tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74014348459048106112024-03-08T12:21:34.705+08:00project en courageestherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-17263284941859554602017-01-31T22:45:00.001+08:002021-08-01T21:51:33.363+08:00words from the boy i want to remember - about welcoming his mei mei <3<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: (suspecting something from the hints i have been dropping, and asking several times) mama, do you feel like you have a meimei or didi inside you?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: i’ll sayang the baby so he/she will feel encouraged ok?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama (and many others): so would you prefer a meimei or didi? </p>
<p>ezra: if God gives me a meimei, i’ll accept. if God gives me a didi, i’ll accept. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p>mama: (felt some pains and asked ezra to pray)</p>
<p>ezra: Dear Lord Jesus, please protect the baby and when mama’s tummy gets fatter, please help it not to burst….</p>
<p>mama: LOL!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: ezra, are you very excited about being a kor kor?</p>
<p>ezra: yes, i was thinking about how to behave goodly.. that’s why i can’t sleep..</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: oh dear.. mama is so hungry now. </p>
<p>ezra: i’ll share my steamed cake with you. you can take the big piece, i’ll take the small piece. i know what you want. you’re hungry right? when you eat the steamed cake, the baby will eat the steamed cake too. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: (feeling very tired) </p>
<p>ezra: mama you rest, don’t worry about me. (goes to occupy himself and whisper when talking to his doggy)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: (wanting to carry ezra)</p>
<p>ezra: can you carry me? did the doctor say you can carry me? doctor said no right?</p>
<p>mama: (surprised) hmm… maybe for a short while?</p>
<p>ezra: are you sure the doctor said you can carry me for a short while?</p>
<p>mama: i just want to hug you, i’ll carry you and quickly put you down, ok?</p>
<p>ezra: ok! (mama carries, ezra quickly scrambles down) </p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: oh dear, i feel so fat and bloated </p>
<p>ezra: mama, you’re not fat! it’s just that baby is growing. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: oh dear, i feel so fat and bloated</p>
<p>ezra: that’s cos baby is blowing you up!</p>
<p>mama: LOL!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p>mama: what’s the first thing you’ll say to meimei when you see her?</p>
<p>ezra: i’ll say “hello meimei! I haven’t been seeing you for a looooooong time!"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: (greets meimei with a kiss most mornings) hello meimei! when you come out you’ll be so nice and cute and 漂亮! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: (pukes at 2am and creates a commotion that wakes ezra up)</p>
<p>ezra: (after waking up and realising what happened. points at me - ) you are the vomit person, you lie down</p>
<p> </p>
<p>…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>dearest meimei, do you know that you are an answer to kor kor’s prayer? :) ezra’s excitement and tenderness has warmed our hearts on many occasions and reassured us that God can mould him to be a good kor kor and to adjust to this new milestone in the family. trusting in Him to provide for what we need and as always, to continue to lead us all the way… </p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>repeating our <a href="http://blog.projectencourage.net/2012/08/gender-reveal.html">marshmallow test</a> :)</p>
<p><img title="DSCF2934.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Gn3qZ-j7D8/WJChvdluyHI/AAAAAAAAEO8/MAQFkPFmJyA/DSCF2934.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF2934" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF2931.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IZ1dn8IPuL8/WJCiLJA_HlI/AAAAAAAAEPI/WEdkGlL8fkk/DSCF2931.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF2931" width="500" height="752" border="0" /></p>
<p>strawberry! it’s a meimei! </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-57906364036077668832017-01-21T01:32:00.001+08:002017-01-21T01:32:05.262+08:00words from the boy that i want to remember (3 years 6 months- 4 years)<p> </p>
<p>at 12 midnight (thereabouts), when he is supposed to be sound asleep. </p>
<p>ezra: (calling out from his room) mama! i need to poopoo...</p>
<p>mama and papa: WHAT??? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>at 12 midnight (thereabouts), when he is supposed to be sound asleep. </p>
<p>ezra: (calling out from his room) mama! i don’t need to poopoo...</p>
<p>mama and papa: WHAT???!!!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>15 September 2016 - ezra’s first attempt in sharing the gospel </strong></p>
<p>ezra: hello uncle! </p>
<p>uncle: oh hello…. </p>
<p>(busy fixing something for neighbour and making small talk)</p>
<p>uncle: did you go and catch pokemon, boy? here got very good pokemon to catch! ask your mummy bring you go and catch</p>
<p>ezra: pokemon is not good </p>
<p>uncle: pokemon is good, there is good pokemon</p>
<p>ezra: no, pokemon is not good. we are BELIEVERS. we go to church to worship God and listen to pastor…. </p>
<p>uncle: (keeps quiet) </p>
<p>ezra: we believe in Jesus, Jesus died on the cross for us… </p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: look at the sky mama! it’s like God stirred the clouds. the last time we saw the sky like that was when we were in perth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>… </p>
<p> </p>
<p>XX: did u see a lot of dolphins when you were in perth? </p>
<p>ezra: yes! i did! </p>
<p>XX: how many? were there a lot? infinity? </p>
<p>ezra: noooo….. in PERTH!</p>
<p>everyone: LOL!!!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: xxx said something bad that made me feel like kicking him. but I didn’t. I wanted to do my best for God… </p>
<p> </p>
<p>… </p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: ezra, do you prefer to sit in front (with papa) or to sit at the back with mama next to you? </p>
<p>ezra: i prefer to sit in front when you are driving and you stop at the traffic light and hold my hand. and i also prefer when you sit at the back and hold my hand. </p>
<p>mama: awww my heart is melting!</p>
<p>ezra: why mama? what happened? why is your heart melting? are you ok? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>… </p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: goodnight baboo! i love you sooo much </p>
<p>ezra: I love you 100 metre long mama</p>
<p>mama: i love you from here to the moon and back </p>
<p>ezra: i love you all the way from here to per gong’s house in penang. that’s MORE than you love me!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>papa: ironman can fly all the way to outer space and… and…. and…. </p>
<p>mama: why are you telling him all this? it’s not even real!</p>
<p>ezra: then can ironman iron clothes? hahaha!</p>
<p>papa mama ezra: LOL!!!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>when away from mama… </strong></p>
<p>mama: when you go for camp, mama is going to miss you so, so much. </p>
<p>ezra: mama, you can have my doggie so you will remember that i love you, ok? (he hugs his doggie to sleep every night)</p>
<p>mama: then what about you? wouldn’t u miss your doggie? </p>
<p>ezra: then ill take penguin la, ok? (smiles at mama) </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: bye ezra, mama is going to miss you so, so much</p>
<p>ezra: mama, i’ll miss you more. i miss you all the way from here to God. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>(waiting for me to get home so we can make a video call to each other)</p>
<p>ezra to papa: aiyo, so late already, mama is still not home. she must be very tired...</p>
<p>mama and papa: LOL….. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra at a random occasion to papa: are we going to talk to mama the way we did just now? (video call) </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra to papa: (tearing alittle) i feel sad that mama cannot be here with us at camp… </p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>and in a blink, my little one is 4. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="DSCF3474 copy 4.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NaLxK7nkxY4/WII8oEdh1yI/AAAAAAAAEMg/-Hm1M1eiDlY/DSCF3474%252520copy%2525204.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF3474 copy 4" width="450" height="676" border="0" /></p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-70886749950122749752017-01-21T01:29:00.001+08:002017-01-21T01:29:07.918+08:00memories from perth november 2015 (day 9)<p><img title="DSCF1033 copy.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G8DsGcaRKJE/WIJH0ofpEbI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/eGqdJANKKcU/DSCF1033%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF1033 copy" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p>bunnings - eye-opener!</p>
<p><img title="DSCF1037.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dJB-ntcqwNA/WIJH7b9pibI/AAAAAAAAEOU/tIqLGro9mL4/DSCF1037.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF1037" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>yummy healthy food, pappardelle, fusion salad, green concoction, all scrumptious!</p>
<p><img title="DSCF1046.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2LY6ZDtgJiA/WIJH_E2p7UI/AAAAAAAAEOY/yKmbVPv4afU/DSCF1046.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF1046" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p>mama giving e photography lessons</p>
<p><img title="DSCF1054.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_hTN3wbIKQY/WIJIBW7flcI/AAAAAAAAEOc/dhPUjqcV014/DSCF1054.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF1054" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF1082.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovRl_vyXbSo/WIJIEXvPkQI/AAAAAAAAEOg/bRL9Qndezqc/DSCF1082.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF1082" width="450" height="306" border="0" /></p>
<p>bye perth, we’ve been blessed</p>
<p>time as a family, always precious </p>
<p>thanking God for these memories</p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-1318401814772712017-01-21T01:18:00.001+08:002017-01-21T01:24:04.869+08:00memories from perth november 2015 (day 8)<p><img title="DSCF0784.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RVruXuaF4C4/WIJFCYQaSMI/AAAAAAAAENY/pEMxjnnvt1Y/DSCF0784.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0784" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p>treasures his penguin stamp from penguin island</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0794.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SFppx1Rs3JI/WIJFJFFgsuI/AAAAAAAAENc/1EayuHCJ9oc/DSCF0794.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0794" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>breakfast and babycino with a view and a breeze</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0823.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-svcdF50-B7g/WIJFMTH_hXI/AAAAAAAAENg/X0KdPxZ5jgo/DSCF0823.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0823" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p>explorer mode on!</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0836.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_myuJVKZnk/WIJFRKJyPRI/AAAAAAAAENk/mPP0hsXrGF0/DSCF0836.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0836" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0839.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QtzV2BHmQXc/WIJFUN0a4mI/AAAAAAAAENo/tgf6ZJuNO8U/DSCF0839.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0839" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>consider all the works thy hands hath made</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0864.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V9yyJ26j43c/WIJFamtfAGI/AAAAAAAAENw/CyGsf2fkZJA/DSCF0864.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0864" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>how great thou art!</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0867.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gALXUzPY02k/WIJFXBrcQjI/AAAAAAAAENs/738o2chhrnQ/DSCF0867.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0867" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0894.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6IM1OxfWwZU/WIJFeFoLzlI/AAAAAAAAEN0/QaY_rU9_Exk/DSCF0894.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0894" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0905.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ji47SfXEUeI/WIJFglqRihI/AAAAAAAAEN4/KYxdaFL_Lvw/DSCF0905.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0905" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>beauty even in the most ordinary</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0928.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SN-bVHPoEM/WIJFivAn4wI/AAAAAAAAEN8/QPm-M6Gpvx4/DSCF0928.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0928" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>feeding the ducks outside our hut</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0943.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tkbbtEDTXvc/WIJFoEsHJmI/AAAAAAAAEOE/R-tpAVGnY_0/DSCF0943.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0943" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>hay there goat, i thank God for you.</p>
<p>stars, stars, stars</p>
<p>freezing cold </p>
<p>another day to thank the Lord for</p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-77018911333164585502017-01-21T01:02:00.001+08:002017-01-21T01:23:52.353+08:00memories from perth november 2015 (day 6-7)<p><img title="DSCF0525.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ENeUoWDIklU/WII_lyd8uQI/AAAAAAAAEMo/hJbGvqkYaNY/DSCF0525.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0525" width="400" height="600" border="0" /></p>
<p>sapore, farewell to auntie auntie, yummy spinach</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0591.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ueRo0lvIzhE/WII_ubp4TeI/AAAAAAAAEMs/ER47-90NPXs/DSCF0591.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0591" width="400" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>on board a glass bottom boat, seaweed, cold breeze</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0595.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SMjFQrGywZU/WII_wou_V6I/AAAAAAAAEMw/2OSZnOC0pWM/DSCF0595.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0595" width="400" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>soaking in the sights of sea, sand, seals, sky and seagulls</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0606.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sSf1OxS7dKs/WII_0ynq8nI/AAAAAAAAEM0/lJNbCO4owgk/DSCF0606.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0606" width="400" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0615.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wjA8rynzm5M/WII_3mNXkCI/AAAAAAAAEM4/T4BzxbWui00/DSCF0615.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0615" width="400" height="600" border="0" /></p>
<p>my little amigo</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0709 copy.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oE72klb8wDA/WII_9BXiPYI/AAAAAAAAEM8/lQaChoISrMA/DSCF0709%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0709 copy" width="400" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0724.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dg1j-IgzLJM/WIJBiS9sCnI/AAAAAAAAENI/EYB7pxzmr7E/DSCF0724.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0724" width="400" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>bye bye penguin island</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0755.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XDUBa1I7ViU/WIJBk54ClpI/AAAAAAAAENM/RBOakw3IgTM/DSCF0755.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0755" width="400" height="600" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0758.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H9FRtID5vbk/WIJBmV5y4FI/AAAAAAAAENQ/XRz-sVw5C8E/DSCF0758.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0758" width="400" height="600" border="0" /></p>
<p>safe at margaret river, smiles, steak, oysters, snug </p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-85119434813564932902016-12-31T01:30:00.001+08:002016-12-31T01:30:45.132+08:00memories from perth november 2015 (day 5)<p>and we are off to caversham wildlife park! </p>
<p>ezra had an amazing time </p>
<p>little boy surprised us with how brave he was!</p>
<p>uncle, what do wombats eat?</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0228.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c61Wdu4YGeE/WGaXUuc6DII/AAAAAAAAELo/Gjcgn44ZTnY/DSCF0228.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0228" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>carrying the snake</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0249.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J8k83wduZ0Q/WGaXaWgpBTI/AAAAAAAAELs/OUxKW3rXpsA/DSCF0249.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0249" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>stroking the bob-tailed lizard</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0262.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MMmCRDnoHHw/WGaXgCNNDVI/AAAAAAAAELw/t6DMnX95c8A/DSCF0262.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0262" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0342.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IlhyWE4QO9A/WGaXyb9K0VI/AAAAAAAAEL8/Zn4nvxf0TXI/DSCF0342.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0342" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0328.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cHnLJFt5VlY/WGaXuMecWbI/AAAAAAAAEL4/mnXeiHQp7tc/DSCF0328.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0328" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>totally at ease, like he had fed kangaroos before! (he is normally quite timid)</p>
<p>papa got called up during the show to perform</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>off to south perth for a slow evening</p>
<p>playground, chilling on the grass, sunset</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0507.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-64j09aDY-3M/WGaYpKlYScI/AAAAAAAAEME/Ad1ngrvvN10/DSCF0507.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0507" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>perth, your skies are beautiful </p>
<p><img title="DSCF0481.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iRyBzQMUSfc/WGaYhqE4ItI/AAAAAAAAEMA/yh3e_94MXGA/DSCF0481.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0481" width="450" height="299" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0516.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B0poyIBraFE/WGaYr_SrduI/AAAAAAAAEMI/geZE0h0RskY/DSCF0516.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0516" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0519.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gGrTAtKXLTU/WGaYvOk0uNI/AAAAAAAAEMM/pYU0ctRlUHE/DSCF0519.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0519" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-4071031092269441582016-12-28T01:12:00.001+08:002016-12-28T01:12:32.244+08:00memories from perth november 2015 (day 4)<p><img title="DSCF0175.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MvCLCOBvQnY/WCnobvSAs0I/AAAAAAAAEKw/bo7WbEEakxA/DSCF0175.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0175" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p>jacaranda trees in full bloom</p>
<p>blessed to be in the Lord’s house on sabbath, even though we are away from home</p>
<p>lunch in a chinese restaurant, catching up</p>
<p>ministering at an old folk’s home</p>
<p>loving hospitality, brought to cottesloe </p>
<p>seagulls sipping water from puddles </p>
<p>sunset, freezing wind, seaside, slides</p>
<p>warm korean dinner </p>
<p>a blessed day, thankful</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0190.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r_iI-VGSaps/WCnolFCNH8I/AAAAAAAAEK0/9nHQPpxmy_w/DSCF0190.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0190" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-54382770052794261932016-12-27T18:36:00.001+08:002016-12-27T18:36:40.649+08:00memories from perth november 2015 (day 3)<p style="text-align: left;">a tricky start to the day, with a sniffy nose and flies! </p>
<p>ground was hard</p>
<p>yet, thankful for very supportive friends and loved ones</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0009.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aXjWc-lyOz8/WCnhZVwrSmI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/9_7c2mfC5TU/DSCF0009.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0009" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0014.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cqusde0bWbM/WCnhgabaFuI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/vX8lRBVt9H0/DSCF0014.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0014" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0015.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RO1uT80S0RU/WCnhj7heEFI/AAAAAAAAEKA/tOo8-5BWuIs/DSCF0015.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0015" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p>loving helpful hands to occupy the little one and to help with closing shop</p>
<p>we know God has a purpose :)</p>
<p>off for dimsum lunch!</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0034.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g3E-4g2o75g/WCnhtkpMRII/AAAAAAAAEKE/Cci6te6uFSI/DSCF0034.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0034" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p>colours of the rainbow in the market</p>
<p><img title="DSCF0063.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gfDickyUK1c/WCnh1SRP6rI/AAAAAAAAEKI/2D6-l7r4X60/DSCF0063.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0063" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0074.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTMU14Aqy4I/WCnnsAS_phI/AAAAAAAAEKc/7SwBhukfGXM/DSCF0074.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0074" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0121.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2TQCSZ447_o/WCnn4vYh6TI/AAAAAAAAEKo/JNqFCjTuBzU/DSCF0121.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0121" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0111.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-stwczeckH_w/WCnnzzJiS1I/AAAAAAAAEKk/e4c7jw7yttQ/DSCF0111.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0111" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF0123.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PcYujgzLk9w/WCnoEK2S0RI/AAAAAAAAEKs/8B-IyxBi8p0/DSCF0123.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF0123" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></p>
<p>a sunset + lightning show on a ferris wheel</p>
<p>what a treat</p>
<p>snug and warm having dinner, in the midst of a thunderstorm</p>
<p>a wonderful end to a difficult day</p>
<p> </p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-80832571204502005942016-09-10T22:48:00.001+08:002016-12-27T18:28:07.745+08:00memories from perth november 2015 (day 2)<p>australian avocado, which he guzzled</p>
<p>a family pic in pjs</p>
<p><img title="DSCF9860.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MrHABsdiyGE/V9QdNnXJWUI/AAAAAAAAEG8/BchqfqZTDnk/DSCF9860.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9860" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p>monkeys in the house! dots on the face!</p>
<p>three bags, a little one on my back, a car seat on the stroller, trekking down several streets</p>
<p><img title="DSCF9879.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iIZ7FGL9Dug/V9QbjMBuG3I/AAAAAAAAEGk/XywE1PUQqF4/DSCF9879.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9879" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF9883.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U5mjQVwK-jM/V9QbofePFhI/AAAAAAAAEGo/a3N2-UXiF_Q/DSCF9883.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9883" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p>off to recce at scarborough beach! but first, a hat for the boy</p>
<p><img title="DSCF9898.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W9V1QbEu3NU/V9Qbxu4wxdI/AAAAAAAAEGs/By410Ql4k84/DSCF9898.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9898" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF9921.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ITA_fZlNJY/WGJCDVX__yI/AAAAAAAAELQ/PJPrWD6WD9s/DSCF9921.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF9921" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>blue blue blue, have you seen a sky so blue?</p>
<p>white white white, have you seen sand so white?</p>
<p><img title="DSCF9978.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lL5603VsCvg/WGJCG6Mj2KI/AAAAAAAAELU/TXajsOYtTtU/DSCF9978.JPG?imgmax=1600" alt="DSCF9978" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF9969.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jgjv3RLl02c/V9QcYpYJjQI/AAAAAAAAEG0/iMB-H0_2gYE/DSCF9969.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9969" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF9963.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Li1k3Nk6MSw/V9Qb94quTwI/AAAAAAAAEGw/BAFkLLK08OM/DSCF9963.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9963" width="450" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p>chasing seagulls, picking seashells, feet in water, tossing sand</p>
<p>bliss, with family, in God’s great handiwork</p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-82760434047356329112016-09-10T11:34:00.001+08:002016-09-10T11:34:36.750+08:00memories from perth november 2015 (day 1) <p> </p>
<p><img title="DSCF9812.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B1iNlhRVZ3U/VqJVrhDEVxI/AAAAAAAAEFE/AggrSAHp0NI/DSCF9812.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9812" width="400" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF9805bw.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oiCcKNhabE8/VqJV9RrabgI/AAAAAAAAEFM/T41q-O7HIWs/DSCF9805bw.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9805bw" width="400" height="600" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF9817.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WAhcJhyBjZ4/VqJU3rP_lRI/AAAAAAAAEEs/d4pOavyXEzs/DSCF9817.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9817" width="400" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p><img title="DSCF9822.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZPUBRf5rPI/VqJVUA3loZI/AAAAAAAAEE0/Sxp7zVhxtsA/DSCF9822.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9822" width="400" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="DSCF9835.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tBEyQrB31to/VqJVdICC-wI/AAAAAAAAEE8/87C8dD_KoDY/DSCF9835.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF9835" width="400" height="266" border="0" /></p>
<p>a safe flight with snoozing one(s)</p>
<p>delicious beef pie at the airport</p>
<p>warm welcome and cosy place</p>
<p>heartwarming dinner, broken rice</p>
<p>bomba, churros, caramel-sweet moments and funny poses </p>
<p>fresh, fellowship with J & J</p>
<p>day one full of thanksgivings</p>
<p> </p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-59511307220941216392016-05-21T00:19:00.001+08:002016-05-21T00:21:57.292+08:00words from the boy that i want to remember (3 years 3 months) <p>ezra: mama, what sound does a fish make?</p>
<p>mama: Huh? Errrr… I don’t know...</p>
<p>ezra: the fish makes the sound “Huh? Errrrr… I don’t know…”??</p>
<p>mama: ….. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>….</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: mama, where does dragonfruit come from? Is it the poopoo from a dragon?</p>
<p>mama: …...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>….</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: mama, I can’t find my XXX toy… do you know where it is? </p>
<p>mama: ya, I do..</p>
<p>ezra: That’s because you’re a GENIUS right? </p>
<p>mama: lol!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: (cooked edamame for lunch) here are your peas!</p>
<p>ezra: mama, is this the peas/peace that comes from my heart?</p>
<p>mama: lol!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: mama, when i go to heaven, I don’t know how to sing the songs leh….</p>
<p>mama: …. lol!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: (eating ham and cheese bread and being strangely quiet) </p>
<p>ezra: mama, does abraham like ham?</p>
<p>mama: …...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: (all of a sudden, holding his hand up) mama, this is an ATAS PENGUIN.</p>
<p>mama: WHAT??</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: so, did you have fun today at Gardens by the Bay? </p>
<p>ezra: Ya!</p>
<p>mama: so what did we see today at Garden Spider Bay?</p>
<p>mama & ezra: HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!</p>
<p>ezra: i saw…. orange trees at Garden Spider Bay!</p>
<p>mama & ezra: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!</p>
<p>ezra: but mama, i did not see spiderman at Garden Spider Bay!</p>
<p>mama & ezra: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: mama, i love you SO much!</p>
<p>mama: =…) i love you very much too.</p>
<p>ezra: ya, i know.</p>
<p>mama: you do? what does mama do that tells you i love you? </p>
<p>ezra: hmmm you play with me, you do worksheets with me, and you do things with me, like eat with me… </p>
<p>mama: =…)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: ezra, do you want to take a bullet train? </p>
<p>ezra: ya, i do!</p>
<p>ezra: (after silence for a while) mama, does a bullet train shoot bullets? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><< on papa’s birthday, saying a prayer for him >></p>
<p>ezra: Heavenly Father, thank you that it is papa’s birthday today. thank you also for protecting the cookies and for helping mama even though it was difficult. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. </p>
<p>mama and papa: LOL…. =….)</p>
<p>i have zero abilities in cooking and baking, and met with MANY obstacles with these cookies, which were the brainchild of this little boy. he dictated how to surprise papa, and right down to what the cookies ought to say. thank God though, many times he reminded me: “mama, don’t give up!” </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img title="DSCF0402.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EV4pP-oDRgc/Vz847EYUpVI/AAAAAAAAEGE/hxCg9upPyOU/DSCF0402.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF0402" width="500" height="332" border="0" /> </p>
<p>“take a picture with my hands, mama, it looks nicer that way..” </p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-82233536530488334492016-03-09T23:59:00.001+08:002016-03-10T00:15:47.845+08:00words from the little boy that i want to remember (3 years old)<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2015-12-31 01.31.58 1.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jtWOvyZWdlg/VuBKd_SIVwI/AAAAAAAAEF0/CnPiTJwJo80/2015-12-31%25252001.31.58%2525201.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="2015 12 31 01 31 58 1" width="450" height="675" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">this sweet little one is 3. he doesn’t like cake, hence a cornflake cake for him!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>while putting him to sleep...</p>
<p>ezra and mama: (laughing together about something)</p>
<p>ezra: stop laughing mama, if not you will be very exciting and you cannot sleep!</p>
<p>mama: lol!!!! (couldn’t stop laughing…)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>... </p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: mama, when you cover me with the blanket, can you cover the fan too?</p>
<p>mama: no i can’t, the fan is too dusty. </p>
<p>ezra: why? Is it because you cannot fit it into the washing machine?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: (chattering on and on about something)</p>
<p>mama: you really talk a lot, don’t you? </p>
<p>ezra: (kept quiet for awhile) mama, talking is exercising right?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: mama, when i die, will you get me a coffin? </p>
<p>mama: hmmm, if you die before me, i guess i will...</p>
<p>ezra: then can you get me a coffin that is small and blue because I am short and I am a boy?</p>
<p>mama: …..</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>papa: what did you learn in sunday school today, ezra?</p>
<p>ezra: i cannot remember.. it came out of my life already….</p>
<p>mama and papa: lol!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>papa and ezra: (waving bye bye to mama)</p>
<p>mama: (blew ezra a flying kiss)</p>
<p>ezra: (caught the flying kiss) papa, i’ll put the kiss in my pocket now and tonight, when i go to sleep, i’ll take it out and put it in my pyjamas pants pocket...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: i love God and i love Jesus!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PEC is a little quiet at the moment but I am thankful for every moment and every day with this little one. we have been endeavouring to be more involved in teaching him academically as well as spiritually, and there have been joys, thank God! everyday, he says something that makes me grin and i just want to note it all down but my memory fails me! blogging this down is an attempt to help me remember.. PEC can wait, but the growth of this little boy can’t :) </p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-54760424277372525402016-03-09T22:58:00.001+08:002016-03-09T23:00:13.598+08:00words from the little boy that i want to remember (2 years old)<p>(discussing about animals and what animals eat)</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>ezra: mama, what do fish eat? (asking me to ask him)</p>
<p>mama: what do fish eat?</p>
<p>ezra: fish eat JONAH!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: ezra, when you do not obey mama immediately, you make mama sad.</p>
<p>ezra: i want to make mama happy</p>
<p>mama: how do you make mama happy? you obey mama immediately. or you can give mama a hug, tell her you love her very much...</p>
<p>ezra: (gives mama a hug) mama is happy now!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: mama mama mama!</p>
<p>mama: yes?</p>
<p>ezra: please don't disturb me now. eb-ra (ezra) is setting up the goal post net. </p>
<p>mama: .... ?!?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: we will get a bicycle for you one day.. do you know when?</p>
<p>ezra: when i get married? </p>
<p>mama: ....???</p>
<p>(the correct answer is when he learns to scoot properly..)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: *sits on a kiddy ride in the shape of a car*</p>
<p>mama: where are you going??</p>
<p>ezra: nineveh!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ezra: *sends me a flying kiss*</p>
<p>mama: where should i put the kiss you sent to me?</p>
<p>ezra: in my nature box!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>... </p>
<p> </p>
<p>mama: what should you do when you are in trouble?</p>
<p>ezra: look for mama and papa</p>
<p>mama: but what if we are not around to help you? </p>
<p>ezra: look for auntie liz </p>
<p>mama: (?!?!?) and what if auntie liz is not around? </p>
<p>ezra: pray to God, and God will tell me to go and sleep and not move around... </p>
<p>mama: ....</p>
<p> </p>
<p>...</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><3 this boy to bits... </p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-57273706045542447042015-09-25T11:18:00.001+08:002015-09-25T11:18:05.269+08:00#throwback - returning to penang<p>"have fun in penang!"</p>
<p>"how was your penang trip? did you enjoy yourself?"</p>
<p>we got that alot befere and after the trip.. and sometimes, i'm stumped how to answer. it's easy to view an overseas trip as a holiday, but this particular trip bore more weight than that. seeing grandma,who had not seen dad since he fell ill. seeing the family he grew up with. going to places we always went to, together. memories are vivid. we could remember where and when we took which photo.. and painfully, how some photos bore resemblance to past photos that were taken - only different.</p>
<p>the heart is heavy after returning.. with a lot of memories coming back and a lot of longing for the precious times that we have shared. </p>
<p>this was the particular hymn that He brought to my remembrance, to comfort my heart:</p>
<ol style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">
<li class="first" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></li>
<li class="first" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Does Jesus care when my heart is pained<br />Too deeply for mirth or song,<br />As the burdens press, and the cares distress,<br />And the way grows weary and long?
<ul style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">
<li class="refrain" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; margin-left: 20px;"><span class="refrain" style="font-style: italic;">Refrain:</span><br /><em>Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,<br />His heart is touched with my grief;<br />When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,<br />I know my Savior cares.</em></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; text-align: center;">Does Jesus care when my way is dark<br />With a nameless dread and fear?<br />As the daylight fades into deep night shades,<br />Does He care enough to be near?</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; text-align: center;">Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed<br />To resist some temptation strong;<br />When for my deep grief there is no relief,<br />Though my tears flow all the night long?</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; text-align: center;">Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”<br />To the dearest on earth to me,<br />And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—<br />Is it aught to Him? Does He see?</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>in the past, when i sing this song and ponder on the last verse, the heaviness of the message and considering its reality is enough to make my heart ache. now, it is a balm. Yes, He cares. </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hecares.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AzmU5ptcx10/VbZrwrsIfiI/AAAAAAAAEAI/qK01nexGGiI/Hecares.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="Hecares" width="500" height="500" border="0" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>that said, there were sweet moments too. time with family - always treasured :)</p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-64527668167443246162015-08-13T00:49:00.001+08:002015-08-13T00:55:54.201+08:00project en courage at maker's market (national museum, 7 aug) <p>i'm a pessimist.</p>
<p>when i consider a situation that is to come, i always think of the worst thing that can happen. that is why preparing for project en courage's first bazaar is like a huge mountain to climb - because i build more mountains for myself, before climbing the one i am supposed to :)</p>
<p>there were countless fears and faithless thoughts that crossed my mind. </p>
<p><em>i don't have anything to sell.</em></p>
<p><em>nobody is going to buy anything. </em></p>
<p><em>all my products are brown. (yes i know right.. on hindsight i realise how ridiculous this is...)</em></p>
<p><em>it's raining, it's going to continue raining. </em></p>
<p><em>why would anyone go to a museum on a friday evening? </em></p>
<p><em>there's going to be nobody at the bazaar. </em></p>
<p><em>the list goes on. </em></p>
<p>thank God for a husband who has the faith and courage to point out how ridiculous my fears were. he reminded me of why we were doing what we were doing. project en courage is what God deems fit for us to work on at this moment. it is His project. He determines whether it is successful, and He decides whether it is successful. the opinions of man... don't matter. </p>
<p>as the days ticked by, it became clearer that this was a family project and to my pleasant surprise, e was so much more helpful than expected!</p>
<p><img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;" title="DSCF7126.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F_mJzVJK2oc/VceEXCF6GpI/AAAAAAAAEAY/IEIChDWi350/DSCF7126.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7126" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></p>
<p><img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;" title="DSCF7130.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x3Po7Np_mw4/VceEcBnAxnI/AAAAAAAAEAg/xErsKwwk_iI/DSCF7130.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7130" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></p>
<p>him helping to remove packaging..arrange the postcards.. count envelopes. yes, with him involved, it definitely slows things down, but it doubles the joy in the process :) it also helps that we can teach him skills in the meantime - how to arrange things, how to count, how a 'shop' functions, how to welcome people to our 'shop' ;) </p>
<p>it was thunderstorming just before the bazaar, and i was muttering to PP that the rain would surely keep people back from coming. herein lies my faithlessness! i'm ashamed to realise it now. </p>
<p>so here's my list of thanksgiving now.. that i will be reminded that my God is faithful, and He provides for all we need. if one day, he deems it fit that we have receive no business, may we still be grateful for His perfect purpose.</p>
<p>Thank God for...</p>
<p>1. stopping the rain just before the bazaar started</p>
<p>2. those who prayed. </p>
<p>3.the great turnout!</p>
<p>4. providing us with a bright and ideal booth</p>
<p>5. a cheerful, enthusiastic and fantastic saleswoman who willingly gave of her time, company, words and energy!</p>
<p>6. e who was largely cooperative :)</p>
<p>7. my mum, and K, who provided dinner for all of us</p>
<p>8. eme's parents, sis and bro, who came down, plus its always a highlight to see DDD!</p>
<p>9. a fantastic parking lot</p>
<p>10. sending people who can identify with Project En Courage and like our products :)</p>
<p>11. C & A - for your koi, your curry puffs, but most of all, for coming all the way down! 你的爱我深深感受到啦!<3 <3</p>
<p>12. a whole troop of church friends who come down even when it's waaay past their bedtime, who supported in word and action, who helped to pack up and provided us with great company just when we were getting tired.</p>
<p>words just cannot expressed how thankful we are for all of you. we pray that we will keep doing God's will for God's glory, so our testimony and work will not stumble any of you but be a blessing to you as the Lord uses us :)</p>
<p>and because pictures serve as the best memories... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF7151.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kScTlpjjhHc/VceLdsirI1I/AAAAAAAAEA4/1VEpffrYEHA/DSCF7151.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7151" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">our 'uniforms' prepared by PP</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;" title="2015-08-09 11.07.01 1.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fGoZVX3FJfM/VceNI11T-jI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/pSduaeLFGC8/2015-08-09%25252011.07.01%2525201.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="2015 08 09 11 07 01 1" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF7161.JPG" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tdx9B6b6vt4/VceMjjtjWBI/AAAAAAAAEBI/E4dCNcnu090/DSCF7161.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7161" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">super amazing saleswoman of the year!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF7171copy.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kDwa_p-HWpM/VceNwYW8L_I/AAAAAAAAEBg/U6wlbNAxu8o/DSCF7171copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7171copy" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.projectencourage.net/product/encourage-with-a-postcard">Encourage with a Postcard</a> - now with envelopes!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF7167 copy.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w-uK2C6GERc/VceNrezB9hI/AAAAAAAAEBY/2P5zUgOfgD4/DSCF7167%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7167 copy" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.projectencourage.net/product/knock-on-the-door-mat">Knock on the Door Mat</a> / <a href="http://www.projectencourage.net/product/good-news-in-a-cup">Good News in a Cup</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF7197 copy.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mQUvyW9T4V4/VceOHdMf7EI/AAAAAAAAEBw/5Jy43yyLT-0/DSCF7197%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7197 copy" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF7204 copy.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KbmY5ZnWdMI/VceOUnhX8nI/AAAAAAAAECA/123RDTSTjCE/DSCF7204%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7204 copy" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">a verse very close to my heart, engraved on a tissue box, for times when tears flow and you need comfort.. (sold out with restocks planned)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF7182 copy.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GbTzv5nO9nU/VcePMN1utrI/AAAAAAAAECM/8sbDxs0okwg/DSCF7182%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7182 copy" width="500" height="333" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">passport covers/traveller's notebook :)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF7199 copy.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X4_4uiU-wTs/VceOOERzI5I/AAAAAAAAEB4/xkOOh18LC40/DSCF7199%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7199 copy" width="500" height="750" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">our <a href="http://www.projectencourage.net/product/through-the-waters-bottle">Through the Waters bottle</a> :)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">as shared earlier, if there's anything this bazaar and the national day weekend has shown, it is that GOD is FAITHFUL. very happy to be doing His will, very happy that we are in this as a family, and very happy to experience His guiding hand, leading us to today. very tired too! hahaha... but not too tired to be involved in yet another maker's market ;)</p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-45657075756033474342015-06-29T22:30:00.001+08:002015-06-29T23:13:11.364+08:00The Love of God (1917)<p><br /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF6040 copy.jpg" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZXh-2F9gGRI/VZAKAhNUgBI/AAAAAAAAD_I/MkvTbSwx7Wo/DSCF6040%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF6040 copy" width="600" height="400" border="0" /><br /> "This hymn was written in a citrus packing house in Pasadena, California, by a German-born Christian named Frederick M. Lehman. At age four, Frederick and his family had migrated to America, settling down in Iowa....</p>
<p>In 1917, his finances had gone sour, and he found himself working in a packing factory in Pasadena, moving thirty tons of lemons and oranges a day. One morning as he arrived at work, a song was forming in his mind. He had been thinking about the limitlessness of God's love, and during breaks he sat on an empty lemon crate and penned down words with a stubby pencil.</p>
<p>Arriving home that evening, he went to the old upright piano and began putting notes to his words. He finally had a melody and two stanzas, but almost all gospel songs of that era had at least three stanzas. At length, he thought of some lines he had recently heard in a sermon. (Editor's note: in another version, some say he remembered these lines from a poem on a card, received from a friend).<br /> <em></em></p>
<p><em>Could we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made,</em><br /> <em></em></p>
<p><em>Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade,</em><br /> <em></em></p>
<p><em>To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry,</em><br /> <em></em></p>
<p><em>Nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky.</em></p>
<p>--- The above extracted from Then Sings My Soul, Robert J. Morgan</p>
<p>---------------</p>
<p>The words from this poem were found to match the melody that Frederick had written! But who is the original author of this third stanza? It was later discovered that the original version of this verse was written long ago in Hebrew, by a Jewish poet Meir Ben Issac Nehoria. The first english translation, however, was found carved on a prison wall by some painters, and one of them was so impressed by the words that he jotted them down, preserving it in the process. So "coincidentally", these words matched the metre of this song that Frederick M. Lehman would write hundreds of years later.</p>
<p>So complicated, and while some historical facts may be unreliable in this case, one thing is clear. This hymn was incomplete without the third stanza, and God completed it through His perfect timing and perfect plan :) It is amazing to see how God cares and exercises His providence, even in hymns... so that many years down the road, countless people are edified through the words of this song.</p>
<p>photo: (Write of God's Love Pencils/Notebook - <a href="http://www.projectencourage.net/">www.projectencourage.net</a>)</p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-9199430976138877312015-06-28T23:45:00.001+08:002015-06-29T18:49:23.744+08:00what we do, what we used to do, and why we do what we do<p>so what is project en courage about? </p>
<p>while it is founded on the grace (恩) and courage given by God, the main thrust of Project En Courage is, simply, to <em>Encourage</em>. </p>
<p>the past year or so has been very very tough, to say the least. but amidst our trials and struggles, God sent many along the way. fellow prayer warriors.. thoughtful gifts... whats-apps.. sincere questions of concern. we have been deeply touched by all whom the Lord has used to encourage us and remind us that we are truly not alone. these people are our inspiration!</p>
<p>over the years beginning from our courtship days, PP and i have somehow stumbled into this little habit of embarking on projects, both big and small, with hopes of thanking these people and giving practical and encouraging gifts in appropriate seasons. it started with simple bookmarks, small quantities... and soon, as more people are sent into our lives.. it envolved into something alittle more "large-scale"....</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="PC241723 copy.jpg" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N0cv6ClvTSo/VWNScF_-xVI/AAAAAAAAD6M/HDLEXS74wBM/PC241723%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="PC241723 copy" width="400" height="300" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://flowerinthewilderness.blogspot.sg/2009/01/christmas-project.html">badges</a> to remind our friends of a verse we would like to share with them :)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_5021 copy.jpg" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tS3ky4x1jhI/VWNXkpfEhyI/AAAAAAAAD64/HnsivCEG2aE/IMG_5021%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 5021 copy" width="400" height="533" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://flowerinthewilderness.blogspot.sg/2011/11/children-day-2011-part-2.html">canvas bags</a> for children we love :)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC04675 copy.jpg" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrdrvha7xbg/VWNSftKH7mI/AAAAAAAAD6U/rytrhMeANIM/DSC04675%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSC04675 copy" width="400" height="267" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">hand-sewn luggage tags (this was TEDIOUS!)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC01647 copy copy.jpg" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5_fN447Kddk/VWNTQS_hadI/AAAAAAAAD6c/eNeVmUkxs44/DSC01647%252520copy%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSC01647 copy copy" width="400" height="362" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://flowerinthewilderness.blogspot.sg/2012/01/christmas-project-2011.html">calendar stickers</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_8951edit copy.jpg" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lah0YSlZKdY/VWNTgDJiYII/AAAAAAAAD6k/JMuzFMA_ZrM/IMG_8951edit%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="IMG 8951edit copy" width="400" height="544" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://flowerinthewilderness.blogspot.sg/2013/03/christmas-2012-part-1.html">postcards</a> to encourage us to write to one another :)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;" title="DSCF7108 copy.jpg" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bdh5q5fvNSk/VWNUAAeZjcI/AAAAAAAAD6s/nmwJVqmrPfA/DSCF7108%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF7108 copy" width="400" height="305" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">badges</p>
<p>we cant produce hand-made so efficiently anymore, so we have moved on to practical and meaningful everyday little things that hopefully can point someone to the Lord. they are personally and thoughtfully designed, with the intention that you may be reminded of God's truth and faithfulness :) may these little products that we come up with bless you, or the person you intend to encourage!</p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-74008422605348411402015-06-14T00:46:00.000+08:002015-06-14T01:12:31.102+08:00project en courage<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PP and i have been working on something for the past 6 months or so. it's our... little project.. and it has culminated to...... <a data-mce-href="www.projectencourage.net" href="http://www.projectencourage.net/" target="_blank">this</a> :) <a href="http://www.projectencourage.net/" target="_blank">www.projectencourage.net</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.projectencourage.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtSMgPd7TAQ/VXxdi0L8stI/AAAAAAAAD9o/LLy2zG-Dojc/s320/Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we are definitely launching this with much fear and trembling, for much is at stake - our testimonies, our time, our strength.. but with God's leading, step by step, here we are, and we covet your prayers and support :) to be honest, this project has already been a blessing to me, to keep me occupied, to make use of what God has blessed us with, and while designing, to fill my mind with godly things that are good and lovely.... especially in a season that has been very tough. daddy himself was in full support, and a few days before he departed, though unable to speak and often very drowsy, muttered the word "shop" to ask about its progress and smiled to see the website...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we spent a long long time playing with permutations and brainstorming for a name that would be straightforward in revealing our objectives and what we are about. we knew it definitely had to reflect God and who He is. at the same time, we wanted people to know our objectives, which is to promote gift-giving and encouraging one another in the faith. it took a long time, and one day, it finally clicked, in more ways than we anticipated! thank God for the inspiration :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here's the explanation behind the name, Project En Courage :)<br /><br />Project - we do not really view this as a business, or a profit-making venture, but a little family project and a little ministry. may you be blessed through this project, so you can be a blessing to others as well.<br /><br />En - 恩 refers to the grace of God, without which we will not be here. It is God's grace that allows us to be saved from our sins, it is God's love that caused him to send His Son to die for us, and it is God's mercies that we are not consumed. The wife's name - 恩玮 meaning God's Great Grace. It is definitely God's Great Grace that we hope to sing of, and to convey in all we do.<br /><br />Courage - Project En Courage is started in a difficult season, as our dear father battles the last stages of lung cancer. where else can we find courage to face up to future days? who else can we look to, for strength? It is at this very season that we find we need courage even more than before, and praise God, for even though we do not know about tomorrow, we know who holds tomorrow.<br /><br />so we embark on this journey, with the hope of encouraging others with <a href="http://www.projectencourage.net/" target="_blank">Project En Courage</a>, for we know in the process, we ourselves will be encouraged :)</span></div>
estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-18208117917928069162015-06-07T23:23:00.000+08:002015-06-07T23:27:23.592+08:00saying goodbye to daddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7L0ALkjcxo/VXRe7qsRJEI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/wwzxNliBSwM/s1600/SaviorMoreThanLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7L0ALkjcxo/VXRe7qsRJEI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/wwzxNliBSwM/s640/SaviorMoreThanLife.jpg" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">some days are ok, but i have been muddling around some days. things seem to be a blur. lethargic, anti-social, lost, sad, and a deep ache of missing my daddy that is quite inexplicable and hard to explain. it's difficult to say goodbye to someone you love so dearly, who has been a big part of your entire life in so many ways, shared so many precious moments and memories. some may ask: how are you? how is your mom? ah, we are keeping ourselves busy. it's quite hard to describe what the grief and sense of loss is like.. not sudden, for it has been there, since <a data-mce-href="http://flowerinthewilderness.blogspot.sg/2013/10/5.html" href="http://flowerinthewilderness.blogspot.sg/2013/10/5.html">the day we found out</a>. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i don't really want to talk about it or come to terms with it, but i am forcing myself to type this out so i might find some closure through my reflections and note down the things i do not wish to forget. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">God's timing is perfect. this entire journey has shown me so much, moulded us so much.. individually and as a family. there is only that much that can be said of a man when he passes on. but when a man is used by God, there is so much that can be said of him and how God has worked through him. this is the story of my dad. he has run his race and allowed God to work in his family, his company, his service for the Lord, his friendships and relationships with others, his love for children.. and even in his sickness and his battle with cancer. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">during the weeks leading up to his last day, daddy grew weaker and needed more help in going to the hospital for check-ups. in God's perfect timing, PP began his holidays and we were more flexible in being able to help. there were a few occasions when the doctor seemed at a loss for words when he saw how frail and weak my dad was, and how much weight he had lost. "Do you still want to fight?" he asked. "Yes!" my dad said, punching his fist in the air. this was my daddy, a fighter. he was not the type to sit down, give up, and wait for his last days to come. whatever he could do, he wanted to try. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">in those times i sat or stood with daddy, he would look at me, smile when our eyes met, hold my hand. he probably knew my heart was breaking to see him in that state. that was his way of reassuring and comforting me. </span></span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we just celebrated mother's day before daddy was admitted for the last time. daddy has never been good with words and writing and his swollen fingers make it difficult for him to write or type anything of late. i offered to write down what he wanted to say to mummy in a card that my sister had made. as he talked and i wrote, tears flowed down my cheeks. it was nothing fancifully expressed, but i tasted of the love, gratitude and sadness that he felt towards mummy. later, he asked me, "was my letter well-written?". haha. totally trade-mark of my daddy to egg for a compliment :)</span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">the last check-up he had was the only time he succumbed to sitting on a wheelchair from home, to get to the carpark. when the doctor asked him whether he wanted to be admitted, daddy was reluctant. doctor mentioned that everytime daddy was admitted (for drip and protein), he seemed to perk up for awhile. never did we know that it was not to be so. daddy lapsed into a long sleep and did not wake till one and a half days later. we swayed between plans to bring daddy home or to place him in a hospice to alleviate the stress on my mummy. when dad woke, it became clear that he wanted to go home. arrangements were quickly made.. my sister (the planner) quickly bought the equipment and arranged the necessary logistics. brother-in-law planned the medical necessities and ambulance services, brother and PP stayed over on the many nights to accompany my daddy. in that one week, things were uncertain.. but we knew that things were not good. we sat with daddy, sang hymns to him and communicated with him. he clearly understood what we were saying even though he did not say much. and gradually, he responded less and less. </span></span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">the night we brought him home as he desired, we tried to have a family worship like we always do every sunday. that night, we sang</span></span><br />
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<li class="first" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><br /></em></span></li>
<li class="first" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>"Saviour, more than life to me,</em></span></li>
<li class="first" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">I am clinging, clinging, close to Thee;</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">Let Thy precious blood applied,</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">Keep me ever, ever near Thy side.</span></span></em></li>
<li class="first" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"></li>
<li class="first" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Refrain:</em></span></li>
<li class="first" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Every day, every hour,</em></span></li>
<li class="first" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Let me feel Thy cleansing pow’r;</em></span></li>
<li class="first" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>May Thy tender love to me</em></span></li>
<li class="first" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Bind me closer, closer, Lord to Thee.</em></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">Through this changing world below,</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">Lead me gently, gently as I go;</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">Trusting Thee, I cannot stray,</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">I can never, never lose my way.</span></span></em></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">Let me love Thee more and more,</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">Till this fleeting, fleeting life is o’er;</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">Till my soul is lost in love,</span><br /><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">In a brighter, brighter world above."</span></span></em></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">he left in the wee hours of the morning. somehow, mummy found it difficult to sleep and was woken up despite feeling very tired. she sponged his lips, read psalm 23 to him, one hand holding his, the other on his chest.... . "爸爸。你这样好辛苦啊。放下吧。孩子们都在这里, 你就安心吧。” and dad's heart stopped.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">looking back, there is no question that God's plans leading to this day is seamless and perfect in every way.. providing for us in every sense of the word.</span></span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">it's true that we miss our dearest daddy very very much, but with God in the picture, we accept that He truly worked out everything for good. daddy is not in pain anymore, not suffering anymore. this grief is a better type of grief than the one we had when we first found out about daddy's illness. knowing he is no more suffering, versus knowing he is going to suffer. whatever it is, im thankful that in these two types of grief, we have hope because Christ has triumphed even over death. </span></span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">my dear friends... if you happen to be reading this, it is my prayer that you will know of this hope that goes beyond this life. there aren't many things as painful as witnessing someone you love suffering physically. if you can't quite imagine this pain, than you must know that whatever/whoever enabled us to go through this trial is worth knowing.</span></span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, </span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, </span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">even as others which have no hope. </span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, </span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.</span></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 Thessalonians 4: 13-14</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 12px;">on a separate note, treasure your loved ones and spend as much quality time as you can with those who matter to you. talk to them, hold their hands, share with them, take pictures, put in effort to celebrate each others' birthdays, and find ways to make one another happy. don't take for granted the time you have with them... </span></span></div>
estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-21213968771010026382015-05-30T01:52:00.002+08:002015-05-30T01:52:47.496+08:00eulogy<br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">It is difficult to sum up the life of a man in a single writing. but we try to, for we want others to know how he lived his life, and pray that it will inspire, encourage and edify you in the process. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">Daddy, or Michael Lim, as many know him, was an affable man with an infectious laughter and a booming voice. “Oh, Michael Lim from Tabernacle Auto?” As his children, we get that a lot. Seldom do his acquaintances note us by name, for my dad’s personality often shone through when he relates to others. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">Hence, when our beloved father was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, the pain and grief was very difficult to bear. How does one accept the news of a loved one suffering? </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">Praise the Lord for His goodness in our lives. As a family brought up to know the Lord and His salvation, we despair, but not as one without hope. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">When dad was diagnosed, certain things remained the same, while some things changed. Through this, we hope you can get a glimpse of who my dad is and how he lived his life, whether with cancer, or without. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><strong>His love for his family and his desire for us remained the same</strong></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">My daddy has always been “over-enthusiastic”. As a husband, he put in no little effort in courting my mother. Amidst the ups and downs in marriage, he loved her, led her, and was not hesitant in displaying his affection to her. As a father, he brought us to know God, teaching us from the Psalms and the Proverbs. He marched my sister and me down the aisle on our wedding day with a huge grin on his face. When Zachary, Ezra and Elliot were born, he took much delight in them and how they responded to him. It was clear he loved the family and we too, love him deeply. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">Shortly after he was diagnosed, our family spent some time together on a staycation and holidays. Much as we were not in the mood, these serve as precious memories for us, which we hold dearly. Our father shared with us that his greatest desire and wish was for us to please God, to love God. Nothing complicated, nothing new. It was what he has been telling us since we were young. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><strong>His dedication to his company remained the same</strong></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">Tabernacle Auto Services Pte Ltd. My dad started out as an engineer but by God’s leading and provision, he ended up being a “Car-doctor”. Ah, his passion for cars and the way he speaks about them. We have seen his enthusiasm, and his joy when he hears of how his “treatment” has proven effective in making someone’s car more powerful/smooth/cooling. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">More importantly, as the name of the company conveys, my daddy viewed his workshop as a ministry. He did not openly share this to us, but over time, we started to realize that. How can a car workshop be a ministry? His desire was for servants of God, and those serving God full-time, to send their cars there, so he could minister to them. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">When Daddy was diagnosed, work proved to be a good distraction for him. His dedication never faltered, and while he did not say it, Mummy told us he was burdened for his employees and wanted Tabernacle to continue being a blessing. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><strong>His Faith in God remained the same</strong></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">His faith was steadfast and in fact, evidently strengthened. His outlook, his hopes, his perspective of this disease... all these revealed how he regarded God in light of this suffering. Can one still say that God is good, when he loses all strength and appetite? Or when he has to forsake all that he used to find joy in? Or when he witnesses and feels as though he is the reason why his beloved wife toils and labours in caring for him?</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">This was my daddy’s declaration from start to end. God is good. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>the LORD's name is to be praised.</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>Psalm 113: 3</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">This was the verse shared with my father a few days before he returned home, as he witnessed the sunrise from his bed. He nodded in full agreement when it was shared. The Lord’s name is to be praised. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><strong>His fighting spirit remained the same</strong></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">Even when my daddy was too weak to walk and at times even struggling to stay awake, he persisted in his visits to the hospital. The nausea and vomiting constantly afflicted him, but he would still try, mouth by mouth, sip by sip, to take down some <em>Prosure</em> or <em>Resource</em>. Vomitting in the morning became an expected routine, before he could continue his breakfast. He soon ran out of options when it came to medications or treatment, but when presented with option of going for a medical trial, he would go for it. He told us many times: I must keep fighting, I must. And He did, right to the end - physically, spiritually, mentally. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">So what changed? </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>My flesh and my heart faileth:</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>Psalm 73: 26</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">It was painful to witness my daddy declining over the one and a half years. He lost a lot of weight, and suffered a lot. To put these in words would be insufficient. It became so real to us that this body, this life on earth, is like a vapour that can vanish, just like that. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;">My dad fought a losing battle physically, but in all other ways, he won. He is now resting in heaven, it is now our turn to carry on living this legacy he left behind, all to the glory of God. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;"><em>2 Timothy 4: 7-8</em></span></div>
estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-62589213628687515372015-05-26T00:28:00.001+08:002015-05-26T00:28:33.597+08:00He Cares for Me (Throwback)<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF6837 copy.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EmXWWvt-YD4/VEkKrKO47WI/AAAAAAAAD0g/zh7PfiuYXks/DSCF6837%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF6837 copy" width="500" height="335" border="0" /></p><p>It takes a special friend to be willing to go the extra mile in comforting and encouraging you when life's storms hit you. this dear sister is one of those special friends.. whose heart really shared the sorrow experienced, and shared her own painful experiences to show that i was not alone. even more so, this special friend pointed me to the Lord, and this song is one of my definite favourites. </p><p>Our God is far greater than words can make known,<br />Exalted and holy, He reigns on His throne,<br />In infinite splendour He rules over all;<br />Yet He feeds the poor sparrows, and He knows when they fall.<br /><br />(Chorus)<br />His power is great and will ever endure,<br />His wisdom is peaceable, gentle and pure.<br />But greater than all these glories I see,<br />Is the glorious promise that He cares for me.<br /><br />The earth and the heav'ns are the work of His hands,<br />And billions of angels ovey His commands.<br />He guides the great galaxies spinning through space,<br />Yet He gave us His Son as a gift of His grace.<br /><br />He rides the wild heavens, He strides through the seas,<br />The high mountains tremble to hear His decrees.<br />His voice with great thunderings sounds from above,<br />But to His children, He whispers His love. </p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF6839.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8pW0hpF-MKw/VEkKuah4-jI/AAAAAAAAD0o/YPC66_x5AnI/DSCF6839.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF6839" width="500" height="888" border="0" /> </p><p>some after-thoughts: this life is full of heartache, physical ailments and pain. when loved ones fall ill, or circumstances fall out of our control, what can be our anchor and our stay? I thank God for dear friends who love in action and do so meaningfully by pointing me to a God who cares. Yes, I know He cares. His Heart is touched with my grief.. there is no reason henceforth, to despair like there is no hope, or to cry because I am utterly helpless..</p><p>thank God for you, dear sister. missing u very much.</p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-78009306963955309162015-05-11T00:04:00.001+08:002015-05-11T00:04:53.837+08:00my mother, the proverbs 31 woman<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Screen shot 2015-05-10 at PM 11.56.01.png" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hN7cq_RyfpQ/VU-BJdFqDyI/AAAAAAAAD2I/x6Ml9vfv8ZU/Screen%252520shot%2525202015-05-10%252520at%252520PM%25252011.56.01.png?imgmax=800" alt="Screen shot 2015 05 10 at PM 11 56 01" width="400" height="624" border="0" /></p><p>(sung to "The Lily of the Valley", written by Eileen Lin)</p><p>The day where most celebrate mother's day has drawn to a close. On fb, instagram, I see many tributes, heartwarming.. for a happy home is a precious gem in a world filled with ups and downs.</p><p><em>"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Prov 31:29</em></p><p>Not for any comparison, really, but the above verse is what I think of my mum. She has now gone beyond the usual duties (think chores, cooking, nagging) of a mum and wife. to put it in a singlish way, she really "up one level".</p><p>As dad battles a terminal illness, she has selflessly given up everything she has, and fully dedicated herself to the care of my father. No time to rest, no murmurings, no break downs before us.. just quietly perservering through the toils and emotional, physical, mental and spiritual demands of each day. Her faith in the Lord has shone through in a trying time such as this.</p><p>And my dad? He is another amazing story, of which I fail in ability to fully depict, but I do hope to share one day.</p><p>So "happy mother's day" cant quite depict the deep gratitude I have, neither can it fully express the great depth of how my mother has lived out the truth in proverbs 31. I thank God for my mother.</p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-83085277177441899282014-10-23T22:02:00.001+08:002014-10-23T22:02:28.497+08:00memories from bangkok (april 2014) <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8453 copy.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QIG8aRgVAvI/U8QCOlYXdOI/AAAAAAAADus/THyH-rl-uwI/DSCF8453%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8453 copy" width="500" height="751" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8459edit.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p_1-9eZ2cx8/U8QCT0_kaII/AAAAAAAADu0/VI83ufQx6Ao/DSCF8459edit.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8459edit" width="500" height="751" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8460edit.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7Ym5csLS_xE/U8QCbkbLLbI/AAAAAAAADu8/KHTS5mSFmiw/DSCF8460edit.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8460edit" width="500" height="751" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8483 copy.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TqiQbUDpkLY/U8QC7dV8hYI/AAAAAAAADvE/0Alelk-F7CU/DSCF8483%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8483 copy" width="500" height="751" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8531.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EGquzYh7sVc/U8QDHBporMI/AAAAAAAADvM/iQGX0hHAu0g/DSCF8531.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8531" width="500" height="751" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8541.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dMtj7OvsVD0/U8QDN69un1I/AAAAAAAADvU/cVdR05eHKFU/DSCF8541.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8541" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8568.JPG" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LuBZIBzNWis/U8QDYvC2WOI/AAAAAAAADvc/vCYMcBYycnE/DSCF8568.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8568" width="500" height="751" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8582 copy.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P2DhGi_NRbw/U8QDdNS7q4I/AAAAAAAADvk/V4VbV7Uf8oo/DSCF8582%252520copy.jpg?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8582 copy" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8595.JPG" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UVVnegxmkXM/U8QDub-ETdI/AAAAAAAADvs/a5iwGYOavA8/DSCF8595.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8595" width="500" height="751" border="0" /></p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF8612.JPG" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6AU-E_9Zz70/U8QD8YRRHGI/AAAAAAAADv0/JuwJvXEgD4Y/DSCF8612.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF8612" width="500" height="332" border="0" /></p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-88520732322656256432014-09-21T22:35:00.001+08:002014-09-21T22:35:39.607+08:00use for washi tape #2<p>washi tape has a definite place in our house. it is pretty much one of the things we can't do without :) We have used it in <a href="http://flowerinthewilderness.blogspot.sg/2010/09/xiong-di-cards.html">cards</a> (<a href="http://flowerinthewilderness.blogspot.sg/2013/03/christmas-2012-part-1.html">here too</a>) and <a href="http://flowerinthewilderness.blogspot.sg/2012/10/packaging.html">packaging</a>.. but recently, we have found joy in how it sticks marvellously on walls, and yet does not peel off any paint :) </p><p>here's another idea for washi tape, and also for occupying an over-active cant-stop-moving toddler if you have one. use washi tape and stick a thread to it, den stick the thread on a beam or ceiling. </p><p>it bought me 3 minutes of free time. maybe it will buy you more :) </p><p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSCF0511.JPG" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hGBlDuI6ivg/U_9N0uR-4II/AAAAAAAADx8/-DzxMVfdc_A/DSCF0511.JPG?imgmax=800" alt="DSCF0511" width="500" height="807" border="0" /></p><p>tip: if your child has a racquet, you can adjust it higher up and teach him to swat at it :) PP's brilliant idea. </p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401434845904810611.post-42949836463959119292014-09-21T22:34:00.001+08:002014-09-21T22:36:39.103+08:00bad days<p>ah, there are bad days too. when i wake up in the morning, feeling like i have been run over by a truck, many times. when i think the boy has been trained to sleep, but wakes every 20 minutes, crying and wailing for me. when i simply cannot summon anymore energy to do more than the bare minimum. when all i feel like doing, is sit on the couch and stone. when the boy throws his tantrums, every 5 minutes. when i just cannot attend to him as he cries and wails. and even when i can, im reluctant to do, for i feel sapped of my energy.</p><p>when i read/hear/think about other children, and start comparing... why is he being such a cranky grouch? when i read/hear/think of other mothers, and start comparing.. why am i such a lousy mother? and my heart is exhausted, resentful, depressed and ungrateful. on such days, i can only count down to the return of the husband, to perhaps bring a turnaround. but work beckons and he can only come back after the boy goes to bed. </p><p>where is my hope? where is my strength? who can lift me up in such a time?</p><p><em>L<span style="font: 11.0px Helvetica;">ORD</span>, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Psalm 34:9</em></p><p>this verse became very close to my heart, for it revealed to me how many things are out of my control, even when it pertains to myself. it only shows how weak i am, and how much i need God - to teach me how to conduct myself, how to lead and teach ezra as a mother and how to glorify Him in this calling. </p><p>so Lord, help us, but without you, we are truly nothing. </p>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01987911581877667934noreply@blogger.com2