Bye Beograd

This is about a post of the white city Belgrade, capital of Serbia, and its many everyday “adventures” for the past 1.5 weeks. It is a pretty unusual travel journey, because for one of the rare times, we decided to just “feel” and decide, and not be harried by the need to visit many different places or cover all the touristy "must-dos". And at the end of this trip, I must say I look back and thought it was just a very enjoyable holiday.

In a nutshell, Belgrade is called the White City because when it was discovered, apparently there were huge slabs of white stones (limestone) and bel means white and grade means city. It is also not an expensive city, ranked 421 out of 500+ cities in the whole world, and the average monthly salary is just about SGD$650. Serbia had a war-torn history, part of the previous Yugoslavia, and had communist remnants. In the last 29 years, the Serbians saw 4 passport changes, and now, there is the disputable Kosovo conflict as well as their waiting to join EU. Over the course of 1.5 weeks, we visited museums, spoke to different guides… and the above, summed up a quick overview of Serbia and Belgrade.

And so… with the above (which you can easily google), I shall journal some personal reflections and thoughts of this trip.

I personally so enjoyed this holiday because it is really a holiday. We slept enough, had 3 (and more than 3) full meals daily though these meals were mostly just simple stuff. I discovered this really delicious Serbian pastry, and found out it was called Serbian Strudel, and it was made of poppy seeds. Meals with Steve… were great sources of conversations, and I think we went to proper restaurants perhaps only 2 times throughout this entire trip, mainly to experience the Skadarlija bohemian lover street. Most often, we ate at the local Chinese food shop, and dinner time was just spent eating rice with vegetables, mushrooms, chicken / beef. But I love it. This Chinese blood in me… as long as there is the familiar soya and Asian taste, it is enough. If Abu Dhabi has such variety, I would be most happy.

And then, I love our times chilling at cafes and exploring the area by foot… We would do all the touristy things of course, and we walked and walked, and walked and walked. We went to the zoo, visited Nikola Tesla museum and the Military Museum, went to a prisoner torture exhibition, visiting gardens and parks, did day trips out of Belgrade to Budapest and Novi Sad, went to a winery, joined the local walking tours, went on a historical communist tour, did an underground tunnel tour, went to an underground pub, met some new international friends, went to visit their orthodox churches, watched a movie (Thor) and ate popcorn, visited local markets, etc, etc.

Beautiful Serbia

Serbia in the night

He says he has superb photography skills. I think - yeah, not bad. :-D

Haha... but I think my skills also not bad right. And I capture the animals.

Of cats and dogs

New friends found underground

I wanna drive this old Yugo.

Tall Serbian people

Visiting the Military Museum

The external exhibits - day and night shots

Prisoner Torture Exhibition

In Budapest

Beautiful Budapest

Rural and quiet town Novi Sad

While the visits were enriching and enjoyable, the best times during this trip were just spending time together - talking and chilling over coffee and drinks. Because we would talk about all these short visits we have been on - discussing how it was during the war, how it must be a different experience to live in a country where winters are so cold and summers so hot, how we could get so up close with the animals, how if only the place were much more taken care of (you could still see ruins, remains of construction that had stopped, etc), tourism might have boomed, the different government systems, how the wine and rakja (local fruit brandy) were so tasty, how affordable the prices here were, how breakfast daily was so yummy, how Serbian people are so tall and generally the women are very beautiful, how cold and windy it was at times. 
Conversations were never static and it was not just about Serbia. We talked about Liverpool and how they had been winning and maybe we should have been in London, only for them to draw 3-3 when they were up 3-0 last night… talked about SG MRT woes, shared our dreams and aspirations, reflected about 2017, talked about family, about Kenji, about 2018, about my work and his, about how different both of us are, and he always likes to ask me this – so did your friends text you? And time just passed like this.

Both Steve and I are really quite different. We did the pymetric test in this trip, and it was so funny that what was assessed was true to a really huge extent. So this is the part – apparently I am a high risk-taker and he is so so so not… we had a super huge laugh. 

Well, this is the story. Because we had only booked our accommodation for the first 3 nights (based on this trip philosophy that we would have a different adventure, to feel and decide where we wanted to go as the trip unfolded, and then decide where to stay for the remaining segments of the trip), we found out that we were really really very different. For me, I would think – aiyoh, why did he need to think so long to make a decision on where to stay? Just read the reviews, feel it, sense it, if need be, just drop in and visit (and we did... we visited 4 accommodation choices) and then, just book. He would however, spend a lot of time thinking through the various shortlisted hotels, read them a thousand times, think and then re-think, and then re-think again, and then asked me which accommodation I prefer, and when I suggested “A”, he would go… how about “B”, “C” or “D”? And then the whole process repeats itself. 

Of course, I am drawing a parallel of our experiences to the risk-appetite results, but it was just pretty hilarious. In the end, to me, we human beings are super adaptable… so whichever place we stayed, we enjoyed it. And if you want to know, we stayed at a few different places, from the luxurious Marriott at one end of the spectrum, to a 2.5 star kinda backpackers accommodation.

We are so different. I think the person who took this pic for us has the best photography skills. :-D

Happy Cafe Times

And of course, you can see all the beautiful pictures taken of the trip, and beautiful they are. J 

But regardless, these would too become just a beautiful memory. Like the many trips we had done. And one day, these too would become a topic… Ey, u remember the lady you gave an electric shock to at the breakfast café? I somehow zapped her with my finger and she screamed a little and her colleagues, esp that one female colleague, laughed so loudly at her. And.... 

Ey, how did I ever capture such a picture?  What are they staring at, and why do they look so intense?

Beautiful moments cannot be summed up enough in a post like this, or just from looking at the pictures taken. However, these pictures and this journal do sum up the “now”. While I learn from the past and look forward to the future, one key thing 2017 has taught me was how I can live in the present, enjoy the moment and give thanks. So while this chapter in cold Serbia shall also become a beautiful memory and a chapter of our lives in future, for the now, I am thankful and happy that we had a super awesome 12 days.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I’m alive,” he said to the boy, as they ate a bunch of dates one night, with no fires and no moon.

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.”

…

But the boy was quiet. He was at home with the silence of the desert, and he was content just to look at the trees. He still had a long way to go to reach the pyramids, and someday this morning would just be a memory. But this was the present moment – the party the camel driver had mentioned – and he wanted to live it as he did the lessons of his past and his dreams of the future. Although the vision of the date palms would someday be just a memory, right now it signified shade, water, and a refuge from the war. Yesterday, the camel’s groan signaled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle.

(Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist) 

Time of the night @ Rihan Heighs, Abu Dhabi

SIMPLE THINGS

It's been a good and productive day, with me waking up at 630am for a skype call.

It's getting a little colder, but all is well. :) 

Today, simple things make me happy - like walking Kenji... I just love Kenji so much that it was hard for us to leave him at the pet boarding facility today. He was so panicky, so scared. I wondered what went on in his brain. We would never leave him nor discard him because we love him so much.
And, see his smug face here. He knows he is NOT allowed on the sofa, but yet, he would secretly get on it when we are not paying attention or when we are not home. The evidence is always the warmth, the fur, and sometimes, the saliva he leaves on the sofa. 

Today, I went for my first night swim too. I am so glad I decided to "just do it". The water was slightly warm, it was quiet in the water and I had the whole pool to myself. The pool was just beautiful, and as I swam away, again, I thank God for the past few weeks and His love in my life. I also made certain decisions in my heart; come God, continue to lead me and help me, I prayed.

And I like the girlish things. I went for my first gell manicure too... and am liking it! Rihan Heights has everything I need, for me at least, and so these pretty nails will be with me through Serbia. :-D

Finally, tonight, I thank God for the people He has placed in my life.

Thank God for great friends and colleagues, and the various ones who have made a difference in my life, especially those in these last 2 - 3 months who have journeyed with me through particular moments. 

Thank God for family and my mum.

Thank God for Steveywonder. 
And I thank God for strength, for His provision, for His grace. 

The Unspoken Language

The language of thankfulness

The language of love

Is many times unspoken

I have grown over the last few years to realize and understand

That the most important things are felt, are unseen materially

Trips back to Singapore, I always feel so blessed

Indeed people are the most important

I was asked - what makes you feel fulfilled

I answered - people 

I came with a decision to make

I left; a decision yet unmade

I know; that God is really doing a work in my heart

I am conflicted in many ways

In love, relationships, career

Pride, fear, sin - they ensnare

But God, you always reveal

You always protect

Each day, while a struggle, is a step-by-step

So I can conclude today

That it has been a worthwhile day

Worthwhile living, discovering, understanding, trusting

Today, I choose to say

Thank you Jesus

Thank you my Lord 

"It was the pure Language of the World. It required no explanation, just as the universe needs none as it travels through endless time... There is only that moment, and the incredible uncertainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love... Without such love, one's dreams would have no meaning." - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Beautiful Sisterly Love

Thank you Dearies. 
I realized... we have a little blue in each one of us...
ZH, yours is Dark Blue. :D

Thank you for the laughter, the memories, the fellowship! 

My Sanctuary @ Pasir Ris Beach

One of the first things I wanted
Is retrace this familiar path
515 I started
One end to the other
My feet - on fire

I've spent many dusks here
My sanctuary, my quietness
As I sit at the breakwater
The running and the tiredness
The adrenaline and the calmness

As the sun sets slowly
Orange rims, gentle breeze
As the day draws to an end
My energy returns
And I stand again.



夕阳无限好，只是近黄昏

Plane Rides

[Written Last Night In the Sky]

“The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters. Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah”

Psalms 24:1-6 NKJV

********

Tonight, I take the night flight back to Singapore. As I look at the vast land and the lights, the Lord’s creation of beauty in the night, I’m reminded of how BIG our God is. That He alone is the creator of the heavens and earth, His majesty and beauty – how can we ever comprehend and behold?

I like plane rides. To be specific, I do not enjoy the long distance rides in cramped small spaces, but I like the solitude, the fact that I am cut off from everyone else, that no one can call me, that I am in my own space. It is a luxury seldom afforded in our busy world. So I will take time to think about the weeks passed as well as what would unfold ahead.

I try to buy and read a book each time I travel, usually from the bookstores at the airports. That’s how I first started reading Murakami Haruki, how I first read about North Korea (and eventually deciding to do a trip there), how I fell in love with Chinese dynasties, their kings and the concubines – the stories of politicking, winning the fancy of the King, etc. One time, I recall someone asked me why I like the Chinese Gong Ting stories so much. It’s because it’s so reflective of everyday life; we are all creatures made to desire, to love, to win, and in the midst, the backbiting, the scheming. But most of all, I like how good always triumphs evil in the end. I like to see how “the weak” becomes “strong”, the “last” becoming “first”, the “kind” trumps the “schemer”. Story writers are so amazing. Their uncanny ability to bring the plot to life, to draw us into another world – such gift.

Tonight, I fly with some mixed feelings.
Of course I am anxious about work-related matters and the next steps for me.

But I stand upon the promise of Psalm 90:12-17 (MSG), that God alone establishes and affirms the work that we do, and that the loveliness of God will rest on us. I like a post that was mentioned by TCJ in 2013; it resonates with me.

I look back at the past 8 months. It’s been a thrilling ride. If I had not decided to be bold, let go and step out, I wouldn’t have experienced a new life, richer and more meaningful friendships, taken driving and now navigating left-hand drive in a foreign land (it is still exciting to me), made myself cook, experienced “when faith and fear collide”, tried to assimilate into a new culture, took on an Arabic conversational course, brought Kenji over to a foreign land etc. Perhaps, I had to dig into the core of what I consider really most important to me to make decisions, and that, I will continue to do. 

The Lord is indeed far bigger than I can ever think of or imagine. 

Snippets of life in Abu Dhabi - 简单就是幸福

This trip back here feels like it's been the longest though it's been only slightly more than a month. Many times, different ones would ask me how I spend my days here. I feel - 简单就是幸福 (simplicity is happiness). 

I am glad that we have a nice apartment to live in. It's a one-bedder unit but it has everything we need, including simple furnishings. And given that I enjoy swimming and running, with the gym and Zayed Sports City just here,  I am pretty much settled into this place happily. We are able to do all we need - cook, host (a few) guests, sleep well, watch Liverpool... and being small, cleaning is also much easier.









The weather here is starting to get cooler. In July, it was HOT and several days, morning walks were drenched in sweat, and night humidity would cause Kenji to sneeze. Haha. He really would sneeze. But now, it's really enjoyable and many times, with a slight breeze. As usual, I enjoy my walks with Kenji very very much. He is NAUGHTY! Loves to pick tennis balls, growl at other dogs... but I just love his curiosity and zest for walks. While it is the same area we walk, he is still so sure he would discover something new every walk. During the walks with him, I reflect, pray, thank God that He has given us this new chapter. While much goes through my mind, I wonder what Kenji always thinks about.



And I like how he contemplatively looks out of the window daily.... What does he think of the world and us human earthlings?



It's also been good just to get back into tennis action. It's really been a while! I might look like I'm drenched in sweat... but it was really because it was just too humid. :) I look forward to tennis with Kenneth when I go back to SG. 
Also love the dusk and how the whole tennis arena looks simply beautiful. 



So, my daily life consists of cooking too. I never really enjoyed cooking and till now, I would say I'd rather wash up than cook. However, here, I have to, cos I really crave the Asian taste. And hence, I try. Today, I added a new dish to my culinary repertoire. Everyday, it's really the same dish(es). :0 But that's me. If I like one thing, I stick to it.... for a loooooong time. So it's been salmon and salmon and more salmon. But today, I did pomfret! And Steve says it's nice! Ha ha ha ha. He has to put up with salmon daily and I really appreciate that. :)))




Life wouldn't be complete too without meaningful friendships. :) Thankful for the Singaporean friends here and I'm glad that I've started to get to know a few more people better.  It's just warmer when you know you can share life, and drinks, with friends. :)) The SG national day celebration just a few days back was a very good reminder of SG being home, and made me think of my family and loved ones. Of course, any time I miss home, I can just skype or even book an air ticket back. This feeling is really very different from 10 years ago, when I remember I was so homesick in Japan. The wonders of technology bridges distance.

And Steve and me would explore new places, take walks, go about the usual grocery supermarket shopping, love Keni :) It seems same same, but I'm just glad that through the years, simple things bind us together more, and that we could still communicate and understand each other. Today, I read something which is so beautidul - this author wrote about how it takes time to seek to listen and sometimes, just asking the person how his / her day has been, and taking a genuine interest, can be one of life's best gifts. This is priceless to me. 





Tonight, as the day draws to a close, I give God thanks for all that He's doing in my life, and how He's daily helping me in my weaknesses and struggles.
In Him, I become stronger. :)

2 Cor 12:9-11 (NKJV)
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Kenji arrives safely

Last few nights before leaving were sleepless nights for me. Honestly, this one month in SG - I had various "up-down" emotions. Got to know some new people and met so many different ones daily that I felt I had no time to think, but yet, I know some of these relationships would be for a long time to come. I wonder - would I really get used to a new life even when I feel and confess that I would? 

Can I be so honest - that it is scary when I do not know what the future holds for us, for me, and especially on my work front. But I choose to have faith and trust in God. I appreciate Meng How and Lynda, and the many different ones who spoke into my life. Live in the moment, be happy and enjoy this experience, trust God and His plans will unfold. This is a step into some deep unknown for me; the searching, seeking, and then finding will come. 

And Daphieee... she was the incessant figure in my life this month. Amazing how God works, and how through her, I saw great great strength, faith and love. As much as she loves how we could talk about anything, especially issues of life that are not much discussed, I'd like her to know it's the same on my end. Thanks for being such a great friend Daphieee. Life is just more exciting with you around. Even unglam times like washing together are a great joy! Please help me tell Dr Nelson I've been good, trying not to cross my legs. But how come I still have soreness??? Please tell him to give me discounted rate next time.

And Lynn, thanks for being a really wonderful friend in my life throughout the years. The dinner last week - sums up all my love and gratitude for you. I'm glad we could hug, share, talk throughout the years. :)

So, my first week here went by pretty fine, especially when Kenji arrived. He took no time getting used to the place, and was pretty much settled in by the second day. We knew this because he started growling at other dogs, chasing after tennis balls, giving us the "sian" face. And when he looks out of the window, sees another dog.. he starts growling. I love it when he stares contemplatively out of the window, when he sits down in one corner and thinks he is the king of this world, when he snuggles up to us and just rests. I love it that he has an experience in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi. I love it that I can take care of him and meet all his needs. 

And as I pen these thoughts, I just watched service online. Thought that today's sermon was just one that is impossible to preach.... it is beyond understanding - how could one ever comprehend the amount of love that God has for us? It cannot be merely through a sermon. May I fall in love with Jesus over and over again.

"The cross is about God who has everything falling in love with me who has nothing. If I had not done anything wrong or had been perfect, I would never have understood His great love." - Sun, 20170708

Finally, it is a blessing to just be with Steve again. We are a work-in-progress and I pray that regardless, we will conquer life's challenges and more milestones together, and live life together.

New Chapter 2017

It's been a while. Maybe a decade. How time flies, and I would never ever ever imagine that I would live in Abu Dhabi. Japan, yes. Countries like US, Canada, Australia, yes... Middle East? Never imagined that this would happen.

But yes, here I am. It's been about 6 months since Steve came over. And I am here and there, between SG and ABD, and likely, will make the more permanent move in Q3 2017.

Today, I muse about many things. It's Friday. I would have been so glad in SG, knowing that the work week has come to an end, and with CG, that would mark an accomplished week, laying before the Lord everything I've done, believing for fruitfulness. And it was like that for the past 10 years, 8 years in WDA/SSG; where with the routine a normalcy sets in, where with the routine, life goes on and on - each week pretty much the same as the last, some weeks tougher, some weeks more exhilarating, some weeks very painful, some weeks in triumph.
In ABD, at least for now, it's pretty different. I reflect. I think about what would become (sometimes what could have become), what could become, and try to paint and imagine a future. I realised that I cannot rush things even if it were in my nature to do so. I learnt patience. I learn to live in the moment, and daily, I take time to thank God. I make plans, but in transitional periods like now, I don't really know how our tomorrow would become, and so, with that uncertainty would also be a certain faith and rest in God.

So I thought, perhaps I would resurrect the blog. And in time to come, journal God's faithfulness in my life, in Steve's life, step-by-step.

清ちゃんのメールを。。。ありがとう。

もうひとつの実を望まれ

主から選ばれて
この世に植えられた
もうひとつの実を望まれ

ありがとう気づいてなかった
どれほど愛されているのか
はじめから今まで神の愛は
いつも注がれていたこと

ありがとうその愛教えてくれた
主から与えられた君に
キリストの愛でもっと仕え
私もこの世に仕えよう

君は愛されるため
そしてその愛伝えるため
主から選ばれて
この世に植えられた
もうひとつの実を望まれ

帰ってきたけどまだ元気がない。。。
信頼といえばどんなことでしょうか。
まだ心の痛みがあります。
まだ痛いです。

さっきギターを弾いた。
がっかりな感じはいつも溢れている。
どうしてどうしてどうしてな言葉ばかり。
どうして失敗？
どうして夢は壊れたの？
どうして現実はそうなの？

望み

新しい役
新しい夢、幻、ビジョン
WCとの和解
心の癒し
FILの癌を治す
神様の知恵、注ぎ、フェいバ

痛み

突然悲しくなります。
突然に。
なぜ。。。

昨日は元気になったけど。昨日は起こったことを忘れたかったけど、今日はぜんぜん元気でわない。
難しいな。

GWとまきのことを感謝し、昨日二人と話した後、元気になる。自分の問題を考えずに、ほかの人を集中し、夜の時間も経ちました。

今晩はどうすれば良いですか？

Encouragement to Myself - Be Strong

Lam 3:22-33 (The Message)

^22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.

^25-27God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when you're young
to stick it out through the hard times.

^28-30When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions:
Wait for hope to appear.
Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face.
The "worst" is never the worst.

^31-33Why? Because the Master won't ever
walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly.
His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.
He takes no pleasure in making life hard,
in throwing roadblocks in the way:

Believe within

Today I felt overwhelmed
But I will trust in God's promise.

Jer 29:11-14 (The Message)
This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.
"When you come looking for me, you'll find me.
"Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.

Happy Night

I had such a fabulous time with Steve tonight. :) He will be very happy to read this - more than knowing that he is my best friend, it's him who has set me into action, to write an entry tonight.

Sometimes, things done in an impromptu manner bring about amazing results. We hadn't really intended to meet... I was already home, and then, yeah, we decided to go to Ajisen. It's been about 2 plus or 3 years since I last went to Ajisen. In our earlier years, we frequented Ajisen and it was a dating dinner place for us, so tonight, somehow, it was special. And enjoy the ramen we did.


What I want to say is that a relationship - a meaningful, deep relationship - is treasure. To find someone who understands you, can communicate with you, gives you the assurance and confidence... the list goes on... this is truly a blessing. Tonight we just talked. If you ask me what I talked about, actually I can't really recall now, ahha, but we just talked and fellowshipped. Thank you my dear. :)

And another highlight of the night - had a long chat with Maki over the phone and she shared with me about her trip back to Japan, the church there and the Holy Spirit. I really enjoyed the conversation with her, and we prayed together. I'm so looking forward to going to the mission trip in May. I know it will be a life-changing experience, and I pray that I can continue to be a blessing to the Japanese.

It's almost 1am... and tomorrow is Friday. Have to wake up early to work, but somehow I am wide awake. Could it be the mocha after the ramen? :) Steve and I went to Starbucks after Ajisen, and had a MO JIA. I am thankful that it's Fri, and weekend is coming, cos for certain, I'm looking forward to CG and service.

Suddenly I think that life is so beautiful.:) In the cool of the night, as I type this and reflect on my bed, I thank God for all He has shown me and blessed me with. I know 2011 will be a blast year!!

Tonight is an amazing night.

After 1 whole week of work, several meetings and going out with friends and cell group yesterday, tonight is MY time!! :) It's ME time and after work, I went for a quick swim at Safra and now... I am at Minds Cafe, blogging and also sms-ing a few friends.

I seldom do this nowadays, but today, I just feel like finding a cosy corner in a cafe. Did some work and killed some brain cells, then decided to surf the internet and moment of inspiration - Write Blog!!! Haha, this blog is like a very old woman... Quiet, Slow, Aged, Lack of activity... but maybe, maybe it will change soon?!
Whahahahah.

And there's no specific blog topic. I am just happy to rant away.

I feel that it is so important to love people and at the same time, learn to receive love too. Being thankful is such a key thing in life. Tonight Steve has cell group. Just now he called me... i think they are eating KFC? (maybe my ears heard wrongly... wahhahaa..) I sort of miss him this week... cos we din meet up lar..

And tomorrow is Kelvin's BIG day!!! I am truly happy and excited for him. If you dunno him, you can find him in some past pictures in this blog. Can't miss him. Besides Steve, he is the next most handsome brother E151, N432 has ever produced... ahhaha... and tomorrow, I know it will be unforgettable for him and Karen. Marriage bliss to dear Kel and Karen.

And one night, recently, I came home to discover a "WOO WOO WOOOOOO" sound from my bedroom. To my amazement, my sister had got an air-conditioning unit installed. She was sick of the heat at night and just decided to do it. (My mum has opposed to getting air-conditioning for the longest time as she feels it is not good for health.) But Apple decided to just do it, and now, Yay!! We are both happy sisters, have an air-conditioned room to sleep in snugly and comfortably.

And well, Minds Cafe at Safra is still bustling with acitivty. A few tables are occupied, and groups are playing games, laughing heartily at times. Only 私。。。私だけ一人自分の時間を過ごします。ふふふ。でも本当に嬉しいです。一人だけど寂しくない。私ももうすぐスティブと会う。彼のことを感謝します。：）

And the time now is nearly 12.30am.. Gosh... I am going to go home le... my batt is almost flat already. :)

I am a happy owl.

The God I know

Righteous and Holy

The God I know

Faithful and true

The God I know

My tower of refuge

Hearts are healed

Christ revealed

The God I know

Light of the city

The God I know

Strengthens the weak

The God I know

Your heart beats within me

As you are

So are we

He gives and takes away

These past few weeks have passed like a whirlpool, the most significant being God showing us how His grace and mercy is more than sufficient.
Steve has gone through one of the toughest times in his life and yet, I see him being strong.
Next time I shall call him Strong Steve.

When I asked him why he did not even tear a drop, he said, "How could I?"
When I asked him further, he said, "I have totally trusted Him. He gives and takes away. This total surrender and trust and strength in Him in me simply does not allow me to cry."

One doesn't really know the extent and depth of simply declaring verses and promises of the Bible until one goes through that immense valley.
And at the end of the day when everything is stripped away, you will know how strong you truly are as a believer.

We sang this song during FOP. And this couldn't have come at a timing more apt.
I am able to write this entry now because I know that God is a good and faithful God.
I declare that He is a deliverer and He loves us.
Even in times of loss and pain, we can always choose to bless and praise His name.


Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

???????

Fleeting moments
Tennis action
Love stories
Kungfu movies

Half an hour
20 minutes
Voices rising
Tired bodies

People running
Smelly lifts
Sister crying
Everything's messy

I am just sitting in front of the comp, waiting to use the bathroom.
Dad's inside, I dunno how long it'll be.
I just returned home and am feeling totally nothing.
It's been like that these couple of days.
I feel that I am a nothing trapped in another nothing.

Sometimes I want to write, but dun really know what to say. I don't really want to write melancholic and un-understandable posts like this, but whatever, I guess sometimes it's really OK to be totally honest with my own emotions.

Or worse still, when I dun really understand how I really feel?

I need a good, clean shower right now.