Tuesday, February 28, 2006
A new chapter
It took me some time to absorb it. After a period of trying, I finally came to this positive conclusion.
Three months of cold calls, development of character, patience testing and building up of communication skills will soon come. I believe this is an opportunity for me to train up for bigger things to come, and God bless me.
Lookin back at the interview yesterday, it was really amazing. I'm thankful that I wore shirt and pants, (altho jeans were supposed to be ok). Everyone else was dressed equally professionally! I was nervous while waiting for my turn, but I believe that God's comfort was upon me as I sat there.
I was also asked to elaborate on my previous job experiences, the good times and the bad. Was also asked on my opinions of a good telemarketer, and how confident I was of the company's product.
To which I related my experiences, and I sincerely told her that I favoured the company's product over searching for information over the Web.
When she ended by asking me if I had any questions, I asked her on what the company's product was (I realised she had not mentioned abt it). She told me:"I'm glad you asked", and proceeded to explain.
After twenty long minutes, she( the interviewer) drew a close by saving that she was "impressed by me". We had a super firm handshake after that, but I wasnt sure that I would land the job till the fateful call this morning.
Looking back, it amazes me that how God could really work in us. I came as a nervous and inexperienced interviewee, but somehow the words and the responses just flowed.
Praise God.
As I look towards the next three months, Thy will be done!
To all those who have prayed alongside with me, thank you so much!
Ciao
Fraser
Monday, February 27, 2006
thanksgiving.
What more can I ask for? I hope I get it. Wednesday will be my first day then.
PTL!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Dots...
I feel that I am. What happened was that we were sharing our prayer requests during cell on Friday, and it suddenly hit me that my prayers were self centered. Many of my cell members prayed for empowerment to be more effective servants for God. As for me, my prayers focused more on my needs, e.g. finding a good job, favor amongst people etc etc.
Truly, I feel that I have come to be selfish. The desire to serve God in areas of reaching out to people and witnessing seem foreign to me these days. Its been lightyears since I prayed for empowerment and blessings in this area. I dont know why, but this feeling suddenly struck me out of the blue and I felt accused. It was literally a slap to the face.
Oh well. Perhaps its time I do some soul searching, to question myself, to push myself to seek God's direction in this area of ministry. Perhaps its time to break out of my comfort zone, and develop myself in this area. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.
On another note, I felt encouraged that Mien put in alot of effort into completing her BS homework despite her crazy work schedule. Way to go sis!
Eugene, James, Teck Wee ,Adrian and Kelvin, thanks for hearing me out and expressing your opinions to my thoughts and for your encouragement.
Here comes Saturday, and I'm having a run at Serangoon with TW in the early hours of the morning. We had a great time working out our lungs, and had a LIVE reanactment of Brokeback Mountains. For details, go smile at Teck Wee!
Whatever it was, I think we're allergic to people wearing skimpy red singlets now.
Spent the afternoon at this lovely tea house along Neil Road, and thats where we sat down to appreciate chinese tea and made use of the occasion to celebrate the birthday of a close family friend. The Chinese tea culture is interesting as it comes, and offers a welcome respite from my daily routine of English tea, coffee and Coke.
I'd like to go chill out at this place once more with the company of friends.
I'm ending this post here because I need to rest early, kinda injured my back doing log lifting the wrong way, and I'm now having a sneak preview of how it feels like to be seventy with all the body and back aches.
Some special notes:
CL: Glad to know you're back safe. May the good Lord continue to bless and watch over you and all at home.
J.S : PLEASE keep us updated so we can uphold you in prayer.
Apologies for the lousy post.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Durians on my head
YO!
I'm writing this as I've just completed some basic weight lifting regime of mine. Simple sets of lifting done over an extended period of time keeps my arms in shape. Its bad that I'm skinny enough..haha. Nah. I'm just excercising to keep my health in check.
I didnt realise how Esplanadish my hair could be until I went for a haircut today...and I realised that my hair loves to stand up. Even the hairdresser says so, and I guess I'd have to use more wax then anyone else to keep it in control :P
Today was one of the most eventful day I had over the past few months. I woke up a little earlier to the call of my agent giving me a buzz. Yes, she had found a job position that I could possibly fill up and asked me over for an interview.I literally rushed down to town to attend.
I was VERY thankful that this time round, it wasnt the case of an MLM company, but that of a stat board. In the midst of my interview, I opened another door for an opoortunity for me to work in a telco company.The pay is GOOD!
These two jobs may require long hours and may eat into my weekends. While I dont mind working late on Mondays to thursdays and attend cell on Fridays, I'm worried about the weekends.
For those who know me well, Saturdays are housework days and Sundays are reserved for family and church. Sundays are more important to me now that I'm involved in two ministries that require active participation.
Well, I've worked retail hours before. Its not so bad but the hours are rather haphazardous.
I'm stuck. Dont wanna leave Melvin, my other team member in the PA team alone. God, please provide in this area of my ministries.On top of that, I've this important project I've been helping in. :P
On another hand, I'm very thankful that my prayers in this area have been more or less answered. To my friends who are in this process too, I wish ya the very best!
A big thanks to those of you who have been so generously kind and remembering me in your prayers. In return, let me pray for you. Haha...
Blessings always
Fraser
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Speak Chinese!
Its been three days since I last updated this site. I intended to do so last night(since I normally create new entry every two days) but I was way too caught up to do that last night.
Spent the last few days (and nights) looking up job offers on the Net, the papers and by word. To date, I think I have sent almost eight resumes so far.Doinks. This has gotta be the only time I sent so much resumes and have yet to get a job. Argh.
Yesterday, I was initially excited as I made my way to Raffles place for a job interview. All the applications I've filled up so far were for administrative duties. Little did I expect that I had actually stepped into an MLM company yesterday, until I spoke with the manager and he started by asking me "So do you intend to start your own business?"
While I was pretty turned off and I wanted to walk right outta the place there and then, I decided that I would give myself a chance and listen to what they had to offer. Oh well. Throughout the presentation, I was filled with doubts here and there, but I didnt make the effort to clarify since I wasnt interested in the product in the first place. I was pretty impressed by the staff though. At a young age, most of them have been exposed to sales and marketing techniques. It shows, really.
MLM isnt such a bad thing as I may have made it sound here. It has its merits, but people like me are bound to fail miserably in this line. For privacy's sake, I shall not name the company.
Upon my exit, I immediately messaged my buddy AK to tell him that I chanced upon this MLM company. I asked him if he was interested, and his response shocked me. "No thanks, I hate MLM". Muahaha.
Seeing how beautiful the scenery was, I walked back from Raffles to City Hall, with music blasting in my ears as I partook in the beautiful sights. The sun was setting and it casted this orange glow across the horizon.
Mind you, there are still simple pleasures in life we can indulge in (like these) instead of working non stop and ending up in ICU.
Bumped into S.C, and old HQ buddy of mine at Citylink. Well, he's started his events management company, and he seems to be doing well now. I shared with him about my job search and he offered to take me in. I expressed my interest, but I'm still keeping the job searching process active.I REALLY hope it comes thru. God, I'm counting on You!
While waiting to have dinner with a mature and level headed fellow accomplice of mine,(muahaha) I managed to steal some time to talk with this guy who runs his own music shop selling instruments and equipments. I was glad to know what I've drawn up so far aint so ridiculously absurd that it deserves the trash can. While chatting, he shared with me about incidences that took place where musicians did not get along with their PA crew. What a pity. In my opinion, I'd love to work with musicians and I think its of paramount importance that this two teams understand each other.
I thank God that relationships in my church is not tested in such a manner and I pray that that will never be the case.
Wednesday...the day of "midweek crisis" indeed. I was still bothered by yesterday's events, and I sent out a few more resumes this morning. In church, I was glad I managed to help the admin staff with some of their paperwork.
One thing about my church is that its so close knit, and there's this lovely thing about it..The church is literally built on the Pastor's, the admin staff's and the members' hands. Everyone is precious, loved and recognised.
I'm also deeply touched by the fact that so many people (pastors, staff and those I know of) in church went out of their way to encourage me and uphold me in their prayers at this point of time. To all the folks of 20 Lorong Ah Soo, #03-05, I appreciate your concern and prayers!
I had the privilage of having lunch with the folks from the Chinese team. I usually shy away from them because of my language barrier(READ: I DONT REALLY JIANG HUA YU). Its hard for me to complete one proper sentence in Mandarin when I'm involved in profound discussions. Well, that was what I faced today. Throughout lunch, I stumbled with my command of Mandarin, and there were times I had to lapse into English to reply. Wahaha. It was certainly a really funny moment, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to get to know more people from the chinese side. They are a great bunch of folks indeed.
Coming back home, I had THREE calls from the agencies I sent my resumes to. If all goes well, there goes my unemployment blues. God..u hear this? Haha!
Chatted with my replacement Joshy online for sometime...I'm thankful for this wonderful godsend replacement..he's responsible and trustworthy. A rare find indeed, and I'm thankful for his friends who believe in him. :)
Before I pen off, some food for thought. Are we seekers of the truth, or do we let the truth seek us? Someone will be smiling when he sees this line.
Love ya all.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Beautiful Sunday
Worship: A lifestyle that transcends beyond your time spent in church on Sundays, trials, circumstances and moments of despair.
These were the words that struck me most while I sat and listened to the sermon today. It’s not something new that’s unheard of, but I wonder how many times I have actually existed as a beyond Sunday Christian and actually lived my life right and according to God’s standards.Friday’s cell group session was once more amazingly in full attendance. We had a great time having dinner at Sumo Bento before heading to my place for cell. In times like these, I’m like greatly touched by the presence of each and every loving individual of this spiritual family that I’m blessed with. Aww.. We went paperless for the first time, not with a hundred percent success, but then again, there’s a first time to everything!
At times, I wish I REALLY had the space to open up my place for cell group meetings all the way, and not be so restricted by timings (at least have a bigger room that fits my cell, haha).
Eugene, thanks for the nice card, the message and the encouragement!
As I chatted with Kelvin the night before, and with Teck Wee who came over to my house to rehearse, I’m so very reminded that there are plenty of things to focus and rejoice in other than being financially powerful and not having to worry about finances again.
Of course, these things should have never have taken priority in my life at all… but somehow along the way…Heh. Was very encouraged by what a sister (C.N) shared with me on Saturday. Somehow, my worries didn’t seem so big after all.
Following my previous entry, (where I prayed that I’d learn to take things easy)I thank God that I was supremely calm and collected during the preparations for cell and on this Sunday. I’ve learnt to be more relaxed and less tensed up when I have something upcoming, though I am still every bit the clean freak that I am .I hope this is a turning point for one of the strongholds in my life J
As I end off one of the shortest posts in my blog ever, I’m thankful.
P.S : Some of you couldnt comment previously, but I've laxed on the commentary restrictions.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
30 days of self reflection
The pictures here sets the tone for the 15th and 16th Feb. 15th Feb is the day I'd celebrate my first month of freedom at last :)
Wasnt in the mood for celebration of any sort when I woke up, though. My back was aching badly because of the number of falls I took while turning and tossing from the bed. It was 10am yesterday when I sent three resumes to various companies in the hope of getting employed real soon..:P
This Friday, I'm leading WS for cell, singing for WS on Sunday, and as I type this, I've yet to complete my BS homework. Heh. The business causes me joy in a way. As I prepare the powerpoints for my cell's worship (we're going paperless, as you can see in the screen), listen and learn the songs for this Sunday's session and even clean up my place later, I'm reminded of how God could use "insignificant" people like me for His works. Its pretty amazing and gratifying at the same time. For once, I'm learning to take it easy and enjoy myself as I'm working thru all this.
I've have had the company of two great folks in town yesterday. Seeing them wearing almost identically colored shirts and pants kinda tickles me. Its swell lunch, plus the "plus" of making one new friend. The cheeky side of me wants to wear a shirt of the same color this Sunday for humour's sake.
On another note, I need to remind myself to have a PLAN B for my future, as rightly brought up by Ad. Although I never believed in "putting all my eggs in one basket", I was really hard pressed to state my alternative direction. TY brudder.
At the most, I'd work towards my childhood goal: Family Law.
On a final note, I'm really over my period of despondancy bout that I suffered last week. I'm being more of myself this week. Praise God.
Lastly, this is a quote from the WEENISM of TW. It touched my heart alot, and reminded me of what truly matters and what does not. Enjoy.
true happiness is not:
1. having great material wealth
2. having a pretty girlfriend (with a volumptious figure) by your side in a posh yellow Lamboguni sport car
3. having a nice house by the seaside with full length drop down window facing the sea (plus a dog)
4.having a high paying job that people envy
5. having a nice appearance or a charismatic character
6. having great talents
True happiness is:
1. having peace in times of chaos
2. having assurance from the divine
3. having love to others and others unto you
4. knowing that it will be happy and victorious ending right from the start
5. knowing how to the enjoy the presence of the divine moment to moment of your existence
-- "The Lord gives; the Lord takes away, blessed is the name of the Lord"
My Prayer for today:
"Dear Lord, as you have blessed me with so many wonderful people in my life, empower me that I may be of a greater blessing to them."
Ciao.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
I Wish You Knew (M.C. 2005)
And how I wish you only knew
What I feel inside for you
You probably haven't got a clue
But I wish you knew
Honestly, I know it's silly of me
To want you so badly
But keep it concealed
See my inferiority complex kicks in
And the words escape me
And I'm paralyzed
So helpless when I
Look into your eyes
To J.A.L... Dont forget about us.
I'm just speaking from experience
Nothing can compare to your first true love
So I hope this will remind you
When it's for real, it's forever
So don't forget about us
Back On Track
What a fast weekend. In the last few hours, I saw myself rushing to church with my brother in tow, setting up for service and getting my dose of divine nourishment. The busy weekend kept my mind distracted from negative thoughts. Refreshing.
Looking back on all these years, its thru God's blessing that I met taz and how I was blessed with such a wonderful friend and bro, alongside with all the other wonderful folks I've met in my life. Not many, but dear enough.
For those who have been praying for me of late, thanks a million. I think I've finally purged all those thoughts of despondancy and have committed them unto the Great One. Worries bring me nowhere, I have to look foward!
Saturday, February 11, 2006
The four seasons (of the soul)
I shall not elaborate on all the four seasons of the soul I've experienced, but rather the ones that I consider the most impactful ones and the learning points(on a personal basis)
It has been almost twelve hours since I last jumped out of the gates of the rollercoaster ride by praying and interceding hard for myself and some others around me. I had the privilage of indulging in a meaningful time of sharing and fellowship yesterday. I'm thankful that js,tw,jl and sy opened up to me yesterday in a way or another.
Looking at the amount of frown lines in sy's face somehow made me feel that he was heavily burdened. What he shared about during P&P made me realise that life was way fragile. After P&P, I had dinner with the rest of the team and accompanied James to his block before taking a ride home.
Through all these interactions, I could sense the struggles that each one of us were going thru at the moment. I felt really heavy at heart and burdened hearing the struggles of those around me.
Now understand that this is happening because I care for my friends and dear ones in a very personal way. Your problem, once shared with me, creates in me a sense of ownership that aims to help you to overcome it.
Compunded by my own fears and struggles, I became really despondant at one period of time while chatting online with AL and CLC. Hearing them sharing their struggles in addition to what I just heard, I really felt depressed and helpless.
Which was why I had to close my eyes for a moment or so and pray really hard that God would rise up amidst all our fears, concerns, unbeliefs and help us to overcome our problems.
God works in amazing ways..he has made me in such a way that I can feel for and relate to the struggles of those around me with one thing in mind: that I pray for them.
Which was what I am thankful I did, because I felt that God was really listening and by casting all my cares upon Him,I had affimed His Sovereignity over all thats happening in our lives.
The night wasnt easy tho. I was still so bothered over my own issues and struggles that I almost had to cry myself to sleep.
"Weeping may last thru the night, but joy comes in the morning." How apt indeed! This morning, i felt less laden and even could accompany Teck Wee for a nice jog at Serangoon. We had a great chat after that and I am thankful for this opportunity to know him so much better.
Looking back, all of us have our own set of problems, yet God has unified us that we do not grapple with our own issues alone, but we can draw comfort in the fact that we are not alone and we have others to fall on. Being spritually accountable for someone elses' problems keeps you in good spritual health. As you pray and intercede for him or her, you keep your focus fixed on God..henceforth your problems dont seem that HUGE anymore.
Its a brighter satuday, and I'm keeping myself in top shape (running, some weight lifting and swimming later). What can I say?
God: YOU ARE ABOVE ALL indeed.
AdL, CLC: Your encouragment really helped.. in the midst of my despondancy, I realised that I still had Someone to turn to. May God's hand be with you and provide for you both as you continue to truimph over your challenges.
Teck Wee: Thanks for the jog, the listening, the encouragement and even the encouragement in your postboard way back then.
JS, JL: Thanks for being open and sharing your thots. May the Lord's wisdom and joy be with you!
Mariah Carey: Its far, but your verse included in your album is really encouraging given the circumstances. God bless.
Vio: I know you are prayin for me still! Lets continue to uphold each other!
Sayonara.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Clouds go by, so slowly...
Everytime I finish washing my car...jialak! Its gonna rain again. Everytime I wanna go out have some fun...jialak! Its gonna rain again.
Clouds go by, so slowly! (Words taken from the weather report on P10. Nice!)
Woo. Just ended a day almost entirely spent at HQ SCDF. Love you guys. Had a CNY celebrations and I went back coz I didnt want my replacement soundfolks to be alone without knowing what to do.
My fears were unfounded-I reached the place to find out that the system was already in place and 99.9999% running! Ariff and Joses, well done. I have complete faith in the both of you. To the rest of the team, we've pulled off yet another sucessful event, no doubt being painstakingly concieved and put together by each and every one of you! Well done! No doubt this will earn favor in the eyes of the new Commander.
Back there, I met alot of familiar faces, both dear and undear. The top asked questions were like: "What are you doing now? Where are you now?". Here came a really interesting one: "So how does it feels like to have graduated?"
My answer is great, and not great. You gain freedom, but you may lose, to a certain extent, your discipline. And you dive straight into the working world, a world of uncertainties it seems.
To my friends who have yet to ORD, please learn from my lesson and plan what you have to do in advance!
Somewhere in this post are some pictures of what happened today.
Had a nice chat with my mom just now. I gather that she felt quite guilty that I was always constantly getting uprooted when I was younger(new house, new maid, new schools etc), and that probably hampered my abilities to be comfortable in my surroundings. I was greatly encouraged to hear that she thought of me as hardworking and someone who can really succeed if I put my mind to it.
As we chatted, she expressed her concerns about my love life (being in this line, it would really take alot to be a good father, a good husband who's gonna work irregular and wierd hours)
Way to go mom! Your kind words and your concern for me (even at this age) never fail to inspire me and chase the dark rainclouds away. Love ya lots.
Another thought that has been running thru my mind: I am seriously considering postponing my sch till Oct 06 due to financial reasons. I feel that I will be more financially prepared to sustain myself thru school (school fees aside) if I can work from now till Oct.
Consider that a prayer to God as well!
Before I pen off today, I'd like to end off with some footnotes.
God: U've made another fabulous day happen. Thank You so much!
Chin Tiong, appreciate your message on my graduation day. It'll be in my heart always and what you said will remain a motivation for me!
RMC@HQ SCDF: My soundman services are for free, its a blessing to be able to help you all and gain experience along the way! We've come so far already!
Francine: Congrats! All your hard work has come to a good cause. Well done!
Js: U know you're loved, not only by the God of always, but by all of us always. We appreciate you for who you are! God bless you, child.
Blessings.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Amazed
For once I made the effort to wake up early on Monday at 8 plus, had a proper breakfast(4 pratas and two eggs!) before I embarked on what I had to do for the day. In the afternoon, I met Violet and Adrian for lunch at Raffles. Upon my arrival Raffles Place, I was completely at a loss. The only time I ever visited Raffles Place was to get my StarHub line at OUB centre and that was lightyears ago!
Hoping not to disturb Violet too much, I asked two bystanders in the midst of their chimney session where OCBC Centre was. I was directed to another building.
Well done. Sigh.
Took me some time before I managed to find the place, thanks to Vio's directions. We had a great time getting to know each other better at a nice Macs outlet while waiting for Uncle Adrian to arrive. Lunch was fun.
Looking back at this lunch session and the steamboat session at Tian Tian's place brings back a smile to my face. Not too long ago, I was a new member to this new church and I was lamenting about my lack of sociality with the people outside my cell group. It wasnt so gripping that I would die, but I felt a need to get to know more people.
Well, I prayed and Monday's lunch, on top of so many things, really points to a prayer answered. After Vio left (her lunch hour ended earlier), had a really profound chat with Adrian. Wow this guy sure amazes me, I always feel so brainified when I'm chattin with him (we end up either crapping to the max or talking about really adult things :P) So much for 23 year olds! Adrian, you're a GODSEND :P
Well, what we chatted about really inspired me and I hope that I will be able to live my life right and inculcate such values into my offspring.
As I chatted with my mom last night about the upcoming course I was about to take, I realised the financial constrains that potentially lie ahead. School will start end March, and I'm REALLY considering joining the next intake (Oct 2006) so that I can work in the time being and save up some money.
Of all the job offers I had, some were really out of the way because they needed somebody to commit for a longer period of time (3 months onwards?). Well, I guess that explains why I am so "unemployable" for now.
Not that I believe in wasting any more precious time of mine, but I am really concerned about the finances when it comes to this. Like I mentioned, I dont want to tax my mother with another financial commitment.
A bank loan is an option, but there's a repayment period to consider, the extra paperwork (installments) and of course, the interest rate. Wonder if I can manage all these after graduation...
No, my mind's not swayed but I just wanna be careful with this. This is gonna be my prayer request for Friday!!
Tuesday was another day I managed to wake up early, and another day in which I had a healthy breakfast once more. Forgetting that my aunt had offered to cook fried rice for me for lunch (YUMMY!), I met Adrian for lunch(again, at Macs) as i was heading to Sim Lim to get a new printer. $94 is worth it for something that prints so fast, so beautifully and silently.
Chin Tiong, in case you're wondering, its not a HP Printer. Guess.
Spent the remaining of the day doing tape-to-CD conversion for Eugene. Listening to the kid's christian songs blessed me greatly. In a world that forces us to be realistic and practical, we have just lost the chance to be child-like (in God's perspective)
For the past few days, I've had the privilage of recieving free copies of the TODAY paper, and there were certain articles about migrating, the stayers or the leavers. One writer puts it real succintly when he quotes: "Stayers are people who do not have the means to quit!"
How interesting. What do you think?
Following which came an article that beseeched the government into giving priority to locals in terms of employment. The third questioned the policy that made Singapore an expensive location(in terms of labor and productivity costs). While I can agree that Singapore has only its human resource to rely on, I agree with the writer's comment that in the process of marking up labor and production costs here, we may have created a push factor that may potentially make MNCs move out of Singapore.
Then again, it depends on our focus. Are we still going to remain labor and production intensive, or are we seeking to advertise SG as a global hub for research, innovation and the Arts?
I'm sorry if I confused you. I present no stand here. These are purely my thots and mine alone.
Cheers!
Sunday, February 05, 2006
5th Feb 2006
Good morning Sunday. Today's gotta be one of the most involved Sunday I'm waking up to. My mom woke me up ten minutes before the alarm went off. I was pretty alert and that came as a surprise, considering the fact that I slept really late, having been bugged by headaches and gastrics.
Reeling over the pain that my full blown gastric was causing me, I made my way to wash up and to have a quick bite before I left. Thank God for my mom, she prepared something for me to bite on...its something she does religiously every morning without fail indeed. It was only when i hit the shower that I realised that I had forgotten the tune to the 1st worship song.
Completely.
Desperate enough, I prayed in the shower and lo and behold...when I came out of the shower, I managed to get in tune! The version of the song that Julia sent me last night (thanks julia!!) started off in F-sharp, and we were to sing on a D-note today. Confused, I had tried really hard to master the song last night. Praise God for his wonderful blessings..the gastric pain was really nothing as compared to the amount of gratefulness I had in my heart at the moment.
To add on to that joyous note, Leon woke up immediately when i told him we were leaving for church (read, leon is a deep sleeper, i had, at times, to drag him to the toilet and let him seat on the toliet floor before he wakes up).
Leon, you're an amazing brother and I thank God for the wonderful changes I see in our relationship :)
Swallowing two gastric pills and rushing out of the house, we made it in time for Leon's SF service. I finally had a chance to munch on my food while waiting to set up the MPH.
Nervous, i tried to rehearse...but once more slipped. Ten o clock came up, and I was caught up in a frenzy stting up the MPH. Shao, Violet, Julia and Justina arrived, and with their help, we managed to set up for YA service in the MPH for the first time. Arent we honoured to have that privilage of a spritual ground breaking ceromony!
The time for rehearsal came, and I really was nervous as a first timer, but with the threesome's kind words and encouragement, I made it through the rehearsals, and thru the worship session, tho violet's expressions were really funny!Praise God.
What really touched me though was the sermon today, or rather part of was was shared with us today. I find myself really guilty of being vunerable to stress almost all the time. Its not healthy stress but unecessary stress. Its what makes me lose my composure when I'm doing sound for at any time and place. Its the kinda stress that amounts when I'm hosting any events at my place. Its not the right way, but I find it hard to relax and take it easy. The perfectionist in me wants things to go well all the time.
I recognise that as a weakness in my life (i get stressed, and worse, I tend to get snappy at people). I pray that God will really remove this stronghold in my life.
If you asked me to evaluate my perfomance todayas a backup vocalist, my answer would be that I am unsure. I thank God for the opportunity to try this out and God willing, He will bless me and develop me in this area of ministry. I generally drew more positive comments...but...hehe.**shy lah**
Fellowship at Coco's was a blast, and so was home visitations. Kudos to Teck Wee and Eugene (and their parents) for being such gracious hosts. Had a great time at their places, chatting and laughing at Eugene's photos and our chinese names :) We kinda watched a movie at my place later, and I fetlt greatly blessed by the time of fellowship we had.
For the first time in some months to come, we had the entire Acts 1:8 at my place..wow. I feel greatly honoured. The effort made to clean up the place for u guys to come over was definetly worth it! Mien, I'm super glad you made it!
In short, it was a Sunday that started off looking so potentially hazardous, but was salvaged by God's mercy and transformed into a wonderful day!
Special thanks to:
God: For all you've done today, from the healing of the crazy gastrics right to the multiple blessings that you've given me all the way.
Shao, Violet and Julia: For your help, kind words and encouragement, its a blessing to serve alongside with you.
Melvin, good to have u back today! Thanks for your ever postive attitude and gentlemanly spirit.
Adrian & Junhao and Chee Seng: For your encouragements that really helped to dissolve the nervousness I was feeling.
Jacob: thanks for taking care of Leon and watching out for him. Appreciate the phone call.
Past Hiap Siang: You're always so encouraging and you have a keen sense of appreciation. God bless!
Acts 1:8 cell group: Hey...there's nothing that I could ever use that would really express how wonderful and blessed I am to be blessed with you in my life. The road ahead looks set to challenge yet it is exciting. Lets run the race together!
Chills.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
DoubLE EnTRY
At this moment, I'm in a pretty pissed mood.My heart goes out to my mom. She's been busy with a project assigned to her and that has tied her up since last year. It just makes me sick to think of the way the world works at times, the hardworking gets the shitload and those who slack seem to get away from it. I've seen it happen in my previous camp, the hardworking ones are overworked and those who are not seem to have an easy life. Its repulsive. My only comfort is our accountability to God in situations like these.
I'm thankful my mom's a christian. I believe that God will uphold and provide for her in the midst of all these madness. She arrived home at 12midnight last night, left for work at 6 this morning and has yet to return home (read, im entering this at 6.49PM!). Best of all, she has to work tomorrow (Sunday), thanks to some freakshit's screwup. WHAT IS THIS?!?!
As I closed my eyes last night, I prayed that God will provide for her mentally, physically and in health to tide over this busy period. Then again, the same struggle hits me, I'm resentful for what that OLD MAN has done to us. All the unecessary struggle and trauma caused single handedly by a selfish person.
You know WHO YOU ARE.
Yet amidst all these, I have learnt. I have grown in many ways unimaginable, and God help me never to end like that ever.
Worries, worries worries. The bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow, but in times like this, its an enormously uphill struggle for me.
Teck Wee, I hope you're reading this, because I want you to take comfort in the fact that we all face struggles of our own, yet we are here to help each other grow.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are faced with trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverancance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, and not lacking in anything" James 1:2-4
Mom, this is for you and myself. Looks like I've answered my own question once more.
On a happier note, I ended up doing backups for the first time. I was supposed to just be there to setup for Shao, Violet's and Julia's reheasal, but ended singing alongside with them. Had tons of cold feet (although it was just the four of us!) but warmed up soon enough thanks to the generosity of the threesome. Tomorrow looks set to be my first "appearance", God help me with that!
Yes, its gonna be the first time anyone's seeing me wearing s shirt and trousers to church =P. Well, thank you Shao, Violet and Julia for your tolerance, encouragement and guidance,your friendship and for this opportunity!
This has really gotta be a double entry. I started off on an extremely negative note, but ended with a positive one.
Pam Ang.. it was at least seven years ago when you encouraged me to start a journal to express my feelings and in the process, derive learning points. I shrugged off your suggestion then as I was skeptical, and now I've come to agree with what you said!
Peace out!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Another Phase Of LIFE
Half of the family's from my mom's side will eventually be moving out of Singapore. As I waved my uncle farewell behind the glass facade of the departure hall, waves of thoughts ran thru my mind. There's so much talk of moving on to "greener pastures". Even some of his friends who came to send him off mentioned that they had plans to move on after retirement. I couldnt help but wish I had the guarenteed option to do so as well.
Which brings me back to my current situation. I hope and pray that the industry I'm jumping into will continue to boom so that I will not be forced to move out of Singapore. If i ever had to, I'd venture out of SG on a short term basis for exposure and learning opportunities instead of moving out permanently per se. Of course, I hope that the economy continues to develop in our favor so there will be a more meaningful existense to our lives.
Having a chat with a dear friend from my old camp made me realise that how lucky I was to have graduated at such a time. Amidst all the recent mayhems I was blessed with God's protection and mercy, wonderful officers and a number of wonderful collegues I could count on.
I feel troubled that what is going on these days are not really pleasant and I pray for order, peace and justice to be restored.
I was online this morning to send my resume to PLMGPS as they had advertised for the vacancy of an AV technician. In that course of time, I recieved a copy of the worship schedule and was surprised to see my name in the vocalist section. Well, it looks like God has opened another door for me! God willing, I'd be grateful to have the AV technician job till school starts. Besides the finances, its great to have experience as well. Its near my ex camp and church. The convenience of meeting ur friends for lunch: priceless!
I shall pen off with a few footnotes:
Ad. Lee, I know you're probably smiling as you're reading this, especially the last part. Don't worry, a vocalist wont sound good without a great soundman :) Thanks for believing and encouraging! JAJA.
Junhao: Your photography skills amaze me. We should go for a round of shooting soon!
Chin .T: This is sick.I'm glad u have a 3 month break from duties. I hope the next round of promotions will be this fair too. You know what I mean! Take care.
Joy S, after two months of waiting, the door has been opened. Cant wait to open the floodgates of heaven as we croon ( or croak?) together.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
My heart is a little burdened. I'm currently seeking employment, but on a short term basis. School starts in end Mar, and I'm seeking employment because I dont believe in bumming around at home and wasting my time.
Of course, I made use of this time to settle my own stuff and help others with work, but on a voluntary basis. I'm rather concerned about my finances. If time allows, I'd want to work outside school to supplement my own finances. Enough is enough, I dont wanna burden my mom with yet another financial commitment.
For those of you who havent heard, I'm intending to take a diploma in audio engineering. Beside it being my interest, I strongly feel that this is an industry I can excel in. Its gonna take a year on a full time basis. God and finances willing, I would want to pursue my degree in Aust.
I'm a little worried as to my current state of employment now (i.e. unemployed!) but I shall not be overly vexed over it, but be more proactive in seeking employment instead.
"Do not worry, for worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but brings you nowhere" quoted from P.Ang
My first blog ever.
With this in mind, kindly bear with me because I'm new to this and I dont really know how to work this out. Advise from experienced blogggers will be greatly appreciated. *bows*
This site's created with the purpose of sharing my thots, a little person in a vast universe. For the latest updates on whats going on in my life, here's your Channel News Asia equivalent.
This space is dedicated to my friends, the past, present and new, and to my lovely cousin who wants to understand more about me.
Enjoy your stay!
regards.
fraz fraser frazzie