Charlie Brown Christmas

Have you ever asked the same question?

Eighteenth/12.

Eighteeth/12

Two years back, when they said ‘I do.’,

JIE was stunning and so was BIL.

Eighteenth/12, a day to remember

Of a handsome couple that God has brought together.

Both of you are so different yet similar

That explains the gifts I bought earlier.

The CD, ‘When Jazz meets Hymn’,

Talks much about JIE being ‘Jazz” and BIL being ‘hymn’ -

2 people of different background,

Yet when placed together generates such beautiful sounds.

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.”

I hope you like the T-shirts and not just wear only once.

It talks about God being your constant provider

And hence you need not worry.

Just trust in Him and know for sure

In Him, you have no lack, nor fear.

Lastly, the book I bought meant as a reminder:

DO NOT stop dating even after your wedding.

May your hearts grow fonder for each other as years past

And hopefully a few little ones would come real fast.

Happy Anniversary BIL and JIE.
You guys are really dear to my heart.
Love ya to bits.

A Vertical Challenge.

During the leaders' retreat, I attempted a vertical challenge. When I saw other climbers, I thought that it should not be that difficult a task but my view changed when I found myself stuck on that wall a couple of times.

"Where should I move?"

"Should I give up?"

"Oh man! This stone is like so super tiny lah?
I think its STONE climbing lor.. somebody show me the rock. ARGH!"

"OKay where should I move now?"

Never mind, I am sure there are alternatives."

"Ahh....how come my arms so short!"

"Hang in there..."

"Rest first, breathe..."

"ok, I am reaching the top. Well done, Suhui!"

"Finally, the top."

Rock-climbing is so not easy. Grace, I salute you for being able to do it so swiftly. I guess the training in ODAC helps alot huh and definitely your exposures to the various kinds of rock walls makes the one that we scaled a real small task. *wink.

So what did I learn? The climb reflected a little about my ministries this year. It was tough but I persevered through this year as I made the transition from schooling to working. Its just tougher to give more to God when my hands are already full and I only have 24 hours a day. Its just more tiring physically. Its just more draining. I thank God for creating me with a strong will, I thank Him for giving me the strength when I felt like giving up. I thank God for the prayers and encouragements I received this whole year as I served. Thank you all who stood with me in prayers. I really appreciate that. :) I thank God that I held on and became more mature.

Following Jesus is like climbing a rock wall I guess. It takes perserverance, training and encouragements to move on. Thats why I like what John Ortberg says about "training to be a christian" and not "trying to be a christian." Its not about attempting to love, its training. Neither is it about trying out a ministry and attempting to serve, rather training.

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:14

Dear bros and sisters in Christ,
hang in there! :)

Rhema 06.

Running a youth conference is definitely not easy. *salutes* the COM. Well done people!. I guess like many others I am still trying to get use to the idea of a conference as we are so used to and comfortable with the usual year end Fun Camp. As Pastor Cuixian shared her vision with the congregation on the Finale night, I can't help but to agree that its something that R-age is capable of doing and indeed, we do have the potential to succeed in it. Not easy definitely cos its so much easier to run something that we are all familiar with - camps, rather than threading on unknown grounds, with that I see much faith is required. But R-age is able to give so much more cos we are so blessed. *ponders*

What I really love about Rhema:
The Primary 6s. Haa I would spell 'Adorable" with a Capital A man!!!!! However, it can be hair-tearing too! On the first night, I walked to the girls' dorm and said a night prayer with them before they turned in. They were so well behaved, when I opened the door, they were all in their sleeping bags with just a couple who were still trying to get ready.

Suhui: Goodnight girls!
Girls: Goodnight... (they sounded like angels)
Suhui: Sweet dreams!
Girls: Sweet dreams.. (they really sounded super sweet)
Suhui: Love ya.
Girsl: Love ya too! (Aw... they are just such darlings right?)
The moment I walked out of the dorm, there was barely any noise.

So I walked to the boys' dorm and did likewise.
The boys din reciprocate much espcially the part on 'love ya' haaa... but a few did and I thought that was very endearing to hear some of the little ones said it. :) Just when I thought they were quite angelic, the moment I walked out, I could hear boys shouting and a couple of them hoping around in their sleeping bags and yes! I did see pillows flying ahhh! Give me a break! And thats just the first night...

What moved me the most?
The encounter with Zoe and the visit to the Old Folks home that afternoon impacted me a great deal. It left me feeling very grateful of the love and salvation that I have from my Abba Father. It also moved me to tears as I worshipped that night when I was singing about the love of God. Cos I felt so burdened for them who has yet known Jesus. Who has yet been embraced by that Agape love. Life is just different with Jesus. What can I do about it? What should I do about it?

Special Thanks to:

Adora - Thanks for volunteering to help out in the camp though you do not have to. But through it, I see that you have great talents in being a PC. :) So the next rhema ok? Haaaaa Btw, that laughter is just classic. Did anyone tell you that?

Melissa - I love that smile of yours cos it just brightens up my day. Er... dun let Lester's notie comments affect you k? With braces, you still look sweet. *Winks

Lester - I saw how you attempted to handle our MR ADHD and I am very proud of you! Good training ground for patience. Did I tell you that the more vegetables you eat, the more patience you would have? Try... *grins* BTW, the hip hop dance was just FANTA-bulous! I like! :)

Bradley - Who thinks Bradley is a great usher raise your hand! WOW did you see that whole congregation raising their hands? :) Great job Bradley! I like that passion when I saw you serve in the ushering ministry. keep that up!

Kunjie - Kun Jie haaaa...thanks for contributing your best even when you had to contribute to both ushering and the main com as well. I guess it aint easy but you juggled well. Thanks for sacrificing that night when you had to stay at level 3 to stop people from moving into the Gallery while the rest of us could have supper. :) Appreciate that.

Sheryl - The old folks' home programme was nicely planned and thanks for working late into the night to get the songs and chords out on time. :) Hey, really do pray about that ministry k? I am excited for you.

JunHui - Gosh! You did fantastic when you were explaining to the old folks about the games. Speaking in hokkien wahhh!!! Not easy. You did Terrrrrrrriiiiific! I saw the way you interacted with the Gong gongs and Por pors too, its very heartwarming. :)

Grace - Thank you for doing up the 'exam script" with such precision. It looked so REAL. GOSH! haa. Next time maybe you can help me set my papers. Kekeke.

LGOM.

tSo many things happened within just a week. How tired do I feel from a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being totally zonked out? 11. But why am I stil so awake now? I guess the prep for LGOM has trained me well. The past week I could only hit the bed at 3 plus 4am. Finally, its over...

LGOM was such a great performance, everyone gave great comments about the entire show, we had 29 salvations and 8 were interested to know more, how ashamed did I feel when I learnt of the salvations? VERY. Cos I nearly wanted to give up; I wanted to wave goodbye to it when there were just too many valid and substantial reasons to do so from an event planner's point of view. One thing I truly learnt from this, is, TRUST. Trust God and not my own judgment. God works beyond weaknesses, flaws and imperfections. He brings about solutions to every problems. It was truly a miracle to have this show brought to past. It was the very hands of GOd that carried us through.

During each rehearsal as I hear (since I was always at the back stage) my story being told, I would be near tears. I would recall the night when the incident happened and it never fails to remind me of God's faithfulness to me and His promise that He never sleeps. I would then, feel very comforted and encouraged cos I know that God Shamars over me and my family 24/7.

As I look back now, I thank GOd for allowing me to go through that situation cos that TESTING has become a TESTIMONY.

The whole committee has really been into this one word thingy to describe how we felt each time we gathered for warm ups or debriefs and my one word now is - Blessed.

To the committee who have worked very hard:
Jasmine my LehBAH (labour) pal
"Jas, what shall we do if....?"
"Jas, do you think we should...?"
"Jas, could you help me...?"
"Jas, how do we...?"

Hey Jas, thanks for answering my thousand and one questions over the months Oops! I meant year. Ha. You've been a great mentor as you guide me through the role of a SM. Thank you for always being so assuring and patient with me. I have really enjoyed working with you cos you are so ZAI (3) I mean, wah nothing sways you man. I like! Haaa. With you as a partner, the load seemed lighter, Thanks. Some day, we shall hang out for our 'only 2 of us sandwich Lunch a dunch dunch" ok? Oh yeah!

Victor the TICKLISH feather
Hey, Victor, you never fails to make me laugh man. Esp when you act GAY. GOSH! How real could it get? Haaa. Thank you for the teabags btw, I was very comforted when I saw them. :) But hor, the eye bags are still there!!?! Haa....Thank you for being so dedicated to the production. It was infectious. :)

Joel the BGL Director
Music and sound - Joel
Write script - Joel
Publicity - Joel
Logistic - Joel
Directing - Joel

Without further elaborations I am sure you know what BGL stands for. I saw how you really move from one sub com to another man. *salutes* really Bao Ga Liao.Thanks for working so hard and yet not complaining. That was an example I saw and I learnt. Btw, though I have said it to you but I shall say it again, the music was really beautiful. Continue to shine for God with your talents man!

Yvonne the Visionary Director
Thank you for being visionary and encouraged us to move on when we all felt so unmotivated. You saw what I missed as you looked beyond the state that we were in months ago while we were preparing for the production. You saw the production with eyes of faith. I need to learn that. :) I guess without that leading, there would be no 29 salvations today. :) Thank you. Meanwhile enjoy mummy-hood. You have a really lovely baby there. :)

Wei-Kurk the ONE WORD Director
"With one word describe how you feel now?"
Thank you for coming in to help us out at the very last minute.
One word to describe you - Meticulous.

Flynn the "OK CAN but wait, er...let me check the expenses first" PM
Does that sound familiar? Heeehee. Thank you for helping me out with the printing of the survey forms and bothered to go the extra mile to help me 'fight' for better quality paper to be printed and all. I really appreciate it as I know how difficult it is to work within a certain budget given. Thank you for the lovely crew t-shirt. That was very thoughtful.

Jeanie my baby and Barnabas
Thank you for working so hard in this committee even amidst your exams. I guess it was not easy to make a choice to remain in the production when we learnt that the exam period clashes with the production. :) Proud of you as I saw how you continued to work positively on the publicity ideas even when negative remarks were given to you. :) Thanks for the sweets btw, but of course a pint of Haagen would be nice, or 2 pints would be better. Ha...Ha..

Dylan the Builder
It was a beautiful set you've got for us there and thank you for always availing your help throughout the prep for this production. Thank you for your mirror, doggy paw gloves (I still dun believe you wore that to zouk!?!) and of course the every ounce of energy you put in each time you put the stage up and putting it away. SHIONG MAN! Thanks for doing them with a smile. :)

XiuQING Our Project RUNWAY manager
Thanks for putting so much thoughts into what the actors and actoresses should wear. The first day when we met, the magazine cut outs were amazingly impressive *wink.

To all OSCARs Winners:
You guys really deserve an OSCAR MAN! Heee.. :)
Singers can sing, dancers can dance, you guys are definitely many times better than Zhang ZI YI. I mean.. erm can someone tell me who she is in the first place? Haa Some actoress right? Alright that doesnt matter. Thank you guys for being so cooperative with me each time I send out the schedules or make amendments to them.

Amanda, thanks for staying up til 2 plus with me that morning to work through the gospel links even though your were totally zapped dry, energy-less and sleepy. Enjoyed our little chat though, it was a good catch up. *wink. Btw, your super mega memory really amazes me. :)

Fabia, eh cut an album la! I Buy! :) Need a manager? Haaa

Simon, next time dun be notie and walk out with that beer can ok? *shakes head* Haa I nearly died when I saw you walked out to stage with that on our final rehearsal. What went on in my head? 'would somebody just kill me..." ha.
Eating Hor Fun with portion of a paper box. How can I forget?

Joen, can I ask a question that I have been dying to ask? So the 'mountain' still there or not? Are you on safe grounds now?

Gary, your acting was very convincing. :)

Huifen, next time we can wear the same kind of pyjamas and take pictures k? Ha.

Serene, aiyo GOSH! How cute la! I will never forget you with the little blue dress. :)

Audrey, I know it has been tough trying to come for each rehearsal with your heavy work load. :) Appreciate you. :) Eh Lian, Tea Lance someday? *raise brows* grins*

Daniel, Joel and Lester, I am just so blessed to have you guys as stagehands. Thank you for being willing to help even at a last minute request. Had lots of fun with you guys at the backstage. Joel, see you soon at YA. :)

Cynthia, you were missed at the debrief after the production. Hope to see you soon at the reunion. :)

*Yawns* Its 4am and Suhui needs to sleep...