nostalgia

I was just looking through my calendar for the year and reviewing what I have been doing for the past few months. Dividing them into the various categories apart from my work - ministry, social life, personal life, studies... I worked out the general calculations to see how much time I spend on each cateogory. End result, little personal time for myself. While taking on more commitments, I have slowly let go of some of the things I use to like to do very much. Simple things such as cycling , singing KTV, jogging, chilling out. Some familiar places come to mind, places I used to frequent alone or with friends but have not gone for quite some time. I really miss such times. Maybe this is an indication that I need to slow things down a bit and revisit these familiar places once again.

New Mexico woman accidentally swallows ring during marriage proposal

Published: March 2, 2009

A New Mexico couple has more than a simple proposal story to share with their family and friends.

Reed Harris, whose family is from Blanding, Utah, wanted his girlfriend Kaitlin Whipple to receive her engagement ring in a memorable fashion.

“I knew that he was proposing soon, I just had no clue when,“ Kaitlin wrote on her blog on Wednesday, “but I did not expect what actually happened.“

The couple joined friends for a shake after their LDS Institute class at San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico.

Everyone except the bride-to-be was in on the plan to stash the ring in the milkshake.

To encourage her to eat the ice cream faster, they challenged her to a race.

“I mean, I was taking huge bites and swallowing,“ Kaitlin wrote. “There was no tasting at all. I get to the end and everyone starts staring at me with this weird, worried look on their face, and I have no clue what is going on around me.“

Friends recorded the entire moment on a cell phone camera.

“Reed picks up my cup, looks in it, and of course it is empty,“ Kaitlin said. “Then he starts looking all around me like he lost something. Then everyone starts digging in their cups and looking around them. I have no clue what is going on this whole time. Finally Reed gets up and tells me that he thinks I swallowed my ring.“

Kaitlin had gulped down the shake so fast, she never felt it go down!

“I mean, it’s not the smallest thing. I thought it was impossible for her to not feel it,“ Reed said.

Apparently, it wasn’t impossible. So, to the emergency room they went.

“Go into the room, got an X-ray done, taken care of, and [it was] right there, just sitting there in her stomach,“ Reed said.

We caught up with Kaitlin and Reed on an Internet connection today.

As they showed us the X-ray, they were still laughing about it.

Kaitlin was never convinced she actually swallowed the ring until the X-ray proved it.

After that, friends offered all sorts of advice between their chuckles.

“Everybody stocked me up on fiber and prune juice and everything we could think of, and pills just to make that thing come out!“ Kaitlin said.

The ring “arrived” yesterday morning.

The wedding is planned for May or June in Monticello.

If Reed and Kaitlin survived this incident, anything that comes along during their marriage ought to be easy.

GUYS, pls dun ever try this lolz...

(http://www.counton2.com/cbd/news/national/article/a_new_mexico_couple_has_more_than_a_simple_proposal_wedding_proposal_ruined/21454/)

Fireflies in the garden

"Fireflies In The Garden" - In the movie "Fireflies In The Garden," Michael Taylor (Ryan Reynolds) is an author who has channeled his painful childhood memories into his novels. With some reluctance, he is flying home for his mother Lisa's (Julia Roberts) college graduation. After a lifetime of putting everyone else first, stroking her husband's (Willem Dafoe) massively insecure ego and raising her children in spite of that, it's Lisa's turn. What should be a moment of great celebration turns into a tragic reunion when Lisa is killed in a car accident, leaving father, son and family to pick up the pieces. While preparing for their mother's funeral, memories are relived and secrets are revealed which will test the family bond. After a childhood of hiding in his father's shadows, protected by his mother, Michael must confront his past and find an understanding of his family, his father and himself.

Let go and Let God

Which is more difficult? To give up an opportunity or to take on one? hmmm...I guess for me, both are difficult. However, if I have to choose, I would say the first is tougher cos an opportunity carries with it the many possibilities which will be missed if not taken up. The worst will be the regrets which will follow if it was a wrong decision made to give it up. I wouldn't want to end up regretting something I choose not to do due to my limitations. To take on an opportunity, on the other hand brings with it the big C - Commitment, which to me, means holding on to it no matter how difficult it gets and not to give up unless it is really impossible. In a way, there is a greater certainty involved as we count the costs and kind of know what we are in for. Yep, the key word is to take responsibility for our decisions. In the curious case of benjamin button, benjamin says, "Life is defined by opportunities, even the ones you missed." It makes a lot of sense to me. Recently, I had to make the decision to change my portfolio. To take up the opportunity would bring some changes to my current job scope and I can try new things. I had my set of fears as well at the same time. A question I ask myself is, "If this opportunity is being taken by someone else if I rejected it, how will I respond to it?" I feel this is a key question for me, on the decision to make. Unless and until I can face with this possibility, I cannot make a sound decision. I remember what Pastor shared before that if we are clearer of our vision, we have have lesser options and will make better decisions. Indeed, as Tracy and I agreed upon together, not all opportunities are from God. I need to know what I want. Towards the end of the timeline I had to make the decision, things suddenly became crystal clear to me. God has given me a calling and I will keep my focus until He reveals more. Anything else that compromises His calling for me, will not be what He intends for me. Just like Moses, my prayer to God is for His presence to be with me in all the things I undertake.

Rainbow Connection

Isn't this song mesmerising? The first time I came across it was 3 years ago when my colleagues and I performed it as a song item during the company's D & D. I was on the bus on my way home just now and I was so tired after a day of lessons. Catching some sleep on the journey...when I looked out of the window, I saw a rainbow! Was such a nice surprise :) The sunset was breathtaking and I kept my eyes opened throughout the rest of the ride from Paya Lebar to home. Couldn't help but thank God and praise Him for the lovely moment. Wanted to take a picture but decided to just bask in its beauty and enjoy the moment. I thank God for everything I have...I feel a peace and assurance in my heart as I presented in class today, felt that I did well. Also, gotten back my results for the first assignment, was good. 1 mark to very good. Thanks for sustaining me, giving me joy, energy, my job, my friends, a mind to think, a heart to feel and the rainbow. I can thank u again and again...



Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that, and someone believed it,
And look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?

Someday we'll find it,
the rainbow connection,The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
All of us under its spell,We know that it's probably magic...
... Have you been half asleep? And have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name....
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm s'posed to be...
Someday we'll find it,
the rainbow connection,The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Laa, da daa dee da daa daa,La laa la la laa dee daa doo...

Instant Soothers for High Stress Times

Post pics of your happiest moments.
Tape up photos of three special days, such as a snapshot of the sunset over a Greek island (sublime) or tossing water balloons at your nephew (silly). "Just 10 seconds of concentrating on the images is enough to reduce muscle tension and stabilize your heartbeat," Luskin says.

Feminine Submission

Here is an interesting excerpt I read from a book on "What does God expect of a Woman". This part on feminine submission struck me and gave me deeper insight into what it means to submit. It also brings out the feelings of feminine submission in an interesting analogy :)

"The idea of Submission is difficult for many women to deal with. But it should help if a woman can know for sure that (1) this is really what God wants, and (2) she has not only an opportunity but a responsibility to be selective in carrying out such an assignment... The apostle Peter wrote that such submission is right even if a husband is not being the kind of godly, loving, sacrificing person he should be."

He went onto share that submission 'should not be mindlessly servile and passive'. Rather, it "should be active and selective'. He quoted Abigail from the bible to illustrate this point. Recognising that her husbad was defying God, she did not submit to her husband's wishes and "counteracter the foolishness of her husband' instead.

"Certainly such submission is made much easier when a Christian husband is the kind of person God wants him to be...But keep in mind that neither role is dependent on whether the other partner is doing his or her part... The idea of any submissive role at all can frustrate and anger a woman. The association might be likened to the uneasiness many people feel while riding in the backseat of a car or taxicab. By being dependent upon the judgement and skill of someone else, the passenger feels at a loss of any ability to protect himself. When the driver seems negligent, careless, and irresponsible, the rider experiences feelings of resentment, fear, and anger. Some of that frustration is what a woman can feel in the home or the church. She soon learns that men are far from perfect...How can she knowingly and voluntarily go along for the ride, especially when it soon becomes apparent that she sees almost everything from a significantly different point of view?"

Submission in the scriptures:
Ephesians 5:21-33, 1Peter 3:5-6, 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Corinthians 11:3-16, 1 Timothy 2:11-15, Romans 16:1,3,6,13,15,Galatians 3:28, Philippian 4:3, Titus 2:3-5

Live for you - Desperation band

live for you songs
Mp3 download | Music download

Live For You Lyrics

There was a time I was far from You
You came and rescued me
You came and rescued me
Now I sing of all you've done for me
Jesus, now I sing
Jesus, now I sing

You came and sought me out
And now im all about
The way you took my life

full lyrics

more lyrics

Korean Fever

Psalm 119

The following verses from Psalm 119 are what struck us (the CG) as we read it together. It is amazing how the bible can be described in many ways, which are relevant to our daily living.

PSALM 119 (The Message Version)

How can a young person live a clean life?

By carefully reading the map of your Word.

I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;

don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.

I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart

so I won't sin myself bankrupt.

Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,

invigorate me on the pilgrim way.

My sad life's dilapidated, a falling-down barn;

build me up again by your Word.

I see the limits to everything human,

but the horizons can't contain your commands!

Your words are so choice, so tasty;

I prefer them to the best home cooking.

Shuling shared that as she looks at this verse, she is reminded of the advertisement of Pringles. Once u pop, u can't stop. Many times, when we read the bible. Once we read, it does not seem that difficult to stop... hence, it is so important to have the desire for the WOG that makes us feel that we just can't stop :) Find this an interesting analogy.

I hate the two-faced,

but I love your clear-cut revelation.

Everything's falling apart on me, God;

put me together again with your Word.

I'll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.

Expose all who drift away from your sayings;

Break open your words, let the light shine out,

let ordinary people see the meaning.

Steady my steps with your Word of promise

so nothing malign gets the better of me.

Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women.

Even though troubles came down on me hard,

your commands always gave me delight.

As those out to get me come closer and closer,

they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;

But you're the closest of all to me, God,

Take a good look at my trouble, and help me—

I haven't forgotten your revelation.

Take my side and get me out of this;

give me back my life, just as you promised.

Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth.

Give my request your personal attention

Basking in the simplicity of nature's beauty

Meet-up with old friends

Met up with the sisters from uni-group, was good to reminesce the past together. Many memories together... thanks God we are still following after Him, in different ministries :)

My Class

This is my class...Thank God for this wonderful class which makes my lessons an enjoyable one. Often, their insights and sharing of experiences open up my mind. Also, their care and concern & willingness to help is a fresh change from my younger schooling days. Maybe this is the benefit of studying together with a group of people who are old enough to be your parents. You become pampered :P

Larry buying coffee for all of us, after hours of lessons ...

John with the walnut cheesecake he baked for the class...absolutely delic-ious...slurp

Song Lee, the birthday "girl"

What more can I say, the picture speaks a thousand words...

The 2 birthday gals - Rachel & Song Lee

Horse-riding @ Rider's Lodge, JB

We are on our way...in anticipation!!!

Here we are! Where are the horses? :D

Received by a warm welcome from the lady boss...

Applying sunblock first...dun wanna get chao da later... The view from the other side...

hmmm...what shall I eat? All looks good...

THe birthday girl with her horseshoe, a gift from the boss...

Time to get going...Kampong Boy is so sweet, I am attracted to him :) FYI, all the horses are castrated and most of them are males. There are only 5 females, mainly used for breeding. The oldest horse is 35 years old. The trainer say we are too soft with the horses and we need to be more firm cos the horses have a mind of their own. If we do not control them, they'll take control. So gotta show them who's the boss...

On the horses, up and going! Mine is true blue, his eyes is blue :) and he is very competitive, tried to overtake the horse in front and bit him twice when I was not looking. Dun have to kick much cos he is very motivated already... He is 19 years old. I asked the trainer if the horses ever run way and he said they all did but went back eventually. I asked him what the horses like to do and he said, "bully the rider." Oops...
Tracy's horse is Buster Brown, very cute and hungry too. U can see him eating the grass. Keep hearing her go, "Come on Buster, come on!" Yanzi's is Mr Grey, very stable, just to her liking :) She feels very secure on it. Good old Mr Grey. June's horse is Kimberly, most good-looking. She was so happy with it! :) Who says, "Monkey see, monkey do?" I say, "Horses see, horses do". Trac's horse galloped and June's horse followed suit. The trainer's horse pooed and my horse did as well..haha

Yanzi, as invited by the lady boss, played "I wish u Jesus". She played so well!! and gotten the rest of us a horseshoe each..thks to her :D

God loves me so much

Going to leave my office, I took a look at the quotation of the calendar... it says:

March 5

My relationships may all seem like failures right now, and my house is shabby and run-down, and I hate my clothes - but how can that possibly compare to the knowledge that God loves me so much He wants me to live with Him forever?

March 5 (Jiayan's version)

It is already so late but I am stuck at my office, rushing my assignment, it is pouring outside and I dread at the thought of the journey home, I just missed dinner with my friends because of the assignment - but how can that possibly compare to the knowledge that God loves me so much He wants me to live with Him forever?

God is divine!

Choon Leng and Huiyen's ROM

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Tracy's Birthday Celebration @ Danga Bay

The CG had an early birthday celebration for Tracy on Sunday...Lunch at KFC, her favourite fast food. Headed to Danga City Mall after that. It was the first time we took the train there and the view from the train was really nice. The wind blowing into your face as you look out of the train, makes u feel so free. In just 1 hour, we reached Danga City Mall. The place was quite spacious and not many people so we kind of had the place to ourselves. I am amazed that Rachel managed to get 3 pairs of shoes for S$25 in just 1 hour. She is a really an avid shopper!

Sky getting dark and dark clouds looming, we were praying hard that it will not rain cos we wanted to see the sunset.. but as Lennon said, "It has been raining heavily for the past few days." True enough, it did. Took a cab to Danga Bay and decided on a seafood restaurant for our dinner. The drinks was good, especially the teh tarik and we had stingray, kang kong, sotong etc. Food was ok but the company was great! We bought a spongebox ballon for Tracy at only RM5 and she absolutely loved it :) Smile of the year it had. Took a lot of photos and Tracy was beaming away (see Photos above). It was a success! Lotsa food, lotsa fun, lotsa laughter, lotsa love :P

We are so going back again...:)

My dearest friend, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I LOVE YOU :D