Desired BAGS... not.

I adore bags- you name it, every size, material, brand, usage for each and every occasion, but I can't say the same for the ones that I recently acquired- big spongey eye bags! A result of shorter sleeping hours and water retention from all the early mornings and late nights rushing to and fro bible school and all the other school and work commitments.
Anyways, I've got shu uemura's moisture eye zone mask on now as I type, so hopefully that removes some of the guilt. I even cancelled out on my pampering facial treatment earlier today cos' I simply had no time!
Apart from that, the past week has just been great! I'm enjoying school despite the avalanche of assignments - which includes a 60 page book review to be submitted in 2 weeks to say the least. yikes!
Anyways, Rev Robb Thompson is in town and I attended two of his business meetings (yesterday and today). One thing I picked up is thar finishing is the key to success. Take for example, in a marathon race, everyone looks good when they start the race. However, very few make it to the finishing mark.
I feel it's especially relevant for me now that I'm taking up freelance projects, cos while it sounds exciting to just take up everything, I've learnt that I need to be a good finisher. Some projects seem easy when you start them, but becomes a painful process to complete. Ha!
Anyways, I finish off today's blog with my personal revelation:
"Gifts are like seeds, planted by God in us. We need to put them in good soil, fertilize and water daily with God's anointing for them to grow, take root and flourish with good fruits, so that it comes a testimoniy and enjoyment for God."
What are the seeds that God has planted in your heart?

So privileged...

I'm into my third day of bible school and it has been amazing. The atmosphere is so joyous, so peaceful, so wonderful. The hall filled with people who are spiritually hungry, fervent and committed.
I feel so privileged to be one of the few to have the chance to dedicate 4 and a half months fully into studying and enjoying the Word of God.
Very few people have the luxury- to be able to take their 'life remote control' and press the pause button- to do what they want to do without worrying about finances or what the future brings.
Yes, my savings account may be running low, but like what Pst Kong said in his early ministry years- "Our pockets were empty, but our hearts were full." The whole idea is to really press on in faith, because the blessings will outweigh the sacrifices.

Knowledge is power!

Got up at 7.15am this morn, and immediately (er... not that immediate on hindsight) zipped into the bathroom to begin my first day at City Harvest Bible Training Center!
Vincent was sweet to wake up earlier than his usual and loan me the car for the morning so that I can reach school comfortably.
I fetched him to work and then made my journey to Jurong West. The expressway seemed to go on forever, but I was glad I did not get lost or need to do any detours midway. In fact, it was quite liberating starting something on my own. I always love school!
Parked my car and went to the registration on Level 1, and saw my beautiful SOT lanyard with my name and card sitting at the recep table. It felt like a miracle cos' I had submitted my application just last week and wasn't sure if my postage got through, but Praise God! He is always faithful. :)
I collected my file and then went to the main auditorium at Basement 4. It was a nice feeling cos' it has been quite a while since I last worshipped at Jurong West.
We started our morning with Praise & Worship and the presence of God was energising. I was so motivated and inspired by the other 468 students who signed up.
We are the largest intake ever in history, with students from Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, HK, UK, Brunei, Bangladesh signing up.
We went through the Student Handbook and before long, were broken into our various teams to take part in the 'Amazing Race'- part of the orientation activity.
I was allocated to Team 4- together with the BBG ppl. However, as I had just recently gone for surgery, I had to opt out of the games as it can be physically strenuous.
Supposed to join them for dinner at Marina Bay but I've decided to see Doctor Chen again cos' my fever is still on and off and I need some antibiotics in case there's any infection.
Alrighto, more updates tomorrow!

On fire!

Went to Benny Hinn's crusade last nite and got a touch of the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. Almost 2 thirds of the congregation fell under the power and although I was sitting at the second last row and I could feel the presence of God coming at me like a tidal wave.
In fact, I fell back on my seat twice and during the second round, broke the arm rest of the chair! Can you believe it? I even joked that my iron butt can now give Jennifer Lopez a run for her money!
Vincent was so worried I had hurt myself, and to be honest, I'm not sure, especially since I've just gone for a surgery. I did feel a little sore and uncomfortable after the service though.
And I think it must be the queuing in the hot sun, but when I got home, in the middle of the night, I developed a fever. I was shivering under the quilt and Vincent had to get me some fever medicine and switch off the aircon for the rest of the night.
Thankfully, when I awoke, the fever had subsided, but my whole body hurt! Like needles pricking me!
Went to HK Cafe for lunch, but I felt so ill, I couldn't finish my food and wanted to come home immediately.
Vincent sent me back, took a shower and then left for the final service of Benny Hinn. Really proud of him cos' he's so on fire for God! Hope he'll be mightily blessed.
As for me, I stayed at home, rested, read magazines and going to rest again. Need to 100% recuperate cos' I'm starting school tomorrow!
Wow!

Find an environment that brings out the best in you

Extracted from God is my CEO, these few lines jumped right out at me. Think it's good advise that applies for everyone:
It reads, 'like the tree planted by streams of living water, you need to be planted where you can grow, mature, bloom and bear fruit.' This applies in every aspect of your life, including your professional life where you need to find an environment that brings out the best in you.
In my next career move, I want to surrounded by people who motivate and challenge me to be a person of excellence, passion, showing true leadership.
V has got two wonderful career opportunities and for the first time, I'm almost afraid to advise, cos' I know while he prefers option A, I think he can be challenged to take up option B which gives him a fast track to his career. However, we need to be sure what we see in our natural eyes align with God's purpose for us- cos' while we can plan 1-2 steps for ourselves, we are not able to see beyond what's in store in the long-term future.
However, we shouldn't let fear cripple us anyways, and gotta just press on in faith. We'll make a decision by Monday hopefully.
Hmm... speaking of Monday, it'll mark my first day at the School of Theology. Imagine 300 new friends. No more excuses for not reaching out to the lost cos' this course will really equip you with the know-how, etc. I can't wait to see my mom and sis saved, going church and having a true relationship with God.
Was at Benny Hinn's meeting last night and will be bringing friend's friend who's in stage 3 of cancer of her brain to his service this evening. The presence of God was strong last night and lots of people got out of their wheelchairs and were healed from cancer, loss of hearing and back problems. Praise God!
Benny Hinn's sermons spoke about how all the Arab worlds are inviting him (someone with an Israel passport) to preach in their countries and how the Jews are even opening up and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.
In fact, he says the last days are here and Jesus is returning! He then preached a word on Salvation and how healing always comes with forgiveness of sins.
God heals morning, day and night! We need to believe that healing is for everyone! Just look through the book of Matthew and you'll realise that everywhere Jesus went, healing took place! What a wonderful God we serve! :)

Blessed with a burden

Just got back from a rather fruitful day- work life balance at the right pace.
Started my morning early cos' I grabbed a lift from V on his way to work to town, and carried on with a train ride to City Hall where I had my leisurely coffee and toast at City Link. Popped by at HMV for a short while and picked up Gwen Stefani's latest album. Must have been ages since I last visited a CD store. Exceptionally happy cos' I've been wanting to get the album and it was going at a special price of $11.95. Like the song, "The Sweet Escape"- just makes you wanna bop around.
Later went over to Suntec to help LP with their press conference where they announced the Top 15 finalists. I played the role of a roving reporter and had a cameraman follow me around while I interviewed the MD and some of the finalists.
After the event, Cheryl, Wing, Deon and I went to New York, New York at City Link and grabbed a hearty lunch- American food, so not the most healthy!
Wanted to catch the movie, "Freedom Writers" which was showing at The Cathay at 3.05pm, but I was one hour too early, so I went over to Plaza Singapura- where there was a book bazaar by Carrefourre and I picked up a travel book on Rome for 5 buckaroos. Comes with a map too! Haha! Couldn't resist a good bargain.
Caught the show- a bit typical- but there were some redeeming moments, plus I do like Hilary Swank. I think she's a great actress. In one scene, when she was wrecked with self-doubt about her purpose as a teacher, her on-screen dad said, "my child, you've been blessed with a burden and I envy you for that."
A true story, the teacher, Erin worked 2 extra jobs as a sales assistant and a hotel concierge to pay for books and trips to encourage and educate her students- whom the school have already given up hope on. She gave all she could- cos' when she gave- that was when she felt most alive.
Erin not only impacted the lives of the students, but also their various culture and their future generations to come.
Now, how many people can lay claim to that?

It's time to dream again...

Organised a surprise bday party for 3 of my frens at TCC Robertson which has a nice stand-alone private room that fits 18 adults very snuggly. It was a great attendance for a Monday night and truly great company.

People who really cared enough to come, to celebrate, and to fellowship. See below for some of the pictures. I enjoy going through them cos' it's like an adult's party- children style: with hats, balloons, cards, cake, that sorta thing.

Anyway, my title: Time to dream again is inspired by the song by Delirious... I feel a breakthrough is going to come suddenly because God is a keeper of promises. When he closed the door to the biz, he'll open another bigger, more successful door for me.

It may be 4 mths into the year already, but I believe His desire is still to prosper me spiritually, financially and personally in 2007.

Well, watch this space cos' I think the breakthrough is just round the corner.