Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Are you too busy for God?
Everyday, He texts you "Hello! Are you ready for a day of adventure?"
What's your reply?
Throughout the day, God constantly sends messages to you
You receive the message, but do you read the message?
When you read the message, do you understand?
If you do not, do you ask Him for understanding?
Do you reply immediately, or leave it for later
Or is His message is deleted?
When you're drowning, you bombard His inbox
When you're sailing, you "forgot" your "phone"
Would you text an inactive user?
Ask him out for an adventure?
God's busy creating life, but He specially makes time for you
Are you making time for Him?
Everyday, He texts you "Hello! Are you ready for a day of adventure?"
What's your reply?
Throughout the day, God constantly sends messages to you
You receive the message, but do you read the message?
When you read the message, do you understand?
If you do not, do you ask Him for understanding?
Do you reply immediately, or leave it for later
Or is His message is deleted?
When you're drowning, you bombard His inbox
When you're sailing, you "forgot" your "phone"
Would you text an inactive user?
Ask him out for an adventure?
God's busy creating life, but He specially makes time for you
Are you making time for Him?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
God sets the day for you, the little miracles you see
He knows every detail of your day, if your day has been good or bad
He's just dying to give you His wisdom in every situation
He's sitting and waiting by your bed for you to come into His presence
He's watching you working through work, assignments and projects
He's trying to get your attention "Hey! Come into My presence for 5 minutes, I'll give you more strength and wisdom"
He's watching you struggle through the night, it hurts Him
He's patient, He waits for you
And when you finally meet Him, He gets extremely excited!
But He listens to your complains, whinings and things that you want Him to do
Holding up a huge notebook, He records them all. He remembers and knows every detail of your life
He's getting ready to share with you His secrets, He's excited!
But with an amen, you proceed to bed and sleep
"Maybe tomorrow God." you say.
He gives you a kiss and sends the angels to guard you while you rest
He understands the struggles you are going through
He understands how tired you are
But do you know that if you look beyond yourself and to Him,
You will be stronger
You will find rest
You will get wisdom
You will have a purpose and vision
You will have the zoe life
you will be blessed
Don't short-change Him
He knows every detail of your day, if your day has been good or bad
He's just dying to give you His wisdom in every situation
He's sitting and waiting by your bed for you to come into His presence
He's watching you working through work, assignments and projects
He's trying to get your attention "Hey! Come into My presence for 5 minutes, I'll give you more strength and wisdom"
He's watching you struggle through the night, it hurts Him
He's patient, He waits for you
And when you finally meet Him, He gets extremely excited!
But He listens to your complains, whinings and things that you want Him to do
Holding up a huge notebook, He records them all. He remembers and knows every detail of your life
He's getting ready to share with you His secrets, He's excited!
But with an amen, you proceed to bed and sleep
"Maybe tomorrow God." you say.
He gives you a kiss and sends the angels to guard you while you rest
He understands the struggles you are going through
He understands how tired you are
But do you know that if you look beyond yourself and to Him,
You will be stronger
You will find rest
You will get wisdom
You will have a purpose and vision
You will have the zoe life
you will be blessed
Don't short-change Him
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Love is intentional.
When you're in love, you pursue the object with all your heart
When you're out of love, the object of interest becomes a burden
But love is intentional.
You decide if you love or not.
Don't let emotions, circumstances and the environment affect the love.
Make the decisions to intentionally love and communicate.
Cruxify your flesh; its selfish.
When you're in love, you pursue the object with all your heart
When you're out of love, the object of interest becomes a burden
But love is intentional.
You decide if you love or not.
Don't let emotions, circumstances and the environment affect the love.
Make the decisions to intentionally love and communicate.
Cruxify your flesh; its selfish.
Communication is effective when both parties are interested.
There's a giving and receiving of hearts.
God is interested in giving His heart and receiving ours.
But are we interested in His heart or the things He can do for us?
Be interested in His heart.
Communicate with God, matters of Your heart and He will fill your heart with His.
There's a giving and receiving of hearts.
God is interested in giving His heart and receiving ours.
But are we interested in His heart or the things He can do for us?
Be interested in His heart.
Communicate with God, matters of Your heart and He will fill your heart with His.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Has technology made man unfriendly?
iPods are such common devices. Everywhere we go, we see people with the white earphones. But has this piece of advanced technology replaced human touch, affection or communication?
Its common to see couples, husband and wife listening to music or watching movies on their iPods. But they are watching their own programs, listening to their own music. Perhaps its a desire for personal time and space? But shouldn't we include our spouse in our daily activities? What's worst is when one of the two watches a show, while the other stones away on the journey home.
Whatever happened to the love and romance from the start? I'm sure every couple starts sharing and spending time together like super glue in the beginning of a relationship. So when the attraction fades off, you say you need personal space? And then indulge in activities that only you like.
I feel that its such a heart wrenching sight.
Share your music, movies and shows together with a loved one. Keep the passion going! Be on the same page with your other half!
-
I'm on the bus now and I noticed this particular couple engrossed with their own iPods. Not the first time I've seen couples like this. Perhaps they really like to do their own things on their own once in a while.
But not me! Haha. I would want to share music, shows or whatever with Bernice. No interest? I'll try to develop an interest in it. No understanding? I'll not mock at it anymore.
Hey! Cherish your relationships!!
iPods are such common devices. Everywhere we go, we see people with the white earphones. But has this piece of advanced technology replaced human touch, affection or communication?
Its common to see couples, husband and wife listening to music or watching movies on their iPods. But they are watching their own programs, listening to their own music. Perhaps its a desire for personal time and space? But shouldn't we include our spouse in our daily activities? What's worst is when one of the two watches a show, while the other stones away on the journey home.
Whatever happened to the love and romance from the start? I'm sure every couple starts sharing and spending time together like super glue in the beginning of a relationship. So when the attraction fades off, you say you need personal space? And then indulge in activities that only you like.
I feel that its such a heart wrenching sight.
Share your music, movies and shows together with a loved one. Keep the passion going! Be on the same page with your other half!
-
I'm on the bus now and I noticed this particular couple engrossed with their own iPods. Not the first time I've seen couples like this. Perhaps they really like to do their own things on their own once in a while.
But not me! Haha. I would want to share music, shows or whatever with Bernice. No interest? I'll try to develop an interest in it. No understanding? I'll not mock at it anymore.
Hey! Cherish your relationships!!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wow.. This is definitely harder than I expected.. But I really thank God for technology, that even though we maybe miles apart, we can be connected via skype and chat away :)
Thank God for all the things we done in the past.. Pictures really speak a thousand words and the notes, scrapbook and stuffs really help nurse the feeling of missing someone :)
Everyday I look forward to many things. But now I look forward to receiving Bernice's replies, via email or sms and especially looking forward to our skype chats and video calls..
Like what Bernice says, a small sacrifice for a greater future.. I believe with all my heart that we're gonna make it through and we will continue to support each other dreams and visions!
Thank God for all the things we done in the past.. Pictures really speak a thousand words and the notes, scrapbook and stuffs really help nurse the feeling of missing someone :)
Everyday I look forward to many things. But now I look forward to receiving Bernice's replies, via email or sms and especially looking forward to our skype chats and video calls..
Like what Bernice says, a small sacrifice for a greater future.. I believe with all my heart that we're gonna make it through and we will continue to support each other dreams and visions!
Monday, August 31, 2009
I'm back!
Recently I've been thinking about a particular subject. A subject that's quite close to my heart and something that I was tested with a few times.
Wouldn't say that I'm the expert in this subject, but I got my 50 cents worth of experience to share.
The price to pay
Many times we hear preachers, pastors, leaders telling us that there's always a price to pay, a sacrifice to make. Generally, 99% of the congregation would respond in faith, raise up their hands and repeat the prayer after the leader, feel extremely good, pumped up and ready for the week ahead.
But when it's really time to pay the price, how many people actually pay the price?
I'm an extremely late bloomer. Having to retake my "O" levels, I was jolted to my senses, knowing that it's not a candy world out here. So I took my studies seriously and did well enough for Polytechnic.
It was always my ambition to be a pilot; a fighter pilot, above all the commoners, coolness personified. Walking around with shades, dressed up from head to toe in Hugo Boss and driving an Audi R8.
I frequently shared about the dreams of being a pilot, the perks of being one and worshipped by millions of kids.
Bear in mind that I've yet to know God during this period of time, so there's a huge problem with pride over here.
Having come from a very supportive family, my sister took all the trouble to get me the registration form from the Singapore Youth Flying Club and somehow, my parents had a connection in SYFC and I got my registration approval almost immediately.
So there I was, king of the world, member of the SYFC strutting my stuff to school and occasionally skipping classes because I had something more important to do in SYFC.
Then God came into my life.
Somewhat, my life was totally transformed. Things started changing, priorities changed and my attitudes started to change too.
Knowing that Christians are supposed to be nicer people, I started to be nicer to my classmates, hanging out with them more and being more friendly.
I attended Church, Cellgroups, Prayer Meetings, Pre-Service Prayer Meetings. Whatever my CGL told me to attend, I'll be there; if I'm free.
But this wasn't the price to pay for my commitment to Christ.
Slowly, God began to work in my heart. He gave me a call, a vision, a purpose. Something stirred in my heart.
Once every 2 weeks, I would be unable to attend Cell Group Meetings because of my commitment in SYFC. Thinking that it wouldn't hinder my growth in Church, I proceeded with the training, trying to balance Church and SYFC.
But the day came when I was asked to sacrifice SYFC, to focus mainly in my growth in Christ. My ambition was challenged, aspirations dashed and hope gone.
I felt God had called me to lead, to build up leaders for Him. But I was a young Christian, who would take me seriously? And I couldn't understand why God would want me to sacrifice something that I like.
So I didn't sacrifice SYFC immediately. I kept holding on to it.
Soon after, I felt uneasy. I knew something had to go. My interest in flying took a dip and I started to dread flying or attend lessons. I tried to motivate myself to be attentive in class and to fly to the best of my ability.
But nothing could beat being in Church, feeling at ease.
I prayed, hard and long. I asked God to not take away SYFC from me. I wanted God to do things my way, I wanted Him to give me what I wanted. But week after week, classes in SYFC were getting from bad to worst and my grading fell like a ton of bricks.
Then my CGL spoke to me again. Asked if I still have the passion and desire to be a pilot. Truth be told- I was still interested, but I knew it wasn't working out well for me. So I told my CGL (then) that I would leave SYFC.
So the price that I had to pay starts now.
Imagine the commotion I faced when I shared with my Sister about the decision I was able to make. My Sister questioned every decision that I made and about God. My parents were utterly disappointed with my decision and furious that I'm attending Church and spending so much time and money there.
I made my stand, prayed a prayer to God saying, "God, I'll give up flying now. But if it's Your will for me to fly, I'll get the chance to fly in the future."
So I left SYFC, feeling very happy (I had a really bad flight that day)
I sacrificed my dreams and aspirations for God.
To many, it may seem foolish. But to me, I know that God will not short-change me and I'll be able to fulfil a greater destiny God has placed in my heart.
This is the price that I had to pay.
Some of you may experience something even greater that requires a greater sacrifice. But do not be afraid to trust God and take the step of faith.
God says that His ways are greater then ours and the path of the righteous will always shine, from glory to glory!
Recently I've been thinking about a particular subject. A subject that's quite close to my heart and something that I was tested with a few times.
Wouldn't say that I'm the expert in this subject, but I got my 50 cents worth of experience to share.
The price to pay
Many times we hear preachers, pastors, leaders telling us that there's always a price to pay, a sacrifice to make. Generally, 99% of the congregation would respond in faith, raise up their hands and repeat the prayer after the leader, feel extremely good, pumped up and ready for the week ahead.
But when it's really time to pay the price, how many people actually pay the price?
I'm an extremely late bloomer. Having to retake my "O" levels, I was jolted to my senses, knowing that it's not a candy world out here. So I took my studies seriously and did well enough for Polytechnic.
It was always my ambition to be a pilot; a fighter pilot, above all the commoners, coolness personified. Walking around with shades, dressed up from head to toe in Hugo Boss and driving an Audi R8.
I frequently shared about the dreams of being a pilot, the perks of being one and worshipped by millions of kids.
Bear in mind that I've yet to know God during this period of time, so there's a huge problem with pride over here.
Having come from a very supportive family, my sister took all the trouble to get me the registration form from the Singapore Youth Flying Club and somehow, my parents had a connection in SYFC and I got my registration approval almost immediately.
So there I was, king of the world, member of the SYFC strutting my stuff to school and occasionally skipping classes because I had something more important to do in SYFC.
Then God came into my life.
Somewhat, my life was totally transformed. Things started changing, priorities changed and my attitudes started to change too.
Knowing that Christians are supposed to be nicer people, I started to be nicer to my classmates, hanging out with them more and being more friendly.
I attended Church, Cellgroups, Prayer Meetings, Pre-Service Prayer Meetings. Whatever my CGL told me to attend, I'll be there; if I'm free.
But this wasn't the price to pay for my commitment to Christ.
Slowly, God began to work in my heart. He gave me a call, a vision, a purpose. Something stirred in my heart.
Once every 2 weeks, I would be unable to attend Cell Group Meetings because of my commitment in SYFC. Thinking that it wouldn't hinder my growth in Church, I proceeded with the training, trying to balance Church and SYFC.
But the day came when I was asked to sacrifice SYFC, to focus mainly in my growth in Christ. My ambition was challenged, aspirations dashed and hope gone.
I felt God had called me to lead, to build up leaders for Him. But I was a young Christian, who would take me seriously? And I couldn't understand why God would want me to sacrifice something that I like.
So I didn't sacrifice SYFC immediately. I kept holding on to it.
Soon after, I felt uneasy. I knew something had to go. My interest in flying took a dip and I started to dread flying or attend lessons. I tried to motivate myself to be attentive in class and to fly to the best of my ability.
But nothing could beat being in Church, feeling at ease.
I prayed, hard and long. I asked God to not take away SYFC from me. I wanted God to do things my way, I wanted Him to give me what I wanted. But week after week, classes in SYFC were getting from bad to worst and my grading fell like a ton of bricks.
Then my CGL spoke to me again. Asked if I still have the passion and desire to be a pilot. Truth be told- I was still interested, but I knew it wasn't working out well for me. So I told my CGL (then) that I would leave SYFC.
So the price that I had to pay starts now.
Imagine the commotion I faced when I shared with my Sister about the decision I was able to make. My Sister questioned every decision that I made and about God. My parents were utterly disappointed with my decision and furious that I'm attending Church and spending so much time and money there.
I made my stand, prayed a prayer to God saying, "God, I'll give up flying now. But if it's Your will for me to fly, I'll get the chance to fly in the future."
So I left SYFC, feeling very happy (I had a really bad flight that day)
I sacrificed my dreams and aspirations for God.
To many, it may seem foolish. But to me, I know that God will not short-change me and I'll be able to fulfil a greater destiny God has placed in my heart.
This is the price that I had to pay.
Some of you may experience something even greater that requires a greater sacrifice. But do not be afraid to trust God and take the step of faith.
God says that His ways are greater then ours and the path of the righteous will always shine, from glory to glory!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
LOVE STORY (Taylor Swift) meets VIVA LA VIDA (Coldplay) - Piano Cello - by Jon Schmidt
Amazing combination of 2 songs!
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
Do you believe that signs and wonders happen when this song is performed?
The sick get healed and a sense of hope is being released.
Songs of the future.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Diversity - Dance Act - Britains Got Talent 2009 Ep 3
Bunch of people just coming together, doing amazing things.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
In office now, listened to Loui Giglio preach about God, and how great God is.
Amazed and awestruck.
Certain parts you'll find familar, as Pastor Kong preached a similar message last year. Still a good reminder I felt.
If you've time, listen to the message. Only 40 minutes of your time, it's gonna change your life.
Amazed and awestruck.
Certain parts you'll find familar, as Pastor Kong preached a similar message last year. Still a good reminder I felt.
If you've time, listen to the message. Only 40 minutes of your time, it's gonna change your life.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sound of Music | Central Station Antwerp (Belgium)
This is so cool. Maybe Spore shd have something like this too, ease off the fast paced environment.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
I took a lift with 2 strangers.
Both elderly, staying just one level below me.
The elderly man had blood stains on his shirt, left eye puffed up with stitches near his brow. Blue-black all over, very fresh wound.
The elderly woman looked very tired, but struck an conversation with me. She asked if I had just ended work.
With all politeness, I asked the uncle if he's alright.
Auntie said uncle fell down.
Uncle said they waited for more than three hours in a hospital.
I was shocked.
How could the hospital make an elderly couple wait for 3 hours? Stitch him up and send them back by themselves? I'm guessing that they stay by themselves because their children are not with them.
Right now, I'm thinking how can they take care of each other? Both elderly, probably not very sure of what to do to prevent infection.
If you're a certified First-Aider, or nurse, do contact me? Perhaps we can visit the couple and help to check out the dressing for the uncle.
Both elderly, staying just one level below me.
The elderly man had blood stains on his shirt, left eye puffed up with stitches near his brow. Blue-black all over, very fresh wound.
The elderly woman looked very tired, but struck an conversation with me. She asked if I had just ended work.
With all politeness, I asked the uncle if he's alright.
Auntie said uncle fell down.
Uncle said they waited for more than three hours in a hospital.
I was shocked.
How could the hospital make an elderly couple wait for 3 hours? Stitch him up and send them back by themselves? I'm guessing that they stay by themselves because their children are not with them.
Right now, I'm thinking how can they take care of each other? Both elderly, probably not very sure of what to do to prevent infection.
If you're a certified First-Aider, or nurse, do contact me? Perhaps we can visit the couple and help to check out the dressing for the uncle.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Joel 3:9-11 (Message Bible)
Announce this to the godless nations:
Prepare for battle!
Soldiers at attention!
Present arms! Advance!
Turn your shovels into swords,
turn your hoes into spears.
Let the weak one throw out his chest
and say, "I'm tough, I'm a fighter."
Hurry up, pagans! Wherever you are, get a move on!
Get your act together.
Prepare to be
shattered by God!
WOW.
Recently I watched this show called, "We Were Soldiers" starring Mel Gibson. It was amazing. It spoke of how this particular officer prepared his guys for war in Vietnam, out numbered and without much information from the higher ups.
This is what he said before they left for Vietnam.
"Look around you. In the 7th Cavalry, we got a captain from the Ukraine, another from Puerto Rico. We got Japanese, Chinese, blacks, Hispanics, Cherokee Indians, Jews and Gentiles—all American. Now here in the States, some men in this unit may experience discrimination because of race or creed, but for you and me now, all that is gone. We're moving into the valley of the shadow of death, where you will watch the back of the man next to you, as he will watch yours, and you won't care what color he is or by what name he calls God. They say we're leaving Home. We're going to what home was always supposed to be. Let us understand the situation. We're going into battle against a tough and determined enemy. I can't promise you that I will bring you all home alive, but this I swear, before you and before almighty God: that when we go into battle, I will be the first one to set foot on the field, and I will be the last to step off. And I will leave no one behind. Dead or alive, we will all come home together. So help me God."
Very much in relation to Jesus-
Jesus is like our Commander. Before we set our foot into battle, He has already been there and brought us victory. Jesus never leaves us behind, He promises to be always with us and to bring us through the toughest moments.
Jesus is colourblind. He doesn't look at the colour of your skin. But He looks at your heart.
Jesus says that the temptations are real, but He says there is not a temptation so hard that we will break.
It's quite amazing to see the common grace of God at work throughout the show. I can't quite mention it here because you've to watch it to feel it for yourself.
The youtube Video above is the final battle scene. Hopelessly outnumbered by the Viet, but because of the courage shown by the commander, and him leading the way, and superior tactics, they managed to run over the viets.
Amazing.
Announce this to the godless nations:
Prepare for battle!
Soldiers at attention!
Present arms! Advance!
Turn your shovels into swords,
turn your hoes into spears.
Let the weak one throw out his chest
and say, "I'm tough, I'm a fighter."
Hurry up, pagans! Wherever you are, get a move on!
Get your act together.
Prepare to be
shattered by God!
WOW.
Recently I watched this show called, "We Were Soldiers" starring Mel Gibson. It was amazing. It spoke of how this particular officer prepared his guys for war in Vietnam, out numbered and without much information from the higher ups.
This is what he said before they left for Vietnam.
"Look around you. In the 7th Cavalry, we got a captain from the Ukraine, another from Puerto Rico. We got Japanese, Chinese, blacks, Hispanics, Cherokee Indians, Jews and Gentiles—all American. Now here in the States, some men in this unit may experience discrimination because of race or creed, but for you and me now, all that is gone. We're moving into the valley of the shadow of death, where you will watch the back of the man next to you, as he will watch yours, and you won't care what color he is or by what name he calls God. They say we're leaving Home. We're going to what home was always supposed to be. Let us understand the situation. We're going into battle against a tough and determined enemy. I can't promise you that I will bring you all home alive, but this I swear, before you and before almighty God: that when we go into battle, I will be the first one to set foot on the field, and I will be the last to step off. And I will leave no one behind. Dead or alive, we will all come home together. So help me God."
Very much in relation to Jesus-
Jesus is like our Commander. Before we set our foot into battle, He has already been there and brought us victory. Jesus never leaves us behind, He promises to be always with us and to bring us through the toughest moments.
Jesus is colourblind. He doesn't look at the colour of your skin. But He looks at your heart.
Jesus says that the temptations are real, but He says there is not a temptation so hard that we will break.
It's quite amazing to see the common grace of God at work throughout the show. I can't quite mention it here because you've to watch it to feel it for yourself.
The youtube Video above is the final battle scene. Hopelessly outnumbered by the Viet, but because of the courage shown by the commander, and him leading the way, and superior tactics, they managed to run over the viets.
Amazing.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Perspective.
It is just one simple word that divides the world into half.
To one, the cup is always half full, but to the other, its half empty.
If only everyone can be content with what they have, but continue to work hard to achieve more, wouldn't this place be a happier place?
Some people are just paying their lives off debts. Paying off things that they wanted, but not needed. They don't seem to care, because they are not contented with what they have.
Do I have to show everyone that I'm wearing the latest branded clothes? Why can't I get something as nice, but cheaper?
I can be the worst situation in my life, but see it as something God is using to mould me.
Life's quite short already, why do you want to torture yourself with such negative thoughts? Fill yourself with the powerful positive energies, see things in a different light!!
Don't be like the person beside you.
Lead the person beside you; and follow Jesus.
It is just one simple word that divides the world into half.
To one, the cup is always half full, but to the other, its half empty.
If only everyone can be content with what they have, but continue to work hard to achieve more, wouldn't this place be a happier place?
Some people are just paying their lives off debts. Paying off things that they wanted, but not needed. They don't seem to care, because they are not contented with what they have.
Do I have to show everyone that I'm wearing the latest branded clothes? Why can't I get something as nice, but cheaper?
I can be the worst situation in my life, but see it as something God is using to mould me.
Life's quite short already, why do you want to torture yourself with such negative thoughts? Fill yourself with the powerful positive energies, see things in a different light!!
Don't be like the person beside you.
Lead the person beside you; and follow Jesus.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
The Power Within You.
We always hear quotes like, "Greater is He who's in me, than he who's in the world." and many other quotes similar to that concept.
How many times has everyone said yes and amen to that? At least once!
So why do some people stumble and fall whenever they face an obstacle, or simply give up and ask God to take it away?
Some even wallow in self-pity and start feeling useless.
Don't they all know that greater is He who's in us, than he who's in the world?
Yes, they all know. But the situation is always different. That quote can never be applied to their situation. But but but, but this but that.
What's the problem here?
Knowing something is different from believing something.
If you know that I'm a male, you may not believe that my name is Joel. Simply because you don't believe!
But if you know and believe, you believe everything that's said.
And so if you believe God, and He is Someone that wouldn't lie. He says that greater is He who's in YOU, which means that within you contains this certain anointing.
In you is an abundance of wealth, wisdom, knowledge, love and victories.
What's the use of crying, drowning in self pity when God has already given you victory?
isn't it easier, emotionally, for you to tap into the river of God, freshen up and keep walking, than to become emotionally tired or even shutdown and feel super lousy?
As everything around you pressures in, are you able to withstand the pressure from within? Or do you simply succumb to the pressure and give up?
Greater is He who's in me, than he who's in the world.
No matter how strong the enemy is, the victory has already been won. Don't give the enemy glory.
Overcoming difficulties and challenges is never about doing it yourself. But it's working on a supernatural realm, receiving that ability to breakthrough and the strength to not fall back again. If you're doing things by your own strength, you'll find yourself to be weary. But if you're tapping into the resource that's in you, you'll find strength.
No matter what's thrown at you, you'll be able to laugh at the face of adversity, point your fingers at it and say "Greater is He who's in me, than he who's in the world!"
We always hear quotes like, "Greater is He who's in me, than he who's in the world." and many other quotes similar to that concept.
How many times has everyone said yes and amen to that? At least once!
So why do some people stumble and fall whenever they face an obstacle, or simply give up and ask God to take it away?
Some even wallow in self-pity and start feeling useless.
Don't they all know that greater is He who's in us, than he who's in the world?
Yes, they all know. But the situation is always different. That quote can never be applied to their situation. But but but, but this but that.
What's the problem here?
Knowing something is different from believing something.
If you know that I'm a male, you may not believe that my name is Joel. Simply because you don't believe!
But if you know and believe, you believe everything that's said.
And so if you believe God, and He is Someone that wouldn't lie. He says that greater is He who's in YOU, which means that within you contains this certain anointing.
In you is an abundance of wealth, wisdom, knowledge, love and victories.
What's the use of crying, drowning in self pity when God has already given you victory?
isn't it easier, emotionally, for you to tap into the river of God, freshen up and keep walking, than to become emotionally tired or even shutdown and feel super lousy?
As everything around you pressures in, are you able to withstand the pressure from within? Or do you simply succumb to the pressure and give up?
Greater is He who's in me, than he who's in the world.
No matter how strong the enemy is, the victory has already been won. Don't give the enemy glory.
Overcoming difficulties and challenges is never about doing it yourself. But it's working on a supernatural realm, receiving that ability to breakthrough and the strength to not fall back again. If you're doing things by your own strength, you'll find yourself to be weary. But if you're tapping into the resource that's in you, you'll find strength.
No matter what's thrown at you, you'll be able to laugh at the face of adversity, point your fingers at it and say "Greater is He who's in me, than he who's in the world!"
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Haven't blogged for a long time!
I've been reading books, friction ones, recommended by Bernice. So far I've completed five books.
- Anansi Boys by Neil Gailman
- Italian Job by John Grisham
- Anne Frank (Non-Friction)
- Bleachers by John Grisham
- Rainmaker by John Grisham
No rewards for guessing who's my favorite author right now.
I'm amazed at the speed I'm completing these books too. Rainmaker got to be the thickest book, but I completed it within two days. Really quite an amazing feat, knowing that I used to take ages to finish reading a book.
I feel like I'm being transported into another place whenever I pick up the book to read. It's quite amazing how a simple book is able to capture so much of your attention that you'll find yourself reading it whenever you're free.
Anne Frank was quite amazing. Not as thick as Rainmaker, but I managed to complete reading it in one day. Anne Frank is a diary written by a Jewish girl during the time when Hitler was killing them. When I finished reading it, I had the shivers and I couldn't sleep. Not that it's scary, but it's like you feel for her so much that you just can't do nothing about it.
I'm probably heading to the library soon to borrow more of John Grisham's books and at the same time, read the other books that have collected dust on my shelf.
I'm still unemployed! =/
ACP Computers are very keen on hiring me, but they need to find a school that's keen on hiring me. Went for an interview at Bukit Timah Primary School, but the principal specifically mentioned that they are looking for someone with animation experience because they want to equip their students for the N-E Mation Contest.
Focus on the Family is also keen on hiring me, but working there will be like serving in a ministry. Not that I mind, but it means taking much time off during weekdays and weekdays, working in their newly opened Jurong outlet. Though the prospect seems good, I'm not quite sure if this would work out well for me.
Having to balance time between Church, Cellgroup, Bernice and Work would be quite difficult. Working hours is like 10am to 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday. There will be shift work, but I doubt so during the early stages of the Jurong outlet.
How I yearn for a Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm job, that pays and treats me well. How I hope and pray that it's not another sales company and definitely not insurance. How I hope that it's not mundane work, and there's a good career prospect. Wages wise, I'm not asking for $2000, but I'm willing to even consider $1,600.
Interviews are starting to get really draggy! Toying with the idea that maybe it will really be a great time to start studying again. Three years in SIM and do miracles, three years to tide through the crisis. I'll graduate with a degree, with a smirk on my face, I'm ready for the workforce again.
Maybe I can do law, after reading John Grisham's book, I find it really interesting. I'll not belong to the upper echelons, but I'll be the honest and hardworking one. Win a trial that awards my client 50 million bucks and I'm done.
LOL. Don't burst my bubble please.
I've been reading books, friction ones, recommended by Bernice. So far I've completed five books.
- Anansi Boys by Neil Gailman
- Italian Job by John Grisham
- Anne Frank (Non-Friction)
- Bleachers by John Grisham
- Rainmaker by John Grisham
No rewards for guessing who's my favorite author right now.
I'm amazed at the speed I'm completing these books too. Rainmaker got to be the thickest book, but I completed it within two days. Really quite an amazing feat, knowing that I used to take ages to finish reading a book.
I feel like I'm being transported into another place whenever I pick up the book to read. It's quite amazing how a simple book is able to capture so much of your attention that you'll find yourself reading it whenever you're free.
Anne Frank was quite amazing. Not as thick as Rainmaker, but I managed to complete reading it in one day. Anne Frank is a diary written by a Jewish girl during the time when Hitler was killing them. When I finished reading it, I had the shivers and I couldn't sleep. Not that it's scary, but it's like you feel for her so much that you just can't do nothing about it.
I'm probably heading to the library soon to borrow more of John Grisham's books and at the same time, read the other books that have collected dust on my shelf.
I'm still unemployed! =/
ACP Computers are very keen on hiring me, but they need to find a school that's keen on hiring me. Went for an interview at Bukit Timah Primary School, but the principal specifically mentioned that they are looking for someone with animation experience because they want to equip their students for the N-E Mation Contest.
Focus on the Family is also keen on hiring me, but working there will be like serving in a ministry. Not that I mind, but it means taking much time off during weekdays and weekdays, working in their newly opened Jurong outlet. Though the prospect seems good, I'm not quite sure if this would work out well for me.
Having to balance time between Church, Cellgroup, Bernice and Work would be quite difficult. Working hours is like 10am to 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday. There will be shift work, but I doubt so during the early stages of the Jurong outlet.
How I yearn for a Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm job, that pays and treats me well. How I hope and pray that it's not another sales company and definitely not insurance. How I hope that it's not mundane work, and there's a good career prospect. Wages wise, I'm not asking for $2000, but I'm willing to even consider $1,600.
Interviews are starting to get really draggy! Toying with the idea that maybe it will really be a great time to start studying again. Three years in SIM and do miracles, three years to tide through the crisis. I'll graduate with a degree, with a smirk on my face, I'm ready for the workforce again.
Maybe I can do law, after reading John Grisham's book, I find it really interesting. I'll not belong to the upper echelons, but I'll be the honest and hardworking one. Win a trial that awards my client 50 million bucks and I'm done.
LOL. Don't burst my bubble please.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Wong Fei Hung tribute Jet Li/Jackie Chan
When was the last time you watched movies like that?
I think I prefer Jet Li than Jackie Chan..
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Life's full of unexpectancy.
I just came back from my cousin?'s funeral. He's only 27 and he died of cancer.
Not sure what's the exact relation we have, but though he's a distant relative, we still meet once every year.
I was stunned when I heard the news from my mom. I recall him as a person who's full of life, often the center of attraction and a total extrovert. I often hear people praising him, about how he's so caring, understanding and helpful.
He was like the model child that every parent wish to have.
Only today, I found out he's a Christian. I was quite blown away during the wake, as I sat there listening to the stories of how unselfish he was and how he sacrificed his time and energy for the people around him.
Because of what he did, his parents started attending church. Even his grandmother started attending church last year.
With such little time, he produced much fruits.
Isn't this what life is all about? Not just meeting deadlines, rushing from place to place and making ends meet. But it's about the people around us, around you and me, your loved ones.
Being a Christian is not just to attend weekend services and prayer meetings.
People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Have we been too sheltered? Too comfortable in church, with all our church friends, that we've forgotten about those who are suffering without Jesus.
Or have we become judgemental and critical? Condemning others who are different from us and their lifestyle.
As much as we should do great things for God, we should always remember that Jesus served the community and the people around Him. He is King, yet He washed the feet of the disciples. He's the Son of God, yet He chose to die on the cross for us all.
A Christian-ist pride is still pride. Proud that you're saved and going to Heaven while everyone around you is condemned because of their lifestyle?
Heaven is a happy place because your loved ones are all with you, in eternity, worshipping God. But would it be happy if your loved ones are not with you? And you see them suffering, seperated from the presence of God.
Life's short.
Stop whining and do something great for God. While you're at it, pray for your family members to be saved, loved ones, everyone to be saved. And when you reunite in Heaven, it's a great time of celebration, for eternity.
I just came back from my cousin?'s funeral. He's only 27 and he died of cancer.
Not sure what's the exact relation we have, but though he's a distant relative, we still meet once every year.
I was stunned when I heard the news from my mom. I recall him as a person who's full of life, often the center of attraction and a total extrovert. I often hear people praising him, about how he's so caring, understanding and helpful.
He was like the model child that every parent wish to have.
Only today, I found out he's a Christian. I was quite blown away during the wake, as I sat there listening to the stories of how unselfish he was and how he sacrificed his time and energy for the people around him.
Because of what he did, his parents started attending church. Even his grandmother started attending church last year.
With such little time, he produced much fruits.
Isn't this what life is all about? Not just meeting deadlines, rushing from place to place and making ends meet. But it's about the people around us, around you and me, your loved ones.
Being a Christian is not just to attend weekend services and prayer meetings.
People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Have we been too sheltered? Too comfortable in church, with all our church friends, that we've forgotten about those who are suffering without Jesus.
Or have we become judgemental and critical? Condemning others who are different from us and their lifestyle.
As much as we should do great things for God, we should always remember that Jesus served the community and the people around Him. He is King, yet He washed the feet of the disciples. He's the Son of God, yet He chose to die on the cross for us all.
A Christian-ist pride is still pride. Proud that you're saved and going to Heaven while everyone around you is condemned because of their lifestyle?
Heaven is a happy place because your loved ones are all with you, in eternity, worshipping God. But would it be happy if your loved ones are not with you? And you see them suffering, seperated from the presence of God.
Life's short.
Stop whining and do something great for God. While you're at it, pray for your family members to be saved, loved ones, everyone to be saved. And when you reunite in Heaven, it's a great time of celebration, for eternity.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I feel old when I tell people that I've just been retrenched by my company.
Retrenchment seemed to only affect older people, without proper certifications. But now I know that retrenchment doesn't necessary affect matured workers.
Even thought I was retrenched, I was quite happy because I was starting to feel sick and tired of working at that place. Everyday was quite a bore and I simply spent the day playing games in facebook and chatting in MSN.
Not quite a good testimony, but I can boldly say that I've played my part and played it well too.
So what kind of jobs am I looking for?
Ideally, I would love to work full time in church. But I'm not very sure if there's any openings. I had this thought of being a missionary too, but I don't think CHC takes in people just like that.
Realistically, I've re-applied to be a relief teacher, just get some income in the mean time. I've also re-applied to be a CCPE in schools. Basically to coordinate CCA and CIP programs for the students.
Considering another post in MOE, but the job will not be open until 24 Jan 2009.
Don't have much time to waste! It's mid January and I've about 8.5 months left before Bernice leaves for UK to study! =( Tho it seems that we spend time together almost everyday. Sometimes it's quite challenging thinking of the things to do. But there will be days when everything will be so spontaneous, and we'll have such a great time together.
Anyway! Things can only be better starting from now!!
Looking forward to greater things in 2009!
Retrenchment seemed to only affect older people, without proper certifications. But now I know that retrenchment doesn't necessary affect matured workers.
Even thought I was retrenched, I was quite happy because I was starting to feel sick and tired of working at that place. Everyday was quite a bore and I simply spent the day playing games in facebook and chatting in MSN.
Not quite a good testimony, but I can boldly say that I've played my part and played it well too.
So what kind of jobs am I looking for?
Ideally, I would love to work full time in church. But I'm not very sure if there's any openings. I had this thought of being a missionary too, but I don't think CHC takes in people just like that.
Realistically, I've re-applied to be a relief teacher, just get some income in the mean time. I've also re-applied to be a CCPE in schools. Basically to coordinate CCA and CIP programs for the students.
Considering another post in MOE, but the job will not be open until 24 Jan 2009.
Don't have much time to waste! It's mid January and I've about 8.5 months left before Bernice leaves for UK to study! =( Tho it seems that we spend time together almost everyday. Sometimes it's quite challenging thinking of the things to do. But there will be days when everything will be so spontaneous, and we'll have such a great time together.
Anyway! Things can only be better starting from now!!
Looking forward to greater things in 2009!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
"As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008," he said. "The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my number one priority.
"Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause -- a hormone imbalance that has been 'robbing' me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis."
"Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause -- a hormone imbalance that has been 'robbing' me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis."
-Steve Jobs, Apple CEO
Hmm. I've been losing weight and mass throughout 2008 too!!
Maybe I'm the next Apple CEO, or another company.
How about....
CEO of .... Durian?
Sunday, January 04, 2009
What do I want to achieve in this life?
This question rang in my head as I walked home from Bukit Panjang Plaza.
I felt like I've wasted so much of my time, 24 years, doing nothing significant and ending up running in circles.
Have I been aimlessly living my life, even though I've visions and dreams? What's the use of having visions and dreams when there seems to be no work done towards it.
With every step that I take, a question fired out of no where, searching deeper into my heart.
Pretty soon, the topic of Church and God came into my mind.
What have I gained from going to Church and God?
I was speechless for the moment as I searched my mind for standard answers. They were not from my heart and it's simply quotes that are so frequently quoted in Church.
Is this really the life that I'm living? Am I going to be just another passerby on Earth? Without any significant contribution for the kingdom of God?
A desperate cry for God, at a desperate moment.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray , and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Then I shared with God about what happened earlier and He said.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Then I complained and quoted this verse
Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
And I got smacked by God.
Nah. Not really.
Somehow, I was reminded of this verse about Jesus weeping. Which reminded me that God is a God of emotions too, that He understands how we feel during times of difficulties.
He's not just a ruler that sits on a throne, nonchalant and harden. But He's a God who has came to Earth, died for our sins and rose again in victory. Nothing is too difficult for our God and no matter what we are going through, He is able to help us with the difficulties.
By human effort, you can achieve an considerable achievement. But together with God, amazing things can happen. I wouldn't want to achieve based on my own physical human strength. But I want to yield to Him and let Him take over.
Contradictions between the Spirit and Flesh is always on-going.
Must overcome the temptations.
This question rang in my head as I walked home from Bukit Panjang Plaza.
I felt like I've wasted so much of my time, 24 years, doing nothing significant and ending up running in circles.
Have I been aimlessly living my life, even though I've visions and dreams? What's the use of having visions and dreams when there seems to be no work done towards it.
With every step that I take, a question fired out of no where, searching deeper into my heart.
Pretty soon, the topic of Church and God came into my mind.
What have I gained from going to Church and God?
I was speechless for the moment as I searched my mind for standard answers. They were not from my heart and it's simply quotes that are so frequently quoted in Church.
Is this really the life that I'm living? Am I going to be just another passerby on Earth? Without any significant contribution for the kingdom of God?
A desperate cry for God, at a desperate moment.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray , and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Then I shared with God about what happened earlier and He said.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Then I complained and quoted this verse
Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
And I got smacked by God.
Nah. Not really.
Somehow, I was reminded of this verse about Jesus weeping. Which reminded me that God is a God of emotions too, that He understands how we feel during times of difficulties.
He's not just a ruler that sits on a throne, nonchalant and harden. But He's a God who has came to Earth, died for our sins and rose again in victory. Nothing is too difficult for our God and no matter what we are going through, He is able to help us with the difficulties.
By human effort, you can achieve an considerable achievement. But together with God, amazing things can happen. I wouldn't want to achieve based on my own physical human strength. But I want to yield to Him and let Him take over.
Contradictions between the Spirit and Flesh is always on-going.
Must overcome the temptations.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
31 December has come and gone.
It was a day full of fun, joy and surprises.
With Bernice, we went on a planned trip to P. Ubin. The agenda was to visit Chek Jawa, have a little picnic at one of the beaches and for me to bring her to the highest point in Ubin.
Ubin was packed that day! Loads of people were visiting Ubin too! (people mountain people sea, that sort of feeling) For a fleeting moment I thought our 'getaway' will be diluted. But the moment we got our bicycles and cycled away into the lost lands of Ubin (you think this is jurassic park?), we found ourselves surrounded by nature and God's creation. (if you look hard enough, u can see the tyrannosaurus lurking behind the bush....right.)
Wild boars, butterflies and iguna lizards (iguanas ARE already lizards, dear) made their special appearances. 'Crocodile' Hunter, Bernice Yeo, sneaked up to the creatures and tried to take pretty shots of them, though half of the time, she scares them away.
Finally we made it to Mamaam Beach. Salad was on the menu and we happy chomped our greens down. Though the waves were threatening to devour us, we bravely sat on the edge of the rocks, risking being soaking wet. Well, the not-so-brave 'Crocodile' hunter backed out and opted for a safer option because her socks were about to get wet and she doesn't like wet socks.
Talk about being a wet blanket.
(unless you, joel "braveheart' kuek, enjoys eating heavily-polluted-seawater seasoned salad and seeing our bags and shoes getting washed away by the waves, I'd say what i did was pretty smart. So there.)
ANYWAY, greens were really nice, prepared by Bernice. Probably the only time I'll eat so much greens. (of course la. there were two types of lettuce, ham cubes, fruits and nuts...)
NEXT STOP! Chek Jawa! We cycled our way in and it was a crazily crazy long route. Uphills, downhills and slopes of all sorts, we finally made it to the site. Parked our bikes and walked into the main reception counter.
It's HIGH TIDE!! Gosh. Kinda pointless to visit Chek Jawa when it's the high tide because all you see is the waves and that's about it.
So I brought her to the highest point of Ubin.
Pretty-licious place and it took her breath away. We set up the place, kicked off our shoes, socks and bags. Ready for a blasting great time when the heavens blasted too.
We could see that it was raining cows and donkeys on mainland. I was just joking with her that we can call our friends and tease them. Before I could stop laughing, the skies over Ubin turned dark and raindrops started dropping on our heads.
*irritated*
Did our mini rescue mission, and we nearly wanted to brave the rain and just hold our ground. But the torrential rain didn't stop. Made our way down the hill and the rain stopped.
How wonderful.
But it was quite a refreshing experience. The rain washed away our sweat and it felt like we took a nice shower. Our clothes were not exactly soaking wet because we covered ourselves with my army towel, our shoes and socks were still very dry.
Thank God!! It became like showers of blessings! Which I happily coined it.
Cycled back to the main ubin area and we had really fantastic coconuts. It was so sweet, that would be the taste of heaven's plain water. Totally went crazy drinking the coconut, not knowing that Bernice was setting up for a surprise in main land.
Travelled back home and I realized all the doors at home were closed. Sensing something was wrong, I went to my room and opened the door.
I saw a face, with a mask and a party popper pointed at me.
Slammed the door shut, held onto the door handle and told Bernice that there's someone inside. That very smart girl who played a part in planning this surprise simply laughed away. I could hear laughter in my room too.
After about 2 minutes, I opened the door and saw three partners in crime.
Charmaine, Jodie and Junxiang. They 'broke' into my house, decorated my room, gave my mom a scare and surprised me on my birthday.
Really touched by the efforts they had put in, organising everything and planning everything behind my back.
Just when I thought they're not celebrating my birthday because it's new year's eve. Lol.
Ok. Bernice's taking over now. Anyway, she's the one writing in all the ( )s.
-
Well, joel has left for to go to service and I'm left to tidy up after him- as usual. On the other hand, I get to fill in all the parts that he conveniently missed out - like the look of pure panic on his face (you could practically seeing his knees trembling) as he frantically yanked the door shut. And the way he bewilderedly told me " there are PEOPLE in my room...holding party poppers!" Yeah, like you'd expect to find bank robbers in your room on new year's eve, holding party poppers as their weapon of choice. SO manly, joel kuek si jun.
And even then, he STILL didn't realise who it was inside his room...until like, 5 minutes later. It was AWESOME.
After all the laughter and some birthday bashing (we were using him as target practice for some balloon tossing -if you managed to nail him on the head, you got 50 points, and so on), we made him hunt for his birthday present.
Now, for any of you who'd got him tagged as some supremo expert detective, Sherlock Holmes type of guy, what with him being in the security elites and all - you got it WRONG. He would've scored almost zero for detecting and analytical skills - which was totally adorable, in a Mr Bean-esque way. He'd searched the whole house, including the store room, before even deigning to look under his bed, on the grounds that he thought the area under his bed was too messy for people to hide stuff in it.
To put things in a nutshell, he got a lovely white leather belt with a big metal buckle from River Island. Thanks to Charmaine, Jodie, Liangkai and Junxiang (:
I got him Springfield sneakers, which made him look about 10 years younger, so he wouldn't look so much like apaedophile next to me. Just kidding!
Right, let's fast forward...(as you can tell, I'm not a very enthusiastic blogger and all)...hung out for a while, ordered pizza...blah blah...Liangkai and Jonathan came by...blah...Ardie popped in too, and promptly got kicked out with the rest of the gang to complete the rest of their new year's partying, while we went prawning with joel's family.
Went prawning, only caught 5 miserable prawns, was disappointed. Ended the night/day with a movie marathon, which we fell asleep in the middle of.
The end!
It was a day full of fun, joy and surprises.
With Bernice, we went on a planned trip to P. Ubin. The agenda was to visit Chek Jawa, have a little picnic at one of the beaches and for me to bring her to the highest point in Ubin.
Ubin was packed that day! Loads of people were visiting Ubin too! (people mountain people sea, that sort of feeling) For a fleeting moment I thought our 'getaway' will be diluted. But the moment we got our bicycles and cycled away into the lost lands of Ubin (you think this is jurassic park?), we found ourselves surrounded by nature and God's creation. (if you look hard enough, u can see the tyrannosaurus lurking behind the bush....right.)
Wild boars, butterflies and iguna lizards (iguanas ARE already lizards, dear) made their special appearances. 'Crocodile' Hunter, Bernice Yeo, sneaked up to the creatures and tried to take pretty shots of them, though half of the time, she scares them away.
Finally we made it to Mamaam Beach. Salad was on the menu and we happy chomped our greens down. Though the waves were threatening to devour us, we bravely sat on the edge of the rocks, risking being soaking wet. Well, the not-so-brave 'Crocodile' hunter backed out and opted for a safer option because her socks were about to get wet and she doesn't like wet socks.
Talk about being a wet blanket.
(unless you, joel "braveheart' kuek, enjoys eating heavily-polluted-seawater seasoned salad and seeing our bags and shoes getting washed away by the waves, I'd say what i did was pretty smart. So there.)
ANYWAY, greens were really nice, prepared by Bernice. Probably the only time I'll eat so much greens. (of course la. there were two types of lettuce, ham cubes, fruits and nuts...)
NEXT STOP! Chek Jawa! We cycled our way in and it was a crazily crazy long route. Uphills, downhills and slopes of all sorts, we finally made it to the site. Parked our bikes and walked into the main reception counter.
It's HIGH TIDE!! Gosh. Kinda pointless to visit Chek Jawa when it's the high tide because all you see is the waves and that's about it.
So I brought her to the highest point of Ubin.
Pretty-licious place and it took her breath away. We set up the place, kicked off our shoes, socks and bags. Ready for a blasting great time when the heavens blasted too.
We could see that it was raining cows and donkeys on mainland. I was just joking with her that we can call our friends and tease them. Before I could stop laughing, the skies over Ubin turned dark and raindrops started dropping on our heads.
*irritated*
Did our mini rescue mission, and we nearly wanted to brave the rain and just hold our ground. But the torrential rain didn't stop. Made our way down the hill and the rain stopped.
How wonderful.
But it was quite a refreshing experience. The rain washed away our sweat and it felt like we took a nice shower. Our clothes were not exactly soaking wet because we covered ourselves with my army towel, our shoes and socks were still very dry.
Thank God!! It became like showers of blessings! Which I happily coined it.
Cycled back to the main ubin area and we had really fantastic coconuts. It was so sweet, that would be the taste of heaven's plain water. Totally went crazy drinking the coconut, not knowing that Bernice was setting up for a surprise in main land.
Travelled back home and I realized all the doors at home were closed. Sensing something was wrong, I went to my room and opened the door.
I saw a face, with a mask and a party popper pointed at me.
Slammed the door shut, held onto the door handle and told Bernice that there's someone inside. That very smart girl who played a part in planning this surprise simply laughed away. I could hear laughter in my room too.
After about 2 minutes, I opened the door and saw three partners in crime.
Charmaine, Jodie and Junxiang. They 'broke' into my house, decorated my room, gave my mom a scare and surprised me on my birthday.
Really touched by the efforts they had put in, organising everything and planning everything behind my back.
Just when I thought they're not celebrating my birthday because it's new year's eve. Lol.
Ok. Bernice's taking over now. Anyway, she's the one writing in all the ( )s.
-
Well, joel has left for to go to service and I'm left to tidy up after him- as usual. On the other hand, I get to fill in all the parts that he conveniently missed out - like the look of pure panic on his face (you could practically seeing his knees trembling) as he frantically yanked the door shut. And the way he bewilderedly told me " there are PEOPLE in my room...holding party poppers!" Yeah, like you'd expect to find bank robbers in your room on new year's eve, holding party poppers as their weapon of choice. SO manly, joel kuek si jun.
And even then, he STILL didn't realise who it was inside his room...until like, 5 minutes later. It was AWESOME.
After all the laughter and some birthday bashing (we were using him as target practice for some balloon tossing -if you managed to nail him on the head, you got 50 points, and so on), we made him hunt for his birthday present.
Now, for any of you who'd got him tagged as some supremo expert detective, Sherlock Holmes type of guy, what with him being in the security elites and all - you got it WRONG. He would've scored almost zero for detecting and analytical skills - which was totally adorable, in a Mr Bean-esque way. He'd searched the whole house, including the store room, before even deigning to look under his bed, on the grounds that he thought the area under his bed was too messy for people to hide stuff in it.
To put things in a nutshell, he got a lovely white leather belt with a big metal buckle from River Island. Thanks to Charmaine, Jodie, Liangkai and Junxiang (:
I got him Springfield sneakers, which made him look about 10 years younger, so he wouldn't look so much like apaedophile next to me. Just kidding!
Right, let's fast forward...(as you can tell, I'm not a very enthusiastic blogger and all)...hung out for a while, ordered pizza...blah blah...Liangkai and Jonathan came by...blah...Ardie popped in too, and promptly got kicked out with the rest of the gang to complete the rest of their new year's partying, while we went prawning with joel's family.
Went prawning, only caught 5 miserable prawns, was disappointed. Ended the night/day with a movie marathon, which we fell asleep in the middle of.
The end!
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