Monday, April 30, 2007
the one on birth and death
When we were small, birthdays were all about us. Parties and presents were all we looked forward to. We would have our parents showering our faces with their kisses, relatives and their blessings, and our friends who would crowd around your cake and sing a song that's meant for you only.
It is the day when it's all about you.
Yes, we remember our birthdays because it belongs to you. We remember it because it makes you special. We remember it because of a certain memorable party. We remember it because of a certain gift you received some years back. We remember birthdays just because it is your birthday.
Yes, we remember birthdays for many reasons. And all the more so when birth and death coincides.
In loving memory of Khoo Gek Kiao, beloved grandmother who went home to be with the Lord on 1 May 2005.
11:43 PM
Saturday, April 28, 2007
the one about actions and words
I've been thinking about the life I've led in the past 20 years.
What kind of person have I been?
Have I been a good testimony for God?
Have I touched hearts and lives? Or have I lived my life in vain?
God has given me so much, and I just want to give it back to Him.
I always believe that our actions speak our convictions. It's what you do which reflects what you say. And of course, not forgetting that what we speak reflects the condition of our hearts. Yet, I also believe that it's not necessary for people to see what you do, for eventually our ways will be shown before God.
I don't like to showcase my works before men. Because they do not belong to me. If God had not blessed me greatly, I would be as poor as the poorest pauper. But because He has showered lavishly His blessings, I am able to become the richest person in the world.
Lord, teach me to do everything unto You and not unto men. I love You Lord.
11:43 PM
Thursday, April 26, 2007
the one where i give thanks
I give praise to Your Holy Name
I give thanks for Your unfailing grace
For all the love You've shown
To make me Your very ownThe Lord knew what I need.
I do not need a scholarship in term of finances.
I need a scholarship, from whoever, from wherever, as a sign.
He knew I needed a direction, and He gave me one.
Thank You Lord.
For granting me the desires of my heart.
For putting a conviction so strong it stands today.
For lighting up the next step I have to take.
For giving me a direction.
Thank You Lord.
By God's grace, I'm proud to be a Nanyang scholar. All glory to Him alone. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
11:41 PM
Saturday, April 21, 2007
the one about a birthday wishlist
Jerelyn requested that I put up a wish list to enlighten people on what to get for me 9 days later. Here goes...
1) Big bag
I need a big bag meant for school and for everyday usage. I would like to use it to put books, my laptop and all my necessities (wallet, keys, hand phone, ipod pouch and my all-purpose pouch). It has to be big, able to put A3 stuff, has to be sturdy and has enough compartments so that my stuff won't lump together and be hard to locate.
Jerelyn has offered to get that for me. But you can always go "cham xiong" with her.
2) Books
Hah. I love reading and I've been eye-ing some titles recently. Personally I love Jodi Picoult's titles. Her newest release
"Nineteen minutes" has kept me visiting bookstores often coz I can't afford to buy it YET. Alan and Shu Hui have offered to get "Nineteen minutes" for me. If you like, you can get me Jodi Picoult's other titles. Up till now, I have bought "My sister's keeper", "The tenth circle", "Keeping faith" and "The Pact" so you can get me her other titles if you're thinking of buying me books.
OR you can give me book vouchers. Will appreciate book vouchers from Kinokuniya or MPH or Page One. =) I love reading!!
Oh yah, you can buy me Christian books too. I've been wanting to buy Max Lucado's books but I haven't exactly gotten down to doing it.
3) Medium-sized bag
You must be thinking... how come Joycelyn needs so many bags? Let me enlighten you: a girl never has enough bags, shoes and clothes. *grin* This is more of a want. I actually want a hand bag that's able to house my necessities, maybe a book and umbrella. Something that I can bring out to work or a nice day out with my friends. It's not a need as compared to the gigantic bag. Just a want want.
4) Clothes
If you think you know my taste and my size. I've been going for the more "feminine" but still youthful fashion these days. Only attempt this item if you think you know me well enough.
5) Converse canvas shoes
Aiyoh, I was looking for a pair of converse canvas shoes but they do not have the dark purple pair anymore! Again, only attempt this item if you actually notice how tiny my feet are... And converse shoes aren't exactly very affordable.
Ah, I think this should be it for now. Hope that's enough, Jerelyn. =) AND, thanks for everything you're doing to co-ordinate the dinner outing. Love you lots!
11:58 PM
Sunday, April 15, 2007
the one about my teen years
15 more days before I leave my teen days behind.
Have I been a rebellious teen? Have I given my mother pain? Or have I been the daughter I am supposed to be?
What have I been doing with the 7 years God gave me?
I went through secondary education and my poly education. I made choices and I have not spent one day in regret.
I made good friends, lost some friendships in secondary school and yet have maintained long lasting contacts with many others from DHS and SP.
I started my ministry with God, serving Him with my voice in Speedlight and main service, with my actions in Sparklight, with my talents in Speedlight Woodlands, and with my testimony every single day.
I met one of the bestest friends I can ever meet, who can scream, laugh and cry with me. Her name is Clara. I met the younger sister I thought I never could have, who have given me much joy unknowingly. Her name is Jerelyn.
I saw the process of how my grandmother got saved and finally baptised. Both my maternal grandparents went home to be with the Lord; when I was 13 and 18 respectively. And I know it's just a temporary separation.
I witnessed how my mother fought against breast cancer and came forth victorious.
I got my driver's license after much internal battle.
I saw how God can transform someone inside out in my elder brother.
I stepped into romance and courtship, into a journey of self discovery. Even though we came to a conclusion after nearly 2 years of courtship that the time is not ripe, I have gained one of the most comfortable friend I can find. And his name is Jeremy.
I received my university acceptance letters and have come to realise that my future is in God's hands. He holds my tomorrow, I shall not worry.
I gained much, I lost some. All in all, God is my constant. My parents are my constant. Pamela and Chang Yang are my constant. And I am my own constant.
Here's to a good 7 years well spent.
You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know You are near
-"Draw me close"
11:43 PM
Saturday, April 07, 2007
the one on why good friday is good
how do you express a love for a Saviour Who loves you so much more?
and how do you show the gratiude in your heart when no words is adaquate enough to describe the sacrifice He has given?
what can you do to celebrate the Lord's death?
We celebrate a victory so great no one could see it coming on Easter morning. We celebrate a victory so awesome that all hell trembles because of what He has done for us. We celebrate a victory that lasts for eternity. We celebrate, because He has conquered the grave, conquered sin and conquered death.
Thank You Lord.
You made Good Friday good.
10:28 PM
the one about a phantom
I was mesmerised. In awe. Inspired. Touched.
Perhaps I was a little disappointed in Christine, felt that she was not able to fill the big shoes Sarah Brightman left behind. But the orchestra was awesome. The other characters were great. The set and the costumes blew me off. And Andrew Lloyd Webber's music alone is enough to make me tick.
Not to mention the one scene that got me out of my seat.
"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime
Let me lead you from your solitude
Say you want me with you, here beside you
Anywhere you go, let me go too
That's all I ask of you"
10:01 PM
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
the one where i hit the books
It's April already. Like what Pastor mentioned on Sunday, it's already a quarter of the year gone already. What better time than now to reflect on the resolutions we have set before the new year commenced. Have we spoken mere words, or have we let our actions speak our words?
I've just finished Hebrews. Going to hit the letters Paul wrote, starting from 1 Corinthians. I have started doing the Gospels with one of my new believer friend. Pastor is doing Relevation for the Sunday messages.
And I still can't have enough of His word. I'm basking in His love more and more each day. I look back at all the years of my life and have never felt more loved than now. Pure bliss.
Lord You reign.
11:55 PM