Consecrated To God

2009-09-02T00:40:00.000-07:00

Han-Gul 2009.....

HERE

COMMMEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

Snow.
KIMCHI
SKIING
COLD WEATHER
HANBOK
BBQ Beef wrap
'Cao Nian Gao'

TOO Good to be TRUE! Thank you LORD!

2009-07-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

My 18th Birthday Surpise(aka. 1st officical Camp Comm Mtg 19th Mar 2009)

My un-suspecting face. LOL. Well, Sort of. I did know that the camp comm was gg to celebrate my birthday bcos of a certain SOMEONE who sent a certain WRONG SMS. HAHAHA..But i was still surprised. Did not expect my cell memebers(juan, xw, amelia and anissa) plus club leader, FEEE, to come down to TCT to celebrate for me.

THE SURPRISE!!!!

PRESENT!

Oh! and My birthday wish came true too! HAHAHHA...I wished for the SURVIVAL CAMP would go well and God did more than I wished for! To Him be the glory FOREVER AND EVER!

2009-06-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

4.3/5.4/6.4 Reunion/Farewell Lunch with Ms Lim

Ms Lim and me

FINALLY!!!! I get a picture with Jo-annie! hahaha...one of the very rare ones other than class pictures. HAHAHA.

2009-06-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

TYA Survival Camp 2009

No words can express how thankful and amazed I am. We serve an AWESOME God whose ways are higher and who never shortchanges the work of His servants. It is through this camp that I have seen the astounding power of prayer.

When I first accepted the role of being the intercessor I/C, I had absolutely no idea as to what to anticipate. All I knew was that I had to keep this whole camp, planning and the execution of it, in prayer. And all praise and glory to the Lord, I saw His hand upon the this camp in the most tremendous way. This whole camp was practically dripping with His goodness. The smooth-flowing of all the programs planned was something that can never be done on our own but by the power of our Lord. When i look back at last year's camp and compare it with this year's, I can't help but notice the stark difference between a camp planning started with our strength and humanly wisdom and a camp planning dedicated to the Lord right from the start. It really makes a HUGE difference. This year, we started every meeting with Christ as our priority and planned this whole camp with Him as the centre of it. We have experienced what Matthew 7:33 states, 'Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.' Indeed, when we choose to place God first, all the resources and things that we need shall be added unto us.

And though, I did not get to interact much with the kids or help much in the physical planning of the camp, I'm still thankful that the Lord used me as an intercessor even when i started out knowing nothing about it. I kind of missed the stress of running around and executing the activities planned but i guess God wanted me to be a 'Mary' for this year's camp instead of the 'Martha' that I was for the past two years. All in all, i have to say that it has been an amazing journey especially with such a crazy bunch of camp committee members who never failed to make me laugh with their funny and lame antics. Friendships were definitely formed and I'm thankful for it.

One last and most important thing that i want to thank God for is Yang Zhi's salvation. When I saw him lift up his hand in response to the invitation to accept Christ, tears of joy just streamed down my face. I thought back to the very first time i met him at my first TYA Survival Camp and how he changed from a kid who never failed to cause so much trouble to a thoughtful, obedient and caring teen, it was as if God was assuring me that He is indeed at work among the volunteers and kids in TYA. I'm sure that that very day, the angels were rejoicing and God was smiling upon this young soul who had been touched by the love of Christ that had flowed from every volunteer that he had come in contact with. Yang Zhi's salvation is living proof that God is indeed at work in transforming our generation and the next.

ALL GLORY AND HONOR BELONGS TO THE LORD. HE HAS BEEN GLORIFIED THROUGH THIS CAMP!

Completely by Ana Laura

2009-04-28T18:26:00.001-07:00

While I'm Waiting by John Waller {Fireproof music video with lyrics}

2009-03-24T19:34:00.001-07:00

2009-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

In The Garden
Music and words by C. Austin Miles, 1912

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

Like a lily among thorns, so is my beloved among the daughters.--Songs of Songs 2:2

2009-03-09T00:13:00.000-07:00

10 more days to my 18th birthday and surprisingly, I'm feeling rather neutral about it. Perhaps it's a little too early for me to get excited about it. Either that or my life has been inundated with so many things lately that it takes away most of the anticipation, which is a good thing because an idle mind is a devil's workshop. And! And! And...I thank God for giving me so many more opportunities to serve him. It's amazing how he always raises the bar higher every time He grants me new roles to take on. He pushes me, in a good way, out of my comfort zone. Though sometimes it does stress the life out of me, I'm thankful that He is always faithful. He never fails to grant me the strength to accomplish the the things that He brings into my life. Just like how he brought me through the TYA survival camp as an assistant counselor and a clan head. This year, i rest in the knowledge that He will bring me from strength to strength even as i take on a completely different role for the upcoming camp. He has always proven himself faithful till the very end and I know He will bring me through this.

2009-01-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

A New Appreciation

I used to dislike my name when I was young and the fact that it rhymed with anything that ended with BELL and thrown into the lyrics of the familiar Christmas carol "Jingle Bell" just made it worse. In primary school, the teasings were endless. Everyday i had to go through the ruthless distortions of my name. It even came to the point of my shedding of tears over it.(LOL...i think i was too sensitive back then as well. But what can i say? I was only 10!haha...but don't worry, I'm ok with it now) I remember wanting to change my name so badly, dreaming and wishing that I was given a nicer name.

But as the years went by and the teasings died down, I began to appreciate my name, especially when my parents told me the meaning and story behind my name. What's more is that in the past year, the meaning of my name has become a treasure that is really close to my heart. I want it to be more than just a meaning, I want it to be a reality.

Consecrated to God, that's what it means.

oh and just for the sake of saying it, haha....Isabel is the Spanish name for Elizabeth. Cool huh? haha...I love my name!!!

2009-01-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving and Goals for the New Year

The year 2008 marked a turning point in my walk with the Lord. As I look back on all that has happened, I can not help but feel a sense of joy bubbling from within me. I see His fingerprints all over the things that had happened this year, be it trials, testings or blessings. And though I did not get into the course i wanted in Ngee Ann Poly or into the public stream, I know that God still has his best for me.(To know more abt what happened, go ahead and read one of the April blog post for this year)

To cut a looooonnnnngggg story short, I shall list down my thanksgivings in point form with a little bit of commentry here and there.

I thank God for/that...

1) giving me opporunities to serve Him--Such as the YA survival camp, in YA club, helping my mum do the housework while she's at work, Hospitality Team Sector I/C, etc.
2) my $100 birthday miracle--see one of the March post
3) not letting go of me even when I contemplated giving up on Him
4) putting a desire within to live a life set-apart for Him and to know Him more.
5) the christian books, daily devotions and sermons during service that challenged me to live a life set apart for my Lord
6) I finally owned the decision that I'm home-schooled
7) the starting of my online business
8) the time spent with my grandparents during the december holidays
9) the YA Malacca Trip--Got to know the kids and their parents better
10) The Muar Prayer Retreat--Got to know the rest of the network people more.
11) putting me into situations that forced me out of my comfort zone--It helped me grow a lot. Especially the part of coming to the end of myself and totally relying on the strength of God.
12) not granting my desire to go to NP-- I really thank the Lord for this. If He had granted this, I would not have so many amazing opportunitites of serving him and I definitely would not have grown so much spiritually.
13) My two cell leaders--XIAOWEN! and LIJUAN!
14) My cell members
15) Network People--Syl, Sky, Andrew, Vivien, Bryan, Caroline,etc.
16) YA volunteers--FEEE! Jasmine, Vicki, GaoMin, Pris, Stef, Ben1,Ben2, Melvin, Angela, Samm, Wilson, etc.
17) My Hope Party and Jasmine's salvation

that's about it. There's many many many more. But these are the main ones. =)

Thank you, Lord, for all that You've done. Indeed, You are the one who has brought me thus far.

Well...2008 has gone and a new Year has come.

4 areas of growth for 2009:

Relationship with God
-continue to maintain that initmacy with the Lord ~ initimacy with Christ is a life-long pursuit of Him, not just for a season
-continue to work towards living a set apart life for the Lord.
-have solitude with the Lord at least once every 2 months

Ministry
-to get to know the YA kids on a more personal basis
-to get to know my cell members more
-More opportunities to serve the Lord and to be a blessing

Family
-spend more time with my grandparents
-pray for my grandparents salvation
-help out more with the housework without being calculative and with no complaints
-build a better relationship with sis and bro

School
-finish up NCSC level 3 (hopefully before April)
-sit for SATs
-pray and trust God for directions for my future
-put my heart and soul into glorifying the Lord in my studies

2008-11-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

Oli, Melvin and Stef's Bdae Celebration Pics

When God Ran

2008-10-09T21:46:00.001-07:00

2008-10-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

Li Juan's birthday 2008

2008-10-05T23:56:00.000-07:00

'What is the secret to great living?

Entire separation to Christ and complete devotion to Him. Thus speaks every man and woman whose life has made more than a passing flicker in the spiritual realm. It is the life that has no time for trifling that counts.'

--Amy Carmichael.

A life that has no time for small and unimportant things--things that are temporal. A mind set on the things that really matter in the sight of God. And a heart that yearns for the applause of Heaven rather than the affirmation of the world.

'Set your mind on the things above, not on the things of this world." Col 3:2

2008-09-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

YA Children's Day Party 2008 @ West Coast CC

The group that i attched myself to.

The ESCAPE(as how Dori would say it) of a crab from the market next door. Hahaha...

Group Flag in the Making

Ice-breakers

Jason, YY and Me
Games time!!!!

Group Picture!!

Serangoon Club Pic=)

2008-09-18T01:02:00.000-07:00

"I think there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happi-ness is caused by things which happen around me, and circumstances will mar it, but joy overflows right through trouble; joy flows through the dark; joy flows in the night as well as in the day; joy flows all through persecution and opposition; it is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart; a secret spring which the world can't see and doesn't know anything about. The LORD gives His people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to Him."

by Dwight L. Moody

2008-09-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

The Power of Prayer

I have not been praying the way i should. That was what God spoke to me today through another one of the audio teachings. I admit that my prayer life has not been one of power. My prayers were always filled with phrases like "Lord , as you will, can you please grant me with this or grant me with that..." It lacked the power and the might of the prayers of the Apostles and it certainly lacked the authority that God has given me over the works of the evil one. God has given me--not just me but all Christians--the mighty and amazing power of prayer, yet the majority of us do not use it. Our prayers--sad to say--are wimpish. The devil doesn't tremble and mountains don't seem to be moving because we have failed to exercise this wonderful power that He has given us. We have to go beyond these 'wimpy prayers' that we are accustomed to, and start to boldly and specifically ask God for the BIG things. The impossible things. For that is what God wants. And it is prayers like these that increase our faith to believe and not only that, the devil and his demons tremble at such power that can only flow through that kind of powerful prayer. We need to pray aggressively. We need to wrestle with God through prayer like how Jacob wrestled with God. Our prayers have to be transformed and cultivated from defensive to offensive.

But what if the things that we ask for are not according to His will? How do we know whether the things that we want are according to what He wants? The answer is simple. Whatever things that are in the centre of His will are the very things that are in tune with His nature. Whatever things that are right to ask, are the things that are right to pray for.

It may seem weird and awkward at first, but after a while the presence of God will manifests itself so strongly that it will chase all awkwardness away. Our prayer life has to be cultivated and it is crucial for us to do so. Prayer grants us access to the strength of God

2008-08-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

I know i haven't been really updating about the things that have been going on in my life, except for uploading pictures. Things have been really busy ever since my mum went back to work. It hasn't been easy juggling studies, household chores and my accessories business all at the same time. But i thank God that in the midst all these, I still managed to spend time with him in the morning and that has become my source of strength and joy to get through each day. Sometimes it really feels as if I don't have enough time, but whenever i commit it into the Lord and rely on him for strength, He always seems to stretch my time. It's really amazing.

God has been teaching me a lot about Him during these past few months ever since I've continued with my christian education. I'm learning so much more, much more than what I would have learnt if I had gone to poly. If someone were to ask me whether I resented the fact that I'm still stuck home-schooled a few months ago, I would have said yes. But now, as i looked back at how things have changed, how my walk with God changed, i can't thank Him enough for not granting my heart's desire(and i say this from the bottom of my heart). Everyday, I'm beginning to see and appreciate the things He has done for me and I'm learning to build my life around him and to live a life totally set apart for him, like a lily among thorns. It isn't easy but He is always there to nudge me into the right path.

'The unmarried young woman centers her earthly existence around the affairs of her heavenly Prince, and her aim in life is to be completely set-apart for Him, in body and in spirit." I Corinthians 7:34 (paraphrased)

2008-08-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

TOUCH Run 2008

I'm so proud of myself. I finished my first 5km run (haha...more like a jog actually) without stopping. It's hard not to stop when you're motivating one of the teens to complete it. Really thank God for the opportunity to get to know the Serangoon club volunteers and teens much better.

2008-07-30T03:49:00.001-07:00

okie dokes! Time for some advertising. here's some of the new updates for my blogshop. Check out these eyecandies! =) If you find anything you like, don't hesitate to let me know.

Want to see more? Visit Belalicious Accessories' Site!

Note: All MAILING LIST MEMBERS are entitled to 10% DISCOUNT on ALL items, and with every purchase of $30 and above, a FREE gift will be given. So join my mailing list today to enjoy these privileges. =)

2008-07-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Cell BBQ @ Pasir Ris Park on 6th July.

Desserts made by Juan and Amelia. Yummy!!!

haha...an attempt at spelling xiaowen's name with sparklers. It was her birthday, but sadly, she's half-way across the world.

The best cell BBQ ever. The last time we had a cell BBQ was eons ago. I really thank God for this crazy bunch of cell mates!!!

2008-07-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Serangoon club gathering at mindcafe

半情歌- 元若藍命中注定我爱你OST

2008-07-12T18:15:00.001-07:00

2008-04-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Xiao Wen's Mini Farewell Dinner

Had dinner at Thai express... followed by

DESERTS at coffee club!!!(xiaowen's treat...hehe...so nice of her)

2008-04-24T04:39:00.000-07:00

My Birthday Photos. (16 March 2008)

2008-04-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

Going for HIS Best for me

I didn't get into the courses that i wanted and applied for in Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I was disappointed -- devastated, to be exact-- when i received the news on April 1st. Anger and bitterness crept into my heart as i questioned God, asking Him why He had to take away everything from me. My future, my dreams were shattered into pieces. The Lord did answer my questions though. Every time i asked "Why" , I felt that familiar tugging at my heart, and a small voice saying, "Trust Me, trust Me", yet i pushed it all away. I was just so tired of trusting Him, of believing. But I thank God that He spoke to me through so many people, friends, my parents and even through the sermon Pastor Khong preached on 6th April and the word given by Pastor Fei Fei during tribe meeting. He didn't give up on me, He didn't let me go even when I was at the verge of giving up on Him. He broke through the walls of disappointment that I had built around myself and brought me back into the light of His presence. He gave me the assurance that He has His best for me and that His beautiful dreams for me are on its way to becoming a reality.

The psychology course in NP was what I had initially thought of as the best stepping stone for my future, but I guess it's quite crystal clear that it wasn't His best for me. In my rashness of wanting a secured future in the public stream and in my desire to do what the world saw as normal, I had failed to realise that God's best for me was what really mattered. I wanted to have the same kind of education other teens my age had so badly that it clouded my vision of seeing what His best for me really was. But once again He reminded me of something that I've read earlier this year, 'Normal to God isn't a set of formulas; it's obedience no matter what the cost, absolute trust in His leading, and total dependence upon Him for the outcome.'

So what now? You may ask. Well, I'm going to continue doing my Accelerated Christian Education (homeschool program) for another 1 year or so. And just want to let you all know that the decision to continue this christian education isn't based upon the reason that I have nowhere to go thus settling for it, but it is based upon the fact that this is His best for me.

I still do not know what the future may bring and I can't guarantee that I won't question God again. But what I do know is that my hope, strength and trust is in the Lord. I have found my security in Him and I hold on to the promise that He knows what's best.

"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."--Jeremiah 29:11

2008-03-21T22:23:00.000-07:00

Birthday Miracle

My heart plummeted with disappointment when my parents told me that i wouldn't be getting the $100 Tecman voucher as it wasn't the right time and they didn't have the means to give me what i wanted. I was very upset but after processing through, I just let go of what i wanted and committed it into His hands, trusting that He will bless me with it when the time is right.

And He did! The day after my birthday, while my dad was at a meeting, this woman whom he knew just came up to him and handed him an envelope saying that she felt led by the Lord to bless him. Before my dad opened up the envelope, he prayed, "Lord, if this envelope is meant for Isabel, let there be $100 in it." And inside was $100!

Isn't God wonderful?!

2008-03-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

From Worst to Blessed

What started out to be one of my worst birthdays turned out to be one of the most blessed one that i had in the history of my 17 years. My family had forgotten about my birthday, not a single wish from them until i told them what day it was in the afternoon. I admit i felt disappointed that they had forgotten, but i entrusted those feelings to the Lord and told Him to make this birthday into a blessed one, that even though it started out on a bad note, i believed that He will make something beautiful out of it. And He answered my prayer.

He sent 20 angels in disguise and i received 20 'well wishes' from each of them, be it sms or on msn or even the tags on my blog. And among the 20 angels, i found a dear friend. A friend who had been by my side all these years--metaphorically speaking. A friend who made wonderful and precious memories with me in primary school. And a friend who gave me the most wonderful, sweetest and oh-so-lovely birthday present anyone could have given me for my birthday.(curious to know what it is? haha...check out her blog. http://www.lovescookie.blogspot.com/)

I really thank God for this special friend of mine. And i give Him praise for this wonderful gift of her friendship. Though the both of us had chosen different paths in life, we're still connected to each other with this strong thread of friendship that the Lord has blessed us with. And i know that we are going to be friends for life! It's amazing how the Lord has brought us together time and time again and I truly believe this friendship is His wonderful gift to the both of us. And last but the not the least, i want to say, JOANNE(Annie)! Love ya lots!

Thank You, Annie!

P.S. To Joanne: we better take more pictures when we meet up for lunch next week! The only pictures that i have of you are all the class pictures! haha...i don't even know where i put the pictures that we took together during our class trip to the zoo when we were 9! LOL!

Just A Dream - Carrie Underwood

2008-03-17T18:55:00.001-07:00

"Just A Dream"

It was two weeks after the day she turned eighteen
All dressed in white
Going to the church that night
She had his box of letters in the passenger seat
Sixpence in a shoe, something borrowed, something blue
And when the church doors opened up wide
She put her veil down
Trying to hide the tears
Oh she just couldn't believe it
She heard trumpets from the military band
And the flowers fell out of her hand

Baby why'd you leave me
Why'd you have to go?
I was counting on forever, now I'll never know
I can't even breathe
It's like I'm looking from a distance
Standing in the background
Everybody's saying, he's not coming home now
This can't be happening to me
This is just a dream

The preacher man said let us bow our heads and pray
Lord please lift his soul, and heal this hurt
Then the congregation all stood up and sang the saddest song that she ever heard
Then they handed her a folded up flag
And she held on to all she had left of him
Oh, and what could have been
And then the guns rang one last shot
And it felt like a bullet in her heart

Baby why'd you leave me
Why'd you have to go?
I was counting on forever, now I'll never know
I can't even breathe
It's like I'm looking from a distance
Standing in the background
Everybody's saying, he's not coming home now
This can't be happening to me
This is just a dream

Oh,
Baby why'd you leave me
Why'd you have to go?
I was counting on forever, now I'll never know
Oh, now I'll never know
It's like I'm looking from a distance
Standing in the background
Everybody's saying, he's not coming home now
This can't be happening to me
This is just a dream

Oh, this is just a dream
Just a dream
Yeah, Yeah

2008-03-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

YA SURVIVAL CAMP 2008

I've learnt so much from the camp. Last year, i learnt about dealing with different kids, but this year was different. It was more than just dealing with the kids. The camp became God's training ground for me. And it was also during the camp, actually the Saturday before the camp, that He broke me completely. Never in my life was i so overwhelmed by the responsibility given to me. Never in my years as a christian had i been brought to a sense of complete utter desperation before the Lord. My heart and soul cried out to the Lord for His strength to get through the next few days of camp, knowing that i couldn't do it alone. And thanks be to Him, I managed to finish the race, and i finished it well. Without the Lord, i wouldn't have done it.

Ephesians 3:20-- Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

Another thing that i really thank God for was the way he used each and every one of us to touch the heart of Owen. When i saw him cry when we were singing the song 'Forever Friends' during the campfire, i felt the Lord assuring me that the love that i had for this little boy was not in vain. That the tears that i shed because of him, had touched his heart and that somehow he felt the love and concern we all had for him. No longer do i see Owen as the most problematic kid, but what i see is a child so vulnerable, so in need of love. The tears that fell from his eyes that night will forever be etched upon my heart. It was more than just tears, it was a sign that the Lord is working in Owen's heart. And I truly believe that He that began the good work in him, will finish it in time to come.

Me, MeiQi, Caroline and Jason.

Me and Yang Zhi

2008-03-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

My Birthday Wishlist

1) $100 Tecman voucher. ( no. i'm not kidding. i really think there are some books there that are worth investing in. Anyone want to sponsor? hehe...mum? dad? hint hint. LOL)
2) A new journal. (Tecman has some really nice ones)
3) A big shoulder bag for school
4) A nice big box to put all my cards, notes and other personal stuff.
.
.
.
.
.
hm...i think that's all.
.
.
.
.
12 more days to 17.
.
.
.
Countdown starts now!

2008-03-06T18:44:00.001-08:00

This is it!
One more day to camp!
Camp comm, 加油! 加油! 加油!
Trojans...WHOOHOO!!!

最近还好吗 [Zui Jin Hai Hao Ma]- S.H.E MV

2008-02-29T19:56:00.001-08:00

最近还好吗 [Zui Jin Hai Hao Ma]- S.H.E

掏一张耶诞卡
写下满满祝福的话
地址写的是心底
你能不能收到它

天有點冷
风有点大
只是宁静儿喧哗
这一个冬天我得一个人走回家

问自己习惯了吗
没有你每到夜里回声变得好大
有没有什么好方法
让寂寞变听话

你最近还好吗
是不是也在思念里挣扎
你说会记得我还记得吗
你最近还好吗
忙碌吗累了心还会痛吗
如果真不得遗忘了我
快向快乐出发

有再多的牵挂都
一没有权力表达
旧情人给的问候
比陌生人还尴尬

昨天远了明天还长
回忆模糊但巨大
这样的深夜
眼泪要怎么样不流下

2008-02-24T18:54:00.000-08:00

A Heart of Worship

You did not want our sacrifice and offering

But a broken spirit and a contrite heart

You will not despise
You will not despise

Oh a broken spirit and a contrite heart

Lord, a heart of worship is what you desire
A heart that burns with passionate fire
A heart that's undivided in love with you
In spirit and truth

2008-02-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

Cell Reunion Dinner at Li Juan's house

Amelia sculpting butter while waiting for the food. Lol, don't ask me why she did that. haha...i hv no clue either.

My very last photo taken by my trustee camera before i dropped it and broke the screen. *sobs* 心碎满地...

Bon Appetit~!

A Game of bridge after dinner

Cell Photo

There's suppose to be MORE photos. haha....Lijuan? Where are they?

2008-02-18T21:05:00.000-08:00

The King and I--A Divine Romance

A cry from God to come back to him. It is time. A time to return to my first love.

My first love
Forever He will be
My first breathe
You're the life in me
My first joy
No one can ever take from me
My convenant with You
Jesus
(part of a song that spoke to me)

Lord, I'm dedicating the next 40 days to you. It takes two people to make a relationship work. I want to do my part by taking that one small step of faith to come back to You, the true author of love. No longer do i want to find satisfaction in the things of this world for an emptiness only you can fill. I want to reach new levels of intimacy in my relationship with you. I have remained stagnant for too long Lord. I'm coming back to You, my first love. Teach me to obey you, to fear you and to truly love You with all my heart.

2008-02-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

CNY photos

The more i look at this pic (abv one) the more i think i look like a chipmunk. haha...LOL

2008-02-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

Amabel's Birthday Celebration

2008-01-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

Gen's Birthday Celebration

Rest of the photos at bel1903.multiply.com

2008-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Countdown PARTY 2007-2008 (Warriors of Light!)

Introducing... the three 'BELLS' lol...isabel, amabel, isabel...haha....

Cell picture=)

LIVINGSTONES!!!!

2008-01-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

Haha...i know it's a bit late for that. Meant to post this yesterday but got a bit lazy. hehe...ok. Since this is the first post of the year, i shall start off with some thanksgiving for 2007, followed by New Year Resolutions. Yup, the usual stuff. Hope i don't bore u all to tears. =)

The Lord has been really good to me during the year of 2007. A year that started out having quite a number of problems but I'm glad to say that God used those problems, obstacles, battles to mould me, shape me.

I guess you all know that this year was quite a trying year for my cell as well. Having to deal with the transition of leaders was tough, especially for me and some of the girls since we were very attached to our previous leader. But God works in mysterious and miraculous ways. He used the YA Survival camp and the G12 conference as tool to bring our cell closer to Li Juan, thus making the changes much easier. Not only that, in the network camp, We got to know Xiao Wen better too. Another spiritual mummy for all of us since our cell has really grown in numbers compared to the past few years. oh...and our cell has grown much much MUCH closer than before too. =)

Last and certainly not the least, i want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve in YA Serangoon Club! Serving there has its own ups and downs. There are times where I'm just so frustrated with the kids but I'm learning. Learning to love them, learning to see them through God's eyes. Pastor Eugene shared something that really struck me during the YA volunteers appreciation. He said that each of us holds the key to each child's heart(correct me if I'm wrong, but i think he said something like that). That really blew my mind. Just knowing that i can influence these little lives that God has placed into my hands just filled me with a sense of purpose. And in a way, we are the children's lighthouse. Even if we cant be that, we can still be that little candle that shines in their darkness even if it's only for a little while(sounds familiar?). Whatever we do, the love, the care, the concern that we show them, seeds are being sown into their hearts. We may not be the ones who will reap the harvest, but somewhere down the road, in years to come, God will bring someone else to do the harvesting.

Now that 2007--a year of victory-- has come and gone, it is time for a year of sabbath. A year of resting in him. Renewing our strength in him. (Isaiah 40:31)

Goals/Resolutions for YEAR 2008

1)Draw closer to God
2)Continue to grow in my walk with Him
3)Make an effort to spend QT with Him
4)Get into a poly
5)Spend more time with friends and family=)
6)If i get into a poly, I will still keep the vows and promises that i made to God.

hmm...i think that's all. I'll add more if anything comes to mind.=)

'Enchanted' OST

2007-12-14T07:46:00.001-08:00

The movie 'Enchanted' is one of the best disney movies i've ever watched! Complete with singing and dancing. It has been ages since i watched something like that. With talking chipmunks, evil witches, happily ever afters and of course some hilarious and EXTREMELY cute and lovey-dovey scenes in between. Love it!

2007-12-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

Shanghai, Suzou & Hangzhou (Part 3)

Th-th-th-th-that's all folks!

I'll upload the rest of the pictures and skiing videos on bel1903.mulitiply.com soon....i hope. haha...

2007-12-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

Shanghai, Suzou & Hangzhou (Part 2)

2007-12-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

Shanghai, Suzou & Hangzhou(part1)

China was interesting. haha...

The scenery was really beautiful and breath-taking.

As for the toilets...haha...it's a whole other story.

2007-12-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

KOREA (Part 3)

My official korean food favourite! It's 'fried nian gao' with chicken, cabbage, rice and one of the best 'not so spicy' chilli sauce i've ever had in my ENTIRE life!
LOTTE WORLD!!!
One of the filming sites for Korean Drama 'Stairway to Heaven'
Our last picture taken in Korea. The korean tour guide is on the extreme left. The photographer is the woman with glasses. Did i mention that my grandma adores

her? yar...she's a wonderful person. Really helpful and friendly.

Farewell, Korea...

Next stop, SHANGHAI

2007-12-11T05:59:00.001-08:00

Korea(part 2)

My favourite picture. If u enlarge the picture, you'll see some white specks in the background. It's snow!!!! As in little snowflakes. haha....i just ADORE and am absolutely in love with this picture.

EVERLAND
Shopping at Seoul. I forgot the name of the shopping centre but the christmas decorations there were really beautiful.

HANG ON!!!

Part 3 coming right up!

2007-12-11T05:35:00.000-08:00

KOREA!!!!(Part 1)

I just ADORE KOREA!!!!!!! Love it to bits! There's so much i wanna say about the trip but then again, my description of it may bore you all to tears. haha...but never mind. I shall just let the pictures do the talking and maybe add a little commentary here and there.

SKIING ROCKS!!!! And no....I'm no pro at it. It took me many falls and incidents of me nearly crashing into other people before i got the braking part right. Quite pathetic huh. LOL. I still have no idea how to get up on my skis after falling. oh...and the boots weighed 4kg!!! Really heavy but i still LOVE IT!!!

Btw..the snow that we skied on were sprayed. So...that wont be considered REAL snow.

The filming site of the Famous drama 'Winter Sonata'

Ah....this is what I'm talking about. REAL snow!!!! Isn't God wonderful? He answered my prayers though it wasn't the way i was expecting it be but nonetheless, He did grant me my wish.

Stay tune, people.
More photos coming right up.

2007-11-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

Preparation for my trip to KOREA and SHANGHAI

My luggage is miserably small compared to my sis. haha...oh wells, if i happen to run out of space in my luggage, i can always have my belongings stow away in hers. LOL. Winter clothes.

Temperature expected would be...

Day: 10 degree to 15 degree Celsius

Night: 10 degree Celsius and below
It'll be the beginning of winter, so no snow would be expected.

hai...sad. Never mind, shall pray that God will do a miracle and let it snow, let it snow, LET IT SNOW!!!!!!!!=)

Oh...Last but not the least. My new pair of sneakers!!!! haha...FINALLY. I haven't had a pair since i was 9 years old. Miserable huh. haha...

TWO MORE DAYS.

KOREA, HERE I COME!!!!!

2007-10-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

Within my heart a garden grows,

Wild with violets and fragrant rose.

Bright daffodils line the narrow path,

My footsteps silents as I pass.

Sweet tulips nod their head in rest;

I kneel in prayer to seek God's best.

For round my garden a fence stands firm

To guard my heart so I can learn.

Who should enter, and who should wait

On the other side of my locked gate.

I clasp the key around my neck

And wonder if the time is yet.

If I unlock the gate today,

Would you come in? Or run away?

(taken from e Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn)

I just felt that this poem is relevant to what Lijuan and Xiaowen shared at cell today. So, wanted to post it here to share it with you guys. It's one of my favourite poems. And i really think that it paints a very beautiful picture about waiting for the right person God has for each an every single one of us.

2007-10-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Crystal and Andrea's birthday celebration Part 2

2007-10-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Crystal and Andrea's birthday celebration Part 1

2007-10-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

"No One"

I am moving through the crowd

Trying to find myself

Feel like a guitar that's never played

Will someone strum away?

[Chorus:]

And I ask myself

Who do I wanna be?

Do I wanna throw away the key?

and invent a whole new me

and I tell myself

No One, No One

Don't wanna be

No One

But me..

You are moving through the crowd

Trying to find yourself

Feelin' like a doll left on a shelf

Will someone take you down?

[Chorus:]

And you ask yourself

Who do I wanna be?

Do I wanna throw away the key?

and invent a whole new me

Gotta tell yourself

No One, No One

Don't wanna be

No One

But me...

Your life plays out on the shadows of the wall

You turn the light on to erase it all

You wonder what it's like to not feel worthless

So open all the blinds and all the curtains

No One, No One

Don't wanna be

No One

But me...

We are moving through the crowd...

2007-10-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Crestere.

It means growth in romanian

Cool huh?

The " grand" entrance

Doesn't mummy look PRETTY???
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LI JUAN!!!!! (in advance)

For more pictures and videos please go to this site: bel1903.multiply.com

2007-10-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

HAHAHA...YES...we were that bored. haha...

the above two were taken while we were waiting for Li Juan to change.

hahaha....

More pictures coming right up!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Li Juan's birthday surprise!!!!!

The sabo-ing.

haha...

Flour, glitter...

We did away with the whipped cream though. hai...so sad

from left to right: Cozenne, Crystal, Lau Fan, Del, Amelia & Pastor Lawrence

from left to right: Andrea, Anissa, Charlene, Bellio, Gen, me, Aly

CELL PHOTO!!!!!

The birthday surprise was a HUGE success. stay tuned....
more pictures coming right up!=)

2007-09-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

Today officially marks my last day as a homeschooler. It feels so unreal. I've waited for so long for it to end. But now that it did, it just feels so weird. Like it didn't really happen at all. I've grown so accustomed to my everyday life as a homeschooler that it feels so weird thinking that next year, it won't be the same again. I've been so protected, so sheltered. It frightens me to think that next year, i wont be in the safety netting of homeschool. The haven that I've come to accept and love.

These four years have had its ups and downs. I started out disliking the thought of studying at home with no friends to loving it. I wouldn't be who i am today if i hadn't taken that step to agree to be homeschooled--though at that time it was for the wrong reason. I've been given so many opportunities to serve God, chances that wouldn't have come my way if i hadn't taken that step of faith. I've grown a lot spiritually too. The journey wasn't smooth all the way. I had to deal with the criticism of friends and families, the insecurities of not knowing what future i had. But through it all, God was with me. Walking with me every step of the way. Last but not the least, my journey has taught me to trust Him. I had always told people to trust God, to surrender everything to him. It was only recently that i had decided to walk my talk. I'm not saying that I've completely learned how to entrust everything to him, but I'm still learning.

I've learnt so much. I've been so blessed. If someone asked me if i would change it, i would say--without hesitation--that i would not change it for anything in the world. I am who i am today because God planted a desire in my parents to homeschool me, to see me learning something that is of God.

2007-09-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Me, my grandma and Oli

Eight years ago in Korea

Now...

Eight Years Later

Im Going BACK TO KOREA!!!!!!!!!!!!

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Hahaha....Yes it has been confirmed!
I'll be going to korea-shanghai on 26 Nov to 3 Dec
4 days in Korea and 4 days in Shanghai
We'll be leaving on the night of the 25th though.
Me, my grandme and Oli.
Oh gosh!
I cant wait!

There's so many things i wanna try.
BBQ pork wrapped in lettuce
Kimchi mixed with the rice thingy

The list goes on and on...

LOL. I think im gonna go FAT. HAHAHA....
oh wells, shall exercise like crazy before going...hehe

Im looking forward to spending time with my grandma and sis.
Love them to BITS!!!!!!

And i really thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to go for this trip.
I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family=)

2007-09-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

A Time to Let Go...

I'm letting go

I'm trusting Him

I don't know what the future may bring

But He knows what's best for me.

Lord, I'm letting go of the future that i want. I'm trusting you for what's best. Only you know what will happen to me in the days, months, years to come. You know what's best for me. I'm casting all my fears, worries, everything at your feet, committing them into your hands. Whatever comes, whatever happens, i know you'll carry me through it all and i know that I'm not walking alone.

2007-08-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

Walkathon Photos(28 July 2007)

2007-07-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

I LOVE BEING ME! JUST ME! NOT SOMEONE ELSE!

Funny, i used to want to be someone else rather than just plain me. But now, i just cant thank God enough for letting me be who i am. Changing myself to fit to other peoplse's expectations is tedious and the benefit isn't really promising. But now, I can shout out loud and say that im comfortable being myself. I'm just being who God wants me to be. That's enough. Why care about what other's think? What's important is what He thinks.=)

2007-07-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

YING YE 3+1!!!!!!!!

YES!!!!!!!!!! Ying Ye 3+1 is officially airing on 29 July in Taiwan! It's a must watch drama! For those who love to read comics, mysteries and loveeeeee, you cant miss this drama! It's going to be AWESOME!

Starring: Mingdao as Yang Jia Jiang a.k.a Ah Jiang

Qiaoen as Xia Tian

Mengzhe as Bulu

Huang Zhi Wei as Fang Wei

2007-07-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

My Birthday photos(18 march 2oo7)

2007-07-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Your First Step,
Your last breath.
Eveything's been planned.
The questions and answers you'll never really understand.
I hold on but let go.
Giving you room to breathe,
But always reminding you that I'll always be around,
Even when you frown.
Remembering the best things were never mine to keep.
Starting at the ending,
Never from the Beginning to the Ending.
You won't break while Youre bending.
Been there and back again.
Even when the music ends.
Trust Me, I know all.
Lean on Me, I'll be there when you fall.
Your life is a flashback.
A question.
A photograph.
A statement
A story
A struggle
A chance of survival.
A chance to laugh
Because if You don't laugh,
You'll cry.
A last crescendo when You die.
So hit the rewind and listen.
It's the playback.

I love the poem above and it's written my sis! AWWWW.....I can't believe it! my dear little baby sis is all grown up now. *sobs*....LOL...she's so talented and I'm so proud of her. Seems like only yesterday that she was still in diapers. Ah Oli! Jie Love you lots!=)

2007-06-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Photos from Camp Gilgal. Really thank God for it. I saw how he worked in each and every single one of our lives in His own special way. Not only that, our cell grew much closer together through the late night sharing in our dorms. =)

2007-05-16T05:48:00.000-07:00

Mothers' Day Celebration

me and my new spiritual mummy!=)

God's angel to us....hehe.....

p.s...i made e balloon bear...cute right....haha=)

2007-04-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Photos from Amelia's SURPRISE party=)

LOL....the pioneers of our cell group(above pic)...haha

2007-04-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes

Sometimes I question You,
And winder whether You're listening.
I can't see You, or touch You, or even feel you,
So how do I know if You're really there?

Sometimes I get mad at You,
When I see bad things happen to good people.
I wonder why you wouldn't save them.
It makes me wonder if You're real

Sometimes when I pray to You,
I can sense that You are there with me,
Watching over me as Your child,
Blessing me with Your grace.

Sometimes when I can see You clearly,
When I see little babies or kind smiles,
Generous people and the beauty of nature,
It makes me believe with my whole heart.

Sometimes my questions about You don't matter,
Even though there are never definite answers.
I have faith in Your love.
Forgive me, God, for ever questioning You.

Written by Jenny Sharaf (taken from chicken soup for e christian teenage soul)

Sometimes we do question God when we are down and out, always asking him why things turn out that way. We forget that he has a reason for everything. When things get nasty and we feel all alone as if no one cared, we tend to ask, "God? Are You there?" The assurance that he will never forsake us seem to be overshadowed by the circumstances that we face.

Well, for those who are reading this, if you are feeling as if God has forsaken you and that you're all alone, i just want to let you all know that God is still there. He never forsakes you. He wants to help you with whatever problems you're having if only you'll let him and ask him. Don't shut him out of your life and take on the responsibility of God...it'll only make things worse. Let HIM be the first person you'll run to.

2007-04-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

The whole weekend had been packed, Packed and PACKED with loads and loads of activities! It was tiring but in a way, i had a lot of fun! I had great bonding time with my cell and the rest of e network. And i really thank God for all e opportunities he gave me.=)

Thursday(5-6 April 2007)Night Cycling!

Surprisingly, my cell stayed high throughout the night. haha...Love u girls!

Sunday(8 April 2007) Jerussic Park

2007-04-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

So many things have happened during these few weeks. The thing that i feared most, happened. But there's nothing i can do about it except to accept it as a fact and to move on. I shouldn't keep on holding the past. The past is just memories worth keeping, not something that will hold me back from reaching my potential.

Changes will always happen...even when we least expect it. But we have to accept them and maybe learn from them. Whining about them won't change anything. Let go and move on!

2007-03-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sweet Sixteen! Whoohoo!!!=)

The Best Birthday ever!

I'm sixteen! Weeeeeeeee! haha...then next year i'll b 17 , then 18. *gasp* I'm getting old!! ok...i see shoes flying!....LOL...anyway, i just want to appreciate those who made this birthday the best--YA survival camp counsellors, network ppl and my CG. Love you guys loads! i can never thank u enough for all that you've done for me. I realised that the best birthday doesn't lie in the how many gifts you get or how big the cake is, but rather it's who u spend it with. So, yar...just wanted to appreciate you guys. I'm really grateful and thankful to have known all of u.

To my CG girls: thx for the sweater and the shirt, oh...and for that hand-made card, i just loooooovvvveeee it!=)

To sky, pam, lijuan, crystal: Thx for the pencil case and handphone pouch. Love it!

to syl: Thx for the soundtrack! haha...love it!

Oh....and, lijuan, i want to thank you for just being there for my cell group when jerrine wasn't around. Thanks for taking the role of taking care of us even though it was only for a few days. It meant a lot to me and to many of the girls. =)

2007-03-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

YA Survival Camp

The YA camp proved to be harder and more tedious than what I expected it to be. I'm seriously appalled by the way some of the kids responded to the counselors and leaders. They had no respect for higher authority. But there were some kids who were really helpful and sweet. Their innocence just melted my heart and let me forget all the anger, frustration and stress i felt. Just one word of encouragement was enough to make my day.

If someone asked me what day was the worst, i would say that it was the second day of that camp. That day, i really lost my cool with the kids. Almost every game station that we went to, either one kid would throw his tantrums or get into a fight. By the time we were back at Ngee Ann Primary, i felt so drained, tired and sooooooo stressed out. But i really thank God for Qui Ting(teen counselor of my group). She understood the frustration that i felt and let me have some time on my own. I wondered to the toilet so as to have some peace and quiet but as i looked into the mirror, the most unexpected thing happened. Tears started streaming down my face. It was only until then, did i realised how stressed out i was. That was the first time in my entire life that i was so frustrated until i cried. I begged God for strength i needed to pull through the next few days of the camp, knowing that i really needed to lean on Him and that my own strength wasn't enough. But i still wasn't feeling good. During dinner, i had a really good talk with Sylvia(thank God for her!)...or rather, a good cry. I just broke down. All the frustration, helplessness and stress was all let out during our little talk session. And i had to admit, i was feeling more confident after that. The night of the second day went quite well. And for that, I'm grateful. At least the worst day of the camp ended well.

It may seem that the camp was not enjoyable, but it isn't. I gained a lot from it. When i first started as a counselor at the camp, i was just a green horn, knowing nothing about handling kids. But now, through these experiences, I learnt a lot. Different kids are to be handled differently. Some kids may need a bit of shouting and scolding, others just need a good one-on-one talk session and affirmation.

As i read through the little notes that the kids wrote to me on the last day of the camp, i can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I thought my strictness towards them would make them dislike me but i was wrong. One boy, Yang Zhi, even told me that he would come back for the camp next year if i was helping out. So....for next year's camp, i confirm will help out!=)

2007-03-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

For those who want to get me something for my birthday, do not...I REPEAT...DO NOT GIVE ME PHOTO FRAMES!!! I have photoframephobia...Actaully, i would really appreciate if u get me somthing practical. Not something that will collect dust and just sit on my table unused. haha...=) so yar....that's about it. 18 more days to Sweet Sixteen!

2007-02-23T00:42:00.000-08:00

Top*left to right* : Del, Amelia, Anissa, Bel, Aly, Kim, Me=)

Bottom: Rae, Gen Andrea

2007-02-05T05:33:00.000-08:00

Santification Week

Santification week has been a blessing to me and i'm really glad that i made the effort to go. For the past few weeks, i've been feeling down but the word that was shared by the pastors really spoke to me. I've learnt so much from it. The things that were bothering me no longer affect me because I've learnt to just surrender everything to Him. I admit, the start of the year was rocky and there were times when i felt that it wasn't a year of victory at all. But now, i understand. I know God put me through tough times to help me grow and mature. Just like a lump of clay. In order for it to be a beautiful vase, it has to go through the kneading and pounding of the potter's hands and the heat of the fiery furnace. I see myself as that lump of clay and God is my potter. He's moulding me. A masterpiece in the making.

God not only worked in my life during the santification week, but he worked in Andrea's life too. During the short three days, i've seen her grow a lot spiritually. Her faith and love for the Lord has been a testimony to me. In a way, she was a great blessing to me. I'm so proud of her. She's really making the effort to lead a life that is pleasing to the Lord. My prayer for her is that she will not stray from the path that He has made for her. I know He has great plans for her...=)

2007-01-16T01:36:00.000-08:00

I started the first few days of school with much joy and enthusiasm but as days passed and the first week turned into another week, my enthusiasm was replaced by worries. Questions about my future constantly filled my mind... again. Will I be able to get into a Polytechnic? Is it God's will? If it isn't, will I be able to let go of that dream of mine and let him lead and guide me in the path of His own will? I wanted definite answers for these questions but no one could give them to me. So, the second week ended with me feeling tired, drained and with the desire to just quit what i started.

On Sunday, Pastor Eugene preached a message about endurance. I knew there and then that God was assuring me not to give up. To P.U.S.H--Pray Until Something Happens-- and to finish the race. I still don't know what will happen in the future but i believe that God will open the right door. He works in his own perfect timing. I can't gurantee that i wont get worried but im going to cast all my cares and burdens upon Him. As long as i do my best, He will do the rest.

2007-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

Now that 2006 is over, I'd thought I'd spend some time thanking God for what he has done for me during the past year. The past year had its ups and downs. Lessons were learnt and I have to say that it had been one fruitful and marvelous year.

Things that I want to thank God for:

1) For the opportunity to be part of the camp committee
2) The new friendships that I made
3) Lifesaving course(I passed the test, in case u're wondering)
4) The chance to cook a meal for my grangparents
5) the time spent with my family and friends
6) the chance to learn to cook new dishes
7) the close friendships that I made with my homeschooling friends
8) the close relationships with my new cell mates

These are just a few of the things that Im thankful for. There are lots more...but i wont blog abt it bcos some of it are personal. Besides thanking God, i want to thank a few more people.

To Syl and Sky: Thank you for making me feel welcome whenever I hung out with you all. Thank you for the little acts of care and concern that you showed me. It might have meant nothing to you but it meant the world to me. I really really am grateful to have met friends like you.

To Gen: I don't think you'll read this but still, I want to thank God for bringing a spiritual sis like u into my life. It has been abt 5 or 6 years since we met but it was only until last year that our friendship grew stronger. You know when i'm down and you always make an effort to put a smile on my face. Thank you for that.=)

Goals for 2007

1) To grow closer in my walk with God

2) To be more mature both inwardly and outwardly

3) To have more patience when dealing with my brother

4) Be more sensitive to people's feelings

5)To complete level 2 for homeschool

6)To speak out more( or is it speak up? haha...u guys get what I mean, right?)

7) To be more firm

8) To have the courage to lead cell.

*does the tahnkgiving part sound as if it's sm star award thing??* hehe...

2007-01-02T05:33:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! One Brand New Year!Whoohoo! O levels year...boohoo=( haha..anyways...these pics were taken during the Countdown Party. Won't elaborate much abt it. Pictures speak louder than words.

2006-12-07T01:31:00.000-08:00

Breakthrough

By God's Grace.

1st ACE(Accelerated Christian Program) Graduate in Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.(Her testimony)

I'm really thankful for the opportunity to glorify God. He's been so good to me.

I graduated in March this year, gladly, yet a little wistfully, because Calvary Academy(CA) was like a second home. That sense of belonging, that feeling of security, is something I haven't found elsewhere.

The supervisors didn't stop at being supervisors; they were supporters, counselors and friends. The Christian environment helped me grow in my walk in God. Everything taught us more about him- the PACEs, chapel services, discipleship classes. When I became a worship leader and discipleship class teacher, I sought God even more. The years in CA were intertwined with times spent in God's presence, knowing His love, peace and faithfulness a bit more. It was then I learned to completely depend on him; then I learned that God is everything I need and that when I commit my self to him, I am in good hands. When I make God my focus, He will provide everything else. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and HIs righteousness, and all things will be added unto you."

My parents taught me to trust God for a higher education. Everyday, we'd pray and claim a university education, positively confessing it would happen and ignoring people's negative comments. I applied to all three Universities in Singapore using a transcript of my grades from NCSC(National Christian School's Certificate) from the United Kingdom, my SAT 1 results, and testimonials from my church and school.

In May, I was called for an interview in NTU. Praise God! During the interview I wrote an essay, thanking God for all the training I had from the ACE's English Curriculum, and blessed it in Jesus' name before handing it in. Glory to God, the professor liked it! The rest of the interview went well, with the professor asking a few questions about ACE. I thank God for his favour and blessing!

I've been in NTU for a month noe, studying English literature. It's different from the ACE curriculum and yet in some ways the same. I find the writing class quite easy because of our strong grammar foundation and the composition electives I took. It's till quite an adjustment, but I'm trusting God to lead me through. I know He will. Because He's awesome! By Tansey Tng

After reading her testimony, the doubts that clouded my hope of a future in the University started to clear. It was as if God was speaking to me through her testimony, assuring me that it's not impossible and that all things are possible with Him.

It has been three years since i started homeschool, yet it was only today that i finally believed that it was God's will for me. For three years, i doubted and feared that i would not have a future as bright as my friends who are in public school. But now, i see finally see a future within my grasp. I'm confident and more determined to complete my homeschool studies now. No matter how rocky the road may be, i'm going to focus on God and depend on him to provide the best future He wants for me.

As 2007 nears, i cant help but feel excited to start it. I have a new perspective of homeschool now. Next year, i have a bigger challenge. I'm going to try my best to finish the NCSC level 2 in one year. To me, it'll take a miracle for that to happen since i took 2 years to complete level 1. Level 2 will be harder. But i'm going to trust Him for the impossible. I'm gonna work harder than i've ever worked before. I'm not going to spend my time worrying about my future. Let tommorrow worry for itself. Taking one day at a time, I'm hoping and believing and praying that one day God will grant my heart's desire for a higher education.

2006-11-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

Went to a KFC in Ang Mo Kio to celebrate my dad's birthday. I noe, I noe. Not a very ideal place to celebrate a birthday but oh well, at least my sis and bro got to eat their favourite cheese fries. haha... AND, on the way back, GUESS WHO I SAW?! MY WORST NIGHTMARE! haha....okok...exaggerating a bit. i met my Senior Guide(from rangers camp) at the Ang Mo Kio interchange. Yes... the senior guide who scolded me and made the whole JTC camp wash the whole walkway with only rags at 2am in the morning. When i saw him there, my jaws drop lah. I think shock was written all over my face. All i cld do was stare and point. Not to mention my mouth which was hanging open like a goldfish. But thank god the bus came just in time. If not, i think i'l just die of awkwardness.

2006-11-06T00:38:00.000-08:00

My sis and I went a bit crazy today. Both of us were hungry and we were sick of the biscuits and cornflakes. Haha...So...We..erm...haha.... We took the marshmallows that were actually meant for my sister's class bbq on Thursday and barbecued it instead. The crazy thing that we did was... We actually used a toaster to barbecue the marshmallows. lol. We were that desperate for a change of snacks. haha... And my marshmallow caught fire...Literally. I put it too near the tube thing that was suppose to give off heat. haha...But still, I had a lot of fun. Now that my sis is having her holidays, she isn't so stress. Her mood is better. I can joke around and be lame around her without feeling as if a volcano is about to erupt.

2006-11-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

I just went to see my baby cousin. She's sooooooooo cute and sooooo small. When she looked at me with her innocent eyes, i can't help but want to melt into a little puddle. My uncle and auntie named her Abigail. Sweet little Abby. I took a few pictures of her. Too bad my phone cant put the pictures into the computer. I wanted to carry her so bad but my dad forbid me cause i was coming down with a flu and he didnt want to take the risk of me passing the germs to little Abby. Sadly, i have to wait until one month is over before i can see her again. Unless, i take a bus all the way to Pasir Ris just to see her. Hm...maybe i'll do that when i'm free.

AWW....Sweeeet Little Abby.

2006-10-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

I just received a call from my aunt. My little cousin is BORN! AH!!!!!! Im so happy. Im jumping, screaming and dancing around in my room. I've waited for this day for 9 months. OMG! AH!!!!! She's born! YES! YES! YES! Oh my gosh! I cant wait to see her! I dont think they hv decided aname for her yet but who cares?! ALL I WANT NOW IS TO SEE HER! I bet she's the cutest little thing on the planet. I'm just itching to carry her but i guess i hv to wait until sunday to see her or mayb beg my parents to let me visit her in the hospital.

I'm hap- hap- hap- hap- happy
I got my happy face on
I want to jump and sing
A hap- hap- happy song!

LOL...i think im falling in love with my baby cousin despite not meeting her yet. And i officially declare myself crazy ...not crazy crazy...but happy crazy!=)

2006-10-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

2006-10-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

I went to Fuji Ice Palace today with Sky, Sylvia, Ming, Junming, Xiaowen, Amanda and Jocelyn. We actually agreed to meet at Jurong East MRT station at 10:20am but some people were late. So we only started skating at about 11:45 or was it 12? Oh well, I still had a wonderful time though. I only fell 3 or 4 times in 2 and a half hrs. There's improvement ok? The last time I went ice-skating, I managed to fall 10 or 11 times within 2hrs. Haha...LOL. Sky didn't fall once though it was his first time. So unfair lah! He kept on laughing at me when i fell. Then I kept on hoping that he'll fall and hehe...During our last 5 mins at the rink, he fell. I was laughing away. haha...I noe it's a bit mean but I couldn't help it. haha....jocelyn and syl were like pros. Skate fast and didn't fall. Me? Once I started to skate faster, I fell. haha... As for Junming, Ming, Amanda and Xiaowen, they were quite ok. Like me lah...haha...still fall here and there. hehe..=)

We had lunch at KFC. We spent almost 2 hrs there, laughing and talking. Laughed so loud somemore. People kept on looking at us and i don't blame them...We were quite a crazy bunch. haha...Never mind what others think. I think we all had a good time, yar? Took some group videos and photos. Will post it here once syl sends them to me.

2006-10-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

What makes a good story?

A good story that gives a lasting impression on people long after it has been read, comes from the heart. In other words, a good writer writes from his heart. A story that may be perfect in its grammar, vocabulary and ideas but lacks emotions, is considered dead. Cold. Like a grave. With no life. A story that may not be perfect in its English but portrays anger, pain , sadness and joy will etch itself on a reader's heart. Tugging a few heart strings.

That is what a good story is made of. A story that comes from within. Not from the head or inspiration. Stories like these are hard to find but once read, an everlasting impression is made. A story worth reading.

2006-10-15T03:12:00.000-07:00

Haha...I managed to change my blogskin without any help! Quite successful...Though I'm not so sure whether the tagboard is ok. O well, shall go and experiment and familiarize myself with the blog and the template thing.

2006-10-06T01:45:00.000-07:00

I hvnt been blogging lately bcos i didnt hv a mood to blog and also, there was nothing much to blog about. okok...mayb tt's not really true lah...haha. Mayb i was just lazy. I've been spending a lot of time on YOUTUBE watching Wei Xiao Pasta(Taiwan drama)...haha...i smell a lecture cmg. Just want to let you all know that i hv not died off somewhere and am living well...haha...

2006-09-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

The weekend passed by too fast. im hvg Monday blues=(okok...So I guess my Monday blues are not tt serious since im homeschooled...but still, i hv to study. i just hate Mondays!urgh! OMG! It's e starting of e 3rd week of September!AH!!!!!!im left with 1 more wk to complete level1 for homeschool! OMG!OMG! gg into panic mode soon! if i dun finish my lit and old testament survey by tis wk...im dead meat. As for e electives, I hv to try to finish as much as I can since I can still do it in level 2. But still, tt means completing general business. URGH!Half e time when doing tt subject, I hv no clue what im learning even though im trying to make notes. At least nw I noe tt business isn't my forte. OMG! im sooooo stress. hai...at least I still hv e lifesaving lessons to look forward to. O crap! I just remembered...im suppose to read e "resuscitation" topic in e lifesaving manual for tmr's lesson! oh man! hw can I forget? im such a pighead! haha...oh..wells...I better take one step at a time and leave everything to God. im soo looking forward to tt one month December holiday.

2006-09-14T02:06:00.000-07:00

My dad sent me tis email. it's kind of cute... decided to post it here to share it wif all of u.=)

The Funny English Language

No wonder the English language
is so very difficult to learn. I sometimes wonder how
we manage to communicate at all!
We'll begin with a box
and the plural is boxes.But the plural of ox
should be oxen, not oxes.

The one fowl is a goose
but two are called geese,Yet the plural of moose
should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse
or a whole set of mice,
Yet the plural of house
is houses not hice.

If the plural of man
is always called men,Why shouldn't the plural of pan
be called also called pen?
If I speak of a foot
and you show me your feet,And I give you a boot,
would a pair be called beet?

If one is a tooth and
a whole set are teeth,Why should not the plural
of booth be called beeth?
Then one may be that
and three will be those,Yet hat in the plural
wouldn't it be hose?

And the plural of cat is
cats and not cose.
We speak of a brother
and also of brethren,But though we say Mother,
we never say Methren,

Then the masculine pronouns
are he, his and him,But imagine the feminine
she, shis and shim,
So English,
I fancy you will all agree,Is the funniest language
you ever did see. .

2006-09-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

i survived today's lifesaving lesson! haha...i meant e warm ups. hehe..im getting e hang of backstroke. As for sidestroke...im still swallowing a lot of water...but there's improvement. learnt e tow and wade of e rescue plan. haha...kept on shouting e same old sentence,"Hey mam/sir! are u ok? Dun worry! Im cmg to rescue u!" haha...when i shouted tt, everyone in pool looked at me. OMG! so embarrassing. but aft awhile....got used to it. At least i wasnt as embarrassed as Markus who mistook a woman for a MAN! Worse! he said it to her face! hahaha..accidentally, of course.Dun worry markus...we'll still b ur friends even though u made tt mistake...haha...just b more careful nxt time. i certainly dun want u to mistake Mr Wong for a WOMEN!!!haha....okok...i shall stop rubbing it. e lesson ended 5 mins earlier. tt gave us a little more time to hang arnd. We had another water fight. tis time it was me, Antoinette, Gideon and Joash against poor poor Markus.

2006-09-11T23:31:00.000-07:00

Two more months and counting down..to e birth of my new baby cousin! whoohoo!it's a GIRL!!! i was ecstatic when i heard e news. 2 more mths...just 2 more mths and i'll b able to carry her, cuddle her and shower her wif lots and lots and lots of luv! e best part is tt i get to think of names for her! Brilliant! i came up wif a few nice ones.

1)Natalie Rose
2)Summer
3)Melody
4)Natasha
5)Cherish
6)Joey
7)Jade

but i cant make e final decision...=(...o wells....i'll just wait and see what name they'll choose.

2006-09-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

i went to bishan community library today.it's a new one and it's OMG...Soooooo big. and so clean! e bks are sooooo sooo soooo new. luv luv luv luv luv e library! my little sanctuary!...haha...and guess who i saw there? Del! i was so shock lor..though there wasnt much to b shocked of since she lives at bishan and her sch's there. hehe...hey del..sry arh...if i didnt appeared vry friendly. was in e midst of a shock. haha...didnt expect to see u there. i shall mark bishan library as one of my favourite libraries...near to my home and dun nd to walk so far frm e bus stop.

2006-09-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday's lifesaving course was AWESOME! For warm ups I had to do 4 lengths of breastroke, 2 lengths of sidestroke, 1 length of backstroke(1 arm) and another length of backstroke(2 arms). I was ok with e breastroke part, since it was only 4 lengths and I've done 18 laps at one go b4. It was e sidestroke and backstroke part tt nearly killed me.haha...i think I was not used to it bah. WORSE! When I was doing backstroke(2 arms), I crashed into a big size Malay guy. I nearly DROWNED! LOL. Ok...Maybe a bit exaggerated but I must hv swallowed at least 10 gallons of water. haha...Seems like everytime im always e last one finishing e warm ups. But cant really blame me since Antoinette, Joash, Gideon and Markus go there almst every wk for swimming lessons for e past 2 years already. But I noe why im so slow when swimming sidestroke and backstroke. Naomi(instructor) said tt i wasnt keeping my body streamlined enough, tt's why im so slow and get tired easily. hai...i'd better practise...If not on e day of e test(which I dunno when but shld b soon), I will b toast. But overall, i really enjoyed myself bcos I get to hang out with e rest of my homeschool buddies. Oh....Naomi is also homeschooled. She abt 17 or 18. I met her a few times at other homeschooling events. Im so glad at tt she's e instructor instead of sm stern, bull-faced instructor who bite ur head off when u make mistakes. hm...tmr will go to e swimming complex earlier to practise...mayb hv another water fight with Markus , Antoinette, Gideon and Joash....haha...

2006-09-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

i just realised tt i made a mistake...in e previous post...it's 93.8FM..not 98.3FM...hehe...sry=p

2006-09-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

Yippee!!!! Jerrine is gg on a job interview tmr. it's sm presenter thing on e radio station 98.3FM....i think...anyways..it's smthing like a DJ..just tt it isnt music tt she's broadcasting...but news...or sm call-in thing. kind of cool...isnt it? im abit vague abt e details. all i noe is tt jerrine really wants tis job cos it isnt sm 9am-5pm job. it's a job whereby e timing is quite flexible. i heard tt a lot of ppl want tis job but there is only one or two spaces. yeah...so..erm....those reading tis entry, pls pray tt God will grant her heart's desire and also grant her favor tmr...oh...and pray tt she wun screw up during e voice audtions.

2006-08-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to U...
Happy Birthday to U...
Happy Birthday to MUMMY(jerrine)....
Happy Birthday to U....=p

To mummy dearest:
Thank you for listening to me when i needed smone to talk to. thank u for ur endless care and concern for me and my sisters. i really thank God for putting u in charge of us. May ur relationship with God grow closer everyday.

With lots of luv, hugs and kisses,
Bel Bel

2006-08-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

STORY OF A FRIEND

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,"Oh excuse me please"
was my reply.He said, "Please excuse me too;I wasn't watching for you."We were very polite,
this stranger and I.We went on our way
and we said good-bye.

But at home a different story is told,How we treat our loved ones,
young and old.

Later that day,
while working at my desk top,My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned,
I nearly knocked him down."Move out of the way,"
I said with a frown.He walked away,
his little heart broken.I didn't realize
how harshly I'd spoken

While I lay awake in bed,God's still small voice came to me and said,"While dealing with a stranger,common courtesy you use,but the family you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look inside his desk drawer,You'll find an essay written about "Abah" (Father).

The essay IS about YOU.
How he praises you
and regards you
as his guidance and best friend.He stood very quietly
wanting to show it to you,you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,And now my tears began to fall.I quietly went and knelt by his bed;"Wake up, little one,
wake up," I said.
"You wrote this, son?"

He smiled, "We were given a topic to write about any particular person.My friends chose to write about famous persons of the world".

"I have chosen you instead.
Can't think of somebody else.You are famous to me."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry
for the way I acted today;I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."He said, "Oh, Abah, that's okay.I love you anyway."I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the story,
especially about you
"rodeo riding" on my back."

FAMILY

Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days.But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think?So what is behind the story?

2006-08-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

oo...third post in a day. well...to those who beend complaining tt my blog is too plain..well...i just changed e background...happy now? haha...thank you del for doing it for me!*muacks* haha...it's sooo cute...much better than e boring pink one

2006-08-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks Be to God!...for keeping my dad safe..thank God tt e accident wasnt serious! just a fractured toe, bruises and scratches. I also want to thank those friends who prayed for him...thank u sooo much. Prayer really does wonders! haha....i was quite shocked when my sis smsed me abt my dad being sent to e hospital. i wanted to cry but wldnt cos i was in public...but a lot of tots were racing thru my mind. questions started popping in. questions like,"what if he knocked his head and lost his memory? what if there were internal injuries tt may cost him his life? what if he died? what if he fainted not bcos of e impact of e accident but bcos of a heart attack?haha...thinking back on all these questions, it seems quite silly. i shldnt worry too much. i noe i shld cast all my cares and burdens to God. Leave everything to Him. he'll take care of it. And he really did! haha....

Consecrated To God

Completely by Ana Laura

While I'm Waiting by John Waller {Fireproof music video with lyrics}

When God Ran

半情歌- 元若藍 命中注定我爱你OST

Just A Dream - Carrie Underwood

最近还好吗 [Zui Jin Hai Hao Ma]- S.H.E MV

'Enchanted' OST

半情歌- 元若藍命中注定我爱你OST