Living out Faith

This week, I emailed a lady from church to join the ladies to go to a drug rehab centre. To be really honest, it felt quite daunting to join a bunch of ladies that I've not met before and even more daunting to interact in Canto to a bunch of ladies who are recovering from drug addiction. But yes, I garnered up my courage and told myself, I'm not doing for myself, it's for Jesus' glory. So this morning, I woke up bright and early to go to the gym for a class. Am a little amazed at myself for bringing myself to the gym. After gym, I went to meet the ladies to go to the rehab centre. I must say that I was a little apprehensive because I've not worked with teenagers before. But going there and listening to their stories, made me realised that I'm very thankful for my life and for God's guidance in my life. I could have easily ended up like anyone of those girls but with God's divine intervention, He steered me in the right path. When one of those girls said ...

Last week, Iris, a friend that I knew from church in Spore, emailed me asking if I could attend her wedding during the time that I'm back in Spore. Iris is getting married to Colin and I've known the both of them for ages and ages. Probably more than 20 years! Jacqui was home when I asked her about Colin and Iris and she told me that they were both in the same kindergarten class. I was blown away. So in other words, they practically known each other for almost their whole lives! After kindergarten, they were in the same class in Sunday School and probably hung out together in Youth Fellowship and stuff. Such sweet love! Oh of course, they only started dating like later, not when they were in kindergarten or anything like that. After being a witness to a wedding, I've actually become a little wary of attending weddings. Not that I don't believe in love and weddings but a marriage take a lot and a marriage is sacred in my point of view. But people have taken marriages so ...

My life is always in a limbo, I admit that. There are days that I wake up and wonder, what's with my life and why is it sometimes what I plan for my life, does not pan out? It has taken a totally different turn to what I thought is the best plan for me. Don't get mistaken, I'm not depressed or anything like that. I'm probably in a reflective mood more than anything else. Babe has taken on a job that takes him away from home a lot. And I probably see him like once every three or four weeks. It's kinda fine for me as I know that we're trying to work hard for our future. We speak on the phone every night and with technology, we msn each other at work. So we're connected as much as we can. However, sometimes, I wonder, why? What's God's plan for us? Sure, there are days that I think, maybe I should quit my job and join him and be with him. But the reality is that I love my job. I enjoy what I have now and Babe doesn't want me to quit too. He knows me...

Jacqui was planning to buy a camera when she came to Hong Kong and I thought that hiking might be a next way for her to play with her new toy. And so I emailed Mel and a couple others to ask if they wanted to go on a hike. Well, friends turned up and a couple actually emailed saying that they are turning up just to see me hike! Well, kinda flattered. So on Sat, we went and hiked on Dragon's Back trail. We started at somewhere near Stanley and ended up at Shek O. Don't ask me where, I just followed. I survived the hike. Was superbly tired too! On the hike, it brought back some memories. The times that I went on a hike, I can count by the fingers on one hand. The most recent was maybe 4 years ago when I was helping out in Sunday School camp. But the one that brought back the most memories while I was walking was the hike that I did probably 20 years ago or something like that. I was in Youth Fellowship and we went on a hike for maybe like 4 hours or more. It was brutal but fun. I...

Well, Babe has taken up a job that would probably away from home most of the time and before taking up the job, he was very concern that he will be away most of the time. He was worried that I'll be lonely and bored at home. But the nice thing, friends called up to check if I'm alright and started to fill up my social calender. I've been out almost every night for dinner or something and well, I even gotten myself double booked and decided that all my dates and appointments have to go into my iphone now. Can't believe how busy I've gotten. Don't even seem to have time to sit down to talk to Babe when he calls. And I've finally gotten off my fat ass to join a gym. Been thinking about it for about 2 years and have always want to join a gym because I like going for classes. So finally, took the plunge and joined it. Went for Body Balance and really had fun even though I almost tipped over a couple of times and my stomach muscles still hurt, I still love it! Sha...

Before I go on, I'm not American and not have really thought about Thanksgiving until my cousins moved to America and I moved to Hong Kong and started hanging out with Americans. Over time, I decided that Thanksgiving is one event that I'm going to start celebrating as a family. And no, I'm not an American wannabe or anything like that. I still don't celebrate Halloween or Independence Day. I chose to celebrate Thanksgiving because it's a good reminder to me that God has really provided lots for me. This includes materially and emotionally. And therefore it's serves as a good time to be thankful for the wonderful blessings that He has showered upon my family and me! This Thanksgiving is extra special because I've got part of my family with me. Dad and mum along with Joanne and Jo Claire are visiting. It's nice to be with them. Dad went to Zhuhai this morning for work. It's a shame that we can't have dinner together. Been thinking of going to a ni...

The 7th year of marriages is always associated with the 7th year itch. But to me, any year can be the the year of itch. This is especially in this day and age, a marriage is just a piece of paper. It's no longer regarded with the same sanctity as before. A divorce can happen just months after a marriage. At the back of the heads of some, if this marriage is not going to work out, fine, it's not a big deal, there's always another person out there for me. I'm not putting anyone down but truth of the matter is that divorce rates are going higher and higher. But having said all that, a marriage is never easy. I know that for a fact. It is an ongoing process. And sure, there are days that I really feel like throwing in the towel and walking away from it. But it is the love that Babe has for me that makes me realise that a marriage is always hard work but it has it's rewards. There's always give and take and yes, I admit that there are times that I take more than I gi...

Woke up this morning and Babe decided that we should go to Disney. And I thought, yea, why not. I like Disney. And then I realised that it's close to our wedding anniversary and what a great way to spend it at our favourite place on earth! Had lots of fun. Ummm.....well, kinda. Made me kinda miss the Disneyland in California. But we're in Hong Kong and beggars can't be choosers right? Nevertheless, we had a great time. Love the light up and with the 3-D glasses that they gave us, we could see nice heart shapes of lights and heart shapes in the fireworks. How awesome! And thanks Babe for a great time!

Duane Ho is one of my favourite ex students. Well, I'm very selective about my favorite ex-students and he's one of them! I first taught him when he was probably in P5 or maybe earlier. I can't really remember, getting old, I guess. He came across as this really nice and talented boy at that time. I remember his mother inviting me to his church performance and boy was I blown away by his singing and acting. We kept in touch even when he left the school, and when I moved to Sydney to do my masters and even now. We have built a relationship, him and his mum too. And might I add that she's one good cook and a great and nurturing mum too. I remember one summer when I was back, Duane and his mum invited me to their place for tea. Duane played the piano and sang for me. And I found out that he only picked up playing the piano recently. Anyway, this summer when I was back, and I found out that he was in Spore Idol, I was totally rooting for him. He did tell me that he wanted t...

Last week when I was at fellowship group at Park Island, there was this guy that shared his testimony and I was really touched by it. He was sharing that he was on the plane flying from Taipei back to Hong Kong when halfway through the flight, the left engine blew up. And it was then, that his life flashed in front of him and then he heard God ask him, 'What have you done for me?'. Well, he wasn't a Christian yet and he continued with his story. Not going to talk about it as it is his story. But something struck me hard and deep. I sat there thinking and came home pondering, yes, what have I done for Him? The reality of it, is that, I don't have the answers. I spend my life grumbling and complaining and when trials and tribulations come along, I get mad and ask and grumble at God and even shake my fists at Him. And I forget all the times that He has brought me through life and all the difficulties. But God has always a purpose for everything. And it was truly a great re...

On Wednesday, we went to listen to Nick speak. One thing he said that really struck me was this. He said that if you're not happy now, you're not going to be happy later. He gave the analogy of a child at 8 thinking that when he's 16, he'll be happy and then when he's 16, he thinks that when he gets to uni he'll be happy. When he gets to uni, he thinks when he starts working, he'll be happy. And so on. Well, it does seem that happiness does seem illusive then. What he said is so true. If you're not happy, what makes you so sure that when you get more money, more food or more of whatever you want, it'll make you happy. Happiness comes from now, within and from Christ. That's my belief. I know this for a fact. I used to love to shop. And it's no secret with my family and friends. Whenever I'm a little upset or feeling down, I'll hit the stores. And after buying I'll be a little happier. But the stuff that I buy, can be sitting in t...

A couple days ago, I officially hit my mid life. Three scores and ten, that's an average person's life span and guess, I'm about halfway there. I know that I've must have mentioned that I'm not very good with aging and am still learning to age gracefully. And I am really appreciative of what life has given me so far. I had friends over for dinner on Saturday and as I sat and looked around, I'm glad to have met these friends over the three years that I've been in Hong Kong. When I moved to Hong Kong, I hardly have any friends at all. But over time, God has led them one by one to me and over time, they have become family to me. Am truly thankful and appreciative of every single one of them. When we first moved to HK, we didn't have Christian friends or a community of Christian friends to hang out together. But God is His wisdom brought a community to us. We had some of friends from the fellowship group at dinner too. I am truly blessed. There's nothing...

Recently a friend told me that she had to call a mutual friend of ours because she was so sick that she could hardly get food for herself. It was this incident that got me thinking of my friends when I'm living overseas or when I'm living alone. The first time that I lived alone was when i was at uni in Gold Coast. Sure, there were times that I wonder would anyone know if I fell sick and died alone. Oh yes, love my morbid thoughts! But I had Eve. She would come around or call me every couple of days to make sure I'm fine. I remember once there was a blackout and of course I was a little concerned and scared. I called Eve and she came straightaway and picked me up to go to Broadbeach for coffee. Miss those times. Then I got married and moved out. And again, there were times that Babe had to go away for work or go for reservist training. But at that time, living alone wasn't that daunting as I was still in Spore and always have family and friends. Soon after that, I moved...

JC came to Hong Kong last Friday with her parents. Dad came from Zhuhai to join us on Saturday. It was a real nice weekend with family. It was especially nice spending time with JC. I'm really thankful that my sister realize how important JC is to me. She gladly let me carry, cuddle and spoil JC the whole time. It was also nice to see Dad light up with JC. Even Babe was enchanted by JC. Enjoy the pics! JC playing with my pegs hanger. A few days before she came to HK, I was on video chat with her and I showed it to her. She laughed and chuckled. When she came to our home, I showed it to her. She loved it! JC interacting with Happy. JC had a puzzled look trying to figure out what Happy is. Not quite sure if she's really a dog or a toy that she can bring home. Lunch at Caramba. JC was so well-behaved at the restaurant. She didn't cry or scream or spill anything. Hopefully this continues. Oh yes, I put her on the table. Doesn't she look cute and adorable? Dad was so happy w...

A couple of days ago, I was chatting with Babe about stuff and he said something to me which finally dawned upon me, almost like a 'ting' moment, he said that I've the tendency to allow or let others make use of me. In the past whenever he says that, I'll be annoyed with him. But that night, it finally sank in. A couple of things happen over last few weeks that made what he said was real. Like I wrote in my last post, things happened but people at work were very supportive and caring. Not trying to bring up the past but in my previous workplace, whenever I ran into issues, people were less caring and it was almost like 'better you than me' kinda attitude. And I realized that while I did try to make time for some people whenever I'm back in Spore, it was more like, 'let's see how well you're doing in life' or 'let's show off what we have' sort of attitudes. In other words, they are 'friendenmies', friends that are enemies! ...

A couple of days ago things happened at work. I'm not going to go into what happened at work. All I'm going to say is that I was at fault. But what I was surprised at is the care, concern and support that my colleagues have given me. To be really honest, I really didn't expect my colleagues to lend me a supporting shoulder and hand. Teachers that I don't really teach with actually came and comforted me. And even teachers that don't teach English gave me words of encouragement. I'm also in awe that even my deputy principals came to me with words of encouragement. It's nice to know that I'm working in such a loving, caring and supportive environment. I know that things happen for reasons that I may or may not know. But whatever it is, I'm glad to see and know that I do have wonderful colleagues. Very thankful!

A couple of days ago, I was feeling a little discouraged. It was a couple of things that got me a little discouraged. A little of this and a little of that, coupled with a little of others, got me down. But God send encouragements in ways that I didn't expect. First encouragement was from Mr Brown's blog. He wrote about being happy. It was his simple faith in being happy that cheered me up and got me to look at things in different perspective. The next encouragement was from a quote that was posted on the stairs of work. The quote was simply, Contentment makes a poor man rich, discontentment makes a rich man poor.' When I read that, I pondered a little and thought further. Well, I'm not asking for more money or for more material goods. I've got heaps, well, not heaps of money but enough but I've got heaps of material goods. Way more than I ever needed. But rather the discontentment comes from not knowing what the future beholds. I had not having control over my ...

Babe's been away since Tuesday. He's in Spore and he'll be back tomorrow or rather tonight. My days have been filled with socializing with the girls. But it was interesting when Mel said that it took her 3 years to find a nice group of friends and I thought about it, well, it's true. And I'm glad with the friends that I've now. Not asking for more. I'm really thankful for the friends and the life that I have now. God has truly blessed me. This morning I went to work and we had a professional development day. The pastor in charge of our school started the day by sharing this story with us. I truly felt inspired and blessed and at the same time, there were many thoughts running through my head. Hot Chocolate A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives. Offe...

This post is dedicated to mum. It's for her. I must say that I'm truly proud of her. Proud of her finally learning technology. Joanne and Jacqui decided to buy mum a mini laptop since her birthday was yesterday. They told me and I told them to make sure get one with a camera and get her a pink one. So they did. Two days ago, Jacqui set up her laptop and she set up msn messenger for her too. I was thinking that no way she'll be able to use it. Actually, last Mother's Day they wanted to buy the mini laptop for her but the thought of teaching mum how to use it, turned them off. But guess, they realised that mum does need to learn how to use technology after all. So this morning while I was at work, mum popped up and started chatting with me. Well, not too bad. And then, this evening, she popped up again. I told her to click onto the word video or accept me for a video chat and she did it. And she did it all by herself! Woohoo!!! Can't believe that! Now all I've to ...

I love theme parks. A real love for them. I guess it must have stemmed from my childhood. My earliest memory of a theme park was going to Gay World as a kid. Yes, Gay World??? There was nothing gay about Gay World but rather gay as in happy! I remember screaming down the roller coaster and the flying chair. When I went to Gold Coast to study, it was almost heaven. The home of Dreamworld, Seaworld and Movieworld. Loved visiting them. Even for our honeymoon, we went to Disneyland and last Christmas we did Disneyland again and we did Universal Studios too. Oh, and not forgetting Knott's Berry farm with Eve. My next target, Orlando. Disneyworld and Universal Studios. And Universal Studios is going to have Harry Potter theme rides too! Can't wait. Anyway, enough talk about theme parks. Well, as I think of my life, I kinda realised that my life is quite like a roller coaster ride or an exciting ride in a theme park. I never really know when the down comes and when the up comes and wh...