First Jog @ Bedok Reservoir Park - 26 Sept 09

Haha... So finally on Saturday I went for my 1st jog at Bedok Reservoir Park which is just across our block with Pho. What a blessing, more than we expected, we were blessed with such a nice colourful sky as the sun was setting down...

We didn't manage to finish one whole round, though, because it was getting dark. But it was really a good 'first time' and start that so far I'm so motivated to jog there regularly. Well, I'll only be able to do it on weekends because on weekdays by the time I reach home, it's dark already and not very safe to go there.

So, jia you bah...

Pssstt...: will my target of 46kg by the end of this year be achieved? without so much on food diet, of course.. haha..

First 'overslept' in Bedok

Last nite terribly couldn't sleep. I think partly because of the Yin Yong I drank in Kim Gary during dinner with Pho, Den n a ji. Plus, Deni was still active, plus her snor after that (because I was still awake then), haha...

So,my alarm was set to 6am because I wanted to wake up earlier to read the book of Revelation. But because of the insomnia, when it was 6am I was still badly tired n giddy, so I set it 6.30am. And guess what, the last part of the setting which ask u whether you want to save the change, I overlooked it and went back to sleep. By the time I woke up, it's kinda bright already. I quickly checked my handphone and it was 7am, haha.. Thought of sleeping for a while and take cab, but then thought shouldn't waste money.

Reached bus stop at around 7.20am, I was doubtful whether the next 506 bus had passed or not. So, when I saw 228 coming, quickly crossed the road and hopped in to go to Bus Interchange. So, took MRT this morning, reached office 8.35am. Late, but not so bad lah, haha..And now, I'm soooo wanna read the book of Revelation, but cannot, gotta work dy.. hmm.. tonite bah :)

Thank You, God... at least You woke me up at 7am ^^

My Facebook status today: "His grace is sufficient not only for our salvation, but also for all things in our daily life. Yeah... another week in Your grace, Jesus!"

Come Bless the Lord (CBTL) 2009 - The Kingship of Christ

Last year I attended the CBTL as a very new comer in BBTC :)
And this year, I'll be joining the choir on stage ^^

This afternoon, we had our 2nd practise, after 2nd service, 2pm-5pm. Yayy... I have ministry-activity (kesibukan) again ;) Thank You, God...

So, Jessie, our Worship Pastor gathered everyone for a message and words of encouragement for a start. The theme this year is about the 2nd coming of Christ as a King who come. Jessie shared that once she was asked by someone, "How much do you believe in the 2nd coming of the Lord?", and so she passed this question on to all of us. When I asked myself, I said, "I believe". But wait... I asked, "But how much are you looking forward to it?", to this I'll say, "I am yet to be excited about it and looking forward to it". I guess, perhaps it's partly because I haven't really been able to 'see' that glorious and "woww..." scene, and partly also because if it happens now at this moment, I don't think I'll be that person who receives any reward, simply because I haven't done anything for Him on the earth. So, the message really stirred me. Before I can sing with a heart of excitement on the 2nd coming of the Lord, my heart really need to be touched by God and His truth. So, as I'll be reading the book of Revelation, Daniel and Joel (as 'instructed' by Jessie), I ask of You oh Lord, the one who revealed to John in the Patmos those days, to open the eyes of my heart n my spirit, to receive a revelation from You, and I'll be able to 'see' the days, that the end times is here, that we're running out of time to save as many souls as possible, before I face You in that new Jerusalem.

Another sentence that captivate my heart:

But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." [2 Samuel 24:24]

Yes, God... You deserve my all of all in my service to You. May it be pleasing to You, God...

Btw, I enjoyed the practise pretty much this afternoon ^^

End of DTC class..

So we are required to do a 50-100 words write-up on what we've learned from the course. And this is what I wrote:

To summarize, it’s about knowing “who God is” and “what I am”, and thus what kind of Christian I want to be. I have been a Christian all my life. But it is in this class that I, from the Words, know why I do the things I do.

The class has come to an end, but it has brought a significant impact in my life as a follower of Christ. It has made me want to continuously know God more, know and understand His truth so that my heart may respond to it and my life be conformed to it, and to obey with love, joy and peace in heart.

It's 111 words, though.. hehe.. Btw, I had a good time flipping through the 3 DTC books and writing down those quotes that I wrote all over the book during classes in a notebook that I think I'll continue to write whatever quotes I get in future in it.

It's 4:13pm now, hope I'll have enough motivation later to go for my first jogging here in Bedok Reservoir Park :)

A Blessing ^^

So I was photostating the Monthly Progress Report when my phone rang. A bit annoyed I went to my desk to answer the call. A lady gently greeted me, "Hello, I am Sharon (or Sally??) calling from DBS Bank. May I speak to Ms. Julia Tandy?". "Speaking", I answered politely. "Is that convenient for you to talk now?". "What is it regarding?", I said hesitantly (because in my mind I was thinking that it must be of those credit card or insurance marketing stuff). But, here's what she said, "You have won a prize of $250 by spending with NETS", and she told me that it's a promotion held by NETS, the website and other details on how to redeem this prize. So basically I'm to call this NETS hotline 62741212 within 3 days and tell them my serial number.

I went back to the photocopy machine, thinking that it sounds quite true which is unlikely to be any of those cheat scheme, I smiled and stunned in front of the photocopy machine for quite a while, haha... Now I feel I was very cute just now. I mean, well.. though it's not a thrilling amount, but I've never got such thing before! So, it was really a very exciting news for me, haha... And first thought come to my mind, "what a blessing from God to me", and I tried to recall which seed I sowed that caused this fruit, not sure (not much I have sowed, though)... but it's not so important. I just know that it's a blessing :) Thank You, God...

And now, I'm going to make a call to NETS :p

Be serious!

I really think that I need to be more serious in being a Christian; a disciple, a follower and a servant of Christ.
Last nite while taking shower, I suddenly felt that I've been too "cin cai" in being one, that I've been too easy to myself, letting my emotion and will swing my spiritual life up and down. Up when it's up itself and letting it be down when it's down.

No! The grace that I've received is not a cheap grace that can be taken for granted! Now I think, "cincai-ism" is absolutely unacceptable in being a 'real Christian' (which is = Christ's follower, disciple and servant).

"Oh God, forgive me for having been so 'cincai' in living for You". Yes, by the grace of God, I really gotta be more seriously and wholeheartedly:

- seeking Him (and to know Him) and His will in my life,
- living in righteousness and holiness,
- devoting myself unto Him,
- equipping myself to effectively minister to others (evangelism or building up),
- praying my prayer items,
- seeking Him for my life direction and calling in this 'desert' season,
- treating and always being well-prepared in all ministry He's trusted me with (including singing in choir).

I should not waste anymore of my days by letting them pass without being a 'Christian' on that day.

Yes, God is merciful, but I wanna choose not to 'cincai-ly' and 'suibian-ly' live this life for Him, simply because this grace and mercy do not deserve any other thing than a total and full affection, devotion and submission of its recipient.

God, you are my Master, my Lord, the Centre of my life. May this be a kick-off of my 'serious' journey in You. Walk with me, 'coz I need You...

-

another Saturday at home

and this time it's a long weekend somemore :( Sunday is the Hari Raya, so it's replaced to Monday.

I woke up late, mob my room n the oily kitchen, talked to Silvy n Andy for a while in the living room, took shower, then went to Bedok interchange to buy some snacks and A&W in fairprice, then tapao back kolo mee.
Came home, ate my kolo mee in front of tv, and now in front of computer, chatting with Venny, checking mails, facebook and downloading CBTL songs.

It seems that I don't have any good friend anymore (not to mention best friend). I mean a countable friend who's ever-ready whom I can look for whenever I feel like doing something. For example, I was actually wanting to visit the "Dead Sea Roll" exhibition at Art House, but think think think... really no idea who I can ask to join me.
Ooohhh... why does it become like this???

Qi dai...

Qi dai zhi na rang wo liu chu gan dong de yen lei he wei wo er gan dong er liu lei de yi wei...

Blk 683A Jurong West Central 1 #03-112

So, 12 Sept 09 was the last day we were here.. start missing it even on Fri, 11 Sept, hiks :(

Here's some captures:

1. The night on the road - came back from cellgroup on Friday

2. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 - Last major packing

3. View from bedroom

4. The neighborhood

5. Last shots - after lunch @ JP, walking back home

Bye Jurong... bye Boon Lay... bye Jurong Point... I will miss you!

Moved to Bedok Reservoir ~ 12 Sep 2009

So, Friday 11 Sep after work went to the unit for inventory check, key collection and payed everything (advance rental + agent comission). After signing everything, I went off first to accompany Lydia to the "Fire Proof" movie by BBTC. After then, went to Joy's place waiting for Deni who's still in the cellgroup. (Enjoyed myself alone with Joy's guitar for a while...). Had supper with Yew Ling & Cynthia and had a good fellowship n chat :) Went home at 1am, haha..

Saturday, alarm clock was set to 10.30am, but 9 something couldn't sleep any longer and decided to wake up before 10. Major packing and cleaning til 3 something I guess, and took shower then went to Jurong Point with Den, had a meal at Oldtown Coffee.
6pm, started moving the things using Pho's company's pick-up, helped by Ah Kok and Joshua (thank u bunch...), guess what.. 2 trip was needed, haha.. And thank be to God, that evening, they didn't have urgent work and was not raining, so God's favour to give us smooth moving.
Continued with unpacking the stuff til about 11.30pm, exhaused, stopped though haven't finished unpacking. Shower and prepared for DTC class the next morning.
What a exhausting day... aching all over e body... even now still hurt, haha...
And the feeling.. hmm.. yeah.. quite a funny n weird feeling, a feeling of "perpisahan/farewell", haha.. a feeling which is like just about to leave 'home' (true home with family back in Skw). That feeling of sad, blue, and homesick, haha.. even during the 2-day stay, the feeling was like "just arrived" to a new place, a new country, haha.. but this is within Singapore.. I wonder will I feel that way again tonite, hehe..

Oh ya.. I couldn't sleep! First night really had bad sleeping time, back from church continue unpacking n tidying up things, was very tired n sleepy so tried to have nap around 6pm, but still COULD NOT!! haizzz... why am I so fussy in sleeping? But thank God last nite finally slept though a bit hard in the beginning :)
Suppose to wake up at 6am this morning, but 'lai chuang' til 6.18am, showered and got out of house at about 6.40 with pho. Thank God again, while we were walking to bus stop, bus 506 was coming, we saw it and ran after it, so phewww... got to get into the bus.
Guess what, I arrived at bus stop at around 7.35, plus 10 minutes walk, 7.45 reached office.. haha... broke my record.. I AM EARLY!! ^^

And what I love best about this moving? except the nice Bedok Reservoir Park view from bedroom n living room, I now can have myown desk, though not very comfortable.. but you know.. a "myown" place to put myown stuffs, books etc and to just do whatever I want to do :)

Thank You, my God... for everything... for being with us.. guiding us.. providing us with all we need... for being such a wonderful God...

Next, browse for new jobbb... yeah.. by God's grace...

Love You, Abba...

Rest for the Weary

Fashion Photographer Captures Jesus in 21st Century
By Michelle A. Vu
Christian Post Reporter
Thu, Sep, 10 2009 02:00 AM PT

A veteran fashion photographer who is used to having his works featured in Vogue, GQ and Elle, will release his most “rewarding” collection – “Journeys with the Messiah” – on Friday, the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

"I was in New York prepping for a photo shoot a week after 9/11 and saw many people searching for something," recalled Michael Belk, who created the Jesus photo collection out of his Christian faith. "Similar to 9/11, I think many Americans don't know where to turn in the midst of the current worldwide financial crisis.”

Belk says he hopes his “Journeys With the Messiah” collection will help people who are anxious and looking for answers to find peace by knowing there is someone to turn to.

The photos are a retelling of the stories of 1st-century Jesus to a 21st-century audience. Included in the collection are photos of Jesus with Nazis, prostitutes, Ferraris and motorcycles, as well as Wall Street executives and high rollers that creatively address modern-day social problems such as genocide, materialism, addiction, poverty, and hypocrisy.

In the photo entitled “The Second Mile,” Jesus is shown walking and talking alongside a Nazi soldier. The messiah is carrying the soldier’s backpack as well as his gun.

“Jesus’ teachings on this subject (forgiveness) were revolutionary: ‘Love your enemies as yourself. Pray for those who persecute you. Forgive people seventy times seven.’ Jesus reminds us that, just as God forgives us, we are expected to do the same for others,” wrote Belk in the accompanying journal entry for the photo.

Each of Belk’s images is accompanied by a written journal entry of a 21st-century take on a 1st-century story or parable.

In another photo, “Rest for the Weary,” a man in a suit and tie is shown collapsed on the steps of a building. His head rests on Jesus’ lap while his suitcase is opened with papers scattered about.

“I am writing this in March of 2009 while the world is in a serious economic upheaval,” Belk’s journal reads. “Fortunes have been lost, retirement incomes are gone, and the basic necessities have become a struggle for man.”

But then he writes, “In truth, we assign too much importance to issues that, in the end, will be of non consequence. Have you ever heard of a man on his deathbed who asked to see his stock portfolio one more time? Could the time we spend worrying be better spent in quiet, soothing fellowship with the One who created it all and promises more?”

The Christian photographer reminds the reader Jesus said not to worry but to “seek His Kingdom first” and God will take care of our needs. Also, Jesus invited those who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him.

“Maybe we should give it a try,” Belk suggested.

One of the aims of the photo collection, the 61-year-old photographer said, was to strip away the “religion” part of Christianity that has turned so many people away, and share the core message of who Jesus was and what He taught.

Belk believes the photos carry messages that God wants to say to people in the world struggling with countless problems right now.

In 2008, despite the economic downturn, Belk took time off of fashion photography and spent his own money to finance the project that took more than a year and a half to complete. The project cost $600,000.

Pre-production took 10 months and more than 100 extras were needed. An Italian actor played Jesus and a production company from Rome and a film crew from the U.S. were hired.

Belk directed what he calls “the most grueling, but most rewarding shoot” of his career.

All of the photos were shot in Matera, Italy (filming location for “The Passion of the Christ”).

The fashion photographer-turned-Jesus’ camera man is considering to exhibit the collection worldwide in counterintuitive venues such as mass transit stations, corporate headquarters and projections onto urban buildings. He also hopes the images will be used in a greeting card line and small group curriculum.

Limited edition photographs, posters, 108-page photography book, DVD, and screensavers and wallpapers are available for sale. Proceeds from the sale of the photos will fund the worldwide exhibit tour.

Source: http://www.gospelherald.net/article/entertainment/45572/fashion-photographer-captures-jesus-in-21st-century_pageall.htm

真實的悔改

Feeling very discouraged and down n tired ministering to Lydia. Sometimes I just feel she's just way too sensitive and self-centered and tend to misunderstand my care / 'hao yi' towards her.
But I kept telling myself that I will persevere.. I will love her, care for her..

And, suddenly, when the intro of this song "真實的悔改" started, a thought came in my mind:
I cannot blame her for this. Instead, I should ask myself these questions: "Have you prayed enough? Have you been 'puo qie' enough before God? Have I really xian shang wo zhi ji? Have I really put enough effort? Have I really been obedience?"

Yes God... I want to 'Zhen shi de hui gai'. I pray that You'll bless all the seed that I'll learn to sow and turn them into fruits for Your kingdom... Yes, I long to see..

He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels

Taiwan 88 - Typhoon Morakot

Typhoon Morakot, the worst typhoon to hit Taiwan in half a century, hit the island’s southern and eastern areas on Aug. 7 and 8. It dumped more than 80 inches of rain on the island and stranded thousands of villagers in mountainous areas in the south. Over 21,000 villagers were rescued to safety.

President Ma Ying-jeou said Friday he estimates more than 500 people have died because of the typhoon. The official death toll, however, is 123.

Most of the deaths are in Shiao Lin village, which lost more than half of its population. Some 380 people are thought to have died in Shiao Lin, due to landslides from the surrounding mountains.

(Sun, 16 Aug 09 - gospelherald.net)

On Aug. 24, 18 Christian celebrities of Taiwan from the film and music industry gathered at an event organized by Chinese Christian Relief Association to use their songs and talents to fund-raise for the reconstruction efforts for the victims of Typhoon Morakot.

The celebrities gathered included some of the heavy-weight super-stars in the music and movie industries, and they are Yueh Sun, Tao Da Wei, Van Ness Wu, Jam Hsiao, Kai Pao-Yu, Samuel Tai, Augustine Yeh, Vicky Chen, Vivien Chen, Jimmy Hung, Sien Vanessa, and etc. Together, they’ve recorded the EP and MV for the song “Taiwan, I Love You”, which will be given as a gift for donations made towards this particular fund-raising effort.

Version of Taiwan Pastor’s singing “Taiwan I Love You”:

Reminder: Do not be 'sensitive'

Reminding myself: Do not be a sensitive person. It will make your friend and people serving you so tired, sick and 'cape deh...'

But I have to persevere in bringing her back to You, God... hmm.. yeah...

Corporate world

"Corporate world is not my place", yes, I'm starting to feel it again..
But God.. confirmation, God...

Taking cab to office

Feel so guilty I took cab to office again this morning. Hopefully, it's for the last time at least for the next half year, or for the rest of my ATS life (hopefully not so long more)

Felt so unmotivated to go to work recently. I guess, the ambiguous task is one of the causes. And recently, they bidded a tender, which after knowing the result n assuming that they will impossibly get the contract, simply bo chap to answering the TCQ, pushing here n there.
(Afternote: but today finally submitted)

19.20pm: still in the office, don't feel like going home (hui qu you zhen yang ne??)
Today's really down with severe 'blue'... I'm sorry God for all I am today, full of sigh and unmotivation..

Psalm 6:2-4
2 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

3 My soul is in anguish.
How long, O LORD, how long?

4 Turn, O LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.

Abiding in Christ

Today's sermon: Abiding Life of John 15:5-8 by Dr Freddy Boey

I just wanna say, "Thank You, Lord.. for comforting and assuring me that even now, in this season, the season when I'm feeling so lost, so useless, so lonely, so no direction, so no achievement, so... wrong.., I am still and also abiding in Christ".
Yes, I am, and I will, and I want... oh God...

During Wisdom Tooth Growth

So, Wednesday (02 Sep) was on MC. Woke up, had breakfast with the left-over beehon in order to be able to take my medicine. A bit of drowsy, went to sleep. Plumber came so had to wake up and lied down at sofa in the living room. Effect of painkiller worn off just after 2 hours, while I could only take again after 12 hours, ohh.. Lunch with indomie to take medicine again (but not painkiller), after that went to sleep again so as not to feel the pain. Woke up, had porridge for dinner (all of us had porridge, haha..), couldn't wait to take painkiller again. Had to cancel a movie session. Supposed to watch "UP" at Suntec Eng Wah with Jacinta, Brendan and Barry. I had been wanting to watch "UP", you know.. and it's free some more, a volunteer appreciation nite held by BCCSC. So, have to buy ticket myself and watch next time lor... Forced myself to stay 'til 9pm to watch the HK drama "Heart of Greed" til 10pm, then went to sleep with pain.

Thursday, had to go to work though still in pain. Bought banana cake for breakfast but ended up ate a bit with milo in the morning, and trying to finish it throughout the day, eating bit by bit. In the morning, while working felt a bit dizzy, but thought it was normal due to taking antibiotics (my stomach is not very strong to medicine). But during bus ride to office, suddenly felt want to faint. Was very worried and prayed not to faint there, and thank God, managed to arrive office and sat down. Maz, Brian, Wan Tien and Wati were shocked by my pale face.
Afternoon, had beehoon cooked by Stephanie. Very delicious, but managed to eat a bit only. After work, went home, ate a bit of rice for dinner. Before going to sleep, cooked porridge for tomorrow breakfast.
That night, had to cancel my first "Teach-in session" with the worship team.

Friday, ate porridge for breakfast, took cab to office. Pain was getting better, but still taking painkiller. Had porridge again for lunch. After noon, pain got better, but the gum was very not comfortable that I couldn't speak properly, haha... Went home, ate my left over porridge for dinner and tried to reduce my painkiller to 1 tablet per taking.

Saturday, went to first time rehearsal with the worship team ^^
And.. start eating rice again... yahooo... Thank God..
Dinner, no appetite, gastric i guess, cause of the antibiotics
Sunday, dizzy and nauseous...

Now.. quite well... oopss.. haven't taken my medicine.. haha.. finally I could forget instead of waiting to take medicine.. (that means, no pain at all lor.. ^^)

Wisdom Tooth

Monday night started with swollen gum. I thought it was just due to heat in the body. Then the next day, getting painful, gum n tooth, but still bearable. Until afternoon, after lunch, the pain was getting worse, so took a panadol that made me couldn't open my eyes due to the drowsiness, haha... Pain getting worse, so decided to visit the dentist at Vista @ Boon Lay MRT. The dentist said my wisdom tooth is growing, but most likely horizontally, so stuck half-way n hurt my gum, may need surgery to extract the wisdom tooth. Ohhh...

Today on MC n medication, antibiotics n painkillers, each time has to 9 tablets.. ooh.. for me it's really a big matter lar :( painkiller only help to reduce the pain for 2 hours, while can only take again after 12 hours. Slept for almost the whole day so as not to feel the pain today, tomorrow have to work le... :(

I've never really experienced toothache before. The worst was only swollen gum and temporary toothache that lasted for few hours only. This time is really torturing, feel like crying :,( has been 2 days + 1 night.

Btw, can't really trust that dentist. I'm thinking to see another dentist to make sure, and tomorrow will check with Stephanie if the insurance covers this, else... very expensive leh. Anyway, I prayed that the tooth is actually growing alrite, so I'll just let it grow... haihhh.. what a days...