Christmas!

Christmas . . .

I always love this season of the year...

It is the time where family and friends spend time together...

yes, i may be in a foreign land...

but...

what exactly is a foreign land?

is it really foreign?

not exactly...

i don't think is a foreign when you find your spiritual family here...

I'm really thankful that God has given me spiritual family here...

Friends whom i can call my family...

friends who cares for me...

friends who accept me for who i am...

Thank you Lord!

I know Christmas would be different this year...

Being different may not be bad...

It is just another experience...

God,

I want to thank you for the work you done in my life!

For your unfailing love

For your grace

For the cross!

Christmas is my favourite season...

because it is a season of love...

is a season of giving...

i learn to give...

give whatever i have...

give the most precious thing on earth...

which is LOVE!

Home...

Home...

Is where i was born...

Is where i was brought up...

Is where my closest people are...

Is a place where I can never find a place to replace...

Is where I can be myself...

Is where I know I'm loved...

Is where I know I'm protected...

Is where I can be vulnerable...

I want to go home...

I want to see home...

I want to feel home...

Yes, I am homesick...

especially Christmas season is here.. where everyone is going home to be with their family and friends... and yet, i am still here... i wouldn't say is a lonely christmas but is definitely different without my closest friends and family...

What can I do?

I just have to bear it, persevere it and hang on...

What can I complain?

I just have to count my blessings that God has given me here...

Do I feel sad?

Yes, Of course! but God knows what best for me... probably He has prepared a whole new experience of Christmas here!

So,

I just have to pray...

God,

Embrace me with your love

That's all i ask...

How i wish...

How I wish Christmas is here now at this very moment!!

I'm playing Christmas Carols and songs in my itunes already! Just love the atmosphere of Christmas! Thinking of buying christmas deco for my room too! hmm.. probably a small christmas tree is good!! will go hunt in town...

then again... looking at those law books on my desk isn't the pleasing to my eyes!! sigh..
there's no perfection in everything...
just have to bear with the bad things...
hmm..
probably the word "bear" isn't a good word... it is a negative word indeed...
probably i should look at the good side of things even though it may appears to be bad...
sometimes, trying to be idealistic is good..
at least it takes away all the negative thoughts...
at least you will be comforted and encouraged...
some argued that being realistic is the most practical but it will somehow brings someone down.. esp a dreamer like me..
i like dreaming big things! that's why one of my favourite character in the Bible is Joseph...
He is a dreamer...
God gave him dreams...
Dreams that is real!
Lord, help me to dream big things that you have for me!!

Packed weekend...

Phew! I'm really knackered right now after a long weekend...

First, I did not sleep at all on fri night cuz I have to wake up at 3am in the morning to catch the coach for Nottingham games! so, forced myself to sleep but i failed... decided to just stay awake at wait till 3..

Oh, btw, Nottingham Games is like a sports games for all Malaysia societies all over UK..
I went there to play netball...
Unfortunately, out team lost... but one thing, i felt we really played well! just the other teams were really strong...

then it was Sunday again!
i just love sunday!
I can meet my family and friends!!
hehe... seriously, i think i'm really attached to my church friends here..
I can't believe i actually missed them when i was in Nottingham!! it just felt so weird without seeing them on a sat or fri!!
Gosh!! we are too attached i guess.. hehe

we had sunday school training about ethics with children after service..
i thought it was good cuz sunday school here is quite different from home..
Most of the children here are from non-christian background.. and we need to watch our teaching style and stuff like that..

guess.. i really need to go to bed now before i crash in front of the laptop!

Finally..

Finally is Reading week already!

I really need this one week break to catch up with my studies!! So much to read, so much to study.. Besides that, I need this time to spend more time with God and to seek Him..

So much things happened the past few weeks! Ups and Downs.. seems to be like a roller coaster.. but it all turned out to be good...

I'm glad that student fellowship is doing the series on Friendship!
I thought it was really appropriate for everyone to think through about the friendship that we have..

Have you invested enough time in your friendship?

Have you given in efforts to sustain the friendship?

Are you going through the thicks and thins with your friend?

Is your friendship Christ-centered?

Sometimes we may think that is really tiring to make the effort, is tiring to make the initiative..

But just hang on! persevere on!

You will see the fruit really soon... those efforts, time and even tears will not go into vain.. Your friendship will grow even stronger!

I thank God for the people He put in my life. Everyone has a special place.. they all play different role in different seasons of my life!

Friendship..
sounds really familiar..
But
it is POWERFUL
it is a GIFT

I woke up this morning feeling depressed and lonely...

I wonder why...

Perhaps I miss them...

Perhaps is her...

Perhaps is just mood swing...

However, God is good!

He just send people around to comfort me and cheer me up!

I am really blessed here...

He gave me a family here that cares for me and loves me...

What can I ask for more?

I just need to keep thanking Him...

Looking forward to worship practice on Wednesday!!!

Can't wait to see all of them!

God is GOOD!

. . . Tired . . .

I'm just tired...

Really tired...

I just want to sleep...

God's power..

Isn't amazing to own power like God?

Isn't awesome to just be like God?

Well, i don't know about you.. For me, sometimes i do think is really cool to possess what God has! He is the creator of heaven and earth
He does everything He wants
He is everything!

There's always a but i guess...

I'm not too sure whether I want those power to fulfill my own needs..
I'm not too sure whether I can control my life with those finite wisdom i have...

Being God isn't easy i think.. Sometimes, i wonder will God be sad to see all His children walk away from His love... Will He be disappointed what His children didn't make a decision to follow Him?

God loves us so much that He gave us freewill!
yes, He is all powerful but yet He did not use it to control our willingness..
He waits for us to turn back to Him, to love Him and to accept Him..
Isn't God wonderful?
Isn't His love amazing?

But what are we doing?
We just like to do things our ways.. Who are we? We are created by Him! We belong to Him!
Why can't people understand that?

Sometimes these thought frustrates me..
However, I was once like that till God changed me life..
I believe God has His perfect timing for everything..
His plans are to prosper us and not to fail us..

Prayers..
That's all...
Keep praying...

You want a breakthrough?
Pray...
You want a closer relationship?
Pray...
You are struggling with issues?
Pray...

Jesus prayed..

Do not ever give up in prayers because God listens and answers!

. . .

Well, first of all i have to say something to Mr.Wise...

Joanne Ong did not do anything for the past few days although she wasn't blogging... she was just procrastinating and sleeping apart from going lectures!!!! sigh... I think I have to blame the weather... these few days have been miserable!! it has been raining, cold and gloomy... makes you feel like staying in and sleep under your warm duvet... but then again, it my own fault...

JOANNE ONG HAS NO DISCIPLINE!!

Well, weekend was hectic! we had social night, sunday school and we led worship last Sun! so, it was kinda tiring and drained out all my energy... However, all the hard work was worth it.. we had lots of newcomers and friends who came for social night! i think everyone enjoyed it... so sorry that i didn't post any pictures cuz was busy organizing the games and entertain ppl...

I think this semester, Thursday would be the busiest day of my week.. this week, i have 5 HOURS of class!!!! that's terrible!! and i have student fellowhip on that day as well! PHEW! All i can say is... JOANNE ONG, YOU STILL HAVE TO DO IT! NO COMPLAINTS! is hard to not grumble and complaint though...

Okie dokie.. going to bed soon..

Updates!

Seems like i'm getting lazy to update my blog now.. hehe

Anyway, i have been busy this week as lectures have started! wow... i can feel the sense of urgency already.. new subjects, new stuff to learn.. i think the most interesting subject that i'm taking for this sem is Criminal Evidence... I think the more I study this subject, the more I feel Justice doesn't really exist anymore.. Lawyers just manipulate their evidences and loop holes to twist and turn.. they do not care what is the "TRUTH".. They only want to WIN that case.. wonder will i become one of those lawyers... hmmm...

yea.. timetable is quite pack this term.. mush more work that need to be done and prepared.. fuh! here we go again! UNI LIFE!

Apart from uni, church is really busy as well.. we have a social night going on this Sat night! A night filled with mouth-watering Malaysian food and Games! talking about games, I'm in-charge of it... seriously, i think i'm getting old... can't remember all the games that we played.. hehe...

Hope the new comers will turn up for this event! Oh ya, Student fellowship will be leading worship this Sun and I'm on keyboard... everyone is really nervous about it cuz most of us are first time leading the congregation... something like Student Awareness Weekend!

well well... guess these are what going to happen in the nxt few days.... seriously, 2nd year now! JOANNE ONG GOT TO WORK HARD!

JOANNE ONG GOT TO STOP PROCRASTINATING!

JOANNE ONG GOT TO PRAY HARDER!

haha..

alright..

JOANNE ONG NEEDS TO GO NOW.....

Lost...

I know some of you might be surprised of the title... LOST..

I don't know how to described that but i think LOST is the best word to describe my emotion.. I know I said it is really good to be back here in Manchester! and why LOST?

I seriously don't know why.. just these few days... probably i need to get back to my routine.. but at the same time i don't want to cuz all law books will be there waiting for me! which is totally unpleasant! so... here i am.. LOST.... dunno what to do at the mean time... but at the same time, i have lots of programs! but it doesn't seem to connect with my emotion.. anyway, let's not talk about it anymore..

Just to update some of you...

These few days i have been hanging out with my student fellowship friends.. nearly everyday! i really miss them a lot when i was in Malaysia.. so,now is all about catching up with each other..
However, there are a few friends that i felt distant with them..
i don't know how to rebuild the friendship.. but i really pray that God will help me to get close to them again... cuz this "distant" feeling is seriously not nice cuz is so awkward!! i'm sure you guys know what i mean.. but yea.. it takes time.. what can i expect? is just a week that i'm back here right? haha..

okie dokie! that's about it for today!

Manchestaa!!!

Good to be back here in Manchester!

Weather is not too bad.. just a bit wet... but i'm really happy to be back here!

Just wanna post up some pictures of my new flat! woohoo!!

I got a double-bed room.. so is really big! really like it here... super convenient! just 3 mins walk to a mini supermarket.. isn't good? haha..

alright.. here are the pictures!




Oh ya..i got my own bathroom too with a bath tub!

Okie Dokie.. will update more next time!

see ya!

Back..

Guess I have not been blogging for ages! Sorry about that..

Don't worry, Joanne Ong is back to update about her life! However, this post will not be a long-winded one.. will update more when she gets back to UK in about a week time! I think Joanne ong is quite excited about going back to her uni life and looking forward to seeing what God has planned for her! She misses all her friends in UK too! hehe..

Joanne ong has learned a lot about God, herself and people during this summer. She hopes that all the lessons would not turned into waste but all those that she has learned would be put into practice. She hopes that the coming academic year would be a great one with God's directions and plans. She sees lots of potential in UK and would like to sow more seeds her friends' lives. Joanne ong wants to see God's sovereignty in Manchester and she knows that God wants to do great things in the student ministry. This will be a great adventure. She knows that this journey would not be an easy one but because of the God she believes in, Everything is POSSIBLE!

Alright, Joanne ong is anticipating the power and miracle of God!

Taiwan

Hey people, i'll make it easier for everyone to know the updates about Taiwan..

Go visit this website where we will update as a team..

http://www.omf.org/omf/uk/omf_at_work/serve_asia_blogs_2008/taiwan_team

There we will post up our prayers items and events that we are doing..

Cheers!

TAIWAN

hello people! Greetings from taiwan!

I have arrived safely in the land of Taiwan 2 days ago!

I'm in Taichung currently for orientation briefing.. my teammates are amazing.. really helpful people.. Thank God that my stomach is feeling so much better.. it is really God who sustains me till now...

we're going to be here till this sat then we're going to leave for fenyuan for VGM camp where we're going to facilate a bilingual camp over there...

so, keep praying! so far, everything is still good here.. everything is still under control but of course we are preparing ourselves for the unexpected..

I hope i can update my blog here as often as possible to keep you guys updated..

Cheers!

Have been really sick for a almost a week!

Thank God that i'm recovering after admitted to hospital..

Getting ready for Taiwan!

Hope my stomach will be in good condition there.. i really wanna eat the good food there!

PPL!! pls pray for me as this is a mission trip..

pray that my health will be in good state

pray that God will use me to minister the people over there

pray that God will change me

pray that everything will go smoothly

hope i can find internet connection to update you guys!

How ironic...

Just got back home!!!

Yeap! Managed to surprise my family esp my mum!! she was so shocked when she saw me!! i could see her tears.... i guess she really didn't expect this at all.. and clearly she misses me very much!! i love you mum!!

can't believe i miss all my friends back in UK already!! i really do! and is only my first day in Malaysia and i already miss UK.... how ironic.. when i was there, i was looking forward to come back home.... and now i'm home, i miss them very much... sigh... why can't i have both??

. . .

I'm going HOME...

Mixed Feelings...

Say Goodbye...

Say hello...

Sadness...

Joy...

Leaving...

Coming...

Look at your life from heaven's eyes.

sometimes we are so caught up with our own business and problems till we forgot to look at the big picture that God has for us.

Be still and listen.

He is all around us.

Look up.

Seek Him.

and then, we would be able to see things through His eyes.

Changes...

Good or Bad?

JOANNE ONG NEEDS REVELATIONS FROM GOD!!!!

Day Trip to BLACKPOOL!!

After the whole exams period, finally i get to go on a holiday! well, not exactly a holiday but good enough.. at least there was sun, beach and FUN!





Guess the pictures above said everything.. i came back with a tan!!! My face was all red and it really looked horrible.. can't believe i will get a tan in UK! haha..

but the trip was really good despite the exhaustion..

Grrr.. can't wait to back home!! really want to go the beaches back home..

IT IS DONE!

Thank you for YOUR FAITHFULNESS!

I guess during the midst of exam, everyone seems to be so occupied with their studies.. i'm not saying that that is wrong, in fact, we need to revise as much as we can so we can say we have tried our best after that.... However, are we too occupied with our work and studies until we neglected the one who is actually our Provider and our source of strength?

Some of us rely on our own strength and think that we can do it by ourselves... and when we fail, we blame ourselves or even blame God for not helping us... isn't unfair to God? He wants to help us and indeed He is carrying us through all difficulties, but we are the one who shut Him out... we think that we can do it on our own strength, thus we don't need His help.... This is not supposed to be the way.. I can't do anything without Him... I just can't!

I am so blessed when i heard this song-Footprints in the Sand because God is just so faithful... when there's only one set of footprints in the sand, i know He is carrying me because He cares for me. I know I can fully rest my soul in Him because I trust Him... Isn't that wonderful when you know someone who promise you to carry through your sadness, sorrows and despair?

Trust in Him!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=d08X2lN669k&feature=user

Go youtube it! listen to the words....

To all the mothers!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

just wanna thank God for all the mothers in this world especially MY MUM!!

Mummy, I really wish that I am home now to give you a big hug and a kiss to say " I LOVE YOU"! For all that you've done, i just want to say a big thank you! MUACK!

Exams?? SCREW IT!!!

GGGRRRRRRR!!!!!

i'm reading homicide now... and i have loads more to cover!!!

AHHH.. taking a coffee break and trying to release all my stress in my blog....

pardon me...

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEI KHOON!!

ow.. how i wish i could celebrate your 20th birthday with you! but i'm sure you are having a great time in Philly.. Don't worry, i'll make it up when we're back in Malaysia! definitely gonna explore more fancy restaurants with you girls.. can't wait for summer break!!!

now.. 10 more days to exam!! Gosh.. really freaks me out when i have not totally prepared for it.. God, help me!! pray for me ppl!

there are just so many things on my plate now.. but decides to sweep everything under the carpet.. need to focus on my exam!

WHY?!! WHY do we need to go for exams??!!!!

The Difference between Science and God

Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ.'
The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.

'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'

'Yes sir,' the student says.

'So you believe in God?'

'Absolutely.'

'Is God good?'

'Sure! God's good.'

'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'

'Yes.'

'Are you good or evil?'

'The Bible says I'm evil.'

The professor grins knowingly.

'Aha! The Bible!'

He considers for a moment.

'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'

'Yes sir, I would.'

'So you're good...!'

'I wouldn't say that.'

'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'

The student does not answer, so the professor continues.

'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'

The student remains silent.

'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

'Let's start again, young fella Is God good?'

'Er...yes,' the student says.

'Is Satan good?'

The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'

'Then where does Satan come from?'

The student : 'From...God...'

'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'

'Yes.'

'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'

Without allowing the student to answer, the professor continues:

'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'

The student: 'Yes.'

'So who created them?'

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.

'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'

The student's voice is confident: 'Yes, professor, I do.'

The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'

'No sir. I've never seen Him'

'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'

'No, sir, I have not.'

'Have you ever actually felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'

'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'

'Yet you still believe in him?'

'Yes.'

'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'

'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'

'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own.

'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'

'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'

'And is there such a thing as cold?'

'Yes, son, there's cold too.'

'No sir, there isn't.'

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.

'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom sounding like a hammer.

'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'

'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'

'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have. Nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester.

'So what point are you making, young man?'

'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'

The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.

'Flawed? Can you explain how?'

'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good. God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'

'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'

'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do'

'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'

The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.

'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.

'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'

The student looks around the room.

'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?'

The class breaks out into laughter.

'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'

Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers.

'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'

'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues.

'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'

Now uncertain, the professor responds,

'Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'

To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'

---

A.R.K.

Have anyone of you watched Evan Almighty? well, i just watched it.. and I think it was awesome! I kinda got some insight from that movie.. seriously, I think once God wants us to do something for Him, it is unstoppable! No matter how hard you try to run away from it, God will make you do it! Like Evan in that movie, he didn't believe what God told him to do... i mean, i think i will be like him as well! Who will build an ark in the middle of New York during summer??? it is crazy!

But, when God asks you to do something, you better do it! cuz He knows everything.. the past, present and the future... When you hear His calling, RESPOND to it! He calls you to do something because He loves you... He cares for each one of us... and He definitely has a plan for each one of us.. Who knows? He might even ask you to build an "ARK" for him?

How can you change the world? it seems that the world is getting "sick".. so many murders, robbery, theft, sickness, immorality etc.... How are we going to change this world?

* by doing one Act of Random Kindness at a time*

-no subject-

well, just wanna post something in my blog but don't know exactly what to put as my title.. thus, -no subject-

just came back from Sunday school! i thought this week was good cuz at least most of them did sing along with me when i song lead... most of them do the action as well.. must be God doing the work... Praise Him!

now i have to get back to work! 2 datelines to meet.. One essay and one assessed coursework! fuh.. and exam is coming in a month's time!!! and in 2 months time, i'll be back in Malaysia!!! yay!

however, besides studies, there are some planning to do in student fellowship as well.. i really hope that God will make Sherlyn stay back in Uk.. I hope that i'm able to work with her in the next academic year.. well, is all in God's hand isn't? just have pray and wait upon Him..

sigh.. i miss home!

-no limits-

Do you wanna fly higher?
Do you want to do something that no one has ever done before?
Do you want to be free from all the boundaries and limits set by the world?

somehow deep inside me, there's a little Joanne who wants to do something different from everyone else! She wants to do something which is so big that no one has ever done before... She wants to fly... so high up that she could see everything from the sky.... She wants a breakthrough!!

*praying hard*

A new PURPOSE!

yeap.. i know i have been quite a lazy blogger... hehe.. but i was really busy with holidays and conference...

first week of holiday, i was spending time with Aimi, Theresa and Ry... really thank you all for making the effort to visit me! i think i really feed all of you well! i'm no longer nightmare host!!! hahaha.. indeed, i was a very good host right? hehe..

Second week of holiday... spent 4 days in NEEC (North England Easter Conference).. that conference was great! God answered my prayer in that conference.. before i went, i was praying for a new vision, new revelation and a new purpose for myself... i was quite disappointed for first 2 days because God seemed silent and I didn't really get what i expected.. however, during the third night, God just touched my heart.. no doubt that He is real... He has never failed to show me that He is real... While Wee Leon was praying for me, God spoke to me through him.. and finally, i found a purpose.. i found God's purpose for me in UK... God said, "GO, and MAKE DISCIPLES!" yes.. i need to do something about it.. pls pray along with me!

Third week of holiday.... well, i should start doing my work.. but just doesn't have the mood to do it... sigh.. need to work on that as well..

what i really hope to see now is what God wants us to do in out student fellowship.. we need a new vision for this fellowship... and i believe God has a big plan for this fellowship...

too lazy to post up all the pics.. but i think some of you can find it in facebook... hehe..

signing off!

FRUSTRATION!!!

alright! this is how i look like now!!!!!!
I'm frustrated!!! can't think of anything to write on my essay!!! after so many hours, just finish writing 400 words.. i have 1000 more to go!!! GOD HELP ME!!
i'm really suck at this topic.. thus, seriously don't know how to write... and this is due on FRI! i want to finish it by tomorrow so i can do my seminar work after that.... hope can finish it tonight!
now i have to blog to relieve a bit of stress... haha... i know i know is excuses.... but WHATEVER!

right.. i'm surprised that some of you know i'm planning to go to Taiwan! hmmm.. esp sue.. how did you know? yea.. if i'm going, i'll be going with fabien.. his sis told you about it? btw, i was the one who sent you the birthday wish text... hehe..


anyway, i wanna wish my spiritual mummy a BIG BIRTHDAY WISH!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY KELLY!!! sorry that i'm not at home to celebrate with you.. how i wish i can give you all 5 languages of love to you!

You are a M - Mum to me!
You are an extra O- Ordinary woman!
You M - Meant a lot to me!
You are a K - Keeper of God's word!
You are always so E - Encouraging!
You are always so L - Lovely!
Your L - Love has touched many lives! and finally....
You always Y - Yearn more for God!

I love you Mom Kelly!

RANDOM! RANDOM!

I really hate doing laundry because i think i find myself most unproductive while i'm doing laundry...

38 mintues of washing...
50 minutes of drying...
in between i have to go down to the laundrette to take my clothes from washer to dryer... seriously, can't the machine do it itself??!!!

sigh... i'm doing this post because i'm actually waiting for my clothes.. later have to go down to transfer my clothes!!! jeez....

i need to stop procrastinating!!!!! got 2 seminars, 1 essay.... and then holiday comes!!!! seriously can't wait for easter break! sick of going to class.. sick of going lecture...

random post..

Sarawak Laksa!

How did i celebrate my leap year???!!

Shermaine invited all the student fellowship members to her house for Sarawak Laksa! I would say that night was a blast! everyone had a good laugh! some say their stomach were cramp after all the laughing and games!

I introduced "um chi chi" to them.. however, it wasn't a great success tho.. can't believe all the doctors, lawyers, engineers and First class students can't play a simple game like that! hahaha..

anyway, later i introduced another game.. and i was glad all of them had fun!!! Great night! esp with ppl that you love and care!

Laziness...

Someone pls slap me on my face!! My laziness has crept in my life! someone pls take it away for i really cannot be lazy now.. Diligence, pls come now! i welcome you into my study life!!! hahaha

yes guys, i've been really lazy nowadays... dunno why just can't seem to concentrate in my work.. yes, i have done all my essays but when comes to my revision.. sigh. *speechless*

I need to get out from this situation! i need to be hardworking!! McNerdy have to come, not McLazy!!!!

Guess i better stop here.. i have 2 seminars!!! and i have not done a thing yet! Gosh....

You made my day!

AWww... i felt the love again!!!

I really thank God for sending ppl into my life when i least expected it! hahaha..

There are 5 languages of love:

1)Touch
2)Words of affirmation
3) Gifts
4) Quality of time
5)Acts of service

so, which language do you use to express your love to others?

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.

I got this quote from the internet and i thought it was really appropriate.. esp in this post!

I really wanna thank God for friendship... i realised how blessed i am with those friends that God brought into my life.. Come to think of it.. almost all of us are in separate lands..however, i believe that each one of us are thinking about each other...

The time that we have shared together definitely has impacted our lives.. the things that we have done together are still so vivid in out memories.. i guess, separation has made our bond grow stronger... despite of the distance, we endured it... we still love each other so much that deep inside us, we pray for each other... even though we don't talk everyday, our relationship has not changed... even it changed, it only change for the better...

little little things that we do for each other are sufficient enough to show our loves... a phone call, a card, a prayer or even a msg on facebook can melt our heart.. truly truly, only true friends stay!

i can't wait to spend my summer with all of you! i know summer will be a great time of catching up with each other! yes, some may not be home for summer, but i believe that we will, one day, we will be together again!

True good friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget!

-no subject-

Lord.. Help me..

to be strong
to be firm
to be faithful
to be loving
to be kind
to be generous
to be humble
to be courageous

I need you..

Blessed Chinese New Year Everyone!

Here comes the "RAT" year! "Xin Nian Kuai Le"! "Gong Xi Fa Cai"!

How i wish i'm back home celebrating the new year! This is my first time celebrating it without my family and friends... Here in manchester, nothing interesting about new year.. guess what? i got class on the first day of new year! How exciting! hahahha

yea.. but i was good.. went for lecture.. it was a long day.. 11-4.. fuh.. tiring... didn't even shoop for clothes for new year.. probably didn't think was necessary... no mood as well... i dont even feel like is chinese new year... no music, decoration of whatsoever... it was kinda dull...

can't believe i need to go through it for another 2 years.... maybe one day if possible, i hope i can go back during CNY... hahaha...

oh ya! today mun yee, tk, beat, elwin, raymond and gf came to my house and bai nian! haha.. was on skype with them.. too bad i wasn't there with them... sigh...

i shall stop complaining cuz my aunts and uncles gave me ANG POW!! yay!! A bit thank you to all of them!

Good News!

This morning at about 3.30 am.. i received 2 miss calls and 1 message from Malaysia...

I couldn't be bothered who called or what's the content of that msg.. too tired... However, after a few minutes, i was prompted to look at my phone...

2 missed calls----- Teck Keong
1 text----- Beatrice

Text content--- YOUR BRO ACCEPTED CHRIST!

Wow... my eyes were wide opened! I couldn't believe it! I was just full with joy! Without any hesitation, i called tk.. asked him how exactly did my brother accepted Christ! My bro was on the phone saying that he didn't know that it was so easy to accept Jesus into his life! He actually thought that he needs to take some exam or whatsoever... haha...

Ps.Mic led him in sinner's prayer.. and here it is! My brother, Jacky is a Christian now!! Praise the Lord! God is really doing something in my family now... totally unbelievable and awesome! I hope that my bro will start his journey well with the Lord and will have good friends and mentors to guide him throughout this journey... I pray that his fire for God will not die and his passion will continue to persevere on! Thank you Jesus!

Have to thank TK as well... i think is really divine appointment that he is able to pick up my bro to church! hahaa.. thanks dear! sek sek

One down, 3 more to go! I know that God will save all of them in my family! Amen!

oh ya.. another good news... it snowed the other day! it was beautiful but was really short... hmmm.. probably beautiful pics are meant to be temporary.. but God's beauty is forever!

Sweetheart...

I just read mun yee's blog and she was posting about sweetheart... Gosh, after reading her blog, i realised how much i actually miss all of the ppl back home!

I miss teck keong and mun yee... the random things that we did together... food.... prayers.... driving around hunting for food... driving to Tropicana... watching movies... church... sleep-over...

I miss Elwin and Beatrice... the heart-to-heart talk... cam whoring... jokes and laughter... youth... church... Christmas!

I miss the Girls ( Mei Khoon, Sue, Ruey Yng and Theresa!!)... all the fine dining... sleep-over... gossiping... alcohol... crazy snap shots... gym.... movies!!!!

I miss my FAMILY... the food that mum prepared... dad's nagging... bro's "kacau-ness".... showering with sis... my lovely cousin... breakfast with mum.... seeing dad tipsy... haha..

aaarrrrrggggghhhhhhhh!!!!! wish i can be home right now!

Another weekend away!

Went away for holiday again last fri to visit Sing Chia in Cardiff! haha.. it was indeed a very last minute plan... really felt sorry for Aimi because i didn't go for her birthday party!! Sorry, Aimi!!!

Sing Chia's house is massive! maybe massive isn't really the right word but it is compared to my tiny room here in Manchester!! haha.. We went to couple of place there.. the city centre, city hall, her university, Cardiff Bay ( The most beautiful part of Cardiff ), movie and Cardiff Castle!

I think the most memorable moment in this trip is the food which sing chia made for me! yay! she made BAK KUT TEH the first night and Curry Chicken the second day!! it was delicious! mmm.. just so sensational! hahah..

here are some pics taken in Cardiff!

Cambridge...

These are the pictures that i took from Cambridge! sorry the pics is a bit too small cuz is taken from Facebook...






Basically the place is really beautiful! I wish i can study there! so, ppl who are applying to Cambridge to study, WORK HARD!!!!

Inspired..

Just got back from one of the oldest town in UK---Cambridge! Seriously... i was telling Grace that the moment i reached there, i felt that the air i breathed in was full of intelligence! hahhaa

Cambridge is indeed a beautiful place.. small but is definitely a good environment to study.. unlike Manchester... is like Malacca compared to Kl.. how i wish i am in Cambridge.. studying in those old colleges... is really like Harry Potter kinda atmosphere..

We went to a few colleges to look around.. went to a formal where we dine in one of the old college.. the dining area looks like the Harry Potter's scene where everyone is siting in a long table! kinda cool but the food was not as good as i expected...

sigh... didn't get to punt... weather is too cold and Grace was not interested in punting.. so didn't make it.. i hope to punt the next time i go there and i'll make sure Grace goes with me!!! hahahaha...

tired now.. sat 6 hours plus of coach back... will post up the pictures soon as all of them are with Grace.. see ya! Cheers!

Cleaning up!

Today indeed was a productive day! woke up early in the morning, did my devotion! I was really intrigued by today's devotion as the author shared about suffering...

Have you ever wondered by a loving God that we believed permits suffering into this world? Some said God's power has diminished as sin is becoming powerful in this world, thus comes suffering... Some said God simply does not exist! BUT, the author answered by giving an analogy...

A boy was running out of money while he was in a camp, he phoned and asked his dad to give him some money. However, his father refused. All his friends were teasing him saying his father doesn't love him enough to give him money. This little boy, having great faith that his father loves him, told his friends that he will trust his father and will ask his father when he gets back home. After the camp was over, he headed back home. His father told him that the reason why he didn't give him the money is because he wants his son to learn how to value money.

See? that is why God permits suffering into this world. We will never know why he did that but we have great faith that He still loves us dearly... We can only ask Him when we're home with Him... Trust the Lord!

yea... after that intriguing devotion, i went to do my laundry! can you believe that i have not done my laundry for a month??!!! hahahha... lazy Joanne... and i vacuumed by room!!!! wahahaha.. felt so clean now... is good to do cleaning up sometimes when you have nothing else to do.. cuz is really a great satisfaction to see your room in a clean and comfortable condition! really love it now... haha.. less homesick...

and so ppl! i'll be away for the weekend! heading to Cambridge tomorrow! hope i can get rid of my homesick-ness soon!!!!

I'm Back!!!!

Hello ppl! I'm finally back to blog! yea.. i know you guys have been waiting long for this post! haha.. so many of you were asking me for updates especially the malaysia's update!!

yea.. I have been back to Malaysia for a month! I will never regret this trip back because it was indeed a meaningful and memorable one... the moment i come back to Manchester, i felt so homesick! The feeling was worst compare to the time i came here in Sept... this shows how sad and depressed i was not mentioning i have exam right after i reached here... it was terrible... i broke down! yes.. JOANNE BROKE DOWN! still remember beatrice was so worried that she even called all the way from home.. i was really touched!! thanks beatrice!

ok ok.. stop talking about the emo moments.... hmmm.. so what exactly i did in msia?!!!

first of all... sorry to disappoint you guys, cuz i didn't take many pics while i was back.. too lazy indeed... hehe.... anyway, let me summarize it..

1) Family of course! i realize how much i missed them while i was in Manchester!! spending time with them definitely enhanced the joy that i have in Msia!! Dad, Mum, sis and bro, I LOVE you guys!!!! muack!!

2) My "ai mei" gang... Mun Yee and Teck Keong!!! Gosh, almost every week we have to meet up.. or should i say everyday... haha... Jia mien cannot tahan or intimacy and called us the "ai mei" gang... this trip back has brought 3 of us closer... our friendship has definitely grown! each of us has learn to love each other better.. all 5 of language was expressed among the 3 of guys.. Quality of time, Gifts, Acts of service, Touch and Words of affirmation... i miss them so much!!!

3) Church! How can i miss church?!! Dec has been very refreshing for my spirit and soul. God has reminded me of my first love... there are times which i slack in Manchester, but back in msia, God has shown me His faithfulness that He assures me that He still loves me.. so, what more can i ask for?!

4) Beatrice and Elwin!!!! another "ai mei" gang i think... both of them have also showed so much love to me... he had heart to heart talk with one another... this time, i can see elwin can expressed himself more.. esp when he actually told me that he misses me!!! i was really touched! Beatrice was really emo before i left.. sigh... wich i could stay longer!

5) Christmas! hahhaa... sad to say that i fell sick during Christmas!!! i was literary in bed the whole day of Christmas! what a great way of celebrating right?! haha.. BUT... before Christmas has been good... the few days before Christmas was really great! i had caroling, christmas dinner at my place, gifts exchange and of course the christmas musical in my church!!

6) Friends! actually i only get to spend time with a few friends.... but those time that we spent are really precious.. i get to catch up with their lives! Drama drama drama!! hahaha...

7) New Year Eve! this year i spent my new year eve in church... i want to end my year 2007 with God because He has blessed me in so many ways!!! next year, i will wanna testify that i managed to lose weight!!! hahahhaa.... and of course, i spent the rest of the night with mun yee and teck keong.. haha...

7.. a number symbolizes PERFECTION... 2007 may not be a great year for me but God turns the bad into good! i wanna thank God for everything that had happened in that year.. esp family and friends... i learn to appreciate them more and love them more....

so, much had been said.. let me show you some pics! not many but good enough! enjoy!


Raymond and Teck Keong preparing fruit salad for our Christmas Party at Charis' Place
Family at Pavillion!

Beatrice, Elwin(dancer for the musical) and me!

Jen Ric and I preparing for a posh christmas dinner at my place!

Teck Keong, Mun Yee and I at my church christmas Party!
Beatrice and I posing! the theme of that night was CELEBRITY!

So, this is how i end my year 2007... it ended with LOVE!