five minute friday :: refine

The words and promises of The Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over. ~ Psalm 12:6, AMP

I am currently on a journey to nowhere, and I can't say that I have been praying earnestly, in fact, I didn't.

But God, our ever faithful Daddy God, so loving, so patience and so faithful, my everlasting Father in heaven. He just won't let me live a life this way, and I am constantly being reminded by friends, and the Holy Spirit, to go back to His words.

The flesh are weak, but the Spirit are alive, and I am making my way back to God's words. I started my daily devotion reading, listening to Pastor Prince's sermon on my iPhone 6, praise & worship songs and musics.

I am not trying to be holy again, I am trying to be happy again, and only Him can bring true happiness to me. This, I am truly thankful for. Hallelujah!

Elf's: Final Decision?

It's been so long, I have not penned down any thoughts, even posted any picture here, like I have shut myself off...

I was busy, so busy with works and overtimes for extra income. I had made my life as if it all about the money only. I fell sick a few times in November, I got depressed, and demotivated to go to work. I am home sick, miss mom and Sannie at home, Laney, Mandee and baby Nana at Southend, and dad, in heaven.

Getting emotional, yes, for sure, especially in festive season. More than 10 times I haven thinking when should I tender and go back for good again. But, will I get to do things that will make me happy? Or will it be the same again? Will I miss Singapore again this time after I leave? Honestly, I think this time, I am ready to leave this little red dot.

I think, I have missed out too many things ever since I started to work abroad, since 2006. Missed the time to spent with my dad before he went home to heaven, that's about 10 years or time. This year, since I came back, I missed time for grandma, and I didn't even get to visit her in July when I came back from London. I took things for granted, and she left us in September when I am not prepared at all. I missed the moment of Sannie's first born, missed the full moon celebration, gonna missed the 100 days celebrations too on 01 January 2017. And many more things that I have and going to miss... Next year, will be my first time not able to celebrate Chinese New Year eve and first day of Chinese New Year at home, all thanks to this job.

I don't know how some of the people can work like 15 years in a call center, to me, 1 year is more than enough. The pay is not too big if you don't work for overtime. But you gotta sacrifice your off and rest day to work, and that, will in conjunction of sacrificing your health for body and soul. I truly believe that we are made by God to learn to rest in Him, but the busyness and stress I got from my job has totally robbed me of my rest and peace. It even draw me further from God, I don't attend church, because I am scheduled to work on Sunday, and because I am too lazy and tired to wake up early for church then go to work in the afternoon.

All these are so wrong! The reason why I am so eagerly and keen to come back to Singapore is because I miss my church life in ncc. But ever since I started my shift work, everything just changed. I felt so stressed when being asked by fellow ministries servers and leaders, when will I be back to serve. I love to, to be honest, but I just can't.

And so, I brought up my feeling and thoughts to Laney, Sannie and mom, that I am gonna resign, probably next year after Chinese New Year, and go home for good. Thank God, that they are very understanding and supportive for my decision. If everything goes smooth, I should be tendering in February.

And Lord, I pray, that You open the door to the path that You have prepared for me, and closed those that are not meant for me. Amen.

Elf's: Blessed Birthday Pastor Prince

Managed to attend 3rd service today at ncc and didn't expect that Pastor Price will be the preacher today as today is his '35th' birthday and I was told that he will be off on this Sunday. But God is good, I got Pastor Prince's preaching, teaching and blessings on his birthday, how privileged, precious and wonderful! Praise the Lord! 

May our good Lord blesses Pastor Prince more and more as he grows younger and younger in Him. Amen!

Today's sermon was about faith, and thank you Pastor Prince for the preaching and teaching today as it reminds me on something I thought I know but yet, I have almost forgotten about it. PREACH IT PASTOR! 

Song: Hillsong - Love On The Line

Sang this song today at church, led by my fav worship leader - Adeline G.

Blessed by the song so much that I must share it here.

Here's the words of the song:

You put Your love on the line

To bear the weight of sin that was mine

Washing my river of wrongs

Into the sea of Your infinite love

With arms held high

Lord I give my life

Knowing I'm found in Christ

In Your love forever

With all I am

In Your grace I stand

The greatest of all romance

Love of God my Saviour

Mercy roars like hurricane winds

Furious love laid waste to my sin

With arms held high

Lord I give my life

Knowing I'm found in Christ

In Your love forever

With all I am

In Your grace I stand

The greatest of all romance

Love of God my Saviour

To the One who has rescued my soul

To the One who welcomed me home

To the One who is Saviour of all

I sing forever

It's a great reminder that was being sang and preached in church today, for me. 

It's not about me, but Christ who died for me. It's His love for me that I am who I am now. 

Who I am? I am the beloved of my Lord Jesus Christ. I am the disciple whom Jesus loves. 

I love, because He first loved me. 

Thank You Lord, for everything. Amen. 

1 John 4:19

Song: Love Magnificent (New Creation Worship)

Update:

Here's the video taken during last year's Christmas service, beautifully sang by Jermaine, and the worship team. I have updated the Korean lyrics as church has posted the Korean translation on YouTube as well. Enjoy and be blessed!

There is a new song released by NCC for this Christmas, Love Magnificent, presented by Jermaine Leong, champion for The Final 1 2015 Singapore, written by the anointed beautiful sister Karen Lim.

Love Magnificent

A million stars illuminate the skies

As shepherds watched their flock of sheep by night

Bethlehem of old, a prophecy foretold

There God’s incarnate Word took on flesh

A multitude of heavenly host praised God of heaven and earth

For unto us is born, the Saviour of the world

Love, magnificent love

Jesus, You came, You dwelled with us

Everlasting God and King

Yet You gave Your everything 

No other worthy of outstanding praise

Love, magnificent love

Jesus, You said, peace be on earth

Star of hope and majesty

Yet You came to set me free

I love because You first loved me

Darkness fell across the barren plain

As heaven watched, the Son gave up His strength

The innocent became, the Lamb who took my shame

No greater love than this for you and me

Love, magnificent love

Jesus, You came, You dwelled with us

Everlasting God, mighty King

Yet You gave Your everything

No other worthy of outstanding praise

Love, magnificent love

Jesus, You said, peace be on earth

Star of hope and majesty

Yet You came to set me free

I love because You first loved me

I love because You first loved me

마른땅 어둠에 가리고
(Darkness fell across the barren plain)
주의아들 그힘을 버리사
(As heaven watched, the Son gave up His strength)
희생양되신 무고한 주예수
(The innocent became, the Lamb who took my shame)
어찌 이런 사랑 있으리오
(No greater love than this for you and me)

주여 당신의 광대한 사랑의 깊이, 넓이
(Lord, lead me to realise the depth, width)
높이와 그 크기를 깨닫게 하소서 
(Height and greatness of Your magnificent love)
당신의 사랑으로 저의 마음을 가득히 채워주소서 
(Fill my heart with Your love, O Lord)

사랑 광대한 주 사랑
(Love, magnificent love)
예수오셔 함께 하사
(Jesus, You came, You dwelled with us)
영원하신 하나님 나위해 희생했네
(Everlasting God and King, yet You gave Your everything)
우리의 찬양 받으소서
(No other worthy of outstanding praise)
사랑 광대한 주 사랑
(Love, magnificent love)
이땅위에 평화주사
(Jesus, You said, peace be on earth)
장엄한 희망의 빛 자유주신 하나님
(Star of hope and majesty, yet You came to set me free)
나를 처음 사랑하신 주
(I love because You first loved me)

I love because You first loved me

© 2015 New Creation Worship

CCLI: 7051831

It's shared as a gift by New Creation Church, click on this link to download, it's valid until Thursday, 31 December 2015

Elf's: My150602

My 34th birthday... Bengie said I look like 27th, I can only praise God for renewing my youth and to be ageless and never grow old, but grow wiser and stronger in Him! Amen!

Received many wishes from FB, WA, SMS, from so many closed and not so-closed friends as well.

A birthday song was sang in the office before we started our training, it was so nice, I thought I won't be enjoying it, but in the end, I like it. Thank You Jesus!

Fatin gave me 2 nutella as my birthday gift, so sweet and nice of her, Adel gave me a pandan cake, coz she never prepare any gift for me, actually, I don't really need any birthday present, I literally have everything that I need, the thought is more than enough, really.

At night, mom cooked spaghetti, Sannie called Domino's pizza and PuiYee bought me a birthday cake for a small celebration at home, with only family member, my bff, called and wanted to bring me out for a piece of cake as a form of celebration, but I rejected as I need to study for tomorrow assessment. Then, I thought of inviting her to my place for the small celebration together, since she is closed to my family too.

It was a very warmth night, celebrating my 34th birthday, with mom, sis, cousin, ZJ & bff - Kaili! Thanks for all the effort you all made for me, I appreciate all of them and love all of you very much!

Thank You Jesus, for family and friends! Hallelujah!

Elf's: Birthday eve...

Honestly, I don't feel like celebrating my birthday this year, not really in the celebrating mood, mostly because of dad...

I am still feeling sad on losing my dad, but every time when I am down, the Holy Spirit reminded me that dad is at a better place now, he is with Jesus now in heaven, no other place is better than where he is now.

Thank You Lord, for loving me so much, as well as my family members.

I shall, be looking forward for the celebration tomorrow at home... as well as the gathering on coming Friday with my beloved jimuis...

TDM: Day 3

Today, we learnt really a lot.. overload with job knowledge, literally...

The different tiers of KF & PPS program, the qualification, benefits and privileges...

But, I am excited to learn more.. and I thank God for the wisdom He gave me and make me a quick and fast learner. I asked 2 questions today, which is something I don't usually do. Haha!

Lord, thank You for surrounding me with this bunch of fun people, as well as the super patient and soft-spoken trainers.

We were instructed to submit 5 names as our call name to for TDS to check on the availability and we will use the name as our call name when we are on the call floor. I have submitted the below:

1. Evelyn
2. Zoé 
3. Lay Fun
4. Eve
5. Charis

My original choice for the 5th one was Evelyn Zoé, but Hani said that it's too long, so, I decided to change it to Charis, which means Grace in greek. Cool, right? Hopefully Zoé is still available, coz I doubt that Evelyn will be available call name for me. If Zoé is not available, then I hope Charis is. :) 

Elf's: Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

It truly must be God, my Abba, my Daddy God.

This verse popped up to me at least 3 times last night after I posted my blog.

On today's meditation, pastor also reminded this verse as well...

"How can you let your heart not be troubled nor afraid? By receiving a fresh dose of perfect peace directly from the Prince of Peace today. Turn your cares into prayers, knowing that the Lord of peace Himself is in you, with you and for you. His robust peace will bring you safely through every storm!"

How loved I am by You, my Lord! And in today's meditation email, the verse that pastor shared is

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. - 2 Thessalonians 3:16"

This is the solution that I am looking for, the Lord of peace - Jesus, my Prince of Peace.

Elf's: One more week to go...

Yes, time flies... and my training for the new job will be starting in less than a week now.

Am pretty excited and yet anxious... have not been working for about 3 months now, and to think of the big group of new colleagues, the trainer as well as the upper level in-charge.... Phew~! 

I was once again be reminded of the Bible verse below: 

“Let not your heart be troubled... John 14:1(a)"

Thank You Lord for such reminder... If God is for me, who can be against me? Whom shall I fear? Reminds me of Chris Tomlin's song as well. Haha! Lord, You are soooo amazing! 

I shall be at rest, not be troubled. In Jesus' name. Amen! 

Friends: Sunday 17 May 2015

Met up with Crystal at Traders Hotel on Sunday as per our earlier arrangement thru whatsapp.

She is here for a business conference, and so nice of her to remember me and asked for a meet up. Thank you dear for your time and also the shortbread cookies.

It is my first time going to Traders Hotel, and we went up to the SkyBar at level 33 for our brunch.

I have heard about this SkyBar for more than a decade, but have never have a chance to go up there, and today, I managed to go up and spent a few hours there with someone precious. 

I thank God for such precious moment I got to spend with a lovely sister. We were there for about 3 hours, and were chit-chatting continuously, non-stop. So many things to catch up with, especially for church and the Singapore Fashion Week that many of the worship team attended the night before. And I realised that we both do have a lot of similarity.

Crystal, a precious sister I knew when I first joined the choir family. That was in 2012. But I barely knew her, because she is the leader for week 1 & 3, and I usually don't like to get close to leader. But, she often gets my attention by her sweet voice, and her patient and gentleness when she spoke to the choir, be it openly or privately, I really admire her character, and her talent in singing, as well as baking. And throughout the years, she has been promoted as the leader for the choir family. I thank God that He appointed such a lovely and faithful person to look after the psalmists of His house.

Although I am no longer serving together in the choir family, my heart is always with the choir and I hope to be able to serve with all of you again in the future.

I declare that God's blessings are upon us, and He will lead us in every situation as long as we let Him take care of us. Thank You Jesus for always placing good and nice people around me, to remind me that I am loved by them and I am especially loved by You. Hallelujah!

Family: Blessed Mother's Day 2015!

These carnations are given by the sales person from Eu Yan Sang, when we were there yesterday to shop for some products for my sister and our family, beautiful hot pink carnations, and I believe, mom likes them.'

We had a private celebration with mom and aunt Kim on last Sunday, at Mama's Korean. This Sunday, we had another 2 celebrations, lunch and dinner. 

Sannie and I brought mom to the Work 31 Shop Cafe located at Metro Perdana for lunch. It's a nice cafe with some delicious foods as well as a good cuppa coffee. We had ordered a photobook for mom as a gift, and we handed it to her while we were waiting for our foods and drinks. Mom loves the photobook. 

Our family culture is to have a dinner with grandma and all other direct relatives, so, we had 2 tables booked at Guan Kee restaurant. The food was normal except the curry prawn, it was very delicious. However, their service was very bad. Not sure if I will dine at this restaurant again, unless at my grandma's request. 

This is the first mother's day I spent in KL since 2007. Looking at all my relatives, my family members, I knew I have missed out so much since 2007. And this is also the first Mother's Day we celebrate without my dad... Daddy, we miss you, I miss you so much! 

Nanako also posted a pic on FB, a pic I shared a year ago, when I celebrated Mother's day with her last year. I dated her for dinner at JPM during her dinner break, she was still working at FP during that time. I guess, she misses me a lot! Haha!

But God is so good and faithful. He is restoring all the lost time for me and my family. His hands are definitely in my story, in my life. Thank You Lord! Felt so loved by You, always! 

Songs: 上帝早已預備 (Touch Mi Live Version) [Official] [官方]

很棒的舞台，很玄的妆容，很美的合音，很真的演唱！所有的荣耀归于主耶稣一人！

上帝早已預備

作曲：陸偉峰/Phat@24 Herbs

填詞：陸偉峰

就算我可得到世間的財寶

但你卻說要我知道 是永生的道路

是我在罪人時你賜我中保

就算我可得到今生的自豪

但你卻說要我知道

別為因此而煩惱 在絕望裡投訴

只要仰望主哪怕會迷路 

上帝早已預備 我不相信運氣

即使風光明媚 但卻不是你預期

上帝早已預備 至少我不被遺棄

難得你為我死

就算我可得到今生的自豪

但你卻說要我知道

別為因此而煩惱 在絕望裡投訴

只要仰望主哪怕會迷路 

上帝早已預備 我不相信運氣
即使風光明媚 但卻不是你預期

上帝早已預備 至少我不被遺棄

難得你為我死

感謝你 你會為我打氣

感謝你 從谷底將我救起

感謝你 縱使失去我的真理

但我沒有忘記

上帝早已預備 我不相信運氣

即使風光明媚 但卻不是你預期

上帝早已預備 只少我不被遺棄

難得你為我死 

難得你為我死

Elf's: Life...

Have not pen down what's happening around me for quite some time...

I have been thinking a lot... many thoughts are running on my mind, not just recently, but always...

Maybe I should record down my life after returned to KL for more than a month now.

Family:
Trying my very best to adapt the lifestyle my sis and mom are living, it's not as easy. Perhaps, I have been too used to living by myself. Although I was staying with aunt for the past 10 years in SG, but, I was mostly on my own, and I don't need to mingle with them, if I don't want to. But now, with my very closest one, my mom and sis, I simply can't live like that anymore, they won't let me too, if I want... Lol~! Our vacation to Thailand had been fun yet challenging for me... Thank God that all is well!

Work:
I have turned down the offer from Sonata, because of some unreasonable terms and conditions stated in their letter offer to me. Since then, I have started to look for other jobs again from Jobstreet. There were 2 agencies and one company HR called me up ONLY. (looks like it's not easy to get a job, and sometimes I wondered if I made the wrong decision to reject the first offer that I got.) Anyway, there were 2 interviews arranged, I only made it for the very first one, with Teledirect, as a CS for SIA KrisFlyer program. Went for the second interview too 3 days after the first interview, went through different tests, such like English grammar test, essay, problem solving, typing speed, listening test, role play... And I finally got the job offer on last Friday, about 3 weeks after the interviews as well as call reference to my ex supervisor. Phew~~! It's something new to me, shift work, big team, big organization, and 2-3 months of training before starting the job. New life, new beginning! Praise Jesus!

Church:
I have not attend to any of the local church service thus far... Not sure which one I should go, I miss nccsg! Miss my fellow ministries' servers, miss the venue, miss Pastor Prince... Can I still get a New Creation Church in KL? Guide me, Lord...

Friends:
So far, been meeting up with CY and SY quite often... met KL, YT & CY for once only. MY was too busy tied up by her balloon business, hence, can't meet up with us for dinner on the other night, but it's okay, we shall meet up again. Other than them, I have not been meeting up with anyone in KL.

I made a trip to SG last week with CY and SY, to take my remaining belongings back to KL, with CY driving. Met up with CN, on Saturday night for dinner, then JD & PS on Sunday morning to attend church service together, most of the WWJD team for lunch, AT, NL, QH, JL & JO for coffee at Jamaica Blue, and last but not least, dinner with RT at Brotziet. It was a fruitful trip for me, to be able to attend church at nccsg again, and to meet up so many of friends that are close to me. Thank You Jesus, for delighting me with the desire of my heart.

Was not able to meet up JR, as he was busy with work, that's the only regret for that trip.

Overall, it's just the beginning of my stay in KL, I should not be making any conclusions yet. And I believe I should do my best, live my best, enjoy my moment here with my beloved family members, and God will continue to direct my step to the life He has prepared for me. Amen!

Songs: New Creation Worship | Sweeter Than Wine

Update:

Here's the video of this beautiful song. Enjoy and be blessed!

Yeap... I got my blog tittle from this song, very anointed song written by the worship team of New Creation Church. We sang it for last night midweek service - P&W session. Such a refresher for me...

Sweeter Than Wine

Copyright 2011 New Creation Church Singapore

Before the earth's creation

You knew me as I was

And even then You chose me to be Yours

I am captivated

By Your ending love

Lord, my heart's surrendered to Your grace

And I can't help

But to lift my voice and say

Your love is better than life

Sweeter than wine

It's more than I can ever imagine

You love is all that I need

So Lord I receive

Your loving kindness and grace for me

Lord I am Your treasure

The apple of Your eye

Forever I am precious in Your sight

Never will You leave me

I'm safe and secure

Forever in Your arms I will abide

And I can't help

But to lift my voice and say

Your love is better than life

Sweeter than wine

It's more than I can ever imagine

You love is all that I need

So Lord I receive

Your loving kindness and grace for me

Dad: Day 22

Update.

Called home after serving for the whole day at church, about 8.30pm.

Sis told me that dad is back at home. He doesn't like to stay there and has been making noise and even cried to be home.

Mom sounds very frustrated when we talked on the phone, and made me felt frustrated too.

I have told them that I will be going home on Monday and back to Sg on Wednesday, to see dad's condition, however, all of them think that I should arrange to go back during weekend.

Today, the whole 15@Star prayed for my dad during the debrief session, and the leaders had got Pastor Ronald to come and pray for me and my dad specifically too.

3 of our team members has blessed me with love offering, I shall not review their name as I think it is a bit sensitive, but I am very thankful to have them, it's the thought that counts. And knowing that I am so loved by them, helps me to be stronger in this hard time.

Alvin also had personally speak to me and encouraged me in all the ways.

Thank You Lord Jesus for my RSM family, may they be richly blessed back for what they have blessed me and my family with. Thank You Lord for loving so much! Hallelujah!

As Jesus is, so is my dad in this world. By His stripes, my dad is healed! Amen! Amen!