From Top: Our Dear Harmony teacher, Mrs Wilson and the 4 MEP students

Deborah, Me and Xuhua

Bottom:

ACJC Mep Class of 2005 ( with Issac, who was with us for 1 year) (without Xin'En who didnt turn up for prom). They are the ones that I am close with in my time in ACJC. My music classmates, whom endured the Madams (aiya.. they are nice ppl, just that we are naughty sometimes.), of course, joke and jack each other during class.

My Beloved Classmates of 2AA3'05! You guys and girls rock and changed my life.
Huiying and Me

Joel and Me

Clara and Me

Joy and Me

Wee Keat (CO Vp leh.. dont play play. No sacarsm meant)

Weizhe and I (isnt he as tall as a double bass??)

Ok.. That's all for the year, of 2005, I have yet to received more prom pics yet. I believe I took more pictures than this ok?? So if you havent send in yet, please do it asap. Really! THanks, thanks to these ppl for making an effort to download and send it to me. Really appreciate it... Thanks :D

Today is the Feast of Holy Family (supposed to be celebrated in the sunday in Octave of Christmas), but since thsi sunday is 1st Jan 2006 (Soleminity of Mary, Mother of God), the Feast of Holy Family is celebrated today..

Just a joke by Fr Alex (Clement.. u can add it into your list of husband and wife jokes) (there is some simplification done by me)

There was a man, who is very attentive in Mass. He never miss out a single word that the priest say in sermon. One day, after mass, he went home and suddenly give his wife a tight hug. His wife is puzzled as the man has never ever give his wife a hug before. His wife asked why. The man replied: "Because the priest say in sermon today, must embrace your cross". :D

Many husband and wives often see each other as a burden, as their cross. But we rarely see each other as Christ.

Joseph and Mary (Jesus mother) is able to live a fruitful and holy life because they focus their attention on Christ.

Joseph and Mary have their own problems in their family too. Joseph did think of separating from Mary at first after knowing that she is conceived with Jesus, to spare her the embarrassment. Both of them couldnt find a place for Mary to deliever her child. They have to flee to Egypt from Herod. And yet, Joseph didnt complaint, he didnt give up. He could have choose to break off with Mary.

Iamgine what will Mother Mary tell Joseph on their way to Egypt. Mary would probably apologise to Joseph for all the trouble. Joseph, being a loving and gentleman, will probably say it's ok, and do not find it a burden at all.

My dear friends, have we ever put Christ in the centre of our relationship or friendship? I personally have this experience, with a friend, we used to go to church together, go adoration room together, novenas together, and although it's within 3 months, our friendship is stronger, and we are probably best buddies now. Yup, in these 3 months of friendship, we have tasted sweetness, bitterness, and sourness, and we are in the brink of ending our friendship (as in to stop contacting each other), yet, Christ bring us back together, after YISS and it's still strong as ever ( in my opinion).

To those married couples out there, See your spouse as Christ, love your spouse. Put Christ as the centre of our relationships. Never see problems as a mean to break off your relationship, but use it to strengthen your relationship. (applies to any friendship too).

Ah well, that's all for sermon today, or rather, that's what i could get from Fr Alex sermon. It looks like his homily is impressive ya?

Alright, talk about my life today. Anyway, I got a cool T-shirt. To that person, thank you very much. I love it so much that I dont bear to wear it la... lol.

Sigh.. just feeling a little miserable again. What have I done to leave a bad impression? or Did I? Is loving someone a crime? I need answers. Maybe i did something wrong which I am not aware of. Sigh.

Today's Fr Alex made a good sermon.

The gospel reading today talks about the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. His sermon dwells on the phrase which Simeon tells our Blessed Mother Mary.

"And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart"

My dear friends, our blessed Mother doesnt understand these words when Simeon tell her. She only began to realise the pain of a sharp sword, piercing her heart, when Jesus grows. When they found Christ Jesus in the temple, Jesus told them "Why did you have to look for me? DIdnt you know that I had to be in my Father's house?" BUt Joseph and Mary doesnt understand his answer.

When Jesus begin to serve in God's ministry, our blessed mother suffered more pains in her heart. My dear friends, Mary has the same human instinct as all of us. Each of us here has a sword in our hearts, piercing us. Many times we are not willing to let go of certain things, we want to do things our way but not God's way. We are wounded by the many piercing in our hearts and we offer our bloodied heart to God our Father.

I have a sword that is piercing my heart right now and it's hurting me once in a while.

Had a terrible morning. Couldnt sleep till 4am. I shout to the Lord for help, read the bible, hopefully able to find a suitable advice.

What will happen when both mother and child have the same character, (wants to win in arguments, both parties firm in their belief, and not open to each other thoughts and feelings) result= conflict which will never be resolved.

It doesnt help when people defend the child without trying to understand the mother's feelings, and vice versa. Things wont get resolved if we just listen to one sided stories and telling the child to endure the mother's remarks. Because there are limits to one's patience, come on, we are humans, we get impatient, even the MOST patient human on earth will one day break loose, oh yes, Jesus lost his cool when he saw what people do in God's temple. Remember he chase away the taxcollectors, market sellers that is selling in the temple? Things will go worse and it will never be resolved.

My dear friends (readers), sometimes I see things differently from people's (of the same age) point of view. Many times we just look at the situation (on the surface) (i am guilty of that too) and find solutions based on the situation. However, this is just a short term solution. We should look at the hearts (character) of the conflicting parties and find a compromising solution that fits both of their character. I am still trying to search for a solution that works well for both the mother and child. Of course, it's hard cause I dont know the mother well, but I do know the child well (or at least better than the mother).

To my friend(s) whom I loved most: Sometimes it's not that I dont believe you. I put my trust in you handling the situation. I hate to have any differences/disagreements with you. But if I dont voice out my opinions, I will be untrue to you and myself. It's not me, if I say things or agree with you just to please you which is not from my heart. Just as I do hope you will say things that are true from your heart, even though how ugly it might sound. It gives me a chance to reflect on myself and try to make necessary changes. If we find friends just to agree with us all the time, then it's not a friendship based on sincerity and love, but a friendship built of hypocrisy and insincerity.

Today's mass readings touched me alot...

Here are some of the verses from the first reading of today:

A reading from the first letter of St. John (extracted) 1 John 1:8-10

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: He will forgive us our sins and purify us from our wrongdoing. If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God, and his word is not in us."

Fr. Alex made a good sermon today regarding confession.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all sinners. We tend to sin, it's pretty normal. However, although we sinned, we must always turn back to Him. The devil will tempt us away from God. BUt we must not be deceived by the devil and turned away from God.

He loved us so much that he send his only Son to pay for our sins. It is for us, sinners that He died for. He is our friend, brother, if he is our friend, we must try not to hurt him by sinning. However, he is merciful, he still loves us although we have hurt him...

Question: How do you know if it's God's Spirit working through you?
Answer: If you received the fruits of the Holy Spirit- Joy, peace, love, etc.

Some bible verses:

"Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him" Hebrew 5:7 - For those who are weary and down.

For those suffering because you are a strong believer of Christ: Here are some verses to comfort you:

"My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Happy are those who remainful under trials, because when the succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him." James 1: 2-4, 12

"My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you. Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you. If you suffer because you are Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name. So then, those who suffer because it is God's will for them, should by their good actions trust themselves completely to their creator, who always keeps his promise." 1 Peter 4: 12-14, 16, 19

Praise the Lord, he has called me, his unworthy servant to comfort you. For those who receives joy and peace after reading this verses, thank the Lord for he is the one who comforts you, not me. :D

Today is a very special Day... The Feast of St. Stephen, (for those who do not know who is he, read Acts! He is the first martyr!) It is so ironic that his feast day falls on the same day as the anniversary of the Tsuanmi tragedy. (so are those ppl who died in the Tsunami martyrs as well? LoL.)

Went for Mass in the morning, about 8am. Audrey made her debut for mass today! Ah, She played well. 3 cheers for her, really! *claps*

The highlight of the day comes in the afternoon. Went to Tampines Mrt to meet Murphy, Adrianto, Vanessa, Serene and Julia. Later, meet Joy at the bus stop near my block. Shawn, Joan and her brother came later.

Yeah, all of them enjoyed the food. Kuedos to my Mother, who prepared the food single handedly. No joke, when you need to prepare food for a group of 40 ppl. I just kinda need to work on hospitality though. :D

BUt thank goodness, Uncle Jimmy was there. He gave a talk about the Holy Spirit to Adrianto, Vanessa, Julia and Serene. After they left, he went on to preach to Joy, Shawn, Joan and her brother David. From 3.30pm i think to 6pm.

Yep, I received many christmas gifts. Thank you for those who has given me christmas presents. Here are the list of gifts:
1) Chocolates (many of them, ranging from Ferrero Rocher, chocolate from NZ, Calvary Chocolates etc.)
2) Christmas Card(s) (only received one this year.. a special one...)
3) A praise and worship Album by HillSong (contains my favourite songs such as Still, One Way etc.) Many thanks to the person who give this CD. Love it lots really.. :D
4) A pending Christmas present (it's going to be a special one, although i still dont know what it is... but it's the giver who is special to me...)
5) A Polo T-shirt
6) A special note book? ... (note book made of unique material)
7) A Vineyard praise and worship songbook.
8) Red packets with money in it
9) And of course, the greatest gift of all, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit!!!

Just want to thank all those who has given me gifts, although it might be simple, it's the heart and thought that count. I will love it.

Btw, this is the first time I actually invited my friends over to my house for lunch! Haha. :D

And also thank everyone for the joy, companionship that you have brought to my house. Amen. :D

The answers are slowly revealed. Conclusion: I (probably) think too much. Yeah, note the word 'probably'.

Yes, overanalysing and thinking too much is my forte. It pulls me back a little, gets too sensitive, it gets me depressed, especially when answers are not directly given. now I really hate it. (sounds like a particular character from a Shakespeare's tragedy huh?)

But then, I am not as violent as that character in the tragedy. I wont go kill ppl. Killing will cause me to end my life. haha. I will just get worried over things and that's all.

Alright, that's the pessimistic side of me at work.

Anyway, had a enjoyable Christmas Day. Played for Mass at 11am. Oh mine, it was very rush today. I just realised I have to set the Electone to 5 different settings... usually, I set it to Piano and electric piano, that's all. Today, I have to make use of the sound of Organ, Strings and Piano etc to get different effect. Very busy during mass indeed. Oh, Holy Trinity Church has become so advanced in technology that they used power point slides to present the readings, hymns. Oh well, that's one of the advanatage of technology: It saves the environment, imagine the number of sheets have to be printed (and the number of trees being killed in order to produce paper to print the hymns)... but one day, if the projected decides to go on strike, or the PC that is used to flash the powerpoint suddenly take leave, does that mean the congregation doesnt get to see the readings and sing the hymns???

Yay, got a christmas present from Aunt Winnie, a Vineyard book of Praise and Worship Songs Vol. 6. Most of the songs in that book is alien to me though. But anyway, thanks, I love it. gotta slowly learn the music. It seems that God wants me to serve him in the music (so many reaffirmation, how can I NOT believe?) But come to think of it, my path to the music ministry is Priest-guided.

I remember it was Fr. Alfred Chan who asked my Mum to let me learn the piano 10 years ago and she did. And now, it is Fr Johnson who asked me to serve the church music ministry. It is amazing how God works. My dear brother and sisters in Christ, my advice to you is to listen to the words of the religious people, you never know that God is revealing his plans for you through Priests, Nuns. bishops, etc.

Praise the Lord

This Blog posted on 25 December 2005, 2236 hours. (can someone teach me how to adjust the time in my blog?) :D

"Today a Saviour is born. Today a Saviour is Born. This is the day, this is the day, Christ our Saviour is born..."

The tune of this responserial psalm keep ringing in my head. Feeling so high after singing for 12 midnight mass. Yeah, go around, hugging ppl, wishing ppl merry Christmas. Yeah, got a little gift from Audrey, (thanks a lot! I love it really.. it's the heart that counts even though how simple a gift might be... :D)

This year's Christmas is indeed something special for me. Coz special things happen this year. Well, instead of receiving Christmas presents every year, I gave a friend which I love most a present (and she is so happy!!! couldnt forget that time...) oh well. :D and of course, this Christmas is the first one after YISS. My heart is free, and it's open for Jesus to be born inside me. I was filled with joy the moment after the carolling session and before the midnight mass. Oh yes.. this is the first time I actually packed my room neat.

To Twilight (in my tagboard): Thanks although I don't know who you are yet. But then, I am not a worthy person. He will call me, his unworthy servant, when she needs it. Right now, she doesnt, and I feel it. :)

Ah... it's 2.54am on Christmas Day now... gotta play for 11am mass later. (the time posted in this blog is quite screwed!)

Merry Christmas everyone! Jesus loves you.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE

You're never alone,I'm always near,
When your troubled, down or blue.
All you have to do is call me,
I'm always here for you.
It doesn't matter where I'm at,
it doesn't matter when.
When you need someone to talk to,
I'm here to be your friend.
If you need someone to hold your hand, or a hug to say I care.
If you need a shoulder to cry on, for you I will be there.
So never think you are a burden, when the weight gets to be to much.
You might find if look hard enough, a good friend could be the right touch.
You're never alone,
I'm always here,
through the good times and the bad.
I'm always here to be your friend,
I don't like to see you sad.

What a coincidence. Nothing special happened today except for mass, choir practice and i packed my room! Yay. Have been trying to find inspiration to pack my room. It's in a mess. those items that belongs to me 10 years ago is still there.

Anyway, it's amazing that the Psalms for today's evening mass is extracted from Psalm 25. :D

Btw, next week I can take a breather. Audrey is playing for mass!!! Haha! I believe she can do a better job than me. Yup, coz she is one hardworking fella! :D

I cant wait for Christmas... :D

Sometimes i know there is a strong temptation in me, to think what I am not suppose to think and not get too sensitive and start assuming things.

If there is a battle over a particular thing, I will be the loser.
If things are not yours, just let it go, although how much u love it.
What yours is yours, what is not yours will not be yours. Forcing it will make you lose everything.

I am the voluntary party to get into this deep mess, assuming things without concrete evidence (yet). Maybe he does like her, maybe he just wants to be friends with her. Whether it's the fact that he likes her or just friends, reveal it to me Lord, dont make me think so much. If it's the former, comfort me Lord. Dont let the evil one triumph. Whatever it is, it's really none of my business. Why do I feel this way?

There are ocassions when I know I am not needed anymore. I am happy for her, but it's a mixture of happy and bitter. Loving someone/ something is a sin or a cause of sin, especially emotions of jealousy, bitterness.

Psalm 25 (some selected verses)

"To you, O Lord, I offer my prayer; in you, My God, I trust. Save me from the shame of defeat: don't let my enemies gloat over me! Defeat does not come to those who trust in you. but to those who are quick to rebel against you. Teach me your ways, O Lord; make them known to me... Remember, O Lord, you kindness and constant love which you have shown from long ago. Forgive the sins and errors of my youth.. Turn to me, Lord, and be merciful to me, because I am lonely and weak. Relieve me of my worries and save me from all my troubles. Consider my distress and suffering and forgive all my sins..."

This is the advent responserial Psalms which my church uses. and the response for this is
"To you, O Lord, I lift up my Soul, Come O Lord and Set us Free." (using the melody of "O Come O Come Emmanuel")

This is what i am feeling now. When I am in doubt, I do really need answers to free me from thinking too much. I know these feelings are unnecessary, normal but wrong!

Yeah... Today managed to catch the Narnia movie... although we bought the tickets only yesterday, Praise the Lord.

Watch Narnia with Audrey, Joan and her brother David, and Joy. Yup. The movie is interesting, with many Christian themes in it. Well, it's actually contains how Good will triumph over evil even though the Good was killed, (just like Jesus cruxifiction which made him triumph over Satan). It also reminds us of how Jesus come to this world to bring life to the people when the world is living in sin. There is also a representation of Heaven, Earth and Hell. The witch is a representation of the evil one, the lion the good one, and the earth is represented by Susan, Luis, Peter and (the other guy which I forgot the name). It also reminds me of how Jesus was betrayed by Judas which end up in Jesus death, in which he resurrected in the third day. In this movie, the youngest brother betrayed his siblings in order to save himself from the clutches of the witch and in the end, the Lion is willing to exchange his life for the youngest brother and submit himself to the witch (just like Jesus is being handed to the Jews in which they shouted "crucify him! Crucify Him!). Ok.. to all those out there that is waiting to watch the movie, yup, i will not spoil the fun. Enjoy the show.

Yup, went for lunch with Joan and Audrey. Got to know them better. :)

It's so amazing how God works....

I have heard about many complaints Agnes told me about playing for weekday evening mass, how the congregation complains about the music in weekday evening mass (before I started playing) and how draggy the mass can be with the music.

Praise the Lord that he prevents this from happening. Up to now, I have not received any complains about the music in evening mass. Instead, He keeps encouraging me through the positive comments made by some members of the congregation which i don't even know them. Although sometimes I must admit, I had not really serve the Lord in my best effort, but the Lord is merciful and compassionate, he still keeps encouraging me.

My dear friends, I dont deserve such praises, for I am not worthy to receive such praise. It's God who makes use of me, through my talents (or my ability), to serve Him and the church. I thank those who has praise me, encouraging me especially those from the Seraphim Choir and some of the members of congregation who has approached me to encourage me or praise me in one way or another and also my supportive friends from Holy Trinity, Audrey, Joy, Joan for being so supportive. Praise the Lord. Continue to pray for me, my friends, that the Lord will give me strength throughout and guide me in serving him faithfully. I offer these praises and (complains, if any which I wasnt aware of) to God. Praise the Lord for He is Good.

An advice to my partner: Always pray to the Holy Spirit to guide you even though if you run out of ideas to improvise the chords. Offer your talents back to our Heavenly Father, and let Him make good use of it through you, for we are doing it for His glory and not ours. Remember, there will be times when we are tempted to be proud of it, boost our ego, but remember that it's God who works through you. I believe that He has sent you to serve him in the music ministry as well. God works wonders.

Anyway, for those budding people who wish to serve God in church in any other way, I urge you to read 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Praise the Lord, Amen!

It's so amazing how God works...

He has made use of me to bring her to YISS. He has touched me with his own special way, with his Joy. He has unite our friendship again, despite what happen before the seminar.

I got a strong feeling that my time with her is over. It's time for her to explore her faith. I felt bitter, but i know i should feel happy for her, cause Christ is with her now. He has blessed her with many catholic friends who are strong in faith in one way or another. I am no longer needed. I am no longer worthy.

Jesus loves her so much. Her faith is as strong as a rock, yet she has to face lots of obstacles along her path to Catholicism. But no worries, my beloved friend, He will be with you always. Continue to believe in Him.

The Lord has power over everything. He is the one who made the hawks and eagles fly. He made horses so strong and gave them their flowing manes. He knows everything, He knows when mountain goats are born and their actions. He watches everything. He watched the wild deer gave birth. No one else is greater than Him. See Job:39.

I love you, my beloved friend. It hasnt changed a little bit at all despite what happen. We have plenty of differences. These words are from the bottom of my heart. Let God decide. Amen.

Sometimes it's so amazing how God works. These few days I have been busy playing for evening mass. He has sent an enthusatic and able helper, Audrey to help me for evening mass. Alleluia! These few days.. i feel that i am playing for more masses. For example, last Sunday, I have to play for 2 masses (supposedly 3 masses), 6.45am, 9.30am (supposedly) and 11am. But I know that God has put me to the test which I faltered.

It all happened on Sat evening: Suszanne sms me to ask me to play for 9.30am mass as she couldnt find her organist. But then, i was in doubt, in doubt because I was afraid that i could not handle it, 3 consecutive masses.. no joke... I know that God has called me to serve him more. but i doubt my abililty. I sms back telling Suszanne to look for other organist, but if she really couldnt find, I will help. I called my facile Murphy and speak to him about it. He suggested I should go, and not doubt Him, He will give me strength to handle 3 masses, if He asked me to. In the end, i agreed to help

But I know that I was being put to the test by God to see if I am obedient in serving Him. Miraculously, an hour before 9.30am mass, Suszan smsed me telling me that she has found her organist. I came to realise that it was a test for me, a test of obedience, a test of faith, I have faltered and failed Him, although I did agree to help in the end, but after a long consideration and consultation. Sighz.

It has been a long time since I last blog. I have found this interesting blogskin. Some find it too religious. Haha. I shall post some decent blog later. :)

Hooray, finally revive my blog.. I have so many blogs.. sigh...