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Twenty 20

2011-12-15T21:44:00.000+08:00

"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;

you formed me in my mother's womb.

I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!

Body and soul, I am marvelously made!

I worship in adoration—what a creation!

You know me inside and out,

you know every bone in my body;

You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,

how I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;

all the stages of my life were spread out before you,

The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day."

- Psalm 139:14-16 (MSG)

I am precious. I am fearfully wonderfully made. I am His!

7 years ago, I started to know You.
2 years ago, I was born again.
Now, I am fully Yours.

Thank You, God for on this day, twenty years ago, You made me. (:

God's peace

2011-11-09T21:13:00.002+08:00

Want to thank God for today for His gently reminder to check for my student card an hour before the exam (I was in the library). And I had enough time to go home, take it and reach the exam hall on time. While I was on way home for my student card, this song of "Philippians 4:6-7" by Seeds Family Worship just kept repeating on my mind.

Phil 4:6-7,"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Amazing.

I felt His peace. (:

Oh, and speaking of the little oil from Sunday's sermon, I talked to my classmate's housemate today! Don't you love when God opens the door? (:

God bless. (:

Colors all around

2011-11-07T11:35:00.000+08:00

Familiar yet different

2011-11-04T20:54:00.001+08:00

It's like your novel experience in that same place, where someone took the initiative and offered his/her hands out and greet you. So familiar yet not quite. It's more than before.

Strength that reaches to me.
Hope that reaches to me.
Love that reaches to me.

Psalm 57:10, "For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies".

God cares

2011-11-03T20:03:00.001+08:00

Was walking around the lakes in uni today, and it's simply beautiful to see how the flowers bloom and when they fell on the ground, the ducks waddling around, the birds pecking their beaks on the ground to find food. Reminded me how much God cares for us! Consider how He feeds the birds, how He grows the lilies, how He clothes the grass of the field (Matt 6:26-30), and we're so much valuable than them (Matt 6:26)! How would He not clothe us with everything we need? Not just implying the materials on this earth, but He says, "ALL these things will be given to you" (Matt 6:33). That means strength, wisdom, hope, joy, peace, self-discipline, courage, etc that we need, as long as we seek Him first (Matt 6:33)!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him song."-- Psalm 28:7

Freedom

2011-10-30T21:00:00.000+08:00

Dear God,

I thank You for the successful heart operation for my dad today. I pray for a speedy recovery for him and You'll continue to cover and protect my family. May Your joy and peace just to flow abundantly in my family. May You strengthen them, and Father, I pray that You'll shower Your love and blessings upon them. Continue to soften and touch their hearts by Your love, and Lord, help me even to love them as how much You love them. I trust in You, and I believe and I proclaim freedom, that Your truth will set them free. Lord, I thank You for what You've done, what You're doing now and what You will do. And I commit my dad, my mum, my brother and my grandpa into Your hands.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

Happy birthday to one of my dearest friends

2011-10-29T23:34:00.000+08:00

Dearest Alan,

Hello! Can’t believe it’s another year already, but I'm believing for a greater year for you!

I've actually made a script for a video for you this year, to be honest, I don't have much time to make a video, haha. Sorry, but I think apart from last year's singing songs to you, I simply want to put God in the Center on your big day this time. (:

Pray that you’ll be in a deeper love with Jesus, that all your thoughts, all your actions, all your speech will be about Him. You might be thinking, “Hey, I’m a cool guy. That’s not the kind of love that I would give God.” But I believe that He desires such intimacy with you. He wants you, simple as that. Truly our life is all about Him. We are made by Him and for Him (Col 1:16), in His image (Gen 1:27). Pray that this will be your desire today. To be all His.

There is none like Him.

Without Him, we are nothing. By Him, we are saved. Through Him, we are alive. In Him, we are found.

He is God. The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

Have a blessed birthday, Alan!!

Am thankful for the friendship we have, thank you for the effort you have put in to maintain this friendship we had, though we are miles apart. Sorry that at times, I tend to forget the value of friendship and became so bad in keeping in touch with you and others. I really thank God for you! As you seek for jobs around, pray that God will open the doors that no man can shut and you will trust in Him with all your heart. God will open that door at His perfect timing, so don't lose heart!

Be patient in the Lord. God is never slow in keeping His promise (2 Pet 3:9).

Be strong. For when you are weak, you are strong (2 Cor 12:10).

Be faithful. God is faithful (Deut 7:9).

Be courageous. You can do all things through Him who gives you strength (Phil 4:13).

Be hope-filled. Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom 8:38-39).

With all we have and all we are, let’s choose to give it all to him, for He is worthy of all. Together, we serve a God who is able to do immeasurably more than anything that we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). Amen? (: I'll see you soon (and Angel)!

Love,
Tony + God

Beautiful hands

2011-10-14T07:49:00.001+08:00

(Random thought in the middle of the night.)

Though nail-scarred, Jesus has the most beautiful and perfect hands.

Life

2011-10-10T15:18:00.001+08:00

Prayer.
Bible.
Worship.

Leads to a life of devotion.

We see your glory

2011-10-01T01:33:00.000+08:00

Oh how beautiful You are, Lord.

Fullness

2011-09-29T22:10:00.001+08:00

I thank God that He gives everything in His fullness. FULL and ALL.

It's our faith that limits God.

I wonder what great things when we have FULL faith and trust in Him.

"According to your faith let it be done to you." (Matt 9:29)

I'm Rich

2011-09-10T18:57:00.000+08:00

Just when I thought I have nothing to offer God, while packing up my stuffs to move into my current new place, I realised how many things I have! I'm soooooo rich! Wow. This just blow my mind away. I mean not the materials on eath, but literally, I've actually got SOMETHING for Him!

Lastly, happy Mooncake Festival everyone! (:

We are His branches

2011-08-24T11:41:00.002+08:00

Wind blows, storms come, seasons change.

No matter what comes, I'm under the loving and caring of my gardener.

He is near to me.

He is our vine and we are his branches. Apart from him, we can do nothing. (John 15:5)

So, remain in Him.

Less is more

2011-07-05T22:38:00.000+08:00

A little of love is what we all need to make this world a little better. Take a little time to love, to give and to share even what you could offer is little. Even the smallest gift of prayer could make a big difference. You know you are special when you are loved. You can make someone special too.

Faith

2011-06-30T21:35:00.001+08:00

We will never know the complete answer for everything, but He's definitely part of the answer. Ultimately, He is the Answer.

Brokeness

2011-05-24T20:15:00.000+08:00

"God often uses His word to break us. When we are confronted with His living word, we see our own failures in light of His purity, and we are humbled." -- Ps. LL.

John 10:10

2011-05-22T09:34:00.001+08:00

Let not the thief comes and snatches away the truth you know; uphold it and build it on a good solid ground.

John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

John 14:9-14

2011-05-18T07:15:00.000+08:00

“Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” – John 14:9-14

You have seen, you have heard, you have known me.

Fix your eyes on the Cross.

Being grateful

2011-05-08T22:11:00.000+08:00

Often we get distracted, we get tired, we get lazy and we take things for granted. We simply lose out the passion we first have.

It’s good to be inspired by others stories and once again, be reminded of the reasons why I’m doing what I’m doing now.

I want to learn to see the best of the simplest things, and be grateful in every single little thing in life.

To my supermom

2011-05-08T21:15:00.000+08:00

Keep it going

2011-05-04T19:54:00.000+08:00

Yes, it takes two to clap.

But if you clap and the other doesn’t, keep persevering on. Jesus died on the cross before you even know how to ‘clap your hand’.

"Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." – 2 Cor 4:16-18

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." – James 1:2-4

Worship

2011-05-03T20:15:00.000+08:00

It's hard or almost impossible to lead an authetic worship without having the right relationship with God, the right heart, the right attitude. I need more of Him, more of His Spirit, I need to pray more diligently.

I can do nothing without Him who gives me strength (Phil 4:13).

One

2011-05-02T20:37:00.000+08:00

Just came back not long ago from Oceania Convention, held in Melbourne. God’s presence was so saturated that on the first day, the moment I stepped in the hall, I knew He was there. His presence was so thick that I just wanted more. God moved in different dimensions, different timings, and different occasions. I’m still yet to grasp fully the truths.

I saw two images of two identical objects (gates and doors), they are like mirrors reflecting the other. I think God was addressing to me of how easily I’m distracted, how unstable I am, how double-minded I am.

And somehow, three words popped out, “One is enough.”.

He is the ONE and only God, the ONE and only Way, the Truth and the Life, the ONE who saves, the ONE who loves, the ONE who frees, the ONE who heals, the ONE who gives, the ONE who cares.

He is the only ONE I need, the only ONE I love, the only ONE I desire, the only ONE I serve.

John 17:3, "The only true God.".

Your value of assets

2011-04-08T11:48:00.001+08:00

No one or nothing determines your value.

Not your achievements.

Not your looks.

Not your parents.

Not your peers.

Not what you can do.

Not what you have.

But you're valuable solely because you are a children of God.

Base your value on what He says about you!

Serve the Lord your God

2011-03-28T13:24:00.000+08:00

... with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 10:12)

I love Your people.

I love welcoming them into Your church.

I love welcoming newcomers to come to know You.

I love to see them coming in with smiles on their face.

I’m more than happy to serve.

Thank you, God, for a wonderful experience with You.

It’s my pure joy to be Your servant.

To the ends of the world

2011-02-18T22:17:00.000+08:00

Running to the ends of the cliff.

And there I was.

Seeing God's glory.

Covered by His light.

With faith, I will run.

And run.

To the place where I can meet Him.

He has overcome

2011-02-16T23:04:00.000+08:00

He has overcome.

And as you overcome, He will give you life.

Do not be afraid.

Away from home in the body.

To the home of God.

Do not lose heart, but take heart.

The Spirit of God will lead you.

A mixed of red and others

2011-02-10T19:53:00.000+08:00

# Love the colours here, very pop-py, haha!

# A flip flop and a camera, best friends to travel with.

# Old dirty peeled wall with a tint of green, creates some kind of feeling.

# A random shot of my favourite colour wall. I think a living thing makes the photo alive, lol. Ah, I gave up explaining.

# My number one favourite Kuching food -- laksa. Second place goes to ABC (mixed ice dessert) and third would be satay.

# I have an eye for Chinese culture. Cheongsam, red lanterns, calligraphy, guzheng, Chinese food and architechture.

# Awesome pig friends. I'm very thankful for them and I love them, seriously. But their dirty mindsets is another story.

# I really like... my shades! :P

# Creating bokeh lights has always been fun.

# Sunset is always amazing, my favourite time of the day. And this photo kind of reflects on God's love. (:

# YUMS! Durian is the best fruit ever, no doubt it is the king of fruits.

# Chasing after birds? Yes, I did.

Feed the eyes

2011-02-02T14:27:00.000+08:00

Exhausted, but it's kind of the festive that I like. Family gatherings, meeting old friends and visiting each other houses in a crowd, eating all the goodies and getting red packets, red decorations, firecrackers. Love being at home.

A Time To Be Silent

2011-01-30T17:05:00.000+08:00

Whatever people throws at me, how much they wanted to ridicule me, I've learnt to remain silent. Arguments and reasoning are pointless. No matter how hard we try to defend ourselves, people will still come out with something. There is a Chinese idiom where it says, "He who endures for a while uneventfully draws back a step of boundlessness.". The perfect time will come where it will testify for me (Genesis 30:33). There is a time for everything, a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed (Ecclesiates 3). Let God be the Judge.

22nd

2011-01-22T23:39:00.000+08:00

我爱旅行。

以前，常常想去欧洲旅行。想坐在巴黎的一间咖啡店，读读书、喝杯咖啡，不时看着街上的路人经过，慢慢享受巴黎悠闲浪漫的气息。也想在伦敦的某个公园，躺在雪地上，用手臂画一只天使。或者，在公园里捡枫叶。欧洲历史悠久的建筑物也太漂亮了。要去的话，一定要一次走完欧洲才爽，坐着火车游英国、法国、德国、意大利、梵蒂冈、葡萄牙、西班牙等。

现在的我也慢慢地爱上亚洲。最想要去的国家是日本。想在那穿和服赏樱花、泡温泉、去北海道看薰衣草。我也喜欢中国古色古香的乡镇、印度色彩缤纷的文化、巴厘岛的浓浓渡假气息、泰国漂亮的岛屿及水上活动。

刺激的活动，像是滑雪、潜水、跳伞，我也想尝试。如果要爬山的话，必须先练好脚力，哈哈。

当然旅行是少不了买东西和吃东西，哈哈。

长大后，做工了，想去做义工，也顺便旅行，也顺便摄影写文章。

很喜欢认识到不一样的世界。
不一样的人与语言。
不一样的宗教信仰。
不一样的民族色彩。
不一样的历史文化。

也许在旅途中会更认识自己点。

12th

2011-01-12T02:57:00.001+08:00

Feel much like travelling now, to the places I have never been before. Hmmm. I want to discover the different side of the world. Went to the beach during the weekend, trying to escape from the city. And I realised that it's not the quiet days you 'escaped' and spend with God, or have a few days of rest; alternatively, it's the daily quiet times that you spend with Him that matters. It's so so important to find rest in Him each day, in your daily life, in the noisy city. Till now, I can't really make it right. I struggle.

I need to admit that I didn't really start off this year very well. I'm floating up and down. Just talked to a friend and he mentioned about 'listening to your heart'. Sometimes when you're overwhelmed, you can no longer hear your heartbeat, your vision gets blurry. That's never the end, but just the beginning. Everyone is learning and each day is a learning process. As long as you keep searching for it, you will find it and you will be able to listen to your heart eventually. As long as I'm still clinging on to the buoy, I will be rescued. I guess a little lost at times will make you see more, discover more and understand more. I take it as a path to learn, to grow, to discover, to identify, to develop the intimacy with God, to believe.

Step by step, He will lead me.

Ephesians 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."

Summer #30

2010-12-31T00:23:00.000+08:00

2010 is ending soon. Whatever plans you have for 2011, I hope all things go well and may it be an awesome and exciting year for you. The disappointments and regrets this year, rest them behind the past and walk in faith with a pocketful of hope for your future.

Be simple.

Be creative.

Do something silly and funny.

Take up challenges.

Take time to rest and to breathe.

Enjoy life to the fullest.

Be content.

Cry.

Laugh.

Smile.

Love.

Be yourself.
That's when you're beautiful. (:

Summer #16

2010-12-17T23:35:00.000+08:00

Wow, just realised that it's already summer! Are you ready to be HOT for God? Haha. Just want to share something that I've learned this week, and that is, God can only use you when you respond to Him. God can only change your heart when you choose to respond. If you want a breakthrough in your life, don't wait till God to do something. Don't argue with God that, "Lord, if you only do this and that, then I'll respond to you." Do not be afraid, for His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

You will meet Him when you do your own part, by taking a faith step ahead. Ask Him, pray to Him, cry out to Him, and He will answer you. He will show you the plans He has for you, His inner thoughts, His desires. He will show you Himself.

He really loves you and He wants you so much!

Have you responded to God today?

Matthew 7:7. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Happy 19

2010-12-15T18:11:00.001+08:00

I can't be more grateful for today, tee hee. I'm a year older (and hopefully wiser). (;

To my family, thank you for always supporting me in whatever I do. Thank you, mom for calling me on random days to check how I’m doing. Thank you for caring me, but just to let you know that I’m old enough to take care of myself, haha! I guess everyone is always a little kid in their parent’s heart no matter how old you are. (: And thank you, Tommy for entertaining us with your lame sense of humour. Thank you for bringing laughter and fun, though sometimes you can go a bit overboard. :P

To everyone in Judah 1, thank you! You are awesome! Each of you has different stories which are inspiring. Thank you so much for all the prayers, words of encouragements and food on every Friday, haha. Thank you for being honest and for the great times of fellowship I had with different ones of you. And I absolutely love the outings we had together, eg: horse riding, paintball, strawberry farm, crabbing, fishing, and hunting for pearl milk tea. I love the road trips to Gatton and Ipswich, we were like cute turtle cars. And the coolest part was when I stretched my hand out from the window and waved at the car behind to move to the front, hahahahaha.

To Big Sharon, thank you for being my dearest farmer. You certainly have spurred me a lot to grow, to learn, to find out things myself. Thank you for guiding me, teaching me all that you know of, and encouraging me always. It’s easy to be let go of my outer shell in front of you, because I know I can always count on you. How many times I’ve been teary and you never lose out your patience. How many times we ended up talking about other things instead of having a ‘proper’ lesson, haha. And you’re a crazy superwoman, love ya!

To my family members who popped out nowhere, thank you for popping out, haha. Daddy Yan Hao and mommy Adeline, thank you for sharing your life with me and inspire me to think BIG. My beloved ‘children’, ChaiTyng and Samson, and their cousin, Christina, thank you for being so naughty, yet so lovely. I remember having a deep talk with my ‘son’ in the car three weeks ago. It was simply amazing when I witness how God has brought us to where we are right now.

To the friends whom I went with to Hillsong’s Conference, thank you! I will never forget the amazing times we had in Sydney. It was a lovely trip and thank you for the craziness different ones have brought, especially Ivan and Karen. You both are highly contagious. And I had one of my most wonderful and fun time with two amazing young woman. The crazy videos we did, the funny things we talked, the deepest secrets we shared, and spending the nights on the same bed together.

To the household, Sharon, Maggie and Victor (and Bugs Bunny!), thank you girls for accomodating me during the exam period. The wonderful crazy times we had, the mini prayer meeting we had, the guitar sessios we had, etc. I miss you girls! Sharon, I will never forget the pearl milk tea hunt and shopping spree in Forever New, I'll bring you on a food hunt in Kuching and feed you as much as possible, haha!

To my two wonderful friends, Tiffany and Reneta. Thank you for always being there for me. Even though we seldom get to see one another aside Sundays, thank you for all the encouragements and prayers! Appreciate them a lot. And don't forget the sneaky things that we do! Sorry, but I have to post this photo up, because Tiffany, it expresses who you are, haha, very funny.

To my fellow drug dealers and other criminals, thank you for being supportive and I love the times we had at our secret spot. You guys made me feel that I’m not alone, because we share things in common, for example: the way we excrete our wastes (LOL). I shall not elaborate more about this, haha! Oh, and thank you for the badminton sessions! If not, I'll probably need to run for 10000 hours to burn all the fats, haha. To Trang and Michelle, thank you for borrowing me your precious baby for the great photos!

To my gang in Malaysia, thank you for being real as the world is changing and as people tend to be virtual. I'm excited to hear from you guys, though I received teasings sometimes, but I know it's just you being you. A word from you guys meant a lot for me, at least to assure that I wasn't forgotten. :P Thank you for the true friendship all these years.

To other people whom I met and know, and in fact, everyone, thank you! You definitely have made a difference in me by adding different flavours in my life. Sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness and umami, haha. Life becomes interesting when you add spices in. (: Thank God for you and I love you all! May God pour His blessings to you each day and fill you with overflowing joy and love. Cheers!

Lastly, a huge thank you for my awesome Daddy in heaven. Thank You, for bringing me into this incredible journey and moulding me for who I am today. Thank You, for letting me to understand and know more about You each day. Thank You, that it is in You, I start to discover myself. Thank You, for being faithful, whenever I failed to keep my promise. Thank You for leading me home, when I was lost. And thank You, for the different opportunities of serving You and many first times of life experiences. Thank You, God, for Your perfect love and unending grace, for I am a sinner. Thank You for this day that You have made! (:

And I wonder what the four sneaky people have in mind for tonight. Hmmm... Please call the police if I'm not home by 12 midnight, haha.

Lots of loves,
Tonyong

Summer #5

2010-12-06T16:43:00.001+08:00

Flying back home in few hours time, I'm so excited and yet, I'm definitely going to miss everyone in Brisbane! Especially my dearest sweetest coolest awesome-st 'farmer' (: Off to Bryce Street now, haha. See you soon.

Spring #83

2010-11-22T22:53:00.000+08:00

Feeling nostalgic as people are going back home and especially when it comes to end-of-the-year-reflection, haha. I've gotta say, it's been amazing and I'm thankful for everything.

Spring #73

2010-11-13T12:00:00.000+08:00

Hahahahaha. Reminds me of this.

Spring #66

2010-11-06T17:38:00.000+08:00

I can't sing in tune, but I definitely love playing and singing. Spontaneously like Kim Walker, haha. Imma bring my guitar up to Mt. Cootha next time (: I'm ready.

Spring #61

2010-11-01T11:32:00.000+08:00

Went crabbing last Saturday. We couldn't catch any crab except a plank of wood. The wood 'ate' our chicken thighs, haha. Nonetheless, still felt great to be in the nature. I totally love it, it makes me feel so peaceful. Love the sky. Love the sun. Love the sea. Love the wind. Love the smell of the nature. Love the grass. Love the stars. Love the animals. Love the smell of their manures (lol).

Great kick start of the study week! Expecting more.

Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid?"

Spring #59

2010-10-30T14:58:00.002+08:00

Spring #52

2010-10-22T23:26:00.000+08:00

It’s lovely isn’t it, when you’re being soaked in God’s presence. His love is so much greater that nothing can contain it. We’re all sinking in His love…

Song of Solomon 2:16, "My beloved is mine and I am his."

Spring #48

2010-10-19T11:59:00.000+08:00

#Random shot of my ponytail.

The NKJV of 2 Timothy 1:7 speaks exactly where I am today. It says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

I had this fear of going for placement yesterday. I'm scared of not able to 'excel'. I'm fear of unfamiliar situations which I might not able to handle. I'm fear of the pharmacy staffs' judgment. Fear just creep in and crippled me. I even had the thought of not going today. But I know God's intend is not to make us afraid of something, He wants us to overcome, to win the victory over fear. So yesterday night and this morning, I was on the battling mode in my mind. I found it helpful and powerful to have a sound mind, a mind that controls not to think of fear. When I started to think of God, the Sovereign One, fear became less and the faith and confidence in me begin to rise.

The placement today was really really great. God knows my fear of being lonely or maybe He wants another person to experience the same fear as I do :P There is a girl from first year Pharmacy and we get to know each other (yay for a new friend) and we 'worked' together. As first years, we are meant only to observe, but the pharmacist staffs think it's best to learn when you get to do the real stuff. So there we are standing at the counter dealing with the real stuff. I'm so thankful that the staffs and customers are nice and patient people. They didn't bite us, haha. Overall, it is awesome this morning!

The next time when you feel fearful, pray and battle with your fear in your mind! Remember that there's a Lion living inside you and let it roar away your fear, haha.

Spring #47

2010-10-18T17:41:00.000+08:00

Received a sweet gift today, so blessed! D:

Spring #46

2010-10-17T21:08:00.001+08:00

套一句公公的经典名句：离别是为了下一次的重逢。
Gong Gong's classic quote: Farewell is for the next reunion (literally translated).

Definitely going to miss you like crazy, Christina! And soon, Gong Gong ):

Spring #46

2010-10-17T11:43:00.000+08:00

It's Simply Woman 2010!

# I'm personally very inspired by this beautiful lady.

# Awesome praise and worship session filled with the HS.

# Donation for CityCare.

# Hairdo class. I've learned that an old sock could help you to make a big bun, haha. Seriously!

# A random accident happened on Karen in the hairdo class.

# Massage class.

# Compassion screening.

# Funny random dance.

# Cute gifts!

# J1's girl power!

# Another random accident.

Females are random and I love being one! D: Lots of thoughts to be digested before I could pop out the randomness, lol. Nonetheless, God was awesome yesterday in the conference, and is today and tomorrow as well!

Spring #45

2010-10-15T22:14:00.002+08:00

(No photo available.)

I'm so touched by you today, God. Let me continue to serve you and your people with joy and love. Grant me a servant heart.

Spring #43

2010-10-13T23:54:00.001+08:00

Happy birthday, Chloe! Love you as always.

Spring #42

2010-10-12T15:08:00.000+08:00

'Flags' is here today! And I've just discovered that the sweet potatoes that I always love to eat in a Korean restaurant, is a Japanese side dish called 'daigaikuimo'! View the recipe here featuring Francis the dog (lol): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7ParA5-qrc.

Hope to sort out and cleaned up everything this week. Too much stuffs.

Spring #41

2010-10-11T15:53:00.002+08:00

# Art wall v1.0! It took me hours to complete this, am so happy with the results!

Definitely going to miss my brother when he leaves tonight, but I'm glad for his decision. We often try to complete our jigsaw puzzle of life ourselves, we think that this piece of puzzle would fit in the whole jigsaw puzzle. We tried to fix it with lots of possible matches; somehow that piece of puzzle is lingering outside the jigsaw puzzle. God knows the different pieces of puzzle that are complementary with one another. You might don’t like the puzzle He has put in, but He knows what is the best for you. He is the One who makes you complete.

Isaiah 55:9, "As the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Spring #40

2010-10-10T21:42:00.002+08:00

# PAINball! Woman's power!

Dear Lord, thank You for filling me once again. Thank You for filling my love tank to full and it is overflowing. Thank You for bringing me back. Thank You for Your strength for not a single moment I felt tired though it was an early start today. Thank You for even Your healing power, physically and emotionally.

I really love You.

Spring #39

2010-10-09T23:43:00.002+08:00

# Presenting you, WONDER BOYS! The guys really went out to the max tonight, they were so funny and I must say, they are awesome!

Spending time with something or someone you love is not a waste of time. And time flies so fast!

PS: Apologies for late posting and I think I need extension for my project, haha. I missed few days, sorry.

Spring #36

2010-10-06T20:06:00.000+08:00

Trying to go green lately, haha. Still don't really like it, going to 'wrap' myself next week.

Spring #35

2010-10-05T19:15:00.000+08:00

Started reading this book today. It is really inspiring. Boundaries are basically taking ownership in your lives. Knowing who you are and what responsibilities you have, and knowing who you are not. We are not superheroes! We cannot do everything and we can never be Mr or Miss Nice always. The key is learning to say 'no' to things that are not in our boundaries.

I truly need to learn to say 'no'. I'm so bad in this area and this is why I get weary often.

So friends, let us learn to guard (Proverbs 4:23) our treasures (Matthew 6:21) which are in our boundaries!

Spring #34

2010-10-04T13:37:00.003+08:00

# Got my badge today for placement. Oops, did I mentioned that it is a rose? Hahaha, just kidding. Not going to show my secret ID out here. And yeah, that's my placement shirt.

I have one of the sweetest days ever today. People are so kind and friendly. The bus driver, the tutor (well she’s always nice), a girl on the bus, the nurse, the doctor, my classmates, and a woman in the supermarket. So loved by their words and smiles (:

Spring #33

2010-10-03T21:39:00.003+08:00

# This girl has a cool tattoo on her back. Taken at the Thai Food Culture and Festival in South Bank. I'm overloaded with all the nice delicacies and almost got 'killed' by the strong cordial drink, ha.

I could feel that darts were shooting on me today. Few of them stroked through my heart, while I managed to dart away from others, haha. Instead of running away, I guess the best way is to put on all your armours and equipments and fight against them (: God will never let you bear beyond what you can bear. Roar ahead!

I'm still getting myself up and I'm sorry that I prefer to be alone at this stage. I need more personal time, between me and God.

Ephesians 6:11-12, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Spring #32

2010-10-02T18:04:00.003+08:00

# I had laksa (a spicy curry noodle soup from Malaysia and Singapore) few days ago at Laksa Hut @ Toowong, and it was super good! You just have to go there and try if you're like me, craving for some home food.

Came across a sermon today about a woman fighting against breast cancer. What spoke the most to me of what she said was: it's never God's will to allow suffering to take place. Jesus did not die on the Cross just for our sins, but He took all the beatings for us to be HEALED.

Wow.

How true. God's love is definitely more than whatever we could imagine of! The truth is so fundamental, but how many times did we actually keep it in our minds and hearts and understand the meaning? It might not be a big revelation for you, but for me at least, it is. God's will for us is not to endure sufferings, but His will is always good. He wants to prosper and He will not harm you, He has plans that will give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). In whatever situation you're facing right now, God has already equipped you and He will protect you in the place of your purpose for this season.

Stand strong and be courageous, babe! (note to self)

Spring #31

2010-10-02T00:08:00.001+08:00

Hello guys, it’s October now! Hope you have had a great experience with God or even you’re having your lows right now, continue to trust and believe in God. I believe that He will reveal you more, more of who He is and why you are here as you seek and pray upon Him each day. There are always greater things to come, greater things to learn, and greater things to be done as well.

Thus far, I've been in a trauma actually. I’ve lost the hope I had and I’m being such a pessimist. My mind is thinking in a very negative way which I've never ever been like this. I’m utterly hurt inside, broken and shattered. I felt bitter and pain when something triggers it. It has been a tough healing process I would say, a year has passed and I’m still struggling. Each day I’m still praying, leaning onto God for strength and wisdom, and crying for help. It hit me back recently. How many times I’ve tried to run away from it and jokingly put it aside, thinking that everything will be fine as time goes by. No. Things didn’t work, and here I am thinking why God let this happen. Why can’t I be free? This mindset reveals how weak I am as a human. How easily we get stumbled and blinded.

A message spoke to me these two days. You can be on the mountains where you could see a glimpse of heaven and be spiritually high. You can think like God, BUT you will NEVER always be there. You will eventually descend to the earth, and this is where your test starts. This is where you decide how you are going to live your ordinary human life in a spiritual extraordinary way which is led by God and empowered by the HS. We are made for the simplest and the most ordinary things in life, so that we can exhibit His light and be His salt for others to see and ‘taste’.

Everything happens not simply because God wants to teach you something, but it is way better than that. He wants to build the whole you – your character. I started to picture the healing process as one of the scenes in Sleeping Beauty, haha. A place of bushes where there are thorns and thistles everywhere. The princess living inside is waiting for someone to rescue her, or you could be a courageous princess that tries to cut through the thorns and thistles. If only you take the effort to do so, while there will be a pinch of bitterness, you’ll find your way of out the bushes gradually.

I went back home after lifegroup today and picked up the guitar, and the first strum led me to chorus of the song, ‘Here I am to Worship’. The worship then flowed spontaneously. I made such a bold declaration and prayer to God through that worship. It was a new experience of God's presence. It built up my faith and confidence in God.

I’m still on my way to full restoration and healing. I truly believe in who God is and that His promises never fail. I’m hanging onto them. ‘His love never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on me’. His love makes everything worthy. I know He has the most awesome plan ever. He gave me dreams to dream aloud. I want to be fearless.

Lord, my all, I surrender them to You.

Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Pick Jesus today (:

Spring #30

2010-09-30T21:23:00.000+08:00

# An awesome worship night with Brian and Jenn Johnson from Bethel Church. Everything was spontaneous and it flowed like a river. God is sooo good!

Worship is not just about singing praise with shouts and worship God with hands lifted up high in a congregation. Worship is also when you know the beautifulness of God, when you enjoy yourself alone in His presence and worry about nothing. Worship too, is a place where you stand between the gap for the people whom yet to know God. It is the highest level of intercession.

Psalm 100, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God, it is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and the courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Spring #29

2010-09-29T16:33:00.004+08:00

# A hearty brunch after pumping up in the gym.

I've decided to take everything slow this week. Something just spoke to me, and I need time to digest my thoughts, to make my mind and heart clear. How I wish that I have a car and I could drive to somewhere far. I need a break. I need to learn to find rest. God, help me through. Give me more faith to trust in You.

Spring #28

2010-09-29T15:55:00.002+08:00

A little kid was dancing with her daddy. Her daddy held both of her hands and they were having such an enjoyable time together. At one particular moment, her daddy let go one of his hands and the kid lost her balance and stumbled a bit. Despite of that, she was still able to dance as her daddy was holding her other hand. After a while, her daddy held both her hands again.

There will be times when God seems so far away and confusions may happen. You stumble and you lost your directions. God let it happens for you to learn and grow. Remember, He will never let go His other hand, He is always beside us. You will know when you stay calm and start listening to His voice for directions. Let Him lead you through all the confusions and storms. You will see the rainbow on the sky, it's His covenant with us.

Genesis 9:13, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."

Spring #27

2010-09-27T19:38:00.002+08:00

I'm so happy to be get these resources in hands from Koorong! Thank you, my 'farmer' (:

Isaiah 49:13, "Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones."

Spring #26

2010-09-26T19:38:00.002+08:00

No one was there for me. I know it’s only through God, that I can hide under His arms and cry. Help me Lord. I need You more.

Spring #25

2010-09-25T22:15:00.002+08:00

I love capturing moments when people smile. I always believe that they sparkle hope in one's heart. And honestly, I don't really like it when people keep asking me to take photos of them. It sounded as if it is an obligation. Ansel Adam says, "there are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs".

I'm not bounded by rules or anyone for photography.

Spring #24

2010-09-25T22:12:00.004+08:00

Rushing for our CHEM group assignment. We were so slack, but we went well in our progress, haha. Now we have a week of holiday to catch up our missed lectures.

Spring #22

2010-09-25T21:51:00.004+08:00

Apologies for the late posting of the photos and no photos taken available on #21 and #23. I hope I won't miss any days anymore, sorry people! Anyway, this is a photo of us celebrating Mooncake Festival on Wednesday. I love playing sparkles a lot. So much fun and it stimulates your creativity. On a side note, there's a spelling error in the photo, thanks to Mr. B, haha.

Spring #20

2010-09-20T18:02:00.002+08:00

Be still in times of confusions. Be still when you no longer see any trace of footprints to show you where to go. Be still and hear His still small voice saying, "Come, follow me." (Matthew 4:19). He's always there with you.

Spring #19

2010-09-19T21:55:00.003+08:00

Each of us have our own stories of hope. What is yours?

Romans 5:5, "Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Spring #18

2010-09-18T23:50:00.002+08:00

Food . Dance . Makeup

Spring #17

2010-09-17T23:25:00.004+08:00

# Love my new white sneakers, it matches the season.

I came across with the word "revolution" thrice today. Hmmm... Is it a sign from You, God?

Spring #16

2010-09-16T20:40:00.003+08:00

# 'I Offer My Life' by Don Moen.

Lord I offer my life to You / Everything I've been through / Use it for Your glory / Lord I offer my days to You / Lifting my praise to You / As a pleasing sacrifice / Lord I offer You my life

Spring #15

2010-09-15T21:58:00.000+08:00

# Had a Japanese fusion tonight, was really good! And happy birthday, snowman!

Absolutely love creativity. Creative people, creative music, creative ideas and the one and foremost, the Creative One.

Spring #14

2010-09-14T18:33:00.003+08:00

# Dutton Park, which is near PACE.

While I was on the train today, I looked around and ponder. Here I am, in a foreign country with different faces, different colours and different cultures. I couldn't stop giving thanks. I'm truly blessed to be here.

All that I am and all that I have are His. How much more should I be worried of? He will give me all things and bless me so much as long as I obey Him.

Matthew 6:25, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"

Spring #13

2010-09-13T11:39:00.002+08:00

A simple day today, just God and music.

Spring #12

2010-09-12T21:08:00.003+08:00

# Sneak peek of J1 family.

Awesome bunch of brothers and sisters. How beautiful is everyone.

Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.".

Spring #11

2010-09-11T23:05:00.001+08:00

# Playing "Forever Reign".

I just had an awesome jamming session with my sisters! I've always wanted to do this since the beginning of this year, and finally! I didn't expected it to be a big 'band' at first, but I love the unexpected. It was amazing. I sensed that different ones of us are able to maximize our skills to worship God and lead His people into the place of worship. We will find that joy and heart of worship. We're gonna make a change and get rocked in our lifegroup, haha. It's time to explode, as we are called to be women of God. Let's be colorful for Him!

Spring #10

2010-09-11T08:57:00.002+08:00

# Eyes from the phone.

God brings different kinds of people into your life. They may be the stereotypes, people who annoy and hurt you, people that you just don't like. Did you know they are actually one of God's ways to reveal what kind of person are you to Him? Let us learn to exhibit Christ-likeness in and throughout our life if we truly meant that we love God.

And yes, God brings you awesome friends in life too! I'm so blessed (guess I've been a good girl lately, haha!).

John 13:34-35, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love aonther. By all this men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.".

Spring #9

2010-09-09T18:13:00.002+08:00

# Moi.

No matter how ugly my sins are, He says that I'm beautiful. He never lies.

Spring #8

2010-09-07T21:16:00.002+08:00

# My favourite colours of highlighters! They are my helpful tools to make my notes more colourful.

How beautiful it is to wait upon the Lord, as we will see His face. In times when patience is needed, let's learn to wait in joy. His way is higher than ours and His love is sweeter than wine.

Isaiah 40:31, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Spring #7

2010-09-07T20:03:00.003+08:00

# BMK.

I’m so grateful for my awesome cheeky friends. Life is much more colourful having them in it. It was so much fun playing, eating and studying today. I enjoyed the silly talks during our breaks despite it was totally irrelevant to studies, haha. I guess the more we know one another, the more we know that we're not alone. And also, the more I see how beautiful they are (: We have our own secret corner now too! A nice cozy place which I've just found out today.

Ecclesiastes 4:10, "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!".

Spring #6

2010-09-06T15:37:00.002+08:00

We are God's plants. He waters us each day and we get replenished through His living water. We absorb the nutrients that He has given and we grow. However, sometimes God puts weeds around us and they steal the nutrients away from us. If we are not the successive species, we will eventually lose our nutrients and become dry. We will then soon wither. The weeds could be challenges, trials, disappointments, distractions, and other situations which seem hopeless and impossible. Let us not lose or give up, but keep fighting for the 'nutrients' even it requires a lot of our energy and perseverance. Hang on there! The rain is coming down (: Don't let your growth stunt, but grow and blossom into His beautiful flowers.

Spring #5

2010-09-05T20:30:00.002+08:00

# Light painting in the car.

Despite how messy our lives could be or how ugly our sins are, God still loves us. He added colours to our dull monochrome life. There is always hope and there is always love. All you need to do is to cry out to Him and He's there.

2 Corinthians 12:9, "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."

Spring #4

2010-09-04T21:34:00.002+08:00

# Fireworks at RiverFest. I've discovered a new love now, which is light painting. All you need to do is to shake your camera's butt, haha!

Sometimes when things don't go according to your way, you'll get little surprises. (:

Spring #3

2010-09-03T21:37:00.002+08:00

# Love this family of God! A surprise for our beloved 'mom' (:

Finished my assignment today in seven hours including reading the articles and the bulky beloved Campbell. This is so not me, hahaha. I really need a better time management and I guess I'm getting some influence from my shepherd now :P Anyway, I had so much peace and joy while doing the assignment today, felt so good (: God is sooo good!

Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

Spring #2

2010-09-02T20:42:00.002+08:00

# Tiff can seriously cook, she's learning and she deserves a pat sometimes (:

It's really been a fruitful session of two hours working out today, and what can I say... I'm just so proud of myself this week, haha! A 5km marathon on Sunday, 3 hours of tennis on Tuesday, 2 hours of gym today, and it's going to be another 2 hours of badminton tomorrow! I'm blessed to have friends as my motivators, thank you! You guys should be proud of yourselves as well (:

A great start of spring!

Spring #1

2010-09-01T19:24:00.004+08:00

# Catsears outside my house, pretty nice ey?

Colours, is the word that has been arousing my mind since last Saturday. And yesterday night, a girl spoke about that word and I didn't expect it coming! It reveals so much more to me now. The girl talked about serving God joyfully where God will use your passion to reach out to people, and the first thing that came to my mind is photography. It is simply because photography captures colours, haha! God has been good for providing me the opportunities to be involved in photography. I'm very happy because it's truly one of my desires to capture moments and snippets of life. I have a big dream about this too :D

Secondly, is being a kid. I had so much fun on Saturday's outdoor birthday celebration. I enjoyed playing on the field, exploit kids' playground area (haha), running like mad to make the kite flies, blowing bubbles, playing paper pinwheels, etc. I was delighted to be as children. Last month I was so tensed with school works and having the need to read heaps of information each day. It is only till lately I started to find the rest and peace in God. How often we lean on our own strength, and we ended up having so much worries and fears. Life could have been more simple if we first become simple. Let's have the simplest faith of being dependent to God. Turn to God and ask help from Him whenever we know that we can't do everything ourselves. Let us come to Him as a child, wanting to know Him more, to know more of His heart. Let us always be excited for Him as well, calling Him "Daddy, daddy!" each day and believe in Him that He could do much more in our lives!

It's the first day of spring today! (: I'm just so excited for this new season with floral and colours everywhere! I believe that spring is going to be a colourful season which is full of hope, joy and love. Let's don't get stumbled by past disappointments or regrets, let's believe that the best is here soon! If you have something to change and want to make a difference, let today be a great beginning to set things right, to have the right relationship with God.

Rejoice

2010-08-30T21:10:00.000+08:00

# Paper pinwheels are just perfect decorations for an outdoor outing, they just brightened up the day!

God, you’re making me so excited.

Thank you for providing me the opportunities. All in just one day! D:

Let Your work be done through me.

Luke 10:20, “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Look Beyond

2010-08-24T23:53:00.006+08:00

So many thoughts are running through my mind right now and I’m utterly distressed. I’m upset of people’s reactions or attitudes towards the incident happened in Philippines.

Do you think that God is not in control? Do you think that God just let it happened?
No. He is doing something, which we would never truly understand His purposes and will.

Do you think that God doesn’t care and love the people who were killed?
No. He cares and loves more than anyone does.

Why are you asking so many WHYs? Why are you having so many IFs?

“What the hell was the police doing?”

“Why did the police get on the bus when they are not even confirming they are people surviving?”

“All the eight deaths can definitely be avoided if the Philippine police did their job properly.”
(Facebook, 2010)

Are you doubting God?

I’m sure that God’s heart is bleeding and deeply wounded to allow the incident to occur. The world is filled with anger, injustice, pride, jealousy, wickedness, sins. God could sweep away this earth with the flood once again (Genesis 7), but as long as there’s one person, even just ONE out of 6.8 billion people on this earth, who is obedient to Him and love Him, He will not make it happened. It’s OUR duty, as Christ-followers, to be His ambassadors on this earth, to tell the people about Him, and also demonstrate LOVE.

It is pointless blaming how 'ineffective' the other country is, it doesn’t help to save one more life. It’s more vital to reflect and ask this question: “What can we learn from this incident?”. In fact, this applies to every nation. Yes, knowing the reason why it happens could somehow help to solve the problem, but I just want to imply that: we need to see beyond instead of pointing our fingers to one another, we need to learn to improve the conditions of our people, and we need to carry out actions. But firstly, we need to have forgiveness. It is only when all nations forgive the debts of their enemies, there will be world peace and love and justice.

Do something to be a change and then, you can make a change. Isn’t it great to see all nations putting away their hate towards their enemies despite the pasts, the political issues between nations, the wars ongoing in between, and own pride? And just come together and help one another to carry out that same vision – peace, love and justice.

A Simple Worship

2010-08-18T22:38:00.004+08:00

My iPod touch went dead yesterday after I spotted water 'residue' inside. I’m actually clueless on how the water went in it, if I knew the cause earlier, I would have probably ‘saved’ it.

And somehow today, I felt like picking up my guitar and strum the strings. It was great, working out different riffs, playing randomly, etc. When I was playing one worship song, the music just flowed. It wasn’t the original song anymore. It was a new song.

I paused at the moment and I was assured that everything happens for a reason. I guess God wants to bring me to another level of worshipping Him, to sing Him a new song which is from my heart. Yes, we sing a new song during Sunday services and in lifegroups, but is it an authentic worship towards God? Is it a worship that moves God's heart? I've always been playing the music from my ipod or laptop during my devotions. I can’t remember when the last time I worshipped God 'acoustically' was.

I guess He's taken it away to make me unlearn something. Unlearn something -- don't be dependent to objects. Mp3 could offer you good quality of music (just FYI: AAC is still better) or effects that make you feel good, but there's always one thing that is better. A better 'source' of worship, it is the Holy Spirit. Hush, open your heart and wait upon for the HS to come. Then worship God as you flow with the HS.

I think it is important to have the heart of worship that is transparent and truly seeking Him for more of His will and purposes. Come to him with a simple worship. You don't need to have a full band or acquire skills to play a song to Him. Sing Him a new song with your heart, so simple yet beautiful.

A Beautiful Exchange

2010-08-06T15:48:00.002+08:00

When I first heard of ‘Beautiful Exchange’ by Hillsong, in the conference, the HS stirred my heart. It spoke to me a simple yet prevailing truth – He loves us. I know it’s the fundamental truth that everyone knows, but I think many people tend to lose sight of it, including myself and when we do, the meaning of the Cross becomes foggy.

This morning as I was spending my quiet time, I was reminded again by the Cross. The grace and the love our God has given to us by sending His Son, Jesus to die on the Cross for our sins. He exchanged His Son with our sins, and that’s how we are saved. Our sins are so ugly, and yet He chose to give His beautiful, blameless, perfect Son for us. What a beautiful exchange.

We are not born to this earth by mistakes or in coincidences, we are chosen (John 15:19). We are chosen to be His children, to shine for Him, to be His salt and light, to be His ambassadors, to fulfil His purposes and to declare to the whole universe that He is God. He is our Creator. He is Love. He is Hope. He is Grace. He is Light. He is “the Truth, the Way and the Life” (John 14:6).

Last week, I made farewell cards with the help of few friends and my brother. It took us 3 days to make 35 different cards. We wanted each cards to be unique and beautifully-presented. At times, it was really frustrating to think of various styles decorating the card. We were often stuck. And one of my plans was to replicate few of the cards that will look the same, but we didn’t do that of course.

How about when God creates us?

He creates each of us so differently. We all have different faces, skin and hair colours, heights, size of our pupils, fingerprints, our voice, etc. I wonder how God could be so creative when He creates us. Has He ever run out of ideas? Has He ever grumbles? Has He thought of giving up and stop creating us? Has He ever thought of replicating a same person? No.

The world is populated by approximately 6.8 billion of people and you will never find anyone who is identical to you, even twins have dissimilarities. And every 2 to 3 seconds, a baby is born. God is still creating. God is still giving a life. Each of us is His one and only kind ‘masterpiece’. We have different personalities, different gifting, different skills, and we are given different callings. He designs every single cell in our body, and He even numbered the very hairs of our head (Matthew 10:30). Isn’t this a God who loves and cares? He cares for every single detail of you.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says, “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.”

People are seeking love in all kinds of ways, but the results are never fruitful. Thus, they became broken-hearted, empty and lost. Even if they have found love in terms of their ideological mindset, those loves are temporal. It is only God’s love that can satisfy them. God’s love is the true love that is everlasting. His love is sacrificial and it is shown on the Cross. He lays down His life.

Love is unconditional. Love is unselfish. Love endures. Love brings joy and peace. Love cares. Love gives. Love hopes. Love perseveres. Love inspires. Love encourages.

Always be remembered of His love and what He has done on the Cross.

Love God.

And love His people.

The Hidden Things

2010-07-24T23:03:00.000+08:00

Some things are meant to be hidden, even when no one appreciates them, when no one recognizes them, and when the person has misjudged you. It feels that you deserve something, but I guess because the things are hidden, they make them more beautiful, priceless and incomparable.

1 Corinthians 4:5, "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God."

Unleashing

2010-07-23T14:56:00.005+08:00

# The snails! I miss them a lot, two are in Singapore now ):

What can I say? I’m enjoying my life right now. Winter break is awesome! It has been a fruitful one with something on every day. I enjoy the times spent with my family and relatives down in Gold Coast, my fellow brothers and sisters in Hillsong Conference and crazy times with others! It is simply awesome having fun with my loved ones. Despite that at times things didn’t work out as I wanted, but just learning to accept people for who they are is simply great. It turns out that my complaints have decreased in numbers.

# Hillsong in Hillsong Conference. Awesome new album, do get one!

Discovering the inner-self of me during the conference week was even more amazing. The snail family and others said I’ve unleashed in Sydney and yes! HAHAHA! I feel different and I dare to do crazy and stupid things now. My shepherd says it’s a good thing, we’ll see about it :D

# A small tour out on one morning before all headed to Sydney fish market.

I also love spending quality times and crazy random moments with the snails in Sydney, and just being with one another was so good. I really felt that I am in this family of God. Sharing life together, this is what makes a family, a family! One late night, the three of us were playing on the bed and when we started to settle down (after doing some push-ups and recording hilarious videos, LOL), we started to share our thoughts and feelings. I’m a person whom rarely exposes my feelings to others as I’ll feel insecure and due to past hurts. My thoughts? Rarely did I share too, even if I would, it would be rather a short one. God somehow just opened my heart and I love that – being transparent without the fear of being judged or so. The pillow talk really knitted us closer and deeper as we know each other more and encourage one another. Now we say nonsense to others even if we may sounded silly, and that's the fun part.

# The first night. We were waiting for the train at Olympic Park.

Sometimes people I met in life, I might have known them for a year, but to be honest, I don’t know them. Our relationships are just on the surface type of “friends”. That is why one of my resolutions for this year is to share life with others. It’s a great move (including the Oceania Convention times with few of the girls) and I’m so looking forward to build our Judah 1 together. I would never imagine myself to expose that much with people. I guess if you are willingly to expose the hidden areas of your life, it is also a decision made to allow God to deal with those particular areas. I believe that God is not limited just to wash away our sins, but He provides healing and ALL things that you need. I still have certain areas that I struggle to share with people, but I’m taking a baby step each day till the day comes (:

# The wall of the church at the carpark.

More to come.

A sweet treat for the sweet tooth

2010-07-17T22:09:00.005+08:00

# Choc-nana pizza at Max Brenner!

I probably just had one of my funniest moments with the 'kids'. We talked about the Malaysian slang thing and we assumed how they are derived from. Eg: Why is 'pom pom' used to mean 'shower'? Tommy self-exclaimed that when you go in the bath tub, you will get the sound 'pom' and then another 'pom'. It was so funny and I couldn't expressed them in words here! You just have to be there and rewind the whole scene. We ordered three desserts to satisfy our sweet tooth. Choc-banana pizza which sounds so gross turned out to be unexpectedly nice. It is the best pizza ever invented (labelled by Tommy). My parents are here just in case you don't know! :P

# Mommy.

# And daddy.

Yeap, felt much like a kid now.

08062010

2010-06-08T23:31:00.006+08:00

#1 Holding the pearl milk tea happily as I walked cautiously towards the library.

Lord, the pain I had to endure is totally nothing.
The physical pain on my hallux.
It’s nothing compared to what the pain Jesus had to suffer on the cross.

It’s Your love that bears the pain.
Thank You, Father.

Thank You for Your healing even.
How amazing.
The pain just went away silently during the prayer meeting today.
I didn’t even need to stand out.
You just healed.

Thank You.

For You are Love.

Habakkuk 3:19, "The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.".

23052010

2010-05-26T13:45:00.009+08:00

Hello everyone. How are you doing today? It seems like my sick week this week, haha. Had a headache two days ago and I was food-poisoned yesterday ): Was feeling uneasy with my stomach and I don’t like it. Your stomach just goes very sore, and every few seconds you got this churning ache feeling. Thank God that the pain is relieved a bit today. Hope that I’ll recover fully very soon.

Last Sunday, the 23rd of May was a significant day for me. It’s the day when I am reborn and a a declaration that I have made. This is testimonial that I shared.

"The reason why I choose to be water-baptized is because I desire to grow more deeply and strongly in Him. It’s really amazing to see how others in church are used by God as tools for His kingdom. The people inspired me to be wanting for more of Him in my life and to follow the Lord fully. I want to go far more than where I am right now. And of course, it’s not the inspirations from people, but rather it’s my own choice that I chose to be water-baptized. When I made this decision, my main concern was my parents because they weren’t agreed with it last year. I prayed and fasted for them that God will move in their hearts. And at the same time, as the weeks passed by, honestly I was getting a bit blurred about this water baptism. I think because of the workloads and other issues that happened recently, they distracted me away from seeing the purpose of it. Till few days ago, God reminded me of a prophecy I got last year. It’s the bible verse in John 12:24, “unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds”. So just suddenly I really got a very clear picture of what I’m going through. It says that the seed needs to die first in order to germinate and grow. The verse reminded me that if I’m serious about following God fully, I need to deny myself and to be willing to surrender my whole life to Him. And after getting a bigger picture of water baptism and I was meditating on the verse for few days, I decided to ask my parents on Friday. Surprisingly they had no objections on it and they were giggling over the phone. I could sense that they were happy for me. I really thanked God that they are so open to it. I am still overwhelmed with how God can move in my family, especially my dad. My dad was pretty much a strong Buddhist, and I couldn’t believe he agreed with it on the spot without asking anything. I even asked Tommy to double-check with him that whether if he really understands what I’m going through. I’m thankful for my family support and the supports from all of you. Thank you.”

Just want to encourage everyone, if you truly desire to follow God whole-heartedly, just do your own part and keep praying to God. Sometimes it may be a long waiting time, but He sees your heart, He will tear down the walls that may be stopping you from moving on.

I don’t want to get back to my old life. I’m running the race of faith with endurance, perseverance, patience and hope.

# Me and my shepherd. Was hugging her tight because I was scared to splash into the pool, haha. Oh, and it's her birthday today. Happy birthday, Sharon! (:

God bless.

Be Truthful

2010-05-10T19:40:00.000+08:00

There are times when I want to be somebody. I want be smarter, braver, more spiritual, more creative, more mature, more encouraging, and so forth. I just want to be better. I felt inadequate, insignificant and ashamed. Thus, I was trying hard to be someone else, trying to improve myself in all possible ways. But slowly did I realise that, I have lost the passion I have in the things I love. I have stopped doing the things I once was proud of. There were no inspirations and imaginations. Nothing was making me engaged to.

The road trip to Byron Bay last weekend was great and inspiring. The excitement, the passion, the enthusiasm are slowly coming back. Once again, I want to affirm to myself that I love capturing the moments of life. I love being creative. Some of you would have probably noticed that there were no uploads for last month, not because there were no happenings, but I have lost the passion.

I guess the more you try to become someone else, the more you are losing yourself. Start being yourself, it is you that makes you YOU. God loves you for who you are; if God has wanted you to become smarter, He would have created you in that way. One thing I have learnt is to be genuine to others and most importantly, to yourself. Let God moulds you in various ways and eventually, you will find yourself shining out there brightly.

By the way, I think I’m starting to like small challenges though I know that I’m not good in it. Fear does creep in sometimes, but you never know if you never tried. Sunday’s ushering was a bit chaos, but I felt good after accomplishing my tasks. A big thanks to those who helped!

Yours sincerely,
Tonyong

Lead me

2010-04-14T17:38:00.000+08:00

The more you understand Him, the more you will know what you are made for.

Keep moving on and you will receive greater things than where you are now.

"Set me apart, I know You're drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray"

Oceania Convention 2010

2010-04-10T01:30:00.005+08:00

OC was great and fun! Love the place, the food, the praise and worship sessions, teachings, bonding sessions or quality time with different lovely ones and of course, it felt bizarre being immersed in the presence of God!

Two areas I think God has spoken to me through this convention were: forgiving and believing.

Forgiving is an area which I struggle through a lot. It’s never easy to forgive the people who have hurt me in the past. The pain and sorrow never leaves and they do come back sometimes, but I guess when you learn to let go, the scars will fade. Let God’s love diminishes your hurts day by day. You can’t solve things all by yourself. When God is your Centre of life, all things could work out, your relationship, family, friends, ministry, and problems. Commit everything including you, yourself to Him!

Forgiving and believing are interrelated, if you don’t have the faith, you’ll never forgive anyone. The hurts will come consuming you again and it becomes worse each time. Faith carries the pain, we have to believe in God that He’ll bring us out of these and He will heal. He provide strength and courage.

Whenever there’s a crisis, I try to focus on the bigger picture by looking at the flip side of the matter. “What is God’s will?” It makes me to look forward for greater things from God and understand more of the heartbeat of God. Though I may not understand now why I have to endure all these things, but sooner, I believe that I’ll see the glory of God. I believe He’s molding me, preparing me for a battle.

So often I don't have the courage to do things, I'm scared that I'm not good enough. But I was wrong. Never underestimate what God can do with you. A thirteen year old boy had only five loaves and two fish when he gave them to God. Nonetheless, God fed the multitude of 5000 people, and there were still more bread left over. See how God has used simple people to do great things. It’s your heart that matters. If your heart is for Him, then God can use you for the things which seem impossible.

Let us have the flame igniting within us for more of Him and to do more for Him. I LOVE YOU JESUS! I feel good about You now (: Thank You!

Simply Him

2010-04-05T22:56:00.002+08:00

Just had an awesome weekend and it's all about Him.

Respect

2010-03-25T19:32:00.004+08:00

Today I learned about respect.

I don’t mind if you ‘grumble’ about somebody in front of me, because we are all humans and we grumble just to release that tense within us. But if you start to gossip and go on with mean things about that person, that’s another story. Even you're not doing it, thinking is worse already. We should be aware that we are not perfect either.

There were few guys sitting behind me in the lecture hall and they were creating so much noise. They were being extremely sarcastic towards the lecturer. You could just leave the lecture hall anytime if you don’t feel like listening. If you think the lecturer is too boring, just don’t go for that lecture. Why are you guys distracting the people who came to learn? I’m okay with you doing your own things in the lecture hall (eg: playing your phone or sleep), but PLEASE don’t make any noises that might just interrupt the others.

I believe in the future when you are working in a professional field, the most important aspect is to respect. When you start to respect people, that’s when people will respect you too.

James 5:9
"Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!".