This is Eloise, my youngest niece. She's about 9 months old now. Cute eh??
This is my sister's graduation..back in Aug together with my parents.
Hehee..my picture updates!! =P
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Family
This is Felicia, my eldest niece! She's now 1yr old and 7 months old. So gorgeous ah... =))
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Sick
Hmm..it's been more than a month since i last wrote. Anyways, it doesnt really matter..i think, cause not a lot of people read my blog save a few people like Mimi, Sammy and darling. This is the 4th time since i moved into this apt that i received free wireless reception. So i thought, yeah..might as well post stg in here.
Please pray for me. I am not feeling well. Down with flu and slight fever. I've taken flu medicine and i'm surprise i'm still awake. Please also pray for Thomas cause he's also sick..he probably passed his flu to me!
Other than that, it's been a crazy and hectic semester. I'm still slowly getting into my schedule for this semester. I'm working in the library, Starbucks and babysitting Isaiah (son of a friend) On Sundays, we're involved in the youth ministry..so there's quite a lot on my plate.
Okay..i'm gonna stop here. Got lots more to do online..since i'm on! =)) heheee..peace out!
Please pray for me. I am not feeling well. Down with flu and slight fever. I've taken flu medicine and i'm surprise i'm still awake. Please also pray for Thomas cause he's also sick..he probably passed his flu to me!
Other than that, it's been a crazy and hectic semester. I'm still slowly getting into my schedule for this semester. I'm working in the library, Starbucks and babysitting Isaiah (son of a friend) On Sundays, we're involved in the youth ministry..so there's quite a lot on my plate.
Okay..i'm gonna stop here. Got lots more to do online..since i'm on! =)) heheee..peace out!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Heading 'home'
It's 2.20am right now. I've just finished watching "Brave Heart" with Aaron and Luke (Sarah's brothers) It's been sweet and sour for me today, knowing that i'm heading back to Dallas tomorrow morning. I have always wanted to watch this movie, but another reason why i watched it tonight even though it's so late already is because i want to spend time with the boys. I've grown to love them, as friends and as brothers. I know that i will miss them much, but i know that i will see them again.
This family: Mr. Brian, Ms Jan, Sarah, Aaron, Luke, Papa Jack and Mima has been such a blessing to me this past week. They have embraced and accepted me as one of their own. What a tremendous joy..on top of that, they have also loved Thomas even though they've never met! Aaron also bought a gift for Thomas with his own money..because i mentioned that Thomas shares the same interest as him but just never had the money to buy and keep 'them'. Aaron came to me tonight and passed me a gift for Thomas. It spoke volumes!! It meant that he has loved me as a sister..and has also loved and accepted Thomas as he accepted me. It was so sweet!!
I don't quite know how to say what i feel about this family. Each has blessed me MORE than words can say..really! I can't wait till i see them again..maybe during Thanksgiving or Christmas..someday..SOON!
This family: Mr. Brian, Ms Jan, Sarah, Aaron, Luke, Papa Jack and Mima has been such a blessing to me this past week. They have embraced and accepted me as one of their own. What a tremendous joy..on top of that, they have also loved Thomas even though they've never met! Aaron also bought a gift for Thomas with his own money..because i mentioned that Thomas shares the same interest as him but just never had the money to buy and keep 'them'. Aaron came to me tonight and passed me a gift for Thomas. It spoke volumes!! It meant that he has loved me as a sister..and has also loved and accepted Thomas as he accepted me. It was so sweet!!
I don't quite know how to say what i feel about this family. Each has blessed me MORE than words can say..really! I can't wait till i see them again..maybe during Thanksgiving or Christmas..someday..SOON!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Clayground
Today, we (Sarah, Ms Jan: Sarah's mum and myself) went to Clayground and painted ourselves coffee cups and platter. Basically, you choose whatever you want to paint ranging from cups, mugs, photo frames, platter, napkin holder, plates..etc. Then, you can pick whatever colour you like and start painting on your selection of clay products! You can either paint one, two or even three coats as long as each layer is dry before applying the next. One layer of paint will give a water-colour kinda effect while three layers of paint will be an opaque colour.
There's different kinds of brushes: fat, round, thin. There are also some stencils or stamps that you can choose from to help you draw the motives you want on the cup. The pencil marks will disappear when the cup is heated in the fire and glazed. I'm excited to see the final outcome of my first hand-painted cup! woohoo...
That's the highlight of my day today. Will stay over at Sarah's grandparents' house tomorrow..till then.. =)
There's different kinds of brushes: fat, round, thin. There are also some stencils or stamps that you can choose from to help you draw the motives you want on the cup. The pencil marks will disappear when the cup is heated in the fire and glazed. I'm excited to see the final outcome of my first hand-painted cup! woohoo...
That's the highlight of my day today. Will stay over at Sarah's grandparents' house tomorrow..till then.. =)
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Redeeming Love
I slept at 4am yesterday..and spent almost the whole of today reading the BEST novel i have ever read so far in my life-"Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. It's a novel based on the story in the bible about prophet Hosea and his prostitude wife. It tells of how the Father's love is for us as well..undying, unquenchable, unconditional love for us. He's always hoping, always trusting, always luring us to come away with Him..to be in a love relationship with Him. It's sooo beautiful. I cried more than a dozen times, it's too good a book to not read it! So yeah, i highly recommend this book!!
After finishing the book, it dawned upon me that my sniffling and sneezing is more constant than my usual nasal problem. I've also had sorethroat since yesterday! I think i'm falling sick. Luke-Sarah's brother noticed my 'flu' or watever you call it..and asked if i was okay. I voluntarily asked to have some medicine! Unbelievable..anyways, so i took this cold medicine..and i'm starting to be sleepy. so i better go and sleep now..
Nights..
After finishing the book, it dawned upon me that my sniffling and sneezing is more constant than my usual nasal problem. I've also had sorethroat since yesterday! I think i'm falling sick. Luke-Sarah's brother noticed my 'flu' or watever you call it..and asked if i was okay. I voluntarily asked to have some medicine! Unbelievable..anyways, so i took this cold medicine..and i'm starting to be sleepy. so i better go and sleep now..
Nights..
Monday, August 07, 2006
El Paso
Just leaving a note to say that i've reached El Paso safely last night. I was so tired..i slept the entire way on my flight here. It was so good to see Sarah, my roomate in CFNI after almost 2 months! We chatted until almost 2am..so that gives me the 'excuse' to sleep until 11am this morning! Heehee..
This morning..i watched the movie "The Village" directed my M. Night Shamalan..(except the first 30 mins cause they started the movie already!) and i like the movie very much. Very interesting story.
Hahaa..cool. so yup..gotta go!
This morning..i watched the movie "The Village" directed my M. Night Shamalan..(except the first 30 mins cause they started the movie already!) and i like the movie very much. Very interesting story.
Hahaa..cool. so yup..gotta go!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
What Good Is The Armour of God....??
Hey peeps! I just came back from the Hillsong United worship night at High Point Church last night. It was really good. I don't know about how tight the band was, whether they were good musically, da da daa..but spiritually, it was good. I really connected with God and the presence of God was there.
When one of the worship leaders led, spoke and prayed..i can really sense his heart, his passion and closeness to the Lord. I think his name is Marty Sampson. Not just him, but the rest of the team..you can just tell from the way they worship. It was inspiring..another worship leader also blatantly said that they are not here to entertain us, but to worship God! That is so cool! I'm sure that hit some ppl hard in the face cause it is an American Christian culture to bring bands in. People come, people go..sometimes or most of the time, it seems more of an entertainment than a worship band to them. So yeah, it was really good that the team made that statement!
After the worship, the Hillsong United youth pastor came up to speak. He was challenging us to stand for Jesus and not to go with the flow of society. What really struck me was the testimony he shared at the end of the sermon..
There was a youth named Jeremy in his youth group. At the end of each youth service, the pastor will randomly pick a high school's name and pray for the school. One day, he picked the name of a particular high school and asked if there's anyone who goes to that school so that they can be prayed for. No one came to the stage..but after waiting for a while, a boy slowly walked up to the stage to be prayed for-Jeremy.
From that point forward, Jeremy lived his life all out for Jesus. He brought 5 friends the following youth service and all of them got saved. He was radical!! Even when Jeremy graduated from that high school, he would still go back to the school to give seminars and talks to the students on self-esteem, values and leadership. He served and loved the people. The principal and students simply loved him!
Early this year, Jeremy died in a tragic car accident at the age of 19. At the funeral, 1500 ppl turned up!! The principal rented buses to take loads of students from the high school to attend Jeremy's funeral. Talk about the impact he made!!
Towards the end of the funeral, 2 of Jeremy's younger brothers came up to share their hearts. One of the brothers shared, that while he was looking through Jeremy's journal..this one line struck his heart.. "What good is the armour of God..without a warrior in it?????"
I am challenged to be that warrior that God has called me to be. To be a Frontliner..to stand at the battle line, pushing back the forces of darkness..and preparing the way for the pivotal event-the coming of our Prince of Peace!!
What good is living if we do not make a difference with our lives? What good is calling ourselves Christians if we do not shine in this dark world? What good are these vessels if they do not bring glory to the Maker? What good is the armour of God..if there is not warrior in it??
When one of the worship leaders led, spoke and prayed..i can really sense his heart, his passion and closeness to the Lord. I think his name is Marty Sampson. Not just him, but the rest of the team..you can just tell from the way they worship. It was inspiring..another worship leader also blatantly said that they are not here to entertain us, but to worship God! That is so cool! I'm sure that hit some ppl hard in the face cause it is an American Christian culture to bring bands in. People come, people go..sometimes or most of the time, it seems more of an entertainment than a worship band to them. So yeah, it was really good that the team made that statement!
After the worship, the Hillsong United youth pastor came up to speak. He was challenging us to stand for Jesus and not to go with the flow of society. What really struck me was the testimony he shared at the end of the sermon..
There was a youth named Jeremy in his youth group. At the end of each youth service, the pastor will randomly pick a high school's name and pray for the school. One day, he picked the name of a particular high school and asked if there's anyone who goes to that school so that they can be prayed for. No one came to the stage..but after waiting for a while, a boy slowly walked up to the stage to be prayed for-Jeremy.
From that point forward, Jeremy lived his life all out for Jesus. He brought 5 friends the following youth service and all of them got saved. He was radical!! Even when Jeremy graduated from that high school, he would still go back to the school to give seminars and talks to the students on self-esteem, values and leadership. He served and loved the people. The principal and students simply loved him!
Early this year, Jeremy died in a tragic car accident at the age of 19. At the funeral, 1500 ppl turned up!! The principal rented buses to take loads of students from the high school to attend Jeremy's funeral. Talk about the impact he made!!
Towards the end of the funeral, 2 of Jeremy's younger brothers came up to share their hearts. One of the brothers shared, that while he was looking through Jeremy's journal..this one line struck his heart.. "What good is the armour of God..without a warrior in it?????"
I am challenged to be that warrior that God has called me to be. To be a Frontliner..to stand at the battle line, pushing back the forces of darkness..and preparing the way for the pivotal event-the coming of our Prince of Peace!!
What good is living if we do not make a difference with our lives? What good is calling ourselves Christians if we do not shine in this dark world? What good are these vessels if they do not bring glory to the Maker? What good is the armour of God..if there is not warrior in it??
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
BORED
I am so bored right now i can almost puke! I i don't feel like reading a book, i've cleaned and organized all my belongings, i've baked a cheesecake, i've watched tv, i've read articles online, i've done almost everything i can think of..and i'm still bored! arghhhhhhh!!
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Monday, July 31, 2006
Family
I'm trying so hard to remain composed..but i really miss my family. I wanna go home. I want to be near my family..Lord please speed up the time i have to spend here away from them. Bless them with many joyful and happy days, with good health, good friends, good relationships. Most of all, may they all come to know your love soon. Amen...
Left to Right: Kenneth (my brother-in-law/Loo's husband), Pheng Loo (eldest sister), Pheng Geok (second sister), Mama, Felicia Khaw(eldest niece-Loo's daughter), Papa, Me, Chee Keong (elder brother)
This pic was taken in May 2005 before i came to Dallas in June 2005.
Not in picture: Newborn niece-Eloise Khaw sister of Felicia
Was looking through some pictures and THIS ONE caught my eyes. I personally took this priceless picture. I'm so proud of myself! So cuteeeeeeee right? Hahaa..she's MINE! =P Oh..btw, this is Felicia.
Missing all...
MISSING
Missing for more than a week. Last heard from email weeks ago. If you have seen this girl or have any information about her whereabouts..please contact me at berylynn@hotmail.com. A handsome reward given for helpful information.
Name: Emily Yeoh Pheng Geok
Height: Approx 5 feet 3"
Eyes: Dark brown
Hair: Black
Languages spoken: English, Malay, Mandarin, Hokkien
Others: Very funny girl, laughs at a lot of things, drives a metalic brown Iswara
Note: Does not wear braces anymore..
Picture: The one with blue jacket
Name: Emily Yeoh Pheng Geok
Height: Approx 5 feet 3"
Eyes: Dark brown
Hair: Black
Languages spoken: English, Malay, Mandarin, Hokkien
Others: Very funny girl, laughs at a lot of things, drives a metalic brown Iswara
Note: Does not wear braces anymore..
Picture: The one with blue jacket
Please help me find my missing sister.. =(
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Worlds Apart
We (Thomas and I) survived a youth lock-in event in church this past Friday night till Saturday morning. It was...DISASTROUS!! There were 4 leaders including us and about 16 teenagers. We reached church at about 630pm, and played board games, Pictionary and basketball as the crowd began to trickle in. We had pizza for dinner and then resume playing games.
At about 930pm, we had worship and Opie gave a short Word, after which all the madness . The youth were running around in the whole building, screaming, playing, shouting, throwing small packets of coffee creamer on the floor till it burst! Crazy..it was crazy!! They were loud, they were rude, they showed attitude to you. They just couldn't care less. They even broke the church bathroom door and the water fountain. They almost tore the whole place down..almost!
Most of them did NOT sleep at all. So did Opie and Thomas!! I slept 3 hours..well, barely cause i was falling in and out of sleep with all the noise of running footsteps and voices. We had to scold and correct them so many times but they just wouldn't listen. Someone even tried to steal another person's discman. All the drama in a night!
There were white kids, there were Hispanics, and we also have some black kids in the youth group. One thing that struck me was the great gulf of differences between these different people groups. Most or if not all Hispanic youth loathe the white kids. Can't blame them i guess. They are brought up in a community that feels ostracized by the white community. Hence, these Hispanic kids grow up with prejudice towards the whites! Some white kids are more withdrawn from the Hispanics and the blacks. And the blacks and the whites? ..are also worlds apart. They are so different!! and to bring them altogether in unity and love..it's so difficult.
It's almost like Malaysia. We have the Chinese, the Malays and the Indians. We say that we live in harmony..but really, it may not be as harmonious if we look under the carpet. The Chinese don't really like the Malays because they have special 'bumiputera' rights from the government. The Malays, for some reason..don't really like the Chinese. Maybe they feel treatened with the Chinese for their tremendous growth in business, education, etc. The Indians..i don't know. I'm just venting.
My point in saying all this is..the society everywhere around the world is antagonistic with each other, agree? Yes, No? Is yes..then how do we as Christians bring about peace? I'm reminded in Matthew 5..it says "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." How then shall we live?
Will you be counted to bring peace to this hostile world??
At about 930pm, we had worship and Opie gave a short Word, after which all the madness . The youth were running around in the whole building, screaming, playing, shouting, throwing small packets of coffee creamer on the floor till it burst! Crazy..it was crazy!! They were loud, they were rude, they showed attitude to you. They just couldn't care less. They even broke the church bathroom door and the water fountain. They almost tore the whole place down..almost!
Most of them did NOT sleep at all. So did Opie and Thomas!! I slept 3 hours..well, barely cause i was falling in and out of sleep with all the noise of running footsteps and voices. We had to scold and correct them so many times but they just wouldn't listen. Someone even tried to steal another person's discman. All the drama in a night!
There were white kids, there were Hispanics, and we also have some black kids in the youth group. One thing that struck me was the great gulf of differences between these different people groups. Most or if not all Hispanic youth loathe the white kids. Can't blame them i guess. They are brought up in a community that feels ostracized by the white community. Hence, these Hispanic kids grow up with prejudice towards the whites! Some white kids are more withdrawn from the Hispanics and the blacks. And the blacks and the whites? ..are also worlds apart. They are so different!! and to bring them altogether in unity and love..it's so difficult.
It's almost like Malaysia. We have the Chinese, the Malays and the Indians. We say that we live in harmony..but really, it may not be as harmonious if we look under the carpet. The Chinese don't really like the Malays because they have special 'bumiputera' rights from the government. The Malays, for some reason..don't really like the Chinese. Maybe they feel treatened with the Chinese for their tremendous growth in business, education, etc. The Indians..i don't know. I'm just venting.
My point in saying all this is..the society everywhere around the world is antagonistic with each other, agree? Yes, No? Is yes..then how do we as Christians bring about peace? I'm reminded in Matthew 5..it says "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." How then shall we live?
Will you be counted to bring peace to this hostile world??
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Peni-El
Just came back from dinner and spending time with the Chin family. After dinner, we had a fun time playing 'Spoons' (same concept with 'Heart Attack' game back home, difference is you grab a spoon on the table once you have the 4 same cards. last person without a spoon loses). We also played 'Pictionary' after that with Sam who came and join us shortly after. It was such a good time of laughing at each other and our attempts at drawing! We really had a good time.
Peni-El..what a name. She's the youngest daughter in the family. Aunty Irene was sharing with us the story about Peni-El's birth. The twins were pre-mature babies of about 7 months old. Peni-El was so sick when she was a newborn. She was in ICU for 4 months after birth. Her intestines had infection and made her tummy bloated up. The doctors has to cut open her stomach countless times to do surgeries on her. After few times of reoccurences of infections and surgery, the doctors decided to just leave the intestines outside of the body. The doctors also told Aunty Irene 2 or 3 times to just take Peni-El home because she will not make it through the night, but they held on to God's word and visions for them. God clearly spoke to her in dreams and His Word that Peni-El will live and that He will heal her completely.
Initially, the doctors refused to put the intestines back into baby Peni-El, but Aunty Irene and Uncle Joe insisted because God told them that when He heals, He will heal COMPLETELY. Holding on to God's words, they believed for Peni-El to be well. True enough, God healed her and they were able to take her home. She never developed proper speech until about 3.5 years old because she had ear infection that caused her ears to be clogged up with puss. She also had down-syndrome symptoms till when she was about 1 year old. Slowly but surely, God healed this child!!
What a story..what a testimony of how great His love is for Peni-El and for each of us. As i was listening to Aunty Irene speak, my tears welled up in my eyes. How great is our God..what an amazing plan and destiny He has for this girl!! Crazyyy..i cannot fully fathom God's love for us. I cannot understand why such a big God would be so interested in each individual life. Every little baby counts. Peni-El counts!!
Even through the 3 times that i was at the Chin's crib, i have really grown to like Peni-El a LOT. She reminds me a little bit of my sister..and she's just so funny! When we played Pictionary, she was LOUD, she was aggresive,..she was bursting with LIFE!! who would have thought that she was a small fragile baby who almost lost her life? But NO, God had better plans, God had a destiny for her life!
It goes the same for each of us, right? We may not have such a dramatic story like Peni-El's but everyone has a story to tell. Testimonies of God's grace and mercy..stories with God's fingerprints all over it. How great..how great is our God.
I'm just gonna go to bed meditating on this..that God is great..and greatly to be praised!!
In speechless awe of You..
Peni-El..what a name. She's the youngest daughter in the family. Aunty Irene was sharing with us the story about Peni-El's birth. The twins were pre-mature babies of about 7 months old. Peni-El was so sick when she was a newborn. She was in ICU for 4 months after birth. Her intestines had infection and made her tummy bloated up. The doctors has to cut open her stomach countless times to do surgeries on her. After few times of reoccurences of infections and surgery, the doctors decided to just leave the intestines outside of the body. The doctors also told Aunty Irene 2 or 3 times to just take Peni-El home because she will not make it through the night, but they held on to God's word and visions for them. God clearly spoke to her in dreams and His Word that Peni-El will live and that He will heal her completely.
Initially, the doctors refused to put the intestines back into baby Peni-El, but Aunty Irene and Uncle Joe insisted because God told them that when He heals, He will heal COMPLETELY. Holding on to God's words, they believed for Peni-El to be well. True enough, God healed her and they were able to take her home. She never developed proper speech until about 3.5 years old because she had ear infection that caused her ears to be clogged up with puss. She also had down-syndrome symptoms till when she was about 1 year old. Slowly but surely, God healed this child!!
What a story..what a testimony of how great His love is for Peni-El and for each of us. As i was listening to Aunty Irene speak, my tears welled up in my eyes. How great is our God..what an amazing plan and destiny He has for this girl!! Crazyyy..i cannot fully fathom God's love for us. I cannot understand why such a big God would be so interested in each individual life. Every little baby counts. Peni-El counts!!
Even through the 3 times that i was at the Chin's crib, i have really grown to like Peni-El a LOT. She reminds me a little bit of my sister..and she's just so funny! When we played Pictionary, she was LOUD, she was aggresive,..she was bursting with LIFE!! who would have thought that she was a small fragile baby who almost lost her life? But NO, God had better plans, God had a destiny for her life!
It goes the same for each of us, right? We may not have such a dramatic story like Peni-El's but everyone has a story to tell. Testimonies of God's grace and mercy..stories with God's fingerprints all over it. How great..how great is our God.
I'm just gonna go to bed meditating on this..that God is great..and greatly to be praised!!
In speechless awe of You..
Hillsong United
Yeehaaa!! Next wed, Aug the 2nd (I believe)..we're gonna go to High Point Church for a worship/concert night with Hillsong United for free!!!!!! weeee...i'm so excited. I've always wanted to go Australia for the Hillsong Conference, and now..i get to go for the United one here in Dallas. What a deal!!! So yup, if you live in Dallas..make sure you go!
Also, I found out that they will be travelling to Houston after that. Houston is another city In Texas about 4-5 hours away. And then....they will travel to EL PASO!! hahahahha...Guess what? My roomie -Sarah's parents offered to fly me to El Paso to spend time with them, after which i will drive home with Sarah for Fall sem. I will fly out on the 6th of Aug and drive back to Dallas on the 15th. Which means...i may be able to see Hillsong United in El Paso too!! =))))
Oh well...i'm just excited! Thrilled to fly on a plane again too. I wonder how it'll feel like flying..after all the roller coasters rides in Six Flags. Interesting..*think about it*
Also, I found out that they will be travelling to Houston after that. Houston is another city In Texas about 4-5 hours away. And then....they will travel to EL PASO!! hahahahha...Guess what? My roomie -Sarah's parents offered to fly me to El Paso to spend time with them, after which i will drive home with Sarah for Fall sem. I will fly out on the 6th of Aug and drive back to Dallas on the 15th. Which means...i may be able to see Hillsong United in El Paso too!! =))))
Oh well...i'm just excited! Thrilled to fly on a plane again too. I wonder how it'll feel like flying..after all the roller coasters rides in Six Flags. Interesting..*think about it*
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Hair-do
This pic was taken quite some time back..say 6 months ago? In case you're not familiar, the one one the left is Seul-Kee (Thomas's roomate) I really like this picture of myself..with my LONG hair. Uhhh..just reminiscing on how it felt to have long hair. My hair now is not extremely short. It's just about the shoulder length. I wanna post a pic of myself..maybe later, after i take a shower! =P
Heehee... ~pheng
Change is good
Hey! welcome welcome..like the new looks of my blog? hmm..maybe you'll like my new haircut too! nope, not kidding..i just got a haircut today!
Thomas and i went and visited a Singaporean family who just moved here to CFNI to attend Pastoral school in Fall sem. they're such a pleasant family..we had dinner together, talked and laughed together. Aunty Irene offered to give me a haircut while Tom and Uncle Joe went off for a car wash at 8pm! =) They have 3 daugthers: Kelley, Victoria and Peni-El. Kelley is 17 while Victoria and Peni-El are 14 yrs old. Btw, they are twins!! ..not identical though.
So, i had 3 personal assistants (Aunty Irene and the 2 younger girls) fixing my hair tonight. My hair treatment today was inclusive of cutting, hair treatment, hair wash, blow-dry and straightening. Howzz that sound? heeheee..such a blessing! *grin*
I shared with Aunty Irene that i really miss home..even cried a little bit today as i read the Frontliners' (youth back home) updates and emails. She reassured me that it will be alright..and said that they will be my family here! So sweet..and i know that she didn't say it out of courtesy. Asians don't usually do that! =))
I guess this is what church is huh? Being there to encourage one another, and to love each other. Thank you Lord for bringing this family..and for crossing our paths. Thank you..
your child..
pheng
Thomas and i went and visited a Singaporean family who just moved here to CFNI to attend Pastoral school in Fall sem. they're such a pleasant family..we had dinner together, talked and laughed together. Aunty Irene offered to give me a haircut while Tom and Uncle Joe went off for a car wash at 8pm! =) They have 3 daugthers: Kelley, Victoria and Peni-El. Kelley is 17 while Victoria and Peni-El are 14 yrs old. Btw, they are twins!! ..not identical though.
So, i had 3 personal assistants (Aunty Irene and the 2 younger girls) fixing my hair tonight. My hair treatment today was inclusive of cutting, hair treatment, hair wash, blow-dry and straightening. Howzz that sound? heeheee..such a blessing! *grin*
I shared with Aunty Irene that i really miss home..even cried a little bit today as i read the Frontliners' (youth back home) updates and emails. She reassured me that it will be alright..and said that they will be my family here! So sweet..and i know that she didn't say it out of courtesy. Asians don't usually do that! =))
I guess this is what church is huh? Being there to encourage one another, and to love each other. Thank you Lord for bringing this family..and for crossing our paths. Thank you..
your child..
pheng
Sunday, July 23, 2006
..and I am not
Today while traveling to church in the evening for leaders meeting, we were listening to Steven Curtis Chapman in the car. We were already listening to the same album the day before..but today, it hit me as i listen to this one song with a particular line that says.."God is God, and I am not.."
When Pr Joe (senior pastor) was sharing his heart in the meeting..he mentioned that the bottom line of next week's message can be summed up in one line: "God is God and I am not" !!!...
I have been very concerned especially just last night, about where God is leading me and us (Thomas & I) when our time here in the States is up. What ministry/church/organisation do we serve under..dadadaa..things like that. In the midst of uncertainty..i know that He is reassuring me that He is God and I am not..i'm just a man. I can plan and wish for and try to look ahead..but some times, when i'm done desiring and dreaming big and visioneering, it still takes a step of faith to trust that He holds the future. He knows what's best..and that He will guide and lead me like a Good Shepherd. Like the saying goes, "we'll cross the bridge when we reach there"
So, i shall not fret, thought difficult it will be. i will trust in my God, my Lord..my friend, because i know..that He holds my future. He has a bigger and better plan for me that all the great things i can ever imagine or dream of with my human mind.
...i'm gonna hit the sack. goodnight..
pheng
When Pr Joe (senior pastor) was sharing his heart in the meeting..he mentioned that the bottom line of next week's message can be summed up in one line: "God is God and I am not" !!!...
I have been very concerned especially just last night, about where God is leading me and us (Thomas & I) when our time here in the States is up. What ministry/church/organisation do we serve under..dadadaa..things like that. In the midst of uncertainty..i know that He is reassuring me that He is God and I am not..i'm just a man. I can plan and wish for and try to look ahead..but some times, when i'm done desiring and dreaming big and visioneering, it still takes a step of faith to trust that He holds the future. He knows what's best..and that He will guide and lead me like a Good Shepherd. Like the saying goes, "we'll cross the bridge when we reach there"
So, i shall not fret, thought difficult it will be. i will trust in my God, my Lord..my friend, because i know..that He holds my future. He has a bigger and better plan for me that all the great things i can ever imagine or dream of with my human mind.
...i'm gonna hit the sack. goodnight..
pheng
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Busy!!
I had a tiring week this past week. So many things and events..but i thoroughly enjoyed myself!
On Tuesday midnight (after my work), Sam Thecka, Seul Kee and I planned a surprise for Tom for his birthday on the 19th of July! After Tom walked me home to my apt from work, i took the raspberry cheesecake that i made and met up with Sam. We hurried to Tom's car and left the cake with a lighted candle in his car!! and if you're wondering..NO, we didn't blow up the car! =) Then, I called Tom on his cellphone and asked him to check if i left my key in the car. While he was making his way down to the car, Sam and I ran up to his apt and Seul Kee let us into the bedroom. By the time Tom called me on my cell and made his way back to his house, we came out of his room singing the birthday song!! Hahahaa..it wasn't like a BIG BIG surprise..but we really wanted him to feel special and loved! =) Then we had the cheesecake together..which i thought was a little brown, BUT everyone liked it very much! *grin*
The following day on Wednesday, i went to work at 7am!..and left work at 10am to forth worth zoo (about 45 mins away) together with Tom on his birthday. It was such a HOT day..about 105F...it was ridiculous. We were sweating like pigs! =) We saw lots of animals..it was REALLY fun. My fav animal was the "king kong"..it was so HUGE! We spent the rest of the day in Forth Worth..and also met up with Jeff, a close friend who just came back to visit from China!
On Thursday, I went to work at 7am again! by now..i only slept 4.5 each night for 2 nights in a row. I worked until 12pm..and then headed to Six Flags with my church youth. I am very afraid of heights and roller coasters..but this time around, i enjoyed myself SO MUCH!!! I had my eyes open the whole time on all the roller coasters. I'm just so happy that i'm not afraid of taking roller coasters anymore! My fav ride in the whole park was the 'Batman' and the 'Texas Giant'-a big roller coaster ride made with just WOOD..except the nails, of course. Wanna find out more?..go to sixflags.com and check it out!! =)
On Friday, i also worked at 7am. In the evening, Tom, Sam T, Jeff, Amanda, Matt, Diana, Catherine and I went to a chinese restaurant to celebrate Tom's bday!! it was good to eat chinese food again!! We spent the rest of the night talking and laughing in Tom's crib...
I was sooooooooooo tired..i slept from Saturday 1am to 12pm-Sat noon. 11 hours of sleep..and still i feel a bit strange. I think i still need to catch up on some sleep. Hahaaa...i'm glad the busy week is over..and YFN is also over. Which means i have no work until when school starts in 4 weeks time!! woohooo....
Just a little update on what's happening this past week. I thought it was interesting to share... =)
i miss home..pheng
On Tuesday midnight (after my work), Sam Thecka, Seul Kee and I planned a surprise for Tom for his birthday on the 19th of July! After Tom walked me home to my apt from work, i took the raspberry cheesecake that i made and met up with Sam. We hurried to Tom's car and left the cake with a lighted candle in his car!! and if you're wondering..NO, we didn't blow up the car! =) Then, I called Tom on his cellphone and asked him to check if i left my key in the car. While he was making his way down to the car, Sam and I ran up to his apt and Seul Kee let us into the bedroom. By the time Tom called me on my cell and made his way back to his house, we came out of his room singing the birthday song!! Hahahaa..it wasn't like a BIG BIG surprise..but we really wanted him to feel special and loved! =) Then we had the cheesecake together..which i thought was a little brown, BUT everyone liked it very much! *grin*
The following day on Wednesday, i went to work at 7am!..and left work at 10am to forth worth zoo (about 45 mins away) together with Tom on his birthday. It was such a HOT day..about 105F...it was ridiculous. We were sweating like pigs! =) We saw lots of animals..it was REALLY fun. My fav animal was the "king kong"..it was so HUGE! We spent the rest of the day in Forth Worth..and also met up with Jeff, a close friend who just came back to visit from China!
On Thursday, I went to work at 7am again! by now..i only slept 4.5 each night for 2 nights in a row. I worked until 12pm..and then headed to Six Flags with my church youth. I am very afraid of heights and roller coasters..but this time around, i enjoyed myself SO MUCH!!! I had my eyes open the whole time on all the roller coasters. I'm just so happy that i'm not afraid of taking roller coasters anymore! My fav ride in the whole park was the 'Batman' and the 'Texas Giant'-a big roller coaster ride made with just WOOD..except the nails, of course. Wanna find out more?..go to sixflags.com and check it out!! =)
On Friday, i also worked at 7am. In the evening, Tom, Sam T, Jeff, Amanda, Matt, Diana, Catherine and I went to a chinese restaurant to celebrate Tom's bday!! it was good to eat chinese food again!! We spent the rest of the night talking and laughing in Tom's crib...
I was sooooooooooo tired..i slept from Saturday 1am to 12pm-Sat noon. 11 hours of sleep..and still i feel a bit strange. I think i still need to catch up on some sleep. Hahaaa...i'm glad the busy week is over..and YFN is also over. Which means i have no work until when school starts in 4 weeks time!! woohooo....
Just a little update on what's happening this past week. I thought it was interesting to share... =)
i miss home..pheng
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Tres Leche Cake
Heehee..i've wanted to put this up here in my blog..but i've no computer to use lah. Neways, i made my FIRST cake ever and it's called 'tres leche' which means 'three milk' in Spanish. It's basically just white cake with 3 kinds of milk mixed together and poured over the cake that has holes made in it to absorb the milk. So, it's a wet kind of cake..it's sweet, but i personally like it very much.
I made it the other day on the 16th of June for my friend's birthday..and i think it's quite successful because even Thomas liked it (i think he has high expectations for food..somewhat, i think*haha*)
I made it the other day on the 16th of June for my friend's birthday..and i think it's quite successful because even Thomas liked it (i think he has high expectations for food..somewhat, i think*haha*)
Mixing the cake mix at wee hours in the morning..
Baked cake...!!! 
Taadaaa!!! "Tres Leche cake"...
The next cake i wanna make is cheesecake. I dunno when i can do that with my crazy 40 hours work schedule now. But..i'm excited!! =))
chef wannabe?? ...pheng
New Arrival
Hey ya'll!! I've just received my "NEW" laptop TODAY!! The old laptop that my brother gave me kinda 'died' some time ago..showing prominent signs of old age. So, now i have this Sony Vaio laptop to use. I bought it from Seul Kee (Thomas's roomate) for a reasonable price. It's about a year old, still running very welll. What a blessing..thank you Lord. I recognize that all good and perfect gift comes from our Father above..so yes, thank you Lord.
This will make communication easier for me. I've been a little out of touch from the cyber world. Now, i can write and reply emails easier and faster. woohooo..
thanks Dear for 'fixing' this pc for me. i appreciate it! =)
pheng..
This will make communication easier for me. I've been a little out of touch from the cyber world. Now, i can write and reply emails easier and faster. woohooo..
thanks Dear for 'fixing' this pc for me. i appreciate it! =)
pheng..
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Is there more??
I've just been discouraged lately..very discouraged actually for the past month or so about youth ministry in my church here in America. It's been so difficult that i 'feel' ready to go home. Yet a part of me know that i'll be here for a little while longer for education purposes. After i'm done with school, i'll be more than exhilarated to go home. i am so ready to go back to ministry as i know it.
Youth ministry here has been discouraging in many ways. There is NO prayer involved in this ministry watsoever. There's no emphasis on that. There seem to be no dependence on God and the Holy Spirit. It feels like a machine..just running and running simply because it has to. There's not much or any place for God to come in. Events are planned to fill in the summer break. More fun oriented than God-oriented. After all, aren't we supposed to be the church and not an entertainment bazar?
There's no opportunity for youth to respond after service..rarely. There's no ministry like i know it..ministry-you know? Like laying hands, praying for people, hearing from God on their behalf and release words of knowledge/ prophecy/ affirmation/ encouragement/ rebuke even!!
VISION!! Without vision, my people cast off restrain. There is no vision for the youth! The leaders have no vision, no name for the youth group. The task of naming the youth group is casually tossed to the young people to create or cook up something 'cool'. What about God in the picture? What does God have in His heart for this group of youth here in Dallas, Texas? I'm sure it's our responsibilty as LEADERS to cast a vision and challenge people to catch it, and run with it. I'm sure there is a purpose to everything..how much more for this generation that's dying and LOST?
Yes, God wants me here in this youth group..for this season of time. BUT what am i doing? i don't preach, don't minister or pray for people..*hardly* so tell me, what am i here for? Lord, what am i here for? what is my role? this is so sad..it is horrible!! I don't know how long this will go on..but Lord please, do something..either with me or with the leadership..or show up Lord. How i miss being in your presence with people who hunger for more of you. Am i judgmental on the youth here..or the leadership? I don't want to..but it's so hard..
I'm sure there's more to this madness? Or is this all meaningless and vain as Soloman says it. At the end of the day, what's important is to fear you and keep Your commands right? And if i believe that You have CALLED and PLACED me here in this ministry and in this church, then i want to obey..but again, please Lord pleaseeee..do something. I NEED YOU, we need you, the leadership needs you, the YOUTH needs you, America needs You Lord!!
frustrated, disillusioned & discouraged.
*tears* take me home Lord..pheng
Youth ministry here has been discouraging in many ways. There is NO prayer involved in this ministry watsoever. There's no emphasis on that. There seem to be no dependence on God and the Holy Spirit. It feels like a machine..just running and running simply because it has to. There's not much or any place for God to come in. Events are planned to fill in the summer break. More fun oriented than God-oriented. After all, aren't we supposed to be the church and not an entertainment bazar?
There's no opportunity for youth to respond after service..rarely. There's no ministry like i know it..ministry-you know? Like laying hands, praying for people, hearing from God on their behalf and release words of knowledge/ prophecy/ affirmation/ encouragement/ rebuke even!!
VISION!! Without vision, my people cast off restrain. There is no vision for the youth! The leaders have no vision, no name for the youth group. The task of naming the youth group is casually tossed to the young people to create or cook up something 'cool'. What about God in the picture? What does God have in His heart for this group of youth here in Dallas, Texas? I'm sure it's our responsibilty as LEADERS to cast a vision and challenge people to catch it, and run with it. I'm sure there is a purpose to everything..how much more for this generation that's dying and LOST?
Yes, God wants me here in this youth group..for this season of time. BUT what am i doing? i don't preach, don't minister or pray for people..*hardly* so tell me, what am i here for? Lord, what am i here for? what is my role? this is so sad..it is horrible!! I don't know how long this will go on..but Lord please, do something..either with me or with the leadership..or show up Lord. How i miss being in your presence with people who hunger for more of you. Am i judgmental on the youth here..or the leadership? I don't want to..but it's so hard..
I'm sure there's more to this madness? Or is this all meaningless and vain as Soloman says it. At the end of the day, what's important is to fear you and keep Your commands right? And if i believe that You have CALLED and PLACED me here in this ministry and in this church, then i want to obey..but again, please Lord pleaseeee..do something. I NEED YOU, we need you, the leadership needs you, the YOUTH needs you, America needs You Lord!!
frustrated, disillusioned & discouraged.
*tears* take me home Lord..pheng
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