit myself to 2 cups max per day. Haiz..tomorrow cannot doze off liao (i think i will leh because going to study late tonight for my coming exams). Haha what a confession :o Wanna guess if i will doze off tomorrow? Hmm..a kiss from me if you guess it right..eeeeeeeeeeeee

Solar Eclipse

Wow..another heavy rain again :)
Another good time to sleep again.
Haha..but well..got to go work as definitely need to clear as much work as i can since i will be going to the Eagles Conference for the next 3 days.
Haha..dont worry. This time round, i made sure i turned on my car aircon since the last misty experience.

Did anyone catch the solar eclipse this morning? Intially wanted to take leave to catch the live telecast, but then realised that the timing wasn't right due to clearance of stuff in office. Haha..at least i can catch the special features later at 1130pm. This is one of the longest moments (3 hours plus), where the sun would be covered by the moon when the earth rotates in the middle & then the 3 will form into one line, which then causes temporary darkness in the day. The next 3 hours plus eclipse will have to wait another 500 years & don't think i will be around anymore. Hmm..where will i be?

Amazing sight that you won't want to miss. Did you?

Thank God

Wonderful & super thrilled to hear that Ps Chng is discharged from hospital today. Now he is back to his lovely home, which is where he longs to be. This news really made my day :) Haha..& i can bring him to eat his favourite duck rice because i believe he will be healed by God's stripes.

God, TQ for hearing our prayers!
God, TQ for healing our pastor!
God, TQ for showing us you really heal!
God, TQ for assuring us you are real!
God, TQ for telling us you love us!

A song just rang in my heart:

Rock of ages, you are faithful and true.

You are able to do that you have promised.

Rock of ages, you are faithful and just.

I will always put my trust in you.

You're the shelter in the time of trouble.

A refuge in the time of storm.

You're the fortress in the time of struggle.

A tower in the time of war.

You're a healer in the time of sickness.

A comfort in the time of grief.

You're a stronghold in the time of weakness

A helper in the time of need.

Why?

When you repeatedly ask why, it could be that you are seriously pondering what is happening & you don't really buy in to what you are strangled in. I am not sure if i am in that situation, but if i am, it doesn't look too good. Especially if i kept asking why why why, it means that i am not convinced by the reasoning, at the way things are done or even flow with what it has been decided.

I guess when you work or associate with people & company, it will bound to occur as everyone has different sets of goals, perspectives, experiences & expectations. There is a saying "The more you expect, the more you will be disappointed." At times, it is super true & the feeling is terribly terrible. But when there is no expectation, then it could be you may not even have any hope at all? Then isn't that more scary? So should we expect or should we not?

Maybe i should stop asking why.

Just close my eyes & do what is needed to be done.

Haha..i feel better in this case!

Cool Posters

Find these posters pretty cool.

I remembered these were posted on the streets adverts couple of years back, but due to religious sensitivity, they were ordered to be shelved. If not, they were really captured people's attention & draw them to consider God.

Overdose

Haha..watching two days of Harry Potter series is crazy.

Promote the new movie also no need like that one mah :)

Can only say this: "I am overdosed by the two nights of HP"..thank God not the third night, if not i sure 罢工 on the TV.

I am also overdosed with the tons & tons of reading before my exams on next monday. Though lecturer has given us certain guidelines, yet still got alot to remember. Haha..then my memory recently has deterioriated badly. How to survive? Haiz..

Don't worry. I am not overdosed with food. Haha..if not you will see a blotted elaine walking around. Also cannot overeat as bro's wedding is coming, so must really lose some else not nice. Haha..must look good for my bro as it's our family first wedding. Papa & mama are super thrilled, so jie jie here has to give my bro the best.

Oh yes.today has the chance to visit one member's newborn baby boy. Haha..baby dedication along the way. Get ready.

Happy

So happy to visit Ps Chng in the hospital today, a man whom i deeply respect. His reddish face tells us that healing is taking process.
His sounding sleep tells us that resting is on the way.
His speedy conversion from ICU to the High Dependency Ward tells us that recovery is really soon.
His successful operation tells us that God is still the Boss.

Ps Chng, we are all praying for your speedy recovery.
You have been a blessing in my life & ministry.
Haha..can't wait to go & eat duck rice with you soon :)

I'm Coming Back??

Wow..after almost 2 years, i finally stood on the stage again to worship leading at Thursday Prayer Meeting. Haha..all thanks to aaron, who has to be home quarantine for couple of days.
Initially was trying to siam "Why me?" Why don't get leb?"
Of cos, aaron wouldn't "let me off" lah by simply saying "no one liao!"
Hehe..but i tell you hor, i was actually quite excited yet apprehensive as it has been awhile that i took a break in leading & afraid that the skill of leading might be 生锈.

Really prayed hard the whole day (: When we learnt to entrust something that we are unsure or not confident of, somehow it will be fine becos God is in control. Praise God! Everything went on well even the practice was like 8 mins after the sound check. I could sense His hand touching my head as i led & that kind of feeling is still the same after 2 years. He is the same yesterday, today & forever :)

Realise that when God bestows upon you a talent or gift, it will not go 生锈 as long as we do not choose to bury it completely. Erm..after the leading, someone told me that it's time for me to come back. I am not sure if that is the confirmation, but two days ago i spoke to aaron & expressed my possibility of coming back to worship leading. I told him i will pray for right timing..& jokingly he said the timing is there: 830am, 1030am or 245pm. Which one i want? Haha..can't believe it hor? Aaron low leh..telling a lame joke. Haha but good try lah. How come i wasn't laughing ah? Heheeeeeeeee..........

Morning Rain

Woohoo..this morning rain is so shiok but too bad i am not on leave. If not, the sleep willlllll be super shiok & i am sure you will agree with me. Good for those who are on leave!

Haha..auntie doris was joking in the car "God must have been holding the tears for few days, that's why the heavy downpour!" But it was a refreshing downpour, at least to cool off the humid weather & help to wash my car.

Haha..today i was driving at super slow speed at 50km/hr. No choice because the rain was super heavy & can't really see the road clearly. Worst of all, i forgot to switch on the aircon due to the coldness that the windows became misty. Thank God for auntie doris, who reminded me to turn on the aircon, which might help to clear away the mist. It did!
To think that i have been driving at that tortorise speed for the last 15 mins..no wonder drivers drove past me "cursing and swearing" at this slow lady driver..hehe :)

2 lessons to learn:

1. Sometimes it does not mean you are the driver means you are in control, you need someone besides to remind & drop that "ding" into you. In this case, the "ding" is auntie doris. TQ God for her :)
   
   
2. Many times, heavy rains & mist will set in along the way. God will deliver help & bring you out of the mess. In this case, the help is the aircon. TQ God for aircons :)

Little Corner

Today was told that i will be "moving house" from my little small corner in the office to the bigger wider cubicle along the corridor. Somehow, i think i will miss my little space. Contradicting right? On one hand, long for bigger room to store my overflow things (even split over to the corridor), then on the other miss my squeezy yet warm corner. Haha..well this mountain "me lah" shall be moved.
The thought of cleaning+packing+unpacking is super sian man, but what to do?
Move house leh! Any movers around?

** Praise God! i have finally finished my assignment & now is the vetting part before chionging for my coming exams in 2 weeks' time. Help me Lord! **

What to do when you are sian?

When you are sian, what do you do?
Haha..i realised i like photography & won't mind taking pictures whenever i go
(haha..eunice foo can testify for me as i took almost a thousand photos at our previous trip to Japan. Oops even asked her if they got anyone to take pictures at the YA gathering)

Pictures speak a thousand words & leave memories.
Haha..i am really contemplating to pick up photography, but the thought of investing in those super EX cameras + lens freak me out leh. Haha..money money money! Haiz..have to shelve it as ah gu me here has to fork out 钱 for her studies first.

So when you are sian, what do you do? VERY SIMPLE!
Look at my godchildren & you won't feel sian oredi :)
That's what i do when i am sian because the photos remind me of the lovely times that i have with them. Somehow, kids have a magic place in my heart! Maybe i should join BCM..hehe

Close Encounter

I was recalling the things that happened for the past week & then suddenly remembered the close encounter on friday night........

Thank God for His protection & alertness :)
On fri night after the late supper, sent one of them back to the chalet..
As i drove down the memory lane of changi heading back to hougang, i was at the extreme right lane, in front of me was a taxi. As we came to a traffic junction, the lane flittered into straight & left turn lanes. The lane that we were in was a straight one, then that stupid taxi out of the blue, suddenly made a left turn. Thank God that there was no car besides me & i could switch lane almost a split second. Wow, i tell you..at that moment, both of us almost had heart attack but later on kept thanking God for protecting us :)
It was a whew-experience.
Though driving is fun, we still need to be alert on the road esp you don't know when & who will kiss you from the back & front or bang you from the sides or at times kena the "bombs" from birdies.

** if happen you see me hanging around my car hor, it's because i am clearing those "bombs". Anyone wanna sponsor me WET TISSUES?"

Sleep

The late night supper on Fri did me well, not becos of the food & fellowship, but the signal of my body to REALLY REST on the following day :)

Haha..I REALLY SLEPT FOR LOOOOONNNGGG! How long? "drum rolls please"
YES! From 2am to 12pm (10 hours)..
i think it's not that fantastic for many of you, but it is rare for me. The most impt thing is the rejuvenilation of the body & i can feel the POWER man! All ready to chiong liao..all ready to have fun with people whom i will be meeting later :)

Oh oh..did anyone watch Mariah Carey performing the song "I'll be there" with Trey Lorenz at MJ's Memorial service? Wow..you should catch it in youtube because it was a super-fantastic, super-outstanding performance..her voice is just so..

How True

Was reading newspaper this morning about 周初明applying for handicap licence to swim in the private pool catered for this group of people.
Really praise God for his testimony, marvelled at how he literally fights on with life & encourage others to live on. In times when people said that the world is deterioriating, yet in the midst there is still hope because God is part of this :)

How true is it that when God is in you, things just seem so easy!

"有时候觉得你从别人身上获得启发，却不知道自己也散发出正面的能量，激励别人活下去！"

Wait

Often hear people saying "Elaine's hand is often carried with a baby"..haha & then added that i should quickly get married & have one :)
Appreciate all their "desire", but the best is yet to come. Guess i have to wait..wait..wait..wait..

Anyway, by now you should know that i love babies & children. Guess who is this little angel?

Miss

"Miss anyone in life?"
"Or miss anything that you wanna do, but just missed it?"
What an irony!

I have missed so much things in life..to name them is too impossible.
I hope i won't miss out anymore thing, anymore people or anymore chance in doing what i should do at that particular hour.

I "miss" you :)

Beautiful

Beautiful people make the world slightly beautiful..look at us & you will agree :)

Whatever that may have been unpleasant for the last one week, my friend..look at the beautiful things & people around you that God has planted. Probably you might feel better.

Nothingless

Thank God i am born again because it makes more sense to believe that there is a Creator than nothingless. He makes ALL things beautiful, so i chose to take on that :)

In the beginning, GOD created the heavens & the earth.......

1/2

1/2 of 2009 has passed.
1/2 of 365 days is gone.
Hmm..how about 1/2 of my life?
Wow..scary leh

But as i looked back the 1/2 year (jan-jun), not too bad in terms of doing stuff for the Lord & people. Of course, there were unhappy times, stressful moments & higher demands. Just have to count the cost & it will get you going :)

As i recalled, i praise God for giving me:

1. new friendships with people that i don't really know them in the past but now we get closer
2. revived mission trip to Philippines since my last trip in 2007 & i really miss them
3. new experience to share at the Rangers camp & the "romantic" environment to share at the campfire to the young people
4. great opportunity to work with young people in the father's & mother's days events
5. revived passion to go back to the bible school in pursuing my Mdiv & i am "stressed"
6. increased preaching engagements in the services & hopefully will preach in the youth soon
7. deeper relationships with my old-time friends, who have gone through good & bad times together

Though things may not look bright (H1N1+economic situation) now, it will get better soon because God is in control. Shall we commit the second 1/2 of 2009, as we run the other 1/2 of 365 days with the Runner together?