An eventful Christmas

My Christmas in year 2008 ended with a bang...on my pinky finger @_@

It so happened that after a nice and filling dinner at the famous Scissors Curry Rice stall, and as I was happily closing the car door behind me (at our home car park), I felt my finger stuck. Yes, I had left it there when I was closing the door. The next thing I know, I was squatting down and screaming and totally oblivious to the people staring at me (or maybe there weren't people around...I don't know...). Initially I didn't think it was anything serious until Francis took a look at it and I saw blood oozing out; my nail cracked and it looked like it was coming off my finger. I almost fainted. Then, I wailed even louder and cried like a baby, as we slowly made our way to the lift and back home (this time, I'm sure people noticed us). I was traumatized and kept mumbling that I couldn't do housework now, I couldn't go to work tomorrow, I couldn't bathe, blah blah blah. Poor Francis. He tried to calm me down and asked me not to think so much. In retrospect, I'm quite amused by what I said. Haha.

All was well. I accepted the fact that my pinky finger will be dysfunctional for at least a month, and that my nail will come off any time because I'm just too accident-prone. I was ready to go to work the next day with a bandage on my finger as I climbed on bed and ended 25th December 2008.

I woke up the next morning and looked at myself in the mirror. Something's weird; something's not right. But I couldn't put a finger to it (not because I hurt it the night before...hahaha). So I continued to wash my face. Ahh...it felt different...it didn't feel right. Then I concluded that it was bloated, and I noticed red spots on my limbs as well. Must be an allergy, I thought. But, to what? I visited the doctor and there wasn't much conclusion either, except that it was, an allergy. I don't blame doctors, because allergy is really difficult to detect until something happened, but by the time it happens, too many factors could have caused it and at the end of the day, we still don't know what allergy it is. Anyway, and so I rested on 26th December. I was even brave enough to exhibit my bloated face by allowing you guys to come to my place in the evening.

And as I was ready to wake up on Saturday to visit my hair dresser and go shopping with my mum and sis, I found a more swollen me in the mirror. I felt like hamsters with cheeks full of stored food or an obese goldfish. I couldn't bear to take a second look in the mirror. What was before me was hideous! I had never looked like this before and I don't want to look like that again! But I still decided to take one more day of medicine before I sought a second opinion. Lo and behold, I still didn't get any better on Sunday so I visited a 2nd doctor. Apparently, the medicine worked on my swelling and it went away a bit after my first intake. But my cheeks were still a teeny weeny bit swollen the next day (Monday...mc!!!). Hopefully I'll be totally well when I go back to work on Tuesday.

You know the morale of the story? Never leave your things behind, especially your fingers, when you alight from a vehicle. And secondly, Jocelyn should never get fat. She looked really ugly.

-Jocelyn-

My hope... some thoughts

Just some thoughts after ' My hope' at jocelyn's place. Thanks Jia Wei and Eliz for the wonderful food. It was a blessing:) Have been sick for a week plus. Feeling quite weak i guess. Initially struggled to turn up for my hope cos I was simply kinda of tired. Been buzzing around for recent months or so...I guess God does have His purpose to bring me there. Through the video, He reminded me why I chose to received Him as my Lord and Saviour. He reminded the purpose of serving Him and the very first moments that He touched me as well.

The very same verse ... The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not be in want .... God used that verse to speak into my life before. There were flash backs at the moments God spoke into my life. Perhaps the busy months have crowded my mind so much that God was using the testimony to reach to me as well.

I felt warm to know that God cares for me and is very much concern about me. Guess... it's always how I choose to respond to Him. Take heart, Jesus never leaves and will never forsake His children.

Thank God for that!

Joy

.hope.

hi all,

your hope, my hope, His hope.

i just hope...

the number of rejections (of not turning up) may sadden some, but it should be a form of motivation to focus on those who gladly accept the invitation and appear at the event.

for those who have accepted Christ, remember that their individual walk has just begun. dont forget the follow-up sessions with them.

it is your responsibility. take ownership.

dont put in all your efforts on getting people down and call it a day when the event is over.

your work has just started.

-chun quan

.trust.

hi all,

to some, this entry may be encouraging, while others may view it as a disappointing one.

just like a coin, it has two sides.

to me, mister trust can make friends easily. but once he has been betrayed, the scars he bears will remain and he needs mister forgiveness to help him out of the misery.

why do i say that this short entry is a form of encouragement?

God will not make you lose trust in Him. you can trust Him, only if you choose to. it is your choice.

as for it being disappointing?

man, in general, will fail you, even the dearest person whom you think you can trust.

just a random thought after seeing, hearing, and experiencing it by myself.

-chun quan

Corrinne May's
Angel in Disguise

I woke up this morning feeling kind of blue
and I stumbled out of bed
and dragged my feet across the room
Right outside my front door was a rose
and a note that said 'Somebody Loves You'

But out on the street it starts to pour
and before I get soaking wet,
A total stranger runs to give me
the jacket off his back
I turn around to thank him
But he waves me with a smile
and I can hardly believe my eyes
He puts on a halo and starts to fly

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to look for Paradise
You could be next to
an angel in disguise

I met a good friend for lunch
and we had a delicious meal
But I forgot to bring my wallet
I felt like an imbecile
But she was sweet, she gave me a treat and
bought me a chicken sandwich
to take home for tea

But out on the street with nothing to eat
A man and his shopping cart go
travelling to places,
collecting social graces
I give him my sandwich
and we chatted for a while
I see a rainbow wash over his eyes
He gives me his halo and
I start to fly

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to look for Paradise
You could be next to
an angel in disguise

Don't try to hide away from me
I know you're by my side

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to look for Paradise
You could be next to
an angel in disguise

Everyday can be legendary
Every minute, an endless surprise

You could be the next angel in disguise

I woke up this morning
Feeling kind of new

here is the link to youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gExhN2szfUk

hi all,

just find this song very meaningful.

we all can be angels in disguise to another person.

surely, we all have some angels in disguise who have crossed paths with us in our lives.

pay it forward.

-chun quan

.grown.up.

dear all,

people do change.

God will be the same, always.

relationship may turn sour.

God will remain faithful, always.

being cliche and superficial, we tend to be at times.

God is sincere and true, always.

-chun quan

Katherine's Bridal Shower @ Fort Canning Lodge

Girls who came after the above picture was taken (please imagine them in...ahahah...not funny) - Carol, Elisa, Becky
(Hui Im, the photographer, is reflected in the mirror...look carefully...)

Absent with apologies - Elizabeth, Jasmine, Cosette

Katherine's getting ROM on Wednesday, 3 Dec 2008! Woohoo!

-Jocelyn-

-posted by the photographer la...

hi all,

be inspired.

if a human dad can do it for his son, how much more God will do for all of you, His children?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flRvsO8m_KI&feature=related

it did well my eyes with tears after watching it as there are currently tensions at home, especially with my dad.

i am not seeking for prayers, but just want to share this clip and reiterate what i have written above:

if a human dad can do it for his son, how much more God will do for all of you, His children?

-touched, chunquan

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord...

LORD, I need STRENGTH!!!

Children's Camp starting tmr. Rhythm and Rhyme Camp starting tmr. Brain Booster Camp starting next week. Dazzle and Delight Camp starting next next week. I'm tired....

Dear JK,

Haven't had time to share with you people what's going on in my life...so u can read a little over here.

Just wanna share how I think God gave me a little push on Sunday...

I was tired...(for those who noticed, I was really really tired--physically, mentally). I was complaining to God and wondering why am I doing so many things and getting myself so tired. I can't complain to anyone because sometimes I think it is me who got myself into all these. If I complain to them, they will just think why would I want to be involved in so many things in the first place. Sigh....
So I kept everything between myself and God. I feel like I'm breaking down that on Saturday morning, I just feel like giving up everything. It was quite scary...because I thot of pulling out from MT. I really wanted to. I need REST.
On Sunday, my complaining mood continues...I told God to give me strength and passion to move on. During worship, I tried to give everything to God. I want to return everything to Him. I just teared before God because I can't do so before men. It was good after the release of emotions. During communion, I lifted up my hand to receive the bread (as usual) and waited...Pastor came, put the bread on my hand, close my hand and said the word....STRENGTH... I can't remember what he said..but I heard the word "STRENGTH" and my heart was encouraged. Never had I heard anything other than "Jesus' blood/bread keeps you in eternal life". I thought that was God revealing to me that my strength is in Him.

Read Psalm 107 yesterday and I realised before God restored His people, they need to cry out to Him "Lord, help!" I thought that's me. I need to cry out to Him, "Lord, help!"

Well, this is my season of life. Pray for all my camps please, esp for children's camp (thu-sun).

cosetteSONG!!

.would.you.use.yours.the.way.she.uses.it.?.

hi all,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKPDSGaTlBM

just find it amazing! isnt it a gimmick?

-chun quan -lcq -jun quan

.update.

hi all,

3 entries in a row! yep, i am that free.

just to inform all who will read this blog that since i am certified 'unfit to fly' for 2 months, i am now 'grounded'.

i have started reporting for work at my training centre. my job is pretty easy, an assistant to sort out thousands of letters of compliments. well, we do receive many, since 'we are a great way to fly!'.

830 to 530. can go off on the dot. cool! hahaha... but i have to leave my home by 7 in order not to be late.

now that i have to squeeze with many commuters on the mrt and bus, i cant help but start to miss my flying days.

hopefully, with God's grace, i am fit to do so.

ha... actually, pretty lost. fly or not? the ball is not in my court to decide.

happy sunday tomorrow!

-chun quan -lcq -jun quan

.just.for.a.saturday.laugh.

hi all,

just saw this on my friend's blog and decided to amuse all of you, especially to those who are mugging away. do take a little break, have a hearty laugh. no offence intended to anyone in the process of reproducing the following:

This is hilarious ...Why Chinese shouldn't have English names?

Confusing Chinese Names

Caller: Hello, can I speak to Annie Wan (anyone)?

Operator: Yes, you can speak to me.

Caller: No, I want to speak to Annie Wan (anyone)!

Operator: You are talking to someone! Who is this?

Caller: I'm Sam Wan (Someone). And I need to talk to Annie Wan (anyone)! It's urgent.

Operator: I know you are someone and you want to talk to anyone! But what's this urgent matter about?

Caller: Well... just tell my sister Annie Wan (anyone) that our brother Noel Wan (no one)has involved in an accident. Noel Wan (no one)got injured and now Noel Wan (no one) is being sent to the hospital. Right now, Avery Wan (everyone) is on his way to the hospital.

Operator: Look if no one was injured and no one was sent to the hospital, then the accident isn't an urgent matter! You may find this hilarious but I don't have time for this!

Caller: You are so rude! Who are you?

Operator: I'm Saw Lee (Sorry).

Caller: Yes! You should be sorry. Now give me your name!!!

More examples below:

Anne Chang => Dirty (Mandarin)
Anne Chin => Keep Quiet (Mandarin)
Faye Chen => Dusty (Mandarin)
Carl Cheng => Buttock (Hokkien)
Monica Cheng => Touching your buttocks (Hokkien)
Lucy Leow => You are dead (Hokkien)
Jane Tan => Frying eggs (Mandarin)
Suzie Leow => Lose till death (Hokkien)
Henry Mah => Hate your mum (Mandarin)
Corrine Tai => Poor fellow (Hokkien)
Paul Chan => Bankrupt (Mandarin)
Nelson Tan => Bird laying eggs (Mandarin)
Leslie Tong => Rubbish Bin (Mandarin)
Carmen Teng => Leg hair long (Hokkien)
Connie Mah => Call your mother (Cantonese)
Danny See => Squeeze you to death (Hokkien)
Rosie Teng => Screws and nails (Hokkien)
Pete Tsai => Nose droppings (Hokkien)
Macy Koh => Never die before (Cantonese)

-chun quan -lcq -jun quan

.know.your.God.know.yourself.know.your.friends.

hi all,

pretty in a bad shape recently, but am i giving up? or have i been too beaten by the tests and trials that i became numb and having this 'hit-me-more,-it-doesnt-matter-at-all' attitude?

all thanks to therry theodore, i was blessed by him with the daily bread. the month of october has been talking about the story that God is trying to tell, for each and everyone of us.

i am still all ears. both ears are cleaned and 'de-waxed' so as to know what is God trying to do.

some told me that we are just human beings, we have limited wisdom. all we need and must do is to trust and obey God.

this old hymn i used to sing during assembly back in my days in sas goes, 'trust and obey, for there is no other way... but to trust and obey'.

i know, i may have been a let-down to many. i am definitely not the best 'lao jiao' (as in, the senior ones in the cell group) to lead and set an example for the younger ones to follow, but just a word of encouragement to all and i quote the verse that i used to believe strongly, 'have faith in God', mark verse 11:22.

simple as it is. have faith. like what jayne shared during sermon on sunday, faith is our 'title deed'.

maybe you have sinned. come'on, who hasnt? we are all sinners. but if you think that you have committed something which you cant even forgive yourself for, do you think God will?

the answer is yes. God will. He loves you. if you cant forgive yourself when God can, you are saying that you are mightier than God. He can forgive, you cant. the truth is, you arent that great. so, forgive yourself and move on!

the above mentioned statement, i have heard it many times and yet, it isnt easy when it is applied to my complicated life.

i read on someone's nick on msn which says, 'live simply the complicated life'.

sometimes, we really do not need to worry unduly. God already has His plan for you. yes, you. you who is reading this now, who has been patient with me for my sudden burst of expressions.

i would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to all who are concerned for my health. there is a reason behind it. i believe. you may not have told me, but i do want to thank you for praying and encouraging me.

a warm hug and a big thank you to you!

and dont find me a naggy old man, for those who are having the privilege to study, please do your utmost best, for only for yourself and your future, but for God too. He will definitely honour what you have done for Him.

study well. stay focused on your books. if in doubt, please clarify! have plentiful of rest and drink a lot of water. last but it is the most important thing to do, is to pray for wisdom, peace and good health during this period of 'battle of the brains'.

jia you!

chun quan-jun quan-lcq

See the intimidated look on Rongfa's face and how Jiawei flew in the air for 2 secs!

Gene looked so cool! No sweat!

the gigantic secret

Share some reading with you guys that's taken from "Our Daily Journey with God", October 25, by Marvin Williams

In Philippines 3:1-11, Paul gave us several wonderful truths about maintaining our joy, especially in the face of hardship. The first nugget of truth is to remind ourselves about the source of joy. It's found in this cheerful command: "Rejoice in the Lord." This joy has its source beyond mere human joy, and therefore it is outside of us. Christian joy is a focused concentration on our relationship to Jesus Christ and our position in Him, and it is maintained through the deliberate remembrance of the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord.

Paul's encouragement to rejoice describes a settled state of mind characterized by peace and calmness. Joy is not the absence of trouble; it is the presence of the soverign Lord. Christians are not left to the mercy of fate and the outside forces of chance. Joy allows us to see beyond any particular circumstance and focus on the One who stands above all human events and ultimately has control over them.

Christian joy is not a product of circumstance and events. If we experience failed relationships, financial reversals, trials and afflictions, sickness and death, we can still rejoice. Happiness happens because of our happenings, but joy is a choice we make through the Holy Spirit.

___________________________________________________

Sometimes I feel that there's no joy in our worship (song-singing) to God, no energy at all, no effort put in to really sing to God. It's like we're falling asleep or something. I don't deny that I do fall into this category at times. But I just want to encourage all to think about our attitude when we come to God together. If our daily actions cannot please Him, let us at least please Him when we sing to Him. Let's start from this point, shall we?

Press on in your exams, tribulations, work, persecutions, trials, etc etc...


-Jocelyn-

.again.at.the.crossroad.

dear all,

a year ago, i was challenged to take up something with little faith but somewhat, it seemed God-sent.

barely one year and a month have passed, i am currently at a juncture where i have to make a decision, again.

i asked myself, if it were to be God-sent, why is taking place now?

frankly, i took up the job as an air steward, not because it seems to be glamorous and 'high-flying'. i had no choice at that time.

it seemed the only way out at that point in my life, where things did not seem to work out. uncertainties set in. i simply grabbed whatever that was offered.

no doubt, i have had my fair share of the fun and do still like the job as a steward.

the pay is good. the off-days are pretty near to each other. the opportunities to see the world are free. the hotel rooms i stayed in, are at least 5-stars. what more could anyone ask for, for a job like this?

if you were to ask me whether i miss flying, my answer is yes.

why this statement?

a slipped disc has caused me to be grounded for the next 2 months.

according to the specialist, i am 'unfit to fly' till i get better.

i am alright. life is full of challenges. when you get up there, you will eventually get down. remember the first time you sat on a swing as a child?

it was so exciting to be pushed from behind, so that i would be swinging my way up, but i did get a little jittery as it seemed too high and i felt like i was falling off. just as my heart was about to reach my mouth, the momentum would bring me down and a 'safe landing' took place before another push was delivered, again.

one thing struck me unaware. when i told my slipped disc condition to my trainer, she comforted me and asked if i were very 'religious'. she then continued by saying that 'maybe He is trying to tell you something through this'. how true? i just have to wait and see.

chun quan

Finally! A time to blog!

Finally ... I get to sit down and blog. Want to share a little of what God taught me in my trip. He really cares and loves and He showed me how little love I have for the people out there. In fact I was pretty shocked at the mindset of the people, the culture and the way they lived. Many times is about own benefits and gains... Any Moral values? I really questioned.... Managed to share my testimony to a colleague... see how He works.

Glad to be back! Was really encouraged by the speaker on sun. Challenged to live my life the way he sees it. Real Joy... not authentic happiness. Joy comes from the relationship with our Father, with that, the purpose, and follow by pleasures, not the other way round.

Was listening to this song... from Christ of the nations institute... song title:You are God alone.

The chorus:

You are God alone
Before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You were on the throne
You are God alone

Simple words...but it speaks of how mighty is God, and who He is.
not someone who is created but the creator...
yet loves you and me and all the difficult people....

Joy~ does not depend on circumstance, but on who He is. Yeah!!! Amen?

Cats can have seizures too

Aiyo I think I shouldn't write on the blog... cos seems like no one would write after my horribly long post. Well I shall keep mine short... I had an exciting nite where my fave cat got seizures (fits) and I was amazed how I shook him, laid hands on him and nearly want to cast out some demons from it. Anyway... it lasted for about 1 min... he's ok now. Phew...

Then my bro's eye got some infection, edema, I am quite worried that the cornea flap which was cut during lasik would not heal now, or maybe rupture... worried.. please pray for him. I remember the cold spoon on eye therapy and doing it now for him hopefully the swelling on the eye would go away. It's scary when something could just take away your eyesight so easily like an eye infection.

That's all... just need some prayers.

Carol

Thanksgivings about many things

Hi Everyone!
I was really blessed at the Meditative Service today. Even the theme of the songs chosen reflected our time at cell on friday. Indeed God wants us to repent of the things which become barriers in our relationship with him, thorns and thistles which crowd God out of our lives and relationships.

Indeed Be Still for the Presence of the Lord and His still small voice can be heard! Next week we are having a time of prayer and I look forward to it. (But I will be late cos have to visit the students at the hostel next friday, sigh... i hate clashes) I hope that we can all come with a heart to pray. Perhaps we should prepare our hearts before we come so that we can seek him together as a community.

There are many things coming up which would be a mere activity or busyness if we simply let things run as it is. Like the my hope project, mission trip, outreaches or exams. We want to bring God into each event, season and see Him glorified.

Just a thanksgiving... initially I thought that the mission trip thing was gonna be cancelled cos church wanted a creative arts performing team. I was disappointed. But after Hannah shared that we can still have a teaching english team from 10 /13 to 21 dec, I was really excited. To go back and encourage the youth, prayer walk in the land as well as equipping them with anything that we could share. I'm sharing this so that we can all pray , give, send, pray and go as the LORD leads.

Yesterday in missions conference the speaker said something that struck deep in my heart... because of our attitudes... many times short term missions are high in profile and low in impact. Yup its true especially if we are there behaving like some tourist or thinking that we are gonna feel go and do so much good. Even before we think of going, let us examine our hearts. Are we there to serve? Do we go just because something is attractive to us... like youth or children's ministry is fun? God can use anyone who is humble and avails himself. But God would never use one who is so available but proud.

Well what then can be low profile but high impact? I think that if we invest time and prayer and effort to build relationships, we can sow even more and harvest more. Think about the mentors and pray for them, they sow for 1-2 years and then see harvest. The Indonesian ministry - weekly they sow, pray for them. And last but not least, the my hope project is not another eating event but a sharing one. We must start praying and preparing ourselves and our loved ones. God will do his part to touch their hearts.

So we will still be having the my hope project, one in jocelyn's home and one in mine. I was really glad when cynthia tan said she's not going to missions but going to focus on my hope project and i think that whether we are in singapore or overseas we can still be blessing others with the gospel.

Ok... think my post is too long but I am really glad to share, to see people grow... to hear people going to get baptised - cynthia and jiawei... we are supporting you !!! let us know when you are going to tell your parents. Also we must congratulate Terry for finishing 3 months of bible school!! Yup let's continue to use the blog to share and glorify God!

Cheers :) Carol