Vanessa Aka Serene

He knows

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:50:51 GMT

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Matt 10:30

He knows you as who you are

The way you manners, the way you feel

He knows every detail of your life

Your every tear, every pain, every joy

He hears you everytime you speak to Him

And helps you in times of distress

He is right besides you, comforting you

Even when you may not know

He plans your paths in His ways

And direct your feet toward His will

From common clay He fashions us

To a fine art piece you cannot find

With songs of praise

Our burdens are lifted

When we worships Him

He comforts us in His bosom

He knows you the way you are

He loves you the way you are

Being a SUPER Woman

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:55:59 GMT

Hi Everyone!

I'm finally back! Been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance to update my blog. Yes, some of you may have known, that I had changed my job since January this year, hence I had been really busy since then.

Being a PA nowadays, is REALLY a challenge. Ever since I stepped onto this job, I realised that I not only need to learn how to manage the administration part of the company, normal travel arrangements, and probably handle some minutes. There are many more which I never know I need to handle, like what I'm doing now.

My new job requires me to work + think with the speed of light, be super knowledgeable (Ms Know How), be super hands-on (Ms Handy Lady), Expert Traveler (Ms Travel Consultant), be super IT savvy (IT consultant), be super nanny (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Sir?), super maid (Maria) and many other roles to play.

Today, I just learnt how to fix up a standing box fan in the office, impressed right? I guess, I would never know that I can do this much, had I not taken up this role.

A Brand New Beginning... New Man

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:02:49 GMT

Last Sunday, all the way at our Jurong West church building, Sam had his water baptism. After attending City Harvest Church for 5 years, Sam has finally decided to go for his water baptism. Halleluyah!

Indeed God is a good God. He not only leads us toward Him, He mold us and change us to who we are called to be. Similarly, Sam had experienced God's goodness in his life. God not only gives him peace, mold his character to be more patient and gentle, God also gave our marriage life, and took us out of debts. All these will not be possible if it was not for God.

I believe God is going to do more work in our lives, to use us mightily in His kingdom, so long as we are willing.

On the baptism day, we also witnessed hundreds of candidates getting water baptised. What bring up the excitement was when one elderly entered into the pool. She is around 80-90 of age, yet she took up the courage and faith to go thru the water baptism. My! When I saw this scene, I can't help but to think to myself, when will my grandma go down the baptism pool one day, and the rest of my family members experience God in their lives?

I'm sure, one day they will experience God's goodness in their lives, so long as we continue to reach out to them, unceasingly.

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit,

and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give to you."

John 15:16

Decision Making

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:23:59 GMT

Decision making always seems to be such a tough thing to do, especially when it concerns a major role of our life.

At this point of my life, I was given 2 options to choose from. One seems exciting and golden opportunity, while the other seems boring and lifeless. Anyone would go for the former, but I've chosen the latter instead.

Reason? Honestly, minute after I've made the decision, doubts flood in, causing me to waver and think if i've made the wrong choice.

God, I want you to be the centre of my life. The reason to all my decision making. Let it not be my own selfishness to make the decision, but for You. Let it be what you want me to do, and not what I only want.

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

Men are natural painters!

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 02:36:33 GMT

I've always believed that woman can do anything and everything by ourselves. We are made equal right?

Only on Sunday that I realised that it is not always the case. We finally had a chance to paint the door at my son's room after a long while.

The paint on his door was peeling off, due to my poor painting skills when I tried to act smart and paint on my own last year. I used a normal broad brush to paint on the door, only to realise that brush is not the correct tool to use for glossy paint. The result of my 3 hours hard work was ugly brush lines and paint droplets on the door... Nonetheless, we had that for 1 full year. Haha...

Just last Sunday, we finally had a chance to give the door a fresh coat of paint. After a 1 hour over of scrapping of the old paint, we laid the old newspapers on the floor and got ready to paint. This time round, my husband Sam did the painting all by himself, while I stood there and watch. Of cos, I served him drinks and some munchies.. Oh well.. I didn't really do much, but at least, I did the scrapping :) Only then, that I realised, men, are indeed natural painters! The paint is more evenly spread and no lines and droplets of paint anymore! Smooth and clean :)

Now my son has a more decent looking bright yellow door at his room! Great Job my dear!

He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the engraver

and the designer and the tapestry maker, in blue, purple, and scarlet thread,

and fine linen, and of the weaver

—those who do every work and those who design artistic works.

Exodus 35:35

Prawning ? Or Fishing Prawns?

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 07:51:03 GMT

"I've caught it!"

Just 2 weeks ago, I had my very 1st fishing.. erm prawn fishing session with my cellgroup members at FarMart over the weekend. Together with our friends and family members, we gathered at FarMart at around 3 pm and started "prawning". It had been raining heavily since morning on that day, we were so worried that we might need to call off this event. But thank God, the rain subsided quite a bit when it was nearer to 3pm.

For most of us, it was our first attempt in prawn fishing and absolutely have no experience in that. But that was fun! We learnt the basic technique from our expert, Loke Peng and his buddy, who are regular fishermen. They showed us the techniques and tricks of getting a prawn 'hooked' and ultimately catching them. Sounds simple.. but in actual fact, it is really not easy. Not only we need to 'lure' the prawns with a good bait, we need to have patience to wait for the prawns to be lured, and pulling up at the right time to get them hooked! For 4 hours, I've only managed to catch 3 prawns... haha.. its not bad for an amateur!

Most important of all, all of us had a great time fellowshipping with one another. We are one step closer to one another after this event

... but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head
—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies,
according to the effective working by which every part does its share,
causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:15 - 16

Sky Amazing

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 08:28:09 GMT

Finally, Sam's transport company started last week after a long wait.

After 2 years of working in this line, Sam has grown accustomed to the irregular working hours and driving on the road. God is indeed our amazing God who sees us thru all seasons of our life, molding us stronger and stronger each day. Because of His grace and everlasting love, and the miracle he has given to us, we decided to name the company -- Sky AMazing, for Sky represents the Heaven and Amazing because God is simply amazing.

We believe that as we are rejoicing here for the opening of this company, Father in heaven is also rejoicing with us in Heaven. Thank you, Father. Without you, we could not have gone so far.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me,

and I in him, bears much fruit;

for without Me, you can do nothing.

John 15:5

On top of this, I have also done up a website for Sky Amazing. Let's hope that the business will grow from this day forth!

http://skyamazing.hub.io/

Nothing On Earth is Permanent

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:46:13 GMT

Congratulations! You've been confirmed for the position of..........

Does this sound familiar to you? Of cos. Anyone who has passed their probation on a job would or should normally receive their 'confirmation' status to the position they have been working for. Similarly, I was confirmed 2 months ago.

9 months back, I was looking out for opportunities, 2 came by and eventually, I chose a more 'stable' job in my current firm, which has been established for more than 15 yrs locally. After studying the pros and cons, I opt for a more 'stable' job, than a challenging and brand new set up MNC firm.

People said, working for a semi gov firm is more stable and permenant. I think not.

Just a month before my confirmation, a distruptive news came by like a storm and shook the entire company. Since then, this 'stable' job has became very unstable.

I came to realise what the bible means of

"For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corr 4:18

Indeed, nothing on earth is permanent.

Look to Him. Only He is.

It's a Dry Valley

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 10:46:27 GMT

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Without any signal, I’ve suddenly dipped into the valley of dry season. This is my driest moment of my 4 yrs in church.

Four years is not a long period. Nor is it a short time. For past 4 yrs, i've been actively attending church events and faithfully attending cellgroups and services. Usually one would go from glory to glory, and grow stronger in faith thru the years. I did. But all of a sudden, things changed.

Disappointments from people and friends around, even from myself, seems to hit me almost everyday. I feel as if I'm slowly diminishing from this world.

While I'm still walking on slowly in this valley, it suddenly dawn on me how others feel while going thru such dry season. God is indeed amazing. To think that one can still learn something while going thru such a dry infertile season.

Months ago when one of my friend was going thru one of her toughest time in life, I was worried and tried my best reaching out to her. However, many times she gave me reactions which I felt puzzling and in lack, for I did not know how to help her more. Now I'm experiencing similar kind of feelings and struggles which she had gone thru, I finally understood.

"Why do you want to do this?" Obviously, i have my own reasoning behind everything i do.

"But u know, u should....." There is no perfect right or wrong. Only difference in perception.

"How can you think in this way?" Hmm.... It's my brain...

After weeks of concerns from the friends I know, made me realise how exactly my girlfriend, C, felt during her time of dryness. There are dozens of thoughts in our mind running. Good and bad, positive and negative. Especially each word others say, generate another thought from our brain cells.

"But I think you should..." Yes, i know what you mean. Logically and spiritually speaking, maybe i should do what you are saying. I know, of cos I know. But... It's ok. I pray that you'll not have to go thru the same dryness that I'm in right now. But IF you happen to get in one, you'll understand what I mean.

"Well, then i think u shouldn't even... " Oh well, well, it's my life i'm living. Remember, judge not or you'll be judge. Every word you speaks marks an imprint into other's life. Good or bad. Not every word one speaks is edifying. I'm learning that as well.

"I'm so disappointed with you..." Yes, I'm disappointed with myself too. And with my friends who said that. Bcos they don't understand what I'm going through and thinks that they do. Remember, don't always think that you know all. Cause you may not. I'm talking about myself.

Slowly, i begin to realise that I don't have much friends around me. Friends who really can talk and understands us. Friends who will be with us through thick and thin. There's no one I can really confide to.

"Why do you say this?" If I say A, what will you say? B? C? or D? Will it be words that I'm avoiding for the day? Will it be things that I don't wish to hear, especially in this period? It's such a touchy question.

I've come to understand what it means that "judge not or you'll be judge".

Sometimes, when someone do or say something not 'right' according to your knowledge, it does not equate to "wrong attitude" or "wrong spirit". It just mean, we have a different kind of preference, and most importantly, we have our own sets of reasoning.

What does a person in dry season need? Not questions. Not your reasoning. It's edification. Think deep. It's encouragement. Sincere encouragement. It's means affirmations from people around us. It means acknowledgement from the people we love. I thank God for this time of reflection and understanding to all these, at least, I know how to help others in similar situations in future.

Though as dry as this season may be, I believe I can triumph this battle soon. All I need is time.

Getting Used to a New Gadget

Wed, 31 May 2006 09:32:39 GMT

After several weeks of research and studies, I had finally bought my new digital camera over the weekend. The new Fuji Z2 is a beautiful, super slim compact digital camera launched in October last year. It is does not come with the latest specs nor any special feature that I know of, but it does look pretty cool and feels good to carry around.

Perhaps because I was too used to my 1st camera, Sony P71, I don't seems to be able to get used to this new toy. Over the past 2 nights, I've been testing out pictures over and over again with the camera, but the pictures turn out pretty bad. I got disappointed. How could this new camera be worst than the 4 year old Sony I had? Not willing to accept this fact, I tested the camera over and over again in my office today. The pictures look good on the LCD screen of the camera, but upon downloading, the pictures were grainy. Of cos, if anyone were to look at the pictures at a 4R size, it is alright. But, we often print on 8Rs! How am I going to print in future?

After listening the advise from the salesman, I was about to try the camera once more, the battery went dead. How many pictures did I take? 20? 30? I think so. Now this really got me mad. Just when I wanted to give the camera another try, to convince myself, to tell myself i didnt make the wrong choice. But, it went dead.

Well, guess i just have to make do with this wrong purchase since what is done cannot be undone. At least, this prevents others from thinking I'm expecting too much.

I Don't Wanna, Talk About It..

Mon, 15 May 2006 01:40:31 GMT

Sometimes life seems to be such tiring, bothersome matter. Each day, we need to decide on this, clarify on that, handle this, resolve that. It seems endless.

Because of a simple birthday celebration, all complications fall from all angles. Mum will be turning 54 this coming 23 May. Usually, the 3 of us will arrange for a dinner at some restaurant with her. This year, is exceptional. One clever person has decided to celebrate the birthday with my nephew, whose birthday falls on the same day as my mum. The person, till now I don't know who is that, claimed that it was my mum who insisted on this plan. Well, whatever the case is, it has been decided to celebrate together with my nephew. This is only the beginning.

"We need to split the cost between the both of us, since R might not join us after all, since he'll be in China."

"So how much is the budget?"

"I don't know, we have your family, my family, my inlaw and my da-gu, xiao-gu, families. Not many lah, don't worry, but I can't pay much lah, you know my situation one..."

"Har??? Why so many of them? I thought it's just between your family and mine??"

"Ai yoh, why you so giam one? They are also my family u know?"

..... why don't u say invite my inlaws, my bro and sis in law's families as well.... what do u expect me to say?

"Eh... I'm not giam, but how much is the cost? Estimation lah...."

"Hmmm... Not so sure ley, remember we had dinner at the zi-char the other day? Only our 3 families... how much it cost har? I think that was $300. Now...."

A rough estimation shows, a minimum cost of $500 is to be spent.

"Ai yah, know you got no money lah, ask mum to pay loh, worst come to worst..."

My goodness! Ask the birthday girl to pay for her own birthday celebration? How could she even suggest this?

I'm not a stingy person. Especially towards my mum. Each year, be it mother's day, birthday, or Christmas, I've never failed to give her my best present that I can offer. But asking me to pay for such an amount, to me, it is not worth it. I could have given her a better present with that price, or bring her to Shangri-La for a nice dinner.

"But this is mum's wish, you want to go against that, by all means, but you WILL be the ONE who make mum upset."

This left me with no alternatives. In that case, why did she claimed she wants to 'discuss' mum's birthday with me? Is this a discussion? It doesn't seemed to be a 'discussion' at all.

As I raised my views on this 'plan', we argued, and nearly quarrelled over it. However, it doesn't ring a bell to her what my views are. Maybe, it doesn't matter to her after all.

Or perhaps, I should really change myself. To be a super generous person towards others. I'm not supposed to have any viewpoint, not suppose to dislike anyone, not suppose to comment on anything. The best thing to do is, zip up my lips.

I'm so tired of this so called 'plan'. Maybe I should make myself disappear on that day, keep myself busy, find a lame excuse not to attend. Anyway, I doubt I'll be happy throughout the entire dinner.

I realised, life is indeed not easy to live in. I thought my family will know me best. But the answer is NO.

"You are not fit to be a Christian. Still dream of being a leader someday or even study in Christian college to do what Christian work? I think u better not lah, your character, you this type of person can never make it in life!"

The words hit me badly. So badly that I feel like I've diminished from earth.

".. You are the salt on the earth, ... the light of the world..."

What an irony!

I can't remember how many times I've been hit just as bad by my own siblings, or even my own mum. So many years, I've always tried to please everyone in my family, trying to seek acknowledgement from them. Everytime when I do that, it seems that I'm easier and easier to handle by them.

"Whom have I in heaven but You?

And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.

My flesh and my heart fail;

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalms 73:25 - 26

Someone often told me, don't bother so much about other's life. Just do what you are supposed to do. Don't busybody or try to help other people, for it doesn't pay to do so.

How true is this sentence! I can't remember how many times I've helped my sis. But usually the person that you are closest to, will hurt you the most.

And let us not grow weary while doing good,

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9

One Eventful Day

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 00:40:13 GMT

It was a beautiful morning. I took my usual path to go to the bus stop which I'd need to go through several block of flats. Just 2 blocks away from my flat, the open space was condored off and several police were below the flat talking to a lady.

"Don't tell me there is a body there..." I thought to myself.

Out of curiousity, I took a deep breath and turned to see -- there was a body covered with white sheet on the field! "That must be the girl's mother," the crowd said. I took a last look and continued my journey.

Why did she do that? Life is so precious and fragile, what happened that made her do this? Haven't she thought of her family members? They must be devastated to see this. Especially her mother. She must be heartbroken, seeing her precious daughter, whom she loved and took great pains to bring up, left her.

On the very same night, I was on my way back home after my usual cellgroup meeting. While waiting at the traffic light, I was happily keying in my sms when I suddenly heard a loud thud and shoutings across the street.

I couldn't believe what I've seen. 3 Indian guys were beating up a middle age guy at the traffic light across the street! They used their punches and kicks... and even resort to using the rubbish bin to hit the man continuously. No one stopped them. Everyone watched with arms folded at the coffee shop which is less than 5 meters away from the actual scene.

Thankfully, some car drivers tried to stop them by horning and shouting at the 3 young chaps. But no one, no one move forward to help. The 3 chaps did not stop, until eventually the traffic was congested as all the drivers start to horn at them too.

I stood there motionlessly, still stunned by what I just saw. Just what have the world become? As the 3 guys ran towards me, still murmuring vulgarities, I stared at them thinking, "don't you have a sense of shame?" Their eyes shun mine and they finally disappeared into the block of flats behind me.

I ran towards the middle age man, praying that he'll be alright. Before I reach him, there were already 2 other aunties attending to him. I looked to the onlookers at the coffeeshop. There were more than 30 people there, yet none stood up to help the man. What where the crowd thinking? What was on their mind? Why were they scared to interfere? Putting myself into their shoes, I can imagine their difficulties. It must have been a hard decision to make. Putting danger to themselves if they were to intervene. What would I do if I were them? What would I do, if I were a guy who has learnt some self-defence skills? Will I interfere with such matters?

How about you? Will you?

I'm getting Old

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 02:19:06 GMT

From the recent incidences around me, I realised I'm getting old. Forgetting my bosses' schedules, bible for cellgroup, and even the most important thing on someone's birthday -- the card! Oh my! What's going on to me?

Not only I felt angry with myself, I felt sorry for making such mistakes too... :( I don't like it. Not at all. I don't like the feeling of making mistakes.

God give me the memory to remember things, give me the wisdom to plan things. I ask of more wisdom to make decisions, more memory bank to store information!

Spirit of Service Excellence

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 02:50:42 GMT

"Sorry, I can't help you."

"That's just too bad"

"You just gotta wait"

Does any of these sound familiar to you? Last year , our Singapore government just launched a service excellence programme, GEMS, to promote customer service excellence in Singapore.

GEMS simply means Go-the-Extra-Mile-for-Service movement. Like many of us have experienced, the service levels in many places just got to buck up.

Just today, I needed to courier some documents to China so I went to the reception to get a courier slip.

"Sorry leh, our courier slips just finish," said the receptionist. "Tomorrow you can collect it from me."

"Finished?? What do you mean by finish? I though you do keep stock?" I asked her anxiously, as I have an urgent document to be out.

"Oh too bad. Ya loh, stock finish, and we don't keep so much stock for that, we have a certain quota to follow." She gave me that whatever it is look.

I am amazed by what she just said. "Too bad." What does she mean by too bad? Is it too bad that she don't keep stock? Or too bad that they have such a wierd ruling that no one's been told of.

When we were at Genting and KL last weekend, we encountered several incidents like this as well. One of which was when we first arrived at Genting Resort Hotel at 3 am in the morning. As expected, we were told to wait till 6am before we can check in. What we didn't expect was that, there were no one to keep our luggage for us. Yes, there was no bellboy at the concierge. We waited for 15 min. Then 1/2 hour. Frustrated, I approach the front desk for help, which is just next to the concierge room.

"Hi, we need to check in the luggage, but there was no one at the concierge. Can you help me?"

"Sorry we can't help you. You just got to wait." said the front desk officer.

"But we have been waiting for 1/2 hour!" I was so frustrated that you could imagine my reaction to this.

"Ya, but we can't help you. No bellboy to take in the luggage, maybe he just walked away. You seat there first and wait." She said, as she tries to call the extension of the concierge counter, which is OBVIOUSLY empty in front of her.

This was not the kind of reply we had imagined. The least that she could do, is to collect the luggage on behalf of the concierge and give us a tag. But she didn't. Finally we waited for a total of 45 minutes before the bellboy could be seen. Total waste of time! I can't believe that this could still be a 4 star hotel.

Our stay in KL was pleasant. We were pleased with the hotel we chose this time -- Melia Sol KL. Courteous and friendly staff at the front desk, even the bellboy was so warm. Just one thing -- the water in the hotel.

When we first used the water in our bathroom, the water was murky, somewhat looked like water mixed with soil. Grouse! We thought of boiling some water, now what? Thinking that there might be something wrong with the pipe in our room, I called the front desk for help.

"Sorry, there is something wrong with the piping in the whole of Selangor, so the water is like that." said the front desk officer.

"The whole of Selangor? So how are we going to boil water?" I asked

"Sorry I can't help you. The water is like that." she replied.

"Can you get me some drinking water for me to boil then? Or some hot water?" I asked again. I'm sure they have some alternative ways to provide for their guests.

"Sorry I can't help you. The water in whole of Selangor is like that." she replied again. Does she understand what I mean? Don't they have other measures to counter this problem??

Oh well, we got ourselves several bottles of distilled water and the rest is history.

Challenges in life

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 01:43:23 GMT

¹ To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
   ² A time to be born,
And a time to die;
   A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
   ³ A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
   A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
   ⁴ A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
   A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
   ⁵ A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
   A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
   ⁶ A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
   A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
   ⁷ A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
   A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
   ⁸ A time to love,
And a time to hate;
   A time of war,
And a time of peace. -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

All of us go thru different seasons in life. Many times, we face challenges -- in our school days, our workplace and even in our personal life. Sometimes the challenges we face seemed so tough that we feel like breaking down. There may be times when we feel that the challenge is too tough for us to endure and want to give up. Sometimes, the devil makes it looks so hard that we feel that it is simply too tough for us. Sometimes, we face disappointments that cripple us in our thinking, and we might sit there thinking," Is it worth it afterall?"

⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

At times when I feel tired of trying, I'll pick up this verse and read, and somehow I always get encouraged. Of course, there are times when things look so gloomy that all encouragements to me seems useless. Somehow or rather, the sadness grows in us, making us feeling even sorrowful, even more self-pity. That's how tricky satan is. He'll try means and ways to make us feel awful and he enjoys seeing us lose the faith. That's why it is so important for us to get spiritual nourishment from the Word. So that each time when we face trials, we can remind ourselves that this is God's way of molding us and satan's way to distract us.

³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Roman 5:3

Through each trial and testing in life, we gain knowledge and experience new level of understanding.

Chinese New Year's Goodies

Tue, 29 Nov 2005 03:59:26 GMT

To all my dear friends,

Every year, my mum in law will make some cookies to sell during Chinese New Year. As usual, she'll be selling 2 types of CNY goodies this year -- Pineapple Tarts and Cashew Nuts Cookies. So if any of you are interested to buy, you know who to look for liao.. DUN BUY FROM OUTSIDE!!! OR ELSE...! haha.. just joking...

Small Bottle: $9

Big Bottle: $18

Dream

Tue, 22 Nov 2005 07:07:49 GMT

Was watching one of the TVB series -- 学警雄心 yesterday and suddenly asked myself, what was my dream? Seriously, I don't really have a dream, or may be I had but didn't fulfil it, cos it takes too much an effort to see it coming to pass.

I remembered I love drawing and designing. I liked anything to do with designing, interior designing, publishing.. etc etc. I love drawing still life, portray.. But perhaps I've heard too much about the pay (which seems miserable) that have somewhat made me drop that idea.

Watching the show some how reminisce me of the Serene who was once full of enthusiasium towards arts & craft. The me who would tear away my own artwork because of a tiny fault. The me who would rather get zero than a low mark for a lesser than perfect artwork. That's me.

Somehow or rather, I got lesser and lesser patience then, and end up dropping the arts subject. Sometimes when I looked back, I wished I had perservere on, at least till my 'O' levels. But I didn't. Well, I had to face the reality, that sometimes, arts won't fill my stomach.

Mum once reminded me, that we need to be realistic in life, and go for only courses which has market value, eg. Business. For this reason, I gave up my dream.

Well, at least now, when I look back, yes, I had a dream. To be an artist, a designer.

Primary One -- A New Beginning

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 06:05:52 GMT

"If we endure, we will also reign with him." 2 Timothy 2:12

Last Saturday was my son, Brandon's Primary One orientation at his new school, Zhenghua Primary School. As excited and kia-su parents, all of us -- my mother-in-law, my helper Evangeline, my daughter Amanda, Sam and myself, attended the orientation together.

Seeing Brandon walking towards the queue for his class "P1A" to sit, I felt so touched and happy at that moment. No words can describe the kind of feeling. Happy, yet mixed with excitment, worries, feeling of console and touched.

Tears started to roll down my cheeks, thanking God for everything He has given to us, thanking God for Brandon in my life. Though all these years have been tough, so tough that many times I almost gave it up. But I didn't. The obstacles and trials which He had put me through, has somewhat strengthened me, molding me from a weak and low self-esteem lady, to a stronger and more confident woman.

Brandon will be in Primary 1 next year, which will mean more challenges for me as a working mum. But I believe that He shall supply me with more wisdom and strength to go through the obstacles along the way. My Brandon has finally grown up and stepping into a new phase of life.

Religion?

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 06:00:11 GMT

"I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were theives and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Faith is not in religion. Faith is in God. The kind of faith which believes God will do what is right, everytime. And that He will do whatever it takes, to bring His children home.

Marriage

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 05:57:37 GMT

"...for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and
in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish... as long as we both shall live."

Marriage is...

To love and to cherish one another wholeheartedly

To Laugh together, cry together

To go through all obstacles together

To standby one another in every circumstance, even at deathbed

To give him the booster when things go wrong

To trusting him in his promise

To carry the burden together and never give up

To hold the family together in unity

Love is...

Unforsaking

Undoubting

Uncontrolling

To sacrifice for one another

Willingness to give and to share

Marriage is a union. It is uniting two hearts to become one. Marriage is companionship and friendship. It is togetherness in everyway.

Marriage is understanding. It is remembering the goodness of one and forgetting the weaknesses. It is learning to be considerate in every way -- Time, feelings and desires.

Marriage is caring. It means being concern and going the extra mile to make sure our other half is taken care of.

Marriage is kindness. It is saying kind words and demonstrating what you say.

Marriage is support. It is giving support to your spouse in their endeavors, coming in and going out, in good and bad times. It is giving them moral support, helping them, assuring them that you are always there for them. It is supporting them in prayers, committing them in Lord's hand for His guidance and provision. It is being their cheerleader and encourage them when they lose faith. It is standing firm as a pillar when the dwellings are falling off.

Marriage is protecting your partner from getting hurt.

Marriage is provision. It is doing your part to ensure their needs are met. It is sharing the burden of the family together. Marriage is hard work day after day. It is going the extra mile to meet the needs of your partner even if you feel the least like it.

Marriage is sacrifice. It is giving up yourself for the one you love. It while you enjoy less. It is being selfless.

Marriage is give and take. It is taking turns and not one sided. It takes two hands to clap. Marriage is submission. It is giving the other person a chance. It is learning from one another and willingness to humble is being ready to give up your ideals and desires to satisfy your partner. It is giving and giving and giving again. It is yielding, bending, melting together. Marriage is making your partner happy down oneself.

Marriage is being open minded. It is putting ourselves in our partner's shoes to understand them and accept them. It is opening our heart to and listen.

Marriage is being there for the other in good and bad times. It is withstanding through thick and thin together, no matter how difficult the trials and tribulations may be. Marriage is being able to withstand the test. It is never to lose hope and always being there, always dependable, always ready with outstretched hands and open arms to accept the other -- to love, to comfort, to hold and to cherish. Marriage is learning to let the little things pass.

Marriage is communicating honestly and openly. It is being willing to share your heart and deepest thoughts. Marriage is talking, praying, discussing, and agreeing together. Marriage is not to allow differences from building up between you by ignoring the other but finding solutions to resolve. Marriage is uniting hand in hand, heart to heart.

Marriage is discovery. It is discovering one another over and over again. It is learning about each other. Marriage is a good sense of humor. Relaxing and enjoying each other.

Marriage is respect. Marriage is having faith in one another. It is accepting the big things and small things for who they are. It is having the revelation that you are not complete without your other half.

Photo Album: 2006

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 08:19:09 GMT

2006

DSC00856b

Vsn

Photo Album: Darlings

Wed, 26 Oct 2005 01:50:10 GMT

Darlings

2(1)

Blog list: Blog list

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 09:00:24 GMT

Custom List: Favourite Website

Wed, 23 Nov 2005 06:49:46 GMT

Favourite Website

City Harvest Church
Doggiesite.Com
Singapore's Doggy Forum
Christian Women Today
Inspirational Website for Today's Woman