Sunday, March 3, 2013

Thanksgiving

March 2013 is here. Time really waits for no one. I deliberately refused to make any concrete plans for 2013 having gone through the episodes last year, fully aware God will. Indeed, He is really amazing. After the Christmas events, the Paradise Kingdom Team has been receiveing more invites from churches.


Furthermore, the Make Over Inc (Ms Brenda Goh) through Ms Agnes Tay, AT Marketing Consultancy gave the whole team a new look on January 25. The pictures were really gorgeous. Not only that, Ms Carol Chiam arranged Ms Xia Hui as the vocal coach for Tan Lily and myself. Although only had two lessons, I found myself singing with more conviction and confidence as I employ the techniques consciously.


On 28 February, we were invited by the  Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for food tasting session at the new dining concept—restaurant at  Ngee Ann City ( BeanStro by the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf). The delicacies were unique both in their presentation and tastes. Check it out here.

I rejoice that the Paradise Kingdom Team is increasing in numbers so we could travel more places to share the Good News with the lost. Our next two engagements will be happening on the Good Friday cum Easter weekend in Johore Bahru and Singapore. Do see our Facebook page for details and come join us!


As I mentioned earlier that I had not made any plans for 2013 but God opened up an opportunity to partner Whizheartz, a four-year-old SME founded by Nick Sim and his friends. We had a few meetings with potential clients and trainers. We are in the midst of drafting proposals to conduct training/motivation programmes be it onn short or long term contracts. Nick, Jeremy and myself will hold weekly meetings via Skype to monitor progress and outcomes. Should you or your organisation wants to organise such events of motivation with the difference, feel free to contact us.
 

Thank God that after taking nearly one year of the Fit Solution, my health is improving. I recorded in December 2012 that no new growth had been found but the good news is that I feel that I am losing the excess baggage in a positive manner with a significant improvement in my thalassemic condition. I no longer suffer from breathlessness when climbing the overhead bridge and going on brisk walks. I managed to introduce to Ing Ing and her sister, Ben, Lily and Dorothy. Hopefully, they would also see and feel the improvement in their health overall. If God willing, I hope He will open a door for this to be an income stream for me.


January and February saw two first. In the past eight years, I had no inclination and urge to send a Chinese new year hamper to Doc Tham. However, a voice kept prompting, “you must send him a hamper, regardless the amount”. Obeying, diligently did my research and “da!!!” called Bevien. The company she is working for carried the hamper I was thinking for which was within my budget. I called Sister Nina, his assistant to enquire after something and she told me the hamper was very beautiful.


The second first: I ordered some Chinese new ear goodies from Ean with the intention to consume them. However, God spoke and I cheerfully gave them to Monica who told me they tasted delicious. Thank God my obedience reaped positive results. Monica surprised me when she gave me a new iPhone cover on 6 February when we met in ex as she said mine was wearing off. It felt so cool with youths telling me it looks funky and nice. I also took the opportunity to have dinner with Tommy and Tilda who met us there. Thank you.


Nick gave me the opportunity to attend the Family Constellations held from31 January to 3 February via a kind sponsorship from Jonathan. It was an interesting as it models the “Encounter weekends” without involving spiritual elements. I really learnt a lot about myself and my mindset. Slowly, but surely I am becoming more positive and energetic. I also treasured the opportunities of making new friends and acquaintances. 


I also met up with Alvin, Seretta (the second guide dog handler), Sherrie and Ying at Swensons in Parkway Parade on 30 January. We had almost three hours of catch-ups, a rare opportunity. On the same day, Claudia and I met at the AMK Hub where she blessed me with two sets of clothes for the Lunar new year. It was kind of surprise as I wasn’t expecting it.


I initiated a meet-up with MayXiang Jie on 4 February at the new Rediffusion office. Although the renovation was ongoing, the environment felt cosy. It was a good catch-up time. Nowadays, we communicate via Facebook very often.


Eileen, Annie and I had a wonderful lunch at Tamiko Tokyo at the Keppel Bay. Its environment was very inviting with man-made nature surrounding its exterior. Both of them caught great shots which I wish I could post them here. The dish we ordered was excellent both appealing to the eyes and appetising to the mouth and tummy. A company had their "lo Hei" there. We were caught up in their celebratory atmosphere  too. They must be celebrating Lunar new year lunch. We wished Agnes could join us. Perhaps, the next time.


On 8 February, I finally met up with Rui Lan. I said "finally" because we had lost touch for more than 20 years. Thanks to Colin from Ocean Butterflies because her son, Elton was one of the finalist of the V Singers. They had a show in the Scape and Rui Lan wanted me to come along. Although Elton was only 15 years old, his singing was powerful. Jiayou Elton, you can go very far. Glad I went for I received a surprised from Colin--the six cds which my mom accidentally discarded on 8 September 2004. Praise God, I now have a brand new set. Although Colin was surprised at my appearance, he presented me and my photo albums which he kept for almost two years.


 In January, Weng Yew conveyed that we were asked to volunteer to shoot a promo trailer for FCBS. Betsy, Joanna, Zechariah, Denise, Mirabel, MeiYunn, Weng Yew and myself volunteered on February 5. With Sharil as the director, we had a wonderful evening in which Pastors Tai Tong and Kang Ying were present throughout, supervising the whole procedure. When the trailer was aired last weekend, it turned out to be hilarious and hearty laughters rung throughout the auditoriums of Touch Centre and Touch Community Theatre. My prayer is that God would send more people to give off 2-4 months of their time this year to equipped themselves in His Word.


Work at Dialogue in the Dark went on as usual, with badge eight of interns to begin their internship tomorrow. The student interns so far have been a fun group, learning to work with us and vice versa.


Since October last year, After Mr Carl Lim of ZaoBao wrote an article, I have been getting invites for media coverage. The last article carried in the Zaobao on February 17 sparked another media showcase—"Secret in the Hood"—a new programme of Channel U.


Sherelene called Sing Yee the Ops Manager and the producer would visit DiD next Saturdayy. She also have the intention to attend the event of the Paradise Kingdom on 30 March.


On 13 January, I was invited by Nick, going on his evening programme at In988.com. It was a quiet evening and really enjoyed the casual chat session.


O yes! How could I forget the Lunar New Year which fell on 10 February this year. It was a quiet affair for me, apart from the first day in which relatives gathered at my home. All of us went to my sister's on the third day. It ended on a high note with relatives coming on the 14th day in commemoration of my late grandma's 30 death anniversary.


In the home front, we have engaged the service of an Indonesian FDW since January 8 and she is coping well so far. Apart from the language miscommunication at times, she is doing well. Hope she will stay on. This is all for this round. More to come as the year progresses.