Smile is contagious

I have been smiling joyfully n sweetly like little Joshua in this picture the whole day today.

Happy Birthday Miss Chong!

Wishing you a blessed, happy burfday!

Name of Jesus

OH, this song has become one of my many favourites lately...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G61FrPcPZ5g
Name of Jesus (2008) by Citipointe Church Brisbane

Your name is above all names
Glorious You are this day
Forever Your love amazed
Your hands have already made the way
for the multitudes to be saved
Lord we cry out and pray

For You are the Lord of all
You pierced every soul
With your love alone

There is power in the name
There's healing in the name of Jesus
Oh Jesus
We worship You Lord........

Jesus....Jesus....Jesus....

Hallelujah......

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and in earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"

(Philippians 2: 9-11, NIV)

IKEA restaurant, Tampines

As i was packing up and preparing for a new beginning, I started to reminisce about the early days. Filled with excitement, i came here in seek for a challenge, a privilege, and an opportunity in return for a calling. There had been countless times when i had doubted the journey here, and moments of breakdown, anxiety and self depression eventhough it was only less than 12 months. At the same time, i reaped in lessons learnt, growth and maturity, and definitely a stronger personality and wilpower. I became clear of the options i have, i learn to be a good analyzer of various pros n cons and for this, i make myself a better decision maker. Wat more, when my God is with me, who can stand against me?

As the collections in my memory start to pile one by one, i realise there were also many happy events, which i personally feel the need to be noted down. Coupled with some pictures, it can become a personal diary of mine so that when i look back one day, i can assure of how blessed i am, that i have never been in need but plentiful. I have wanted to snap as much pics as i can, but too bad, this motivation doesn't stay long, haha, especially when i have gotten lazier and lazier even when comes to updating this blog!

Anyway, back to the topic, Ikea is perhaps the ONLY place in my mind when comes to furnishing a home or getting sum small handy house thingy. Don't think i have ever missed going to an Ikea outlet wherever i have moved to. Infact, it was one of the first places we visited during the first week here in SG. However back then, the visits were more for the purpose of fulfilling some shopping lists, and they slowly became more frequent despite how far the outlets are from where we are staying. Why? Because they serve pretty good-for-value food.

Here are some pictures of the food served in Ikea restaurant Tampines outlet i found in my phone:

Apple Pie - this is hub's fave. Fancy this being the favourite of someone who doesn't eat apples at all. Not too sweet, it has a tint taste of cinnamon. Tot would be perfect if only they serve with custard or vanilla sauce.

Don't remember what this dish is called, but think it's a local delight for the day.

Mixed vegetables of boiled broccoli, cauliflower n carrot - a side dish we normally order to fulfill the 5-a-day. Coffee in IKEA is refillable.,,but i still prefer the asian coffee.

I must say Coleslaw in Ikea beats the one from KFC!

Other must-try dishes,include the baked chicken leg with mashed potato and baby carrots, salmon served in ginger sauce, and fried chicken wings. (i'm not so much of a fan of their sweddish meatballs, sorry). I heard they have introduced more new dishes, so that means i'll be back soon before i fly home.

Bento? or Breakfast Box?

I have been trying to explore 'Bento' making ever since i moved over to Singapore, but sadly, i don't think i have made any progress so far. Well, i blame it on the lack of the basic tools n resources, n not to mention, it is a costly n dear hobby. The amount of food that is being wasted to produce lovely adorable shapes, the leftovers that i have to stuff myself up with, and most importantly, i simply cannot afford to buy anymore things prior to the final settlement. Ironically, i still have to come up with a 'bento' every morning. Why? Becoz breakfast is important.

This smile reminds me that we need to be happy, joyful and thankful everyday, despite all circumstances that we are in.

My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save.....

A non baked fruit custard flan made for my colleague's b'day

HEHE. **Giggle** **HAHAHAAHAHAHHAAaaaaaaaa, pardon me, i'm laughing at myself for not knowing how to start off in this post. (and so i had to post the fruit flan to cover up).

It has been a while.....and things seem so different now. In less than 10 days from today, i'm going to be a stay-at-home nobody without a job, but you know wat, the weirdest strangest thing is i'm not worried or anxious at all! Despite the circumstances i am in. Or the situation i'll be putting myself in. Despite the fact that it may look tougher. OR that it seems a little bit uncertained.

BUT God has reassured me once again. I had wanted to quit since the beginning, but 'wait' was the answer I received. Wait, it's not time yet. Wait n Be patient, My plan is at work. Wait. Wait n Wait. Sometimes i wonder if it's due to the wrong crossroads i took since the beginning. But wait, no. God's plans to prosper me are still so much so significant! Infact, i appreciate each and every encounter i've experienced, because i won't be the person i am today, if not for those disciplines God has allowed me to go thru.

I'm praying fervently at the moment. A breakthrough is happening in my life already, and i'm loving my GOD deeper n deeper everyday! I will not surrender to self-pitiness, hopelessness, discouragements n ridiculous lies, but instead i am looking forward to the new future with GREAT hopes, strong mind and a forever thankful n God trusting heart.

After God says No

After God says NO, is there still life?

I received a devotional material in my mailbox few weeks ago just after i got an invitation to a standard written test from ERM. I know God is aware of my dreams, and my circumstances although there had been many NOs for the past couple of months.

Being given a 'NO' for an answer is pretty damaging to me, despite the fact that i've been saying a lot more NOs to many people around me. I hate failures, mainly becoz i haven't been going thru any ever since i was a kid and many things have come overly too easy for my life. My education, my needs..every single thing has been taken care of. When i want an A, i got an A. When i want to achieve, i achieve without much hassle. When i want something, i get that something or sometimes even better.

Somehow, life has been difficult at the moment. Don't get confused, i am still thankful, becoz i know in comparison with many many people in this world, i'm more blessed. At least, I have a God who tells me He will never leave me in the middle of nowhere..and now that i'm in a foreign place, He has been there to ensure that i have everything i need in this country, and that i'm not bullied or mistreated by others.

However, God has given me quite a number of NOs over the last half a year. I guess it's probably the most NOs i've gotten for last 26 years! I found them very heartaching, painful experiences..yes, i don't understand and neither do i accept them in a positive manner, but i know God has His reasons. And i'm eager to find out wat they are.

He gave me a verse which struck me, and yes, despite all the NOs, i have learnt to give thanks in every circumstance, and to appreciate every moment and area in my life. I have learnt to trust Him when i'm hopeless and to surrender when the burden is too heavy.

For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Philipians 4:11-13 NIV

Amen, praise God.!