No wonder those sales tactics became very successful.
A close shot of double chocolate magnum
Anyway, I just want to share about the love of a mother,
and use my mum as an example:)
We live in a culture where verbal and physical expressions of love are generally not the norm in the family. In Asia, parents generally express their affection and care via tangible gifts and meeting the wants of their children.
And that's how my mum does it.
As she wakes up around 5 plus (maybe the same time as a rooster), leaves home by 6, and only comes back around 8plus, she doesn't spend much time with my sister (when she was still here) and I. And as my mum has never been very vocal and free with her expressions of love, she usually compensates for the lack of it with shopping trips and fulfilling my wants and needs (such as buying much more than needed- 'unlimited' packets of haribo).
My mother has never been one who communicates well either, therefore, our conversations usually revolves around on-the-surface issues like how i'd complain to her about stresses faced at school or relationship issues.
But she doesn't know that what i'd like in a mother is to receive physical love (hugs, kisses) and to be a teacher who guides me spiritually and advises me on how to live life to the best of my ability, as well as someone whom i can rely on.
But who can fault her for it?
She has already been the best a mum can ever be. A single mother, she hasn't been eating the bread of idleness as she works hard daily, and has been diligent in bringing my sister and I up. Occasionally, she dishes out words of encouragement such as "just try your best" when I share with her about the never-ending deadlines. An important point to note is that she, like all parents, is ALSO going through her own milestone of growing up, learning and finding meaning in her life as well.
My mother has struggled all her life, to provide for both of us and ensure that we lead a normal life, sometimes even at the cost of her health.
And there is nothing more praiseworthy and honorable than that.
Right now, as these thoughts are spinning in my head and i'm typing them down as furiously as i can, I stop these momentums once in a while and pick up the grapes whose skins she has singlehandedly peeled off, and cube-like apples which she has covered with a blanket of plum powder.
Today, she stayed home as she went for an operation to take out a decayed tooth yesterday. And instead of resting, she worked her back to keep the house spick and span.
And after a hard day's work of household chores and dust mites, she finally switched on the television for some leisure time, when i came home from school at 9pm.
After I finished bathing, I noticed two bowls of fruits at the dining table. Left them there as I wanted to grab a towel to put my hair into a pineapple first.
But as I started to head back to the kitchen and passed by my room, my eyes caught sight of the two bowls sitting on my study table. Gosh, my mum has so efficiently noticed that both bowls are still on the dining table and thus has made the effort to press 'pause' on the remote control, got out of the ikea armchair (known for their comfort), headed to the kitchen, carried both bowls and brought them to my table to make things convenient for me!
This created a whirlwind of emotions in me and before she sat down, I rushed over and clumsily gave her an awkward but tight hug.
An astonished her returned my embrace by wrapping her arms around me and asked why.
Being the emotional me, I tried to fight back tears (rather futile) and could only utter a "thanks for all that you've done".
And instead of reminding me of how i ought to repay her kindness in future, the first thing that came to her mind was,
'Thank you for encouraging me..."
What selfless, sacrificial love!
So, please don't underestimate the love of your parents. I used to do so, unfortunately.
'Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.' Proverbs 31:30
'Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.' ~I Corinthians 13:4-7
Lord, thank you for a mother's love, which knows no boundaries.
If this is how a mother expresses her love, i cant wait to experience more of Your unconditional love!:)
- Thank You, Lord, for a supportive mum. -
Monday, March 28, 2011
All about the future /// 12:41 AM
Have been thinking about financial planning. And i noticed how conversations with certain friends and relatives have revolved around this particular topic for the past few months.
Was also discussing with an elder about it on our way to church today.
I'm amazed at how muchhhhhhhhhhhhh there is to know regarding managing finances wisely. Like whether I should take my $$ out of POSB and put it somewhere else, insurance, shares, houses, renovations etc.
Oh man oh man. Cant wait for the holidays to come. Am gonna fill my mind with knowledge on how to save/invest/spend wisely. The first book on the list will be "Rich Dad Poor Dad".
How exciting!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A phase of life? /// 12:35 AM
Apparently, there was a period during adolescence (naive with an idealistic mentality) where I made a commitment to be blissfully wedded to my knight-in-shining-armor by the age of 22/23*.
Good thing I grew out of it eventually.
*even made approximations for give-and-take
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Unwinding myself during the weekends /// 11:58 PM
The weekends make me :))
Woke up around 6 plus this morning and headed to Glory Presby where i met the rest of the station masters and committee members. Debriefed before they set off to their respective stations. Not long after, teams started to arrive in groups and we had an additional short 10 min practice for praise and worship after realising that yisin and adeline were short of a pianist. Learnt two new songs too:)
The race officially started at 11-ish when all the groups headed to the various stations. Destinations ranged from Jurong East Lib, where their task was to find books making up a verse in Amazing Grace, to wet stations in 3 different churches where tasks include using towels to throw water bags and putting their faces in water and flour, to interesting activities in Botanical Gardens, Ikea and Holland V where they have to eat a weird mixture of semi-frozen ice cream and guess the 5 different flavours at the latter location.
And once again, God answers prayers. Although the sun was sauna-like in its strength, it didnt pour today, for which i'm grateful for. Despite all the teams not being able to finish their quests, i'd say the event is still rather successful. A moment which got me stunned was when one of the committee members (a male in fact and that is what's surprising) came up and gave Corrine and I a hug and thank us for the programs. I guess physical touch (one of the 5 love languages) will be one of his strongest ways of showing his appreciation:)
Hopefully, the participants share the same sentiments as me and enjoy themselves thoroughly. Of course, this race will not be possible without all the committee members who put in effort to meet up on Saturdays to discuss and rackey the locations as well.
Jovian has come back from Germany for a few days too but unfortunately, there wasnt time to catch up with him just now. Shall do so in church tmr.
Met up with a secondary school friend in Holland V after the race for dinner and he shared something that caught me by surprise. Hmmm. Never would i have expected that.
Hit the streets yesterday and now the clothing in my wardrobe found themselves two new friends. Glad for the opportunity to break free from the stresses and assignments:)
- Thank You, Lord, for this opportunity for everyone to bond and make new friends and thank God for corrine too! -
For His standards are way higher than mine /// 12:32 AM
Teach me to embrace Your standard for holiness,
to know Your source of power for change, and
to understand Your motive for fighting sin.
Thank you, for agreeing.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Love the voices love the harmony /// 11:08 PM
Empower /// 9:45 PM
Received some rather unpleasant news about Mum's health today.
"I'll hold your hand and walk with you if anything is to happen," was all I could tell her but He who is greater than me has the power to do more, the ability to restore her health.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
It smells like freshly cut grass and dew drops /// 10:19 AM
It's a brand new day today and all is still and sweet as the morning itself. How wonderful that we can wake up to a peaceful morning, while catching a glimpse of the hidden sun peeking out from behind the clouds, which unloaded its pellets not too long ago.
And that prevented Mum from heading to the nearby park to run, thus, resulting in the 'thump thump thump' i'm hearing right now. Yeah, she has resorted to exercising in the house and running around the circumference of the living room. "Why not? It's actually possible," she said when my eyes widened in amazement. "Haha just ensure that the floor doesnt collapse beneath your weight alright." Simply cant stop laughing.
Monday, March 21, 2011
An argument a day keeps Joy at bay /// 10:58 PM
Pray,
because in this unpredictable world with its everchanging circumstances, you may ultimately need someone who will stay faithful till the end.
Thought of the day:
Well, studies have shown that males are not all that different from females than we think they are. In fact, both genders share more similarities than differences. Hmm.
- Thank You, Jesus, for Your blood which has set me free. -
Saturday, March 19, 2011
I'm found complete in You /// 11:37 PM
Tonight, somehow, i felt this indescribable peace in my heart.
I give thanks to You, O God.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Protection /// 8:56 PM
Thank you friends, for your smses, email, facebook messages, words of love and encouragement.
I love yous.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Your will and not mine /// 9:13 PM
Dear God,
I can't stop crying. I know You love me more than anyone else ever will. Teach me to rely on You COMPLETELY throughout this difficult time of mental and physical trials.
Love,
Joy
- Thank You, Lord, for Jean's advice. -
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Guard your heart above all else /// 11:28 AM
StrengthStrengthStrengthStrengthStrength
During prayer meeting yesterday morning, we discussed whether was there ever a time where we felt that there were certain things which we had to surrender in our lives after having understood the teachings in the bible. The sharing session reminded me of how we have to be aware of the stuff we are exposed to daily. Ruth was just sharing about how she threw away all her romance novels which contain rather graphic sexual descriptions as they had caused her to have certain thrashy thoughts in her mind. It reminded me of one period a few years back where i was thinking about it and talking to Jean about how we should be mindful of the music we hear and the shows we watch. I remember then, she was looking at me with a 'are you crazy?!' written all over her face but I bet she'll agree with me now. Some people will think that throwing books or avoiding certain (or rather most) kinds of shows/music is an extreme thing to do. But it's better to be safe and guarded before it's too late; before you come to a point whereby you regret the decisions you have made.
StrengthStrengthStrengthStrengthStrength
Wanting's mum invited me over to her house after her family and I visited a friend in the hospital yesterday and suddenly, she took out a white jade necklace and gave it to me! Was pleasantly surprised but I felt really bad for accepting such a precious gift so i kept rejecting her kind gesture but she was insistent. For a moment, it reminded me of the scene拔萝卜. I feel blessed to have such loving and caring people staying in the vicinity:) And dear God, please bless our dear friend with a super-speedy recover and continue to show him how real You are in his life.
StrengthStrengthStrengthStrengthStrength
And Lord, Thank You for a supportive Mom.
- Thank You, Lord, for manifestations of Your power in individuals' lives. -
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Mismatched Fashion Syndrome /// 9:53 PM
I returned Tingyou's calls last night and got 'reprimanded' for having bad fashion sense. She caught me wearing a top and a flowery white knee-length skirt with a black backpack in the canteen yesterday. She wasnt the first who commented on my ignorance to coordinate my outfits as it wasn't the first time that happened too. haha. Who can blame her.
Overdued photos in random order
Santa Fe where we celebrated Jiayee and Skeen's birthdays
The fabulous birthday girls
Friends for life:)
Love them to bits
I forgot why we burst out laughing :)
Jiayee's surprise birthday celebration with 4C
Birthday girl blowing the candles on her chocolate cake which ZL bought
Playing pictionary which sent us into peals of laughter
overall a hilarious occasion which gave me sorethroat the next day
The 3 beautiful sisters' birthday at TCC
Having fun with Joanna's iphone application
Such a coincidence that Ruiqi and I had to go to the airport for different reasons, one Friday night. Met JC tuition mates after that and we chatted at Popeye's and West Coast till late
CNY gathering with 06S16. Spot the rose among the thorns. heh. kidding hoyin.
Delicious korean buffet in Chinatown.
Countryside greek style
This 'lantern' somehow reminds me of nightingale
Love the handicraft! Childlike:)
Okay, trying to give a skeptical look but...
My minced beef dish which contained the elongated greek macaroni
My date for the night:)
Jewel box and its romantic ambience
Sunny what-do-you-call-that? It's too small to be a sunflower?
Dancing Daisies
At Hortpark
I was trying not to let my left knee touch the ground cuz there was unearthed soil everywhere
On the side note, i have no idea why my mum and I have been conversing in English recently. It's sooooo not our mode of communication. I think my dad and mum had those Planned Bilingualism policy in the family whereby she'd speak Chinese while my dad, English to Jean and I when we were young. I think it failed rather terribly.
Update @ 11.56pm: Just came back from the kitchen where i saw a brown oval thing. Squinted my eyes to realise that it's a cockroach! Didnt know what to do as Pest Control Director was already asleep and i am feeling very timid so i just pretended not to see it and walked past it. Now that i'm already safely in the room, i still couldnt stand the thought of a cockroach living under the same roof as me:( Was it a bad idea to leave it alone? If i did, and if it was a 'she', it would start producing more little brown oval things and make life more difficult for me right.
I should show it who's boss. Shall go back to check on it now.
Update @ 11.58pm: Cockroach has moved approximately 10cm. Sigh, now 10cm of my floor is dirtier. Shall try to get it off my mind...
Update @ 12.09pm: My repression/denial techniques aren't working at all...
- Thank You, Lord, for inspirational podcasts. -
Sunday, March 06, 2011
One of the best ways to spend time /// 11:49 PM
Voddie Baucham,
God speaks through him
Dang Dang Dangdang /// 12:11 AM
Weddings are beautiful.
But they impose additional stress onto the ones involved.
That's why I'm feeling pretty stressed out. Not because I'm tying the knot of course. Was rather taken aback when i was asked to play for a wedding few weeks ago! The wedding's in May and that's when school semester ends too.
I'm definitely honoured to be the pianist for such a grand occasion, but the only hiccup is my fear of stage fright. I do not want to ruin the day by making errors. How?
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Supper /// 11:56 PM
On my way home, I had a last minute change of plans and instead of stopping at my block, I continued walking and found my way to Wanting's house. We enjoyed delicious tang hoon, cooked by her lovely Mum who went on to cut sweet mangoes for us and gave me a packet of korean instant noodles and dumplings to bring home when she found out that I had only eaten sandwiches for dinner. Chatted for a while before I headed home, refreshed and assured.
Change of mindset /// 12:41 AM
God's ways of speaking to me...
...through a cartoon!
Many times, i've hoped that God will lessen my workload and make life better for me. But if life was so smooth sailing, will i be prepared for what God has for me?
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' -Philippians 4:13
Therefore, even when the circumstances may seem daunting, even when my deadlines are overwhelming, I am going to go through them with God and through his strength. I am going to be more than a conqueror through Him who loves us (Romans 8:37).
- Thank You, Lord, for tough times. -
Friday, March 04, 2011
I have some concerns /// 10:59 PM
Dear Lord,
I cant go through the next few weeks without knowing that You're here with me. My mind is weak, and strength is ebbing away by the minute. Even 25 hours a day will not be enough, given the burgeoning deadlines thrown onto my path, like grenades waiting to explode when my foot brushes lightly past them. The commitments are too heavy for me - the 7 deadlines (inclusive of exams, presentations and reports) coming up, tuition at faraway cck twice a week, the planning of Amazing Race, youth every fortnight, serving in church etc. I've no time for Mum, no time for friends, no time for visitations, no time for Jiahao (not that he has any for me anyway), no time for myself and worse of all, it's been some time since Jean and I skyped:(
The thoughts are another issue. They torment me on a daily basis -on my way to classes, as i try to concentrate while studying but failing miserable, on buses and trains, and as i walk home. Only you know my struggles, Father.
I dont think I'll do well this semester but in any case, Lord, I am going to lean on You and find strength in You. Please carry me through the toughest of all the semesters.
Love,
Joy
With tears hovering on my eyelids, i listened to this awesome song, "In Your Freedom" while on my way home.
In Your Freedom
I search for You God of strength I bow to You in my brokenness And no other King could have so humbly come To save my soul and heal my heart
I have nothing more than all You offer me There is nothing else that’s of worth to me
Chorus:
And I love You Lord You rescued me You are all that I want You’re all that I need
I pray to You God of peace I rest in You my cares released I have nothing more than all You offer me There is nothing else that’s of worth to me
And I love You Lord You rescued me You are all that I want You’re all that I need
In Your freedom I will live In Your freedom I will live I offer devotion, I offer devotion
- Thank You, Lord, for Your promises and bible verses for sources of comfort. -
/// 10:56 PM
Only now do I realise why that's the hardest thing to do.
Will Men always be from Mars and Woman from Venus? /// 12:31 AM
These cracked us up in adolescent lecture this week.
Presenting to you the differences between males and females:
The above is quite true!
Definitely not this though.
I guess there will be individual differences within both genders right.
For one, chocolate definitely does not occupy a significant area of my brain!
- Thank You, Lord, for wonderfully-made-homosapiens. -
