4 new babies!

Definitely worth celebrating..

Yesterday we rejoiced in our church with 3 souls coming forward to receive Christ, Colin who had been attending our church for a couple of months, Jun a newcomer brought by Dina my housemate and Simpson a Korean guy one of the leaders met while playing basketball Saturday afternoon.

What truly amazed me is the message I received at 6+pm last evening.. MY BUDDY and one of my best GAL friends, fellow dietitian, ex-Sydney housemate Verny received Christ!!

" Kai, I said the sinners' prayer this morning at Wesley. Felt rite and ready to make the commitment"

WOW... so excited I called her immediately.. Was really amazed to hear her share her journey, to know that she had been reading the Bible/Christian books before bed, almost akin to doing quiet time even before she received Christ...Even to the point of dreaming that she prayed the sinners' prayer the night before her decision! God is good !
This proves my conviction again! if anyone is reading the Bible sincerely seeking for God.. no doubt that they will come to know Jesus! Hallelujah, praise God, this post is specially dedicated to you Verny!

How's you've read so many Christian books its amazing.. I used to wonder if buying all those Christian books were "too much" hehe but you've read all of them.. Max Lucado's "A love worth giving" and a book about the cross, Time Lahaye's personality book, Joshua Harris' "Boy meets girl" ,and yes currently revisiting Rick Warren's "Purpose driven life"

Thank you for your testimony, God knows all things, that I had been feeling a little discouraged and weary recently in regards to ministry, both Dave and I and we had just prayed together earlier through

1 Corinthians 15:58 " therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in not in vain in the Lord"

Thank you for affirming that you were observing and watching how I lead my life, doing quiet time, prepping for P&W, caregroup, shepherding, accumulating mountains of christian books(havent' read all yet.. hehe ) and yes even how Michael(munkey friend from church) and I said grace and served in church. God's timing is always impeccable and the beauty of hindsight as you reread the cards that Michael and I wrote to you about direction, purpose and life just as were exploring again.

Told Dave last night how encouraged I was to know that yes, though you think no one is watching or what you do doesn't matter, that it doesn't make a difference. The truth of it is that it does, and what we DO as a Christian speaks a lot louder than what we simply say.

I'm so exhilirated by your decision Verny! Its the best one you have made...I'm already so amazed at the amount you have read even exploring the "meat" of the bible of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, beyond the easier "milk" of learning from the word of God! Truly draw near to Him and He will draw near to you!

Love you much

What the world eats

Saw this article in some back issue of Marie Claire lying in the lab at work and later on on my colleague's blog..
Sooooo interesting, fascination with food... Little B will be interested.

Japan: The Ukita family of Kodaira City

Food expenditure for one week: 37,699 Yen or $317.25
Favorite foods: sashimi, fruit, cake, potato chips

The full article below
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519,00.html

Alex, Caroline & Marcus part 1

These 2 days have been fruitful, a celebration and spending time with people who have impacted my life. My precious unit leaders Alex and Caroline and fellow careleader Marcus are going back to Singapore on the 22nd of June, next Friday.

These people are no simple folk, they are leaders who sweat, toil and pray; people who in faith served along-side and personified 1Thessalonians2:8 " We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, becuase you had become so dear to us." People who are available, who understood when you felt like strangling people, who felt it with you when the people you pray so hard for misunderstand you. People who rejoice with you when one more soul is added to the Kingdom of God. People who point you to God who knows all and sees all. They are also very real people thank God for them.

Tuesday 12th June
Rushed home from work to meeting Alex, Caroline and Pet to take the couple out for lunch. They were going to New Zealand the next day. Pet and I were surprised to find out that they haven't been to our favourite Taiwanese eatery just downstairs of our apartment so we took them there to enjoy the good stuff. Took the opportunity to food blog too!

Alex, Caroline and Me Alex Caroline and Pet
The dishes with rice comes with 2 side vegetable dishes that change daily and rou jiang (bean paste with minced meat). Our top 3 are the crispy chicken, pork schnitzel and BBQ pork.
Our orders: Pet got her favourite BBQ Pork on Rice $7.90 Sweet and fragrant, the fatty slivers of richly marinated pork pieces melt in your mouth

I opted for my usual crispy fried chicken with rice $7.90, +$1 and you get a nice iced tea.Today's vege sides were choi sum and chinese cabbage. Caroline decided to go for the special taiwanese noodle soup $8.50, thick noodles with generous servings of gravy beef, bok choi in a rich strong 5 spice beef soup.

This place even has special compartmentalized takeaway boxes.

A new take on His Merciful kindness

Exerpts from the book study I'm currently doing from Cynthia Heald.
Verses and quotes that I am thinking about.

"I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant. Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;" - Psalm 119:75-77

It is in His faithfulness that He afflicts me. His purpose for the character of Christ to manifest in my life.

"No literature is more realistic and honest in facing the harsh facts of life than the Bible. At no time is there the faintest suggestion that the life of faith exempts us from difficulties. What it promises is preservation from all the evil in them.... All the water in the all the oceans cannot sink a ship unless it gets inside. Nor can all the trouble in the world harm us unless it gets within us. That is the promise of Psalm121: "The Lord will keep you from all evil" - Eugene Peterson

Evil can only hurt me if I allow it to.

" To believe actively that our Heavenly Father constantly spreads around us providential circumstances that work for our present good and our everylasting well-being brings to the soul veritable benediction. Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart. There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God. Our insistence upon seeing ahead is natural enough, but it is a real hindrance to our spiritual progress. God has charged Himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him. " - A.W. Tozer

Wow, it feels as if Tozer had put all that I'm thinking about into plain words. This morning, as I took the train out to Wentworthville I saw it "A magnificent rainbow" not just the end or half of it but the full version of it stretching across the sky. I was intrigued, staring at it for long before I read Tozer's words above. "God's promises, are Yes and Amen" a stir in my spirit knowing this rainbow was just for me.
An expression of God's love for me, His little surprise present to lift up my spirit, assurance saying "I love you, I am near, this is for you because you are my beloved.." I saw one like this when I took the wrong train once, the lesson learnt at that time was that sometimes when we make a mistake, God will still take us to our destination, it will just take longer. Today His promises.. It will come to pass.

A Guy, a Girl and a Mole Mobile part 2

Me: Dear, where shall we go this week with Mole mobile?

Mr Broc: Hang on, let me scratch my lucky nose and follow its super antenna senses...

ME: Does lucky nose say shopping and chocolate?

Mr Broc: Oh no.. malfunctioning!!

ME: Yar rite!

Hardee har har..

This post is a little late but since I've loaded all the pictures and Little B is complaining about my lack of ability to post regularly, I better do something tonight!

One of the happy moments of Mr Broc getting his Mole mobile is that I get is to go shopping at new places instead of being constantly confined in the city of QVB (Queen Victoria Building and Pitt Street mall). I get to go to different Westfields aka the MEGA malls of Syndey, try to imagine them the size of Suntec or Taka?

First one we went to was Parramatta Westfield, shining and newly constructed! We walked around the mall and shopped for birthday presents, ended up with getting him a spoof one first, a set of sideburns! After a good 2 hours of shopping we decided to go visit a favourite friend MAX BRENNER!!














Nothing makes a girl happier than to see her man getting her some good stuff!














We got our usual favourites:
Venezuela milk chocolate AUD$4.00 in the cute hug mug


















Waffle drizzled with Max Brenner chocolate with strawberries on the side AUD$6.50

Mr Broc wanted something cold so we got another Alice shake, lychee white chocolate thing.. can't remember but it wasn't as "powerful" as the other two. We were a little disappointed this time with our milk chocolate cos it was less thick than usual..
<--Mr Broc wanting to eat the goodies but had to put up with me taking photos!

Yumzzz.. fruitful day

Our first year

27th May 2007 marks the day of our first year together as a couple. We took the Saturday the 26th to celebrate it as the 27th is a Sunday as well as our church Hope Sydney Christian church's 14th anniversary.

I went out early in the morning after staying up late to complete my 2 week project of making Mr Broc a magazine about our year together as a couple. I popped by my favourite Bourke Street bakery to pick up some yummy stuff for our day together though I didn't know what he was planning to surprise me with. All he told me was to dress comfy. Its funny how when you're queuing for something in demand you suddenly decide to buy a lot more than you wanted at first. I was planning coffee and brunch. Ended up with a pumpkin, feta and basil pizza, a chorizo and onion scroll, danish twist and a plum and almond tart and Parker's organic lemonade. Left: Plum and almond tart Had a yummy soy coffee from well-being cafe and walked around Broadway shopping centre before returning to Kinkos to pick up my book/magazine thing.
Left: The cover of the magazine

Mr Broc rocked up at 12, nice and on time with a beautiful bouquet and a card. He had given me my present 2 days early cos I wasn't feeling too good on thursday. He had returned to Rhodes shopping centre to find the cupcake tier plate which I had looked longingly at but didn't buy. I teased him like crazy about him getting me a "plate" for our anniversary present, not very romantic by the girlie heart in me.
Me: "Dear why did u get me a plate for an anniversary present?"

Mr Broc: " I thought you would like it, so I got it for you. You don't like my present." (sulk)

Me: " Yes I would like it any other time, but for our 1st year anniversary?"

Mr Broc: "Well, I wanted to be different. Instead of getting you jewellery like normal people do"

Me: "What's wrong with normal? Would you think its funny if someone asked you what you got for me and you said a plate?"

Mr Broc: " urh not really... PAISEH!" (ha ha he knows how to use this word now)

Me: " well... "

Mr Broc: "Ok... it seemed like a good idea at that time..."

Me: Smile... (I can't stay angry with him cos he's always so sincere)
Above: My bouquet and cupcake tier I gave him the magazine/book I made him of stories of our first year together and Peter alexander PJ pants. Mr Broc was so touched he teared and hugged me quickly so I couldn't see, was really happy that he liked it! It was fun making it but he's a graphic designer so I asked him not to pick on my design flaws!

Mr Broc planned a lovely day. First he took me on this picnic in Lane Cove National park.. He wanted to surprise me when we got there but needed my EXCELLENT navigation and GPS skills to find it! Got kinda lost again cos the main entrance was closed BUT we finally made it and he prepared a nice picnic of roast chicken, coleslaw, lebanese bread and Nudie juice. Left:Mr Broc and nudie juice I was happy to bring theyummy baked goods from Bourke Street bakery. Funny thing that happened when we were happily picnic-ing. Said grace and thanked God for our 1st year together. I saw this pretty little bird nearby and threw some bread over.. BAD IDEA cos more birds came around and this BIG FAT KOOKABURRA! After the initial feed, he just sat there staring me and Mr broc eat. Suddenly there was this brush of feathers and a scratch on my arm, I looked up to see Mr Broc with a piece of bread in his hand and the Kookaburra dangling there with his beak firmly around it!!!! ARGH!! Too bad it happened too fast for me to grab my camera in time, the look on Mr Broc's face was classic! We carried on picnicing and YES the bird came back the 2nd time! After Mr Broc's food again it was our yummy chorizo scroll, the last piece some more!! By this time I was laughing like crazy at Mr Broc's face and he was ranting stooopid bird hmph. A couple was rowing a boat nearby and yelled over at us " That happened to us too!! " and we all laughed together. The bird seemed to know that we only had the lebanese bread left and flew away to steal other picnics. Above: Yummy chorizo bread that was stolen After that we went to look for row-boats for hire..! It was going for $20/hour or $30 for half day's worth. Here I am getting all excited but realising that I was quite un-co and kept rowing the wrong direction, and after many attempts managed to contribute to our rowing progress with patient supervision from Mr Broc whom I was entertaining with my feeble attempts. We really enjoyed the afternoon, stopped under a nice shade mid-way to finish another yummy treat from Bourke St bakery with NO KOOKABURRAs around. We saw couples and families enjoying their day out with their own row-boats and rented ones. That's the life, Mr Broc commented that he'd like to get one of the row-boats and take the kids out on the weekends, have walks, biking and picnics instead of going to the shops. I had a great time, having yet another opportunity to appreciate the beauty of living in Sydney.
We spotted this very interesting fruit along the way back to the car, at first when we saw the whole lot of them on the ground, we thought it was blueberries or sugar plums. Upon looking at the tree, this was what we saw. We decided to be adventurous to pluck one off the tree to taste, very sweet and sticky like sugar plums.. hehe

Next stop: I couldn't believe Mr Broc actually knew how to book a restaurant, he did through an internet booking service at a restaurant in Mosman called Mino's. In all his sweet planning, one cannot fight with one's natural tendency to get lost, har har. Dear Mr Broc wrote down the wrong street number from 521 to 251... Took another 45min walk to reach after parking.. wanted to strangle him but was going to die laughing at his attempt to tell me a funny story, character voices included. Who would have thought this seemingly quiet guy would be so funny. Mino's was basically a high class exhorbitantly priced Japanese food... Food was delicate and yummy but not quite satisfying to fill my gi-normous apetite.. We ordered a beef sukiyaki and pan-fried swordfish.
The restaurant was too dimly lit for me to take good photos (to Mr broc's relief). Another long walk back to the car after dinner and we arrived home to help him finish preparing for praise and worship the next day for church. Really thank God for him and our first year together!

Light the Fire Again

Brian Doerksen

Don't let my love grow cold
I'm calling out, light the fire again
Don't let my vision die
I'm calling out, light the fire again

You know my heart, my deeds
I'm calling out, light the fire again
I need Your discipline
I'm calling out, light the fire again

I am here to buy gold refined in the fire
Naked and poor, wretched and blind I come
Clothe me in white
So I won't be ashamed
Lord, light the fire again

Truly an oldie but goodie..
Don't know what's going on in my heart tonight but the words of this song resonated in my heart, let it be my prayer God when I want to give up and give in. When I feel like a moment of "what's the point" and am unhappy with how things are going, in leadership, when I feel trapped, obligated, when I do things only because I know are right and because it is expected of me.
WHY?!?! when u feel like " Stuff it, if you don't see the benefit of coming to church or CG don't come, you're the one losing out and GOD does not need your attendance if your heart is elsewhere" and the " GO call that #(*&*(@# person up yourself, I do it every week and it feels like I'm selling insurance" GOD does not need your charity, your obligation. He wants a willind and obedient heart. How bout those who call you to say they are tired cannot come CG, who promised that they want to serve but ends up saying I'm too busy. CRAP. dunno if i'm getting cynical and taking things with a pinch of salt, don't jump for the bait til you see that the action follows the promise.

Lord keep me from doing harm when I am like this, when I am having such a moment.
I need to worship You, in Your presence I discover again why I do what I do, and why I should care and why I should love and serve.
Help me God, keep me sane.

Bourke Street Bakery

Just across the street from home, a branch off the Surry Hill's shop right here in good ol' ultimo. Wandered in a few times after work to pick up a goody or two. The choices available makes it hard to choose. After a few visits these are a few of their wide selection that I tried.
Finally brought Mr Broc last Saturday to have a taste after I bought him a pumpkin and sage loaf and let him try a chorizo and thyme roll.(sorry no pictures)

We started with a savoury choice. Most of the stuff was sold out ! and it was only 12. The lady recommended the bacon and chicken sausage roll. I'm glad we took her suggestion, this normal looking sausage roll (below) when bitten into surprised us with the chunks of yummy chicken and bacon...Mmmm








Chicken and bacon sausage roll $4.00


Then for the sweets, first up ginger and pistachio brulee tart, got it fresh out of the oven, not a big fan of ginger but the crisp brulee top with pistachio was brilliant. The chocolate tart looking very unimpressive but minds change when you bite into it, smooth chocolate with slight bitterness of cocoa complements the crispy pastry cup. The chocolate pastry contained the same chocolate but left one wanting for more chocolate in the midst of the croissant .

Ginger, pistachio and brulee tart $3.80


Chocolate tart $3.80









Chocolate pastry $2.60

The rating very good, though a little on the expensive side for baked products, a 8/10 from me and Mr Broc

Bourke Street Bakery, Broadway
130 Broadway, Sydney
Open Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm
Sat: 8-2pm

A Guy, a Girl and a Mole Mobile part 1

Celebrating the Mole Mobile, named after our favourite PET.

Mr Broc picked up his car last tuesday 17th April and took me out on Wednesday.. Our first destination was Bondi Junction for a movie 300 at the greater union cinemas there..
The place was HUGE! We were 10mins early and had the whole place to ourselves.. 300 ? Good cinematography and a fine display of masculine flesh each Spartan clad in a scarlett cape and superman pants.. check out those ABS... couldn't help check out Mr broc's Mr belly.. =) I like Mr belly.

After the movie, we were both hungry. Pleasantly surprised to find out the ever crowded ramen place Ichi-ban boshi had a branch or what appeared to be its origins in Bondi! Mr Broc and I went in happily.. no queues!

Inspired by this food blog grab your fork introduced by my cute sister little B, and her encouragement. I'm going to blog about food again!! and take pictures much to the chagrin of my dearest Mr Broc.

Previously our dates used to be going to cafes and food spots. Eat and rank our meals as part of our journal. It is new start!

AUD$7.90 Cha-Han + miso soup

Ichiban Boshi's Tokyo Ramen AUD$7.90

Mr Broc and his cha han->

The cha-han tasted like a normal fried rice, nice and fragrant nonetheless with what we commonly know as wok-fire aroma.

My tokyo ramen was nice, the ramen having a good chewy texture to it, slivers of fatty pork melting in my mouth (I have lost my dietitian tendencies at this point), the half boiled egg added a nice touch with the melty yolk. Soup was tasty but a bit too salty.
Score: 7/10

Ichiban-Boshi

360 Oxford St, Bondi Junction +61 2 9369 3980

Opening Hours
Mon - Fri Lunch : 11am - 3:30pm Dinner : 5pm - 9:30pm
Sat - Sun All day 11am - 9:30pm

http://www.ichibanboshi.com.au/english/home.html

That's My King

Heard this incredible description of who our King is during the Easter convention in Melbourne over the weekend.

That's My King

The Bible says My King is the King of the Jews
He's the King of the Israel, He's the King of righteousness
He's the King of the Ages, He's the King of heaven, He's the King of glory
He's the King of Kings and He's the Lord of Lords
That's my King, I wonder do you know Him

My King is a sovereign King, no means of measure can define His limitless love.
He's enduringly strong, He's entirely sincere, He's eternally steadfast,
He's immortally graceful, He's imperially powerful, He's impartially merciful
Do you know Him?

He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world
He's God's son, He the sinners' saviour, He's the centrepiece of civilization
He's unparalleled, He's unprecendented, He's the loftiest idea in literature
He's the highest personality in philosophy, He's the fundamental doctrine in true theology
He's the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour
I wonder if you know Him today

He supplies strength for the weak, He's available for the tempted and the tried
He sympathizes and He saves, He strengthens and sustains
He guards and He guides
He heals the sick, He cleansed the lepers, He forgives sinners, He discharges debtors
He delivers the captives, He defends the feeble
He blesses the young , He serves the unfortunate, He regards the aged
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek
I wonder if you know Him

He's the key to knowledge, He's the wellspring of wisdom, He's the doorway of deliverance, He's the pathway of peace, He's the roadway of righteousness
He's the highway of holiness, He's the gateway of glory
I wonder if you know Him

His life is matchless, His goodness is limitless
His mercy is everlasting, His love never changes
His word is enough, His grace is sufficient
His reign is righteous and His yoke is easy and His burden is light
I wish I could describe Him to you

He's indescribable, He's incomprehensible, He's invincible, He's irresistable,
You can't get Him out of your mind, You can't get Him off your hand
You can't outlive Him, and you can't live without Him
The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, when they found out they couldn't stop Him
Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him, Herod couldn't kill Him
Death couldn't have Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him
That's my King

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/4/Thats-My-King

This was spoken by the late S.M. Lockridge who presented this an incredible message, describing our God and who He is.

Was so in awe after watching the presentation, my immediate response was to ask for forgiveness for limiting Jesus, for putting Him in the box and allowing petty things to overwhelm me.

During camp, I constantly asked the question "God, what is real?"

When all the flashy lights and amazing music fades. How do people really worship when they are not on stage or when there is no electric guitar, running up and down of the keyboard. What is building atmosphere that induces an emotional response or are the tears an authentic response to the awesome presence of the Holy Spirit?
I wonder if I'd become a sceptic, or cos I am protective of the true experience of God?
I guess its not up to me to judge as everyone has their own understanding of their relationship with God.

I thank God that He's given me, our CG, our unit and our church truly FANTASTIC, DEDICATED, SINCERE, and LOVING PASTORS.
The prophetic word prayed over Pastor John and Lisa is so true to who they are to us as Hope Sydney Christian church about Pastor John being honest John, that he didn't like things that are flashy or fake and Lisa that she confronts and corrects cos she cares! Once again a true appreciation for them as they labour tirelessly for the church, for God.

I thank God that she did, amazingly true cos she did save me from a big misunderstanding from 2 pple that matter a lot to me and from my leaders just cos she was the only one with guts to talk to me about something not very pleasant... I've really got to learn that from her, indeed as leaders it takes courage to speak the truth in love and correct our members but a lot of the time we just end up getting frustrated and complaining to another leader or God about it but that doesn't really help things does it? In fact it will hurt the person a lot more if nothing was said and someone else had to be the intermediate.

Hmmmm, funny how I got to share my testimony twice and my experience of God with two non-christians from the Paddington service who went to camp. The guy Peter had asked Dave previously on how we got together and how God lead us. Then he asked Dave about my testimony on our 12 hour bus-trip back to Sydney. Didn't have a chance to share with him until much later, and when I was trying to sleep between stops, it kept bugging me that I didn't until I stood up and went to the back to share with him. His response was "Wow you have the best stories, all pretty incredible" .. Asked him to ask other people about their testimonies of how they came to know God. Challenged him to dare to ask God and pray. The girl also asked me how to start a relationship with God. I told her about accepting Christ but she said she wasn't ready so challenged her as well to pray and ask God.

God answered my question in 3 subtle ways. "WHAT IS REAL?"

Har har I can't believe I just got it when blogging. Hehe I always knew writing was the best way I connect to God.

1) The love my pastors have for the church and the people
2) The true objective of why we do what we do. To see people come to Christ, to know and to love God and matured into His likeness.
3) THAT's my KING. Times may change, people grow old, circumstances, relationships etc. That will never change who Jesus is.

He is the same yesterday, today and forever more!

Dust

Exerpts from Romans 12

"..you present your bodies a living sacrifice to, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service... to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.' - v1b,3b

"Having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: If prophecy, let us prophecy in proportion to our faith:... he who leads, with diligence. " - v 12:6b, 8b

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor, giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." - v10-13

"Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - v 1-18, 21

I stand amazed at God's goodness once again, how He endures with us and puts up with our nonsense, knowing exactly of the substance we are made out of.

Tonight we have CG once again for the first time as just us, Integrity CG after a whole flurry of activities for Orientation. TY was right regarding the warning about the workers, all the workers I'll say are dead tired and from my previous blog on the brink of insanity sometimes. I wonder if I'm schizophrenic? duo personality.

I know that I know that I know that God is good, God is real, God is love and if HE never does anything for me ever again, redemption through faith in Christ Jesus is enough reason to keep doing what I'm doing, kept thankful:

" For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?' For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen"

Picked up, looking forward to tonight.. of what the Lord may bring, slight restructure, a disturbance of comfort zones, keeps us challenged to learn to love.

gripey me

MADMAD MAD I think I'm on the brink of a burn-out or it could just be too many hours behind the wheel.
Sometimes its hard to hope, fear to hope too much
Sometimes you don't dare to ask cos you should be thankful and content
Sometimes things are hard to let go
Sometimes people are too difficult to love/understand
Sometimes you just wanna be mean and say what u really think about someone..

Does being christian mean u have to be a good-two-shoes and say "ok" all the time?
Having a Job moment. If friendship is about honesty when does it get too brutal?

I need to sleeeeep

Harvesting..hand on plow...

113!!!!

Wah we hit a record high of 113 members signing up at the Campus Christian Movement (CCM) booth at Sydney University today!! And if we add the 50 from UTS ones that signed up it would be as Alex said if all attended church we would double our church attendance! =) Caroline's last count was189 members total adding sign-ups from UTS, CNY event and Wollongong orientation.

Praise the Lord for an excellent location, answering our prayers and for TY&INK's prayers regarding the workers.. we had also double the number of usual workers 9-10 pple at least each day! its amazing how we conquered the blistering heat to be out there and for yesterday's group rain!

I got sunburnt all over my chest and arms.. got a print of my top that I wore to orientation today emblazed on my skin...

I can't believe I am back to Sydney, terribly home-sick, cried at the airport when Little B, Mum and Dad waved bye to me and Mr Broc at the airport. The trip back home was way too fast, though I loved the time I spent with Mr Broc, didn't really have much time to catch up with my family. Saturday night's whispers in bed with Little B was sad when I cheekily asked her "Do u miss me when I'm gone?", she replied matter of factly " Not really, cos I'm already used to it..."
Heart-ache.. Hanging onto the promise of God for my family, He will take care of them when I'm out here for his kingdom. It has been 7 years going on 8 out of home.

" And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. " - Matthew 19:29


Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62

" Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father's house. The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord." - Psalm 45:10-11

Yes God. Heavenly work at hand.

Workshop demonstration on Saturday on nutrition and cooking.

(YES I find out whether I can be a celebrity chef or not using a stir-fry electric wok in a lecture room)

P&W this Sunday

and the Amazing Race next week in the Olympic park.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow...

"its only a day awaayyyyyy....."

YES! The day is approaching.. I'm finally going back to Singapore Mr Broc in tow..
We'll be heading back to Singapore to celebrate Chinese New Year, time to expose Mr Broc to Asian things all weird and wonderful in the season that rivals Christmas in Australia! He's excited to go shopping, drink fruit juice out of plastic bags and eat food out of brown paper, hopefully not too detered after our dinner with A&C who kindly gave him words of "advice" regarding the season.. "don't wear..." and "don't say..." , "can't give..." etc. Well Alex told him to wear red and white.. so don' t really think that advice is particularly "good" =)

I'm sitting here marvelling at the goodness of God, its amazing how the little things in life that God grants that you ask for + plus a lil' extra on the side can make your day.. they are little in the aspect of our big DREAMS, purpose of life type prayers but I'm delighted anyway knowing that God is in the big and small things.

1) Yesterday, me being a kiasu Singaporean told Mr Broc:

"Check-in opens in 48 hours before the flight, ours is 1245 on Saturday so you log onto Singaporeair.com at 1245 and check-in ok? IMPT cos people check-in really early and cos Dad booked for me through PPS I got my seat reserved for me already in August even. Seat 33C ok"

Row 33, that's like the 3rd row from the front of the economy section, pple usually vie for the front rows.. Yesterday morning, prayed a short prayer
"Dear God please help Mr Broc and I manage to get seats together.. please please.. Thank you Lord, Amen" In mind hoping but also thinking of various strategies we could do if it doesn't happen, like us going early to check-in and ask to be allocated together or attempt to convince fellow passenger to please change seats with us.

1pm call from Mr Broc, "Hey, I can't seem to check-in, I've entered my passport number and stuff but they say I don't come up? Am I not booked on the flight?" panic !

Me: "You sure you did it right?"
Mr Broc: "Yep"
Me: "Hmmm, maybe its still not open yet"
Mr Broc: "Yeah I'll try again later..."
Me: "Ok"

Rest of day both of us were busy, I finished clinic a little earlier than expected and headed to Parramatta to do some last minute shopping. Met Mr Broc for dinner then headed to his place again.
Me: " I'll check in for you.." type type type... "Passenger not found"
!!!!
Mr Broc: " Hey dear... I think I remember I didn't have my passport done when we booked the tickets."
Me: "GRRRR.. oh wat! no wonder"
Type in ticket number.. YES! found him BUT Seat allocation 60D!!
Me: "What so far back.. ok dear you sit by yourself hahhah.. "
Held our breaths as we clicked the "change seats" option and as the screen slowly travelled further up the plane.. there is was "33B" empty!!!!!

"WAAAAAHHHH ... yay!!" couldn't believe it and we even checked the email to double-check that I was in 33C!!! Praise God. That was the most front left!

2) Sleepy morning, read Psalm33 I read this morning about God's soureignty.

" Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the uprights is beautiful!" v1
Sing, sing sing.. lala thank God that no one really walks around at 6am in the morning..
*drip drip..* uhoh .. aaaaa rain!! to think I happily chucked my brolly in my drawer this morning..
" God, please don't let it rain, hold back for another 10mins til I reach work.. pleaseeee.."
It stopped... wow " THANKS Father!"
and just as I stepped into Metabolic house big drops started pelting down. Quick shower, and was over in 10mins.

3) Next... Mmm what should I have for brekky.. Metab is not as well stocked as the kitchens as the other testing unit... oh well maybe just some cereal and soy-milk..
lalal as I was clearing and setting up the place before having brekky and waiting for subjects'
*knock knock*
COLES MAN!!! yay! Caleb did some online shopping! Yummy groceries are here... Fresh stuff
So I settled in with my favourite brekky, mushrooms and cheese on toast + freshly brewed coffee and soy milk

God is good to me..
In additional praise point! Got home last night and Dina showed me her wedding dress! She bought it only for $600!!! Usually they cost a lot more than that! her size too which is tiny.. wah she was marvelling at the Lord's provision.

Rest of the day looks busy, after work go look for fruits to bring back home, pack and seal Mum's abalone, cook for caregroup, meet Angela for shepherding, meet Amy for catching up, bring guitar for CG, combined CG and then home to pack.. I could use another coffee..

Til next time! Singapore! Woo hoo!

And so he tries

It all began with a peaceful day at work and later scheduled practice with Mr Broc and Susie for P&W and special item for Diep and Phu's wedding on Saturday when.. Mr Broc calls me and brilliantly decides he wants to try his hand at cooking and whip up something special for us...

I was working at the clinic that day so couldn't argue much, just had to hear his many phone calls regarding "recipes" and what ingredients I had at home that he could use, also many "hey dear what's chorizo.. etc"

Returning home, one could not help a smile to the face being greeted by this

<---- MAN in kitchen holding fry-pan in semi-amatuer way Quickly changed into sloppy t-shirt to help settle the mess that had begun (its a woman thing) and serve him as his kitchen hand..

Signs that he's tried something that is beyond his baby kitchen steps.

Question: " Dear what does it mean to trim and blanch french beans?"

"How do I roast almonds?" and GIANT chunks of pumpkin interpreted from slice pumpkin and fry with onion and garlic for 5mins. (We had to fish the pumpkin out from the pan, reslice it and then put it in again) .. Hot pumpkin, not easy to slice.

Mr Broc:"Could you help me cut up the onions?"

Me: "Ok, how do u want them done?"

Mr Broc: "I'd like them cut."

Me: " cut how?"

Mr Broc: "just cut them up" - silence

Mr Broc: " you mean there are different ways to cut it?"

Me: "?!?!?!?!"

Hence proceed to demonstrate, slice halves,quarters, diced, chopped, minced.. etc..

5mins later: "Hey dear, book says diced in small pieces."

Well after all the hard work, I was very impressed by his really yummy celery, french beans chicken salad with roasted almonds and chorizo. Dressing made from honey, olive oil and seeded mustard.

<-----

AND home-made pumpkin soup, (he bought a can just in case anything happens) and Lemon ICE TEA.. he's been obsessed with making it since we tried a nice hongkee place in burwood, tried various concoction of different types of tea-bags, required concentration etc and how much sugar vs lemons.. I benefit I guess in this hot summer weather.



Poor Mr Broc after all that hard work, wonder if he will cook again.. (dunno if its a tummy-ache) hehe

The next day, 3 of us trotted down to Punchbowl for Diep and Phu's wedding. Didn't manage to get any photos inside the church cos its was dark but blistering hot! However nothing could steal the smiles off the newly weds faces.

Later we made Dave chase the ice-cream van, kind of miss the good ol' Springleaf days when me and lister would chase the ice-cream man after hearing the "ding ding ding". This time however we had to buy a whole box of popsicles, pretty good deal 20 for like $7.50 and we thought to happily share it with everyone to discover that they'd bought a box too.. so we had like 3 each!
Susie's funny face.. dunno if after effects of dave's meal.. hehe

I still like u Mr Broc.. =)