Reflection-2007

Trips of the year 2007

1. Pattaya Thailand Mar 2007 (Free incentive trip from AIA)
2. Genting Highlands Aug 2007 (Family get together trip)
3. Star Cruise Sep 2007 (AIA Headstart incentive trip)
4. Taiwan Mission Impact trip Nov 2007 (Ministry & church)
5. 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.

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

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

Angel! The sweetest gal!

December- Christmas month!

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!
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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

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!

Dearest Shan's wedding!

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!

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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.

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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

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

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!

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! =)

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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.

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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

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

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.

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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

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:

1. Help me pass my Associate Financial Planner exam tomorrow.
2. 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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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! =)