Saturday, December 31, 2011

What is 2011 to me

Since I last blogged in May, Had not updated, or rather, had not been putting in writing my thoughts. As we are into the lasg few hours of 2012, I feel it necessary to document in brief the events of the past 7 months.

Healthwise, it has been good, although the fibroid hasn't subsided as I had hoped for and believed in my last post. Thank God that it has remain consistent although it has not shrunk. When I pressed an answer, God answer has been, "My child, My Grace is sufficient for you". I noted in May Dr Tham had recommended surgery but I wasn't ready then. However, when I told him I was ready for the surgery option during my last check in early December, He instructed me to wait. What an irony!

In september, I was inflicted with an eye infection which rendered me unable to work effectively for nearly 3 weeks. Glory to God that it went away after applying the appropriate eyedrops prescribed by Dr Mark Tay.

Resumed my swimming lessons again in August. Although this time I had to pay from my own pocket, I managed to master the Breast Stroke and am now learning the Free Style. Swimming has helped to maintain my weight and makes me more alert with more agility both in the mental and the physical.

God has a way to tell me He doesn't want me to sell the cornflakes cookies for the Christmas this year. The particular cornflakes had not shown up in shelves in Fairprice or any supermarts since April. It resurfaced again at Sheng Siong Supermarts and Mustafa again since last Monday. Wondering if God is granting me the permission to bake again for the Lunar New Year, falling on 23 Jan 2012, Hmmm!

My quest for a guide dog has not come to fruition in 2011. Hopefully, it will be materialised in 2012. However, the second guide dog, Esme made her presence into Singapore in early December. A sweet lady indeed.

Enjoying my stint with Lobangclub. There are more than 60,000 downloads and users in the community, uploading prices of more than 50,000 items sold in Singapore. Blogging will be the main focus although getting publicity in the various media platforms has become part of my job since early December. Hopefully Lobangclub's users will increase explosively soon, reaching the 200,000 soon. God, I pray you will link Guyi and team with the right investors and technical team in 2012; that the business will reap profits.

Although I don't know yet if my contract will continue after or what God has installed for me, I know He has the best for me with Professor Tommy Koh helping to find employment opportunities in 2012.

God, I pray that 2012 will be a fruitful year for us; that my family will receive You as their Lord ans Saviour; that my youngest brother will have a bright career and may You keep him in good health.

Thank you for sending Maritas to help with the household chores and to keep watch over my mum.

I also commit my quest for a guide dog into your hands; that Cheng Hock can help to find the match for Alvin and myself. I also entrust my career into your hands, that I will have a better pay package. Dialogue in the Dark will be visited by more people so the guides and trainers can earn better wages.

I thank You Father for reading listening and answering my prayer. Kindly bless our cell group that more people will joins us that we will bring the lost into your wonderful Kingdom. Blessed everyone in the cell with good health, finances to support our families and ourselves and to live for you. Bless the children that they will grow in wisdom and stature and find favour with yourself and and friends around them.

Cover our families with your precious blood and build a ring of fire around us to keep us from all danger and harm.

Last but not least, keep Lee Cheng safe as she travels in China and grant her your journey mercy. Blessed the family with the knowledge of yourself; that everyone in the family will receive you as their love and saviour. 2012 will be a year of rejoicing for our families.

Thank you Lord Jesus for answering our prayers blessing Liming, Rachel whose babies were delivered in November and December and blessing Siao Peng with a baby boy due in May 2012. Indeed, you're a God who blesses in your perfect and beautiful time.
In Jesus Name I pray, giving thanks, Amen.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Exciting 3 moonths

I left off in Feb stating that I'd be on an internship program with a company funded by MDA. 3 months had gone by so quickly and I'd say am enjoying my stint with Lobangclub.com. I had to adjust to the new style of management as it is the complete opposite from the top-down approach which singapore employers adopt. I manage the publicity aspect of the company via various social platforms like facebook, twitter, post a something every day, involved in forum discussions. I am also securing sponsorship for iPhone accessories for a pre-launch contest by the company happening in mid June. If you are interested to win these dream products, visit lobangclub.com for more details. Alternatively, you can like us at facebook.com/lobangclub.

Because I just started this job, my involvement at DiD has been cut back since April. I'll be resuming my duty on some days to have some fresh air, starting June.

Singapore saw its most keenly fought elections on 7 may, in which not only did the overall margin for the PAP has dropped, lost a GRC to the Workers Party. Hence, this parliamentary term sees the most number of opposition MPs in comparison previously. An irony did take place. Mr George Yeo, who lost the GRC was gracious in his defeat and was more well received by the layman. Overnight, his facebook page had grown to more than 80,000 fans. Others making headlines were PAP's Tin Pei Ling and NSP's Nicole Seah who contested in the Marine Parade ward. I managed to cast my ballot freely this time round, unlike in 2006, someone harrassed me after I casted my vote.

Guide Dog Association in Singapore had broken partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind in Oregon and had partnered Guide Dogs Victoria Australia for the importation of future guide dogs. Alvin and I were slated to be there in May but it has been differed to July. In early April, Justine from GDV came to assess us and informed us we are definitely ready to acquire guide dogs. The school informed us the intake in May was smaller, hence, couldn't cater to us. We're keeping fingers cross, hoping for better fortune in July.

I went for my follow-up check on 23 May. Dr Tham insisted I go for surgery to remove the fibroid that didn't seem to subside even after the treatment or even to remove the womb. I was not going to budge because I still believe, if God willing, I can be healed. Praise God! I received healing when I attended the Divine Healing and Health session organised by FCBC, Pastor Derek Hong from COOS was the speaker, pending affirmation through another scan by Dr Tham. Dropped an email to him, awaiting reply.

During the first night, A member of his team gave a word that a lady had a womb problem, the word 'fibroid' was also mentioned. I went forward and felt God's divine touch that very night.

On saturday morning, it was more affirming when a member of his ministry team also identified a pain in the lower left back and a fibroid in the womb too. I responded. When the sister released these words, "sister, God wants you to be fertile. I see the fibroid explode," when the word, "explode" was uttered, I felt something in my abdomen breakout within and the Lord says, "You are whole". I had started to share this healing experience with friends and hopes Dr Tham would accede my request for another scan.

What's mor amazing was on Sunday, I went for a sort of 'feasting" with Peck Lian and Alvin. We had durian at Alvin's house before proceeding to T3 at the Airport. Usually, I can't take more than 3-4 seeds. However, I ate more than 10 seeds and felt good. We went to Xin Wan for dinner and the Kopitiam for desserts. I felt very good. I ate some rice with some veggies later at home, still feeling good. I was not invaded by soft stools or diarrhoea-like symptoms when the fibroid was present in the womb. I am 110% sure that I am healed. I want to be God's instrument to bring life and health to those in need.

These were what took place between march and May. More interesting sharings to come soon.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Goodbye February 2011

Dear February,

You went by very quickly. However, you are 1 month that I would remember. You gave me the opportunity to rest because of the 5-day holiday break due to the Lunar new year. Hence, I was able to resume to work the subsequent week.

I was invited by YuZhen Jie to participate in a program broadcasted on 1/2/11, hosted by Violet FenYing at love972 on 1 Feb. It was an eye-opener for I discovered how in this new era, the world of programming has become more adaptable to the layman. Sound engineers and the back-end personnel are not required to stand-by in the studio to salvage situations.

Though DiD wasn't too busy in comparison with January, I thoroughly enjoyed my duties, receiving children, teens and adults alike. I achieved my objective of imparting some form of understanding and help changed perceptions of the masses regarding persons with visual impairment.

The sales of cookies had slowed down a lot because the main ingredient went out of stock islandwide. Hence, I wasn't proactive in soliciting orders. I am still trying to fulfil outstanding orders.

For me, the Lunar new year gave me the opportunity to catch up with relatives and friends. A little episode to record. I had a 5-day relationship, which gave me a little reprieve. Though saddened that it had to ended abruptly, thank God that He did not allow it to drag or the heartbreak would be more painful.

One positive news though: i'll be starting a 1-year stint with lobangclub.com with funding for my salary from MDA. Itt brings me excitement for I am back to the PR job again, a job I used to enjoy tremendously while I was with Aljunied Town Council. Though the new media has evolved, the opportunities to acquire new skills is abundant and really interests and excites me a lot.

With Colette's help, I attended a 1-day course with the renowned author Felix Cheong on 18 February on freelancing as a full-time writer. I gathered much knowledge and hope to apply them in my new employment. Wish me every success.

The earthquake in Christ Church in NZ has been on my mind since the past week. Kindly pray for those affected that they can find sleep and find strength in God to move on in life. Through this, I know Grace. May God bless her and console her and friends too.

Monday, January 31, 2011

First Month of 2011 is Finished

When I wrote my final post for 2010, I didn't imagine January 2011 could just run by us so fast. I recalled sending greetings to friends wishing them a fabulous 2011.

This month, I have been infected with the flu bug since Jan 17. Gone to the Doc 4 times, including today. I couldn't fulfil my duty at DiD since last Tuesday and realised the flu bug has been circulating in the Premises of DiD as several of my colleagues and student interns also took turns to fall sick.

Despite taking the flu jab in June, never I could be so affected that I became non-functional.

In DiD, January happened to be an exciting month. In the first week, we incorporated half tours into full tours for students visiting NP for the 3-day open house from 6-8. We also held 2 workshops for MCYS and some staff from MinDef also came to visit us 2 Fridays' ago. Though someone caught bringing in a camera but denied he had a lighter on him.

DiD also had a few firsts for this year, for instance, some of us were engaged as musicians on some shifts, hot beverages had been nade available for visitors to purchase, duets in the dark and FC connect in the dark. As the year progresses, I believe more programs would be in place.

As for myself, My mother had been helpful in meeting orders for the cookies for the Lunar New Year season. Due to the overwhelming demand, I had to decline some orders, while others would receive theirs after this season.

Every comment, regardless good or bad have been welcomed so I can improve the quality of the cookies. Starting and maintaining a business is not easy. It's through God's strength, provision and blessings that I can soar like an eagle. Under His protection will be able to fly high and to allow Him to determine my dynasty.

Though owning a guide dog is still an uncertainty, I am hopeful that come March-May, if GOd willing, I'll be a proud owner of a guide dog.

Now, time to whisper a prayer and await the arrival of February. Happy Lunar New Year of the rabbit.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Reflection

So fast, we will be saying good-bye to 2010 in a little more than 3 hours. On 1 Jan, I was looking forward to a year to be filled with excitements. Well, these have all been accomplished. Many great experiences and some not so good ones.

The first six months of 2010 went by quite quickly without any incidences. Life was a brisk, working in DiD, knowing I would be travelling to Sydney in the 1st week of July for the Hillsongs conference.

Indeed, Had learnt and gathered much during the conference, especially on how to exercise my Faith and to reap the harvest; that the heartbeat of God is that none should perish, the mission of our Lord and Saviour when He sacrificed himself on the cross more than 2000 years ago. During the conference, a sister from the US gave me a word that God has given me all authority that I will thrive from then on and not having to strive.

I was charged up, ready to carry out His Mission for me in my life.

I never once imagined that God should put me to the test upon my return. Six days later, I was discovered to be very anaemic. It was discovered by my company's physician. My Haemoglobin level had dropped to 6, which rendered me to be non-functional. He insisted that I be transfused blood immediately. I needed a second opinion and he, taking my instruction referred me back to Dr Tham which saw me about 5 weeks earlier.

When Dr Tham saw me, he put his foot down, referring bme to be admitted to KKH for immediate blood transfusion and for other tests to be conducted. The service I received at KKH was so substandard that I had to approach the feedback quality unit to get what I needed in order that Dr Tham could prescribe the appropriate treatment. Though long and tedious, thank God for the Faith and perseverance to go through. I had 4 doses of the GNRH Analogs which helped raise my haemoglobin to 13.2 in November. Technically, the medication should have completed its work. However, I am still getting the sight effects of the medication. Hopefully, it will ware itself out very quickly in 2011.

Apart from this, after 16 days of MC, I returned to DiD to work on the first week of August. Hwee Lei, Glen, Jacob and Yin Teng were very encouraging helping me to cope. Glen and Hwee Ley even visited me while I was in hospital. Glen's Mother also gave me good advice to cope with the blood transfusion while it was going on.

Though this seemed bad, God, through Nancy taught me baking to help me cope with the added expenses accompanying the treatment. Praise God. Since I started baking the cornflakes cookies responses have been overwhelming. With financial assistance from Mona, Jimmy, Jun, Patricia and Nancy, I have been blessed. My cell group, under the leadership of Hong Yi has been a great help too.

Thank God also that through this venture, my mom felt that she is more alert and useful. She enjoys baking the cookies. She also confesses that Jesus is the Greatest. I pray God that she will personally confess you as her Lord and Saviour publicly. Glory be to God. She has been eager to go grocery shopping with me since then. I have started baking easy fruit cake since Christmas day, a recipe Nancy through Jean had taught me. Through Pamela's connection, I shall be writing to Lyn Lee of Awfully Chocolate to learn from her. Hopefully, a good outcome can be reaped.

I have known Zhan YuZhen a MediaCorp producer since 2006 but our phone calls had always been short and sweet. Upon learning of my situation, she posted the pics on her Facebook. A journalist from XinMing Daily saw her post. he wrote an article which was carried on 1 oct. Upon its publication, my mind was completely blown off. I was awed by the number of responses of people ordering the cookies. They range from school students to professionals. Glory be to God. He is a God of all possibilities. They have become my friends and we have been in touch since. YuZhen Jie also sponsored a product from Fit Solution for 1 month which help me alleviate the sight effects of the treatment. I also stumbled upon the green bean drink which also helps to alleviate the sight effects.

On 21 Dec, 2 canes broke in one day. Thank God for Dennis who came to my rescue on Wednesday. My quest for a guide dog is still ongoing. With the departure of Jamie, Dennis came and has been helping me since. Hopefully by May 2011, my dream of having a guide dog can become a reality.

My Youngest brother has been a sore thumb since then. With the leaving of 2010, I pray God that he can be more responsible for himself, that he learns to manage his finances and to be more prudent in making friends. Heavenly Father, I pray that he would be able to find a good career and not to squander his time and resources in things useless; that he would return to your arms again and he be sealed and covered by the blood of Christ.

Mary left us in July and Irene has come to our family in September. I hope Irene would enjoy being with us for the duration God has destined her to be with us.

This has been an extraordinary year for me. I pray that 2011 will be filled with God's abundance and Victory, that I could reach out to others, to be an encouragement to others. Good-bye 2010 and Hello 2011.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Reflections For The Past 6 Months

It is nnearly 7 months since I last blogged. Not that I was too occupied with schedule, but, I wasn't diligent to do so and couldn't keep up with myself for this journal.

My full-time job is with DiD Singapore and involvement at Breezeto5 has cut down significantly as it is going through a revamp. I also took on the position as a sale rep with Scala some time in March, marketing slimming ware for ladies. My customers are mainly my friends, who wants to define the waistline.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Recollections and Reflections

Wow! Time and tide really waits for no man. Again, we're in the last hours of 2009. Actually, I should be in church celebrating 2009 and ushering 2010 with my spiritual family. However, the plan had to be altered cuz need to accompany my mother.

In the month of December, I thanked God that I could celebrate Christmas with 3 groups of friends, though one of which, cannot be classified as Christmas celebration.

Though I was down with flu from mid November, my commitment to the ID Service wasn't affected. Praise God for enabling me to hold firm to Him, hence, to be able to fulfil my duty and to glorify His Mighty Name with my Brothers and Sisters who are intellectually disabled.

The past year had indeed brought me many challenges in many fronts, firstly when the first set of managers could no longer pay my salary. It was made known to me in March. Almost instantaneously, God provided another person who took me according to the terms and conditions offered by the previous managers. the changing of jobs, switching to a new career path came about in mid July when I decided to leave telemarketing and to pursue a different journey. This job offered me a consultant's post, in which, I accepted as I could be in contact with more people, and at the same time, to try to start my own business. God alloted me some funds in which I was able to acquire a desktop pc at a very reasonable price. Praise His Great Name!!

In October, Dialogue-in-the-Dark Social Enterprise made it's entry into Singapore via Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I decided to join my friends and am currently enjoying myself serving in the capacity of a tour guide in this unique exhibition.

The trip to Hill Songs Conference had to be postponed to 2010 due to the H1N1 pandemic. At first, it was very disappointing. However, I always believe God makes everything beautiful in His time. Hence, I choose to believe it will come into fruition in 2010.

I joined a new cell group in April. It is not completely new, for most of my cell members were from the previous group.

There are many things to recall and reflect. However, I believe that 2010 will bring new breakthroughs and new things to look forward to.

Good-by 2009 and Welcome 2010. See you in 2010!