Unforgetable

Went home from Thursday to Monday :) Will be my last trip home for the next 40 over days as I'll be leaving to Japan from Singapore.

Had a fantastic time... tho I have ONE more final, final paper to go...muahaha
- great food.... had ikan bakar, hawker food, oyster noodle, banana leave... ooooo, yummy! Ate until my stomach couldn't take it. As you can see, I miss malaysian food. It rocks!!
- lots of TV... watched American Idol (Idol Gives Back), CSI, and a movie (Pursuit of Happyness)
- lots of time with my family... priceless

Idol gives back was fantastic. Cos it was different. It was great to see that the show finally did something to help those really in need. It really moved my heart to see so many, many children suffer in America (yes, America!) and Africa.. mainly because of AIDS. It remided me again of how often we take forgranted the very food we eat (when so many are dying of extreme hunger and poverty), how many people still struggle to just live each day (when others have so much money we just store them away or spend on "luxury" items)... yes, one day, when I have the earning power, I'll mae sure people like these are not forgotten.

Pusuit of happyness was an inspiring show. How Chris Gardner a single homeless father made it to become a slef-made millionaire. Lesson learnt - we need perseverance, lots of them, to make it in life.

Yesterday night was a terrible night. I admit that after watching CSI:NY, I was a little spooked. haha... then thunder and lightning started. K, I got to say that until now, I'm still a little frightened of thunderstorms at night! Yah, then it started to rain. About midnight, there was sudden gust of wind, for a few seconds it blew...so freaking! The windows in my house started slamming one by one, plus the sound w00000woooooooooowooooooooooooo...... I could hear things flying around! Car alarms went off. I freaked. Thank God, my father was still awake. hehe..

Anyway, the wind was so, so, so strong. First time in my life, I experienced it. After the wind clamned, mum (who was awaken by the wind), dad and myself peeped out of our balcony and we could see our neighbours coming out to inspect the damage. One even asked another neighbour if his Astro dish was still intact. hahaha.. of all things, his concern was the satelite dish. Our huge flower pots got blowned down. There were leaves everywhere. Even in my room! Not to mention rain that came in and the wind that blew my window wide open!

Thank God, I slept.

This morning, mum went round the neighbourhood to see what happened. Apparently, many houses with zinc roof got the roofs blown away. Could see debris all over the road.

Our roof also had two huge holes. Weird, cos our house didn't experience any leakage over the night. We thought no damage to the house. Our immediate neighbours' roof also got blown away and the had water pouring in. But we didn't. Hmmm... two holes on the roof, but no water came in. Miracle? Must be God's protection. My God is good.

My Jumbled Thoughts

3 papers down and 1 more to go! 2 more weeks before I leave for Japan.

Hmmm, many things happened.

Cell group
We continued on the topic of judgement. How would God judge us? How faithful we had been with the things He had given us (mina - for things which are given equally to all, and talents - for what we know as talents); whether we had done the will of the Father; what we have built - if it of material that will last or that will be burnt in the fire. Many other things but these were the main points we discussed.
So how am I living? Am I ready to face the jugdement? Yes, God our Father is gracious, merciful etc, yet, let us not forget that He is also righteous and holy.

One quiet time
I just started my prayer by just exalting God and its amazing how He led me to pray for great things. Prayed specifically for student ministries worldwide.

Have been haviung weird weird dreams almost everynight. Yesterdays, was terrifying... God, please sanctify my dreams :S Hmmm wonder how they even come about.

There is someone I'm praying about.... need a clear direction from Him if this is from Him.

Also, I shared with my MEET sup.. how life has been getting on. Here are what I have seived, out of the sharing
- missions is very important in God's plan. It is His salvation plan,. Ultimately, it is for His glory (which I have so forgotten). And yes, I see the importance, and I want to be part of it.
- but I am soon stepping into the corporate world. Feel that currently that is His directions for me. But in the long run, my desire is still to serve Him, though I don't see myself entering the full time ministry. I think more towards serving Him full time, yet having a secular job. yups.
- also praying for a suitable companion. however, as I was sharing with her, this pressure of finding one... I am wondering if it is me feeling society's pressure to conform once you have come of age, or what. hmmm, anyways, I am available but yet not as I am praying about this area.

MEET update:
- trip is 10 May to 8 June
- itenary: church and KGK visits, english lessons, homestay and country side visit
- target: other than Japanese, the international community
- got our VISA already, praise God
- target of funds: almost met, praise Him
Prayer needs:
- language (Japanese and Chinese needed... really need to brush up!)
- sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, to be able to encurage the church there. Basically the church and the Japan generally needs a spiritual breakthrough.
- unity of the team: Annie, Maureen and Shirlene. Honestly, I don't know how much they are preparing spiritually for the trip, other than the training we went under the program.

Yup, that's all for now... going home for the weekend to study and see home as I will be away for quite a while.

Eventful Week

Sunday
Resurrection Sunday! My Saviour is alive, there is eternal life in Him.
Met Delia, my sup, and had a long chat... yeah, talk from my future, how MEET had impacted me, how I am challenged to make my life different... well, lots of things!

Monday
Mummy came down to visit me. Took a walk in Orchard.

Tuesday
Japanese listening test! Argh, nearly faint la, the speed of their conversation... How am I going to survive one month there?
Whisper in the rain - a short message by Ps Lip Yong on how knowing God gave a sense of purpose and fulfilment. To discover ourselves and to find a meaningful life is to know our Creator and therefore we will find our purpose.. no need to search elsewhere. Hmmm, he shared a testimony of his life. And left us with 3 important decisions we will ever make in life:
1. Whether we will accept Chirst as our personal Lord and Saviour (it will determine if we go heaven or hell)
2. Whom we will marry (reason: as above!)
3. How we will live this life. What kind of person will we be

Wednesday
Just realize I have 1 more week to my exam! Immediately started revision... oh no, hope I can finish. Been telling myself still got time and now no time already!

Thursday
Final presentation. Wasted $11 on a little cream for an ulcer. What?!

Friday
Revision! Pray I can finish man. Some people already finish revision.
Cell group :) Jiayong shared on judgment. Everyone will be judged by God. Judgement is not just punishment but also a time to receive our reward. There is no partiality and for us believers it will be based on our works. Did we build with gold, silver, precious stones or wood, hay, stubble? How are we building our lives?
My sandals snaped on the way to cell group and I had to drag my right sandals around the area looking for a replacement! Thank God I remembered there's a shoe shop nearby. Got a pair of slippers for $6.90!
Also, got good news... new addition coming in Nov! Congrats to Jiayong and Aili.

Saturday
All the way to Orchard AGAIN to submit visa application. Wasted 3 hours to and fro, when I am in panic mood of whether I can finish my textbook! Just pray that all will go well and that we can fly.

k, back to my book. Last chapter. I can do it!

The People I Thank God For...

My Project Team mates....
AA101 - Josiah, Yuen Ho, Qiu Ting, Carriene Kho
OB - Qiu Ping, Wei Khim, Germaine, Zhi Hui, Wendy Chia
FM - Chang Loong, Geo Suan

AA102 - Anita M, Joyce Tan
Biz Law - Clydina, Hui Fang, Rachel Yeo

AA201 - Anita M, Charissa, Kai Lin
AA202 - Zesi, Chuan Lee, Angela Yeo, Shi Jia/Jackie
AA305 - Shirley, Janet
AC213 - Qiying, Janet

AA205 - Timothy Yeo, Sue Min, Oi Lam, Gwen
AB214 - Joleen, Edward, Ying Hui
AB112 - Zhi Hui, Shi Xian, Anesia, Chin Yee, Lih An
AC313 - Jasmine/Xuan Harn, Johnny, Miao Yi
PA - Zhong Yi, Clara Yap

AA206 - Lee Fang, Celine, Janet, Yu Fang
AA304 - Zhi Yuan, Gwen, Wendy Sim, Zhen Bin
AA306 - Serene Chen, Chun Xin, Anesia
BL247 - Renita, Nina

AB311 - Keat Wee, Kai Lin, Hui Bing
AB301- Gabriel, Hui Pin, Florence, Li Ping
BL248- Lee Ting
BH324 - Viknesh, Thu Huong, Lee Ting, Alvin

All my tutorial mates
ECA: NTU Red Cross CIP, Hall 9 scrabble team of 04/05, some CCF & ISCF
Roomies: Hong Anh, NanHui, Ngoc, Rhoda (thank you for being a friend)
Cornerstone Tertiary : Kim, Leon, Tze Shan, Liena, Abigial, Faye, Jian Liang (really enjoyed the times of prayer, but really regret I couldn't make it for so many!)
Most of all.... my closest friends made in ntu - CFers! Vivi, Mabel, Christine, Kristy, Nat, You He, Steven, Wed CG, and all members ..you're like my family here

Thank God, for the many people He brought into my life. Really appreciate them all. Though I never did show it outwardly nor even sometimes acknowledge it, I really do.

Leaving this place soon.... if I had the chance to live through ntu again, I would
- make more friends... my hall neighbours, tutorial mates. I wouldn't be so introverted
- join campus crusade
- faithfully attend tertiary prayer, start a prayer group in hall
- share the gospel to more people
- find a suitable life partner? hahahahha lol! maybe not here in ntu!

Could I Ever

by Planet Shakers 2004

Verse 1:
When I woke up today
And thought of all the things You’d done
I find myself here
Feeling oh so overcome

Pre-Chorus:
You gave Your life away for me
Truly my heart belongs to You
So let me say

Chorus:
How could I ever thank You for
What You did at Calvary
When You bled and died for me
How could I ever turn away
Knowing that You paid the price
That I could never pay

Verse 2:
When I think of the way
That You died upon that Cross
Bearing my sin

Today is the day we remember the greatest love of all. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16). This love never fails. It will never forsake us. Who can ever grasp how great this love is.

Abba Father, thank You for Your salvation plan for us. Thank You that You gave us hope through Jesus. That we can look towards having eternal life with You.

Thank You Jesus, for taking all my sins away. Thank you that through what You've done, I am free. You've given me a whole new purpose for living.

I can't imagine life without knowing You. You are my everything...

Am I Called?

by Alan Neech. My summary... keepinig this.. who knows I will need to remind myself in future.

Being called involves separation and sacrifice. Christ called men to self-denial and self-giving. The cost may seem to great initially but He also promised certain things to those who choose to obey.

How do you assess a call? The need (work that needs to be done) and your ability to meet that need. The principle found throughout the Bible is a missionary principle. Its total thrust is on Mission (from the Latin word missus = sent). God sent patriachs, prophetsm preachers and His Son. He still sends and sends those whom He calls.

God reaches heart and will through showing us human need.
He challenges us with the examples of others who have responded to His call and are doing His work.
He prepares us through circumstances and personal equipment to be able to do certain tasks.
He puts continuing pressure on our consciences until we are unable to escape giving a response.
He gives us some of His own deep concern for those without knowledge of Him.
Our love for Him, springing from an ever-deepiening sense of gratitude for His love to us, contrains us to only want to do what He wants.
Obedience to His will is a true missionary call.

We ought to have one, single, overriding incentive in our lives - to do the Fathers will. A Christian whereever he is, whatever position he is in should be able to say that he is where and is doing what he does because he believes that God has put him there.

Resons for a call - we are al l unworthy to do His service unless God calls us. We need to be certain that God wants us to be where we are, doing that. Because out there in the field, trials, hardships and many things will come against our way. We ust be willing to carry on, sometime struggle to hang on because we know God has called.

What kind of people hear God's call to service (missionary or ect)?
Those who are likely to hear are mot so much to do wtih the head as much as with the heart. Some qualities:
- servant heart, humility
- bearing witness to his faith in his own country where he is
- personal knowledge and experience of Jesus Christ
- spiritaul and self discipline
- determination
- ability to go well with others
- willingness to loose temporal possessions
- teachability
- sense of humour
Take heart. God equip those He calls, and will help you grow in all those places you're weak now. Just listen to Him!

How can I be sure that God is calling me?
God will confirm His call by inward peace, by opening ways, by removing difficulties (though sometimes it is deliberate to what we are made of), by supplying our needs and by granting faith, courage and determination needed to be obedient to Him.
Here is what the author summarize it: When people fall in love, some begin by wondering whether it is possible; then they feel that it may be so; and at last they are convinced it is true and they make the lifelong promise of marriage. Others literaly fall in love and every passing day only so confirms their certainty. A (missionary) call is not so different, For some it is a growing conviction. For others a sudden decision leading to conviction.
But one thing that is always true. Never be hasty. Wait on the Lord.

The author also believes in long term calls and not short term. Its a no good for ordinary people to go short term missions (unless it is for exposure) as it may do more harm than good. It takes time to learn the language, culture and people and just to adapt before becoming effective. Unless of course you have a specialized skill (eg doctors etc).