Monday, September 10, 2012
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Stepping in Year 2012 with faith and anticipation
Christmas and New Year came and go with a whirlwind of events…. from rushing to buy Christmas presents, to serving in the Christmas Cantata after a hiatus of 4 years, to taking care of two kids who happen to fall sick over the Christmas and New Year period, visiting Dad whose birthday falls on the 1st of Jan, bringing my Dad and sisters to get new TV set and furniture and having a stay-in domestic helper for 4 days to help with household chores and doing some spring cleaning. Though the schedule seems hectic, I must say it’s rather fulfilling after completing the tasks.
New Year has started and today is already the 3rd day of 2012. Before we know it, Christmas will knock at our doors yet once again. Last year has been a year of breakthroughs for me personally from finding a new job, to seeing salvation of my close friend and my beloved son, stepping out to serve in Christmas production and starting a regular exercise regime. I look forward to this year with great anticipation and excitement. I believe this year will be a year of realignment, making right the things that were not in the right place and trusting God in His timing and bigger plans for me and my family. That’s the thing about being a Christian… there’s never a dull moment when we know we are walking in faith… God brings us through an adventure where our faith is tested and refined… until we are consumed by His love and purposes.
I thank God for the first glimpse of His faithfulness last night when Trevor suddenly told me that I should go back and sleep with hubby while he sleeps with mei-mei. For those who do not know, Trevor has been quite sticky to me at night (more so after Tricia arrived) and would insist that I keep him and mei-mei company. So every night, I would have to coax them to sleep and return to my room after they have fallen asleep. While I see this routine as a time of bonding with the kids, I also missed the time alone I could have gained doing my own reading and self-reflection. Then again, I thought they would grow up one day and kick me out of the room… so well who cares… just enjoy the moments while I can. I thank God for doing a wonderful work in Trevor’s life. Though I can see challenges ahead that my boy will need to overcome, I choose to believe in God who says all things are possible with Him and He who has begun a good work will bring it to completion! Yes, Trevor will overcome and emerge victorious!
As for mei-mei, she never fails to amaze us with her prowess to grasp new words and vocabulary. Just last night, she was mimicking kor-kor with her “hiyo!!” and “oh-my-goodness!!”. When kor-kor and I heard it, we looked at each other and can’t help laughing at her antics. It’s really quite entertaining listening to her conversation and watching her doing her own imaginative play. Being an advanced developer, she has showed signs of ‘terrible-two’ with her constant bargaining and pushing of limits. I really seek the wisdom of God to know how to exercise discipline effectively. It really takes a lot of patience and creativity to keep her behavior and action in check. I pray she’ll grow in wisdom do the right thing that is beneficial to her.
Mi Mi signs off
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Happy 10th Pak Tor anniversary to my wife (then girlfriend)
Dear God,
Thank you for sending such a beautiful and supportive girl into my life, for becoming my girlfriend 10 years ago to becoming my wife 8 years ago...
Today marks the 10th year that we are together as a couple. Lord, continue to bless us in this journey of life together as a couple. Continue to lead and guide us in everything that we do. Thank you for being with us in our ups and downs, ins and outs, You are always there and You have been good.
You know the desires of our hearts and we put our trust in You, The all sufficient One, The Almighty One.
In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!
Dear Ivy
Thank you for your understanding and your supportive-ness in all my ventures, be it work or ministry. Indeed I thank God for you everyday.
Hugs & love
John, your hubby...
Thank you for sending such a beautiful and supportive girl into my life, for becoming my girlfriend 10 years ago to becoming my wife 8 years ago...
Today marks the 10th year that we are together as a couple. Lord, continue to bless us in this journey of life together as a couple. Continue to lead and guide us in everything that we do. Thank you for being with us in our ups and downs, ins and outs, You are always there and You have been good.
You know the desires of our hearts and we put our trust in You, The all sufficient One, The Almighty One.
In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!
Dear Ivy
Thank you for your understanding and your supportive-ness in all my ventures, be it work or ministry. Indeed I thank God for you everyday.
Hugs & love
John, your hubby...
Friday, August 19, 2011
Our little Tricia Gal....
Yesterday, the childcare principal shared with us an incident about Tricia gal. She was caught giving away her cake to her neighbours instead of eating it. When the principal caught her and told her to eat the cake instead of pinching it and putting on her friends' plate, she took the cake and attempt to put into her mouth, drop it (intentionally) and say "dirty, cannot eat".
Tricia is such a witty gal... only 2 years old now... can't imagine what she will do when she gets older!
Tricia is such a witty gal... only 2 years old now... can't imagine what she will do when she gets older!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
December 2010
Christmas is here again and this year, I am really looking forward to Christmas, being able to celebrate the birth of our Saviour in church and with our close friends. An annual tradition of 4 families coming together to share about our 2010 and our dreams for 2011 and most importantly, praying for each other for the new year. Of course, for the kiddos, the unwrapping of presents.
As I reflect on 2010, I am amazed at how God has seen me through some many things:
The chickenpox episodes with Trevor followed by Tricia
Getting the Best Mentor
Taught 2 great classes in Sem 1 of 2010
Provision of new job as the driving took the toll on me
My 1st DSLR – Canon 40D
Having breakfast with Mimi every morning, since I changed job
Attending Trevor’s school concert and the joy of seeing him perform with a smile thru the entire session
The provision of a 70-200mm lens from Bernard to take great photos of Trevor at his school concert
Having AP back in my current office as the Admin Mgr
Provision and strength to take care of both Trevor and Tricia when Ivy was away for her work trip
Provision and strength to take care of both Trevor and Tricia when Ivy was away for her work trip
Truly Lord, You have been good to me.
Moomoo signing off
Thursday, September 23, 2010
September 2010
It’s been a long time since we have blogged. September was an eventful month for us so far. 1st time, we brought Trevor and Tricia to a chalet with a group of our friends, our 1st attempt to see if we can manage staying in 1 room. It was a bittersweet experience. Trevor enjoyed himself at the chalet but did not want to sleep when it was bedtime, so poor MiMi had to dragged him downstairs to sleep with her in the living room of the chalet. On the other hand, Tricia was so intrigued by the new environment that she did not take her afternoon nap, which resulted in her crying in the middle of the night. Our friends also suffered the same fate, so for the second night, we decided to call it quits. Everyone went home after dinner together in Jumbo. The next day was the best day for the parents, as we drove 3 cars into Bukit Indah to load up on our milk supply. We had a great lunch at www.youkeexo.com.my and went to Carrefour at Sutera Mall to stock up. Our next stop was Jusco at Bukit Indah. It was a nice place to chill out and do some shopping.
On the work front, I have tendered my resignation and leaving my teaching profession, a job that I enjoyed very much, being able to be a mentor to the students and seeing them doing well in the module that I am facilitating. It was a really hard decision on my part to make, but for the sake of my 2 kids and to spare myself of the long distance drive of 120km per day, I decided to leave. Of course, the other reason was known to those close to me. I was reminded time and time again, to look forward and not backward, if not, I will fall. Money is not the most important thing in life, though I was forsaking close to 3 months of bonus this year end. But I trust in God’s provision and being a sower, I know my harvest is coming.
On my hobby front, I bought my 1st DSLR – Canon D40. It was a second hand set from this Filipino guy who posted in on CS forum. I got my buddy, Ben to come along to help me check the camera. He was a good buy, as he is deemed our professional photographer in school. He used to freelance as a wedding photographer. I was indeed blessed, as I got a brand new 50mm f1.8 lense for only $100, as it was partially sponsored by Ben. In his words: “To help you kickstart your hobby”. He also sold me his camera bag so that I could have a proper bag to carry my camera around. Not forgetting Patrick, who blessed me with his Canon 18-55 Kit lens. I got 2 lens to start with. WOW!
During my swim today, God reminded me to use my skills and tools to bless others.
What am I going to miss in my current workplace:
• My buddy, Ben
• My colleagues
• My swim with God – why I say with God. It’s a time which I spend talking to Him with no disturbance
• My students
• My big cubicle
What am I looking forward to:
• More time to spend with Ivy (a point that was highlighted to me by my good pal, PD)
• Spending less $ on petrol & parking
• A new work environment
• Working with 2 good bosses (one of whom I have served in my previous job for 4 years)
• Cheap and good food in Tanjong Pagar area
• Lunching with my wife
• Pursuing my cert in TESOL
• Opportunity to grow the team and business
Moo Moo signing off…
On the work front, I have tendered my resignation and leaving my teaching profession, a job that I enjoyed very much, being able to be a mentor to the students and seeing them doing well in the module that I am facilitating. It was a really hard decision on my part to make, but for the sake of my 2 kids and to spare myself of the long distance drive of 120km per day, I decided to leave. Of course, the other reason was known to those close to me. I was reminded time and time again, to look forward and not backward, if not, I will fall. Money is not the most important thing in life, though I was forsaking close to 3 months of bonus this year end. But I trust in God’s provision and being a sower, I know my harvest is coming.
On my hobby front, I bought my 1st DSLR – Canon D40. It was a second hand set from this Filipino guy who posted in on CS forum. I got my buddy, Ben to come along to help me check the camera. He was a good buy, as he is deemed our professional photographer in school. He used to freelance as a wedding photographer. I was indeed blessed, as I got a brand new 50mm f1.8 lense for only $100, as it was partially sponsored by Ben. In his words: “To help you kickstart your hobby”. He also sold me his camera bag so that I could have a proper bag to carry my camera around. Not forgetting Patrick, who blessed me with his Canon 18-55 Kit lens. I got 2 lens to start with. WOW!
During my swim today, God reminded me to use my skills and tools to bless others.
What am I going to miss in my current workplace:
• My buddy, Ben
• My colleagues
• My swim with God – why I say with God. It’s a time which I spend talking to Him with no disturbance
• My students
• My big cubicle
What am I looking forward to:
• More time to spend with Ivy (a point that was highlighted to me by my good pal, PD)
• Spending less $ on petrol & parking
• A new work environment
• Working with 2 good bosses (one of whom I have served in my previous job for 4 years)
• Cheap and good food in Tanjong Pagar area
• Lunching with my wife
• Pursuing my cert in TESOL
• Opportunity to grow the team and business
Moo Moo signing off…
Friday, April 09, 2010
Roller coaster ride
Life has taken us through a roller coaster ride lately. Sometimes I wonder why we can’t just cruise through life without the ups and downs or at least within some limits (that we set?). Yet if I really get to decide the limits, I wonder what kind of limits that would be. Perhaps the boundless love of God has covered the limits in a sense there is no need to set one because no matter how high or low life brings us to, God is able to see us through. When our heart is so heavy laden with the weight of the world upon us, or when we are bursting with exuberant joy, God is there. Knowing God is a journey…. Without the ups and downs in life, our knowledge of God would only be skin deep….our experience and encounters… challenges and obstacles…all serves to point us to the ONE.
Trevor had a rough patch at the start of the year. Having transited to a new childcare centre which didn’t quite serve his needs, he never truly settled in and we had to give an immediate notice to withdraw him. Although he was there for only one and a half months, the amount of emotional burden was much more than we can bear. Every now and then, the teacher would comment on Trevor’s undesirable behaviours without any efforts on their part to help him. To them, Trevor has a problem and problem is beyond what the school can handle.
After settling back at his initial childcare centre, he has shown signs of improvements. It helps that Trevor has favor with the teachers and principal. Although the problem is still there, at least we know that the school is giving him a chance to grow up and learn at his pace.
Tricia on the other hand, had no problem settling in at either childcare centre. She’s a darling most of the time except during meal and nap time. This little gal just prefers to play then to drink her milk or take her nap. Her weight has stagnated at 7.5kg since a month ago. As a mother, naturally, I feel worried for her and wondered if she could have gain better weight if I have persisted in my breastfeeding plan.
The chicken pox episode is unforgettable. Trevor caught it first and despite the vaccination he has taken, the virus manifest without much mercy. Just when we thought he has recovered and life is “back to normal”… lo and behold, our little girl started another episode. Her case was BAD… it is so heartbreaking to see her covered with malicious looking spots, red and swollen and nights of high fever… and yet as a mother, I can nothing about it other than applying some cream and bathe her in some medicated water. Looking at her helpless state, I teared.
Yet, through it all, God is faithful. Despite Tricia’s condition, we decide that we will invite our Oikos to the Easter Production. I drove and fetch my sister to the 10AM show on Friday while hub went for the 3PM show with his student. Praise the Lord! Sis received Christ during the altar call while hub’s student rededicated his life. Tricia’s fever broke on that day. What can I say? God is GOOD!
Trevor had a rough patch at the start of the year. Having transited to a new childcare centre which didn’t quite serve his needs, he never truly settled in and we had to give an immediate notice to withdraw him. Although he was there for only one and a half months, the amount of emotional burden was much more than we can bear. Every now and then, the teacher would comment on Trevor’s undesirable behaviours without any efforts on their part to help him. To them, Trevor has a problem and problem is beyond what the school can handle.
After settling back at his initial childcare centre, he has shown signs of improvements. It helps that Trevor has favor with the teachers and principal. Although the problem is still there, at least we know that the school is giving him a chance to grow up and learn at his pace.
Tricia on the other hand, had no problem settling in at either childcare centre. She’s a darling most of the time except during meal and nap time. This little gal just prefers to play then to drink her milk or take her nap. Her weight has stagnated at 7.5kg since a month ago. As a mother, naturally, I feel worried for her and wondered if she could have gain better weight if I have persisted in my breastfeeding plan.
The chicken pox episode is unforgettable. Trevor caught it first and despite the vaccination he has taken, the virus manifest without much mercy. Just when we thought he has recovered and life is “back to normal”… lo and behold, our little girl started another episode. Her case was BAD… it is so heartbreaking to see her covered with malicious looking spots, red and swollen and nights of high fever… and yet as a mother, I can nothing about it other than applying some cream and bathe her in some medicated water. Looking at her helpless state, I teared.
Yet, through it all, God is faithful. Despite Tricia’s condition, we decide that we will invite our Oikos to the Easter Production. I drove and fetch my sister to the 10AM show on Friday while hub went for the 3PM show with his student. Praise the Lord! Sis received Christ during the altar call while hub’s student rededicated his life. Tricia’s fever broke on that day. What can I say? God is GOOD!
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