Thank You!!

Well.. this is my 2nd post of the day.. I would like to say thank you's to a few ppl.. They are:

- Simon & Joel

They gave me a SURPRISE visit at my hse!! So sweet of then!! When I saw them, I was in shock but NOT at the state of crying lahz.. =)..

Dotz told me this morning that Simon and Joel wld be mtg me and she asked me whether is it or not!! I of course replied "no" lahz, becos' they never told me they are coming and all.. I thought both of them met for lunch and all and its a case of mistaken identity.. So I really didn't bother abt it at all!!

In the afternoon (after I went all the way to buy duck at Upper Paya Lebar Road), Joel called me and asked how am I and stuff.. and at the same time, drop in to say 'hi'..

Then abt. close to 5pm, both of them gave me a surprise visit!! I was of course shocked lah!! So they stayed here and chatted for a while before they prayed for me.. =) Of course, I also sought some personal advice from them and stuff..

Well.. this is my best visit ever manz..

Thank you both for committing to pray for me during my NS stint! =)

- Audio Xchange

Thanx for being a part of my life!! Believe it or not.. you all have one way or another change the perspective of how I live as a person and influence me to grow closer to God!! Would love to take part in another gig again!! Let's do it all over again!! *Woohoo!!

- Dotz

Thank you for the constant msg you give me via MSN and emails!! It is really encouraging!! Thanks also for that tiny booklet you gave me.. I will remember to bring it in!! =)

- Minghui

Thanks for giving me advice on NS stuff.. Can sense that it was heartfelt! Thank you also for offering your listening ear whenever I need one.. =)

But more than that, thank you for committing to pray for me.. =)

- My church mates, Wendy, Carlise, Tiffany

Thank you in advance for attending my farewell NS ceremony at Tekong.. Thank you for taking that special effort to take leave and just be with me for my last league as being a civillian! Your efforts are being appreciated! So I guess I will cya all in like 3 wks time.. then you all can laugh at my head (yes, I koe.. botah).. and maybe I'll wear my cap?? Depends lahz..

Carlise and Tiffany, will pray for both of you when you both (with huimin) are on mission!! May you be passionate about the Lord after you have come back from mission!! I'm sure it would be a great experience!

Wendy, I wld like to tell you sumthing for your worship on Sun (22/8).. Don't worry that there would be lesser instruments and somehow it don't sound nice and all.. but remember one thing from the song, "Heart Of Worship":

"When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come, longing just to bring something that's of worth, that will bless Your heart...." Instruments is NOT important, its the heart!! Bear tat in mind ya?? =)

- Huimin-jie

Even though you could not be with me tml, but I still appreciate you because of your past efforts and constant encouragements via all forms of media (cards, SMSes, etc).. Continue to do that when I'm in NS yah.. =P

- Derek-kor

Thanks for helping me all these while in helping me to learn html and stuff.. I'm glad and proud to say that I can roughly master it 50%-60%.. Thanks for your inspiration in helping me to start this blog.. and also thank you for your constant help!! Without you, this blog would NOT be possible!

- Marcus

Thanks for sharing yesterday with me! I really enjoyed it a lot!! Thank you also for plucking your courage to share with me your personal issues!! I know its not easy, but you did it!! Don't worry.. will be praying for ya.. =)

- Peiwen

Thanks for sending me that goodbye SMS.. it really touches me a lot!! Dun worry.. I won't MIA!! =)

- Nicholas

Thanks for sending me that goodbye SMS as well.. Thanks also for that availabilty of yours to let me share my sorrows with you!! I'll try not to have any sorrows, but if its inevitable, be prepared tat your phone wld be flooded! ha.. =)

- My clique of friends and classmates from Temasek Polytechnic (who were at the graduation ceremony): Junting, Limei, Yanyan, Zhengqiu, Peiwen, Huifang, Chua Shanshan, Regine, Cheryl, Isabella, Shee Huiqi, Azura, Aimei

Thank you for being a part of my poly life at TP.. You will always have a place in my heart! I would not be today of what I am if not for my wonderful group of friends (that is YOU)! Well.. pls. keep in touch ya?? =)

And for those of you who were at the dinner at Cafe Cartel, thank you for sharing the last nite with me.. I didn't regret I joined you all, but I was happy instead!! Thank you all so much!

- Alvin & Andrew

Thank you both for adding me into your respective blogs!! Well.. if I'm not wrong, I'll see you both at the OCC/HCC Anniversary yah?? I think I shld be there (becos' able to book out and stuff.. unless something crops up at the last min.. choy!!!!!!!!).. I would very much love to be there.. and the same time, also curious what the youth of OCC would put up for the memory verse item!! =)

- Terence

Thank you for sending me your regards about my NS stint tml!! Definitely appreciate it!! It's been great talking to you via MSN.. =).. can also see your earnest desire to do sumthing for the church anniversary!! Don't worry.. we understand!! Just concentrate on your job and leave the thing to us ok!! =) Be on FIRE for the Lord ya?? =)

- Donny

My long lost friend from Secondary school.. well.. its been great to see your "existence" in cyberworld!! ha.. its been ages since I last chatted with you!! Thank you for remembering me and hope to chat with you more in the future!! Well.. study hard and play hard too ya?? Dun overstress yourself with the political issues! hahaz..

- To the rest of the world whom I've forgot to thank

Well.. not say I forgot to mention you.. but its just that I just can't think of any names liaoz.. So if I miss out you, I'm truly sorry.. but I would like to compensate this by thanking you (even though I dun koe who it is!) publically on this blog of mine!!

A BIG THANK YOU to all of YOU!! Thank YOU for being a part of my life! I appreciate, affirm and accept you!!

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,

<<< abriel >>>

Unfolding a new chapter of my life..

Well.. as the title suggest, and yes.. its just 19hrs (at blogging time) away from being at Pulau Tekong for enlistment!

These past 2 days were well spent..

On Monday (16/8), went for Temasek Polytechnic's 2004 Graduation Ceremony to collect my diploma!! I think this is the proudest moment of my life, considering me winning the Malaysia Dairy Industries Prize (which is only a $200 cheque) and collecting my diploma.. I actually wasn't expecting a loud clap or sumthing.. but after my name is called, the round of applause was LOUD man.. felt so good about it!
But then, I was also nervous.. Since the starting of the ceremony, my hands were icy cold.. This continued until I collected my diploma, then my hands were amazing warm again!

After the ceremony, I went to Cafe Cartel Tampines to eat dinner.. had a sirloin steak.. I wanted it medium rare, but its more like medium well.. so tough!! my goodness.. its like eating a block of wood or sumthing.. Then bid goodbye to my friends and I went home =)

Yesterday (tues - 17/8) was even a better day for me.. Went out with Marcus for the whole day.. We combed the whole area of the heart of Singapore (ok.. I was exaggerating)..

We first went for lunch at PS foodcourt.. I was late (becos' have to write some reflection email thingy for CCC GEN12ii booklet), so he waited for me.. And guess wat!! I ate Yong Tau Foo.. and the service somehow was value-added.. The service is now better.. a servitte was given and the aunty gave me FREE beansprouts! Shiok rite.. =)

We then went to watch "Collateral" (starring Tom Cruise & Jamie Foxx) at GV Plaza.. not a good show though.. quite slow pase and the ending was not very good.. almost fell asleep at some parts of the show!

Then we proceed to arcade to play some games.. well.. its been a long while since I've step into one.. played those shooting games as well as photo hunt!! manz.. its nostalgic manz.. those were the days.. haiz..

Then we went to Wheelock Place for Sakae Sushi.. ate quite a few things actually.. wanted to ask Huimin to come and join us, but she got driving lesson.. *poor road..*.. hahaz.. =P.. sorry huimin.. couldn't resist! =P

Then we wanted to eat dessert.. went to NYDC Wheelock, but then Marcus not interesting.. so we went to Baker's Inn @ One Fullerton!! Had the Coupe Ice-Cream Cheesecake (which cost $10.90) and Lavender Herbal Tea for two!! During that time, we had a good one-to-one, heart-to-heart chat abt. personal issues!! We chatted abt this topic from the time we finish our dinner at Sakae and all the way home from Baker's Inn @ One Fullerton.. tat's how long we chatted man..
Its weird in a sense that the previous outings we had together abt. a mth back, were never so personal until yesterday nite!! Yesterday nite was really a special one for me (esp. for me since its my LAST 2nd day of freedom).. Manz.. how I wish the nite would never end..

Then after that, I came home lohz and wrote my 3 days journal.. then slept..

This morning as I woke up, I woke up with heavy feelings in my heart.. Probably its becos' tml I going in for enlistment.. Well.. this blog has certainly being filled with mixed emotions (dun koe whether to cry or be happy).. haiz..

Anyway, I've got a request for those of you who are reading this blogpost.. My request very simple.. Can I request you pray for me?? You don't know what to pray?? Don't fret!! Below is the list (not very long lahz):

Pls. pray for:
- Spiritual protection in camp,
- Able to adapt well,
- Dun miss family,
- Have good camp-mates (no sabotage and all),
- Safety
- Able to take all the strenous physical training and
- Most of all, have time for Him!

Well.. that's all..

And I don't think this blog would be updated or anything like that for the next 3 wks or so.. so pls. bear with it.. if you are bored, you can take part in the various interactive features I've put in my blog ya??

Well.. I think its appropriate to stop here now, juz in case you start crying (ha.. as if!)..

Goodbye faithful readers of my blog.. Its been a wonderful journey to serve you.. now, I've to serve the nation!

"One life, Live it! How will YOU live this season of YOUR life?"

*PS: If I have the chance in camp for interenet, I will try my very best to post some updates or some sort.. =)

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<<>>>

What a blast weekend!!

First and foremost, I would like to officially thank ALL you readers out there for making my site such a success!! From a humble zero to 46 visitors, is IMPRESSIVE!! Continue like this and my site will hit 100!! =).. Thank YOU all so much!

Well.. firstly, I must caution you that what you see in the title does NOT mean that this blogpost would be a blast! =)

Anyway, again.. there are a few updates on my site.. so here is the list (as if its that long.. ha):

(1) My personal pic has changed! This photo is courtesy of Sarah.. my church mate who is now in Perth =)

(2) My music on my blog has also been changed! Its a somewhat jazz piece by the contemporary singer, Jaci Velasquez.. nice rite.. =)

(3) Added a poll thingy on my blog!! If you can, pls. oblige me by participating ya??

(4) Added also a online forum thingy on my blog! Pls. participate in it hor!

(5) Added a few links to my other church mates (from OCC).. they are, "Alvin", "Caesar", "Andrew" and "Matthew Yap".

(6) Added a few links on Javascripts websites! Those of you who wants to create additional features on your blog, you can click the last 2 links found at the "Favourite Links" column.

Well.. u all may ask why the sudden change in music.. take a look at the lyrics of the song.. its speaks of God sheltering us from the evils of this world.. well.. its quite apt for me as I’m going in to NS soon.. dun u think so?? =)
Moreover, the piece is quite jazzy which is very “me”.. so hope you enjoy it ya??

Well.. a lot of things happen during the weekends.. so here is a brief look at it:

* Saturday (14/8)

Went for cell group at Carlise new hse!! Not a bad decor though.. I like it a lot!

Then we had a discussion about our joint effort with the other cell group on putting up a memory-verse item for our church anniversary! Well.. Huimin was not there, so the “storm” was rather calm!! Only slight drizzle!! According to AWTC (Abriel, Wendy, Tiffany, Carlise), Huimin is the source of the brainstorm! Without her, the “storm” can’t start!! Don’t understand?? Never mind.. its an insider joke! =)

So ya.. before the discussion, we had dinner.. and guess wat! Tiffany cook man!! She cooked porridge.. very very nice!! Tiffany, pls. cook often for cell group!! =).. here are the ingredients in the porridge: Yam (my fave!), mushrooms and mince pork.. very nice!! Of course, coriander leaves is a MUST for me in porridge and it must be LOTS of it!! I totally enjoyed myself.. esp. the food =P

Then of course, before they leave, everyone prayed for me, becos’ of my NS stint.. =(.. but I was strong.. my eyes were dry.. =).. but then, everyone was praying for me a prayer of covering.. which is really apt, and then, this is where the song on this blog really comes in aptly!!

*Sunday (15/8)

Led worship in church.. It can be considered one of my last worship before I enlist! Well.. my worship are all slow songs.. but yesterday, was the debut appearance of the drummer, Joshua.. Well.. certainly can hear the difference the worship with and without drums! Wendy played the keyboards for the worship.
My mum even commended that yesterday’s worship in terms of music, very good!! Because of the blending of all instruments!!
So thank you team and congrats man! You all have made it!!

Frankly speaking, yesterday’s worship practice was a bit chaotic.. everything doesn’t seem to go to plan.. but surprisingly, during worship itself, everything flows on very nicely and everything went as I wanted!! Well.. I can only say its God’s work manz!! All glory to God!!

Then it was time for me to go and sing the special song.. Just realize my voice cannot make it esp. after leading worship.. my voice was hoarse.. but then, I prayed b4 I sang.. and surprisingly when I sing, the voice juz came out without much difficulty.. and it even sound better than when I practice at home!! Again, it can only be God’s divine anointing!

The worship song sound best when it is the Closing Song.. we sang “Shepherd Of My Soul” of course with drums!! And the rendition of it is really COOL.. the song when we sang without drums was like so-so.. but then, when we sang the song WITH drums, it sound really “swing-ly”.. and I was moving in small steps and sing it and at the same time, clicking my fingers.. well.. yes.. there is really a difference manz!! =)

For lunch, we went to this Foochow cuisine place (Shop name: Foochow Fishball Mee) at Sultan Gate (opp. Concourse building).. had the usual; red wine chicken soup, a foochow combination soup (foochow fish balls [yummy!], foochow wantan and everything else.. can’t remember liaoz..).. but the red wine chicken soup was a bit of a disappointment!! Last time I went there and eat, it was perfect!! Yesterday’s red wine chicken soup was a bit salty and no wine taste.. well.. I think its varies.. probably becos’ they take out the wine too fast and not allow it to ferment further.. well.. the longer it is fermented, the better the wine taste.. so yupz.. this is a little food knowledge for you ah.. =)

Came home and watch Tommy Walker’s “Make It Glorious” worship DVD (lent from Huimin).. it is good man!! You shld buy/catch it when you can!! Its real inspiring (for me at least, becos’ I’m a jazznut manz!!).. The keyboardist (whom I’m most interested in becos’ I play the keyboard mahz [wat were you thinking?? =P] in the DVD is real GOOD!! and he plays in very well.. blue scales, running, jazz chords.. he really inspires me to learn how to play keyboards.. will consider it when I have spare cash which I dun koe when!! I think I had the chance to meet him, I would ask him to be my shi-fu!! But not possible lahz..) It also give me some ideas of my dressing.. Mandarin collar black long sleeve shirt with jeans, shirt with cargo pants tug out!! Hmm.. interesting wardrobe huh.. =).. well.. when I watch these kind of DVDs, I would be quite observant.. in terms of how they play and their dressing.. these are the 2 things I’m interested in loh.. oh.. btw, if you get ur chance on the DVD, view the bonus track, “Mourning Into Dancing”.. the ending part is real cool.. they like play a jamming part almost at the end.. the keyboardist is real cool.. he played a blue scales.. manz.. u hear it then u koe lahz.. =)

Today’s (16/8) update!

Slept real early yesterday nite! 9pm to be exact!! Yes.. that early!! But woke up at 4am this morning and didn’t sleep again till 5am.. Was visiting the toilet and tossing and turning on the bed before I slept.. dun koe y..

Well.. this could be due to me being excited about my Graduation Ceremony later at 3pm.. if you can, pls. visit http://www.tp.edu.sg/events/grad04 for the live telecast.. I should be appearing on screens at abt. 3.30pm-4.00pm.. one of the few last, becos’ I’m the recipent of Diploma in Applied Food Science & Nutrition with the Prize by Malaysia Dairy Industries.. so they will put me almost near the end where after those students who juz get their diplomas without any prize or medals or merit.. =)
So hope you can catch me via webcast ya.. =)

K.. gtg.. think this is a really long blogpost..

If I have the energy tonite, will blog today’s experience at the Graduation Ceremony ya..

Ciaoz n have a GREAT day ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

Spend.. spend.. spend

Interesting title huh.. well.. the title is referring to 2 things, namely, money and time.. I shall explain in the following blogpost..

ok.. I shall first explain y I spend money.. and to me, its quite a lot!! close to $80 on just buying my elistment to NS stuff on wed (11/8) at various places in Singapore (for eg: army market at Beach Road, Carrefour, Watsons).. my goodness.. b4 going in, need to spend so much money.. and now, I'm totally broke manz.. but thankfully, my mum give me xtra allowance this mth after I told her about it.. so still able to survive lahz.. =)

Then u may ask why I spend so much time.. well.. if you are observant enuf, you wld realise tat I had 4 recent addition features to my blog.. if you are observant enuf, I'm sure you are able to spot it! If not, here it is:

NEW!!! (i) The fading effect whenever u enter my page and exit my page.
NEW!!! (ii) The column, "Did You Visit My Site Lately?", where it tells you when is your last visit to this site!
NEW!!! (iii) The column, "Daily Dose Of Humour!", where it will show you the daily cartoons! Hope it works!
NEW!!! (iv) The visitor count right at the bottom, that is after the "Archives" column.

Well.. u may think all these are easy.. but I can tell you that they DON'T come easy!! I spend 2 WHOLE days surfing the net to make it look this good!! *thick-skin*.. all for the benefit of you readers!! So ya.. =).. may change music soon.. being inspired by a fellow blogger of mine (u shld koe who lah.. 3notes!.. go figure!)

K.. gtg and continue seeing my friend's graduation ceremony LIVE at Temasek Polytechnic website!
If you are interested, visit http://www.tp.edu.sg/events/grad04/ for more details!

Ciaoz n have a GREAT weekend ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

Check out this pic!

Found this as a blog picture that I just surf at random!!

It says, "One way Jesus.. the way, the truth and the life!"
Amen!

Happy 39th Birthday Singapore!

Well.. juz finish watching the NDP 2004.. well.. wat I can say abt. it is that even though its not very fantastic, but when the Prime Minister, Goh Cheok Tong, video tribute show on screen, I got a bit emotional.. almost wanted to cry, but didn't lah.. =).. just tat my eyes got a bit watery.. =)

Then came the awaited part of the day.. "Singapore Idol".. well. the show was fun to watch.. esp. the "Singapore William Hung".. if you have watched the show, u koe wat i mean.. manz.. he really did tat for entertainment value?? Didn't expect anyone to be stupid in front of the national television! ha..

Anyway, as the days of my enlistment draw nearer, the sadder I become!.. can u imagine tat its just next thurs (19/8)!! Yes!! its tat fast!!

Attended my family gathering today.. and almost everyone was like asking me when I'm enlisting.. I think I repeated it like about 5-7 times.. so irritating.. *argh*.. feel like taping it and let them hear.. ha..
Then my uncle and aunties tell me the same thing over and over again.. I got sick of hearing them liaoz.. but still, have to put on a smile to like as if I'm interested and hearing it for the first time..

Well.. yupz.. tat's my blogpost for today and I'm like so happy becos' while writing this blogpost of mine, I'm also chatting with my sec school classmate whom we have not contacted for years.. =)

So I shall cya in cyberland soon ya??

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

A God-spoken poem!

Well.. remember the poem tat was posted up in my blog yesterday, entitled "The Park"?

Its apparently God-spoken poem!! here's what happen:

Today at church, we had a praise & prayer session (which means tat the whole service would be juz praying and singing, with a few mins of sermon).. and today's sermon somehow refers to the very same questions tat I had posed in the poem!

It speaks about boldness to spread the Gospel and live tat one life we have for Christ!

Well.. can u see how this is heading?? Apparently, its like God is speaking to me in the poem tat I wrote yesterday (sat - 7/8) during my retreat..

Frankly speaking, wat I thought about the poem is like my own inspired moment to write a poem.. and I did NOT pray or commit to God anything.. I juz got inspired and juz write lohz.. as I write, those questions start to fill my mind, and therefore, I wrote it down in the poem!

And never did I expect tat the poem I wrote, God is answering them thru' this morning sermon at church and I'm beginning to think that the poem must be some divine intervention thing.. which makes my retreat yesterday EXTRA special!! Praise the Lord!

Shared with huimin (my ah-jie) today as both of us are walking to lunch after service.. and she said something which really meant a lot to me.. she said tat: "this muz be a confirmation of something for you before you go into NS, becos' you would face a lot of trials and temptations..".. which somehow is true! I will never koe who are my camp mates in NS!! So ya.. this can serve as a reminder loh!

"One life. Live it! How will YOU choose to live this season of YOUR life?"

Ciaoz n have a GREAT weekend ahead,

<<< abriel >>>

A wonderful time spent today!

First of all, some site updates:
(1) I've added a new column, entitled "photo gallery".. this is where u all can view my photos.. wat u want to view is all type out.. so pls. feel free to click any of the links and see the photos ya! They are especially loaded for you!
(2) There are a few changes on my wishlist.. see if you can spot them.. (if u want to koe, i made changes to no. 2 & no. 14).. *hint hint*.. Christmas (25/12) and my birthday (23/03) is coming..

k.. so now lets' get on to the real stuff..

Well.. as mentioned in my blog yesterday (6/8), I'm going to do my personal retreat today.. and so I did..

I did my retreat today at Bishan Park.. didn't go to East Coast Park.. so far.. anyway, manage to reach there like 8.30am and I found a good seat for my retreat session.. The place was quiet and there is a bit of morning breeze.. so not so hot..

anyway, did NOT pray or anything like tat.. instead, I got inspired to write a poem (not very good though) about the sights I saw and the thoughts that are going thru' my mind while the retreat is on.. so here it is..

============================================

The Park

Serenity.. Tranquility..

Wind breezing gently across my face

Trees swaying to the rhythm of the wind

Leaves rustling as the wind brushes through them

Birds are happily chirping in the comfort of the trees

Some rare birds you may see, like the yellow birds

Some people are jogging

Some people are cycling

Some people are just taking a stroll

And some people are buying breakfast home after their morning exercise

Some people are just "staring into space"

Whilst some people are franctically studying in the midst of the quiet and beautiful atmosphere

And there are some who are walking their dogs

Just looking at all these activities happening in the park,

I just wonder how marvellous and wonderful our God is!

He has created not only nature,

But men too, so that we can enjoy the beautiful sights that He had made!

However, have we take Him for granted,

In a sense that everyday would be a perfect day and nothing bad will happen to us?

Do the unsaved know that by not being saved will lead them to Hell for eternity?

Have we (as Christians) done our role in spreading the Gospel to the lost souls out there (such as in the park)?

At times, I would admire my friends who can spread the Gospel just like that.. even to strangers

But God calls us not to be afraid of sharing but be BOLD and STRONG for He is with us!

But can I? Can I face up to such a challenge?

Well.. I guess its all in His Time that everything happens.

And I believe that everything happens for a reason!

There is NO such thing as an accident or coincidence.

True peace can only be found in Christ,

For He promises in the Bible that He will grant us a peace that surpasses ALL understanding!

However, one question still remain:

"One life. Live it! How will YOU choose to live this season of YOUR life?"

By: Abriel Ghui (7 Aug 2004, 10.10am)

============================================

Well.. I started off with the words, "serenity" and "tranquility" is becos' I think its like God-given words! The moment I stepped into Bishan Park, both words came to mind.. I got so inspired tat I wrote a poem with these 2 words added in..

I know my poem is not very fantastic.. but can do lahz.. me NOT some literature student.. so such works from me consider very good liaoz.. =P

Then after I walk home from Bishan Park.. yes!! I walk home.. the breeze is quite good and I also needed some exercise.. so ya.. I walked! It juz took me a mere 30-45 minutes!

Well.. as usual, this retreat is a fruitful and successful one! Praise The Lord!!

Manz.. guess I'm quite reflective these days huh.. =)

Got to go to sleep.. need to wake up early for tml church service..

Ciaoz n have a GREAT weekend ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

There's more to life than just eating!

Well.. from the title alone, you can guess tat this would be a long post.. and i really mean long.. but i promise it would be a fruitful one.. so stay on and read.. won't you??

Ok.. i shall start with sumthing light-hearted..

Firstly, I had one of the best rojak in Singapore for dinner.. I went all the way to Toa Payoh to get it! Yupz.. if you guess it, the rojak address is as follows:
Soon Heng Rojak
Blk 177 Toa Payoh Central
#01-176 Singapore 310177
Business Hours: 12.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Off Days: Alternate Tuesday

Why is it nice?? its becos' the prawn paste (aka hei kor) is thick and the peanuts is generous.. the ingredients include cuttlefish (its those transparent kind.. my favourite), vegetables, pineapple, cucumber, tau pok and dough sticks.. well.. all these for a mere $2.. cheap rite?? and i really mean the peanuts are generous.. after finshing eating, you still can see quite a lot of peanuts sinking in the prawn paste.. shiok ah.. if you like nutty rojak, this is the one to go for! =)

ok.. another light-hearted thing.. you would realise that there are 3 new addition things to my blog.. they are:
(1) Wendy's blog address (which I help her to create in just a mere 2-4 hrs! She was too busy to do one.. so since I so free, I help her lohz!!)
(2) Added a link to my mission trip photos! Look under the column, "Personal Stuff"
(3) The most obvious is the change in my blog's music.. It has been changed from the samba jazz tune to something more christian.. but then again, me being the jazznut, the music wld definately be jazzy.. so yupz.. the music you listening to is entitled "God Of Wonders", taken from the album "Lounge Worship Volume 2"..
You want to koe how the cover look like? just scroll down to the column of "what's playing" and the cd cover image is there.. helpful rite?? =)
Bought this cd from my church mate, huimin, whom she is working for Mass Media (Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ bookstore!)..
*Psst.. she can get discount if you look for her and mention my name when you buy things from Mass Media! Just say u are a friend of Abriel.. and she koes liaoz.. =).. so wat are u waiting for?? Go there and buy manz =)

ok.. now to the really serious side of this blog! so here goes..

you all must be wondering why the sudden change of music on my blog.. its NOT becos' I feel bored with the samba music and all.. but its just inspired by an event which took place last nite.. the following is the explanation..


I was at Dotz desk-warming party yesterday and only like 4 of us (me, dotz, deborah & minghui) is attending it as the rest of the mission team can't make it.. frankly speaking, I was contemplating as to whether to go or not, becos' its a bit demoralizing and at the same time, I was wondering whether the dip tat I made will finish and stuff.. I struggled with my feelings for a while.. in the end, I decided to go, as I felt responsible to keep to my promise.. I actually prayed that sumthing exciting would happen during the party, so tat I won't feel bored or sumthing..

When I reached there, there was only Minghui seeing Dotz prayer photo album.. and then I ask Minghui where's the rest.. he said tat they are busy making cookies.. so both of us waiting for about an hour before deborah and dotz came.. and soon, joy (forerunner staff) and gwen came as well.. was happy lahz.. =)

Minghui was suppose to lead worship for the party but we didn't in the end, becos' too little ppl and time factor.. so Dotz told me to share abt what am I worried about NS and stuff.. haiz.. juz mentioning it in this blog, really can make me cry.. sorry for being so emotional..

Anyway, so ya.. I shared with them about my struggles (ie, not knowing what will happen in NS, not knowing what's going on, missing my family, etc..)..
And I was so surprised when they said they would pray for me.. and Minghui prayed for me.. and he said sumthing which actually until now I still can remember.. he said tat "even when I'm in NS, I'm still a salt and light of the world, and I should shine for Him as how I did it on my mission trip!".. my goodness.. its so very true!
And after Minghui prayed for me, Dotz and Minghui gave me a comforting (aka reassuring) pat saying that everything would be all right!
Was so touched by their actions.. =)

Then after tat, we proceeded to dinner (ate the famous XO fish slice beehoon [not very fantastic though], prawn paste fried chicken and some oyster sauce vegetables) at Holland Village..
We had a good time of fellowship lahz.. =)

Then it was time for us to go home.. and Minghui walked with me to the bus-stop (becos' he is also taking bus) where I take 105.. its about 15min walk away.. and while walking, I was just sharing with Minghui abt. my worries and stuff.. and also telling him of the fond memories that I had when each of us (particularly me) first met each other on the team when we were at the support-raising seminar! Man.. those times we had together has such fond memories on me man..


Minghui wanted to wait the bus with me before he goes home.. so I continued talking to him.. and the thing tat he said (which can really bring a tear to my eye) is tat he would be praying for me during my NS stint!.. my goodness.. where to find such a good friend??

Then on the bus 105, I whipped out my discman and listen to the cd, "Lounge Worship Volume 2" and just listen and just think of the fond memories tat I had when I was on mission, and also thinking ahead of me being in camp.. will miss my family and friends.. everytime I think of it, my eyes will start to water.. haiz..

then when almost reaching home, this song on my blog "God of Wonders" suddenly began to play.. and I got so inspired by the song, that I kept repeating tat track on my discman..

This particular track, "God Of Wonders" has caused me to alight a bus-stop before I was suppose to stop, and just walk home from there.. which I did and I'm glad I did so.. The night breeze was cool and all.. so the atmosphere was also perfect.. it was also quiet.. a perfect environment for reflection..

so there i was admiring on God's glory on Mother Nature (ie, the trees and stuff) and at the same time, pondering on the words of the song..

"God of wonders beyond our galaxy" - Tat's the reason why nature existed! We, as humans will never understand how all these came abt! Yes.. science may prove it with evidence.. but I'm sure tat there would be some things that are unexplainable!
This reminds me of my witness of God being a God of wonders:
It was raining heavily at our concert site in ChiangRai, Thailand and we prayed for the rain to stop. Even after our setup, it got heavier. Our hearts were dampened but nevertheless we choose to praise God as we sing God Of Wonders and gradually, the rain stop and NEVER came back again!! The concert was a miracle and a success because God is in control! And we rejoice for the lives (7 to be exact!) that were saved that night! By the way, the audience that nite was 200!
The Bible also states that God is a God of wonders: "He is your God, the One who is worthy of your praise, the One who has done mighty miracles that you yourselves have seen." (Deteuronomy 10:21 - NLT)
The following photo is the view from the concert site (as mentioned above):

By the re-assuring verse I had from Deut. 10:21, I can be sure tat God will see me thru' my stay-in-camp for 3 weeks!

"You are Holy Holy" - God is holy and we are imperfect! No matter how much we try to do, we would NEVER reach His standard.. and all of us have sin and fall short of the glory of God.. I can say tat I'm imperfect.. tat I commit sins (even small ones do count as sin too! a sin is a sin!).. but becos' of His assurance that all has been saved by His blood, we are now washed as white as snow, as long as we repent of our sins and seek for forgiveness sincerely, then it would not be a problem!
And one thing that I'm worried when I'm in NS, is that I would not have time to do my Quiet Time (which is essential to every Christian!).. I spoke to Minghui about this yesterday nite, and he said tat "just remember to spend some time with Him.. 15 mins will do.. becos' its essential..you don't want to lose your walk with Him.." was really encouraged to hear tat! As mentioned earlier, Minghui said if there are any prayer requests, feel free to tell him.. he would be praying for me.. =)

"The universe declares Your majesty" - Just receive 2 emails from one of my contacts in Thailand.. she was an exchange student in Thailand from China.. She emailed 2 emails to me, and I feel so bad of not replying her until now.. simply becos' its either I forgot or got no time!.. but just as everytime I read the email, the thought of she coming to know Christ thru' the regular contacts I made with her thru' emailing may actually help a lot.. something like to build rapport first!
And who koes.. I may spread the Gospel when I'm in NS.. recently heard from Minghui tat there is such a thing called, "Military Fellowship Group".. and they had things like cell groups, etc and its headed by those top ppl like lieutanents, etc.. so tat is one thing I can look forward too.. but not too sure whether I will get hold of it..
Yesterday, I also shared with Minghui abt. these few days, my Quiet Times are not so applicable to me.. its talking new Christian and stuff.. I told him tat maybe God has a purpose in me reading those articles.. who koes I may meet someone in NS and eventually lead him into the Kingdom of God?

"Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven & Earth" - Hallelujah indeed! For God has sustain me thru'out these 20 years of my life.. My life though its tough and sometimes fun and sometimes nerve-wrecking, He never fails to keep my hopes high and give me encouragement thru' the use of media (like emails) and people that I cherish! Hallelujah also for Mother Nature (as I'm a nature lover).. esp. the sights I see on the mountains in ChiangMai.. see below for pic of the mountains tat I mention abt:

Nice right?? Well.. I must say it again, "Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven & Earth!"

Man.. its late.. and guess wat! I've spend like an hour on this blogpost!! but its all worth it.. told u this song was inspiring rite.. =).. well.. its really amazing to see how God really works not only in my life, but yours too!

Well.. its really hard for me to say goodbye to my family while in NS.. I'm an emotional guy.. not sure how will I cope when I'm in there.. but I'm sure tat God will take care of me when I'm in there.. haiz.. its only 12 days away!! *sobs*

Well.. going to either East Coast Park or Bishan Park tomorrow to do my personal retreat!! Excited over it man.. get to spend time with God one-to-one!! =)

so tat means I got to get some rest now..

Ciaoz n have a GREAT National Day weekend ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

Eating, eating and more eating..

well.. if you have not already realised, I have changed the title of my blogpage to "Let's Makan!!" and the quote for my blog is a saying abt. food..

and yes!! guess my blog is like a one-stop food blog.. if you are hungry, or want to koe wat I ate or need some food recommendations, here is the place to be!! More links on food will be coming your way!!.. so hold your breathe!!! =)

Well.. since this is the starting of my food blog, I will recommend a super-nice ice-kachang.. so here it is..

This ice-kachang is very interesting.. and its probably one of the best I've eaten! and wat I'm talking about is none other than the peanut ice-kachang! yes!! you seen correctly!! peanut ice-kachang!
The usual ice-kachang is with atap-chee and all and all those fanciful colour syrups and tend to be very sweet.. agree?? But this is different.. this ice-kachang has NO atap-chee =(.. but its top with red bean paste and peanut!! The price is also very reasonable!! $1.20 for a small bowl and $1.50 for a large bowl!!
If you like ice-kachang not so sweet and want to try sumthing different, this is it.. below is the address of this ice-kachang:
Annie Ice Kachang
Blk 6 Tg Pagar Rd
#02-36 Tg Pagar Plaza Market & Food Centre
Singapore 081006
Tel: 97328683
Business Hours:
Mon to Fri: 10.30 am to 7.15 pm
Sat: 10.30 am to 6.00 pm
Sun: 10.30 am to 2.30 pm
Off Days: Public Holidays

And to view how the ice-kachang look like, pls. see below (photo courtesy of Chong Huimin):



That was sun (1/8) lunch after church service.. the same ging-gang of mine went for lunch as usual.. =)

Yesterday (3/8) morning went to Crescent Girl's School to help out in the last Govt. school gigs.. Marcus (my good crusade friend) called me last minute and asked me whether I want to go out.. told him tat we could do coffee instead.. so met him up at Plaza Singapura's Starbucks.. I had to go and try the LATEST drink from Starbucks.. i think its called, "Citron Cafe Coffee Frappucino".. its actually normal coffee frappucino, top with a sprinkle of lemon zest and finish off with a lemon wafer stick.. =).. sounds heavenly?? IT IS HEAVENLY!! The lemon wafer stick is to die for (at least for me!)..
tried to find the pic/description of this citron cafe coffee frappucino over the net for the past 2 days, but to no avail! so juz visit any Starbucks store to find out more..
PS: I'm NOT getting any commission from Starbucks.. =P

Then accompanied Marcus to the Le Meridian Hotel Foodcourt, "Great Treats" for dinner.. I didn't eat, coz my mum cook dinner (and my fave dish, Ka-plow.. which is a Thailand dish I've learnt how to cook from the Thai Staff over at ChiangMai when I was on my mission trip.. Ka-plow is actually minced pork fried with basil leaves and chilli padi.. very shiok!!.. you can say tat's one of my signature dish now even though I did not cook it b4.. but i koe the recipe and tat's the most impt.. ha.. =P)..
Anyway, the only food that I like most in the "Great Treats" foodcourt is the Pad Thai (Thailand fried rice noodles.. very nice!! its salty, spicy and most impt my favourite, SOUR!.. but now, its CLOSED down already.. *sobs*.. dont koe y.. Marcus and I will definately miss tat pad thai over there man.. =(

As if the eating was not enough, this morning, I went to Holland Village's Coffee Bean to meet up with my mission trip best pal, Joel, for breakfast.. had a good 2.5 hrs chat with him.. =).. Ate the break o' day breakfast set (which includes a cup of tea/coffee) for only $3.25 instead of the usual, $6.50..
This lobang can only come from the NKF charity show donation appreciation coupons.. in the recent NKF, i donated my money with 3 calls and my parents did so too.. so my family got 2 set of coupons and Coffee Bean was one of their sponsors.. so got discount!
Thought of this coupon thing only yesterday nite! Was watching TV yesterday nite and suddenly remembered tat I got this coupon thing.. and then immediately went to check the terms and conditions of usage.. and surprisingly, the date was STILL valid and the time of eating our breakfast was still on time.. =).. so I gave one of the coupon to Joel.. and he too got 50% off his breakfast set! This is called "Care & Share!" =)

Then came home on bus 105 and met Jingxian (my sec sch best friend) on the bus.. chatted with him for the whole journey back home.. coincidently, he juz stayed opp. my block and he wld be enlisting the same day, same time and same school.. i was joking with him that don't be surprise tat I would be the same unit as him! =P

Then reach home.. bathe and surf net.. then ate dinner.. then juz now in the evening (abt. 6.45pm), prepared the french onion dip for Dotz' desk-warming party tml nite at ForeRunner office.. so there I will go bingeing again.. *haiz..*..

been trying hard to maintain my lost weight.. but now, it seems tat I'm gaining back all my lost weight.. been telling myself to STOP eating so much.. but I just can't.. just keep eating, eating and eating..

k.. gtg and end this blog.. becos' i think by now, u wld be hungry after all these description on today's blog post.. ha..

Ciaoz n have a GREAT day ahead,
<<< abriel >>>