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the char .

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come
2 Cor 4:17 The Bible

Charmaine is my baptism name
to remind myself that my life has to be fruitful

Charmaine : [french] Bountiful Orchard

" But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Gal 5:22-23

whispery .




past .

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January 2010
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pals .

jaclyn
kit
tham family
joshua
xianjie
leftfoot
dandzation fantasia
shirley
junyi
bb9thcoy
kimberly
the hill family
Lodger


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Monday, August 18, 2008
amazing thailand day 1

What an appropriate name for their tourism campaign! It was really amazing! Hahaha..the shopping i mean. I'm actaully thinking of blogging over the weekend but scare that i'll forget the funny details by then. I'll blog it day by day ya...So here it goes for day 1

Day 1.

We reached the hotel at about 11am but was unable to check in till 2pm. So what can we do? Shop lor. Hehe..we planned to go platinum mall (wholesale centre) but we dont really know where it's located. It's a new mall hence not printed on the maps that we took from the airport!! (actually quite disappointed with the bkk tourist material. Cambodia has got much more informative ones) So we thought maybe we will just walk around the hotel and see what we can find. Guess what! Platinum mall is 2 buliding across the road! Whaahaha..super near.

So people...stay in Centerpoint Service Apartment, Petcheburi, in your next visit. Very convenient and the room is huge! We have 2 queen size beds in the room! Not very cheap tho..98SGD/night. Haha..so funny, dor and jac was like saying " we MUST stay here the next time"

Guess what? Once you start shopping in Platinum Mall, you cannot stop! It's so huge, there's so many things and it's dirt cheap! It's like 1/6 to 1/3 of the price. A dress that can easily cost $39.90 in SG is selling at 250baht ( about 10SGD) , A necklace that will cost $29.90 in SG is selling at 150baht (about 5SGD)

How to resist?

We also went to a quint thai restaurant at soi 17. It's a galley restaurant with lots of protraits and rather antique looking household items displayed in the restaurant. There's also 2 bedroom on the upp floor...nice furniture but a bit guai guai. Hahaha..

We walked around the street night market a bit then dor went crazy shopping in Naraya! Slept early coz we have sightseeing tour the next day


char pondered@9:09 PM

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
BCG

BCG stands for Beta Contact Group. It's an initiative after the BB Boys attended ALPHA. As they were unable to blend in right away with the youth in church, we decided to have a holding place for them to keep them in the church's fellowship. This group was started in 2006 Jul.

How time flies, it's alrd 2 years into the journey with these Boys. We are now planning for a merger of BCG and the YE ( youth explorer, the youth group in church). Overdued actually.

Met up with KF today to discuss this matter. She is heading the youth ministry in church. We talked about many things and I'm really glad that things are finally moving. She has a vision for the YM and BCG is part of it. She shared with me many thoughts and some plans that's coming up. Father, I prayed, You will lead this merger and let the youth ministry glories your Holy name!


char pondered@4:27 PM

Gifting?

I came to realise something about myself. People tends to share with me about their lifes pretty early into the friendship.

As in...they share really personally things with me even when we are not even like close friends. Like things that's happening at home, relationships problems and the list goes on...What kind of gifting is this? Hahaha...

Honestly, I think this is a privilege to be able to touch people's lifes in such a manner. Lord may you grant me words of wisdom, encourgement and love when my friends share their life stories with me. Make me a channel of your peace =)


char pondered@4:19 PM

Going to Bangkok!

Here's my itinerary for my bangkok trip! Keep us in prayer =)

I'm going with Jaclyn, Doreen and Joey. Joey is Doreen's ex colleague, we met in our last KL trip. We have the same chinese name! Hahaha...She is a very capable lady, always putting in 200% in everything she does. Admirable.

Thailand, Bangkok 14 Aug to 17 Aug

Day 1 - 14 Aug, Thurs

5:00am: Meet at T1
7:10am: Depart from SG 3K511 Jetstar
8:35am Arrival at BKK.
10:00am Check in to Hotel, Centrepoint + contact Joey
Shopping at Platinum Mall and Pratunam (these are wholesale centres)
Dinner around hotel area
Chill Out at Royal City Ave

Day 2 - 15 Aug, Fri

Wake up time depend on local tour.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Grand Palace
7:00pm: Spa at Health Land Spa
9:30pm: Bed Supper Club

Day 3 - 16 Aug, Sat

9:00am: Breakfast
10:00am: Take Tuk Tuk to Chatuchak (Jac insist she MUST take Tuk Tuk)
6:00pm: Dinner at Cabbages and Condoms
8:00pm Watch Muay Thai

Day 4 - 17 Aug, Sun

9:30am: Breakfast
10:30am: Check out from Hotel
11:00am: Shopping MBK area/ Siam Centre
5:30pm: Leave for airport
7:00pm Reach Airport
8:50pm Depart from BKK 3K514 Jetstar
12:05am Arrive at SG


char pondered@4:14 PM

Tuesday, August 12, 2008
relationships

Been prompted lately that I need to work out relationships at home. If I cant acomplish this task, God wont see the need to reveal more things to me right?

Pray along with me.


char pondered@12:17 AM

Monday, August 11, 2008
What is your passion?

Reading a book now. If I didnt remember wrongly, Zhiwei bought me the book. I think he is trying to tell me that I'm beautiful. Hahahaha..

Title: Uncommon Beauty - 7 qualities of a beautiful woman
Auhor: Cynthia Heald

This book, as discribed in the title, talks about the 7 qualities that this author thinks make a woman beautiful rather than just focusing on the world's defination of physical beauty. I wont say that it's a christian book coz there isnt many biblical principals involved. It's more motivational than spiritual.

Anyhow, the first chapter talks about Passion and i like one of the quote used

" Passion is doing ordinary well and unfailingly "

The author went on to give example of women who are passionate about their lives, beliefs and people. She relates having a passion in life is knowing the purpose of our existance and to live life not to merely exist on earth. She also prompted a few questions like:

1. What are you excited about?
2. Why do you wake up every morning?
3. What have you always wanted to do?

Facing these questions, I dunnoe what to say. There are a few things that i'm excited about.

1. God
2. Friends
3. Food
4. Travelling
5. Mission

But then, looking at this list. tho these things excite me, it doesnt seem that i'm passionate about it. Like...i dun really know each of these that well.

I can see in some people that they are really passionate about things. Like william, his eyes brightens up when he sees the guitar. Mel enjoys every moment of her singing and dancing. Shirley is good in her photography and desigin. Junhao enjoys meeting up with his friends.

Does not having a passion equate to not living life to the fullest? Will it lead to not achiving anything at the end of the day? How then can I be more passionate about life?

I like the question asking what I always wanted to do. I want to travel around the world and then as the Lord leads, open a backpacker's inn to serve the community by providing training and job oppty to the local. It should also serve very yummy food and be a place where people can hang out with their friends. I also have the desire to work among the less fortunate girls.

Hey! This plan kinda involved all the things that excite me! Hmmmmmm.......interesting....God may these desires bless Your name.

Cannot just stop here, i think...i need to work out a plan that will make sure things happen!


char pondered@11:36 PM

lovely sunday

Went for brunch with mel and junhao this morning. Hahaha..it's mel's first salary treat. Wee...it's a charming restaurant at riverside point call winegarage. The food is yummy but pricy. Mel showed me her wedding pictures. It's sooooooo lovely! the photographer is really good lah. Oh...daniel looks hilarious in some of the pix..ahahahaha....

i cant rem the name of the this pub that I went just now. bloogie or boogie? Anyway it's at railmall and it's quite a lovely place to chill out. It's near to our place and cheap too! There house wine is only $40! Not very yummy lahz...but for me it's fine. Not like i really know how to appreciate it anyway..hahaha

Joshua, serene, her new bf jeff, zhiwei and myself met there after dinner with our family.

Jeff is pretty shy. He didnt talk much. On and off he joins in the conservation. Zhiwei left early. So it was mainly joshua, serene and myself chatting and most of the time attention was on joshua. Hahaha...

Joshua says...he intentionally pretends to be himbo to make us laugh...hmmm..should i believe him??? whahahahahaha


char pondered@1:03 AM

Saturday, August 9, 2008
1 week break!

I don't have to work for the whole of next week! Shiok to the max! And...i'm going to BKK from thurs - sun =) lalalalala....it's going to be a happy week

I kinda planned out my programme for the week

monday
- Jogging/Skipping
- Pack luggage
- Prepare mission prayer meeting presentation
- Plan for BCG
- Dinner with frenz
- Watch DVD

Tues
- Plan for BKK trip with jac and dor
- badminton
- Watch DVD

Wed
- Meet KF
- Swimming
- Watch DVD

Thurs - Sun
- Bangkok

Wonder if i could keep to my exercise regime...am also thinking of doing a detox of eating only veg and fruits from mon - wed...see how it goes..haha


char pondered@11:31 PM

Happy National Day!

Happy 43rd Birthday Singapore! Hahaha..it's public holiday today! Meaning? We have off in lieu =)

Went to take my bridesmaid dress measurement at far east plaza. I'm one of the bridesmaid for mel's wedding. There are 2 other friend of mel who will be the bridesmaid as well. So one of them is an ex-model and the other one is skinny. I've this scene flashing through my mind when mel told me that the dresses will be tailored. There will be 3 of the exact same dress, 2 small and 1 large. Hahahaha...i'll jiayou to make it at least a Medium!!!!

Then went to RC's house to watch NDP. Wha..this year a lot of mistakes wor...but well..nothing is perfect right? We had zi cha and durian for dinner. The durian hor... dunnoe consider kena cheated a not. it's D24 3 for $10. The flesh is thick and tasty but there's only like 2-3 seed in each durian. After dinner while chatting with Jo, she asked about my love life and if i'm nervous about not getting attached. So...i told her i'm ok without a boyfriend (i'm very occupied most of the time) but rather seeing my friends getting married and moving on to the next stage in life makes me wanna participate in such a change in life too.

Something to share about our dear little boy Thaddeaue Tham, he is super cute. I'm hitching a ride from the family and as i walked to the lift with them. This boy said to me " eh you...follow me..you no car to go home" whahaha...it so funny!! He is indeed the joy of our lifes man.

Mel is buying me brunch tmr..heh! Hope it's nice!!!


char pondered@10:56 PM

Sunday, August 3, 2008
Destiny

What man has made wrong, God can make right. I did something wrong but God totally turned the experience for His glory.

This weekend is by far the closest encounter I had with God for this year. Sorted out lots of thoughts and received lots of revelation from Him. Thank you for always being with me.

Pastor Jo shared from Joshua 1 today. The verses that i hang on to very dearly when i went to Cambodia last year. Its so amazing how the verse is applicable in every season of our lives.

In summary, there were 2 take home today.

1. Destiny had been planned by God and all we need to do is to claim it. We need to pray and trust that God will reveal His perfect plan for us in His perfect time. Though we may feel agitated or discouraged during while waiting for Him to show us His plan. We must thave faith that He who gave the destiny will also walk through the journey with us for He has promise to never forsake us and be with us wherever we go.

2. We think that we are not hearing from God at times. Could this be that He has alrd spoke eariler but we did not respond. Hence, there isnt a need for God to give us more visions or goals to add on to our burden.

This is also by far the most powerful sermon I've heard from pastor jo thus far. =) I msg him just now to tell him that i'm encourgaed. Heeeeee.........................

The sermon spoke right through my heart. I was just telling mel on sat that I'm struggling to know the destiny God has planned for me. I know i want to be tentmaker but there's so many route to be a tentmaker and i'm getting discouraged and agitated while waiting. Mel asked me to have faith and trust God. This is exactly what Pastor Jo shared!!!

So many distorted pieces of thoughts i've in my mind for the entire time is fixed during this weekend. It's a great weekend.

How can I ever praise You enough?


char pondered@10:16 PM

ECP

Heh...went rollerblading on sat morning with shi, cat, serene, john and josh. It was really fun! Hahaha...think i wanna go again next week =)

I was kinda hestitant in the beginning coz i cant blade that well. I could ice skate a bit but blading was never my strength.

Today went well. Shi fell a couple of times and had dizzy spell!! She is not the weak kind lehz..i suspects she didnt eat yday tho she had breakfast with us this morning...but it's only one slice of hotcake! where got enough!!! Not like me...one mcgriddles meal. heeeeeee............serene fell on her butt too...josh and cat also fell. poor thing. I not as adventurous as them so didnt fall.

let's see if i can wake up next sat for this balding thingy k...hahaha


char pondered@12:51 AM

Festival of Praise 2008

I can't believe i went for 2 consecutive nights. Haha..but it was time worth spending to be soaked in the presence of God with fellow believers from various churches. This year 2 groups came to bless us with their worship songs. Parachute Band and Rueben Morgan with his team. Personally I prefer Rueben coz he is leading worship. While I find Parachute band performing more than leading worship. Also,the band plays rock music. Old people like me dun take rock music very well. So Rueben is good for me =) There's this other lady that came with Rueben and she has such unique and powerful voice. Mel and I felt in love with her voice. I hope i got her name correctly - Jill Mccloghry. Lovely voice. The drummer in Rueben's team is awesome too!

The speaker is Mark Conner from Melbourne. When they first introduced the speaker I was afraid I couldnt understand him. I'm really bad at australian ascent. Haha..he spoke with an amercian ascent instead. So it was easy. He is super duper funny! Love his jokes. However sometimes he lapsed into motivational talks. Cant catch his biblical principals. Maybe I'm too slow to catch it? I dunnoe.

Looking at how massive this entire event is...i wonder how much money was spent...hmmmm

Looking at the hands that were lifted during worship...i thought it would be a total mockary to God if lives were not been transformed...in fact not only during this event but back in our church as well.

Was really touched by this song. Heard it on Cds, sang it in church but singing it today gives a different perspective.

From The Inside Out
by Hillsong United

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Chorus 2x

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out

Singing it in this season of my life...indeed my hear cries out that He alone is sufficient and His glories extends to the ends of this earth.

Love you God.


char pondered@12:18 AM