100days Challenge - Gives Thank - Day 11,12,13

Spend my weekend resting physcially and mentally. Having cell on friday evening, fellowship on saturday night and spending sabbath in the house of the Lord were refreshing to my spirit.

Initially I wasn't sure why I plan to have this 100days challenge to give thanks when I really can't find anything to thank God for. But God has reassured me that this is what He wants me to do. Remembered in Day 1, I was blogging that I am unsure if I will be happy after doing this challenge? but I guess God trying to tell me that, "Giving thanks is an essential to find joy". I don't really understand it now but I'm excited to find out.

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

God reminded me that, in days that I really can't find thing to thank Him for, at least (yet most important) I have to thank Him for my salvation. Relentless love was discussed during friday cell and He reminds me how faithful He is to love me even I doubted Him and all His plans. So guilty~ -_-

God is always right and hits the jackpot of my heart when He speaks!

Followed by sunday sermon about the showbread in the holy of holies, I feel that God knocks my head, figuratively, telling me that He provides my daily bread (FRESH BREAD).

And in the process of making this bread, the flour is being sieved 7 times in order to make the finest bread. Am I not making you the finest lady of God?! Another knock! *Ouch! God*

Before the final product of bread is served, it has to go through a baking process with the right heat. Trials are just the heating process to mould you! I feel like just rolling my eyes on God. But I can't admit lesser that through all these unhappiness, I truly know that God loves me alot. And I can't do anything to deny it.

Convicted to attend a bible study after service on the topic on long-suffering, because I truly want to know what God has to say and He got to agree with my self-pity. Yet God closes the session with this message:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

- James 1: 2-4

I guess I need not say anything further why I started this 100days challenges. God ask me to count these as all joy to give thanks to.

God,you have just won the match on the boxing ring with me. Speakless yet at the same time, I thank God for these words of encouragement when I think I no longer can handle anything.

100days Challenge - Gives Thank - Day 10

At the point of breaking.

With all the disappointments that I'm going through, I think I am reaching to a breaking point.
I don't remember when I heard this phrase "God will never give you more than you can handle,” it comforting to know that in the process of moulding, God will make sure that I will be just fine.

But at this very moment, I just feel that I can no longer handle anything.
"An athlete? Endurance?" These are things that people try to console me, but having all the series of bad life experiences marched to you over the years, how long could you handle if you were me? Don't try to judge me. Everyone has their down time and this is just the lowest point of my life.

And I have reached a point where I start to question where is God.

And I guess, God knows. He knows I'm breaking.

He sends me a song, Laura Story - Blessing.

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

But God where are you when you hear each of my spoken need?

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise? God, this will takes great faith and understanding to say this. Please God, help me to see if I'm blind.

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we have faith to believe

Faith! God suddenly questioned me with His gentle strong voice "Where is your faith?!, the simple faith that allows you to see the wonderous things I have created before your eyes?" "Do not not lose faith my child."

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

"What if trials of this life are the reason for me to be closer to you my child?"

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

  
"When it's unbearable anymore and no friends to run to, remember, you have a Father that long to hear your troubles. So do not stop communicating with me"


He knows! He knows I'm losing it all, yet He is still patient enough to love me though I doubted. A love that I cannot comprehend. What a wonderful God!

100days challenge - Gives Thank - Day 9

Mom hair starts to fall and she is panic about her look. Seeing her anxiously picking up her fallen hair hurt me. Her worries has caused her to lost her sleep at night. I feel so helpless and am frustrated not being able to lessen her pain in any way. 

This is the hardest part of christian faith. Seeing love ones in pain yet nothing can be done except to pray and believe that God heals.

Nevertheless,  I'm holding on to God promises.

100days challenge - Gives Thank - Day 8

This is tough. As much as I would like to just switch off my computer and go to bed, I feel the need to blog eventhough I'm experiencing a confused emotion.

There is a time for every season, yet I feel that I'm experiencing winter for the longest time and spring doesn't seem to come any nearer. Caught in the wilderness and direction seem unclear. 

Day 8

Betrayal from friends seem to be very common in my life that I could hardly trust any genuine friendship. Yet tonight, a friend (neither best pal nor close friend) sat me down to share how liberated she was from hatred. This is confusing and maybe i'm too prideful to forgive. How could I forgive a friend that gave me up for money. How could I? 

But God forgives every sins that we committed.

Am I worthy to be loves by God? No. But He still loves me and call me friend.

Who am I to judge what my friends had done me wrong? Nobody.

Who am I to not forgive the person, when God forgives my sin? Total sinner.

Feeling victimize, yet at the same time feel like a total failure and sinner that did not forgive those that had did me wrong.

This is hard. I guess only through prayer that I could have a breakthrough. And only by forgiving, I will learn how to loves more.

Luke 23:43 “…Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Jesus speaking to the thief on the cross)

Heavenly Father, please help me to forgives so that I can truly understand what you have for me.

100days challenge - Gives Thank - Day 5, 6 , 7

Day 5

My unromantic boyfriend bought me for a movie after knowing how stressful my week was. Thankful for his simple gesture.

Day 6 and 7

Fell sick. Went back to work even though I'm having a fever due to the fear of my unreasonable and demanding boss. Boo!

Not very inspiring post but not every moment of the journey is interesting and joyous. Insist to give thanks in every moment. 

100days Challenge - Gives Thank - Day 4

Today I give thanks for Good dinner.

JavaRock Grill House

Location: 681, Hougang Avenue 8, #01-853, Singapore 530681

Spending: Honey mustard Chicken - $6.80

                Salmon - $15~

100days Challenge - Give Thanks - Day 2 & Day 3

Nope I did not give up in giving thanks even though I had a bad day. I am just late in blogging because I was preparing for a presentation. Being betrayed by friend(s) isn't a fun thing to even blog about it. Credit snatching is neither cool to share. But God is faithful.

Day2

Today I will give thanks for the accompany of friends, for good foods and good ambient.

Little Diner at Bukit Timah Road.

God is good. As most of you know, the search for good food and new meal places is like impossible for me because of my busy schedule. But God is good; He provides. I was invited to Little Diner by friend because he knows the owner. The chef is a famous chef from New York, their specialty is burger. It was a shame I did not order that.

Will end off Day 2 with these pictures:

An innovative way - Risotto Ball

Pan Seared Salmon

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Day 3

My day wasn't better in any way. But this doesn't stop me in giving thanks in any way too. To end off my horrible day. I got myself 2 dresses and a top from Love and Bravery. Even though they have a warehouse sale tomorrow, they still stay up late for me to visit them after my work. Small gesture like this does help to brighten my day. Thank you.

[Reminder] Will post the what I bought at LAB soon.

100days Challenge - Give Thanks - Day 1

It real hard to give thanks when mom starts to grumble after I came home from a battle at work. Totally understand how much she has to go through, i can only silently let her say what she had to said. Something I could thank God for is that my mom is still not balding though she is into the 7 days of her chemotherapy.

I guess God is faithful and I have no doubt about it.
With the start of this challenge, God prepared something really special for me. 

I have just received a result that I have been waiting for and I was so surprised that I could pass the test though I thought I had done badly. This test is rather important to me so that I could move a step closer to my dream. 

Thank you God.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33

100 days challenges - Give Thanks

As human, or rather myself, is some caught up with the unhappy things in life which prevent us to give thanks to simple things that has brought us smile on our face.

Life has been tough for me. Boss has been using nasty words and mom has been diagnosed with cancer.

Grumpy has been with me for days and more disappointments come hitting my way.

I gonna stop this.

To be happy is a choice, so I'm challenging myself with this 100days of Thanksgiving. I'm not sure if I can complete this (I'll try) and I may not know if I will be happy after this but at least I know by starting to be conscious with what God has give me is an important step. Because Life itself is the first gift that I should Thank God for.

Being a athlete, I hope to chase this God given life and escape from this tiring life. May I start to be thankful for little things in my life.

I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving.

- Psalm 69:30 

Run To See The World

Recently Aaron and I have been traveling to countries for races and this is addictive. We are inspired by some of our friends who often fly to overseas for races. We are neither rich nor elite, holiday trips are an indulgence and our race timings aren’t good enough to be sponsored. This doesn’t stop us from seeing the world and the passion to run. So, don’t know since when we started having this laborious and expensive hobby of taking every overseas race as a holiday. Tiring but this how we like it! We run to see the world. Much from the unspoken truth is the Love from our God that allows us to be able to see His marvelous creations with every breath we take.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord – Psalm 150:6

Cingjing Nantou, Taiwan - 2013

Taipei, Taiwan - 2013

Often I will throw nasty comment at Aaron for not having normal couple relationship of having dinner date or just spending time talking sweet things. No anniversary, no Valentine day!  Ironically, I repeatedly have to shut myself up with all my nonsense because as an athlete, I understand it all. Most of the time, we get to see our partner ugly worn-out face that is rather unappealing. We see each other very frequent, like 4-5 times a week, many it maybe seems but none is romantic. Trainings and ministry works are the time that bonded us together.  Now that we have this expensive hobby (I hope this will last for as long as it can *praying hard*), it helps spice our relationship a little and motivate us to train harder. I treasure every trainings, ministering and overseas trips and am really thankful for that. Thank God for His provision to our endurance dating relationship.

Our first trip together was 5 years back. First destination - Bangkok; a trip that we truly understand what “Venus vs Mars” is.  Aaron’s intolerant to wait was immediately surfaced during that trip while I shopped. Back in those honeymoon dating days, he was always the enthusiastic party wanting to shop with me but I guess 1 year was his threshold. This trip unveils our differences and similarities; running shoe is always the item on the packing list. Since then, running shoe is a “Must bring” item for every trip.  Till date, we have run in Melbourne, Japan, Cambodia, London, Paris, Busselton and Taiwan.

Western Australia Ironman, Busselton - 2012

Western Australia Ironman, Busselton - 2012



Tokyo Marathon, Japan - 2012



 

Tokyo Marathon, Japan - 2012



Tokyo Marathon, Japan - 2012





Stonehenge, London - 2011





The Louvre, Paris - 2011

Dandenong Melbourne, Australia - 2009

If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? - 1 Corinthians 12:17

I thank God for providing me a partner and a best friend. Though we may be different in many ways but we learn to grow together in Christ.



Excited for my upcoming trip

I love travelling. It's a time for me to be recharged, a time for me to experience the culture and a time for me to get lost.

My boyfriend and I are currently in a mission of travelling to countries to participate in races; a motivation for us to train hard and an excuse to travel.

I love to travel since young but I'm a coward to travel alone, but now that I have a partner, we love getting lost together. I enjoy planning (DIY) trips where i get to customise my itineraries and to be able to take public transport. My boyfriend like to recite this "Everywhere you go, I follow. Whatever food I cook, you swallow". That was the sweet thing I ever heard from him. But eventually I will be the one following while he swallow the food I cook. Have to start learning how to cook though I only enough baking and ice cream making.

Man, the leader of the Household
For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. - Ephesians 5:32-24

Man, to love your wife too (Very important)
For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. - Ephesians 5:25

Back to the topic...

I have been planning for this trip while my boyfriend prepares for his first Ironman race in Busselton, Perth. For those that do not know what is Ironman, it is not the ironman Tony Stark (love that show) but an endurance race comprising of 3.9km swim, 180km bike and 42km run.

Busselton is the located southWest of Western Australia, along Geographe Bay. In busselton, the main attraction is the beach and it's 2km long jetty with an observatory. The period that we are visiting will be in Summer, so basking on the beach and dipping in the water is a must. A plus point is that we might have the opportunity to catch one or two whale swimming pass the ocean as it is also the season for whale immigration.

I shall keep you in suspense on the itinerary that I have planned up for this trip. Will be in Geographe Bay for a week, for the ironman race and a road trip further south and to margaret river. Followed by another week in Perth. I am so excited to visit Perth again after my last visit 11years ago for my track & Field training. 

That's all for now and to get some rest because I'm having a fever now! 

Dating - Garden by the bay and J's swim outing

I have been always complaining about my boyfriend training hard for his first Ironman race that will be held in December 2012, and has not has much time for us (me & the dog). Though I complain alot (one of the privilege that girls get to do to their boyfriend), I am completely understanding and supportive because I myself loves sport too.

One a side note: We spent most of our time together (dating time) while we are training or doing sport ministry... and once in awhile we will catch a mid night movie.

I totally understand that once we tied the knot and have all the family commitments rolling in, we will have lesser time to do the things we like; so his goal is to do a few ironman races before he commit himself to be a family men. Nonetheless, we still hope to be sportive; using sport as a tool to impact the young lives among us as well as our kids... *blush*.

Let's not digress further... So this wonderful man of my life was so sweet that he managed his training schedule in order to accommodate our dating...

He woke up earlier (4am) on one of the Saturday as well as on the Deepavali holiday to cycle so that he could make time for me. Feel so loved.

Garden by the bay

My friend bought a ticket for us, which allows access to the Cooled Conservatories and the OCBC Skyway.He initially forgot about this outing but he still make time for this. I was quite touched when he accommodated to me. Thank you for loving me.

 Here are the photos [To be uploaded soon].

J's swim outing
I think he will make a great dad next time. =) Though he has hectic amount of work and squeezes his time to train, he still make the effort to spend time with his family.
J is his dog; totally pampered by his dad and treats it like a daughter. It favourite hobby is swimming, so his dad suggested to bring the dog out for a swim since we have not done it for months.

Impatient look

Thank you for bring me for a swim.. Love U look

Can we go into the water now?



Denched J (Left) with her fluffy friend Tommy (Right)

 

[Training Log] 12Nov 2012 - 14Nov 2012

Training log. A page to log some of my trainings.

Since coach is not around this week so my training program is to complete long run.

12 Nov 2012
Did a 1hour on track, covered a distance of about 9.6km (24 rounds).

14 Nov 2012
Had a crazy idea of completing 30 rounds on the track, and I did it in 1hour 16mins.
Timings for each round:
(1) 2:43 (500m)
(2) 2:28
(3) 2:27
(4) 2:27
(5) 2:30
(6) 2:31
(7) 2:32
(8) 2:34
(9) 2:35
(10) 2:37
(11) 2:35
(12) 2:36
(13) 2:36
(14) 2:35
(15) 2:35
(16) 2:43 - 6.4km
(17) 2:40
(18) 2:40
(19) 2:39
(20) 2:42
(21) 2:44
(22) 2:44
(23) 2:44
(24) 2:43 - 9.6km (1hour)
(25) 2:46 - Mentally tired at this round 
(26) 2:46
(27) 2:48 - Started looking at stop watch, shocked to see my lap time was so slow
(28) 2:44
(29) 2:47
(30) 2:50

Remark: Have to be more constant. After 6.4km started to slow down.

17 Nov 2012
Am I still able to do another 10km? The question should be "will I still run a 10km?". I am quite hyped up after the long runs but I'm also lazy. hmmm...

BJ having Monday Blues

Having Monday's blues? BJ having that too, because everyone is heading to work and she will be home alone again.

BJ is a very active female sheltie. Having an athlete owner, she is also inspired to be a tri-dog. Her favourite hobbies are swimming, running and sleeping. Among the 3, she loves swimming the most (she becomes very impatient when she knows she is going for a swim), she will do her 3km run as and when the owner has no training. Days that she doesn't do her workouts (when everyone is busy), she spend most her time having her beauty sleep.

Oh~ It's Monday again!

1 More Minute Please....

 Have a great weekdays ahead, with loves from the sheltie that doesn't like Monday too.

[Review] Dove Hair Fall Rescue Treatment

If you have read my previous post on my hair fall problem, you would know how my hair fall problem has affected me. I was selected to be a winner to experience this wonderful treatment but due to personal commitment I have to forgo this and this means that I do not get the full range of product.

I wanted to try if this work so I went to buy the product. It has now been 3 months now since I started using. In the processing of trying, I snipped of my hair so my hair fall problem reduces because my hair is less heavy. I personally feel that there is slight improvement but not the desirable result that I'm looking for.

[Event] Run for the Nation 2012

Run for the Nation, RunNat, is a event organized by a group of christian runners who are inspired by God with this vision of praying for the Nation. It was initiated in Malaysia in 2007 and the Lord spread the vision to Australia, Singapore and Cambodia... and so we have this event birth in Singapore 2011.

Similar to prayer walk; each group of runners will be covering 5km route, praying for their neighbourhood while they run. The relay started from various direction of Singapore (North, East, Northeast and West), covering 40km each directions and finally meets at St. Andrew Cathedral.

As we run, we pray for the needs of our fellow Singaporeans and believing that all prayers are being heard and trusting God that He will truly bless Singapore.

I could run, many could pray but how often runners pray as they run? I confess I don't do that often too. It is so tiring! It is tough Pray-running as every grasp of breath you take, you say a prayer for the surrounding. But with our simple faith and effort, we believe God see all our sacrifices blessing those that are around us. This brings a different purpose to running (I personally feels).



First Northeast Group started the run at 5am, 6th Oct 2012

Passing the "baton' prayer card to the 2nd team

Some are not physically fit for 5km but they did it!

Some has smaller group,
but God say, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matt 18:20

We continue to pray as we run

We pray for the heartlands

We pray for the city

Praying for every parts of Singapore, running with faith

 

Believing that we will eventually see Lord's Glory in Singapore.



And by the grace of God, the event came as a success! Not by the number of participants, but by having God's presence dwelling among each runners throughout the run and seeing Christians from different churches in Singapore coming together to run and pray for Singapore.

Read more about other testimonies, to know more about the event and/or thinking of participating RunNat 2013, look out for this space:
http://runforthenation.com/singapore/



New Hair Cut

Was sick for a while. Physically and Emotionally. Had a very bad food poisoning and the experience was horrible.



Anyway... I had a new hair cut!

Bye to my precious hair. Feel lighter physically and emotionally. I'm letting go the burden that I have been carrying for years and start a new again. Committing all to God (I hope). It is so human to depend on self understanding and strength but God is the answer to all queries.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.  - Matthew 11:28-20

By the way, I hope to post a review on the dove hair fall treatment soon.