The 12 days of Christmas : Hidden Meanings

People often think of the " The Twelve Days of Christmas" as the days preceeding the festival.
Actually, Christmas is the season of the Christian's year that lasts for days beginning on 25th Dec and ending on Jan 6th - the Day of Epiphany when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recalls the journey of the Magi.
Form 1558 until 1829 people in England were not allowed to practise their faith openly. During this era someone wrote "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without the risk of persecution.
The song has two levels of interpretation: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church
Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ

2. The two turtledoves are the old and new testaments

3. Three french hens stand for faith, hope and love

4. The four calling birds are the four gospels

5. The five gold rings recall the torah(Law) - the 1st five books of the old testament

6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation

7. Seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the spirit

8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes

9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the spirit(Galatians 5)

10. Then ten lords a-leaping are the ten commandments

11. Eleven pipers piping stand for the 11 faithful disciples

12. Twleve drummers drumming symbolise the 12 points of belief in the Apostles's Creed

There you have it, the hidden meanings of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and the secret behind the song.

Read this and it gives new meaning to the song we sing at this time of the year

Seven Attitudes of the Great

1. Willingness - " If you are willing & obedient, you will eat the best from the land" - Isaiah 1:19

2. Confidence - "Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded" - Hebrews 10:35

3. Humility - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. - 1 Peter 5:6

4. Thankfulness - " give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

5. Serving - " just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:28

6. Generosity - " A generous man devises generous things, & by generosity he shall stand" - Isaiah 32:8

7. Obedience - " God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land" - Psalm 68:6

Results out! Year 3 here I come...

The results came out today, as i checked online in the morning, i woke up early to check, and at 1st only 1 subject came out, i got just a pass, but I thanked God for it, coz it was the subject that I thought I almost couldn't make it in.. then a few minutes later, as i continued to check, 3 other subjects came out, i was very happy abt the results. All pass! Thank God for His faithfulness, I never doubted Him, and I always expected good things from Him, for if He has helped me thru the past 2 years, & He is the same God yesterday, today and forever, y won't He continue to bring me thru? I can truly say I did not worry about my exam results, even as my friends asked me why I returned home so early, and did not think abt what happened if i were to have a supp. But the fact is that I did Not think abt that. Y should I think negatively? I know I did my best, so i just left to God the rest.

Anyway, 4 out of my 5 subjects were out, and I was already very satisfied with them. A while later, the last result came out. I was indeed overjoyed by my grades. it seemed like the best I did so far, but then again, all glory goes to God, for without His grace, I wouldn't be where I am today. It is indeed different when we have Christ inside us, I could feel the peace that surpasses all understanding. The world says one thing, but nothing can be further from the truth, that God loves us so much, and He wants the best for us, and He IS going to give them to us.

Well, so year 2 is officially over and next year will be embraking on year 3! Can't wait to graduate, but I know that it's the process of going thru university that will make me a changed and better person. I look forward to a new expectation that 2007 will be an even better year, another year of favour, joy and surprises!

Last day of the semester

Yay, tmrw is officially the last day of the semester! Another sem has gone by again like that, and I must say it has been a challenging one.. Just managed to finish my prac today, which was about an audio system, so others were also testing our their circuit by putting music thru.. However, I actually heard a christian song, "above all" being played during one of the testing in another room. I couldn't see who the person was, but the music was very nice and indeed a reminder to me that God is with me, wherever i am. I was quite worried that i wasn't able to complete it by today, but somehow me and my partner did it. Thank God that's over! Another challenge is upon me as i have yet to complete my programming assignment.. But after today, I feel better again, as I knw that God's plan for me is for my best, and sometimes patience and faith is required for His work to be manifest in our lives. Test tmrw too, back to work! All the best everyone for their exam preparations and I look forward to going back home! :-)

Probably the last post b4 exams...

I was rather upset again yesterday about my failed pratical attempt to complete it.. while others were able to, me and my partner could not. On top of that I have many assignments which i just do not know how to do. It's not that I didn't study, I just don't knw y i can't do it.. I feel just so lousy, useless and stupid.. But somehow I still had the peace that everything will be all right, and even if it isn't, there is a reason for everything God is doing..

Today i woke up feeling better, and reading the daily bread devotional online showed me God knows what i am going thru.. a "fall" literally, but God comforted me about my future and my life.. I knw He is in charge. If anything should happen, I will always knw that it's for my good.. for His promises never fail.

Life being a christian sometimes dosen't seem easy or it might even seem unfair that others seem to be so "blessed" while we are going thru much trouble/problems, but I guess that's the journey we all must take, to become more Christ like, and soon we'll be back at home, where we all belong. So run the race that He set up b4 us with perseverence.

I won't be blogging much from today onwards, so taking this opportunity to wish everyone all the best for exams or catching up with assignments, etc. Even for those of us who r not studying, it's not ez too, but it's gd to know that God is always with us, and with Him nothing is impossible. The best is yet to come!!!

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27).

With God behind you and His arms beneath you, you can face whatever lies ahead of you.

Holidays ending soon..

Argh, mid sem break is ending soon! 2 weeks really past so fast.. wish normal uni days were like that.. Hmm, did some work during the break, but also wasted time.. so in a way i guess having uni is better, at least have a certain schedule.. not to say i dun have discipline. Hee. jus that smtimes having a regieme is better than none.. but the holidays have been a gd time of rest and catching up with friends. Oh well, holidays ending, exams coming! a few more weeks left.. term 4 is realli short. Gambate everyone! All the best for the coming term 4 and preparation for exams!

OCF 50th Anniversary

Yeah! OCF just celebrated it's 50th anniversary! More than gold! Had a dinner and a gd time in the meeting place we usually go to for every friday's ocf session. Many ppl turned up, it was quite a formal event, and many generations of ocfers were present. Even the uncles and aunties from many many years ago! It's amazing to see how God has faithfully seen thru so many generations of ocfers and how His work is continually growing in ocf even in this year of 2006. Memories of past years ocfers must have been revived, and overall it was just great to see everyone from many countries and age gather together for a night of fun and reflection. I'm sure God will continue to bless ocf with yet another 50 years of growth and ministry. It has shaped and helped many overseas students to reach out to their home countries after being trained in ocf for many years. Can't wait to see or hear from the next anniversary, prob in the next 50 years! 100th Anniversary! That'll b so awesome. And i'm sure by then, i'll be one of those uncles, 70+ years of age, seeing how much further ocf has grown.. all for the glory of God and it's all possible only because of His grace and faithfulness.

Kairos 2006

Kairos is over! It's been a weekend of great learning and having fellowship with friends.. Should have went for it last year too, but somehow i didn't go.. It was rather tiring smtimes, but its' great to have everyone from OCF south aust to come together to learn about leadership.. learnt about the heart of a leader, how to deal with conflicts, spritual gifts, and many other interesting topics involving leadership.. It was a v moving and fun experience. Had many interactions and sharing.. and it's so true that every christian is called to be a leader.. As we are the people usually see for an example. Finally Kairos is over, but can't wait for another exciting one next year! :-)

It's been great to visit a new church too.. n i realised, thruout my many visits, dun judge a church building by it's over.. It might look rather old or boring or even run down on the outside, but inside it's a totally diff story! It's such a nice place for worship and everything is just so clean, new and modern. Praise God for His provision to the many churches here and ard the world! It's gd that I also learnt not to take church for granted.. few ppl in the world have a chance to go to one even, needless to say having a place for worship and teaching sessions. So we should really all be v happy and blessed to even be able to attend church every sunday! :-)

Edge Conference

Yesterday's Edge Conference closing service was a huge success, with thousands of ppl attending.. It's really great to see the house full, even the carparks were not large enough to contain the number of ppl! Yeah, and worship was great, better than any pop/rock concert that ppl pay hundreds of dollars for.. the hospitality is excellent, and the facilities nonetheless to say, very modern and furnished. The atmosphere was powerful, with excitement of God's love..

Church however, is not about the building, the 4 walls, neither is it about ppl in the church staying within the 4 walls, as my pastor was saying, we need to go out there and do things.. to express our actions with what we preach. When he said this, l felt that it is v true of many churches around the world, including those in s'pore.. Churches can preach all they want, but if we only become church GOers, ie, sunday chruch ppl, there is no connection with others in the world.. we get fed, but there is no growth outside church. So we need to become Monday church ppl too! Outside of sundays, we are the church ppl see, and how we act determines how they see christianity. But neither can we also be only monday church ppl, we can't just go out there and help, coz we'll lose focus of the why behind the what, and we'll be disconnected from the sourse. We have to still continue to go chruch on sundays to be renewed and refreshed.

We should not do things for others bcoz we wanna gain recognition, love, rewards, etc.. but bcoz we love to, and we are blessed to be a blessing, so reaching out to help others in need, the poor, broken, needy is what we ought to do.. but it's easier said than done obviously.. we r still humans, and we have selfish disires smtimes.. but i believe with the right attitude, and thru Christ, all things are possible! In short, yesterdays message was a reminder to all us all to do what they were preached on sundays.. To be able to share/spread the gospel thru our actions.. That is true christianity.. but of coz once again, in order to be blessed to be a blessing, we have to 1st recognise that we are indeed greatly blessed and highly favoured, and with our beautiful saviour backing us up in whatever we do, there is simply nothing we cannot accomplish!!! What marvellous, wonderful news is that!!

The Spider Web

During one of the many Reformation battles, a young soldier found himself and his army being soundly defeated by the enemy. He and his comrades hastily retreated from the battlefield in defeat, running away in fear of their very lives.

The enemy gave chase. The young man ran hard and fast, full of fear and desperation, and soon found himself cut off from his comrades. The soldier eventually came upon a rocky ledge containing a cave.

Knowing the enemy was close behind, and that he was exhausted from the chase, he chose to hide there. After he crawled in, he fell to his face in the darkness, desperately crying to God to save him and protect him from his enemies. He made a bargain with God. He promised that if God saved him, he would serve Him for the remainder of his days.

When he looked up from his despairing plea for help, he saw a spider beginning to weave its web at the entrance to the cave. As he watched the delicate threads being slowly drawn across the mouth of the cave, the young soldier pondered its irony.

He thought, "I asked God for protection and deliverance, and He sent me a spider instead. How can a spider save me?"

His heart was hardened, knowing the enemy would soon discover his hiding place and kill him. Soon he did hear the sound of his enemies, who were now scouring the area looking for those in hiding.

One soldier with a gun slowly walked up to the cave's entrance. As the young man crouched in the darkness, hoping to surprise the enemy in a last-minute desperate attempt to save his own life, he felt his heart pounding wildly out of control.

As the enemy cautiously moved forward to enter the cave, he came upon the spider's web, which by now was completely strung across the opening. He backed away and called out to a comrade, "There can't be anyone in here. They would have had to break this spider's web to enter the cave. Let's move on."

Years later, this young man, who made good his promise by becoming a preacher and evangelist, wrote about that ordeal.

What he observed has stood by me in times of trouble, especially during those times when everything seemed impossible:

"Where God is, a spider's web is as a stone wall. Where God is not, a stone wall is as a spider's web."

"For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things." - Luke 12:30

Sunny Sunday..

Yeah! one more week down, 1 more to go b4 the mid sem break.. Can't wait. It has been a bz semester, and with a few more weeks to go b4 the exams, things r really heating up! Haha. Well, thank God we still have the mid sem break to catch up with our studies, assigments, etc.. Walked back home from uni last week, the weather wasn't v gd.. as it just stopped raining or smthing, and as I walked, I didn't knw what made me turn around and guess what.. i saw a big beautiful rainbow!! Wow, It was like right b4 my eyes, and i quickly told my fren who was walking back with me. We took pics of them with our camera phones. Haha, the wonders of technology! Anyway, as i looked at the rainbow, i am reminded of God's covenant and promises to us.. It's such a beautiful phenomenon of nature but such a powerful promise from God too! It's just amazing and to be in awe, always, as I look at nature, God's creation around the world.. :-)

Hmm, Church was gd today too, with a prothetic message spoken to us.. edge church has really made me feel very warm, welcome and I have learnt so so much from the speakers.. Glad I made it my home church! Today's sermon was about DOUBLE fruitfulness in times of affliction and forgetting our past of hurts, disappointments, etc. The bible really has so much to tell us, so many interesting things, if only we are open to the word.. Worship is great too, just bought one of the church's cd album..the singers and songwriters are really gd.. God has indeed blessed them with the talents of songwriting and music making.. to impact others.

Just went to friend's b'day dinner yesterday too.. we went to an indian restaurant up north adelaide.. it was nice, ate food i nvr ate b4, but it was so ex! Coz of the minimum charge on weekends.. Pout. Haha. But it's an experience la.. $ can be earned back, but experiences are priceless. For everything else, there's mastercard.. :-P

God's Plan

Saw this article from a dayspring email, found it very encouraging and true.. so sharing it with all..

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

God has a plan for your life. He brought you into this world to fulfill that plan. It is the best plan that anyone could ever make for you. It is a plan that will bring Him the greatest glory and you the greatest good. From the beginning of this calendar year until its end, God is working out His plan.

As you follow God's plan for your life, you do so by faith. It is important to remember that He is the Guide and you are the follower. He does not need to bring you into His planning room as a consultant to help Him decide what is best for your life. God has called you to trust Him and to take the next step of obedience according to His will. God has said, "I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16 NKJV

Here are some ways that God is working out His plan:

He is your Shepherd—He is leading you.
He is your Provider—He is taking care of you.
He is your Strength—He is enabling you.
He is your Counselor—He is speaking to you.
He is your Shield—He is protecting you.
He is your Comfort—He is encouraging you.
He is your Father—He is blessing you.
He is your Deliverer —He has delivered you from sin and death

In relation to the above, Did u know that God has 8 names?

Jehovah Tsidkenu - “God is my Righteousness” Jer 23:6
Jehovah M’kaddesh – “God is my Sanctification” Lev 20:8
Jehovah Shalom – “God is my Peace” Judges 6:24
Jehovah Shammah –“God is present with me” Ezek. 48:35
Jehovah Rapha – “God is my Healer” Ex 15:26
Jehovah Jireh – “ God is my Provider” Gen 22:14
Jehovah Nissi – “God is my banner” Ex 17:15
Jehovah Rohi – “God is my Shepherd” Ps 23:1

Thanks all!

Had a gr8 pre birthday dinner yesterday, and although the no. of ppl I invited were few, but we had a gr8 time of fellowship and fun. I thank God for all my friends, that they are here not by coincidence, but to walk thru life here with me, and to guide me, strengthten me, and give me hope. Although I am far away from family, friends and loved ones back in s'pore, the friends i made here in adelaide gave me such a warm birthday feeling that I feel as though I am home. Thanks everyone for your presence, presents, cards, well wishes and thoughts, and for the marker writings still on my hand.. It really means a lot to me. I will never forget what all of you have done for me. It has truly been a memorable b'day, n it's not even here yet! Thanks for coming!!!

Yeah, it has been a gd weekend, although I didn't study much, and in the coming week, assignments and 2 tests looming ahead.. but I believe God will help me, as long as I do my best. Gambate everyone! And let us run the race together with perseverence! :-)

Double For Your Trouble!

I daily devotional i read every morning.. found this one particulary relating to what I am facing now in uni.. well, some sort. Haha.. Hope everyone who reads this will be inspired, knowing that our God is a God of restoration and abundance.

Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. - Zechariah 9:12

I am sure that you have heard of the expression, “When life throws lemons at you, make lemonade!” Well, I want you to know that when the devil throws lemons at you, God Himself will make lemonade for you! After all, the Bible says that God works all things together for your good. (Romans 8:28)

And He does it with style — He restores double for your trouble! Even if you have lost a husband or wife through a divorce, or a precious child through death, God can restore double to you, so that you end up having more than before, if not in quantity, then in quality!

Consider Job in the Old Testament. When Job lost everything, his friends told him to curse God and die. He refused and, instead, responded to God in faith, and “the Lord gave to Job twice as much as he had before”. (Job 42:10)

When David lost the child he had with Bathsheba, he stopped pleading and started worshipping God because He trusted in the mercies of God. Later on, God blessed David and Bathsheba with another son named Solomon, who became the wisest and richest king the world has ever known.

Today, God promises to restore double for your trouble — “Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.” If He declared it, He will do it! So you cannot but have hope that things will be even better than before. That is why in the same verse, He calls you “prisoners of hope”. Hope in the biblical sense means a confident expectation of good things happening in your life. You are a prisoner of that! You can’t help but wake up feeling hopeful. You can’t help but expect good things to happen to you!

So when trouble comes from the devil, don’t give up and say, “It is hopeless!” Don’t worry or get angry. Worship God like David did and see that trouble as an opportunity for God to bless you with more than what you originally had. And because God has declared it, be confidently hopeful that you will get double for your trouble!

Busy week...

The busy week is coming to and end soon, but still with some undone assignments.. I totally don't know how complete them, but if i don't an IF is coming my way. Haha. Stupid subject. It's some programming subject.. so future computer scientists, i advise u not to take that course! I just had no choice as part of my engineering degree.. :-(. I am sure God can pull me thru!
Anyway, just came by a song, which i think is v meaningful.. i'm used to posting song lyrics on my blog, here and on msn, not bcoz i have nothing to write, but bcoz i truly believe the words of the songs can touch someone although she/he hasn't heard it before. The songwriters are amazing, but then again it's God who gave them the inspiration for the words.. This song, i'm forever yours, truly reminds us that we fully belong to God, and that He loves us so much more than we can ever comprehend.

I'm Forever Yours
---------------------

I give my all to You
Send me and I will go for You
To the ends of the earth
I'll follow after you
I want the world to know
Your love endures forever

Tell me and I'll obey
This is far greater than sacrifice
Trust in You and not myself
Will always lead to blessing
Lord have Your way in me
Not my will, Yours be done

Here I stand within Your presence
Longing for your touch
A thousand days cannot compare
To one day in Your courts

Hold me now and never let me go
My Jesus, my Precious Saviour
I'm forever Yours
I will worship You forever

Busy but rewarding Saturday

Just came back from a farewell party to an ocfer who has been in adelaide for 4 years and leaving back home to malaysia tmrw.. It's such a wonderful experience to see so many ppl turning up for the event, and how everyone bonding so well with each other.. It's amazing that each of us have so much of God's love we can't contain it sometimes.. Seeing William leave after so long, He has told me to continue to persevere on despite the difficulties and sometimes dissapointments.. He has definitely made me see the true meaning of growing and maturing in Christ.. I hope to be like him in future, where I can too, share the wonderful testimony of how OCF has grown and how it has helped me mature too.. In so many ways, I can't thank my friends enough, who have shown me the joy, peace and love that God has put into each and everyone of us.. it's a matter of if we want to let this love out, and care, reach out to our brothers or sisters. Tired from the evening. But it's great to see the love and concern of every1..

Had my church connect group this aftn too. It was also v fun and meaningful.. Really thankful for a more "exciting" semester.. with more social activities, where I can really connect with others.. I will never forget these things that happen here.. and it's so wonderful to be able to experience them.. Beginning to see a much of a more learning and bonding experience here in adelaide.. :-)

Not in good mood...

Last night was a bad day.. couldn't get anything done properly, screwed up a prac.. I feel so helpless and useless sometimes. Y is it that other students can find it so easy.. yet I find it a struggle to complete my degree.. Every single subject is making me push myself to my limits.. n i'm only in my 2nd year. Sometimes I wonder how I can ever make it thru my degree, if it's gonna get even tougher.. Next week's gonna b a terrible week, with 4 assignments due and a test on monday about the hardest subject an EEE student could ever take.. Yest night couldn't do much work and study, so I slept early, and this morning i felt much better.. And I realised once again how good God is, despite my time to despair and sadness.. He showed me 2 scriptures while I was reading devotionals online.. Which made me think and recall about His love for us, which I sometimes still doubt.

The title of the devotional was: ‘Lord, I Cannot, But You Can!’ It's so true.. I really cannot, but that's y i have to trust God and know that He can and he Will bring me thru.. It's not gonna be easy, but I know God has a plan and purpose to mature me here in adelaide.. And i'll do my best, but leave to God the rest! Thanks Lord, for making me see once again that I need not worry about things, and that U r in control of My life, so despite my dark surroundings and circumstances, I will trust in your unfailing love towards me. Thank you for giving me a loving and comforting family and friends.
Encouraging verses.. that meant a lot to me suddenly..


Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? —Jeremiah 32:27

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. - Philippians 2:13

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. —Psalm 94:19

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. - 1 Corinthians 1:27

Run With The Horses

If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? —Jeremiah 12:5

In the Olympic Games, the greatest runners of the world compete for gold medals and laurel wreaths. Long before the final race, competitions are held in countries throughout the world to weed out those who are not fast enough to compete. At the Games, the fastest of the fast qualify for the final competition.

The prophet Jeremiah was also involved in a fierce competition—but it was with idolaters and wicked priests. He was responding to the Lord’s call to condemn Judah and to predict her downfall. He became so discouraged that he asked the Lord, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are [they] happy?” (12:1).

That’s when God said to Jeremiah, in essence, “The competition has just begun. So far you’ve been dealing with minor issues (running with footmen). How will you handle it when the really tough stuff comes (contending with horses)?”

Perhaps you’ve run into some difficulties recently: your boss, an illness, conflicts in your church. You’ve pleaded with the Lord for relief. But He may have said in response, “Toughen up. Dig in. It may get worse.” When He asks you to “run with horses,” He will be with you to strengthen and sustain you. That’s what God does.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

Fresh Grace Every Day

Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.


“I am concerned about the big business deal that I have to close tomorrow.”

“I am worried about tomorrow’s job interview.” “My medical test results will be out tomorrow. I am afraid it won’t be good.”

God does not want you to worry about tomorrow. He gives you all the help you need for today. When tomorrow comes, so will fresh help from Him.

This is God’s principle even in the Old Testament. When the children of Israel were in the desert, God gave them fresh manna straight from heaven every morning. (Exodus 16:13–16, 31) They did not have to worry about tomorrow because when tomorrow came, there was fresh manna again. He was their provision every day.

Today, God’s manna is the grace He gives you every day. If you are worried about a situation tomorrow, know that there will be sufficient grace for that situation when it comes. God wants you to simply rest in His ability to heal, deliver, protect and provide for you every day.

In the Old Testament, when the armies of Moab and Ammon came against King Jehoshaphat, God told the anxious king, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed… for the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not need to fight in this battle… stand still and see the salvation of the Lord”. (2 Chronicles 20:15–17)

When the next morning came, King Jehoshaphat saw how God caused such confusion to come upon his enemies’ camp that it brought about their own slaughter. Amid all that fighting in the enemy camp, God’s people merely stood still and saw God fight the battle for them just as He had promised.

When you see a problem looming in your tomorrow, do not fear or be dismayed because you will see the grace and salvation of God deliver you and fight that battle for you.

God wants you to live a stress-free life, not one filled with worries about tomorrow’s problems. When tomorrow comes, His grace will be there for you as your help, protection, favour and enabling!

Back In Adelaide... For Sem 2

Well... here I am back again in adelaide.. Took business class in S'pore airlines back to adelaide..I didn't pay for it of coz. It costs S$5,131 to fly frm S'pore to Adelaide on raffles class with S'pore airlines! Siao.. Used krisflyer miles to redeem this "pre b'day gift" of mine. Hee. 25000 miles! gosh. It's no wonder so few ppl can afford to sit business class. But then again, seems like the seats r always full.. whether 1st, business or economy class. The lounge in changi airport was nice, but too many ppl to fully enjoy the facilities. Free drinks and food were on the menu.. Posh place, with bar and "business" facilities but besides that, there wasn't much that interested me..

Back in college now.. which is so lonely and boring. Haha. It's not ez trying to adapt to being "alone" again during the weekend.. and esp so when uni hasn't yet started. (on Monday) Just went out to rundle mall again just now, same old mall.. except with starbucks coffee! Haha. It's taken quite long for this coffee chain to make it's way into little ol' adelaide, but it's finally made it's way to the mall. Now where's coffee bean? Haha.. Weather here cold as usual.. but i guess it's better than hot humid weather.. I enjoy the cold.. as long as it dosen't get Too cold! That usually happens at night. I suddenly miss home very much. I guess this is what happens when U go home for a brief period of time and suddenly come back to an environment that is rather different.. But i Thank God for gd friends here and for the opportunity to study here too.. It's a nice environment to study la.. boring place = study place. Haha. I also feel I am closer to God here in a way.. coz there's little sense of "busyness" or "stress" in adelaide.. it's a nice laid back city.. Gives me enuf time to reflect on God, nature, relationships, people, etc. Guess i shld treasure this b4 i graduate n head back to the rushing and fast paced life in s'pore.. But at least the weekends in s'pore r not so boring.. Haha.. there's no where to go in adelaide.. so sianz. Oh well.. guess that gives students here even more reason to study. Time for me to take a nap.. didn't really sleep enuf.. although the business class seats in the plane were quite comfortable to sleep on.. skybeds. Hee.. they r wonderful inventions.. Can't wait for 2nd sem to start and finish, so I can finish year 2 of my degree.. Guess I have to enjoy the process and let it mould me into the person God wants me to become at the end of my degree.. :-)

Sick... n going back adelaide soon..

Well, the flu bug has caught up to me, and I' m down with the flu now.. but recovering well.. i think. Haha. A few more days left in s'pore too.. returning back to adelaide for sem 2 this friday. It's been a short but enjoyable time back home.. Will miss home again definitely, and leaving is always never easy. No matter how many times i have left home. But I really thank God for helping me so much in the last 1/2 year or so.. truly without Him I wouldn't have made it thru year 2 1st sem.. and I wouldn't even be home. Thankful for my family also, for their loving care and concern.. and thru God's provision, is able to let me come home twice a year. Hope the 2nd sem will be a better one than the 1st.. and it's also shorter! So i can come back again and spend x'mas and the new year again! yay.. amazing how fast time flies. But i really wanna graduate soon.. Still 2 more years! Argh.. n the last 2 yrs are the hardest.. Omg.. Haha. but i believe God will help me make it thru.. Coz i knw if it were by my own efforts, i wouldn't have even made it thru year 1 ald.. Hee. Truly, His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. Praise Him for that!

Results r out.. n they are amazing. Thanks be to God

Found out my results today, in a peculiar place.. macdonalds! I was jus out with my mum settling some errands and was jus having lunch in a macs, and apparently that particular branch of the restaurant is quite huge and has 2 computer terminals for the public to use the internet for free. Simply amazing how God works.. of all places, I was directed to go macs for lunch and that branch has free computers and internet to use. Normally one could agree this would not be the case.. N when i checked my results on access adelaide, i was shocked beyond words.. not only didn't I get any CP (Conceded pass, which is less than a pass, 45-49 marks), I got more than I could imagine in my life. I got 59, 61 and 75, 2 passes and 1 distinction. Although I had 4 examinable subjects, the last result was supposed to be out tomorrow. I was overjoyed by my results, which were by no means what I did.. it's all 101% God and His grace that brought me thru. I went back home.. n i checked my results again, just to make sure I didn't see wrongly.. n indeed it's still the same marks i saw in macs. A few moments ago, i randomly checked access adelaide again to check smthing.. n to my surprise, the last result popped out! I got 59 also! Gosh, so I am now truly happy that I have cleared year 2 1st semester..

Although I can't say the same for my friends, classmates.. I believe God has a plan for everyone, and It's up to Him and him only to determine our future and outcomes. A message of encouragement for others who may have to study for the supp exam or even retake a subject again.. never think for once God is against u. He is always for U and He loves u. A failure dosen't mean u r less capable than others or implies that u r not so smart, so to speak.. God uses each individual differently and each person is unique and gifted in different ways. So do not despair, and do not lose hope, but continue to persevere and run the race He has set b4 u.. and u shall recieve the crown of glory at the end of it.. I knw some ppl must be thinking, I am in no position to say all these coz i am not the one who failed or needs to take the supp exam. But i understand what it feels like to see failure or rejection.. and I know that I have overcome it only bcoz of God's grace and love for me. God helps the helpless. and No problem is too big for Him to solve. In fact i learnt in church that the bigger the problem is for u, the easier it is for God.. in a way. Always have faith to God, not faith about your own faith, and truly, rejoice in all circumstances.. because He has given us the peace that surpasses all understanding.. as I have felt when I was waiting for my results for the last few weeks.. it had tried my faith v much, but I must say the "bad" experiences have brought me closer to God than ever before.. N i knw it will be the same for others..

Psalm 63:7 - Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.

Our true identity and security is in Christ alone.. for those who know this song, it truly is a beautiful song and a reminder to all christians that all is not lost, even when darkness seems all around our lives, God is the only light that will break through and bring us to victory!

In Christ alone I place my trust, and find my glory in in the power of the cross.
In every victory, let it be said of me: My source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone!

Quotable Quotes...

There is not a man of us who does not at times need a helping hand to be stretched out to him, And then shame upon him who will not stretch out the helping hand to his brother.

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you can help them to become what they are capable of being.

The values we live by are worth more than when we pass them on.

When we treat man as he is, we make him worse than he is; When we treat him as if he already were what he potentially could be, we make him what he should be.

Exams over! Going home...

Well, the dreaded exams have finally passed and now is the time to go home! Anxiety over exam results still loom around sometimes but I guess I shouldn't let it affect my holiday. Just let God do His will in my life.. and whatever will be, will be. There is no point in worrying and thinking abt it right? Haha. Easier said than done, but when i recall on God's faithfulness in my life, esp for my year 1 exams.. It's truly amazing as to what He can do.. Despite our lack and disobedience to Him. Hmm, Mixed feelings abt returning home.. Will love to get to see family again and njoy quality time back home, but adelaide still and will always have a place in my heart.. with so many wonderful and encouraging friends and family too.. how am I not to say I am blessed? Hope i spend my time wisely when i am back in s'pore.. Probably prepare for next sem's bible study liao.. Next sem is gonna b even tougher than this sem.. but I'm sure I'll pull through. To all those who are struggling with studies, work, etc.. life is full of problems, but it's how we handle those problems and the process that we endure through them that's impt. Results aren't everything, exams come and go, but our character and faith, relationships will definitely strengthen thru adversity. Oops, gtg off soon, going airport in 1 hr! Haha. This is how impromptu I am.. blogging at this hr in the morning.. Gonna miss adelaide for 2-3 weeks! But will get to experience the heat and humidity back home in S'pore.. a drastic change from the 3-15 degrees temperature currently in adelaide.. Peace out! :-)

1st Exam coming..

Well, it's been one week of swot vac, and the 1st exam is coming.. I am not very worried, I dunno y, but I feel that I just do my best, n leave to God the rest! Although I must say, there are times when I feel I should be studying more.. But laziness, sianzness and the "don't feel like studying" mood comes and goes ever so often. Haha. But I look forward to quickly finishing my exams so I can return home.. Not long more to go.. But have to continue to persevere and do my best! I just pray that the exam will be somewhat similar to past years, then I guess I'll b all right.. If something weird comes out, Haha, Who knows what will happen.. Oh well, lunch time soon.. back to study now.. :-)

Arise... Planetshakers..

The word 'arise' found in Isaiah 60 means to get, up, stand up, stir up and succeed. God wants you to stand up in your circumstances. He wants you to stir yourself up in Him and above all He wants you to succeed. It is time for the men and women of God to stand up all over this world. Where you've been down trodden he is calling you to stand. Where you have been insignificant he wants to stir you up and call you up out of where you are to take all that is rightfully yours as a son and daughter of God. He dosen't want you to hide your light under a bushel but rather let it shine for the world to see His glory. The call has gone out over the ages for men and women to arise. God called Abraham. He called Joseph, Gideon, Samuel, David, Esther, and Daniel. Now the same call is going out to you. No matter what your abilities, talents or giftings are, God is calling you to arise.

Some words of wisdom...

If we seek an easier route to avoid the pain or challenge, we miss out on discovering more of the God who wants to companion us, in and through, the mystery and uncertainty.

When life is stripped away to it's lowest state, it is the people in our lives that are most important to us. It's during difficult times when we remember that our family, our friends and a close community, make life worth holding on to when it would be very easy to let go.

While some people believe the power of prayer is demonstrated by strong faith and sinless lives, it is more about trusting God when our prayers seem to go unanswered. The jouney of prayer is about asking for and gradually gaining confidence in God's justice and mercy and holiness. It's learning to trust God in spite of the time when our prayers go unanswered.

Exam timetable is out!!!

Oh well, it's that time of the year again where the exams are approaching fast.. Time seems faster when exams r nearer. Haha. Which is gd in a way coz it means i get to go back home faster also.. Not that i dun like it here. Wont't b blogging much frm now on i suppose. partly no time and lazy to type so much. Hmm.. makes me think smtimes y i bother keeping a blog? haha mafan la.. But i wont delete it anyway. It brings back memories.. Esp when i look back at my past posts.. not much but it still means smthing i can recall.. Oh well, it's getting late ald, better sleep soon and pia for the weekend, study study!! Assignments assignements! :-(

Confidence...

Learnt this saying abt becoming a leader in whatever we do. It's so true, but sometimes I think it's hard to follow or agree with it, and set standards by ourselves or by what the world percieves us to be. But i guess it's time to change the perception of who we really are in this world, not just in our own nations. And these few words touched me a lot.

"Who I am does not depend on what I do. Identity does not depend on titles, or degrees, or function. It depends only on the simple fact that I am a child of God, valued and treasured for what I am."


This is one of the Songs I sang in church on sundays... I like it very much as it has so much meaning and application in it in our daily lives. Love it! Praise God for song writers who are able to pour out their spirit into creating songs like these..

Cover me
Lord my God
And lead me into your presence
My soul relieved
Trials may come
And darkness upon me
But still your hand it guides me
My saving grace
My one embrace
My one true love
I will exalt thee

I love you
Jesus I thank you
For your hand that covers me

I will worship you
I will worship you
I will worship you
My blessed savior

--------------------------------------------

God inhabits the praise of His people
He's close to those who call upon His name
And all of heaven will dance before you
He's close to those who call upon His name
And he dwells among us today

End of holidays soon... :-(

Well, it has been a gd mid sem break, with days of sleeping and waking up late.. and with the awesome easter camp and church activties, unfortunately, all gd things must also come to an end.. holidays ending v v soon, and it'll also soon b time for new material, new lectures, and preparation for exams! But looking forward to getting over and done with for the exams so I can return home soon also. Hee. Winter is also officically coming and it's getting really wet, cold and windy here! Gosh.. Haha. But i rather the weather b freezing than be hot like an oven. Not sure what others might choose also.. ;) Oh well, back to catching up with last minute assignments and some rest.. b4 next week when uni begins again.

Amazing Love...

I’m forgiven, because you were forsaken
I’m accepted, you were condemned
I’m alive and well, you’re spirit is within me
Because you died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be
that you my king would die for me
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor you
In all I do, to honor you

You are my King
Jesus, You are my King

You are my King

Easter camp was Gr8 n wonderful!! :-)

Just got back frm ocf easter camp today, came back with a fresh perspective of love, and feeling very refreshed in God's love.. Camp theme this year was abt love, so majority of the sessions was learning about love, bgr, relationships, etc. The speaker was great, and He is very annointed i must say.. and thru his sessions have let me realise so much of God's love for us all.. His love for us is really so amazing that He sent His one and only son to die for us.. I cannot fathom anyone, any father or parent doing the same thing.. As this easter is approaching also, I pray that the message of easter and God's love will be magnified, and allow us to honour Him in all that we do.. I've never heard the song, which is also ocf easter camp's theme song, amazing love so differently now than before.. Overall Had a lot of fun and learnt a lot this year.. and the campsite was simply beautiful, with the beauty of nature all around for us to appreciate. it isn't hard to see how great God's creation is.. and we should take time to appreciate them.. even our own bodies are simply amazing creations by Him.. it's about time we take time to reflect, be still and know that God is God... ;-)

Easter camp n mid sem break coming!!!

Finally autumn is here n the weather is getting cooler. Couldn't stand the summer heat! N half a semester is almost coming to an end, with the upcoming mid semester break. But really looking forward to ocf easter camp during the weekend! It was a memorable one last year, n i'm sure this year will b even better! :) Also have to use the mid sem break wisely.. revise n prepare for upcoming exams! Thank God for all gd friends who support and encourage me...

Boring weekend...

So boring.. sigh. I think this is my most boring weekend ever. I don't know y.. is it bcoz i have nothing to do? Hmm. I have a test coming up but studied for it ald! assignments, did all i could.. read up for lectures also. What else can i be missing? Have been feeling a bit lonely too, like having no friends ard.. i knw it's not true, but smtimes dunno y i feel like that. I am so glad i have uni tmr actually.. I love sundays too la, bcoz got church to go to, but after that.. it's different.. back to room alone. Well, almost late ald.. gotta prepare for uni tmr. Only 1 lecture.. Haha. So silly. But well, better than nothing to do again!..

All My Praise...

I will follow You through green pastures
And sing hallelujah to Your Name
I will follow You through dark disaster
And sing hallelujah through the pain

And even in the shadow of death
I will praise You
And even in the valley I will say

Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise x2

You are seated on your throne in heaven
And You see all of us down here
And You have promised You will not abandon
So I shall not fear

You made every star
And You taught it how to shine
You knew my name before there was time
And all this was just part of Your glorious design
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

2nd week in uni...

Well well, 1st week of uni is over, n now in 2nd week ald.. work starting to pile up ald.. Haha. but i guess consistency is the key, without it, when exam time comes sure die wan.. Haha. But still feel the timetable is rather silly n some days r quite boring, like only have 1 or 2 lessons.. i guess this is better in a way that i have more free time, but bad if i misuse the free time i have.. need to use them wisely! Like to read up or understand more.. or do the tuts or assignments! Haha. So far so gd.. jus hope won't start to slack n lag behind.. well, it's gettin late! gtg do some last min revision n sleep ald.. tmr's lessons start @ 4pm! HAha.. this is what i mean by my bad timetable.. So sianz.. but no choice.. it's like that. Not my choice. Hee.. ;-)

Going back to adelaide soon

Time sure flies when we're having fun! Only a week left in s'pore b4 returning back to adelaide for a new semester. Yr 2 ald, still have 3 more yrs, n this yr is not gonna b ez, but I know that God will pull me thru it, for He will give me sufficient grace to overcome any race He has set for me to finish. Feeling a bit sad though to leave home after being here for 2-3 mths. Miss the convenience of s'pore, friends, my dar, n family. But I knw this semester will be a time for me to learn and challenge myself, as an individual and as a Christian. Things are not going to get easier, but I think the process of overcoming them are going to be far more rewarding! That's the drive that keeps me going thru it all, and although life in aust isn't all a bed of roses, it's thru the thorns and pain that will keep me to rely on God and His strength, grace and mercy. I cannot base anything on what I CAN do anymore, but on what HE can do for me. I been thru a lot of times when i felt like crying or giving up even in my 1st yr, but God has never let me go, and He has shown to me what simple faith and trust in Him can do. I can never imagine i cleared every subject in yr 1, and although I didn't do exceptionally well, I knw it's a stepping stone to something greater. Wish all my friends here all the best, as they continue with their studies or work, or anything they are doing. I pray for strength for everyone for u, and that this year blessings and goodness will manifest themselves onto each individual like never before. :-)

GONG XI FA CAI

Wow.. it's been some time since i've blogged. Haha. Well wishing everyone happy cny here! Today 1st day, but did no visiting, but had a gd church service. Hope everyone is having a gd break n family bonding time during this festive period! Ang baos, oranges, bak kua n other stuff, they might signify somethings in cny but i guess the love, peace n joy between families, loved ones are most impt. Oh yah, health is v impt too. No health have wealth also useless.. but I knw this yr will be another year of blessings, favour and peace for me and everyone else. The impt thing is to believe in the goodness n promises of God, and the fact that He has already given to us His most precious gift, so that we may all be able to enjoy prosperous n abundant lives. We dun have to wait till cny to wish n hope for a year to be happy or nian nian yu. Haha. Yupz.. hence I just know that this year will be a yr full of abundance as we have a God who is Al shadai, a God who never has any lack and can provide for us more than we can ever ask or think. God bless everyone! :)

Broadband is here!!! Yay!

Haven't blogged here for such a long time ald.. Finally have broadband access at home! So can go on msn ald. Haha. Still slacking at home.. tried to find a job but to no avil. Oh well, wat to do.. Hope everyone is doing fine.. I knw some of my frens in adelaide are back doing summer courses and some did not return home at all! Hope all of u r doing fine. Have ard 1 mth plus in s'pore b4 returning back to adelaide for year 2 of my studies. Must work harder! haha. Honours counting ald.. Anyway had a gd meet up with ocf ppl yesterday at william's place. His place is v big n v nice. Miss ocf a lot. The family feeling, the fun and the learning experience. Will meet them soon. Haha. Oke.. shall blog more in future. gtg now.. family in bad mood.. :-(