Hahas, just a few more hours,
and we are in the GREAT 2008!
i have a strong feeling that 2008 is going to be a very special year of exciting experiences and brave new challenges. 2007 has been profoundly rich, but the approaching year has much more in store!
Thank You GOD in advance for all the wonderful people and enriching encounters in the days ahead...
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY DEAR FRIENDS!!
Find me in Wordpress next year (:
Accelerate! on Monday, December 31, 2007
Finally, the time has come for me to blog again! Okay, now let me share my eye-opening and fulfilling trip back to China with you.
This is how the journey went: Mum and i spent a night + half a day in Macau before going on separate ways. i went to Zhuhai to visit my father's sister's family (my paternal grandparents happened to be there for a short stay) while mum went back to Beijing. Mum and i reunited in Kunming, took a brief trip to Yuxi before joining the research team which consisted of some of the Outstanding Chinese teachers of 2007 in Kunming Airport. The team went to places such as Tali, Likiang, Shilin and back to Kunming. During the trip, we visited 2 elementary schools and 1 high school which were supposed to be the highlight of the trip. The team flew back to Singapore, but mum and i went to Xishuangbana for a while (that was when my trip was extended for 11 more days), then went to Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Chingchengshan, Leshan and Permian Emeishan. After all the tours, mum and i visited my maternal grandparents in Yinchuan before going to Beijing to visit my mum's brother's family.
Macau:
Friendly Taxi driver drove us all around!
Delectable Portuguese dinner!
The new draw of Macau. Personally i'm not impressed with the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel because it's 1)not original 2)super artificial 3)superficially glam.
i much prefer her authentic and unadorned charm...
The best of its kind!!!!!!
A hardworking Macau woman who helped us to cross the Checkpoint to Zhuhai.
Zhuhai:
Auntie's new home. (:
Grandpa! He's 86, can't tell right?
(He firmly refused to let me do the dishes)
Personally i feel that scrumptious cusines cannot compare with steaming home-made food enjoyed by a happy family of different generations.
Attended a family friend's daughter's wedding.
An outing with my cousin and her friend.
A day out with the adults.
Kunming:
Within the famous destination- Da Guan Lou Park (Da Guan Lou itself was construncted hundreds of years ago).
One of the many banquets the research team had during the trip. Highlight of the meal was Yunnan's famed Across the Bridge Rice Noodles.
A visit to a top primary school.
A visit to a top secondary school with exhibition hall, lifts and all.
The photos of Yuxi and Dali are temporarily unavailable.
Likiang:
This is the beautiful Likiang Old Town where i left a piece of my heart. It is a place with hundreds of years of rich history (you can see it from the cobbled street you walk on, where pebbles and stones are smooth as ice and very slippery), a place of heritage that cannot cease to be vibrant (eg. ancient music from as far back as Yuan Dynasty and Scriptures from ancient times are religiously preserved and studied up till this day), and a place where i've found the man of my dreams whom, i realised, was all i ever wanted in a man apart from the fact that he is not a Christian, but a scholar-priest and successor of a different religion. That fact alone is enough to prevent a relationship from taking place in real life, and so it can only exist in my imagination... but how painful it is to be in this way!
To be continued......
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Friday, December 28, 2007
The PAE registration system does not allow repetition of choices. Hence, my confirmation slip looks like this.
i mean it when i say ACSI or nothing.
Labels: Photograph, School
Accelerate! on Monday, November 19, 2007
Wonder what have i been doing for the past few days? Well, besides chilling out with friends and shopping with mum, i spent a large portion of my time living in a state where ordinary and normal people (Oh, how i loathe these adjectives!) regard as "limbo". i simply lay in bed, and read from sunrise to sunset and beyond. A bowl of cereal, a hard boiled egg, two dates and a few gulps of water were sufficient to keep me going for a day, because when i read books of desire, physical hunger ceased to exhibit itself (i feel like an immortal!!).
Man, it was sheer bliss!
O Level is pragmatic, that's the nature of it. Hence, i had suppressed my desire to read books that truly resonate with my heart, and read books that helped me in my studies, so as to do well for Os. Out of the 11 books (textbooks excluded) that i've read from cover to cover this year, before the end of Os, only 1 booklet was un-pragmatic (pathetic!). Thank God for this break (or i'll be insane), for now i have the absolute freedom/ peace of mind to sincerely read books of my choice.
i have completed 4 novels and 1 DVD during the past 5 days. The amazing thing is that although they were written/ produced by different people, they conveyed the same message. Or rather, i received the same revelation out of them.
Now this is the astonishing part, the reason as to why i love to read. Books are non-living things, yet they are alive. The reason why they are alive is because we, the readers, read our lives into the books. No two people get the same revelation out of the same book, because each individual is unique and our perceptions varies. Yet, books (like music and movies) are platforms where we can relate to and communicate with one another (readers with authors & readers with readers etc), because if we probe deeper, we'll discover that we are very much the same (we all have the same vulnerabilities, we are all in a common struggle to find love, acceptance, happinese, meaning in our existence etc etc)...
Well, you may wonder what's the difference between listening to music, watching a movie and reading a book since all of them are "dead yet alive" and "platforms of communication". The difference seems trivial, but it's actually huge. It is this difference that makes me love to read more than i love to listen to music or to watch a movie (i do love to do these 2 things a lot by the way, but just not as much as reading).
What do you see in a book? Words. Merely staring at these words just does not make any sense; it is completely meaningless! In order to make sense out of a book, the reader's mind has to be actively engaged to link ideas, to visualize the characters and their settings, to read between the lines etc etc. Reading enables us to be actively participative, independent, and eventually proactive.
To me, the best kind of reading material is fiction novel (like a mirage yet so real, so much free space for imagination to take flight!), non-fiction (where you have to act upon the principles to gain true understanding), comic (cool but they tend to limit our imagination)... the worst (but still decent) of all is fashion magazine (it's helpful to gain fashion sense from those magazines but overdose makes us superficial and artificial).
Listening to music is better than watching a movie in that sense, as it still inspires imagination. Movies and films are stimulating to a very limited extent, they merely grip/ drag us along all the sounds and motions. Unless we brood over or hold a debate over the themes in the the movies, our minds will not be sufficiently enthused. Eventually, this will make us mentally dependent, passive and lazy.
Wow, i've digressed so much. Hahas, that's what i like about blogging, you won't get penalised for digressing!
The Bell Jar was like a warning to me. In Esther Greenwood, i could see fragments of myself and the realised potential within me (shudders). For goodness sake, i want to be her antonyms. For that, i need to do what it takes to be unlike her. How?
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept and ultimately The Alchemist provided the answer.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a complex story, i'm glad that it is one of the textbooks of the English A1 programme; i'll get the chance to learn it in-depth! It taught me resilence, forthrightness among many other things. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept is in it's essence, a love story, an amazing read. It has taught me to be truthful, to believe in the mighty power of love, and to live the dream. The Alchemist is definitely a book that is to be read more than once in a life time. It has certainly deepend my faith in God, my conviction of the supernatural, and love for life.
The DVD i've watched is called The Secret (nothing to do with Jay Chou). Again, it revealed miracle of life, and the boundless potential within all mankind. After reading and watching these materials, i became a brand new person. They had inspired me to make a vow.
i vowed that i will never join the league of the cynical and the apathetic (over my dead body man). i vowed that as long as i'm alive, i will live every moment intensely, inquisitively, passionately. i vowed that i'll spare nothing to fulfill the Calling that God has prepared in advance for me to fulfill. Every step i take, i will take with unfaltering faith. Every thing i do, i will do it with all my heart (a heart that is true, courageous and pure). Every person i meet, i will communicate with respect and sincerity.
i took the first step last night by doing something i have never done before in my entire life. The result was disheartening. However, i have no regret at all, for it was an action done out of purity that was sincere, courage that amounted to a breakthrough, and truthful to myself and the person to whom the action was directed to. In the end, i drew closer to God and was more in tuned with my heart. i'm need not to be afraid of failing or getting hurt, because if i do fail, it is with dignity, and if i do get hurt, it is a zillion times better than being emotionally numb.
Friends! Pray that God opens our eyes to discover the splendor of His glory, to percive the magnificent of life, and to realise the beauty in every one around us!!
Labels: Happenings, Knowledge, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, November 18, 2007
WOOOHOOO!
This is how i feel right now:
~God! i can never thank you enough for all that You have done! What more can i ask for except that Your will for and through my life be done?~
Wow, this is unbelievable! Os has ended! On hindsight, it seems so brief and fast!!
Well, since i have not been blogging for quite a while, i have A LOT to blog about, but i won't type it out all at once. For today, i shall just blog about today.
i came up with a list of places to go straight after my final paper last night:
1) The prayer room in school.
2) my church.
3) That place.
4) ACS(I).
5) National library.
6) The Esplanade.
1)
(: The prayer room is my favourite place in the whole of SNGS campus. To me, it is the very heart of our school, but sadly, it's a place where only a few people go to.
i went there to give thanks to God for the 4 blessed years in SNG, (especially for the last lap where His Spirit came in manifested power) to seek for His grace to rest upon all the teachers who mark our papers ("our" involves my schoolmates, churchmates, and a few other friends who mean a lot to me) so that they will be extra nice and lenient to us, and asked for His future plans for me and through me to come to pass.
2) Pastors and staffs were away, so i didn't get a chance to borrow all the sermon DVDs that i've missed. Caught up with Brother Sky, KS, the commando who looks like "a China gymnast" (remembered Pst. Lia's statement but forgot his name) and a few other roots. (:
3)
It felt quite painful to walk on that familiar path "unarmed" and without reaching that final destination. Why bother to go there when it pains me so much? Reckon i just wanted to prove to myself that that part of me has not died yet...
What did i loose?
What have i gained?
What shall i do?
4)
((: i looked up in surprise to see my heart reflected above the Boarding School of ACS!
Took a little walk around the neighbourhood in a desperate attempt to set my gaze upon some room rental notification.
People! If you know of anyone trying to rent a room somewhere near ACSI, PLEASE tell me!!
5) Last night i printed out the 2008 Booklist of English A1 programme from the ACSI school website. Went to the Jurong West Community Library and found 5/13 of the books:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Paddy Clarke Ha, Ha, Ha
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
King Lear
Twelfth Night
Also borrowed 2 other books The Bell Jar and The Alchemist recommended by Ms. Jacob and Gary respectively.
6) Thanks to dear friends like Annabelle, Hwee yee and Shaun, or The Esplanade will be another "That place"...
Hahas, it's a fact that cannot be denied that St Nicks girls are very outgoing. It's a common phenomenon to run into a few whenever you outeat, outshop, outchill.
From left: Yours sincerely, Xinyun (musically talented, a budding world-class flutist), Ange (a dancer!), Jessica (a genius of a writer. Watch out! She might become the most sensational journalist in town! i'm like trying to drag her to ACS with me now.) They were on their way to watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!!!!!!
View from the Library@esplanade where i got my 6th English A1 textbook: Mother Courage and Her Children.
i wondered why my shoulders were breaking, this bag was heavy as a rock with 8 library books, 1 THICK & bulky Bio twenty-plus-year series, 1 big Bio FYS, Bio textbook, 1 school diary and other stuffs(why did i bring my Bio textbook w/o even touching it?!) !
Overall, like Mrs. Goh said, this has been a perfect day. (:
What's up tomorrow:
Girls' day out with Ye wei, Nuoyi, Silu, Fenglin!! (yea, the scholars and wannabes)
Labels: Happenings, Knowledge, Photograph, School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Two things to blog about before seriously stop blogging till after Os.
1)RJC Open House
2)Prelims Reflection ( i need to blog it to get over it completely, it's "cr*ppy", you won't want to read it)
1) After PPP, Yewei, Nicole, Yi-tian and i took a cab to RJ. Hahs, something amusing occured, it involved Lisa (our Head Prefect), Inez (our class topper) and Cords (our
Lit rep), but i won't elaborate~
The Open House was good... met a few seniors like Lei ping and Tiantian who topped the nation with their 10 A1s last year. Carmen has grown prettier! (:
They have given us a map! (:
Yeah, like Jess said, the whole place is so green, it's good for our eyes.
The flags, they are everywhere!
Cool stuff at the Physics booth!
i think the Physics teacher is inspiring!
(: i bought this at the GP & KI booth, after taking a general knowledge quiz (of which i scored an impressive 6/15 by elimination and luck). Man, that GP teacher (a classy Indian lady) at the booth has eagle's eyes and elephant's memory. She saw my nametag and called me by name minutes after we first met.
This book contains a lot of brilliant essays. $3.
The Library is a smashing, sensational place!!!
They even have a secluded and homely place for students to sleep!
A major WOW.
The famous 850-seat lecture theatre.
:)
:D
Generally, we had a plesant time, thanks to our befrienders (one of them is Yewei's church friend), who are fun and cool.
However, honestly speaking, i don't like RJ as much as i thought/ wanted to. The whole idea of "A" Levels does not appeal to me... and most of the time in there, i was thinking of and longing for ACS(I)... well, perhaps it means that RJ and i are not made for each other. Besides, i can't even get in there for PAE with my substandard Prelims results.
--------------------
2) We have gotten back our last paper today(Eng P1). i was trying hard to blink back my tears...
English Language
What can i say? This love has taken its toll on me! Yes, over the years, i have grown from detesting this language to loving it. But..does it love me back? The process of attempting the paper, waiting for results and getting hold of the results this time round has been torturous. The process has made me experience the -sinx graph of emotions. (note the negative sign, which means you have to reflect in x-axis; down then up then down again). Firstly, i though that i have ruined my summary and a distinction was out of reach. Then, the results came back and i got an all time high of 21/25 for it (word count wasnt enough, but the points were there. Mr Wong marked my paper! <3), so i thought an A1 is secured. Guess what i got overall? 74%! Which, in my opinion, is the most tragic result (2nd: 69%, 3rd: 49%).
* Seriously need to work hard for Paper 1. Will continue to refine Paper 2 to eliminate retarded carelessness. The commendable thing is that i did not lose mark on language error for Paper 2. Keep it up!
Higher Chinese
Thank You, God. (:
* Cannot be complacent, keep practicing and get better at Paper 1 and 2.
Additional Mathematics
A sad story. my efforts seemed to evaporate when i sit for Maths exams... there were so many blunders!
* i think the problem is psychological in nature. There's this little phobia for Maths in me which i really need to confront and overcome. God! Please help me in this! i will do more papers in the days ahead and counsult my dedicated and competent Maths teachers- Mrs. Fung and Ms. Choo.
Elementary Mathematics
Generally a significant improvement. Paper 2 was a job well done, Paper 1 was not.
* Need to work on Paper 1, especially on speed and accuracy.
Combined Humanities
Social studies has improved. Elective Geography was an all time low. In fact terrible. It's like a "six feet under" subject. My Map Reading was like a solid F9, and the questions i chose were not wise choices. Erm, actually i didn't really have a choice, because the easy questions were of the topics that i did not study/ study well.
* Do all the O Level standard Map Reading questions and study Agriculture and Environment thoroughtly. Somehow, i believe that the outcome will be good. (:
Literature in English
Main weaknesses are the writer's technique, the lack of detailed contextual knowledge and sophisticated & stylish language.
* Borrow and transfer notes from Ms. Jacob. Memorise details. Study and practice questions in Unseen Texbooks.
Biology
A tragdy in every sense of the word. The only 2 topics that i didn't memorise by heart (tragic flaw) came out in the essay section, of which i got an electrifying E8 (ultimate destruction).
* Ms. Leong told us many times during PPP that we ought to "read our textbook word by word, in detail, 5 times, and memorise it from the front to the back and back to the front". Well, I think it's a bit unrealistic, unless Bio is the only subject we are taking for Os. Nevertheless, i must leave no gap in my contextual knowledge, and keep practicing. An A1, not A2, is what you should be getting!
Chemistry
Man, i did so badly! This is another "six feet under" subject which no matter how my dear school moderate, it won't get to see the sun. In fact, even if the Chemistry team moderate it, personally it will be a "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a d*mn" affair. Sign! The temptation to just let it rot is great... i won't take Chem as an exam subject in Pre-U anyway. But NO! This should not be the attitude. Since i won't take it in Pre-U, i should round it up with an A1!
* i need to redo my prelim Chem Paper, start to read my notes again, attempt TYS questions and other school's prelim papers. Mr. Choo has been painstakingly staying back after school to help us out in the Family Lounge. i should ask him questions and seek for his help!
Father God,
Thank you for carrying us through this trying period. Thank you for letting us learn our lessons the hard way, so that they are truly imprinted in our souls. We are wiser now. Please continue to sustain us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Please teach us to maximise time. As for me, i will give You all the glory, so please enable me to have the priviledge to glorify Your Name with excellent O Level results. Help me to be more sensitive to the needs of my friends, for i realised that i have been rather insensitive nowadays.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
Labels: Examination, Photograph, Reflection, School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Friday, October 05, 2007
Friends!
Information on PAE--> Click me!
My dear school, will you please moderate:
Literature in English (like lift 1 grade up for everyone)
Biology (3 marks?)
Additional Mathematics
English Language?
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Sunday, September 30, 2007
Labels: Song
Accelerate! on Monday, September 24, 2007
i have a problem here... i can't help but blog.
You see, there are so many interesting and blogable things in life! However, the luxury of time is not mine at this crucial time.
Hence i came up with a brilliant plan: post one of my favourite songs sung by my favourite male singer- Josh Groban! i'll be so in love with the post that i'll want it to stay at the top for a long long time (hopefull till the end of Os).
Taking about Josh Groban, i didn't like his voice that much at first; i thought it was a bit too feminine, esp in You Are Loved (i prefer very deep masculine voices). But slowly, i began to appreciate the gentleness, the mellowness and the power of his voice... then i realised that his voice kind of brightens up my days, warms my heart, colours my soul, and that i have fallen in love with it! :D
******
PPP was launched in school today. Today is a Day of Reflection. Deep and meaningful missions as such keep the precious family spirit of SNG, and the beautiful IJ spirit glowing. (:
Towards the end of the mission, we were challenged to hug our teachers and offer our thankgiving & apology to them. i took up the challenge along with many others and received so much more in return! Ms Chan held my hands warmly and wished me all the best, Mrs Goh called me by name (she memorised all our names!) and gave me such an uplifting hug. Mrs Gurung gave me a lovesome embrace. i was bathed in the radiance of Mr Wong's smile. Ms Choo was close to tears. Ms Fazi and Ms Jacob commended on my nature. Mrs Teo thanked my mum(!) for like raising such an appreciative daughter. Hahs. Zhang lao shi said that zhe4 ge4 yong1 bao4 bu4 yi2 yang4, don't know what she was trying to imply, but it was nice. Really it is a blessing to have them as my teachers!!!
Ms Chan made a little speech. She said that her hope for us is that we will grow up to be people who find meaning in life and treasure life. A people who are able to give back, to be a blessing to others around us. In short, she wants us to be happy. :D She also reminded us that we are always being looked after, by God and by all others who love and care for us. (:
Now is truly the final lap. Very soon i will step out of the school gates of this amazing school. The academic training i have received here in St. Nicholas has been the most intensive so far (we had 120 tests and exams EXcluding prelims this year! i'm not kidding.) Ironically, it is during my stay in SNG that i realised that the most important thing in life is not about studies and good grades, but about love and relationships (with God, kins, friends, teachers etc).
The O Levels will begin around mid October and end around mid November. Now is the time for real actions! Please keep my dear friends and i in your prayers, friends like Nicole, Jieyi, Yijun, Olivia, Mingshan, Yewei, Binghui, Charmaine, Hwee yee, Shaun.... pray that we will be healthy, focused, wise, confident and basically give it our BEST SHOT!
You will hear good news from us in the middle of November and even greater news in January 2008!
~"There isn't much time left for us to be together. Cherish the moment! Come to school!"
Labels: Reflection, School, Song, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, September 24, 2007
Friend, don't give me that look please!
You saw me with - --- alone,
but that really does not mean that --
is my ---------.
In fact, -- is a great friend of mine.
No More, No Less.
Well, even if -- is my ---------,
don't look at me like that,
because it really hurts.
Accelerate! on Sunday, September 23, 2007
(: Pastor Joakim Lundqvist comes yet again!
The Sermon he preached today was entitled Crossroads.
Such an awesome Sermon i must say.
1. The broad road will intitially take you in the right direction,
but will never lead you all the way to the goal.
2. The broad road can give you what you want here and now
but takes away what God has for you in the future.
3. The broad road starts out big, ends out small.
The narrow road starts out small and ends up big.
Matthew 7:13-14
Isaiah 41:15
Hebrews 12:16-17
The legacy of David Livingstone against the backdrop of his fame seeking brother was absolutely impactful.
i went to check this great man out:
*As a youngster Livingstone was an avid reader (!) and studied medicine and theology.
*Wanted to be a missionary in China but the Opium War thwarted his dream, became Africa-bound in 1840 instead. (God's ways are indeed perplexing, but the best!)
*Shortly after the marriage, Livingstone was attacked by a lion and lost the use of his left arm (!!), but was undaunted.
*Learned the languages of the native African and converted many to Christianity. (:DD)
*Travelled 29,000 miles in Africa and added almost one million square miles to the known portion of the globe.
*On 10 November 1871, he was "found" by New York Herald reporter Henry Morton Stan ley, who greeted him with the famous words: "Dr Livingstone, I presume".
*In the morning of 1 May 1873, his companions found him kneeling by his bedside having died in prayer.
(Oh man, what a great way & position to die!!!)
*His heart was buried under a Mvula tree nearby and his body was carried 1,000 miles to Zanzibar where it was shipped back to Britain to be buried in Westminster Abbey.
"People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger now and then with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause and cause the spirit to waver and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice.
--- Speech to students at Cambridge University (4 December 1857)"
Tomorrow Pst. Joakim will be sharing about the theme of Relationships, but i'm not allowed to attend.
What a shame!
~ LORD, i cannot bear to travel on the broad way again. You are my sole provider, comforter, the reason i'm alive... Your Presence and Grace is my home, my only home.
i love you Jesus.
Labels: Church, Knowledge, Photograph, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, September 22, 2007
This is so sweet and beautiful (please click on photos to enlarge)...
"
Hey Sec 4s!
a card was sent to all our sec 4 teachers this teachers' day, and following
are the replies so far. Help to spread this email quickly so that all sec 4s
get it, and let's enjoy our last months in st nicks together while sprinting
towards our goals.
*Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart
enough to know they were impossible. ~Doug Larson*
But hey, we are smart enough to know that everything is possible. The
"impossible" just takes longer. (=.=)
Don't give up trying!
*The difference between try and triumph is a little umph. ~Author Unknown*
***********************
Dear Sec 4s
Thank you for the greetings! It is so sweet of you. I love it!
Vincent Van Gogh once said, "I dream my painting, and then I paint my
dreams".
So my dear Sec 4s, as you work on your 'promise', may you find joy in the
process to the 'shine' and may your 'paintings' be the best they can ever
be, leaving a legacy at SNG!
Best Wishes!
Cheers
Ms Chan Wan Siong (in case you donno, she's our beautiful Principal!)
***********************
Dear ladies,
Such a pleasant surprise to get a greeting from an entire cohort. You
really warm our hearts. Final lap indeed so enjoy every moment in St. Nicks
as you run the best race of your life. With God's grace and the teachers'
help, you will get there.
Someone once told me - A decision is made with the brain. A commitment is
made with the heart. Hence, a commitment is much deeper and more binding
than a decision. Thanks for making that commitment to us but more
importantly, it must be to yourself. You have tremendous potential, so
don't shortchange yourself. Shine like the beautiful stars in the sky! Now
and always!
Mrs Goh (our proficient Vice Principal!)
***********************
Thank you so much, girls. You really make teaching a satisfying career!
May the Holy Spirit be with you through your 'O'levels.
God Bless!
Mrs B Tan
***********************
Dear class of 2007,
Thank you for this innovative greeting --- --- overcoming (power)
failure(s).
Someone wrote this and I hope that this will inspire all of you too:
Life is very much like this. It is often lived forward, but understood
backward. It is not until we are down the road a bit that we can appreciate
the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has
made in our life as a result. When you begin to realize some of this, you
sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in
control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was.
Be assured that God is providing grace even now to equip you for this
milestone journey called O Levels. There will be a time when you can say,
"Wow, look at what God has done because of what I gained through that
valley." Trust Him with the outcome of where you find yourself today.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.
May the Good Lord bless and keep you always.
Ms Tan Shu-Wei
Jer 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
***********************
Thanks dear Sec 4s. All the best for your prelims and 'O' levels. We will
run the last lap together.
God bless
Mrs Lily Tan
***********************
to all our teachers-
with technology, no power failure can stop us from wishing u a happy
teachers' day
-with lots of love"
<3
--------------------------
WOOHOO, we are so done with our Prelims man!
By the way, Mrs. Teo (our Elementary & Additional Maths teacher) came back today!!! Let's see...
She brought muffins for our class!
How SWEET! :)~
And her slightly more than 1 month old chubby boy!!! (he was 4.20kg (3sf) when he was born, can you believe it?!)
HAHA, and look at my dear Olivia!
She's overly excited...
A closer look...
All of us got to know him with our 4 senses (all except taste, though some did kiss him) .
He looks cute, a yan3 dao2.
He smells nice, xiang1 xiang1 one.
His skin is extremely soft.
He's quite a quiet boy.
Whistling to me! (yea, like real...)
One late evening, i was on my way out of school with Mrs. Teo and dear Kai xin. Mrs. Teo asked her to "fly a kiss to jie jie".
Guess what she did.
She placed her little palm on her lips...... and started digging her nostrils!
Muahahaha.... but i still like her alot. She is one lovely and adorable girl! <3
-------------------------------
Okay, back to Prelims... i did not do well.
In fact, terribly so.
After Science and Add. Maths papers, i felt very demoralised and even suicidal (seriously, i even left a verbal Will to my mum: "the few mouthful of Häagen-Dazs ice-cream and a honey date in the refrigerator are all yours after i die")!
But thank God for the encouraging, philosophical and embracing kins and allies whom He has graciously placed in my life. my maternal grandparents called from China and comforted me, they are much respected University professors and authors, and reminded me that Exams are not a holistic test of a person's competence, and that failures can be more valuble than success along the way to the ultimate success. The important thing, they said, is to put in my finest effort, and make full use of education to become a useful and well-trained person to positively impact society in the near future. my paternal grandparents also called and asked about me, they told me to strike a balance and be in good health (grandpa was a General against the Japanese army, grandma was a nurse).
Mum rocks. She quoted that "All roads lead to Rome". She believes that i will eventually live up to my name, and amount to great things. She also said that in her heart, i'm always her A1 daughter... Dad is a person of few words, he always tells me to study hard, but i believe that he is rooting for me too.
And my teachers and friends, they are oh-so-fantastic. Can't imagine life without them. Talking about friends, to me, it has always been the quality and never the quantity. i'm contented to have a handful of close friends instead of a bunch of acquaintances. Then again, quantity is potential quality; the acquaintance of today might be your intimate friend tomorrow. Therefore, i will breakthrough my cocoon, be much more outgoing, and make lots of friends in the years ahead. Hahas, sounds like an emergence of a social butterfly!
Most of all, God is my Rock. He explained to me the implied significance of his mysterious ways with regards to my life... LORD have your way in me!
How superficial and myopic have i been! Prelims is just a small pebble among the milestones of life. Should i end my life in the prime of a brilliant youth, because of this misshapen pebble, i would be the weakest, most ungrateful, most preposterous person alive.
i have a blessed life, i'm very very blessed by God and by all the people around me. Thank God for putting me in such an excellent and embracing school too...
(:
((:
((: <333333
Labels: Aspiration, Examination, Happenings, Knowledge, Photograph, School, Sentiments, Song, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Friday, September 21, 2007
Dang, so much for refraining from blogging till after prelims... but i'm blogging to express my gratitude and appreciation for dear friends whose presence and companionship have made my day... so i guess it's justified(?).
Hwee Yee!!! Hmm, after all, I think it's a "Give me five!" And ya, i think the sights we saw on our way to the Library@Esplanade were oh-so-amusing. :D
Shaun!!! "Ahh... come on, Shaun. You can do it..." Hahas, congrats on leaving the Library alive instead of being poisoned to death by POA overdose. Thanks for being close to chivalrous (that guy didn't stalk me lah, evaporated into thin air, thank God!). (:
NICOLE!!! i seriously had an entrancing, elating and exhilarating time sitting on F9 (!), with you by my side, watching the magnificent, mesmerizing and marvelous The Magic Flute! Thank you to bits for the complimentary ticket! <3
Btw, i'm not a "terrible drinker when weary" (refer to post 30/12/04), the problem does not lie in alcohol (which i can take a lot w/o getting drunk), but in musicals. After watching The Magic Flute, i experienced the alcohol flush reaction, had a euphoric feeling in my heart, a silly grin on my face, walked in a trance like state... as if i was high on alcohol. O_o
Okay, friends! It's time to pull up our socks (mine were rocked off by you guys) and OWN that prelims and Os!!! God be our guide!
Labels: Happenings, Random
Accelerate! on Friday, September 07, 2007
Since we have a "surprise school holiday" (words of Mr Choo), i shall blog about my trip back to my alma mater.
In case you're wondering what it means, SNGS is experiencing power generator failure, hence nobody goes to school today, our English paper 1 prelims will be postphoned (beyong my wildest dream man! i simply refused to believe it when my friends called and SMSed. They asked me to confirm with Mr Choo since he is very open (i.e. is not petty about students invading his privacy etc), responsible and trustworthy. So i did, (the whole world was calling him then) and we finally believed). However, mum with her years of teaching experience and mother's intuition, suspects that there is more to it...
English Paper 2 was a :(
If nothing goes wrong, a distinction should be within reach.
But something went terribly wrong... I totally messed up my summary writing and committed a retarded error for comprehension!!!
There is still hope though, because Paper 1 is not done yet...
The trip back to my alma mater has blew away my sorrow and anguish to a large extent. It made me a happy kid again! Let me show you some of the many photos i've taken!
Yangzheng! i'm BACK!!! :D
Variety! Racial harmony!
Come to think of it, most of my closest friends (including 1 bestie out of 2) were not pure Chinese. Honestly speaking, i dont like SAP school, where almost every one you meet is Chinese.
HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY, teachers dearest!!!
JUNIORS! <3 Hahs, i realised that most of my juniors have a strong sense of justice. A boy dropped his waterbottle, i tried to pick it up for him. Perhaps due to lack of coordination, he accidentally kicked it, so i had to turn around to pick it up. Then half of his classmates were like "Wuuii.... Ooii, you bully senior ah..."
Duck! She's taking a photo of us!
Lovely book reviews!
Oh man, my juniors are having a much better life!
In our time, it was under construction :(
AWESOME! In fact, a lot of my juniors' works are published on the Strait's Times.
Haha, the book shop auntie still looks the same!
My lovely Tuckshop! Wow, so many ex-students! Hundreds upon hundreds went and you can see us at every corner of the school!! :D
The little girls in the foreground of the photograph are making joyful melodies with the piano!
The auntie rock man!
Lu3 dan4, curry chicken wing, heaps of veggie... and she wanted to charge me for free!
By the way, her cooking skill is peerless.
Guess what, Miss, ops, Mdm Low is PREGNANT with a baby girl!!!
:DDDDDD
She's the BEST Form Teacher EVER!
I have gained a lot of insight from her life stories which she selflessly shared.
Back in 2003, 6A was not the best class, in fact it was only the 2nd runner up, but she prepared us so well that many of my classmates attained PSLE scores which were higher than that of the top classes.
Furthermore, upon knowing that i wanted to get into Nanyang Girls' High, but was 4 points short, she took the initiative to write a 624-word testimonial and encouraged me to appeal! NYGH didnt accept me, but the testimonial she wrote has been, still is, and will always be a source of encouragement to me. It has also guided me through the arduous task of writing my own testimonial for secondary school graduation cert.
I <3 her!
May God grant her a smooth labour, may her baby be blessed with good health, bright mind, and dazzling beauty! :D
In case you are wondering who that handsome dude is, he's Shaun Leow Ming Quan. He used to be a romantic poet, now he is also a passionate bassist.
To girls who are desperate, too bad, he's attached. In fact he loves his girlfriend so much that he carries her all around! :D
i asked them, "Can i take a photo of you?"
The taller girl replied alluringly, "Surrree."
O_o i almost dropped my camera.
Hmph, i hope my daughters will be as beautiful as them.
The prospect of marrying an outstanding Indian man, like Mdm Low did, is bright.
Should i give birth to a boy, he might become the next Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.
should i give birth to a girl, she might become the next Michelle Alicia Saram.
Oh, goodness, how i miss the days where i could chat with Luo lao shi in the HOD office when my classmates were putting up with the post-exam activities...
Ms. Leong saw me and flapped her arms like a swan, saying, "Zhuo'er. I miss your dancing!" :D
Luo Lao Shi noticed that i was pretty demoralized and encouraged me, saying "wo3 dui4 ni3 chong1 man3 xin4 xin1 yu3 xi1 wang4!" :')
That, used to be our block.
That used to be our classroom!
Hahas, they forgot to lock the door!
The field where we can roam!
(: A homely space.
The space under staircases is well utilized (:
Hahas, a "cute" way to punish boys who refuse to cut their hair. i suppose.
Butterflies taking flight!
Pathway to the library.
Oh my goodness, from glory to Glory!
A fine display.
Learnt something new!
Highway!
Loyalty. Diligence. Courtesy. Love (or Charity)
The essence of our school spirit.
(: Rich tradition, glorious heritage!
Pathway to the staff room.
Man, the aunties could still recognise me!
(: The girl on my right is dear Shu Pei.
Yeah, i've found a camera pal! We captured practically every thing we saw.
She was even more enthu than me, capturing sign boards and surveillance cameras!!!
The dude outside is Edwin the comedian.
He was very pi**ed by Shu Pei and i, "Wa*l*u, toilet you take, dental clinic you take, CCTV camera you also take!" Btw, i walked into the male toilet again! There was a boy who just pulled up his shorts when i saw him and discovered my mistake. Oh no... i must have freaked him out!
Sad that my digital cam was out of battery, or else can take more! Shall wait for Shu Pei to send in more photos (:
*******************
((((((: How heartening it is to have teachers who remember your name and aspirations even though you were not even taught by them, how blessed it is to click with friends in an instance even though you have not seen one another for months on end, how wonderful it is to watch your juniors work and play in an environmnet that is not only conducive, but ideal. <33
Jie Qi and Shu Pei asked me if i will still visit YZPS after leaving SNG, i immediately said yes. As long as Mdm Low, Huang Lao Shi, Ms Leong, Mr Au, Ms Lim, the canteen aunties, the school guard...... are there, i will be back on teacher's days (Luo lao shi will leave the school soon, which is sad. She is taking the MOE scholarship and is going to pursue a Master's Degree in research before working in MOE, which is glad). Jie Qi asked me if i will rather visit YZPS and not SNGS, i said yes immediately again. As far as teachers' day is concerned, YZPS will be the first place i return to.Without YZPS i'll never be able to overcome my language handicap, never be able to be integrated into Singapore society, never be able to get into SNGS, never be able to become who i am today...
Labels: Happenings, Knowledge, Photograph, School, Sentiments
Accelerate! on Friday, August 31, 2007
To do list for the weekend:
1) Resurrect Chemistry
2) Revive Additional Mathematics
3) Refine Oral English (O Level Oral next Thursday! Please please pray for my classmates and i!!!)
4) Retrace Social Studies
5) Release my gratitude for teachers (This year's Teachers' Day is smacked right between Prelims, cannot afford to do last minute job anymore.)
Oh man, nowadays, i have this literal urge to puke, especially on the way back to my house from school on late evenings. No, i'm not pregnant, don't worry. Sign... at least only the sound comes out of my mouth and not half digested food or worse, blood (that will be lei4 dao4 tu4 xie3).
On a lighter note, i went to the Central Narcotics Bureau with my class on Wednesday (our last NE trip in SNG). It was rather fulfilling with interesting Q & A sessions with the civilian officers, "lip-smacking" refreshment (to Nikki it was so), and tophole souvenir! We were given glossy kick reporter bags containing 2 unidentical, very well-designed, hard cover notebooks with high quality papers, a blue plastic water bottle/ sleek black torch, mobile phone case, an exciting pen and other cool stuffs.
On Thursday, we went to the Chemistry Lab for our last practical lesson in the presence of VP and HOD of Science. i was sitting with Nikki! Haha, she was so cute and ludicrous. Such an amusive disposition and blunder-prone behaviour are hard to come by!
On that evening, i went to the Citizenship Ceremony with mum. Almost had a migraine due to propaganda overload. Interacted with a few experienced grassroot leaders who were very affectionate and encouraging. One of them commended that i'm "vibrant", "hardworking" (cos i was studying Chem notes when not interacting, eating, listening to Mrs. Lim's speech, watching video, singing the National Anthemn, taking the state pledge, or receiving the certificate) and he invited me to grassroot meetings! Shall go after Os. :)
Hmm... it's 5 more days to O Level Oral English, 12 more days to Prelims. i will refrain from blogging from now till the end of Prelims.
Please, to all who drop by, keep my friends and i in your prayers, pray that we will be on our top conditions and achieve excellent results!
Dear God,
Thank you for raising us up faithfully. You have brought this far not to abandon us, but to carry us through. Your grace is sufficient for us, and your spirit is perfect in our weaknesses. Please grant us the wisdom and faith to claim what You have prepared in advance for us to achieve. Enpower us to perform exceedingly well for the approaching examinations, that all may see and know that God, You are the source of knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and a dependable fortress for all who trust in You.
In Jesus's most precious and holy name i pray. Amen
Labels: Happenings, School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, August 18, 2007
This photo of me napping in class was taken by Chew Yijun(nation's promising equestrian, artist and writer) many many weeks ago. She joked that it was exceptional enough to "make a headline in the newspapers".
******
Talking about Yijun, i have discovered the website of her childhood creations!!! --> WOW! Man, i hope she will not see this post of mine, she will literally kick me hard (she's got violence tendencies!)...
******
Forget about the sleepy head, look to her left. The prim gal is dear Ming Shan, my lovely seatmate for many months and counting (sadly not many days left to count alrd). Intelligent, quiet, helpful, yet possesses an unexpected sense of humour, she's the best seatmate i've go so far!
After so many months of sitting together, we seem to establish a form of intellectual resonance, somewhat like telepathy, especially in Sci and Maths! There were altogether many time where we got the same answers for MCQs for Sci tests, same trail of thought for Maths workings, same results for tests. You might suspect that we have cheated during these tests, but really, we did not. Ming Shan is one of the most honest girl i've met, and i too, prefer to flunk than to perform such a despicable act.
<3 Thank you Ming, for being who you are. Thanks for your patient help, your lame jokes and actions that made me choke with laughter, the nice biscuits you gave... and oh ya, very important, thank you for putting up with my unbelievable unkemptness, my ridiculous mood swings, and the annoying tendency to borrow stuffs from you! (:
Prelims are coming in about 10 days' time, i might not have the privilege to sit with you again. i hope your potential to ace the Prelims and the Os will be brought to fruition. May the God of hope, faith and love guide us through this journey into triumph!
All the best. Let's give it our best!
Remember:
me: *deep breath* Here we go again,
we: on the battle fields again....
ay-o ay-o ay-o ay-o ay-o ay-o
Any sweat? No sweat!
we: erm.. *pondering*
you: Two of us!
we: Eleven claps!!
Clap x11
Woohoo!!!
:D
Labels: Photograph, School, Sentiments
Accelerate! on Friday, August 17, 2007
The Grand Opening of our church!!!
Entrance.
View from 13th floor.
Stage from sitting position.
It's a Cross from panoramic view!
Dreamers' role model. (On the wall of MP Studio)
Children's Church
Little Cry Room.
Art Gallery.
Female toilet (:
*Did not manage to take all the rooms because Service was starting.
The Entrance and the Audi (esp the stage) emanate a posh and somewhat aloof feel, but the inside (various rooms etc) is very very warm and homely (reminds me of the good old day in Henderson eon ago). Then it dawned on me that it is God's will that despite becoming increasingly sophisticated in apparence, our inner selves remain pure and simple onto Him
Alleluia to Christ the Lord
I will lift my hands and sing
I will worship you my King
Earth and heaven now proclaim
Jesus Christ the Mighty Name
Through the storms and raging seas
I will never be alone
When my hope seems out of sight
I know You will shine Your Light
Chorus:
Alleluia X3
Alleluia to Christ the Lord
(: Every time i sing this beautiful song, the magnificence of majestic moutain range unfolds before my mind's eyes. Then i thought... 'why, yea, we are soaring in the spirit!' :D
Labels: Church, Photograph, Song, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, August 11, 2007
Today holds my first and last Singapore's National Day Celebration in SNGS.
(it's hard to believe, but i've actually ponned (with valid reasons) 3 years of NDC)
Whoa! Durian King!
Changi Airport! Note, the girl is holding an airplane! :)
Tsk, poor Jia Xin!
Ray Jan (my classmate!) looking tao2 zui4!
The cutest fruit & vegetable carving! :)
My favourite curving!
Our dearest Ms. Chan(Principal) and Mrs. Goh(VP), and the magnificent Sec. Four cohort in the pioneer cohort T-shirt!
Ray Jan is back, we are enjoying the ice creams Ms. Chan, Mrs. Goh and Mrs. Chong treated us! :P
me and Nicole! (Nikki, Joanne, Alicia in the background)
Gift from my beloved school!
Now branded with trademark! XP
By the way, Ang Mo Kio Central's BALENO is having crazing sales up till this Sunday! If you dig hard enough, there are some quality products, from $3 onwards!
On a higher note, it is 365 days to the Beijing 2008 Olympics Games!
:DD
Labels: Happenings, Photograph, School
Accelerate! on Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The remark for my Prelim Oral English was out. These are the comments given by dear Ms. Fazi, verbatim.
Reading
Needs to have a more consistent pace.
A bit too slow.
Good emphasize of words.
Expressive.
Intonation sometimes awkward.
Generally a good effort.
Picture discussion
An attempt to link with passage.
Girl on the right thinking of food??? Could have given a better answer.
Have a tendency to describe picture.
Need to be better organised.
Some repetition of ideas.
Conversation
Very engaging.
Good personal response.
Sincere.
Mature thoughts and viewpoint.
Confident speaker.
According to Ms. Jacob, conversation was the strongest and picture discussion was the worst (i guess it's probably not even in Band 1!). This is the direct opposite of Mock Oral English where Picture discussion was a commendable 11/12 while Conversation was wanting...
Moral of the story: No matter what kind of grades we attain, excellent or mediocre, never cease to strive for perfection. There is always the hope of betterment, as well as the possibility of deterioration. (:
Labels: Examination, School
Accelerate! on Friday, August 03, 2007
We dissected frogs in the school Biology Laboratory this afternoon.
Man, it was a sensational experience!
A wide spectrum of behavior was observed within the lab. Some of my classmates screamed, some sat despondently on the floor in the fetus position, and others watched the frogs, cringing in fear... only a handful of us got ourselves involved in this morbid affair immediately.
"Girls, it's very sad... these frogs sacrificed their lives for your studies. Better appreciate...." Ms Leong stated in her signature voice
(which diffuses out from the nasal cavity :)).
The bloated tummy indicates that this is a female frog with thousands of black eggs within her.
All the frogs on the tables were anesthesized, but Xiu Mei jiejie (our Lab auntie) "crucified" them just in case....
Scared the sh*t out of our Mr. Frog.
This was the littlest froggy around.
i dissected him all by myself!
He actually had six pack abs! o_O
The first step was to cut open the skin, followed by muscle dissection. i shall not post those photos up because that will be too macabre.
Caught in the act by Nicole!
Btw i cut my hair again. Zhang Lao Shi said it looks like gou3 ken3 de (nibbled by a dog), which is kinda true. The auntie was discussing a Korean serial plot with a friend before realising that she had overcut my hair!!! What was i doing then? It was one of those rare times where i set my eyes on a fashion magazine. How ironic...
Labels: Happenings, Photograph, School
Accelerate! on Friday, July 27, 2007
It is always agonizing to review past mistakes, just like peeling a newly formed scar and treating it with an alcohol swab. Nevertheless, it's good for our wellbeing if we truly learn from it.
i took the Prelim Oral today. It wasn't up to my expectation, which was rather upsetting.
Firstly, i entered the wrong room at the wrong time. Then, i entered a wrong room at the right time.
For goodness sake, open your eyes and take note of the latest instruction!
For Reading Aloud, i failed to adjust my pitch accordingly. Worse still, i paused at the wrong time for once, and that would affect my overall rhythm and fluency adversely. my articulation seemed a little unnatural. Lastly, i guess i had mispronounced a word or two.
For Picture Discussion, i did not manage to give a detailed description or interpret fully. A few nonsensical sentences which have absolutely zero value were weaved into my presentation. Perhaps there were tenses errors. Overall, there was a lack of focus.
For Conversation, i did not fully elaborate on the other side of important points or raise adequate examples to substantiate my views! Overall, i focused more on sharing my feelings and experiences than delivering ideas, opinions and views.
These are the points i have to take note of. Weaknesses must be turned into strength by the time O Level Oral comes! Shall compare this personal remark with the upcoming remark of Ms Fazliana Pairin, my amiable examiner, and see who the severer critic is. (:
Reading Aloud
Let your pitch correspond to the passage. For instance, do not project your voice when the passage says, "she prayed softly". Instead, you should whisper audibly and clearly.
The only way to strike a perfect balance between pronunciation & articulation, rhythm & fluency and expressiveness is through guided and consistent practice. Hone your reading skill at least once a week and approach Ms. Jacob for advice and guidance. i'm sure she's willing to help.
Picture Discussion
Drill it in your head that it is necessary for you to stress on what had happened before picture was taken and what may be expected as a follow-up experience.
Detailed description is needed, for example, don't simply say their faces are covered with heavy makeup. Elaborate on the style of the makeup. A detailed description is likely to enable you to deliver a more in-depth interpretation.
Always keep the idea of "central focus" in mind. At the same time, be smart and zoom in onto one or two features in the picture. Apply the same principle that you use in sketching.
Hone your language skills by having a consistently heightened awareness of your language accuracy in daily life. Speak nothing but Standard English which includes proper tenses and verbs.
Sharpen your sense of coherence by using connectors in daily conversation.
Interpretation & explanation are skills that can be polished in Literature class. (: Also remember to Read up!
Conversation
It is not ideal to be too gan3 xing4 (somewhat like being emotionally-charged). After all, Oral is a test of cognitive strength. Expressing your sentiment will give you an edge, but you ought to get the proportion right. The bulk of your delivery has got to be intelligent and well organized opinions and views. Appropriate examples are the lifeblood of your views!
As you can see, i did not do exceedingly well for Oral this time round. Nevertheless, i got to thank God for injecting a vaccination against the disease of complacency into my veins. Thank you my friends for the prayers, words of encouragements, thumb-up signs and applauses. I firmly believe that God will guide us through this period of preparation in His perfect wisdom and excellent counsel. (: Let's in turn, realize the potential He had generously planted within us and offer the fruits back to Him as pleasing gifts at the end of it all!
Labels: Examination, School
Accelerate! on Thursday, July 26, 2007
220707
I committed suicide with hundreds of my roots on this fateful day.
Our funeral and burial ceremony was held in 182 Clemenceau Avenue #06-00 FTMS House...
John 3:30
Galatians 2:20
************************
"...yet, we must rise~"
i was throughly ministered by the Nubian Gents and Feminie Fire.
Her beautiful voice was scented with the fragrance of Christ. His was charged with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Every one of them is a reflector of the glory of the LORD...
Tears of gratitude of His faithfulness and magnificent love flowed naturally.
Oh, how i wish Chyi fang, Rebecca, Sarvari, Nuoyi.... were there!!!
Labels: Church, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, July 22, 2007
I just realised something! Remember the VisualDNA I took recently? Sofisticat, High Time Roller, Home Soul... the result sounded so Taitai-ish!!! Well, conqueror was a bit off. Then again, Taitais conquered rich men...
Oh my goodness! Is becoming a Tai-Tai my hidden ambition? Am I, subconsciously, in legion with Tai-tai wannabes?
By the way, take a look at this video. I advise you to abstain from eating and drink while watching it. You might choke and die!!! ------> Click here!
Nay, the idea of being someone's caged bird is unsettling and horrifying. The cage may be spacious to hop around in, it may be made of pure gold and adored with precious stones, but it is nothing compared to the Great Expanse where I can soar. (:
Before signing off, I have a prayer request to leave to you...
Next Thursday (26/07/07) at 2:45pm in 1 Truth classroom in SNGS, many of my friends and I will be taking our Prelim Oral. On Thursday itself, besides taking the Oral Exam, we will be having Elective Geography (development & environment, BULKY chapters) and Literature (the whole JLC novel) tests, which will require us to write non-stop for close to an hour respectively. The weekdays before Thursday will be fill with 3 tests with massive content plus one lengthy international Examination. This means that we not be having enough sleep and sufficient time to prepare for the important Oral exam. By the time it comes, many of us will be drained...
Please pray for me and all those who trust God that we will ace the Oral Exam (especially) and all other tests by the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I hope that we will have the peace of God, and immense confidence to conquer the Prelim Oral flawlessly and victoriously, may the glory be to God! ((:
THANK YOU!!!
Labels: Random, School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, July 21, 2007
WHAT YOU BUILD, YOU MUST PROTECT.
SUFFER PAIN OF DISCIPLINE
OR PAIN OF REGRET.
---The Nubian Gents
Coming our way.
22/07/70
3-5pm
HoGc
SUFFER PAIN OF DISCIPLINE
OR PAIN OF REGRET.
---The Nubian Gents
Coming our way.
22/07/70
3-5pm
HoGc
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Sunday, July 15, 2007
VISION!
Labels: Aspiration, Church, Knowledge, School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, July 08, 2007
Carmen did this and so did I.
The photographs are indeed very nice, making the process of quiz taking an enjoyable experience (:
Okay, it's time to return to mugging...
Labels: Quiz
Accelerate! on Saturday, July 07, 2007
Verbalized the Sotong's endearing and exhilarating little trip around Singapore town in Singapore city bus(es) to Jieyi during morning jog today.
She exclaimed, "Wow, Zhuo'er. You love ACS so much... that even when you got lost, you ended up there!"
Nicole also observed that I "have a crush on IB", and she now whines in in exasperation whenever I mention these two letters.
Am I that fond of the school already?
Whatever the answer, I must thank God for establishing such an instituition (absence of adjective indicates that she is beyond description). If it is according to His perfect plan for me to be there a mere 5 months down the road, He will make a way. And I will get there, and do the good work He has prepared in advance for me to do.
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Friday, July 06, 2007
Was it the afternoon radiance?
Was it just my frazzled mind?
Or was it the glory of God descending upon her?
She was glowing!
ACSI was aglow with light!!
I was supposed to go the Coronation Plaza to get an advanced Elective Geography Textbook this afternoon and somewhat lost my way and embarked on a journey without a destination. I must say this was the best journey I've ever had in a long long time.
It has been a long time since I last raveled in the simple pleasures of life; basking in the warmth of setting sun, listening to jaunty chirpings of playful birds, admiring the elusively scented tropical plants by the roadside, passing by places that widen my eyes and set my heart racing within, being totally engrossed in brilliantly composed essays, holding a meaningful conversation with a stranger on bus (a sixty-something New Mexican man came, sat by my side, talked with me about life and slowly shared his struggle against alcoholism. Interacting with him has certainly broadened my horizon), and revelling in the negligence of time...
The beauty of life sometimes lies in the unexpected and unplanned things! (:
Labels: Happenings, Knowledge
Accelerate! on Thursday, July 05, 2007
That my portion is Him,
And I am more than blessed.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, July 01, 2007
Came across this poem while searching for a one to present to my classmates during Literature lesson next week. It is a little bit longer than the requirement, and thus I will not be able to share this masterpiece with them. Let me share this with you then -- a poem of effortless grace, a perfect syncretism of physical and inner beauty...
She Walks In Beauty
by George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788-1824)
Composed June, 1814
by George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788-1824)
Composed June, 1814
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Saturday, June 30, 2007
And so was the first week of Term 3.
It will mutiply by 8.
Oh my son, this is the academic baptism of fire...
I wonder, what will become of my friends and I after having at least 6 tests per week for 8 consecutive weeks?
Oh Comrades!
Let's rage, rage, against the flames of furnace!!
God is for us, we will not burn out.
He will free us from impurities!
We shall be refined...
Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Labels: School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Friday, June 29, 2007
What an amazing service we had today.
A timely and timeless sermon on Drawing Near to God!
Holy Spirit, my dearest Counselor! Teach me how to reach the highest level of proximity with God! Your empowerment will surely enable me to charge forward, against the rushing current.
Even though we are living in modern society, in an Instant World, we are still able to make time to wait on YOU alone, with patience.
Labels: Church, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, June 24, 2007
((: This is a very challenging test created by yours sincerely.
Those who can get 100% are either extremely lucky, have psychic powers, or have attempted it more than once.
Don't be afraid though, whether you know me or not, just give it a try.
All the best to you, and have fun! ;D
Create your own Friend Test here
Labels: Quiz
Accelerate! on Wednesday, June 20, 2007
This post shall be called the
RedRain aftermath. (:
Location: The SingPost
Jolyn and Yating came too!
What a joyful surprise!!
The Unitian shot!!! (in case you aren't aware, 4 of us are from Sec. 4 Unity!)
*Don't be deceived! Jolyn is not monster sized(Hehe). I bent my knees!
Labels: Happenings, Photograph
Accelerate! on Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Oh goodness, sometimes I feel like a deer before a speeding car, frozen and helpless. Take this June break for example (it's not a holiday since our school only gave us 14 days which is barely enough for us to complete our HW, and we still got so many other things to cover before the most insane Term of our lives.), despite working everyday, there are still so many more things to do that I'm at a loss of what to do!!! Do we share these feelings: there are too much things to do/ everything is so messed up that you don't know where to start, and you want to abandon it all but know that it is impossible to run away from the reality for long and feel stuck?!?!
During one of my study sessions, God asked me if I still love Him (Love as in Him being my First love, as in making Him my top priority, as in me desiring Him like a deer pants for the water. Like what I used to do).
I was dumbfounded; I did not know how to answer Him at once. We know that when God asks us questions, He is not looking for answers (since He is omniscient), He is pointing out our sins, inviting us to repent, and eventually reconcile with Him.
Therefore, up till this moment, I have been looking into the condition of my soul. God searches my inmost being (Psalm 139:23) and weights the motives of my heart (Prov. 16:2), and by His mercy and grace, I detected my spiritual flaw. He asked me during this afternoon's RedRain Concert, "Where is your focus?" At that instance, everything felt into place. My focus was Wrong and displeasing to the Lord.
I was too preoccupied with the idea of "excellence" (I certainly do not mean that excellence is not good. It is! Absolutely good! What I am saying is that my understanding of excellence is superficial and thus delusory) On a literary level (I got this from my church's annual Academic Excellence Sunday!), "excellence" comes from the word "excel" and excel means "Let God come out" (Ex= exit and El= supreme God). When I knew this, I quickly made it the goal of my life; I made a firm decision to excel in everything I do. I wanted to function as the light and salt of the world and glorify God!
The next step I took was to put my heart and soul into my studies as I believed that this is the most direct way to bring glory to God within society as a student. Hence, I studied day in and day out, unaware that I was drifting away from the very One I long to glorify. I used to study the Scriptures, read Christian books etc carefully for hours, now I left those books dusty on the shelve and use those times to polish my studies, and "dedicate" the leftover times at night to reading the Word of God. I used to keep a little notebook of my prayers, revelations and godly resolutions, now the little notebook is gone and my academic books multiplied. I used to meditate and pray when there were pockets of time, now I reserve them to think of ways to be the best...
Can you see that I am actually backsliding? Because I'm drifting away from Him, I subconsciously feel paiseh to ask Him for blessings and tend to rely on my own strength increasingly. The more I rely on my own strength, the more frustrated I become (does it reminds you of the first paragraph of this post?), and the more I don't feel like drawing near to Him. It's like a vicious cycle you know.
Sometimes, it was the other way round. I go to God in the name of Faith and seek for His blessing instead of His face. Daniel 11:32 says, "...the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." He is not referring to those who know how to get blessings from God!
If it wasn't God mercifully showing me all these, I might end up becoming the competitive, outwardly glorious, inwardly impoverished Zhuo'er that I used to be in Sec. One. Thank God for revealing it to me on time!
Thank God again for not only enabling me to see that I wandered off to the wrong direction, but also showing me the right way to go. Basically, I got to follow His instruction in Ecclesiastes 7:18: It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes. The "one" that I "grasped" is the revelation I just received from God: Look upon God as my First Love, always and forever. I need to repent and rededicate my life to God, changes have to be made with regards to my attitude and *lifestyle. The "other" which I should not "let go of" is the passion for excellence.
I see it now!
When we have an intimate relationship and partnership with God, we will naturally excel.
Excellence is a result of knowing and following God. Excellence is not equivalent to success i.e. being the best in a chosen field. (got this definition from Adam Khoo Learning Tech), it is much much greater. Excellence, besides success, also embodies the fruits of the Holy Spirit! (i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).
The world has many successful people with outstanding performances, but the sad thing is that many of them are arrogant, some even exploit others. What the world needs are excellent people who are also outstanding in terms of achievement, but above and beyond that, they are messengers of Hope, Faith and Love; a people unwaveringly rooted in the Rock of Ages (Jesus Christ!), a channel of blessing for all mankind. Not only will these people raise society's standard of living (economically) and quality of life (politically perhaps), they will also enrich lives (emotionally & psychologically) and most importantly redeem souls for eternity (Spiritually) . I want to be one of them.
My thanks is also due to those who have sown the seeds of righteousness into my heart. Pastors definitely, Ruoen my dedicated CGL, RedRain the Rock (pun intended) Band and courageous warriors like him and her. I also thank those who intercede for me (I have a strong feeling that some people pray for me secretly. Whoever you are, my appreciation and love go to you).
I have discovered many remarkable people in ACSI in the Blogosphere for the past few days. My seniors who are now in JC came back and told me that Sec, 4 life is "chicken feet" as compared to JC life. If that is the case, Sec. 4 life is "frog pes" as compared to IB life (simile & comparisons used to highlight the amt of stress IBDP students face). YET, there are On Fire Christians who take active steps to take ACSI for Christ! I admire them, want to be like them, and will be very privileged to become their junior.
Honestly speaking, I feel inadequate while reading their blogs. Quality time with God, church commitments, ministry in school, family, friends, unbelievably heavy workload, council, CCA, how on earth are they managing?! There is so much I can learn from them!
By the way, remember the post on IB Open House? The first 4 disadvantages are now obsolete. After a series of persuasive speeches, Mum is not unsupportive now (still not supportive cos she still thinks Hwa Chong is the best), and she even suggested that I rent a room somewhere near ACSI while putting my room up for rent. The expensive fees can be deducted should I achieve MOE scholarship (being a new citizen, I'm eligible for it!) and lastly, Nicole might end up there too!
However, a new disadvantage came up. After reading Gideon's blog, the gender issue struck me. The ratio of boys to girls is approximately 15:1. He wrote: "all you have to have, is a decent face, a moderate sense of humour, an altered skirt, make-up is optional" and "you'll have all the guy attention you could ever dream of." This sounds freaky...
However, looking at it from a different perspective, if I pull through it, I will be immune to guy attention for the rest of my life. Come to think of it again, it's not so scary what. After all, the most friendly, loyal, trustworthy, humorous, and encouraging people I know are guys.
Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
LORD I commit my life and all the choices in it to YOU. Let YOUR will be done. Direct my heart according to YOUR perfect plan. Strengthen my feeble knees as YOU guide me along YOUR Way.
*Changes in lifestyle
1) Restore the Spiritual notebook and write on it everyday.
2) Buy HoGc limited edition Bible and put it on my school desk.
Complete BRP before going home from school.
3) Pray during bus trips and meditate while doing household chores.
These are the things I promised to carry out. Thank you for being my witness. (:
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, June 17, 2007
Check THIS out! This is HOT!!!
3-6pm @ SingPost.
Concert 1 - 16 Jun (Sat)
Concert 2 - 17 Jun (Sun) <------ I'm going for this!
:) Will you come with me?
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Monday, June 11, 2007
Robert Frost (1874-1963). Mountain Interval.1920.
The Road Not Taken
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Sunday, June 10, 2007
(: Look!
Here are some of the photographs taken by Nicole's mobile phone during the IB Open House!
Photo curtesy of Nicole Phoon Ruyun. (acknowledgement given as requested)
Why leaning forward like the Tower of Pisa? Despo lah! :D
The toilet scene!
:)XY :DZE :DNP
Labels: Happenings, Photograph
Accelerate! on Thursday, May 31, 2007
It is such an advantage to turn in early. You have no problem waking up early in the morning. (: I got up very early today and headed for the ICA Building with my mum to claim our Singapore Citizenship. The queue was so long that it almost encircled the building! After countless procedures such as taking photographs and thumbprints, punching holes on our blue IC, signing various documents, we went into the Commissioner of Oath room. It was a classy little room with a huge national flag hanging on a pole, the framed photographs of the President and the First Lady, a large potted plant, a comfortably looking sofa, and two armchairs for my mother and I to sit. The officer sat on a bigger leather armchair, in front of a glossy office desk, and opposite the both of us. The room was dimly but warmly lit, eluding an atmosphere of affability. In there, my mum took the oath of Allegiance, Loyalty and Renunciation...
Immediately after we got out of the ICA Building, we rushed to the gold mine (Knowledge Bookstore @ Bras Basah Complex) to dig gold (assessments and reference books). After more than an hour of digging up and down, inside and out, we became rich!
After that, we went to Bugis Junction's CoolPlay spectacles shop where I got my contact lenses (I convinced her!) and where she got that colour changing & UV protective spectacles. The shop assistance was extremely friendly and, perhaps, a bit cheeko. He got me a pile of fashion magazines and tried to talk to me while my mum was away. To that I curtly replied, "NO Thanks! I'm a mugger." and fixated my eyes on the Geography reference book I've bought. Come to think of it now, I was being quite mean...
Time was running out, and thus my mum and I grabbed some food from BreadTalk, and took a cab to ACS (I) for the IB Open House. Man, it ROCKS! I liked it the moment I set my eyes on the campus through the taxi window, and the feeling of affection manifested itself increasingly, proportional to the duration I stayed within the campus. In other words, the longer I stayed, the more I liked the school. On the contrary, my mum hated it the moment she stepped inside. She was pissed by the fact that no banner was put up and no councilor was present to welcome the visitors. Instead, there was a long queue of expensive cars at the carpark right in front of the school gate; this sight (see below) put her off further.
We met up with Jie yi, her mother and brother before going into the Auditorium 2, where the presentations were held. Both of our mothers are prejudiced against ACS. ): My mum was the first one to leave, right after the IB Talk by the Principals, Deans and councilors. Jie yi left with her mum and brother shortly after the Tour around the campus. Hence, I began my solitary exploration while waiting for Nicole and Xinyun to come.
I traveled around the campus, took some photographs, and interacted with some of the Deans and the Principal in Audi 2, and felt very at home. There was this intangible yet immense sense of belonging! After probing into my conscious, I came up with 5 main reasons that evoked my feelings of fondness.
1) First and foremost, it is the element of spirituality within the school. ACS is a Methodist institution with a strong foundation in spiritual values. Every morning, a group of Christians gather together officially for QT, there is a Chapel within the campus and Bible verses are almost everywhere. Imagine starting the school day with fellowship in the Holy Spirit and going through the day with the Word of God visibly displayed. Won't it be utterly refreshing and encouraging?
<3>2) Secondly, it is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. I mean is it Holistic with a capital H or what!
The Core Requirement embodies the Theory of Knowledge (first taste of philosophy!), Creativity, Action, Service (a much more superior and intensive version of CIP), and the Extended Essay (an in-depth research essay).
Besides the Core Requirement, there are 6 groups of disciplines namely the
1. Language A1 Programme (Literature-based!!!),
2. Second Language Programme (including French Ab Initio course!!!)
3. Individuals and Societies (choices of Business & Management, Economics, Geography and History!)
4. Experimental Sciences
5. Mathematics & Computer Science
6. The Arts (choices of Visual Art, Music and Theatre Arts).
At the end of it all, a Diploma will be awarded. Those who have done well will be able to go on to the Best Universities in the world, often with advanced placement options!
If I get into IBDP, I will be able to take up Philosophy, Literature, beginners' French, History, Economics, HL Biology, HL Mathematics, and be actively involved in community services simultaneously!!! Woohoo! This is truly a dream combination because it is absolutely in tuned with my fervor and scholastic strength!
3) The third reason is the people, especially the Deans of IBDP. Through interacting with them, I saw within them competence, passion and creativity. Some of them are extremely charismatic! I discovered that many of them were head-hunted from prestigious schools and organizations. The most valuable trait is that the Deans spoke to me almost as an equal, which just shows that they are true educator who values individuality and personal development. They are the ones who will inspire rather than dictate; draw out potential instead of drowning capabilities (by spoon feeding); waking behind you as a support and beside you as a companion, rather than walk in front of you, and leaving you with no choice but to follow.
If I end up in there, I will yearn and strive to make it to their lists. The Dean's list!
4) Fourthly, the school spirit. I like everything about the school's Philosophy & Vision, Mission and Heritage. Take the Vision alone: Every ACSian will be a Scholar, Leader and Global Citizen. Doesn't it just rock?! I love the world of scholarship, can be a leader and will be a Global Citizen. Besides, I'm entirely in love with the idea of "Openness, Intellectual honesty and Intellectual humility" that the school actively promotes.
5) Finally, the campus. This aspect does not require much elaboration, we can let the photographs do the talking. The only regret I had after the Open House was forgetting to go the school Library (How could I forget?!). Should I end up in ACS (I), Library shall be my favourite place.
The wind from it was so forceful, almost blew my fingers off! o__0
Principals.
It contains numerous computers. See the Bible verse in the background? (:
What a beautiful sight!
Love these catch phrases!
:D
Venue for the morning assembly.
However, there is a flip side:
1) ACS is very far from my house. Imagine spending 2 hours on transport every exigent day.
2) The school fees and study materials are Expensive.
3) Mother unsupportive. (and in a very obvious way)
4) Friends whom I am fond of, and want to be with in JC, are not interested in ACS or IBDP.
5) ACS is not my Dream JC.
The first 4 disadvantages are no problem with me, I can live with them. The extra miles are worth it, I can perceive it as an opportunity to foster in me a stronger sense of resilience and determination. Since my mum is unsupportive, she will, most probably, not be willing to pay for the expensive fees and persuade me to get into a JC near my house (NONOnoNOno!!!). If that happens, I will pay her by credit. This I perceive as another character building opportunity, it will enable me to be more independent and hardworking. *Btw, mum had firmly decided that she will not support me after pre-U, so I HAVE to get a scholarship.* As for friends, it will be inevitable for us to grow apart should we end up in different institutions. However, true friends will always carry pieces of one another in themselves and it will not be hard to restore a friendship if both parties attempt to do so. Besides, we should always be open to changes and adapt to new situations. Afterall, change is the only constant in real life.
The fifth disadvantage is the one that is most likely to prevent me from putting ACS (I) as my first choice if I performed excellently for O Levels. A dream from God dies hard. I will never be satisfied and will always strive to bring the dream to pass with the power of the Holy Spirit. However, if I did not do well and have no choice but to put ACS (I) as my first choice, I will not be totally devastated and may end up rejoicing instead. Ironical and conflicting isn't it? Sign, for now I shall live in the moment. Like Binghui said, we should just get the best results, after that, make the choices. ((:
IBDP @ ACS(I)!!!
Oh ya, by the way, I met Jia Yi! Jia Yi from church!!! She's now in IBDP year 6. She called me by name and approached me with her signature smile, the smile with her eyes closed in two arches<3 She is suffering from severe PO, much worse than mine. We encouraged each other in the Lord and she told me NOT to join IB, "Don't come lah, don't come. Go RJ. You look like the RJ type"...
Labels: Happenings, Knowledge, Photograph, School
Accelerate! on Monday, May 28, 2007
Hi dear Bixing! This is my new image. (:
Labels: Photograph
Accelerate! on Sunday, May 27, 2007
The June holidays started off with a BANG!
24/5/07. Thursday.
1) The last official school day before the mid-year break for SNGS.
2) Last dance training.
3) Self-declared Three-days-Two-nights Student Exchange Programme begins. (Sleepover at Yewei's house!)
* As promised I have updated the Jubilate post. Scroll down to take a look as you please.
1) PPR was issued right after assembly. This time, it was no longer pathetic. However, it is also not good; I still have a lot of room for improvements. Zhuo'er! You ought to have a better system of time management, eliminate retarded carelessness, and keep cool!! Since Mrs. Goh is now in Beijing (oh, I miss her!), Mr. Wong typed comments for all of us instead. He said that I "have performed commendably" and encouraged me to "Keep up the positive attitude and persevere" as I "work towards" my "goal!" How wonderful! Encouragements like this really mean a lot to me. The days ahead will be very challenging, no doubt about it. I will take it step by step and draw power and strength from the Holy Spirit who lives within me.
2) It has been 4 years. Although I had cancelled Dance Society from my List of Life's Priorities since Sec. 2, yet a notch of nostalgia lingered in my heart as I went to the Hall for Dance for that one last time. After all, Dance had nurtured me. Besides giving me strength, poise, rich experiences, friendships that can last a lifetime... she allowed me to understand more about others and myself. Subsequently, she taught me how to relate to others. In short, I have learnt that it is wise to be very independent, somewhat dependable and never too dependent on others.
On a lighter note, I talked to Chyi Fang for more than an hour, but it seems to be much shorter than that. Don't know why, just feel very attached to her although it was the first time we really sat down and talked. Perhaps that's what we call, yuan(2) fen(4). (:
3) Went home to pack my bag immediately after Dance. Yewei and I planned to exchange all our notes. In order to house all my files, clothes etc, I brought a luggage! (Photo to be updated) The people whom I met on my way to her house looked at me quizzically. I bet they thought I was being chased out of home or something. Hahas.
25/5/07 School holiday.
1) On going "Exchange programme".
2) World Book Fair @ Suntec.
3) Mum's award ceremony. (Praise God she had won one of the most prestigious awards any Chinese Teacher can get!)
1) The morning was extremely productive; no time was wasted, we worked together methodically! The big round table in Yewei's house was full of our files, notes, stationeries and reference books. It was spectacular! Noon came soon after, and Yewei's mother cooked her signature dish: Milky crab Bee Hoon! Man, it was delicious!! xP
2) We made our way to the World Book Fair in the afternoon. Bought souvenirs (to be given during the upcoming dance camp) for our Dance Juniors on our way to the Suntec City (: Met our Dance senior who was the nation's top O Level scorer of 2006. She has changed! Yewei and I refreshed ourselves at BreadTalk and Starbucks before attending the opening ceremony in Suntec Ballroom. The opening ceremony was meant for some of the MPs, awardees of the Outstanding Chinese Teachers of the Year, the friends and relatives whom they invited etc. The ceremony was interesting with all the photo takings and the promise of a sumptuous buffet dinner.
The moment before the fancy lights and colourful paper fireworks.
With my mum (winner of the Most Outstanding Teaching Plan Award)and Luo Lao Shi (Outstanding Chinese Teacher Award).
Luo Lao Shi was my teacher-in-charge in primary school dance whom I was especially close to.
Outstanding Chinese Teachers posing for the Press (:
Yewei and I outside the Exhibition Hall after a fruitful trip inside.
Take note of the time of the World Book Fair and do not give it a miss!
A dazzling array of stationeries, assessment books, good and popular books up... Some of which up to 50% discount!
I returned to Yewei's house in the wee hours of the night. We slept almost immediatedly after we hit the pillows. I like her bed <3
Today
After touching up our academic work, we had another very productive morning writing well wishes to our lovely juniors. ((: I just realised that all my recent food cravings were satisfied in Yewel's house. Things like Soy egg & many other delicacies cooked in dark soy sauce, Youtiao, Douhua etc. :)~ The heartening thing was that Yewei and I had accomplished all that we had set our hearts and minds to do, and still had a lot of fun.
In the early afternoon, we made our way to Church! My roots saw me with the luggage and thought that I had gone/was going overseas! Hwee yee said that I was getting increasingly nonsensical :P
This June holiday shall be the most fruitful and restful one so far!
Labels: Church, Dance, Happenings, Photograph, School
Accelerate! on Saturday, May 26, 2007
Went to school today and injected a dose of novelty.
Seeing the zombie looks on some people's faces transforming into eye-poping expressions was an elating experience.
"Woa/Ah/*smile*, Zhuo'er! You cut your hair!" was heard throughout the day from many of my sisters and teachers.
I received all sorts of comments: Look Smart, nice, fresh, energetic, mature, childlike... Mrs. Yeo understands me the best, she said that now I have a free mind. (: The most interesting comment was from Yijun. She didn't come to school, and so she demanded a MMS from Jie yi. She said I look like a poster girl for the educational system! Nicole then added by saying that I can pose for the New Moon Chicken Essense advertisements.
FUNNY!!! I'm so amused...
* Chyi fang, I hope you like the letter and trinkets I passed to you this morning. They are an expression of God's love and care for you through me. Please study hard and be strong for your own sake. God's blessings be upon you as you blossom in a beautiful manner. I look forward to Thursday :)*
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Monday, May 21, 2007
The hairdressers laughed at me,
And said I was stupid
(they really did).
They must have been puzzled.
Why cut the flowing, glossy and feminine fibers?
Why reduced them to a length so bleak?
Distasteful! She is a dolt!
I looked into the mirror and smiled.
******
I cut my hair! I seriously, totally cut my hair!! Woohoo, like finally? After eight strenuous years!!! This was a momentous act. It signifies 3 things:
1) the end of my journey as a school dancer, which implies that I will never take Dance as CCA again.
2) Liberation.
3) A fresh beginning.
I feel feisty, invigorated, and utterly steady-boom-bee-bee!!! :D
*Nuoyi, Qiu lei and Ye wei were the first to see my new image, cos we went to church together today! ((:*
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Saturday, May 19, 2007
God's presence was so strong during the Mass for the Feast of the Ascension that I felt the manifested Presence of the Holy Spirit. I felt Him placing His hands on my shoulders and standing beside me when I knelt down in worship and prayer.
How to express the wondrousness of God?! I'm lost for words! When I am faithless and unfaithful, He remains steadfast. When I am oppressed and demoralized, He reminds me of the purpose of it all and restores my hope. When I wander away from the path of truth and fall into a ditch, He goes the extra mile to redeem me and cleanse me from all my impurities.
The Mass for the Feast of the Ascension was exclusively for my Catholic teachers, sisters and some of their parents; I was not supposed to be there. While rushing to the morning assembly I asked a prefect whether assembly is in class or on the track. She told me it would take place in the Hall. That's how I ended up there. The amusing part was that I only realised that I was odd one out when Ms. Angela Jacob, smiling angelically, exclaimed, "Why, Chaw'er (she can't pronounce my name xp ), I didn't know you are now a Catholic!"
I don't believe in accidents and coincidences. For those who are in God's grace, everything happens for a good reason, and according to God's perfect plan. God had planned for me to attend this Mass. He knew I needed it badly, especially after what had happened yesterday. We did many things and I was greatly strengthened and encouraged. We prayed for the sick, our loved ones, our studies... and those who are lost and without hope in this world (Nicole raised this excellent petition!). Father Simon Pereira shared that the Holy Spirit is doing a marvelous work among the youths in this generation; hundreds of Indonesian youths fell under the power of God during missions, their frustrations were forcefully and thoroughly vented, and they were brimming with the joy of the Lord: "they were so happy, jumping around like monkeys", etc. He also observed that the Holy Spirit is effectively at work within St. Nicholas Girls, in our teachers and even tutors. The tip top O Level results we attained was a befitting testimony. These I totally agree. (:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be World without end. Amen. <3
Labels: School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Thursday, May 17, 2007
Jubilate has come to an end. It was glorious! Our St. Nicholas family is indeed blessed with a fasinating array of talents and abilities in the Performing Arts. Glory be to God!!!
Elaine, Colette and I in the Drama Studio!
It was a jovial occasion indeed!
Inside the changing room of the University Cultural Centre (NUS).
My weight lost at the waist is evident! :D
After makeup.
Nuoyi and Ye wei <3
Ye Wei and I!!!
I bounced to the other side.
And then, we were bored. "What's going on out there?" We wondered...
Look at what we've found! My special friends from the primary side!!!
The performance was over. It was truely an accomplishment.
"Farewell UCC, good-bye Dance", said the scholars and scholars wannabes.
I think I'll remember Joanne for life! She gave me this purple rose!!!
What a wonderful dream we had...
Performances come and go, but friendship endures.
Labels: Dance, Photograph, School
Accelerate! on Friday, May 11, 2007
A day in history... IGNITED!
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Thursday, May 10, 2007
For those who interceded for me regarding the Shuttle run: Thank you! I love you man!! <3
For the first time in my life, I got an A for it!
NAPFA 2007 was an event I'll never forget. It was an event through which God drew me closer to Himself, and enabled me to realise the potential He had bestowed upon me.
Let me start with unfavorable circumstances that were likely to exacerbate my performance:
1) I sustained bruises on my legs from SYF that are not completely healed...
2) Although the blisters and abrasions on my back (due to Fire Cupping) were repaired, but it still feels weird.
3) I have muscle cramps all over, especially the shoulder (conceivably due to excessive mugging) and leg region (due to self-induced shuttle run practices).
4) Lately, I feel very languid and anesthetized physically. In short, lan(4) diao(4).
5) I'm in that time of the month.
What to do when situation seems so daunting, when I'm overwhelmed with self-doubt and helplessness? Pray. I believe that God will never abandon His children in times of need. His strength shall be perfect in my weaknesses.
The results I achieved for the 5 items were beyond what I hoped for or imagined:
1) Sit-ups: 37 (personal breakthrough)
2) Inclined pull-up: 19 (personal breakthrough)
3) 4X10m Shuttle run: 11.1 sec! (personal Breakthrough)
4) Standing broad jump: 198cm!?! (personal breakthrough by18cm)
5) Sit & reach: 73cm (broke school record by 4 cm)
PRAISE GOD!!! By Him who strengthens me, I achieved 30 points-- a Pure Gold! This excellent result refreshed my spirit. It is an authentication of God's faithfulness. He is as good as His word. Without Him, I am nothing. With Him all things are possible!
I am also blessed with many supportive friends whom I own my gratitude. Mum bought me a Reebok shoes which probably enhanced my performance. Many of my schoolmates encouraged me verbally. People like Jie yi (I thought she was being ridiculous when she said I'll get all As), Nicole, Yi Jun (Pure Gold for 4 years!), Yan Ni (she got 30 pts too), Ming Shan (my perfect seatmate) and Jenny. Truly there is power of life and death in the tongue. Even a casual statement such as, "You can one lah." can mean so much to the person who hears. I am indeed blessed to have friends who speak life. Thank you guys! God be with you!! The examiners rock too! Ms. Lim provided us with "comic relief", Mr. Phee gave me a few valuble tips for Shuttle run when I consulted him. Mrs. Tan noticed that I could stretch beyond the limit for Sit & Reach and measured the extra 4cm. I thought that superfluous distance will not be counted. Without her, the long record will not be broken. Oh, I love my teachers!
~Lord, please continue to nuture your children according to your heart and mind. Only with Your grace and mercy can we grow from glory to glory, faith to faith.~
Labels: School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Being the daughter and servant of God was, is and will never cease to be the most marvelous thing in my life. He is the Wonderful Counselor and Everlasting Father in every sense of the word. His faithfulness never fails to amaze me. Faithful in the sense that he has never leave me nor forsaken me; He always forgive, always protect, always nurture, never fails to hear and answer a single prayer ("yes", "no", "wait", instructions, silence are all answers. In fact, silence is the most meaningful and profound answer.)
Recently, through real life experiences and a little theoretical exploration, I begin to see more clearly the significance of prayer.
Pastor How shared that the prayers can be summaries into: God, help! Is that really so? When I started to think, I began to disagree with this essential statement. Prayer is defined as the "act of communicating (two-way) with God, especially as a petition (request for help), adoration (worship), contrition (A feeling of repentance for sin, with an intention to amend, arising from love of God and consideration of His goodness, or from inferior motives, as a fear of punishment) or thanksgiving". Petition is obviously asking for help, but how about adoration, contrition and thanksgiving? However, after thinking more deeply, I found myself agreeing to what Pastor had shared. Crying "God, help!" is a sign of humility. It means that one is desperately trying to connect with God, whom he trusts more than himself, and is waiting for God’s divine inspiration. Adoration is also a way in which one connects with God by positioning himself in His manifested presence, longing for His divine touch. Genuine contrition will never end without asking God for future direction and protection. Thanksgiving is also a sign of humility. Arrogant souls who assume that they achieved good things by their own capabilities rarely give thanks to God. The fact that one is giving thanks also shows that he had asked God for help.
Hearing summarized versions of matters pertaining to life can be beneficial. However, if we simply take what is given to us without much thought, it will do us harm. It is just like swallowing food that others had chewed; we will be forever devoid of understanding. How to live a life without understanding? Okay, enough of definitions, moving on my experiences which allowed me to perceive the significance of prayer...
Every fiber of your body from the neck down is screaming and begging you to just slow down and rest a little while. Your mind barks back, "NO! If we were to stop, we'll lose the momentum. Stop being a wimp. Persevere! Keep your pace! Run!"...you know how it feels like running 2.4. I started mine with a rather quick pace, about 2 min per round. Due to lack of practice, I inevitably slowed down along the way. Lethargy set in, I felt like dying, and so I prayed, distraughtly and repeatedly. The answer I received was not a fresh burst of energy I hoped for, but a resounding "Move those legs of yours!"
I felt abandoned.
In the end, I broke my personal record and achieved an A for 2.4km run. However, the runner's high pales in comparison with knowledge I gained about God's loving nature through prayer. God is not a SIMS player who controls our every action. He bestowed talents upon each child in the form of potential and it is up to us to realize the potential within. He is with us every step of the way, but contrary to popular belief, He does not have absolute control over our lives (not because He is unable to do so, but because He chose to give us freewill). Sometimes, He will not even pick us up when we fall... I believe in predestination, but I also believe that if one firmly resists the destiny God has designed, he will not get there.
Through this experience, I concluded that prayer enable us to understand more about God and His ways. The understanding of God will bring us wisdom.
The significance of prayer also lies in the verity that it cultivates priceless values. One them is the fear of the Lord. Many times, I sin despite knowing that God is watching me all the time. How can this be possible? Well, that is because while He was watching me, I turn my back on Him. When we pray, we are directly facing Him. That is the time where we are confronted with His holiness and begin to develop the fear of the Lord. Personally, the most effective way to get rid of sins is to describe my wrongdoings in vivid detail in prayer while seeking for forgiveness and future guidance. Try it; it's such an intense and liberating experience. Afterward, you will find it extremely difficult to return to your vomit. Prayer also nurtures faith. The day before, I prayed that yesterday would not rain, so that the track will be dry for my friends and I to complete 4X10m shuttle run. It rained. I was disheartened. However, later in the afternoon, the sun blazed and it thoroughly dried the track!!! God sent me an important message: Believe that your prayers will be answered according to My grace and mercy and it eventually will.
In the end, I did not manage to take the 5 items due to muscle cramps (too much lactic acid and adrenaline). Will take it next Tuesday with Ye Wei and Bing Qing. Please pray that we will be on our top conditions and do them well. Please pray for me to cast away my unnecessary but persistent little shuttle run phobia and get C and above for it!!! Thank you (:
Labels: School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, May 05, 2007
WOOHOO! Praise God!
I took my weight after a heavy dinner, and it's 57.5kg!!!
This is wonderful; I did not skip meals, did not swallow any slimming pills whatsoever. All I did was follow Gary's advise (i.e. eat more proteins instead of carb), eat less (but more fruits), exercise more and think slim.
Now I'm more certain that once we have a resolute goal which God approves, even the heavenly realm will aid us in making it come to pass. (:
Inconsistency is one of my weaknesses, something I have to conquer so as to achieve sustained excellence. I cannot rest on my laurels. I must work hard to advance, or at least maintain all that God has empowered me to achieve. A life without breakthrough is no life at all.
Shall go swimming now. 16 laps w/o stopping is my goal!
Oh ya, tomorrow is my lovely junior's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHYI FANG!! :D
Accelerate! on Sunday, April 22, 2007
Here's a brief update on my life (yes I still have a life):
1) I'm seventeen; unbelievable!
2) My application for Singapore Citizenship has been approved one day before my 17th birthday.
The registration for the Citizenship and Singapore pink identity card will take place on 28/5/2007 in the ICA Building. I have to be "suitably attired so as to befit the solemn occasion to take the Oath of Allegiance and Loyalty on becoming a Singapore citizen." The Oath of Renunciation of "foreign citizenship" will come later, at the age of 21, and so for the subsequent 4 years, I have double Nationalities. (:
3) Studied extremely hard for Chemistry and Literature in English last week. Literarily pinched my thighs to keep myself awake.
4) Performed the SYF piece before Mrs. Goh and parents. "The Gold with Honors goes to you, " they said.
5) Re-read Christian TT Chua's "Financial Literacy for schools" in less than an hour.
Currently reading Karen Blixen's "Out of Africa" at my leisure.
6) I slept for close to 16 hours last afternoon and night!
For all the curious souls out there, this is our SYF costume.
See why I got to lose weight?
Unfortunately, mum's big lemon cheese cake from Crystal Jade and Nicole's fruit & choc cakes warmed my heart but wounded my ambition.
The wound will heal, the warmth remains. I will make sure I weigh at most 58kg by 24/4/2007.
Labels: Happenings, Photograph
Accelerate! on Sunday, April 15, 2007
HAH, it's time to de-stress!
You Are a Pundit Blogger! |
 Your blog is smart, insightful, and always a quality read. Truly appreciated by many, surpassed by only a few |
You Are a Great Student |
 You aren't afraid to crack the books when you need to, and you make your education a true priority. You could become a PhD in anything, if you set your mind to it. There's no limit to what you can learn! |
Your Dominant Intelligence is Intrapersonal Intelligence |
 Reflective and thoughtful, you enjoy spending time alone. You are good at analyzing yourself - and knowing your true feelings. Totally self aware, you are in tune with your dreams and desires. A spiritual and philopsophical person, your inner calmness inspires and helps others. You would make a great philosopher, researcher, or theorist. |
Your Scholastic Strength Is Deep Thinking |
 You aren't afraid to delve head first into a difficult subject, with mastery as your goal. You are talented at adapting, motivating others, managing resources, and analyzing risk. You should major in: Philosophy Music Theology Art History Foreign language |
You scored as Psychology. You should be a Psychology major!
What is your Perfect Major? (PLEASE RATE ME!!<3) created with QuizFarm.com |
Your Element Is Earth |
 You excel at planning and strategizing. You could be a champ at chess or Survivor. Well grounded, you are able to be realistic and rationalize. On the inside, you have a hard core. It's tough to phase you. You are super productive, and you are able to think anything through. Focused and super charged, your instincts are a good guide for your next step. |
You Should Learn French |
 C'est super! You appreciate the finer things in life... wine, art, cheese, love affairs. You are definitely a Parisian at heart. You just need your tongue to catch up... |
You Should Be a Poet |
 You have a way with words... and a talent for drawing the pure emotions out of experiences. Your poetry has the potential to make people laugh and cry at the same time. You just need to write it! |
You Are a Caramel Crunch Donut |
 You're a complex creature, and you're guilty of complicating things for fun. You've been known to sit around pondering the meaning of life... Or at times, pondering the meaning of your doughnut. To frost or not to frost? To fill or not to fill? These are your eternal questions. |
You Are Mud Pie |
 You're the perfect combo of flavor and depth Those who like you give into their impulses |
You are a Lavender Rose |
 You represent love at first sight and enchantment. Your vibe: intense and intriguing Falling in love with you is: deep and meaningful |
| Your Perfume is Still |
 Your style and class mesmerize everyone you meet. Underneath it all, you are delicate and refreshing. You're different enough to make an impression, that's for sure. Power scents: White pepper, musk, and honeysuckle. |
What'>http://ynr.blogthings.com/whatperfumeareyouquiz/">What Perfume Are You?
Labels: Quiz
Accelerate! on Sunday, April 01, 2007
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
(:
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The past three days has been turbulent.
On Wednesday morning, after receiving a rude shock for failing a straightforward E Maths paper which I studied very hard for, I got back my Term One PPR. It spelt pathetic. No one could understand the suffocating sense of dismay hidden beneath my persona ( I did not reveal it for many will say, "Hey look, if you consider yourself bad, then what about me?"), and I could not handle it alone. Hence, with a broken heart, I brought the grim burden before my Lord, poured out my heart to Him and sought for His divine inspiration... /Mrs. Goh's handwritten encouragement touched me deeply. The comment was like a double-aged sword, it stirred up faith as well as sadness. I was sad because my results did not manage bring her another pleasant surprise out of more than 390 PPRs she wrote on in one single day. I have faith in her words and believe that our hopes and dreams will transpire. /Later in the day, I showed it to my mum. I asked her if she was disappointed with my grades. She answered with a relaxed yet resounding no. She elaborated on it by saying that she has faith in me, she is convinced that I will get there eventually. Upon noticing my disenchantment, she read me a prose on confidence and substantial faith. After that, I went to the shower room and cried. The tears were no longer an expression of my frustration and disappointment, they were of gratitude. God, who am I and what did I do to deserve such beautiful nurturers and educators in my life?
Yesterday was the International Women's Day. Alumnae Dr. Lee and Ms. Nicole came to school to share their insights on eating disorder and the definition of beauty in a woman. Diana Ser, the senior whom I admire very very much, came to school too! Confident, humorous (not the off-putting sarcastic type, but the interestingly alluring self-depreciating and witty type), good looking, amazingly effectively bilingual (man, her diction for Mandarin is also perfect! Seriously, she can be a Chinese Broadcast Journalist too!), she certainly got the Wow Factor. To her, beauty consists of intelligence, sense of humor... and Nei (4) Han (2). This means depth, character and substance. The assembly serves a relief from the strain of never-ending school activities, homework and tests (had 32 big and small tests in term 1, more than 1/2 of what we did in Sec.3!) as well as reminding me the importance and splendor of a wholesome development.
This morning, the Sec. 4 cohort gathered in the Drama Studio for Term One result review. We did not do well at all. However, the most upsetting issue is not our under par academic performance. We faired worse in terms of attitude. While Mr. Wong was sharing certain incidents that reveal our lack of gratitude and humility, I was blinking back my tears (Oh, why do tears come so easily nowadays?!). He is obviously one of the most competent and sacrificial persons in the school, he deserves much more respect and appreciation than that! Mrs. Goh also spoke. Her words too, hit me right in the face. I was greatly impacted by her all consuming dedication and her absolute faith in us. The way she goes all out for her students is astonishing. She actually remembers more than 90% of the cohort's names with regards to our faces and most of our L1R5s. Who can be the best Vice principal when Mrs. Goh is one? The both of them, with all the teachers, have something in common- they have faith and believe in us. The Bible says without faith it is impossible to please God. This implies that God is pleased with those who have faith. When God is pleased, He will be for us. When God is for us, no one and nothing can be against us. At the end of it all, we will be in a place to glorify God with our all-round excellence!
"The failed attempts can be as much a part of the success process as the attempt that finally succeeds" --- Dr. Denis Waitley
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Saturday, March 10, 2007
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!
Gone was the year of the dog.
(She's Heaven Sent Brandy, the smallest dog in the world. Only 15.2 cm! )
(She's Heaven Sent Brandy, the smallest dog in the world. Only 15.2 cm! )
This is the year of the pig :D
Who says pigs are dumb and lazy? Studies have shown that they are 4th down the intelligence scale - human, primates, dolphines/whales and pigs, meaning they are smarter than dogs! They even broke the Guinness World Record!
(Kotetsu jumped 70cm in Mie, Japan on 22/8/2004)
(: Have a prosperous new year my dear friends, and let's remember the pun of the year : SOW!
Galatians 6:7!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Sunday, February 18, 2007
Thank you GOD, for enabling us to excel!
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Sunday, February 11, 2007
2006 is coming to an end. Finally, it is the transitive time to sit down quietly and reflect upon the passing year and look forward to the one approaching. The short span of 12 months has been, is, and will always be very meaningful to me. Overall, this has not been a year of realization of potential but of observation and introspection (especially during rainy days where thoughts came pouring down on me). This is a year where I begin to come into contact with the complexity and harsh reality of life (Matthew 10:16), and start to probe deeper into the convictions that I hold. These allow me to grasp a fuller understanding of God, of myself and of people.
Life can be very simple, but it is very complicated. The reason is because we Homo sapiens are convoluted beings. This innate characteristic, I believe, was originated from The Fall of Men. The consumption of the Forbidden Fruit, followed by the lost of innocence, requires people to gain the Knowledge of truth to replace ignorance (which leads to death) with wisdom (which leads to life). Gaining knowledge of truth is a long and testing way, people proceed at different mode and rate (or even directions!), and thus subjectivity is unavoidable. Subjectivity can leads to perspicacity (i.e. Acuteness of perception, discernment, or understanding) which gives rise to vibrancy and love, or to prejudice which gives rise to conflicts and hatred. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6) I thought by reading the Bible and selected books, going to church, and try my best to excel are sufficient to be on the right track, but alas no.
Firstly, I'm born into sin, which means my mind is blind and my heart, deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). How can I be sure that the meaning I deduce from the Scriptures is what God meant to be? Secondly, selected books are normally similar in temperament, and reading only a particular group of books and mixing with a fixed group of friends can lead to insularity. God certainly do not delight in narrow-mindedness or He won't tell us to find safety in multitude of counselors (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22, 24:6).But of course, this does not mean I have the license to mingle with all kinds of friends and read any type of books. (Isaiah 33:15-16) A curious though came to my mind just last month; I wanted to be an escape artist in the intellectual sense, meaning get myself exposed to wayward ideas but by "faith" escape from transgressions. By God's mercy and grace, I realized that was a typical self-deception because I'm a fool if I try to be overly wise (Ecclesiastes 7:16-18)(Romans 12:9). Lastly and most importantly, it is the passionate and faithful relationship with God that matters. An authentic relationship is good for the heart (Proverbs 4:23), I got to do my part.
It is a trustworthy saying: when God closes a door, He opens a window. And the window may well be the better way out (Isaiah 55:9)! PO may seem like a closed door, but a precious opportunity to be better equipped for works of righteousness come along with it. Assuredly I say that God is as good as His word (Hebrews 13:5).
These shall be my quotes for the year 2007:
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
and
Give it your best shot!
HAPPY 2007!!!
Labels: Reflection
Accelerate! on Sunday, December 31, 2006
((: MERRY CHRISTMAS to you!!!
I hope you are having a pleasant time in this festive season (: Personally, I have just experienced the most delightful, vivacious and, yet, disastrous Christmas Eve of my life. Okay, let me start from the start.
I woke up at 0840 this morning all dippy and fuzzy (nowadays I read in the seclusion of my bedroom from 10pm-2 to 4++am). Before coming to my senses and still in sleepwear, I began to chop Chinese dumpling fillings (1 huge Bai Cai, 1/2 juicy ginger, a handful of raw mushrooms, 2 stalks of top-grade Chinese onions that almost made me go blind, and a plateful of raw prawn) for the house party, while my grandparents went to get fresh pork. It took me more than an hour to accomplish the delegation (well, don't be too impressed with me, I sculpted my nails along the way).
In less than 2 hours time, I headed for Bugis MRT station, in black gown with a soupcon of silver (passed down from a older friend ~3 yrs ago), a pair of classic flip-flops with two 3D flower affixed("borrow" from mum w/o permission), a stylish bag (dug from the forsaken corner of mum's wardrobe) and a up-sized S.T Louis paper bag for the great exchange of Christmas presents. For someone who's accustomed and contented to be in jeans, sneakers, open-mouth carrier... the dress code: Glitz & Glamour, proved to be the source of disasters. I will come back to this later.
The Christmas Eve service at Parkview Square was a blast!
Though the sophistication and excitement of it all were highly striking, but I found the sacrifice behind the scene, the sincerity of our mother and father, brothers and sisters in Christ much more impressive and uplifting. Esmond, so consumed by his passion to share God's greatness and goodness, produced a masterpiece of a stop-motion animation through 4 sleepless nights; youths joined forces to invite friends, prayed day and night for salvation... the list goes on and on and on. Through these unseen yet substantial things, I came to a fuller understanding of God's unconditional love and grace.
After service, subsequent to Chanel and Ping's hairstyling session, the two of them, Ping Wei, Charmaine and I made our way to Marriot Hotel (oh I like the smell inside the building!) beside Tangs to claim the chocolate cake, which the 5 of us later devoured jointly in a circle beside the mini clover leave chain shop in Cineleisure (exquisitely dressed young ladies gulping down sinful food in a way comparable to hungry beggars, summoned stunned glances), and yet another 2 ginger man cookies. Then we went to take neoprints in formal dresses and that was where the first major disaster took place. The child in me was wholly brought to the fore, chuckling and climbing up and down in the machine, only to be abruptly intimidated by the deafening sound of my gown tearing at the rear seams. I thank God because he inspired the designer to sew the zip which runs way down, ending just below the derriere.. or else that tear would probably proceed right up to my waist!
Charmaine, Ping Wei and I had to be home for dinner. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were running short of time. While I was charging towards the Passenger Service counter at Somerset MRT station with my usual swift steps, my left foot went right through that flip-flop! It was like by a swish of the fairy godmother's wand and BOOM, congrats, your flip-flip has been meticulously transformed into a single line attached scuffs! (can you imagine how I walked after that?) Argh!! By then I was used to the early afternoon swarm looking at me as if I came from the Moon, but how was I supposed to adjust to the young night crowd's stare as if I came from Mars?
Furthermore, the huge paper bag, filled with materialized love and goodwill from loved ones, seemed to possess a life of its own, meticulously knocking into people's arms, thighs, etc It was like "caring a black wok" (cultured Chinese's inside joke ;X) ; I must apologize for its misconduct along the way (by the way it is black in colour!). Well, reckon I should count myself lucky that I did not run into other familiar friends other than 3 of my close neighbours, that the paper did not have a hole at its bottom and that my black pearl necklace did not scatter (that would be the last straw man, my tears would scatter along with the pearls).
So next time, if anyone holds a formal/fancy dressed party, don't be afraid or hesitant to count me in, for I have experienced the worst. Or perhaps the worst is yet to be...
Merry Christmas yet again, I hope you've been entertained. (:
I will blog one more long post to round up the year before I stop blogging for a while.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Sunday, December 24, 2006
Surreptitiously spent more than 4 hours last night with Anthony Stevens who introduced me Carl Gustav Jung through Jung: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press).
I think Carl Jung is such a great man; the way he compensated for his isolation in childhood, the integrity and valor of his character through his personal quest for individuation, his vast intellectual humility, the humane approach he used to treat his patients... shines brilliantly hitherto.
One example of the encyclopedic knowledge he had offered to the world is psychological types. Take this topology test and find out your personality type. I hope to know your score, so friend, tell me about it when you are done!
You wondering what is mine? Based on the qualitative analysis, I have an iNFj combination, and am allied to the counselor idealists.
Labels: Psychology, Quiz
Accelerate! on Monday, December 18, 2006
Dance training, which has made almost every SYF contemporary dancer sick (literarily), has ended with the DVD viewing of enchanting first-class performances and delightful muffins baked by Zhuang Lao Shi! Sharp contrasts they were; the flawless and splendid movements of the proficient dancers on DVD and our muddled and desperate gabble, as well as the sweet fragrance of raisin cum walnut and chocolate muffins as compared to the salted fish stench of our brine-drenched leotards (mine was so soaked after a flu attack that it created crime scene imprints when I lie down. So wringing wet that they could drown ants).
On the bright side, it was undeniably a determination fostering and stamina building process and inevitably, a happy ending. Now is the beginning of my official holiday yea!
Labels: Dance
Accelerate! on Thursday, December 14, 2006
The series of "Dreams, Visions & Imaginations" has come to an end. Then again, the journey towards the fulfillment of our dreams, vision and imaginations has just begun. This journey will only end the moment we depart this life. I have decided not to blog my profusion of dreams and visions, because I prefer to divulge them in my daily life, through my actions!
The past few days had been my self-initiated learning period, which has got very little, if not nothing, to do with the school syllabus. Completed the movie novel "Dae Jang Geum" (thanks, Nicole!), read about the lives and theories of Sigmund Freud, Burrhus Frederic Skinner, Carl Rogers and other philosophy, neurology, physiology and theology books. Although this period did not make up for the loss of not attending VBS!!! and 24, it certainly challenged my restricted knowledge, deepened my shallow understanding and triggered my hunger for more wisdom.
It is true that we are not forsaken when persecuted. The Heavenly Father nurtures His earthly children at all times. I will not turn from Your ways.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Labels: Knowledge, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, December 09, 2006
To a special friend:
I find it particularly difficult to write to you in words, because throughout the course of our amity, we communicate with each other predominantly through nonverbal expressions; we connect by simply being together.
The exchange of inquisitive perusals in the dance studio more than 2 years ago marked the beginning of our friendship. A vibrant one with teenage mischief as well as profound sentiments. Isn't it wonderful to grow and learn together and sometimes, from each other? I just realized that it is unnecessary for us to suffer from biting nostalgia, because good friends carry pieces of one other in themselves.
People who do not know you well might regard you as someone aloof and unattainable. However, I understand the spirit, the essential self, beneath your frosty appearance is brimming with vitality and affection. The times that we had dancing, swimming, roaming the Orchard Road, eating out, reading in Kinokuniya and Borders, sharing confidences....and some of the illegal things that we did will always be in the Fond Memory Department in my brain.
Yes, change is the only constant in life and life is about adapting. No matter what comes your way, protect and nurture the precious spirit of vitality and affection in you.
Vitality is the power to survive; it consists of courage and strength. Harsh environment and cruel facets of people might break your heart, but your heart is strong; it will never be beyond repair, nor will it turn as cold and hard as winter stone.
Affection is a disposition to feel for and love others. This also means that you are capable of trusting others and make them feel loved and cherished (you made me feel so). Be very wise and protect yourself from betrayal, but if you are betrayed, don't lose heart, don't give up. Because life is about adapting and adapting is about not giving up.
What is before you now is a new beginning. Do not squander it. Do you have any regrets in life up till now? Then do not contaminate this new chapter in life with the same mistakes. Do you wish that you could have done something more to improve your current state of living? Then start doing them now to enhance your future. I hope true happiness and success will be yours to have. Take care and Let's JIA YOU together!!!
Love & hugs
Zhuo'er
p.s. I crave the red bean soup you cooked. Work on you cooking skill for my grand arrival yea? Hahas
Labels: Sentiments
Accelerate! on Thursday, December 07, 2006
Hmm, the last time I blogged was a week before the end of extended lessons. Reckon that I have bred at least 2 generations of Aedes aegypti for the blogosphere (at least better than someone who has contributed 5 generations X/ ).
Praise the Lord, I have completed all my holiday homework despite intensive dance training, and stepped onto a spiral up towards high productivity! Just a few days ago, I read a book that says we tend to dread what we drag, so if we want to be merry, we got to hurry! (: I also caught this stanza when I surfed the net:
To rise at six, to dine at ten,
To sup at six, to sleep at ten,
Makes a man live for ten times ten.
(Inscription over the door of Victor Hugo's study)
So I followed "to sleep at ten" and the amazing thing is that when I turn in at 10:00pm, I will involuntarily wake up at 6:00am, fresh as lettuce. It's simply glorious to wake up early, especially during the holidays. Imaging cooking breakfast for the household when nobody is stirring, then sitting cross-legged on a comfortable chair with a bowl of steaming sesame oatmeal above your laps. You get to hear the opening songs of the birds, you get to breathe in the crispest air of the day, and you get to watch the great expanse being transformed from a mystifying violet into brilliant hues of orange and gold. Then you can spend some quality time with the Giver of all blessings and call your family members back from dreamland with the soothing melody of Worship songs...
Furthermore, when I retire early, I will dream of people and things that make me happy, e.g. my pastors and roots (: In those dreams, I always discover something good and new about them!
The past few days are also physically exacting. I cleaned 60 sides of dusty and rain-stained windows plus one bathroom mirror and one full-length studyroom mirror in less than 5 hours. The excruciating pain in my arm made me suspect that a bullet had went into my bones!
Dance trainings are getting increasingly rigorous and exhaustive with sprightly and high-speed (to the extent that 1/2 sec slow and you can never catch up again) movements that require us to twist and squad and pose and run and turn and kneel and kick and roll, etc. Now my body is brimming with lactic acid, my legs are badly bruised, but the worst of it all is that they are now very muscular. Perhaps by the end of SYF, I can compete in the female bodybuilding competition under the legs category.
Hahs, enough of crap.
Pastor How is preaching a series of sermons entitled "Dreams, Visions & Imaginations", a requisite reminder for God's youths who are confronted with cynicism and derision as we make our ways toward adulthood in this world. I will blog after the series. Till then!
Labels: Church, Dance, Happenings, Knowledge
Accelerate! on Saturday, November 25, 2006
Framed campaign advertisements at bus stops never fail to catch my attention.
Just this evening, this one pulled me and positioned me in front of itself. Filled with bewilderment and impelled by curiosity, my gaze brushed against the words searchingly. Guess what, it smiled! The campaign advertisement smiled with a twinkle in its eyes!! Why the twinkle? I pondered for a millisecond. The answer came with a sparkle in the brain; I grasped the cue. It is a masterpiece of campaign advertisement and thus, deserves to be read. To gratify its will, I read it aloud for the Elements to hear.
Ah, let the city of rat races and rush hours have more of these.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Tuesday, November 07, 2006
to Wilbert: Yupp, I think I should get a cbox like you did. Woot, CL and HCL, they are finished! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hahas, double happiness :D
to Carmen: (: All the best for O Levels! You can do better than in prelims!!
to niaorong: 'that Zhi Rong? Why the sudden change of name?! Hey, tell me your blog address!
to Esther: yo, what's your blog add man?
Those two days before today's Chinese O Level was interesting. Went to the most notable art exhibition in town at MICA on Saturday:
These are some of the works done by the artist, Mr Ren Jian Hui.
The teacher who opened the gate of art for me to enter.
His son, my mum, himself, my grandparents.
Old men (:
Old women (:
On Sunday, for the first time in my life, I called the police. Twice.
Labels: Art
Accelerate! on Monday, October 30, 2006
Got my copy of 蓓蕾 today and spent the rest of the afternoon reading in silence. At the start, I was captivated by the rhetoric of the writers. I flipped through the second half of the book, devouring almost every composition composed by the PRC scholars. Thoughts ran through my mind in the speed of lightning. "How can they (the compos) be so good? How can they (the writers) be so good?!..."
Occasionally, I slowed down my pace to savour some very extraordinary ones. It was then when I found a composition that has touched my soul.
I began reading it without any elevated expectation, for it did not look uniquely promising in the beginning. After reading a few lines, I felt a burning sensation in my heart, that sensation traveled upward to my throat and created a lump there, the lump broke off; some pungent substance evaporated from it and hit the tip of my nasal cavity. As I continued reading, tears began to pour. That sensation further exaggerated itself and I started to sob, louder and louder I became until I could not carry on reading any longer. I hid my head under my blankets and cried; even my body was shaken by that unknown force...
After more than seven years under the system of superficiality, monotony and conformity, my heart has became callous. As I cried in my bed this afternoon, I could almost hear my heart crack. That thick layer of ice that has wrapped my heart oh-so-firmly has been transformed into warm streams of tears.
My tears were shed not only for the meaning and beauty of that brilliantly-composed composition, but also for the PRC Scholar who had wrote it. I know she had penned it down by squeezing blood from her sweltering heart; in her boiling tears of longing, that composition (which is worth far beyond that of the silver crystals) is developed.
Thank you, for deepening my sensibility. Thank you for broadening my perspective. Thank you for sharpening my senses. And thank you, my friend, for inspiring me to write from the bottom of my heart.
Labels: Sentiments
Accelerate! on Thursday, October 26, 2006
to timo: Hahas, thank you! You jia you too!
to binghui: probably messed up by somebody, but I can still read your tag (: EOYs? sign, I "flunked" them :/
to nicole: really? (: I blogged with you in mind too.
to Charmaine: Hi! Come more often then!
to sihui: BOO you back!!
to anonymous: hi KS. The opposite of love is indifference. I was once in your position, dont forget.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
8. Transcendence
Spiritual needs for cosmic identification
7. Self-actualization
The need for fulfilled potential, for meaningful goals.
6. Esthetic
The need for order and beauty.
5. Cognitive
The need for knowledge, understanding and novelty.
4. Esteem
The need for confidence, sense of worth, competence, self-respect and respect for others.
3. Attachment
The need to belong, to affiliate, to love and be loved.
2. Safety
The need for security, comfort, tranquility, freedom from fear.
1. Biological
The need to breathe.
The need for water.
The need to regulate body temperature.
The need for sleep.
The need to eat.
The need to dispose of bodily wastes.
The need for sex.
(While several of these activities are important, some are not essential for survival.)
Maslow's theory generally requires that:
*Each individuals needs' must be satisfied at the lower levels before they progress to the higher, more complex levels.
*When low-level needs are satisfied, individuals are no longer motivated by them.
*As each level of needs is met, individual's progress to higher level motivators.
*The needs at the bottom of the hierarchy are more pressing, while those on top are less apparent and are only present in humans.
*All the needs are always present.
Labels: Psychology
Accelerate! on Saturday, October 21, 2006
Came across this prose while reading Experiences, a well-written, meaningful bilingual book (NLB B16347021B) and believe that typing parts of it out for the world to see will be beneficial:
A simple truth about happiness
I was not a particularly happy child, and like most teenagers, I reveled in my angst. One day, however, it occurred to me that I was taking the easy way out. Anyone could be unhappy; it takes no courage or effort. True challenge lay in struggling to be happy.
The notion that we have to work at happiness comes as news to may people. We assume it's a feeling that comes as a result of good things that just happened to us, things over which we have little or no control.
However, the opposite is true: happiness is largely under our control. It is a battle to be waged and not a feeling to be awaited.
One of the most significant conclusions I've drawn after spending years studying happiness is: there is little correlation between the circumstances of people's lives and how happy they are. A moment's reflection should make this obvious. We all know people who have had a relatively easy life yet are essentially unhappy. And we know people who have suffered a great deal but generally remain happy.
The first secret is gratitude. All happy people are grateful. Ungrateful people cannot be happy. We tend to think that being unhappy leads people to complain, but it's truer to say that complaining leads to people becoming unhappy.
The second secret is realizing that happiness is a by-product of something else. The most obvious sources are those pursuits that give our lives purpose. The more passions we have, the more happiness we're likely to experience.
Finally, the belief that something permanent transcends us and that our existence has some larger meaning can help us be happier. (Call upon the Name of Lord Jesus!)
If you choose to find the positive in virtually every situation, you will be blessed, and if you choose to find the awful, you will be cursed. As with happiness itself, this is largely your decision to make.
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Thursday, October 12, 2006
HORRAY! The end-of-year examinations are officially over!! Another chapter of life closed since that was the last EOY of my secondary school life, what follows will just be the graded assignments, common tests (had 58 this year), Preliminary exams and "O" Levels.
My textbooks must've been flattered to received so much attention; I caressed them in sickness (had a flu and diarrhoea!) and in health (speedily recovered by God's grace), ate with them in mind and even dreamt about them every night only except Saturday night (to be elaborated). Seriously, I do not want to go through that again.
I realized that English Literature, English Language and Biology are my favourite exam subjects (PE is my favourite subject. Really!) and I enjoy taking Mathematics papers the most.
Okay, back to the Saturday night's dream. After the Art Workshop with Pastor Adrineen, I had an amazing dream. In my dream, I espied a kaleidoscope of colours, contemplated textures and patterns of various forms and oil paint, like the magnificent, roaring ocean, tossed before my eyes. The dimension of my dream was sonorous with the sound of choir, gently and melodiously at first, and then it became louder, higher, more powerful, like the ring of opera... I have never heard music so forceful and awesome nor did I behold such a surrealistic but awesome sight.
An unforgettable experience.
Labels: Art, Examination, School
Accelerate! on Monday, October 09, 2006
Eight full hours spent in the House of God!
Love the Art Workshop with Pastor Adrineen Easton to bits. More than the conveyance of knowledge, transmission of skills, it was an impartation of spirit, a sensuous and fulfilling fellowship. I count it as a divine priviledge to be a part of it.
p.s. the presence of Koonyew, Sis. Wendy, Fedora etc. brought in the enchanting element of humour.
Chatted with Pastor Lia and Ying today too! In case you're wondering who they are, they are the ones who edified me in the Truth, whom I miss a lot. Through Pst. Lia, I received the boldness of faith, discernment and sheer determination. Ying pointed out the way of obedience and humility when pride in the forms of ignorance and skepticism was secretly surging in my blood. No woman is more beautiful than women of God.
This is the day the Lord has made, I am glad and rejoicing in it. (:
Accelerate! on Saturday, October 07, 2006
The confrontation of truth,
is not to be resisted,
is not to be shunned.
Do not shrink away from it.
Face it with courage,
Accept it with humility,
Embrace it with love.
With faith let it fossilize in you.
Like pouring salt over a gaping wound,
it hurts.
Like the sudden denudation of raiment,
it mortifies.
Yet, the truth and only the truth,
will set you free from
bondage and
shame.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Wednesday, September 27, 2006
In the midst of a much-needed nap, I was awakened by this song over Symphony 92.4FM. The glorious and soothing voice of the soprano, intricately woven into the beautiful melody, had captivated my heart and infused in my soul calmness and harmony.
Indeed my soul has been refined and now, life presents itself in a more poetic form than ever.
Who can deny the power of music? It is truly one of the most amazing works of God.
You Raised Me Up
When I am down, and oh my soul, so weary,
when troubles come and my heart burdened be.
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
until You come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong, when I am on Your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.
Instrumental Bridge
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong, when I am on Your shoulders.
You raise me up to more than I can be.
There is no life, no life without its hunger,
each restless heart beats so imperfectly.
But when You come and I am filled with wonder,
sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong, when I am on Your shoulders.
You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up, to more than I can be.
Labels: Song, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Friday, September 22, 2006
Self-esteem based on success= pride
Self-esteem based on failures= inferiority complex
Self-esteem based on self and others= insecurity
Self-esteem based on God= confidence, which is FAITH!
Yayness! (source: ssfever)
Today is a HAPPY day! :D I spent more than six hours with my roots! We played, mugged, praised and worshiped our Creator, received His Word, had dinner and gleefully fellowshiped (didnt know Shiwei is so humorous! More of his nonsense, Tiantian and my blood vessles and muscles in our cheeks might just burst and become tough from all the laughing.)
Times like this are truly precious, because the love, joy, peace and assurance of faith that bond us together are all genuine. Can't help smiling like a idiot on my way home. Surely God has made everything beautiful in its time. Life is great!
How blessed it is to have the LORD as our GOD! Without Him, life is devoid of purpose and meaning, engulfed in deception and doomed to eternal destruction.
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Saturday, September 16, 2006
Look at this article in today's Zaobao!
Woohooo! My alma mater is on the rise!
So cool.
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Monday, August 28, 2006
The Devil's "Beatitudes"
"Blessed" are thoses who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians.
-- They are my best workers.
"Blessed" are those who think they can live without God's Word.
-- I can tell them whatever I please.
"Blessed" are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked.
-- I can use them.
"Blessed" are the touchy who stop going to church.
-- They are my missionaries.
"Blessed" are the trouble makers.
-- They shall be called my children.
"Blessed" are the complainers.
-- I am all ears to them.
"Blessed" are those who are bored with the pastors' mannerisms and mistakes.
-- For they get nothing out of their sermons.
"Blessed" is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church.
-- For he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.
"Blessed" are those who gossip.
-- For they shall cause strife and divisions that please me.
"Blessed" are those are easily offended.
-- For they will soon get angry and quit.
"Blessed"are those who do not give their offering to carry on God's work.
-- For they are my helpers.
"Blessed" is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister.
-- For they shall be with me forever.
"Blessed" are you who, when you read this, think your're perfect and that this is about other people and not yourself.
-- I've got you too!
--- Author Unknown
This is no joke.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, August 27, 2006
Highlighted events of the most slacking week (before EOYs) in my secondary school career:
Watched Tuesday with Morrie on Tuesday,
To Kill a Mocking Bird on the morrow.
Attended the National Arts Education Award Ceremony on Thursday at NUS with Dance mates.
The performance by Dunman High Symphonic Band was close to perfection.
Dance performances gave us such a shock that our exclaims could be heard rows ahead.
Part of the Dance Fusion music was the same as our contemporary Fan Dance.
The Dancing Braids and our Distinctive Braid were identical!
When the ceremony was over, the enthusiastic group of PLMGS girls sang a Christian song about returning to the Father through Christ Jesus from where they were sitting. It seemed that the Holy Spirit has touched them and they sang beautifully (:
Took photos with Dr Lee Boon Yang, officers, principal and teachers in charge with some Dance mates.
The minister has a special smile. Lashes touching, mouth drawn out in a contented line, full of affirmation and hope, persisted for 5 seconds. I found it quite encouraging and smiled a smile of affection and appreciation in return.
The reception was good, full of students from various schools. Spotted a few primary schoolmates and had nice chats.
On the way back to school, I read Jane Eyre to Bi Xing, who eventually felt peacefully asleep on my shoulder. :D
Took my first Early Leave of the year today, went home and "freezed" in bed in an awkard position for more than 3 hours. Getting much better now, so don't worry.
Keep on meeting primary schoolmates this week, in school, out of school, on bus, at bus stop etc. Well, more is to come with SNGS half day on teachers day; more time to visit my alma mater to catch up with teachers and friends! Pray for harvest!!! :D
Labels: Dance, Happenings, School
Accelerate! on Friday, August 25, 2006
to QING: You came to SNGS today?! I missed you :(
to Chek Yeow: :D Hello Chek Yeow! All the best to you!
to Binghui: Whoa, your Chinese teacher so hip and nice :) My mum showed her students during Chinese period too, a pleasing way to de-stress XD
0_O! He's not mine in the least sense!!
Have been turning in later than usual nowadays due to the lack of tests as testless days signify a high times to READ!
Borrowed "People Watching the Desmond Morris guide to Body Language", "History" by John H. Arnold and "Nationalism" by Steven Grosby, both from the Oxford University Press of "A Very Short Introduction" series as well as "Political Science: A Primer" by Syed Serajul Islam and Abdul Rashid Moten! Also reading "From Third World to First : The Singapore Story: 1965-2000" by the highly respectable Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Hahs, never knew history and politics are so interesting!!
Knowledge as the seeds. Understanding as the sunlight, air, waters and nutrients.
Wisdom as the fruits and grains. A confused ground full of mud and stones shall be transformed into a golden harvest field...
People who eat of it shall be made full. The Name of the LORD shall be honoured and praised.
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Friday, August 18, 2006
I'm like a test tube which holds all kinds of chemical reactions today. Colour change, evaporation, freezing, effervescence, crystallization... You name it, I've experienced it.
Went to the Further Education Talk with Jie Yi in the morning. Good conversation, informative talk, and a relatively sumptuous spread of home-made tea by Parents@SNG!
Skipped the entire presentation on higher education in UK because too much time was taken by the local, US and Aussie counselors and despite that, I kept Nicole and her sister waiting for almost half an hour :'/ What a shame.
The three of us headed for NYGH, met up with Ding Jie and volunteered at the Inspire '06 Awards cum Appreciation ceremony. It was an unforgettable time. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan came! And DJ appointed me to receive the appreciation letter from him on behalf of SNGS!?! Minister Balakrishnan is my favourite among all the competent ministers in the Republic of Singapore ever since I gained exposure to politics on the local scene (Bing Hui, you know this well!). Receiving something from him was an unattended dream came true. He said something to me on stage which got to do with his wish for my success, currently unable to recall all his words probably because I was a little too preoccupied. That 20 seconds on stage seemed like eternity, especially that 6 second pose for photograph.
Why am I so fond of him? I guess it's because surrounded by the charisma, within the remarkable leadership ability, beneath the highly intelligent mind is a heart that values something else more than riches and honours.
I believe the reason for Singapore's immense success is due to the integrity and excellent service of such leaders.
Also, we the Christian community has not and will not cease to pray for the leaders of this nation.
Couldn't stay till the end to clear up with the coordinators, dashed off for Service!
We received a crucial and lasting lesson on The Power of Right Relationships in church, 4 Truths about right relationships and 4 types of negative relationships. Pastor, you have just fed us with something to be digested for a lifetime!
I shall seek to stop consciously and subconsciously initiating negative relationships, which still can be found since pride, selfishness and fear are not all gone yet.
God will open ways for His children to get into right relationships and defend us from negative ones!
*** Nicole, thank you for being a supportive friend, spending your time on such an unnecessary thing and even dragged your sister along (something you wasn't dying to do). You had shown yourself to be a friend indeed :DDD
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Sunday, August 13, 2006
Oh, I can't take it anymore. Ever since mum showed me this flash, its song and images have been stucked in my mind, winding over and over again in my head. Curious souls out there, please beware!
And did I mention? Mr. CHOO ROOCKS!!! Probably the most generous man I have ever encountered.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Thursday, August 10, 2006
Watched Lennart Nilsson's microphotography which chronicles the growth of a baby from embryo to newborn in NOVA Programs and cried. Although I do not believe that the birth of a child is life's greatest miracle (the greatest is the complete life of Jesus Christ, especially His virgin birth and resurrection), it is still the third (the second being human's confession of salvation. Romans 10:9-10).
Amazing and profoundly moving is the whole process, this microphotography is not to be missed. Before you begin, remember miracle is defined as a wonderful work done by the power of God. As for the sexual content, remember: Titus 1:15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.
Life's Greatest Miracle
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Wednesday, August 09, 2006
To anonymous: yea, that's right! :) Those were the days in milky white stockings and shiny blue leotard.
After hours of burning midnight oil for geographical definitions and factors such as "industrial agglomeration" and "globalization of manufacturing industries", I finally have the comfort to look into the definitions that make my heart to leap in joy and cause me to smile from ear to ear:
Concise Christian Dictionary of Spiritual Gifts
1 Cor 12:1 (Wey) It is important, brethren, that you should have clear knowledge on the subject of spiritual gifts.
* Administration is a gift that provides insight into other people's spiritual gifting as well as natural talent, which allows for placing people who want to minister in a particular way together with those who need just this ministry. These are "well connected" advisors in the body. [The Septuagint uses this same word in Prov 24:6 & 11:14.]
* Apostleship is the ability to communicate across cultural barriers and plant churches where there is no knowledge of the gospel. It is usually accompanied with a distinct calling and a miraculous lifestyle. In Greek (apostolos) "a sent one", or "a messenger", a Missionary.
* Compassion transcends both natural human sympathy and normal Christian concern, enabling one to sense in others a wide range of emotions and then provide a supportive ministry of caring and intercessory prayer. Also called the gift of Mercy.
* Discernment is the heightened ability to read or hear a teaching, to encounter a problem, or to consider a proposed course of action, and then determine whether the source behind the teaching, problem, or action is divine, merely human, or satanic. This will be a much needed gift near the End of the Age.
* Evangelism is a special ability to lead unconverted persons to a saving knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The person with this gift has the wisdom to know when, who, and how to call the rebellious into the Kingdom of God. Evangelists are the spiritual "obstetricians" in the church.
* Exhortation is the gift of being able to encourage others by well timed and wise counsel. This gift builds the Body of Christ by helping new, young and adolescent disciples to turn from sin and believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. Also called the gift of Counseling, or the gift of Encouragement.
* Faith as a gift is an extraordinary confidence in God that is unshakable by situations, pain, apparent failure, or ridicule. This gift strengthens the individual and other believers (by example) to endure persecution and wait upon the Lord.
* Giving empowers one in a sensitive way to detect material or financial needs and meet those needs with Spirit inspired generosity. Recipients of help from Christians with this gift have a clear sense that God has provided, not man.
* Healing is a "sign gift" which enables one to function as an instrument of God's healing grace in the lives of hurting people. The gifts of healings (double plural in the Greek text) include miraculous healing of the body, the mind, the emotions, and relationships.
* Helps enables one to assist people in skilled ways that are supernaturally enhanced by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The helped person has the impression that they have been touched by God. Those with this gift should be highly esteemed in the Body.
* Knowledge is an ability to remember Scripture or have it supernatural quickened, or to know a fact or truth about a person or situation revealed directly by the Holy Spirit--sometimes termed a word of knowledge.
* Leadership in the Greek is actually "he who provides leadership in giving aid". These go first and lead by example, so that others are motivated to follow. Those with the gift of leadership are quick to identify problems and show by doing how to minister to those in need. [1Cor 11:1.]
* Miracles is another "sign gift" where the gifted person is able to cast out demons, show a supernatural sign to unbelievers, or perform a public healing--even in a hostile and unsupportive situation--all to the glory of God. Those with this gift will be humble, broken people, full of the fear of God.
* Pastoring is the collective (plural in Greek) ministry of the Elders to "shepherd" an individual or community of Christian believers. This gift is a special passion and empowering to lead people into green pastures, steer others away from danger, fight off predators, and bind up wounds.
* Prophecy is speaking what God wants said with clarity, creativity, and power. It is also called the gift of Preaching. The primary ministry in this gift is not prediction, but in confronting people with the truth about God and man--with conviction and repentance as the result.
* Serving is a gift which expresses the love of Christ by taking care of lowly or time-consuming tasks to allow others to be more effective ministers. Similar to the gift of Helps, but here the work performed is menial rather than skilled. Those with this gift are the truest and highest leaders in the church, and ought to be recognized as such.
* Teaching is the ability to understand and communicate the Christian faith so as to make the truth clear to others. The result of this gift is the equipping and maturing of others in the body of Christ so that they will grow in grace and be more effective disciples.
* Tongues enable some Christians (1 Cor 12:30) to praise God either in another language not learned (Acts 2) or in ecstatic utterance which is not an earthly language (1 Cor 14). In either case, one's prayer is directed to God, not to other people (1 Cor 14:2).
* Interpretation of Tongues is required if speaking in tongues is exercised publicly in a loud voice. This gift allows one to declare to others the intent or meaning of the public ecstatic utterance, so that the entire Body is built up.
* Wisdom is special illumination that enables one in a specific instance to grasp divine insight regarding a fact, situation, or context. This gift is useful in directing the Body in what to do next; in making God's will known.
Source: http://www.acts17-11.com/dictionary_gifts.html
Ordo Salutis Latin the order of salvation which deals with the steps or stages in the salvation of a believer
Baseic definitions of many of the terms involved:
Foreknowledge: God's knowing (in this sense) prior to salvation those who would be saved.
Predestination: God's choosing before time all who would be saved.
Election: God's choosing of all who would be saved.
Regeneration: God's renewing of one's life (not physically - but as opposed to the spiritual death caused by sin).
Evangelism: The communication of the Gospel by which one can be saved.
Faith: Belief and trust in the message of the Gospel.
Conversion: One's turning to God based on the Gospel.
Perseverance: One's continued true belief - remaining in the state of salvation.
Repentance: One's turning from sin to God.
Justification: God's freeing of one form the penalty of sin - the pronouncement of "not guilty" on a sinner.
Sanctification: God's separation of one from the lure of sin.
Glorification: God's final removal of all sin from the life and presence of one (in the eternal state).
Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/ordo-salutis.html
(Italics mine, those words that jumped out at me.)
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, July 30, 2006
Communication is integral for any relationship, be it familial ties, a friendship, a business association, a working relationship, or a romantic partnership. Not only is communication important for the success of any relationship, but the lack of it can absolutely ruin a relationship. The repercussions of poor communication include feelings of betrayal, fast propagating distrust, misinterpretation of signals and events, accumulation of problems, willing self-isolation, and the deterioration of relationships. Communication is an excellent means by which all involved parties can work on ailing relationships.
-------Psychology Today
Labels: Psychology
Accelerate! on Thursday, July 27, 2006
Currently, there's something wrong with the Sound of Voices. When I try to reply to tags, ~dum, "a pop-up window was blocked" ):
To QING: Behind the scene was a complicated affair...
To chiwen: miss you too! Surely we're growing BIG, no longer that easy to spot one another during Services. Let's go out someday! Make sure we order lots of rice! XD
To gab: (: I have relinked!
To qing: ((:
Updates:
I declare 17 July as my personal Integrity Day, until someone is willing to celebrate it with me.
Asleep for 12 hours last night! First time in more than 5 years I think!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Thursday, July 20, 2006
Pastor Lia preached The Virtues of God from Genesis 32:24-31 today. God has been faithful, showing us the hidden treasures within His Words, guiding us deeper into the knowledge of truth through our beloved pastor. The message was so potent and inspiring that I had to purchase the CD. It's just not enough to listen to it once, and the message has got to be shared with loved ones.
I'm currently half way through A Heart Ablaze and have been immensely blessed, and challenged to step up in faith and to be more faithful.
Furthermore, Kelvin brought his book for me today!!! The Screwtape Letter by C.S. Lewis which Pst. Lia recommended during VBS 2005!
How marvelous it is to have the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of peace in Christ. I desire to
1) Possess a heart that is ablaze with true holiness.
2) Enter the Word of God in its full glory and splendor.
3) Know God intimately as I am known.
4) Bear mature fruits of the Spirit.
5) Make my Heavenly Father proud with all my thoughts and actions.
6) Possess knowledge, understanding and wisdom in abundance.
7) Be a channel of God's unlimited blessings, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically to others.
8) Be a woman of noble character.
9) Bear holy offspring that will multiply in the heavenly realm.
10) Lead people to the way of righteousness.
Humility and the fear of the Lord are what it takes to live a life that is an exhibit of the value of knowing YHVH.
Labels: Aspiration, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, July 16, 2006
Ignited moments of the week (:
1 July: *FIRE Conference!!! *SNG open house. *RGS elds production!
* Eating toast and bun, inhaling the fresh morning air, admiring the sky and coconut tree and conversing with Winifred at the bus stop opposite Singapore Indoor stadium.
Singing I Will Boast (Paul Baloche)!
Hearing the power-packed message!!
Laying of Reinhard Bonnke's hand!!!
*The Distinctive Braid, last performance in the Dance Studio.
* Rediscovering some pertinent life issues in the drama, After Maths with Nicole!
Reading outstanding English essays, looking at the Raffles Tree, ingesting the healthy hazelnut ice-cream and smelling the daisies outside the RGS KS Chee Theatre.
More than 16 hours out of house.
2 July: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SUNDAY!!!
Hong Wei(: Charmaine(: Wilbert(: Zhi Rong(: Ping Wei(: Auntie Han(:
20-hours-per-week Study Rule commitment.
3 July: Down with exploded fire eye (according to Chinese physicians), which does not look as cool as it sounds. I appeared to be involved in a cat fight where someone punched me right in the eye. Couldn't make it to Zone C Sentosa outing. Argh!
4-7 July: Laboring joyously and intensely in the field with the companionship of God.
8 July: *Ang Mo Kio Study session with Nicole. * Soulful talk with Charmaine (:
*Blessed with free delicious meals, refreshing drinks and yummy snacks!
Playing English chess for the first time, the chess set in Nicole's house is made of dark, fragrant wood!
BOOKS!! Borrowed Dr Low Guat Tin's Breezing Through Exams from Nicole out of tones of good books available on the shelves.
* Let Your love, joy and peace fill our hearts and overflow into multitued of souls!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Saturday, July 08, 2006
This entry marks the end of the most enriching and refreshing June holiday of my life.
The first week was mainly spent in the laboratory in the Singapore Science centre, where we observed the marvels of DNA through lectures, videos, games and hands-on experiments (DNA fingerprinting!). God's precision is amazing; a mere wrong letter in the DNA will lead to the catastrophic and very rare disease, Tay-Sachs. I have linked the NOVA programs from PBS; do take a look at the videos under "Code of life" if you're interested. (:
Another refreshing week was in Indonesia followed by a week of homework tackling and assignments dealing.
Then came the best part: Job Attachment! I was attached to the Housekeeping department; the most hardworking, hilarious and happening place in Fraser Serviced Residence! These four days has been such an eye-opening experience, something that can't be captured by words. Fraser certainly has the esprit de corps! If you are looking for a serviced residence, Fraser is the sure way to go.
Fraser. Where you are more than just a guest.
Front office.
That glorious place.
Outdoor cafe.
In addition to free breakfasts and lunches was the never-ending amount of snacks available daily, from those who strike 4D, whose daughter is getting married, whose grandson reached full moon etc.
My place of interest in the staff cafeteria. Frothy Mocha!
Before.
After! (:
A whole lamb from New Zealand for Residence Night.
Residence Night!
Farrah, the lovely who liked to hug my legs and doing Hi-5s, Low-5s and back-5s. Supplied me with Aussie chocolates (:
Presenting to you the most adorable babe in the Suite: Alice!
A place of fond memories. <3
Some gifts from the staffs, housekeepers and residence. ((:
God has been faithful. When a decision is made to give your best in all things you are entrusted to do as if it is for God, He will bless it and make it prosper and the managers will be impressed. (:
I have really learned a lot a lot from the 4 days in Fraser. From the system of hospitality industry right down to how to handle a mop and vacuum cleaner with ease and grace (now housework seems to be a piece of cake (X ). I'm grateful that SNGS gave me this exceptional exposure to the business world. I'm also indebted to all the staffs in Fraser, who guided me with thumbs-up attitude. And man, it feels good to be in business wear and walk along Orchard Road early in the morning and late in the evening!
To all my juniors out there, DON'T give job attachment a miss!
***
VCDs watched:
E.T,
The Legend of 1900
The Chair (Chinese)
No One to be Missed. (Chinese)
Breakfast at Tiffany
Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn!)
Books read:
The Art of Thinking
The Alchemy of Voice (cover to cover)
Aroma science: the chemistry and bioactivity of essential oil
Simplicity
Conversation (cover to cover)
The alchemy of voice
A book of courtesy (cover to cover)
A Heart Ablaze
Singapore Tatler (at Fraser)
School term has started! The grey matter between my ears is rejoicing.
God, help me as I strive to bear bountiful fruits that speak of your grace and glory!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Monday, June 26, 2006
I highly recommend this book to all my sisters in Christ.
It is a gift from our Father God, through Sister Mary Mercedes O.P, to all His daughters, to help us flourish as "spiritually strong, well-educated and gracious women" in the society. Every sentence in it is full of wisdom.
Sister Mercedes reminds me of Proverbs 31: 26 (:
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Thursday, June 22, 2006
It is such a blessing to have Charleston as my leader. With so many matters in his mind, so many burdens on his shoulders and so many things at hand, he remembered to bring John Bevere's A Heart Ablaze for me, a follow-up of Dream to Destination Sunday, a very timely book. I'm ministered by his action, as it dawned on me that the core of a good memory is a heart that cares and loves. I want to have a heart like that.
Dream to Destination Sunday, as Amy Carmichael put it, has led me to "settle some things with Him". Time is running out. Lord, teach me to use it with heavenly wisdom.
The rewards of God are not based on human achievements or financial success. They are given, instead, to those who "settle some things with Him" and commit themselves to Christ through a life of obedience and selfless devotion.
-- In Touch Ministries
So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.- Psalm 90:12
Labels: Church, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, June 18, 2006
Something yummilicious and funky happening this Friday!
Starting point:
Heart of God Church Office/Youth Center:
182 Clemenceau Avenue
#06-00 FTMS House
Singapore 239923
Location (:
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Thursday, June 15, 2006
I'm in Raffles Junior College by and with the power of God!
Labels: Aspiration, School
Accelerate! on Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Our home (:
SANCTUARY
When my world was in darkness
You spoke Your Word
Night turned into day
Your beauty filled this place
When my world stood in silence
You filled my heart
With songs that never end
Forever I will praise
To think that the universe
Could not withhold your glory
You choose to live in me
I'm so amazed
(And) I worship you lord
My life in You restored
Here is my heart
Make it your sanctuary
For nobody else
But Jesus only (You)
YOU are faithful and true
Glorious Lord
All my life it is you I adore
You've touched my soul
Completed my world I surrender to you
* * *
God, I cling on to you for my life. In You my life is restored and You are the One who fills me with a brand new hope.
This is the bestestest Sunday! Combined service was allpowerful. Surely God has fine-tuned many hearts and moved mightly within many souls, that we may seek Him with all our beings and be satistifed to awake in Christ's likeness.
Revelations! Dreams! Visons!
For the first time in months, I was able to stay for dinner with my roots!!! Almost everyone in C4 stayed together, including... Charleston!(: We had a hearty meal at Bugis Junction before zipping around Bugis Street and everywhere we went, there was HoGcers!:D Coincidentally, I saw Stella and Yu Zhen on the bus to Parkview, on the bus back to my house and more than three times in between, at differen venues!
Someday, by the favour of God, we are gonna be so BIG and and mighty that we are going to see our roots anywhere in Singapore everytime we go out and be uplifted and encouraged.
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Sunday, June 11, 2006
I'm back from Indonesia!
Thank you, for your prayers. I cherish your act of faith in God and care and compassion for me. (: Besides a minor road accident in Surabaya and respiratory tract infection (NOT H5N1), all is well. God's blessing is abundant.
Surabaya was our first and final destination in Indonesia; where we had a memorable time with my auntie's family who treated us with warm hospitality. If you are going Surabaya, drop by the Kepiting Kenari Restaurant and do not miss the soup and fried rice which contain an Extra Munificent dose of crab meat and roe.
In Bali, every physical sense of mine was rejuvenated in the authentic, artistic and soothing ambience. In "the Island of the gods", every pore was immersed in a harmony with nature. The heavenly melodies hummed by Birds of Paradise, the rustling of leaves in forests when a sweet-scented wind took flight, the texture of moss on stone carvings, of fine sand on Jimbaran Beach at dusk, of cerulean seawater running through the toes, the savor of traditional Indonesian food, they are all unforgettable experiences.
The sight that will remain etched in my mind for a long time will be the deep sense of gentleness and humbleness in the face of the women, the sun-drenched, mesmerizing eyes of men and the perpetual innocence and curiosity on the face of the toddlers.
Danau Batur.
Bali's most exotic lake.
Jati Luwih.
Ulun Danu Bedugul.
Uluwatu.
Southwest Bali.
Nikko Bali Resort & Spa.
Mother and child.
The short span of 6 days is painfully ironical to the unhurried atmosphere in Indonesia, but I'm glad to be back in Singapore to grow in Faith and to see the lovely faces of my roots! I love it when Pastors preach straight from verses in the Bible because by doing so, verses are ignited within our souls and wherever we are, when we read those verses, we will feel at home (:
FIFA WORLD CUP tonight, Combined Service the day after tomorrow!!!!!!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Friday, June 09, 2006
Hello! I'm at Changi Airport!!!
Going to Indonesia in a few minutes time, will be back on 8 June. (:
Please include me in you prayers.
Good bye. Miss you~
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Saturday, June 03, 2006
This is going to be an enriching and refreshing holiday! I believe.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Help me, dear Lord, to be honest and true
In all that I say and all that I do;
Give me the courage to do what is right,
and bring to the world a glimpse of Your Light
--- Fasick
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, May 29, 2006
SYSF is over. Thoroughly enjoyed these three days in SAJC, among all the brainy exhibitions put up by students from various schools in Singapore. Many of the projects, especially those from the Raffles and Anglo-Chinese families, are so high-brow that they made my eyes cross! This generation is impressively intelligent!
I had a lot of fun pretending to be one of the Saints, shopping at POPULAR and studying in school library during my self-declared breaks ( btw, The Joy of Stress by Dr. Peter Hanson and Longman imprint book, A Roald Dahl Selection are pretty cool! ).
Today is the best day among all the three days. I had the chance to witness all my teammates transform the exhibition lab into a gambling den along with the ACS boys, had the opportunity to interact with a few guys from ACS, ACJC and NJC and laughed till my stomach hurts. Oh, let this be a step closer to taking the schools!!!
Something I must say here: Mr Choo rocks our socks off! It's by his ardent support, timely encouragement, total dedication as our mentor that we have come this far. And how he is saying that he owns us a meal at a "nevermind if it's posh" restaurant.
Hey there, here is something you would like to see (:
CLICK!
And... the best is yet to be! Tomorrow is RED RAIN!!!!!!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Friday, May 26, 2006
AAaaHHhh!!! Red Rain concert is just a mere week away!
I'm highly excited!
It's so gonna be a vibrant juncture.
Look what I've got from the fantastic Zone E3 blog:
RED RAIN in Pg 109 & 133, 8 DAYS! (Zoe Tay's abs issue)
and i Zhou Kan!
RED RAIN in Teenage Magazine, Pg 13!!!
Red Rain, Red Rain, it's everywhere!!
Hey, what are you waiting for? Contact me now to get your complimentry tickets!
Btw, I got this new mobile at $0. Quick dial list wasn't lost, and my number is still the same. What a good blessing! (:
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Saturday, May 20, 2006
The most preeminent obituary I've ever seen:
Low Wee Lin Rosalind
Age:52
Farewell To Our Resilient Rose
The world sees the coming and going of countless souls in a moment.
One such moment took a particularly beautiful one from our side.
She was infinitely gracious, a benign presence in our lives.
As a filial daughter, a dutiful wife, a doting mother, a supportive sister and a rare friend.
She lived the simple life
But was extravagant with her kindness to others.
Big of heart, she did her good deeds quietly.
She was afterall a self-effacing, reticent woman.
Rosalind, our dearest sister, you will be profoundly missed.
Taken from TODAY May 12, 2006
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Friday, May 12, 2006
Something eerie occurred in the school hall during Dance. It is times like this that make me realize Jesus Christ is the Only Name to call upon.
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Announcement
Zhuo'er's first mobile phone has died. Like Dale Carnegie, she saved all contact numbers in quick dial and not in her mind. A new mobile will come only in a week's time. Time will be taken to restore friends' numbers and to make her new number known to them. As a result, she will be highly inaccessible for a period of time. Sorry for the inconvenience caused!
Before going, here is something fantabulous from XIN's blog!
Isn't it great? Red Rain on Pg 51 of 8DAYS!
Come on, you know the details, don't hesitate to join us!! XD
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Sunday, May 07, 2006
Woohooo! Red Rain is coming!!!
This real rocking experience will take place right before the June Holidays!!
Man, there's no better way to start our holiday!!
Interested? Contact me!
Email: zhuoer_hogc@yahoo.com.sg MSN: jiliana18@hotmail.com
Mobile: ahem, if you know me.
Or simply tag on that Sound of Voices!
You are exclusively invited for free and stand a chance to win an iPod Nano!!!
You are going to love this~
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Prosperity with a Purpose series is powerful! My church-mouse mentality has been banished. Now, I must say that no one deliberately put that mindset in my psyche; it is simply due to my ignorance of God's sovereign design. I love Heart of God church.
In HoGc, we never shun sensitive issues like self-esteem, money, sex et cetera. By God's grace, the Holy Spirit revealed to Pastors how crucial it is to address these sensitive yet pressing issues. He enabled Pastors to understand that the absence of God is Evil, just as the absence of light is darkness. The Love, Power and Wise Discretion of God MUST come into these areas to demonstrate God's good intentions, to beak misconceptions, to guide us in the way everlasting. By His unfailing love and faithfulness, we will not abuse our entrusted rights through unawareness; we will not be stripped off of our joy. We, His beloved children, are free.
How awesome it is to be planted in His House!
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Go meet the truth.
It's always there, waiting for you.
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Monday, May 01, 2006
If I were given a chance to possess one quality, just one, I would choose trustworthiness. Trust is of Faith, of Hope and of Love. It is so very precious, more precious than the all the riches of this world combined. In trust, there are fortitude, loyalty, purity, integrity, patience, peace, joy...
God is perfect. The perfect One to be trusted at all times and in all things.
James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
I shall trust Him to make me trustworthy.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Thursday, April 27, 2006
Father God blessed me with a very passionate and erudite Mathematics tutor. He earnestly expressed,
"In Maths, if don't know the formula, die for sure.
Only know the formula, half dead.
With formulas, you can only cope.
With concept, you can create.
You must uphold concept."
"Our mind is full of confusion and ignorance.
Learning is to straighten entangled thoughts and fill ignorance with sound knowledge."
Surely our Heavenly Father cares about His little ones on earth. Raising us up for His heart and mind according to His perfect plan.
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Monday, April 24, 2006
I'm so astounded by the love and bigheartedness of my juniors!
Lynette: Thank you for that beautifully wrapped shell and the bracelet and for the big star you have fold! You are so xi xin! Unbelievably nice (:
Hazel: Very touched to receive your 84 hand-made stars. You have been a wonderful junior and sister in the 84 days and will be in the days to come!
Gloria: Thank you for that diary, you rock man! I've never seen such a jazzy diary before, with photo slots, gazed surface for neoprints and pages for writing! Shine in O level drama in 4 years time with your pals in our pioneer batch.
God, lavish your blessings without trouble on all my sec one juniors. Gather together those who call you as their God (which is more than half of them, praise You) and draw them nearer to You. Please redeem those who do not yet experience your love, gather them quickly in the shadow of your protecting wings through Christ our Lord!
Thank you Pst. How and Pst. Lia for the lovely card. You have watered us with TLC. Thank you for building us up in times of Crisis. Pst. Lia's handwriting is beautiful. Zi(4)ru(2)qi(2)ren(2) (:
Labels: Dance
Accelerate! on Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Easter Sunday was so amazing. We were found in the adoring presences of the Almighty God, worshipping and drawing near to Him in one accord. He filled our wondering eyes with marvelous things, and our ears with resonance of faith. Indeed, we are in the House of miracles, where people come into God's love. An awesome place where His glory dwells.
Hao Ping: Thank you for staying back to celebrate my birthday despite having tuition at 7pm. Glad that God has touched your heart during service.
Ping Wei: Thank you for your card and nice Chinese knot bracelet (:
All who wrote in the Card, namely (left to right, up to down order), Hwee Yee! Winifred! Clovie! Ruoen e cool! Huitian! RU! Charleston!! Si Hui! The hwachong trio: Shi Wei! Jianrui! Mingyang! Shan Shan! Koon Yew!o_0 Qing! JiaYan! Love you all my dearest teammates and soulmates. We are going to so much for Christ Jesus in this generation by His power, love and wise discretion!!!
Thank you Wini' and Si Hui for that ice-cream "cake", which enlarged my gut, the nice bookmark and wonderful bracelet you chose. Plus Ying, Jonathan Chua and Richard for singing so loudly in KFC.
Charmaine: Thank you so much for the lovely card you gave, especially the words that came from your heart. I really really like the star and bell bracelet you gave (: <3
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Monday, April 17, 2006
Thank you, my dearest friends, classmates and juniors for that heartwarming birthday!
11/4/2006. My wonderful juniors!
Hazel: Hahas, thanks for counting down to 12/4 every few minutes during Dance. You looked really cute with your big eyes glued to your watch.
Alvona: Your jolly eyes and that I-have-a-sweet-in my-mouth smile brightened up the day!
Gloria: Thank you for that mature gesture of handshake. You are the first who wished me a Happy early Birthday!
Lynn: It was really funny to see you looking so surprised when you realized you haven’t bake your cookies.
Shu Xiang: Thank you for your sincere wish!
Lynette: The cookies you shared was very nice (:
The rest who looked especially happy, I appreciate your company. It's great to have you as juniors (:
12/4/06. Friends!
Qing Xiang: Thank you for that entertaining midnight sms and for tagging. :D
Charmaine: Thank you for taking time out of your Biology mugging session and sms me a little past midnight.
Mom wished me Happy Birthday in the early morning while preparing breakfast (:
Hazel: The morning sms you sent was very nice (:
Bi Xing: You shocked me with your gift. Lace brief!! Only you can think of that!!! Anyway, thanks for that classic card. X)
Jolyn and Nicole: You guys rocked my day with the fruit cake and tiramisu cake! Thank you for your lovely lovely cards also. Thank you Jolyn for lighting up a candle and singing a birthday song after school that day! Yes, Nicole, I like the card very much
Rachel, Lisa, Jac and Alicia: Thank you for your Happy Birthday notes!
Yong Zhen, Gloria and Bing Hui: You guys remembered my birthday! Thank you so much for messaging!
Mrs Tan gave me a School Bar from her pencil case when she discovered it was my birthday! (:
12/4/2006. My wonderful juniors again!
Vanessa: Your present is exceedingly beautiful. Thank you for your encouragement in the Holy Spirit. Yes, we will grow closer to God spiritually and walk beside him all the days of our lives! You amazed me with your depth of understanding and wisdom.
Shu Xiang: Thank you for the blue mobile phone chain. It's a bear not a monkey! Hahas Have a meaningful Easter Sunday.
Lynn: Thank you for the frizzy hair girl chain and your letter. Your Cloudy and Brainy theory is very amusing. Thank you for saying that I'm always shining brightly in the night sky like a star, I'm very much encouraged.
Felicia: Thank you for showing me your Carmen!
Father, bless all these precious souls. May all the people I come in touch with be blessed according to your boundless glory and grace in Christ Jesus.
Labels: Dance
Accelerate! on Friday, April 14, 2006
This has been a record breaking week:
1. Being in a girls'school makes me less alert, walked into the Gents' toilet in AJC!
2. Drank 2.2 litres of water in a day to steer clear of a MC!(ended up with a husky voice instead)
3. Two projects in HCI.
4. Two project presentations in a day.
5. Killed a baby cockroach with bare hand!
6. 2 hours conference on msn.
7. Painfully falling out of Q2 for the first time this year. (will be back on track real soon!)
8. Finally one friend kept her promise and came to church. (:
SYSF at AJC with our affectionate Dr Sarasa
Philosophy that blown me away:
Live with Passion
Lead with Compassion
4pm, 3 girls, 2 visible clocks, 1 logo.
Pillars.
SNGS, a school of beauty and greenery.
SCHOOLS! NATIONS!! GENERATIONS!!!
Labels: Happenings, Photograph, School
Accelerate! on Sunday, April 09, 2006
The beginning of this new month marks the start of the journey through the Old Testament for us!
1. Go to the Blue Letter Bible
2. Click on the STUDY TOOLS in the forth position on our left hand side or simply use Go to Bible - Access Commentaries and Study Tools.
3. Click on the Books of the Bible under Charts and Outlines and we will see all the Books. (option 1)
4. Click on a Book to read. (option 1)
5. Activating the Listen to Bible button will enable us to hear from a proficient reader.
6. The blue music-note-buttons beside some verses contain hymn/maps/images...
I wondered how to complete the BRP and sought for Help. This is the answer I've got (:
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, April 02, 2006
I held a chalk and it waltzed on the classroom blackboard:
Friday is full of promises,
Friday is full of joy.
Friday, it is a day of birth,
To an endless mirth.
There was a curious lightness in my heart this afternoon. Why? I had 7 sets of homework to complete over the weekends and 5 projects to accomplish. The sky was dark with rain but brilliance and warmth seemed to surround me.
God is love, I'm mesmerized by Your love. Love must flow
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Friday, March 31, 2006
Did a little research on IJ schools in Singapore for the newsletter and found these:
CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh)'s Vision
Every child who leaves CHIJ Secondary:
will be equipped to continue her education beyond secondary level
will be confident, competent, compassionate and ready to serve society
In her hand will be her "O" Level Certificate
In her heart will be the capacity to love till it hurts
In her limbs will be strength and vigour
In her mind will be sharpness and power of choice
In her soul will be an ongoing thirst for perfection
Strategic Thrust
Connects:
Developing people who connect with
God, self and others
Nuturing effective communicators.
Ventures:
Developing people with passion and drive.
able to see possibilities and seize opportunities
Leads:
Nuturing leaders for others
Providing a stimulating environment for academic excellence.
CHIJ St. Joseph Convent's Vision
Women of Integrity:
Integrity is purity in thought, motivation, intention,
attitude, speech and action.
Integrity will always take the way of humility,
Seeing it not as a weakness but a strength.
Integrity will protect rather than undermine.
Integrity will support rather than undermine.
Integrity will unite rather than divide.
Integrity does not seek only its own good but also the good of others.
Integrity is selfless not selfish.
Integrity cares more about an honest reputation than
for the furtherance of its own cause.
~Author unknown~
Mission
We aspire to nurture the total development of our students so that they become God-fearing and discerning women of integrity, possessing a strong sense of
Truth, Justice, Freedom and Love.
CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School's Values
Roots: Gratitude and Humility
Sisterly Love
Dignity for All
Wings: Lead and Serve
Create and Celebrate
Learn from Life
CHIJ St. Theresa's Convent (Portrait of a Theresian)
Her Personal Qualities, Values & Attitudes
• Works at deepening her faith
• Displays the 5Cs ( Compassion, Competence, Courage, Conscience, Commitment)
• Exhibits and believes in lifelong learning
• Accepts responsibility for her actions
• Perseveres and is resilient in the face of disappointment and adversity
• Possesses self-confidence and a passion for life
She will have the Basics for the 21st Century
• Acquires a sound foundation in the academic area
• Exhibits high levels of performance and achievements on a variety of assessments
• Appreciates the fine arts
• Excels in her co-curricular activities
• Exhibits a healthy lifestyle
• Sets high aspirations and nurtures them
She will possess Problem Solving and Creative Thinking Skills
• Thinks critically, analytically and is able to generate new ideas
• Uses effective learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge
• Reasons logically, sees connections & implications
• Able to anticipate and plan for the future
• Has good problem solving skills and strategies
• Communicates effectively
She will have effective Interpersonal & Collaborative Skills
• Contributes actively and effectively in teams
• Uses conflict resolution strategies
• Able to draw the best out of team members
• Respects different points of view and collaborates with others from diverse backgrounds
She will have Sound Information Technology Skills
• Ethical and discerning in use of technology
• Integrates technology to acquire knowledge and advance learning
• Selects appropriate tools to accomplish tasks
• Has good knowledge of using information systems in personal, academic and professional contexts
<3 !
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Proverbs 27:18
Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, March 25, 2006
Jesus, You are my first love!
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, March 20, 2006
I thank you God, for friends in life. Those who are benign as well as those who are obnoxious. The kind ones are sources of solace and encouragement from you. But many times, it is the unpleasant ones who challenge me to outgrow the original dimension of my heart.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Friday, March 17, 2006
The kingdom of God is within you!
What Bible verse is your life's theme song?
brought to you by Quizilla
Labels: Quiz, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, March 13, 2006
Stable! Strong! Solid!
I'm so glad to be back
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Sunday, March 12, 2006
After 12 hours of Fiesta, Term 1 irrevocably came to an end. It was good. Thanks be to all my subject teachers and a few other Mathematics teachers for dedicated academic guidance, all my classmates and friends for warmth and laughter, Pastors and Leaders who fought with me in Spirit and principally God who opened my mind and considered me worthy, raising me for His name's sake!
Hope of a better age
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Saturday, March 11, 2006
Psalm 91
Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation."
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, March 05, 2006
Miracles are all around. (:
God's signature, beautiful it is!
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, February 19, 2006
A mixture of emotions filled the hall this afternoon. Mrs Goh's encouragement to a loved one drew out hot tears from my heart. I have not seen someone so beautiful for a long time...
The last two years of secondary school career is not to be taken lightly. I do not wish to be in the position to shed tears of fear and regret two years down the road.
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Friday, February 10, 2006
The most prized and complicated physical organ, the brain, is one of the greatest mysteries to mankind throughout the centuries. The mind is more than mere physical brain; it is the brain at work in consciousness.
Satan is out to destroy men's minds so that we will not be able to accomplish our purpose in this world. Pornographic movies and prints trigger minds to treat sex as an animalistic activity. Dwelling upon them would destroy a man's dignity and self-image for we become what we dwell upon.
Oriental mysticism such as Zen Buddhism is also a scheme of the evil one. Zen causes man to experience self-induced insanity through irrational meditation and abstinence thus destroy our God-given capacity for reason. The Holy Spirit causes our minds to be renewed and rational powers to be sanctified so that we might understand God's will for our lives and His glorious creation that He has meant for us to enjoy. Truth cannot be denied.
Our minds are particularly precious and God is very concerned with what we are thinking. He gave us two important verses as instruction (:
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit in The Forth Dimension Vol.2 by Dr. Cho ((:
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, February 05, 2006
Once upon a time, there was a little lamb. Blind, lost, wretched. It kicks about in its blood until the shepherd found it. The shepherd was full of compassion and his heart went out for the little lamb. "Oh, come, little lamb, let me take care of you," said the shepherd with tears in his eyes.
With strong arms, the shepherd hold the little lamb close to his bosom and carried it back to his house. He fed the little lamb with a bowl of pure milk and washed it thorougly. The little lamb, for the first time in its wounded life, had its fill and was made clean. It was satisfied and rested assured in the shepherd's love.
A few days later, the shepherd led the little lamb to the pasture where a multitude of sheep were feeding and grazing. The little lamb, who could see a little by then because of the shepherd's skillful hands, was amazed to see such a strong and beautiful flock of sheep, it hardly believed its little eyes. "Go, my dear. Join your brothers and sisters," the shepherd smiled with his eyes.
The little sheep inched forward, but was too shy to move another step for it was afraid that the strong and beautiful sheep would look down on it. Just then, a ram came to the little sheep. "Come, I will show you marvelous things in this glorious pasture," the ram beckoned. The little sheep was thrilled, it kept still for a moment for it was too thrilled to respond. The next second, it bounced behind the ram and went crazy with unexplainable joy.
The sheep gathered around the little lamb, introducing themselves and each other to the little lamb with great enthusiasm. The little lamb was so moved by their friendliness that it found tears of gladness forming in its eyes. The brothers and sisters took good care of it, bringing it to lovely places, giving it the best portion of juicy grass, sharing with it captivating stories...
Life became exceedingly abundant for the little lamb. The shepherd, who is strong and mighty, led his flock through many places. The little lamb, with its brothers and sisters went through the Wilderness, the Valley of Baca, lands following with milk and honey, the Valley of the shadow of Death... The shepherd even set some on eagles' wings!
The little lamb grew and grew and grew until it had grown into an admirably strong and beautiful sheep. Its heart was filled with humility, reverence, gratefulness and love towards the shepherd who had lifted it from shame and provided it exceedingly, abundantly above all that it asked or imagined. Its heart was sensitive and attentive towards the little lambs for they reminded it of its humble childhood.
The day came. The shepherd set it apart and led it to the altar of sacrifice. The strong and beautiful sheep knew the purpose of its beloved shepherd. He made the strong and beautiful sheep a living sacrifice not because he did not love it but because he loved it so much that he wanted it to have life more abundant and life everlasting and also because he valued his blood, allowing it to flow on that sacred place.
The fire came and set the strong and beautiful sheep ablaze. The strong and beautiful sheep never burnt out to be reduced to a heap of ashes. The strong and beautiful sheep burnt on for the glory of its shepherd as the fire on that altar never run off.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Simplicity and Sincerity
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, January 22, 2006
To all my friends, I found a fantastic, academic and intellectual website!
http://www.school-for-champions.com/
Go for a ride.
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Wednesday, January 18, 2006
This is a website you got to visit! I took it from Ivan's blog.
http://members.aol.com/godreasons/BIBLE.HTM
Look for the historical and interesting facts in it too. You will be ENLARGED (:
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Tuesday, January 17, 2006
If I were to become a scientific laboratory apparatus or a specialised cell, I would be a crucible or a xylem vessel (:
It is a good year, 2006.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, January 14, 2006
Pro 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
haha... how great is this!
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, January 08, 2006
Calvary Love
by Amy Carmichael
If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where there is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into self-pity and self-sympathy; If I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my sinless Savior trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I feel bitter toward those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given room there; if the cup of flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Friday, January 06, 2006
DO NOT FIRLT WITH THE WORLD!!!
Are you trying to arouse your Husband's jealousy?
1 John 2:15-17
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Blessed is the man whose strength is in you,
whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
As they pass throught the Valley of Baca,
they make it a spring;
The rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion.
Psalm 84:5-7 NKJV
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, January 02, 2006
"...for first must give place to last, because last must have his time to come: but last gives place to nothing; for there is not another to succeed. He therefore that hath his portion first, must need to have a time to spend it; but he that hath
his portion last, must have it lastingly;..." from Pilgrim's Progress recommended to me by Elizabeth Elliot.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Friday, December 30, 2005
Isobel Kuhn writes, "I always felt there was a peril in seeking just an experience from the Lord. The temptation is to think the experience has sanctified. It hasn't. These uplifting times in His presence, provings of His faithful care, enrich us, add to our joy, but they do not sanctify us. They do not make us stronger Christians. They do not make us holier than our fellows, as I was to learn to my shame. But they do make us richer in our knowledge of Him, and they give us joy that addeth no sorrow with it.
"The only way to be holy is daily to hand over to the Holy Spirit what Dr. Tozer calls 'the hyphenated sins of the human spirit'--self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-admiration, self-love, and a host of others like them--which can be removed only in spiritual experience, never by mere instruction, as well try to instruct leprosy out of our system. There must be a work of God in destruction before we are free. We must invite the cross to do its deadly work within us. We must bring our 'self' sins to the cross for judgment." A very crucial lesson for a prospective missionary.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Thursday, December 29, 2005
Psalm 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Wednesday, December 28, 2005
We sang this on Christmas, and I'll never forget this Heavenly melody and lyrics. Look at the Father's heart! I'm so ministered...
SO YOU WOULD COME
Before the world began, you were on his mind
And every tear you've cried is precious in his eyes
Because of His great love, He gave His only Son
And everything was done so you would come
Nothing you can do can make Him love you more
And nothing that you've done
Can make Him close the door
Because of His great love, He gave His only Son
And everything was done so you would come
CHORUS:
Come to the Father though your gift is small
Broken hearts, broken lives He will take them all
The power of the Word, the power of His Love
And everything was done so you would come
Labels: Song, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, December 26, 2005
A though came to my mind after shower. The magnificence of our Holy Bible, of the Word of God.
It is God breathed, blood stained and revealed by the Spirit.
The 66 books in it fill the highest of Heavens and the lowest of Sheol. Nothing in between is left uncovered.
It deals with eternal and everlasting affairs yet does not overlook life in the present age.
It has been fulfilled, is being fulfilled and will be fulfilled. It's enduring and will never pass away.
It faced criticism, contempt... for thousands of years. Yet, is never shaken, standing firmly above all books of men. No one can stop the gospels from spreading rapidly as the zeal of God accomplishes this.
Millions die for His Word, yet with other billions, are made alive. It sets the captives free and brings indescribable peace... Those who believe all of it receives salvation...
I will be like the man in Matthew 13:44.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, December 26, 2005
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
"Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.
To love is to be vulnerable."
"But who loses in the end? Not truth. Truth is a rock and doesn't shift to accommodate our changing fashion. Wrong will never be right no matter how we may dress it in right's clothing. A lie will never be true no matter how often or how loudly we repeat it. To deceive others is reprehensible; to deceive ourselves is a tragedy."
Clive Staples Lewis. Frank E Peretti. WOW!
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Wednesday, November 30, 2005
This is a book you certainly got to read: Stan Toler's Minute Motivators for Teens. It has 157 pages but you can easily finish reading it in one sitting. It contains stories, life examples, quotes of wisdom and most of all, the word of God!! It's very Hogc in regard to the practical value system we share, therefore, I felt very at home reading it(: Here are some of the messages that impacted me yet again:
*Awareness
"You can't influence a world with which you are not familiar." -Steve Weber
I shall read the newspaper and other articles when I'm in school or libray.
During weekends or holiday, I'm going to watch the news on TV.
If I missed all of them, at least go online and keep myself updated.
*Conviction
To truly trust your own heart, you must align it with God's truth.
Two important things were given to us: His written word and His spirit.
If you don't stand for something, you'll take a fall!
*Preparation
P- Pray. Ask God for wisdom and direction.
L- List the things needed to be accomplished.
A- Aquire the information and resources.
N- Notice what others have done in similar situations.
A- Ask for advise from experts.
H- Heed your inner voice. Use caution
E- Expect adversity and plan to overcome.
A- Act decisively. Once the decision is made, go for it!
D- Do your best and leave the rest to God.
Wonder who said "Failing to plan is planning to fail" and "All leaders are readers. The moment you stop reading, you stop leading."? It was Brent Hardesty and Stan Toler(:
It also contains many uplifting values such as Commitment, Discipline, Trustworthiness, Maturity, Study, speech et cetera. This really hit me:
*Promptness
Winners have certain characteristics. Promptness is one of them. Highly successful people make it a habit to be on time for their appointments. Being on time shows your interest in the meeting, and it shows that you care about the person you are meeting with. Tardiness is actually a form of selfishness. When you show up late for an appointment, you are saying by your actions that your time is more valuable than the other person's.
Certainly, things may come up that prevent you from meeting your appointment on time. But overall, being prompt in arriving at the time agreed upon is a habit well worth the effort. When you're on time for an appointment, you show your respect for the other person's time.
Being prompt reveals something else about your character. It says, "I'm a person of my word." When you promise to be somewhere at a certain time, your effort to be there is a sign that you keep your promises.
On time, all the time! It'll work for you.
I love this book.
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Double service was awesome, a beautiful brand new start. They went out for a concert, so I had the favour to have dinner at BK with Clovie, RU, qing, Hwee yee, Clara, Yang Hui, Ros.... I'm beginning to understand the value of fellowship. Have you notice that the atmosphere in PS changes on Saturday and Sunday? Especially in eating places in the evening(:
Ru, Clovie and I went to Takashimaya. I ended up in Kinokuniya. Three of the Mother Teresa's books were floating on top of the sea of New Age books, Taro cards, vacuous romance novels and porno books..
The store was closing, the light was dim, the music was unperturbed and I caught this timeless poem:
Faith in action is love
and love in action is service
...
Love, to be true
must be for our neighbours
...
The more we empty ourselves,
the more room we give God to fill us.
...
Surrender
is the only thing that is our own
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Tuesday, November 29, 2005
These are and will always be my most treasured, for the sum of them is my life:
Water
Fire
Oil
Rain
Dove
Wine
Seal
Guarantee
A Whole New World
I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming
A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Now I'm in a whole new world with you
Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky
A whole new world
Don't you dare close your eyes
A hundred thousand things to see
Hold your breath - it gets better
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be
A whole new world
Every turn a surprise
With new horizons to pursue
Every moment red-letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you
A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me
Yes, a whole new world. Right here, right now.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, November 28, 2005
Psalm 118:24 (:
One day in His courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, November 13, 2005
Pervading aura. This phrase thrilled me; I can feel it lingering in my soul, ready to exhibit itself. I did a little research on aura and became mindful of what I think I know on Earth is just a tiny drop in the Ocean of Knowledge.
Aura may be defined as an electro-photonic vibration response of an object to some external excitation and it contains the information about certain object. It can be felt and it can be seen!
From there, I found the psychology of colours. God is so amazing; His works are marvelous and good. Colours are spectacular masterpieces of Light. They are created for men. Let me share some of the knowledge with you. I will elaborate on Brilliance the three colours of our BIG camp wristbands!
Brilliance bring all rays of colour into perfect balance, it is the light from which all colours spring. It makes all things grow; it is a state of perfection that exists within the cosmos. Brilliance represents the universal intelligence and has the purity of the trinity of love, power and wisdom.
Yellow represents mental rigour, precise and optimistic, clear and in control through the intellect. It focuses attention, is flexible, adaptable and has the ability to get things done. It despises pettiness, has self-control, style and sophistication. Yellow always broadcasts a feeling of well-being. Yellow is connected to the seat of self-esteem!
Blue is the spirit of truth and the higher order of intelligence. Its thinking is quiet and discriminating. It is peace with a purpose and values integrity, honour and sincerity. It has a poised quality and will not easily draw attention to itself. A highly inventive colour
Red is full of courage and liberation, passion and excitement. Has a burning desire to get somewhere but tends to act without thinking. Red people are explorers, reformers and fighters and at best are fine leaders. Builders of great things from very little!
After reading this book, I discovered why I like my favorite colour (:
Life is beautiful because knowledge, understanding and wisdom are from God. When you get them in God's light, you will see that He is good and His works are marvelous, filled with every good intention for all mankind.
Labels: Psychology, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Woohoo! The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-time is absolutely an entrancing read! Brimming with wit and brainwave, oh, I enjoyed it so much. It is undeniably "...Gloriously eccentric and wonderfully intelligent" Christopher John Francis Boone is a phenomenon. I find myself fascinated by unconventional personalities like him. Perhaps it is because I love things which I do not understand. It is true that the world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes. The difference between a genius and an ordinary person is that the former notices these things while the later does not. Geniuses also have the power of detaching his or her minds at will.
Mathematics is fascinating. I will love it because I like challenging stuffs and it is challenging and mysterious to me. I will no longer reduce myself to be a casualty to something which my Father had created. I will do well in Maths.
The one thing I hate about this book is the outrageous vulgarities in it. They are so disgustingly dirty that I got to pray for protection. I love this sentence in page 178 which says "And also, a thing is interesting because of thinking about it and not because of being new". The best part of this book is ultimately the ending, after you have drank every word in the novel, it will stir the courage within you and you will know it in your mind that you have been enlarged and reformed.
Labels: Knowledge
Accelerate! on Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Attendance for Food Cross (C4):
Regulars: 6
Integration: 7
New Friends: 10
Unconfirmed: about 5
Woo... it's time to dance!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Saturday, November 05, 2005
Nothing to do this Saturday? This will spice up your life!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Thursday, November 03, 2005
Love and faithfulness,
Patience & perseverance.
He is not done with me yet.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Tuesday, October 25, 2005
:)http://fathersloveletter.com/webintro.html
God Has Been Misrepresented To Us
Over the centuries there have been many misconceptions about God and His true nature. He has been misrepresented to us by legalistic religious leaders and angry earthly fathers who have, by their lifestyles, distorted His true image.
God Is Love
The bible says that God is love. Pure love. And He wants to lavish His love on you. He is not looking for more servants to add to His Kingdom but more children to fill His house. He wants to be in relationship with you, not because you deserve it but just because He made you, and is "head over heels" in love with you.
God's Original Intent
It was God's original plan in the Garden of Eden that Adam and Eve would live all the days of their lives in the presence of a loving Father, and would in turn reflect His love to their children. It was the Father's hope that each generation would grow up in the light of His love never knowing a day of rejection or pain.
Love Cannot Be Forced
However, love is not something that can be forced so God gave Adam and Eve the privilege of a free will. They had the freedom to trust God and stay in the garden or disobey Him and leave. In Genesis we read that the latter happened and as a result of their choice to become independent, they became separated from God.
Broken Relationships
As a result of Adam and Eve's actions, a new deadly disease called 'sin' infected humanity. The world that God originally intended to be perfect and full of love, was now wrought with pain and suffering because of the consequences of sin. Hurting people tend to hurt others, which is a legacy that has been passed on from generation to generation.
Understanding Our Need For Love
Since God created us for love, we are born with a great expectation to be loved and accepted. It is a scientific fact that babies who are not shown loving touch in the first few months of their lives can be physically and emotionally affected for the rest of their lives.
We All Have A Love Deficit
Unfortunately our parents could only express the love that they had first received from their parents. As a result, many of us have grown up with love deficits in our hearts. While we may know we are missing something, we might not be able to identify the emptiness that resides in the deepest part of our being
Filling The Void
All we know is that we need to try and fill the emptiness somehow. Some try to fill this void in relationships, others in performance and success. And others seek to dull the emptiness with addictions. No matter what we do, if we do not encounter the real thing, we will always be left with a feeling of emptiness and unfulfillment.
Having A Personal Relationship With God
There is only one place where we will find the true love and acceptance that we are looking for and that is in a personal relationship with God. We were all born with a God sized "hole in our soul" that can only be filled by God Himself. Many of us have tried to fill this void with other things, but it is like putting a square peg in a round hole...it just doesn't fit
The Good News
The good news is that God wants to be in a relationship with us more than we want to be in a relationship with Him. The One who knew us before we were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4) and knit us together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13) wants to be our Father. While we are His offspring by creation, His desire is that we might become His children through redemption.
Finding Our Way Home
While we were still estranged, God the Father made a way for us to come home by sending His only son, Jesus Christ, to earth two thousand years ago to take care of the "sin" issue that had kept us separated. In obedience to His Father, Jesus bore upon Himself the weight of our sin, nailing it to the cross so that we could be born into His wonderful family.
Jesus Is The Way To The Father
His resurrection from the dead signalled the victory that would allow many sons and daughters to come into glory! In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except through me". Our access to the Father is through Jesus alone. His sacrifice was the one and only price that could be paid for our redemption and restoration into the family of His wonderful Father. If we receive God's gift of His Son Jesus Christ, we receive the right to become children of God!
Would You Like To Receive This Gift?
If you would like to accept this gift (eternal life in relationship with God), Jesus Christ has secured it for you. All you need to do is to tell God that you want to be saved. You are saved by believing, and the words below might help you express your thoughts to God. It's not these exact words that will save you, but the attitude of your heart towards God.
A prayer to accept or reaffirm your
relationship with Jesus Christ:
Father, I'm coming home. Please make me your child. I turn from my sin. I accept your forgiveness made possible through Jesus Christ by his death and resurrection. I place my faith and trust in Jesus alone. I receive him as my Savior and Lord. I want to follow and serve you. Let today be the beginning of my new journey as your child and a member of your family. Thank you for making a way for me to come home. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Child
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, October 16, 2005
Keep believing,
keep watching,
keep praying,
keep walking,
keep building.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, September 18, 2005
What an amazing amazing journey!
However,
the truth is that
we haven't seen anything yet!
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, September 10, 2005
2 John 12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Joy is indeed complete in Heart of God church. Pastor David and Sister Doreen are here with us! :) How beautiful it is to walk with God until one attains the hoary head which is the crown of glory. The Word says that the righteous will still bear fruit in old age and they will stay fresh and green. Tonight, we feed on the choicest of fruits (and the seeds!!) and look upon the splendor of the leaves. O, how marvelous are the works of His hands!
I sensed growth. Grow within, grow without. A thorough growth that cannot be stopped.
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Saturday, September 03, 2005
Today is so good. There is a marvelous feeling that words are unable to convey. Morning came, God took something away. I do not understand His ways but I trust Him and know that all things are for good.
In church, everything was BIG, BOLD and Beautiful! Service was amazing… God's presence was so moving and loving that I know I'm never going to be the same again. I make a decision to begin to eliminate casual decisions and start to be a person who makes good decisions.
Pastor How's birthday bash was an absolute knockout. How wonderful! God used such an occasion to unite/strengthen us. My love for the family shoots up. He gave such a deep and stable feeling of security and hope. I believe that God is going to gather many more people, some will be the artistic blood cells, some will be the brilliant brain cells, some will be the muscles on the feet, some will be a small part of the tongue....all of are to go through intensive training, then we'll be sent out to make an IMPACT!
HoGc is where I want to be (:
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Monday, August 29, 2005
Life is progressing in a rapid tempo, things are pouring down on me like pails of cold water. There are times when I feel overwhelmed by all the problems, but in reality, problem is just a measure of my perspective. There's no problem too big to be solved. Skills, which are nurtured over a period of time, will bring success. Making mistakes had become a unavoidable part of my life and I have learnt that the most efficient way to repent is not through asking for forgiveness or tears, but through immediate actions.
It is a blessing to undergo more strains and make more mistakes than the rest in the days of our youth, so that we can grow up to be people of unshakable character. Together, we shall make an impact!
Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”
39 But we are not of those who draw
back to perdition, but of those
who believe to the saving of the soul.
Labels: Reflection
Accelerate! on Friday, August 19, 2005
This has been the busiest and the most uncertain month of the year.
The mistakes that I have made and the discipleships that I have received through various channels were more than the sum total of all other months.
My eyes were opened to see what wonderful leaders I have in my life, leaders like Charleston and jie ying. I saw my weaknesses which are countless and the need to get myself strengthened.
In school, I realised that I have a lot to work on and a long way to go in term of studies and friendship. My eyes began to register that I am surrounded by wonderful classmates. People who truly take the exams 100% in terms of effort and results! Kindness and friendliness are in my friends. I discovered that I'm not going to be with many of them for long because I have decided not to take triple Science next year in Sec 3, therefore I will treasure them now
I began to see that every second is extremely precious and time is fleeting. A gift from God is not to be squandered.
However, my physical eyes failed. The doctor gave me two days of medical leave because it was painfully swollen, all red and grey with yellowish-green coagulated mucus,as if 10% rotten. I have to learn to manage my life and have sufficient rest. Charleston reminded me that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I have the responsibility to take good care of it.
I managed to pull through this overwhelming month. It's all because of His moments of refreshing for me through times in church, quiet times, experiences, others and even through lessons and school assembly.
Labels: Church, Reflection, School
Accelerate! on Saturday, July 30, 2005
I open my heart to the muster seeds from Heaven and they grow! Integrity, self-discipline, diligence, orderliness, contactability, ride on the Sermon, a heart for the lost.... all these things I have learnt in church, I shall put them into practice. God's words will not return to Him empty and void, but they shall flourish and bear fruits for all to eat. Let's be the people who reap a hundred fold!!
It is such a marvelous experience to be in His church, a part of God's dream team, thriving.(:
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, July 18, 2005
Much knowledge is gained in school today(: A handout on qualities of a character was given out during E Lit lesson. There are four kinds of qualities namely Moral quality, Mental quality, Physical quality and Social quality. I went through the adjectives which depict positive as well as negative qualities and made a decision to walk in the Light, to be upstanding, competent, healthy and cordial... Negative qualities are not my portion, I will resist them.
Maths class was wonderful, Algebraic equations!! Watching the numbers crossing, jumping around and changing their signs was very exciting. Hahs. More practice and it shall be made easy.
During Physics class we learnt about the characteristics of a thermometer. Sensitivity: increase of liquid per Degrees Celsius rise in temp. Response: time taken to respond to changing temp. Range: the lowest and highest reading that can be measured.
I wish to be like a good laboratory thermometer. Sensitive and have a great expansibility. Responsive and have the rapid response ability. A range that is wide.
Truly, the Spirit is of love, even the love to study!
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Saturday, July 16, 2005
Zone restructure, team restructure, my personal routine restructure and now...the restructure of class sitting arrangement!!! Woo...the way is opened, the future unfolds.
Truly, we are called to excel.
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Thursday, July 14, 2005
The leadership conference was simply amazing. The Word will save me of my rewards if I ponder all that I've heard in my heart and, like ying said on Saturday night, be a doer.
Now I know that I'm truly planted in Heart of God church. Every single sermon is an answer of my heart's cry. The nutrients that I truly need, they come at the exact season!
My mind is constantly renewed and He builds my life like the way a muscle is built.
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Monday, July 11, 2005
It just happened that Stella and I had our first follow-up plus Baptism together. We went on different 'paths' individually, then it just happened that we ended up having our last follow-up together. It just happened that the first time both of us fall under His power, we were next to each other. When I am broken-hearted, she would be the first to sense it and bring comfort to my soul. He called us one step deeper into ministries at about the same time. Like iron and iron, acid and alkali, we are here to sharpen and neutralize each other. Occasionally, the Holy Spirit will drop her messages of encouragement through me. It just happened that both of us attended our first adult service this morning. At about twenty minutes before our meeting time, He asked me to tell Stella not to rush her parents too much. Immediately I fished the mobile phone out of the bag and smsed. Woo, she was exactly rushing her parents incessantly at that time!! We can see the Spirit at work, of power, of love and of sound mind. I really wonder what more will happen. What an abundant life we have as His adopted children!!!
The sermon was the one of the best I have heard! I recalled the exquisite times I had had in the pottery house in Qinghua University in Beijing. The pottery works in my hands never go beyond stage 4 because my hands were childish and inexperienced. However, the One who is molding me is God! From Him and through Him and to Him are all things! He'll never forsake me and will make me stand according to His word. I have been raised to stage three not long ago. This stage isn't just about the spinning of the wheel. The potter's hand will hold the lump of clay securely in place so that it seems nice and round and secure at first (with a lot of air bubble and impurities hidden within). Then he will pull it up and push it down, pull it up and push it down... Exalting and humbling us repeatedly to get rid of air bubbles. The longer it takes, the less the air bubbles! I'm so grateful that He showed these things. Indeed all my steps are directed by God, without Him, I am not a thing. From now on, I shall firmly resist doing things when the time has not yet come for me to do. Sometimes, He will let me have a little glimpse of the future but that's not for me to dwell upon. I'm still not ready to handle the Truth and the Power. When? I do not know, but I know that it is worthy to be waited with great patience and faithfulness.
Milk run was good, went after the lower secs. Mainly sec ones!
It just happened that Chicken, pigeon, mousedeer and clovie were on the same shuttle bus back to Orchard with me! Mum cancelled our dinner date, so I could go back to church and have dinner with all of them plus pigglet!!! Simply wonderful*
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Sunday, July 03, 2005
As I was washing the dishes as usual, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart. Jesus gives not as the world gives. What He has given me is the best, He has given me His best. What He has given me, I will not say, but I can say that it is the very thing that sets me apart and the very thing which leads me to have the His mind. I will hold fast to it and increase its measure with faith.
Love Psalm 119.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, July 02, 2005
I am now more than half way through Drawing Near. What a book, straight from the heart of God! Those who read it with Holy Spirit are vastly blessed. Lately, a hasty voice came to my mind saying that I have been spending too much time apart from the mainstream and things that I am 'supposed to do'. Isn't Truth and Life above all else? I shall guard my heart jealously for His kingdom all my days, but with increasing measure of wisdom that only He can offer
Dance training was time consuming. Felt like crying before 3pm today because my Best Friend was saddened by the fact that I was unable to attend the video on Humility, one of the power twins of the Kingdom. I long to dwell in His abiding presence and be found in His house every hour of my life, but that is not the only reason that I am saved for. Praise God that Celine is going to come to church this Sunday!!! The school is the ground where opportunities to actualize what we have learnt from God are found, in other words, it is where faith is fulfilled and made alive and it is also the place where we harvest. No more, no less.
If you understand what I'm blogging about, then we are one in spirit. If you don't understand and perceive it as foolishness, then my heart is for you. There was a time when I ran after temporal satisfaction, possessed some of them, yet deep down I felt so empty and lost and tired!
One touch from God, your life will never be the same again for His is the golden touch:)
Labels: Dance, School, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, June 25, 2005
A small visitor came into my living room just now as I was reading Drawing Near. It was shorter than the length of my index finger, a grey little bird. It darted in through the window, sending the air behind my neck in movement. Stella called. I returned to the living room after answering the phone call and found it sitting on the floor. Then it settled on the window, its tiny body moving to and fro. I praised God for it, the most adorable creature. It broke into songs and took flight as I was trying to reach for its miniature beak. Hahs. Miss it.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Tuesday, June 21, 2005
I stand here before you in wide open wonder,
Amazed, by the glory of You.
The power of Heaven revealing Your purpose in me,
As I'm waiting on You.
In my entire life, no event is like the overnight prayer meeting. I tried to express but I couldn't. What I have encountered was far beyond words, too real and too private.
In the next trance of time, we were looking for food along wet, deserted streets. The team had the coziest of breakfast together(:
Before Art lesson, my Best Friend and I caught a man who maintains the toilet and shared about Jesus. During art class, I was led by my Best Friend to share about God's love and my teacher was truly touched this time!
The 2004 Hopian class gathering at Pasir Ris was wild and sweet. I realized, more clearly than ever, that I'm not the one whom I use to be before the overnight prayer meeting.
I have not been sleeping for 43 hours and yet the face sustains the radiance that I've got from last night. It is the power of God and the journey has just started.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, June 18, 2005
Hao Ping recieved the Holy Spirit today. The unspeakable joy and peace that will last is now within her heart.(: The beginning of the adventure is marked.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Wednesday, June 15, 2005
:) God love Hwee Yee, so do I. I couldn't help smiling, at the amazing things the Holy spirit did. It's her first day in HoGc and she was touched and moved to tears. What a joyful surprise.
I will not allow the flow of the oil to cease.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Monday, June 13, 2005
I'm so thrilled by this holiday! First it was time for me to read the book which He prepared for my needs. I dug it up from the obscure lost and found corner in the reception cupboard:) It's the gift he freely placed on my empty hands.
Missed my flight to the holiday tour which was on the first of June and had to postpone it to the 3rd. It was such a ridiculous farce, until now we do not know how it happened. However, I'm now convinced that God hears even the smallest prayer of mine; I just hoped that I'm able to attend the video screenings on the 2nd June before all these came to pass. The messages I've got from the videos brought another dimension of the vital changing process into my life. It is of power.
The blessings ran over as I went to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Without looking at the pictures and notes taken during the trip, the only thing that came to my mind is the calling of God. He drew so near to me that I begin to hear His voice. Cambodia is a beautiful land. I love the people. Naked babies with bloated tummies running around the village pool, mothers nursing their children outside of their kampong houses. The local students are "big"; their smiles are genuine, as if I'm an old friend of theirs. The males' eyes are naturally glimmering with affection which I appreciated but not touched. The wild dogs and monkeys are meek and civilized; they play with each other like small children and do their own things with dignity. I sensed the magnificence of the yesterday's glory in this kingdom, a different medium of beauty from the present down to earth one. Oh, the food is good, very different, especially ones from roadside and local restaurants. Just remember to give thanks before you eat.
The girl with her slippers in the Wat.
Attacked by this old guy, cos I made a monkey face to him.
(: The bracelet seller girl who gave me a small flower (in her hand)
The comforter who is willing to ride the horse.
Mystery in the forest
Does idolatry and worshipping ruins satisfy her deepest longing? Or is she waiting for the Light to shine down.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Tuesday, June 07, 2005
We had a wonderful Founder's day mass in the morning:) God is the same anytime, anywhere. His presence travels through the atmosphere of worship and faith. Whether it is the crazy disco-like or the solemn hymn singing approach... it does not matter.
The tessellation competition was very funny. We came up with the "Simple in virtue, steadfast in duty". It was a very simple piece done at an extremely fast rate because we were doing last minute work as usual! The class was in total chaos with screaming, yelling and paper bits flying all around all the way until less than five second before the judges came. By that time, the place was miraculously neat, as if we have done our cleaning up for ages!
Indian cultural session was great. The petite Indian girls from international school were so filled with passion and enthusiasm that they were ready to burst! Dancing with them made me feel so embarrassed, but it was absolutely Fun!
Had a long chat with Charlotte!!! Yes, we sat down on the balcony of her class and talked. She even showed me her treasure :)
I happened to witness the fireworks and a bit of mini Chingay performance of DXO at the Esplanade. The pavement was full of sophisticated people, products of wealth and striking looks. The rest of the space was occupied by tables containing alcoholic drinks and finger foods. I had no choice but to make my way behind the pots of plants. The whole place was high with excitement, but its core was cold. Somehow, I felt richer and more esteemed. The Prince of Peace within my heart protected me from all those clutter.
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Wednesday, May 25, 2005
2 Charity, Dance society, SNGS. X! X!
I'm placed in a valued school, golden CCA, top class of the level. What more can I ask for? This is the place and now it's the time for me to carry out our entrusted duty with power. There's much to be done!
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Monday, May 23, 2005
http://www.sounddoctrine.com/
Hosea4:6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.
Hosea4:14...a people without understanding will come to ruin!
The trumpet's sound of calling is getting clearer and louder every passing day. Let me do a back track, it started on Benny Hinn's healing session! I witnessed the great and might things which I knowest not, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, like an angel's wings, embraced me from head to toes. However, what left the most lasting imprint was not one of these, not even Benny Hinn's forceful "Touch!" which brought out screams from the congregation. It was those simple words he spoked, "Such a fool, never bother to study the Scriptures."
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, May 15, 2005
Once I thought that my days are totally packed, but now I know that no matter how hectic they seem, there's always room for many more things to come(:
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, May 08, 2005
Went to church broken and empty. The revelation of the Holy Spirit was so strong that my faults were showing like debris and grime collected in lagoon. God gave me a life, but I failed to manage it and created a mess out of it. Where were the powerful spirits of submission, responsibility, management, diligence and hospitality? I thought I was not that bad but God says "NO! STOP DETACHING YOUR EYES FOR YOU'LL BE JUDGED INDIVIDUALLY ACCORDING TO MY PERFECT HOLINESS!"
It had been a season of realization and painful correction but strange enough, I love it (not exactly the process but the promises.) Through all the tears and stings, I moved forward and He actually allowed me to go to church today.
Stella, my sister, gave me a most comfortable hug out of the blue when I stepped into the anointed place. She did not know anything except that the Holy Spirit gave her the knowledge that I should be hugged. Qing Xiang greeted me with a bag full of doughnuts! The sense of belonging was beyond words (another prayer answered, I wanted to feel how Charlotte felt when she came to take a breath.). Love to see new people; I shall be faithful in remembering names from now.
The sermon was blessed. We are the sons and daughters of the Most High, we are meant to prosper, be a blessing and fight vigorously for the Truth.
And so l left my church feeling equipped.
Before I go, I have to say that Jie ying totally impacted me in this journey. When I say that I'm touched that He was at work, she sent me messages like: it's through times like this that we get disciplined and learn. All the leaders go through this. All things are possible. He is constantly changing your character. Tough times it may be painful, but we take them with praise to God.
Labels: Church
Accelerate! on Monday, May 02, 2005
The series on Antinomianism (Lawlessness) came to an end. It has been delivered through Pastor How, a great man of God. Now I understand that great men of God are great not because of their inborn ability, but the obedience and the faith they gained in order to allow God to use them accordingly.
In part 1, we learnt about legalistic tendencies and explored the belief of Antinomianism (Gnostic spiritualism, Libertinism, Universalism and Situation ethics.) in reference to the vibrant and dynamic church history and splendid words from the Church fathers.
Part 2 revealed the Law (standard) as well as the purposes which are as a mirror, as a restraint, as a revealer. These purposes are clearly shown in the Bible through specific verses in context. What we have to know is that the moral law (The Ten Commandments), unlike the ceremonial law and the civil law of Israel, endures from the beginning to the end, thus relevant to us at all times. Antinomians' arguments against the law were brought up and we were equipped with verses which defend the Truth.
In part 3, other favorite arguments of Antinomians! We were given the knowledge to see through one of satan's most ridiculous tricks: take a verse out of its context to mix falsehood with the Truth to form a more destructive lie. It is very important that we understand the difference between Justification (God declaring us forgiven and righteous on the basis of our faith in His Son) and Sanctification (the progressive, continuing work of God in us that make us more and more free from sin and be Christ like.) Only he who endures to the end shall truly be saved.
The end shall always be better than the beginning. Part 4 uncovers God's amazing grace, which cannot be separated from certain characteristic that we have to work out. The wonderful truth is that Heaven is not communist. Although we are not saved by works, we are rewarded according to works. The Bible makes it very apparent who will get what kind of crowns and rewards:) Lastly, 4 results of Lawlessness and 12 Characteristics of antinomian churches were laid bare for us to identify and abstain from. We were challenged to rise up against Antinomianism for it is written clearly that in the Last days, lawlessness will be the spirit of the world!!
What have been written is just the skeleton of the sermons, without the blood, muscles, fats, soul... It is not meant for you to merely dwell upon. Would you want to get the sermon tapes and handouts? I'll lend them if you ask!
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, April 30, 2005
It was an awesome day filled with air:) In the morning, contrapuntal was played in the art teacher's house... Went to Vicki's place for her thirteenth birthday party immediately after. We had a wonderful time playing with Charles her "royal" dog, cards, feeding on yummys and the Extremely Bulky chocolate cake!! A few hours later, we made our way to Bugis! It has been such a long time since I last stepped into that place and there was a wonderful feeling of aloofness towards the mainstream.
I took neos with Vicki, the birthday girl, Beryl, an intelligent belle from LD (there's a misty blue card in her wallet which says "Child, do not consider painful what is good for you." Wow!) and Hongwei the adorable happy nut from CO. Enjoyed every moment with these lovely souls. I didn't know that it could be so wonderful making friends with juniors and hearing a lively and memorable melody. We parted with warm hugs before I rushed to the movie ticket counter to meet Rebecca.
She is a special person in the days of my childhood. Our journey of friendship dated back to primary school days when we were the best of friends.
Sadly, after she changed her contact number, we lost touch. Then one fine and sunny I unpredictably met her in Serangoon Central.(It was a miracle. I wondered there alone out of the blue!) The moment I spot her leaning against the pillar of Parco, I could feel the slur drawn over us, indicating no articulation. We watched The Interpreter, a movie which bored her and shaped me a little. Dinner and shopping time were almost filled with true conversations that came straight from our hearts and minds. I love spending time with Rebecca because she has the courage to show her wounds and be completely honest and humble. She is the one that Father loves deeply and richly and I faithfully hope that I'll have the power to bring my darling friend to this most wondrous realization.
And so the day ended with my prayers, the perfect cadence and bridge.
“Be the motif that is born of God to guide people to righteousness” (:
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Sunday, April 24, 2005
Here I Am To Worship
Light of the World
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes
Let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of life spent with You
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
Labels: Song, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Recess time came and I was all geared up for a serious prayer meeting, but it turned out to be a birthday celebration especially for me! I was so surprised that I became half a fool, who did not know what to say and could not hold things properly. The fruit cake was yummy delicious! I received Drawing Near by John Bevere from my sisters!
Thank you so much Sihui, wendy, Winifred, ruo en, ying and Char! You beautiful souls brought additional warmth to my heart
*beam* we're the Rainbow team of SNG!
:)
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Thursday, April 14, 2005
Stepping into the fifteenth year of my days on earth, I foresaw not only the value but the magnitude that comes along. I knew it in my heart that this is the crucial year. A year with numerous tests, torments and challenges. I have to go through extensive and intensive trainings.This will be an overwhelming year, I'll rise above it or stand up under it.
I'm thankful to Si On, the first to wish me happy birthday. Vicki the first to give me present :) My classmates, the first to sing me birthday song! Char and Sihui, they tagged :D Hahas, there'll be more to come. Father is giving me gifts too!!
SYF was a blast, it was vastly pleasurable. We danced like a dream. Enjoyed it tremendously!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Wednesday, April 13, 2005
http://www.biblebb.com/
An amazing thing happened just now. My prayer was answered!! You have made known to me what I asked of You. I came to recognize the meaning of “No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.”
It can be summarized into four words: Law, Grace, Hypocrisy and Truth.
I just love the Bible Study series on Antinomianism. (:
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, April 11, 2005
Flu bugs came to tackle me. Sheared by Huang Lao Shi, the idiosyncratic razor. No Sunday because of SYF practice. SYF falls on my Birthday! It seems that my fourteenth year is going to end with a low key that is out of tune.
This can only mean that I am looked after:)
Razor verse:
Prov12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.
Labels: Dance, Happenings
Accelerate! on Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Literarily love Red Rain to bits.
Through them, Abba renewed my spirit and added blissful colours to my soul so that I am able to see the magnificent beauty of His creations.
We are living in the glimpses of the sun-kissed Paradise :)
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Monday, April 04, 2005
How can earthly words passably acknowledge the awesomeness of Red Rain? How wonderful it is to have Red Rain as the first rock concert in my life!!! The explosive madness/craziness, mellow peacefulness/tranquility, earthly elements and the presence of the Holy Spirit… mingled in perfect harmony. I was so tired before the concert but by the end of it I was filled with overflowing joy and oomph :) Whoo, feel so loved and content! You have to be there to know how it feels because right now, I'm just breaking the goodness to you through a glass door.
Admission ticket!
Labels: Happenings, Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, April 02, 2005
Some substances are not meant to be watched from afar.
Accelerate! on Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Sneaked a look at mum's handout. It says that everything that happens to a child of God is Father-filtered.
Troubles have been streaming into my life lately; they are, after all, blessings in disguise :)
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, March 28, 2005
The difference between believer of Christ and follower of Christ is that the river of Life flows to the believer and he receives. Accordingly, full expression is given to his uniqueness, the essence of his being. As for followers of Christ, the river of Life flows through him that he becomes a blessing to others.
Isn't it too beautiful to be true? Christians live a life that surpasses fairy tales, because we are under God's cover:) This is why we, members of the dream team of HoGc, do what we do. We have tasted God Almighty and know that he is good. Surely there's tremendious joy in sharing!
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Thursday, March 24, 2005
Those guys are coming to HoGc auditorium on 1,2 and 3 April!!! Woo.. it's gonna be so fantastic! Hey, you, the one staring, what are you waiting for? Let's get ready for this real rocking experience!! Limited free tickets to be given away to anyone who asks:) Don't miss this awesome concert.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Wednesday, March 23, 2005
We ate fishes for English lesson today:) Mr Wong promised to teach us how to fish...
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Watched Passion. Covered my face with salty tears of pain, love and joy. Our God of Justice and Love has gone through so much to redeem us…
I used to despise Peter for denying Jesus three times before cock crows and was 'amazed' at the thickness of his skin as he ran to Him after the Resurrection.
I used to hate Judas for selling Jesus, but thought it was the natural and reasonable way for him to hang himself. AHHHH! I thank God for revealing my 100% foolishness.
After attending Su Rogers's meeting last night, I understood that to fail is human, but when we fall, we run to Him and not away from Him! Peter ran back to Jesus and received his cleansing, he was set free. I understood that it was not Judas who held the responsibility for Christ's crucifixion; no one has the authority over His life expect God who is responsible for all things. Judas was demon possessed which caused him to run away from Him and commit murder. So, you see that those so called natural and reasonable ways I was referring to are corrupted :)
Tonight is another gracious night. Realized that the more we learn the more we want to learn and this continuous thirst will be fulfilled in Him. Lord, two things I ask of you to night: Fill me with limitless humbleness and love.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, March 21, 2005
Father really uses Sy Rogers to reveal more about Himself and smoothens knots in our hearts. Oh, I've learnt so much that I am engulfed in Him wholly... In this world that we live, this materialistic, corrupted, sinful world, we are the royal nation, the holy priesthood. God, in heaven, actually seek us for comfort and pleasure when we seek and worship Him in spirit and in truth..
Wow, imagine being the comforters and pleasers of God!
Tonight is one of the most beautiful nights in my life. It holds the Love of yesterday as well as the promises of tomorrow. Bi Xing and Vicki came, I am so touched to see them receiving from the Most High.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, March 19, 2005
"A Calendar of Wisdom" written and selected by Leo Tolstoy is beautifully awesome:
Who is a wise man? --- He who studies all the time.
Who is strong?--- He who can limit himself.
Who is rich?--- He who is happy with what he has.
God tests everyone, one with wealth, another with poverty. A rich man is tested in whether he would extend an arm of support to those who need it; a poor man in whether he would bear all his sufferings without discontent and with obedience.
----The TALMUD
The more spiritual a life a person leads, the less he is afraid of death. For a spiritual person death means setting the spirit free from the body. Such a person knows that the things with which he lives cannot be destroyed.
These quotes are so simple in meaning that even little children can understand.God makes necessary things simple and unecesssary things complicated. However, as we are so used to our sophisticated way of living, we neglect the simple fundament of life. Thus, they appear chim to us instead.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, March 19, 2005
Dance today. My sec ones started calling me mummy! They did it for more than three hours...
Am I that old?! T.T Feel like laughing and crying.
Labels: Dance
Accelerate! on Thursday, March 17, 2005
WWWOOOooww! Events are coming up! Special meeting with Sy Rogers this Friday night, The Passion on Saturday night, Easter BIG Days on 26&27 March and finally.... RED RAIN CONCERTS on 1,2,3 April!!!!!
All in HOGC!!
What a GREAT Life:D
Don't miss them, you are 100%, hm, 200% welcomed!!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Term one has ended in a swish. I was surprised to obtain such a grade for PPR. It was so much better than expected (Since I did not mug half as much as before). I am truly content, for He makes me whole. He set me free from the bondage of marks. So now I shall work harder to glorify Him. All things are possible with God.
It is so sad to see friends suffering from digits. It is alright. All these will come to pass! Don't allow those marks to blur our visions!
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Sunday, March 13, 2005
God, you are altogether lovely,
altogether worthy,
altogether wonderful to me!
We give you our sin, you give us slavation.
We give you our sickness, you give us healing.
We give you our lives, you give us eternal joy.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Saturday, March 12, 2005
I was a girl who was afraid. Afraid of commitments.
Commitment meant losing my individuality, which was all that I have.
Now I know that this is not true.
Commitment leads to the discovery of a strong and important ground of connection.
Through the act of union, identity is not lost; instead the individuality is flourished and fulfilled in the provided setting.
Commitment is a beautiful thing, it correspond to profound needs we have.
The highest and the most beautiful form of commitment can only be found in the unseen.
They are of eternal value....
Labels: Reflection
Accelerate! on Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Red RAIN is coming to Singapore! Guess what, this ROCK Band's first stop is in Heart of God Church!!!
Oh, people, you got to come down for this! It shall rock you like never before!!!! *Go Gabriel and Ivan's blog for song sampler!
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Monday, March 07, 2005
WOW! What a week!
Intense, thrilling and bittersweet!
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Sunday, March 06, 2005
This is strange.
I feel so nervous about O'level results that my fingers grew numb!!!!
Hey, i'm only Sec 2. Is this called sharing the burden of others?
To all sec four/five 2004, this will come to pass. Although it does determine your course in life to certain extents, but take heart that your life was planned before the Earth was created. We are just particle in this universe, things that happen to us is not as important as they seem.
Labels: School
Accelerate! on Monday, February 28, 2005
The spirited dance turn out to be unbearably graceful that I was amazed!
All that I can say is that I not responsible for that! All credits go to my Daddy.
:D
Felt exceedingly sad. That's my first & final dance before the whole congregation in a wonderful church. Had a little chat with brothers and sisters and just wanted to cry at their astonishments and disappointments... However, I got to stick to His plan and move on! Believe that we will all join hands in Paradise.
Headed to HoGc. Pretty sure that I'm not going to be an ordinary attendence. The fact that I'm going to be planted is a challenge to overcome for many of us. We are going to be united in Spirit and breakthrough thousands after thousands in this generation!
Labels: Church, Dance, Reflection
Accelerate! on Sunday, February 27, 2005
This blog entry is especially dedicated to my dear lovely brothers and sisters, as well as precious people who are curious about/ thirsty for Life:)
Hope this will bring harmony and provide true peace. Writing is a slow and long meditation. Thus, by writing this, I'm also more deeply rooted in Faith and good works.
After attending Bible Study on GRACE, this scale appears before I do anything:
Grace
/ \
Liberty License
Only when acting according to the scale, which means being neither legalistic nor licentious, then we gain freedom! Why? We won't feel trapped or guilty at all”>
This harmonious feeling is not forced but comes from the heart and only God can change our hearts and work out miracles!
----------------------------------------
Stage 1 Justification
Stage 2 Satisfaction
Stage 3 Holification
After accepting salvation he had done for us, He will work in us for maturity and holiness. Finally, we come to the stage to walk into our destiny and servant-hood through Him.
I want to change in the below categories:
*Live a life for Others. Get out of my self-seeking stage!
*Be responsible for my whole being, spirit, soul, body (include purity, emotions, mind, appetite, speech……)
*Have Patience and do not overstep others' patience. (try harder to be punctual, answer phone call, reply msg)
Those are not what I have to do, but what I want to do. Not an overnight change, but a process. Not by my strength but HIS:))
Feel so blessed to be in Heart of God Church with my family members whom I'm getting to know more about. Hahas, some are totally CRAP and hilarious, some cool and cute, others bouncy and crazy and the rest, guai and detailed. Pastors are so awesome and awe-inspiring that they shake our world!!!
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Sunday, February 27, 2005
haha. I'm at home on Saturday morning!
How rare, how NICE!
Dreamt about my sisters and few special frends:)
Noticed that I'm too busy, so it should be the time to
catch up with loved ones.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Sunday, February 27, 2005
Friday: For the first time in life, I listened with all my being.
Feelings were stilled, so that I can hear.
LOVE pours down from its source, freeing souls.
Loving twilight zone, manifests real intelligence.
Only He controls our Lives, we are his construction sides.
Omnipotent is our God, who created us for good works.
Why we live on Earth? To gain our heavenly rewards.
With Him, we walk into our destiny.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Friday, February 25, 2005
To reproach artist for having an insufficiently radical relation to the world has to be a complaint about art as such. And to reproach art is, in more than one way, like reproaching consicousness itself for being a burden.
-Susan Sontag
Labels: Art
Accelerate! on Friday, February 25, 2005
:) My days are totally packed.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Today is the most delightful day in my entire life!!!
I tasted true liberty.
From now on, I shall never miss Bible Study if I can help it. It will be the stupidest act for me to miss it.
Labels: Happenings
Accelerate! on Sunday, February 20, 2005
My heart grew weary and faint for no reason, or was it too much reasons? On the way back to my mother's house, the image of my pocket size New Testament plus Psalms and Proverbs Bible floated in my mind
I found it waiting for me on the book shelf. The Spirit led me to Psalms 34, which was under the title "depressed". I tasted the Word like a lion who suffers from hunger. Through the mist in my mind and the glistening tears in my eyes I read.
When it comes to verse 17, I was crying so hard. How can it be? The Head of the Universe speak to a fruitless tree? How can it be? The Creator of all things care all about a pathetic speck? How can it be? The Heavenly receives a dreadful sinner as his beloved child?
For a specific person, at an exclusive point in life, in an identifiable mood, from the only God.
I have experience the overpowering capacity and the heartening pleasantness of RHEMA.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Wednesday, February 16, 2005
One day before Valentine's Day.
HoGc
Sermon: Hearing God
The floor was literally shaking during today's worship.
The Holy Spirit, like waves was flowing amongst us, causing us to surge with Him.
Never did I imagined that my microscopic measure of Faith could carry me this far.
The three voices spoke to me during the few minutes of privacy. I heard them as clear as thoughts.
'You got to read the Bible! For it carries the weight of the world'
The Book felt so heavy on my hands that it became a burden in my heart, a burden of a golden ball of dream.
Labels: Spirituality
Accelerate! on Monday, February 14, 2005
Another thing I have learnt today is Never Ever underestimate anyone.
The one whom you despise today will be the very person who will put you to shame tomorrow.
Labels: Reflection
Accelerate! on Wednesday, February 09, 2005
I have ascertained that I am too shallow from the inmost silence of my being. There are so many things yet to grasp, so many things yet to experience, so many things yet to accomplish…
Father's promise is all that I have; I live each day by a muster seed of faith. Faith opens up my mind to knowledge and I respond to it with great thirst. My decree for the New Year will be Spirit leading systematic learning. Not just by mind, but with my heart. Not merely in structured school, but with Enlighteners and on my own. (Portfolios still belong to structured environment)
However, I am not what I have. If I lost what I have, I am still myself.
If you think I am great, it is because I think that I am small.
If you think that I am small, it is because you think that you are greater.
If you think that you’re greater, you’re not so great after all. (Unless you boast in the LORD)
This applies to all.
We have to be upside down in order to enter the kingdom of God.
Labels: Reflection
Accel