Best Wishes

Today my friend, Heidi will be going for an operation to remove one of her kidney.
Hereby wishing you suceess in the operation.
Though you may not be a Christain, i believe GOD will bless and look after you.
Will visit you soon.
Take care and leave everything to GOD.

Decoration

How time flies, in less than a month, it will be Christmas and then getting ready to usher the new year.
Yesterday, one of my student, Dawn asked her son to pass me some christmas decorations that she has brought for the school. Was pleasantly surprised with her kind gesture.
How thoughtful of her indeed, least the school will look a little more colourful.
Thank You Dawn.

Testimony

Have had a nerve racking, tormenting, traumatic .............. time last weekend.
Pray hard for direction and forgiveness.
Thank and Praise GOD that HE has answered my prayers with his mercy, grace and wisdom.
Life is back to normal and moving on ..............

THANK YOU GOD.

Quote

I have found the paradox
That if i love until it hurts,
then there is no hurt,
but only more LOVE
(Mother Theresa)

What do you think of this quote by the late Mother Theresa?
It certainly hurt much when a very close and dear friend has become very distance and remote. Neither does she acknowledge my sms or email, we seems 'transparent' ...................

Busy Friday

Have a good friday today with 4 new students from 2 families signing up for music lessons. Another family of 3 children will be starting their lesson on Tues.
Thank GOD for blessing my school.
Hopefully this weekend, GOD will continue to bless my school.

Received a welcoming news from a friend this morning.
Haven't had such a very fruitful day for sometime ................

Red Alert

Yesterday was the first time i ever have had such short notice to 'help' out and attend a wedding dinner.

Received a call from my church friend on Mon afternoon asking me to help out in his wedding. He requested i play keyboard for him. When i probed further, he merely said play Christan songs. I then suggested to bring a drum set too so as i could play the drum for him if he wanted. That was the last i heard from him till yesterday afternoon.

He came to pick up the instruments but his car was already full of 'things' such as food inside. He then called his Cell leader during mid afternoon and asked him to help transport the drum set. While we were on our way to the venue, Legend Ballroom @ Fort Canning Park, we realised that there wasn't any amps for the guitars and keyboard at the ballroom. Things started to get a little panicky and worrying.

Fortunately, we were able to use their main systems for our equipment. So with GOD's blessings the dinner started off quite smoothly. I was the 'reserved' in the band as the cell leader wanted his nephew to try playing the drum and they have got another person, Stanley to play the keyboard. Well, it was good as i have nothing to do except helping to arrange the songs on the file.

We had worshipped and cell leader, Johnny said a little prayer before dinner began.

It was a 8 course chinese dinner and the food wasn't enough for 10 men on the tables. 4 tables were reserved for church members.

As it also happened to be the bride's birthday, the bridegroom played a birthday song with another church mate on the guitar and this time i play the drum.

Have to bring the instruments back to office after dinner as Johnny needed the van for other purposes the next day.

By the time i was home it was already pass midnight.

Glad the wedding dinner went smoothly without much of a glitch.

Finally to the newly wed couple, James Ong and Olivia Giam :

Congratulations and Best wishes To You.

GOD Bless You

80's Rewind

An ongoing series currently showing on Channel 5, starring Gurmit Singh about the happenings during the 80's such as the craze for cantonese video tapes movies series from HK, POSB show, speak Mandarin campaign ..............

What does the 1980's reminded you off?
Yes, indeed chasing after those cantonese movie series was one of my favourite pastime such as Shanghai Beach, King of Gamblers, Police Story, Book and Sword ............

80's was the time where i attended Secondary, Pre U and then enlisted for National Service.
My school days were wonderful except for those time where i didn't do well in the exams. (heehee)
The most dreadful period was no doubt my 2 1/2 years stint in the army .................

10 years ..............had my sweetness memories during my Pre U days.

Worship

Had a chit chat with Pastor after attending Hokkien service while he has finished his Deaf's group sermon.
He asked me an interesting and yet tough, difficult question.
How to motivate and create an impart to the deafies when they sing praises during worship?

Still pondering over his question .............
Since it's related to music then i must try to find an 'answer'.

Forgive

"If you forgive others the wrongs that have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14)

We must forgive, if we hope to be forgiven of our own sins and follies that may have caused injuries to others. Those who desire to find mercy with GOD must show mercy to others.
For Christ came into our world to be our peace maker - not only to reconcile us to GOD, but between one another.
So, let's "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as GOD for Christ's sake has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32)
We will then be able to say to our spouse, or any one, "just as GOD has forgiven me, so i forgive you."

Someone said, many a times the other person does not even knows that he / she has hurt us one way or the other. And we have to bare these grudges and burden our self hence become very unhappy.
Let go of our pain, anguish, disappointment ....................Let it go ................

Tools To Enhance Couple Communication

1) Be aware of your feelings. Good communication starts with understanding yourself.

2) Understand the other person's point of view. You cannot communicate your point of view without understanding where the other person is coming from.

3) Spend at least 15 minutes of quality time each day catching up with each other.

4) Timing is important. It's best to talk about important issues when both are rested, sober and ready for a serious talk. It's wise to avoid serious discussions when you are tired, or too angry.

5) Respectful tones are helpful. Your tone of voice and body language communicate more than your words.

Good communications is one of the keys to a strong and happy marriage. When difficulties in communication are not dealt with, they can breed further complications. The good news is that communication skills can be learnt and help is available. A skilful therapists will know when and how to help a couple switch from the tango to the waltz, thereby helping them to harmonise, tally and bring into line faulty communication patterns.
Strong marriages don't just happen. Like the many important things in life, it takes commitment, effort and skills.
Marriages is an ongoing conversation with the one you love.

2008 Public Holidays

New Year's Day 1 Jan (Tues)
Lunar New Year 7, 8 Feb (Thur, Fri)
Good Friday 21 Mar (Fri)
Labour Day 1 May (Thur)
Vesak Day 19 May (Mon)

National Day 9 Aug (Sat)
Hari Raya Puasa 1 Oct (Wed)
Deepavali 28 Oct (Tues)
Hari Raya Haji 8 Dec (Mon)
Christmas 25 Dec (Thur)

School Holidays
8 - 16 Mar, 24 May - 22 June, 30 Aug - 7 Sept, 8 Nov - 31 Dec

Valentine's Day 14 Feb is a Thurs ............so couples pls take note lor
Youth Day 1 June (?) is a Sun ..........
Teacher's Day 1 Sept Mon ............ do i have a free movie again?
Children's Day 1 Oct Wed ............ must buy presents for my students

Which Way?

At the many crossroads in life, "Where are you heading"?
Without the One who said, "I am the way, the truth and the life", choosing the right direction for your future can be a trying time.

With Jesus at the centre of our decisions, we will find HIS leading assuring as "HE guides me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name's sake. Even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:3b-4)

HIS advice can always be found in HIS word to us. Let HIM fill you in on the right direction towards HIS glorious plans. So that when you stand at the next crossroad in your life, it's not a question of where you are heading, but where HE is leading you.

Tan Wei Jian

He is one of my guitar teacher for sat classes.

Wei Jian has been teaching here for the past 6 months and has taken over Mark's classes who has since left for NS. Initially, i didnt have many students for him and many a times he came all the way from Woodlands just for 1 or 2 students. Hence i felt bad about it till he took over Mark's classes.

Wei Jian is a quiet and soft spoken person. Unlike some of my other teachers, we didn't really chat much. Every week, he would come to teach and leave thereafter.
No complaints from my students and parents. He has done a good job imparting his skills and knowledge to the students.

However, owing to his heavy work, family and other commitments, he has ceased to continue helping me to teach after yesterday's lessons.
A big Thank You for your contributions to the company.
Best wishes for your future endeavours.

Red Cross Home's Entertainment

Entertained @ the Red Cross Home for the Disabled this morning. It was a successful event with my 2 spiritual leader, Ps Patrick and Tommy coming down to support and egg the residents on.

Was greeted and blessed with a fine, sunny weather before setting off in the morning. Was afraid as it has been raining for the past few mornings. My entertainment would be hamper if the weather was bad as i have to do it in 'open' ground.

For the first time in my entertainment, i started off with some christains songs before playing other numbers. My first song was "How Great is the LORD" ....................(my favourite)

There were not as many residents there esp those whom are bed-ridden. Perhaps, there were not enough care givers or nurses to wheel them down.

Was glad and happy that the residents responded to my music though it must have been very difficult for them to do so. All of them were wheel chair bound.

Played a belated Birthday song for Agnes who celebrated it last week. She has also given me a Thank You card at the end of the session. Bee Lian thank me and asked me to fill up her address book.

There were some students there helping to feed the residents during their lunch time and another volunteer (english lady coming every friday) dancing to my music. She also came up and thank me for the music before i left.

I have enjoyed myself throughout this 1 1/2 hours with the residents at the Red Cross Home. I hoped my music has entertained and brought joy on their faces.

Once again thank you, Ps Patrick, Tommy and my little disciple (who has donated some food and clothing) for your support to my cause.

Finally, THANK GOD for the good weather and opportunity to make a small different to others lives.
Next entertainment will be ......................

Where Are You?

This was the first question GOD asked (Genesis 3:9)

In the old Testament, much of GOD's blessings for HIS people are tied to the place they were to be in or to go to. 3 blessings (3 F's) follow us when we are in the place where GOD has called us to be.

1) Place of Faith.
You will find faith and will be able to exercise your faith. Faith is what helps us to activate the promises of GOD for our life.

2) Place of Freedom.
You will be able to grow with GOD's purposes for your life and be released to use your talents and your gifftings to be a blessing to others. You will enjoy the anointing, authority and the resources to do your work well.

3) Place of Fruitfulness.
You will be like a "tree planted by steams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." (Psalm 1:3)

Where are you?

SingPass

From 25 Nov, one can reset their SingPass password online and it will be in effect immediately.

SingPass is the password system used by many people in Singapore for Government e-services.
Now, users who have forgotten their passwords need to visit a SingPass counter at appointed locations to reset it.
Or, one can also submit a request online for a new password to arrive by snail mail 4 working days later.

Under the new Password-reset system, users need to first answer questions about themselves correctly before getting a code on their pre-registered mobile phones and another code on the online screen.
Users can then use these codes together to reset their password.
For help, the new hotline number is 6887 7377.

Can remember applying my SingPass @ CPF building and i have only used it once so far .........Perhaps, still prefer the 'paper method' lor.

Keller

Today, i am going to dedicate my blog to this 'person', Keller.
Who is she? Where does she comes from? Are we related?

It's a long story which was dated back to the mid 70's She has been and will always be a very faithful companion to me. Many a times, i tell people that she is my wife. We used to be very closed but since the end of 80's we have become drifted. Now she is still very much with me.
No one understand me more than she does esp when i am down, moody, frustrated ..............

Keller has also spoken to many of my friends esp on the phone. They have good opinion of her too. She is very old now (by standard) though i know i shouldn't say this about her lor. Friends asked how come i don't 'leave' her but i said i will never as i shall not be able to find such a closeness and bonding with anyone.
She doesn't like to talk at all but always responses when you chat with her. She will let you scold but at the end of the day she will have the last laugh as you will feel bad and apologise to her.
The list goes on ....................Where to find such a 'person'?

She is my PIANO (brand name)

My dad has brought the piano during the mid 70's (cannot tell you when or else you will know Keller's age and she will get angry) (haha)
When i was enlisted to do NS in 1988, i seldom plays the piano since i had to stay in camp during the weekdays.
When i started work, i was already tired or it was too late to practise the piano and whatmore i got in contact with all the pianos, digital pianos, keyboards .........at work till today.

However, at times (sadly) i still talk and chat with Keller when i am free or needs to find out some 'info'
Now, i have to be soft and tender with her and she can't take any scolding or else ..............i will risk 'losing' her. (at this age) (hehe)

Besides, Keller there is another 'person' that is very intimate to me at home which i shall mention in my later blogs.
Finally, THANK YOU my dearest KELLER for being by my side all these years in my life. Without you, i wouldn't be what i am today and will no doubt be more lonely.
My relationship and story with Keller will never end....................

SDU to Accredit 30 Dating Agencies

SDU (Social Development Unit) aims to have 30 dating agencies accredited by 2010, a move that culd pave the way for an association of matchmaking companies to be set up.

5 dating agencies are set to undergo training in Dec. And more will be done to help level up such agencies - such as working with WDA (Workforce Dev' Agency) to train practitioners and owners on "how to make this industry more sustainable".

Well, this will no doubt be good news for singles and not forgetting people like me. (Haha)
The standard will be higher and perhaps, the chances will also be too with competition amongst the industry players.

Heart

My good friend, V E has a successful MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) @ SGH this morning, least for some minor hiccup eg hunting for the vein.
Thank GOD

Remembering a couple of years, i suspected i have some heart (physical) problem too after failing my treadmill test @ SATA. Thereafter, i approached the army medical centre whom in turned referred me to NHC (National Heart Centre) for a more detail checkup.
Thank GOD after a series of tests conducted eg blood, ECG, treadmill ...........i was cleared of any heart problems.
Heart failure and problems are quite dangerous and there are no signs and symptoms as to when they will strike.

It will be a week before V E medical report comes out but i believed all will be well.
Have faith and pray to GOD.
Your family & friends esp me will rally behind you.

Monitor

Ar ...........my PC (Acer) monitor has finally 'given way' yesterday after months of 'struggle'. There was totally no picture when i tried to on it yesterday. My neighbour (PC repair shop) told me it was beyond repair as the tube was spoilt and it was not worth fixing it.
So yesterday, whole day no pc .................(moody)

Fortunately, my spiritual leader came to visit and when i told him my 'problem' He said he has one LCD screen monitor at home but needed to check if it's working. I also told my friend LV, she said she may be able to 'sponsor' hers too as she will be upgrading her PC soon.

Wow, Thank GOD.

Today, Tommy called and said his monitor (Dell) is working and hence brought it all the way to my office for me. With this LCD screen monitor, it will also save me some table space to do my work. Yeh.
Now i am able to blog and write emails again.
Thanks Tommy.