My God loves me

Cheryl is STRESSED

2009-11-12T21:45:00.002+08:00

Here alone in some foreign country, nothing seemed to be going right for me.

Studies is one thing, but thinking of you is another. The many "if only you were here" phrases seemed to throb so painfully in my head every time some actions, some things, remind me so badly of you.

Time and time again, I kept telling my conscious mind to shut off these emotions, these recurrent longings, but really, it's just too hard.

How many times have I wished for you to appear right before my very eyes, and how many times when I opened my eyes, you were just not there.

There were many occasions when I just selfishly wished that you could appear in my school, to give me your jacket of warmth, like you always did. Many times, I fantasized, and many times, reality had to crash it all back down.

I know our telepathy is gone, our relationship is beyond salvage, but there are just too many "what ifs'.

Retreat

2009-06-14T23:10:00.004+08:00

Finally! Retreat is over! One thing I took back from this committee: Unity is very important in a church. I guess this applies not just to the comm people, but to the youths and YAs as well.

This retreat was REALLY tiring. Sleeping at 2-3am in the morning and waking up at 6 isn't a joke. Oh wells, but nothing could compare to the first day of the retreat. It was a greater Joke.

There was lack of coordination between the adults and youths.... so..... Our first day was screwed up really badly and it was really scary to hear really overwhelming comments. I almost broke down. Luckily, my God was there for me. He reminded me of who He is, and in Him, there is nothing to fear. Even though the programme was so screwed up that day, even though we received really overwhelming comments, my God pulled me through that day. The first night was equally bad. We had to prepare our final logistics for the next day, plan for the entire programme flow, and still, prepare devotional materials to slot under the door of each youth/YA room. By night, I was literally running on God's energy fuel. It would definitely be impossible to run on my own fuel. VERY IMPOSSIBLE.

The workshop went really well on the second day. Praise God! I was so organised on the second day I knew I wasn't doing everything by myself. I knew God was my planner. If anyone knows who I am, the first ever character trait is "BLUR". How could I have listed what I needed to do so neat and organised? How could the workshop flow so well? It's because I have a wonderful God who reminds me of ALL the things I've left out while planning out the schedule. God is too wonderful.

God is really good, and so are my friends! I can't tell you all how BLESSED I am to have REALLY GERAT and AWESOME church friends who stood by me every day of the retreat. I am just SO very touched! Whenever they see me, they never fail to encourage me, to cheer me up, to give me a really warm heart, to show HESSED by offering their help with ALL the little things... Nothing beats a strong friendship centred around GOD. Nothing. All the messages they wrote for me, really warms up my heart. They are ALWAYS there for me; physically and spiritually. This retreat has really opened up my eyes to these wonderful wonderful friends of mine. Sacrificial friends. Friends who would give going to the place they want to go, to go to a place that I need to go. Thank you guys for really attempting to follow me to Mines. Thank you guys for covering me with SO MUCH prayer. Thank you guys for listening to my complains! When I was so so so so down and out, you guys ran over to pick me back Thank YOU! up. When I fell, you guys never left me alone, even for a second.

As I think back, the fourth day really tore me apart, but there were really great people who were there for me on that day. Nicole and Yi Qing really stood by me as we boarded the bus to Mines. They were there for me as I broke down and cried. Thanks guys! Thank you Pastor Esther and Keith for your prayers. Today, I am up and well! :)

The last night marked an unforgettable event for me. God spoke to me to attempt to do something, and it was so clearly affirmed by the signs that I received. The music change and the people shuffle. Haha, I didn't believe what God told me to do, so I asked for these signs. Well, God proved to me He was serious by really sending me these signs! That night was really unforgettable. I did something I didn't expect myself to do. I hope everything goes well from here.

The retreat ended, but my holiday hasn't. I went on to Melaka for another round of shopping. Cooool and AWESOME.

Forget forget forget

2009-05-31T00:26:00.003+08:00

Many friends, different countris

2009-05-23T23:02:00.003+08:00

This is random...but....

There are 5 groups of people I REALLY miss!

1) LEON Hartono- some part in the states (If you don't come back to Sg, I'll fly over to look for you! In Indonesia! hahahahaha.. but...SERIOUSLY! Please please please please.... COME BACK! )

2) OIL (Vanussanun Pramheed)- Thailand

3) Srieng, Cheeit, Neant, Kim- Cambodia!

4) Mark LEUNG- Hong Kong. I know he's definitely coming back to sg, but still... I WANNA GO TO HK!

5) Evelyn and Heather-Ausssie!

If I earn enough, I'll spend them on a TWO-week travel! HAHAHAHAHA

Kim yuna!

2009-05-16T22:14:00.003+08:00

My friends, please DO WATCH the kim yuna videos I posted on facebook! They are ABSOLUTELY cool!

I just LOVE YUNA! Her triples are EXCELLENT, her speed's FAST, her artistry is GORGEOUS! Do look at the SP (freeskate) trip flip trip toe combination! It's BEAUTIFUL!

AHHHHHHHH

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Hahaha.... I'd better stop watching, cause well, I can NEVER be like her, so no point getting ENVIOUS!

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

TOO much drama serials

2009-05-15T22:27:00.004+08:00

Time is really something we can't own. It's hands tick by so quickly, catching it is just too impossible.

This year seems to flash by more quickly compared to my past 18 years. Looking back at these past few months, I realised that there are A LOT of things I can thank God for, many major lessons He's made me learn, and many more fond memories I can hold dear to when I'm away.

I really do thank God that I was able to join REAL, that I was able to make such wonderful REAL friends (Shavin, Yi Qing, Gladys, Melody, David, Keith, Samuel), to meet my wonderful GIRLS (Bernice, Claire, Felicia, Germaine, Mavis, L.Yi Ting, W.Yi Ting, Sherilyn, Miranda, Xin Tong, Asyqin, Syhirah, Artika) and BOYS ( Leroy, Willis, Xuan Hao). Most importantly, I thank God for ALL the friendships forged in REAL, for ALL the wonderful times we had together, for all the support and strength we all gave each other, and for ALL the love we shared as a team!

Indeed, REAL was one good blessing that came my way.

For the past many many many years, I've got a knot that became so complicated that I could see no way to loosen it, but thank God, this year, I've finally been able to untie this dead knot. Well, for the past few years, I've been avoiding and ignoring, occassionally exchanging conversations that last only for a few seconds. This year, however, was slightly different. I asked God to grant me the gift of resolving conflict, and yes, God taught me that, the long way. I realised that whenever we ask God for something, he doesn't just give us, but instead, He makes us learn it.

Well, so what happened this year was really special, to me. Somehow, God just gave me so many chances to pluck up my courage and do the talking. There were many occasions where it just felt so good to be on talking terms, like how it used to be. I know I can't turn back time. I know I can't return to the past, but to relish those fond memories, even for a short span of a day or two, is enough for me. Everything's probably back to normal, because one-sided attempts don't last long) Although it was a ONE-sided effort, but I'm really glad I was back in a good old dream:)

The Cambodia trip was another blessing God gave me. If I wasn't there, how could I have made such wonderful friends, how could I have helped bathe those lovely kids, how could I have seen the wonderful miracles that God did in Cambodia? Going there made me realise that I really do love children. They give you a certain joy when you see them. Even from afar, watching them wave their small hands at you, anticipating your arrival would make you want to sprint through the sandy soil to hug them. Being with them was my greatest joy. Their smiles will be your strength. But, the largest impact only came when I was at the slump bathing the kids. Seeing them really made me cry. They were malnourished, poorly looked after, and were living in unhealthy environment. They had no shoes, they were wearing worn out clothes that were so black it was dirtier than our floor mats, and they had many skin infections. How could my heart not bleed when I see them? They were small and vulnerable, it really makes you want to try your best to protect them, to shelter them, to heal them. I really do hope I will remember to honour the promise I made to God there and then.

The third blessing was my attachment to NUH. God has been SO SO wonderful He blessed me again at the PAEDIATRIC department. There were KIDS all around me. It's a wonderful place to be in, especially in the cancer ward. Stepping in there is a kind of tranquility and peace that would make you forget where you are at, and what you are doing. It's the last place to be completely sad and broken, instead, I thought it was a place of solace. It gives you the feeling of "lying on green pastures, and beside still waters". It really makes you want to be a sheperd to gather these sheep for a day of rest. These children had neither fear nor insecurity, instead, they had an unspeakable courage that lets them dispel all their fears and insecurities. I wish I could bring you guys there, and I'm sure you would definitely agree with me when you see them:)

Last but not least, God has given me Mr. guit. Gideon, whom I faithfully strum( er... once a week!), a very gracious Mdm Lau who was willing to postpone her retirement plans just to help a lousy me get back some basic techniques( so that I can practice without her around), wonderful friends like Glads and Mel to attend dance classes together, and a sacrificial friend who was willing to skate once more with me :)

Dancing is my life, be it on the floor, or on ice. I really thank God I was able to immerse myself in dance for one last intensive time :) Well, piano's not my life, but it's my right hand. Without the keys, I would be like a disabled person. God's really so good to me:) I am so so so blessed:)

Well, apart from that, I've been enjoying my life and crying my heart out watching really cool drama serials :) Starting to really love this kind of life! :)

Week out with Oil

2009-05-09T23:59:00.002+08:00

I couldn't believe it! Oil came to Singapore :) YAY! Finally after 3 LONG years!

Oil is a wonderful and ADORABLE thai friend of mine :) She was once my competitor, but now, a close friend. I went on a three-day high because she was coming to Singapore! Brought her to skate, and voila, she landed a good axel and completed a double salchow on RENTAL skates! Yo Mr fock! You have been overtaken by Oil! :) Had really a wonderful time skating together and playing basketball together! :) A pity I couldn't bring her to more places! (Pictures would be uploaded soon!)

Well, that was only one of the many things I really do want to thank God for.

2) Thank God for my TWO really wonderful REAL companions whom I meet EVERY thursday. ALthough it's quite short, but quality time was spent and I am so so so blessed by their sharing, ALWAYS.

3) Thank God for the bag Heather sent over from Aussie! Which means.... I do not have to hand-carry my SKATES anymore! Her bag's huge enough to put in my skates and skating stuff :)

4) Thank God for healing my grandpa's feet! It was awesome. Our prayers DO work! Well, I did pray for my brother to recover from his flu too, and it worked! :) Indeed, God is our best HEALER!

5) Thank God for the AWESOMEST 3 days of attachment to NUH. The kids in the wards are TOTALLY adorable and yup, God has affirmed me in many other areas while I was there :)

6) Thank God that the first round of registration and accounts are ALL settled, and that our plans are all materializing. Thank God for guiding us in our planning too! Especially the power packed devotion!

7) Thank God for allowing Leon to come back in June (My skating partner who has disappeared since TWO years ago! )

8) Thank God for always being there for me in my major decisions made throughout this month and last month

9) Thank God for always showering me with SO SO much love

10) Thank God for EVERYTHING. Seriously.

Is there something you want to thank God for?:) List them down and I'm sure that after listing, you would really appreciate how much God has done for you :)

2009-05-07T23:44:00.000+08:00

Oh MY.... I FEEL.....SO LAZY.... TO BLOG!

NUH attachment

2009-04-23T14:23:00.003+08:00

CRAP! Now I know why Matthew said my blog was UNREADABL! IT's WHITE! And all the time, my computer had this really black blog background. My blog's a SCREW-UP!

Anyway, just some updates about my past week, at NUH!

Monday:

Great day to begin:) Went to the PICU (paediatrics ICU-intensive care unit) for doctors' discussion on complicated cases. There were SO many doctors around. A little bit intimidating, but it was really interesting to see them engage in such a discussion. It really made me understand that most of the times in such situations, you just can't depend on your own decisions. Sometimes we may overlook minor details which might later prove to be critical in determining a patient's life. There are so many critical cases (which I can't divulge-confidential stuff) for the doctors to handle. How I really wish I could help too! :( It's so hard to post my feelings on such confidential stuff, but, you can ask me and I will tell you! :)

The entire morning, I was following other doctors because my mentor ABANDONED me. Haha, but well, if my mentor hadn't abandoned me, I wouldn't have met 2 very impressive female doctors. They were... AWESOME!

Afternoon, I was attached to Dr. Irvin, a paediatrician specialising in asthma and skin allergies. He was SO VERY NICE. Taught me loads of medical terms, showed me the cases and explained to me one by one the condition of each patient. He was such a patient doctor who's VERY very professional. He made sure that I really knew what he was talking about before he called the next patient in. He taught me how to watch out for the symtoms, and how some allergies are closely linked to asthma. WAY COOL.

shall post up more soon!

cambodia

2009-03-21T21:07:00.004+08:00

HELLO EVERYONE! I'm back from my mission trip in CAMBODIA!! Cambodia's a great place and it definitely was a good break from my busy schedules in Singapore. I've made so many friends there I was so reluctant to leave Cambodia. It's my prayer that hopefully, I can be back there again. I have been so very blessed. Thank God I went for this trip! :) Actually it would definitely be more fun if the entire REAL team was there. My REAL friends, I really, really really..... (times 10 to the power of infinity!) want you guys to 'see' every marvelous work that God has done during this mission trip........AND SO......a full-blown and very detailed account of what happened:

Day 1:

I arrived at the airport at Cambodia, still doubting whether I made the right choice to go with a team of strangers I barely knew. The team had 8 people, out of which, 3 are youths. The other two, Cristabel and Sarah went with their mums. SO..... it meant that.... I was the only orphaned youth! :( Well, since I am innately a phleg(S), going with strangers wasn't fun. I was constantly in a self-dug hole, coming out only during meal times. Hahaha okay, enough about my plight! :)

Went to visit the different ministries supported by New Life Church (The church Grace partnered with in Cambodia). I was certainly overwhelmed! They had healthcare ministries, youth minitries for the provinces, children at risk misnistries, healing ministries, education ministris, dormitories for youths, media and sound ministries, 'CAMY', Joy Clubs, Women and family ministries, business ministries... and MANY MORE! PLUS.... they have producing albums way way way earlier than us.... AND their 'CAMY' team is comprised of youths who have not studied the basics of music(The 'do re me fa so part). I was like...WOW WOW WOW! Haha shall tell you more when I see you all!

DAY 2
Samrong Yong church is this small curch out in the province. It's about an hour's drive to the church. Can I please tell you all that the youths there are SO SO SO SO on fire for God!! We actually went there preparing a training for adult leaders to equip them further in their children ministries, but GUESS WHO WE SAW! YOUTHS! The age ranged from FOURTEEN to 22. I was like 'er.....haha 14 years old ah?!' See.. This is when God proved me wrong. these people are ever so hungry for God and so very willing to be vessels to be used to impact the lives of the children.

When I saw how Srieng and Naint (My two great friends there!) led worship with a guitar for 40 over leaders, I was so encouraged by God's marvelous works in this provincial church. Naint the guitarist, is too powerful! He led worship without knowing certain chords, and yet, he played as the Spirit led him. Srieng's voice was overpowered by the 40 other people all on fire for God. Powerful, powerful, powerful worship they have.

The training went really really well. We taught them how to use action songs, drama and dance to engage the children into God's word. Well haha I was put into dance. It suited me perfectly fine until I had to do a solo. BUT, that wasn't the surprise that God sprang on me! I am definitely NOT NOT NOT NOT (times 10 to power of infinity!) a SINGER! Yet, for some reason, I had to sing ALL the children songs because they coudn't use the GUITAR to play those songs! I should have picked up guitar last year so that this year I could save myself from this! I was frantically asking Naint and Caiet to ''play and let the Holy Spirit lead''! Hahaha

DAY 3
We taught them crafts and games that could be related to the bible for teaching purpose. Nothing much to add because it was just as exciting.... except for the part when my craft was so screwed up my friends could do it much better than me!

To cut my VERY EXCITING STORY SHORT... the next two days were the same, but at a different province :)

My FRIENDS!

JESUS LOVES YOU (IN KHMER)
DAY 6

The genocide museum was HORRIFYING. I was breaking down periodically. Shall not post pictures for this one...and the killing field.

DAY 7

Went to the dump slump. It was BAD. literally. The smell was so foul a 3 seconds unwinding of the window equals one minute of breath-holding excercise. What was even more dreadful wasn't the physical condition of the place, but rather, the poor little children walking around, bare-footed to see if there are any leftovers that can find to eat, or to sell. It was heart-wrenching, and it still is even when I'm reflecting now. To see them walking through these heap of hot dump is like a ripping off a portion of my heart! I really wanted to get out of the van and buy them something to eat or do whatever I can to help them:( I really wish I could and I would, but the dump is so smelly I don't know whether I even have the courage to step out of the van.

Our next stop was the slump. It was not as smelly, but the living conditions were equally bad. Walking into the slump is like walking through a very very very narrow 'pasa malam' on a wet and muddy day, with black mud that smells foul sticking to the sole of your shoe as your trudge through. Every step I took was welcomed by the horde of flies on all the rubbish that are littered on the mud. The children again were without shoe, and some were without clothes. Even if they had clothes on, their clothes smelt of urine. I wanted to back out halfway and not bathe them. All the adults, even the mums did not want to bathe them. Well, these kid deserve a good bath, so I told God "Here I am, you can send me to do it!" At the end of the bath, I smelt really bad, but the kids smelt awfully good, and I'm glad I didn't back out, or these children would have to go without bath for another week. It's also very satisfying to watch them bathe, because they really really really enjoy being splashed all over with clean water. I guess their smiles and laughter would sustain me through any tough job:)

There was one issue at the slumps and provinces that I am really concerned about. The children are not healthy! :( :( So many of them are malnutritioned, so many. Their tummmies are bloated up and it's so devasting to look at them, even more so when they smile despite their condition. Some of them have really bad infections too.

There's this young boy that I bathed at the slump, he had this very severe infection of the eye that caused severe swelling and pus accumulated around his eye. He was hurting so badly yet he wanted to have a bath. When the water splashed on him, I could tell he was really trying to hard to control his pain. It's so painful for me to watch. How i wish I could do something to alleviate his pain! There's another boy who has infection on his ear. He came to me for a bath in spite of his infection, which I know it certainly would sting when i wash his hair. It was very devastating to watch. Very.

I do hope you would continue to pray with me in this area for the children at Cambodia. Our intercessory prayers would definitely be heard.

By the way, this is the crusade we conducted on friday night for a few hundred children!

Real graduation

2009-03-01T22:06:00.002+08:00

Yay! My brother has decided to bless me by teaching me the BASICS of GUITAR! Guess my prayer worked! God spoke to him! :) Praise God! Well, I'm having my OFFICIAL guitar lesson in a while's time, so meanwhile.... I'll update about FRIDAY!

Friday was indeed a BLAST! My last day was spent, drenched in pespiration, playing BASKETBALL with my Dunearn girls!!! Well, want to know who they are? :) SECRET! Tell you if you ask me! :) Basketball isn't as easy as it looks! Especially more so when you are playing with a bunch of LIVELY, SPORTY and SKILLFUL girls who have way way way way.... MORE energy than me! I really enjoyed my time playing basketball. It's just so.... WOW! No other superlatives can describe how I felt than while playing. AND, I REALLY DO want to play with them again! If they want to play with some NEWBIE like me, that is :) :) :)

Well, the guys were equally fun to play with! At crossroad, the guys would ALWAYS be the LOUDEST! Oh, by the way, did I mentioned that Xuan Hao and Leroy did some dramatic acting stunt while we were closing crossroad? Super Cool! :)

So yup, that concluded my VERY EXCITING friday!

Today actually marked the end of our REAL program, but as pastor Ronald said, the REAL starts today! Quite true, considering that it would be really a test on our part to be committed to grow spiritually ourselves, even after the end of this programme. So... my REAL resolution is to stay FOCUSED and HUNGRY for the word of GOD :)

So... What's probably going to happen in march? Well, I would go for my cambodia mission trip, but apart from that, I would want to use my time to do the things I couldn't do for the past few dreadful exam-driven years. I am going to go back into PIANO, DANCE, and I'm going to pick up GUITAR lessons! By the way, did I mention that I might want to go back into skating and also to pick up some photography skills from Caleb and to LEARN how to play tennis? Okay, but these aren't my pressing priority. I'll still do it, but I'll take it slowly. No stress! :)

Last day of REAL

2009-02-27T23:56:00.002+08:00

Okay, today is the unofficial last day of REAL! REAL definitely hasn't end yet, and I'm VERY sure it would NOT end! HAHAHAHAHA :) Anyway, today's an energy-sapping day. I'm dozing off now, but do WATCH OUT for my next post of today, because today's TOO exciting to be summarized now in my hypnotised state. Just want to say I really enjoyed today, especially when I got to see the CLASSIC 'crying acts' of Leroy and Xuan Hao! :) :) :) :) It ended my day with a BLAST!

GOODNIGHT for NOW :)

To Leon

2009-02-25T21:03:00.002+08:00

Spoke to Leon for the FIRST time in two years! (official talk :) :) ) It's so hard to catch him online! AND, to think he actually gave up his sleep at 5am just to talk to a comfortable me at 9pm. Thanks LEON :)

I've learnt so much more about him yesterday! When I thought I was so passionate about missions, I found out someone who's EVEN more passionate than me. Really. Wow, Leon, I really do admire you a lot :) I really hope we could meet up again! It has been about two years since we last met. BUT, at the same time, I hope he won't come back in JULY :)

Mission trip here I come!

2009-02-21T23:25:00.005+08:00

I made a VERY IMPORTANT decision today... that is..... to go for the mission trip in CAMBODIA

I was having a hard time deciding until this morning, when minyang affirmed me yet again what I should do. "The Father's business first" as he puts it. So... besides this, I've also tried to seek other affirmations, and VIOLA....

I shall tell you how God affirms me in many different ways.

By prayer: I prayed to God that He would reveal to me His plans, and so, after much meditation and prayer, I felt that I needed to go Cambodia. However, on the other hand, being a typical ME, I thought it might just be my own desire and my deliberate mind trying to talk me into going for a SO exciting one-person mission trip into the world unknown! ( To me at least!)

By Verse: And so, after an earnest prayer, Hebrews 11:6 came to me rather strongly. It says "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Okay, great! Another confirmation =)

By wise counsellor: I spoke to Minyang again today about it, and he encouraged me to follow God's will- out into the harvest field! ( I just realised it rhymed!)

By signs: Okay, as always, when making hard decisions, I would need something a bit more physical, and I thought maybe I could be a little bold to ask God for a sign. Well, since my God can do everything, of course He gave me a sign! BUT it's between me and God! =) Want to know more? Ask me and I WILL TELL YOU!

These affirmations are GREAT, however, nothing beats my FEAR now! I don't know what to expect, what to prepare, my feelings are in a disastrous WHIRL! How much I wish for someone I know to go with me, but I guess if God wants to prepare me this way, I will ACCEPT IT with a SMILE! Well, if anyone feels BURDENED to accompany me, I would welcome that! =) JUST JOKING LAH =) I'll learn to handle this mission trip MYSELF

PRAY FOR ME PLEASE! =)

Evangelistic Event!

2009-02-16T21:16:00.002+08:00

I ....AM ......SO ......GOING ......To

EAT AT CARL'S JUNIOR every time I go to VIVO! Vivo's Carl's Junior is a great place to hang out at, so please DO go there!

The REASON BEING: They found my DIARY which I accidentally misplaced, and kept it for me! GOOD PEOPLE =) Haha, but still, Praise GOD my diary was SAFE and SOUND =)

The past two weeks FLEW BY so quickly I didn't really have time to blog. Two fridays ago, we had Prayer and Power night. The sermon was on prayer. Pastor George started off with: Why pray when we know God has plans worked out for us already? Well, The answer is obvious! Prayer works the hands of God! Prayer allows us to connect with God's thoughts, and to listen to directions from God. In jeremiah 29:13, the bible also states that we must seek God with all our heart, and this can only be done through fervent prayer. God knows what should be done, and God wants to use us to accomplish His will, and so, by praying, God would then reveal His plans for us so that we could carry out what He called us to do =) Thus, in all things, we should PRAY.

The past week wasn't that significant either (except for unlimited "fun-ness" planning and laughing with the REAL people) in workshops because we were all preparing HARD for the evangelistic event (Where Is The Love) we had on saturday. Okay, so the REAL story begins NOW!

We had been praying the past few weeks for the event, for God to prepare the hearts the community. We had on our list 30 people. We prepared so much for the games, the layout and the evangelistic message. At 11am, only 3 girls came. I was a little disappointed at first. Even when David and I went out to Swiss Cottage to see if we could bring more people in, no one wanted to go for our event. Nonetheless, I told myself not to question God's plans. More people came at 12, so we decided to carry on with our game, cutting back the number of game booths and changing the role of some of our 30 game marshalls into game players so that the people would not feel awkward. The event carried on still, WITH A BLAST! The evangelistic message was an even GREATER BLAST! I realised that God truly works in ways WE CANNOT SEE. Even though we did not hit our expected target of 60 people, we planted 14 seeds into the lives of the people who went for our event. We have 1 rededication and 1 salvation officially, with 3 others still considering! PRAISE GOD

It is often very true that we measure the success of the events by our own eyes, which I admit bitterly that I had attempted to do that on saturday morning. However, by the time we got to the evangelistic message, I've learnt to acknowledge that God is in control of the number of people He wishes to touch and move in that event. God's presence was so powerful that hearts were touched by Him. Well, this incident has strengthened my faith greatly and it has also taught me that only God can determine what a 'success is'. So what if the number of people who went for our event was only 15? With 15, God is still in our midst! God would still touch the lives of those who came! Well, that's not all, our event ran SO smoothly, our evangelistic message was shared and we had great food! God's hand is upon us all =) We were tired after the event, but none of us fell sick despite all the late nights we had to endure to prepare for the event. Praise God! God worked in the lives of those who came, but at the same time, He PROTECTED us and gave us good health throughout the event=) Priase Him!

This is so long-winded, but the works of God doesn't stop here! He actually showed me how He prepared this young boy, whose heart was almost a zero for God. When I first met him, he was the LAST person I thought would turn up at our Ice-cream event, but he did. God used David to speak to him, to bring him over to crossroads, and to invite him to our event on saturday. I think it was until Friday that he decided to go for our event. He managed to bring his friends along too=) His heart was open to the gospel when the message was shared. Praise God. Now, although he's not yet accepting God, but I know God is still working to bring him closer to Him. God doesn't have to work in huge ways which we can see, but instead, He works in subtle ways which we tend not to acknowledge God for working. I have truly learnt that we should not always conclude that God's not doing anything impactful when actually we do not even know what God's plan is. I think it's really important that we should not assume our thoughts to be God's thoughts.

There's just so much I learnt! Picturees would soon be uploaded! I realised it's far too WORDY.

Ice-cream event over!! =)

2009-01-31T12:01:00.006+08:00

The past few days have been exhausting, but immensely satisfying! Yesterday marked the end of our 3-day ice-cream event! =) What''s this about? Well, the REAL team decided that we should bless the schools around our church with FREE ice-cream=) How cool was it? VERY.

Most of the people decided that Thursday was a good day to have ice-cream, so we saw about 100 people over at our place that day! Praise God! =) I was also very blessed to be able to speak with the dunearn people =) They were such a wonderful bunch to chill out with. My sec 3 girls (Artika, Asyiqin and Syahirah) who went on the 1st and 2nd days were totally intoxicated by david's guitar-playing skills and voice, AND my sec 1 girls on Friday were so hyped out playing table soccer their voice resonated throughout the entire room! =) It sounded fun? Yes! It was SUPERBLY fun! =)

My super noisy girls at the soccer table! =)

The ice-cream champions =)

One of my cw girls, Sherilyn also came over for a short while to visit me! I was UTTERLY and DEEPLY TOUCHED okay!! =) =) I never knew I was such an attraction to my girls!!! Hahahahahahahahaha=) Love them LOADS=) BUT, that wasn't all. our ice-cream had to be mouth-watering, yummy and delicious to be able to draw people over. So what was the conclusion? everyone was eating the ice-cream with great relish they had to come back for more!! WHHHEEEEEEE!

The faithful ice-cream scooper! =)=)

However, our event wouldn't have been successful without God's hand of protection on us! Over the past 3 days, we did not even SEE a droplet of rain! With God, the weather was incredibly fine and sunny!!! It is also through this event I realised that it is all the more incumbent upon us to pray. We prayed for God to bring the students over, and He did! We prayed that we would be sensitive to them, and we were! How great and mighty our God is! Our God is always ready to provide too=) We were short of ice-cream scoops, but by the event, we had an EXCESS. we were short of cups and spoons, but throughout the event, they were all provided for! Indeed, He's Jehovah, our provider.

Well, friday also marked the end of REAL for Shavin and yiqing! =( =( =( Will miss them loads!

Claire, Mavis, and Yiting x2! =)

so heartwarming!awwwww...... =)

Our funky REAL team! =)

spot the guy from swiss cottage secondary!

Keith's new hairstyle!

So cute together! =) =)

The guys would never never never ever fail to regale us with their really funny poses!=)

cultivate a pure heart

2009-01-27T23:33:00.002+08:00

Dear Lord,
I pray that whatever things may come my way,
obstacles that I know by my own strength, I will definitely be helpless,
let me know You are always there for me.
Let me cry out to you.
Hold me by my hand and walk the road with me.
Give me a heart of compassion, love and understanding.
Guide me, in all my ways my Holy Spirit.
I'll surrender my all to you,
for You are my potter and I am the clay.

I love God

2009-01-24T17:26:00.003+08:00

This week seemed to flash pass rather rapidly! =( Perhaps it's because REAL actually started only on Wednesday=) My REAL friends brought back J.Co donuts rather fresh, but original from Indonesia! Wonderful FRIENDS! =) =) =)

Wednesday was contact work day again, but it was done with a different twist! We sent out two hot-looking mascots! Shall post up pictures of them soon=) Guess our mascots were superbly gorgeous and attractive it pulled in more people to participate in our FREE ice-cream event! That aside, I would really want to thank God for His hand of mercy upon us the past few weeks we were out bridging with the dunearn and swiss cottage people! It didn't even rain and the weather's always warm and sunny=) ALWAYS =)

Had a sharing session by Sis. Regina on thursday. Well, it was a thought provoking session I would say =) She shared about counting the cost to be a child of God. Like what she said, it is undoubtly true that it is hard to take up the cross and follow Jesus. BUT, because we are willing to follow God, He will surely bless us, protect us and acknowledge us when the end comes =) The end justifies the cost! To be with God till eternity is worth more then anything the world can offer me. Also, my God isn't just someone who would meet us only at the point of death, He is a moving God. His presence is ALWAYS with us! How secure can I be in God? VERY. Why? BECAUSE God is so dynamic He's always revealing Himself in different ways and I'm always and ALWAYS experiencing His ABUNDANT LOVE =)

Oh and in the morning, we had a lesson on the bible by Pastor Soh again! =) The one important message he wanted us to take away is that in our intimate relationship with God, He is the one who will always initiate a conversation with us, and in return, we would ALWAYS respond back to His love=) Would you respond to Him?

Well, REAL isn't that thought-provoking everyday, we do have fun with our fellow REAL people too!

Friday was David's birthday, and yes, we had LOADS of fun! Shall post some pictures too! I haven't given pastor Cuixian my blog yet, but well, "thanks Pastor for sponsoring the cake!" when you read this=)

Well, here are some pictures! 1st one is copied over from vinvin's blog! Thanks ah =)
Survival REAL camp: SURVIVED! Strong and healthy! =)

Batam mission trip pictures! Copyright acknowlegements from david.

They so did not tell me they enjoyed good food there!

AND carry babies THIS CUTE!

and play with SO MANY CUTE and ADORABLE kids!!!

On Friday...we had this much fun!

prancing ballet dancers! =)

Yup, you guessed it! We kind of kidnapped the birthday boy! =)

Psalm 62
v1: My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation omes from him
v2: He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is m fortress,
I will never be shaken

Real mission trip without me

2009-01-19T22:18:00.002+08:00

My REAL friends all went for the mission trip I couldn't go! =( Well, it's ok because God taught me how to pray for them =)

This blog was meant for last week:

On tuesday, our PPT was a bit different(PPT means worship and prayer tiime). We worshipped most of the time, with prayers and words from God. The presence of God was really strong and overwhelming that we just had to soak in His presence. It was awesome! We worshipped so long it ate into our reading time, but it was worth it.=) Well, after that, it set me thinking about our worship. How could it be possible for us to worship so long without feeling tired. Instead, the more we worshipped, the humgrier we felt (for God's presence). The truth is simple-we worship a living God who always reveals Himself to us! =)

How true it is when Pastor Peter Soh was telling us that because our God is alive, and because our religion is a relationship forge between us and God, we worship to respond to His love for us. Indeed, it is very true! =) My friends, read the lyrics of this song, and you will realise why we so fervently seek God with our hearts.

At the Cross

Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me

Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was she'd for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now

I love my God=)Do you?

On wednesday, we did contact work again. Well, I kind of abandoned Samuel! Haha sorry my friend =) BUT, he was really good! He like had a quality talk with this girl for a VERY long time, something which i didn't think he would attempt to do=) I think God is using each and everyone of us really wonderfully in many ways. Through contact work, I could feel see the passion to reach to the dunearn and swiss cottage people, and most importantly, I saw each and every of our qualities used by God as He used us to do contact work =) Our God surprises us with new stuff everyday. He's a dynamic God who does not teach us just by the workshops we attend, but also by the experiences as we go out to harvest the fields!

Thursday was really fun in a way that we had to FAST! Could you imagine guys fasting? I really couldn't! If I'm not wrong, Sam didn't fast before, and i guess it was agonizing for him because we all saw his energy level falling!=) Not so hyped out with his usual round of table tennis too. Well, apart from that, I think fasting and praying is a very good way of intercession. I don't really understand how it works, but I know it works. I remembered last year I was fasting and praying for my friend to be more open to God, and sure enough, she was more receptive of God =) All praise to God! =)

HOWEVER, this isn't entirely REAL. REAL is only complete with the cacophony of sounds and laughter from everyone else there! During break, the more active ones would sweat it all out at the table tennis table, or do some hip hop(David and Keith!!!hahaha!), while the a bit more passive ones would sit at the organ and 'feel' over there or rather, on the chairs enjoying the company of the others!=) =)=) Real's enriching and very fun!

REAL! 1st reflection

2009-01-09T23:00:00.002+08:00

Hello EVERYONE! Just want to tell ALL the REAL people that REAL(no puns intended!haha) was EXCITING, FUN, and... A LOT growth for me!! I enjoyed each and EVERY one of you!=)

1st Jan was a real, REAL lock in camp.It was really good to have our phones and cash locked away though=) Without phones, we wouldn't be inundated with the endless distractions, and without cash, we were practically made to live life on the EDGE!
We had to work our way through 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners for...13 people++ with only 50 bucks. How's this possible? Well, we had to truly trust that God would provide, and He did! We were really worried that we had not enough food to go around feeding so many people, but the miracle was that after each meal, there was MORE THAN ENOUGH to go around! Praise God=) It really brings me back to appreciate how Jesus fed the 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes with EXTRA food left over! That was exactly how we felt =) Well, that wasn't the ONLY highlight. The MOST encouraging thing I felt was when not one, but EVERYONE helped to prepare AND wash the dishes! So unity is the key! So likewise, UNITY as one body of Christ makes A LOT of difference in the PROCESS as well as the RESULT=)

The workshops were really good as well. I learnt that everyone of us is a 0, but God is a 1. If there are so many 0s and no 1, it would still be 0. However, if God, our number one is placed in front of all of our zeros, the number would instantly be made BIG!

There was this one blindfold game which impacted me as well. When Samantha was guiding me through the 'dark', I felt secured because I recognised her voice and I know who I was following. However, when she wasn't there to guide me, I was totally lost! I was fearful and panicky. It was when I felt so unsure and insecure that I realise that without God, my life would fall apart. I am nothing without Him, but in Him, I WILL BE SECURE.

I totally did not regret joining REAL. it was a real experience for me and I met great friends whom I can share with openly and laugh with, hysterically!

The official program started on tuesday. The bible reading was good! God spoke to me so much more when I was willing to sit down and truly read His word =) During worship, God revealed more to me: Seek and run after His heart. The past few days, it was my prayer that I want to understand the heart of God more. True enough, He let me experience it during my contact work. I'm really glad God used Sam to speak to me=)

Well, just to sum up, it's VERY encouraging to know that everyone of us is willing to be sensitive to each other! =) =)