Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
Eclipse: Bulging Belly Eats Up Toddler
Really. She's beneath me (in the last photo). It's THAT big. :D
Loving my baby
Abby's simply amazing. Last night, Ben, Abby & I were painting on her Aqua Doodle mat - a fuss free job coz it's only water - and I noticed her nails were quite long. So I commented, "Wow. Abby, your nails are long. Can mummy cut your nails?" She nodded, while still painting. I was very surprised coz I usually cut her nails when she's watching her Bumblebee. So I tried my luck and went to get the nail clipper. Came back and started cutting the nails on her right hand. She's a right hander, so I thought she'd make a big fuss - I was really testing my limits here. But she nicely held the brush in her left hand and continued painting while I trimmed her nails! :) Then to the left hand. She switched the brush over and let me cut her nails as well. All done in a couple of minutes! She really makes room for a silly mummy like me - to actually ask to cut her nails during a painting session. :) She's an angel... *melt*
After that, she wanted to watch telly. So we packed up and she just sat mesmerised by some vegetables performing on tv. :) Heh. I'm in heaven.
After that, she wanted to watch telly. So we packed up and she just sat mesmerised by some vegetables performing on tv. :) Heh. I'm in heaven.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
My Johari Window
My tutor mentioned about the Johari Window and told us to go take a look. I shelved it till I saw my SIL's nick on MSN. :) Here's mine.
A Warning & A Promise
Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
A Lil' Cutie
Usually, when Abby comes upstairs for her morning bath, her voice would reach before she does... going, "MAH-MEEEE!! MAH -MEE!!!" A definite heart-melter, knowing that she comes upstairs looking for me. :) So, today, I thought it would be the usual - come upstairs, yell for me, then appear at the door with a wide grin on her face. But there was a surprise bonus today! :D She strutted in carrying a doggy handbag and in PINK BOOTS! Her grandparents went JB yesterday and couldn't resist getting them for her. She was delighted definitely! And too cute! :D
I resumed my work after she left for her bath. When she returned, she appeared in this! :D Still in pink boots, she appeared in a red skirt and pink hair-clip.
She wasn't really going anywhere, just that my helper thought it was cute to dress her up. Boy did Abby enjoy herself! :D She learnt a lot of things from her grandparents today, could repeat after her granny words from a whole book of chinese characters although I'm not really sure if she understood what they meant, and now she can repeat her Chinese name, character by character! :D When her grandpa asks her, "Who is Zhang Hui En?" She raises her hand enthusiastically, waving them in the air and exclaims, "ME!" with a BIG smile! :D Definitely melted her grandpa's heart, coz he smiled and commented, "She's getting cuter as she grows up."
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Daddy's Day Off
We brought Abby to NIE today, together with our helper. Ben had a group meeting and then with the lecturer, while I had to attend a one-hour session for a make up lesson. I wanted to put Abby in the next tut room, BUT! as it is term break, all room are automatically locked. My lecturer kindly and warmly allowed Abby into the class (making her the youngest undergraduate to attend a lesson)! Abby stayed for about half-hour before becoming too chatty. Had to ask Lina to let her take a walk outside. :P
Later, had lunch at one of the NTU canteens... if we'd eaten outside, I think lunch would have been about 3times the amount we paid. :P It was cheap and good. :)
Headed to Science Centre after that, courtesy of Carole. :) Parts of it were under construction; nevertheless, we went to areas which we felt Abby would enjoy herself. :) Check out the photos! :)
Abby checking out the throngs of noisy students queuing up outside the entrance.
Go all the way there JUST to play with playhouse??? Thank God she moved on soon after.
Ben & Abby checking out new born hamsters suckling their mummy... Usually this activity is concealed, but the creatures didn't have much area to hide under. Note the ceiling height. The big whale had to crawl under to see the exhibits... on hands and knees! But it was fun - Abby said, "Mice!" when she saw some mice running around. I can't tell the diffeence between mice and hamsters.
Abby very intrigued by the gears... had a lot of fun turning them at the PSLE room... (Primary Science Learning Experience or something, I think)... Sheessh...
She didn't really like the endless image effect... kinda freaked her out... :P
She very much preferred to play with this, and could even assemble three pieces to fit, all by herself! *Impressed!*
I managed to solve this! :D This is the unsolved version... :)
Besides the Discovery corner and the PSLE room, we went to the outdoor WaterWorks. :) She had fun! :D
This was the only time I carried her... :P
Well, and this too... :D How to resist such a cutie? :D
Went to get some serious stuff done after that - HDB, haircut, etc... A very productive day indeed. :) Picked up poor Eve who's really sick but still cheonging for tuition :( and hope the bowl of tau suan went down well with her (Miracle Medicine! :D Must try! :D) Came home and washed up. Abby watched VeggieTales and k.o. very quickly after that... Praise God for a wonderful day! :) (oh. Ben went back to office in the evening to prepare for tomorrow! Very hardworking chap... :D He deserves a raise! :D)
P.S. G.Skider the Dodo's hubby realised that the camera had been on 'Macro' mode all along, thus explains the lousy photo quality for the distant shots and the nice ones close up. It has since been changed. Hopefully photos will turn out better. At least he noticed it in time before the birth of our son! :D
Later, had lunch at one of the NTU canteens... if we'd eaten outside, I think lunch would have been about 3times the amount we paid. :P It was cheap and good. :)
Headed to Science Centre after that, courtesy of Carole. :) Parts of it were under construction; nevertheless, we went to areas which we felt Abby would enjoy herself. :) Check out the photos! :)
Abby checking out the throngs of noisy students queuing up outside the entrance.
Go all the way there JUST to play with playhouse??? Thank God she moved on soon after.
Ben & Abby checking out new born hamsters suckling their mummy... Usually this activity is concealed, but the creatures didn't have much area to hide under. Note the ceiling height. The big whale had to crawl under to see the exhibits... on hands and knees! But it was fun - Abby said, "Mice!" when she saw some mice running around. I can't tell the diffeence between mice and hamsters.
Abby very intrigued by the gears... had a lot of fun turning them at the PSLE room... (Primary Science Learning Experience or something, I think)... Sheessh...
She didn't really like the endless image effect... kinda freaked her out... :P
She very much preferred to play with this, and could even assemble three pieces to fit, all by herself! *Impressed!*
I managed to solve this! :D This is the unsolved version... :)
Besides the Discovery corner and the PSLE room, we went to the outdoor WaterWorks. :) She had fun! :D
This was the only time I carried her... :P
Well, and this too... :D How to resist such a cutie? :D
Went to get some serious stuff done after that - HDB, haircut, etc... A very productive day indeed. :) Picked up poor Eve who's really sick but still cheonging for tuition :( and hope the bowl of tau suan went down well with her (Miracle Medicine! :D Must try! :D) Came home and washed up. Abby watched VeggieTales and k.o. very quickly after that... Praise God for a wonderful day! :) (oh. Ben went back to office in the evening to prepare for tomorrow! Very hardworking chap... :D He deserves a raise! :D)
P.S. G.Skider the Dodo's hubby realised that the camera had been on 'Macro' mode all along, thus explains the lousy photo quality for the distant shots and the nice ones close up. It has since been changed. Hopefully photos will turn out better. At least he noticed it in time before the birth of our son! :D
Monday, February 20, 2006
Valentine's Recount (Or rather, narrative?)
WARNING: LONG POST.
I didn't manage to post regarding Valentine's Day celebration because many things were happening. But thank God there's time now to recover my breath and look back at the celebration. :)
Ben had classes on Tuesday night, so we brought forward the celebrations to Saturday instead. Morning, we went to McDonald's with Abby... had a great time! :) She's learnt how to drink from a packet WITHOUT squeezing everything out... it was definitely a faith testing time for us... :P
Later, we headed to Hougang Mall's Cheng San library. We were too early, so we headed for Popular bookstore instead. Here's our temp worker who lasted about half an hour re-organising the VCDs. :P
Later in the evening, Ben took me to Petals and Leaves at Neo Tiew... (this must be a narrative... heheeh..) not sure where the pictures are though. I'll have to ask Ben. :P Anyway, it's this landscaping place, with a nice bistro next to a big and deep pond. They had a complimentary cocktail that tasted like alcoholic strawberry milk. Not diners many finished it.
All couples anyway, so very lovey-dovey atmosphere (who'd care about alcoholic milk?) and they had an interesting first course for the guy. It was a deflated red heart-shaped balloon and they were supposed to write a message on it. In turn, the partner (usu lady) had to write on the other side, inflate it by pressing something, wait for the chemical reaction to take place within the balloon (better done by guy otherwise if balloon explode, not nice for girl's make up) then present the balloon to the girl. Interesting idea.
BUT.
These people already had their messages written in the middle of the balloon - both sides! On one side, it says, "It's Valentine's 2006!" An on the other side, "gardenasia". Naturally, Ben posed me the challenge of writing on the 'gardenasia' side. Heh. :D I succeeded in his challenge! :D (Wanna know what I wrote? Ask him. :)
Then we had soup, main course (I was the bird of paradise while he was the ocean's delight - that was how it came out when we ordered) and dessert. Had red wine also... :) It was really awesome coz we used to have conflicts regarding these celebrations. He had the perception that I had high standards in being wined and dined... I just wanted us to enjoy each other's company - be it anywhere, instead of just letting the day pass - as long as he is comfortable... dun like to go pretentious places where either of us aren't comfortable. We were rather okie at this place... but...
So for this dinner, he made phone AND fax booking, just to confirm (important fact for turn of events later). After we finished the dessert, we thought, hey, not a bad evening. Until he asked for the bill.
The waitress acknowledged his request for the bill, went to the counter (presumably to get the bill) and returned to our table. She prompted annouced the price of the dinner and asked how Ben would like to make his payment - VISA, Amex or Mastercard? Ben was truly shocked. (Background info: He NEVER lets me know how much he spends on me. It's been that way for the past 16 years.) He replied, "NETS." I was laughing like mad, and I had to tell the shocked waitress that he meant Mastercard. Later she left and he was fuming... fuming like mad... like, "How can anyone be so stupid?" It only gets better.
After the waitress returned with the credit card slip and he signed for it, we decided it would be the best that we inform the manager of the embarrassment hoping that other couples won't be caught in a similar situation. (Actually I wasn't surprised coz I overhead the bill announcement earlier from another table. They were equally embarrassed. Shocked in fact. But they just let it pass.) So we spoke to the manager (while I think his assistant nicely plonked himself within hearing distance - he has a tendency to do that to customer's conversations with the manager... quite odd...) As we shared our embarrassment, the manager, with a smile, nicely replied, "Oh, (smile), normally, (smile) when customers want us to keep it a secret, they would normally call us beforehand to tell us to keep it a secret."
PENGZ.
How often does anyone call a restaurant to tell the wait staff to keep it a secret? Isn't it supposed to be,
1. "Bill please."
2. Flash bill.
3. Look at price.
4. Place credit card.
5. Leave to get charge slip.
6. Sign on charge slip.
7. Smile and say thank you after wait staff folds charge slip into discreet wallet-insertable size.
Hardly any conversation whatsoever between "Bill, please" and "Thank you, please come again.".
Must have been our fault. Surely must be. (The victim mentality sure does spread like mad.)
Upon leaving, they said, "Please come again." Yeah, right. We'll wait till you get a cash register first k?
And we must remember to call you (or if we forget) whisper into your ears NOT TO ANNOUCE THE PRICE OF THE MEAL TO THE WHOLE TABLE!
Anyway, Ben later revealed, that they screwed up his order. When the waitress annouced the price, it was without the flowers which he had specially ordered through PHONE AND FAX for me. He later confirmed also that it was quite expensive (naturally, coz it was Valentine's... these people will charge like mad) so I proposed that we go for nice dessert and spend the flower money that way. :)
We ended up at One Ninety at Four Seasons. It was awesome. Service was fantastic (they even offered a pillow for a pregnant me) and we had a great time having dessert, coffee, thanking God and setting goals with respect to our thanksgiving. :) Thanksgiving and goal setting during special events like these sure make them extra-meaningful! :)
So that was Saturday. :)
On Tuesday - actual Valentine's Day, I presented Ben with a gift - a wallet. :) He didn't expect it, and felt bad that he didn't give me anything. But he had already given me so much, especially with the effort he put in on Saturday. It was extra-effort to get him a present also - we've spent the last few years event-less and present-less and both felt less than appreciated. I had a tut-mate run around the shopping centre with me to get the wallet, and with the no. of wallets I rejected, she concluded that Ben is really a very fussy person. He's not fussy, just that the range was so limited! Heheheh... anyway, when I found it, I made three people very happy - Ben, my tutmate and myself. Hehe. :) Ben has a unique way of storing his card, so if it made sense to get one that suited him right? When he opened the present, it was all worth it... :D Happy like a lil' boy! :D And he used it immediately. Speaks volumes. :)
Anyway, for the evening, i made plans with wonderful ladies to spend the evening together. My mum, Melissa, Abby, Vic and the two helpers :) Pity Eve couldn't make it, otherwise it would have been even more fun! :D
This was us before we set out to pick up the lovely ladies...
Anyway, the food was quite bad, but company was good. Vic was extremely well-behaved. She played quietly by herself even when her helper went to the loo for a couple of minutes. :)
Pity I didn't get a group picture. Anyway, Abby was quite sleepy towards the end of the evening, and nicely fell asleep in Melissa's arms as we drove home! :) Check out the lovely lady with the babe in arms! :D
I really hoped everyone enjoyed themselves. Anyway, excerpts from an interesting conversation:
Me: If you were much younger, and single, after knowing what you know now about marriage, would you still proceed with getting married?
Mum (shakes head): No. I've got so many things to do, still want to take care of another man, wash and cook for him?
Melissa (Amazed): ...
Well, although Valentine's Day is supposed to be a day of love(birds), being stuck with a lousy cuckoo is really a worse than being single. I'm just glad my mum's happy where she is. :) Just glad that we spent the evening with people whom we genuinely care about (but are probably just too inhibited to express). :)
I didn't manage to post regarding Valentine's Day celebration because many things were happening. But thank God there's time now to recover my breath and look back at the celebration. :)
Ben had classes on Tuesday night, so we brought forward the celebrations to Saturday instead. Morning, we went to McDonald's with Abby... had a great time! :) She's learnt how to drink from a packet WITHOUT squeezing everything out... it was definitely a faith testing time for us... :P
Later, we headed to Hougang Mall's Cheng San library. We were too early, so we headed for Popular bookstore instead. Here's our temp worker who lasted about half an hour re-organising the VCDs. :P
Later in the evening, Ben took me to Petals and Leaves at Neo Tiew... (this must be a narrative... heheeh..) not sure where the pictures are though. I'll have to ask Ben. :P Anyway, it's this landscaping place, with a nice bistro next to a big and deep pond. They had a complimentary cocktail that tasted like alcoholic strawberry milk. Not diners many finished it.
All couples anyway, so very lovey-dovey atmosphere (who'd care about alcoholic milk?) and they had an interesting first course for the guy. It was a deflated red heart-shaped balloon and they were supposed to write a message on it. In turn, the partner (usu lady) had to write on the other side, inflate it by pressing something, wait for the chemical reaction to take place within the balloon (better done by guy otherwise if balloon explode, not nice for girl's make up) then present the balloon to the girl. Interesting idea.
BUT.
These people already had their messages written in the middle of the balloon - both sides! On one side, it says, "It's Valentine's 2006!" An on the other side, "gardenasia". Naturally, Ben posed me the challenge of writing on the 'gardenasia' side. Heh. :D I succeeded in his challenge! :D (Wanna know what I wrote? Ask him. :)
Then we had soup, main course (I was the bird of paradise while he was the ocean's delight - that was how it came out when we ordered) and dessert. Had red wine also... :) It was really awesome coz we used to have conflicts regarding these celebrations. He had the perception that I had high standards in being wined and dined... I just wanted us to enjoy each other's company - be it anywhere, instead of just letting the day pass - as long as he is comfortable... dun like to go pretentious places where either of us aren't comfortable. We were rather okie at this place... but...
So for this dinner, he made phone AND fax booking, just to confirm (important fact for turn of events later). After we finished the dessert, we thought, hey, not a bad evening. Until he asked for the bill.
The waitress acknowledged his request for the bill, went to the counter (presumably to get the bill) and returned to our table. She prompted annouced the price of the dinner and asked how Ben would like to make his payment - VISA, Amex or Mastercard? Ben was truly shocked. (Background info: He NEVER lets me know how much he spends on me. It's been that way for the past 16 years.) He replied, "NETS." I was laughing like mad, and I had to tell the shocked waitress that he meant Mastercard. Later she left and he was fuming... fuming like mad... like, "How can anyone be so stupid?" It only gets better.
After the waitress returned with the credit card slip and he signed for it, we decided it would be the best that we inform the manager of the embarrassment hoping that other couples won't be caught in a similar situation. (Actually I wasn't surprised coz I overhead the bill announcement earlier from another table. They were equally embarrassed. Shocked in fact. But they just let it pass.) So we spoke to the manager (while I think his assistant nicely plonked himself within hearing distance - he has a tendency to do that to customer's conversations with the manager... quite odd...) As we shared our embarrassment, the manager, with a smile, nicely replied, "Oh, (smile), normally, (smile) when customers want us to keep it a secret, they would normally call us beforehand to tell us to keep it a secret."
PENGZ.
How often does anyone call a restaurant to tell the wait staff to keep it a secret? Isn't it supposed to be,
1. "Bill please."
2. Flash bill.
3. Look at price.
4. Place credit card.
5. Leave to get charge slip.
6. Sign on charge slip.
7. Smile and say thank you after wait staff folds charge slip into discreet wallet-insertable size.
Hardly any conversation whatsoever between "Bill, please" and "Thank you, please come again.".
Must have been our fault. Surely must be. (The victim mentality sure does spread like mad.)
Upon leaving, they said, "Please come again." Yeah, right. We'll wait till you get a cash register first k?
And we must remember to call you (or if we forget) whisper into your ears NOT TO ANNOUCE THE PRICE OF THE MEAL TO THE WHOLE TABLE!
Anyway, Ben later revealed, that they screwed up his order. When the waitress annouced the price, it was without the flowers which he had specially ordered through PHONE AND FAX for me. He later confirmed also that it was quite expensive (naturally, coz it was Valentine's... these people will charge like mad) so I proposed that we go for nice dessert and spend the flower money that way. :)
We ended up at One Ninety at Four Seasons. It was awesome. Service was fantastic (they even offered a pillow for a pregnant me) and we had a great time having dessert, coffee, thanking God and setting goals with respect to our thanksgiving. :) Thanksgiving and goal setting during special events like these sure make them extra-meaningful! :)
So that was Saturday. :)
On Tuesday - actual Valentine's Day, I presented Ben with a gift - a wallet. :) He didn't expect it, and felt bad that he didn't give me anything. But he had already given me so much, especially with the effort he put in on Saturday. It was extra-effort to get him a present also - we've spent the last few years event-less and present-less and both felt less than appreciated. I had a tut-mate run around the shopping centre with me to get the wallet, and with the no. of wallets I rejected, she concluded that Ben is really a very fussy person. He's not fussy, just that the range was so limited! Heheheh... anyway, when I found it, I made three people very happy - Ben, my tutmate and myself. Hehe. :) Ben has a unique way of storing his card, so if it made sense to get one that suited him right? When he opened the present, it was all worth it... :D Happy like a lil' boy! :D And he used it immediately. Speaks volumes. :)
Anyway, for the evening, i made plans with wonderful ladies to spend the evening together. My mum, Melissa, Abby, Vic and the two helpers :) Pity Eve couldn't make it, otherwise it would have been even more fun! :D
This was us before we set out to pick up the lovely ladies...
Anyway, the food was quite bad, but company was good. Vic was extremely well-behaved. She played quietly by herself even when her helper went to the loo for a couple of minutes. :)
Pity I didn't get a group picture. Anyway, Abby was quite sleepy towards the end of the evening, and nicely fell asleep in Melissa's arms as we drove home! :) Check out the lovely lady with the babe in arms! :D
I really hoped everyone enjoyed themselves. Anyway, excerpts from an interesting conversation:
Me: If you were much younger, and single, after knowing what you know now about marriage, would you still proceed with getting married?
Mum (shakes head): No. I've got so many things to do, still want to take care of another man, wash and cook for him?
Melissa (Amazed): ...
Well, although Valentine's Day is supposed to be a day of love(birds), being stuck with a lousy cuckoo is really a worse than being single. I'm just glad my mum's happy where she is. :) Just glad that we spent the evening with people whom we genuinely care about (but are probably just too inhibited to express). :)
Surprising Sunday
I met Sunday with fear and trepidation. Well, my helper requested for the Sunday off. Not such a big deal, except that Ben had his MCYS Family Fun day that same day at the zoo, which meant that I was essentially left to take care of Abby by myself. :P If I weren't pregnant, it would be fine. But when I look and feel like a whale, it's another matter altogether! So we asked my helper if she could postpone her off day instead... but... it was supposed to be some huge event for her also - coz it's my MIL's helper's post birthday celebration, so the whole Indonesian domestic helping community was invited! Well, looking at the amount of food they prepared pot-luck style, it must have been Singapore's community as well as Malaysia's!
My MIL kindly offered to take care of Abby after she realised what a big event it was, thus relieving my helper for the day - may she ever be grateful to my MIL and start being nice to her for a change... permanently nice, that is.
Thank God my elder SIL invited Abby for a swim at the Kingfisher club in Seletar camp. Abby was walking in water for the first time! I was being charred in the sun because I wasn't really fully immersed in water while MIL who initially thought I wasn't going rested in the shade... better lah. Otherwise two people will need to change their foundation colour - she and me. :P Glad everyone enjoyed themselves. Even Abby, who was walking in water, fell in twice and immediately rescued didn't cry and just continued walking! :D Brave girl! :) Oh, we wore similar bathing suits! :D See the whale and the little dolphin! :D Mine was a present from aunt michelle while Abby's was spotted in one of the shops in Sydney. Had to buy - too cute to miss! :D
Meet elder sister and younger brother (@ 36 weeks)... :)
After the swim, we had lunch (thanks Carole!) and Abby took a nap. I fell asleep while jagaing her. Woke up and she played with bubbles after having some CNY tidbits. She really had a whale of a time! :D
Waited for Ben to come home after we reached home and had dinner at Pow Sing Restaurant... We ordered a lot of food and finished them all! :D Even Abby liked the food there! :D She devoured her dinner very quickly, insisted to eat by herself and didn't really want to be fed! :) I really enjoyed yesterday... :) It turned out well! :)
My MIL kindly offered to take care of Abby after she realised what a big event it was, thus relieving my helper for the day - may she ever be grateful to my MIL and start being nice to her for a change... permanently nice, that is.
Thank God my elder SIL invited Abby for a swim at the Kingfisher club in Seletar camp. Abby was walking in water for the first time! I was being charred in the sun because I wasn't really fully immersed in water while MIL who initially thought I wasn't going rested in the shade... better lah. Otherwise two people will need to change their foundation colour - she and me. :P Glad everyone enjoyed themselves. Even Abby, who was walking in water, fell in twice and immediately rescued didn't cry and just continued walking! :D Brave girl! :) Oh, we wore similar bathing suits! :D See the whale and the little dolphin! :D Mine was a present from aunt michelle while Abby's was spotted in one of the shops in Sydney. Had to buy - too cute to miss! :D
Meet elder sister and younger brother (@ 36 weeks)... :)
After the swim, we had lunch (thanks Carole!) and Abby took a nap. I fell asleep while jagaing her. Woke up and she played with bubbles after having some CNY tidbits. She really had a whale of a time! :D
Waited for Ben to come home after we reached home and had dinner at Pow Sing Restaurant... We ordered a lot of food and finished them all! :D Even Abby liked the food there! :D She devoured her dinner very quickly, insisted to eat by herself and didn't really want to be fed! :) I really enjoyed yesterday... :) It turned out well! :)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The Disease to Please
The Word for Today With Bob Gass
Thursday, 16th February 2006
The Disease To Please
I'm not trying to be a people pleaser ...I am trying to please God.
Galatians 1:10 NLT
A talented young musician studied under a famous violin teacher. Now it was time for his first recital. He performed magnificently and received numerous "Bravos!" Strangely he seemed not to hear them, but kept glancing anxiously at the front row. It wasn't until a white-haired man rose and nodded graciously, that the young violinist started to smile. His master had praised his work! He'd received the only approval that matters! Whose approval do you seek? Be honest! It's important to know how far you're willing to go in order to win the praise of others, or let their opinion influence you. Paul said, "We speak as messengers... approved by God...Our purpose is to please [Him], not people" ( 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT). He also said, "I'm not trying to be a people pleaser...If I were...I would not be Christ's servant." Tavis Smiley says, "Take your focus off how others see you. Cease being obsessed with the need to impress. Don't allow the approval of others to obstruct your view of yourself." Concerning Jesus we read, "Some...Jewish leaders, believed in Him. But they wouldn't admit it...because of their fear that the Pharisees would expel them...For they loved human praise more than the praise of God" ( John 12:42-43 NLT).
Remember, any time you set goals, establish boundaries, or change old patterns, you're going to get criticism from those who are used to you behaving in a certain way. Have the courage of your convictions. Don't let that stop you from doing what you know is right!
I blogged, but my iBook gave way and. CRASHED. ON. ME. Sigh. Anyway, I'll try to recall what I wrote. (I can't recover the post either...)
I was once very prone to telling people the things I thought they would like to hear. Well, most of the time, it worked well. Why did I do that? It was essentially the 'fear of man'. Well, this fear of man also got me into sufficient amount of trouble. Why? When two different groups came together, they would see two different 'me', because I proclaimed different things to different people. Some may think it's hypocritical, but when we tend to say things that we think people want to hear, we tend to ignore what we really believe or how we really feel. Well, it takes a bit of convincing to believe it isn't a hypocritical action. Well, it was just motivated by the fear of man, a fear of their rejection if I said things which I believed but didn't please their ears. Essentially, I think I lived on the approval of man - what's known as the 'Approval Junkie'.
Well, God convicted me of that fear of man. I'm still learning tonnes, but being a people pleaser really got me into a lot of trouble. However, right now, as I am learning to speak the truth in love, I am also STILL getting into trouble. But there is a key difference. Now the vision of running this race for Christ, this vision of myself, and others running, is so clear I cannot ignore it. The bible also says that sin ultimately leads to death. So I have a choice - to continue to please people and not highlight potential dangers in the bid to please them (and not ruffle their feathers), or be my brother/sister's keeper.
Am I my brother's keeper? Yes. Am I my sister's keeper? Yes.
Well, some may say, why don't you just mind your own business and leave me alone? Wooh, I'd love to! What's the point of ruffling people's feathers, offending them and stepping on their toes? I'd loved to say the things you wanna hear and please you, make you feel good about yourself and have an ally instead of an offended person. Like I so free to keep making enemies. But when God entrusts people in my life, can I just please them, mollycoddle them and say what I think they would like to hear? I would. But. I am my brother & sister's keeper.
It's really much easier saying things to please people, then speaking the truth in love (i'm still learning) and and risk offending them and getting them all riled up. I've been a people pleaser all my life. But seems like it has changed.
Whom do I really want to please?
As much as I feel *guilty* and would rather be a people-pleaser, I know that I have to account for the lives in my hands. Unless I choose to live for myself, be totally self-centered and just not give a damn about others. It's really quite easy and pleasurable I must say. What for get involved in people's lives? By nature, I am one who'd rather mind my own business and be stuck in a puzzle book. I prefer *not* to socialise and step on people's toes. My mum believes I'm high 'S' - like a dove, a peace-maker. So why do I keep getting myself in trouble by saying things people don't want to hear?
Well. Because all of us are running this race for Christ. And we are each other's keepers. Whether we like it or not.
P.S. I must qualify my post - after doing what must be done, but if it's not received well, life goes on. No point saying anything when it won't be heard...
Thursday, 16th February 2006
The Disease To Please
I'm not trying to be a people pleaser ...I am trying to please God.
Galatians 1:10 NLT
A talented young musician studied under a famous violin teacher. Now it was time for his first recital. He performed magnificently and received numerous "Bravos!" Strangely he seemed not to hear them, but kept glancing anxiously at the front row. It wasn't until a white-haired man rose and nodded graciously, that the young violinist started to smile. His master had praised his work! He'd received the only approval that matters! Whose approval do you seek? Be honest! It's important to know how far you're willing to go in order to win the praise of others, or let their opinion influence you. Paul said, "We speak as messengers... approved by God...Our purpose is to please [Him], not people" ( 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT). He also said, "I'm not trying to be a people pleaser...If I were...I would not be Christ's servant." Tavis Smiley says, "Take your focus off how others see you. Cease being obsessed with the need to impress. Don't allow the approval of others to obstruct your view of yourself." Concerning Jesus we read, "Some...Jewish leaders, believed in Him. But they wouldn't admit it...because of their fear that the Pharisees would expel them...For they loved human praise more than the praise of God" ( John 12:42-43 NLT).
Remember, any time you set goals, establish boundaries, or change old patterns, you're going to get criticism from those who are used to you behaving in a certain way. Have the courage of your convictions. Don't let that stop you from doing what you know is right!
I blogged, but my iBook gave way and. CRASHED. ON. ME. Sigh. Anyway, I'll try to recall what I wrote. (I can't recover the post either...)
I was once very prone to telling people the things I thought they would like to hear. Well, most of the time, it worked well. Why did I do that? It was essentially the 'fear of man'. Well, this fear of man also got me into sufficient amount of trouble. Why? When two different groups came together, they would see two different 'me', because I proclaimed different things to different people. Some may think it's hypocritical, but when we tend to say things that we think people want to hear, we tend to ignore what we really believe or how we really feel. Well, it takes a bit of convincing to believe it isn't a hypocritical action. Well, it was just motivated by the fear of man, a fear of their rejection if I said things which I believed but didn't please their ears. Essentially, I think I lived on the approval of man - what's known as the 'Approval Junkie'.
Well, God convicted me of that fear of man. I'm still learning tonnes, but being a people pleaser really got me into a lot of trouble. However, right now, as I am learning to speak the truth in love, I am also STILL getting into trouble. But there is a key difference. Now the vision of running this race for Christ, this vision of myself, and others running, is so clear I cannot ignore it. The bible also says that sin ultimately leads to death. So I have a choice - to continue to please people and not highlight potential dangers in the bid to please them (and not ruffle their feathers), or be my brother/sister's keeper.
Am I my brother's keeper? Yes. Am I my sister's keeper? Yes.
Well, some may say, why don't you just mind your own business and leave me alone? Wooh, I'd love to! What's the point of ruffling people's feathers, offending them and stepping on their toes? I'd loved to say the things you wanna hear and please you, make you feel good about yourself and have an ally instead of an offended person. Like I so free to keep making enemies. But when God entrusts people in my life, can I just please them, mollycoddle them and say what I think they would like to hear? I would. But. I am my brother & sister's keeper.
It's really much easier saying things to please people, then speaking the truth in love (i'm still learning) and and risk offending them and getting them all riled up. I've been a people pleaser all my life. But seems like it has changed.
Whom do I really want to please?
As much as I feel *guilty* and would rather be a people-pleaser, I know that I have to account for the lives in my hands. Unless I choose to live for myself, be totally self-centered and just not give a damn about others. It's really quite easy and pleasurable I must say. What for get involved in people's lives? By nature, I am one who'd rather mind my own business and be stuck in a puzzle book. I prefer *not* to socialise and step on people's toes. My mum believes I'm high 'S' - like a dove, a peace-maker. So why do I keep getting myself in trouble by saying things people don't want to hear?
Well. Because all of us are running this race for Christ. And we are each other's keepers. Whether we like it or not.
P.S. I must qualify my post - after doing what must be done, but if it's not received well, life goes on. No point saying anything when it won't be heard...
Sunday, February 12, 2006
From The Vine
The Word for Today With Bob Gass
Saturday, 11th February 2006
Shattering The "perfection Myth"
In Christ...we find out who we are and what we are living for.
Ephesians 1:11 TM
Sarah Ban Breathnach says: "Perfectionism has many aliases. Getting it right...fixing it...revising it...tinkering...having high standards. However, it has really nothing to do with [those] things. Perfectionism is a refusal to let yourself move ahead. It's...an obsessive debilitating closed system that causes you to get stuck...a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us nothing we do will ever be good enough."
The media and the entertainment industry spend millions dailybombarding you with impossible images of airbrushed perfection. They make you think you should be thinner, smarter, better - anything other than who God made you to be. Looking around, all you see are people who seem happier, wiser and richer than you. It's like they know the secret and you don't.
Do you realise that by constantly putting yourself down, you're insulting your Maker? God's Word says you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" ( Psalm 139:14 NKJV). In His eyes you're "just right" because He never makes anything that isn't. God made you for a special purpose. Paul says it's in Christ that "we find out who we are and what we are living for." So if you're struggling in the endless quest for perfection, make this your prayer: "Father, You are my Maker, my Sustainer, my Rewarder. You're also the Lover of my Soul. In spite of my limitations and struggles I thank You for the work You've done, and continue to do in me. Help me to honour You by loving and accepting myself the way You do. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Saturday, 11th February 2006
Shattering The "perfection Myth"
In Christ...we find out who we are and what we are living for.
Ephesians 1:11 TM
Sarah Ban Breathnach says: "Perfectionism has many aliases. Getting it right...fixing it...revising it...tinkering...having high standards. However, it has really nothing to do with [those] things. Perfectionism is a refusal to let yourself move ahead. It's...an obsessive debilitating closed system that causes you to get stuck...a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us nothing we do will ever be good enough."
The media and the entertainment industry spend millions dailybombarding you with impossible images of airbrushed perfection. They make you think you should be thinner, smarter, better - anything other than who God made you to be. Looking around, all you see are people who seem happier, wiser and richer than you. It's like they know the secret and you don't.
Do you realise that by constantly putting yourself down, you're insulting your Maker? God's Word says you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" ( Psalm 139:14 NKJV). In His eyes you're "just right" because He never makes anything that isn't. God made you for a special purpose. Paul says it's in Christ that "we find out who we are and what we are living for." So if you're struggling in the endless quest for perfection, make this your prayer: "Father, You are my Maker, my Sustainer, my Rewarder. You're also the Lover of my Soul. In spite of my limitations and struggles I thank You for the work You've done, and continue to do in me. Help me to honour You by loving and accepting myself the way You do. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Visit to Dr Yap's
Finally Ben was able to make it with me to Dr Yap's to see our son! :D It was scheduled at 4.30, but we thought if we went there early, we'd be able to get an earlier slot. The clinic assistant (she's actually a midwife) informed me on saturday that we'd have to expect a long wait, and asked if I wanted an earlier slot - at 10am! But I had classes at 11.30am, so it would be pretty risky (knowing sometimes we won't get to see the dr till about 11am...)
Anyway, managed to see our lil' one, and he's growing so well! :) He's head down, but not engaged yet, growing right on schedule. In fact, it was so smooth our consultation was over too quickly! (After waiting for 2 hours from 4 to 6pm!) His estimated weight (now 34weeks) is about 2.3kg and I saw his drumstick, aka thigh... so cute. :) Next scheduled appointment is next friday, now it's weekly consultation. As soon it's time to meet him! :D Yay! :D
Anyway, managed to see our lil' one, and he's growing so well! :) He's head down, but not engaged yet, growing right on schedule. In fact, it was so smooth our consultation was over too quickly! (After waiting for 2 hours from 4 to 6pm!) His estimated weight (now 34weeks) is about 2.3kg and I saw his drumstick, aka thigh... so cute. :) Next scheduled appointment is next friday, now it's weekly consultation. As soon it's time to meet him! :D Yay! :D
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Anxious
Eccl 11:4 (NLT)
If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done."
Somehow the New Living Translation is so different from the NIV version. It's way more literal (I know some people may be violently against it and say it's diluted, best to read KJV etc... or even in its original language) but I learn from it anyway.
Anywayz...
That's a verse I have on my electronic Post-It, or rather, Stickies, I have on my desktop, to remind me NOT to procrastinate. I have plenty of deadlines coming up, and have a strong tendency to procrastinate. Yet, time is really not on my side this time round. Because of Baby2. So I really need to redo my schedule and clear as much work as possible IF I DO STICK TO MY PLANNING.
Quite depressing. But Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) says,
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
Yes. I believe so. I trust that by the end of this mini-race, I will be able to testify of God's faithfulness. Meanwhile, I need to deal with my procrastination*.
I have the whole night to myself. Abby's gone with her grandparents to some river festival and will be back late. Ben's on course in NIE tonight, so won't be back early either. I've got my CCL403 draft to complete AS WELL AS my CAE436 (Written Discourse in the Classroom - extremely demanding) tutorial to prepare for tomorrow. Two tasks to complete.
I survived today. 8.30am to 3.30pm, without a (formal) break. Bless my tutor (Dr Benny Lee), he let us off early, so I had about 40 mins, which i used to catch up on my reading. Thank God my 3.30pm CAE436 tutorial was cancelled today coz 2 other girls couldn't make it (there were only 3 of us - it was a replacement tut). I hadn't prepared for that tut and wouldn't have survived a ONE ON ONE with my tutor. :S *nightmare*
Well, off to work I go!
*Note: Whenever I update my blog very often, I'm actually procrastinating...:P
If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done."
Somehow the New Living Translation is so different from the NIV version. It's way more literal (I know some people may be violently against it and say it's diluted, best to read KJV etc... or even in its original language) but I learn from it anyway.
Anywayz...
That's a verse I have on my electronic Post-It, or rather, Stickies, I have on my desktop, to remind me NOT to procrastinate. I have plenty of deadlines coming up, and have a strong tendency to procrastinate. Yet, time is really not on my side this time round. Because of Baby2. So I really need to redo my schedule and clear as much work as possible IF I DO STICK TO MY PLANNING.
Quite depressing. But Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) says,
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
Yes. I believe so. I trust that by the end of this mini-race, I will be able to testify of God's faithfulness. Meanwhile, I need to deal with my procrastination*.
I have the whole night to myself. Abby's gone with her grandparents to some river festival and will be back late. Ben's on course in NIE tonight, so won't be back early either. I've got my CCL403 draft to complete AS WELL AS my CAE436 (Written Discourse in the Classroom - extremely demanding) tutorial to prepare for tomorrow. Two tasks to complete.
I survived today. 8.30am to 3.30pm, without a (formal) break. Bless my tutor (Dr Benny Lee), he let us off early, so I had about 40 mins, which i used to catch up on my reading. Thank God my 3.30pm CAE436 tutorial was cancelled today coz 2 other girls couldn't make it (there were only 3 of us - it was a replacement tut). I hadn't prepared for that tut and wouldn't have survived a ONE ON ONE with my tutor. :S *nightmare*
Well, off to work I go!
*Note: Whenever I update my blog very often, I'm actually procrastinating...:P
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