Year 2008 - A year to build the most important thing in life; Relationships

The end of 2008

2008-12-31T01:41:00.002+08:00

Everyone seem to really look forward to 2009! A new year, a new start.
As for me, i didn't know what to expect and didn't know how I should forget about the past and move on with my life.
Like most people, 2008 has been eventful...
today is the last day of 2008... i am still working towards my target for this month. Yup, it's always last minute for me. Till the last sec, God will then help me hit my target. A way to build my faith indeed. To build my perserverance that I should not give up so easy in all area of my life.
Past few days hasn't been easy for me indeed.
Spend some time resting, taking my flu and sore throat as an excuse to just stay at home yesterday to rest and think and pray. Been spedning some time crying at nights too, so I'm really tired.
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Finally got my driving license! Yippeeee! After 5 tests!
Only when I decide in my heart that I will not buy a car now, I pass.
Thank God for warning me that getting a car now, I will only get more stress.
Ha... one thing i did this month... went to Lee Ah Mooi old age home on Christmas's day! Thanks Laura, Danny and Wenwei for coming with me.
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Thanksgiving for 2008

Gotten my driving license!
Manage to go for AIA mini convention Japan Osaka in Sep! By God's grace!
Shared Christ and led 2 to receive salvations!
Prayed for one client's wife and she received instant healing!
Build closer relationship with my sister, brothers, sister-in law, dad and his wife.
Organised a Christian event for my agency during christmas!
Learn to be a better person

Thank God for 2008.

The month of December

2008-12-14T23:59:00.004+08:00

1)Before the hair cut, i took a pic of myself at home, put on the nice hair band, tot it suit my perm hair better. 2)Took at salon with the super gd stylist Paul! 3) Just before my hair cut, asked Winnie to take for me. 4) Took at home with my new hair style. Seriously think I look younger with this hair style. Like it more & more now! =)

Dear December,

I like you because it's always cooling during your month! The weather is nice and it just makes me happy and relax. During this month, I just feel like lazing around, taking photos around Orchard Road and spending time with my loved ones. I believe in miracles! May this month bring many miracles in my life and those around me! Praise the Lord! =)

Love, ah xue.

No mood for buying presents this year

2008-12-04T22:37:00.004+08:00

Ha.... don't know if it's due to world economic crisis, I really don't have mood to buy Christmas presents, writing Christmas cards and making the Christmas Chocoflakes this year! Nonetheless, I will still make the chocoflakes cookies for my new clients this year. Just new clients... yup... no strength and mood to make alot this year. Wanted to plan my Dec month today, but nothing seem to come out of it! To call up clients to meet for yearly review plus pass diaries, calenders and small gifts.. no mood yet....

On the other hand, yup... think I'm really more into going to "old folk home" or children home to give them love and gifts. SO if you dont receive any presents from me this year, pls understand k. =p Attached a picture of the old age home I will be going one of the day this month before Christmas. Join me if you want. =)

Eddy & Hannah's wedding

2008-12-03T00:10:00.004+08:00

This beautiful pic is done by Alvin! My designer. Should you want a similiar painting done up with your fav. pictures! COntact me, I am the coordinator for this type of paintings at home! Unique and one of the kind! =)

A beautiful and tall couple!! =)

Beautiful hannah!

Debbie & I! =)

The couple!

Did a special Wedding gift for my eagle friend, Hannah!

Had my designer Alvin to paint out the picture and put in some words for one of the wedding pic and I did up the printing job. Pretty satisfied with the outcome! Hard work but all worth it! Thanks Alvin! Hope Hannah like it alot! =)

Really wanted to cut my hair plus made it straight again!
It is so long!!!! It reaches my bottom! Can you imagine?? The trouble to wash and comb and dry my hair! Oh... it has been almost a year and its time to change. Anyway, think I took enough pictures with my long perm hair at all the weddings... time to change.... been thinking for almost 2 months... no time to go to salon! Been really busy with attending weddings.... more to come!

Anyway, Christmas party is coming... this year at my place!!! Yup, it forces me to clean up my place, I think its good! I have spent more than 15 hours packing and cleaning the house so far! Bought a new bookshelf just to pack up all my books and notes! Ha.... been good so far. Pray that it will be a really good time with many salvations to come! My financial year has ended (AIA financial year ends in Nov of the year) Praise God, I manage to hit my career benefit target.

Now is a new start for a new financial year! I am counting on GOD! =)

Christmas is near.

2008-11-06T23:37:00.004+08:00

A walk at the shopping mall or Orchard Road, you will know that Christmas is near. Yesterday while staying in office till 8pm, I decided that I need to get out and do some walking at Orchard Road. Of course to visit one of my Fav. spot HMV at Somerset. I always go there alone after work last time to listen to some of the CDs and enjoy my time alone. Carrying my heavy bag plus my laptop, I didnt mind walking and standing for at least 2 hours plus. As I reached SOmerset at 830pm, and as I walked towards HMV, I had this thought. This Christmas, I wanted to do something different. Every Christmas, I will be wondering where to go for fun, for parties, how to entertain myself and make myself very happy besides shopping and giving gifts to friends and clients. This time, I had this thought, I wanted to visit the old folk's homes, the children homes, the disabled homes, anyone who need extra love.... how meaningful it is to give love in this season. Pls do give me a ring or sms if you wanna join me in this wonderful task.

I went to look for Jay Chou's new album and stood there for 30 min listening to his new songs. I don;t know why but I always think that songs sound alot nicer when I listen to them at HMV. haaa... some of the songs made me cry... some make me smile..... I wanna why many people (including me) love to listen to love songs, they just make us sad when we think of the past. Still, to be able to recall and think of the memories of the times when we have loved and lost is better than never to have loved before. I like the last song alot... its a positive song that encourages us to move on despite all challenges in life. Dream on and keep believing.

As i keep walking around the stores in HMV, then along Orchard Road.... I keep wondering why I always have to be alone... even though Im an extrovert. Yup, I prefer to be with friends than alone if its the right accompany... but seem likes I am always alone... starting to wonder if I have very few friends...

Stop worrying and start living.. every moment is precious... enjoy! =)

weddings.... for a break

2008-11-02T23:25:00.004+08:00

6 of us! Sharon is the first to be married! Congratulation Sharon & Jiande!!! =)

Shandy & myself were busy on the phone and Meifeng took a candi shot for us. haaa....

Beautiful Sharon! =) 1 Nov 2008

11 Oct 08, the couple & I! =)

Beautiful couple, Huili & Xide! =)

For a break from my Japan trip.... I decided to post up some Wedding pictures! =) Being Huili's bridemaid is fun and tiring, serving her like a maidservant. =p

Having to wake up at 5am and being on the same bed with another 2 girls.... I really couldn't sleep. In the end, yup... I guess I had 2 hours of rest at all...

Huili is really very blissful.... everything went well for her. =)

Getting off to Mt. Fuji......

2008-10-18T00:00:00.004+08:00

At Shinjuku, before setting off to Mt. Fuji
At Mt. Fuji.... similar stores where i got all the very nice goodies!
Happy to know that I can withdraw money from my POSB debit card at the ATM! Finally have $ to buy goodies for friends le! =) $30,000 yen
This is the very nice hostel! k's house Mt. Fuji! Really nice! Love it! Japanese style! Clean and affordable. abt S$40 per night per person.
The book I got from New Hope Tokyo Church! The Dream Releaser!

pictures!

2008-10-17T01:58:00.002+08:00

Our first hostel "Tokyo Ninja Hostel" rated 6/10 by Shirley. Clean and fun. But too tiring, no lift.
Tokyo New Hope Church! =)
Pastor and his Japanese wife who will do the translation for him.
Yeah! Thank you for praying for me, pastor! =)
Met this family there at the church, very very cute baby! =)

wedding, wedding and weddings!

2008-10-11T21:45:00.002+08:00

I haven't finished posting up all my japan adventures pictures. Reasons being, the photo size is too big and I find it hard to resize them one by one.

Nonetheless, many events these days... I thought I can be excited.. but I felt a sense of sadness over me. To be frank, I really felt that I have been through alot this year. Yet, I have been strong.

But on the other note, my life is indeed bless. I have so many good friends, good health and family members around. I am blessed indeed.

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I have received a cheque for $472.93 yesterday from the Bank of America, AIG.

Yup, AIG never fails to deliver its claims promises. One exciting part of my Japan is that I lost my phone and money on the 2nd day in Tokyo! What an event! After meeting Jac on the first day at Tokyo, the next day is a fateful one that almost ruin my entire trip.

Started the day quite badly, as I was too tired the day before carrying my extremely heavy luggage around.. Jac gave me a black face because I couldn;t wake up on the time we have agreed on. And the whole day, she wasn't impressed at all with the shopping and walking around at Tokyo, comparing Tokyo with Paris. Honestly, I wished I was alone at Tokyo. =p ops.... sorry Jac. That day, I went to meet up with KC and his wife at Tokyo 101 whilst Jac decided to go back hostel to rest??? (Fancy going hostel to rest on a hols?? funny) So I called her up during dinner time to meet up, thinking that she will be very "ke lian".

But it turned out to be a "devastating" night for me.

God is good. On the train to our supposed destination "odaiba", I decided to take a good look at what I brought for that day in my pouch. I took out my wallet and passport in the morning that day and brought along my leftover money which amounts to $40k yen, my handphone, spare SD card for taking pic and the hostel keys.

When we were at one station for transition to another train, Jac decided maybe not to go anymore, and in the midst of discussion, I got really dull and "sian". After which, funny... my pouch was gone. huh??? ya, I really can't recall what happened. I guess I might have left it on the ticket counter while discussing with Jac and station master about whether we should get going, and someone took it. Faint. Yes, all my contacts were gone. I thanked God that at that crucial moment, I was holding on to my dear camera with irreplaceable memories of my Japan trip, photos for the first 5 days.

But, yes... my handphone was gone with all my contacts. I considered that really desvastating, not only so because my Hp is rather new, bought in April, but as a "sales" person, contacts are my lifeline. And, I thought of all my plans for the rest of the trip, getting to Mt Fuji and disneyland... and I thought of my lost money... all of it... no more yens left... in a foreign ground...

I cried and cried and cried.... right where I was.

Ha... Jac didnt response much, which added to my frustrations.

I think I was brave and insisted in looking for it in my best efforts then headed to the police post for reporting. I sat down at the police post and tried to regain my sanity again.

Self talk: "Shirley, what have you lost? Money. Handphone. Contacts.

Are they very very important in life that you find them hard to replace? Would you rather dwell in all these loss, cry for days and decided to get back to Singapore asap to forget about this "bad experience"? or get over it quickly and enjoy the rest of your trip?? Mt Fuji, Tokyo and Disneyland.

Shirley: "Okay, okay. Yup, it's okay. It's not the end of the world. I just lost some money. Besides, I got my travel insurance, even if I can't claim them, they are not so important in life that worth the ruining of the rest of my trip. Okay, I'm fine!"

I decided there at the police post to be well again. =)

Thanking God that I haven lost my passport, wallet, Ic or camera.

I had the most amazing day the next day. Good!

The next day was our Mt. Fuji trip and so we packed up and went over to our 3rd hostel to put our luggage. Then backpack and off we go! Went to the "electric world" full of the latest techologies in town to get a spare SD card for my camera. It's just a 5 min ride from my hostel. Found a cheap SD card, 2 G for only $10 Sing i think. Thanks to Jac who lend me some money. I decided that memories cant be replaced so Im determined to grab a SD card for the rest of my trip. Off we went on to our next destination, Tokyo New Life Church! Wow... small church with a big heart. Loved the church alot, warm people, great pastor from Hawaii, great love for God and people! Guess what, God used the pastor to comfort me as he related his 2 experiences of theft and robbery in Japan for his stay there. He lost $40k yen! Yup, that's what I lost too! God has used him to remind me that I am never alone. That topic of the sermon is Trusting God in crisis times. =) Yup, you are not alone too.

They sang lovely worship songs in Japanese and English. After the whole service, I went up to take a pic with the pastor and told him how God has used him to encourage me. He then decided to pray for me, knowing how bad I must have felt throughout the whole loss. The moment he laid his hands on me, I started crying and crying. It's not tear of sadness or disappointment. It's tear of joy from my Heavenly Father. The presence of God is so strong. God only allows himself to be as close as you allows Him to.

Lovely, got a book "Dream Releasers" from the church too. Written by their Senior pastor from Hawaii. Pastor Wayne. Heard of him in internet and how he led the fasting growing church in Hawaii with more than 10,000 regular attendees now. Hope I got the details right. So they started a church in Japan too and I got there. Thank God.

The route to Mt. Fuji was enjoyable too and the moment we reached there, wow....great weather! I'm loving it! =)

********************** to be continued plus the wedding story.......

Take a long time to upload pictures! faint!!! =p

2008-09-24T12:51:00.003+08:00

Finally can rest after settling at Ninja Tokyo Hostel! Just exploring outside the hostel.
Asakusa area! all the souvenirs!
Bought a cute bowl here!
Caught a Sumo to take pic with me! Ai yo... scary....=p
So many arcades for japanese to vent their frustrations here.

My heavy heavy lugguge! Shouldn't have bring so many things to Japan!
Bullet train Nozomi behind me!
This is the bed that I slept on at Ninja Hostel.... Domitary style! haa... nice experience if I didnt need to carry the heavy lugguge!
A look at the corridor inside the room leading to my bed behind.
This is the living room at Ninja hostel. Actually out of 10, I will only give 6-7 for my experience here. Still prefer K's house! At Mt. Fuji and Tokyo. =)

2008-09-23T00:44:00.003+08:00

different Hello Kitty hat! =)
Yellow cab !
Spiderman! wrong hand!
Peterpan... no show that day!
Hollywood dream........... scream my heart out! Fun! legs shaking before & after the ride!

Japan adventures part 2

2008-09-21T23:17:00.004+08:00

Snoopy world at Universal Studio!
Very fantasy world!
Jurassic Park! The ride!
Standard merry go round!
The pink cafe! Pink panther! =)
Cute shop logos are common along Shinshabashi streets osaka!Love this street!
After Dinner by District manager Daisy Wee, she spent $10,000 yen ($130) for each person here. Generous boss!
We make it! AIA 12th Mini convention! =)Davy Goh is my manager standing behind me. Boss Daisy and funny uncle Jimmy.
At the dinner!

Day 3: Universal Studio adventures!

AIA is great to have given us 3 options to choose for our tour. Kyoto day trip, Kobe beef trip or Universal Studio! Don't have to think much, I have chosen option 3 and never never regret my decision!

AIA provided a return train ticket to Universal Studio, the entrance ticket and meal coupons of $3000 yen! Wow, how generous are they! =)

Had a great time there but ended up with a sore sore feet.. nearly fainted from walking too much! Had the most wonderful and exciting rollar coaster ride! It's called "the hollywood dream". =) Fun indeed!

Caught 2 toys at Osaka Shinshabashi!!! Minnie and pooh!! thanks to the sales assistant who helped me! Spent less than $10, abt $6 for each toy. =)

Eat very nice Ramen!!! So nice!!! Thanks to S for the treat! =)

5th sep is the day I travelled to Tokyo from Osaka by the Nozomi bullet train! Fastest train in Japan! Took about 2.30 hours to reached Tokyo.

First lesson to learn: Never bring alot of things when you travel! Keep your luggage as light as possible! Ha.... I didnt know why I brought dozens of clothes, shoes, jackets and skincare in my big luggage till my dad is wondering if Im going to be away for a year! haaaaa..... and my brother told me that I should be bringing things back from Japan and not bringing so many things to Japan! haaa...... In the end, I have to pull my heavy luggage from the station to my hostel in Tokyo!!! Its torturing!!!! and thanks to 2 Japanese I saw at the station who helped me to carry my luggage up the long stairs... Really sorry to see them "suffering" too.

Finally at Ninja Tokyo Hostel! But 2 poor ladies (The receptionists) have to help me carry my luggage up 5 levels. Oh, ke lian!!! I was supposed to stay with Kassey and wife at their apartment in yohohama but because of Jac, I stayed with her in a hostel instead. It's a domitary style bed that we have chosen 'cos it's cheaper. But I ended up in bruises... haaa....

Had the most dramatic event the next day. To be continued....

September - continues....

2008-09-19T15:04:00.004+08:00

With Laura, just arrived at Japan! 7am
My plane food (Japan airlines)
After changing into something comfortable, at our hotel, New Otani Hotel Japan
Hello Kitty shop at Osaka, shinsaibashi!

This week has been a good time catching up with long time no see friends. Met up with Huishan on Monday at her place for some catch up. Shandy came on Tuesday and had a good time catching up with my Japan adventures. On Wed, met up with long time no see friend KC who came back from Korea and said that "The face shop" products are super cheap there! =) Yesterday met up with Li li. She is getting married on 11th Oct, coming soon and I will be her bridemaid! Haaa.... seems like all my good friends are getting married! Coming up, I will be attending at least 5 Weddings for the rest of this year!

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JAPAN ADVENTURES 1st Sep to 11th Sep

Having sat on Japan Airlines plane for the first time, I felt that Singapore airlines did a better job in term of facilities and food. Japan airlines not that fantasic afterall except that the Japanese Air stewardess is much more friendly and service oriented. Japanese service is always rated top.

Had an overnight flight and I did not manage to sleep soundly throughout the flight and was quite tired the next day! Arrived in Japan in the morning at 7am! And all is bright! The weather is hot! Hotter than Singapore I think. Nonetheless we proceed to a Spa resort and I had my first experience of what's a Japanese Onsen is like. Their Hot spring. Ha... but not experiencing it 'cos all the people (gals only) are required to bare it all in order to go down the pool of hotspring water. I just requested to take a look inside and had a feel. I decided to only do it when nobody is around or when there are only Japanese strangers, definitely not friends. So pai sey! =p

Went to Shinsaibashi Osaka the first night. It s the best place for shopping! Especially for skincare and comestics! Cheap and good! and all the shops are very interesting! Very nice outlets of shops. Tried their Mos Burger, nice place and tender chicken! Coffee comes with pain water too!

2nd day is the convention plus Gala dinner! The food wasnt nice but everything else was okay! Oh, and I didnt have a chance to put on the yukata that I borrow from Sze. Sad! But its okay. There will always be a chance. =) anyway, i found one similar red yukata at a shopping mall at a 70% discount! $500 yen! That's abt $7. Very cheap. Normal price at $3000 yen!

i better put up some pictures before i continues next time..... ciao!!!

Preparing to go out for my mee at s11 AMK now! Going to Vision Rally at night! =)

September 2008 - exciting month

2008-09-18T01:10:00.003+08:00

Back from amazing Japan last week. And this week started with lots of commotion over AIG & AIA news. What an exciting month for me! =)
I have so much to blog, but I have to wake up at 730am tmr! Cailing gal, if you
are reading this! I'm very sorry to miss calling you on your birthday yesterday! Was busy with doing customer service (handling customers calls) and chatting with a galfriend at home! So sorry! Will catch you soon to play okay!!! =)

I am actually not afraid at all with the recent AIG news. If you ask me, I really think that it's only through tough times that you know how tough a person/company is. Many people (Hundreds) queue to redeem AIA policies yesterday without knowing what is happening. Just hearing rumours from friends and some news from the net/papers. But AIA is doing just fine EVEN WITH THESE PEOPLE SURRENDING THEIR POLICIES. AIA is very strong indeed. See that? If this happens to another company, it may not be able to take the risk. But AIA has more & above sufficient capital and reserves to meet all obligations. I have great faith in such a great company.

By the way, according to the Business Times "AIA policies a different animal from Lehman's Minibonds" by GENEVIEVE Cua, it states that AIA could well be the most conservative of local insurers. What this means is that the life fund (when we pay our premium mthly or yearly, these money goes into the life fund. All insurance companies have a life fund) that AIA holds are invested in very conservative instruments unlike other local insurance companies that invest more aggressive in equities markets. This is important because this life fund determines the future payout of bonuses and claims. We can't afford to lose life fund money and AIA is the most prudent local insurance company to do that. (Check out MAS/LIA website if you are not convinced) Attached something to read on below. Full version at http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/specialfocus/story/0,4574,297222,00.html?

"On the issue of its stability and financial strength, AIA has more than enough capital to meet policy obligations. In an interview last October, AIA general manager Mark O'Dell told BT that its aim was to maintain a capital adequacy ratio above 200 per cent - 'which is well within the strongest band'. 'We're easily within the 230-240 per cent range,' he said then. The MAS's required minimum is well below that.
Of course, insurance funds are not shielded from market risk or loss. But AIA could well be the most conservative of local insurers. As at end-December last year, its participating fund was valued at $14.8 billion. Almost three-quarters of that is invested in fixed income securities. Only 10 per cent is in Singapore equities and 4 per cent in mutual funds and foreign equities.
As for policyholders who have put money into investment-linked AIA products (ILPs), there is even less of an issue in terms of the vulnerability of their assets to AIG Inc's problems. ILPs are effectively unit trusts where investors own the units and bear the market risk.
Of course, the asset values of those funds will reflect the mauling that global markets are currently enduring. But panicking and redeeming units at this time will only exacerbate the falls in the funds' asset values.
Insurance - particularly policies with substantial sums in protection value - is a long-term commitment where the decision to terminate should not be made lightly. This is because an individual in poor health may not be able to secure protection elsewhere.
What's more, the contracts are structured with long breakeven periods. So, early termination is usually done at a heavy loss.
AIA's policyholders should sit tight. This crisis is painful, but it will pass."

Enough of AIA reassurance.

Tough times don't last. Tough people (AIA) do!

Shall return with my Japan trip adventures!!! God bless! Praise the Lord!!! =)

Leaving for Japan 1st to 11th Sep 2008

2008-08-29T01:00:00.002+08:00

I'm having mixed feeling.
Oh Lord, Help me.

I have been really elated lately because of my trip to Japan soon.
Thank God for His grace and miracle that I am able to make it there.
Thank God for helping me through it all.
Thank God for giving me a chance to leave Singapore for a while.
Thank you Jesus that I can have a break, a time to recuperate and recover.

A transition period is always so tough, yet it is filled with new anticipation for a new adventure in my life. I have decided to serve in Chinese ministry! After giving it a thought for the past one year, it's time I obey God and go.
A serenity and new joy came upon my heart for the things to come!
Worshipping God in Mandarin, dancing for Him and serving the elderlys and the young adults! God give me a new compassion for the elderlys. To be able to serve them and see them through the last stage of their lives warm my heart. Ya, what a privilege to be able to do that! Learning to pray in Mandarin will definately do me a lot of good in praying for my brother, dad and people around me. Praise GOD! What a joy came into my heart again!
We love because God first love us!
I finally understand why I can't feel joy for the past one year even though I know deeply I love Jesus so much. That is because I have not step into the place that He has called me into! Now, I feel so loved and in joy again!

This Japan trip, I wish and pray that God will instill lots of His love into my heart, refreshes me with his mercy and grace daily, empower me with his wisdom and power to pray and serve, heal me of all my struggles, brokenness and disappointments.. Let me sing and praise You without limits and without holding back.

Looking back at my last convention pictures Sydney brings back fond memories and sadness... Those happy pictures we took together with the orchids flowers bring tear to my eyes. How I wish we are like what we used to be. Receiving a week of love letters from you knowing that you always miss me whenever I am away...

I actually wanted to leave for as long as possible.... to travel and hopefully to stay and work in other countries as I travel. But I know I can't. I can only pray for God to work miracles in my heart now.

Yup, still looking forward to a wonderful new adventure at Japan! May God bless me with a delightful wonderful fabulous experious and bless you all who are reading my blog now.

God's love endureth forever! Amen!

peaceful July 2008

2008-07-31T22:53:00.003+08:00

Peace is not when things are smooth and when there are no trials or tribulations or trouble. Peace is when you can search deep into your heart to a place of sufficient grace, bountiful love and the serenity of peace when things fail and when things don't go our ways.

Today is the last day of July and I just felt that alot of things had happened in this month. However, the most beautiful thing will be this; spending quality time with God and time praying and worshipping with friends in the presence of God. A deep sense of God's love overwhelm me this month and I just felt so much in love with God again and again.

Thank God for the chance to go to City Harvest twice this month, to hear Pastor Kong Hee preached again is really refreshing! 3 nights spent at Faith Methodist Church from 21st to 23rd July for the 2 years once Christian Counselling Conference! Meeting Dr. Siang Yang Tan and Dr. Wei-Jen Huang and hearing from them was really really great. Dr. Tan told us a love letter from God to us and Dr. Huang told us some really interesting facts and stories. Both of them psychiatrists are really some godly men who are making a great difference in the marketplace. As I mentioned before, Dr. Tan has the noblest face I ever seen while I must say, Dr. Huang (First time seeing him) is the most humble man I ever seen. Dr. Tan is from Singapore but residing in U.S now while Dr. Huang is from Taiwan and residing in U.S too. Dr. Huang came on stage and just thank God for the chance to minister to us, confessing that he is actually not smart but how very bless he is to be used by God now. I am amazed by his humbleness and the way he talked and know deeply in my heart that God always uses the humble hearts. Guess what, I was elated when Stream of Praise came to Singapore too and Jac and I had a really really great time dancing and worshipping for Jesus.

No wonder I felt so in love with God, so many exciting events and words of God just happened this month! I had spent some quality time praying and crying before the Lord too. Went to Jac place and she really is very nice to me. Cooked 3 dishes and ba ku tea soup for me despite her tiredness. Then as usual, I will asked to listen to Stream of Praise songs and as I listened to one song, "abba father", I cried and cried and cried. God is doing some amazing work in my life, changing me bit by bit. Praise God for his love, visions, peace and presence. I pray that I will not be lazy and will spend time with Him daily. Only then, life can be so fruitful and purposeful. Had some good time praying with Hannah, Huili, Laura, Fayth, June and my cell members this month too. Thank God for the chance to pray with Brandon on the 27th July. =)

Of course, not all things will be smooth in life. I failed my driving test again. Yes. Again. What? Shirley! Auto car you know! Yup, I know. That is why I was quite desvastated this time round to fail my driving test for the 2nd time. I even cried infront of the tester when he went to print out my driving test result. I couldnt believe it. Another round of learning and paying for the expensive driving test. For the rest of that day, I was in a bad bad mood. Getting easily frustrated with people around. I even said "I dont want to learn driving again!" to myself. Thank God, I regain my sanity that very night and got back myself the next day. I searched deep into God's love and peace again and thank God for the lesson to learn. Failures, this is how it feel like, Shirley. I believe God is using this experience to teach me to empathise more deeply with people who fail in exams or anything. Thank you Jesus. Now, I can say and really know the pain.

Just watched 2 movies with Brandon today. "Money not enough 2" is rated 1.1/2 stars over 5 by some review. But personally Brandon and myself give it a 4 stars. Why? Even though its not very very funny and unpredictable. It sent out some very relevant lessons for Singaporeans; The poorest man in not the one without a penny in the pocket but the one with no loved ones around to spend money with; Treasure and love your wife who is there for you through thicks and thins; Be content with what you have; Love and cherish your family especially your mom when they are still around. It did bring some sadness to me when I saw one scene that reminded me that mom is not with me now. Cherish when you still can.

I'm reading "Full service" by Dr. Tan Siang Yang now..... another great lessons to learn.... thank you Jesus. Praise you Lord.

Gratitude

2008-07-14T00:45:00.002+08:00

My heart is filled with gratitude for God's love and grace!
This world of efficiency and pace and competitions, it's easy to say that we have achieved some awards, some significant, some achievements by our own efforts. I was tempted to say that I have work hard for my OSAKA Japan convention this year but thank God, Thanks to my manager who is a non Christian who reminded me that it is indeed God's grace that I qualified for OSAKA!
No matter how hard we tried in life, nothing can amount to success without God's grace.
Yes, of course we have to work hard to succeed in life. But without a gratitude heart that says, "Apart from God, I can do nothing" John 15, we are actually putting limits to what God can do in our life. We strive and strive and ended up in more despair because we are never satisfied with achievements, we want more and more... and all these are meaningless.

Thank you Jesus for your grace and thank you all who pray and believe together with me that I can qualified for OSAKA. Thank you so much. =)

I'm so excited that I nearly couldn't sleep just planning my itineraries for Japan! I remember 2 years ago, I went to Sydney convention with God's grace!
I was so excited having to travel alone for 3 days! But this time round, I'm abit sad I may have to travel alone for 3 days again. Nobody to share my joy with, nobody to take pictures with me! Haaa.... But God will work it all out for me! =)

This time round, will be going to Toyko Disneyland, backpacking to Mt Fuji and onsen (springwater bath). Will be more exciting than Sydney! Jac may join me at Japan Tokyo. Let's see if everything work out fine. I know it will =)

Thank you JESUS! =)

At this time when I needed more love, God pour out His love through different people and of cos this special gift from Him. =)

Praise the Lord!

JUne 2008

2008-06-25T00:56:00.002+08:00

The month of June is enchanting, full of grace & mercy. Well, i like June.
or do I really like it?
Many things have happened.
My heart bled, recovered, hurt again, loved, filled again....
This month is amazing. I'm awed with God's love.
Tough times, but I want to emerge out stronger again.

I have lost someone precious in my life again.
Why Lord? I'm tempted to ask God.

He knows it. My future is in His hands.
He knows best. I should trust in Him.

"I am a new creation in Christ!
I am free to love and be loved again!
I don't need to indulge in pity party anymore.
I am free to forgive & forget"

This simple truth is a revelation to me.

Life can be full of questions or it can be purposeful and fulfilling as we allow God to reveal things bit by bit to us.

"Why does this thing happen to me? It's so hard!"
"Why Lord, I have tried so hard. But why do I still fail? Why?
"Why does this person has to die? He is such a good person? why?"

Stop indulging in thoughts that has no answer.
Why dont we just live each day and trust in a God who will reveal our future to us day by day.

Forgive the person who has hurt you and forget it. Ask God to help even when its hard. Never bear grudges. The devil will torture you with thoughts like that.
Be free to love and be loved again.

Jesus filled my heart with His love.

He sent many people to love me this month.

He knows.

Thank God for many friends who love me. Thank God that You love me so much.

Spent quality time with 6 friends last week.
Spent the most with Jac. God asked her to show me extra extra love these 2 weeks as He probably knows i needed love badly.
So sister Jac sms me love sms everyday every moment telling me how much I am loved by her and God.

Went to East Coast for the 2nd time this month.
I was thinking should I work or go out with her today.
Then I was praying and suddenly I just felt that I needed to meet God at the beach today. So I went and I am so glad I did.

I brought my stretch book with color pencils, my journel along.
Jac bought some bread, mini lettuces, mini tomatoes, honey baked hams and carrot juice. We had a mini pinic and a great time with God.

We sang worship songs, prayed, enjoying the amazing lovely breeze and drew a picture for each others. God is good.

We watched the rain subsided as it came closer to us.
We prayed that the rain will stop and it did.
We enjoyed the breeze.... wonderful.

Thank you Jesus. Thank you for friends who cared.

Church Camp pictures!!!

2008-06-07T00:38:00.005+08:00

Beautiful beach at Cha' am
Cailing so happy =)
Outside Market village....... nice massage there
We are back!

The very nice fried rice at chatucha market..... =p
the 4 brothers in christ! mighty warriors of God!
The powerful sisters- in-christ for Jesus
Horse riding at the beach.....

Last lunch at Holiday Inn resort...... last day of Camp!
Cailing gal & I!
Dear & me at Nana station, where our Royal Benja Hotel is situated!

At the market Village... at Cha' Am

ExtRaOrdinAry Church Camp 2008!

2008-06-07T00:10:00.002+08:00

Praise God for church camp!
I miss church camp so much so much.....
to be with God's people and in God's presence everyday and
having services daily!
So wonderful to be able to worship God and hearing His words..
Praise God!

IM very happy that May 2008 is over.....
Serious... it has been so stressful for me....
Im glad it is over.... I was preparing for my driving test and took it on 15th May.
Then I began to work for my convention to Japan OSAKA that end in May.
ha.... didnt know why all my closing appts postpone and postpone week after week... my clients are too busy with work... I ended up being panic over it especially in the last week of May.

Thank God for a miraclous appt at the last min and I managed to submit everything on the 30th may. IM leaving the outcome to God... whether I will go to OSAKA or not is up to Him. Thank God.. His ways are higher than my ways.. there is always a purpose for everything that happens.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J~E~S~U~S~~S~A~V~E~S~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to Church camp..... immediately after my last appt on 31st May, I went home and packed my lugguage for the next day. Fly off to Bangkok for a day shopping on 1st June. Very happy to have spend time with dear and dear friends..... bought 1 dress, 1 shirt, 2 bags and some facial products...
didnt really spend alot of money... in all, I spent around 100 bucks only for the whole trip! haaaa........

Camp started off on 2nd June to 5th June......

We have Pastor David Doery and Rev Ong Sek Liang as our extraordinary speakers. Teaching us how to live an extraordinary life! Amen!

Had a good time and I commit to spend 1 hour daily with my Lord, praying for the will of God to be done in my life. Thank God. Amen!

April's fool....

2008-04-11T00:28:00.002+08:00

I wish it was a joke.
My cousin Fengyi sms us today that cousin Zhuangmin is in coma and not out of danger yet, suffering from brain damage.
My sister really thought that its a joke.... but I know its not...
who will joke about this?

Just went to visit him at NUH ICU, was really sad to see him...
He is really in serious condition and it takes nothing less than a miracle to see him well again.. heard from aunt that his brain was lacked of oxygen for 1-2 days... normally more than 4 min and that its!
His brain swelled and there were blood vessals burst too.

Cousin Zhuangmin is physically very fit and used to be a gym instructor. He was healthy and a very responsible and nice person as described by his boss and friends. I saw my aunt burst into tear everytimes she describe his condition and doctor had advised her to be prepared for the worst. Cousin Fengyi was desvastated too.

Jesus! The only Name that save!

I pray Jesus that You heal him and heal him and heal him.
Nothing is impossible with you Lord!

I speak recovery into his being right now! Lord, work in his brain right now and heal every part of his body. Lord, I know that you are going to cause him to be a miracle and everyone will turn their eyes upon You and give You all the glory. For Your name sake, preserve his life Lord!

I thank you and praise you.
In Jesus most precious name, amen!

*****************************************************

My sister turned to us and said, after looking at him, she felt so xin fu (blissful) that she is alive. Ya, let us all remember this. Life is precious and beautiful.
Treasure your loved ones before they are gone.

March 2008 is over soon =)

2008-03-25T02:06:00.002+08:00

I'm happy!
Yup, very happy today when I finally received my 2 books that I ordered from
internet (Sweden) 6 weeks ago!
*Sacred Marriage* & *How to be an encouraging person*

I simply love to read!

Sacred Marriage is highly recommended by Dr. Siang Yang. One of the *noblest person i ever saw. =)
Consider this question: What if Marriage is not designed for happiness but designed for holiness?

*Becoming an encouraging person*
Have always thought that I'm quite an encouraging person but guess, I am really far from it. So thought I should learn how to be more encouraging from experts. =)
Read a bit, think the book is really good.

Yeah! So excited! Been looking forward to new books to read, else will be stuck with my "anointed for business" and *7 habits..* books during my train rides for now. =)

Went to S POP concert yesterday! Yipeeee...!
God is so good!
I was thinking just yesterday afternoon that its a long time since I last go out to play. I wanna play! My *play can be going to the beach, ktv, sentosa, zoo, bukit timah hill...etc. But this month is really busy and haven been to the movies for long time too.
Then God heard me and asked carol to call me to give me 2 tickets for the concert! Heee... God loves Jeff alot too 'cos Jeff (my bro) was just asking me why didnt we go get the tic for the concert the day before, then his wish come true!

Good.... at least i relaxed and sort of get to *play during the concert! =)

I'm really happy today too 'cos one of my client called me yesterday to invest more despite the fact that his investment with me is still in the red because of these months bad market. Thank God, he is a Christian. God must be the one who prompt him to invest with me. =) knowing that long term we will both benefit from it.

And of cos finally this month is over soon! 2 more months to my OSAKA Japan convention dateline! A long way to go. Will be a miracle if I can make it to OSAKA, but my God specialises in miracles. =)

I have worked hard, God has helped me. God will continue to help me!
Amen!

Now is the time for me to take a short break (1 day) after 28 Mar, closing of CPF investment and ganbatte for the next 2 months again!

I trust in God. =)
Amen!

New month - the month of miracles

2008-03-05T00:53:00.002+08:00

This month is special.
Firstly, I promise myself to work extra hard this month.
I believe God for miracles.. each & every day. I just have to open my eyes to realise those miracles & blessings that God has provided for me each day.
Second, its my mom's birthday month. I want to do extraordinary well this month in my work to do her proud. I want to honor her by working hard.
Also, it's faith promise month, mission month and Good Friday month!
I told myself that Im going to bring 3 persons to church this Easter.
To bring Jesus to people. People don't need religion.
They don't need Christianity.
People need Jesus.
I need to share Jesus with people.

Lord, take away any burden that is not for me to take. I lift them all into your hands. TRUST in You, my provider. Your Name is Jehovah Jireh.

******************************************************************

Church Camp this year!
2-5 June 2008. My sister came to me and tell me to extend my stay with them.
Meaning, I will be away from 1st June to 8th June... 8 days.
4 days in bangkok, 4 days at Cha- am.
It's funny that I wasn't thinking much about this church camp and the itinaries. I used to be really excited about trips and will plan my trips well in advance.
Never mind, it will turn out to be great in the end!

******************************************

Been thinking about friends, life and work alot lately...
Thinking about my future and the people in my life and me as a person.

Yup, shouldnt think so much...
I guess when we are older, tend to think alot more...

I remember all i thought about when I was in school last time were "How to finish my homeworks and where to play after school." Haa... no stress... until exam times.

*******************************************************

02.02.2008 and 14. 02. 2008

2008-02-17T02:32:00.005+08:00

The white roses that save our relationship..... miracle on 02. 02. 2008

My Valentine's day tulips and cute card! Dear and I went to open a joint account with citibank on 14. 02. 2008.

happy outside Fullerton Hotel....
dear was sick that day.....

Valentine's day... Miracles upon miracles

2008-02-17T00:05:00.004+08:00

It has been an eventful short month February.
Love, miracles, joy and tears filled the air of February.
02. 02 is my anniversary day with dear.
04. 02 is my mom's promotion to heaven day.
07. 02 starts the chinese new year celebration.
14. 02 is Valentine's day.

Had an heartbreaking time with dear which leads to supposingly a "tragic" end to our 2 years relationship to a miracle bonding of this relationship.

When men look at situation and sighed, "It's impossible... hopeless"
God can turn things around and said to you, "My child, all things are possible with me."

This month is a faith building month for me too as I see miracles unfold day by day.. whether it's a small miracle or big ones... Miracles do happen.. and cherish them when you meet them.

We hurted each others deeply, we thought of giving up, God intervention, we reconciled, we hugged, we forgave, we loved.

Those white roses saved our relationship. First miracle.

God has been speaking to me.. all the times..
but I have neglected Him.. many times i know.
"Sorry Lord."

Met up with sis Jacqueline, she has been encouraging and God has been using her to encourage me this month.

Should I stayed on in English ministry? The service that I am so used to, the cell members who have been with me for 4 years, the lives I have imparted into, the prayer language that I am so used to...

vs.. going to the Chinese ministry... is it a calling from God? To do greater things for Him? to touch more lives? to become who God has called me to be?

When I know dear has been praying for me for the past 1 year, I am touched.
I know God is hearing and He is preparing me for this change.

I need courage and acceptance into the Chinese ministry.. most of all, I need God's confirmation.. His voice to call me into this ministry.

All for Jesus, I give my life.

I have found the greatest joy of all... that is to share God's love with a person.
I have been slacking in this area... but God is bringing me back.. (Thank God)
to live life with intent, with purpose.

Indeed life is fragile.
Attending funerals are common to me... but this time, I see it as an opportunity to share God's bountiful love with the family members of the deceased.

Just attended someone whom I do not know's funeral wake on Valentine's day. A young girl at the age of 23 diagnosed with brain cancer and suffered for 1 year before her promotion to Heaven. As I chatted with her sister, I know that she has no medical record of bad health. She has always been in the pink of health.

Just before going to this funeral, i have been reading "the 7 habits of highly effective people" again. In chapter 2, the author asked us to imagine going to a familiar person funeral... imagine.... when we came face to face to the person in the coffin, we come to reality.. that the person is us ourselves.

He continued to asked the reader to think and visualised what do you want to see your friends and family members talk about you on your funeral wake.
Will they see you as a person who love and prioritised family as very important in your life, someone who cares for people deeply... or perhaps someone who only works hard to bring the money home but never did spend time with your loved ones?

Habit 2 that says "Begin with the end in mind" is a wonderful habit that I want to master. It says that if at the end of my life, I want people to remember me as a loving and faithful person, then I work towards becoming that NOW. Many things are not under my control, so why worry about things that I can't control?
Some people can worry their own lives and come to realise that all these do not matter at all in the end. Chapter 1 talks about "Being proactive" (I will elabarated in future is possible) and also touch on focusing on our area of influence rather than on our area of concern.

Area of Concern: Unreasonable boss, quarrelsome wife, war, bad economy, problems at work, our health

Area of influence: Things within the area of concern that WE CAN DO SOMETHING about.
eg, exercise more, look within self to improve ourselves, work harder, become more loving, more forgiving.

Things that we have NO control over, we dont worry.
Focus in the area of infiluence. focus on "be" rather than "have"

Circle of concern: "If only I have a more patient husband"
"If only I have a better job"
"If I have more time to myself.."

Circle of influence: "I can be more patient"
"I can be loving"
Things that we have control over.

******************************************
ops.. didn;t know why I diverted to talking about habits 1 and 2...
Probably because I was talking on funerals.. that led me to urge all my friends and loved ones to really live our lives to the fullest, if i know I am going to die tomorrow, I wont worry so much on the trival stuffs that happen daily and is not within my control.. life is fragile yet very very precious...

back to topic................

So i focus on sharing Christ's love to the sister that day and thank God, she received Jesus into her life that day. She will see her sister one day in Heaven. What a great joy! =)

Miracle 2: On Friday, davy came into office and shouted that his laptop blacked out! and he is very devastated indeed. He need his laptop for work and appointments and everything is inside. He called up friends to try fixing his laptop and had tried all means to try to retrieve his laptop normal self and in vain. As I was about to leave, I thought what a great miracle it will be if I pray for his laptop to "recover" and it did! But frankly speaking, I think at that moment, I have little faith. I struggled for 1 sec, "my pride (if i pray and nothing happen.. very pai sey" or "God's glory if i pray, and God resurrect the laptop"

At the second, I chose 2: to pray.
Still without faith, (but using Jesus's faith) I prayed aloud over the laptop in the presence of Davy and his secretary.

I quickly turn over after I prayed and upon Davy calling me around to see if my prayers work, i turned around facing him and waited expectedly for the result!
My heart pound, "Lord, do it!"

Davy's eyes lit up and shouted "Shirley! It works! It works!

Praise the Lord! His laptop resurrected miraclously! =)

********************************************************

Went for my interview to become an Associate Agency Manager.

It is God's vision 2 years ago, "Shirley, you will start your own agency in 2008" that encouraged me to go for this interview.

Never really consider this because I know there are alot of things that I have got to learn... and also being a manager in my line is really not easy.. I doubt i can handle it... seriously .. in my own strength.

but I walk by faith, not by sight.

I can just walk step by step with God who holds my future.

Amen! All glory to God!

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50 LIFE LESSONS ENCOURAGEMENT that can change your life if you let them!

2008-02-13T02:26:00.000+08:00

50 LIFE LESSONS ENCOURAGEMENTthat can change your life if you let them!

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare and then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time-time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
41. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
42. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
43. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
44. The best is yet to come.
45. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
46. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
47. If you don't ask, you don't get.
48. Yield.49. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.50. "A REAL FRIEND IS ONE WHO WALKS IN WHEN THE REST OF THE WORLD WALKS OUT"Anonymous

Blessed Chinese new year!

2008-02-09T14:30:00.000+08:00

Once again, it's the time of the year when families gather to celebrate together. This year, im not really excited to get new clothes, shoes and stuffs. Only till the last minute on the eve of new year 6 Feb that I manage to get 3 new dresses for my new year! Thank God! 3 dresses + a new cardigan.. all for the price of $100. =) Not bad right!

4 days of total rest.. not thinking of work at all!... Just read some investment articles/updates.. thats all. =)

One last day to play tomorrow! May God bless us all with good rest and play! =)
Blessed Chinese new year to all! =)

First week of 2008!

2008-01-06T23:05:00.000+08:00

Good. I have spend the first week of this year building relationships with some of my loved ones... my family on New Year Day 'cos it's my brother Jimmy's birthday! SO we spend time at his place with ah Ben and Debbie and my sister & brother! good time... but I have realised finally that I have really grown so fat over the last 2 years! from stable weight 45kg to now almost 48.5kg-49kg le!
Faint! I have to slim down... not my resolution this year but i will do it anyway by exercising more often. =)
Okay, I spend a good 3 hours talking to my eagle friend, Hannah on Wednesday too! Kinda miss our sister time. After which, spend another 3 hours with ah liu, Shandy at her place till 1am! On Friday, i decided to change my hair style! got a pretty perm at Unisex Salon at woodlands Marsiling! I must say I really got a good deal at $130 for the rebonding on the upper part and ceramic perm at the lower part of my long hair. Kinda look mature but still okay! New look for the new year! They used Shideido products too.. that's why they are good and cheap! =) had a sumptuous dinner at Ah Yat abalone's restaurant sponsered by my boss. After that, met up with kaiyan who gave me massage too! =)
Wanted to spend quality time with ah dear too but he's not into it. He told me that he wanted to focus on his studies and career this year and won't spend much time with me. i was thinking how to build relationship if we dont spend time together? Never mind, since he is focusing now, I will support him! Jia you le dear! May God guide you into all that He has made u to be! I won't fan ni le okay! You can focus on your work. I just wish you will let me know you do care about me through calling, sms, msn, email sometimes k! We will jia you together ba! =)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

01.01.2008

2008-01-01T14:32:00.000+08:00

A new Beginning! How appropriate was the message from Pastor Dom last night!

Isaiah 43: 18-19

"Forget the former things; Do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Amen! I am really excited about this year! This excitement is different from the past years.. it isn't something I make up, I want to feel excited. It comes from within; The Holy spirit prompting, a new awakening.

I feel anew, afresh. I am willing to trust the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. I will remember that I am to build relationships in my life. Lord, lead and guide me. I will do my best. Amen! =)

Had finished "The 7 habits of Highly effective people" before the end of 2007! Goodbye 2007! Thank you for all the challenges it bring, all the joy it creates in my heart, all the molding, thank you God for sustaining me and changing me. =)

Hello 2008! From today, I am not going to let anything hinders me from moving forward, to becoming all the God has called me to be. Satan, GET LOST in the name of JESUS!

~~~~~~~ Splendid 2008~~~~~~~~

Reflection-2007

2007-12-14T00:25:00.000+08:00

Trips of the year 2007

Pattaya Thailand Mar 2007 (Free incentive trip from AIA)
Genting Highlands Aug 2007 (Family get together trip)
Star Cruise Sep 2007 (AIA Headstart incentive trip)
Taiwan Mission Impact trip Nov 2007 (Ministry & church)
Kulai Legends Resort Malaysia Dec 2007 (Agency annual meeting)

I guess that's about it! I was actually thinking wow, now I'm feeling abit tired having to pack and unpack my lugguge after every trips.. especially from Aug to Dec... there were trips almost every month. I love to travel though! =)

It is been a very interesting year, because I can't say that I have a fantastic year, either can I say that it has been a bad year! In all, year 2007 has been wonderfully challenging and truly a year of breakthrough & growth!

It has been exciting how God has brought me through the different stages of this year. Helping me along the ways, yet moulding me in areas that I so needed to mould. Bringing me through trials upon trials, opening my eyes to His unfailing love & grace. Leaps of faiths and strength for each new season. Some season has been sweet, some exciting, some challenging, some painful, some growing period.... wonderful.... it has indeed been a great year for me! =)

There are so much things for me to learn and I'm glad I think that I'm really growing. Whether in my personality, my spiritual life, my career, and most importantly my character. I feel I'm growing...and this is what matters most.

Just wanna share a great book that you should be holding in your hands one day if you haven't. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"

I'm impress. I am really is impressed with Stephen R. Covey.

When I saw this book years back from the bookstore, I never take a second look into the contents. I believe it will be one of those typical management/success/self help books from the shelves.

After so many years, I finally got the chance to chance upon this "amazing" book from my sister bedside. I took it and never want to let it down again whenever I can. =)

I have been thinking about finding a mentor, what I want is an "eagle mentor" whose life experiences speak and share into the core of my heart and guide me through life itself. I believe everyone needs a mentor in life. If you think you don't need one, you basically falls into either one of these 2 categories of people. The first who think that they are too wise to seek for others' help/advise. The second who bascially is bo cap and just want to live life happily, simply and aimlessly sometimes. haaa... no offence k. =p

Anyway, I thank God for this wise man who wrote this amazing book that I believe strongly will change a person's life when he/she really really read and apply into their lives. I remember Adam Khoo, the MindChamp's entreprenear, millionnaire at a young age who came to my JC to share with us. He said many people know many things, they went to event, power talks, read books, but neevr really experience any changes in their lives. Out of 100 people who attend a seminar/talk, only 1 will truly apply what they have learned in their lives. So he went on to say that what he has learned from one similar "motivation" seminar that he attended when he was 12 years old helped him to breakthrough to becoming who he is today. Many people went but none except him apply what he has learned. (Some facts about Adam Khoo's age & actual name of seminar may be incorrect. cant remember... hee..disclaimer apply)

Back to Stephen, when I was reading this book, I had a strang feeling. I feel that he has become a mentor to me and was saying to me words from the pages of the book. He is talking to me through this book and telling me, "Shirley, this is how you should handle your life."

Many books that I have read are very good, I especially love "the purpose-drivern life". However, seldom there are books that tell you exactly what you should do. This book is not another book that say Attitude 1 to change: think positive, attitude 2 to change is to treasure people around you. etc....

This book went on deeply to talk about how & why we behave in certain ways and attempts to solve the inner values of why. I was impressed and believe this wisdom definitely come from God Himself, the one who has all wisdom and the giver of wisdom. Yup, Stephen is a Christian and I have adopted him to be my mentor. =)

This book will be another one that I will reread and reread again. I am only into Habit 2 now.. I hope I won't get into the mistake of trying too hard to finish the book within a few days time, which I am indeed very tempted to actually.

Only by reading slowly will I be able to digest every bits of it.

*************************************************

To be continued.... with the 7 Habits I have learned and going to learned.

2007-12-06T23:50:00.000+08:00

En li! Cutest baby I ever seen! =) abit naughty though! =p

Angel! The sweetest gal!

December- Christmas month!

2007-12-05T00:33:00.000+08:00

Time passes quickly. It's the month of December again!
It was like yesterday that I was making choco cookies for my friends and now
I'm preparing to make the cookies again! Wow... actually I haven't really get over Taiwan mission trip yet and now I have to face a new financial year and Christmas so soon! ************
Time is like so short this year... I'm really not prepared for Christmas yet! =(
Haven't receive the Christmas cards I bought, haven't started writing them, haven't made the cookies, haven't prepared my Christmas lists, haven't prepare my budget for this Christmas, haven't buy any presents yet, haven't prepared my goals and resolutions for the new year, haven't been to Orchard Road to take pictures.. ha... really haven't done much yet!
It's okay! There is always times for me to do them! =) I will start tomorrow!
Clearing my stuffs for the new year!
**********************************************

Back to Taiwan Mission Trip!
I must say its the best trip of the year!
To be in God's presence and to be with God's people is simply wonderful!
I have learn much in this mission trip! Really praise God that He put me in this team! Wonderful people from different background yet loving the same God and loving each others! =)

I can't post up much pictures 'cos of the regulations of my church but I can't resist posting Alex, Enli and Angel Enjia pictures! They are simply sweet and cute! I hope my children next time will be as cute or cuter...heh.. =)

November

2007-11-01T00:53:00.000+08:00

Thank God! Been though eventful October.
Sick for last 2 days! Finally recovered from flu, headache, fever, sore throat and cough today! Being sick is so bad. Lying on bed and doing nothing make me feel so "useless". I think God wants me to feel and know how it's like to be sick so that I can sympathise with those who are sick and in pain. And I think God wants me to rest well not doing anything! Thank God for the good rest! I feel so good when I wake up today! =)

Thank God for Brandon who dotes on me so much that he came down to cook porridge for me after work! And bought Yakult and my favorite HL milk for me! =) Yeah..

Today, have been spending time thinking and planning leading a new team in my agency next year! God, I pray for wisdom and strength to know how to lead this new team to greater heights! Laura has came up with the new team name, "iACTS". Actually I begin to like this name too! Meaningful! God, lead me as I lead this new team!

Will be going to Taiwan on 21st Nov to 27th Nov!
God really plan so well! God led my family to go to Genting instead of Taiwan in August so that I will not hesitate to sign up for this mission to Taiwan in Nov!
God is sooo good!

And God helps me to achieve my Million Dollar Club by this month so that I don't have to worry for how to achieve my target when I go for my taiwan mission! God is simply too great! =)

Actually my goal is to achieve MDC this year but I believe I can do better!
Last 2 weeks before my mission trip! I will do my best and God, I trust all to you!
Thank you for helping me achieve a breakthrough in my relationship with you and bRandon! God is so faithful! I know that 2007 is a breakthrough year! Having gone through all the heart aches and pains all throughout this year, I believe to wonder how this year can be a breakthrough year! But God just resolve and changes hearts altogether! God is the one whom I can trust and He never fails me!

Now, I am a bit sidetrack, I need to come back to praying for my mission trip and being prepared for it! Stop worrying about my career and trust God completely! Thank you Jesus! Thank God for the meet up with Shan, Li and Ivy just now! =)

"You have been good!" my fav worship song...

If I never get to see another rainbow
Or share another laugh with a friend
If I never stand barefoot by the ocean
Or get to kiss my child good night again
Verse II
If I never have another prayer that’s answered
Or have another blessing come my way
If this is all I know of heaven’s kindness
Father, I would still have to say

Chorus
You have been good, You have been good

And I am in wonder how could it be

You Have been good, You've been so good

In so many ways, You've been good to me

Verse III

You have shown me mercy upon mercy
Grace upon grace, time after time
And I know all to well what I'm deserving
Yet You are still so patient and kind

Bridge:
If suddenly it all were ended, and Your blessings disappeared
Looking back over a lifetime, the evidence is clear

Words & music by Scott Krippayne & Tony Wood

Beautiful song.... for a beautiful Father in Heaven

The Dinner's photos!

2007-10-08T01:57:00.000+08:00

Dearest Shan's wedding!

2007-10-08T01:03:00.000+08:00

My best friends from Yishun JC! The twins, Huili & Huishan, Qingmei & myself have always been the best of friends since JC days!

We been through wind wind rain rain & treasure each others all the more through the years.... the fun & laughters, the joy & sorrow, the misunderstandings and quarrels! ha.... this is life!

06 Oct 2007 marks the beginning of Shan's new life!

Her marriage life! Wow, I'm so happy for her!

Can you imagine? We have known each others since JC days!

That was almost 10 years ago!

How we have seen each others grow & mature in the Lord, change into the fine ladies we are today! =)

It's really beautiful to have good friends that stay by your side no matter what happen in life! I know we will stay with each others till eternity!

God is so good!

*************************************************************

On friday night, we met Li at Kranji Mrt to head down to Malaysia Johor to their house! Adventurous nightZ! Been through the endless bus rides, breathe in the super polluted air, travelled through the busy streets with many cars to avoid! So sweaty yet fun! ha....

Finally reached the beautiful house! After talking to the bride, Shan till 1+am, I went to bed, knowing that I have to wake up at 430am in the morning! Meaning, I will only have 3 hours of sleep.... this thought stays in my mind throughout the night! Ha.... and I didnt manage to sleep... just rested peacefully in bed. =)

Morning came & we were blessed to have ba ku tae & rice at 5am prepared by Shan's mom since the previous night! I was so hungry! probably been on diet for the last few days in order to look nicer in dress! However, all my efforts have been in vain because of the many food awaited me at Shan & henry's place! ha.... in the end, I couldn't care less.. fat fat loh! =p

We finally headed down to church for the church Wedding at 2pm! I was really touched as it was the longest worship at a church wedding! Shan chose 3 English worship songs & 2 Chinese ones! They were so beautiful! God's presence was so real! Henry started to tear when the pastor told us of the story of how God can bring 2 persons together who are among the 10,000 in their church. How they persevered on even when they were so uncertain at times. My eyes were teary when I saw Henry cried. I know he is really thankful to God for finding Shan in his life. And I am very fan xin for him to take care of Shan all her life then.

I was very touched too because I have brought Shan to Christ 9 years ago and today she has matured into a beautiful lady who really loved the Lord! It warmed my heart because all my effort on her has not gone to waste! Praise the Lord!

It is so beautiful to have found one's true love..............

and of course more importantly to find God's love in our life.

******************************************************

I have just attended their Wedding dinner tonight, 07 Oct 2007 at 88 restaurant harborfront! Quite nice restaurant... good choice cos the price of the table is very reasonable! Ha... Shan chose me to help her pull up her dress again... but this time I have to follow her around the restaurant and up the stage! Oh dear! I haven't wore a formal dress... but it's okay! Im not the limelight! =)

Took a number of pictures... =)

When is my turn? My God is faithful... I will trust in Him....

Lord, keep me focus in You

2007-09-20T11:22:00.000+08:00

I feel so sad that we forget God so soon in our life..
As humans living in this world, many things overwhelm us each days..
There are many things for us to worry each day...
No wonder God says, "Do not worry about tomorrow for each day has enough troubles of its own." Matthew 6:34
Yet, its even better that we don't worry even for today but rest so secure in His arms knowing that He WILL work things ALL out for us!

Few days ago, I can be so secure & joyful in God's presence, today I can feel so stress over my work again. I begin to understand how easily men (Christians) feel away from God & do things in our own strength & then feel so frustrated.

The solution is not to dwell in this frustrations but quickly pray & praise Him over again! I wrote a Psalms just a while ago & decide to share it here.

In all:
Spend time with God = joy
Neglect God = sianness & frustrations

So if you feel sian, decide to spend quality time with God again. It's that simple... trust in Him & be Submerged in His love again!!!!

Guaranteed joy again! I am so frustrated with myself today that I neglect God again & end up feeling overwhelm by all the worldly things again!
Stress! Ai ya... it shouldnt be this way!
That is why I pray & wrote the Psalm below. =)

Dear Lord, dear Jesus!

How easy men fall! Lord, please be with me & help me to stand firm in You!
Lord, let me not neglect You but to praise You & meet with you daily.
Lord, how easy for men to neglect You & I know how painful it must be to You.
Lord, forgive me for the times I’m away. For the times that I so easily fall into sin & go my own ways & not depend on You.

Lord, you are my only Lord and best friend.
How can I neglect You?
There is none like You!

Father, as I turn my eyes upon You, let all things fall away.
Everything becomes dimmer when I turn my eyes upon You.
Lord, yes… You are the only one I desire!
How can I ever forget You?
Lord, You are so good to me!
In so many ways, you been good to me!

Lord, help me not neglect you or let the worldly things overwhelm me.
Lord, I pray for your hands to be with me always.
Let no news move me, but I will rest secure in You
And to know that You are always there for me!

Yes Lord, you are always there for me!
What is there to worry?
I am secure in your arms!
I am safe in your arms!
Lord, I love you, I want to be with you always.
Lord, keep me by Your side always
And help me bring others to You too!

THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU

2007-09-13T15:41:00.000+08:00

There is none like you!

Wonderful song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwgz_js5zrg

Only Jesus, only God loves us with an unfailing love.
God is so merciful, you will always find Him waiting with a wide open arms to welcome you back into His arms. He loves you. He is no respecter of people. He loves all in China, all in India, all in US, all in Indonesia, all in Korean, all in Arfaganistan, all in irad, all in SIngapore. He loves you & me.

No matter how far we may go, He is always waiting... for us to come home one day. No matter how shameful or guilty we have felt, His arms are always opened. Laura shared this fav verse of hers with me.

Isaiah 54: 8
"...... But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you.
says the Lord, Your redeemer."

God's love is everlasting... nothing we do can make him love us more or less.
He is the same today, yesterday and forever. Amen!

Back from Cruise!

2007-09-13T14:03:00.000+08:00

It was refreshing to see the sunset.. posted a few pictures up, hope you can see them! I thought the cruise trip is okay only, meaning for the money that I am paying, I dont think it's really worth it. (Thank God it's free!)

The cost is around $600 per pax for a 3 days 2 nights stay.

Nothing much to do if you are going with friends. With family or children might be better because they have alot of hosts/hostess to play games with you; to entertain you.

As for me, I find the live band with great singings, BBQ at the poolside and sunset most appealing! Yup, thank God for a bunch of new people that I know from the cruise too. Simple, lovable people whom i like! They make this whole trip more enjoyable! =)

Thank God for this trip, to fulfil my mom's dream of bringing me to the cruise! Yup, I know she's there with me! =) Thank AIA too! =)

********************************************************************

Been back to work for the past 3 days, Monday to Wednesday! So tired, didn't rest much after I came home! Meeting on Monday, Tuesday appointments, Wednesday Training & Phone calls...

Yup, some people may envy me for having a flexible working time, (like now, it's thursday & I'm choosing to rest today doing the things I want!) but they didn't realise that it is really hard work being a Financial Services Consultant! There are so many paper works to handles, calls to returns, premiums to collect, articles to read, investments to update, news to discover, emails to write.. besides the normal appointments, and phone callings. It was hard work! That is why the company will always reward us who have put in hard work to be the best that we can be, to help people get protections everywhere. We have to face some friends who deserted you when they know you are in this line... (Thank God I don't have many of such friends!) or people who wonder why you go into this line without knowing how noble this job can be!

Yup, it doesn't matter how others may look at me, I know this is what my Lord wants me to do for now & I'm happy to be walking in my destiny, growing as a precious child of God.

Today, I'm going to draw! Haven't been drawing for a long time, it's time to draw again! Christmas is not here yet! Normally, I will draw a copy for my clients on Christmas, but this time, I will draw a copy for clients who bought from me recently! =)

Never mind how many would probably think how time wasting this gal is doing again, drawing & doing "nothing" again... nope, Im enjoying my precious time loving the Lord & people. When I draw, I thank God for this gift ( though it's not perfect!) but I think i'm grateful that I didn't have to learn art in my life to know how to draw. Im thankful & when I draw for people, I'm showing them love from the Father above.

***********************************************************

Simple life, content just being in God's presence. How wonderful!

Click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0syWMCGM4o&mode=related&search=

It plays my favorite song too:

Laid aside your majesty.

You Laid Aside Your MajestyG D Em Bm C

You laid aside Your majesty, gave up everything for me.

G Am7 D7 GSuffered at the hands of those You had created.

D EmYou took away my guilt and shame, Bm C

When You died and rose again. G

Now today You reign, Am7 D

And heaven and earth exalt You.G D Em

I really want to worship You my Lord, Bm C

You have won my heart and I am Yours.G Am7 D

Forever and ever, I will love You.G D Em

You are the only one who died for me, Bm C

Gave Your life to set me free. G Am7 D D7 G

So I lift my voice to You in ador - a - tion

I love this song, I love the lyrics....

That is why I have been playing this song all day today and I want to share with you.

JESUS! There is none like you!

Whatever happens, I know there is always these arms of Jesus that I can embrace! Just being in God's presence, I am content!

I was reminded of the blog that I wrote after I came back from Aceh, Indonesia. The people there are so happy & content that there are shelters & food everyday. They live happily, grateful that the sun still shines every morning.

These people in the video, I believe are filippinos or indonesians. They love Jesus & they are so joyful. People who are content with everything they have in life are happy & joyful people. They thank God constantly, a grateful heart is a humble heart, and they shall see God for their hearts are pure. People who are miserable are people who are not grateful for the things they already have, so they strive to get more, and end up hurting theyselves because as human beings, we fails by our own strength. They fail to see all that God have given, their eyes are blinded by the materialism of this world.

Yup, I agree this world is getting more evil & people are living better lives now. People are getting more selfish, because all they see is what we can get, what we want in lives... so when everyone is selfish, this world continue to become more evil. That is why in God's kingdom, everything is different. Give generously and more will be given onto you. Give of your lives, your time, your love, your money to people... and more will be given onto you.

I'm not saying all Christians are so giving... we are still humans... those who love the Lord will become more like Jesus, and these traits can then manifest in our beings. Trying to give out of our selfish human selves are difficult. Only in God's love, these can be natural.

Because of this, I love simple people. I really do. I think I say this hundreds of times but it's true. Simple people who simply love the Lord, love freely, love people, thinking not of what they can do for God, for what God can do through them constantly, simple people who don't think of how to satisfy themselves by material things constantly, but always thinking of who is hurting now & say a little prayers for them, simple people who thank God for everything they have in life, whether in health or sickness, whether in poor or riches..... I think they are beautiful... they warm my heart, especially in this evil world.

Look at those faces of those who love the Lord around you, you see beautiful people all around.... look at those in the video, I think they are beautiful.. =)

Bless you all who love the Lord! =)

Star Cruise Virgo

2007-09-07T13:53:00.000+08:00

Yup, Im heading to cruise this evening till Sunday morning!
I always remember the times when my mom said to me, "Ai ya, I will bring you to cruise one day!"
The reason is because my family, parents, Jeff & Lifen went to cruise without me few years ago. Why? Because I was having my exams that time!
So sad!
This cruise trip come just in time for me to refresh myself, I hope I can have a good retreat for my soul!

Thank you Jesus! Watch over me & all my loved ones!
Watch over me & all my possessions!
Protect us from all harm & evil.
Bless us indeed Lord! =)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QQ5fqgIAwjQ

Life is so interesting

2007-07-18T13:47:00.000+08:00

Life is indeed interesting.
Lives go & lives come. At the same moment when one life goes to heaven, another life is borned on earth. Life is not a bed of roses, but with its heartaches, pains, struggles, disappointments, sadness, .... oh, I'm so pessimistic. Of course, life is full of happy moments, joy, excitement, beautiful scenary, images, moments that make your heart leaped for joy!
There is something new to learn every single day, new person to meet everyday, new happiness to explore everyday, new problem to solve everyday,.. life is indeed interesting & wonderful.
But have we stop to smell the roses along our journey, stop our daily routine to show love for a fellow brother/sister/friend/stranger, stop all the busyness of lives and just rest & be thankful for all we have today.
I do self reflection quite often, almost everyday if I can. Thinking about lives and people, thinking about God & my life.
But nonetheless, I'm still in this world. I fail & fall in my speech, my actions, my thoughts. I really thank God I have a lifetime to improve & become like Jesus. I am just thinking of riches in lives recently. Of course, I deal with people's money and manage finances & listen to people's financial goals in lives very often. What about myself?

I do not expect myself to become very wealthy or live a luxurious lifestyle. But I always hope that I will have my dream house in future. It's my goal! A dream house with countrystyle design. SInce young, I wanted to stay very near to nature, (watch too much western movies & fairytales) Want to stay in a house with wooden table & chairs like those in "snowwhite house". Doesn't have to be private house. (But if God gives, it's a pleasant pleasant surprise!) A nice HDB flat with country style will do. =) This is my dream!
Dream do come true! Yup, I know mine will come true too.
Many people have dreams in life. Many people want to become rich in life. There is nothing wrong with this. But maybe it's time we stop & think what really makes us happy in life?
Do we really become happier with more riches in life? Or does more riches bring more responsiblities and problems in life? Are we mature enough to handle the riches in life? Alot of people sacrifice their family times, relationships to pursue their dream in life. Only to realise that relationships (all kinds) in lives are what makes life really counts.
I know some people who become really wealthy, stay in big houses, own big cars, but they are not necessary happy.
Saying all these, I'm not suggesting that riches are evil. I'm just saying that being financially independance should be our goal. To protect our wealth by transferring risk to others. Insurance is all about transferring risks. I don't want to bear the risk of paying my huge hospital bills that drain away all my savings if I'm sick one day. I don't want my family to live in financial hell when I go to heaven. I don't want to depend on others for my retirement. I want to grow old gracefully and retire happily.
Secondly, to create more wealth by investment. Investment is the only way to fulfil our financial goals in life. Why? because of inflation. Inflation erode our money value away before we can do anything.
Most importantly, to enjoy our lives every moment, whether its joyful or painful. Not only when we are rich because riches not necessarily bring happiness.

******************************************************************
Back to talking about life,
Many times, when we are going through pain in our lives, we thought we can't make it anymore, we are desvastated to the point of death, we wanted to hide in a faraway country or leave all people or run away from all our problems, we felt that nobody understands our pain, nobody cares, we are all alone, no one can help us, we are the most miserable persons on earth, or there is no solutions at all .... but isn't it interesting to look back after we have emerged from all these and came up stronger person. And during the process, we find unexpected love from people, love from a stranger, love from a closed friend, love from your family, love from above. If there are no struggles in life, we wouldn;t know the extent of success, if there are no pain, we wouldn't know what is true joy and happiness. If you are facing problems or pain now in your lives, always remember that no problems last a lifetime, no pain stays forever, let time heals, give yourself time to learn and become stronger, everything become more beautiful if you do these. And joy & happiness will always come back to you.
As I look at my life now, I thank God that I have mature during the process of living. Because of problems in life, I can become stronger and more courageous. Yup, life is indeed wonderful & beautiful!

Reflection- SHIRLEY

2007-07-08T12:26:00.000+08:00

Half a year has passed. Was looking through my goals for this year.
Saw a "poem" I wrote for myself at the end of year 2006 to prepare myself for this year. Found it quite interesting as it's inspired by God.

S H I R L E Y

I will be Strong in the face of storms.
Having all that I have from God (gifts & talents) to serve His people. In His name & glory, I will do His work.
Relying on His strength, I will Soar.
Loving, kindness & faithfulness shall be me.
Entrusting all that I have in His hands,
Yeaning towards Him each day.

Lord, help me remember that I have to surrender my all to you.
Every burdens and disappointments I lay them down before you Oh Lord.

Most immediate prayer requests:

Help me pass my Associate Financial Planner exam tomorrow.
Help me wake up at 7am everyday.

Thank you Jesus! You are my all in all! =)

Love you Jesus! There is none like you!

Treasure your family & loved ones while you still can

2007-06-30T01:42:00.000+08:00

I'm feeling terrible now. Yup, God please take away all negative feelings from me. Have been to many wakes in the past few years. Too many to count. But I feel especially distress whenever there is a sucidal case. Why do people resort to commiting sucide? This world is so interesting and beautiful! The only reason is because they have lost hope. Hope can bring us very far. Please never lose hope in life because there is HOPE in life! God is hope and in God we hope. Cry out to God & He will take away your pain and instill new hope.

When Sum told us that one member from superband Soul died, I quietly hope that its not Ishi.
But when I saw the news online just now, my heart sank. It's him.
I may not know him personally, but i saw him & talked to him last July at his NTU convocation. I was there doing surveys and I saw him. Didn't recognise him as Soul's member but he was so friendly and nice. So he gave me his number and I was suppose to call him this Mar to do his Financial Planning.

Ended up, I didn't call and I never will have a chance to do so again.

He is such a bubbly guy & he is doing well as dance instructor for Project Superstar. Why did he has to leave?

I was reminded of another NTU fresh graduate who died just few months after he graduated. May not know him personally too but felt so sad because he is another very promising young man.

You know, I was reminded once again about treasuring my family and all loved ones now while i still can. Is it worthwhile to be rude or impatient or unkind to your loved ones just because they are your closed ones? NO! Don't do things that we might regret later. Tomorrow is always an uncertainty. Treasure treasure treasure! before it's too late.

Even for Ishi whom I may not know personally, i felt bad for not calling him when i can. I might be able to pray for him then.
But Lord, you always have a reason for everything.

I will not take things for granted again.

Thank you Lord.

Birthday! AFP exam! Many many happenings!

2007-06-25T23:13:00.001+08:00

What an eventful June holiday!
Holiday to some people but not to me exactly.
But June is a good time of the year to reflect upon our life and yearly goals.
Have we achieved some of our goals yet?

This month is definitely filled with lots of laughter, tear, fear & love for me!
Let me elaborate in my next blog. Need to sleep before 12am today! =)
Must develop the good habit of waking up early! =)

Just want to share a very meaningful poem with all!

Failure does not mean you are a failure

It does mean you haven't succeeded yet

Failure does not mean you have accomplished nothing, it does mean you have learn something

Failure does not mean you are inferior, it does mean you are imperfect

Failure does not mean you have wasted your life, it does means you have a reason to start afresh.

Failre does not mean you will never make it, but it does means you will take a little longer.

Failure does not mean God has abandoned you, it does mean God has a better idea! =)

I personally find this so sweet and so true!

For all of us here, let's never give up our dream in life!

God has a destiny for all of us! =)

oh dear!

2007-06-07T00:43:00.000+08:00

dear dear, i finally can log in to blogger! Praise the Lord!
I want to blog so much but I couldnt log in at all for the past 2 mths!
Finally I'm here! yipeeeee!!!!!

So many things to blog! Thank God for telling me that I just need to type in my google email add that I forgotten! haaa.....

but.... im ready to go to sleep le... blog again soon!
=) =)
Good night!
God bless us all with a good night sleep!

God's Healing!

2007-04-20T01:02:00.000+08:00

Finally im able to blog! I want to blog!
There were some technical issues & I couldn't log in the last time I wanted to blog. Thank God, it came back alive!

I want to testify of God's healing power!
He healed me! He healed my backache!
and He did it by straightening my back spine!
Praise God! Hallejulah!

I went for the powerful ministry by Pastor Benny Hinn...
thousands upon thousands queued for hours just to get into the indoor stadiam. I have never heard abt him, just a few days before the crusade.
I went there not expecting healing for myself, but God gave me a big surprise present! A straight spine again! =)

I remembered during the back spine check when I was in Primary 6, the nurse referred me to get my X-ray done. I had a "S" spine... means that it was curved! Not very serious type but it sure causes me pain at times... and serious pain some times..

I only did one x-ray time ever since then. My mom never bring me there again!She was too busy. SHe probably knew that Im going to get my healing after so many years, she wouldn't bother! ha....

My spine would ache sometimes, and especially when im wearing heels for too long or on the first day of my period.

On the day of the crusade, just a few hours before the service, my back starts to ache again! It was very painful, like when im having my period! I couldn't expain why it hurts so much since I wasn't having my period!

But God is trying to tell me! Hey look Shirley! You have a curved spine and its causing you pain!

Pastor Benny Hinn message built up my faith in healing again & I began to pray for myself like never before! Knowing very well that Jesus LOVE to heal people & He is ALWAYS ready to heal!

As I was standing there praying, God came & touched my spines.
I felt my spine shifting from the side to the center! He made my spine straight! It was obvious, I felt it during the pain, and it was curved! But now it is straight!
AMen Amen AMen!!!! Praise God Hallejulah!

Now you know, when I sit down, when I stand, I felt no pain! And I realised that the pain is actually there before the healing, but just because Im too used to the pain I didnt realise it's there all the times!

But now that Im totally healed, I felt so GOOD! No PAIN at all, even when Im wearing heels! Praise the Lord Praise the Lord! AMEN!!! =)

I will soar like the eagles!

2007-03-23T14:11:00.000+08:00

Praise God! Praise God!
Praise God in all circumstances!
Praise God when he bless us,
praise God when things are right,
praise God when things are tough,
praise God when everything went wrong!
What a powerful attitude!
And God promises that when we praise Him in all circumstances,
His peace that transends all understanding will guard our hearts in Him.

Been through alot these days but i really thank God that I grow again!
and grow to be stronger than before!
It is only when we go through trials that we know how strong we actually are.
Trials make us stronger, make us better person.

So praise God in all circumstances, and he promises that all trials will end quickly as we have learnt the lessons.

***********************************************************

Praise God that I started the family time first time in history in my family!
Imagine that!
The whole family coming together to pray!
Amen! My prayers came to pass after more than 5 years!

Nothing is too hard for God!

The family that prays together stays together!

Pray for your family & it will happens to you too.

Had a great great time last Sunday when we started our first family prayer time! We are praying that my brother, sister-in-law, Ben & dad will join us in future! Yes! We are going to shake the earth with our prayers! Satan GET LOST in the name of JESUS!

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Praise God im going to Pattaya next Sunday! 1st April to 4th April.
Yup, a time to play again! Free trip from AIA!
Will go for spa & massage definitely!
haaa...... even though i dont really feel excited exactly.... because no good friends or loved ones to go with but Im sure God is going to create another adventure for me again! haaaaa.......
Next will be Star Cruise trip in July I think!
Another incentive trip from AIA, and Im sure Im definately going with God's help! =)

August- Family trip to Taiwan!
Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Hua Lian!... Yup 8 days of adventures!

God, guide us in planning for this trip!
Ha,... because its my idea to go free & easy, they have put this responsibilty in my hands to plan out a great trip!
Very stress, its only Mar but they will come every week to ask me how is it going! .... haaaa... God helps!

Great, going to look for Winne, my new found Taiwan friend and im sure she will bring us around the area too!!!

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Meanwhile, I will work hard in my career!
Im beginning to love what im doing more & more!
Satisfaction comes when my clients appreciate me for what Im doing for them!
What a great joy to be planning for people's financial health!
Come to me when you have any financial queries, I will be there for you! =)

Praise the Lord!

busy busy busy!

2007-03-09T00:41:00.000+08:00

haa... anyone can tell me how to post pictures up to this blog?
Hello cant be used anymore! Don't know why.

Been busy with my Financial Health Check Academy classes these days.. and yup, I just received the "toastmasters International New member kit" from US today! Wonderful! Now I have another thing to learn. I am feeling old & thought that I should be learning more things at this age. I must get my driving license this year and complete my Associate Financial Planner certificate too!

God, help me manage myself so that I can have a proper management of the things that I need to do.

Public speaking has always been a great fear in my life. Joining Toastermasters will be the last thing on my mind. But I thank God for AIA that I have this chance to improve my communication skills! After reading so much about the importance of speaking in public, I finally make up my mind to join this prestigous club! I believe it will have a great impact in my life!

A testimony to share! Had a chance to present infront of my agency on Monday! I prayed alot... and thank God! It is the FIRST time i had NO fear at all when I present infront of a group! WOW... this is amazing!
For me, it is a great great breakthrough! =)

There are so many things that are going on my life and now when I finally settle down to blog, I couldnt think of them all.. Ai yas.. =)

Valentine's Day is special!

Brandon prepared so many food for BBQing for me at the beach of Sentosa!
I was really touched! I wanted to post up the pictures but I do not know how at the moment.

He cooked fried rice that became cold fried rice for me! Rushed home from work to cook then pack all the stuffs into the rented car and drove all the way to Tiong Bahru to fetch me to Sentosa. I must say it is really effort of him & I appreciated them all. The box is filled full with prawns, hotdogs, chicken wings, sotong, Otah, stingRay..etc.. wow.. so many food! Im getting really fat now! =(

He bought one of my favorite flowers, purple tulips too!

So we had a good pinic but unfortunately, played too much and I cut my foot accidentially. That is it.. a romantic Valentine's day afterall!

Thank God He helped me to hit my Pattaya target in Feb! So Im going to Pattaya on the 1st of April! Good break for me! I need to get away from Singapore again! I can truly understand why SIngaporeans favorite pastime is to travel! The world is really beautiful! =)

Chinese new year is normal... had a long break!

There are ups & downs.... and my emotions just goes up & down too....

So now, with so many things to do... I hope that I will be able to achieve much more this year than ever before! I already see a change in my attitude & character.. that is fabulous! Painful experiences mould us and shape us if we allow them to.

Stay strong, stay encouraged.. not because of the circumstances but because of who Jesus is.

Be strong & wait for the Lord!

Jia you Jia you Jia you!!!!! Yeah yeah yeah!!!!

The month of Feburary

2007-02-24T23:49:00.000+08:00

This month is filled with activities & events.
Valentine's day, mom's death anniversary, Chinese new year...etc...
Feb is almost over now...

Im getting emotional, I can't even handle my own emotions at times..
Why am I so miserable now?
I find myself hard to smile many times...
Am I going to continue with these emotions ?.....

to be continued!

Five Essentials for a Winning New Year

2007-02-02T13:15:00.000+08:00

Simple Changes to Make Today

According to Carmichael and Rutberg's book, the concrete changes you need to make today are:

Establish consistency in your fitness:
Consistency is the watchword. Find 20 to 30 minutes a day to be active. Go out for a walk, take a jog, do indoor cycling. The key is doing it every day.
Cut the clutter from your diet: Eliminate things like fancy coffee drinks, and stick close to the source with whole foods. Eliminate trans fats and high fructose corn syrup (read food labels). Limit alcohol consumption and carbonated beverages (the average American drinks 40 gallons of soda a year).
Behave as a role model for others in your career: In leadership, your actions speak louder than your words.

Nurture your important relationships:
Write down who your most important relationships are with and what's most valuable about them. Read these notes regularly.

Get the recommended health screenings:
Men are especially lax in this area, and typically don't go to the doctor until a symptom is severe or they are nagged by their spouse. Early detection can reduce life-threatening diseases by 50 percent. So make an appointment today to get your health screened.
(Get yourself free health screening every 2 years with AIA Glow of Life/Woman of Wisdom today!
Free cancer screening $1,000 every 2 years with AIA Colors of Life)
Shirley)

Tapping the Power of Your Morning Routine

2007-02-02T12:40:00.000+08:00

One of my greatest goal for this year is to possess the discipline to wake up at 7am every morning & sleep by 12am every night. By able to do this, I know that all the other goals can be achieved. Some of my goals 2007

More effective & efficient in my work.
Exercise. Gym 2 times/month
Praying diligently from 8am-9am
Acquire knowledge about my business
Reading at least 15 Christian books

I know well that successful people wake up early!
This is one of the fundamental for their successes.

Today, I read an article that inspire me somemore about waking up early... share it with you! Ganbatte for our successes!

Tapping the Power of Your Morning Routine
by Jim Citrin

Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007, 3:00AM

How disciplined are you about your early-morning routine?

If you want to maximize your success while achieving the best possible balance in your life, you may want to take a fresh look at what time you wake up and what you do with your time before getting to the office.

A Wakeup Call

Last week, I contacted some of the business leaders I greatly admire and inquired about their early-morning schedules.
Specifically, I asked 20 CEOs and top executives what time they wake up, when they have their first cup of coffee, when they start on email, what if anything they do for exercise, what time they leave for the office, and what else they do before walking out the door.
I heard back from half a dozen of them within 10 minutes, and, in a matter of a few hours, I received answers from a total of 17 out of the 20 -- a response rate that would be the envy of any market researcher.
It didn't take long for the patterns to emerge. Based on an analysis of the executives' schedules and activities, I discovered seven practices you should seriously consider adopting in order to make the most of your morning.

Start early.
This is the part of your morning routine over which you have the greatest control. To fit it all in, it's a must to start early. The latest any of the surveyed executives wake up is 6 a.m., and almost 80 percent wake up at 5:30 or earlier.
The early-bird-gets-the-worm award goes to Padmasree Warrior, chief technology officer for Motorola, who rises at 4:30 a.m., spends an hour on email, reads most of the news online, and then does an hour of either cardio or resistance training each morning. This allows her to get her son ready for school and drop him off, and still get to work by 8 or 8:30 in the morning.

Get a jump on email.
If you think you're alone in feeling overwhelmed by email, take comfort: even top CEOs and the most senior executives feel compelled to stay on top of their email, and most of them find time in the early morning to do so.
Ursula Burns, the No. 2 executive at technology giant Xerox, says, "I do email from the minute I get up [5:15 a.m.] and all day long, finishing around midnight." Haim Saban, chairman and CEO of investment firm Saban Capital Group, starts email right after his first cup of coffee "at 6:02 a.m." and works on it for about an hour before his 75-minute morning exercise regimen.
Lou D'Ambrosio, chief executive officer at telecommunications equipment leader Avaya Communications, is "on email literally within one minute after waking up. I spend about an hour at home in the morning doing email to jump-start the day. This allows me to have a clear mind when I set priorities for the day." Lou also does email from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at night.
Several executives wait until they get to the office before they start working on email. Matt Ouimet, president of the hotel group for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, for example, rises at 5:30 a.m. and leaves the house at 6 a.m. to get to the office very early -- "I've always been anxious to get to work: game time" -- and responds to email undisturbed for an hour while the office is very quiet.

Exercise every morning.
It's often difficult to find a way to fit exercise into your busy schedule, but knowing that some of the most successful businesspeople do so might motivate you to find a way to work it into your routine.
More than 70 percent of the business leaders in my survey perform their exercise in the morning, while 15 percent find a way to do it during the day (one does it late at night before turning in). Only two of the executives admit to not exercising on a regular basis, although one said, "I know I should."
The individual who demonstrates the greatest exercise discipline is the CEO of a high-performing global technology company (I promised him anonymity so as not to blow his cover). "I exercise at lunchtime," he says. "I block the time every single day. This is because I'm a runner and that's the best time to run outside all year long."

Be thoughtful about the source, form, and timing of your news.
Much has been written about the demise of the newspaper, and, along those lines, about a quarter of the executives I spoke with has switched to online news. Yet most of the others maintain the morning newspaper as a central part of their routine.
Steve Reinemund, the CEO of PepsiCo, reads the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and the Dallas Morning News. Rafe Sagalyn, CEO of the prestigious Sagalyn Literary Agency of Bethesda, Md., blends traditional and new media. He says, "I simultaneously skim online newspapers from Boston to Los Angeles and half a dozen blogs one really has to keep up with. At about 6:30 a.m., I fetch three morning papers -- the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal."

Problem-solve.
The quiet of the morning is often the time when your mind is at its clearest and most well-suited to solving important problems.
Steve Murphy, CEO of publishing company Rodale, says, "A line in a William Blake poem inspired me to think differently about my day: ‘Think in the morning, act in the noon, read in the evening, and sleep at night.' This has made a huge difference in my life. Now, I take out a yellow pad every morning and write my thoughts for the day, which allows me to be much more strategic and proactive than reactive."

Make family time.
Many business leaders find that the morning encourages important family time. Some have breakfast with their families or make taking kids to school a central part of the morning routine.Clayton, Dubilier & Rice managing partner Kevin Conway lingers at home when he can to help send off all three kids to school. Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media Corporation, says, "I try to talk one of my kids into going outside to get the paper, but end up getting it myself. I then have breakfast with my wife and kids, help the latter get dressed, and drive the older boys to the bus stop at 7:40 a.m."

Be creative with your morning routine.
Despite all the discipline and structure described in the above best practices, it doesn't mean you can't be creative with your morning rituals. Gerry Laybourne, founder, chairman, and CEO of Oxygen Media, maintains a routine similar to other business leaders.
However, she adds a unique twist to her schedule: "Once or twice a week, I go for a walk in Central Park with a young person seeking my advice. This is my way of helping bring along the next generation. I can't take time at the office to do this, but doing it in the morning allows me to get exercise and stay connected with young people at the same time."

The examples cited here have led me to reassess how I structure my early-morning time, and I hope they help you in making the most of your daily routine as well.

You Laid aside Your Majestic

2007-01-18T11:15:00.000+08:00

You laid aside your majestic
Gave up everything for me
Suffered at the hands
Of those your have created

You took all my guilt and shame
When you died and rose again
Now today you reign
In heaven and earth exalted

Chorus

I really want to worship You, my Lord
You have won my heart and I’m yours
Forever and ever, I will love you
You’re the only one who died for me
Gave your life to set me free
So I lift my voice to You in adoration

How lovely is this song!
I sang this song today and I cried with great love for my Lord.
He is wonderful beyond descriptions.
I was saddened by the fact that many many Christians who once loved God fervently fall away because of the illusions of this fantasy world.
This world is indeed colorful and has since revolutionised into a place with many traps that blinded our eyes from the love of God.

The pubs, the excitements, the curiosity of trying new things, the smoke, the high feeling you get from a little wine, the materials things, the latest handphone, the condominium, the temptations of the flesh, the pride of winning other's husband, the lust, the quick money, the love of self, the indifference towards others' needs... etc.

I heard much from friends, seen much and the truth is, it is really easy to be lulled this world, blinded by what we see and get stucked into the system of getting what we want.

God's love. Who can see? Who really stand firm till the end?
No wonder the bible says that ".. the one who stands firm till the end shall be saved."
God already knows the deceitfulness of men's heart and how easy it falls away.

Im not judging anyone, I'm reminding myself that I should stay focus upon my greatest love, my Lord.

My prayer is that more people will see the unfailing love of God that brings peace and joy that this world can never brings.

His love that endurthes forever, that reaches to the sky, that went to the deepest ocean is available for all.
Father, watch over my heart, that I will not be lulled into this colorful world and forget Your greatest gift for me, Jesus.

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking you as a precious jewel
Lord to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all

Already the 12th day of 2007!

2007-01-13T00:35:00.000+08:00

Wow... time flies again. The 12th day just passed by again.
So many things happened.
I saw 2 rainbow on the first day of 2007
and beautiful shooting star on the 7th day of 2007!

I was walking and stopping at the traffic lights with my sister & her bf.
Then suddenly, this beautiful wonderful light just shot through the sky, stayed on there for at least 5 sec! Wow.... it is so amazing because it passed by so slow, i can admire for a while! Wonderful!

Think this is the 3nd time i saw shooting stars in the sky in my life.
But this time, it is really slow. =)

Have been great so far... but dont know why Im experiencing chest pain these days... hard to breathe...
now back pain... hmm.... must really take care le....

no mood to blog... blog another day! =)

2006-12-30T01:16:00.000+08:00

Yeah! What? It's already 30th Dec! Oh my gosh!
1 more day to 2007!!!!
2007, a year with so much excitement, anticipation, favor & grace from God, new heights, new spirit, new life!
I just sense a wonderful presence of God even as I am writing this now... I know that God will bring so much peace & excitement & favor this year! So much so much.

"Shirley, you have passed the test & you are going to experience the fruits of your labour. Do not be amazed, God is going to do wonderful things among you, through you & with you! This year is going to be a year of breakthrough in ALL areas of your life. God is going to do such a release of potential in you, you will do amazing things. Do not be amazed for God is with you. Trust the Lord with all yuor heart & lean not on your own understanding. God will bring you through. But you will be amazed. For you will do many things beyond your imagination. Said the Lord. God is faithful & His love endurths forever. Amen & Amen & Amen!"

"But you have to stay close to me. Very close indeed. Do not be distracted by the world. Keep your eyes focus on me. Focus. Yes, seek me always in all that you do. Love with my love. serve with my love. work with my love. You will not be tired, you will soar like the eagles. Shirley, you can & everyone is on your side. With me, you are the majority. Like David, 1 with God will win the thousands without God. I love you Shirley. I love you with an everlasting love. Do not be dismay or disappointed. I have seen your pain, your needs and your struggles. Remember that I will be your help & your shield & your strength forever & ever more. AMen."

"Seek & Obey, and you shall live."

"Do the things that I have asked you to & you will be very good indeed."

"rest early, everything is in control."

.................. all the above in ".." are what God has Just spoken to me 3 sec ago as I pen down what He has spoken. Thank you God that even before the year started, you have encouraged me in this way! Halelluya Praise the God!

I love you Jesus.

"I love you too"
God

Counting down to 2007!

2006-12-22T01:19:00.000+08:00

Today is 21st Dec 2006. A few more days to 2007.
Reflection time again.
Everyone is busy with their Christmas shoppings.
Me too. Just came back from Bugis. Bought a few Christmas gifts.
More to buy. This Christmas, I made Chocolate cornflakes for my clients & friends. Drew a picture & write Christmas cards to them.
It has been a busy December!

More responsibilities at work, in my ministry...
"Busy" is one word so commonly used among Singaporeans.
Everyone is busy.
So busy doing the things for the day; finishing the "to do" list each day.
Me too. Sometimes, I find myself lost in doing things for the sake of doing.
Days pass by so fast.
What have I really achieve at the end of it all?
Have we been too busy working and not remembering to smile & talk with a colleague?
Have we been too busy rushing from places to places without taking time to smell the roses along the way?
Have we been too busy to say "I love you" to the ones we love?

I'm guilty of all these.

If you are like me? How are you to start 2007 differently?

I pray that year 2007 will be a breakthrough year for all of us.
I thank God that He is always moulding me & my character.
It is what we become at the end of it all that matters than what we have achieved.

I pray that I will have a better relationship with all my colleagues. Lord, bless me & grant me favor with my colleagues, bosses & clients. Let me be a different me next year! Thank you Jesus!

I thank God for a close family relationship now. Looking forward to our Family Christmas on 25 Dec! Gift exchanges & food!
I pray for a deeper bond between us & all will be bind together in Christ!
Lord, I declare that this household belongs to Christ!

I pray for Brandon & me! I pray that God will continue to mould us to be the perfect partner for each others & not looking for the perfect partner.
Lord, lead us according to your perfect will! Amen!

I pray that there will be a breakthrough in my work!
Such a breakthrough that I cannot even imagine!
But I pray that my success in year 2007 will glory upon glory to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Lord, I want to walk closer to you everyday. You are all I ever needed, and you will lead me to the best pathway of my life! Amen!

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord forever & ever! Amen =)