Walking by faith, not by sight// ♥ Joy ♥

Thesis /// 8:19 PM

A question that has been on my mind since weeks ago - For 15MC (3 modules), should I take a risk or play it safe (easier route)?

Gone are the days where... /// 6:00 PM

Since we were advised during the Welcome Tea Ceremony to be very careful about what we write in blogs with regards to the attachment, I just want to say that the experience gained throughout the course of the past 2 days is once-in-a-lifetime.

No doubt about it.

In this "give me" generation, where kids are often rewarded with tangible items in exchange for good or even average grades, the teaching and disciplinary styles have to be flexible and adapt to the learning and character-development of the students. The past methods of shouting and instilling fear into them are not as effective in this generation. It will just undermine their motivation to learn and their love for the subjects may depreciate. Instead, it's more of earning respect and building rapport with all the students that will make teaching in classrooms much easier and rewarding.

2 words to self: "Press on"

Ironic creatures /// 1:18 PM

As much as I want to trust You for clear directions, sometimes I can't help but wonder,

J: 'Although You are omnipotent, maybe You could do with a little help from me?'

...
...
...

J: 'Have You forgotten about me?'

G: 'Put to death the seeds of doubt, Joy'

This is so much harder than I thought it will be.

His Perfect Timing /// 2:08 PM

Sometime by May Riley Smith

Sometime, when all life's lessons have been learned,

And sun and stars forevermore have set,

The things which our weak judgments here have spurned,

The things over which we grieved with lashes wet,

Will flash before us out of life's dark night,

As stars shine most in deeper tints of blue;

And we shall see how all God's plans are right,

And how what seemed reproof was love most true.

Then be content poor heart;

God's plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold;

we must not tear the close-shut leaves apart, -

Time will reveal the chalices of gold.

And if, through patient toil, we reach the land

Where tired feet, with sandals loosed, may rest,

When we shall clearly see and understand,

I think that we will say, "God knew the best!"

Everyday is an opportunity /// 12:40 AM

After my mum came out of her room and sleepily asked me whether I've taken my pills, I've decided that my message to her on Father's Day did not do her justice. So while waiting for my hair to dry...

~~Naggy is~~

Beauty is her name

Because her beauty can be reflected not only in her face but her heart for others (kins and strangers alike).

Sacrifice is her name

Because she seldom makes time for herself but places the interests of others above hers.

Kindness is her name

Because she enjoys collecting items and distributing them to the needy.

Goodness is her name

Because she does not like to gossip behind others' backs and always give her seats up to the pregnant/young/old.

Cuteness is her name

Because of the comments/actions she occasionally makes/does that always send smiles my way.

Devotion is her name

Because she has always been dedicated and supportive of her kids.

Strength is her name

Because she has managed to endure the physical and mental burdens placed in her life while having to nurture her two disobedient daughters.

Faith is her name

Because God has given her sufficient to carry both herself and us, through this hectic world.

To everyone else, she is Suki.

But to me, she is beautiful, self-sacrificial, kind, good, cute, devoted, strong and faithful.

Fragments /// 11:32 PM

Like Ruiqi (who's going to Japan), I want to get as far away as I can from here and seek solace in the flora and fauna, to be surrounded by nature, a book or two, sufficient $$ in my pouch, and a bible. I'm enthralled by the idea of being alone, lost in the eyes of the world, to feel the peace in the midst of this bustling era where many would rather play iPhone games than to pick a good book to read while travelling. Many thoughts on my mind but i'm pretending to cast them all aside, hoping that reality will gradually creep out of my life. But that's just a fallacious thought. I have to break that blank facade which masks raging torrents of emotions threatening to burst out of the rigid layer.

Sometimes the biggest giant in my life is myself. I set expectations (too) high and I'm afraid to fail. Setbacks have rarely been thrown into my path (as much as it's a boon, it's also a bane). As the saying goes, "Failure is the mother of success". The point of the previous 4 sentences is because of the thesis. My stomach automatically ties itself into knots whenever I think of the impending dateline my prof has set for me. The topic of interest of my prof revolves around language processing; in other words, how language is deeply rooted in one's cognition and how it affects the way we process. It's like thinking about thinking. Ideas? Methodology? DVs? Target group(s)? Needs of schools? Current research to back up ideas? Pedagogical implications?

What are Your plans for me Lord???

A passage that has been on my mind since yest's QT,

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable are His Ways!" -Romans 11:33

Through the fears and uncertainties, I trust in Your goodness and Your will for me.

Sometimes I wonder... /// 12:51 AM

Many books guide us as we maneuver the streets of romance and love. Unfortunately, some of the guidelines revolve around false misperceptions and a misguided worldly mindset.

Jiahao always mentions that I'm a Miss Goody Two Shoes. Hence, here are my personal thoughts on what is attractive in a Mr Goody Two Shoes:

One with unselfish desires.

One whose actions aren't determined by flutters in his stomach when he sees or thinks about you but instead, wants to be the best for you.

One who cares for his family because next time, you will be his family.

One who is honest in every aspect of his life because next time, you will want him to be honest to you too (even if the truth hurts).

One who takes initiative.

One who loves you not only because he's physically attracted to you but because he respects who you are - your character.

One who controls his "I love you"s because he treasures each time he uses it.

One who understands and gently (not accusingly points finger and starts blaming but) questions before jumping into conclusions (you will not want heated arguments due to miscommunications over minute matters)

One who notices others' needs rather than think highly of himself.

One who doesn't violate your body because he wants to keep you pure for your husband, even if it turns out to be someone else (back to the point of unselfish desires).

And of course, the final must-have

-> one who loves God and saturates himself with His Word.

Do not follow the world's version of romantic love that lasts as long as your feelings last.

But find true, humble, self-sacrificial love.

The End (:

(Rolling) Credits

Joy the red lobster

(inspiration after swim with wanting this morning and additional inputs after memorable evening with the psy girls :D)

A timely encouragement /// 10:15 PM

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 4: 6-7

365 days ... /// 10:57 PM

Overdued photos

Baking Oreo Cheesecake @ home

Before refrigerating it

After 4 hours in the fridge -> Yum! (Junjie even asked for 2nd helping! i was secretly pleased. heh)

A lazy saturday sipping tea in Cookie Museum

My favourite fruit - Durian

I want to eat you up (Part 1)

I want to eat you up (Part 2)

Delectable cookies, include local flavours such as Laksa and Nasi Lemak

Mini BBQ

Guess what this is.

Wrong, it's not some random plastic. It's the bone of the sotong.

Preparing the food for BBQ

Master-Chef-in-the-making aka Jiahao

They tasted really good with mushroom gravy

Fun-tastic gathering

Carbonara @ Bluemountain Cafe, 313

Eugene

Cheryl, Daniel, Eugene (+ Kltc )

Super delicious Aglio Olio which only cost $3.13 cuz of GSS

Chocolate ice cream from Cold Stone (resembles watery stools)

Daniel's strawberry mix

A great ketchup session with Joel

Jazz band @ Esplanade

Brave lead singer

Time with Mummy

Swensen with Mum and Aunt

Thank you Mum for taking on Dad's role as the leader and breadwinner of the family. Thank you for rebuking me when I've done things that displease you and for nagging when I'm feeling lazy. Thank you for guiding me when I'm venturing into slippery areas and for picking me when I fall again and again.

Happy Father's Day, Mum.

I love you dearly.

Last but not least, my new iphone!

- Thank You, Lord, for 365 days. -

Justified, Adopted and Sanctified /// 10:25 PM

Love this song =)

Majesty - Hillsong United

Verse 1

Here I am, humbled by your majesty,

Covered by your grace so free.

Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man,

Covered by the blood of the lamb.

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine,

Since You laid down Your life,

The greatest sacrifice.

Chorus

Majesty Majesty

Your grace has found me just as I am

Empty handed but alive in Your hands

We sing Majesty Majesty

Forever I am changed by Your love

In the beauty of Your Majesty

Verse 2

Here I am humbled by the love that You give,

Forgiven so that I can forgive.

So here I stand,

Knowing that I am Your desire,

Sanctified by glory and fire.

And now I've found the greatest love of all is mine,

Since You laid down Your life,

The greatest sacrifice.

Majesty, Majesty.

Your grace has found me just as I am,

Empty handed but alive in your hands.

Singing Majesty, Majesty.

Forever I am changed by Your love,

In the presence of Your Majesty.

Majesty, Majesty.

Your grace has found me just as I am,

Empty handed but alive in your hands.

Singing Majesty, Majesty.

Forever I am changed by Your love,

In the presence of Your Majesty.

Busy Break /// 9:46 PM

Am back from a superb camp that lasted for 3 days 2 nights.

Despite the aches all over my body, what I really enjoyed was the

message,

games, and

awesome fellowship!

Have known most of them from last year's life camp. This year, i saw a few more novel faces but that didnt stop us from forging close bonds. The first day saw a few of us girls sitting on the queen sized bed, sharing and getting to know more about one another 2 hours after cinderella's carriage turned into a pumpkin. On the second night, we slept at 4 plus am as we were all sitting around in one of the rooms, singing our hearts out for 4 hours, to praise-and-worship songs, with the accompaniment of the harmonising of some of them. Although the attendance was quite low due to the hectic schedule of the others, it was a blessing in disguise as all of us had the opportunity to talk to each and every one and learn from one another.

Led in worship during the second day with Irving who played the guitar. Sang 让赞美飞扬，赞美之泉，Above All and No Greater Love. I really like one of the songs which we sang during last night's worship session - Majesty by Hillsong, because of the beautiful lyrics :D

A piece of lesson that I took home is the secret of endurance. That Christ initiates our endurance, enables continued endurance and completes our endurance. Something that struck me was the part on spiritual burdens in my life (which may include my interests/goals etc). These are the things in life which I MUST reject because they are additional entanglements that might hinder my walk with Jesus. Also, the sins in one's life reflect his/her heart's desire and allegiance to certain things in life which can stop one from growing spiritually.

Are certain areas of my life or surroundings a stumbling block rather than a stepping stone?

And my group won the overall games, surprisingly!

The pace of life is picking up as mid-june arrives and I can vividly imagine a hair-wrenching me in the course of the next few weeks. Can be attributed to the honours thesis as well as the school project on anti-bullying, that i received today. Attached with the email is also a very specific proposed schedule on the programmes that I have each day from 22nd June to end of July. There's also preparation of songs for youth Sunday which is coming up in July. And I have to take into consideration the frequent meet-ups with f.r.i.e.n.d.s (though these made me a joyful joy at the end of every gathering), doing domestic chores and the occasional exercises.

I feel a mixture of excitement, apprehension as well as stress.

- Thank you, Lord, for loving an unworthy person like me. -

Matthew 7:13-14 - Narrow gate vs Wide gate /// 10:53 PM

Summary of today's message:

1. God is our creator hence He has the authority over our lives. His principles are the benchmark by which we should live our lives.

2. He is the absolute and should ultimately be the only guide in our lives.

3. We should persevere to obey His Word.

4. Enter by the narrow gate. Note: it is not an easy path. (Nonetheless, refer back to points 1-3)

The reason why we are to obey is because He loves us and wants the best for us! By coming before God, by the working of the Spirit and by relying on His strength, we can experience peace and eternal joy that transcend all circumstances and transform any adversity into something truly lovely.

Disheartened, sometimes /// 10:01 PM

Today, i learnt a simple lesson,

To take care of my health NOW, before i have to bore the brunt of a nonchalant lifestyle - having a meagre diet of healthy food on a daily basis.

It's funny how easy it is to formulate certain hypotheses and apply them to an object of scrutiny but it's strangely difficult to understand the mechanisms and rationalisation behind one's own actions. At times, when we hear of others falling ill or having frequent dizzy spells, we may dish out countless of advice, 'Drink more water' -> 'Go have your much-needed rest. Sleep early!' Sounds familiar? I am guilty of not heeding my own advice as well. It's effortless telling others what's the right thing to do, but it's effortful applying the knowledge on myself every now and then:(

Why /// 11:26 PM

Uncertainty drives certain kinds of behaviour.

In its core lies the bone of contention

-fear.

Exploring Bangkok- Part 2 /// 1:36 PM

Day 3 - Rummaging through Platinum, made a trip down to the police station, headed to sky baiyoke's observation tower for a stunning view of bangkok