Thursday, January 7

counting down to the days left before I fly off. Somehow as the day comes nearer, my life these days somehow revolves around this exchange. I'm either shopping for my essentials/necessities, meeting people who want to catch up with me and conversations with friends revolve around overseas trips/uk. I guess in some way this prepares me mentally and physically ready for the trip.

Since this is my first post of 2010, I shall post some of my reflections for 2009:

Had this desire in the beginning of 2009 to dwell deeper into His words, especially after I got my bible commentary. However, I got caught up with many things along the way that brought distractions. Did not progress much with using the commentary. Through this reflection, it brought upon my heart to want to continue with this desire to know God’s words deeper and to be disciplined to the commitment.

I’ve learnt that one’s outward behaviour and attitude are reflections of what are within and these are largely dependent on one’s spiritual walk and devotion with the Lord. I find myself ‘unbalanced’ most when I do not spend adequate time with God and neglect to place Him first in my life. It is a constant reminder that my daily walk with Him is of utmost importance.

I’ve learnt to recognize God’s grace upon me on many occasions when I continue to fail to learn from mistakes but yet He continues to remind me time and time again till I learn to overcome. Very often, I’ve failed to recognize God’s sovereignty over my studies and stressed myself trying to do well based on my own capabilities but God was patient in guiding me through this journey and allowing me to gradually overcome this obstacle.

jel; 1:10 AM

Wednesday, December 30

Christmas has come and gone. Personally, this Christmas season was a time of building and strengthening relationships. My mum has been on leave for the past 2 weeks and I had more opportunity to spend time with her as well as my sis who is on holiday. Just being able to hang out together was something I treasure and appreciate. With the KL trip, camp and the gatherings, I've got to make new friends whom I'm keeping contact with now and strengthening bonds with people whom I wasn't as close with previously.

I recognize how God has placed different people in my life, to play different roles and for me to know how to relate to the different people. I am very much blessed during this season as I receive this joy simply with the company of these friends. Even as the year comes to a close, I pray that these friendships and ties can be sealed and even strengthened further in the new year ahead, especially during my overseas trip.

jel; 1:28 PM

Thursday, December 17

was on the bus today when an elderly man sitting beside me started a conversation with me. He started with complaining about one of the car drivers and went on to talk about other topics, from universities to jobs to getting into relationships. I was pretty startled in the beginning and out of respect, I continued to listen. It was more of a one-way conversation with him talking most of the time. Gradually I was pretty amused at how the conversation started and continued for so long.

I figured that he belongs to this category of retired elders who do not have much to do during the day and have lack of company to chat with, so I became the willing listening ear to hear him share about stories of the past. It was pretty insightful to hear from such stories, considering that I am very much into heritage. Don't usually get to hear from first-hand experiences, so today was considered as a chanced opportunity.

jel; 8:45 PM

Tuesday, December 15

it has been a week of rejuvenation and refreshment for me as I spent the week in Phuket and KL. Two separate trips, two separate experiences. Phuket for me was a cosy and relaxing affair. No big plans, not travelling, just a time of relaxing under the sun, doing some reading and reflection, together with just a good buddy loke with me on this trip. Love the weather there, love the fact that even though i'm not far from Singapore yet with so many Caucasians there, i feel like i'm somewhere far. Will love to visit Phuket again in future for the many activities and sightseeing at the lovely landmarks.

KL was a different experience. Extended time spent with the spiritual family-building upon existing relationships and making new ones as well. Contrast with Phuket, this was a big family affair, coming together to enjoy the time together corporately. Thankful for this time, especially with my roommate benny. Had quality time getting to know him personally, beyond the lame and crappy behaviour.

Indeed, such times are hard to come by and I give thanks to God for all these precious moments. May the rest of this holiday break be a time of building and restoring of relationships with family and friends.

jel; 9:38 AM

Monday, November 30

finally got my table settled and packed just now. It has been some time since i can see visible space on it. Though not totally neat and tidy, but at least there's less things on it now. I'm totally enjoying this moment now-the moment after the exams. Of course, its not like its the first time I had exams, but somehow this sem feels much different. Could be due to the fact that my long-awaited SEP is coming :)

Anw, caught the movie 2012 earlier today. Was a bit apprehensive about this movie initially because I do not agree with the myth over the 2012 deadline. During the first half of the movie, when the family was trying to escape from their home, I thought it was too much of calculated moves to be able to escape from the numerous near-death instances. But of course, they have to escape death for the story to continue. There were better breath-stopping moments with more realistic portrayals of incidents but what really caught me in this movie was not the jaw-dropping effects but the humane touch in the characters as they face the deciding moments of their lives.

Indeed when facing crisis, many of us struggle- struggle to make the right decisions. And what is right becomes questionable at this case. I'm not going to dwell on the topic of what is right but my question is will we be able to stand as who we are, firm with our beliefs and values even at the face of death? or will we scramble to hide just to save ourselves? Often I feel a lot of us will tend to choose the convenient way out or what comes to our minds first. But it may not be what is necessarily right or honourable. Is that what we want to be known for what we die?

Just the past Sunday, pastor was sharing about the engravings on the graves. Usually the words must summarize what you are known for in your life. So do we really want to be known for when we die? what kind of legacy do you want to leave for the future? It doesn't have to be bigger and world-changing, just the kind which you've leave behind for your children and loved ones. What will they know you for?

Finish the race well. In a way that is pleasing and honourable to the Lord.

jel; 11:00 PM

Saturday, November 14

It was a test of faith last week as I struggled to decide how I was going to complete my assignment for science of music. I had to hand in an original piece of music composition. As I had no music background, it is a uphill task to even come out with a tune that i can translate to a music score. I was at a strong musical handicapped when compared to others who had much stronger music background and even have professional music composition software. It is much easier to ask for assistance from experienced musicians or edit works done by others, something which was rather common for students for the past semesters. However, it is a tug at my integrity and I had to finally make up my mind that I will not do such things and decide to come out with a totally new music piece with no aids. When I decided on that, it was by faith as I had no idea how to go about going it.

I struggled as I started on my assignment but after hours on my computer, i finally squeezed out something. It was no Mozart piece, but I’m proud of what i’ve done, proud that its my own original work and that I stood by my integrity and placed my faith in Him.

I shared this with joanne and she was inspired by my testimony because she knows of a friend who appears nonchalant over plagarism. More so for me who is musically disadvantaged as compared to many others that I chose to take a firm stand on integrity. It makes me glad to hear such comments from others that I know that what I’ve done can be a good testimony even for fellow Christians and to reinforce and encourage others in insisting godly values in an environment that is so polluted.

jel; 1:05 AM

Sunday, November 1

haha, spent the past 2 days trying to complete my music composition for my science of music module. Finally finished it last now. Well when i say finish, it means i think i've spent enough time on it already. Music composition can never be finished. The more time u spend on it, the better it gets, so it only depends on how high your expectations are. Well my 'finished' piece is no Mozart, but given my minimal music knowledge and experience, i'm very proud of what i've done and i'm proud to say that i've done it on my own with no aids and assistance from anyone! haha...

anyway, some random pictures of orchard road when i past by there over the past few weeks.


Tanglin mall's christmas deco. Always one of the first mall to start their decorating efforts. At first sight, it looks lk a RAG float. LOL




They started putting up the christmas deco since mid oct. Thats fast but its because this yr's celebration is earlier to coincide with APEC. Looking forward to the full lightup next week. Always look forward to this season of the year, with so much to do and so much to look forward to!

jel; 8:10 PM