For God so loved the world..

Friday, May 08, 2009

*.* The End? *.*

Many countries in the world view the economic and social status as a keymarker for the "health" of the country. For example, if Singapore were to experience continuous hyperinflation or years of recession, some people would say, "Singapore is dying".

And yet, God gives a different twist to the story of whether a nation survives. One determinant he uses is the level of sexual purity in that country. In the book of Leviticus, he clearly explains sexual sin and the definition of what is unclean and unlawful.

Towards the end of chapter 18, he says, "Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out became defiled. Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the aliens living among you must not do any of these detestable things, for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled. And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you."

Note: (The group of people he was addressing was the Israelites, and the groups of people he spoke about that were driven out due to sexual immorality (or were killed) were the ancient Egyptians and Canaanites.)

At face value, it may seem like a joke. Ever seen a face on a plot of land? Nope. Vomiting sounds all the more ridiculous then. Thinking a little harder, how many "natural" disasters have we had? How many nations have had people being killed not by another person, but by the physical land that they live on? And interestingly, how many times have people blamed God for them?

No one can fathom the events of the end of the world. Maybe these "birthpains" are a good sign that justice and righteousness will soon finally take their place. However, the birthpains are also huge smoke signals that the world will keep getting more evil till the day of Judgement, and that we're running out of time to reach out to those who need to hear about what is right and true: God's gospel message.

God, give me the strength and ability to stay faithful to you for the rest of my life. Help me keep pure, set apart for you, harvesting the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) every day, and to share about your love with those who need you. Amen.

Me blogged @ | 3:34 PM

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

*.* My take on the AWARE saga... *.*

I am a Christian. These words from the Bible reflect what I'd like to tell the women from the ex-new Exco..

1 Peter 3: 8-16
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,

"Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Who is going to do harm if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Having a personal relationship with God gives us the privilege of viewing things from His perspective. The key issue of sexual immorality, in this case, is probably viewed with horror and possibly disgust, because in our hearts, we know that sexual immorality or wrong sexual behaviour displeases God.

The important question is, where do we go from there? Making a stand for what we believe is important, and I think we should, but let's do this in love. People who do not believe in God, and therefore are not under God's Law, will not have the same way of thinking. All we say may be foolishness to them, but our role is not to judge. That's God's job. (and he does it extremely well) Instead, we should love, in the way God loves, and pray, always remembering the hope that we have, and that at the end of the day, justice and righteousness (God's standards) will prevail.

To end this off...
John 3:16-17
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

God bless you:)

Me blogged @ | 2:03 PM

Monday, April 27, 2009

*.* Good music is meant to be shared:) *.*

Me blogged @ | 5:44 PM

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

*.* The End.........of the year. (what else could I be referring to?:P) *.*

Summary of my life...

Half of my first year in med school is over. Think I failed my 2nd exam.

haha...no, that's not all there is to my life. That would be...horrifically boring. Wow..so many things have happened in such a short time. Last year, I predicted that this year would be life-changing. I didn't expect it to change that much...and that fast...But God is good. Despite my insecurities, lack of faith, laziness, and sometimes unwillingness to draw close to him, he's always there. Think I've caused him quite a bit of grief this year. But he's the only one I'd declare to the entire world that I love..Somehow, I find it impossible anymore not to love God..there's just something about him that will always draw me back no matter how far I am, and though my love for him is imperfect, I guess I'm learning more and more each day how to love him:)

2008 has been..an interesting year, to say the least. The year has zoomed by, but I fondly remember working with HSBC, having 5 tuition students, getting my results and applying for medicine, going through an essay test and 2 interviews for the faculty, working with National Dental Centre, getting a place in medicine (and jumping up and down in joy), celebrating my birthday and receiving very nice presents...haha, going for orientation, starting school, joining Resonance, experiencing emotional roller coasters, going through 2 crazy exams, and ta-da! Here I am..glad to be alive:) and loved by God and my friends...

Before anymore serious ramblings, here are some pics depicting certain stuff that have gone on these few months (most of them feature a certain special someone:) )

Breakfast with Cheri at Macs. Grape tea:) and smiley hotcakes...

One morning, I decided to walk to Pandan reservoir. The journey was probably about 5km. Worth it, though:) Nice, quiet and serene place. The journey back was slightly longer, with some detour:) Later on, I walked to school and back twice each too. Very walky-day:) I probably walked about 15km that day. haha...

In the book of Exodus in the Bible, Moses and the Israelites were guided by God in the form of a pillar of clouds in the day. I had the privilege of seeing this pillar of clouds near my house:) Whee!

Don't think you'll guess what this picture is..haha...It's actually 4 mirrors reflecting the light from my camera's flash. Awesome stuff:)

Yes, this is a carrot stuffed into a tissue box...haha...well, a carrot that I sewed and made for the Medicine DnD in August. The girls in my orientation group were supposed to be bunnies (no, I'm not posting those photos here:) ) Anyway, the rest of the girls carried real carrots. Mine was...special:)

Super Monkey! haha...Sometimes I wish I were super too, then I could do many things without getting burned out. But, it's nice being human too:) Anyway, this is my new (a few months old) handphone pouch. The 'film' frame is artificial though:) digitally added...

Adorable doughuts:) The day I ate this...well, I guess it was a day of history making...

Yup, it is pink, so obviously I didn't buy it...heh. Well my parents got it for me from Ocean Park, Hong Kong. A little reminder that my whole family went on holiday except me...very interesting 5 days without them...but hope it won't happen again anytime soon. I love my family:) despite certain scary traits in each of them...haha...but it's still better to have them around.

Origami frog...how random could this get? haha...well it's a nice reminder of the Senior Sunday School camp this year. Planned a really cool game, "Quest For The King", with Joel and Daryl...a game that could actually be used again on other groups of people...haha...but a high level of thinking and stamina is required on the part of the participants. haha...

And this is what I stayed up last night to do...haha...helped my mum ice her gingerbread cookies...till about 1.30am...haha....they look quite pretty so...yay!:) But since I crossed the sleepy stage, I couldn't sleep for quite long...haha. I probably should sleep more today.

Now you may be thinking...I thought there's supposed to be someone who's featured a lot? Well...I saved the best for last...haha...here comes the pics!

Resonance (Presentation Day)

Arcade Trip With Helen

This was the day we went quite wild with arcade...haha...and spent tonnes of money (oops). Anyway, we won a few kilograms of sweets (we split the loot) and I also got Mickey-Monkey:) Of course Smiley was there to share in our victory...haha...oh yeah, the picture on the right also shows some neoprints we took...the neoprints I promised to take 3 years ago...haha. So yes, Helen waited 3 years for that. The prints were...quite nice though:)

Smiley in School

There is no bear more hardworking than Smiley:) Background of this pic...think there was a break between the lectures, so I was in one of the chairs in the LT, and the book was on the table. Smiley's on my lap studying with me...Musculoskeletal system:)

Randomness...

Couldn't help taking this one...in church. He's so cute:) This was just before...he went into 'Beary Medical School'

One of Smiley's childhood aspirations...

If Smiley weren't a bear, he'd probably be a bunny:) Either way, he's so cute:)

Even though Smiley's usually pretty silent, he has a hidden talent...and look:)

Ah yes...Smiley's true form...an angel in disguise:)

Most Importantly...
Smiley has graduated from Beary Medical School!!!!

The white coat's perfect for him:) Ah...guess I was meant to be with this doctor:)

Okay, back to the less cute stuff... this year has been full of ups and downs, but I'm so thankful that God gave me one of the greatest gifts I could ask for (besides his love): the privilege of training to become a doctor. Time and again, as I remember this gift, I recall the reason why I study and who I should be doing it for. It's really hard always focusing on God, to be honest, with all my imperfections and the many distractions in this world. Any of you who read this can knock the truth into my head every once in a while to remind me that everything I do should be for God:)

I'm not into the habit of making new year resolutions...but I guess I would like to openly declare that I want to completely surrender the entire 2009, every aspect of it, to God's hands. It's actually going to be quite difficult and pretty crazy..haha...but I've come to realise it's the only way to live without getting angry at myself or being drained out. And God's love and peace will be able to tide me through another exciting but difficult year:) The forecast for 2009 includes... a hectic school life, CCA commitments, tuition, learning 2 dialects, serving in church (sunday school, worship leading, PA), possibly serving in healthserve as well as discovering many aspects of life on a deeper level (such as how to care for patients without getting emotionally attached or detached, and what it means to love people in the way God does).

Well, before the year ends, there are still many things left to do...haha...carolling 2 days in a row...Christmas...my family's wonderful Christmas present...parties...and...other secretive stuff...haha:) Only God and Smiley will know all of them:)

Anyway, this week, so far, has been...think-ful. Been contemplating many things about life, and I've come to the conclusion that...it's quite tiring to think so much...haha... Too bad God doesn't provide answer sheets on what the right answers in life are...heh. I would cheat in every decision and follow the answers laid before my eyes...but I guess I can't:) Too bad for me, I guess...haha. I shall...think about shallower stuff, like Christmas present details..haha...

That's all from me:) Take care and God bless!

Me blogged @ | 11:53 AM

Thursday, July 31, 2008

*.* Once in a Bluemoon (major photo/video entry) *.*

Bluemoon's out:)
Time for an update.

Last you heard, Ladies and Gentlemen, I was moving out of the temp house. Right now, I'm back home! Yay! haha...actually, I've been there since 14 June 2008:) But when I first went back, many things were still not in place, and construction workers roamed the house daily... a little scary...haha. Right now, almost everything's done, except for some shelves and chairs in the study room. We also haven't painted the band room...haha...

Anyway...on the 17th of May, we had Laser Quest in church. Was quite glad Faith and Yao Yang came along too. Although I'm not sure whether they truly enjoyed it, I hope they did. I had fun:) Even though there were some extremely aggressive shooters...haha...very scary! While packing up, I realised I had a missed call from my Dad. Upon returning the call, I realised that I had received something from NUS, and, once again, my parents got so excited that they peeked in immediately. So horrible...haha:) Anyway, he told me that NUS regrets to tell me that......... I was offered a place in Medicine! haha...Yay! But I kept asking..."Are you sure? You're not lying right?" heh...well, he wasn't. And I'm still so, so grateful to God for allowing me to get in:) He also allowed me to get in immediately, so I didn't have to wait that long... very humbled by this experience:)

Also, prior to moving back (the day before), I celebrated my birthday with many wonderful people from church:) We went to East Coast Park in the afternoon for cycling/blading, then met up with more people for dinner at Siglap (TCC, then Macs for dessert) I had fun:)

Well, putting all that aside, here's something to think about...when celebrating our friends' birthdays, do we really make it a point to make that person's day, or does it sometimes become just a reason for everyone to gather and hang out? Also, is it important to celebrate peoples' birthdays? Having celebrated 19, it really makes me wonder about the significance of celebrating it. It becomes a little like celebrating Christmas... I'm probably being pessimistic, but unless Christ is the centre of the celebration, the meaning of Christmas is lost.

Anyway, in early July, I went for my Freshmen Orientation Camp, this year known as MEDagascar! Made new friends, especially those in my orientation group (OG)...they're nice people:) My "Fright Night" experience was quite cool too..haha...but I've told this story enough times, so I shan't post it...heh:)

AESALON! People in white are M1s, people in maroon are M2s:)

After the camp, wow...it's been pretty hectic for me..haha...as usual. Besides working 5 days a week and having tuition 6 days a week, I co-wrote (with Helen and Jonathan) and produced 2 short movies for my church's 50th Anniversary, "Fathomed" and "B-F-E-C". Wow...it was definitely exhausting and sometimes frustrating...haha...but fulfilling and fun too:) The actual celebration services were on 26 and 27 July, and I was part of the deck crew. Haha...working with 7 wireless mics, 4 wired mics and tonnes of people is a very interesting experience, but the WORST part is having lousy batteries that keep dying during the service..aiyo...we used more than 20 9V batteries in all for both days. But as usual, it was fun:) hahaha...think I'm a bit crazy. I shall hide away from all these responsibilities for the next half of the year. Need to recuperate... :P And thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who helped in one way or another. I am very grateful!:) Let me know if you need any help or prayer or just someone to listen...
Here are the videos/movies we did. They are "B-F-E-C", "Fathomed" and "The Bloopers" respectively...

At work, I've been doing some interesting stuff besides admin work. I did a lot of "normal" HR work, such as filing, powerpoint slides, handling candidates when they come for interviews, etc, but...haha... I did a lot of "abnormal" things too:) Most of these involve art work...lol... which I never expected at all (since I obviously didn't do art...the max was for Huangcheng, where I exsured the sets were aesthetically pleasing:)...) Anyway, I did up the HR noticeboard, my very own Winter Wonderland! haha... Also, during the last 2 weeks of July (yes, all events always clash), I did the backdrop for the Nurses' Day celebration, which took place....today! haha...yes, it's my last day of work!:) Finally back to being a student... Oh yeah, I also designed little cards for my colleagues. Presenting...the Art Gallery! (don't criticise too much...haha)

Winter Wonderland!

My wonderful huskies=) And... the water...which I took 7 hours to colour with colour pencils...haha (using 6 colours. The dogs used 4-5 each)

My polar bear family! haha... all of them look different but each one is nice (according to me=P) Anyway, I used black marker and colour pencils for these

Ooh the beautiful birds! haha... solely done by colour pencils and scissors. Pretty tedious...heh

And of course, seals, the sun and an igloo! Once again, black marker and colour pencils:) The sun was included cos the office got too cold...=P I like the igloo...haha...It's harder to draw then you think:)

Well, those above really tested my drawing and colouring skills. The following, on the other hand...is another crazy style of doing art...haha...practically everything is cut out from coloured paper and stuck together. This is tedious and it drives you nuts...haha...but the outcome is really nice too:)

Ze penguins! This one is crazily hard to do! Extremely intricate details and estimation of size needed. Don't do this if you have no patience...haha...seriously. And...the snowman! heh...yup, everything that has a different colour is from a different piece of paper. But this was fun to do (though a bit tiring) an it was the first thing that was done for the board:)

Well, since it was the HR board, I decided to make sure everyone was represented. That...wasn't a mistake...haha...but it took close to 30 hours in all to create these eskimos... They are arranged randomly (according to the order they appeared on my screen...haha)

And this..is our Winter Wonderland:) haha...yes the eskimos were designed such that they could hold hands!

Heh...if you realised, the people can move around! haha... I used double-sided tape to stick the sticky part of post-its on the back of each eskimo. The only drawback is that you have to change the post-it every now and then...But, it makes te board very interactive:) Oh speaking of paper art, I did 4 different sizes of snowflakes and cut them out indvidually. Once again...don't try this if you can't patiently finish the job...cos...whatever you cout out..you still have to paste them one by one on the board (haha...yes, it's a double job) but it creates a nicer effect:P

Nurses' Day!

My task was to create a backdrop for the Nurses' Day carnival held today, so I decided to do a hot-air balloon:) These show part of the process of doing up the entire 6-vanguard-sheet-sized backdrop. Not shown: the lettering "happy nurses' day" except the final product.

Did a sketch on a small piece of paper with pen and colour pencils. Then stuck the 6 vanguards together and started drawing. It was quite horrific, cos the thing's so big, so it's very difficult to gauge the correct scale and proportions for each object. After drawing the whole thing out, I outlined them with a black marker.

These 3 items (representing music, popcorn and cotton candy, which were part of the carnival) were done with black marker and colour pencils:) wow...who knew such items would be so hard to draw? haha...especially pop corn. But they look really delicious/nice, so...it's worth it:)

Oce again, different stages of my progress. It took 2 weeks to do up this backdrop, and painting the blue was a bit traumatic, because one small tube of paint, well, didn't contain much paint. haha... After all the basic painting was done, the touching up took a lot of effort too...but...ok it was a good experience;) The final stuff to do were reoutlining EVERYTHING again, and cutting out the right shape along the wavy lines. Didn't want the backdrop to hav 4 edges...haha...too normal:)

So here it is...what turned up at the wall...haha...I know the photos are pretty dark ( didn't have time to edit them) but they're clear enough:)

Farewell Cards!
No explanation needed:) But these are done with colour pencils and black pen:)

And yes... since it was my last day of work, I actually took photos...haha...ooh Smiley too! haha... :)

And these are the gifts from my colleagues:)

After work, Smiley and I went out to celebrate! :) ok ok, there were 5 other people there with us in Kuishin Bo...haha...

Sarah, James and Joel
Me, Xinyi and Jonathan
Smiley:)
Me, Smiley and Xinyi
Ok, time to display all the food. First, here's some of the stuff from the actual buffet

Oops...I meant...

Guess who took too much food and couldn't finish some of it...
now you see it...

now you don't!

Dong Dong Dong, 1-2-3, We are Kuishin Bo!
Well we had such fit people that we managed to get 3 lobsters, 2 crepes and 4 ice-creams tonight

Oh dear, they ate so quickly that this is all that's left...
Good thing we had more than one...haha:)

Whoa! Asteroid??? Moon? Nah...haha
Aww...it doesn't look so cool anymore:)
And here are the desserts we got from the buffet...

I didn't know how to use the chocolate fountain:'( so...I..I...put my whole bowl in there to fill it with chocolate. How was I supposed to know that I was supposed to put the sticks of fruits in instead and then collect the extra chocolate in a bowl? sigh...haha... All of them laughed at me. At least Smiley only smiled:)

End of photos.
Could have taken more, or did more artistic stuff like Sara would, but...Eating is more important..haha
Tomorrow, the YA retreat begins:) Yay! I'm doing some (okay, quite a lot) of ice-breakers...haha...since most of them aren't the normal kind of activities, hope they'll have fun:) God bless you!

Me blogged @ | 2:29 PM