What will 2006 be like for me?

Well,it is liken as an unknown journey; that can be scary!
The journey can be easy... ...the journey can be tough.
But don't worry, I have the ROCK to see me through the weary paths.
And He is the Living Water that refeshes my soul when I need Him so.
Thank Him that the tough journey on earth will end one day, and with Him I will be in the glorious place!

A Blessed Christmas to You

Christmas is coming! Are you busy with all the shoppings and wrapping of gifts? Me? Nah... too poor to buy many gifts for the others.

Usually, I would use this time to do two things: explain to others about the true meaning of Christmas; and at this period, I will slow down my pace of work to reflect on the year's work, my life and also to set goals for a new year.

Friend, do you know the true meaning of Christmas? Hope that you have already heard of and recieved the greatest gift from the Creator God. A blessed Christmas to you.

A graduation day

Today is my last day in sunday school. To recall back, I have been serving in sunday school for 7 years. Thank God for His grace and His encouragement. I will defintely miss the co-laborers and children. Sob Sob, but will look forward to another chapter of life in a new place to serve.

Hello!

Hello! I am back. Yap, getting real busy recently. But I am happy; cause I get to meet different kind of people. Just to show you something interesting; this "apple" is made by a group of children (age 7 to 9 years old) from a stack of old newspaper. They are creative, aren't they?

It's a tight hug!

I was surprised by the tight hug that she gave!

45 mins at Bedok Reservoir

The first tortise which Zi Jian ever seen. Its head pop out of the water... seems happy to see us.
Some youths having fun on a banana boat. Recently, a common sight on the reservoir.


Zi Jian likes the place, so do I.

Homegrown

My parents have green fingers. One of the evidences is this chilli tree. It grows from a pot that is placed outside our house. Take note of the color changes. Quite fascinating.

Survivors of Nature

I saw these pigeons at Boon Lay. My first response was, "Wow! So many of them!" It was a rare sight! So, I captured it with my camera phone.

Actually, I was curious of how these birds could have the ability to live almost everywhere. I have discovered some interesting facts about them: a) pigeons are survivors and very good at adapting to their environment, b) they live in families, c) they don't like to go far from where they were born and d) they are also known as "city birds".

Time Tells

Time tells me that I have not much seconds and minutes to waste; but have to use them wisely to do everything that counts for eternity. Time tells me that I have to be careful in living my life. For, I don't have much to spend on committing so many wrongs.

I have learnt that money can't buy back a second or minute. Time reminds me that someone close to me may not be around tomorrow. Time alerts me that today is a day closer to the coming of the King of kings, than yesterday. Hence, let us use our time carefully. For if you pay careful attention to it, it will tell us alot of things.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

For the last two weeks, I have been very busy. Caught up with organising programs and activities for the 12 years old kids. Recently I had spent a good time with some of them at a chalet. Still miss them now.

For the next many weeks, I will be busy in my work. Hope that I will continue to find meaning and excitement in what I do.

A snail

"Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime,like the stillborn child who never sees the sun. " (Psalm 58: 8) I think in the whole Bible, there is only a verse that mentions the word "snail". The verse is talking about the judgement of the wicked by God is sure.
The consequences of being judged by God are truely serious ya.

A favorite spot of mine

Hei Hei, I look plain compared to the glamourous background behind me right? But there are times I just like to come here. The reason? Still thinking ... =)

K, I got the answer. By looking at the breath-taking scenery, it reminds me that no matter how beautiful life is for many. That won't last. Well, so what if life is simple? As long as it rested on meaningful truth that last, simple life could be beautiful too.

Laugh it off

When times get tough, it's not a bad idea at all to laugh things off... but my friend, "slacker" reminded me that it's only a temporal happiness.

The Otah Man...part2

Haha guess what... I just ate two sticks of otah, and they were bought from "the Otah man"!

But I was NOT the one who bought from him.

It was my brother! So nice of him, right? He told me that he bought the otahs out of pity for the man. FOr it boggles his mind as to how one could be so determined to sell the otahs that he would stand at the same place for almost everyday and faithfully doing his job. So he buy lor.

Hee... the heart of compassion runs in my family ya. (wink wink)

Pasta... I like!

Pasta!!! Yum yum... I just like to eat that. Food always taste good when you take time to prepare it. Yup, I have put all these stuff together to make a nice plate of tasty pasta. Of course, didn't just do it all by myself... but with the help of somebody. Hee... and if you need the recipe, just drop a note and I will give it to you.

The Otah man

After a hard day of work, I would usually drag my tired feet home. One day,as I walking home and in mind, I was reflecting on the day's happenings, a nice aroma brought my attention to a corner of a flat's void deck.The nice aroma came from a roll of "otahs" (curry fish cakes wrapped with banana leaves)that were being nicely arranged and put on top of a small box of charcoal box.

The one fanning them was a thin and small built-man. I have been seeing him for the last 3 weeks, standing at the same corner, selling his "otahs". Very few people buy from him.

Yet what I have learnt something from this otah man is his perseverance of earning a livelihood. Despite that life is harsh and difficult for him, he's willing to give a try. I am not sure how much he will benefit from selling the "otahs"; but that may be all he can depend on to continue life.

Body Parts Discovery in Orchard

What has become of the world? Such brutality? The discovery of dismembered body is hair rising. Even if one is really not happy with his or her friend. This is definitely not the way to settle scores with the own kind. Many people really need help in this world...

Have lived on earth for 3 decades

Every morning I wake up, I am grateful for another new day to live. I try not to take the breathe of life in me for granted. As its given to me for a purpose. Till now, I am still struggling to live the way my Maker wants me to. Feeling tired, wounded and discouraged I will try to depend on Him to see me through. Not easy... but He is defintely trustworthy.

My Brother

At 230pm, my brother told me that he was going to watch a horror movie entitled, "The xxxx". The movie is our local production. I gave him the feedback that a few of my friends had watched the show and were frightended by it. He told me that he was going to watch alone and I called him, "seow" (way of saying that he is crazy to watch a horror movie on his own). But he still insists to go, for he said that in Taiwan, he had to walk pass cemetry in the night to reach his camp. So, nothing frightens him.

At 430pm, I recived a call from him. He told me over the phone that the show was indeed a horror movie. He was scared by some of the scences.

I laughed at him after hearing that.

Serious note here: the fear of unknown is still quite evident in man's heart.

The photos

Hey, my photos in Desaru with some cool and crazy friends of mine! Hee...

http://cherricino-aboutme.blogspot.com/2005/08/desaru1.html

Where had I been?

I was in Melaka for four days, from 22nd Aug to 25th Aug. Purpose of the trip? To help out in some work there. The opportnity has enabled me to meet up with 30 over Malaysian children.

It was a refreshing experience as I felt that the childlikeness and innocence which I could not find in most of Singaporean kids were evident in them. Through them, I saw how little things could make them so contended and happy. Example, like the games, "Jenga" and "Uno"; not many children like to play them nowadays. So many are caught up with computer games here. But to the kids in Melaka, they did not mind that these were 'old stuff'. They just played their hearts out!

The children back home here had lost the innocence of age too quickly.Many times, when I interacted with them, I felt that I am conversing with adults.

To me, it is such a pity that children should grow to become adults too quickly.

For life will then lose its colors too soon.

Something to inspire

Ever feel dejected or disappointed about life?

Recommend you a story entitled, "The Legend of the three trees". It tells of 3 different trees, each with its own hopes, dreams and aspirations.They each dreamed of becoming the great majestic treasure chest, a magnificient sailing ship and the tallest tree that points people to heaven. But their dreams didn't come true. Disappointed and dejected, the trees despair about their existence. Well, the story does not have a sad ending. For, the three trees in their own unique ways, finally interact with Jesus Christ in His birth, ministry and ultimate sacrifice. In these experiences, they learn that God has a special purpose for each of them in His kingdom.

May this story inspire you to look at life from a differnt perspective.

A two dollars fine

Yesterday (10th Aug)I was glad that both Bev and me could spend some good time together. But guess where we spent the good time at... it was in a MRT station, on a alightling platform. And because we had so many things to chat about and share, we actually exceeded a certain time limit to be in the station. The result of it? To pay a $2 fine. Compare the 2 bucks with the good time that I could spend with my dear friend, that is nothing yar. But the next time we want to spend somemore good time together, we are sure that an alighting platform will not be first on our list.

The last look

Below my flat, there is a sitting area where it allows people to chat or to take a rest after a long walk. Well, indeed it's nothing very special about the place as everywhere else also has that kind of facility. What makes this place a special one for me is this old uncle. He is about 80 years old. His favorite seat is (you're right), the sitting area which I have just told you about. Everyday, without fail, he would sit at his favourite spot. I have discovered that whoever passes by him, they would greet him. Some would even give him a sweet smile or friendly nods. He connects many of us together. And because of him, we got to know the others and would give one another the nods and smiles too.

Recently, I did not see him anymore. Have been wondering where he is. I believe the many others are also missing his presence.

But guess what, I saw him today! I almost couldn't regconise him. He has slimmed down. He looks tired. No longer cheery. The sides of his cheeks have sunken. He sat on a wheel chair. When I saw him, his back was facing me. He was staring into the air. At that moment, it seems to me that he is trying to capture as much as whatever his two eyes could see, just felt that he might be thinking he has not much time left. He hopes to keep the beautiful sights that he sees as memories. Because I was in a hurry, I did not say much to him. But my heart was burdened, for I did not know how much time he has left and whether this would be my last time seeing him.

A regret

Heard from mother that day (31st July) that "mei mei" has grown taller. Apprently, she was excited to see this grandchild of her growing strong and healthly. I should have rejoiced with her but had ended up feeling sad. Cos, whenever I thought of this niece of mine, I felt that I have owed her something. For, compared with her brother, she has spent so little time with her parents and us. She only gets to meet her parents once a month. And I only get to meet her once a month. Just heard that today she will be moving back to her nanny'c place... it's her third time moving again. I wonder what will be in the mind of this 3 years old girl whenever she moves from one place to another... ...

I was very happy that she has greeted me just now, "Gu Gu("auntie" in chinese)... bye bye." My heart was so warmed when I heard that.

Plowing the ground

Both of us walked towards Serangoon Interchange after a churh's sunday school service. Even though the sun was scorching hot, we were not bothered by the heat. He has gone with me to church for a few times. Today has marked the fourth. While we were walking, along the way, he picked up a stick and showed it to me with excitement. I smiled at him. In my mind, I was wondering how can I share the good news to him. I was thinking how much impact it would be if I do so. At the end, I decided to try, as Father in heaven will take care of the change of his heart. I began by telling him that besides the parents, there is someone else who cares very much for him . I waited for a response. And I was surprised that he repiled, "huh?". It shows that he was listening (hope so). I told him that it was Jesus. I asked him, "Do you love Jesus?" He thought for a while and nodded his head. Then, I seized the opportunity to introduce Jesus through a cross that was hanging on the top of a school's building. Not sure whether he understood but I will continue to trust.

I pray that his life will be won over for God... forever.

Sinners under one roof

Our minds were very much provoked to think about what formed the basic foundation of a good marriage. That was how engaging the first meeting with our mentors was. We were made to realise that marriage is not just about happiness or feelings of love. For the Bible has taught us that the heart of marriage is: a covenant. Covenant marriage is about a lifelong covenant partnership, solemnly made before God, in which a man and woman agree to belong together as long as they both shall love. If one understands that, when a couple enter into a marriage, there is no divorce. To grow in a covenant marriage is to continually "renew" the covenant with one another. By deliberately recalling the vow and understand what it means, is a very much needed act in maintaining a covenant marriage. Example, in one part of the vow, it says, "..for better or for worst..", if we understand this, it is saying that during the hardest times of the marriage, we have made a promise before God to stand by each other. We are not to leave each other but to keep on solving our problems and trusting God to work out the reconciliation in our life. Reconciliation of the gospel is very important, as Christian couple, we will be practising that throughout our lives as partners.

My Cutie Cute

Such cutie cute. Guess whether is a "she" or "he"? So adorable right?

My Beloved

I thank God for this beloved whom I have found. Because of him, my life has become colorful. Don't need to sing, "...loney... I am miss lonely... I have nobody... of my own...". I am glad that I could have someone to share my life with. Someone to understand and guide me when I am lost. Of course, someone whom I can take care of and to love him with a sincere love. My heart's filled with so much of blissfulness whenever I thought of this beloved.

I am grateful to God for a great life companion like this beloved.
May I cherish him with all my heart and life.

What Do I Really Want?

I have been hoping that I would get the recognition for the works that I did in the organisation. But I have waited in vain. Just felt that people are still bias despite that they have claimed to know and believe in Him. In thier hearts, only works of those who and who deserve more attention. As for those who are not the who and who, just heck lah. I believe to some, I belong to the latter. That is why till today, I still find it hard to reconcile that fact that a community of His believers, we can still have such a mindset and attitude. Sigh...

I knew that I have been judgemental about many others and things. I have been self-centred. Why have I been seeking the approval of man rather than the approval of Him? Don't I know that this is silly and it's in vain? Is it a display of poor understaning of who I am or what I am entrusted to do? Can I accept the fact that there are people better than me? The truth is that there are so many who are better than me. So, why do I fret? Can't I just accept it?

I believe that is the work of my pride and the result of poor understanding of the truth.

Forgive me, my Father in Heaven for such stupidity and wilfulness.

Mix feelings

After speaking to boss, I still feel not so settled yet about what I will want to do in the future. Should I continue to stay in this place? Or should I move on? What do I really want to do? Is it really true that there are too many transitions in life for me now? Sigh... I really need to give my future a good thought yar...

I am very excited that I have created a blog for myself! To read those thoughts on the attractive page does give me a sense of excitement. For I can share these thoughts with many others. I am thinking of how to decorate it and make it look more attractive! Now, I have understood why many others like to "pen down" their thoughts in blogs.