Monday, July 05, 2004 @2:27 AM
"Don't bluff! I know I can't trust you! Talk rubbish only! Gown up your head!"
"Really! I come in suit and tie to pick you up!"
"Like real! You come in suit and tie then I'll wear my gown!"
And he really came in suit and tie. Biggest shock of my life because he never ever speaks the truth. But then I knew it was all a ploy. It has to be!
"Blindfold yourself!"
"I'm still so near home! Blindfold what blindfold!"
On the PIE, near Paya Lebar, "Blindfold yourself!"
"I'm still near home too! This Jon getting noisy!"
"Okay fine, I'll drive into Toa Payoh and visit my PAP."
"Ya right, funny... Ok la, blindfold!"
And yes, I felt stupid blinded by that Palestinian thing.
And by the way, on the way there, I kinda said,"So going your place right!!!"
Indeed it was. As I opened my eyes, 31 Eastwood Green was transformed into a place dimly lit with candles surrounding me. Speechless, surprised, shocked and stricken with awe. The dinner table was wonderful and vividly similiar to a dream I had a few days back. Hence the speechless part. Candles laced the borders of the living room, shining its little fire against the walls, creating romantic shadowy images. Magical, stunning and elegant I would say.
With the sumptuous dinner, the addicitve dessert, the champagne, white & red wine, and of course, the ice cream cake, there was simply nothing more I could ask for. Especially amongst the company of such great friends. You guys have really really really made my dreams come true. It was a starry night, glittery topped by an amazing ambience. An unforgettable birthday indeed, with it being my last something'TEEN' birthday.
This obviously wouldn't have been possible if someone hadn't the ability to read someone's mind. All in all, Jocelyn (the girl who looks a zillion times more beautiful than me on my bday!), Emerald (the lobster red girl), Min (the one who didn't dress up yet look fab!), Stephie (the kitchen lady, washing all the dishes), Cheryl & Andy (for decorating the whole entire place!), Sarah & Jon Chan (for the table decorations! the folded stuff were really great!), Dillon (for all your effort and company!), Joel (for the yummy ice cream bday cake!), Matthias (for the delicious dinner! yum yum!), Teng Ngan (for being the photographer! => ), Harry & family (for keeping me sooo entertained with Matthew and for gracing my birthday! Thaaaaaanks!!!), Nick (for your wonderful company on this special day of mine!), Jon Cho (the carebear! always so loving and happy!), Mark Seow (for being the jester of my party!), Terence & Aloysius & Adrian (for providing such good service! you guys are gems!), Lionel (for his artistic talent in decor and cleaning up after the mess! Thaaaaanks!), Jonathan Cheah!!! (for loaning out your house and the mess we made, also for the drinks! they were greeeeaaaaat!). You guys rock!!! =)
I really feel soooo blessed to have you all as my friends! The gifts were overflowing and I'm truly truly thankful! I thank God for leading me into the fellowship of such wonderful people of His kingdom. I'm touched, and will never ever forget this moment! 4th July 2004, my 19th Birthday!
To those who have wished me Happy Birthday in one way or another, I thank you sooo much for all the birthday greetings! Each and every gift I've recieved have brought much happiness in me! Today's celebration has brought much joy in me, unforgettable with all the beautiful candles. Keep the flame burning, they say. Keep the flame burning for God, that I may continue to seek Him, to be in the shelter of His arms, and to do everything for the glory of His name. =)
Here's me signing off at 3am, 5th July, still overwhelmed by the amazingly starry, glittery night I've had! =)
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked depraved gereration, in which you SHINE LIKE STARS in the universe as you hold out the word of life - in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour for nothing."
--- Philippians 2:14-16
Thursday, July 01, 2004 @12:14 AM
Truly nothing happens by chance and there's a purpose for everything that occurs. Ultimately, God is sovereign in all circumstances. Was comtemplating for a long long long time whether I should go for breakthrough camp. Thought so much and was extremely fickle minded over it. My mind changed from "go" to "not going" to "go" to "not going". Eventually, I decided on "Go!". And I went. On friday night, on the way home, I forgot the important stuff I needed for violin lessons the next day! I left them in camp! And I was only like 200m away from home! Plus I cycled home that night! At the point of time, I thought to myself, is God trying to hint something at me? Did I make the wrong choice to go for breakthrough camp? I was screaming so loud that I think the people at Jurong could hear. Was really exasperated and really pissed with myself because I was on all vehicles, a BICYCLE! Cycle all the way back?!?!?! Then,I missed the Saturday talks and all, due to my other commitments.
However, Saturday late afternoon, came one message that made me really excited about Breakthrough camp. Min smsed me,"Woman! I can make it tmr for your talk thing because Ku's on holiday!" I was overjoyed! Then I became all geared up and enthusiastic about the camp! Rushed down to navigators after my 2 hours violin lesson and announced the good news that min's coming down! Even better news, that she can stay over! =)
On Sunday, as I waited anxiously for Min to come, I prayed that the Lord will speak to her in His own ways. On the way back from Ophir, as I spoke to her, I realised some of her concerns and doubts and hence prayed for understanding and affirmation of her faith ever since. Somehow, our dear Heavenly Father has amazingly led her to this camp and has given me the privelege to pray for her, and ask her about her faith, discovering what doubts and thoughts are going through her mind. Hence, enabling me to pray for her, together with my cell group! Praise the Lord for leading me through all this with all His grace. I suppose the "simple life" talk was like a warm up kind of talk for min. It was informal, to the point, and basic application to our daily life.
After dinner, Uncle Edwin Lam delivered his third theme message. Initially, I thought that perhaps this would be a little too much for min to accept and digest. But then, miraculously, he started speaking bout the gospel, which was what min needs! Then as he led us into a small prayer about loving Jesus, I said that prayer alongside praying that min will also be saying that prayer in that heart. After the talk, I somehow needed to muster up courage to go ask her, if she did say the prayer and to ask her how she found the message, and whether it spoke to her. Apparently it didn't and I must say disappointment set in. Because she just was not sure yet and doesn't feel for it. But I remember saying this to her,"Stick to what you truly believe in and cast all the doubts aside. Do you truly believe in our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus?" There was no answer for that and then it was time for worship.
Somehow, Jimmy's worships are always very special to me and close to my heart. Jimmy never fails to touch me, really. As Jimmy asked us to kneel before the Father, I was so afraid that min would feel uncomfortable and out of place. But Jon beat me to saying to telling her that it's ok if she's not comfortable. However, the Spirit leads and min knelt down before the Lord. I was so touched. Hence at that moment, I submitted myself humbly before the Lord in prayer for min. I prayed for the Holy Spirit to fill her, and for our Heavenly Father to speak to her. All in my prayers were focused on her, really, with all truth and sincerity.
When it was prayer time, and Jimmy told us to open our hands to recieve prayers from the adults, she opened up her hands too! I was like, Praise the Lord! I wanted to pray for her, but Joylyn came before me. Then after Joylyn prayed for me, I kinda asked Jon to pray for min, but he gestured that I should pray I think. Hence, I went ahead, with the Holy Spirit leading me, guiding my lips as I pray for min. Thank God for the previous discussions I had with her that I knew roughly what was going through her mind. Hence, I just prayed for the burdens min was carrying with her at that point of time. As I closed the prayer with "Amen" and opened my eyes, she teared and I was touched, by her, by God. Hence asked her the crucial question of whether she'll accept Him as her personal Lord and saviour and Praise the Lord, I finally got an affirmed answer! I was overflowing with tears of joy. Then came Lionel, who guided her in the sinner's prayer. And after her "AMEN!", the delight in my heart was so unreal but I was really really ecstatic for her. She has recieved salvation! Thank God for all his grace, guidance, in leading min to know Him and seek Him more. My prayers were certainly answered.
God works wonders through each and everyone of us if we seek Him and speak to Him in our prayers everyday, in fact, every moment of our lives. I was truly truly touched that night. Our God is an awesome God, especially the way He answers prayers! =)
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. --- Psalm 34:1-3
