Thursday, August 23, 2007

I DREAMED OF FATHER AGAIN

About one week after I wrote about dreaming of my father, i dreamed of him again.

This time.....I saw his face.

H, Jonathan and I were taking a taxi and while travelling along Tanah Merah, got a call from my sister Arina. Her family and Sal's were going home to America after their holiday here. Strangely though...the airport was at Thomson instead of Changi.

Arina told me we better make our way there fast cos father was going to be at the airport and he would only be there for half hour. When I looked at the time, we only had about 5 minutes left if we reached there.

Well....we did. After arriving at the airport, I saw my father. His face so beautiful and wrinkle-free. When I saw his face, I didn't see the others in the dream. Sort of like I concentrated on him for a while. We didn't speak. He smiled.

Then....I woke up.

I layed on the bed. I wanted to let it all soak in before I got up cos I didn't want to forget this dream. it was so clear. His face was so young, so worry-free.

I talked to mother today and she said there was a diary that she hardly read and when she opened it, dad's death anniversary date was there. Then she remembered the dream I told her and said to my brother that father is conveying message to us to visit him at the niche. He appeared in my dream cos he knows I will tell everyone...haha. My mother!!! So imaginative. hahaha. So that means I am the big mouth!! hahaha.

No....I think I'm the only one in my family who has the most dreams about my father. It's nice.

Whenever I remember, especially after having dreams about my father, I ask the Lord..."Dear Abba, please say HI to my father". I'm sure HE did.

I'm certain of that.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

FLU JAB

Some children when they get injections, they cry like nobody's business. Not Jonathan. Cool and calm and also want to look at what the doctor did. Got a band aid for the small puncture wound. Can't even see the needle hole but this boy didn't want the band aid removed. There was a little swelling but by the next day, it subsided. he said it hurt but when wheel of fortune comes, he forgets the pain.

The band aid on his left arm

MANY THINGS HAVE HAPPENED

Many things have happened since national day. For one thing, happy belated birthday Singapore. Just that the celebration on TV was bad. Don't know about the rest but it was not what I had expected. When people don't have tickets for the live show, we don't want to see faces on the screen. We want to see action. We missed out what others see live on the field. We don't want the camera to keep showing the faces of the public and how they react. Sometimes I wonder if the TV crew had any practice at all during the rehearsals.

There! Now I feel better.

on 10 August we decided to bring Jon for a flu jab since he's been falling sick recently. After the jab, it was major retching. He had after effects from afternoon onwards. But thank God towards evening, he was better. Dr said the jab has H1N something, which is the closest you have to N15 (bird flu?). haha. But at least it will help immunise Jon's body.

Then, while we were shopping at the supermarket, he accidently gave one strong kick involuntarily and the lady who was squatting near him got a big jolt! haha. the next thing, she turned around and said "WAH PEH OI!" It's teochew which means "O MY FATHER". In English, people will say "O MY GOD!" Needless to say, we apologised profusely and told Jon cannot do that...which of course doesn't make any difference because it's his involuntary movements. I left the supermaket laughing....hahaha. But i felt sorry for the lady who received the kick. I've been on the receiving end many times and I know how much that hurts.....

Thursday, August 02, 2007

ARTICLE FROM MAX LUCADO

I can't help myself but I have to share this article written by Max Lucado. Brings me back to reality.

A Lesson in Humility by Max Lucado

Jesus … made Himself of no reputation … He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.Philippians 2:5, 7–8

Deflating inflated egos is so important to God that he offers to help.

He helped me. I recently spent a week on a book tour. We saw long lines and crowded stores. One person after another complimented me. For three days I bathed in the river of praise. I began to believe the accolades. All these people can’t be wrong. I must be God’s gift to readers. My chest puffed so much I could hardly see where to autograph the books. Why, had I been born two thousand years earlier, we might read the gospels of Matthew, Max, Luke, and John. About the time I wondered if the Bible needed another epistle, God shot an arrow of humility in my direction.

We were running late for an evening book signing, late because the afternoon signing had seen such long lines. We expected the same at the next store. Concerned, we phoned ahead. “We are running behind. Tell all the people we’ll arrive soon.”

“No need to hurry,” the store manager assured.

“What about the people?”

“Neither one seems to be in a hurry.”

Neither one?

By the time we reached the store, thankfully, the crowd of two people had tripled to six. We had scheduled two hours for the signing; I needed ten minutes.

Self-conscious about sitting alone at the table, I peppered the last person with questions. We talked about her parents, school, Social Security number, favorite birthday party. Against my pleadings, she had to go. So I sat alone at the table. Big stack of Lucado books, no one in line.

I asked the store manager, “Did you advertise?”

“We did. More than usual.” She walked off.

The next time she passed I asked, “Had other signings?”

“Yes, usually we have a great response,” and kept going.

I signed all the books at my table. I signed all the Lucado books on the shelves. I signed Tom Clancy and John Grisham books. Finally a customer came to the table. “You write books?” he asked, picking up the new one.

“I do. Want me to sign it?”

“No thanks,” he answered and left.

God hit his target. Lest I forget, my daily reading the next morning had this passage: “Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Prov. 3:7).

When you’re full of yourself, God can’t fill you.

But when you empty yourself, God has a useful vessel.

From Cure for the Common Life
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2006) Max Lucado

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

GIVING THANKS

I've learned to give thanks to Him for all circumstances. Yesterday I had a revelation about something and quickly prayed over it. It was good to be close to Abba.

He has told me to wait for His reply, He has told me to be patient, He has told me he will never leave me nor forsake me.

Amen for His reassurance.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

MY FATHER

Last night I had a dream. Brought me back to #33 Chempaka Puteh (my childhood home). I arrived at #33 greeted by many people at the compound.

You see....my father bought 2 semi-detached houses (for himself and his brother) so we had a big garden compound.

When I got back (from don't know where), there was a large crowd having barbeque and feasting away. There were kids running around. I didn't see my sibblings or cousin....funny...

Just outside the compound, on the large fence surrounding it, hung a big screen tv that was showing the stock market results. Odd that it was there. Alot of ah cheks were looking at it and commenting. I know father used to check the teletext and look at the share prices...but this? Big screen tv?...haha.

Well...I went in, saw my father. He was wearing his usual long sleeve 3-Rifle or CCC shirt. His favourites. he handed me a plate of food, with a thick piece of ham on the plate and wanted to introduce me to a man. He told the man that I was the singer in the new tv show that was showing on TV, and that I was the one who sang the theme song. I looked at the man and confirmed it....can't remember which show it was though..haha. I think it was a story about a mother and daughter...I think so...

I don't remember seeing the man before, not real time. But seems father knew him. After that, i woke up from my sleep.

Oddly enough, I didn't see father's face in the dream. This is probably the 3rd time I have dreamed of him. All of them, I only got to see his body with the long sleeve shirt. I don't need to see his face. His presence is more than enough. Father always had this presence that I don't need to see and still know that he's there. He's a quiet and strong man, always providing for us.

Father has always been proud of my singing. He's always giving me tips. From young, he loved to play the guzheng, the erhu and very good with percussions. When he's driving and had to turn on the signals to turn right or left, he will tap his fingers on the steering wheels and go along with the tick-tock sound. I think most cars don't have that now. But he was very good at it. His rhythm is fantastic. I suppose that's where we got the musical genes from. Mum can't sing...she sings off key...haha. I still remember when I was young, my favourite chinese singer was Ling Seow...hahaha. What a joke! My sisters and I used to use the skipping rope head as microphones!!

Father also enjoyed playing mahjong occasionally with his kakis. Whenever he wins, he will buy hor fun supper for us. He's funny and very jovial. I hardly see him get angry. Maybe not me. Mum used to say that he dotes on me...haha.

Father is in glory for almost or more than 3 years already....I forgot. But I will never forget him. One day I must upload his and mum's photo. They are the handsomest couple I have ever seen.

I miss him...


Tuesday, July 24, 2007

KELVIN AND KAH WHYE



I always enjoy watching Jonathan's classmates helping him do his worksheets. They are very ready to lend a helping hand. I had the video camera filming video clips for national day and managed to capture Kelvin and Kah Whye helping Jonathan with his math work. I blocked out their faces not sure if I should show them so closeup.

Watch towards the end of the clip how Jonathan sticks out his leg without his shoes. Every time he's in school, once he reaches his classroom, the first thing he does is kick off his shoes. Don't know why. One of the reasons is that he feels hot...hahaha. It's like his second home.