29.05.08

Had a wonderful time out today with 2 of my best buddies, Elton & Ervine.
Thanks for the company guys...

I WANT MY NEW PINK GUITAR!!!

Lalala...

NDP Bay Ambassadors(E1)


This previous week was rather a busy and hectic, well I should say it would be wonderful as it is now throughout the year. For almost everyday, I have CCA after school. Dance practice schedules on every Monday and Thursday while Choir takes up every Tuesday and Friday. It almost takes up my entire week with discipleship class every Friday after choir and NDP rehearsals every Saturday involved too. Nevertheless, CCAs aren’t a factor that makes me so tired as what I thought of it . But rather, I've found myself enjoying in their events, trainings, etc... Every time upon hearing there's event coming up for regardless of any CCAs, it certainly lifts my spirits up. Besides that, the times we had spent together was certainly essential and it did gave me some boost, a time to relax myself and have to take some time off from programming and my final year project.

First of all, Dance!!! Went for their first training session where they taught us some basic techniques and some warm-ups as well... wasn't really good at it though, but then with such a nice instructor with us, I'm sure we can get better on time. Nevertheless, the effort we put into it will determine our overall improvement and performance, "practice makes perfect".
Next, We had intensive choir practice as well, preparations for concerts coming up in August, October and November respectively. We will be presenting some sung before songs and a new piece entitled "When you Believe" from the movie Price of Egypt. How lovely...
Had my first meeting with all NDP Bay Ambassadors as we gathered for some training course last Saturday, had a little briefing by the managing team and some ice-breaking session led by several leaders. My group was assigned to the Esplanade Section, where we'll be doing ushering around that area, and though as mentioned that probably we won’t be able to watch the show, I'm sure somehow we'll have a lots of fun. YeaYea, E1!!!

This week had been a wonderful week for me as well, thanks to mummy and daddy for paying all my expenses which I know they are costly (A 30 dollar short from underground, 140 dollar portal-hard disk from challenger and a 62 dollar pair of shoe from Pedro). But HEY, Mother's and Father's day present that will cost me another 400 bucks...
I'm getting a new guitar from Yamaha too. =)

Updates!!!

Spend a fun and enjoyable public holiday with my church friends on Monday. Had soccer in the morning and poolside havoc right after.
It was a bright morning, skies were clear, weather was good. Everything looked perfect for a little exercise, and the amazing sunrise was perfect to kick the day off with some light soccer with the guys. Surprisingly the attendance was beyond what I would have expected, 12 guys actually made it there. (Me, Elton, Edric, Yuhan, Kaisong, Nicholas, Sebestian, Castalos, Bryan, Isaac, En Shao, Uncle) with only Brandon, Ernest, Ervine and Winston not present. Hah, so many "botaks" among us, was telling uncle I can't part with that when it's my turn to enter the army next year.

Having got his license, En Shao drove a few of us to Queens. The ride was crazy and breath-taking. My heart bumped twice faster than the usual rate every time he makes a turn. An instant increase of speed and a little drift around the edge swung us off our seats and grabbing hold of the handle was the least I can do. With windows wind down and the blasting music from the speaker attract lots of attention. I'm sure it sounded like we're some street racers or something. Thank god we arrived at Queens safely, nevertheless thanks En Ahao for this one time only experience I ever had in "Singapore". HAHA.
Playing water polo and getting tanned was basically what I'm there for. We played a couple rounds of "Dai Ti" and Bridge to go along as well. And also thanks uncle for the KFC lunch.

After such a long and tiring day, returned home and immediately to get on with my final year project.
Well, a few updates here...lots of events coming up for me.
For choir, there will be a performance with "Xing Sheng Philharmonic Choir" on the 31st August at Esplanade. Hah, one day after my birthday. Two concerts right after, one on the 18th October which we'll be performing with St.Cecelia Choir at Victoria Concert Hall and another on the 7th November at Victoria Concert Hall respectively, and to sum up the year with several carol performances during Christmas.
NP Environment Rangers Society will be having a camp coming up as well somewhere in the June holidays, GREEN FUSION CAMP. Would surely be involved in it...

Been assigned a role in D3, a dance group formed couple of years ago, mostly into the genre of hip-hop. Guess I'll be heavily involved with this CCA as well.
NP Primers will be having dedication service this coming Sunday cum BBQ. Still considering whether to attend the service at FCBC. If that's so, I had to miss church for yet another week.
Finally, will be taking 3 days off my project calendar to attend some church camp. Hope it'll be a fruitful one for me as I turned down to go for Choir's Family Camp Sforzando camp. No choice, parents booked them before informing me, they'll be angry if I don't travel with them. =(
Oh Yay, just received mails from NDP 2008 Management that I'd successfully been chosen to be part of NDP 2008 with a Bay Ambassador role. This Saturday would be the first meeting and for the rest of the Saturdays will be occupied with trainings and stuff. I'm so excited about it. Sebastian my group leader!!!

YEAYEA!!! WHAT A YEAR...

That's what friends are for.


thanks guys. =)


amenda, a friend that truly cares. <3

Recently I have this strange behavior and frequently, negative thoughts have been crossing through my mind. I mean, yea I'd made a promise here to stay positive and yet this is happening. It happens whenever you’re not busy with anything and most likely when you're alone. Just wanna get away from it and everything else which I couldn't; it's so freaking irritating.

Well at least the life now involves more people. What bugs me sometimes is that, even though I'm in the company of people, and even if they're my closest friends, there are times where I feel totally spaced out. I'm there physically but mentally I'm elsewhere, all alone and just feeling lonely. I know the problem lies in me, but... sigh I guess that's just the way it is.

Ever so often there is a period when we go through an emotional phase. I had, in my time, experienced moments of fury, depression and confusion where I want to be left alone. Yet being alone makes me feel worse than I already am.
In moments like these, there will be angel who comes in the form of a special friend. They may not be there all the time with you but they’re watching out. They'll drop you a message or two, not probing for the problems that's troubling you but letting you know whatever the obstacle, they will be there for you. I'm really happy and blessed to have such awesome friendship with really cool people who've been a significant impact in my life.
Everyone has that special group of angels beside and around them. You find comfort in their presence and words of encouragement even though you’re going through mortal hell.

Oh well, reality has finally sank in that, what's in the past, would remain in the past and I shouldn't harp on it anymore. I'm not in dire need to fall in love again but really do hope I'll meet someone again one day, but not at the present moment... it's hard to say, love happens when it happens and you’ve just gotta take it in your stride. What matter most is that you do cherish the moments and your special someone the best you can.

God uses every experience and struggle to sanctify you ( gotten this from my old blog )



There're times in our lives when we desperately need a fresh touch from the Lord. We face unexpected circumstances; one example will be painful relationships. We desperately need a fresh touch from God and we know it.
However, too often the first thing we do when we feel desperate is to look for a quick fix. We say things like "If God won't do anything, I'll do it myself." "If God won't heal this relationship, I'll end it." That's our mentality...
But all the efforts to fix our problems or resolve the crisis won't yield much. The Lord wants so much to hear us say, "Forgive me, Lord. I thought I was right, but now I see I was just looking for an out."
Whether we know it or not, that's a good place to be. God's always ready to reveal to a humble heart the futility of effort apart from Him. Jesus in John 21 is asking you "Are you ready to give me this thing that troubles you?"
He's using every experience, struggle, to sanctify us. Next time you wonder what God could be up to, just say to yourself, "He's changing me, as He wants me to learn something out of it" and you'll be right. When disappointments or heartaches come, try to imagine God Himself holding the chisel sculpting your likeness into His.

All these happen because God wants to demonstrate His power and splendor through my life. He wants to get me to the place where no matter what happens to me or what I'm going through, I'll trust Him and walk to please Him, and are committed wholly to what He's doing in me. I'll invite Him to do His work in me, and watch Him display His awesomeness through me, and that I'm living right in the center of His will.

I believe that someday the whole tapestry will unfold for me, but for now I have to believe in spite of what is happening. God meant it for my good and for His glory in every situation. I must trust that what appears unloving may in fact be his great kindness.
"God is at work in your time of crisis." Whatever is challenging and stretching me right now – be it in my family, studies, personal walk with God, or even my struggles, I believe that He's at work. He's building my faith in every circumstance. He knows all about the thing that is breaking my heart and things that had yet settled.

As soon as a problem drops on the table in my life, I wanted to find a way to squeeze out from under the pressure. But I believe that He himself has a purpose in mind when He allows trails to invade our lives. Like turning turning coal into diamonds, some things only happen under a lot of pressure. Staying under the pressure is how God tests my faith in order to make me a better person. But first, I'll have to make it through the process.
The issue here is not about facing trials or even minor hurdles, it's how I'll respond to them. I can bail on God and take matters into my own hands by becoming bitter and angry with His doing or anyone else's for issues that I'll be unhappy with. Or, I can submit Him and let God do His work with the confidence that He will not waste my sorrows and that, in the end, "all things work together for good."

Sometimes I may wonder how a God of love allow that painful, wicked or difficult thing that happened in my past to hit me that hard and moreover building up more stress with a couple of important decisions to be made. But nevertheless, I would say wait on the Lord as He will guide you along in such issues you'd problem with. There will be a day when I'll look back and see God's sovereign hand at work in those trials and the times He was there for me. The truth is, He is in control of the situation that troubles my heart right now. Lean on the Lord and believe that He is working and one day I might just succeed.
JRC!?

母亲节快乐!



在我成长岁月里, 妈妈扮演了一个很重要的角色
她让我感受到了家庭的温暖
他也让我享受到了伟大的母爱
他也给予了我无微不至的照顾

在我最悲伤的时候，有你的依靠
在我最空虚的时候，有你的陪伴
在我忧愁的时候，你试着让我忘掉烦恼
而在我快乐的时候，有你与我分享喜悦

这些都让我体会到了幸福，满足

我可以说在这十九年来，我们经历了不少风风雨雨
如刚才所说
有欢笑，有泪水，又生气，又担忧，有忧愁，有感动
在这些过程里，我相信彼此的感情会变得更深， 更密切

小时候美好的时光，我永远纯在心里
至于将来，我以交托给上帝，让主带领
我在这也希望我么能够相处得很好，让家庭充满温馨，打造出更美好的未来

谢谢你妈妈！辛苦了！
母亲节快乐！

Jesus Knows

When times of sorrow fill your heart
And question cloud your mind
When silence seems to be your only friend
When throughout the years you find
Nobody's really there
Remember there is One who truly cares
A rainbow, a star in the night
Of all creation none compares
To you in His eyes

When trouble paves the road ahead
And fear is hard to bear
When darkness creeps in almost everywhere
When underneath the smiles you find
A child that's lost inside
Remember there is One who is the Light
The oceans, the birds in the sky
Of all creation none compares
To you in His eyes

Every tear that has been shed
Every heart that needs to mend
Jesus knows, yes He knows

Ngee Ann Polytechnic Choir presents Grandioso III (Let's Begin Again)



Ohwell, this week certainly wasn't the best I've ever had since school reopens. As for my final year project, I was one week behind schedule. Having not started, and to complete this week's checkpoint together with last week's work by Friday, the stress and pressure certainly builds up in us to the extent where soon, we’ll all turn crazy.
Thank goodness the concert was over!!!
Last night was the day we'd been looking forward to after so much hard work that we, the choir members had put our effort into.
Arriving at NAFA theater, it was huge, beautiful and most surely a grand place to hold our concert in.
The guys dressed in all black – black shirt and pants, with grey ties. We looked sharp and smart :) Not neglecting the ladies, they had their beautiful gown on, and in my opinion, it sure looks gorgeous and elegant.



People from different background coming together in unison, singing in one voice harmonically. Though for the freshies, it may be their first time performing with the choir, I just felt that there was certainly a strong bond between all of us. Guess that's an advantage of having a small choir. People know each other well, thus we are able to communicate and blend our voices well.
Backstage was chaotic at times. People were warming up, ordering and definitely dressing up!
Stepping onto the wooden stage and looked at the audience. Then was the real thing, after so much practices and rehearsals, finally the day that we all had been looking forward to, had arrived. Lao shi conducted us very well, we just love the way she conducts the choir. Very engaging and easy to catch, though I felt nervous, somewhat I felt happy and excited. Eyes were on us, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Choir. Personally felt that we sang well, judging from the warm applause, it definitely proved that we did a great job. I know that there was only one expression in the audience- Satisfaction/Satisfactory.

Justin the percussionist commented that our first song was the best he had ever heard in compared with the first rehearsal. We survived through the second song when Lao Shi forgot to cue for freshies to leave the stage and we ended up singing with them on stage.
The girls did pretty well with their "Adiemus" song and followed by two combined pieces, "Mu Yang Gu Niang" and "Singulempong", a chinese and malay folk song respectively. Stage Art Group Item was performing as we rushed to change into another outfit for the song "You Are The Music In Me". But before that, Acapella group sang two of their songs entitled "The Way You Look Tonight" and "What A Wonderful World", both pieces were simply soothing to the ear.
Guys were in their jeans and red ties while the girls were in their jeans and red top, proceeded with the song "You Are The Music In Me" from "High School Musical 2". With two leads, five Acapellas, one beat-boxer together with the choir, everything sounded pretty messy. We had fun though and Kenny was brave enough to step up to the front of the stage doing some silly movements.

Then was the intermission. Everyone gathered back in the hall as the performance continued. Acapella did their "Superman" song with Joseph as the lead, he did his best in that song and I'm proud of it. "Pocahantas Medley" and "Love of a Song" then followed up by the "River song" which only the guys sang.
For that song, I was positioned on center stage with the conductor just in front of me, felt quite nervous, eventually we presented the song to perfection. It was the best song of the night I guess.
Sang the theme song for this concert, "Let's Begin Again", we had choreographed the whole song which we made our way to the stage from all directions with the lights dimmed down as each of us held a glow stick each in our hands. The melody was beautiful and I'm sure this song brought the atmosphere to its climax. It was the perfect time for us to do our finale song. Behind the curtains, we all held hands, hyped up and got ready for the last song as we sang with joy and gusto.
Last but not least, we had the thanksgiving ceremony and some photo taking session to go along.

I'm glad that the concert was over and I was relieved that we did well and received pleasing remarks from friends who came to support.
A BIG THANK YOU TO "Jasmine and friends, my sis, Elton (best church buddy), Shili & Jenny and friends (fellow apache SL), Evan(ERS best buddy), Sarah sng (caring friend), Cruyff (fellow red camper), Jennifer my piano teacher, Melise(fellow apache SL sub 6), Fas(Pelegong groupmate), Bronte(the adorable)" and many others...
I would also to thank the committee and all choir members for making this concert possible.



What a way to end the week. It's back to work tomorrow. Sigh...
come on people, let's fork some money out to buy our photos from justin kon. really do hope i'll get those photos. =)

Grow from strength to strength

Speaking about the F1 racing, there was a man who was a car racer. He has built some of the fastest car on the racetrack. But ironically none of the racecars had produced a checkered flag and to win the race.
They were fast starters but just couldn't hold up to the finish line.
What a parable to our many lives today...
Sad to see many believers having great start with their Christian race, but ended up poorly. I'm one of those whom might soon find myself being one of them, having struggles with my own faith and believes.

Ohwell, just like everyone else does, we want to be God encountered. Sometimes we do as many people come and meet the Lord in a very special way, their lives were in a shamble when God touch them and their heart truly burning for God and they determine to give their live to Jesus Christ.
They want to fight a good fight and win the Christian race but very soon has become disillusion because of disappointment with themselves and others because of failures they had experienced, or they burnout because of spiritual and emotional fatigue or they fall into sin and lose their testimony and lose their ministries, or at best many of us lose that sense of love for God we once used to have and we cruise along in a Christian walk and ministry. The spiritual excitement for God has lost, the compassion for the lost was a thing of the past and the faith to conquer new challengers becomes something that is history. But it doesn't have to be so. The title of the one of the message heard was "growing from strength to strength". It is possible for you and I to move through the Christian life going stronger and stronger from strength to strength and from glory to glory. It is possible to live a life of unending growth, absolutely possible to experience a livelong journey of abundance in God, overcoming everything that a devil put along our way, raising up to be men and women of God until we see him face to face.

What he mentioned and told everyone, sounds so real and realistic. What had happened to him in the past, he spoke about it, and that seems to match what I'm experiencing now>> something that breaks you apart, something that has drawn you away from God, some things that you are really guilty of, some things that you can't seem to forgive, some things that had really changed you and some things that had brought you to a lost world. I was really touched by his words, besides that his words was so powerful that it broken my heart once again.

At the moment when the music fills the hall again, I really did felt God's presence and Him speaking to me that He wants to work in me right now, to change me for the better, to feed me with spiritual food which I am hungering for, to prepare myself for the battle with the evil thoughts and the evil doings, to heal my broken heart and to lead my everyday life better than before.

Thank God for everything, the trails and tribulations He had inserted into my life. Especially through this week, when i'm faced with so much, you pulled me through eventually.
I do hope this coming week will be a better one for me, besides emoing which I still does a little each day, I'll pull through my final year project, concert, camps and commitment in other ccas this upcoming weeks and to take on tougher assignments yet to come.