day trip

Had a day trip to Teluk Intan yesterday. Left at 9plus and we stopped by Lumut cause my dad had to collect something from a client. I think. Then we had lunch at a Bakuteh shop in Sitiawan. Pretty good. The soup was quite different from any I've tasted. Slightly thicker but nice. Reached my grandparent's place at 1plus. So happened the Aston Villa - Liverpool match replay was on so me and Stv watched; though we already knew the outcome. =). Went to visit my mum's classmate; her first reaction when she saw me was "You look bigger; So different.. etc." I just heard that remark from a friend two days ago.. So many have said the same thing. Hah. I guess I must've been really skinny last time for them to notice the difference. Putting the weight issues aside; we went to The Store to get school shoes for John.. Went back to the house and then at 7 we went for All-You-Can-Eat dinner at Pau Loong Banquet Hall. Pau Loong's actually a restaurant that has really good seafood; one of the regular places we go to. The buffet is another one of their projects and it's good.. The hall was really big; air-conditioned.. And you won't get yourself smelly or sweaty cause you don't have to grill anything yourself. All done for you. Pictures!!

Wedges, fries, cheese sausages, onion rings, fried squid balls, nuggets....

Mushroom in oyster sauce....

Sweet and sour crabs

All the different steamboat varieties. Beats MP flat.

There were more than 6 types of mushrooms..

Teluk Intan has really FRESH seafood.

The Sauce table

Cold desserts. Ice cream right next to it.

They even have popcorn..

Drinks counter

One of the workers making noodles..

One of my favourite dishes of the night; sooo good.

Chicken Wings..

Grilled Sambal Fish

Grilled Lamb and Chicken.

Guy preparing Chicken Chop.

Mushrooms

Dessert counter

Longan + Nata de Coco drink

Spicy Crabs... Ah

...........

He just loves spoiling pictures.

That was it... Didn't take pictures of everything of course.. Overall it was good; we were all satisfied. For adults; it was only 17.90.. 9.90 for kids below 140cm and free for small kids like my bro. Like I said earlier; beats MP flat; considering there's so much more variety; fresh seafood and at a much cheaper price. Reached home at 10.30 and went to Jason's house after that for CG gathering... Been so long since we got nearly all of us together... Reached just in time to take CG photo. That's bt it for now.. Another post coming up real soon. Now I'm out.

blah

Just a short post for now. Been out quite alot; few stuff took place. Have no time to blog about all that just yet. That can wait.

Awesome Corn drink/shake. It's really nice.

Favourite Cantonese noodles.

I won't be surprised if this pic freaks you out..

And here's the Picture of the day...

Retard. LOL

Till then!!

be content

If we got all we wanted in life; would we be happy? If all the things we've yearned for were given to us; would we be contented? How often we think that should we gain something; we would be completely satisfied....

But we're only human; we can never be fully satisfied. If you wanted a particular phone now; when it gets out of trend; wouldn't you want something better then?

Sometimes we think we'll be happy with what we want so much. We fail to see that nothing; yes nothing will ever fill this desire within us. We were build with a desire for something more; much more than what this world could offer us. Even true love; yes I'm sure deep inside everyone longs for a story of their own. We may come to a point where we think that when we find that certain someone; or if we get together with someone we've loved for a long time we'd be happy and contented. Is that REALLY the case?

I don't think so. If we can't be satisfied with what we have; how can we ever be satisfied with what we want?

We live in a world where everyone tries to feed their self-gratification. No wonder everything keeps falling apart. No wonder there isn't any joy. No wonder there isn't real peace.. They need to know that there's so much more to life than just going after what you want. We weren't made for such low; empty lives.

I think the secret to lead a happy and fulfilling life is to be content. In Philippians 4:11-12, Paul says

'I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.'

1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

We know that He is faithful. Our needs will be met. That should be enough; more than enough.

hope

Just because I don't see it; doesn't mean it's not there.... Just because we can't see how things will work out; doesn't mean it won't.... Just because we're hurt now; doesn't mean we won't get better.

How often we allow our feelings and circumstances to hinder us from seeing what's ahead. The darkness seems to hide the light at times. And we know that at the end of the tunnel; there's a light that's shining. When you've lost that strength in you; when you feel like you can't go on; what do you do??

This is from a post I wrote last year; in my previous blog:
Don't ever doubt what God can do. Cause it really hurts when you ever question the One who loves you more than you can ever imagine. If we could understand how He would feel, then maybe our lives would be radically changed..

As much as I'm feeling broken; I also have this joy in me. Because I know that He sees the pain; and He will come through to me... He's more than I could ever ask for... The flesh might tell me otherwise.. But this I know:

Psalm 62:6 - He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

So friends, I encourage you to never lose hope; you might lose it in this world; but never give up on Him.... No matter what we may feel; no matter what may happen; we know that our hope is found in Him.

The God who created the Universe and everything you see; created YOU... He knows our need; He knows our weakness.. And He will NEVER fail.

In Christ alone; my hope is found.

christmas - life

I found this on some site:
The centuries and millennia pass by but the humble and quiet sign of Christmas remains valid. It is a sign of hope for the whole human family; a sign of peace for those suffering from conflicts in all their forms; a sign of freedom for the poor and oppressed; a sign of love and consolation for those who feel lonely and abandoned.

But overtime; many who do not know the true meaning of Christmas have got the wrong ideas. Presents, Santa, fancy decorations and the list goes on. None of which explains what Christmas really is about and why we celebrate it. Even those who know that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ; it stops there; no significance to the event...

Should it be like that for us who know the full truth? Is Christmas just about His birth? Of course that's what it's about. But what else does it mean.. Should we just settle for less when there is so much more for us to know; for us to learn; for us to realize... Somehow this year; I had a revelation; it isn't just about His birth; but His life and ultimately His death and resurrection. All of this brings us hope; the birth marked the beginning of it all; but Jesus himself is the reason for it..

Sometimes we go through life going after our own dreams and forgetting that without Him; we would cease to exist... There's gotta be more to life than this... To live for Him; that's what we were made for. Yet we so easily allow our own selfish desires to pull us away from our purpose....

John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life; and have it to the full.

We can never have an abundant life by just living for ourselves. We were made for so much more. Let us not be satisfied with just living day by day; but this Christmas; let us remember that the reason He came was so that we could have life; and have it to the full..

He gave it all. It's evident in the Scriptures.

Philippians 2:5-11:

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

This Christmas; let us ponder on the truth. Are we willing to give our lives for Him?

How could we live and not see? Your sacrifice; Your glory..

p.s: Comments gladly welcomed. Hope I've not offended anyone; what I've posted is clearly my own views and lessons I've learned... and Merry Christmas!! =)

shopaholic..not

GAH. I think I'm 1 in 10 of those girls who can walk around shopping malls for hours and NOT buy or even want to buy anything. Went to 1u yesterday; Mid Valley today. Wanted to do some Christmas shopping; failed miserably. I don't know if it's just me but I just couldn't get anything. Okay I think it's just me. But anyway; shopping has never been my kind of thing.

Back in Ipoh. Just a short update for now. Christmas Day in 24 hours. Nothing much planned this year but I'm glad cause my brothers are back; we have the whole family for Christmas this year. =). That's the best present I guess...

That's all for now. Till then!

tell me

You can't make it feel right when you know that it's wrong.

Came down to KL yesterday. Sam drove us up; Stv will be flying down from S'pore later in the evening. Will be here till tomorrow. I don't really have a reason to come down here; I'd prefer home anytime.. But since my brothers are here as well; why not.

Wanted to start studying; but failed miserably. I'm getting stressed that I'm not stressed; it scares me sometimes.

Anyway; still haven't blogged about youth camp. Will save that for later.

Will be going out soon. Till then!

It's too late to turn back now. Someday; I'll know.. I should be mad at you; for treating me like this.. But I just can't be.

the little things

Please don't leave me hanging on.

I never expected to be here. I'd have laughed it off had anyone said it would happen again; for real this time. I still don't know how I ended up here.

It's funny how things change; the things that used to affect you has lost its effect and unexpected things have taken their place

I just need to know the truth. Even if it can't change the way things are; I just have to know.

It's still not too late..

update

Haven't updated for a week. Camp's over - finally. But I'm missing it. Alot. I'll blog more about camp later on. Just glad that God has been so gracious; been my strength; my peace; my everything. It's crazy to see how everything was so messy yet it came into place. Of course it wasn't perfect; could've done better in many things but then again; given the time we had to prepare everything; I think everyone did a great job. Will be going to KL tomorrow till Wed. Stv's coming back again on Tuesday.

Till then!

perfect love

Camp's tomorrow. Finally. And I haven't packed. Gotta rush now to settle everything before I start packing. Till then! =)

You've won my heart; ever since You came into my life. Cause no one else could ever love like You. Perfect love; it comes from You alone.

how?

Camp's in two days. There's still lots to do; or maybe I'm just being paranoid that something's gonna be left out.

How did it come to this?

And now I'm surprised that it's fading. I think it is. I hope it is. His love is just so amazing.... Words cannot express how much He loves. Can't express the extent to what His love is capable of doing. Healing; restoration; it comes from Him alone.

I had quite a great fall this week. Literally. I don't usually get hurt when I fall; but that day it was really painful. But I'm okay now. =D.

Can't deny it no more.

I feel like a fool sometimes. Smiling to myself.

ready for you

Recently; I did certain things that seemed alright to me; but as it went on I realized how wrong it was. I can't say what it is; but I was utterly displeased with myself.. And I know I broke His heart too.. Maybe in other people's eyes it might not seem to be anything that's wrong; but every little piece of dirt in our lives have to be removed. Small sins; big sins; what difference is there? It's still sin. I remember an uncle in my church saying that sometimes we may think that our lives are fully clean and that we are not sinning; and that's when we need to use a 'magnifying glass' to check our lives...

It's hard sometimes. To do what's right. To be radical. The world might laugh at you; even fellow believers might say that you're going too far. But deep inside; if you know that you're doing what's required of you; doing what is pleasing in His sight; why should you fear? Let them say what they want. It doesn't matter.

Been pretty busy the past few days and it's gonna be till camp's over. At the rate things are going; I should be worn out; but I'm surprised that I'm still alright. It's definitely His strength in me.

Just had to share this song; read through the lyrics; it's more like a prayer..

(Kutless - Ready For You)

Lord, You take my heart away with Your love
and I am willing to put on my faith in Your plan.

Come and take my life.
Make my soul refreshed in truth now.

* I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.

Cleanse all of my mind that is not of You.
Break me, teaching me how to find rest in Your hands.

Whatever it takes,
I'm needing to make Your will be done
and I'm letting go of my control,
for I see what You've done in me.

flashbulb memory

This is something I learnt in Psychology and I truly believe that such a thing exists:

Flashbulb memory is a special form of vivid memory created because of intense emotion. These memories are detailed and are very vivid recollections of events; we'll remember things like who we were with, where we were, what we were doing at that time, how we felt etc. Situations like tragic events could cause these memories or even anything with an emotional attachment to it.

I still remember when we first learnt about such a thing we were imagining flashbulb memory to be something like what you see in cartoons. You know where a person's thinking and suddenly a light bulb lights up above his head and he comes up with this brilliant thought or idea. Lol.


It hasn't been scientifically proven to be true; I mean how can you prove it? So; there's a debate about whether these vivid memories are due to intense emotion or because it's just rehearsed; where we keep repeating it either in our minds or tell others about it..

Now I know why it's so easy for me to remember vivid details about certain things even if I don't consciously try to recall of it; it's just there. What about you? =)

weird

Gonna be busy for the next two weeks. Youth camp's next week; got games planning to do this week; worship practice; Christmas stuff... But it's all for Him; got to keep remembering that.

Memories supposed to fade;
What's wrong with my heart.
Shake it off; let it go
Never think it'd be this hard
Moving on; Should be strong...

I feel a breath of fresh air somehow. Even though the wounds haven't been completely healed; I have hope in Him. Never needed anything else so badly; and I know I never would. Cause nothing comes close to being with Him every moment... Just knowing that He's never gonna leave you is probably the greatest comfort you could ever have... =)

And something really weird is going on inside of me. Can't explain much here but it's really weird. Wish I could understand it; wish I could know why I feel like this. At least; I've been smiling more.. Another impossible dream. But it doesn't really matter; not anymore. I'm grateful anyhow.

For Your love is higher than the heavens; deeper than the seas.. I rejoice in Your love

all or nothing

How would you know when your heart is healed? Even if it were healed completely; there'd still be scars to remind you. Maybe we shouldn't try to run away from the pain; but face it.

6 weeks have passed; I guess it's healing; but the scar still remains.

I never tried to run away. I only prayed for sufficient strength to carry through. But it was through the tears and moments where I felt helpless; I felt His arms around me; comforting and reminding me of His everlasting love that will never fail. This emptiness inside can only be filled by His love. That, I didn't forget.

It ended; before it even started; I lost a battle I never was a part of. It hurt me to think of the endless possibilities; of what could've been, what should've been; what would've been. I was glad to know that I was on the right track. Give it some time. And then everything fell apart. It wasn't easy to deal with the pain of shattered hopes. I wondered why it hurt so much. Now I understand.

It doesn't hurt as much anymore. But I know I've got a long way to go before you slip out of my life. I'm still holding on to the memories; it's the only thing I've got. Sometimes I still do wish things had been different... Sometimes I still hope for that one in a million chance. It pains me when they say it's not worth it. What do they know? Am I supposed to act like it doesn't affect me when deep inside; it's hurting so badly? Am I supposed to rejoice when I hear all the stories that give me good reason not to be affected?

Of late; I've been trying to keep myself busy. Reading; watching shows; doing this and that.. Have I been trying so hard to keep it out of my mind? Cause I've realized; when I turn off the lights; it's you I think about.

I know I could say we're through
And tell myself I'm over you
But even if I made a vow
I promise not to miss you now
And try to hide the truth inside
I'd fail cause I, I just can't live a lie

You're my Healer.

weighed down

Haven't blogged for a few days though I had so much time at hand. Anyway, it's been a cycle for the past few days. Reading too; and no not anything to do with the subjects I have to study for.. But reading would help improve my language so it's not really a waste of time either. Right.

Went to watch New Moon alone yesterday; cousins and aunt went to watch 2012 and I already watched it so I went for something else at the same time. It was quite nice; for me at least. You don't and shouldn't expect book adaptation movies to stay real close to the book; you won't complain too much. Unless you simply hate the movie. Hah.

Will be going to Teluk Intan with my mum and John tomorrow. Just for a night; and of course lots of food. If I had lived there all my life; I would be obese right now. Speaking about weight; I used to be underweight; 1 year ago maybe... But I'm normal now. =D. For the past few months I've been hearing comments like "You're putting on weight!" "You're not skinny anymore." You look much better now." Heh.

Gonna watch a movie now. Till then.

I.R.M.Y