just spewing out...

don't know where to start

but shall just give it a try.

Almost coming to half a year

And I'm thankful for my work

the exposure

my colleagues

the long hours

and the early knock-offs.

No Monday blues for me

Coz site meeting at Jurong East.

Get to go home on time.

Just not sure how have I been faring

Need to steepen learning curve more

or just stay the way it is?

Guess i need some kind of feedback.

Train-rides...

People fight to get their seats, and so do I.

They whipped out their iPhone,

and I whipped out my Word Among Us.

I enjoy the read every morning to work

though sometimes sleepy.

It's scary how iPhone is colonising the world and our lives.

Will I really need to use iPhone to pacify my kids in future?

iPhone...Mac...the bitten apple...the Forbidden Fruit.

And truly, Macbook is so seductive.

Will I succumb to this "fruit" one of these days?

~ 1 month back...

Archdiocese Youth Day Facil Trg @ CAYC.

Session by Brian Butler.

The trg was not the usual ones.
No running through of programs.

Instead, it focuses on the inner conversion of hearts

of the facils...a very personal one-day retreat i feel.

The Mystery Trip video was inspiring to me.

Many times during praise & worship,

closed my eyes and sang.

Heard the resounding voices filling the hall,

felt like heaven on earth.

My heart was massaged very much with love,

a love that the world cannot give,

and I very much needed.

Realized that all my sins are rooted very much

from a lack of love being felt.

Went on straight away to CSC to attend Moli's

"graduation Mass" for the Conversion Retreat.

Listened to those tears-inducing testimonies.

That one day was just unexpected,

yet very fulfilling.

He likes to catch me by surprise. =)

Read the Theology of the Body for Him and Her.

Insights and revelations.

Man is a representation of Christ, who's always the Initiator.

Learnt to really take initiative and not complain/whine.

But after a while when the fuel run out,

need to remind myself again.

And again & again, we're taught...

to give till it hurts..

Coz it's "better to give than to receive".

Selfless giving than demands no rewards.

Sometimes yes...give and I feel blessed.

sometimes no...give and give..and feel drained.

and yea...hurt sometimes.

Perhaps it benefitted the others and I've done a good job.

So my rewards are in heaven.

My only consolation.

Relationships are so important.

Enjoyed meeting up with my archi friends

and just catching up with them.

Listened, joked, talked and discussed about life issues.

All within a span of one month!

Combi 1 - Juku, Stacy & Youjie. Happy for Stacy getting married!

Combi 2 - Olivia, Sarah, John and Zhiliang. Bday boys celebration.

Had a super therapeutic laugh over the 2hours plus dinner at Cedele.

And bumped into Ivan and MelDragon with other CSS Alumni. Hoho!

Combi 3 - Olivia, Kaixin and Peiyun. The Westees @ Jurong Coffeeshop.

Amazingly chatted till almost 10pm.

I guessed it's worthed the late nights on wkdays.

Human connections make me more human and alive.

Weddings...lost count how many I went.

Enjoyed those I attended for my JC Class..

amazed at how united we still are...

can chat non-stop...
all thanks to our class rep and Mrs Teo.

How will my "ideal wedding" be like?

Taking many mental notes and even did research online...

exciting but yet wary...

plan plan plan...then in the end don't materialise..

Christmas is coming...!

earnestly waiting to get myself a Xmas present

with my year end bonus...hopefully!

my long-awaited digital piano...

Wow...it's been almost 2months...

Hello blog,

Have many thoughts to "pen" down but just haven't got the "energy", time and drive to do it.

Shall do it really soon...before I forget.

Find it necessary to document my "milestone-thoughts" and "revelations".

So long..farewell!

PS: Yay...had fun changing blog layout and design. +)

hello blog...

Long time no see...

Been more than a month since I last blogged!

August really flew past.

Only remembered my memorable retreat at Montfort Centre

The Youth Olympics

And my record breaking working hours in Week 3...

3 consecutive days of working past 10pm and taking a cab back home

Down with flu in the end but managed to pull through without knocking on the doctor's door.

Had fulfilling and interesting weekends but somehow there's something inside me just screaming for a restful day of pure resting.

Took leave on 20th, a friday. Not rested at all.

Somehow, we urbanites don't even know how to rest anymore?

Many thoughts and couple of revelations...

don't know how to pen down.

But just grateful and thankful for His helping hand and healing grace.

Ministry work seemed to slowly get a bit haywire due to my lack of time dedicated.

4 months of employment and I've gained 1 kg by the 2nd month.

Hope it does not goes up exponentially.

Gaining weight is good for me. But I seriously need to work out a exercise regime.

Discipline!

Dilemmas

Judgement calls

Assumptions

Dissatisfaction

Comparison

Frustration

Resentment

Disappointments

Surprises

Affirmation

Faith.

Beautiful insights from Thomas Smith...or rather...the Bible

Rabbi: "Come follow me."
It simply means, "You can be like me."
We're called to discipleship as God knows we've the potential to be like Christ.
And what a disciple needs is the 3 "F"s,
Free to love
Faith in Christ
bear great Fruits

Learnt in-depth of the background of the city of Corinth and Ephesus.
So beautiful are the correlations/relevance to the readings of Corinthians and Ephesians.
I like the name Corinth. Maybe give that name to my kids...+)

A lot of historical background...
drawing references to Old Testament, and even modern day...
was perpetually sleepy throughout the day.
Kept writing notes to keep myself awake.

oh yes, finally...we're also called to be prophets of today.
Role of prophets are not just to foretell the future,
but they are mainly to give encouragement, build people up and consoles people.
This is what some of the prophetic books does like Malachi, Haggai.


Yesterday was at Angela's house for the Taize gathering.
Her house was jaw-dropping.
I felt like I was in some tropical parts of Europe or smthg.
Br Ghislain from Taize was there and led the sharing with Taize songs.
It was surreal.
Relieving the memories and some of them got emotional.
Coz we're just sucked into our work and back to the swirl of things,
often trying to find our centre and re-focus back.
Trying not to forget what we brought back/learnt from the pilgrimmage of trust.
Angela worked as a lawyer for 3yrs after graduation...
and she got fed up and decided to go travel for 6months with another friend.
There...she stumbled upon Taize in France and slowly...
the Taize community in S'pore starts from then.
God calls and leads in mysterious ways.
Indeed.

Commenced

More than half a year has gone by

And I finally had a proper closure to my Uni education on 9th July 2010

Donned the graduation gown and mortar board

Went up stage for a brief 10seconds

Had hours of photo-taking with families and friends.

After all, truly it's just a ceremony.

What matters most is the heart, memories shared and experienced gained over the 5years.

Saw Richard Ho's comment on Colin's fb wall,

"the journey has just begun".

Now then it dawned on me that our graduation is called "Commencement".

Truly, the journey has just begun.

2 months and going on to 3 months in RSP,

work has been challenging yet exciting and fun.

Practically learning something new every other day.

Stress level can be high when people just keep coming back to me and task me with work.

Should I be heartened that they trust my ability?

But just can't help to lament the neverending work at times.

Being the perfectionist and efficient person,

I often get frustrated for not being able to accomplish tasks in time.

Just thursday I missed my haircut appointment coz I've to clear my work before going on leave on Friday for my graduation. Felt irritated.
I need to be realistic and accept certain facts of life and myself.

Praying and hoping that my work will not gravely affect my upcoming commitment in my LRSS Cell Groups...if not i'll be even more frustrated.

Balance?

Trying to find.

Peace and harmony at heart?

Trying to achieve.

Ministering in church?

Trying to prioritise and discern.

So many things seemed to be deficient for me...

not enough this not enough that...

what is enough?

what is abundant?

questions

searching

I need to exercise regularly.

I need rest.

I need to pray.

wants and needs....another tussle.

random thoughts...

I think S'pore and the world is going to suffer from the iPhone disease.

it's a powerful and useful tool.

Depends on users.

But more often, people choose escapism and enter the world of iPhone...

when they're on train, when they're practically everywhere.

Their soul seemed to be sucked into the phone.

Possessions...

Indeed, possessed by possessing the iPhone.

revelations on a friday public hol...

planned in earnest and happy anticipation for a pitch tent camp over

at Pasir Ris Park. Ended up having to abort that plan.

Tent permit quota maxed out...and then the oil spill.

Oh well...turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Got to go back home and clear some outstanding church work

and misc stuffs...packed a bit of room...

and most importantly, rest and get a proper sleep on my bed.

Alternative Plan.

Thought of exploring this island which i read somewhere in newspaper

that it's accessible and is rustic.

Happily made our way there in the van and the realising that the road doesn't seemed to be opened.

Strange. But then...I think it's accessible. Just that we din really give it a try.

Decided to stay put at the Seletar dam and there's a little park at the reservoir side too.

So just find our way to the little shed.

While doing all this, we're still threatened by the impending rain from opposite the reservoir and from the Johore Straits...stressed stressed...

Laid out our mats and brought out the food.

Then came thunder and lightning and storm clouds approaching nearer.

Decided to move back into the van again...just in case.

Finally, the move was justified.

It rained after quite a while and we also go to read and nap in the van in peace with light cooling breeze.

sure a bliss.

My revelation is simple.

Sometimes we planned so much and in the end things just don't happen the way we want it.

Take it in your stride and who knows, it could be a blessing in disguise.

Then as you try to explore possibilities in life, maybe in relationship/career/things you do,

you walked the journey and realize it's not a wise decision, or simply just wrong

and you retrace your steps or just choose another alternative.

There's disappointment and fear along the way...but sometimes you just have to do it.

Ultimately, He'll bring you to where you are meant to be...and the previous experiences are probably "preparations" or "enrichment".

So yeah...don't think/worry too much. Just do it first. Follow your heart.

Often we say make "wise decision", but I guess wise people often don't take too long to respond.

If take too long to decide, the decision might not be that wise after all.

Haha...wow...i'm so philosophical! ;)

2wks has passed...

and it has been a little overwhelming

exciting and at times stressful

mind-wrecking...

I went in at their peak

work intensity was high

everybody was sucked into their work

the office is cold

and i'm feeling the coldness from people...

though there're glimpse of family-ness.

working past 7pm and reaching home late..

leaving only 2 hours before I sleep at 11pm..

Not sure if this is the kind of life He has called me to...

Perhaps it's just my 2nd week.

Hence having these second thoughts.

Give myself more time...

and I'll probably ease into it.

At least 1 to 2 years...

before evaluating what's the next step.

some of my colleagues actually asked me

why I chose this firm?

And when i said I applied to URA and HDB too,

they exclaimed, "why not go there?!"

Haha...perhaps they felt jaded already.

Stat board has their benefits and perks.

Attractive indeed.

Work may not be as challenging and exciting.

Nevermind, give this a shot first!

I'm curious to find out from my colleagues

who has family and kids.

How did they manage?

Now, i'm just looking forward to long weekends,

weekends with NOTHING on my schedule...

of course don't mind hanging out with syota.

Look forward to taking leave...

even if it's just one day or two.

Look forward to short holidays...

and hopefully can go Korea with family

at end of the year.

Last week of freedom

Monday

Took Express502 to try out the route in the morning rush hour.

Decided to take train in the end.

Hung out at SMU and use my laptop there with wireless@SG.

SMU so deserted in the morning...but nice to have such a place in the city,

lots of benches, food kiosks and power points and free wireless! ;)

Met financial adviser during lunch and started planning for my long term finances...

Tuesday

Cut hair at Bugis then drop by 313@Somerset.

First time visiting it, quite nice actually.

Chill out at Toastbox at the Food Republic top floor.

Spacious, quiet and it's beside the sky garden.

Got to have a view outside.

Went with Joachim for a promotional massage.

I almost died.

The masseur really tried very hard to "fix" my back.

Wednesday

new Mac Ritchie visitor area

Wanted to go Ubin.

But my back was really painful.

And I wanna enjoy a lazy morning too.

So yeah, somehow ended up at Mac Ritchie.

Luckily there's a cafe there.

Spend my afternoon there too to do some writing

and surf internet.

Drop by SMOTA for evening mass

before heading home for dinner

Thursday

Last tuition at tuition centre

Felt a tinge of sadness when I broke the news

to my primary 5 class.

This batch is more sensible and easier to manage.

Though I miss my prev batch with all the nonsense too.

Friday

Spotted people finishing in the canal as I was cycling to

SAFRA Jurong.

Morning went swimming @ SAFRA Jurong.

Read magazine along with a cup of ice lemon tea...

thinking that I'll hardly get to do this again.

Met up with financial adviser again.

Presented me quite a lot of informative stuff.

Then met up with Gregory and had a good talk with him.

Saturday

Hearty breakfast at Conny's place with

freshly baked German bread.

Rushed down to meet up with MM peeps.

Congrats to Annette who's engaged!

Then rushed for high tea with family at

Merchant Court. It was a hurried affair trying to

gobble down as much food within a short time.

Very tired at the end of all this ordeal.

Think in future, I just want to chill out at home

the whole Saturday, with maybe my loved one by my side..

reading a book, watching a movie...exercising. ;)

3rd May here I come! Set my mind to really give it a good shot,

carve out my career and work hard!

While playing and praying hard too!

am I too critical?...

dunno why these few days or these days...i seemed to be correcting pple...being honest to tell them their mistakes...and then trying my best to also not make them feel lousy by affirming them in other ways. What a tussle.

phone repaired and I passed my IPPT

Again, an adventurous few days leading up to IPPT.

Handphone spoilt and sent for servicing.

Was uncontactable for almost 2 days.

Then I fell sick one week before my IPPT.

Have been postponing my IPPT for don't know how many times.

Was making great effort to train for my 2.4km run.

And I've never made it below 13mins.

My ego and pride never seemed to accept the possibility of me

failing my IPPT. But I still remained realistic, that it could happen.

Yesterday, I stepped into Maju Camp with a heavy heart.

Taking a test is never a simple matter.

Especially after 5 years of IPPT-exemption.

The rest of the 4 stations were never a problem for me.

I cleared them pretty much with ease.

And then came the 2.4km.

Already feeling a bit of fatigue from clearing the 4 stations,

I prayed really hard.

Just before I took off at the starting point,

I desperately shouted in me, "Jesus, run with me!"

And off I go.

For the first 2 rounds of 400m each, I ran at 1:45.

Which is well below my training time.

But I was getting out of breath and legs getting tired.

But I just pressed on. Running with a group really helped

to push me beyond the limit.

And yes, I came in at 12:23. I passed!

with incentive of $100. haha.

But really, I thought getting a Silver is not a problem for me.

But I guess i need to train a little bit more to go under 12:00.

During this test, I depended on Him a lot.

I prayed a lot. And was preparing for the worst.

But was telling myself not to conceit defeat before the race.

I thank God for this blessing and Mother Mary for the intercessions.

And my little gorgeous who prayed for me.

One heavy load off my shoulder. Off to clear the rest! =D

Long overdue reflection of the GK Trip

(i wrote it in my journal, just no time to transfer it onto the screen) =P

My life-changing encounter in Philippines took place during the Asian Youth Day in Nov'09.
A major event that saw me overwhelm by the Filipinos' hospitality, warmth & unreserved expression of love.
The religious (seminarians, priests and sisters) are particularly inspiring then.

The second time to Philippines for the Taize Pilgrimmage of Trust was more of a intimate and deep encounter with Br Gerry and the youths of the parish from Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church.

So for this third time in Philippines, my biggest purpose was to bring as much people from S'pore/SFA to experience that love and that transformation that I've experienced. I want to SHARE this with as many people as possible. Good things must share right? ;)

Planning for this wasn't smooth sailing and I almost cancelled it.Thankfully, it went through.
When God wants you to do this, and deep inside your heart you know you want to do this, He'll make sure it happens. At the time when we have to make up the minimum no. of 10 people, I simply just trust & believe. Deep down, I know He'll help make that number. Haha, come to think of it, how nice if we could make it a "12". The 12 apostles and disciples of Jesus. lol

Although I told myself and others to go there without expectations,
I kind of know what I'm about to experience.
Not overtly surprised by their hospitality & warmth.
But the living conditions were better than I thought.
I'm not always a fan of kids esp. if there's constant pestering.
But in this trip, I just told myself to let go and be a kid once again.

Nevertheless, it was another fulfilling trip. Gained more than I've given.
This trip was very much needed.
I think it keeps one sane in this modern society of ours.
To take a chance to give back what we've been blessed with
To touch & feel the world and people.
To know what's "free" love & unreserved love is.
I enjoyed carrying the kids, "throwing" them around.
Made me feel like a father.
This physical touch & closeness of kinship and family bond,
are very much lacking in our lives now.
And I'm really thankful for my foster family, for the times spent together.
It was especially touching for me when I got to help Krizia (only daughter)
to wrap her textbooks with the plastic film at night before sleep.
So her mum, myself and Krizia were doing it together.
I think Joachim somehow was there too to help us tear the scotch tape
while watching TV. =P

The children's joy & innocent laughter are antidotes to our weary and empty soul.
I enjoyed the special times I have with some of the kids during breaks.
They enjoyed my company too by just being there, huddling close to me
and amusing me with their silly tricks.
I'll never forget this small boy, Patrick.
On the last night when I was hanging around outside the loud booming KTV room,
he caught my attention and started to introduce himself
and wrote his name on sand.
Then we began having Math lesson. I gave him some simple Maths and he wrote the answers down on the sand. He enjoyed it tremendously. The glow in his eyes and the disappointment on his face when he didn't get it right. Cute!

And of course, I'm more than glad to be able to find someone like Paul who shares the similar passion in music and composition as much as me. He's really gifted.
What blew me away was how he just simply poured out his heart and shared about the stories behind each song that he wrote. Simply heartfelt, moving and real.
Something that we Singaporeans ought to learn,
to not always wear a mask, put up a defence system,
and ever so weary to pour out our hearts and share our real self with others.

It's up one level for me.
Learning about people and myself.
Not so pleasant things happened just before the trip to me
And the trip ended with us almost not being able to fly just because I didn't bring along my
credit card for verfication.
Oh well, I just learnt to count my blessings and not let the positive experience be marred by those few not so nice experiences.

words of wisdom

took it inside the toilet at Philippines Airport Terminal 2.

"...with all your heart."

Was at weekday Mass 2 days ago in SFA.

The words behind the altar never seemed to struck me...

coz it's so cliche...

"Come back to me, with all your heart."

And as I prayed, praying for my discernment of career and jobs,

I opened my eyes and those words spoke loudly at me,

"...me, with all your heart".

Tears were welling up in my eyes then.

And I discerned it as to serve him with all my heart.

which could probably mean I shouldn't really take up a job

at this point of time that will compromise my commitment

in the ministries that i'm serving in now.

I take that as a sign to help me progress in my discernment for a job.

Still, apprehensive.

it's not his fault...

random thoughts/theories that I've come up...

The tectonic plates are once again getting active

Moving and crashing into one another

It's just how the earth operates.

If not for this, there'll be no Alps or Himalayas.

We won't have a lot a lot of things...

Tsunamis...can't be helped.

It's just part of mother nature.

And when all these happens,

people might question where is God,

or He's punishing us.

Well...true to a certain extent.

But overall, it comes down to the

ultimate truth of how humans are living

in harmony with nature.

We know our ground moves and shakes,

esp certain countries...

there has been historical records...

But we humans think we can conquer nature

or we just want to try our luck.

We build irresponsibly, with unsound structures.

We crammed and packed living units.

We build up high. We have tourist resorts lining

beautiful beaches.

We stock up on our possessions and economic wealth.

And then when forces of nature strikes,

everything gone.

Does God not foresee this?

Why did he created Earth with moving tectonic plates

that threatens the life of human beings?

Coz He simply knows that we'll get out of control

with the worshipping of Money God.

So he uses nature to tame us.

See the amounts of aids and donations given to

disaster-affected countries...

Tt's probably trying to balance out the economic wealth

of countries...keep them in check.

And Singapore very smart...only gave $50k for the past

2 earthquakes' relief. lol

2 big ticks on the chart / /

thought my submissions days were over

but the past 2 days somehow brought back

a tinge of those days.

Blamed it on my last minute work

having to rush up presentation and briefing

for the Mission trip on the day itself

and on the next day frantically reading up and

preparing for the 1st Young Adults Cell Group.

Luckily there's the Little Rocks Scripture Study manual

if not I wouldn't have a clue of where and how to start.

Being a perfectionist, even last minute work

cannot appear slipshod.

I prayed really hard for the past few days.

Went adoration room, prayed the rosary,

abstinence, went for Mass.

I felt really apprehensive and insecure...

and maybe truthfully, I'm lacking faith...

due to my lack of preparations.

But God is really good.

the briefing went well.

Though the air tickets thing is still giving me

sleepless nights.

The 1st LRSS session was good.

Was very comforted by the fact that

a couple of the participants were actually

yearning for this kind of Bible study group.

And finally, their wait and pinning are over.

Their prayers have been answered.

Just hope that this will be a good fundamental start,

that we'll grow and able to do more in future.

Something quite unexpected was that I tried to end

the session by 9.35pm. And I thought everyone

is going to rush out of the room and head back home.

In the end, they stayed back and started chit-chatting.

Having a post session fellowship.

Munching chips and chocolates and sharing about

difficulties and struggles in their work place.

It was quite a pleasant sight.

And all went back satisfied at about 10.10pm.

This week seemed to pass pretty fast for me.

Coz of the intensive work I've been trying to clear.

But rather fulfilling and challenging.

Weather has been really hot and humid.

With brief showers here in the West.

am I really called to all these?

can't wait to get employed now...

working hard on my portfolio

seriously, without a reasonable source of income,

life can be quite miserable at times.

wrecked my brain and heart to send more money to Jay-R

the burden is getting heavier.

But somehow, He always let me see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Not a blackhole.

Eyes were very dry and tired.

So humid yesterday night.

Mission trip...time running out.

Young Adults Cell Group...1st session next week...got to plan.

Music Ministry...still needed around to guide them...

Choir...recruitment drive and easter vigil...

Church bulletin...yay...!

Fr John is pretty responsive and receptive about the new design format.

Small things accomplished along the way

But still many on hand to complete

Is this my mission as a Christian?

To live to Eucharist and to "break" myself and share with others.

My time, my resources, my talents, my commitment.

And someone shared during my Taize trip,

in order to serve, you have to be ready to break your heart.

Very true, heartaches are common.

And sometimes when I can't contain the pain anymore,

I let out with a cry...and my end up hurting other people as well.

So I guess I really need to pray better and harder,

for Him to help to take away the pain,

so that I may not scream and whine at others.

Lord, be my strength, be my healer.

it's 1.55am...

Seldom blog at this time...

but somehow just had the feel at this moment.

I love the smell of wet grass after a rain

and this smell...the scent of nature..

lingered on through the still of the night

the cool misty breeze...

And my moist hair..

just came back from Esplanade catching a a play

with John and Sarah

and a mini-catchup at Macs

followed by a $24 cab ride home at 1am.

today's train ride in the evening to Esplanade was unique.

It's the day of pregnant ladies.

One sat beside me throughout the ride.

Then came another one at Tanjong pagar.

Someone wanted to give up the seat.

But she said she's getting off the next stop.

Then came another one at Raffles Place.

And I got up. Offered her the seat.

And I got off at City Hall.

3 pregnant ladies encountered within 35mins.

Seems like Singapore's fertility rate has some hope?

just random blogging...

while waiting for my hair to dry...

A busy weekend awaits.

But kinda exciting. =)

"The Art of Racing in the Rain"

A novel that is narrated from the point of view of a dog,

and I think it's a Labrador Retriever.

A book that transcends the humour and family-oriented storyline of Marley & Me.

Can't believed that I managed to grab this off the bookshelves

when I was eagerly searching for a book on dogs for my sister's birthday present.

It's not as weepy and emo as Marley & Me.

It strangely reaches down one's heart and mind.

I won't be surprised that one day this will be up in the big screens.

one of my favourite lines,

"...one day you will find someone who stops the world for you..."

N.Y.Rs

put it less formal...

perhaps it's just my hopes and aspirations or checklist for 2010.

Haven't got a chance to sit down quietly, pray and discern.

So these are just off my head...

- Pass my IPPT (get a Silver hopefully. For ego and money.)

- Mission Trip in March to Philippines

- Not sing for Xmas Midnight Mass. Just wanna attend as a normal parishioner.

- Exercise at least twice a week, if not at least once!

- Gain in body mass, eat properly.

- Land myself in a job that is truly my hearts' desire and well-discerned.

- Digital Piano

- Pay off my bank loans (left $5k+)

- Form and stabilise Young Adults C.G

- Music Min able to run on its own with me just as an adviser.

- John to get back on his feet again.

- Multiply in love for my family

- (censored)

- Continue to be more vulnerable

- Write my daily journal, if not at least weekly.

- Finish up till at least one prophetic book/till Kings. (bible)

- Successful recruitment and leadership renewal for choir

- competent keyboardist for M.M & choir

- Write another song

turning 27 in 5 months time...

Did what I'm supposed to do...

Drove to Chinese Garden from church.

It was a battle of decision.

And i finally made my virgin run on the Jurong Lake

running route. Indeed awesome.

Rain clouds were hovering over me and wind blowing

quite strongly. But less than half way through the run,

sky started clearing up and I got to enjoy a bit of the

sunset. How lucky. Thank God.

Most people say jogging is so much easier than

swimming. Just need to wear your running gear and

off you go. But the INERTIA to even put on that gear

is really HUGE for me. Dunno why.

The panting and aching knees can be a turned off factor

But I do know the positive effects and joy after a run.

Dunno why. It just seemed so hard for me at times.

I would choose swimming over running often.

But running in a park with a lake really makes a whole

lot of a difference. Feels like i'm in Europe or something

haha.

Then after the run, which ended on the landmark bridge.

I stood on the crest of the bridge,

looking up at the sky as I cooled down.

Sun has set beyond the clouds,

and storm clouds were gathering on the opposite end.

The setting sun cast an orange glow on the storm clouds,

making it look splendidly nice.

But when the glow is gone,

it looked threatening and evil again.

Everyone of us could just be like dark clouds,

without the Light, we're just evil, scary beings.

Such a joy and blessing for having a car.

Can imagine Moli's joy of driving to ECP for Sat runs.

And Chinese Garden is really quite pretty.

Shall explore Japanese Garden next time.

Spring cleaned the youth room before the run.

So exhausting but fulfilling.

I hope I will clean my future house as diligently.

And I hope there're future youth leaders like me

who are cleaning freak.

I think I inherited my mum's genes.

A packed and exciting Wednesday awaits.

Still yet to come up with my N.Y.Rs.

I think I've contracted a Terminal Disease.

It's called Procrastination.

Happy 2010.

Had a brief look at my 2009 new year resolutions and hope....

I must say...quite encouraging.

At least more than 50% fulfilled.

God is good. =)

But this year really blew me away with a couple of things/events

At the age of 26, I never felt living a life so "full".

And just when I'm still taking it in,

2010 knocks on my door already.

Just like what Fr Henry said at thanksgiving Mass at Nativity Church,

I'm thankful for all the gains and losses I've been through this year.

In fact, the losses were eventually transformed into gains,

or they're just superficial losses.

A short thanksgiving list:

- A wonderful M.Arch thesis experience...

though in the eyes of many it is seen as a "failure",

but I've indeed gained so much that I've never have imagined.

Only He knows what's best for me. Only if I trust.

- The dream Europe Trip. Though delayed and lost some money due to that.

It was the perfect timing to go during Sept.

And what more can I ask when Moli and me were allowed to go on our own...

pseudo-honeymoon...lol. Discovered much more about ourselves and broke

down more barriers.

- The T3 Bible Studies Series. Thank God I went for it.

He planted that seed for the love of the Word in me.

Made a promise to myself to study the Bible from head to toe.

Not just bits and pieces here and there. Now onto Deuteronomy..hoho.

- The Purpose-Driven Life Book. Thank you Sarah and Olivia, for telling me about how good the book is. And I am truly thankful to have set

my eyes on this book when I went into HARRIS one day. This book

has taught and transformed me a great deal. Shed new light on

so many things and truly opened my eyes and heart.

- Asian Youth Day. This is truly the event of the year for me.

Mind-blowing. Stretched to the limits. Wow-ed to the max.

A pseudo Beatitudes to describe the people in Philippines,

"Blessed are the poor, for they shall be rich in love."

- NFFs (New Found Friends). Serving in the youth ministry, going for AYD...

my facebook friend's list increase by a hundredfold...

Thankful for the chance to share my faith and life with more people.

- A Toyota Vios (Family Car). Another huge blessing.

Though we're sort of contributing to the pollution of environment,

it really helps in making certain trips more convenient.

Multiple errands can be run within a day.

Fortunately, God struck me with Pope's Caritas in Veritate and

the Catholic News writing on Environment...

I'm really making a conscious effort to cut down wastage and

promote recycling. Hope I can try to push this through in our parish,

SFA, who is the patron saint of Environment/Creation.

- Part-time Youth Worker's role in SFA. Though not easy at times,

especially this Advent when Joachim is mostly out of action.

It was a time of testing and putting what I've learnt in AYD to practice.

Having to run Youth Retreat in the end without Joachim was daunting,

but I just learn to gladly obey.

While doing my journal reflection on the retreat on 30th night,

I stumbled upon Esther's random SMS sent a few days ago,

it was on the 5 loaves and 2 fishes. Here's my interpretation:

"Through trust and obedience, God will multiply whatever we offer Him

to feed His people. No matter how small it may seem.

It might seem impossible or you'll feel skeptical,

but don't reject it, step out in faith.

We will experience God's miracle and others will see God in our

lives and thus giving glory to Him."

Hopes and aspirations for 2010...

I will need another day to sit down peacefully and

pray about it. =)