Olivia Ong

Came across this singer when I was at Millenia Walk's Sembawang. Olivia Ong, a 23 yr old singaporean singer.

Quoted from Wikipedia "Olivia moved to Japan to further her studies and career as a solo artist. In Japan, she became a member of a Japanese pop (J-pop) group called Mirai, before she released her bestselling début, "a girl meets bossanova" at only 19. With her sultry, soulful, pristine and innocent vocals, she reinterprets Frank Sinatra such as "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars" and other jazz and pop numbers."

This is one of her best songs, The Rose.
(It's my current background music.ENJOY!)

Some say love it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love it is a razer
That leaves your soul to bleed

Some say love it is a hunger
An endless aching need
I say love it is a flower
And you it's only seed

It's the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It's the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance
It's the one who won't be taken
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul afraid of dying
That never learns to live

When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed
That with the sun's love
In the spring
Becomes the rose

numbies in the lion city

This post is due for a long time. And each time I felt ready for this, I always get caught up with errands for me to run or perhaps on the contrary, I was just being too lazy. I have no idea how is life here in lion city, I feel so numb. All I know is that, I have been busy? And at times, busy with who-knows-what. I am still doing job-hunting and yes, I am pretty anxious about this because it’s already mid-march. Praying for a good job, with good environment and people and of course it has to be the place God wants me to be. Have been attending CHC regularly, and found myself a cell group (all thanks to John). Meeting different people in my so called kiasu country is really a challenge for me, you would expect different reactions towards certain issues and how they carry the issues across. Thank God, Christine is here with me and though at times, we question ourselves how weird it is, however we have to keep in mind that this is not Melbourne after all.

Just 2 days ago, I went for an interview at UOB for a banker position and because it was a group discussion informal interview, we conversed among the 8 candidates and 3 interviewers. One of the questions is, “what motivates you?” And 7 out of 8 candidates answered “money”. I was speechless but yeah, for the world, money means everything to them. This is the world and we can certainly choose if we want to be transformed by the world or not; to have all the wealth and not the soul. Well, this is definitely not what I desire.

Puffway to Heaven, a Singapore Short Film Produced by Ngu Ping Hwei & Kelvin Fok

and I found out exactly what it is

"The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zeph 3:17)

My all time favourite, Lenny Leblanc.

Indelible by Brooke Fraser

Walk along here, feel you move somewhere in front of me
I can't place you with these eyes for the doubt
I can't see

How could someone so beautiful
Feel something for me?
Hold me and love me and touch me again
And show me why I believe

That the first time I see your face
Everything else around me will fade to the background
And I'll be struck, full, by the truth in your gaze
As you work an indelible change in me

All I have and all I am and all I think and do
Can find its purpose and meaning and life only in you

How could someone so beautiful
Feel anything for me?
Won't you hold me and love me and touch me again
And show me why I believe

That the first time I see your face
Everything else around me will fade to the background
And I'll be struck, full, by the truth in your gaze
As you work an indelible change

For the first time I see your face
Everything else around me will fade to the background
And I'll be struck, full, by the truth in your gaze
As you work an indelible change in me
An indelible change in me
An indelible change in me

ON THE SIDE OF ME by Corrinne May

I’m not the easiest person to love
I’m often the one who lets things go unresolved

Yet you choose to be
on the side of me
on the side of me
Yet you choose to be on the side of me
on the side of me

I’m not too proud of some things
I’ve done in my life
The skeletons in my closet
Are too big for me to hide

Yet you choose to be
on the side of me
on the side of me
Blessed Charity
You’re on the side of me
on the side of me

Everyone needs a friend to hold
when it’s cold outside
and there’s no place to go
Everyone needs a friend to hold
all alone I cried
there was no place to go
I remember when nobody cared
but you

I’m not the easiest person to love
But you, you’ve opened your heart to show me what I’m worth

‘Cause you choose to be
on the side of me
on the side of me
What a mystery
You’re on the side of me
on the side of me

Everyone needs a friend to hold
when it’s cold outside
and there’s no place to go
Everyone needs a friend to hold
all alone I cried
there was no place to go

I remember when nobody cared
Nobody cared
But you…

Yeah you choose to be
on the side of me
on the side of me

Goodbye 2007 and Hello 2008

This is year 2008. This is a brand new year with more expectations of changes in spiritual life, relationships, habits and emotional wellbeing. This is the year, my year, to step out and allow God to lead me to where my circle meets. Woah! Year 07 was really phenomenal. I started a year as a new Christian, surrounded and loved by many beautiful men and women of God till this day. My involvement in community work and church conference took off at early 07 which back then, I ushered at Planetshakers City Church Conference 07.

Every day was all about fellowship, relying on His word and making sure everyone’s not left behind in this glorious journey. However, my beloved cell group was multiplied on april 07. It was hard to accommodate initially but after much perseverance and God’s faithful guidance, I began to start serving the Lord as an usher at Church.

Ushering was something that I really looked forward to because I know a smile which is truly from the heart can really bring someone closer to the Lord. Why I enjoyed ushering was because back then at the conference, a girl came up to me to give a big bear hug and said she was felt so loved and welcomed because of my smile and hospitality. Although I only ushered for 3 months at church due to time commitment, it only proved to me that it is the sincerity that counts and that is all you need, to pour out God’s genuine love for the people.

And on the 8^th April 2007, that special Easter, I met Adrian for the very first time. We merely talked about our plans after graduation over dinner and we didn’t know each other well until Planet Uni camp came along.

May 07, Joel boh, my neighbour from Singapore, came to Melbourne for a week to visit. It was really fun to have him over in the foreign country and he left quite a few impression and footprints over there =) Most importantly, on the 2^nd June 07, Adrian and I were officially together. He is really a gift from God. Like what Adrian said, I also waited and God honoured. It is definitely not an accident or coincidence that we met each other. And when I fall, he is always there to encourage and to lead me from where I was to the destination God has promised. I really thank God for the wonderful past 6 months and more to come! I love you baby.

From ushering, I was called to serve in the university ministry as a new people carer. The truth is, I was kept in the dark until someone called to inform me that my leader submitted my name to them. I was rushing my law report and didn’t sleep for the last 24 hours. I was in a constant state of fatigue in my final year so there I was; I broke down and cried out after the phone call. However, that didn’t stop me from serving. Those months, I was battling with the thoughts of surrendering and also, pressing on to see the purpose of this calling for me. I held on and realised that I was just terrified and having almost no faith that I can still make it through if I serve for the Lord. For months, I was in the carer group and was involved in 2 major uni outreach events. I have no regrets because I met some brothers and sisters who are really passionate about people, I really enjoyed myself serving alongside with them.

On the other hand, I was devastated as I was forced to give up 1 major for my bachelor degree. I planned to have 3 majors: Management, Finance and Financial Planning. I failed 1 of the units and was forced to give up financial planning so that I can graduate on time. I was questioning God why that has to happen to me.. and thanks to Adrian and my previous leader, Peijet, I was able to get over this with more faith that He will continue to provide and He won’t give me anything less than I truly deserve. That was also when I reminded myself God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. God is big, bigger than any issue on the earth!

On July 07, I packed my bag and set off to Sydney for Hillsong Conference. It was an eye opener because that was really one big massive congregation. God’s presence was definitely there and that His fragrance was upon us all. For the first few days, I was weary to worship and unable to stay focused. However, the word of God and His promises were flooding through my mind. He reminded me to focus and to rely on Him instead of mankind. I called out and for 5 days, my mind was renewed and kept in mind that everything’s gonna change after the conference. And it did.

It all went back to August 07, when I was so negative and spiritually dry (weird isn’t it? But God has His plan behind this), but Peggen came up to me. She said she was going to pioneer a new cell group at Burwood and she needed my help. Woah! I have no idea why but I was totally pumped up and ready to serve! I was really excited and was suggesting on different ways to reach out to the students at my uni. That was like a key, which really unlocked my heart.

The meetings were held at my place and thanks to Les, my landlord, who gladly provided us his seminar room without much hesitation. At burwood UL, I was in the core team, serving alongside with Peggen, Hau Wei, Jeff, Hui Jen and Aaron. The chemistry between us was so strong and over the months, we built really good friendships, worshipped God wholeheartedly and really shared like a family. There is none other, but a reliable family who generously gives and leads. That was also when I had my first discipleship with Ps Matt and Sharene.

Most importantly, on 29^th Nov 07, I became a graduate of Deakin University. Those are just too much I could ever ask for. I am truly blessed and grateful by how much God has imparted for my family, friends and relationship. God works miraculously and I couldn’t be who I am today, without God and the wonderful friends/bros/sis as follows:

Les and Darralyn, Peijet, Peggen , Hau Wei, Adrian, Michael Abulencia, Joel Boh, Julie, Charlotte, Josephine, Chloe, Linda, The Tan Sisters, Aaron Tan & Teh, Jeffrey Leong, Hui Jen, Kim, Juni, Tjokro, Joshua, Paul, John Tee, Jason Leow, Rachel Ongkili, Sue Lynn, Tse Min, Cynthia, Sharene, Denise, Ee Lin, Chloe Chuah, Andrew, Sylvia, Shena, Maureen, Stuart, Dheenul, Jane Lee, Ps Russell, Ps Sam, Ps Alex Seeley, Ps Matt and all members of Planetshakers City Church.

I won’t leave my 2008 resolutions here but I sincerely wish everyone a blessed 2008! The best is yet to come! God Bless!

Graduation Jitters from Boundless

You're getting impatient with His seeming silence. Why doesn't He direct you?

Most students have an unrealistic view of God's direction. They're waiting for a voice in the ear, a tap on the shoulder, a dream, a sign, a special feeling. There is a reason these means of divine communication are called "extraordinary." God saves them for times when He needs to bonk someone on the head. Even then they must be tested to make sure that they really come from God; most such experiences don't. As Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "Test everything" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

What then is God's ordinary means of communicating His will? Scripture calls it Wisdom. "Wisdom is the principal thing," says the book of Proverbs; "therefore get Wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (4:7, KJV).

How then do we get Wisdom? If we live in obedience to Him, following His ways and doing all the things we already know He wants us to do — like trusting Him, talking with Him, studying His word, following His laws, thinking about His ways, worshipping with His people and showing compassion to those whom He puts on our path — He gradually illuminates our thinking, sharpens our discernment, and deepens our understanding. That is getting Wisdom.

In short, God usually works through rather than aside from our deliberations, in rather than apart from our minds. It's not for nothing that He commands us to love Him all our heart, soul, and strength and all our minds. Christ "takes every thought captive." This is part of the meaning of conversion.

And as you have already discovered, it also tests our patience and our faith. God likes that too. The test isn't to tell Him about us but to tell us about ourselves; He already knows.

So don't wait for the "bonk." He is guiding you already. Not with fireworks, not with special feelings, not with angelic visitations, but by walking alongside you, His hand on your shoulder, through the quiet corridors of your thoughts.

Through deserts waste and wild,
the cords of grace have brought me,
and though I wandered as a cloud,
the nets of love have caught me.

When Your way is in the sea,
and strange to mortal sense,
I'll praise you in the mystery,
and trust Your providence.
(old hymns adapted)

I should have done this to Maxcy!!!!

Okay i know.. this is becoming like a video blog already but you have to watch this!!!

活出真正的自己，擁有真正生命價值

Sammi說：「大家都習慣迎合世界的價值觀去處事，但卻欠缺活出真正自己的勇氣，正如過往的我，只活在充滿價值觀的生命中，當我以為擁有一 切時，其實心中一無所有，我曾嘗試用很多成就去填滿心中空虛，原來情更恐怖，我內心更一無所有，只會永無止境的在名利場中追逐，根本無法認清自己的生命 還有什麼。」

Colbie Caillat - Bubbly

To Adrian: I will always remember your bubbly face and your tender love because they always make me smile from the inside out. I love you baby. =)

V1: I've been awake for a while now
you've got me feelin like a child now
cause every time i see your bubbly face
i get the tinglies in a silly place

C: It starts in my toes
makes me crinkle my nose
where ever it goes i always know
that you make me smile
please stay for a while now
just take your time
where ever you go

V2: The rain is fallin on my window pane
but we are hidin in a safer place
under the covers stayin dry and warm
you give me feelins that i adore

C: It starts in my toes
makes me crinkle my nose
where ever it goes
i always know
that you make me smile
please stay for a while now
just take your time
where ever you go

B: What am i gonna say
when you make me feel this way
I just........mmmmmmmmmmm

C: It starts in my toes
makes me crinkle my nose
where ever it goes
i always know
that you make me smile
please stay for a while now
just take your time
where ever you go

V3: I've been asleep for a while now
You tucked me in just like a child now
Cause every time you hold me in your arms
Im comfortable enough to feel your warmth

C: It starts in my soul
And I lose all control
When you kiss my nose
The feelin shows
Cause you make me smile
Baby just take your time
Holdin me tight

Where ever, where ever, where ever you go
Where ever, where ever, where ever you go...

Imagine Me by Kirk Franklin

Imagine me
loving wat I see when the mirror looks at me cuz I
I imagine me
In a place of no insecurities
And i'm finally happy cuz
I imagine me

Letting go of all of the ones who hurt me
cuz they never did deserve me
can you imagine me
Saying no to thoughts that try to control me
Remembering all you told me
Lord can you imagine me
over what ma mamma said
And healed from what my daddy did
And I wanna live and not read that page again

[Chorus:]
Imagine me, being free, trusting you totally finally I can...
Imagine me
I admit it was hard to see
You being in love with someone like me
but finally I can...
Imagine me

Being strong
And not letting people break me down
you won't get that joy this time around can you imagine me
In a world where nobody has to live afraid
Because of your love, fears gone away
Can you imagine me

[Bridge:]
Letting go of my past
And glad to have another chance
And my heart will dance
'Cause I don't have to read that page again

[Chorus x2]

[Vamp:]
Gone, gone, it's gone, all gone

on the island

I think most of you know that I’ve graduated. This is supposed to be a good and I am supposed to be dancing away but…. That wasn’t what I did on the 27^th Dec. Dheenul, Jane, Yaya and myself were at Starbucks, counting down to 3pm. I wept outside Starbucks at approximately 2.55pm. I still remember when my Os were released, I again, was weeping outside the school hall. God reminded me that I just have to calm down and lay my trust on Him. And so, we’ve all graduated for good!

Till this day, I still cannot believe that I have completed my degree. I am back in Singapore, the land of all the 5Ks:
Kiasu (scared of losing)
Kiasee (scared of dying)
Kiabor (scared of wife)
Kiaboh (scared of having nothing)
Kiachenghu (scared of government)

And it is where most of the people are grumpy and discontented with basically, EVERYTHING. I see crowds everywhere in Singapore. And although I grew up here since 5 year old, I am still having difficulty in adapting with the culture here. I miss the smiles and the hospitality that I've got when I was in Melbourne. And maybe I am just distracted by little things and people around me. It’s time to reconsider and prioritize well. And here comes the question: Where does my heart lies?

And from the moment I reached home, my mum was already asking me about my job and my plans. And the thing is, my mum is still quite skeptical about Christianity. Not to mention my dad, he is quite a religious man as well. I would say that I am having a tough time. It is pretty hard to carry across the message about my beliefs and of course, I try to avoid clashing of beliefs and so, I did share about mine and what I have taught at church and from the bible.

The most hilarious thing is, Singapore airlines called me the next day (28th) after I've touched down, telling me that I can fly off on the 10th of Dec as requested. Okay, my name was on the waiting list for 10th Dec and 15th Dec. And it is also because I couldn't get any seats on either one, I had to fly back to Singapore as scheduled, which was on 27th Nov. I was terribly upset because I miss everything and everyone in Melbourne. It has already become my 2nd home. But I reminded myself that this is all planned out and all I ought to do is to enjoy my holidays and spend some quality time with my family. But….. it is soo pressurizing here because all they want, is to see me working. I think I deserve a holiday!

Anyway, my convocation will be on the 23rd of April 2008 and so, I will be going back to Melbourne in March to travel around. I CAN’T WAIT! I will be going over to KL from 13^th Dec till 17^th Dec. And I already have a party invitation! So hopefully I can check out the job market and meet some new people over there.

Love Language No. 2, Quality Time

Many of us are trained to analyze problems and create solutions. We forget that a relationship is not a project to be completed or a problem to solve.

A relationship calls for sympathetic listening with a view to understanding the other person's thoughts, feelings, and desires. We must be willing to give advice but only when it is requested and never in a condescending manner.

Most of us have little training in listening. We are far more efficient in thinking and speaking. Learning to to listen may be as difficult as learning a foreign language, but learn we must, if we want to communicate love.

- The Five Love Language

I don't really watch this but did the quiz anyway. lol

Which Sex and the City Character Are You?
	You are Carrie. You know what you want out of a relationship and you're not afraid to keep moving until you get it. Wit and charm are your biggest turn-ons, and you like guys who appreciate you for your mind as much as your body. You have fun playing the dating game, but secretly you just can't wait to find the guy who sweeps you off your feet and carries you into the sunset.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

在我們的世界另一端...

錯過的事我不會再錯
作正確的選擇 期待新鮮生活

如果有誰說他需要我
絲毫不用考慮 讓我飛奔而去

就算眼目所及的身邊
都只有冷眼旁觀
也改變不了我的決定, 和是誰需要這愛

在世界另一端的愛, 是否能感染
也許今天的我們
都被寄予期待
當書本再往下翻, 尋找誰需要關懷

在世界另一端
人們等著被愛
帶著你手中所握, 所擁有的一切
用時間換取時間
用生命帶來生命
讓夢想帶來新的夢想

My all time favourite singer is back!!!!

Stay the same - Joey McIntyre

8 years ago, I used to play this song continuously from my CD-player.
And 8 years later, the lyrics still stay the same.....as beautiful as before.