He popped THE question!!

You only imagine such scenarios in your dream or on movies... when the man of your dreams pop the million-dollar question... yes, he finally did..... It was kinda surreal... The story goes....

Last Sunday night, we went for dinner at 7th Storey hotel. I've not been there before though many acclaim about the steamboat there.. We then proceeded to a Jap place for dessert... After which he sent me home and he had to come in to pick up his guitar which he left in the car from our MPC class on Sat... The guitar was in my room and I had to find a set of teachings for him, thus we were there. Then as I was packing him home, he sat down, fumbled with the guitar bag and said he wanted to show me something... he took out the guitar and was filled with emotions... and he said, he wants to propose to me...

Tears welled up in my eyes and I started to tear... he then played this song and sang to me... I continued to tear because I was very touched by the words...

SHOWER ME WITH YOUR LOVE (SURFACE)
My heart is filled with so much love
And I need someone I can call my own
To fall in love--that's what ev'ryone's dreaming of
I hold this feeling oh so strong
Life is too short to live alone
Without someone to call my own
I will care for you, you will care for me
Our love will live forever

Shower me with your love
Shower me with the love that I long for
Shower me with your love
Shower me with the love I've been waiting for

I close my eyes and pray all my wishes come true
Ev'ry night I go to sleep
Until you're mine, I'll wait for you endlessly
Can't you see
Fairy tales, they do sometimes come true
If you believe, it could happen to you
Like the stars that shine way up in the sky
Our love will live forever

He was choked with emotions by the 2nd verse... I was very touched because it was SO sincere, SO real, SO down-to-earth... THAT, is Gerald for you...

He then whipped out the ring and asked, "Will you marry me?"

And I continued to tear with joy and said, "Yes, I will."

Like TV drama hor..... but it was magical... He said he called up quite a few hotels, asking if he could play the piano as he wants to propose, but was turned down cos they said he didn't have some license... DUH... I was touched, because it has been in his heart for this moment, and never took it lightly - that, too, touched me...

POP # 5

Power of Praise # 5 - our Bangkok church's annual praise & worship concert...

It was AWESOME, and a GREAT time of learning for us who spent a few days with the worship team... The way they do things is SO professional and so excellent.

It never fails to refresh my heart everytime I visit our church in Thailand: their sweet spirit, excellence and tremendous hospitality is always a good reminder of how our church started and why I serve in such a God-loving church and movement. This time, I learnt a great deal about serving in the worship ministry and how to do events better... despite their busy schedule and stress, they don't tire in explaining to us why and what they do.. I was very touched by their kind sharing. I am inspired again to serve to my best ability, what God has called me to do... Thank you, Hope Bangkok worship team, for your lives and your examples... We have been very blessed and refreshed by you!

dying to myself...

I have come to learn that I have high expectations of myself... and it upsets me when I am anything less than my own standard...I have to learn to keep my standards, and to balance it with trusting God...

I also come to learn that I am selfish, afraid of sufferings & difficulties, and have the tendency to want the easy way out...

Unless a kernel of wheat dies and falls to the ground, it will not bear much fruit... the Lord reminded me again... What He has given me is to make me a better person... it is not just for my pleasure or fun... but it is to make me a better testimony for Him...

perseverance is another recurring theme that God has reminded me again (and again)... it's never easy to stick in there when the tough gets going... but like what Ps Ben says, it's what you decided upon when the rubber meets the road... Help me to be persevering, loving and unconditional... I can only do it with Your Love, not mine..

I look forward to all the things that are to come in anticipation because You are my God and You are Jehovah Jireh!

Two are better than one..

Been a while since a wrote.. been a lil' busy with JUMP, a lil' bit of work, and not denying, the person in my life...



JUMP conference & concert was a BLAST!







Thank God for ALL you guys in the committee and volunteers who worked so hard amidst the tight schedule and limitations, to pull it off so well. One thing about doing the work of God is teamwork, which I really enjoy.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

This is really true... in a team, we cover one another, we look out for one another and we check one another's blind spots... in a team, we bring out the best in one another, yet, the ugly side of us surfaces (within ourselves). As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens another... this is again, so true. When I serve in a team, I learn things about myself... the inner thoughts, emotions that flare out which only God & I will know, are all valuable lessons I can learn... Without partners, one will always be swimming in his/her own thoughts and pool, and might not have new revelations or realisations about oneself... I guess we grow when we are in a community... thank God for building His Church based on communities... I also learnt that I am really a team-person. I really don't work well alone - I feel dry and unexcited... (blame it on my personality, hehe)... but that is how God made me, and I rejoice in that (personality).

Maybe that is why God sent me my partner... Referring to the verses above, again, I am learning so much about myself, discovering new things (monsters) within me... like he so aptly said, that in a relationship, we are challenged to live out the ways of the bible constantly... I used to think it is a chore being in a relationship, and that there is not much value-add, but it'll probably just be added stress and problems in life... but God knows better what is good for me... He knows that I will become a better person when I have a partner to work with. In addition, through some events, I realize that with a partner, it does help that I have someone to share my emotions and struggles with... Being single is really GREAT; being in a relationship is GREAT too - neither is better, being in God's plan in BEST. I thank God for Gerald who is a great man of God, and I am privileged to share my life with him...

P.S: Check out geraldaw.blogspot.com. Yup, he writes well... ;p

Another milestone in my life...

*curtsies*

Thank you to all who have been so supportive and encouraging throughout my Masters' journey... I am so proud to say... I have GRADUATED!!! Yea, it is an achievement indeed, cos' like I said in the beginning: I am really not a studying-person.



Things have really changed in my life... in work, I am just SO blessed by God, that it is unbelievable... In the bible, Malachi 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." - this verse I can totally identify with... Many times I ask the Lord what have I done to deserve all these blessings... and I always come to the same answer: that it is never (once) about what I have done or not done, but simply cos of His Grace; and these blessings He has given me, are to help to extend His Kingdom... so, what He gives me, is kinda like a forward thing, as in, His blessings are like tools for me to keep moving on and forward, and for me to use to bless and extend HIs Kingdom. That is how I see all the tangible blessings He has bestowed me - they are not so much rewards for my past achievements or what I have done (right), but more for the future...

Of course the other change is having Gerald in my life... Think being in a relationship is very much about acceptance and accomodation... It is about 2 people, having different upbringing, background, experiences, etc., trying to live as one (quote from Gerald)... and it sometimes feels kinda weird that I am not my own (if u know what I mean).. it's GREAT joy, but it's also not without challenges... Singlehood is GREAT - carefree and independent... For me, I felt that it is about learning to give up my personal rights to learn to love another as myself as Jesus commands us to do. In a relationship, this commandment acts out even more overtly, as he becomes like one of the closest person, and expectations are heightened and my personal rights flare out more obviously... But I must admit that knowing that God has brought both of us together, gives a lot of strength and courage to move on together... and it is wonderful when both of us worship the same God, and when we can serve together, support and encourage each other to walk close to God, as we walk closer to each other.

Nice photo ya? THE PERSON!!! (I think I look SO beautiful in this pic, haha!) Not the flowers.... Hehehe...

Well, that was a bunch of flowers he got delivered to my office one day when I was a little down... so, nice - emma, gerald and flowers. =)

Thanks for sharing my joys with me... I'll keep u posted again...

Thank God it's end of Thursday!!!

A Tribute to my friends, D & Dong

She has been a wonderful friend for over 13 years... gosh, suddenly that number looks like a looooooong time. I thought only my parents talk about friends for over 10 years... now, I am in that league, haha!

She's always been there, cheering and supporting me over all these years. I remember once when I called her up to ask her out for coffee out of the blue and we went to some Big Apple cafe at Coronation Plaza.... We just sat there and chilled out and I said I just wanted to find someone whom I can be totally comfortable with, and no need to pretend or make small talk, or even explain why I did what I did, to have coffee with... (think that was a time of lamentation)

She is one friend who loves me more than I know, and from how she wants attention from me, how she is protective over me, asking me difficult questions at times.... I know I mean a lot to her....

Ok, if I don't mention about Dong, think she will surely call me to whine as well. This is a woman who is out of this world as well. She is hilarious, blur, "I" (she knows what that means), P, C (she says)... She's another 13-yr-old friend... We have had great times together as well.... It means a lot to me when I received a sms from her 2 weeks back, telling me how happy she was for me that I have found my love...

Thanks friends, you girls are special and precious to me and I really thank God and appreciate your unique friendships....

*hugz*

piano | Gerald | melted

19th June 07 (Tue)

(WARNING: This content may cause a hair-raising experience, so read it at your own risk.)

Tonight was simply memorable... I have never been so touched (in my life) before... And if this surprises you, trust me - it totally bowled me over.

Gerald & I went to watch a jazz concert by Jeremy Montiero @ the Esplanade. After that, we decided to have dinner at Prego's - one of my favourite restaurants...



We sat down, ordered our food and chatted... then out of the blue, he said something about the piano in the middle of the restaurant, stood up and walked away.... I was quite puzzle and surprised... the next thing I knew, he opened up the grand piano and started playing on it....and man, I was totally shocked and my jaw dropped (literally). He played a love song and it was awesome... I can't even use words to describe how I felt; i could feel love from every note he played...

One of the servers came over and asked me what the occassion was, and the answer was simply, "there is no occassion". And even he said he played beautifully...

He finished the song (while I was totally dazed) and some patrons clapped... and he returned, shy. And all I could do was to stare at him, (jaw still dropped) and was still in the state of disbelief... it is so out of his (shy and reserved) character to do something so bold; even I won't have the guts to do it ok! And he simply said, "I played that for you..."

ok ok, now, close YOUR mouth now, my friends.... yes... that's the Gerald you guys never knew, and I am honored that he thinks the world of me.

That incident made me just revel in that and bask in his love for the next few days... So, like i said, this may be hair-raising for you... but for me, it meant SO much..... it's more than the song he played... it's really the love that spurred him to do something so outrageous...

God, thank You for sending Gerald into my life - everything happened in Your timing and only when You will for it to happen.

(Oh, I didn't mention about the 2nd bunch of flowers last week, and all the other amazing things he is and has done)

sharing of good news...

I would like to thank God, my parents, my CG-mates, all my fans, oops, friends... Hahaha! Well, the Good News is that: Jesus Loves YOU and He is ALIVE!!!

The good news (note:small caps) is: emma is in LuRve... (*blush blush*) Don't know how else to put it except in the most direct way. Most of you would have heard about it.. and "thanks" for spreading it for us. If only you guys would spread the Good News as quickly, many other people will go to Heaven =). Thanks to all who rejoice with us and congratulate us (him).

The other good news of course, is ONE WEEK DOWN for school!!! I have only ONE more week to go!!! Thank You God for sustaining me till now... like Ps Jeff said, I thought I was crazy to even enroll for this Masters course, and I am his friend who thinks studying even for 3 minutes is torture. My middle Name is "PLAY" for your information. This final module is kinda bitter-sweet. On one hand, I am GRADUATING!! On the other hand, I am gonna miss my classmates and all the great and fun times we spend together, slogging complaining, and playing! SO here's a TOAST to MWM Class of 2006: You guys ROCK!!

Tomorrow is Monday... this week is church camp and I am gonna miss a big part of it cos of Module 5... SIGH... u can already feel the pain in me (that I can't be there for the whole camp)... told u my middle name is PLAY. So, for all you guys who are going for "Building a Prevailing Generation" Camp, watch out for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your lives! (Don't say I didn't warn u!)

Have loads of fun in Malacca!

Flowers & Module 5...

Started Module 5 yesterday... It's wonderful to see my classmates again... ended the day with such a wonderful surprise... someone came to my school and brought with him a bunch of flowers... I was talking with my classmates while waiting for him... and when he came, he actually whipped out that bunch of flowers and gave it to me (in front of some of my classmates)... it was SO SWEET... he was a little embarrassed about it, I was a lil' shy (ok, be surprised.. I DO get shy).



For those of you who are shocked at this gesture, I am here to verify that Gerald is very very sweet, just that he doesn't show it to just anyone ;)

Will just share this lil' (more juicy) part with you guys... I'll save the rest for myself... (",)

Today is Day 2 of Module 5, got homework to hand in today already... 2 more weeks to go!

ASP (AsS Pain) KILLS...

Advanced Study Project (ASP) - that's what it is.. but Grant, my witty classmate so aptly termed it "AsS Pain". Having to write this paper of 30 pages as part of my course in order to graduate is really a PAIN. It's really torturous to spend Saturdays in the school library trying to write and squeeze words out to fill the pages. Saturdays are sacred - you are supposed to relax, chill-out, bring nephews out, you know what I am talking about... but instead, here I am in the library, suffering... this is the view I see every Saturday from where I sit in the library:



Like I told my friend, this is a cross I have to carry... Oh God, give me the grace (and words) to complete it...

the drudgery of life...

A wonderful brother gave me this CD today. It started with a song he blue-toothed to me, and then he passed me the CD. I listened to it today and the songs just seem to melt away all those drudgery, weariness, those edgy-ness, those dreadfulness... Man, the word is "therapeutic". Thank God for creating such beautiful music...

Tomorrow's another week... I am still not well, still stuck with the sickening flu and blocked nose... both my nephews are sick too; the small one was running a fever just now... poor baby, check him out with the fever-pad:




SO CUTE right??!! Now, that's something else that melts away the drudgery of my days...

Oh God, pls melt away the drudgery... only You can be my Ultimate source of Joy... fill me with You, Your Joy...

"and because He lives, I can face tomorrow.... because He lives, all fear is gone... because I know, I know, He holds the future... and life is worth the living, just because He lives...."

Shau En turns ONE today and Ecclesiastes...

Today is my younger nephew's actual birthday, and he turns ONE today... we had a mini, simple, cosy family celebration after dinner at home just now.... will upload the pics when my sister downloads them...

Been feeling kinda pensive recently... can't really put a finger to the exact emotion. Perhaps it is a mix of anxiety cos' of ASP, cos' of the events, activities, responsibilites lined up till' like Sept... maybe it is the doldrums of work... maybe it is the angst that I want to spend much more time having fun and chilling out with friends,


(Chilling out with WAMers...)



(WAM retreat @ Kukup)

and enjoying life... Alas, the realities of life are real things that we have to grapple with...

And at times, I catch myself reminiscing those idlic Swiss-Lala-Land days... here's some for the reminiscence...

Mr Just-Cavalli-Toby & I:







Ms Vietnam-Ha & I:


Well, life is what you make out of it... when you are at it, get the most out of it and enjoy it through and through. Afterall, God wants us to enjoy what He has given us - friends, good food, fellowship, Him. But above all, fear Him and Love Him is the most important of it all....

"Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
Dress festively every morning.
Don't skimp on colors and scarves.
Relish life with the spouse you love
Each and every day of your precarious life.
Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
This is your last and only chance at it,
For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think
In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed."
(Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 9, verses 7-10)

The last and final word is this:
Fear God.
Do what he tells you.


I guess when we put things into perspective, life IS Great.

Cars Galore on May Day!

Had a party at home yesterday to celebrate my nephew Shau En's birthday. And my uncle drove his latest toy to my place for us to ogle at - the FERRARI. Man, is it roaring! He took me on a spin around my place... it was exhilarating indeed!





My dad also got his new toy! It's really a Beauty...



Went to join my CG for dessert at night and we had a laughing good time, as usual! I really LOVE hanging out with them. With them, there is no need to impress, no need to upkeep any image. I can go and hang out with them in anyway, and the bond and love is there... now, that is definitely NOT shallow and I thank God for this Agape Love bound by Him.

Here's one for you WAMers, remember those unforgettable Malacca times...?




Well, today's a slow day... took leave to go to the hospital with Mum, and then there was some miscommunication... sigh, let's not talk about that... anyway, spent the day resting, and doing stuffs... but not what I was really supposed to do, like the dreaded ASP (advanced study project). The mention of those 3 letters makes me SO uneasy... it's synonymous to TORTURE. Tomorrow's Thursday, back to work... why must we work...????

Dreaded Saturday...

Just came back from Taipei... It's about 12.39a now and I am rather anxious about tomorrow and my ASP and my lofty lose-weight plans.... GOSH, I committed to devote my Saturdays since I returned from Module 4 (Swiss module), to do my ASP, and I have been doing that for the past 2 Saturdays! But alas, not a word has been penned.... That fact just kills me man! And tomorrow, I have a lunch with a client, cos he is coming to Singapore, and then there is dad's birthday dinner, and it's 12:43am NOW!!! I don't think I have the energy to wake up bright and early and chirpily go to school to try to start on my ASP and then go for lunch.... ARGH, hate it when plans get distorted!

So, I shall sleep till I am supposed to wake up tomorrow. Don't care!

Here's one from Taipei, the Ice Monster at YongKang Street - it's THE BEST!



(Very cheekily mms to my boss cos we talked about how good it was. hehe)

Oh, and on the plane just now, I was watching this movie called "Because I said so" and it was gonna end, the most another 8min... and the stupid KrisWorld was shut down!!!!! How irritating can that be.... tsk tsk.... but I know Mandy Moore will choose Johnny's daddy... anyone who knows the ending, pls let me know... (",)

Saturday.... TSK! This is one unusual Saturday that I don't like...

Pre-Monday blues...

It's hitting me again.... It's SUnday night and I am feeling the lead in my body to go to work tomorrow.... Oh Jesus, only You can give me peace, not the peace of the world, but Your peace. Be the God of Peace in my heart, and be the God of Joy, so that I can have Joy when I go to work tomorrow.

Nowadays, work is no longer LalaLand... once I hit the office, it's just bang-bang-bang, all the way till day-end... Well, I guess THAT'S life...

Dispel the dread in me when I wake up tomorrow, O God. Thank You!

I miss Lucerne.... Florence.... Cinque terre.... Zurich.....

Trivial...

Saw this test on Fen's blog, so tried it out as a trivial... Hehe.

People Envy Your Confidence

You have the attitude and self esteem to take on anything. Failure is beyond not an option for you - it doesn't even cross your mind. People envy your ability to take on any challenge ... and they're secretly afraid you think you're better than them. You don't. You're just sure of yourself.

What Do People Envy About You?

Don't envy me la... My confidence comes from God who made me who I am. I am not my own; I was bought with a price, and that is why I am so precious... that is where my security comes from.... Everything is this world can be transient and may pass away, but God is Constant, Solid like a Rock, and He will NEVER fail me.... Praise Him for that!


K, here's another Test:

Your Travel Personality Is: The Bonder

For you, travel is less about where you're going - but who you're going with. It's no fun to experience an amazing city or a beautiful beach without your friends. In fact, it doesn't really matter where you go... because you and your friends always figure out how to have fun!

What's Your Travel Personality?

So, who wants to go on the next holiday with me, may sign up when application opens soon. (Watch this space!) Haha.. Well, it's Tue.... I survived 2 days.... I miss the holidays.... feels weird to be back to Life and reality.... but well, Life goes on...


Our Bank Visits in Zurich



Thanks to all who missed me... (",)

Goodbye Italy...

Our flight from Milan to Rome was delayed twice and finally cancelled...



This is The Vatican City, Italy:




This is The Mall, factory outlet where I burnt a big hole in my wallet:



This is Cinque Terre - no words can describe the beauty of this place:










I'm back home now... feelings are kinda mixed.... gotta get to bed soon, to beat the jetlag...

Home Sweet Home...

More photos from Switzerland

DreamLand is ending....

Lucerne, Switzerland



That was on Mount Pilatus that we went last Sunday - it was a GREAT time! It was cold up there, trust me, but vain me wanted to take photo in my nice blue top, so took the photo without my jacket and froze momentarily after the shot. Hehe! We did the snow-fights, slipped and fell on the snow works... but one of the most enjoyable part was the chilling-out-on-deck-chairs-freezing-our-butts-off activity (and of course, the Lucerne wine up there)





We just had a great time doing nothing, being silly, laughing at one another, and not even looking at the time - that was the best part. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously up on Mt Pilatus and we were all stoned at the end of the day.





Today is back in class AGAIN... it's torturous to be in class and not out playing.... We'd been hanging out at night, playing and having fun, cos there's absolutely NOTHING to do at night here in Lucerne, so all the crazy people hang out together and play games, talk crap, have fun.



Class ends tomorrow... can't wait! We're having a good closing dinner tomorrow night and then it's partying for the whole class again.... I will be off to Italy on Sat morning, and my computer won't be with me there, so, you'll hear from me again only when I get back to Singapore....

Till then, Ciao!

Day 3 of class in Lucerne, Switzerland

Today is Day 3 of class in Lucerne, Switzerland. It snowed yesterday and today.. nice, but chilly.

I am actually in the midst of class now, but needed something to kill the Zzz monster attacking me big time. When I arrived in Zurich on 16 Mar 07, those 2 days were really nice, cos there was no pressure of school or anything... it was just lala Land for that 2 days...
Since we arrived in Lucerne, you cna suddenly feel the pressure cos school IS pressure. We were given individual assignment on Day 1 already - that didn't help in relieving the stress.
Think it's quite proven that I am most likely allergic to studying. Everytime I start my Modules, I fall sick, and it is no different this time in Module 4...
I would love to go around after class ends, to chill out, see things, etc...but unfortunately, assignments HAVE to be done and group work presentations have to be prepared... ARGH! We all really thought this Module was Lala Land, but alas, we were somewhat disappointed after all the assignments and groupwork news were told to us.
Went out last night, chilled out and just wanted to experience local life here, but today, we gotta stay in to cramp for my assignment and discuss group work... sigh... the things we do in Lucerne.... I really want to try to finish up my stuffs so I have my weekends free and I can play... THAT'S what we'rer supposed to do here in Switzerland!!

Anyway, enough of ranting... I will TRY to still enjoy... the snow really helped...