This is OUR God

This song reminded me of His love for me when I was feeling down and out at the end of last week. What an irony to be feeling blue on a Friday when it is the weekend! Anyway, while bringing my fat Jack Rascal Russell out for a much needed exercise and me, a breather, I heard the wind bringing faint lyrics of a familiar song. As I got nearer to the source of the music, from the park, I found out that it is one of my favourite Hillsong song!!! So, I sat myself and my tired dog down at a stone table and started worshipping the Lord. There, tears flowed and as the night breeze blew, I felt that it was taking away my cares/worries/anxieties. I felt Daddy telling me that He will take care of everything for me and assuring me not to worry.

Then, on Sunday, during Praise & Worship, we sang the same song again and while on my way home after having lunch with my church friend, I was listening to the same song despite shuffling the songs. Really, when there is so much coincidences happening, God is really telling you something eh?!

Just like the song, I have decided to fall at His feet and see my problems at His feet and that Daddy will take care of everything for me! I am grateful for having such a wonderful Abba!

Entering the Promised Land

Its July already and I cannot help but just exclaim that the first 6 months have gone by too fast!!! Anyway, Pastor Ben was preaching at yesterday's GenRev's session for the Young Single Working Adults and he touched on the topic of having faith to enter boldly into His Promised Land.

I just felt that the sermon preached was for me. In fact, when Pastor Ben exclaimed and encouraged all of us to enter boldly, to enter with courage and to jump in faith what the Lord has placed in our heart, gave me the peace and serenity on things that have happened recently. Indeed, since it has been provided by DaddyGod, why should I hesitate and worry? To quote Pauline, Pastor Ben's wife, "Analysis can lead to paralysis" and "Look at your giants and you stumble; Look to Jesus and see your giants tumble, then you will have a royal rumble!"

So, for the next half of the year, I cannot wait to enter into the Promised Land that Daddy has planned for me - how it will turn out? I don't know. The only thing I know that it will be GOOD!!!

Yes, we are ALL waiting to enter our own Promised Land

Down but not Out

I like what today's Daily Devotional says about any down situation that one may be facing and I feel that it is so apt for me!

Down But Not Out

2 Corinthians 4:8–9
8We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…

Before you were a Christian, when something sad or bad happened to you, you cried until you had no more tears left. Your heart simply broke into pieces, and you felt trapped, depressed and totally defeated.

But after having become a Christian, when something bad happens to you, you may still cry, but you feel comforted inside. You are sad outwardly, but your heart isn’t heavy. You don’t understand why, but deep down inside you, there is something lifting you up. That something buoyant, which is rising from the inside of you, is the life of Christ in you!

You cannot be completely distressed because Christ in you is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) who says to you, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Yes, it may be a bad situation and you are in a tight spot, but Christ in you is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6), and He says to you, “It will all be all right. I will provide a way out for you.”

You know you are not defeated because Christ in you is your victory (1 Corinthians 15:57) and He says to you, “You are not fighting for victory, but fighting from victory because you already have the victory in Me.”

Before you knew Christ, when you were down, you were out. But now, when you are down, you are not out because Christ in you is the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27) “Hope” in the Bible means a definite, positive expectation of good.

So Christ in you is the definite, positive expectation of a glorious marriage! Christ in you is the definite, positive expectation of a glorious family! Christ in you is the definite positive expectation of glorious health! Christ in you is the definite positive expectation of a glorious life!

My friend, Christ in you is the definite, positive expectation of all the glories of God revealed to you. No bad circumstance that you are in can or will ever cause you to be destroyed or forsaken by God!

His Goodness

I cannot help but say how blessed I have been ever since I started attending church all over again. In fact, because I have learnt to embrace Him as a person, its becoming more real for me, at least. I want to boast and say of the good things that He has done for me for the past week.

I received a series of sermon cds couple weeks back on the Love Story of Ruth. A series that I have always wanted to buy but never because of the cost. I initially planned to purchase it during my birthday month since Tecman has special birthday discounts. However, God outgave me and through a church friend, I received it. As I concluded with the final cd today, indeed, its a series that I have been blessed and I know I will listen to it again and again!

In recent months, I noticed that the church has been scheduling for mid-week services on Wednesdays. As Wednesdays are days that I work late, there are times when I am not able to attend as much as I would like too. However, because the clinic where I work in the hospital has decided to tag dietitians i.e. tracking the amount of wt lost for each patient seen, we are encouraged to follow-up with the same patient until the 6-month package is completed. To quote Pastor Ben, "Change are seeds that brings harvest of growth." Indeed, its so true! This change has blessed me completely! How so, you might ask!

Because of this new tagging system, my senior has to make some changes to her clinic slots at CSMC and SSMC. Also, my boss suggested for my other colleague to help out at the Novena clinic. I took this opportunity and asked boldly if I can change my evening clinic slot from Wednesday to Tuesday and my request was granted. Now, I am waiting for my colleague to return from her family trip before we kick-start this change! This also means that I can now attend mid-week services without even having to worry about clinic. How great is He!!!

And even as you are reading this and wondering when your next BIG miracle is coming? Just know that God is hiding you in His quiver (Galatians 4:2). When He next draws from His quiver to shoot, the arrow that He draws might be you and then it will hit the mark!!! Be blessed!

Spreading the word on the Feisty Princess

I don't know how much impact posting this up on my blog will help this little Feisty Princess. I don't really know her personally but my dajie does to her mother.

Shanghai Jiangnan Trip

The trip to Shanghai was simply AWESOME! Perfect weather, new friendships, rekindled family love and most of all, blessed by DaddyGod!!!

Pictures have been uploaded unto Facebook so check it out!

Trip Notice!

Dear Readers!

I will be away from 13 - 20 June for a family holiday to Shanghai!!! Blessings such as "Have a safe trip!"; "Protection of Psalm 91 will be upon you!" etc are welcomed! Till I return, be blessed! :)

Awesome time of P&W!

What an awesome week I had! It started on thursday when I attended the monthly structured CG activity. In view of our shepherd's busy schedule because of his dance rehearsals, our CG day has been switched from Friday to Thursday until the Zone conference is over in July. Anyway, instead of the usual combined CG where one gathers together for an activity or meal, it was extended Praise & Worship, led by the Serangoon United band!! Praise & Worship was anointed as I could feel the presence of the Lord when started singing. What's more, I got prayed over for - a step of faith that I took.

Then, Sunday came and I was blessed and in for a time of washing and anointing! Pastor Brian Houston, Senior Pastor from Hillsong Sydney, preached a rhema word - keep shooting until we are victorious! What's more, at the end of the service, the music team sang the song, "God is moving" and had the youths to the front and we all started dancing and singing! AWESOME!

Then, it was a time of praise & worship for a live recording that the Music Ministry is doing for the release of the album - Peace Offering for 2008. Despite having 4 takes, I had the opportunity to sing praises unto the Lord and just enjoying His presence. Lastly, I embarked on my guitar journey, having started my first lesson on Monday! The word to describe it AWESOME! I am looking forward for more and I am surprised that with the 4 chords that I learnt, I can now play 1 song - My Life is in You!


Divo youths whom I met at EJ4! See how Jen blended in so easily with them! She looks like a mother hen!!!

Once inside the Rock for the live recording, we can't help but take pictures!!!



Last pic! Don't you like the effect of the lights?

Its JUNE already?!

Ok, I can't believe that today's the beginning of June! I thought I should just take some time and count the countless abundance of superabounding favour that God has bestowed upon me since 2009 kicked its first second away. Pastor declared at the beginning of this year that it will be a dektos year, where full favours superabounds!

Indeed, I cannot say how blessed I have been so far and still looking to God for more! I get to travel to 3 different countries and experience 3 different cultures within a span of 3 months - jetsetting to Penang with 2 VERY good friends, a trip that is fully sponsored by the hospital (which I know is from God) and an upcoming trip to Shanghai in couple of weeks' time. What's more, I know more trips will be in the works because of His abounding favour.

Next, at work, I can't believe the amount of ripples I am creating just by doing my job - providing health talks: one major talk for Men's Health and I got to know the editor of the magazine, a TODAY newspaper article on crash diet - dispelling its myth, upcoming Healthy Lifestyle Project that is hospital-wide and many more!

Lastly, I see friendships growing and maturing. Take for instance, the GAP girls - the trip to Penang created many precious memories that we can look back and be reminded of DaddyGod's love for us. Lisa, after your leaving the hospital, I appreciated your presence even more. You taught me things that textbooks cannot teach. An important character that I need to learn as I continue my walk with God. Amanda, you provided a listening ear whenever we meet and catch up. A nice, warm hug is all that is needed to make me forget everything. Sophie, your very presence just cracks me up and make me forget whatever I am going through.

With another 6 more months to go before the year ends, I know alot more favour will continue to abound as we seek the Lord. DaddyGod, I can't wait to see your promises for me and those around me come to pass. I fix my eyes on you, Lord.

Let's go PLAY!

The youth ministry decided to organise an outing where all 3 youth ministries come together to play and soak up the sun! What's more, there was the revealing of the new name for the ministry - the ZONE!

So, a day at the beach, enjoying good fellowship, exercise and of course, the anointed Praise & Worship!

And of course, while spending time basking in the sun, I gained a slightly darker skin tone! However, I like!


While waiting for the rest to arrive



My dream dog! She jumped onto me very excitedly!

The youths where I spent 4 days with them, learning to love them!

Dunking our CGL!

When night falls, it was time for Praise & Worship!

We were then entertained by the GenRev CGLs while waiting for the youths to board

Ps: More pictures on facebook!

An unexpected blessing!

The church announced that there will be a mid week service this week and it was to be on a Wednesday! When I heard that annoucement, I felt my heart sank alittle. I found myself asking, "Why Wednesday?!" I felt selfish at that time since Wednesdays are usually my late working nights since providing my services at SSMC for weight management programmes.

Anyway, I prayed and asked God to provide a way for me. However, early on Tuesday morning, I received a text from SSMC, informing me of the number of patients for my Wednesday clinic and the timing of my first and last patient. My heart sank even more when I realised that my last patient will end at 8pm. I was disappointed! Even my facebook status said it ALL, "Joanna is disppointed that she cannot attend tomorrow's mid-week service. :'(". Anyway, my comment generated some responses and Jenny told me that God has a plan for me and if I cannot attend, it is because God is blessing me to be a blessing to someone.

So, I went about seeing my patient on the list and lo and behold, when I was walking out to call my next patient, which I don't usually do that because the receptionist or the PTAs will send them in, I spotted someone familiar. I took a second glance (or even more), like you would do for someone whom you think looks familiar and found out that it was my primary school form teacher!!! She was shocked and said that she was proud of me and what I am today(since I wasn't a very bright kid in primary school). Now, I find that both of us are in reverse roles, I as the "teacher" and she as the "student" when years ago (12 years to be exact), I was the student and she the teacher!

How amazing is that??!!! Indeed, God blesses beyond what we expect!

Ps: Thanks Jen for those encouraging words!

By His stripes, I am healed!

I have been disturbed by what I heard from the doctor since Monday - having a relapse of my hyperthyroidism. Its annoying and disturbing because I have to go through a whole load of symptoms and putting on weight. But no! I will not let the devil tell me what I am going through. In fact, because Jesus was scourged, whipped and crushed on the cross, I know I am made well and whole.

Interestingly, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to open up to today's Daily Devotional, something which I rarely do because of time in the morning - I usually read the online version. So, as I read the verse, I knew it was for me and why I was prompted to read it. How amazing is that!!!!

So, just to share.

Scourged For Your Wholeness

Isaiah 53:5
5… and by His stripes we are healed.

Under Roman law in Bible times, a criminal was either scourged for a lesser crime and then set free, or crucified straightaway if guilty of a greater crime. But Jesus was both scourged and crucified. Pontius Pilate had hoped that after scourging Jesus and presenting His bloodied body to the people, they would be satisfied and willing to let Him go. But the people were not and demanded His crucifixion instead.

Don’t think for a moment that the people had power to inflict such suffering on Jesus. It was all part of God’s plan and the scourging was necessary for only by His stripes are we healed.

The Roman whip used for scourging was made of leather straps embedded with glass, bone and metal hooks. With just one strike, the instrument would have been wrapped around Jesus’ body, causing the glass, bones and hooks to cut deep into His flesh. And as the whip was pulled back, the hooks would have stripped His flesh off, exposing muscle and bone. Indeed, the psalmist says, “They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me,” (Psalm 22:16–17) and “The plowers plowed on My back; they made their furrows long”. (Psalm 129:3)

Although 39 was the maximum number of times one could be whipped according to Jewish law, I believe that Jesus was whipped more times than that because the Romans, who were not likely to regard Jewish law, carried out the scourging.

Whichever the case, His back would have been reduced to a mass of bloody, mutilated flesh. That day, Jesus’ blood flowed freely from His body for your deliverance from every kind of disease and physical affliction. God allowed every one of those stripes to fall on His Son’s body so that your body need not be scourged with diseases.

My friend, if you are sick or suffering from some physical condition, know that Jesus took the scourging as full payment for you to be free of that condition. He bore those stripes so that, today, there is no sickness, no disease left for you to bear. By His stripes you have been healed!

Running along with the revelation!

Another new addition to the Apple family

Please welcome the newest member to the Apple family, presenting...*drum rolls*
IPOD TOUCH!!!


I have been tempted to get this ever since I could not get my hand off from Soph's Ipod touch, since I-don't-know-when. What's more, when I was in Penang, I was even more tempted to get it since Jenny was able to access the internet with the free wifi at our lodging. So, I did my homework and compared prices and found out that the Apple store Down Under cost much cheaper as compared to US or Singapore stores. And since I was heading Down Under, I might as well grab that chance, hearing that Soph got hers at a steal!

So, here I am now, happily playing with it and constantly going to the app store to check put new FREE applications to be added to Ipod touch! As of now, Jo's a happy girl!

Hello, I'm home!

My trip Down Under has been a blessed one! With 4 intensive days of course to learn the ropes of Sports Nutrition with my arse freezing and then a relaxing holiday in cool, sunny Sydney. Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it?!

Anyway, pictures to be uploaded soon. Please check back this post.

Trip Notice

Dear all

I will be away from 30 April to 10 May for a course and holiday Down Under!!! Any thoughts/blessings is very much appreciated! Thanks to friends who blessed me with a safe and AWESOME trip! :)

In the meantime, take care!

Birthday Surprise

Ok, here's how to plan surprises for individual without arousing their suspicions. First, set a date where they would least expect. For instance, get their birthdate wrong (which is not advisable!). After setting a date, make it look like it is an outing/a time for catch-up. Basically, you don't want them to suspect anything! After the date has been set, gather a pool of friends and start planning!! When executing the surprise, just enjoy the entire process!!! I simply love planning surprises!!! Who doesn't like surprises?!

Anyway, Claudia and I planned a little birthday surprise for Serene since I will be away on her birthday. Her present(s) were the toughest as we only thought of what to give her the day before we were meeting. As Serene is a very practical person, thinking of a practical gift did not come instantly. However, while Claudia and I were texting each other, it dawned on Claud to give Serene a plant for her birthday and toilet paper. :) As we continued texting, we began formalising a plan. It was decided that we will surprise Serene by giving her the toilet paper at work. After that at dinner, we will give her the plant and muffins spelling her name to end the night!

Presenting part 1 of the surprise

Pang-sai-zhua (toilet paper)



Presenting part 2 of the surprise

Look at her shocked face! Who expects to receive plants for their birthday!

Serene and her plant

Muffins that spelt 'S-E-R-E-N-E', a break from the usual birthday cake

Happy Birthday, Serene

Loving Serene!

The planners behind it all!

Indeed, by God's grace, Serene was pleasantly surprised!!! Precious memories were captured last night!

What a weekend!

Its been an amazing weekend and I can't help but give thanks to the Lord! It started off with Mark, my CGL, asking if I wanted to help Mandy lead worship for CG. I was initially hesitant since its been a while since I last led. However, I felt prompted to lead. So yar, I agreed and I had a great time ushering the presence of the Lord or at least, quietening the hearts of those present.

After CG on Friday, Water Baptism was next. I'm a born again believer and I know that when I was submerged under the water, the old has gone and the new has come!

Then on Sunday i.e. today, I attended third service as I had a choir audition at 5.30pm. This is not my norm since I am a morning person and first service is my usual. So, anyway, I went for third service and while queuing up, I was approached by one of the staff working for the church and asked if I could just say a couple sentences of gratitude towards our Senior Pastor. As usual, I was afraid of what I should say but I readily agreed since this is one of the best thing I can say to Pastor (via a video). Its still my secret wish to be able to meet pastor in person and of course, chat with him. I know that day will come because, DaddyGod loves me and He always answers my prayers. Ok, so, I said a couple of lines to pastor and had a little chat with the staff who approached me as we knew each other from EJ camp. Of course, service was great! Anyway, at 5.30pm, I went for my audition. While waiting to be interviewed and auditioned, one of the girls chatted with me and we clicked instanteously. I'm surprised! She was so warm and comfortable - reminds me of how I met Jenny at our 1st CG. Now, we are chatting like we knew each other for a long time.

Ok, so, DaddyGod, I am trusting you for whatever I have placed into your hands - first up, choir - whether I get in or not, I know its by your grace. If I don't, I know you have a greater plan for me. Secondly, for a relationship. You know my heart Lord. I trust in your Perfect timing, You will cross the paths of mine and his. Amen!

My water baptism

Water baptism is a public declaration of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. After so many years, I was prompted to be water baptised. The feeling? Feels like I am born again. I can't describe how I felt - felt like a new creation in Christ, clean, healed, whole. Its like the old me has died along with Jesus' death and rose again as a new me.

Enough said, some pictures to celebrate this day!


That many people came! I wonder why I was surprised despite knowing how big the church is.

Entertaining myself while queuing up

She brought me my favourite flowers to celebrate!

My photographer for the day too!

Ok, getting into the pool! The lady keep telling me to turn around. In fact, I wanted to go down from the side.

While waiting for my turn

That's Pastor Lawrence doing my baptism

I wasn't prepared when he was done. Look how happy he is!

And that's the NEW me!

Ta-dah!!!

Experience Jesus' Friendships trip

Alright peeps! Thanks for praying. My trip to Penang was a BLAST and I had a great time, got to know a new friend, ate Penang's local food, had fun worshipping at Ivy's church and of course, experience a whole new level of friendship.

Enough said, pictures to show ALL the fun that I had! Be warned! Heavy pictures loading ahead!

Day 1: Getting to know you - Penang!

On the way to the airport

Can you spot our flight?

What a BIG Lollipop! *lick*

In Penang

Our humble abode for the next 3 nights - Taman Lone Pine Resort



Selamat datang Penang Hill

The view from the tram

Breathtaking, stunning view that greeted my eyes when I stepped out from the tram

We could not resist taking pictures



The "ah-sum/maliah/driver" for the next 4 days





At Han Ni's house

Lok Lok- Penang's steamboat style

Supper at Baskin Robbin's! YUM!


Day 2: All ready to engage in the hills, land and sea!
We woke up bright and early to hike Air Hitam. I tell you, this is worse than running 10km!




The beautiful sight that greeted us at the end of the hike!

Spraying insect repellent to ward off those funny insects!

Now helping Ivy to spray.



So, after taking in those views, we just needed to expand our energy. And, we do so by jumping!


First up, place your hands in the air and do a ballerina jump!



There you go!

Enjoying the scenic view before the hike down

Huggies!

We had to stop by Ivy's family business to say, "HI!"

After hours of car ride

Digging into a plate full of fibre!

The fruit farm's toilet was open-concept

Getting ready to para-sail!

Jenny up in the air!




While having fun on the banana boat, the boat pulling us, stopped and swerved and before we knew it, this happened:

Oh no!!! Where's Ivy??

There she is!

We made it to shore!

Jet-skiing!

YAYNESS!

Leaving our footprints in Penang

Where we changed out of our sandy clothes and the cleaning lady came in half-way and was just staring at us. God bless the lady!

My Jageschnitzel!



Baskin Robbins' to end the night!

Day 3: Jesus' resurrection celebration!

On our way to church!

Singing praises to Him

Ivy's home church in Penang - Penang First Assembly of God

A&W!!! I miss you so much!

We just had to take pictures with the food!







PENANG LAKSA! I fell in love with it immediately!

Their dou hua is yummlicious too! With gula melaka!

The hawker centre in Penang

Day 4: Home Sweet Home

Ivy's mum - she's a GREAT cook!