"Only God can love a scrambled egg." -heard this from www.klove.com. It's not meant literally of course, metaphorically. It caught my attention and with it came a string of thoughts so thought i'll blog...
It speaks of how God loves everyone of us, christian or non-christian, no matter how messed up/ a failure we think we are. God still loves us, for who we are.
I've come to realise the reasons why non-christians stay non-christians, and why christians are viewed in a bad light by some of them. I re-state a scenario shared by a friend when she was only 14.
"Are you a christian?" her friend asked casually.
"No." she replied.
"Then you and your family will go to hell." her friend answered.
Those words must have hurt and frightened her so that she still remembers it till now... Although we can say that her friend, still being young, could have been ignorant and tactless. But i still believe it reflects a lot on how we christians look upon others at times, consciously or unconsciously. I was talking to some of my friends today about christianity, and on hindsight, i realised how condescending and harsh i was. Giving that 'holier than thou' attitude. =/
Another friend recounted of how her close friend said she would not become a christian because of the 'different' way the people in church treat her, like someone being looked down upon. Maybe it's not their intention but the feeling is still real.
I realise that we as christians have to be careful not to have that 'i'm better than you' attitude. God humbled and convicted me by what happened today. I'm reminded that i'm a sinner saved by grace alone, and am only made righteous by God through Jesus' death on the cross.
In short, i may be a scrambled egg. but. God still loves me anyway :) And He does the same for everyone.
Learning to Walk on Water
Sea of Galilee, Israel
Monday, February 28, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
lessons
Learnt some stuff this week. (dont we learn things everyday, maybe just that we dont realise it or dont pen it down) well, i decided to pen some down today.
Went for a talk on islam (it was 'islam awareness week') Was rather surprised, my university is rather multi-religious and tolerant i must say. they even have a gay-lesbian-homosexual society.... Well, i was free and bo-liao so decided to pop by for one of their talks entitled 'why become a muslim?' haha, can't believe i went for it alone, felt so weird. 3 muslims talked about how they became muslims (all of them weren't born muslims, in fact 2 came from christian backgrounds) one of them questioned the basis of christianity and the divinity of Jesus. Muslims believe that Jesus was one of God's prophets, but he wasn't God. They believed another prophet known as Muhammad was God's final messenger who was inspired directly by God to write the Koran. lots of other stuff as well, but difficult to explain in writing. I apologize if i've offended anyone.
Helped out in a concert cum play put up by the malaysian society here. Was acting as an extra in some scenes. Was pretty enjoyable, learnt quite a lot of malaysian culture just mingling with the malaysians (they're the closest affinity i feel here other than the singaporeans) Malaysian english is actually very much like Singlish, only very slighty different in the 'accent'. Though i was one of the few singaporeans helping out, they were all very accepting and friendly, the chinese, malays, indians and all. They all did their part without grumbling. Guess we singaporeans have a lot to learn from our neighbours. Though i was only playing a small role, they insisted i put some make-up on. (or rather, a LOT of make-up) heh. Don't think i've ever put that much make-up on my face before. Feels different with make-up on. in a good way :)
Yep, some light-hearted updates on my side.
Have a blessed week ahead my friends :)
Went for a talk on islam (it was 'islam awareness week') Was rather surprised, my university is rather multi-religious and tolerant i must say. they even have a gay-lesbian-homosexual society.... Well, i was free and bo-liao so decided to pop by for one of their talks entitled 'why become a muslim?' haha, can't believe i went for it alone, felt so weird. 3 muslims talked about how they became muslims (all of them weren't born muslims, in fact 2 came from christian backgrounds) one of them questioned the basis of christianity and the divinity of Jesus. Muslims believe that Jesus was one of God's prophets, but he wasn't God. They believed another prophet known as Muhammad was God's final messenger who was inspired directly by God to write the Koran. lots of other stuff as well, but difficult to explain in writing. I apologize if i've offended anyone.
Helped out in a concert cum play put up by the malaysian society here. Was acting as an extra in some scenes. Was pretty enjoyable, learnt quite a lot of malaysian culture just mingling with the malaysians (they're the closest affinity i feel here other than the singaporeans) Malaysian english is actually very much like Singlish, only very slighty different in the 'accent'. Though i was one of the few singaporeans helping out, they were all very accepting and friendly, the chinese, malays, indians and all. They all did their part without grumbling. Guess we singaporeans have a lot to learn from our neighbours. Though i was only playing a small role, they insisted i put some make-up on. (or rather, a LOT of make-up) heh. Don't think i've ever put that much make-up on my face before. Feels different with make-up on. in a good way :)
Yep, some light-hearted updates on my side.
Have a blessed week ahead my friends :)
Thursday, February 24, 2005
thoughts
Read this from a friend's blog. what she said struck me: "im simply amazed by how nature creates every single one of us differently, imperfect, never good at every single aspect, but nevertheless, beautiful... Disability.... is not anything to be ashamed of. in fact, disability makes one different, special and unique. " Well, i agree with every part of it, except the 'nature' bit, there's a God who created us... we didn't come out of a single cell, or just came about from nothing. But it was God who breathed His breath of life into us.
There are 2 'disabled' students in my hall, one on a wheelchair, one blind. Both are christians, very different in personalities, one keeps pretty much to himself, a bit melancholic, the other, outgoing, cheerful most of the time. Yet, they are both special and loved by God. Maybe God put them in my hall to remind me of how fortunate i am, that i often take the most important things in life for granted. And it's only when things are taken away from us that we realise how much we need them.
There are 2 'disabled' students in my hall, one on a wheelchair, one blind. Both are christians, very different in personalities, one keeps pretty much to himself, a bit melancholic, the other, outgoing, cheerful most of the time. Yet, they are both special and loved by God. Maybe God put them in my hall to remind me of how fortunate i am, that i often take the most important things in life for granted. And it's only when things are taken away from us that we realise how much we need them.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
weather update...
Was greeted this morning by falling snow! Big fluffy snow! (yes! the ones you see on tv during christmas...) Except today was the 15th day of CNY (is that right?) Was still asleep when one of my hallmates called me, and told me it was snowing. We were so excited we just grabbed our coats (without brushing teeth, washing face, or even combing hair, haha) oh yes, not forgetting our camera. I think we were the only crazy ple up so early (it was 8am, well, early for me la, normally i'm not awake by then). Walked to the 'downs' and 'millenium gardens' on campus (the prettier parts of campus). And took photos! http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=2130325011 (you gotta sign up as a memeber before you can view...) if not, you can wait till i come back to sgp in june! heh
Weather's been crazy and cold the past few days. Hailed, rained and snowed yesterday. Temperature dropping to abt -6 at night these few nights. According to the weatherman, there's gonna be MORE snow, and cold weather for the next few days or so. The snow here melts pretty fast though, so it's now you see it now you don't.
Heard it's right the opposite in hot and sunny singapore. Better put on that sunblock or suntan (depending on whether you want a tan or not) ;)
Cheers from chilly UK to sunny singapore
Weather's been crazy and cold the past few days. Hailed, rained and snowed yesterday. Temperature dropping to abt -6 at night these few nights. According to the weatherman, there's gonna be MORE snow, and cold weather for the next few days or so. The snow here melts pretty fast though, so it's now you see it now you don't.
Heard it's right the opposite in hot and sunny singapore. Better put on that sunblock or suntan (depending on whether you want a tan or not) ;)
Cheers from chilly UK to sunny singapore
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Living for Jesus
Hi all,
Long post, but do read if you have some time to spare J
Never in my life have I been exposed to so many different cultures, schools of thought, personalities and beliefs here. I originally thought I’d be around Brits most of the time here in UK, but more than anything, I’ve come into contact with so many other different nationalities here. Many international students are from Asian countries – Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam… the list goes on. Until now I’m still overwhelmed by so many different nationalities and people around me. God has placed people here in my path, to bless, to be blessed by, and to witness and share my life with.
I’ve never had so many opportunities of sharing the gospel back in Sgp (well, I probably had but I was too much in my own comfort zone) Now that God has put me in a foreign land, I’ve become more aware of the need and urgency to share the gospel to people. Many students here are searching, seeking. And many are open to Christianity. Praise God for that! There are so many people I’ve come across who are non-christians, yet they attend church every Sunday to find out more about God.
The Christian Union here comprises of only about 400 students (out of a total student population of about 28,000). But their presence is really felt on campus, with CU leaders strategically placed within every hall, reaching out to many international students like us… Last week was ‘One Hope Mission Week’, where some of them went ard campus witnessing. There were both basic and deep talks about Christianity throughout the day, as well as night services in the university. I merely helped to make sandwiches for one of the days, but I could certainly feel God’s presence move within the university. Although (according to the CU) only 3 ple officially prayed the sinner’s prayer, I believe seeds have been planted in many hearts.
I met one of their ‘fruits’ of their labour today at church. Randomly sat beside a girl from Taiwan, only to find out it was her first time here and she had come alone. Found out later she used to go to church a long time ago but had stopped. I could see a strong desire in her to come back to God, and His throne of grace. Really encouraging.
Recently, there was a ‘Nottingham China Day’ held at one of the churches here. A few English as well as Chinese missionaries from china came to speak and share about their experiences in china. Was an eye-opener for me. Thought of maybe going to china for a few weeks for a short-term mission trip, but don’t know if I’m up to it. Sometimes there so just so many ways to serve God I really don’t know where I’m supposed to go and what I’m supposed to do.
But I believe God has placed me where I am now for a purpose, and I just have to be faithful in living my life for Him each day, and not for myself. It’s so easy to keep to myself here, to live in my own small world and dwell on my own troubles, until He shows me that there are more important things to think about and to do.
Yet, He doesn’t belittle my circumstances, and He graciously disciplines and teaches me His ways.
Well, wherever we are, be it at home, in school, work, or in a foreign country, we are all placed where we are for a unique purpose and mission.
“But this precious treasure – this light and power that now shine within us – is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.” 2 Cor 4:7
However weak or inadequate we are/feel, so long as we are willing, He can and will use us. Amen.
Whatever circumstances or troubles we may be facing right now, it will not be in vain. For God uses our present pain and hurts to comfort and help those who are hurting.
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Cor 1:4
Long post, but do read if you have some time to spare J
Never in my life have I been exposed to so many different cultures, schools of thought, personalities and beliefs here. I originally thought I’d be around Brits most of the time here in UK, but more than anything, I’ve come into contact with so many other different nationalities here. Many international students are from Asian countries – Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam… the list goes on. Until now I’m still overwhelmed by so many different nationalities and people around me. God has placed people here in my path, to bless, to be blessed by, and to witness and share my life with.
I’ve never had so many opportunities of sharing the gospel back in Sgp (well, I probably had but I was too much in my own comfort zone) Now that God has put me in a foreign land, I’ve become more aware of the need and urgency to share the gospel to people. Many students here are searching, seeking. And many are open to Christianity. Praise God for that! There are so many people I’ve come across who are non-christians, yet they attend church every Sunday to find out more about God.
The Christian Union here comprises of only about 400 students (out of a total student population of about 28,000). But their presence is really felt on campus, with CU leaders strategically placed within every hall, reaching out to many international students like us… Last week was ‘One Hope Mission Week’, where some of them went ard campus witnessing. There were both basic and deep talks about Christianity throughout the day, as well as night services in the university. I merely helped to make sandwiches for one of the days, but I could certainly feel God’s presence move within the university. Although (according to the CU) only 3 ple officially prayed the sinner’s prayer, I believe seeds have been planted in many hearts.
I met one of their ‘fruits’ of their labour today at church. Randomly sat beside a girl from Taiwan, only to find out it was her first time here and she had come alone. Found out later she used to go to church a long time ago but had stopped. I could see a strong desire in her to come back to God, and His throne of grace. Really encouraging.
Recently, there was a ‘Nottingham China Day’ held at one of the churches here. A few English as well as Chinese missionaries from china came to speak and share about their experiences in china. Was an eye-opener for me. Thought of maybe going to china for a few weeks for a short-term mission trip, but don’t know if I’m up to it. Sometimes there so just so many ways to serve God I really don’t know where I’m supposed to go and what I’m supposed to do.
But I believe God has placed me where I am now for a purpose, and I just have to be faithful in living my life for Him each day, and not for myself. It’s so easy to keep to myself here, to live in my own small world and dwell on my own troubles, until He shows me that there are more important things to think about and to do.
Yet, He doesn’t belittle my circumstances, and He graciously disciplines and teaches me His ways.
Well, wherever we are, be it at home, in school, work, or in a foreign country, we are all placed where we are for a unique purpose and mission.
“But this precious treasure – this light and power that now shine within us – is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.” 2 Cor 4:7
However weak or inadequate we are/feel, so long as we are willing, He can and will use us. Amen.
Whatever circumstances or troubles we may be facing right now, it will not be in vain. For God uses our present pain and hurts to comfort and help those who are hurting.
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Cor 1:4
Saturday, February 19, 2005
it was lost, but now it's found!
I almost lost my hp recently due to my carelessness, dropped it while jogging in a park here. Went back the next day to look for it, retraced my steps, and wala! found it lying there on the grasspatch where my friends and i lay, in perfect working order. it survived theft, being eaten by a deer (it's a deer park), trampled by running kids, and the freezing cold night! My friends all said i was 'lucky'. God really granted me the peace when i realised i lost it the night before, and i somehow knew He would let me find it, even if i didn't i wouldn't be too upset. But I was glad i found it :)
Your 'cross' keychain's still on my hp gina :)
Hope you all had a gd weekend!
Your 'cross' keychain's still on my hp gina :)
Hope you all had a gd weekend!
Friday, February 18, 2005
Encouragement for the weary
Taken from Crosswalk:
In biblical times, if a lamb wandered away from the flock, the shepherd searched everywhere to find it. When the lost lamb was found, the shepherd broke one of the lamb's legs and then carried the wounded lamb on his shoulders until the leg was healed. The lamb would develop such a close relationship with the shepherd, that when given it was healed, it would never again wander from the one who had cared for it so tenderly.
In the last few years, I have discovered that I have drawn closest to the Savior when I was hurting the most. He has never failed me. The scripture, "Come unto Me and I will give you rest," has kept me going so many times when my body just wanted to quit. Now that I am cancer free, I can look back and picture myself being carried in the arms of Jesus. He was always there, urging me on, whispering in my ear to never give up, pulling me as close to Him as I was willing to come, all the time saying, "Come closer, my child; depend on Me completely and I will see you through this, no matter what the outcome."
He put some special people in my path, people who lifted me up and encouraged me with their love and prayers. I have come to believe that our steps are truly ordered - each and every one. My job is to seek out and walk in the steps He has planned for me.
Cancer certainly got my attention, but in all the chaos of wondering about the outcome came sure knowledge that I was being carried in strong loving arms that would never let me go. I asked God, "why", many times and while I know He understood my frailty as a servant, He kept giving me the same answer, "Hang on, I am with you, we can do this together." If you sometimes feel like one of those lambs with a broken leg, just know that if you ask, the Savior will pick you up, hold you tightly, and carry you until you can stand again. Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd always will forever call you to come closer, never pushing you away.
Romans 8:35, 37-39, "Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity or are persecuted or are hungry, or cold on in danger or threatened with death?" No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)
In biblical times, if a lamb wandered away from the flock, the shepherd searched everywhere to find it. When the lost lamb was found, the shepherd broke one of the lamb's legs and then carried the wounded lamb on his shoulders until the leg was healed. The lamb would develop such a close relationship with the shepherd, that when given it was healed, it would never again wander from the one who had cared for it so tenderly.
In the last few years, I have discovered that I have drawn closest to the Savior when I was hurting the most. He has never failed me. The scripture, "Come unto Me and I will give you rest," has kept me going so many times when my body just wanted to quit. Now that I am cancer free, I can look back and picture myself being carried in the arms of Jesus. He was always there, urging me on, whispering in my ear to never give up, pulling me as close to Him as I was willing to come, all the time saying, "Come closer, my child; depend on Me completely and I will see you through this, no matter what the outcome."
He put some special people in my path, people who lifted me up and encouraged me with their love and prayers. I have come to believe that our steps are truly ordered - each and every one. My job is to seek out and walk in the steps He has planned for me.
Cancer certainly got my attention, but in all the chaos of wondering about the outcome came sure knowledge that I was being carried in strong loving arms that would never let me go. I asked God, "why", many times and while I know He understood my frailty as a servant, He kept giving me the same answer, "Hang on, I am with you, we can do this together." If you sometimes feel like one of those lambs with a broken leg, just know that if you ask, the Savior will pick you up, hold you tightly, and carry you until you can stand again. Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd always will forever call you to come closer, never pushing you away.
Romans 8:35, 37-39, "Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity or are persecuted or are hungry, or cold on in danger or threatened with death?" No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
on planes
There is not a day here that passes without me seeing/ hearing a plane flying past... My friends from singapore say everytime they see a plane, it reminds them of home. As for me, it reminds me of home, a special person, and a strong desire to be up there in the sky.... i look up till it passes, only to disappear from my view.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
sth worth reading
Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are. The german philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche told of his ability to "smell" the inmost parts of every soul, especially the "abundant hidden dirt at the bottom of many a character." Nietzche was a master of ungrace. We are called to do the opposite, to smell the residue of hidden worth.
In a scene from the movie Ironweed, the characters played by Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep stumble across an old Eskimo woman lying in the snow, probably drunk. Besotted themselves, the two debate what they should do about her.
"Is she drunk or a bum?" asks Nicholson.
"Just a bum. Been one all her life."
"And before that?"
"She was a whore in Alaska."
"She hasn't been a whore all her life. Before that?"
"I dunno. Just a little kid, i guess."
"Well, a little kids's something. It's not a bum and it's not a whore. It's something. Let's take her in."
The two vagrants were seeing the eskimo woman through the lens of grace. Where society saw only a bum and a whore, grace saw "a little kid", a person made in the image of God no matter how defaced that image had become.
-taken from "What's so amazing about grace?" by Philip Yancey
May God help us to love the unlovable,
might not necesaarily be the woman on the street.
It could be your nagging parents,
an irritating brother/sister,
a friend who hurt you,
someone's who's "different"
someone you can't agree with.... the list goes on.
I'm guilty of all the above.
God extends his grace to a sinner like me.
How can i not do the same to those around.
Imperfection is the pre-requisite for grace. Light only gets in through the cracks.
In a scene from the movie Ironweed, the characters played by Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep stumble across an old Eskimo woman lying in the snow, probably drunk. Besotted themselves, the two debate what they should do about her.
"Is she drunk or a bum?" asks Nicholson.
"Just a bum. Been one all her life."
"And before that?"
"She was a whore in Alaska."
"She hasn't been a whore all her life. Before that?"
"I dunno. Just a little kid, i guess."
"Well, a little kids's something. It's not a bum and it's not a whore. It's something. Let's take her in."
The two vagrants were seeing the eskimo woman through the lens of grace. Where society saw only a bum and a whore, grace saw "a little kid", a person made in the image of God no matter how defaced that image had become.
-taken from "What's so amazing about grace?" by Philip Yancey
May God help us to love the unlovable,
might not necesaarily be the woman on the street.
It could be your nagging parents,
an irritating brother/sister,
a friend who hurt you,
someone's who's "different"
someone you can't agree with.... the list goes on.
I'm guilty of all the above.
God extends his grace to a sinner like me.
How can i not do the same to those around.
Imperfection is the pre-requisite for grace. Light only gets in through the cracks.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Keep Singing - by Mercy Me
Beautiful song... can download the MP3 at this website:
http://www.negativebeats.com/m/mercy_me/keep_singing.html
Thanks for the CD fh =)
Another rainy day
I can't recall having sunshine on my face
All I feel is pain
All I wanna do is walk out of this place
But when I am stuck and I can't move
When I don't know what I should do
When I wonder if I'll ever make it through
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
Your the one that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That's the only way that I'll find healing
Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing
Oh You're everything I need
And I gotta keep singing
http://www.negativebeats.com/m/mercy_me/keep_singing.html
Thanks for the CD fh =)
Another rainy day
I can't recall having sunshine on my face
All I feel is pain
All I wanna do is walk out of this place
But when I am stuck and I can't move
When I don't know what I should do
When I wonder if I'll ever make it through
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
Your the one that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That's the only way that I'll find healing
Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing
Oh You're everything I need
And I gotta keep singing
CNY
Spent cu1 yi1 in town with some singaporeans. Had dim sum for lunch, ate for 2 and a half hours!! Spent about S$25 per person, heh. But was worth it. :) We were supposed to go ice-skating after that but we were too full so we just caught a movie instead. Came home and did some work... yep, that was chinese new year for me.
Now it's back to school again as usual, feels like CNY didn't even come sometimes. Just had my first sociology seminar. We're divided into groups and every grp is supposed to do a presentation on a reading. Then we're supposed to have a 'discussion' about it. We're graded on class discussions (ie. how much you contribute to the discussion during class) and it accounts for 20% of the total marks for this module. I abosutely HATE speaking in front of people, what more strangers. Sigh. Kept silent throughout the entire seminar (other than reading out my part of my grp presentation). Felt that the whole discussion was staged, and everyone was just fighting for a share of the pie and to score points with the tutor... there wasn't any opportunity for me to speak at all, even though i had sth to say, i wouldnt want to say it cos i didnt want to feel like i did it just for marks... Felt so angry after that, with myself and with everyone. Sigh. so much for my first seminar. Sometimes i feel that the world wasn't made for introverts, but i know that's not true. Can't help but feel like a zebra amongst horses all the time. Different. Weird. maybe? I don't wish to try to be someone i'm not yet the world tells me to change and adapt to the environment.
Okay. that's enough. sorry guys. needed a breather. no one to tell, or talk to. In the computer lab typing this now. Well, hope you all had a great chinese new year with a good harvest ;) I had 2 pounds (equivalent to S$6) but i'm happy i even had a hong bao :) i really am.
Now it's back to school again as usual, feels like CNY didn't even come sometimes. Just had my first sociology seminar. We're divided into groups and every grp is supposed to do a presentation on a reading. Then we're supposed to have a 'discussion' about it. We're graded on class discussions (ie. how much you contribute to the discussion during class) and it accounts for 20% of the total marks for this module. I abosutely HATE speaking in front of people, what more strangers. Sigh. Kept silent throughout the entire seminar (other than reading out my part of my grp presentation). Felt that the whole discussion was staged, and everyone was just fighting for a share of the pie and to score points with the tutor... there wasn't any opportunity for me to speak at all, even though i had sth to say, i wouldnt want to say it cos i didnt want to feel like i did it just for marks... Felt so angry after that, with myself and with everyone. Sigh. so much for my first seminar. Sometimes i feel that the world wasn't made for introverts, but i know that's not true. Can't help but feel like a zebra amongst horses all the time. Different. Weird. maybe? I don't wish to try to be someone i'm not yet the world tells me to change and adapt to the environment.
Okay. that's enough. sorry guys. needed a breather. no one to tell, or talk to. In the computer lab typing this now. Well, hope you all had a great chinese new year with a good harvest ;) I had 2 pounds (equivalent to S$6) but i'm happy i even had a hong bao :) i really am.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
CNY's eve
Before i post, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR to all! GONG XI FA CAI, XIN NIAN KUAI LE. =)
Started off like a normal school day to me today.
830AM. Woke up. breakfast. QT. bus to library to return book. Research for lab report. go for one hour lecture. walk back to room. have sandwich for lunch. chat on msn. call grandma's house! (They were having reunion dinner then. Said only about 10 chinese words to my grandma in mandarin. She was talking most of the time, asking me to take care, eat well, study hard, take care of my mom when i start working, God bless, etc. etc. heh. Before i could ask her how she was she passed the phone back to my mom. Usual grandma :) It's been sometime since ive spoken to her. Was nice to hear a familiar voice on CNY eve. Spoke to my bro for a while as well, cuz, aunt. Could hear the tv and some chatting in the background. Found out sis had gone to chinatown with some of my cousins from malaysia) Continued chatting on msn. Continue 3000 word lab report (sian =/ ) dinner. was supposed to continue my lab report for the entire night. BUT. Thank God! Got a call from friend inviting me over for dinner! whee. About 10 of us, 9 singaporeans, 1 brit - had mutton curry, dumplings, stir-fried mixed vege, onion omelete, beancurd, herbal chicken, steam fish, bak-kua(!), love-letters.... One of my friends' mom cooked. Was simply awed by the food. Havent had such food in a long time! Was a treat indeed. We ate till we were bursting. bleh. OH YES. and i got an ang-bao!! heh, the only one i will get here. and 2 clementines as well (really tiny oranges). Didnt really talk much though, ple were too into the food and we were rather tired.... But i'm thankful for the gathering. Got my mind of work for a while and was nice to have 'reunion dinner'. well, sort of... Came back. Continued doing lab report. FINALLY done. Phew. 1AM. Surf net to relax. Shower. Listen to music. Sleep. 2AM. All in a day's work. Pretty much like any other day here.
Started off like a normal school day to me today.
830AM. Woke up. breakfast. QT. bus to library to return book. Research for lab report. go for one hour lecture. walk back to room. have sandwich for lunch. chat on msn. call grandma's house! (They were having reunion dinner then. Said only about 10 chinese words to my grandma in mandarin. She was talking most of the time, asking me to take care, eat well, study hard, take care of my mom when i start working, God bless, etc. etc. heh. Before i could ask her how she was she passed the phone back to my mom. Usual grandma :) It's been sometime since ive spoken to her. Was nice to hear a familiar voice on CNY eve. Spoke to my bro for a while as well, cuz, aunt. Could hear the tv and some chatting in the background. Found out sis had gone to chinatown with some of my cousins from malaysia) Continued chatting on msn. Continue 3000 word lab report (sian =/ ) dinner. was supposed to continue my lab report for the entire night. BUT. Thank God! Got a call from friend inviting me over for dinner! whee. About 10 of us, 9 singaporeans, 1 brit - had mutton curry, dumplings, stir-fried mixed vege, onion omelete, beancurd, herbal chicken, steam fish, bak-kua(!), love-letters.... One of my friends' mom cooked. Was simply awed by the food. Havent had such food in a long time! Was a treat indeed. We ate till we were bursting. bleh. OH YES. and i got an ang-bao!! heh, the only one i will get here. and 2 clementines as well (really tiny oranges). Didnt really talk much though, ple were too into the food and we were rather tired.... But i'm thankful for the gathering. Got my mind of work for a while and was nice to have 'reunion dinner'. well, sort of... Came back. Continued doing lab report. FINALLY done. Phew. 1AM. Surf net to relax. Shower. Listen to music. Sleep. 2AM. All in a day's work. Pretty much like any other day here.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
on church
Had my first communion here in UK today, after attending COrnerstone for the past 4 months or somehow i missed all the communion services. Well, so was pretty surprised when i saw the bread and wine up front before service. Was nice to partake communion again with His body. It was REAL bread and wine here. heh. and we drank the wine from the same cup and passed it around. Broke the bread from a whole loaf.
I'm pretty glad i settled down here... The people are generally all very friendly, and the senior and junior pastor are great ple. Ive talked to both of them, and they have no airs or anything, very helpful, very wise, and respectable. Really blessed.
Still cant get used to the feeling of coming back to my room and working after church though. NEED to work but no motivation whatsoever. bleh =/ Guess i do feel lonely at times, wish there were a familiar face ard... msn's not the best way of communicating but it's the best it can get. Well, weekend's over so fast. Another week gone. Will be spending my first foreign chinese new year here. There's no atmosphere of people buying new clothes or food... just spending a simple day out at town with some singaporeans having tim sum. havent had good chinese food in a long time! =)
Well, have a great chinese new year break you all, in sunny singapore and kangaroo island ;) Will be thinking about you guys. Cheers from chilly UK.
I'm pretty glad i settled down here... The people are generally all very friendly, and the senior and junior pastor are great ple. Ive talked to both of them, and they have no airs or anything, very helpful, very wise, and respectable. Really blessed.
Still cant get used to the feeling of coming back to my room and working after church though. NEED to work but no motivation whatsoever. bleh =/ Guess i do feel lonely at times, wish there were a familiar face ard... msn's not the best way of communicating but it's the best it can get. Well, weekend's over so fast. Another week gone. Will be spending my first foreign chinese new year here. There's no atmosphere of people buying new clothes or food... just spending a simple day out at town with some singaporeans having tim sum. havent had good chinese food in a long time! =)
Well, have a great chinese new year break you all, in sunny singapore and kangaroo island ;) Will be thinking about you guys. Cheers from chilly UK.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
He will carry me - by Mark Schultz
I call, You hear me
I've lost it all
And it's more then I can bear
I feel so empty
Your strong, I'm weary
I'm holding on
But I feel like giving in
But still You're with me
(Pre-chorus and Chorus)
And even though I'm walking
Through the valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Who's love will comfort me
And when my hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me
I know I'm broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
Your always with me
(Bridge)
And even though I feel so lonely
Like I have never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said You'd see me through the storm
And even though I'm walking
Through the valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Who's love will comfort me
And when my hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me
He will carry me
He will carry me
I've lost it all
And it's more then I can bear
I feel so empty
Your strong, I'm weary
I'm holding on
But I feel like giving in
But still You're with me
(Pre-chorus and Chorus)
And even though I'm walking
Through the valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Who's love will comfort me
And when my hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me
I know I'm broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
Your always with me
(Bridge)
And even though I feel so lonely
Like I have never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said You'd see me through the storm
And even though I'm walking
Through the valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Who's love will comfort me
And when my hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me
He will carry me
He will carry me
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
words of wisdom from ecclesiasties 3 - A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Today's devotional was on seasons. Well, how appropriate, so far i've experienced 3 seasons here - a bit of summer, autumn and now, winter. With each season brings different feelings, different activities. Very soon i'll be seeing spring. Guess it's the same for all of our lives. Though sgp may be hot and sunny (or rainy depending on the time of the year), our lives have different seasons of ups and downs. Each has a purpose, sometimes the winter is colder, or lasts longer than we would wish it to be, but it won't stay winter forever. Unless youre staying in the antarctic (then again, they do get longer/shorter hours of daylight depending on the time of the year)
I'm bad at words so i shall just quote from the book:
"In God's perfect design for our lives, He planned for times of fruitfulness and activity. He will also build times of quiet and rest. There will be times when He asks us to remain faithful doing the same work day after day. But there will also be periods of excitement and new beginnings. By God's grace, we will enjoy seasons of harvesting the fruit of our faithfulness. By God's grace, we will also overcome the cold winters of heartache and grief, for without winter there would be no spring. Just as it is with the seasons of nature, these seasons in our lives work together to bring about God's perfect will for each one of us."
-taken from "Experiencing God day-by-day Devotional"
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Today's devotional was on seasons. Well, how appropriate, so far i've experienced 3 seasons here - a bit of summer, autumn and now, winter. With each season brings different feelings, different activities. Very soon i'll be seeing spring. Guess it's the same for all of our lives. Though sgp may be hot and sunny (or rainy depending on the time of the year), our lives have different seasons of ups and downs. Each has a purpose, sometimes the winter is colder, or lasts longer than we would wish it to be, but it won't stay winter forever. Unless youre staying in the antarctic (then again, they do get longer/shorter hours of daylight depending on the time of the year)
I'm bad at words so i shall just quote from the book:
"In God's perfect design for our lives, He planned for times of fruitfulness and activity. He will also build times of quiet and rest. There will be times when He asks us to remain faithful doing the same work day after day. But there will also be periods of excitement and new beginnings. By God's grace, we will enjoy seasons of harvesting the fruit of our faithfulness. By God's grace, we will also overcome the cold winters of heartache and grief, for without winter there would be no spring. Just as it is with the seasons of nature, these seasons in our lives work together to bring about God's perfect will for each one of us."
-taken from "Experiencing God day-by-day Devotional"
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