Missions

A greatly inspiring video of Mr. Narayanan Krishnan.

I love how he aptly states the core message of this video.

"What is the ultimate purpose of life?
It's to give. Start giving. See the joy of giving."
"Food is one part, love is another part. So the food will give them physical nutrition. The love and affection which you show, will give them mental nutrition."

I hope this video will stir many hearts and ignite the passion for missions within them.

There's no greater joy and satisfaction in the world than knowing that we are able to make a meaningful difference in the life of others, to be a vehicle of blessing to others.

Can't embed the video. But to view it, here's the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S74HuDIRa4&feature=player_embedded

Taking Risks

A month plus ago, I saw an advertisement by The Star hiring for journalists in the northern branch. I read through the requirements and pondered on the possibility of applying for it; taking the particular clipping out and keeping it together with my stack of miscellaneous notes within the organizer. Then came the next day, and as I went through the same routine of going through the classifieds section, I came across the very same ad. This probably went on for about a week plus and every time I came across the advertisement, there was this particular feeling growing within; a nagging nudge to just take the plunge and go for it, with no expectations whatsoever. And so i succumbed, after much pressure from within, telling me that I would regret had I not attempt to even apply.

I clearly remember that night when I sat in front of the television while drafting the cover letter. I spent hours trying to pen my thoughts and words as best as I could to justify my application (since I came from an entirely different background of education and work experience) and all I had to back me up was the little exposure I had being in the Editorial Board and the occasional writing I did for The Boys' Brigade, coupled with proclaimed passion for this field. I've always envision myself being part of a publication when I was younger, but because of the lack of confidence in myself and my writing, I never pursued it with great enthusiasm. All that being said, that night, I was really proud of myself for writing quite an awesome cover letter. At least, to my own opinion. :)

So just a day before the application dateline ended, I took a day's leave from work and got myself on a bus to the northern office, to submit my application by hand. Mom asked me why I had to go all the way up to deliver my application by hand, and honestly, I don't know why I decided so. Perhaps, it was for the sake of assurance that they would receive my application and it wouldn't go missing in the mail or the application be forfeited because it arrived past the dateline.

2 weeks later, I got a call, asking me to go for an interview AND writing test. Because of my Jakarta work trip, I had to re-schedule to an earlier date, just 2 days before my Jakarta trip. When I was up in Penang for BB PESTA, I thought it would be convenient to kill 2 birds with one stone and attend the interview then too. But, then again, a later date would give me ample of time to prepare for the writing test. So i opted to make yet another trip up on a separate day the following week.

Because of all the rush in completing 5 days worth of pending work, as well as for the Jakarta and Singapore trip, I had no time to prepare properly for the writing test. Everyday was just passing in such a quick pace and when I realized, it was already a day before my interview and I hadn't even booked my bus ticket yet! I panicked and all the scrutiny that I had to endure that day didn't make it any easier. But by God's grace, I managed to get a ticket, and print some notes on journalism to read while on the bus.

The big day came and rain came down. (Cool, it kinda rhymes) The entire state was in a massive traffic jam and stand still for hours because of the heavy rain and one particular massive accident, and so, instead of being driven to the place of interview as initially planned, I had to drop my friend off at work and drive myself there with reliance only on the GPS. What a way to start the day. I was really upset because of all the unforeseen circumstances but again, thankfully, it all worked out..from the lost driving, to the interview and to the writing test.

I'd like to think I did my best with little expectations of the outcome. Why? Cos' part of me hoped I would get it, while another part of me hoped I wouldn't get it so that I wouldn't need to face the dilemma of taking it up and leaving my current employment or rejecting the offer. I'm weird like that. And i do not like dilemmas! :)

To cut the long story short, I got called yesterday to go to the KL headquarters for medical check-up. Out of 12 applicants, 5 were shortlisted and I am one of the lucky ones. Good news in some ways and bad in some other ways. It's a really tough decision to make as it would mean leaving behind all that I have here, and pursuing something entirely different which I may or may not excel in. It is the insecurity of the future that scares me. I do not want to make a wrong decision and regret it, knowing how ways lead on to ways and how this decision will affect my life's direction.

I am, at a crossroad, a fork in the road.
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both." - Robert Frost

It is at times like this, that I wished God spoke to me even more. His opinion is what matters most to me. If He decides I should leave and take up this opportunity, I would, even if it means receiving objection from family, and bosses. But if He decides I should stay and let this interesting opportunity pass, I would, even if it means regretting for awhile for not allowing myself to explore something new. My fear of making a decision is not because I fear the responsibility and consequence that comes with it, but because I fear making a decision that will displease Him.

Funny how a close friend asked me this when I told her of my situation. "Did you pray to God telling Him that if He makes a way and opens the door, that would be a sign of His approval for you to take it up?" Of which i answered, "Yes."

And as I read ODJ last night before going to bed, this particular passage and devotion that I read first randomly, caught my attention. Maybe this is His way of comforting me and guiding me with this situation.

**************

ODJ: RISK TAKERS

July 4, 2010
Read: Joshua 1 : 1 - 9

One of the saddest accounts in the Bible is 
 recorded in the Old Testament book of Numbers
 (chapters 13-14). It’s the story of the Israelites who had previously been miraculously delivered from a life of backbreaking slave labor in Egypt.


This generation had witnessed the 10 plagues in Egypt and God parting the Red Sea (Exodus 7-14). For nearly 2 years, they journeyed through the wilderness following a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. And every day God caused manna and quail to fall from the sky (Exodus 16). He even kept their clothes from wearing out as they endured the elements and strain of desert life (Deuteronomy 8:4).


That’s impressive!


And now, as we tune into Numbers 13, we see that God finally had His people on the verge of conquering the Promised Land—and they wouldn’t do it. Outside of Caleb and Joshua, the leaders refused to step up to the challenge. They said that the Canaanites were too big and powerful. They told the people they were like “giants” and referred to themselves as “grasshoppers” (vv.31-33).


As a result, God made them wander aimlessly around the wilderness for 38 years (within a few miles of their God-given destiny) until their generation died off. 


How tragic! God had rescued them and led them to a new life in a new land. But they refused to take a risk with Him. 


If there is one thing that the stories of the Bible tell us again and again, it is this: Following the God of the universe into the purpose of our lives always involves meaningful levels of risk (Joshua 1:6-9). 


Taking a bold and gutsy risk is not the absence of faith. Sometimes it’s an expression of our faith in Him. —Jeff Olson

"This is my command. Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord Your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

What do you think God is telling me?

That whatever I decide, He is with me. Whether i take it up, or not.

Or is He telling me that I should take this risk and trust Him?

An experience worth remembering

A month ago, Joshua (Sam's brother) asked if I could help out with his church wedding decoration because the person who was suppose to do it, well, couldn't do it. So as terrifying and desperate as the request sounded, I was actually jumping for joy within because I've never had the experience of being part of a wedding's plan and processes! Plus, it was always a childhood dream of mine to be a wedding planner someday ;)

So, the entire month of planning and sourcing for materials was really stressful, especially with the given budget of RM400 only. But it all worked out well. The effort paid off and it was alot of fun!

Here are pictures of my first stint as a church wedding decorator :)

If you are pleased with the outcome, I'm open for hire in the future!

the aisle (of garlands, fake roses, organza ribbons, and real flower petals)

an upclose shot of the aisle (again)

i just love how the garlands droop at the end of the aisle

pretty :)

right after the ceremony (and probably during as well) kids were dismantling the tiny flower bouquets on the aisle and making it their own!

the stage

2 standees made of red roses and white pom poms, creeping ivy leaves and rose petals

The theme of the church wedding was actually WINE & CHAMPAGNE.

Do you think the deco met the theme? Did it give you the vibe of a vineyard wedding?

I really wanted to do a wooden stick arch, cos I thought that would do the trick but we really had no time and the bride and groom wanted something really minimalistic. Anyhows, i'm glad they liked the final outcome.

*******************

Being part of this wedding plan was really a blessing and a testimonial worth sharing.

Because the budget was so tight, we decided that buying real flowers were way cheaper than fake flowers, especially for the stage deco and the flower standees. Getting the professionals, ie. florist to do it would cost even more. So Sam and I, being all confident that we can do it on our own, we went by faith and did the flower arrangements by ourselves the day before the wedding. After several hours of trying around, i realized we couldn't do it. Our arrangements were so unprofessionally looking and odd. The real thing came out so different from how we envisioned it to be.

So being the worry freak I am, I was really stressed out and emo and panicky. Joshua and Tina deserved something nice, and their entire family and relatives knew I was going to be the decorator. I had to live up to the expectations! I was just so down and emo, and at the verge of giving up. I was also partially annoyed with the wedding coordinator cos it was her suggestion in the first place to go DIY and experiment together. Yet, instead of coming at 4pm, she only came at 8pm!

(When i'm stressed up, I get easily annoyed and pissed off, so yeah, maybe she's not entirely at fault, but it was a big deal to me because the mood i was in aggravated the feelings even more)

Anyhow, she came at 8pm, saw the damage done, and tried to fix it. She suggest we go for a break and take our dinner and so we did. Throughout dinner, I was just thinking and talking to God, pleading for a miracle that when we get back after dinner, He would bless me with green fingers and I would be able to turn things around for good. It took courage to admit to Him that I know I'm really not as good as I think I could be. Truth be told, the situation humbled me.

When i came back after dinner, and saw how she salvaged the damage we had done, I felt really guilty for thinking badly of her in the first place. She's always so smiley, even when the situation was stressful, and she's never NOT smiling. I felt so ashamed of myself cos I'm like the total opposite.

HOWEVER, her being equally inexperienced as we are, the arrangement that she did, though nice, was way too tiny to be placed at the stage. And that's when God intervened, literally.

No, He didn't bless me with green fingers for the next 4 hours, but He sent us a florist, in the most unexpected way! It was Good Friday and just after service, this lady saw us working on the flowers and when we told her our problem, she said she could help us fix it, and make the arrangement look a little bigger! After talking to her a little, getting to know her better, she told us she actually owned a florist a long time ago! Praise GOD!!!!

She helped us out so much that she stayed from 9 pm till 12 pm (with her husband and kids) and got both the standees and the bridesmaid bouquets done! And it looked professionally done, because she was a professional! Praise God, again! Because of her help, I could concentrate on doing up the hall and the other decorations, and Sam could finish up his bestman speech. That night, when we finished up everything, I could rest in peace.

God is just so awesome.

I was proud, and He humbled me, for my own good. But He didn't just stop there. He provided a way out for me as well. What amazing love, and abounding grace. All praise be to God, seriously.

It really was an encouragement for me. And that's why I'm sharing this testimony to all.

Our God is real, and always dependable upon. Remember that, always.

2 Corinthians 12:9 -> "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

Valentine love

Happy Be-earlieth Valentines Day & Chinese New Year!

As Valentine's Day draws closer, and knowing we probably won't be able to spend the occasion together due to the CNY festivity, the very thought of having found love in someone as special as him makes me content.

Having someone who keeps calling you "wifey", telling you how beautiful and sexy you are even when your face is pimply and you've been putting on those extra kilos around the waist, and being able to know your thoughts even before you can say them out aloud; these are the simple things that remind me of how blessed I am by God.

It's like God sending me a huge parcel via airmail, with a note attached saying;
"His name is Samuel. Hope you like him, my dear! Took Me awhile to source for this amazing gift for you but it's well worth it."

And who doesn't love suprises and amazing presents! :)
No doubt, the period of waiting for it could have been painful and testing at times - but I'm a firm believer that everything will eventually work out according to His plan.. sooner or later..

So thank you, God - for loved ones.. family, sam, and some friends..
These are the people that keep me going each day, making it easier when life gets hard.
And i love 'em loads. :)

1+2+5

A few years ago, mum got herself a silky terrier puppy for Christmas.

Because she claimed we didn't love her enough.

And so, we called her Grace.

This year, Grace gave mum (and us) 5 early christmas prezzies in the form of her adorable new born babies!

3 Males, 2 Females.

And 10 December 2009 is the date to remember. :)

And all these adorable babies ever do, day and night, is...

suckle suckle suckle, cuddle cuddle cuddle...

What a good life :)

These darlings are the 2nd batch of Grace's pups.

The first three were: Roxy, Rayanne, and Russell.

( Notice how they all started with R?? )

Now, to wait for Miss Becks to come up with 5 royal names like she did for the first 3..

And maybe to be fair, they should all begin with A..

Amanda, Andrea, Andrew, Alex, Anthony.

Or should it be something funkier crazier like..

Salmon, Tuna, Cod, Talapia, Dory

Salt, Pepper, Sugar, Vinegar, Oil

Obviously, naming your pets (and children in the future) can be such a daunting task.

It has got to be right. Cos there's no turning back.

Pseudo Perfection

"The perfect one may be imperfect at times."

Got this quote from my dear friend Sharon's FB status. How true indeed and I think it is a very good reminder as well, to all who are in a relationship and yet to be in one.

Sometimes, we find that perfect someone; s/he qualifies for all the important characteristics and traits you have in your Mr.Right / Ms.Right checklist. But is there really such a thing as a perfect man/woman? It's all in the mind, really.

Sometimes also, s/he is so perfect that we start having expectations! And when such expectations are not met, the worm slowly creeps into the relationship and starts eating from the inside, unknowingly. Over time, if this is not resolved, it causes the relationship to crumble, like a rotten apple.

Which brings me back to the reason why this quote is such a good reminder. We need to realize that we're all human, and as humans, we are frail. We ought to be humble enough to acknowledge our weaknesses, and simultaneously, accept the weaknesses of others.

"O God, teach us to be more gracious with others. Teach us to choose love over hate, patience over impatience, and compassion over our own selfish ways. Teach us to be more like You everyday. Amen."

And so the season begins

And so the season of engagements and weddings begins..

For the past few months, news of friends and acquaintances getting engaged and hitched have been coming in one after another. It really does get you thinking on what's in store for you (and everyone) in the future. A colleague of mine made this passing comment one day @ lunch saying the younger generations (referring to my generation, of course) are getting married earlier, completing the cyclical phenomenon of the tradition of our forefathers who used to be married at very young ages. Somehow i sense a whole chunk of grammatical error in my previous statement.. anyhow, it sounds nice, so i wont bother fixing it or dwelling too much on the technicalities of the English language.

Where were we? Ahh yes, back to weddings..and engagements..

Yesterday, while browsing through FB @ work, a friend posted her status mentioning rings and dream dresses and etc. The first thing that came to my mind was "omgg, is she getting hitched?" and so i clicked on her profile and i was right. She was getting engaged. And i have to admit, joy and happiness weren't exactly the first thoughts in my mind. Rather, i was in utter shock, questioning the possibility of it happening!

First and foremost, she's younger than me by 2 years and so is her fiance.
(not judging anyone based on age here, but based on the point below, i'm hell suprised that their parents consented to it)

Secondly, i don't think they are both financially stable YET.
(engagements and weddings require massive funding, and unless you're born with a silver spoon, where papi and mami provides EVERYTHING, finances are definitely an issue. In their case, I dont know the family well enough to say for sure that they are well off to do but from what i know, middle class family?)

Anyway, who am i to assume and judge? What matters most is love prevails. And i'm a sucker for happy endings. So i quickly changed my negative worrisome thoughts to happy thoughts. =D

She may not know this, because we're not exactly close friends, but I pray that her relationship and marriage will be a fruitful one and I believe it will be; as i do admire the maturity and passion that both have in view of their relationship and how God lies central in it. And this i know because i occassionally follow her blog. And while reading one of her posts, it reminded me of a lot of things I once had and have in mind, pre- and post- being in a relationship, about relationships, and God. It was a good reminder for me to get my priorities set right again, and to make sure he does too.

I know our time will not come anytime soon, as we still have much to learn and prepare, both together and separately; for marriage, and for fulfilling God's intended purpose for us. We've been stumbling occassionally along the way, with hindrances that keep distracting and discouraging us, but we will stay strong and continue running the race, guided by Him, and encouraged by each other; this my prayer for us. ♥

I like the season of engagements and weddings.
It's the season to be jolly - fa la la la la la la la la! :)

=)
sam+ally

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

(1 Corinthians 13 : 4-8)

The good news

I don't know where to begin
to tell you of the thoughts
that have been playing in my mind

For the past 3 weeks, God felt so real.
I prayed for an answer
but i also struggled and had my fair share of doubts if He would ever answer

I spoke to a church elder about it
funny enough, i didn't even realize God's work at hand at that very moment
through that conversation we had

Sometimes, when we seek God for something
the answers aren't always clear.
He has His way of placing certain people in our lives
at certain points of our lives
to reveal certain things to us

And a week after that conversation
my prayer was answered
in a circumstance that had been depicted by that church elder

The feeling of having a prayer answered was just overwhelming
like a moment of success amidst many failed attempts


HE PROVIDED...
Thank you, GOD.

Currently feeling...

There's distance in the air and I cannot make it leave
I wave my arms' round about me and blow with all my might
I cannot sense you close, though I know you're always here
But the comfort of you near is what i long for

When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear every word I pray
And I want you more than i want to live another day
And as I wait for you, maybe I'm made more faithful

All the folly of the past, though I know it is undone
I still feel the guilty one, still trying to make it right
So i whisper soft your name, let it roll around my tongue
Knowing you're the only one who knows me
You know me

Show me how I should live this
Show me where I should walk
I count this world as lost to me
You are all I want
You are all I want

When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear every word I pray
And I want you more than i want to live another day
And as I wait for you, maybe I'm made more faithful...

Faithful by Brooke Fraser

RW's

"Life is a series of problems. Either you are in one now, or you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to get into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character, than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy, than He is in making your life happy.

We need to ask ourselves:
Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?
Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism?
Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do."

by Rick Warren

Shades of grey

Just when i finished typing an uber long post, and highlighting the entire thing to change the font size, the whole post goes poof! Arghhhh...why did it have to happen?? Anyway, here goes my 2nd attempt. Hopefully there's still a small fragment of recollection. Blogging is such an ass whenever this happens. Urgh.

Okay, so I haven't been blogging for a while and honestly, i do not know what to blog / post about. My life? My daily routine? It all seems too mundane and boring to read or post about. Sometimes, when i'm inspired to write of a certain subject, the words don't come easy. Either that, or i get distracted and lazy. or the whole post goes poof, again! Anyway, enough of nonsensical ramblings.

The past 2 weeks have been a rather contemplative period for me. Sometime early April, i got called for an interview by an established pharmaceutical GLC. Personally, i believe interviews are good experiences which enable one to learn more of his/herself as well as build the necessary skills needed. So i went for the interview, with no expectations whatsoever, but for the experience sake. It was my personal challenge to see how far or well i could go. About a week later, i got a call. I was elated to know that i passed the interview.

So, the next stage was to meet with the Deputy GM (DGM). An appointment was made, but unfortunately, Mr. DGM fell sick and the meeting had to be postponed to the following week. But what followed next was an entire week of silence from the other party. I spent days contemplating if i should initiate contact, or just wait patiently, as they say it is a virtue to be patient. I decided to wait. Told myself, if they really decided to change their decision, there's nothing much i can do anyway. I tried to stop thinking about it.

Then came the following week, this week, and on the busiest day of the week, i get a suprising call. I was not forgotten. An appointment was made and i went for the meeting; again, with no expectations whatsoever. I found out that out of the many interviewed, only 3 were shortlisted, including myself. Great news! There's 2 vacancy, and currently, 1 is confirmed/filled. Well, to cut the long story short, and leave out all the tiny bitsy details of the meeting, the summary is: the job is really mine for the taking if i want it. Yes, i survived the interview. Thanks be to God, for providing me with this opportunity and seeing me through it. :)

ps: Mind you, it feels like a great accomplishment, considering that the Senior Manager, who interviewed me the first time around and whom i spoke to briefly before the meeting with Mr.DGM told me that his interview with Mr.DGM before joining the company was by far his hardest interview.

But here comes the dilemma. Because it is a GLC, there are certain policies and salary schemes which they need to adhere to, which in simple terms means that they can't pay me as much as what i'm currently getting.
BUT the exposure and experience they have to offer is definitely more and higher.

So many questions fill my mind..

"Am i willing to take up this job which offers a lower pay, but will incur more expenses on my side as i may need to move out and rent a place since it's situated all the way in Klang?
Am i working for the money or the knowledge and experience? Should the pay even be an issue?
Am i willing to lose the current work environment i'm in which God has so amazingly blessed me with; the friendly colleagues, and the many other things or gadgets that come along with it?
Am i willing to trade it all for another working experience altogether which may have issues like office politics considering it's such a large corporation?"
and many more....

It all sums down to one point.
Am i willing to take the risk? or am i being too impulsive by taking this risk?

I've spoken and shared with a couple of people and so far, the advices i have been getting are 50:50. Even my own thoughts are 50:50. Next best thing to do, is to consult my family, and see what they think about it. (time to call for another family meeting! hehe)

To those who read my blog,
well, if you want to help me out with this dilemma of mine, by offering some wise insights of yours, please do drop me a comment. I'd appreciate it cos i really need all the help i can get. There are many points to consider but i believe this new job offer will give me the career growth i need. It is also what i've envisioned myself doing, to be part of a department which is literally the think tank of the company! But much is also at stake. This is going to be a life changing decision.. a crossroad in my life.

I believe that God has placed me in my current company for a reason. There must be something that He wants me to do, or to learn. And i pray that with time, i will come to learn and discover what His will for me is. Hearing Him is still something i struggle with but i will not lose hope. I believe God opens up opportunities for us, but ultimately, it is our decision to make; and whether we make them wisely or not. That being said, i also think that not all opportunities are meant to be taken. Some say you should grab every opportunity that comes knocking but should u really do that? I honestly don't know. I wish life wasn't in shades of grey.



Cheers,
miss allylicious.

Easter

Redemption. Salvation. The Cross.

Such abounding grace and great love that He should die in exchange for us... for me.

Thank you, Jesus.

" O Lord You've searched me

You know my way

Even when I fail You

I know You love me.

You made a way

When You said that it is done."

Honestly, im really thankful for some of the friends i have.
Despite our differences sometimes, especially in terms of opinion, approach and method, we still accept each other; in strength and in weakness.
We're not afraid to share our innermost thoughts and seek consult on the troubles/problems that we face.
Each passing day is an attempt to learn to encourage one another spiritually. sometimes, mentally and physically.
We'd go the distance for one another.
No matter how lame or funny something is, we'll all still laugh. actually, i think we laugh alot at each other. ;p
In a way, we've gone through so much ups and downs together. And guess what, we're still here! We've persevered and made it this far.
In a journey that i thought i would go alone, you guys have made me realise that im not alone after all..
Thanks for always being there, my friend.

Praise God for the blessings that come in the form of friends :)

Wheee!

At 10am, i got a suprising message..

"Hi Alicia. This is Zandra from FBC. Chee Seng and I are leading Christmas service and are wondering if u would like to sing backup. Practice is at 7pm tomorrow night at FBC. Let me know asap. Thanks."

I wanted to be in the main worship team, but never had the guts to approach the Worship Coordinator.
And today, i get a message from them..should i be elated?

I am... wheeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!! :) ;) ;p


** God, is this You making a way for me? If it is, or even if it isn't, thank you for hearing the tiny whispers of my heart..for creating this "stepping stone" for me so that i can have courage to pursue bigger and greater things for Your glory..though it may only be a part-time thingy (who knows..they may never call me again next time), i hope things would work out for the better and it would become another full-time ministry that i can serve You in..thank you again, for Your faithfulness and blessings..

"Red Rush"

* From the leftest mostest, in clockwise direction:
Julian, Seki, Lauren, Mark, BenJ, Jon, Suteng, Kenneth, Becky Choy, and finally the cutest of them all..Ally Choy ;p
ps: Kenneth, sorry i curi your picture! haha..

Really like this picture :)

cos we look like one big happy family..

Friends are indeed the bacon bits in the salad bowl of life =D

Through It All

The Lord faithfully provides again.

He turned my shortcomings into something others saw as beauty, as a gift.

He turned my mourning into dancing; and my worries into joy.

He gave me courage, hope and support in so many ways when i least expected it.

I knew.
All i had to do was to trust and wait upon Him, cos no way i was gonna make it on my own.

All credit goes to Him, cos i don't deserve any of it.



O Lord, I wanna sing of Your faithfulness to me!
Thank you for seeing me through it all...

A testimony...

About 3 weeks ago, I was approached by SirLoh to worship lead for BB Sunday. The both of us had done it together last year in 2007 and because there was a wedding just days before it, I got myself a sorethroat, a really bad one (thanks to the yaaaam-sengggg sessions). I was thinking to myself, "How am I gonna sing? with a croaky voice, there's no way I can lead the congregation to genuinely worship God. I'm only going to be a hindrance, a stumbling block". Not forgetting, we had a song presentation too and I had a solo part, and was to be the first to sing. "I am so gonna screw it up!", that was what I kept telling myself. Thankfully, I managed to pull through the 2 services in the Subang church, and even got some good feedback from the congregation! I was thankful, and grateful. Then, came the next challenge. We had to do the same thing for the Pantai church, another 2 services. That week, my voice was at its worst. Nothing I did helped. I managed the first service but when it came to the second service, I gave up. I literally had no voice coming out of me. I got someone to replace me at the very last minute to sing, while I continued to lead the musicians downstage.

And so, when SirLoh approached me to do it again this year, I had second thoughts. Because I didn't think I was good enough to do it all on my own this time. But as usual, he's rather persistent and because of my love for music, I was inclined to say yes. And so, with BB Sunday 2008 just 2 weeks away, practices went underway. We met up almost every night to practice and guess what?? Mr. sorethroat decided to give me a visit, AGAIN! I was so convinced that I was jinxed and that God really didn't want me to worship lead because the cycle repeated itself again. The same time, the same symptoms, the same team of musicians, the same ME, the same situation, the same event! Everyone questioned why I was having sorethroat again, just like last year but yet, they were very encouraging at the same time. Always praying for my throat, my voice and telling me to stay away from late night mamak sessions, cold drinks, kissing (ish,not that I have anyone to kiss at the moment), fried and spicy food,and etc etc etc.. I really didn't want to screw it up this time and disappoint those who entrusted me with this responsibility.

I started taking all sorts of preventive measures. Bought tonnes of hacks sweet (supposedly good for sorethroat), visited the coffee shop every night for some honey lime drink, not singing in the shower too much and too loudly, and of course, not singing aloud while driving. The outcome? It didn't go away! Anyway, came that Sunday morning, D-Day and when I woke up, I croaked! I couldn't sing properly. I had loads of phlegm in my throat and I was trying my utmost best to spit them all out! Tried singing and my sister said "OMG, you're so doomed! How are you gonna worship lead like that?"
I was panicking. It just had to be today that my voice is at its worst again. That was when it crossed my mind. Worship isn't about me singing well, it's about leading others to genuine worship to God. I shouldn't worry because my voice, isn't and shouldn't be the focus, but God is. And I said a prayer. "God, if it's Your will that I have a sorethroat, so be it. Whether it's my croaky voice or not, let me just praise You and worship You with all that I am. But I will wait on You, Lord and hope for a miracle, for a speedy miracle, even if there's only 2 hours left before I get on that stage and lead the congregation for worship. I will trust You, God. Because, that's all I can do. It's too late to rely on my own strength. And I'm sorry I ever did rely on my own efforts. Help me, Lord. Amen."

He did help me. He answered my prayer. My voice wasn't at its best but neither was it at its worst anymore. When I sang those hymns of love to Him, I didn't really think about the sorethroat anymore. It went alright, perhaps well too, according to some of the feedbacks I got from some of the church members. But there was this one incident. An uncle, probably in his 60s, came up to me personally and commented on my voice. He encouraged me to sing more in church, to serve God with my voice..That comment made my day. It made me realize and acknowledge even more how great our God is, that He can so effortlessly turn my predicaments into something that inspires others. But more importantly, that He is a faithful God. To be honest, this experience humbled me a lot. I owe a big gratitude to the entire worship team as well, for backing me up always, having so much faith in me and putting on their best in talent for God. Wouldn't have made it without them.

I am considering to help out in the worship team, but I am still undecided. But one thing I do know, is that singing is something I'm passionate about, although I am definitely not in the league and likes of Alicia Keys, Avril and all the other big names of people with power voices. I love singing, and I wanna sing for Him, for the rest of my days.

" I'll sing to You, Lord, a hymn of love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all "