21st Birthday Celebrations

Great things happen with great love

That's a saying which I will totally agree, and if you're living with me, I'm sure you will too. 

Just 4 days before my actually birthday, I got to have an early birthday celebration with some of my closest family and friends. It was all planned and organised by my family, without me knowing the details. However, I accidentally found out it was a Korea themed party. It would have been better if I didn't know about it but nevertheless, it was still a surprisingly awesome party. Look at that birthday cake, it's so suitable for the theme right?! All thanks to my mum and sister for making it (*hmm* cake orders can be taken if you contact me - i'll give you special offers! *wink*) 

One thing I regretted, is not taking enough photos of the whole night, the decoration, the food, just everything in general, but it is forever imprinted in my heart for sure. Not to mention the aunties who made the efforts of squeezing the juice out of the fruit to make us soothing drinks, mum who spent all day preparing the food, the ones that set up the patio and decoration and those that even managed to sing me 'Happy Birthday' in Korean (and yes, they were pretty good)! I can't thank God enough for all these amazing people around me.

I was 'forced' to get a photo taken on myself with all of the gifts I received on me. The background is the decoration that they've prepared (which was supposed to be outside in the backyard but got blown down by the wind).

Some photos taken for the night.The first one with me hugging a baby boy (awkwardly as usual) and a couple, these two great persons have witnessed me grow over the past 6 years, I guess it's really my turn to see their son grow now. Then it's me with another couple and their cute daughter - another couple who have accompanied me for the last 6 years in Brisbane. Follow by a selfie of me with my closest course-mate and her husband which I do consider as my friends as well. I am not sure how we got so close, but uni life will be completely different without her. The another two collages are just a 'summary' of all the instant photos taken that night. Last one is a group photo of us all with a few missing faces.

Then I got another surprise celebration with another lovely family. Since I have to live away from home due to my placement, I am thankful to have this family who are willing to take me in for a whole 3 months. YC made me a cake despite her busy schedule. It was a simple dinner but I am truly touched by the Quek's thoughtfulness and love for me.

God puts specific people into our life, to help us, to mold us, to shape us, to make us who we are, but most importantly, to grow with us, to fight for the gospel of Kingdom with us and to enjoy in the grace and joy from God to us.

If you ask me the one and only wish that I prayed for my 21st birthday, it has to be for my closest friends and you, to come to know Christ and receive the greatest love that has ever existed. 

John 3:16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 约翰福音 3:16神愛世人，甚至把他的獨生子賜給他們，叫一切信他的，不至滅亡，反得永生。

20 years | 1043 weeks | 7306 days on Earth

After disappearing for about two months, I finally have the time to update my personal platform up here. The past two months had been exciting, surprising, challenging, stressful, tiring...; it can be described by almost all of the descriptive words exist to date.

Out of the many events that had happened during the past two months, this time I'll talk about my big day. Of course, it has to be, my 20th birthday (hence the title my 20th year, 1043th week or 7306th day on earth). As you all know Australia is a great place to live in, not only because of low living cost, high education standard, many national parks and beaches, there's another thing, FREEBIES. Yes, free stuff. Who on earth would reject free things, right? The joy of getting something without having to pay for it.



I still remember five years ago, when I was still in high school, also my first year in Australia. Randomly picking up a newspaper and entered a competition to nominate 'My Favourite Teacher'. Weeks later, I was brought to the principal office on a normal school day, thinking I was in some sort of trouble, until the principal handed me a family pass to Dreamworld. Yup, I won the competition! Dreamworld is one of Queensland's famous theme parks, if you haven't visited it yet, please do, especially if you love thrilling rides. Go on their website to find out more: http://www.dreamworld.com.au/

Then, there was this other time, just by commenting on a JAGbonus Facebook post, I won $100.00 H&M gift card. That feeling of spending without actually paying, is just great.

So what's freebies got to do with birthday? Well asked. Apparently, in many cases you're the most respected person when it comes to your birthday (there should be individual free day on birthday, no study/ work). Why do I say so? Because you get to claim lots of free meals/ gifts. So this year, I received $20 Witchery voucher, $5Priceline, and claimed Subway for breakfast, Vapiano for lunch, Hakataya Ramen for dinner and some churros for dessert. These are not all, there's others I didn't list out. So, your birthday is coming soon? Planning to visit Australia (during your birthday week)? Check Reddit out as it listed down the most recent freebies for birthday available. Don't forget to check individual shops' webpage on how to get it.

Apart from the free things, I personally feel that birthday is not just about the freebies. Though it gives you temporary satisfaction, it doesn't make the birthday meaningful at all. Without the people who accompanied me throughout the day, the celebration would not be as meaningful, memorable and surprising as it was.

And because of that, I give thanks to God. Thank God for the lovely family. Though I insisted no need to celebrate, there would still be a table full of my favourite dishes. Thank God for the friends, the ones that took time out during their busy schedule to have dinner with me; the ones who caught up with me all morning and shouted me Max Brenners, the ones who turned up at late night to surprise me with pizzas; the many more who brought me gifts and shouted me food; not to mention the ones that sang me birthday song, and sent me birthday wishes in letter, text, Facebook etc. It is these people that had shown me the love of God, and no words can express how grateful I am for having everyone of you in my life.

Most of all, I thank God for creating me. To give me this chance, this opportunity to experience His faithfulness, to see this world and be showered by His grace, to know every single person in or going to be in my life. I am extremely grateful for everything my Heavenly Father has given to me. Whether during my weakest time or my happiest moment, He has been my rock, my shelter and my closest friend during the past 20 years, and will be for the many years to come.

If you don't know Him yet, make some effort to find Him out. Our Trinity God: the Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit would love you to come forward. It doesn't mean you will be guaranteed a 'happily-ever-after' life, but it means an unfailing support. We as Christians still face challenges and difficulties, in fact, maybe more challenges than the non- Christians. Yet what's different, is that we know we have the key to enter the eternal world that is coming our way. Hence, we have hope, we have faith and we have strength from our Creator to be His light and salt in this temporary world.

Remember, your life can be as happy and meaningful as us Christians, if you are willing to give it a try. To seek God and trust Him. 

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

約翰福音8：12 耶稣又对众人说：“我就是世界的光。跟从我的人，绝不会在黑暗里行走，却要得到生命的光。”

Clinical Placement: Imagination into Reality

5 weeks placement buddies

Being a little bit of a social phobia, I did not look forward to the placement at all. Yes, Me, SOCIAL PHOBIA. For people who knows me well probably think I'm joking, more or less, I do afraid to socialize with people because I am afraid of being judged negatively.

So, did I look forward to the placement? NO. Did I enjoy the placement? YES.

This was not my first time having placement at the Mater, in fact, I had already had two weeks placement there November last year. Yet, that didn't make me feel any better knowing that I was going back to the same hospital for another 5 weeks placement. However, I must admit, at the end of the placement, because of what an amazing time I have had over the 5 weeks, I did feel sad to leave.

To sum up the experience,

As a student, I turned theory into practice.
As a learner, I gained tips and tricks to improve my skills.
As a member of a team, I learnt the essence of working with different people.
As a person, I picked up some lessons of a lifetime.
As a Christian, I finally know how difficult it is, to be true light and salt in a community.

A brother in Christ once said, it is easy to be who you want to be in a group of people who share the same beliefs as you, but it is a challenge to stand strong in a group that doesn't. It is true.

Especially for a person with social phobia, I do not like being looked at differently, so I would try to blend into the group, which is not a good testimony for God. Throughout the 5 weeks, everyday I would start my day by having devotion and praying that I would show my Christian identity through the rest of the day. By the end of the day, I would pray for God's forgiveness for the things I did or said that didn't impress God. Though it makes me feel rather disappointed in myself, it also helps me create a stronger bond with God. I know God understands my weakness, and I believe He will strengthen me. So I know there's nothing to be ashamed of because I will only grow into a more mature Christian.

 So for the Christians out there who are / going to be in a similar situation as me, whether it is changing your workplace, moving to a new town etc. Remember, you are not alone. Be proud of your Christian identity, don't be afraid of the challenges awaiting, for the Bible tells us:
 ³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5: 3-5
 ³ 不但如此，就是在患难中也是欢欢喜喜的；因为知道患难生忍耐，⁴忍耐生老练，老练生盼望；⁵盼望不至於羞耻，因为所赐给我们的圣灵将神的爱浇灌在我们心里。 羅馬書5：3-5

A Wake Up Call

"Du du...Du du..."called: once, twice, five times, ten times; no one picked up. It sent an urge to us whether he's OK.

Dad was on his way driving from Sri Aman to Kuching in pouring rain last night. So about three hours later, mum called to check whether he's arrived Kuching safely, but no one picked the call up. The sense of worry suddenly strike us. Is he OK? Could it be accident because of the rain? I kept on imagining different types of scenarios: Maybe his car slipped to the side of the road no one notices him? Or landslides?

The phone tune echos in the back of my head, heart pounding rapidly, what do I do? Staring at the ceiling, wanting to shoot my prayers up to heaven, but then, it hit me hard "About time huh? Now that you're worried so you decided to ask God for help?" I felt truly ashamed.. "Have faith in God, seek His Heaven first..." These were what I've always encouraged others to do. Yet, when was the last time I spend quality time with God other than the short prayers before sleep or inconsistent devotions?

It was then I realized how bad my condition was, it was then i realised how little faith I have to the powerful God.
Sorry, Father, you must've felt heartbroken. I'm sorry, I don't even have the right to ask you for favours.
Then I began to think, what could I do. Knowing it would be useless, but I still texted my friend to ask for help. Just as I was about to sent out a second one, we received a voice message from dad confirming he's alright.

Then it hit me again, "In the end, you still don't trust me." That sound of disappointment... There's not one word other than SHAMEFUL could  describe how I felt. "I'm sorry, I don't even have the faith of a grain of mustard seed."  The Holy God is the Controller of all things, I should've have confidence in Him, instead of doubting His ability, doubting His faith to us.

Sharing this little story of mine to all Christians out there, reminding you that everything is in accordance of God's plan, because He's declared, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9)."  Secondly, don't seek God only when we are in need, because He's promised, "But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33)." Lastly, let's spend more time with our Heavenly Father, so that we know more about His plan for us, and so our faith can grow bigger and stronger.

2014 Christmas Family Trip, Tangalooma Island Resort



Since I wasn't able to join the Christmas trip in 2013, I was kind of very excited for the 2014 family trip.  Good times always pass by so quickly, 3 days 2 nights - gone!

Tangalooma Island Resort only 75 minutes away from Brisbane by ferry, is the perfect place for couples, family and friends to relax and have fun. Ranging from land based, water based to a series of free activities, it is definitely a place worth going to.

I was just so happy I got the opportunity to go explore this beautiful island and just have time to relax and be amazed at God's mighty creations.

At daytime, a walk along the beach brings you close to sea creatures such as starfish; at night time, sea breeze and sound of waves accompany you all night long, blowing and humming your stress away.

As the old sayings, 'Picture speaks a thousand words', I'm sure these pictures could describe to you how beautiful the Island is and what an amazing time we had during this short trip.





 
 Here's a quick view of the Tangalooma wrecks, consist of 15 vessels deliberately sunk about 50years ago. It is now covered with coral formations and home to many marine lives. 

Though I didn't join the snorkel activity, I believe you won't regret it if you do. It's definitely worth a look!

Many tours and activities are available, some are included in the package while some cost money ( That's why we didn't snorkel, we just couldn't afford to pay for all of them! *cry*)

Dophin Feeding Time!





One of the signature activities of the island is sand boarding. Though I didn't enjoy it as much, it is definitely something you should try once in a lifetime.

We stayed in one of the villas which gave us perfect beach view, perfect for sunset ( lovely couples, what are you waiting for!)
 

But God made the earth by his power;
   he founded the world by his wisdom
   and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. Jeremiah 10:12

耶和華用能力創造大地，用智慧建立世界，用聰明铺張穹蒼。 耶利米書 10：12


 

Brisbane Global Cafe & President Obama's Remarks

It's been a while since the last post, now I finally get some time to share the exciting things that had happened to me few weeks ago (purely because I was too lazy). After finishing first year of uni, you could probably say I've attended two of the most exciting, amazing, once-in-a-life time events. Thus I need to give thanks to God for these remarkable experience, and also thanks to QUT for providing these opportunities (After all, it's the 'University for the real world', right? *wink*).

The first event was 'Brisbane Global Cafe' . Most people would know one of the events that put Brisbane on the global spotlight would be the G20 summit. With many top leaders of the countries gathering here in Brisbane, discussing the future vision. Global Cafe is also part of the program. It is an event where well known scientists, professors and leaders give their thoughts on their expertise. The five themes of the event were Powering Future Economies Energy, Cities of the Future, Improving Human Life, Tourism New Frontier and The Digital Age: entrepreneur and innovation.


With each ticket costing $350AUD, I'm just glad I was able to join for FREE. The theme I listened to was Cities of the Future. I'm not a person who would read newspaper everyday or be concerned about what the world is going to be like in 50 years time, so listening to these experts on stage just reminds me, while I catchup with kdramas, there's others who are trying to plan for the future world that I will be a part of.

One thing that stuck in my head is their suggestion of 'vertical cities'. For some reasons it reminds me of 'the Tower of Babel'(Genesis 11:1-9) from the bible, which doesn't feel so good. Nevertheless it was an interesting experience (I enjoy looking professional among all other business candidates).

As if this wasn't enough for an ordinary person like me, I was also given the chance to listen to President Barack Obama's remarks live (yes, LIVE, PRESIDENT OBAMA). I initially put my name down because it's another free goodies (yes, i love free stuff), but I felt regretted as I lined up along (what seems to me) a never ending line, under a hot sun. However, I must admit, as soon as I saw President Obama jogged up the stage, this whole 3 hour lining up, dehydrating was worth it.

 
His remarks made my experience extraordinary. It was exceptionally well said. However, I must say I don't agree to his point on supporting gay and lesbian. Though I understand where his point coming from (God loves everyone equally), but still I couldn't agree to it, because the Bible clearly stated homosexual is a sin (1 Corinthians 6: 9-11). God loves us, He wants us to repent from sins. I sincerely pray that good leaders like President Obama can be clear on God's will through reading His Words so the entire nation can be changed and guided to follow God's plan for us.




"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55: 8-9

耶和华说:“我的意念非同你们的意念；我的道路也非同你们的道路。天怎样高过地，照样，我的道路高过你们的道路；我的意念高过你们的意念。” -以賽亞書 55：8-9

Post dedicated to my MTS 2014 graduate friends

At the beginning of 2014, I was given the opportunity to join the Short-Term Mission School (STMS) to equip myself to become Christ's disciples. That was an amazing two months time which I would never regret spending in MTS Sibu, Malaysia.

Through this two months, not only was I given the chance to learn more and know more about my religion and my beliefs, I was also given a chance to know people from different background. Of course there were a few that I've known through my church, a couple more from my town, but the rest of them were those that I have never ever met before. In fact, if it wasn't this course, I believe we might not know each other for our entire life on earth.

After finishing the course, we all knew that might be our only time together. So, today, on the graduation day of the 2014 MTS graduates, I decide to write this post to cherish our time together as well as deliver to you my blessing words before you all go out to different places and serve our Almighty God.


During the time in MTS, other than friends, we have the so-called,  'family members', 'table friends' and 'roommates'. There are many graduating today, but of course I'm not close to all of them. So there's a number of them which I would like to mention today.

Dorethysia, my roommate.
All students were put into groups of two or three in the hostels and I was probably one of the luckiest who was being allocated the same room to two theology students instead of STMS students. Dorethysia was one of the theology students. Being able to share a room with her was my privilege, because by sharing a room with her, I learnt to be more considerate towards others because we had problem communicating. Dorethysia and the other roommate can speak good Melayu, but I can only speak Mandarin and English (yes, shame on me, a Malaysia Chinese who cannot speak Bahasa Malaysia). Besides, I'd also learnt a lot more from them sharing their experiences. Even though during our weekly prayer session we had trouble communicating and always needed that extra time to translate or choose songs, I really loved the moment together.  Dorethysia, thank you for being so nice to me for that two months, also, thank you for your constant messages and encouragement, it really means a lot to me. Though we may not have another chance to go pasar malam together or sleep in the same room together, I'm sure we can still chat to each other and one day, we will surely meet in our eternal home. So, all the best to everything you do, just like what you've told me, read the Bible, pray and listen to God always. Tambah petrol, Dorethysia!

本煌大哥-我的五號桌桌長
第一次吃飯的時候，因為我也剛進神學院所以難免是已經很怕了， 可是看到自己接下來吃飯都要跟一個那麼兇的人一起，就更是覺得辛苦。但隨著時間的流動，發現原來其實你根本不兇，也很善良。第二次分桌，我們會壞心的損你，說你沒良心，別桌都有kfc，冰淇淋，可是我們什麼也沒有。但是原來你也為我們預備了。謝謝你的用心，謝謝你的照顧，因為學生組長已經不好當了，還被你遇到我跟田勇俊這種壞學生。你的照顧真的讓我感受到了哥哥的感覺。不知道你前面的路會是怎樣，可能幾個月/年後，我們就會失去聯絡，但是曾經的一點一滴我一定會牢牢記住的。加油本煌大哥，前面事奉的路也祝福你順利！

慈彬-我家人，一號桌長的朋友
沒緣跟你同桌同組，所以開始的兩三星期看到你就覺得你怪怪的。有時很面善，有時就兇到～ 可是多虧大姐和田勇俊的福，我也認識了你。感恩有機會在你的讚美團裡一起服事，感恩有機會一起喝茶聊天。在那次去喝涼茶的時候，我清楚看見了一個多麼多麼愛神愛人的你。謝謝你，做了我一個很好的榜樣。希望我們真的還有機會一起喝茶聊天，但是在那之前，先祝福你。不管是服事神的道路或是關係上，都希望主親自的看待，加油！

芳恆-我的家人
你是一個才華洋溢，親切可愛的家人。當我知道你是我姐同屆的短宣生時，那種親切感是我不能形容的 （雖然你根本不認識我姐，因為她是華語班的）。跟你一組靈修，佈道，讓我有機會認識你多一點點。你那個跳舞的姿勢，彈琴的眼神，開心果的性格，真叫人難以忘懷。你那美好的見證更是我時刻的提醒。記得確定地點後，就通知我一聲，有機會一定去探探你，畢竟我還欠你一份cheesy wedge eh。還有你上次提到的澳洲旅行我是還沒有忘記的ok，就等你來玩咯！Gambateh！

應諾大姐-我的家人，我的一號桌長
我們呢，到底是太有緣還是怎樣？我必須要承認剛開始看到你擺的那副臭臉坐在本煌旁邊，真的是幾叫人擔心一下的哦。可是感恩，我們的關係沒有停留在這種僵硬的狀態裡。我到底是不是該謝謝那個田勇俊呢？好像都是他在幫我們‘拉線’一樣。哈哈哈。大姐，你真的是一個大姐，謝謝你讓我在神學院願意釋放自己，不拘拘束束，敢把自己的性格活出來。謝謝你，喜歡我的真，謝謝你對我的信任，謝謝你給予我的肯定。有機會與你分擔我真的真的很高興。雖然不懂我們到底能不能再一起瘋，但是不要忘記你在遠方還有一個支持你的好姐妹。你是那個鼓勵我真， 激發我寫blog， 也是那個外剛內柔又有詩意的好大姐，你為我專寫的詩真的讓我感動到哦。謝謝你跟田勇俊的陪伴，希望我們下次見面的時候，你會是更幸福的大姐。加油！

Separated into different places, the least we can do for each other is pray. I will definitely keep you all in my prayers. Pray that through all thick and thin, God's never ending love and mercy will shower you endlessly.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
因我們行事為人，是憑著信心，不是憑著眼見。哥林多後書 5：7