galvs

Joyful Serving

2010-08-23T11:44:35Z

Visited Sue's grandaunt yesterday afternoon together with Mark, Sue, dear and most of the senior Webbers (youth peer leaders). It's been three months or so since I've taken a break off WEB ministry - I really missed the youths there but yet I knew I'm not in the best of condition to be serving there for the time being. Thankful for making this trip together with them - it's really a joy to see them and catch up with them once again, this bunch of God loving youths who seek authenticity in their journeys with Him in spite of life's struggles and temptations. - 5 May 2008

Two years' break is a long time.

I'm just thankful that God in His nudgings finally brought me back to serve in the youth ministry. So many things have changed structure wise, form wise... people have grown... but God is the same, yesterday, today, tomorrow. And this time round I'm glad to be returning to serve together with Char... and we both agree that we've got to be in this together. :)

As we walked into the sanctuary two weeks ago slightly late, I heard a familiar voice speaking on stage, encouraging people to consider signing up for an upcoming youth missions trip. My heart was encouraged; the voice belonged to Sarah, a dear sister whom I knew when she first joined the ministry years ago in primary six. Now she's in year two in polytechnic... and her heart beats for Jesus. And as I looked around the place, I saw many familiar faces, all grown up, many serving. Thankful for God's hand over the ministry over the years; it's amazing to see how He has changed the hearts of many through the years, how He's helped many through the various seasons of their adolescent lives, and how He's led many to rise up to serve.

We started our facilitation role just two days ago in a mixed gender group comprising youths aged 17 - 20... it's definitely a different experience from the past. Hanged around after service to chat and catch up with some of them... and suddenly things didn't seem as unfamiliar as I thought it would be. :) As of now, I still do not have any inkling as to how things would go in the days to come, but one familiar verse keeps popping into my mind, telling me to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, to acknowledge Him in all my ways... for He'll make my paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Speaking of the verse, there has been a leading from Him to write a book for quite some time. I must confess that just as with my songwritings, this has been a cause of tussle within me, not really knowing if the idea of writing a book is born out of a personal desire or if it is really His leading. That is the reason why I have been shelving that idea everytime it entered my mind... but somehow I'm sensing that the time is near, and that I have clarified the reason and purpose for the writing. It most likely would turn out to be a devotional for youths and young adults... and it would probably be a year in writing, during which the draft contents would be readily accessible on this site... cause after all the motivation behind this writing isn't about the sales. Am not quite sure about how it all would turn out... but the verse above definitely applies here, and it's my prayer that whatever that's going to be written would be used to minister and speak into the lives of many, drawing people closer in this relationship we all can have in Christ Jesus. (:

And yes... as of 20 August 2010, I have become a graduand. Come October, I would become a graduate. After three years of counselling journey, it came down to this, another starting point with a new journey ahead. And as I looked back to how it all came to be, I just can't help but to give thanks for how He has been leading me through it all, this past decade of knowing Him.

And I noticed this pattern of Him allowing circumstances to happen the way they are so that in different seasons of time there lies the opportunity to trust in Him at greater levels... and that is exactly what I would be going through in the months to come. Oh that verse... hahaha.

May the way things pan out give Him praise. :D

Slowly But Surely

2010-08-13T16:01:26Z

I'm inspired by my wife in the little things she does - the cooking after a hard day at work, the folding and ironing of clothes... lest I forget that ironed clothes don't magically appear in the closet. I know she doesn't see them as obligations, but she does them out of her God given love for me... and I just want to tell the world that dear dear, thank you. (: I must say that I have not exactly been doing my part of late in terms of keeping our nest clean and neat but yeah, I'm sensing a new found strength to do that. :)

But one thing that I'm inspired by her the most is her little written prayers on Facebook these days for her students. I used to jot my prayers for the youths in ministry down and write their names with their initials on my site, with a part of me hoping that one day they would 'chance' upon them and actually know that I'm referring to them... but somehow that phase faded away. I'm spurred to do so again now after reading what my wife wrote. (:

So many things happened from the last update. I was given the opportunity to attend a worship seminar by Don Moen... and I never knew how funny a guy he actually is in person! He's a funny man! Hahaha... as I listened to his heart for songwriting and impacting the world through music, I thought I sensed a leap in my heart again... moved... and deeply encouraged. :)

And praise God for my final graded submission for my course; it turned out to be the most satisfying piece of assignment I've ever done! Doesn't really matter what the grade would be for be it good or bad, I know it's definitely in His hands. Now the pressing thing is to complete my reflective journal before the course closure next Friday... a bit freaking out because there's so much to backtrack and now so little time. Pray for me that I would have the discipline to work on it each day yea?

I was given the opportunity to share some of my songs with my juniors in an event organised by Youth For Christ (YFC); it was an amazing sight with the gathering of brothers and sisters in Christ who once walked through the gates of my alma mater - there was at least one representative from each batch dating all the way to the year 1999 (which happened to be me la gosh the oldest one there hahaha...). Thank You God to have Y, one of my ex-students and mentees, to be playing piano accompaniment for me while I work on the guitar and vocals. Thank You for bringing whoever's there there; I was so glad to see familiar faces there - A, J, S, G, Y... and God I can only pray that believers or pre-believers alike, that You've used the event to allow them to have a better grasp of what it means to live in a living relationship with You, what it means to be living the good life here on earth. I pray that as they return to their hectic schedules, that You'll be there with them to be their sustenance and strength... and for those who've yet to be in a relationship with You, that You would call them at Your appointed time.

On Sunday at service time, we were asked in response to lift up three names unto God to pray for their salvation... names that were close to the heart surfaced - Y, G, W, D... these days I'm reminded that there's just so many things man can do, but when we pray, God would be the One working. Anyways. After lunch Char and I met up with Ps. Matt, our youth pastor to talk about returning to serve in the youth ministry. As much as I'm looking forward to it, there is once again these doubts running through my head, telling me that I really don't have anything much to offer and that things have changed so much I wonder if I could connect. I was genuinely touched by the affirmations that Ps. Matt gave to the previous work that was done through me in the ministry... not that I am good, but that God was gracious to have used me as His vessel... and that He would still, if I just be a willing one, amidst a certain level of fear and trepidation. And so... we would probably be starting off by attending the youth service on Saturdays regularly... time to reconnect with some and connect with some! :)

The most amazing thing happened that Sunday night just when I was ready to sleep. I was checking my mails on my phone when I received an e-mail from Y, another of my ex-mentees, the one whom I prayed for earlier in the morning... the first name to come to mind. I sensed something unusual from the start as I've not received mails from my students in such a fashion... and it was a really long one. Char was already asleep... but when I finished reading the mail from top to bottom twice, I couldn't resist and woke her up... because I had to tell her that Y has come to know the Lord. My thanksgivings were stuck in my mouth, so thankful that I wasn't able to utter any word at all. Thankful that He's placed godly peers around him who knew enough to share with him when he asked... thankful that He's found him through the circumstances that he went through. So encouraged! :) Had the opportunity to catch up with him yesterday evening over dinner where I shared with him a little of my journey and prayed for him... don't really know how the road ahead would be like for him, but I'll sure be praying that God would lead him every step of the way... and that he would be transformed each day in His likeness. :)

It was Aunty Witwit's day off on National Day Monday; Char suggested we cook for my family at home. It's been a long time since my family has enjoyed home cooked food together... and in a single day we had it twice, for lunch and dinner. I don't know about the rest... but there was a moment I almost choked on my rice seeing how everyone was squeezed at that little table having the meal... people say in a marriage husband and wife ought to spur one another on toward love and good deeds (actually it's for everyone to do so la... hahaha) and ultimately toward Himself. I smile everytime I think of my wife. :P

I received an sms from my uncle a week plus ago to pray for my cute cute cousin Gabriel for his entrance to St Hilda's Primary; there were only 43 places up for grabs and Gabriel was 127th on the list. This morning I received another sms from my uncle telling me that my cousin has gotten a place in the school... and his name was the last one to be picked. Hahaha... smiling as I'm typing this; it's happiness and gladness mixed with a little bit of no-surprise-here feeling. (:

I guess I could go on and on... but there may be no end if I do so. Just thankful that God is a God who never forsakes! :)

Thank You for the grace that You've given to Y. Thank You for giving me the privilege to rejoice in this manner... it's really hard to imagine the way You have drawn him to You and for all that's happened, thank You! :)

Thank You for allowing me to bump into W; remembering the seasons he went through the past two years always brings a smile on my face. :) Pray that You'll continue to keep watch over him.

For J who ran past me as I was walking Char out in the morning, thank You for watching over him over his circumstances... and for D whom I met at the dining hall, that You would grant him ample time to rest as he busys himself with all the activities. Thank You for being so faithful, in letting me bump into most of whom I lifted to You on Sunday... whom I would usually not have the chance of meeting.

Christlikeness

2010-07-13T15:48:18Z

I'm a simple person... I don't like complications. All I want in this life is to know the God who loves me more each day despite my shortcomings and struggles... and encourage others along the way in this journey. All I want in this life is to serve the God who gave Himself for me... to know that it's worth every single bit.
Thankful for the day spent with loved ones... and all the more thankful that we're all in this eternal journey together. Sometimes it just hurts so much when I'm with friends yet saved... not knowing if the time will ever come for them to really understand the implications beyond just different worldviews and sets of thinking.

Faith... and trust.

Religions exist because of man's pursuit of self fulfillment. If you take a step back and look deeper, you will realise that all religions when peeled to the core reveals pretty selfish desires.

That a smooth life shall be betowed... wealth... health... or that the wrath of god or bad luck will not be upon the individual.

And sadly, there are many religious Christians around, too.

Having that intimate personal relationship with God changes everything. Perspective changes... and as we walk towards Christlikeness, we will begin to see with eyes not of our own. Love takes on a new meaning... for one. Prayer becomes demechanized, praise and worship becomes from the heart, service and discipleship becomes a want, servanthood becomes natural.

I wrote the above in an entry dated 21 Feb 2007... that's about three and a half years ago. I didn't chance upon it; what happened was that I posted a message on Facebook asking for writing ideas when a dear brother in Christ suggested I write about how God has been teaching me as a husband. That kind of set me into a consolidation mode, thinking of the inputs that God's been giving me here and there... and out popped a word - Christlikeness. I did a search on my previous entries, of which five of them contained the word in them. It's quite refreshing to reread some of my own writings... but scary to feel a slight tinge of questioning in myself asking "wa, did I write that?". Haha... anyways. Yes, it's the word that has been weighing on my heart of late.

I am thankful for an opportunity to discuss existential questions with one of my charges a couple of days ago. I wasn't expecting our conversation to go that way... but somehow I think he arranged the meeting with the intention of asking those questions. It ended off with me thanking him and telling him that it has been a long time ever since I've had such a good conversation with regard to God, and talking to him about Him served as an encouragement to me - my heart stirred from moment to moment as I listened to his queries and perspectives and as I gave him my take on the matter, quoting verses and teachings on-the-fly. I wasn't glad for the fact that I could remember those verses and perspectives, but more so for how He has been gracious to let them be etched in my heart and mind. Speaking of them brought me back to the days when I was totally in the zone, totally in love with Him. Not that I am not in love with God now, as I explained to my charge, but now I speak of my relationship with God as a matter of fact that I know He loves me and I love him... as with I love my wife and I know my wife loves me ( :D :D ), but not exactly the same when I first came to know Him... like how when I first came to know my dear dear ( :D :D )... the whole "falling in love" part.

Funnily, talking to him reminded me of the burden that God laid in my heart for the youths. I was telling another dear brother in Christ of my decision to return to youth ministry (with fear and trepidation...! haha...) and the affirmation that I got after the church camp in June... and he insisted on hearing what exactly the burden is. So I told him that I sensed that even though it is very evident that the form of the ministry has improved by leaps and bounds, I am having this general sense that the level of spiritual maturity has been stagnant at best, with some of the older folks who grew with the ministry holding the fort. I told him I might be wrong for my burden wasn't backed by any specific Word from God... and I would just like to re-enter into the ministry, this time round with my wife, in hope to encourage some, disciple some, to see them fall in love with Jesus and thereafter have their lives transformed, their life scripts re-written.

I can tell you that back in my mind my negative thoughts continue to haunt me... my esteem constantly under siege, a voice saying that I cannot make it... and in this case, saying that I won't be of much use even if I return. But He has given me strength so that I can be strong enough... strong enough to fend them off and put them where they should be - amidst the cacophonies the world produces daily... very much like spam mails. :P

As I carried on with my conversation with my charge, I began to wonder if this situation permeates Christendom, that many youths attend church and do church activities for reasons other than really wanting to meet with God, to worship Him, to be more like Him and to encourage one another in doing so... and in turn let their lives speak for themselves, filled with the Holy Spirit, bearing the fruit seen in the likes of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self control? Are we turning into a please-give-me-a-holy-huddle-people and please-solve-my-problems-and-that's-it-god generation?

Sometimes I question myself when it comes to even writing about these stuff because of the way I doubt myself in certain matters... but one thing I'm pretty clear of is God's unrelenting love for His people. I forgot where I heard this from or read it from, but it remains etched in my heart this imagery of how a Christian faith without an ongoing living relationship with God is like threading along the edgey rim of a glass with the living water inside it... so near yet so far.

When we were asked in a prayer meeting in church one thing we would want to see happen within the church, it didn't take long for me to write on the sticker which would be stuck alongside others'... that the Next Generation would rise up as His genuine disciples, growing day by day into His own likeness. And this is really the hope for all Christian youths out there, that they may be found in a wonderous love relationship with their heavenly Father, one that would turn their lives upside down, inside out, transforming them into whom they could not possibly be without Him and above all in His likeness.

And for the pre-believing youths... that they may be found in Him in His time, that they may be sent some people, somebody, someone who would be able to reflect Christ's kind of love, care and concern in their lives, whom they could trust enough to approach to ask questions ... and most importantly, be presented with the opportunity to hear the gospel in its true unwatered-down entirety and thereafter the chance to receive Him into their lives.

I seriously don't think that I've been doing a good job... but I'm trusting at the same time that God would use me, especially in my weaknesses, for His glory... and that the past few years of my life hasn't been a waste of time. Haha... (:

So... How has God been teaching me as a husband? :) To love as He would love... to cherish as He would cherish... to lift dear dear up as He would do, trusting that He is in charge. I could use my previous paragraph as well - I don't think I've been doing a good job leading her in spiritual disciplines... but on introspection, I think we're doing quite well in terms of having that living relationship with Pa together! :D

And for the record, I find the world getting more complicated as one grows... but I remain the simple person I wrote about in 2007. :)

Till the next post! If you have any suggestions on what I can write about next, do drop a comment in this post of do a tag yea? In fact, if you have actually read this whole entry in its entirety and you're here right now reading this, do gimme a lil' tag on the tagboard yea? I will be encouraged. :)

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye I'm
Defying Gravity
And you won't bring me down...

Nutshells

2010-06-30T04:49:12Z

First off, yes I know, it's been a million and one years since I've written an entry. Well... having studied Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a specialisation for my Masters in Social Sciences [Counselling] (graduating in two months time... hoping that all goes well...!), I've come to acknowledge quite a number of Negative Automatic Thoughts (NATs) that I have. By means of automatic, it means that they just come. As to how they came about... I have yet to really discover it for myself. Hmmm... I'm not sure if I want to, but I probably would go for some personal counselling sessions in the future to work it out. Anyway. This is major self disclosure here and I think those who know me who read this would probably be shocked... but yeah. I suppose there would be people out there who would be encouraged that they aren't the only ones in the world with such issues... as much as I'm still thinking that I'm a rare oddball who thinks like that! Haha... :)

In brief, by myself I have moderately high failure feelings; sometimes those thoughts paralyze me especially in the area of communications. I struggle with perceived low competencies and it shows in the way I communicate, or the lack thereof. I know, rationally those thoughts have been disproved time upon time by the things done and by others' response to me, but still there are many times I sabotage myself in situations because of these thoughts.

Thankfully God came into my life just before I ended off my adolescent stage in 2001. People say God's love is transformational. I say it is, too, because I've tasted of it myself, and I know God has been the reason for my coping. I do ask myself again and again if those recurring thoughts and resultant actions (or rather again, the lack thereof) are showing of my lack of faith and constant relationship with Him (which constitutes sin), but I do know that I'm an incomplete product. One day... I will be complete in Him. In the meantime, it's a daily battle to be fought, to cope better with those thoughts that won't exactly go away. But yes, for those who do pray, please do pray that they would yea! :P

The school holidays had been a good time of rest and reframing of mind. The first week was spent recording songs at Oops! Asia Singapore's headquarters and enjoying the fellowshipping with new friends. Initially I thought I would have issues getting warmed up to the new people but things panned out pretty well. (: Week two was church camp in Malaysia - the very first one with Char as hubby and wifey! :) It was a great time of refreshing and of catching up with dear ones... and through this camp I have personally grown to cherish my cellgroup mates more. On the last night of the camp, the adults were asked to stand and pray for the next generation (youths). I was standing right behind them and right in front of me were some of the guys I used to shepherd in the past. There was this indescribable surge of feelings as I stood up... went up to some of them to pray for them. Char and I had been thinking of serving amongst the youths in ministry again... whatever transpired there at the camp served as a confirmation. Am looking forward. :)

Week three was our second honeymoon in Melbourne! Really enjoyed our literally cool trip! :) We flew Qantas and transited at Perth on our way there... Reached 12am and was greeted by an almost empty domestic airport. Stayed there for a number of hours before our next flight at 6am... what an experience! Haha... rested a while in the hotel before heading down to Queen Victoria Market. The rest of the evening was spent walking round the city and doing some grocery shopping... very happy to have done this with dear dear. :) Next two days were day trips to see and hear the sights and sounds of Melbourne. There was the Puffing Billy train ride, the spit roast meal at the winery restaurant, the Great Ocean Road... but yea the trip back took quite some time... buttocks a bit sored. :\ The last day was spent going around on our own, walking and taking tramrides. We visited the Aquarium and the Museum and caught an amazing 3D Titanic film at the Museum's Imax theatre... an understatement actually! Beats all 3D shows in local cinemas hands down!

We would have stayed longer if not for my need to attend my final lessons... but yea. Think it'll be a place we would revisit in the future together with the other cities and states in Aussieland. And yes, in the midst of catching tv shows over there, I've gotten myself hooked on Masterchef! Hahaha... who knows, I may extend my passion for food to beyond baking in the future? :)

Week four was back to work of sorts in the midst of preparing for an outreach with Oops. The day came, and we presented a number of songs to the youth audience music-cafe style and shared some of our testimonies. It's a privilege to be serving with this bunch of cool dudes and dudettes! :D

The starting of the last few paragraphs of the current chapter... the next chapter awaits. Am hoping to finish off the last paragraph on a good note before the page is turned, where new adventures await... ;)

Onto the 29th

2010-05-14T09:37:03Z

I've been wanting to break the silence for quite some time on this blog... but somehow I couldn't. Couldn't find the time, the willpower, the reason to... the things to write. I asked myself if I've turned so rusty that I don't know what to write anymore... then I realise that it may be due to the seemingly unwillingness to be that transparent as I've used to be online... anymore.

But as I was going through the course of the day on the 13th of May (woo it rhymes! Haha...), God somewhat birthed in me this desire to write once more, not that it wasn't there before, just that the desire didn't have much opportunity to be translated to action till the decision came yesterday, to be transparent once again. Reading my past entries, I realised that I was able to let my throughts flow uninhibitedly simply because I was writing out of an open heart and of a single-minded purpose. Of late, this heart seems to be clamping up pretty often, not just online, but apparently so in everyday life as well (as observed by others). I started to wonder somehow for one, if people would actually be interested at all to read and know, and another, the things people would think of me upon reading.

Then I'm reminded again that this blog isn't about me. And the reason why I'm writing again now is because the purpose mentioned earlier on has been reclaimed. Will I be writing more in the future...? Hmmm I don't know how frequent or rare the updates would come, but since I'm setting out to write with the purpose in mind once again, I'll like to think that there'll be more posts in the future. In any case, here's starting the ball rollin' again. (:

I started off the year with many good intentions, one of which was to keep to my daily Bible readings using the Bibleglo software that Chris, a wonderful brother in Christ, has blessed me with. Another one was to really get down to losing weight through getting back on a low carb regime with regular exercise. Both went on pretty well in the beginning; there was a time when salad eating and Bible reading happened concurrently in the mornings followed by exercise, etc. Tripped and fell a couple of times on the food part... but exercise slowly became a routine that I got used to. If anything, this could possibly be the only thing that worked for me the past months - losing 11kg in all so far, from an initial 86kg to the current 75kg. I've got quite a bit to lose still... but I am rather assured that it should not be too much of a problem to get there.

The Bible reading part stopped pretty abruptly somehow, but that was just an external indicator of what was happening on the inside of me I guess. It's not as if God wasn't there - He was and is, but it was mostly disobedience on my part, putting other things ahead and in the end neglecting my spiritual health. It's ironic come to think of it, how I've grown physically fitter the past months, but inversely so, spiritually! And in the process of being who I was, I realised too that I have not been the best of a spiritual head of my household to my wife.

It was a downward slope at work; I think it came to a point that most of my bosses (I have one whom I report to, but I have my arms at different places at work under different in-charges) ended up with a rather bad impression of me. I made some blunders here and there, got my schedules wrong, had trouble writing and keeping notes, was seemingly slow in my work... there's more to the list but I think I'll stop here. It wasn't my intention for things to turn out this way... but the fact was things turned out that way.

I came to a point of questioning my station at work; things became significantly different ever since I shifted out of the hub last year. My informal interactions with the students dropped very significantly - there was little opportunity to engage them the way it was done with the first batch of students. And with the first batch graduated, work this year became really, purely, work. I initially took efforts to get to know the names of the current batches of students, etc but without 'official business' it probably didn't make sense for me to connect with them... or them with me, for I am probably of no use to them. Which was what happened - the usual scene of those whom I know by name and face walking past me without the slightest form of acknowledgement... it gets replayed constantly, on loop.

Then there were financial issues to grapple with... mostly inherited ones. I must confess that this is one area that frustrates me, and it continues to be so. Many times I sought to be at peace with it, but from time to time it just comes back to me. It's easy for me to ask what I have done to deserve such an inheritance... but I do know that this is an area that I'll have to learn to lift back to God and do what's right in His eyes, time and again.

My weekend schedules began to free up a bit a couple of weeks ago as I move towards the end of my masters degree course in counselling; from the almost weekly thu/sat or fri/sat lessons, I now have the last module to complete, with lessons coming in the form of three consecutive days per month for two more months. My major papers have been cleared... and by His grace and His grace alone, I have not fallen short of a distinction for each paper so far. I had the privilege (or actually, normalcy??) of spending the past few full saturdays with Char, something that has been rather foreign the past year, and I'm beginning to see the difference this reverting of schedule is making to my life. I used to use the weekends to either spend time with her or do my work; this became impossible with the introduction of the lessons.

As of this writing, things had actually picked up a bit at work. But I must say that as with all human relationships, I guess I must bear with whatever impressions that have already been given earlier on. Students wise, I'm learning to focus on those whom I have 'official business' with. Thankful for this batch of Sec 3 mentees in the boarding programme actually; at the back of my mind I know that things probably would never be the same with what was achieved with the first batch (you'll know what I mean later), but at the least I'm beginning to see some headway for this batch, even though I did not manage to put in as much as I had before. (I'm still giving thought to the possiblity of becoming a subject teacher for the kind of interaction I would get with students... but everytime I see the amount of marking needed to be done the thought gets killed. Hahaha...)

I had envisioned my 28th birthday to be a very quiet affair. In a sense, I dreaded its arrival because of that. Char has been the most patient, bearing with me through all my irrational automatic thought processes... Haha. I achieved a rather decent level of success in the end actually, being contented with all that God has already given to me in my life. Whatever happened on the 13th of May 2010 served as a huge reminder once again what it means to surrender my will and exchange it for His. It reminded me of the time years ago when I surrendered my personal desires to do proper song recordings... that was when He opened the gates and had me connected with Patrick, a dear brother from Oops! Asia, and subsequently having some of my songs professionally done, for His glory.

The night before the 13th, Char gave me a little surprise slightly before twelve; a mini cake and a biscotti for food, a pair of shirt and pants from uniqlo for gift. Thank you dear dear! :) :) :) My mentees from the boarding programme came by my door to sing a birthday greeting (ji cute yi sia! haha...); quite funny because when I opened the door they just stood there and did nothing for a few seconds before someone led in the song. It was something unexpected; I would say the way I interacted with them probably didn't warrant such kind gesture from them... so yes, I was glad. (:

I would be lying if I say I wasn't hoping that some people would actually remember the day or do something about it. But that was precisely the thought that I lifted unto God, something that Char walked through with me, to the point that I really wasn't expecting anything on the actual day itself. I had counselling sessions back to back till five plus that day with a supervision in between... which went well, thankfully! Met up with Char after that to have dinner at Coronation Plaza's Cosy Corner. I couldn't believe it myself, but I actually craved for laksa... and so I ordered it. Talk about low carb. :| Haha... We had Popiah and Kuey Pai Ti as well... we were supposed to go Sogurt for a yoghurt but I was adamant in having an Island Creamery mudpie instead, something I wanted since a week ago. And so we strolled down to Serene Centre to have that. Char bought some ingredients for a mushroom soup that she would be cooking for supper later at night. And so it was to be a quiet evening at home, Char and I.

Char took a nap as I began replying to birthday greetings on Facebook. There was quite a bit... but I gathered that since people took an effort to wish me, the least I could do was to give an individual reply rather than an all encompassing thank you. I ended up spending about an hour plus typing the replies...! It's quite amazing to note that some of the people who wished me are those who would usually walk past me without acknowledgment... and some whom I don't really know. As I replied to the messages I asked myself... if the situation would change in terms of us acknowledging one another the next time we meet? I think probably not... but in any case, I'm thankful to be a recipient of such goodwill.

Char woke up and started preparations for the mushroom soup while I started tuning in to American Idol. Because of our faulty fridge in the apartment, she had to go out of the apartment to get some stuff from the pantry fridge, which she did so, on one instance. I sensed something amiss when I started hearing many footsteps outside the apartment as the door opened; it turned out to be the J1 batch (the first batch I mentioned). They came into the apartment with a cake... quite a number of them. And the amazing thing was that the cake's actually a full Island Creamery mudpie. I began to wonder if Char was involved in all these but apparently she was not. What ensued was a familiar scene that seemed long lost; the guys simply settled down and chilled, chatting, singing songs... they're the batch of students whose level of familiarity with one another (owing to the structure of their pioneer programme and the boarding programme) and with me allowed such kind of informal interactions I guess. It was a rather 温馨 (heartwarming) sight for me to behold, something that I've not experienced in a long while. Char had it on her Facebook message, "孩子们回家了，感觉真好。" (translated the children are back home... what a good feeling). Indeed. It was a very precious moment also because I rarely had the opportunity to interact with them anymore this year... and even though they are staying near, things have changed. People moved on... and for them to come together to do all these still, it must have taken quite a bit of planning and deciding.

My current mentees from the first floor came and presented to me a board filled with their well wishes soon after... yup. :)

真心的感谢你们! (translated thank you from my truest heart) (:

As of yesterday, the 13th of May 2010, I began picking up the regular reading of the Word again. But this time round, I was led to read The Message version... and to start off with the New Testament. It's a very refreshing experience... and of which, even though it's just day two, many words of truth have been spoken and illuminated in me, some of which I'll like to share and end off this post with. Thanks for bearing with all that's ranted... please give yourself a pat if you've read thus far! ;)

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

- Matthew 5:3-8

If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion--do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers--most of which are never even seen--don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

- Matthew 6:25-34

Love Story

2010-04-11T23:44:43Z

It's not just "a" love story... but "the" love story, the original, the first, the everlasting. The inspiration came to mind in the midst of yesterday's sermon on Revelations... I ended up being very distracted from the sermon as the words simply started filling my mind... I beg forgiveness!! Haha...

(to the tune of the same title by Taylor Swift)

You weren't even born when He first saw you..
Now close your eyes and imagine that you're standing there
On the hill, breathing Calvary's air
See the crowd, see the masses that gathered
See the man that's hanging there up on the cross
Little did you know

That He was hanging there for our sins to be pardoned
And His Daddy said this would be the only way
For the world to reconcile back to Him
And so He obeyed, all for love

Here is Christ Jesus, He loves you more than you will know
He's been waiting, all that's left to do is trust
More than a King, He's our Friend and our Saviour
It's the love story, won't you just say yes

And so He died on what we know as good Friday
The people wept cause
they thought that the story ended there
Nothing more than a hopeless despair

But little did they know it was a holy coup
That the Son had to die so He could rise again
Breaking all the chains of darkness and
conquering death for us to be saved

Here is Christ Jesus, He loves you more than you will know
He's been waiting, all that's left to do is trust
More than a King, He's our Friend and our Saviour
It's the love story, won't you just say yes

He has redeemed you, He will teach you how to feel
This love was hard for Him but it's real
Don't be afraid, He has taken care of your mess
It's the love story, won't you just say yes
Oh, oh...

He is ever waiting
Ever knocking on the door of your heart
His love for you's amazing
And if you listen close enough you will hear Him saying

Come my dear child, you don't have to feel alone
I've been waiting and I'll be here waiting still
Trust in me and I'll bring you places
Come taste this freedom I have exchanged for you

Come my dear child, you'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's what you have to know
I promise joy and a special sense of newness
It's the love story, won't you just say yes.. Oh oh

And you weren't even born when He first saw you...

~ http://www.galvs.net

A Beginning

2010-04-04T15:54:41Z

So much has been happening for Galvs and I lately, that it's hard not to write about it and share with the people we love. Especially since all these things have kept us busy and rather self-absorbed, such that we haven't really had the chance to sit and chat with you guys.

Whew. You wouldn't believe the number of things that happened this week.

We bought a house. Of our own. Finally!!!
I got PMS symptoms SO badly the past two weeks that for a few, immensely nerve-wracking and emotional roller-coaster-like days, we thought I was pregnant.
We met up with someone to explore the possibility of starting a franchise business, and then decided not to.
We made our first tentative forays back into youth ministry, by helping out as ushers for the Easter Outreach LOVE IS concert.

One of my close friends got married today. It's been six years in the making, with plenty of ups and downs, but a God-driven reason behind every bit of that journey. As Galvs and I sat in the wedding service today, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the amazing thought of the God of the Universe, bothering to guide us in our human affairs. It reminded me of what holy and sacred hopes we had for our marriage, when we started out ten months ago. I wondered if God was disappointed, at the complacent attitude towards marriage that we had somehow sunk into.

During Easter Service today, Dr Andrew Goh was preaching, and he taught us a mantra that brings comfort and a sense of rest to my mind. He said, "I've read this book (the Bible), and I've skipped to the ending, and guess what, IN THE END, IT'S GOING TO BE OKAY. If it's not okay, it's not the end."

If it's not okay, it's not the end.

What hope I find in that statement, to know that there's still time for us to make things right; that God's still in the process of teaching us; that we're given time to grow and judgement's being withheld for now.

So many things can seem "not alright", like how I don't seem to be doing enough for my students, neither do I feel like doing more; like how our minds and hearts have been wandering lately, trying to decide on a vocation that helps us to spend our time more wisely; like how we've (or maybe, it's just me!) grown to take each other forgranted; or forgotten to stick closely by His side through worship and reading the Word; or how we don't seem to be investing time, thought and care in relationships with those whom we care about, as we're so absorbed with the many things that are going on in our lives right now.

What comfort to know that the jury's still out, that it's not the end yet. As long as we still have breath and God gives us another day on this earth, there's time to make things right.

In that light, here's a list of things I really really want to do, that I would like for Galvs and I to be able to do , together.

Let us get back to studying His word and praying together.
That we'll be able to start our family with a precious little one, this year.
Let us invest time, in people we care about.
Let us find a thing to do (work), and do it well with all our might.

As for me, I want to keep writing. For myself, for Galvs, and to share our lives with you.

So thus ends my first post. May it not be the last.

Our heartfelt congratulations on your wedding, Michelle and Ivan, and may you continue to be a shining witness for the Father, as you walk in His truth and the knowledge of His ways. May God be close to you both, in every season of your marriage.

New Term Ahead

2010-03-22T02:21:00Z

This shall be a short one to recap the past week. Though it was term break, it didn't really feel very much like one; in fact, I experienced the "Groundhog Day" (as in the movie) syndrome from Wednesday to Saturday as I underwent one course after another, 9am - 5pm on most days, and on Thursday, 9am all the way till 10pm.

Char and I decided to set aside Monday for a little break; we headed for City Square Mall in Johor from afternoon till pretty late at night. Had a good meal at Seoul Garden at half the local price and caught Alice in Wonderland, the tickets which were at half the local price as well. Had my haircut there as well... all in all a good break - wished such days could last longer though!

Tuesday evening was much anticipated - a gathering of friends at Jason and Theresa's abode for a sumptuous dinner prepared by the lovely couple. As what was prayed for grace, it was a great time of food and fellowship. (:

Wednesday and Thursday was spent at the Health Promotion Boarding attending a two-day course on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA); there wasn't much new things to learn, but it was good time of consolidation for me with regard to front line intervention of mental health issues such as psychosis, anxiety disorders, addiction issues and the like. Right after the course on Thursday was the continuation of Advanced Counselling & Intervention module at ECTA, facilitated by Mr. Benny Bong. This would be one of the last modules we'd be going through before the graduation this coming August. Five more months... shall hang tough. :P

Friday was spent at Park Royal on Beach Road finishing up the last module of the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) course, which a couple of my colleagues and I had to miss the previous time round. At the end of the day, apart from being certified to teach and administer MBTI, I got to know much more about myself and my preferences. I realised that as a distinctive INFJ, there're lots of from of development for me in terms of developing some functional aspects of extraversion, sensing and thinking... in a crude sense, I am very functional as an INFJ, but an underdeveloper in the other preferences.

Then Saturday was back at ECTA the entire day for the same module. Met up with Char thereafter for flat viewing... yea, we've started our search for a place we can really call home to. We viewed one that evening which may eventually become the one. Venue wise and all was good... hopefully we'll be able to get it, and at a very good price.

Yep that's about it for this post. Work's starting in a couple of minutes! (:

Post Melbourne

2010-03-13T08:18:12Z

Heys! :) The plane back to Singapore touched down at about 11:20pm or so... it was about close to midnight when everyone was dismissed and I got reunited with Char. Haha... It was a good trip overall I must say. Despite the responsibilities of charperoning the students and making sure that they're alright, there was time for a little unwinding. It's rather ironic I know, but the most memorable time for me there was totally unplanned and spent alone. But yeah, this is very much in line with the preferences of someone with greater introversion than extraversion... no? (:

Wednesday (fifth day in Melbourne) was the students' third and final day with the University of Melbourne. They went through their last lecture and tutorial and subsequently took their open book exam, before heading to the University House for a farewell party. Concise and comprehensive summary yea! Haha...

We brought them to Melbourne Central Mall for dinner; they were free to roam around for that hour and a half or so. Shaun (an ex-student who's just gotten to Melbourne for his studies not long ago) got to know of my being in Melbourne via Facebook a couple of days back and so we arranged to meet. My colleague, Shaun and myself ended up having dinner at this famous vietnamese noodles (pho) eatery that evening. It was a brief but good time of catching up... glad to know that he's moving on fine.

We gathered the students at the meeting point at about 6:30pm and gave them a briefing on the tram routes to take and how to buy the ticket on the tram, etc. My colleague went on the first tram with about half of them while the other half took another tram with me. Good thing that everyone arrived back at the hostel safe and sound. Haha ok la, it wasn't that hard to begin with... the route was just one long stretch from the city back to where we were staying so it was rather easy to track the route.

The two hourly tram ticket was supposed to last till about 9pm but somehow (I'm still not sure how the system works actually) my ticket showed the expiry to be at 3am the following morning. I wasn't in the mood to do my work on the laptop that evening... and I thought I needed some exercise, so I told my colleague that I would head outside and do some exploring. The intention was just to have some quiet time, some walk around... not to mention that the sky was threatening to pour. The temperature was very cooling... I started walking at a moderate pace and slowly picked up pace... it was till I saw a person jogging on the opposite road that the thought of doing some jogging came. It wasn't till I'd walked quite a distance when I saw someone jogging in front of me that I found myself starting to jog as well. It actually felt good... so I kept on at it and decided to see if I could hit the city central... which I did in the end. Quite an experience walking down the city streets at night! Took a tram back eventually and realised that it's quite a distance! Just checked Google Maps... total distance jogged was about 5km or so.

Thursday was spent travelling long hours on the road... went to the Toolangi State Forest Discovery Centre till afternoon and visited some temperate forests... then we headed to Phillip Island to catch the Penguin Parade in the evening. The last day (Friday) was spent pretty much shopping, first to this outlet called "Something Aussie", then to the Queen Victoria Market... then back to Melbourne Central Mall for lunch before heading to the airport.

This trip has stirred my interest in backpacking somehow... would be great someday to return to Melbourne with Char! :)

Three More Days in Melbourne

2010-03-09T10:07:03Z

I meant to write an entry some time ago but didn't get to... spent quite some time to work out some backlog FriendMark pages instead. Now I have a little time... so I shall try to recap and summarize what's been happening. I'm currently typing this out of a double decker bed (am on the top deck!) at a hostel in St Kilda... Melbourne! Brought a group of students here for a week-long learning journey. Will write a little on that for the later part.

After the cross country, I fell sick; kept on sneezing... had to miss Thursday's lesson and ended up seeing the doctor on the Friday. Was well enough to meet up with the Kakis nonetheless that evening for a get together dinner at Kim's Family Restaurant - the amount of side dishes given to us was quite unbelievable! It filled up two tables! Haha... we proceeded to Old Town after that to chill and played a few rounds of Monopoly Deal in which I won a set. Nice game! :P

Went for lesson on Saturday; Char had marking to do so she came along with me and parked herself somewhere near. We had lunch together... then I returned for lessons again. We journeyed to town for dinner and caught "Dear John" before heading back home. Sunday was Aunty Witwit's day off, so I headed back to my parents' place to take care of mom for the day. Brought her out to the living room to watch some television shows... glad to see that she's able to lift her head up straight initially to watch the shows. :) Had a very late dinner with Char... and that day being the last day of Chinese New Year and Char having the craving for a last yusheng, we went to Cold Storage very last minute and found heavily discounted yusheng ingredients! And so... we ended our day with quite a substantial amount of yusheng in each of our stomachs. :/ Hahaha...

Attended the Education Conference that my school organised on Monday and Tuesday. Everything that was touched upon on the keynote addresses on authentic and collaborative learning struck chords within me. It made me feel really privileged to be able to have gone through such processes back then when I was wearing the uniform ten plus years ago, collaborating over the internet with students from all over the world to create meaningful resources for others. I was compelled to send an email to the current organisers of ThinkQuest, the competition which took me places (digitally, geographically, socially), to see if things could be done to bring back the culture of cross continental collaboration (which has been lost these days)... hopefully I'll get a reply one day!

Attended a Youth Seminar and Workshop series organised by National Youth Council and Students Care Services on Wednesday... I was really inspired by the sharing of two youth workers working with CARE, an agency that does on-campus activities with students. It rekindled that part of me that really wants to work more closely with youths... but somehow I find myself asking if I really can make the cut. I confess that my introversion usually takes the upperhand; it makes it hard for me to know others, to connect, to share, let alone share heart to heart and rebuke if necessary. But it's something that I really want to do on the other hand. I wonder which will come first - my introversion gets adjusted accordingly... or the wanting dying out?

Accompanied my younger sis, Dori, to hospital for her quarterly bone marrow test and checkup. She has been on steady remission since going on the new trial drug for her leukemia... the latest report is good. Thank God! :) Her friend came along as well... and we moved on to have a late lunch after everything's settled. It was there while eating when I received a phone call from my deputy principal. He said that there had been an emergency and the colleague who was to go for the Melbourne trip couldn't make it last minute... and based on suitability, I had been called forth to join in the trip to charperone the group of students. Actually till now (halfway through the trip) I still can't quite figure out what he meant by suitability... anyways.

And so that's why I'm where I am right now here in Melbourne. Friday was the release of the 'A' Level results. The school did well and a half day was declared (I knew from my colleague that another half day was declared today?!). Really thankful that Char had a short day that day - we had lunch together before heading back for my packing. Then we were off to the airport...

The flight was about 7 hours long or so; we arrived at the Melbourne airport at about 8 plus in the morning. We travelled straight away to the west of Melbourne to Apollo Bay, visited the Twelve Apostles and eventually stayed at a hostel in Port Campbell for the night. The next day on Sunday, we went on more geographical sightings such as the London Bridge (which I liked best so far!), the Tower Hill and the Wind Farm. It was only Sunday evening when we arrived back in Melbourne.

Melbourne has been experiencing a season of drought all this while... and what happened was that over this particular weekend, there was this superstorm of sort... and it rained hail as well. It was only when we arrived that I heard that many parts of Melbourne had experienced quite a bad bout of flooding over the weekend... and we missed every bit of it! Over the next few days it rained here and there... but most of the time we were either inside buildings in the midst of program or we were already done for the day. Not bad orh!

The students started their programme with the University of Melbourne on Monday. There's this time on Wednesday and Friday when they are allowed to roam the Melbourne Central mall... and on Wednesday they are to get back to the hostel from there themselves. Which meant the need for a little recce-ing... Monday I did it on foot. It was quite a walk to the city centre and back to the university actually... but it was good opporunity for a little exercise. Speaking of which, I actually promised myself not to gain any weight over this trip... so far so good! Today (Tuesday), I learnt to take the tram back to the hostel from the mall. Tomorrow evening should turn out fine *crossing fingers*.

I had the opportunity to know and chat with some of the students along the way... but I must say that somehow that 'fire' in me has simmered down quite a bit. I remember that I would take every opportunity to communicate, even if it meant stepping out of my comfort zones to chat and connect. I find myself asking if I really have anything to offer... like, would it have mattered? Is it necessary? From time to time (I know I'm starting to sound melancholic... don't worry I'm absolutely fine and sober hahaha) I really do wonder, that even though I wanted to do what I did, how much of that actually mattered and helped the other party?

I think I found the answer in part while visiting the ANZAC Memorial Shrine today... carved on a slab a part of scripture from the book of John:

It read to me: Do so anyways.

Mmm. (: Okay... time to wrap up this entry. Apologies that it's kind of long; I want to make it a point to jot down what's been happening each day so when I do get the time to reread my entries I'll be able to jog my memory faster. In any case, my memory really has been failing... sometimes when I tried to remember what I did the past couple of days I would end up with a blank in my mind. :( So yes, I'll try my best to jot things down more regularly!

Ran, Sweated, Got Sick, Got Tired

2010-02-24T23:56:12Z

The school's cross country came and went yesterday morning... as an obese boy in the past in secondary school and junior college, I would favour being on medical excuse or probably walking and enjoying the scenery along the way... quite amazing that I was actually looking forward to running these days! Haha... it wasn't a good run though - I think I over exerted and over estimated myself for the first half of the journey... that resulted in a rather dreadful and trudging second half. Finished the route nonetheless... and was rather surprised to take the fifth position in the staff race when I did remember seeing so many others in front of me! Nonetheless, nonetheless. More weight loss to come this year... haha.

I thought I could have a quiet afternoon by myself... something cropped up which required my attention. Already started sneezing soon after the run (don't know why?!?!), but the afternoon's event kind of aggravated it. And for the first time in a long while, I got angry with someone and actually raised my voice over the phone a number of times... a very rare occurrence indeed... but I did. I just couldn't understand how someone can think so illogically and not spare a thought for other people's efforts and feelings. Thankfully, what was needed to be done was done that afternoon.

Took some supplements for the impending flu but it didn't really seem to be helping... I've taken another dosage as of now and also downed two tablets of paracetemol. No intention of seeing the doctor for now... so hopefully things will get better today! I should eat an apple today! Haha...

We had a mini Chinese New Year Yusheng tossing celebration with my two levels of boarders yesterday night after their study sessions. Glad that most of them were able to make it. But yeah... I don't really know how to put it. Even though their numbers make up a class, they really don't have much opportunities (and reasons for the matter) to really interact with one another, especially so across the different academic levels (we have sec 3s, sec 4s and JC1s together). So now I'm still struggling whether to put seeing them bonding together more as an expectation and target, or simply let nature takes its course... it's funny, but somehow I know that I would be setting myself up for disappointments along the way if I choose the earlier. Or perhaps miracles would happen and things happen for them to have to get together somehow? Sigh... anyone has any take on this? And the interesting thing is some other floors don't seem to have that issue at all...

Visitations

2010-02-23T03:50:56Z

First off, thank you Alex for the Vday cookies and Matt for the fridge magnets from Vietnam... 有心了。 (: Haha I just realised both belong to that of my kaki pals as well! So this week I've actually got two pairs of Alex and Matt who came by the apartment. :P

It'd been a busy weekend; some of the guys from The Mustard Seeds (a youth cellgroup which I led from 2002-2007) came over for a visit on Saturday. I knew them since they were in Primary 6 / Secondary 1... now some of them are in National Service, some just starting, and some finishing their last year in their Polytechnics and Junior Colleges. Even though we seldom meet anymore, this bunch of guys remain a very special bunch because of all the shared memories through my growing Christian years (you can check the archives and you'll know what I mean... (:). God has used this bunch greatly in teaching me what it means to care... and to love unconditionally. As I look back and seriously ponder upon the years passed, I'm beginning to see that I've taken much more (the experiences and the learning points) than what I thought I gave (the time and the stepping out), or rather, what God enabled me to give.

Most of them remain the same as I've known them; the quiet ones still quiet, the crazy ones getting a little bit worse... hahaha. But I'm glad to see how some of them have grown in stature, taking up service roles be it in church or in their respective schools. Jan has taken up what I used to be for them to a group of secondary one boys in youth ministry this year... and as much as I made fun of him that day for having to sacrifice his dance concert to lead his group, my heart's rejoicing... to see how God has been faithful in his life, as with the rest. (:

Alex and Matty (kakis! :)) came by in the evening for a late night dinner; we've been trying to arrange a time for all of us to meet together before Matty flies back to Aussieland some weeks later. Ray & Jac and happily honeymooning in Nipponland still... so we had a small get together first. Didn't expect them to bring so much food... but they did! And all so yummy! Poor stomach... hahahaha. I remembered about the pepsi I placed in the freezer in the afternoon halfway through eating and went to rescue to it... in the end I almost had a volcanic eruption display at the sink! Managed to salvage some amount of drink though.. haha.

Visited Mdm.Tan Liang See, my upper secondary chinese teacher, the next day with some of my classmates from The Chinese High, 4D'98. It's since become a tradition every Chinese New Year to have a little get together at her place... and this would be the 13/14th time already. I arrived on the dot and had the opportunity to chat with her before the rest arrived... basically shared with her how it's been going at work and with Char (she was taught by Mdm. Tan too but in a totally different subject area!)... the rest came and we started to talk about her PhD dissertation on student motivation... quite a nice feeling to be interacting like that. (:

Quite a number of things transpired in the midst of the visitation... and I would say that they have provided a bearing as to the future decisions that would be made in time to come. Exciting days ahead... yet scary. But nevermind... shall take it one step at a time. (:

CNY Dinner @ Aunty Sindy's

2010-02-19T12:04:15Z

Every dish prepared was so yummy!

HCVB West Zone Prize Presentation

2010-02-19T12:03:30Z

Cheers to the team for putting up a good fight!

Journeying Together

2010-02-19T09:06:55Z

I'm currently sitting in a bus full of students attending a prize giving ceremony... Going there to take photos, as I've done so the past two years... but I guess this would probably be the last year I'll be doing so. Then again, I'm just giving myself a chance to slap my face again next year. Haha... but seriously? May very well be the last.... since I've kind of lost touch with the junior batches. Well... we'll know when the time comes I guess! *smiles*

I guess I'm the only quiet being amidst the current cacophony... It's a personal choice in the end to write instead of interact, I realized. :p There is in me this seemingly insatiable desire to relate, yet I find myself inapt in most social situations. I find it amusing at times when people exclaimed in disbelief at my professed introversion... Sometimes it makes me wonder if it's a matter of my own perception?! In any case, I'm learning to be more thankful for each relationship and friendship I've been blessed with. (:

Okay I only got to write that much just now before the bus pulled over at the sports hall. The event's over, and I've parked myself somewhere near Char's school before heading to a family dinner together this evening. Took quite a bit of photos this time round... Don't know why the guys were so on when it came to phototaking this year round? Haha...

I remember (the darnest things sometimes!) the first time I stepped into Hougang Sports Complex in 2007 to catch one of their matches... the yearly prize giving... It's a gift to be able to witness their growth as a team and as individuals for some of them... and I'm glad to have such a piece of memory etched in me this season in life. If I could be one of their teacher ics, I would... but for all it is, I'm glad nonetheless. (:

Oh yes. I met one of my past readers at the sports hall! I was fiddling with my camera when someone asked if I'm me. Was a little startled then she mentioned that she used to read my blog. Think she's one of the teacher ics of another school... Didn't even get her name! Mmm hi if you ever drop by again! (:

In life's journeys, some people are called to walk with one another throughout, whereas some are there to walk us through particular seasons in time, and vice versa. In the midst of the walking, I'm learning still to give nonetheless, as He has, to love nonetheless, just as how He has for us, whether the journeying together is long or short.

Look around you - who are the ones whom you've been journeying along at this point of time? Do not take for granted that they'll be there all the time. Take time to appreciate them for the roads you all have taken together; let them know the kind of difference the journeying together has made to your life.. and who knows what'll happen? ;)