WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE OX

In 3 days, the chinese will usher in the year of the ox. Can't imagine we just usher in 2009 and the first month of 2009 is going to end in a week or so. I hope this year can be a better year for all as according to the chinese ox is to represent strength and energy.

Have received 2 hongbaos already and I hope this year can be a better year for me.

Happy new year.

GOOD BYE 2008 AND WELCOME 2009

2008 had been a year of ups and downs personally. I had to meet ends with savings from my past employment and a little freelancing did help to tie up some lose ends.

In June this year, we welcome our second litter of puppies to find them leaving us one by one by 20 August. It was very heart breaking, especially, when I spent a lot of money bringing them to the vet hoping they would beat the wits.

Employment came in October when I was offer a 6-month contract with IPP Financial Advisory Firm. I hope to prolong my contract and to find another job to save up for the Hillsong conference in Sydney in July.

All these years, my Bday has been going on unnoticed, except having small celebrations in my cell group. However, I had a surprise this year whereby, I enjoyed a Peranakan Lunch at the True Blue Cuisine (Peranakan Restaurant), joined my friend's cell group and went to a buddy's home where we had a fabulous celebration. Although food wasn't plentiful, we enjoyed being on Radio Melody teasing each other, including those who phoned in.

This Christmas will go down memory lane as one of the most unforgetable one. Since FCBC is part of the Love Singapore Network and this year, My Hope Singapore was a big project in Singapore, I went to 3 such events, kicking off with the Prayer Meeting on 5 December. Coincidentally, this could be my last time serving as a vocalist in the main services and support events. Next year may be a year of Sabbath for me, either a few months, only God knows.

Two touching moments were carolling at Tanglin Mall with the Special People Ministry. When I was asked to help in November, I was quite hesitant. However, When I obeyed, God was really faithfully and it was a resounding success. To God be the Glory!!!

Going forward, may 2009 bring us more cheers and much, much more for us to celebrate about.

Till 2009, God bless.

UPDATE

This blog is dedicated to my Lord and Gracious Saviour Jesus Christ. He is such a compassionate God that he provides my needs, for instance, to see me through a precarious crossing at Bukit Timah for my last assignment, (June-August 08) and now provide me with a job at IPP Financial Advisory firm. Every morning, He will send people to walk me from Tanjong Pagar MRT to Lippo Centre. Though better then the previous place, the traffic crossings do not have audible cues, thus, it's difficult for me to cross the road. However, He has never fail to provide passersby to help me safely to the office.

My bosses are Great Ladies and they know I am doing my best to sell the appointments for them. As the weeks progress, I am securing more appointments and praying alongside with them that the appointments will lead to future business.

So far, They have been quite happy working with me and I with him. We're getting to know one another and they are adapting to my style of working, knowing my condition.

21 Nov has been an exciting day, for my ex-boss and I met for lunch having not met for one year or so.

I went to collect a new album that has not been released into the market yet And Radio Melody has been the first station to play the songs and to interview NanSheng Gege. It has been exciting for he was quite ok, despite last minute notice.

I also sent one lyric to Ps John and Susan to fit a melody and hopefully, they can revert soon. I hope FCBC will get to sing it in future.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the provision. Please give me a heart of truth and a worshipful heart to glorify you Beautiful Name each and every day of my life.

Grant my heart's desire to love the people you love and not to judge them with one-sided opinion. All these I pray in the name of My Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

God's Blessings

Since my last assignment ended on 1 Aug, I was in search for a new assignment. Having gone several interviews and been told, 'Sorry, we can't take you cuz of your blindness' or 'our company does not have the facilities to cater to your needs and my IT personnel is reluctant to explore new venture for fear you may damage our computer/program', etc. To me, these were 'shit' excuses and I grew resentful towards Singapore employers.

Just as I was resorting to the fact of applying for social assistance scheme, Annie encouraged me to send my resume to two organisations, one of which was IPP (Investment, Protection and Planning) Financial advisers. I went for the interview without any expectations. To my surprise, I was accept upon the first interview and the flexible hours really comes as a surprise.

My bosses do not expect me to work 5 days a week. My work week starts from Wednesday to Friday and we are still fine tuning the working hours.

Truly, I was honest with God. I told Him my savings have depleted and I really was at wit's ends. He did not abandon me but provide me this employment opportunity.

My managers are Christians as well and understanding people. They know I have to overcome many obstacles and we would encourage each other every day that it will be better than the day before. Indeed, God is Good to us and today, I finally got the breakthrough and am able to fulfil my job.

Another exciting thing that happened was I once use to know Pan Ying but lost touch wwith her after her marriage. It had been more than 10 years. 3 saturdays ago, Pan Ying came to FCBC to share her testimony and to present some songs. There, we re-established contact again. We were very joyful meeting each other and is planning to meet one of these days to catch up.

Really God is Good. Just tell Him your feelings and He will certainly address your concerns. Praise The Lord!

On 15 october, I caught up with Nan Sheng, one of the pioneers in promoting Xinyao, (songs written by Singapore Youths) during the 80s. We lost touch for more than 10 years though in the 90s, he was the host for Good morning Singapore in Channel 8 from 7-9 am. He is now an evangelist and will be ordained as a Pastor soon. Really happy for him for God has given him a happy family and the Kingdom career.

Early last Saturday morning, my grandma passed on. She was 84 and my family was very busy with her last rights. It was concluded yesterday where her ashes was placed somewhere she had chosen some years back. This marks the end of one generation in our family tree. Though sad, we are happy for her for she ended her suffering on earth and hopefully, she is in a better place now.

A PATIENTLY WAITING ONE MONTH

Since my last post, I have been going in search for new assignments. Though sent many job applications and going for several interviews, no news yet. However, I guess, for employers to be willing to take persons with disabilities, embarking on a public education campaign is vital. I hope our government has the political will to do more to give more recognition to PWDs.

I sincerely hope the parelympians will receive equal treatment as their able-bodied counterparts. Since the government is willing to reward able-bodied sports men and women for their achievements, I hope they can do likewise for atheletes with disabilities who put in equal, if not more time and effort to be where they are today.

I hope by the next time I blog, I can celebrate something.

HAPPY-SAD TWO MONTHS

Since my last blog, lots of events have taken place. Firstly, I successfully completed my two months stint with aAdvantage Consulting Group. Though only managed to sell one seminar package, was glad that at least, someone bought the package.

3 pups arrived on 21 June which brought us short term joy. The last of them passed on this morning. Though sad, have to live with it for according to the vet, they die from something called the Fading Puppy Syndrome, which may occur from a viral or bacteria infection, which can be contracted either in the womb or due to secondary infection. This usually can infect the whole litter, which unfortunately, happened to our pups.

One interesting thing to note is that even criminating a little puppy can costs more than $200, very shocking indeed. Therefore, we've decided to dispose her by ourselves.

I was among the 12,998 participants of the Young NTUC contingent at the Padang for the National Day Celebrations. It was very breath-taking, hearing the plane fly pass to the Floating Platform at Marina Bay. The sights and smell of the fireworks also contributed to the excitement. We were using inflatables and round torches to form the Singapore Flag, which is the biggest human flag since the event became apart of the National Day Celebrations since 2006/7.

I'll show you the cute little pups here. Bye for now.

EXCITING JUNE/JULY

The month of May was a preparation for what is to happen in the coming two months. Not for a moment did I dreamed that a 2-months assignment would come my way. When the opportunity came, I actually recommended my friend for the post. Later did I know that another position has been made available due to unforseen circumstances. Though not my dream job or something I'd like to have a career in, I accepted the offer and is beginning to enjoy it.

Since leaving the insurance industry in 2004, I decided then that telemarketing job wouldn't be my future rice bowl. However, God's ways are higher than mine and His thoughts are higher than mine. I believe, He wants me to learn humility and to be appreciative of every opportunity given.

It's been two weeks and I'm still looking forward in making my first deal. Though the environment has changed a lot, I believe with all my heart, with God's blessings and guidance, a sale would eventually come my way.

Though Jun has not been in office since last Friday, we are adapting well to our new colleagues and I would say, I'm quite independent and would rely a lot on myself in doing most tasks.

The next time I blog again, it may be the beginning of the 2nd half of 2008. Really, time and tide waits for no man and we must learn to treasure every moment.

Something good is breeding at home. The second lot of puppies are about to be birthed and my family and I are waiting in anticipation. The Three girls are growing healthily and happily and it's always a joy knowing they will be at the door greeting me when I get home.

My hope for the second half of the year is to walk closer with God and to be able to work in the Public Relations field and establish a career from it.

My mom and auntie will be going for a short family camp and I'll get to manage my things by myself at home.I pray that they will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour and enjoy a life of Love with God.

Dear God, may you hear my cries and prayers and quickly bring to pass so I may support myself and bring glory to your name.

Please grant my request to serve in the main services on Sunday as a vocalist again for I wanna use my voice for your glory. Help me to pass the audition tomorrow and may I be promoted to be involved inthe MP team. In jesus Name I ask with ThanksGiving, amen.