Acoustic. Coffee. Tiramisu. Choc brownie + vanilla ice-cream. Friends. Ambience.
How sweet is that?
It was a thoroughly enjoyable night. Either I've never realised it, or I've forgotten, how live music (good ones) in the appropriate ambience can bring such relaxation to me.
And of course, I was most drawn by the percussionist. Even though it was quite hard for me to eye him from my angle (and with my height) but the drum beats n rhythms just went into my soul. The full sounding bass beat he made from a simple slap in just the right section of the drum skin (pardon me for the layman terms, my music lingo is painfully lacking) aligned my heartbeat with the drum beat instantly. Recalling my TK days, finding the right part to hit with the right curve of ur palm with just the right amount of pressure to bring the most beautiful sound has resulted in endless attempts which brought swollen red palms. and I doubt I ever got the right note.
Of course, I enjoyed the company of good friends too. Thanks for your time =)
So now i know how i find rest and relaxation. One of the means anyway.
Next weekend - 19 & 20th Jan. Angelita Li's "Journey of Brazilian & Fusion Jazz". I heard the whole grp's pretty good. Like, there's the best drummer in Asia. Can I allow myself to miss that?
Brazilian & Fusion Jazz anyone?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
it's the blogging business again~
wow~
i only meant to do a simple post. yet i found myself entrapped in the world of blogging again. 1.5 hrs into giving my blog a "new-er" look. my simple post is still in queue...
this being 2007 and all~ i do hope tt the new-er look will tear off the cobwebs & wipe off all the dust collected over time...
there's been a big gap from 26 Nov 2006 til now (14 Jan 2007). i wish i could fill u in on the thriller ride I sat with God in Taiwan. those on my prayer mailing list - you got the juicy bits. those tt weren't: sorry, there's no discrimination here k. forgive me if i left u out... believe me, it's unintentional.
in short, Taiwan was a really awesome time when God opened my eyes to see what He's doing in other parts of the world. It stretched my horizons beyond me, myself and I. Not just that, it's beyond the community I serve, beyond the nations I'm more than a visitor to. The verse "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few" (Matt 9:37) rings even louder and clearer and hence, there's a sense of urgency in "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt 9:38)
Prayer. I must confess I'm not the most fervent and faithful pray-er for missionaries. Not having met them before nor knowing them personally simply meant that the burden wasn't really strong. Having lived with the OMF TW missionaries, having spent Christmas with them, all these opened up another dimension of praying for missionaries. It's like you're praying for ur own friends. You know them. You've worked with them before. Being in the field with them, even for a little while, and with the increased understanding of what they're doing in TW amidst the working class, increased the awareness of the reality of spiritual warfare - the unseen battle that is easily forgotten and neglected by many. Hence, the need of spiritual weapons (Eph 6) and above all, PRAYERS.
Do this little exercise with me. Take a deep breathe. Close your eyes and count 1 to 10 on a 1 count per second tempo.
Done?
What's this 10s to you? A short time?
What's this 10s to you in say... 2 weeks? ("Oh boy, how many 10s i spend a day day-dreaming anyway~")
DO join us in this spiritual warfare - PRAY for Taiwan! it's just 10s in 2 weeks.
HOW?
1. Send an email to: prayer@taiwanteam.org
2. write "pray" in the subject line
3. in the body write the email addresses where u want to receive regular prayer updates.
only this process takes more than 10s. after that, it's only 10s. every 2 weeks.
(c'mon, u spend multiple 10s reading my blogs anyway...)
I did struggle with re-entry "culture shock". Feel free to ask me for more details. (Sneak preview: how God ministered to me and erm... how I'm currently feeling now...)
OK. it's 2am (M'sian time). church's in 6 hrs. I really *should* go to bed - after I finished my "simple post" tt's been in queue for 2 hrs now...
i only meant to do a simple post. yet i found myself entrapped in the world of blogging again. 1.5 hrs into giving my blog a "new-er" look. my simple post is still in queue...
this being 2007 and all~ i do hope tt the new-er look will tear off the cobwebs & wipe off all the dust collected over time...
there's been a big gap from 26 Nov 2006 til now (14 Jan 2007). i wish i could fill u in on the thriller ride I sat with God in Taiwan. those on my prayer mailing list - you got the juicy bits. those tt weren't: sorry, there's no discrimination here k. forgive me if i left u out... believe me, it's unintentional.
in short, Taiwan was a really awesome time when God opened my eyes to see what He's doing in other parts of the world. It stretched my horizons beyond me, myself and I. Not just that, it's beyond the community I serve, beyond the nations I'm more than a visitor to. The verse "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few" (Matt 9:37) rings even louder and clearer and hence, there's a sense of urgency in "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt 9:38)
Prayer. I must confess I'm not the most fervent and faithful pray-er for missionaries. Not having met them before nor knowing them personally simply meant that the burden wasn't really strong. Having lived with the OMF TW missionaries, having spent Christmas with them, all these opened up another dimension of praying for missionaries. It's like you're praying for ur own friends. You know them. You've worked with them before. Being in the field with them, even for a little while, and with the increased understanding of what they're doing in TW amidst the working class, increased the awareness of the reality of spiritual warfare - the unseen battle that is easily forgotten and neglected by many. Hence, the need of spiritual weapons (Eph 6) and above all, PRAYERS.
Do this little exercise with me. Take a deep breathe. Close your eyes and count 1 to 10 on a 1 count per second tempo.
Done?
What's this 10s to you? A short time?
What's this 10s to you in say... 2 weeks? ("Oh boy, how many 10s i spend a day day-dreaming anyway~")
DO join us in this spiritual warfare - PRAY for Taiwan! it's just 10s in 2 weeks.
HOW?
1. Send an email to: prayer@taiwanteam.org
2. write "pray" in the subject line
3. in the body write the email addresses where u want to receive regular prayer updates.
only this process takes more than 10s. after that, it's only 10s. every 2 weeks.
(c'mon, u spend multiple 10s reading my blogs anyway...)
I did struggle with re-entry "culture shock". Feel free to ask me for more details. (Sneak preview: how God ministered to me and erm... how I'm currently feeling now...)
OK. it's 2am (M'sian time). church's in 6 hrs. I really *should* go to bed - after I finished my "simple post" tt's been in queue for 2 hrs now...
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Hey, Relax!
i really shouldn't be blogging. no wonder God allowed the internet connection to be off for dayS when all tt needs to be done is to unplug everything and plug them on again. technology simply baffles me.
thanks for the email. i think i needed a good reminder. i had an awesome evening with lish n lyv. stuffed crust pizza. my cravings finally satisfied. it's good to really "let go and let God". we had a really good time of worship n praying. I'm sure God doesn't mind my out-of-tune guitar, my out-of-tune vocal, our out-of-tempo singing. all tt matters is the heart.
really thank God for encouraging emails (thanks ml, really appreciated u giving me ur time - praying for ur exam; and yes, the Hey, Relax!'s really timely as well). sorry to be sending out such emails... need an outlet to vent. hehehehe...
all's good. cos i know God is in control. no matter what happens. God is with me. every single step.
adieu~ next post will prob be end of the year :)
may the grace of God and His peace be with you.
thanks for the email. i think i needed a good reminder. i had an awesome evening with lish n lyv. stuffed crust pizza. my cravings finally satisfied. it's good to really "let go and let God". we had a really good time of worship n praying. I'm sure God doesn't mind my out-of-tune guitar, my out-of-tune vocal, our out-of-tempo singing. all tt matters is the heart.
really thank God for encouraging emails (thanks ml, really appreciated u giving me ur time - praying for ur exam; and yes, the Hey, Relax!'s really timely as well). sorry to be sending out such emails... need an outlet to vent. hehehehe...
all's good. cos i know God is in control. no matter what happens. God is with me. every single step.
adieu~ next post will prob be end of the year :)
may the grace of God and His peace be with you.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
there's a time for everything
i'm not good with goodbyes. i wonder why it's "good"-bye in the first place. unless of course u're wishing d other person good...
i rmb on graduation day for primary sch, mum came with me. i din allow us to linger any extra second. just took her hand and left once everything ended. i din think i could handle it. i was only 12.
Even before that, I cried my heart out when I made the move from my nanny's place back home. Age? 6.
since then i've got quite some teary farewells. it's amazing how God put ppl into your life and they become a part of you. it had hurt heaps but I've learnt to see farewells in a different light. Even through tears I appreciate the footprints these ppl leave in my life. A very impt person in my life said to me "I'll see you again, the last one being in heaven, but I hope I see you before then". I've always played this in my head as I bid farewell to someone I know I won't see for very long. But a few days ago, when I played tt in my mind, NOT KNOWING if that will stand true, I was dumbstruck. All the missed opportunities... I can only remind myself that God is bigger than my shortcomings and even when I hadn't made good use of d opportunities He's given me, He is Sovereign enough to have a solution to that.
I am a sentimentalist. As i said a few more goodbyes each year, short-term or long-term (prayerfully none eternal), I've come to see how I'll never appreciate the present as much. It's only when u look back retrospectively tt u realise how much this person means to you and how u're really gonna cherish the little things. With that I think farewells are a good thing. Absence makes the heart fonder. When u no longer have something, the more u'll realise how much tt sthing (ok, that someone) means to you. It's definitely better to take leave on a good note rather than be left with an out of pitch melody in memory. But then again, even when the melody is out of pitch, one can always work towards a beautiful harmony again. It takes 2 to harmonize.
Have you noticed how even if you meet again, it's really never the same again? well, except the exceptionals, which are exceptionally few, if they ever come along at all. Yea, ppl come and go. There's always a time to move on. You meet new ppl etc etc etc. But sometimes what you have in your hands is so good you don't really wanna let go. I admit tt's a fear I have. But I have to learn to trust God that as He moves me along this journey, He knows wat's going on and He knows what's best for me (& d other person too i guess).
Sigh. I dun really know what I'm trying to say here. Perhaps we're just too busy. We hecticise our schedules too much and we miss out on really appreciating d ppl ard us. It's not all abt work eh? It's abt lives. Take a moment, slow down, and let the person know how much they mean to you. At least when you look back retrospectively, you know you've tried not to take them for granted. Or when u bid goodbye, really make the time and effort eh. Not in a rushed manner, nor in a "social obligation" mentality. Each footprint is beautifully crafted. Cherish them.
Forgive me if I rush off without giving d opportunity for a proper farewell. Sometimes, I'd rather not go through the heart-wrenching moments... Well, it's not you. I'm just not good with goodbyes.
i rmb on graduation day for primary sch, mum came with me. i din allow us to linger any extra second. just took her hand and left once everything ended. i din think i could handle it. i was only 12.
Even before that, I cried my heart out when I made the move from my nanny's place back home. Age? 6.
since then i've got quite some teary farewells. it's amazing how God put ppl into your life and they become a part of you. it had hurt heaps but I've learnt to see farewells in a different light. Even through tears I appreciate the footprints these ppl leave in my life. A very impt person in my life said to me "I'll see you again, the last one being in heaven, but I hope I see you before then". I've always played this in my head as I bid farewell to someone I know I won't see for very long. But a few days ago, when I played tt in my mind, NOT KNOWING if that will stand true, I was dumbstruck. All the missed opportunities... I can only remind myself that God is bigger than my shortcomings and even when I hadn't made good use of d opportunities He's given me, He is Sovereign enough to have a solution to that.
I am a sentimentalist. As i said a few more goodbyes each year, short-term or long-term (prayerfully none eternal), I've come to see how I'll never appreciate the present as much. It's only when u look back retrospectively tt u realise how much this person means to you and how u're really gonna cherish the little things. With that I think farewells are a good thing. Absence makes the heart fonder. When u no longer have something, the more u'll realise how much tt sthing (ok, that someone) means to you. It's definitely better to take leave on a good note rather than be left with an out of pitch melody in memory. But then again, even when the melody is out of pitch, one can always work towards a beautiful harmony again. It takes 2 to harmonize.
Have you noticed how even if you meet again, it's really never the same again? well, except the exceptionals, which are exceptionally few, if they ever come along at all. Yea, ppl come and go. There's always a time to move on. You meet new ppl etc etc etc. But sometimes what you have in your hands is so good you don't really wanna let go. I admit tt's a fear I have. But I have to learn to trust God that as He moves me along this journey, He knows wat's going on and He knows what's best for me (& d other person too i guess).
Sigh. I dun really know what I'm trying to say here. Perhaps we're just too busy. We hecticise our schedules too much and we miss out on really appreciating d ppl ard us. It's not all abt work eh? It's abt lives. Take a moment, slow down, and let the person know how much they mean to you. At least when you look back retrospectively, you know you've tried not to take them for granted. Or when u bid goodbye, really make the time and effort eh. Not in a rushed manner, nor in a "social obligation" mentality. Each footprint is beautifully crafted. Cherish them.
Forgive me if I rush off without giving d opportunity for a proper farewell. Sometimes, I'd rather not go through the heart-wrenching moments... Well, it's not you. I'm just not good with goodbyes.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
wishful thinking
i wish i'm on d next flight home.
but...
d adventure hasn't finished yet...
sometimes u just wish u can close the chapter earlier... but i guess d book is never d same without having gone through those remaining pages of tt chapter...
it comes to the same epilogue anyway, doesn't it?
well, not with full understanding. without which u can't appreciate the whole thriller. bits of missing pieces...
but...
d adventure hasn't finished yet...
sometimes u just wish u can close the chapter earlier... but i guess d book is never d same without having gone through those remaining pages of tt chapter...
it comes to the same epilogue anyway, doesn't it?
well, not with full understanding. without which u can't appreciate the whole thriller. bits of missing pieces...
Sunday, November 05, 2006
d grace of God indeed
now tt exams r officially over, i find myself even more tired and drained. how ironic~
"shouldn't u be all hyped up and out having fun?"
well, i cancelled dinner plans the day i finished my last paper. had a tummy bug. stress? dunno. perhaps my body hasn't caught up with my mental in stress management. but i know full well tt's because God's been guarding my mind with His peace. ah~ the peace that transcends all understanding. but then again, i know of ppl tt have been carrying d burden for me. one even had a nightmare of exams. wow~ *big hug for u*
come to think of it, it's like God's been sustaining me with divine strength all this while. i burnt out last sem even b4 exams started. this sem, He carried me through week by week (or day by day even) and especially over the past month. right after the last paper, i am just so drained. like i should have been long time ago if God hadn't been giving me His strength. crazy~ the thought of the past month, and esp. the thriller of last week, sends shivers down my spine. i kinda thought i'll never wanna walk down such a path again, but then i realise it's never gonna get any easier. i guess with each step we take out of the boat, we get to walk on the water with God (actually, i still have yet to read tt book *sheepish*). the most important thing is, God walks with us. He carries us. ain't tt awesome?
there's so much to do. but d machine in me has malfunctioned. bib said i need rest. sabbath. just do watever u like for 24 hours. no more ocf, no more missions, no more ministry, no flat stuff, no nothing! i wish i could. but how can i say no to God? saying no to God means trouble. i sorta recognise tt drained feeling, tt signal for rest. how dare i ignore it, knowing tt tt would lead me into even more serious malfunctioning? but there's so much to do... hmmmmm.
my shoulders, back etc's been aching after baking 2 cakes. bad stamina. heard my flatmate-2-b baked 4 cakes in a row. at a go. wow~ our oven's gonna be busy next year~ i think a 2 bdr flat will be pretty cool. can take out my darling BarVista =)
i will need a good long time-out after Taiwan. before the roller coaster ride starts again in mid-feb. but before tt, let's press on and finish the race well eh?
"shouldn't u be all hyped up and out having fun?"
well, i cancelled dinner plans the day i finished my last paper. had a tummy bug. stress? dunno. perhaps my body hasn't caught up with my mental in stress management. but i know full well tt's because God's been guarding my mind with His peace. ah~ the peace that transcends all understanding. but then again, i know of ppl tt have been carrying d burden for me. one even had a nightmare of exams. wow~ *big hug for u*
come to think of it, it's like God's been sustaining me with divine strength all this while. i burnt out last sem even b4 exams started. this sem, He carried me through week by week (or day by day even) and especially over the past month. right after the last paper, i am just so drained. like i should have been long time ago if God hadn't been giving me His strength. crazy~ the thought of the past month, and esp. the thriller of last week, sends shivers down my spine. i kinda thought i'll never wanna walk down such a path again, but then i realise it's never gonna get any easier. i guess with each step we take out of the boat, we get to walk on the water with God (actually, i still have yet to read tt book *sheepish*). the most important thing is, God walks with us. He carries us. ain't tt awesome?
there's so much to do. but d machine in me has malfunctioned. bib said i need rest. sabbath. just do watever u like for 24 hours. no more ocf, no more missions, no more ministry, no flat stuff, no nothing! i wish i could. but how can i say no to God? saying no to God means trouble. i sorta recognise tt drained feeling, tt signal for rest. how dare i ignore it, knowing tt tt would lead me into even more serious malfunctioning? but there's so much to do... hmmmmm.
my shoulders, back etc's been aching after baking 2 cakes. bad stamina. heard my flatmate-2-b baked 4 cakes in a row. at a go. wow~ our oven's gonna be busy next year~ i think a 2 bdr flat will be pretty cool. can take out my darling BarVista =)
i will need a good long time-out after Taiwan. before the roller coaster ride starts again in mid-feb. but before tt, let's press on and finish the race well eh?
all praise and glory unto God...
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Last paper syndrome
this field is in urgent need of research. i'm convinced there must be some form of diagnosis for the "last paper syndrome". even if they haven't come up with medication for either prevention or cure, at least a medical certification will help (something like... "in view of this last paper syndrome my poor patient has contracted, i urge you strongly to grant her nothing less than absolute grace and leniency in the grading of her paper. with full medical authority, Dr. XXX).
i am trying. really am. but my mind has gone ahead of me. timbuktu maybe.
it's scary to think tt i am gonna step into the battlefield unarmed. well, i know God's grace etc. is with me, even when i don't deserve it, especially when i don't deserve it. BUT, i'm supposed to working alongside Him, not leave Him to do all the work aye?
amazing Grace. how sweet the sound. i guess it is in times like this tt i learn to rely 110% on God.
this time tmr, i'm a free bird. i just wanna sleep and sleep and sleep this lethargy off~
thanks for all the prayers coming this way.
i am trying. really am. but my mind has gone ahead of me. timbuktu maybe.
it's scary to think tt i am gonna step into the battlefield unarmed. well, i know God's grace etc. is with me, even when i don't deserve it, especially when i don't deserve it. BUT, i'm supposed to working alongside Him, not leave Him to do all the work aye?
amazing Grace. how sweet the sound. i guess it is in times like this tt i learn to rely 110% on God.
this time tmr, i'm a free bird. i just wanna sleep and sleep and sleep this lethargy off~
thanks for all the prayers coming this way.
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