Hymn of Love ::Life::

2010-07-27T12:57:00.000+08:00

Pro 16: 1-3, 7-9
The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established. When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Dear Abba Father,
Your ways are higher.
Direct my steps, as I plan my ways in my heart.
Guide me to think the right thoughts, say the right words, do the right things and walk the right way in You.
For You weigh the spirit.
I commit my future into Your hands, I know that your plans have not allowed me to fail and will not fail me.
I always remembered the experiences of love and faith I had with You.
The ones which I stood victorious over my circumstances, troubles, fears and challenges, because You were there, faithfully standing by me.
I needn't look to the left or right.
Because I know with You, I have nothing to fear, as if You are for me, nothing can be against me.
I thank you Lord, and I will perservere and continue to walk in Your ways.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

2010-07-18T23:24:00.000+08:00

Ps 61:1-2

Hear my cry, O God;

Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,

When my heart is overwhelmed;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Thank you Jesus, for loving me first.
There are so many ways you could just prove yourself as the son of God, as tempted by the devil, yet You chose to die on the cross.
Lord, I know that there are many ways ahead of me.
Only you know the fears and obligations I have. The circumstances I am in.
I chose to look to You.
I will continue to look to You.
Lord, I pray that You'll lead me to the path You want me to go.
Although I might not be able to comprehend now, I know that Your ways are higher and I trust in You.
I'm grateful and blessed for only You, Lord, love me no matter what I do or not do.
Thank you for being faithful when I'm faithless.
Thank you for going through all my emotional turmoils together with me.
Thank you for blessing me with people who truly care about me.
Lord, I pray for courage for me to move ahead, to where You lead me to.
And always I will stand on the rock, Jesus Christ.
I love You, my saviour, Lord, father, friend, lover.

2010-07-11T16:44:00.000+08:00

Does it mean that I'm ok when I smile?
Does it mean that I'm ok when I laugh?
Does it mean that I'm ok when I do what I need to/have to?
Does it mean that I'm ok when I do what you ask me to?
Does it mean that I'm ok when I don't say much?
Does it mean that I'm ok when I say everything?
Does ok really mean ok?

Sorry to disappoint. It doesn't.

I want my life back.
I want to live.
HAPPILY.

2010-06-27T00:56:00.002+08:00

Karate Kid is an inspring show to me. Simply awesome! Many may think it's a kid's show, yet the biggest lessons we learn in life do come from kids.

At the moment when I feared a lot with the challenges that I'm still facing now, what Dre said at this scene, something like, "Give me a chance to try, because I scared. And I don't wanna leave this place living everyday feeling scared", reminded me that in order to overcome my fears I need to face them. A kid could have so much courage, what more about me?

Another inspiring quote was, "Everytime we fall, we always have the choice to get back up again".

I thank God that everyday is a new beginning, a new chance to overcome my fears with faith, courage and strength according to Him. Thank God for this chance! Each day is and will be precious to me from now on.

I will fight! Cos when I chose to face them, I will overcome it. More I face it, more I'm getting less fearful.

2010-06-26T23:31:00.000+08:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson in Self Reliance

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.

With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do.

He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall.

Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day.

— 'Ah, so you shall be sure to be misunderstood.' —

Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood?

Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh.

To be great is to be misunderstood.

2010-06-25T01:59:00.000+08:00

God's righteousness

In Greek the word is dikaiosune, which literally means equity of character. Equity of character is to possess all good qualities in perfection and perfect balance.

[Let me meditate and fill in more revelations about God's righteousness and how we can seek his righteousness]

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Mat 6: 33
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:10

2010-06-25T01:12:00.001+08:00

I just wanna reiterate!

I'm a financial planner NOT an insurance seller.

Really wanna screw those people whose mind got blocked by some shit called- their own egos and assumptions=.=

Stop being stupid and still think you know everything!

Judge not, for you'll be judged.

Phase: Relationship filtration

Reminds me of my secondary school experiment.
Residue: those who stick with me.
Filtrate: those who run from me.

I wonder who are the ones who are gonna be the residue.

Just do it!

Get used to it!

Learn to like it!

Else, accept it!

2010-06-23T01:33:00.000+08:00

I've decided!

COME WHAT MAY!

I'll perservere till the end as financial planner.

I know that only here, I can achieve what I want in my life.
-Financial breakthroughs in my family situation.
-Being able to help and serve people. (really be of help, rather than just giving words or phyiscal affirmation).
-My own financial freedom.
-Fulfilling my God-given calling and vision: missions for children in poverty all around the world (ECH pasion)

I know to give up is easy, and I don't want to even make it an option.
I know I'll make it because Jesus said so.
STAY FOCUSED!
AND BE TEACHABLE TO BECOME BETTER EACH DAY:)
It really takes sacrifice.

Lord, I thank you for the wonderful calling you have given to me. It represents your grace and love for the people I can impact and love on your behalf. I pray you'll use me, daily as I come with helplessness and weaknesses. I know, through you I can do anything and anything is possible because you are the beginning and the end. You use the weak to shame the strong. Thank you for your promises for each part of the career. I pray that daily I will lean upon you, for strength, courage, love and even more and over flowing of anointing and wisdom in how I make decisions in my life and in my relationships with people around me. I pray that I can be a strong witness for you and let your name be high exhalted and glorified. Amen.

Calling
And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw and attract all men [Gentiles as well as Jews] to Myself. -Jhn 12: 32

God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness -Gen 1:36

And He said to them, Come [m]after Me [as disciples--letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men! -Mat 4:19

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” -Deu 31:6

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” -Jos 1:9

But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure. -Rom 8:5

Fact findingIn the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hands, for you know not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both alike will be good. -Ecc 11:6

I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. -Pro 8:17

And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you. -Eph 4:32

PaperworkAnd He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground,And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and [b]increases--he knows not how. The earth produces [acting] by itself--first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe and permits, immediately he [c]sends forth [the reapers] and puts in the sickle, because the harvest stands ready. And He said, With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use to illustrate and explain it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all seeds upon the earth; Yet after it is sown, it grows up and becomes the greatest of all garden herbs and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air are able to make nests and dwell in its shade. -Mrk 26:32

Closing
My Steadfast Love and my Fortress, my High Tower and my Deliverer, my Shield and He in Whom I trust and take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. -Ps 144:2

He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [ that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. -Mat 17:22

For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. -Pro 3:12

Is not your [reverent] fear of God your confidence and the integrity and uprightness of your ways your hope? -Job 4:6

What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. -Ps 56:3

Follow up
But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just ( noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience. -Luk 8:15

And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness. -Eph 4:23-24

2010-06-20T21:47:00.001+08:00

I shall name this post: The CROSSROAD.

I'm kinda afraid cos of the nature of my career as a financial planner.
The people that I have to lose in my life.
I dunno who I might gain though.

I don't want to let my lecturers down.
I surely do not want to let my managers down.
And of cos my leader, Alvin.
But am I letting myself down?
Or even God.

Where's the joy of the Lord?
Money or Happiness?
Can I be happy?
What makes me happy?

I hope weekends don't end.
And tomorrow never comes.

2010-06-18T23:14:00.001+08:00

Thank you Alvin.
For mentioning "Come What May".
Reminded me of my love for God, for ECH, even more for my loved ones- family and friends.

Never knew I could feel like this
Like I've never seen the sky before
Want to vanish inside your kiss
Everyday I love you more and more
Listen to my heart, can you hear it sings
Telling me to give you everything
Seasons may change winter to spring
But I love you until the end of time

Come what may, come what may
I will love you until my dying day

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste
It all revolves around you

And there's no mountain too high no river too wide
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide
But I love you until the end of time
Come what may, come what may
I will love you until my dying day

Oh come what may, come what may
I will love you

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place...

Come what may, come what may
I will love you until my dying day

15 appointments= 10 (law-commandment) + 5 (grace)

Dear Abba Father,
Happy Fathers' day! Thank you for being such a great father who pull me through all the milestones in my life so far- be it the good or the bad. Father, I know that you will do it again and again, cos you're faithful. You know my difficulties and fears in this career. No matter if I get my 15 appointments every week. I will still love you and serve the people around me as how you want it to be. Help me to find my conviction, my path of where you want me to go. You are the beginning and the end. You know where's my destiny. Lead me and show me the way. I know I can't do this alone. Cos all that matters now is to love you, have your strength, your joy and your will to be done. You've called me to love, and there are many ways to do so. Give me that rhema word to tell me which way. Give me the vision to show me the way. I need courage and assurance through journey to my destiny. All that I need is You. I pray that you use me to be a testimony for your kingdom and bring glory to you. I just want my life to be a gift to you. Come what may, I still love you. Amen.

2010-06-16T21:23:00.000+08:00

Happy graduation to Exceptional 62!

It was an emo moment at my graduation, watching the video montages, what we all went through together- classes, Boston, parties, dramas, etc and receiving the blessings from our lecturers from Ngee Ann Poly, Seed institute and Wheelock college, Boston.

I'm gonna miss all of them.

I really hope that we'll still be friends and remember each other as friends.

It's a new chapter for all our lives!

[Photos will be posted once I received them]

2010-06-12T21:48:00.072+08:00

Thank You Pastor Phil, for this message, which not only is the word in season for the church as a whole, but also for my personal life.

Patience is the ability to wait for a long time with a great attitude under immense pressure.

Trials prepares us for a bigger tomorrow.
Trials is always far bigger than what we can do today.

Preparing for tomorrow's battle.
Christ is the guarantee of glory.
God sends a trial to strengthen us and give us vicotry.

No weapon form against his people.

When we been through difficult times, we grow bigger.
Bearing the same kind of burden God did.
We gain in level of authority through each trial.
God has bigger plans.
Gof gives visions so that we have hope for the future.
Capacity to carry the dream of tomorrow.
Keep our eyes on the vision of God.

Expect it!
No ifs!
Build on the rock of Christ.
God will turn things around for those who love Him.
We will never understand the bad things that happen.
Changing others' perpective of me, through emerging victorious with God.
The worst problem became the biggest opportunity.

These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. -1 Pet 1:7

Distination is not as important as the journey.

1.Trials builds our faith.
Faith is trust in God.

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. -1 Pet 4: 1-2,

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. -1Pet 4:12-19

2. Trials purify our lives.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect -1Pet 3:15

3. Trials bring glory to God.
When the trial becomes a testimony.
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. -Mat 14:22
Crown God in the midst of a storm.

3 things to learn:
1. Teach us to focus on the right thing.
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead -Phi 3:13

2.Teach us we are never alone.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you. -Isa 43:2
Where can I go from Your presence?

3. Teach us the need for His presence.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” -Mat 14:27
Rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.-Ps 16:11,

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over. -Ps 23:5

Assurance of everything will be alright.
Look at the cross not the trials.

2010-06-07T01:21:00.001+08:00

When I tried hard to be part of your life and stay as a part of your life, it is because I've learned to treasure you whom I know I can't lose.
Not because I'm a financial planner and I need you for business.
But I do my best as I care.
And I know who could be a better than me, as I only know I truly care about you.

It seems that we are/already drifted apart.
To think of it, I felt sad.
And yet, I can't help it.

I'm first Ada, then I'm your friend, then I'm a financial planner.
Not the opposite.
Can't I care in the position of Ada and a friend?

2010-06-05T01:30:00.002+08:00

Happy 5 year anni dear dear!

Thanks for putting in so much effort in planning.

I know I'm the one who is supposed to do it cos I'm not in camp like you.

And for the super long walk together!

Food-

Salmon Fettuccine
Pizza Ham and pineapple

White Wine - St Gewurzt Spat
Red Wine - Nevis PiNoir

Location: The Wine Company @ Evans Road

LOVE YA DEAR!

If I were to disappear now,

I wont regret these 5 years with you.

2010-06-03T01:15:00.007+08:00

Guess what?

My bro just went overseas without letting us know beforehand.
And he forgot about my convocation.

If you think a meal can replace your presence, forget it.

I'm disappointed and upset.

To take a family portrait can be so difficult. Can't believe it.
To those who have family who really care, pls treasure them.

2010-06-01T01:18:00.001+08:00

Purpose forgoes obligations.

But can purpose be not forced and influenced but comes from the heart?

I do not need anyone to believe in my dreams.
Neither will I allow anyone to stop me except God.

Considering about leaving... ... ...

2010-05-31T23:43:00.000+08:00

26-30 May: 2010 Asia Conference is simply awesome!

Here's some exerpts and new revelations from the sessions I've attended:

David Yonggi Cho
To run with the giant we need to be giants ourselves.
1. Powerful message.
5 fold gospel: salvation, fullness of holy spirit, devine healing, blessing, the second coming.
3 fold blessing: spiritual blessing, blessing of circumstance, physical blessing.

Through thinking, vision and dream.
2. Work of the Holy Spirit
Not have the attitude of slavery.
Eze 3:7

3. Importance of prayer.
Work is proportional to prayers.

Moves as God moves.
By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. - Exo13:21
Like the cloud.
Bring and welcome the holy spirit daily.
Depend on the holy spirit.
Together with the holy spirit desire for true future.

A form of enclosure.
Clothe our desire with reality and God.

See as God sees.
Speak as God speak.
Write the scripture.
Bring to realisation.
4th dimension by faith.

Faith is believing what the bible says and it will happen.
Keep proclaiming until it happens.

God is looking at what you have and what you don't.
God looks for willing and humble person, not able person.
When we're together with Jesus, we're everything.

Prince Guneratnam
If God has given the vision, it will come to pass. It is a promise. There's no need for others to agree with the vision. Believe. The Lord is looking for you who believes in what he is going to do through you.

2 elements of vision
Breaking is faith before making. God specialises in the minority. All you need is to have God on your side.
1. Make sure that the source of the dream is God. Don't follow others blindly. God will not fail me.

2. Let God be the resource of the dream. Depend on him. God gets the glory.

3. Use what I've got. Not hold back what I have. This is who I am, what I am, take all of me.
5 loaves and 2 fishes: The 12 baskets of bread crumps given to the boy!

4. Don't let the dream intimidate you.
When god gives the dream, it's always bigger than me, because it'll make me dependant on him.
It's either believe or have no faith to see it happe.
It's only shared between God and me.
Do not live by sight but by faith.

John Advancini
Reward motivated.
David would have never killed goliath if there's no reward (to be king).
It's in us so that God can move us out.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. -1 Cor 9:24

God died for our abundance.
If you give little, you will receive little.
Look at the reward, not what what you give.
It brings more joy.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. -Heb 11:6

Phil Pringle
Seek Him, not what He can do.
Prayer is the key.
Faith is persistence prayer.
Do not lose heart.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. -Js 5: 13-18

First purpose of language is creation not communication.
"Let there be light."
God wasn't speaking to anyone.
Our words shape our world.

Psalm of David: transition from God, He, to you. The progress of intimacy of relationship with God.
Start every sunrise with prayer.

Reinhard Bonnke
Plunder hell to populate heaven- the effect of the glorious gospel.
God goes with the goes. He doesn't sit with sitters.
It's the testimony that was brought forth.
God has no maximum.
God is for us who can be against us.
The key is the holy spirit. The holy spirity has no substitude.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. -Mat 28: 16-20

It's not a promise. It's a statement of fact.
"I am with you always."
It's the power of God. Jesus gives the anointing.
The flames on our heads represents the fire of God.
Dignity is not a fruit of the spirit.
Joy is the fruit of the spirit.
Joy of the Lord is our strength.

Heart of God
I will go and you will do the miracle!
My word in your mouth is just as powerful as your word in your mouth. The point is to obey the Holy Spirit.
Not what if nothing happen. The holy spirit is a healing spirit. Any miracle is possible.

The great commission, the supreme commission.
If you want to catch fish, throw your net into the ocean.
Be on the scene not just the screen.
Message we carry into the world- Jesus died on the cross- it's real.
Working relationship between the work of God and spirit of God.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. -Gen 1:1-3

The Holy Spirit was waiting for something-spoken word of God.
Original message.
Original apostles.
Don't wait anymore. God's waiting for us to be ready.
Not us waiting for God's calling.

Our weaknesses attracts the holy spirit. Should we not be worthy?
Jesus prays for us.

A.R. Bernard
The cultural mandate is the theology of person and place.
Person in interaction of women at the well: Transformation of people, then they went on to the transformation of place, literal redistribution of wealth.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. -Jhn 1:1

Original intent of the mind of God.
Lack of focus that's why people go from the place to place, job to job, image to image.

3 things to be focused
1. Clearly articulated world view- cosmology- understanding of development of world- biblical world view.
2. Core values. Protects our thinking. Actions come from thinking. Gospel is link conscience and heart. Our conscience either accuses or excuses our actions.
3. Core purposes. Why we are here? determines what I am doing while I am here.
Don't confuse movement with progress. Else going in circles. These brings consistency then security then testimony.

Edward Gibbion- Success of Christianity in Roman empire.
1. Uncompromising zeal of the Christian conviction. Absense of a narrow unsocial spirit.
2. Doctrine of teaching of present and future life with improvement of the human condition.
3. Mirculous power experience in the Christian church.
4. The pure, moral and spiritual discipline.
5. Uniting presence.

Independent for in the heart of empire.
Agent of change.
Changing right here and now.

Self esteem- feelings
Self-concept- thinking
The closer the self esteem and self-concept, the more positive the self image.
Our self image: image of God.

2010-05-25T00:20:00.001+08:00

Categories of people:
1. Myself.
2. Family.
3. Relatives.
4. Friends.
5. Friends' friends/ relatives.
6. People I don't know.

I admit that I am affected by how people think of me.
BECAUSE my life is surrounded by people.

And when I started my career as a financial planner.
Stigma. Rejection. Postpone. Having people leaving me or shun me. Discouragements.
~~~ coming my way.

PLUS I need to put up a strong front in front of my parents.
I'm so afraid I might go into depression.
Cried so much that I didn't know I had so much tears.
I need to be strong, cos I'm the only one my parents are counting on now.

Many said why be so stressed?
Or why don't I just go back to ECE?

But I will fight to be a different financial planner.
I just need to chance.

To not sell anything that can't be afforded.
To not sell anything that is not wanted.
To not sell anything that is not needed.

But who sees my intentions?
To bring love to serve, bring hope to help, bring perserverance to build lives and success.
Y is it so difficult?

Jesus, if you could draw all men to u, with ur unfailing love.

3000-5000 men to your meetings.

I pray for that anointing.

Just like how u preached, yet some don't believe.

Just when u died on the cross, yet still some deny you.

But u prayed to the father to forgive us still.

I'm eternally grateful.

Help me to be more and more like you.

That you don't give up under such circumstances.

Yet keep on keeping on.

Lord, I believe. I know you will make a way.

And without you I'm nothing.

I can only make it with u.

No matter what people will say.

Ultimately,

Who can resist the image of God?:)

How difficult can it be?

JIA YOU ADA!

2010-05-20T01:05:00.001+08:00

男人做决定是为了让自己好过

女人做决定是为了让别人好过

2010-05-19T00:34:00.002+08:00

The SOAR Training is simply amazing!

I've learnt:

1. Love myself more so that I can love others more. (I realised that I don't really write good things about myself)
2. I'm ENFP: the Most Optimistic. "Giving Life an extra squeeze", people oriented, creative, seeks harmony, life of party, more starts than finishes.
3. How much I want to help and make the difference. I'll never forget what Xavier and Zuby said, "If one day you are caught in the situation when something happens your love ones, you would want to be the one who is there to help them, practically- through finances, rather than having something to happen then take the guilt that if you were to protect them, they would be better off now".
4. A financial consultant don't just plan people's life, they change people's life as well.
5. Me vs. A stranger. I'm always gonna be the one who wants to help from my heart, esp people whom I love so much.
6. To be serious about myself, my life, my career, from there, I am serious about people's life and finances.
7. Objection ---> Objective.
8. Repect.
9. Appreciate and celebrate little things in life.
10. GIve real praises and tobjective suggestions.
11. Tell me MORE!
12. Child (feelings), Parent (concern and worries), Adult (what I can do now) in every conversation. STAY BLUE!
13. Stroke OFTEN and REGULARLY.
14. Ice Berg Theory (Who we are and who we are seen as is affected by how we portray ourselves to ourselves and others)
15. Scan, Opportunity, Act, Review.
16. Choose to undergo the painful transformation to change NOW!
17. Life is 10% of how you make it, 90% of how you take it.
18. When people like you, they take the opportunities to say YES.
19. Say GREAT over and over again!
20. SMILE!
21. Point my heart towards them.
22. Synchronize body language and pace of speech.
23. No matter how hard life is, as long as you follow your heart, it can't wrong.
24. Paraphrasing works in gaining rapport.
25. To accept who I am, love me!

& more to think about... LIVING.

2010-05-15T23:43:00.015+08:00

Congrats Yvette Toh!

Have a blissful marriage!

Heard this song at the wedding.

Really very sweet.

I'm happy that you've found the right guy!
I'm also super happy to see the Wheelockies!
It seems that it has been sooooooooo long!

When God Made You
Its always been a mystery to me,
How two hearts can come together,
And love can last forever.
But now that I have found you I believe,
That a miracle has come when God sends the perfect one.
Now gone are all my questions about why,
And i've never been so sure of anything in my life

Oh I wonder what God was thinking,when he created you.
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because he made all my dreams come true.
When God made you, He must have been thinking about me.

Ooo ooo,I promise that wherever you may go,
wherever life may lead you,
With all my heart I'll be there too.
And from this moment on I want you to know,
I'll let nothing come between us,
and I will love the ones you love.
Now gone are all my questions about why.
And I've never been so sure of anything in my life.

Oh I wonder what God was thinking when he created you,
I wonder if He knew everythin I would need,
Because He made all my dreams come true.
When God made you He must've been thinking about me.

He made the sun He made the moon,
To harmonize a perfect tune,
One can't do without the other they just have to be together.
And that is how I know its true,
Your for me and i'm for you and my world
Just cant be right without you in my life

He must have heard every prayer I've been praying
Yes he must've knew everything I would need
When God made you,
When dreams come true
When God made you,
He must have been thinking about me.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I listen to this song.

God, is the one I have now the right one you made specially for me?

I am still uncertain,

if I've found the right one,

why am I feeling this way?

*5 years soon*

I'm tired.

I'm confused.

I'm afraid.

I don't know what to do anymore.

I want to sleep.

AND

hide.

2010-05-10T00:00:00.000+08:00

I can only get better:)

2010-05-09T02:11:00.006+08:00

I wanna thank God for true friends in my life:)

Friends who are willing to let me try and practice, even though I know that they do not have the finance to buy anything. It's fine with me. At least I get to try:) -Bestie Shing, Dawn, Izzah, Birdy friend, Marlena.... (believe more will come!)

Thank you Brandon! For your message which came on time.
It wrote: "Ada! Whenever things seems like its going no where, put your trust in God and He shall make a way for you. Be strong for His love is sufficient for you. Love you!"

Thank you dearestest! For your message which reminded me of God's promises.
It wrote: "We're limited. TIme time time.. Like we always say try out best! All thingd work out for good those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose! Things will eventually work out de. Keep your mental strength there!"

Thank you Dale for the word about the faith like mustard seed during offering message for cg.
It helped me think about seeing vs faith (things that are hope for), to see and have faith it's easy, but not seeing it doesn't mean tt we can't have the faith:).

Thank you Alvin for the word about Faith as not the absence of fear, but moving on even with the presence of fear. The process: Hearing, Believing, Praying, Receiving, Confessing, Visualising, Acting. I need to keep on keeping on!

Thank you Ningzi for being so encouraging:) I would have given up without what you said, "You will make it one day". This mean a lot to me.

Thank you Yvette for the post on your blog: Even if we are not meant to be together with someone in life, no one is gonna take your love away. You can always spread your love to other people! That's how I will handle the rejections:)

Thank you Dear! for being there for me always. You know that at home I need to keep my tears to myself. I need to be strong that's y I can only cry in front of you and secretly to God. Thank you for putting up with my emo-ness. I dunno what has come over me as well. I will and am learning to count my blessings.

Definitely, I must thank my biggest fan! My mama! Who supported me in this profession even it costs her insecurities:) 我会努力的! Happy Mothers' Day Mummy!

Thank you God. For being there to listen to me. Only you understand 100% for what I'm going through with the HS living in me. The emotions. The fears I have. The number of butterflies in my stomach. The things I dread. Help my helplessness, Oh God. I know this is a test of my faith as I've always been motivated by my love for people. But now, people do reject the love. And although I treat others like how I want others to treat me, that is always not the case right? I understand. Expectation management. I wanna fight for you in your bet with the devil. I know I'll be victorous at the end of the valley, like David, Job, Jesus. I know with every tear I drop and every step I take out of my comfort zone, you'll fight for me. Faithful God.

[ Be Patient and Persevering ] Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.

-Js 5:7

2010-05-07T02:10:00.000+08:00

Dying >.<

I've started work for 2 weeks alr. And I can say it has been the toughest. Work is not as fun as I expected.
Well, I could say I only love the part where I get to meet my friends! Heh! Financial planning is not easy. Most people around my age would think that it's still early or it anything such as critical illness, disability, accident, hospitalisation wont happen (cos we are young). I dunno how to bring to their urgency about this, as it's really scary if it really happens and you're caught unaware.

Probably, because of my personal exp, that's y I really 'feel' it. My dad has heart attack and kidney failure beginning of last year. Today, he went hospital again due to a lump in his gum (I hope it's not cancerous). It made me feel really helpless about what's gonna happen. Plus, my dad is not covered by insurance, cos it's alr too late. We're paying $1450 at least just for dialysis, not including medication and transportation costs. Cos of this, I'm going into financial planning, instead of Ech. I seriously want my mum to retire soon. I know her knees are going to give away soon climbing 2 storeys to her office everyday. I dunno how long our finances can fund these health issues.

First, I need to learn and train about product knowledge and exams (which I have passed).
Second, I need to learn to handle rejections (which I know I can't). Life is not that easy (Izzah, 2010). I do wanna meet people with the heart to help them, it is not about selling products! Probably it's the stigma of the profession, that I get rejections. I certainly do hope that I don't lose my friends cos of my profession. This has led me into a daily emotional status.
I learnt something about myself through the DISC test which I did that I'm a counsellor pattern. WHY! I dislike it! Cos why do I always live for others and care more about others than myself. I was told I need to be more task oriented rather than being too concern about people's feelings. I dun wanna become selfish:(
yet, I need to do what I need to do, which is to get my quota of people to meet every week. Moreover, most of my friends are either in NS, not yet working, overseas.. where can I find ppl to meet. How? Save me God. I'm so burdened!
Third, I need to learn how to do a proper presentation and e-sub. Kinda dislike admin side of the job too.
There's lots I need to breakthrough and overcome.
I don't wanna feel like out of control and helpless.
ARGH!

2010-04-27T02:15:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEARESTEST!
I slp only for few hours and rushed like crazy to get ur board done!
Hope you like it!
Heh!
Of cos the surprise is not very surprising cos of the stupid aircon that blew from the tuition centre!
HAHA!
You know how much I love you!
I just wana make your bday a special day:)

Thank you Bestie Shing for your sacrifice too! I believe your enemy will appreciate it! HAH!
Love ya too!

2010-04-22T22:58:00.000+08:00

Live the mission, Live to love!

People: Da Wheelockies, Mr David Fedo and Mrs Susan Fedo

Location: Rainbow Centre

Stations: Outdoor, Storytelling, Drama, Art and Craft

Food: Nasi Lemak and snacks from mama shop set up by the children

Weather: Hot, with rain in the evening

2010-04-14T00:23:00.000+08:00

*Drums roll*

Taaaaaaa Daaaaaaa

Presenting...

....

...

....

The Last day of sch!

Woo hoo!

I know I will miss the Wheelockies, esp margaret family and the school days.
I want to cry, but I prefer to withhold tt feeling.

At least it marks the end of ~~ASSIGNMENTS~~.

2010-04-09T01:07:00.003+08:00

I missed those days.

I dunno what has happened.

Change can be so drastic?

Or is it due to personal ego or benefit.

Often I asked why.

I've done my best.

I know we can't be like how we used to be anymore.

Sadness overwhelms.

I've let go.

Thank you those who listened and encouraged me.

The worse week of my life.

Bye.

2010-04-05T01:13:00.004+08:00

Thank you dear dear for the flowers.
It really came on time.
Sorry tt I cried not just cos I was touched.. but cos I was sad as well.
I love you so much.
Thank you for always being there for me.

2010-03-14T01:22:00.001+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR DEAR!

Hope you really like the presents!
22 items of accending numbers with 22 different meanings.
Thanks for being part of my life and my pillar of support for these 5 years.
I LOVE YOU more than anything.

2010-03-01T00:48:00.000+08:00

Happy birthday Hsueh Mucus!

I love you!

And I kept my word with regards to the balloon!^^

Hope you liked the presents and surprise:)

2010-02-14T11:53:00.000+08:00

I'm not gonna be in N283 anymore.
I made me kinda sad and insecure.
I dunno if we really came together because we are a cg or because we are friends.
Time will testify.
But I know it's a new beginning with E424.
Change will help me to grow.
God, your plans are higher.

2010-02-13T00:57:00.000+08:00

Vday outing with my margaret family!

Kushinbo Buffet!

Love love!

2010-02-07T00:42:00.000+08:00

THANK YOU DEAR DEAR, N283, WEIYI, IAN and WEE YONG for coming to surprise me on my birthday!

It's the best that I ever had:)

It really touched my heart that yall planned to trick me in expo, just giving me a small cake and a box of mochi=.= and then surprise me (which made me choke when I was eating the small cake) =.=

IDIOT LKK! You pakat with them also!

Really thank you so much for the blessings and efforts to plan!

Love all of you!

2010-02-06T01:00:00.001+08:00

Thank you my margaret family and gou you karryn for the bday surprise in the midst of presentation, dino balloon, bday cake drawing and the beautiful watch:)

Really appreciate all your efforts and crazy ideas!

Love ya!

2010-02-03T12:04:00.000+08:00

JACOB BALLAS CHILDREN'S GARDEN!

Here we come!!!!

Fun filled day with my group mates for play assignment :)

For the first assignment for the first week of the final 8 weeks.

Gambatte!

2009-12-30T23:46:00.001+08:00

CG Appreciation and Christmas Celebration!

With fun gift exchange and great food prepared by Brandon's mama, we ended the year as N283! In preparation to commemorate our friendship, Bestie Shing and I made friendship anklets for everyone who came. And of cos, for our dear friend, Ren Zheng, who met with an accident, we have prepared to sabo his mortal, (YOU KNOW WHO) with newspaper wrapped present with nothing inside. HAH! It was fun! and of cos, great fellowship!

I really thank God who brought all of us tgt, else I won't get to know my 2 besties! Sharon and Ks! Heh! I really learnt to treasure every single cg meeting and member, as it's really a sacrifice to come tgt to gather to worship God tgt every wk. Other than God, they were the special chosen ones whom God placed in my life.

Else, I would have left long ago when GX left church.

No matter the ups and downs, we've braved tgt. More importantly, you've left footprints in my life. I hope I left mine too. I love all of you!

2009-12-12T00:23:00.000+08:00

Congrats Jia Ling Jie Jie and Alex!

This is the first wedding of my generation!
When's gonna be my turn? I'm like the 4th eldest amongst my cousins! Goodness!
Anyway! I'm so happy to see most of my relatives! HEH! Especially uncle Paul and uncle John.
Of cos, I hope Jialing Jie Jie and Alex will have a blissful marriage ahead!

2009-11-08T00:09:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BESTIE SHARON!

I hope u liked the surprise! HAHA!
Specially planned for someone specially to me.
Thank you for being that someone who won my heart:)

2009-10-20T13:48:00.019+08:00

Happy 21st to Meli and Jas!

2009-10-16T13:34:00.018+08:00

Thanks for the reminder Tian Jie!

Characteristics of True Worshippers
-Willing to sacrifice and wait on the Lord.
-Patient.
-Let go and Let God (according to God's timing).
-Not strive to always be in control.
-Feed on God's word (the truth).
-Make decisions onto the Lord fully.
-Do not be compelled to make decisions to 'solve' problems there and then.
- See things through the eyes of God.

Jhn 4: 23-24
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

2009-10-15T12:24:00.001+08:00

HAPPY 19th BDAY MY BRO!!!

I know you don't like your pictures to be up. Yea.. so we turn into cartoons on your bday! HAHHA!
Thanks for being my bro and trying your best to be the best one:)

I love you!

2009-10-14T11:54:00.034+08:00

Hee!! My mama's got off today!!! And it's the first time that she's suggesting to go out for a family meal!
After she accompanied my dad for medical check up, we met up for lunch at Ah Yat Abalone Restaurant. We didn't have abalone but had 50% off dim sum! Very very nice!!! Really enjoyed with my family.
Thereafter I went with my parents to Bishan to the CPF board as well as to send my dad to KDF. It's the first time I contributed for my dad's medisave. I gave $500, an amount I took at least 2 to 3 months to save up. But I know, my pocket won't be empty for long, cos God is timely. I just need to wait patiently for more job opportunities and blessings to come. Thereafter I went to meet my bro for K!!! at Katong shopping complex. It's the first time we K tgt!!! Goodness! Aren't we siblings? Teo Heng's pretty cool! The system's touch screen!! I find playing with the system quite fun! I sang many songs that I didn't sing before, with the help of my bro, who's the K encylopedia. Then, we had Katong laksa for dinner and headed home together.

I really thank God for all the family time spent tgt today. If it's not for His grace, opportunities wouldn't arise. My family relationship really has improved tremendously since I've got saved. I'll never forget the times when my parents didn't even talk to each other, when they were at the brink of divorcing. And how difficult it was to even have a meal tgt. When my dad got admitted to hospital due to heart attack and kidney failure, how physcially and emotionally draining it was for the family. But God is good. He allowed these testings to happen so that we could go from where we were to where we are now. I'm grateful and I lift all these up upon His glory, that all these belong to him.

Act 16:31
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Here, I claim their salvation, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

2009-10-12T11:22:00.019+08:00

I wanna say a BIG thank you to Mrs Tan from a childcare located in SK that she really showed me how important it is to meet good people when I go to work.

Thank you for the complain email to my in-charge.
Being late is my fault definitely and I sincerely apologise that I didn't apologise on the spot (that you are able to deem me for being rude when you're the one shouting at me).
And of cos, I apologise for not finding the entrance at the side of the church with a small path leading into the church (when the previous researchers could find it when the main entrance is locked).
Indeed, dress code wasn't specify (if you wanna make it sound sacastic- 'it should be common sense').
But I already tried my best to do the assessments quick so that I wont affect your 'tight schedule', Mrs Tan.
First, I was given an enclosed place with no fan nor aircon. I have nothing to say (I really thank God that I wore shorts). And I really dunno why, the children has to eat 4-5 times a day (super noisy). Environment not conducive. nevermind.
I had 8 in the morning session (WHICH I FINISH BEFORE TIME) and 13 in the afternoon session with only 2 hours! Worse still, I waited for about 1 hours in between and at least 5-10 minutes for one child to come and sit in front of me!!! =.= Thanks for being so thoughtful to have planned everything just for 'me' as you said.
And btw... I'm not a thing. So as you have describe me as "An Adeline", I think you seriously need to go for some English grammar course. I respected you as a principal that why I didn't rebuke (well, I'm seriously reconsidering that now).
'Professionalism' huh? If it's judged by how you dressed, you are the perfect example Mrs Tan. Congratulations.

Thank you Mrs Ruth Teng, Mrs Krishnasamy and Mdm Lee for your great hospitality that really spurred me on in this career. I really appreciate your kindness in giving me a comfortable environment to do the assessments, lending me umbrella when it's raining, walking me to the classroom, helping to avail the children, etc... Finally I could see some light from the darkness. And I'm believing for better principals to meet in the future in the childcare field. Else, who can blame us for not staying in the field and children not having better education due to high turn over?

Not so discouraged (ratio 3:1), but frustrated so I need to vent a lil else I'll get depression.
God is still good. At least when people fail, God never fails:)

2009-10-06T10:55:00.001+08:00

HAPPY 21ST LAO DA OF AG!

Part 1: @ 7ate9

Not so fantastic desserts

Good ambience

Bad music from the open theatre

Tonnes of pics

Part 2: @ Blk 260A

12 Midnight surprise!

Roses, Video, Card & Cake

And unpreparedly dressed lao da!

Success with liasing with meng meng

Chit Chat till late like nobody's business

[Closed with a finally more glam photo of lao da]

2009-10-02T01:29:00.028+08:00

I am so impacted by the miracle of the feeding of the 5 thousands in Mat 14 and subsequently, feeding of the 4 thousands.

In our carnal eyes, with that little 5 loaves and 2 fishes, it is impossible to feed the 5 thousands.

However, our God is a great God. There's nothing within his power he cannot do for us.
All that we have, our talents, skills, knowledge, opportunities, environment, circle of influence, even challenges we face, goes through his permission.

Mark 8: 19-21
19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
They said to Him, “Twelve.”

20 “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
And they said, “Seven.”

21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”

We need to understand that if we want God to work the miracle, we need to give our 5 loaves and 2 fishes.
Be it, our talents, dreams, ambitions, worries, etc.
NEVER belittle what you have and what you are facing.

YOU are that YOU whom God has created, died for and planned to succeed.
God wouldn't despise someone He created.

THINK..
What are your 5 loaves and 2 fishes?

There's no gift you can give to God that's too small.
God loves who you are, guides you to the best you can be, his lovely child.

2009-10-01T01:50:00.001+08:00

dear Jesus,

thank you for your grace upon my life and for providing for me.
you are so sweet.
you are always on time and faithful.

thank you for
-the training with MOE as a research assistant (good pay) was a good opportunity where I could apply what I have learnt.
-the love from tammy's parents that they invited me to stay for dinner after tuition, the gifts they gave, the advices they give in helping me in my career and constantly looking for opportunities they could help me financially.
-subhas, my dearest boss who pays me on time and pays me well.

all these would not have been for the love from you.
thank you for using people around me to impact my life and blessing me in my coming in and going forth in my workplace.

you made me feel loved.

love,
Ada

2009-09-30T01:06:00.001+08:00

Celebrating THE LAST SCHOOL DAY in school uniform!

With lovelies again!!!

HOHOHO! YAM CHA @ Chinatown!

As promised to my premium, die die must wear..

Mine sure look so jap school girl!

*Can't avoid stares man*

Haha! Last day, still act hardworking in school library.

THANK YOU LOVELIES for the enjoyable day!!!!

2009-09-28T01:22:00.000+08:00

I OFFICIALLY DECLARE!

NO MORE STATS!!!

2009-09-26T12:39:00.079+08:00

WORDS

Pst Kong preached a good sermon today.
It really impacted me alot as I've been a distrustful person towards what people say.
I would chose not to believe in words, until it come to pass, rather than be stupidly discouraged thereafter.
I really had enough of broken promises and blatent lies!
Although after hearing the Word didn't change my distrustful attitude towards people, I learnt to examine myself to not fall into the category myself.

We often say, words can kill, be the man of your word, what you say you become, etc...
When we open our mouths to speak, we speak words to people around us and even to God.
We speak everyday of our lives, don't we?
That's how significant words are in our lives.
Be it a Christian or non-Christian, Man or Women.

What's more?
God is particular about His Word!
In pursuit to being Christ-like, we should be particular about our words as well.

5 Principles about God's Word
1. God's Word is the expression of His nature.
Jhn 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
What we say shows who we are.
If you use vulgur, it shows that you are a crude person.

2. God's word is the measure of His Character.
Mat 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
God in His Character will never fail.
What we say shows how much people can depend on us?
Ps 15:14
In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the LORD;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change
Even if it costs embaressment and inconvenience, the word swore will not change (integrity).

3. God's word is magnified above His name.
Ps 138:2
I will worship toward Your holy temple,
And praise Your name
For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
Often we pray in God's name, as His name is greater than anything.
However, God deemed His word greater than ALL His name!
His name is as good as His Word.
4. God's word is the source of faith and the rule of conduct.
Rom 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
When we promise to do something, the person whom we promised has faith that we are going to do it.
When we do it, their faith increases and their rule of conduct becomes more positive towards us.
Likewise, when we don't do it, their faith decreases and their rule of conduct becomes more negative towards us.
Who can we blame?

5. God's word is His bond.
Heb 6:13
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,
There's nothing that God can't do! Cos He is God.
The Word that He gave is good enough- the absolute irrevolcable.
Pro 20:25
It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,

And afterward to reconsider his vows.
Mat 5:37
But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
Our bonds holds us accountable- a guaranteed deposit- trust.

Dear God,
I pray that you help me to forgive those who fail their promises in my life and also forgive me for those that I failed.
As you've said in
Luk 11:14

And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
I pray for reconcilation of relationships due to the failure in promises.
Help to learn to say know when I can't, learn to say yes when I can.
Let every decision made be unto you, I pray that if a yes I've said, you will help me pull through it even if it's of inconvenience and embarassment.
In Jesus mighty name, I pray.
AMEN!

2009-09-24T00:58:00.001+08:00

A destressing time with lovelies!

Madnessly gorging ourselves with food after Stats test 2!

Braindead!

Still thanks to Weiwei! [er herm.. and the guy who tends the machine]
We caught Ah yi, Ah Er and twins Ar San and Si!

YAY!

LOOKING FORWARD TO DIMSUM BUFFET TGT!

2009-09-20T01:52:00.002+08:00

Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism.

David M. Burns

To my sense of "wanting to do my best": I hope that won't turn into perfectionism. People make mistakes and they shouldn't be judged by "not doing their best". Their "best" might not be the same as mine. Still, I need to get over the fact about the frustration I get, when I just can't see the effort and the attitude when I'm already trying very hard to FIND it.

You can't choose how you feel, but you can choose how you deal with it.

Anonymous

To my disappointments: You are always there. The daily challenge of my life. I'm gonna deal with you somehow- not by running away or ignoring it. You are not gonna pull me down. Expectation management- Well, I can't not expect anything >.<

If people did not do silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done.
Ludwig Wittgenstein

To that stupid "afraid to be pai say" feeling: Shoo! It all starts ugly! Doesn't it? If you wanna learn, why be afraid of having the humility to learn? It would be worth to be pai say now then to regret later (when you get too pai say to even take the first step).

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

B.B. King

To my beloved Abba Father: Thank you for giving me the talent to learn and to understand easier than those who can't. Thank you for the opportunities to learn and the conviction to continue to be different. Thank you for helping me understand the beauty of learning:) I want to do it to the end, and I can't do it without You.

2009-09-14T01:58:00.047+08:00

Fools for Christ

Context:
King David wanted to move the Ark of God to Jerusalam. While moving it, one of the the choice men of Israel, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it. Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God. 8 And David became angry because of the LORD’s outbreak against Uzzah.

1 Sam 6: 14-16
14 Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.
15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.
16 Now as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

David, irregardless of his status as King, danced in public, with shouting and with the sound of music to bring in the ark of God into Jerusalam.
He looked like a fool in the eyes of Michal, Saul's daughter.

1 Sam 6:20

20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”

Many people around us are like Michal.
They deem us as foolish people and despise
1. Our effort to love, when we are rejected or not appreciated.
2. Our effort to try again and work hard, when we fail many times.
3. Our effort to dream, when we have nothing to our name.
4. Our effort to be faithful to God and the church, when they are out "enjoying" themselves.

BUT!

1 Cor 2:11
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

1 Sam 6:21-22
21 So David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the LORD. 22 And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor.”

God has chose us to be different.

Deu 7:6
6 “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.

1 Pet 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

So...

I encourage my fellow Christians to keep on and keeping on.
We are the difference, we can be, which Our creator made us to be.

Salt of the Earth, Light of the World.

2009-09-11T00:53:00.001+08:00

The crazy dim sum feast at night with my dearest N283:)

It's been very long since we had such quality fellowship.
I believe God is doing something great in our midst:)
Thank you those who are willing to come although it's really very late.
Thsnk you JY and Dale big ro for sending us there:)

Here's the feast!

And now it's gone!!!

2009-09-09T00:59:00.002+08:00

Take 9s on 090909 with dear dear:)

I wanna 長長久久 with you

I love you!

Leck Kok Hiong Daven!

2009-09-08T00:45:00.001+08:00

The lazy bum at home,

whose butt sticks to the chair,

and eyes sticks to the computer.

Can't even be bother to cook for himself.

Well, that's my bro!

YET

He cooked specially for me,

Cause I am home today:)

I felt to touched and loved!

Awww...

Thank you my sweet bro!

YUMMY!

It's really the thought that counts:)

2009-09-06T00:43:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MUMMY!

Although there are many times that I disappoint you, I know that you still did your best to love me without condition.

Thank You.

I love you.

2009-09-06T00:27:00.002+08:00

thanks dear dear!

for ajisen again!

I love the soup:)

and of cos, I LOVE YOU THE MOST!

2009-08-30T17:01:00.004+08:00

A tribute to Micheal Jackson

who loved children and people and peace.

We are the World
There comes a time
When we head a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can't go on
Pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of
God's great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need

[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me

Send them your heart
So they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand

[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me

When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There's no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well, let us realize
That a change will only come
When we stand together as one

[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me

Heal the World
spoken:
Think about the generations and to say we want to make it a better
world for our children and our children's children. So that they know
it's a better world for them; and think if they can make it a better
place.

There's a place in your heart
And I know that it is love
And this place could be much
Brighter than tomorrow.
And if you really try
You'll find there's no need to cry
In this place you'll feel
There's no hurt or sorrow.
There are ways to get there
If you care enough for the living
Make a little space, make a better place.

Chorus:
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for
You and for me.

If you want to know why
There's a love that cannot lie
Love is strong
It only cares for joyful giving.
If we try we shall see
In this bliss we cannot feel
Fear or dread
We stop existing and start living
Then it feels that always
Love's enough for us growing
Make a better world, make a better world.

Chorus:
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race.
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for
You and for me.

Bridge:
And the dream we would conceived in
Will reveal a joyful face
And the world we once believed in
Will shine again in grace
Then why do we keep strangling life
Wound this earth, crucify it's soul
Though it's plain to see, this world is heavenly
Be God's glow.

We could fly so high
Let our spirits never die
In my heart I feel
You are all my brothers
Create a world with no fear
Together we'll cry happy tears
See the nations turn
Their swords into plowshares
We could really get there
If you cared enough for the living
Make a little space to make a better place.

Chorus:
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for
You and for me.

Refrain (2x)

There are people dying if you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me.
There are people dying if you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me.

You and for me / Make a better place
You and for me / Make a better place
You and for me / Make a better place
You and for me / Heal the world we live in
You and for me / Save it for our children
You and for me / Heal the world we live in
You and for me / Save it for our children
You and for me / Heal the world we live in
You and for me / Save it for our children
You and for me / Heal the world we live in
You and for me / Save it for our children

I remember I sang these songs when I was in Primary school.
Even so, it still meant as much to me as it did then.

2009-08-29T16:38:00.001+08:00

The Suki Sushi Buffet Challenge

Paricipant 1: Dennis

(Who used the leaf deco under the Mochi to pao mei mei by advertising on the sushi travelator)

Transcript: Dennis 9****** Looking for pretty girls

Participant 2: Kaishing aka. Bestie Shing

Cheese Mussels lover

Please vote for the best expression.

One: The tearing. Gan Dong!

No 2: Sedap!

No 3: Looks a bit like worship but then! It's fei shang tian le!!!

Paricipant 3: Weiyi aka Kitty

Face black black, looks like kanna forced to eat sushi. LOL!

Of cos!

Participant 4: Daven and Ada tagged team!

Oh no!!! We have one more participant!

Sharon! Ni zai na li!!!

Quickly send me the fotos in your cam la!!!

2009-08-28T16:26:00.013+08:00

Happy Bday ah von!!!

Thanks for always being the giving one:)

Happy birthday to PAPA too!!!

I love you mama and papa!

I thank God that you both went through thick and thin, now that you're found back your first love for each other:)

Next sun's my mama's bday!

My bro says he's gonna treat!

I'm looking forward for a family meal tgt!!!

Ps: A big Thank You Dale Big Bro for driving me home after sending tian off.

I made it for my dad's bday!!!:):):):)

2009-08-26T16:09:00.002+08:00

It is true that sometimes people take each other for granted (I don't know how many people can agree to this - I hope I'm not talking about anyone of you).
They call on each other when they need smt or need help.
Often, "when is it convenient" then I will make time for you.
That's what the so called "friendship" or "kinship" are for?
I don't wanna expect anymore.
Cos I had enough dose of disappointment.
Do as you deem fit.
If you couldn't care less, I don't see why I should go the extra mile.
Maybe I care too much.
Goodbye to those that don't deserve to be in my life.
Probably you'll forget me soon or I'll forget you soon.
But it's okie, it won't be a burden for both parties for very long.
Just a note to say: Ada is not a constant.
If you wanna be stay in my life, do your job and I'll do mine.
It always takes two hands to clap.

I thank God for you dear:)

Ada & Daven

Thanks dear.

You touched me with your sincerity.

You made me feel special and important to you.

At least you made the effort, no matter the inconvenience, you came to school to fetch me.

Although you didn't like Ajisen, you accompany to eat & even bought the membership card for me.

I love you!

2009-08-24T17:34:00.000+08:00

Catch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3d6SFcDys

This is simply awesome! A masterpiece of a father's love for his daughter.
Touched..

2009-08-23T14:32:00.004+08:00

Today's supposed to be kite-flying day with N283!

But.. it's raining! So sad!!!

Plus this could be the last time we could see Rachel and Reanne (Tian's nieces) before they go to Germany for 2 years.

So, we went Swensons to have some small bites with the kids.

Look at cute Reanne!!!

Tian's going Germany for 2 weeks~!!

After Dale sent them home, we went Chomp Chomp for a good meal of the usuals.

As dear dear's booking in late and there's still some spare time, Sharon, Dennis and I went Ice cube for some desserts.

Pretty amazing that we could still eat after a sumpteous meal!

Sharon's zhao pai dong zuo - Hey!

Wo shi Sharon! -The memorable greeting!

That's Dennis!

My dear dear:)

And me!

Hohoho! I love the candle!!!

And of cos, the waffle with Brownies n cream & Butterscortch syrup!

Yum Yum!

2009-08-22T00:57:00.001+08:00

Welcome to N283, new friend Sharon!!!

I'm so proud of you bestie! U breakthrough! Wore skirt and make up!

You look good! I'm bringing my new friend to svc every wk! Woo!

Thanks Weiyi for the beautiful pics!!! Love 'em!

2009-08-21T01:27:00.000+08:00

I FOUND MY COVERED WEDGE!!!

I WANT!!!!

US 29.95 per pair.

White or black???

Any votes?

2009-08-20T02:13:00.000+08:00

YAY!!!

I can swim without the float board!
Unbelievable that muscle memory really works!
Considering that I haven't been practising swimming for 2 months!

Thanks dear for your guidance and not giving up on me.
Thanks for being patient and learning from bio-ing other instructors around on how they teach swimming and use the methods on me. YOU ARE MY PRO!
I still remember the many times I clinged onto you cos I'm afraid when my feet can't reach the bottom.
And of cos, how I was able to even put my face in the water fully submerged.

Hee! I'm motivated now!
Just more practise on coordination and I'm DONE!

Next up, 10 K marathons and cycling!

With you with me:), I'm not afraid anymore!!!

2009-08-19T19:17:00.003+08:00

The SWEET Tweet with Abra Gang!

2009-08-18T23:56:00.041+08:00

Dear's victory over the snow shell crab

The first round!

Teppanyaki Salmon and Beef. YUM!

Our feast!

Man! Who can resist the desserts!

Green tea vanilla and soft serve I made!

Thanks dear for the treat to Kushinbo:)

2009-08-15T02:02:00.019+08:00

Went support my dear premium lover for her pageant!

Had a sumptuous 9 course meal!

It's been v long since I dress formally and do some makeup!

I'm so proud of you dear premium!!!

You did it!!! You did all the things that I never think Evon would do!!!

I was screaming for u okie!

Even when the whole room was quiet!

2009-08-13T17:50:00.006+08:00

Thank you abra gang for my first sushi meal aft coming back from Boston!!!

I was craving for it like crazy!!!

It's always fun with you girls!!!

Next date: Swensons buffet!!! Woo!

2009-08-13T01:27:00.000+08:00

Finally, I went on my first kite flying experience with dear dear:)

After all our trial and error, we gave up trying cos no matter how the kite just won't get up!!!

In the end, we asked someone who was also flying kites nearby to teach us.

YAY! And we succeeded!

It was very very fun and exciting to get the kite in the sky!

Thank you so much for acc me!!!

And for fulflling what you promised dear.

I love you!

2009-08-09T01:28:00.001+08:00

Happy 44th Birthday SINGAPORE!

I thank God that I'm in a country..

1. Safe with my family and friends.

2. Free of protests and riots.

3. With no natural disasters.

4. Allows me to learn more than 2 languages:)

5. With diverse cultures, races and religion.

6. WITH good and a wide variety of food.
7. Clean and green (NO CHEWING GUM ON THE FLOOR).

I wish Singapore prosperity and unity in the future!

2009-07-29T14:47:00.000+08:00

Thank You Maggi for sending this to me!

It's really so true:)

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat .. . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe....
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to
hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the
longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe....
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life..

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them..

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe....
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when
it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and
have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When
you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be
angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences
you've had
And what you've learned from them and less to do with
how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world
doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced
who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe....
That even when you think you have no more to give, when
A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from
you too soon.

I Believe...
That you should send this to all of the people that you
believe in, I just did.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the
best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us
throughout the journey of life...

2009-07-28T21:33:00.001+08:00

I wanna go watch STOMP!!! (After watching Blue Man)

Who's on?

Synopsis by SISTIC
The international theatrical sensation STOMP is back – fresher, faster and funnier than ever, with brand new routines!

With unstoppable energy and toe-tapping exuberance, STOMP takes the clutter and junk of everyday life – everything from boots and bins to Zippo lighters and tractor tyres… including the kitchen sink - and transforms it into a pulsating, witty, utterly irresistible theatrical event.
To date STOMP has set feet stamping, fingers drumming, adrenalin rushing and feel-good flooding through audiences totalling 14 million across 43 countries, from Las Vegas to Sydney. The show is now in its 7th year in London’s West End and its 16th year on Broadway.
STOMP is a unique multi-award-winning combination of percussion, theatre, dance and comedy that consistently wows audiences and critics alike with its infectious rhythms and ‘pure stage magic’. STOMP will get your pulse racing and leave you stomping for more!

Don’t miss STOMP 09 – Fresher, Faster, Funnier!

Through SISTIC Website, Hotline & Authorised Agents
S$50 for Students (up to 18 yrs old)
Full Time students with valid student pass.
S$70 for Family Package (2 adults, 2 students up to 18 yrs old)

2009-07-23T01:31:00.050+08:00

Went on the duck tour to summarize my Boston trip!

Just wanna say a big thank you to...

My family:)

My CG members and besties!

*Special thanks to sharon for the scrapbook of CG pictures that see me through these 5 weeks!*

Those who talked to me online- Tian, Weiyi, KS, Gou Jun..

My dearest Margaret Family

Geri

The interns and Lauren:)

Xiao Xiao Han Bao Mei NINI Tan!

Gou You, Karryn!

Ma Premium Lover:)

My dearestest, Ger!

Lastly, my dear dear:) Who sometimes fell asleep while talking to me on video call.
Thank you for sending the card and the photo collage over.
I miss you

Few hours to departure:(

Bye bye Boston!

2009-07-21T11:40:00.004+08:00

Dinner at Sharples' House

thank you so much for having us!

the place is just so beautiful:)

Zi Pai again with my premium lover! HAHA!

Muacks!

2009-07-21T00:21:00.000+08:00

2009-07-20T00:03:00.001+08:00

Visit to Museum of Fine Arts with my dearest premium lover!!!

It's the first time I learn to appreciate arts!

I love the sculptures and paintings!

Especially the sculpture of Jesus and Mother Mary

(made me think of how amazing our God is and His grace for sending Jesus to die for us).

And the anitique pianos!

Well, the egyption sculptures and some religious sculptures are quite scary though.

A worth it trip definitely!

After asking 5 passerbys on how to get there!

And of cos in exchange of a boring talk in school.

2009-07-18T15:49:00.001+08:00

The "un-fantastic" Dim Sum Hi-tea + Poor Cus Svc @ Chinatown, Boston MA
I miss Ding Tai Fung's Xiao Long Bao!!!

PS: Qing Lu Zhuang Day with Premium Lover

2009-07-17T12:56:00.007+08:00

A marvelous day with Amirah sweetie, my premium lover and dearestest @ Boston Children Museum

My bai ma wang zi <3

I want this hairstyle!

Bubbles!

Zhu Guang Wan Can with my premium lover^^

Special Picture for DALE!!!

You're popular in US too!

I'm so proud of u!

Where's my name?

The toot and the pai gia students! Shang Ke le!

Thank you Thank you! We're on TV!!!

Wooo~! Fun Fun Fun! I'm strong!!!!

2009-07-16T14:53:00.002+08:00

Visit to a public school with an inclusive system
Many visual aids were designed so that children with special needs were able to learn to their best ability as well.

2009-07-16T13:23:00.001+08:00

Last day of school!!!

Woo~!Tada! Here's my Parent-Teacher Communication lecturer, Lauren!

She's also the one who interviewed me for my resume.

Thank you for all your help:)
And instilling in us the Wheelock Spirit!!!

For my own reference...

Resources sites for conversation and discussions with 3 guest speakers

http://www.early-years.org/about_us/

http://www.childcareexchange.com/

http://www.onetoughjob.com/

2009-07-15T13:41:00.015+08:00

Observations at Wheelock Family Theatre
We observed a group of children aged 12-16 rehearsing for their performance. I was very impressed at how children are able to have the confidence to perform on stage at such a young age! Although in Singapore, we do have year-end concerts for preschools, children seemed to be 'forced' to take part in it. The stress to be perfect is tremendous for the children.

I do think that it is beneficial for children to be exposed to drama, especially at a young age. On stage, I see children who are very confident (even when we were there, they weren't apprehensive) in speaking, expressing using their body language and even dancing! There was eye contact throughout the rehearsal. With side-coaching from the director, the children are able to change any mistakes on the spot and the children were also very reflective as well (they were able to provide suggestions to better the performance and try it out).

These traits are all what most Singaporean children lacked- the confidence in expression of thoughts, reflecting and the willingness to listen and try out suggestions. I feel that it is in the atmosphere that the teacher sets in class for children to be able to vocalise and be proactive in their learning, as we are always afraid of making mistakes (in meeting expectations of colleagues and parents). For myself, I was taught in a more structured and rigid setting. What the teacher says, we can't question. In fact, in the current school settings, comparing Wheelock American Lecturers and Singaporean lecturers, the approach to teaching is very different. I enjoyed my classes here at Wheelock campus more than my lessons during my Diploma days and the extension class I've had in Singapore. I was able to say what I want to say in this "no right or wrong" setting.

As Wheelock students, I see that we need to step out of our own context and comfort zone. If only we initiate, we then can make a difference in the Singapore Education. Be the change we want to see! I hope that even after this Boston Summer Immersion, we are able to advance as a cohort in providing quality services to parents as well as children. More importantly, we need remember to appreciate teachers (each other) for their efforts in wanting to serve more and continue to look out for one another:)

A short clip of their rehearsal

2009-07-15T10:02:00.011+08:00

Site Visit to Corner Co-op Nursery School

The program of this school is very unique. It is parent and teacher co-run. Parents are given a job to do in the school. They can be stationed at different corners to make sure that children are always under supervision. Parents also teach in the school on voluntary basis and they are given work schedules just like the teachers. They had to sign a pledge form to acknowledge their commitment to the school too. These shows how the school brings parents and teachers to the same position in power sharing. It is interesting to see that the diverse families that were integrated and commited in the school.

There's a teacher who served the centre for 25 years with 3 kids who were there. Her kids now come back to the school to volunteer in the summer program. There's very low turnover rate in the school, which is pretty impressive, unlike in Singapore. I guess it is the nature of the program that allows teachers here facilitate more rather than teach. Play and emergent curriculum is the main focus. Children are said to be able to initiate and choose, be free and responsible, experiment and discover, play and make friends. They plan for both spontaneous and planned activities, which the children are free to propose and to choose from.

Another teacher who brought us around had tatoos on her arms and hair dyed pink. I was surprised how open American is. It's impossible for teachers to do that in Singapore. At some centres, parents would even complain that teachers paint their nails. But, first impression does play a part. I believe in Singapore, no one would look upon a person with tatoos and pink hair as a professional. It might not always be in the looks, but looks still does matter.

Moreover, many of their materials are donated by parents or church members (from the church which they rented the premises from). The involment of parents as well as the donation of materials are great ideas for centres which are going on low budget. Especially in Singapore, where we are more stringent with money. However, I don't know if this would work in Singapore as parent volunteers in the school have flexible working hours and some for not working. Moreover, sometimes I find Singaporeans too pampered to accept used toys for their 'precious' children.

The only things which I think are possible for Singapore's preschool is the parent pledge form and donation of the toys (which don't look too old). We can make it a point upon the enrolment of their child to inform them of their importance in their children's education and required commitment to the school through the use of the pledge form, which can include the requirements as follows: reply daily communication books, read the weekly E-newsletter and the quarterly newsletter, contribute to the parent resource centre, update the class blog, volunteer as a helper, pitch in when special projects are undertaken, attend important school events and meetings, join the school’s parent support group, pay school fees and any miscellaneous fees when due, etc, which are of a lower commitment in comparison to those at the Corner Co-op.

2009-07-14T12:47:00.000+08:00

Talk: Media and its influence on children

As technology advances, many products has allow children to fall in "low quality" play. There's less creativity, social skills, and problem solving skills developed in children. I see the need to decrease screen time for children and allow them to learn through 1st hand sensory experiences. These products (PSP, WII, close ended dolls and toys) has robbed children of their innate nature to play. E.g. Barbie dolls and Disney princess dolls will direct children in playing them in a certain way. In comparison, a dog puppet, children are able to name is any name they want it to be and play with it with their own creativity.

As teachers, we need to educate parents in terms of how to chose the right toys for children. Especially in the early years, where the windows of opportunity are open (brain development), children should be given the opportunity to think.

Some techniques/ ideas that were suggested by the specker were staying connected with the child (What do you know about this?), TV rules (no TV on sunny days), Alternative activity (Other than watching the TV, I can.... ), Involve in children's play and help bring them back to reality (bring in real people like doctors to solve the problem instead of power ranger), before buying the toy, ask the child what he/she can do with it), Ads are liars (Write about a toy that is not as good as you thought when you bought it)...

WE NEED TO DECREASE SCREEN TIME!

2009-07-14T11:39:00.000+08:00

We are off to...
THE Beautiful and Gigantic BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY!!!

PS:
We are not that hardworking..
Act act only..

2009-07-13T10:59:00.009+08:00

THE BLUE MAN GROUP ROCKS!!!!

This is the most creative and entertaining show I've ever watched!
It started off with text in red which flashes across a panel. It gives instructions to us, the audience, to what to do, like "reading" a birthday song to two of the audiences (cos it says not singing), no videorecording else they'll activate the ejector from our chairs, thanking some people in a audience for marking the centre of the audiences, blah blah blah..

It's just so funny! WE ARE DOING STUPID THINGS TOGETHER!- like the rock concert movements.

The performance was a combination of percussion using pipes (that glows in neon colours), water drums, drums and a band! With the use of technology (lights outlining a real person doing a dance with a whipping stick) whip cream on screens to project images), lights, neon paints, food (jelly, crackers) and effects of their stage presence, it's WOOOOOO!!!! Awesome man!!! Plus theatre- the 3 Blue Man acts, eats and vomits from the hole in their chest! Super funny!!! They were also pro at catching gum balls with their mouths. One of them used the colours ones and painted a picture by using the gum balls (which I dunno how), while the other caught the white ones and made it into an artistic model using his mouth.

2 people from the audience were asked to go on stage. The lady was made to wear a blue "women" vest and dine with the 3 blue men. At first we thought it was pre-planned, but we realised that how the lady reacted was quite normal to just follow what the blue man were doing. They were really good at predicting how the audiences will react. The other was a guy who was made to wear a white robe. He was brought backstage, hunged upside down, painted blue and swung to paint a picture on the canvas.

The whole show ended with a toilet paper party. The blue men were dancing in disco lights and ultraviolet light. The neon tubes hung from the ceiling glowed in the dark! Even my white top glowed in blue. We were sitting the top section of the theatre. When we thought we were more of less safe, the blue men climbed up!!! And under the neon lights they look so scary! They seem to be wearing a mask of zombies~!

I was engaged throughout the almost 2 hours show! I won't even wanna blink cos everything is so unpredictable and I don't want to miss anything part of it! I keep thinking "what would they do next?" And the amazing thing is.. there's no script! Everything was done through miming! Definitely a show that I'll never forget!

2009-07-12T02:28:00.000+08:00

Prudential Centre -Cheesecake factory, PF Changs & Shopping!

Mary Eddy Baker Library & Mapparium

The First church of Christ Scientist

2009-07-11T21:30:00.000+08:00

Salem- Witch History Museum, Witch Dungeon Museum & New England Pirates Museum
Too many pictures..
I guess pictures speak louder than words..
Enjoy!

2009-07-10T23:25:00.015+08:00

Issabella Steward Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum displays an art collection of world importance, including works that rank among the most significant of their type. Isabella Stewart Gardner collected and carefully displayed a collection comprised of more than 2,500 objects - paintings, sculpture, furniture, textiles, drawings, silver, ceramics, illuminated manuscripts, rare books, photographs and letters - from ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance Italy, Asia, the Islamic world and 19th-century France and America. Built to evoke a 15th-century Venetian palace, the Museum itself provides an atmospheric setting for Isabella Stewart Gardner's inventive creation.

The museum and the garden are really beautiful. Sadly, we can't take any pictures in there. Probably to preserve the art works better. There are art pieces with Jesus and his disciples as well as with Mother Mary, made with different art techniques used- oil painting, carpeted pictures, photos, etc. It would be better if someone guided us through to help us better understand and appreciate the artworks though. Also, we watched a live jazz performance too! I think that the atmosphere (dim lights, victorian furnitures) compliments the performance itself. Thank God it's neighbourhood nights that we got to do family activities- making jewelry and designing our own foil magnet! I made an anklet for myself using colourful beads and buttons! Other activities are origami and mini treasure chest. These activities are really fun! Children are engaged in exercising their creativity in meaningful ways (the things that they make can actually be put to use) and also honing their motor skills. I feel these materials are easy to find in Singapore and can be used in our own classrooms to do art or even a visual representation of what they had learnt in class.

Cold Stone Ice cream!
It's the first time I actually ate ice cream in Boston! Cos the weather is sooooooo cold! Where is summer???

This ice cream is similar to the Marvelous Cream in City Link, Singapore, where they had ice cream mixing on the cold tablet! http://charlinary.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/marvelous-cream/

Yummy!!! That's our strawberry banana rendervous!

2009-07-09T12:59:00.004+08:00

Drama Class with Ellie

Ellie is a clown or an entertainer. She's simply amazing! I was so engaged in her class and I want children who are in my class to be as engaged as I was in hers. She has helped bring a different light towards assessment and teaching- they go hand-in-hand. I learnt a new idea of using drama games to assess children creatively, instead of using assessment tools. More importantly, it helps to save time and effort so that we do not need to plan extra tasks for children's assessment.

I like the game "Tag", where Everyone Is “It.” All are “it,” when you are tagged you sit down. You are up again and “it” along with everyone else, as soon as the person who tagged you sits down. It would also be a good ice breaker for children to get to know one another by recognising faces through the use of their concentration.

Another game that I enjoyed is "Listen to Move (Walk/Stop)". It teaches children to listen, remember multiple facts at ones, thinking and responding in the moment and opposites. The gamemaster will say "When I say “walk,” you stop. When I say “stop,” you walk", which will be tried out a few times. Then, the leader will add on another variation "When I say “say your name” you jump. When I say “jump” you say your name" and more as the game goes. It's really fun playing this in a group. When I was playing this game, I learn to "cheat a little" by look at how others react, so that I'll react correctly as well.

The "Texture Walk" is also fun too!!!! I think it's especially useful in teaching and assessing Science and it requires our own imagination to walk on different texture! I liked it when there's no right or wrong as it is our own perception of how we will walk on different textures. The game goes like this: All will walk around the room and gamemaster says textures that either group is walking on, or that fill the whole space and group walks through. Some textures can be "ice, snow up to the knees, hot sand, pebbles, cool grass, gravel, hot sticky tar, etc" or room that is filled with "water, marshmellow, peanut butter, strong wind,etc."

Another activity, "Silent Verbs and Adverbs" is especially useful for teachers to teach and assess action words and words that describe actions. Since young, I find it difficult to understand these words from the textbook, thus I feel children should move and experience the words for themselves! Children will be able to learning what verbs and adverbs are, comprehend specific verbs and adverbs, learn interesting verbs and adverbs for increase of vocabulary, learn to read words by sight. The gamemaster makes up large signs ahead of time with selected verbs and hold up each verb so all can see, while the players move the way it says to move. Same with adverbs, except the gamemaster decide one way to move for every word—we will always walk but the words will tell us how to walk. The gamemaster can say the words or not, or call on individual children to say each word.

"Color Your Words" is pretty interesting too. It assesses children on their comprehension through speaking and reading. As children in Singapore are required to go through oral examinations in Primary school onwards. Being verbal expressive, clarity and projection (being loud enough) in reading and speaking is important. Moreover, to be able to express through the sensitivity of intonation, projections and pace, children needs to comprehend the words. It also expose children to new words to make writing more expressive. What we did was that we sat in a circle and everyone repeats each word after the gamemaster, who can say the words or just hold up large paper with each word written on it. She will count 1-2-3 and on 3 say the word so that the players express the meaning of the word. [We did not express the meaning with our body, even though we usually do]—this is to exaggerate expression with our voice. Say each word one at a time. Some examples: cold, stormy, harsh, warm, calm, etc.

These activites were an add-on to what Susan Kosoff taught us last semester. I love these ideas that I could try out with children in the future:)

2009-07-07T00:36:00.002+08:00

Wheelock Teacher Resource Centre

The visit to the resource centre was an eye-opener for me. Looking at the variety and types of materials such as toys, hand-made materials, art materials, computer sofeware resources, guide books, books for children, inspired me to want to try out everything in the room and bring them into my classroom in the future. I am especially interested in the educational type of games which helps children to learn through play. These materials can also be used in play therapy work with children.

One of the places where we could get unique educational resources that was introduced to us was the Henry Bear's Park, located walking distance from our campus. Web: http://www.henrybear.com/ The toys were pretty interesting,and I could adapt some of it and make my own to be used in class:) and maybe if i want to set up a games cafe for children or a parent-teacher resource centre in Singapore.

2009-07-06T10:11:00.003+08:00

Someone from The Jumpstart Program came to talk to us today. We learnt that the Jumpstart model is based on an extensive body of research and practice that demonstrates the lifelong impact of one-to-one early connections between children and caring adults. They focus on three key areas – School Success, Family Involvement, and Future Teachers – to improve early childhood education in the classroom and beyond.

As teachers, we need to learn to look at how these three key areas connect to each other. Assessing ourselves (values, cultures, backgrounds which we came from) and how our expectations which are shaped affect the relationship with families. I believe that learning starts at home. Parents are children's first teachers. For myself, apart from learning knowledge from my parents like how to count, how to read, etc, I also learn how to relate to people, and shape my values and priority according to how they did. According to Albert Bandura's social learning theory, it is true that children learn by imitating adults. Thus, we have to set good examples when communicating with parents, as children are good observers as well.

Their goal is to build literacy, language, social, and initiative skills in young children, in which they pair college students, called Corps members, with preschool children in caring and supportive one-to-one relationships for an entire school year.

I think this programme would really benefit the children as they had college teachers paired up with children individually (like private tuition in Singapore). Individual needs can be better met as teachers plan specifically to meet their needs in learning.

Their three primary goals are:
School Success: The one-to-one relationships at the core of the Jumpstart model build literacy in combination with social and emotional readiness. As they believe and has seen that consistency, commitment, and caring relationships prepare children for school and help to create a lifelong love of learning.

School success is something very relavant to Singapore as our education systems focus a lot on the academics. The language skills as well as mathematical thinking skills the main focus in summative tests. It is appropriate to look into the social and emotional readiness of the children (emergent learning). But! As Singaporeans, we still have the KIASU (we must be the best and first in everything, so doesn't our children) blood in us, which causes us to hurry the child to learn, to do more than they can age and developmental appropriately. Thus, I feel parent education is very important. In these three-prong approach embarked by the Jumpstart, the teachers, parent and children learn from each other.

Family Involvement: Jumpstart's focuses on three areas of family involvement: building strong relationships, ongoing and consistent communication, and the Jumpstart-home learning connection. Jumpstart provides learning activities for the home, thereby reinforcing the learning that takes place during Jumpstart sessions.

I think family involvement has already been done in Singapore. However, it's not about the quantity, it is about the quality. It always takes the extra mile for us to meet the needs of both parents and teachers. For example, to bring in a translator to help malay teachers translate English lessons to children who came from China (which is quite common in Singapore currently). The main concern is the manpower and the extra cost to have another person to come into class.
Also, the Jumpstart programme helps families build their own home libraries by sending home books for parents to reinforce Jumpstart sessions to their children. Information boards were done up to provide parents information about activity sessions and they also do their best to keep activities short and simple so that parents who are busy would be able to do it with their children, which I feel is quite applicable to parents in Singapore, who are usually dual-income.

Future Teachers: By working with college students, they help to create new generations that are not only excited about early childhood education, but also have developed the skills to make a difference. In partnership with Pearson, they’ve also started the Pearson Teacher Fellowship, which supports select college graduates teaching in low-income early education centers for two years.

For eight-months each year, our college student Corps members attend twice-weekly, two-hour Jumpstart sessions at a preschool. Each of these sessions consists of three elements:

One-to-One Reading: Children choose books to read with their Corps member, and the Corps member uses the dialogic reading method. In this method, a natural rhythm is established promoting both reading and more in-depth discussion.

Circle Time: In a large-group setting, Corps members lead children in activities that combine literacy, language and social interaction, such as singing, finger-plays, and movement games. During Circle Time, children are welcomed and made to feel like a part of the Jumpstart community.

Choice Time: During this longest period of the Jumpstart session, children create a plan and choose where to play. Corps members guide children to develop and carry out their plans and to review it at the end of each session. During Choice Time, children may also participate in small group activities. These activities, which are planned by Corps members, provide opportunities to experiment and solve problems in ways that are meaningful to each preschool child.

In addition to these Jumpstart sessions, Corps members also spend 2-5 hours per week in Classroom Assistance Time (CAT). During this time, Corps members provide support not only to their partner child, but also to the classroom teachers. CAT allows Jumpstart to reach more children than those who participate in one-to-one sessions, and also allows Corps members to gain valuable early childhood education experiences.

This experiences seemed to be rather interesting and similar to my attachment periods. I feel that it would be more meaningful to me if we had such sessions in Singapore as well to help us build our experiences and confidence as teachers. However, often we are rushed to take on many roles the moment we start working in the childcare (some of us even as interns), thus starting from small groups and individuals can be a good place to start for us.

2009-07-06T00:45:00.001+08:00

Lunch is in today! A professor came to talk to us during lunch time about a music band/company called Hugworks. They specializes in bringing therapeutic entertainment, music therapy, comfort and encouragement to hospitalized and physically/emotionally challenged children.

Hugwork music, written and produced for young children, is fun and upbeat, encourages the healthy expression of feelings and helps boost self-esteem.

Healing Hearts and Spirits at:
-Hospitals
-Rehabilitation Centers
-Community Events
-Schools
-Early Childhood Centers

It was pretty interesting to know how music therapy can be conducted and linked to our field. (I'm always more interested in therapy than teaching ^^)
What they are doing now, is what I really wanted to do, to help children to cope with their stresses in their lives.

According to their website http://www.hugworks.org/

They believe that music and children go together…
Music appeals to children because of their natural playfulness and their tendency to be very much in touch with their feelings. Music and song seem almost “magical” in their ability to reach children deep inside at a feeling level. Listening to and/or participating in a musical experience helps children express themselves – expression of feelings is a healing thing.

They serve children with special medical and emotional needs in two ways:

Therapeutic Entertainment
Jim Newton and Paul G. Hill have been singing for kids with special needs since the early 80’s. They regularly provide entertainment for hospitalized children at 5 Dallas-Fort Worth area medical facilities, and in periodic tours to children’s hospitals nationwide. Their sensitive, caring presence and the quality and appropriateness of their repertoire ensure an uplifting experience for the children and families they serve. In playroom or clinic programs – in rehab, ICU, or hospital room visits – Hugworks provides songs of healing and hope.

Music Therapy
Elizabeth “Bizzy” Tober, MT-BC, provides weekly music therapy for children in 4 Dallas-Fort Worth area children’s medical facilities and at the Southern Methodist University Music Therapy Clinic. Bizzy has 7 years experience in music therapy and she facilitates positive change in the lives of children through structured music experiences. In clinic groups, transplant units, or individual room sessions, Bizzy Tober’s music therapy helps kids.

We viewed a video of a song Best I can be, I feel that it reaches out to very young children who might not be able to read yet due to the visual animations to go with the lyrics. Moreover, children are more able to be focused on the song. However, due to animation, some parts of the lyrics are not flashed or are flashed rather quickly, children might not be able to read that fast. Also, there's isn't a very clear message about what the chicken in the animation can't do, it just suddenly became sad. Still, there are many things children can learn from the songs! Language can be learn through the lyrics and the singing. There's a theme of social-emotional coping skills in which help children cope with things they still can't do yet.

It could be able to be implemented in Singapore as Singapore is a stress place for children to study in. It'll be fun for children to learn as they engage in music and meaningful activites to them, as the lyrics helps to link to their context. However, if teachers were to use the products in schools, trainings might need to be provided to help them develop appropriate materials to help the children understand the song and the meaning to it, which is where the animation would be helpful.

I think it would also be pretty interesting to observe how they actually conduct their sessions. AND they are coming to Wheelock Family Theatre to perform! Sad to say, it's on the day that I'm flying back:(

The Potato Salad & Terriyaki Chicken day!
Our friendship ring!
Clay play during class...

2009-07-05T12:24:00.000+08:00

THE WRENTHAM SHOPPING CRAZE!

2009-07-04T10:20:00.001+08:00

Happy Birthday America!

On the T to Park Street for Freedom Trail...

In the end, Evon and I didn't go for the Freedom Trail as we had to pay 10USD for it. So... we went shopping at Park Street and Quincy. AND I DIDN'T BRING MY WALLLET!!! Thank You Evon for helping me pay for stuff first:)

Then, I did face painting somewhere near the New England Aquarium..

A photographer took these 2 picture for me and emailed them to me..

Tada! And we're done:) That's our face painting artist!

Then, we walked from Copley to the Charles River to book a gd seat for the 4th July celebration..

And we saw these kids selling cookies and brownies!

We reached Charles River at about 430pm!

The show starts at 8pm...

So it's photos time!!!

As the sun slowly sets...

What I was waiting for was finally here!

I've never seen fireworks so up close in my life! It's like the ashes are gonna fall on me!

The Prelude of the Spectacular 20 min fireworks!

(the 20 min version is too big a size to upload already)

Someone played the America National Anthem after the fireworks...

Our great adventure back home on foot.. that includes climbing over the fence! LOL!

A day I'll never forget...