Monte and I were in courtship between 1998 to 1999 and on 20 March 99, we were united in holy matrimony.
One of the activities we enjoyed during courtship was bicycling.Monte bought me an elastic band (as shown in this post) to prevent my jeans from being dirtied by the bicycle oil.This elastic band of love is significant because it shows the care, concern and love in a tangible way.Oftentimes it is the little things we do for our loved ones that leave a lasting impression.I continue to cherish this relationship that the good Lord has blessed us with.Each day, we allow the hand of God to lead us on in this amazing journey of love.
While Monte and I were off at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary between 2001 and 2001, the Lord opened doors for us to minister in unexpected places.
One Sunday morning, we visited the church near the seminary.After the time of Praise and Worship, announcement was made and a lady approached me to minister in song.Bear in mind that we have never been there and no one knew us.I accepted the invitation.
God often works in mysterious ways.He springs surprises on us when we least expected it.Serving the Lord is not cumbersome.It is fun filled, enjoyable and challenging.It is an honour to serve the King of this universe.
This afternoon, I was conducting a vocal and singing techniques training workshop at St John’s St Margaret’s Church.At the end of the training, what echoed in my heart was the reality that I could never have done it apart from the Lord’s grace, strength and enablement.I was greatly encouraged by every participant who came.I continue to thank the Lord for the wonderful opportunity to do what is close to my heart.Thank You so much, Lord.
Spring, summer, autumn and winter.The season of abundance, season of lack, season of vibrancy, season of dryness, season of expectancy, season of idleness, season of unspeakable joy and season of sadness.The Lord walks us through each and every season.A God of faithfulness, true and just in all His ways.As He unfolds His plans and teach us the many lessons from each season, our love for Him deepens as He pours His mercy and grace into our lives.Someone once said that tough times do not diminish the presence of God.The same hand of God that shape and mould us will also cover and protect us in the toughest terrain.
Last Thursday night, Monte brought me to Fiesta Brazilia at United Square for my birthday celebration. The food was superp. Rounds and rounds of passadors wielding rotisserie-grilled meats; beef, lamb, sausages, pork, chicken and fish. We were so stuffed up that evening. What a scrumptious dinner!
Monte makes special effort to source out places we can go to for my birthday, our anniversary and valentine's day. I appreciate his love and thoughtfulness.
“Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages, below the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm, it simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
When the storms of life come upon us and all of us will experience them, we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God.
The storms do not have to overcome us, we can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment into our lives. We can soar above the storm.
Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.”
Monte and I spent about ten months between 2000 to 2001 at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS). It was such a beautiful place. I have very fond memories of our time there. The Lord opened the door for us to be there. Those were very precious times where we experience the hand of God as fairly new married couple.
“Asia Pacific Theological Seminary is located approximately 250 km (150 miles) north of Manila just outside BaguioCity , the chief vacation city and "Summer Capital of the Philippines." The campus is situated high on the Cordillera mountain range offering unsurpassed scenic beauty.
Although the campus is located at an altitude of 1630 meters (5,300 feet) above sea level, it is just minutes away from schools, churches, and transportation facilities. BaguioCity, with a population of 350,000 is served by a daily flight and regular bus service from Manila. Baguio is known for its many colleges and universities, fine restaurants, shopping malls, recreation facilities and unique local handicrafts. With its low crime rate, the area provides a comfortable and secure setting for international students.
The APTS campus is well known for its garden-like environment. Flowers abound throughout the campus and the grounds are well maintained.”
This life that our maker gives is precious. The great irony is that for many, they do all they can to prolong it. Some people may be physically ill but their determination to fight the disease is so strong they will lay their hands on the best medical help and medication in the quest to keep living. On the other end of the spectrum, there is another group of people who do not want to live and some of have taken drastic steps like committing suicide to end their lives. For the will to live is no longer there.
The Bible tells us that God has given us life and as children of the living God, we have full liberty to live life to the fullest. We look forward to each day because we long to see the hand of God in everyday living. We live to celebrate life; we live to celebrate the Lord. God strengthens and empowers us in His love. Just as God pursues us with His love, we respond by abandoning our complete being into the hand of our great and loving God.
“The psychological benefits of owning a canine are well known. A carefully trained animal companion can offer fellowship, unconditional love, and often a friendship as intimate as any human bond. Dogs can also become an integral part of the family. Indeed, most adults, when asked to recall their earliest memories, will usually mention an encounter with their dog.
Canines also assist us during crises by helping to bear our emotional and psychological baggage. This function has important physiological benefits as well. Studies show that owning a dog—or even being near one—lowers human blood pressure and decreases stress levels. Over the long term this can prevent heart disease and lower health care costs, because dog owners make fewer doctor visits. A good-natured dog can also help fight depression and loneliness—one of the reasons they are used extensively to visit nursing homes and hospitals. Considering the benefits, the relatively nominal cost of keeping a dog seems like a wise investment."
I saw this award winning video clip on Dementia on the blog of Blogpastor . http://www.blogpastor.net
It is a heart wrenching clip. The Lord watches over all of us, even when we grow old in the coming decades, we continue to rely and lean on the arms of Jesus.And for those of us with aging parents who are showing signs of memory loss, we continue to entrust them into the hands of our loving God. We continue to love and honour them.
The Straits Times featured an article on children who abuse their elderly parents on 22 Oct 2009. I quote:“ALMOST every evening, an elderly man would complain to the police that his family had locked him out of his house.
A case of abuse or a family at its wits' end?
It transpired that the man's family did so as he had the habit of roaming the streets aimlessly and, while in the house, switching the stove on and off. Afraid that he would set the house on fire, his family members locked him out when they went to work and let him back in when they returned home.
The police referred the man to a centre that helps victims of family violence, and a social worker there advised his family to get him medical help.
As the social worker predicted, the reason for the habits that stumped the man's family was that he had moderate dementia. Knowing this, the family supervised the man more closely, but as his condition deteriorated and they could not cope, they sent him to a nursing home.
Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, highlighted this real example on Wednesday in a symposium on family violence, as he dwelt on the principles that should guide agencies tackling the 'scourge' of elderly abuse.”
I do not think we should be quick to throw stones at the abusers.They may be challenged by the stress in life, some having the need to raise their children and look after the needs of their elderly parents.What can be helpful is for us to understand that one day we will all grow old and some of us may be struck with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.We will then be at the receiving end of such cruel treatment.
We allow God to help us to love our elderly parents who may display some behaviour that they could not help.With love, patience and perseverance, the Lord’s love will flow through us to touch our elderly people.
Recently while in conversion with another person, I learned that the son of the dear lady is showing signs of wanting to come back to the Lord. Love will find away. God loves us too much to leave us alone. His heart yearns for His children and He wants to give us the best. The tender heart of God reaches out to all who call upon Him.
Yesterday Monte and I took time out to pray at the beautiful MacRitchie forest trail.We have always enjoyed prayer walking.Times of prayer are precious moments that we pull ourselves away from the hustle and bustle of life to commune with our maker.We serve a great and mighty God. He is not bound by space and time.We are limited and He is limitless, strong, powerful and awesome.When we pray, the Lord blesses us because He spares us from needless pain.When we come to the foot of the cross, our burdens and needs fall off from our tired bodies.The Lord strengthens us from within.We have a friend in Jesus, a friend who is closer than a brother.He shoulders our every pain, fear, despair, disappointment, sadness, frustration and disillusionment.He does not stop there.He fills us with hope, courage, strength, resilience, grace and unending mercies from on high.
The beauty and glory of the risen King is beyond comparison. As we draw closer to the Lord, His loveliness melts away our bitterness and ugliness. His tenderness and graciousness shows us His unending love and mercy. He rules and reigns in all that call upon His great name. He reigns supreme, a God so mighty and yet so meek. We will praise and worship our awesome God for all eternity. I invite you to tune in to the song He is Lovely at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_usu1HYIZ8c&feature=PlayList&p=DC87DC54B6DBB4B5&index=24&playnext=2&playnext_from=P
Life is not a bed of roses but the good news is that God in His mercy leads us on to savour all that life entails. The good and bad times, the highs and the lows, the beautiful and the ugly, the exhilarating and the deadness. A vibrant life awaits all who are willing to embark on this amazing life God has for each of us. The Bible is narrative; full of stories. God is continuing to write the story of our life. He alone knows our future and as we abandon ourselves completely to His loving care, we are constantly enveloped by His amazing love. Even the toughest times of our life, the Lord comes through for us. At times our life may seem like it is spiralling out of control but God is always with us. He leads us to Himself, the rock of our salvation. He leads us to the Rock that is higher than I. Please join me in this powerful song Lead Me to the Rock and proclaim Christ as the solid Rock at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wvXo9dwkPw
Lord, we are mere mortal beings that are unworthy and undeserving of all that you have freely given to us, yet You choose to pour Your precious spirit into our lives. The treasure in us that money cannot buy, so precious and priceless. It blows our minds that You have made us Your habitation, knowing that we are vulnerable to fall or fail along the way. Yet You believed in us and think the best of us.
About a week ago, I brought my mother to NationalUniversityHospital for an appointment with the eye specialist due to her upcoming cataract surgery. While in consultation with a male doctor, twice he patted my mother on her shoulders along with a smile.He brought much reassurance to my mother that day.This doctor sees many patients on a typical day, what touches me was the effort he took to bring comfort and reassurance to patients that he comes in touch with.With his little gesture, I can tell that this doctor cares.
Last Wednesday, the bus I was travelling on passed by the KakiBukitPrisonSchool.It is heartening to see the school because it holds hope and restoration for many young offenders who fell at some point in their lives.For some, they may not even be keen to pursue any study because they feel that their life is doomed for sure failure.Bleakness and hopelessness clouded their lives.They do not see any hope let alone the idea of preparing for their future.Yet for some of them, they refuse to give up and hope against all hope.They want to change radically because they knew that they have brought pain not just to themselves but their loved ones.The society needs to make room for them to take another shot in life again.With our support, we can help reintegrate these young people back into society.They deserve a second chance in life.We can show them the light at the end of the tunnel.
I chanced upon an amazing story of the life of Jonathan Tang.His story goes:
“When I was 15, I was expelled from secondary school due to misconduct. My parents decided to send me to Australia to study in a boarding school, which turned out to be a bad move. I got into lots of fights there and was a school terror. When I came back to Singapore for the hols, I ran away from home the day before I was supposed to return to Australia. I bunked at a friend’s place for one month and tried drugs for the first time.
“My friend and I peddled drugs to earn extra cash but we ended up consuming more than we sold. It was so bad that I was snorting drugs more than I was drinking water. One time, I got into a fight and was arrested by the police. They checked my urine which tested positive for drugs and I was sent to the Reformative Training Centre (RTC).
“For the first three months, I had to undergo a reformation programme. The wardens meted out intense physical and mental torture. It was the first time I ever felt fear. Prior to that, I rebelled against all forms of authority — my parents, school and even the police.
“I was given an opportunity to go to KakiBukitPrisonSchool but got kicked out soon after for getting into fights. Because of that, I became a condemned inmate and was placed in solitary confinement for nine months. Being locked up 24 hours a day was really hard. I became fearless. Seeing that they were losing me, the wardens adopted drastic measures which involved physical torture. Finally, I broke down.
“Interesting enough, during my isolation, they didn’t give me anything to read except a Bible so I prayed to God and asked Him to save me. I was about to explode. I’d kept a chicken bone and was prepared to fight off the wardens. But when I prayed, suddenly, this peace just overwhelmed me. I threw away the bone and endured the physical torture. When the wardens saw how I humbled myself, obeyed their orders, stayed away from fights and shared my stuff, they set me free from my isolation cell.
“When I was eventually released from RTC after two years, people said that I’ll return within one month ‘cos a leopard never changes its spots. RTC has a very bad record. It’s nicknamed Road to Changi ‘cos nine out of 10 will go back to prison again. It was a big challenge for me to turn over a new leaf. But I started going to church and got enrolled in City Harvest Education Centre (CHEC).
“At first, I was very quiet and anti-social. I was feeling lonely ‘cos I had to cut off contact with all my friends who were still serving time. But one particular teacher who was my mentor actually stepped past the thin red line into a danger zone that was my personal life. She was the first personal friend I had in three years. She’d call me and just be my friend outside school hours. That was how I opened up and started becoming friendly. I even started joking around. In CHEC, I found a whole new place to fall back on. I had something to look forward to for once.
“Once during school camp, I somehow went mad and started getting very angry and violent. But the teachers were so patient. They acceded to my requests, which calmed me down. I was very touched and after that, I became really committed to change my temper.
“I actually got the date for my Principle Of Accounts paper mixed up so I missed the exam last year. I’llbe taking it this year while I serve my National Service. The school’s very supportive, they offered to give me extra classes. I told my principal that it was too troublesome for them but he said, “No, we must see you to the end.” I was so touched.
“My biggest dream in life has nothing to do with monetary gains. I just want to give back what I have received in my life. I’ve a deep passion to help people like myself — boys in RTC and those whom people have given up hope on. If I can change, I believe others can too.””
God infuses His love into our hearts and that is why we are able to love our spouse over and over again.This love that originates from the throne room of heaven saturates our lives powerfully. God is love and He has the power to bind two hearts together.Once we lose focus of His hand on us, we are in deep trouble.The Lord is not just able to hold a couple together but He leads us to love each other more than the day before.He empowers us to journey on as one by His abundant grace and unending mercies.
On the evening of 6 September, Monte and I were so glad to catch the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) at the Botanic gardens.They played to a large crowd.People were mostly mingling with family and friends.The atmosphere was relaxing and pleasant. When the concert drew an end, the crowd stayed on and the SSO had to indulge us with an encore. It was an awesome performance.
For dinner, we had pita bread with barbecue chicken and stewed tomatoes. And we topped it up with a chocolate bar each.The simple things in life can be enriching and beautiful.
A listener called in to a mandarin radio station one day while a counselling programme was airing.Her husband travelled overseas for work regularly and she shared that she felt so relaxed when he was away.She felt guilty about it.The counsellor then attempted to share some thoughts on her problem.
Usually when a couple is in the midst of a bitter quarrel or fight, they detest each other’s presence.When the situation blows out of proportion, hatred, anger and resentment build up.
In a Christian marriage, God is in the centre of the marriage, the couple draws closer as the days go by.The Lord is a master marriage builder and He binds us as one in Him. Husband and wife may still have disagreements or unpleasant situations cropping up from time to time but we must never allow the wounds to fester. We open themselves to the Lord’s intervention and guidance.We grow to love and forebear each other.We learn to make room for each other because we are not perfect.And for that reason, we err and sometimes make blunders that we regret afterwards.God in His mercy has given us His word to guide us in His path.When we walk in His light, we then become a beacon of light shining ever so brightly and bearing His eternal glory.
Jesus reached out to the outcast and despised people when He walked on this earth.Some of the people that He ministered to did not have a good standing in the society then. A case in point was when He ministered to a tax collector. He did not shun the lepers and the prostitutes because He cared for them. He was not preoccupied in keeping His reputation; His incredible love compelled Him to reach out to these needy people naturally.He ignored the wagging tongues of the Pharisees; He was not afraid to stand up for the marginalized.
The purity of His great love compels us to follow after His footsteps.When we walk in His love, our eyes will not be coloured by what we perceive as acceptable.We will not be afraid to relate to people who are chucked away by society.
One time, the Lord led Monte and I to minister to an aids sufferer who had very time to live.He had since passed on.We knew that the opportunity that fell into our lap was not coincidental and when we responded to Him, He led us to a deeper depth of His love.
By being non inclusive and open to minister to people from every strata of society of every colour and code, we begin to display what the true essence of agape love.The incredible love that our minds can never fully comprehend can only be experienced by people who love the Lord wholeheartedly; a people who love because He first loved us.
Monte and I made several trips to Tioman.We never get tired of that wonderful island.The crystal clear water, the multicoloured fishes and exotic sea creatures are just some of the highlights of the beautiful island.In one of our trips there, we happened to stay very close to the beach.It was absolutely amazing when we were lured to sleep by the sound of the beautiful waves.
We have discovered that having intermittent breaks and holidays is beneficial.Last month, we made a trip to Penang with my mother.We are scheduled for a short break in Batam end of this year.Our holidays are times of rest and also time to get away from the hustle and bustle of life to do some reflection and evaluation of things that have transpired in our life.We come away refreshed, strengthened and rejuvenated.As the Chinese saying goes "Xiu Xi Shi Yao Zou Geng Chang De Lu", which means that we need to rest so that we can cover the long road ahead of us.
God is good.We were blessed with trips that fell into our laps on different occasions.They are mostly blessings from our families.He has blessed us above and beyond what our minds and hearts could ever imagine and for that our hearts well up in thanksgiving for His goodness.
From January to September 2007, I had the privilege to conduct speech and drama trainingin a reputable girl’s school in Bukit Timah area.All in all, I taught seven different classes on two separate days for an hour session per week.The girls were then seven or eight years old. They were adorable and fun to be with.When I read through some of the little notes they penned down for me, I am overwhelmed and encouraged by the goodness of the Lord shown through those loving and innocent children.
One of the key issues that plague churches today is infighting, be it among members or members with leaders.It grieves the God’s heart to see disunity in His house.His promise to bless still remains but we fall short simply because we have not done our best to build unity in the body of Christ.
When there is endless fighting going on in a church, oftentimes the pastor is constantly on the fire fighting mode.He cannot fully focus to shepherd the flock, to feed the sheep and to pour his heart out to pastoral concerns because his heart is weighed down.He soon gets disillusioned and what hurts most is that sometimes the very people he poured his life into turn around to hurt him.
On the contrary, we want to love and serve our pastor, giving him full support and assistance.We believe in him and honour the call of God upon his life for the Lord has placed him in the particular church at this time and season to fulfill the purposes for God.We release him to do what God has put in his heart to lead the church.
As we pray for our churches today, we want to ask God to make us instruments of peace and love, working with one heart to see the kingdom of God established.God begins to pour His wonderful and bountiful blessings upon us.
Some years ago, while shuttling from a primary school to another for training with my fellow trainer friend, Gracy, I experienced one of the most heart-warming incident that left a lasting memory.While we were travelling on the bus with the rain pounding mercilessly outside, suddenly a passenger had an epileptic attack.Within seconds, the rest of us numbering less than ten swung into action.The bus driver got an ambulance and helped too.That day, the caring act came from ordinary people whose actions spoke louder than words.It will remain in my memory for a long time.
* Interactive Mental Wellness Programme on managing change and progression for Primary 6
** London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts
*** Speech Training Programme
I am thankful to the Lord for opening the door for me to be involved in enrichment training mostly in Primary and Secondary Schools alongside my vocal training. As I listed down some of programmes and courses I have conducted, my heart is overwhelmed by the goodness of the Lord as I have thoroughly enjoyed what I am doing. My life has been enriched by the people that I have worked with these years and I continue to thank the Lord for what He has put into my hands.
Recently we bought this miniature golf set and we loved it.Monte is into golf and it certainly grew on him. It is helpful to have some hobbies and interest that help us to relax, enjoy and keep fit.They are life’s lighter moments to colour and enriched us.
At one point or another, most of us go through different seasons of life.Sometimes everything seems to be smooth and easy.On the other hand, we also go through times of trails and settings, seasons of dryness and lack of spiritual fervour.The dark hours of our soul is likened a person groping around in a pitch darkness.The Psalmist had his fair share of such experiences and when he related his turmoil and loss ness, we can often identify with Him.Every step gets heavier and my minds and hearts are crowded with despair and hopelessness.But the Lord never fails to come through for us even when we lack the strength and motivation to cry out to Him.He hears our silent cries and felt our every teardrop.He understands our anguish and pain. He had been there.Our hearts should take comfort and the Lord will never leave us in a lurch, He will do everything He can to nurse us back to health because He loved us with an everlasting love.
I will leave you with this powerful poem Footprints in the Sand.His mercy and grace is poured into our lives powerfully to show us His glory.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I had a dream--
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
As pilgrims on earth, we may go through life shattering experiences at times.Among some of the Christian friends of mine, some have been through very tough times and it encourages me to see how they hung on to the Lord so tightly.The trials and difficulties in life will never pin us down as long as we are with the Lord but they only make us stronger.He gives us peace for our broken pieces, the peace that passes understanding. Through our brokenness, the life and light of Jesus is released and His fragrance spreads far and wide.He spurs us on to persevere in this journey we have embarked on.He speaks life and wholeness into our mortal beings.He restores and strengthens us from within.How precious and priceless is our relationship with our loving Father.We press in to seek the face of God.This speaks of a kind of intimacy that only those who have spent time seeking Him will understand.The pure grace of God leads us to repentance and draws us closer to our maker and sustainer.We cannot help but long for more of Him in our life.
The three areas of ministry that the Lord has put on my heart are namely worship, teaching and prayer, with worship taking a dominant part. I am reminded of an occasion in the beginning of early 1990s when I had the privilege to teach a class in then Calvary Charismatic Centre, currently known as Victory Family Centre.At the end of 12 lessons, the class gave me a cassette tape.I was touched by their love.In the tape, a beautiful song entitled Give Them All to Jesus stood out.When we give our all to Jesus, we gain everything.When we give the broken pieces of our life to Him, He turns our sorrows into joy, our despair into hope and gives us meaning to live. Living a surrendered life is the only way to live.
I invite you to join me in this awesome song Give Them All to Jesus at
Nothing we can do can make the Lord love us more.He loves us the way we are.We do not need to prove our love to Him.He does not measure our love by what we do or do not do.All He wants is our heart.A heart that embraces all that He wants to fulfill in and through us.A heart that cries out for more of Him.A heart that follows hard after the lover of our soul.For His love compels us to reach out to greater heights and deeper depths in the things from above.For all earthly things grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.O Lord, enlarge our capacity to contain all that You want to pour into our lives.We long for Your divine love to permeate through us powerfully to touch the people that are on Your heart.
Auntie Devi went home to be with the Lord on 18 July 2009.She was 78 years of age.I remember spending time in her home as she opened her home for life group for many years.I recalled how Auntie Devi faithfully cooked for someone who went straight to the life group meeting from work.She gave and shared what she had freely.At her funeral, a former tenant shared with much tears on how Auntie Devi gave and blessed him and his family with what little she had.The Lord shone through this amazing woman’s life to touch people around her,
Auntie Devi loved the Lord dearly.She loved God and his people.It was heartwarming when her grand children spoke so fondly about her love and faith in God.A grand child also mentioned that she had left a great legacy.She was a broken and kind woman who spent many hours daily worshipping and praying because she loved the Lord with all her heart.
I am a life that has been blessed by Auntie Devi.She is a shining example of a live well lived; inspiring many of us to follow hard after our loving God.
In January – October 2007, I was conducting weekly Speech and Drama training at a reputable primary school in Bishan.One day, upon reaching the classroom, I received news that the class monitor was ‘sacked’.I did not want to dig deeper on the matter.All I saw was the embarrass look on the face of the little eight year old boy.If there was a hole in the ground, I reckon he would have hidden in it.I continued to allow him to assist me in some ways throughout my training there.
I am surprised by the use of terminology which usually surface in the adult working world.These are innocent children whom we want to shield and protect from the harsh realities of the world system.The disadvantage of exposing young children under our charge to overpowering demands and expectations can be detrimental to building confidence and growth.Don’t let them grow up too fast.They can make do with enjoying learning and managing reasonable expectations with the help and support we can provide.
Last Saturday evening, we were blessed to have the opportunity to minister at Aflame Assembly of God.Monte was preaching and I ministered in a mandarin song.Before singing, I shared a little thought that the Lord put in my heart.In Chinese paintings, we often see the contrast between majestic mountains and splendid water; right in the picture you will see tiny people who are extremely minute.Our God is so big, the gigantic mountains speak of the bigness and the awesomeness of God almighty.Though we are small and weak, we look to our great God.The challenges we face fade away when we look to Jesus.He is far bigger and greater than our human minds can ever fathom.Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.
As Monte and I continue to serve the Lord, we are reminded daily that His sustaining grace and power is what we need.Apart from Him, we can do nothing.His love compels us to give of ourselves first to Himself and what flows out of our lives can bring glory to His matchless name.
From time to time, Monte and I invite friends over for a meal or coffee. The home is a wonderful place to mingle with people.
Both of us cook at home. We have our signature dishes that we gradually improve over time. Recently, we had some friends over for dinner. Monte prepared minced pork seashell pasta from scratch. It was so scrumptious that one of our friends e-mailed us to get a hold of the recipe.
So here it goes:
Minced Pork Seashell Pasta
Ingredients: 4 whole garlic smashed and chopped 2 large onions chopped 12 large ripe tomatoes chopped 2 cans of tomato paste on standby (if used, each can requires a cup of water) Olive oil 1 stalk of celery finely sliced 4 large red chillies sliced 2 cubes of beef broth dissolved in 2 cups of boiled water 1 cup of red wine 1000 grams of minced pork (Other meat option: Italian sausages or minced beef) 3 tablespoons of Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon of black pepper Half tablespoon of red chilli powder
Steps: 1 Fry garlic in olive oil until brown and fragrant. Set aside.
2 Lightly fry celery in olive oil, use little oil as possible. The celery produce water, do not discard. You will use it for the sauce.
3 Fry onions in olive oil. After onions are fried, add garlic and meat. Fry until meat is slightly browned and do not overcook as it will cook more during simmering. When you begin frying the meat, add Italian seasoning, pepper and chilli powder.
4 After meat is lightly browned, throw in all the tomatoes and celery.
5 After you have added in tomatoes, chillies and celery, immediately pour in beef broth and wine.
6 Depending on variables such as: insufficient quantity or diluted appearance, add one or two cans of tomato paste. Each can requires about a cup of water.
7 Simmering at lowest possible heat for about 30 minutes.
8 Turn off heat. Spaghetti sauce should have the texture similar to curry. However, should you want a thicker texture, just add more tomato paste and season according to taste.
9 Salt is not included because there is salt in the broth and cooking wine so you should taste before adding salt.
10 There may be need for up to 6 more tomatoes because of using a whole stalk of celery.
Cooking Paste: 1 Add a little salt and a little olive oil in the boiling water. 2 Ensure pasta is blanched in cold water. 3 Drain completely of water. 4 Coat pasta in olive oil.
I guess now you know why my husband is the chef at home.
Monte and I took a stroll at MacRitchie reservoir last evening.It was enchanting and captivating.We enjoy nature and we are happy just to go on leisure walks and often times we would be prayer walking. Such times are mostly reflective moments that we cherish deeply.The cares of the world are put aside as we allow the Lord to lead us in times of contemplative prayer.
Belonging to the family of God also means that we shoulder our respective responsibilities as well as enjoy the benefits of being a part of the great household.As believers and members of the family of God, we are blessed with countless privileges.They are salvation, wholeness, restoration, liberty, peace, joy, hope, faith, strength, grace, contentment, courage, dignity and resilience.What God gives freely, money cannot buy.One of the greatest privileges is to be the recipients of His promises.We live each day full of hope in our eternal God.We enjoy this intimate relationship with our maker, our helper, our strengthener and our God and Father.As we fix our eyes on the Lord we are full of His hope and assurance.No fear or intimidation will overwhelm us because He keeps us safe in His loving embrace.
I learnt about the plight of little four year old Charmaine through a Mandarin radio station.She is struck with fourth stage cancer. You can learn more about her story at
Charmaine’s mother, Cynthia, is doing all she can to raise money for her medical treatment.She is a strong lady, a single mother with two young children.She loves both the kids dearly .
Charnaine, though young, is a fighter in many ways.Her physical body is ravaged by cancer but she remained cheerful and happy.She cheers her mum up when she sees her in tears.Bear in mind that she is only four.
Donations are pouring in.The public, a radio station and various establishments are rendering their support and help to reach out to this amazing fiesty princess.
Yesterday was one of those days that Mickey had his way.I brought him for a walk as usual and it was time to go home, he refused to move.He sure had his way.
Each day is a gift from our loving God.We are awakened by His unfailing love.We celebrate Jesus, we celebrate His goodness and grace.As we enter the gates of praise our hearts are flooded with His awesomeness.Who is like unto our God?The Lord strong and mighty!Mighty to save and deliver through His finished work on Calvary.We have every reason to rejoice and to walk in full liberty, for whom the Son sets free is free indeed.Let His praises ring through all the earth as we behold the King of glory, the Rock of Ages who radiates gloriously in His majesty.
The Lord loves us too much to let us go.Especially people who have once tasted the goodness of the Lord but today their hearts are no longer with Him. His heart longs for them.
One day, I caught an audio interview of a elderly mother who was estranged from her son. She told the interviewer that she could not sleep at night because she missed her son so badly.My heart went out to this woman because I know what a mother’s love is like because I have been loved by my mother all these years.We give so much thought to human love but no greater love will surpass the love of God which He lavished on each of us.He went above and beyond Himself when He died on the cross for our sins.What more can He give.As we allow the amazing love of God to surround us, we can only bow down to Him and worship Him in praise and adoration.
On May 30, Monte (my husband) and I were delighted to catch the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) at Ang Mo Kio Central Stage.The theme was Nanyang Elegance.It was so amazing, the orchestra was featured with a renowned Tablar (Indian drum) performer.A Malay dance accompanied by the SCO was another highlighted segment.Music knows no boundary.The fusion brought out the true essence of Nanyang Elegance.We had an awesome time that night.
Recently, I had lunch with a friend. She related how her neighbour lost their three year old daughter a few years ago.Apparently, the child fell out of the grill less window of their condominium block. I believe the pain that the couple felt must be inexpressible.The best intended words said at that time could not soothe the agony and pain in the hearts of the young parents.
In our walk with the Lord; we may also walk through dark and challenging paths in our lifetime.Sometimes, when things get so bad; we begin to lose sight and fear begins to paralyze us.We grope aimlessly in pitch darkness and fell over again and again.We know the awful feeling of desertion and helplessness.We understand what lossness and hopelessness are.
The story does not end here because the Lord comes to our rescue when we call out to Him.He delivers and restores us.When we come through the fire and emerge with His strength, we are over comers triumphing in His victory.God uses our experiences and set-backs, some of which can be very painful.We can identify with people who share about their struggles, challenges and experiences with us because we were there.The Lord begins to work through us to extend His love to people who are crying for help.God puts people in our paths and we want to be sensitive to what is on His heart; to respond according to what He desires to do through us.All the experiences we have gone through are never wasted because God uses them and makes us His channel of love and blessing.
“One of the strongest characteristics of the Shih-Tzu is its personality. The Shih-Tzu is a friendly, non aggressive dog that is a good companion for children and other breeds of dogs. Shih-Tzus are known for their fun-loving play, romping around the apartment or in the country side.
The Shih-Tzu is a people oriented dog, they cherish no more than the love of people. They will sit patiently, remaining still with their eyes gazing intently on your face waiting for you to call them over to be patted. The Shih-Tzu is not a one person dog. Shih-Tzus are happy to entertain any stranger, once accepted by the family. This is one reason that they are becoming popular. They make friends where ever they go.
The Shih-Tzu has a lap dog personality. It is not high strung nor demanding. The pet Shih-Tzu is content during the day to lie in a corner with his legs stretched out behind him, snoring softly. If he has a choice he would prefer to be curled up in your lap.”
I will leave you the pictures of Mickey to tell you the rest of the story...
Giving full control of our life to God brings freedom to us.If we do not surrender our all to Him, we will end up going around in circles because we have no focus and purpose without Him.As the saying goes ‘Let Go and Let God’.The more we want to hold on to all that seemingly belongs to us, we begin to lose them.Giving our all to the Lord is the only right thing to do because all that we call our own is not actually ours for we are merely God’s stewards.By letting go, we gain everything.We are not at the losing end because we get the best deal and nothing comes close; I am talking about knowing and embracing the Lord.He calls us to Himself and He pours His life into ours and calls us His very own.The presence of God is precious and priceless.We must do everything we can to guard this precious deposit jealously because if we lose Him, we lose everything.
Yesterday, the Lord opened the door for Monte (my husband) to preach at Teen Challenge.We continue to thank God for every door of ministry that the Lord so graciously opens.We do not take ministry opportunities for granted because we know deep down in our hearts what matters most is to Him work in and through us no matter what it takes.
As we ministered to many of these lives that are battered with drug addiction, we know that God’s grace is poured out to each of those brothers who yearns for the touch of the master.None of us can write them off because the Lord will never do so.He patiently and lovingly nurses them back to health.He rescues and restores them because He love them to much to let them go.
I am thankful for those whom God has set them free from the drug addiction and today they are serving God powerfully all over the world.Some were struggling with drug problem for many years of their lives.What they are powerless to do; God sovereignly set them free by the power of His blood. Today, these servants of God are walking miracles that God is at work in the hearts and lives of people who desperately need of the merciful Saviour.
Salmon swim against the current to get to their breeding spot where they were born.In the quest to swim upstream, some are battered and bruised; some even die in the process.Their determination to get home is so strong that they will do everything they can to reach their destination.
Many a times, we go through challenges and trials that overwhelm us.We become weak and doubted if we can take another step.We hit rock bottom so to speak.We call out to the Lord and He comes to rescue us.He strengthens us and lead us on one step at a time.We may be battered and torn outwardly but God infuses His strength into our inner man miraculously.He opens our eyes to see that with Him on our side, we shall overcome.For His the battle belongs to the Lord and His victory is ours.
One of greatest consolations we have is that the Lord promised never to forsake us.He holds us close to His bosom and showers His love and attention on constantly.We stand safe and secure in Him with full assurance that He will not leave us in a lurch when we are in the midst of a raging storm.
The path that we have taken may be full of thorns and unseen dangers but we need not fear because He is with us.He goes before us and leads us on this amazing journey that we are privileged to embark on. Traveling with God takes on a new meaning because we need not worry where we are heading to; all we need to do is to allow Him to bring us to where He desires us to be.
This life that we live is not our own, we were bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.Because of His great love for us, we can only bow down and declare that He alone is our Lord and master.He did not see our ugliness and filth, all He had in His heart is love that covers our sin. We would have been condemned to eternal ruin and destruction but He could not bear to let us go.As we offer our life to God, we are reminded that we are not our own.He is the rightful owner and we give Him full control so that we will be free.
I Offer My Life
All that I am all that I have
I lay them down before You O Lord
All my regrets all my acclaims
The joy and the pain I’m making them Yours
Chorus :
Lord I offer my life to You
Everything I’ve been through use it for
Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life
Verse 2 :
Things in the past things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes all of my plans
My heart and my hands are lifted to You
Bridge :
What can we give that You have not given
And what do we have that is not already Yours
All we possess are these lives we’re living
And that’s what we give to You Lord
I invite you to join me to offer our lives to our Redeemer with this song I Offer My Life at
One of the privileges we have as children of God is to see Him in all His glory and majesty.When He reveals Himself to us, we can only stand in amazement and marvel at Him.All who have seen the Lord will come back longing for more of Him.
Some of us have lost sight of God for various reasons.Things of this temporal world may have crowded Him out; earthly relationships may have taken the first place in our lives.The Lord has the power to sharpen our focus on Him.When we purpose in our hearts to seek Him wholeheartedly, He reveals more and more of Himself to us.Our blurred vision will come into focus.What is important in our lifetime is to live our lives in and through the life and light of Jesus, to walk in the fear of God and to know His hand of love upon us.
It baffles me to think that God who spoke this world into existence knows each of us by name.He knows us so well that before we could even a word, He already knows what is in our hearts.He looks into the minutest detail of our life, nothing escapes His eyes. We are constantly under His loving care.He shelters us from the storms of life.We will still have to face the storms but we need not fear because our God is with us.He promised never to leave us nor forsake us.As we draw nearer to our maker, our hearts are overwhelmed by His peace that passes understanding.His abiding presence strengthens us from within.
A couple of days ago, Monte (my husband) and I caught a beautiful sunset at Changi Beach.Our hearts were enraptured by that glorious sight.In moments like that, we can just marvel at the greatness of God.
God set the sun, moon and starts in their places, He magnificent creation radiates with His glory.Just as light comes on at the break of dawn, every sunrise is accompanied by sunset.Great is His faithfulness to all who call on His name.There are no shifting shadows in Him. He is always constant and dependable and we rest secure in His loving embrace.
When God takes us into His presence, He shows us His heart and all that matters to Him.Peace, joy and wholeness flood our souls when we allow wave upon wave of His glory to sweep through us.His presence is so precious, so rich and so glorious.Nothing on earth come close to what He offers to us when we enter into His magnificent and awesome presence.We bow in reverence to our great King as we behold His lovely face.
O The Glory of Your Presence
Jesus all glorious create in us a temple
Called as living stones where You’re enthroned
As You rose from death in power
So rise within our worship
Rise upon our praise
And let the hand that saw Your raised
Clothe us in Your glory
Draw us by Your grace
O the glory of Your presence
We Your temple give You reverence
So arise to Your rest
And be blessed by our praise
As we glory in Your embrace
As Your presence now fills this place
Please join me in this beautiful song O the Glory of Your Presence at
Two Sundays ago, Monte (my husband) and I were out in the great outdoors again.The Singapore Symphony Orchestra played to hundreds of people spread all across the ground before the Symphony Lake.
It was so beautiful to see groups of people; families, friends picnicking and enjoying the beautiful music. One time, we were so happy to catch the performance of 100 guzhengs (Chinese instruments) right in that beautiful garden. So whenever the opportunity arises, we will head to the Singapore Botanic Gardens to soak in the music.
Recently a pastor while preaching shared on the healing power of God.One day, he went to pray for a boy who had a tumour in his head which led to total loss of hearing in his ear.God touched this little child miraculously. He removed the tumour and the child regained his hearing. The doctor who was treating him was shocked.The healing of this precious boy is a testimony that God is our great physician. He is the balm of Gilead.
Our God is awesome.There is absolutely nothing He cannot do.Even in seemingly hopeless and dire situations, He is the light that brings hope to us.How great is our God.
I am the God that Healeth Thee
I am the God that
Healeth thee
I am the Lord
Your healer
I sent My word
And I healed your disease
I am the Lord
Your healer
You are the God that
Healeth me
You are the Lord
My healer
You sent Your word
And You healed my disease
You are the Lord
My healer
You sent Your word
And You healed
My disease
You are the Lord
My healer
You sent Your word
And You healed
My disease
You are the Lord
My healer
Please join me to extol His great name with this amazing song I am the God that Healeth Thee at
Monte (my husband) and I were ministering at His Sanctuary yesterday.Monte preached on The Five Jewels of transformation and I led worship.We thank God for the opportunity to minister there. We appreciate Pastor Luke Tan of His Sanctuary for his kind invitation.
I have enjoyed ministering together with Monte.At the end of the day, we are vessels that the Lord flows through.Partnering with God is one of the most amazing experiences we can have.He takes our five loaves and two fishes and multiplies them to feed His people.Our faith arises when we allow God to take over and see Him high and exalted in all the earth.At the end of the day, it is not our gifts and talents that surface but the glory of Jesus shining brilliantly and beautifully for all to behold.
During times of praise and worship in the service, I often put one hand on my heart and the other hand raised towards our maker. My beating heart reminds me of God’s goodness, love and graciousness. He is the reason for my being.
Our hearts cannot contain all that God has given to us. It overflows with the tenderness of our loving God and Father. A beating heart speaks of the precious life that God gave.
In His goodness, He chooses to flow through us despite of our imperfections and flaws. His method down the centuries has always been through a man. Our minds can never fathom how God can reside in us.
Let our hearts beat stronger for Jesus, the lover of our soul. Nothing will stop us from
venturing deeper into this arduous journey with Him. We see a glimpse of the glory of the risen Lord as we persevere to pursue Him wholeheartedly.
On 15 April 1912, the Titanic sank and some 1,517 people perished.How could the great Titanic sink?She was strong and formidable; a gigantic ship that blew many people’s minds at that known time. In actual fact, God gave man wisdom and knowledge to build that great ship.
Like the titanic, God in His mercy came into our lives and began the task of building our lives.The life that He builds is not built with wood, steel, glass or other matters.He build us with His love.We are diamonds in the rough, He chisels, mould and shape us into His image.We are built to last.We can do nothing in our own strength but everything through His empowerment and grace.He raised us up to reveal His glory.We will not rest on our laurels but instead strive to reach out to all that God has in stored for us.For He desires to bless us and see His plan fulfilled in our lives.
One of the blessings a husband and wife enjoy is the privilege to know a person extremely well.Apart from God, the person who knows us best is our spouse.
So very often, I hear Monte (my husband) says: “I read you like a book”.I need not utter a word and he knows what is on my mind or when something is bothering me.This is one of the greatest blessings in marriage.We encourage and uphold each other.Going through the mountain-top or valley experiences take on a new meaning when we can share them with our soul mate.
Another blessing that I like to highlight here is transparency.The Lord models openness to us when He showed His emotions while He walked on earth.There were times when He was in great jubilation and times that He wept.He showed His anger, He was filled with compassion and He was even torn in His heart. He showed us His emotions.So husbands and wives have an openness that is shared with one another where our closest friends do not come near.
I have been married for ten years now and how fast time flies.I thank God for Monte (my husband) and I cherish each moment that we live as husband and wife by the love and grace of our loving God and Father.
Lord, You give us life.Every breath that we breathe reveals Your life in us.We are desperate for you because there is no way for us to live apart from You.Your sustaining power and presence is infused into our being.With every ounce of energy, we want to draw nearer to You by the power of Your Spirit.
Every one of us has been through dry patches at one point or another.The parch dry land is a picture of deprivation and barrenness in desperate need of water. Only God has the power to refresh and rejuvenate us. The mighty rushing water of God floods our thirsty souls.He alone can quench our dying thirst.
Yesterday morning, while I was making my way out of my parent’s home after my visit with them, Mickey, as usual, was standing near the grille to send me off.He melted my heart with those soulful eyes.He is so cuddly and adorable.
When Monte (my husband) and I were in Baguio, Philippines in the time from 2000 to 2001, Monte was invited to minister in a church in the mountainous region in Luzon. We had a wonderful time of ministry there.
We were putting up with the pastor and his family. It was very cold up in the mountain, a kind family member of the pastor boiled water for us so we could take our bath.This brought back memories of my own experience.From mid 60’s till the 90’s, my family was residing in Commonwealth Crescent. While growing up, I vividly remember how my mother used to boil water for my father’s bath.A gas water heater came into my home years later.Those were the days of simple living.We certainly had less gadgets and machines but we survived.
In many parts of the world today, water heater is considered a luxury item. Some do not even have access to electricity or telephone lines to begin with.And what about clean drinking water.Most people in developed countries are so used to the convenience and comfort of modern day living. Pampered with modern amenities and facilities, we often take things for granted.Suddenly everything becomes a necessity.Now we need more when the latest model comes into the market.
Someone once said that “Luxury Once Enjoyed Becomes a Necessity”.Our expectations rise with the increase of income.Money is useful if we use it as a servant but if it has a hold on us then we are in danger.The high life that people in affluent societies lived can be glamorous and enticing.But it may breed pride, arrogance and greed.We would be better off to have lesser in life than to have plenty in distress.I want to be sensitive to look at the other end of the spectrum.I have known rich people who are humble and generous.They are actively loving and serving Jesus with all of their hearts.God overcame mammon.
One day, I overheard a conversation between a middle aged woman enquiring on a job opportunity at a beverage stall in a shopping mall. She was told that she can make $4 per hour. A quick calculation yields a daily pay of $32 should she put in eight hours of work.That is hard earned money.
Earlier in the year, while tuning into a mandarin radio station, a listener called the station to share about his work life.He was a delivery man who worked very long hours, seven days a week. The only day he took a break was on the first day of the Chinese New Year.Many people sacrificed and slog for long hours to bring the bacon home.
Many of our parents toil all day long to provide for their families. They work hard to put food on the table and give their children a good education providing for them often at the expense of their own needs and wants.We must honour and appreciate our parents for their love and sacrifice for us.
When our minds are set on Christ, our total beings are consumed by Him.He fills us through and through.We leave no room for malice, rage, envy, bitterness, brutality and impurity. We leave no foothold for the enemy of our soul to enter and attack us.
Phil 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”
The Lord purifies us from within.The search light of God penetrates powerfully through us.He weeds out the bad and the ugly and fills us with His goodness.Christian living is an ongoing life changing process where the merciful God picks us up and bring the best out of our broken lives.We can therefore declare that God is good.We are just diamonds in the rough, the end product is absolutely gorgeous and magnificent.All glory be to Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Last Sunday, Monte (my husband) and I, along with my family were at Ivin’s (Peranakan restaurant) to celebrate mother’s day.We had a great time with the family.
I have been reflecting on how God has blessed me with my mother.She has always been a kind woman. My two brothers and I were brought up to respect and be kind to people and to always look out for others.
All these years, she has faithfully cared for the family.She has been a pillar to us in many ways.Her sacrificial love and care remain even though my brothers and I are no longer children.She constantly looks out for us. We are always on her mind.
Yesterday, I popped by my parents place.Mickey was not in a good mood.He even refused the chicken that I offered him.It was unusual.One of the reasons of his moodiness could be because he was looking for my father.My father left home early yesterday morning to attend to some matters and when he left the house Mickey was not awake then.Mickey has won over our hearts. He is such a blessing to us.
The Lord is the one who opens doors of ministry for us.He shows us His heart when we avail ourselves to Him without reservation.As a channel of His divine love, we become the extension of the hand of God to touch people around us.
Monte (my husband) and I have the wonderful privilege to reach out to different people that the Lord brought into our paths.We have reached out to terminally ill people.We are challenged to see terminally ill Christians who fight their way through the raging battle. Armed with added strength from the Lord they battle their physical ailments against all odds.Physically their bodies may be weakened and ravaged by disease but their spiritual health is intact because their eyes are on Jesus.The wonder working power of God is at work.Though some of these people have gone home to be with the Lord, their testimonies lived long after them to reveal God’s love and faithfulness.
I thank God for the opportunity to be a voice trainer.I am privileged to meet people from all walks of life who range from the age of 12 up to aged 70.
I had a great time at my last vocal training with Cornerstone Community Church which ended on 30 April 2009..I was greatly encouraged by the joy and enthusiasm of my brothers and sisters there.
The testimonials from my past trainees and workshop attendees bring me tremendous encouragement and motivation. I continue to trust and look to the Lord for He is the one who gives me the strength, grace and ability. He spurs me on to give my best and has blessed me beyond my wildest imagination.
The following are some testimonials that I deeply appreciated because these people have taken time from their busy schedule to drop me these words:
“After the vocal training, I am now more confident in singing, at least I dare to sing louder then before and with more expression.Thanks for teaching us the techniques of singing.
May God continue to bless you and your work.”
Rosie Lee
"I begin to enjoy singing with a louder voice. Thank you Sister Jee Fong."
Paul Png
"We have definitely learnt a lot through this course. It has helped us to project our voice better and we have also discovered many new insights. We will surely look forward to attend such courses in the future. Cheers to you our coach!!"
Janet Koh
"A committed and dedicated teacher to her craft, Jee Fong believes that everyone has a singing voice that just needs the correct techniques to bring it out. I thoroughly enjoyed the training sessions with her and gained a better understanding on how to "stretch " my vocal range."
Michelle Chau
"Indeed I feel that the training is fruitful and useful to me. Sis Jee Fong has made it so interesting and practical that I can put into practice right away. After attending the training, it has given me more confidence in delivering the songs and I am able to express better. Thank u Sis Jee Fong. Hereby, I would like to give thanks and praise to the Lord for giving me the opportunity to attend this training. God bless one and all!"
Cheralyn Lim
"I can feel the passion that Jee Fong has in wanting to impart all the knowledge that she has to the participants that comes to her class. Personally, her desire to make sure that her participants understood and grasped what she was teaching touched me the most"
Lilian Lee
"Hi! Your vocal training has helped me in singing properly and with confidence. I will continue to use the techniques to improve on my weak areas. I used to have sore throat after two hours of singing. I have learnt that I have exerted on the wrong muscle and lack warm up. Now with proper practice and knowledge of taking care of my vocal cord. I am able to speak properly after 2 hours of singing. I must thank Jee Fong for her Marvellous GIFT in Vocal Training."
Hong Demei
"It is most liberating to be able to sing with confidence without getting hoarse or worse, a sore throat. Now I can worship with greater joy!"
Frances Goh
"My greatest achievement is knowing Christ. And that He loves me and you."
Goh Hong Eng
"After several meetings, I can sing loudly and confidently. It is an enjoyable experience to work with you."
Clifford Mario
"Jee Fong's classes enabled me to learn how to use my voice better and to realise that good speech not only included using one's voice correctly but that it was necessary to have the right posture and use correct breathing techniques as well. Jee Fong's personality is also warm and engaging which made the personalised classes all that more enriching to attend."
Bhawani
"I've attended the voice training sessions with hopes of improving my foundational techniques and I have improved since. Now when i sing for longer periods of time, my voice does not feel the strain and tiredness. Praise God!"
Vincent Kwok
"It was an eye opener for me. I was not aware of the intricate details of maintaining vocal quality. A great help for me, as a trainer."
Selvarajoo Vadivelu
"Thank you for coaching us in vocal and singing techniques. It had been a fun time. We found the sessions refreshing, enjoyable and relaxing as we are comfortable with you. You have been very helpful and patient. May the Lord bless and extend this area of your passion and ministry for His glory."
Monte (my husband) loves cats. It is more accurate to say that he is crazy about cats. As for me, up till today, you will find me fleeing when a cat comes near.
Last Saturday morning, while we were at Changi Village, we were surprised to find a group of cats near a bus stop.Nine cats to be exact.They were adorable.Monte had so much fun playing with them.Cats are by and large very affectionate and warm, but once in a while we run into cats that are moody and prefer to be left alone.
God is a dream builder.When we turn our life over to His Lordship, He begins His work in restoring and building our dreams.The Hope of glory, the Rock of Ages stepped into our lives and gives us meaning and purpose for living.He gives us new perspective and crystal clear vision.He opens our eyes to His wonders and brings us to our knees in exuberant praise and adoration.We have no reason to give up, for the dream builder breathes life into our being and plunge us deeper into His grace till we see His glory in ever increasingly intensity and depth.
Lord, for those who are saddled with broken, shattered and unfulfilled dreams, we want to dream again.We want see You come through on our behalf.Help us to rise up with new strength, we want to soar like the eagles, we want to lean on Your strong and mighty arms. We want to see Your glory and Your grace.
From 5 Feb to 30 March 2009, I had the privilege to conduct speech and drama training to some amazing eight year girls for two classes in the Bukit Timah Area.I was in training with them on weekly class.The girls were very infectious and eager to learn.I was encouraged by their enthusiasm.
On the final session, I saw a girl who on the verge of tears because that was my last class with them.I knew that I would miss them as much as they would miss me.Children have a way to warm our hearts.
At the end of my time with one of the classes, the form teacher who had been sitting in in most of my training sessions gathered the children together and led them in a cheer in appreciation of me.I was speechless. I was so touched by the kind and encouraging gesture of that teacher.It certainly was a sweet surprise.
I thank God for song writers that God uses, they write songs that help bring us into the Lord's presence in our times of praise and worship.
In recent years, I have difficulties learning some new worship choruses.One of the reasons might be because they are difficult to learn.Some may have weak melodies while others may be too wordy.
We need sold congregational songs that help us to pour our hearts out to the Lord.We need songs that enable us to enter into the holy of holies.The sad fact is that some song writers today may be trapped in the money making thing. They write songs that the market wants.The lure of money and fame may be an issue here.
I pray that God will touch the hearts of Christian song writers to produce songs from the throne room of God; songs from the heart of God and songs that are birthed by the Spirit. God will use His songs to touch and transform us increasingly.Lord, bring Your songs back to our churches, Your heavenly songs and melodies that we may glorify You and proclaim Your greatness.
In the course of my training in schools, I have the privilege to develop friendships with fellow trainers.I am enriched by their lives and experiences.
Recently, one of them shared with me about an incident in a primary school.She was training some poor children and she was shocked to learn that some of them had never tasted a muffin.Or rather, some do not know what muffins were.She determined in her heart that she would buy some for them to eat. When this trainer related the whole incident to me, my heart not only went out to these poor children but also for the heart of people of this dear lady.The muffins came from her heart.
Monte (my husband) and I continue to lean on the Lord increasingly, we find strength in His presence. How can we ever make it if it is not because of what God has done for us. We treasure the Lord for He is worthy of our praise and adoration. Even in the midst of the raging storm, He faithfully assures us of His goodness and graciousness. We need Him more than yesterday. Nothing and no one on this earth can ever replace Him in our life.
Lord, help us to draw nearer to You as the days go by.We cry out to You, our maker and redeemer.
Please join me in this heart rending song I Need You More at
For four days last month, I made a trip with my parents to Genting Highlands in Malaysia.We had a wonderful time.The breathtaking view was absolutely amazing.My elderly parents had a relaxed time there and we ate and rested so well.
Upon arrival back in Singapore, Monte (my husband) and I were both sharing that it was difficult to be apart from each other though it was only for a short four days, it seemed like a long time of separation.One day, our life on earth will end, either I will leave before Monte or the other way round.For sure, it will be very difficult for either of us because we have grown so close to each other over the years.
I thank God for the opportunity to conduct vocal training at Cornerstone Community Church last month.I do not take training opportunities likely for the simple reason that there are many vocal coaches around but the opportunity was given to me.
One of greatest joy in vocal training is to see people improving and growing.Learning is a lifelong process that we embark on.As I look back to my past training, all I see is the enablement and grace of the Lord.
The blessings of the Lord is on His children. When the Lord blesses us, He does not merely fill us up to the brim, He continues to bless us till we overflow. His blessings run over, He blesses us and beyond. It is extended to our children, our parents, our siblings, our nieces and nephews and beyond. The heart of God reaches out to touch His own. He promised to bless our children’s children. He picked up from the miry clay, rescue and restore us and bestow His blessing on us although we do not deserve anything. For He first loved us.
We are all different and we see things differently. Looking at the picture in this post, some of us may see the young lady while others may see the old lady. One of the many lessons we can glean from this is that it is helpful to be open to the views and opinions of others because we often see things from different angles. Not only can we learn from others, we are reminded that they might be more than one-way to get things done. Our way may not be the only right one.
In the body of Christ, the Lord desires unity and love to permeate from the leadership right down to every member in the church. In our desire to build the church, we exercise tolerance and openness to hear and understand diverse views and contributions. Pride and arrogance will hinder the work of God but brotherly love, submission and openness make room for the Lord to work in and through us.
Not everyone gets to lead all the time. Sometimes the Lord puts us in a place where we may not be in the heat of things. It may be a support role. Seemingly, people may not see or hear us but the Lord never fails to honour our faithfulness.
One time I learnt of a Christian who was so happy to be given to opportunity to serve God by washing plastic communion cups. The beauty of such an act of loving service radiate far and wide. It is not the bigness or grandness of our ministry that touches the heart of God; our loving submission and faithfulness speaks volume.
God is not a figment of our imagination. He is not made of gold, silver or wood. He hears us, He walks with us and He is always with us. He journeys with us through our joy and sorrow, our hope and disappointments, our mountaintop and valley experiences. He is as close as the mention of His name. When we cry out to Him in our hour of need, we have full assurance that our deliverer and helper will come to our rescue. His love never fails. His name is matchless and wonderful, the Name above all other names. He deserves the highest praise.
I came to the Lord in 1980. I am thankful to the people whom God graciously put in my life to show me the show.
God uses each of us at one point or another to help a fellow believer. A two-month-old Christian looks up to a two-year-old Christian. We have not arrived but God minister through us as we avail ourselves to Him. May the Lord help us to be faithful in our witness. May the people who come behind us find us faithful as we allow God to shine through us for His glory.
We're pilgrims on the journey Of the narrow road And those who've gone before us line the way Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses Let us run the race not only for the prize But as those who've gone before us Let us leave to those behind us The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives
Chorus: Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful May the fire of our devotion light their way May the footprints that we leave Lead them to believe And the lives we live inspire them to obey Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone And our children sift though all we've left behind May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find
Last Sunday morning, the Lord opened the door for Monte (my husband) to minister at Touch Hearts Community Church. We thank God for a great time of ministry and fellowship with the people.
Ministry takes place when we touch someone with the love of Jesus. A couple of months ago while dining at Kopitiam near Buangkok MRT station. We were sharing our table with a Taiwanese lady who married a Singaporean. She was still adjusting to life in Singapore. We learnt that she was staying near us. We chatted for some time and parted ways.
A month or so later, we invited her to our home. She came and we were glad to see her again. A friendship started. She blessed us with a beautiful candle shown in this posting.
The Lord brings people into our paths and He prompts us to avail ourselves to minister. Before we came to the Lord, someone shared the love of Jesus with us. We are where we are today because someone cares.
God patiently works on our rough edges. The most refined people on earth will still need to work on different areas on our lives. For some of us, there are bad habits that we have to kick, at other instances; God may be speaking to us about some attitudes that we must change. No one is perfect, the loving hand continue to mould and make us to be what He wants us to be. He wants to present us as His masterpiece; every child of God can shine for the Master when we
I came to the Lord in 1980. I am thankful to the people whom God graciously put in my life to show me the show.
