Life on the Edge

As children of God, we live our lives on the edge all the time. 

Time and again, the Lord comes through for us. 

The eleventh-hour experience characterizes our life because the life we live is far from being natural. 

For our supernatural God works wonders in seemingly impossible circumstances. 

Nothing is too difficult for the Lord. He stretches our faith and teaches us to trust Him increasingly. 

He shows us His greatness and strength when we depend on Him totally. 

The arms of flesh have no place in the presence of the Lord. But contriteness and humility open the door for the Lord to unleash His power and might to conquer every raging battle.

How could I Live without You

How could we live without You, Lord. You lift us up with Your love. You immerse us in the river of Your spirit. You pour your abundant grace into our lives. You turn our mourning into dancing. You bring us unspeakable joy. You give us undying hope and help us to persevere until the end. Your promises unfold beautifully before our eyes as we live in Your light. Yes, how can we ever live without You. When we have You, we have everything. We thirst for Your living water. We long for Your presence. Teach us to lean closer to You. Teach us to hearken unto Your voice. Teach us Your way so that we might walk in Your path all the days of our life.

How Could I Live

How could I live without You

How could I survive

Without Your love

Without Your touch

You're the One that heals me

And cleanses my heart

And sets me free

Now i come right before You

With my hands lifted up

With my heart humbly bowed

At Your work on the cross

As You hang there and die

You were paying the price

For my life, For my life

For Your love is higher than the heavens

Deeper than the seas

And all I want is You in my life

No one else can satisfy my soul

Can make me feel this way

Only You Lord, only You

The Earth is Full of His Glory

The pictures of these terrace fields from round the world make me speechless. They bring back beautiful memories of the terrace fields that I saw in the Philippines. The view was breathtaking. The Lord displays His beauty, splendour and glory in all the earth. We shout for joy for the Lord is majestic and awesome. He shows us His greatness and might. And we stand in awe of Him who reigns forevermore. Our limited vocabulary is inadequate to express how great He is. We immerse ourselves in His glorious presence as we behold our great King, full of goodness and grace. We proclaim His greatness throughout the earth. We bow our knees and give Him all the praises of our hearts.

Living Life to the Fullest

A scan of the daily paper often yields a string of news of tragedy, pain, destruction, fights and disharmony. We live in a painful and harsh world plagued with bleakness and hopelessness. Yet, the Lord enables us to live in the toughest environment. Despite of the difficulties life poses to us, we can rely on the Lord’s grace, not just to pull through each day. On the contrary, the Lord desires us to live each day fearlessly for He strengthens our feeble legs and empowers us to live victoriously through Him. We can live life to the fullest as we abandon our total being to our great God. We can lift our heads and walk tall and confidently to face every battle in its face. Optimism coupled with courage and hope in God propel us to greater height and dimension in our walk with our maker.

Thankful

I enjoy vocal training all this time. Sometimes, one of my trainees is about 65 to 70 years of age. Many are already established in the musical aspects, some can sight-sing, some can play more than one instrument and many have been singing for years. It is very humbling to train people who are light years ahead of me. I thank God for the opportunity to work with each trainee and workshop participant.

I deeply appreciate every testimonial that I have received up till today because these people have taken precious time to pen down these words:

"Dear Sister Jee Fong, Your lessons benefited me tremendously, especially for someone like me who sing each Sunday without previous training. I tried hard but could not identify areas which needed fine-tuning. Your vocal training sessions helped me understand myself better. I have yet to grasp everything you taught us but I am more confident already. You are a conscientious trainer. I am sure every of your students have gained greatly from you.”

Betty Yeo, His Sanctuary

"Jee Fong is a very committed teacher and comes prepared for every lesson. With her engaging and bubbly personality, she makes lessons interesting and fun and inspires one to try and do more.“

Shauna Law, His Sanctuary

"Sister Jee Fong came well prepared for each lesson. Her tips and techniques are very useful and enriching. I did not even know the "ahem" will spoil our vocal chords! All in all I had gained lots of knowledge and techniques. Thank you Sister Jee Fong."

Simon Loh,Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

“The vocal training class was very interesting. I have benefited a lot. I have learnt to have expression when I sing, put in emotions when I sing and also on voice control. All these techniques have helped me to be a better back-up singer in my church. I would encourage those who have not attended any such training to go for it."

Joycelyn Lee, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

“Jee Fong is an articulated and resourceful trainer. Although I had attended vocal training before, I had picked up many new information and techniques which help to enhance my vocal health.”

Randall Goh, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

“I never realize how we can easily spoil our Vocal Cords without knowing it until it’s too late. I now know that taking care of our Voice is quite simple if we were taught the proper Vocal & Singing Techniques. Some of the Techniques you shared with us during your Demo Session was quite simple to practice & proved to be effective. Thank you for sharing and I wish you success in your vocal training workshop.”

Richard Tan, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

“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

“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 warming 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, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

"I can feel the passion that Jee Fong has in wanting to impart all the knowledge that she has to the participants that come 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, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

“Indeed I felt 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 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, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

“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 voice.”

Michelle Chau, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

“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, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

“I begin to enjoy singing with a louder voice. Thank you Sister Jee Fong.”

Paul Png, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

“My greatest achievement is knowing Christ. And that He loves me and you.”

Goh Hong Eng, Church of Our Saviour

“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, Church of Our Saviour

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

"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

"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, Living Faith Church

"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’re 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."

Nancy Choo, Michelle Pillai & Pearl Yeo, St John’s St Margaret’s Church

Deep Appreciation

I have enjoyed training tremendously. I work with a few vendours in town to conduct training mostly in primary schools. My appreciation goes to all the vendours who have given me the opportunity to work with them.

My heartfelt thanks goes to Mastereign Enrichment Group who honoured me with their Star Trainer Awards last month. I look forward to grow and develop us an effective trainer.

Here are some of my past completed projects:

Critical Thinking Skills - Chai Chee Sec School

Speech & drama workshop - Maha Bohdi Primary School

Personal Etiquette - Boon Lay Sec School

Servant Leadership - Bedok Green Sec School

Study Skills - Raffles Girls School (Primary)

Servant Leadership & Service Learning - Bukit Panjang Government High

Stress & Conflict Management - Teck Whye Primary School

Graduation Preparatory Enrichment Programme(Orientation programme for transition from kindergarten to Primary One) - Happy Camper Kindergarten

Speech & drama workshop - Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School

Speech & drama workshops - Methodist Girls School

Speech & drama workshop - Radin Mas Primary School

Personal Grooming - Compassvale Secondary School

Motivational Skills Workshop - River Valley Primary School

Speech & Drama - Kong Hwa Primary School

Sound Right (Speech Training Programme) - Rivervale Primary School

Thinking Skills - Balestier Hills Primary School

Storytelling - Anderson Primary School

Literature - Charlotte’s Web - Kong Hwa Primary School

Speech & Drama - Ang Mo Kio Primary School

Oral Communication - Hong Wen Primary School

Public Speaking cum Hosting Workshop - Blangah Rise Primary School

Speech & Drama - Maha Bohdi Primary School

Mental Wellness Workshop Princess Elizabeth Primary School

Mental Wellness Workshop Radin Mas Primary School

Speech & Drama Kong Hwa Primary School

Literature – Wizard of Oz Kong Hwa Primary

Speech & Drama - Singapore Chinese Girls’ School (Primary)

Sound Right(Speech Training Programme) - Rivervale Primary School

English Enrichment Programme (Debating) - CHIJ Toa Payoh Primary School

Character Development Programme - New Town Primary School

LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts) Exam Preparatory Course - Opera Estate Primary School

Western Dining - West Grove Primary School

Debating Course (In preparation for students to participate in inter-school debating competition ‘Wits & Words’ - Kong Hwa Primary School

Oral Communications - Xingnan Primary School

Public Speaking - Seng Kang Primary School

Speech & Drama - Ang Mo Kio Primary School

Comprehension & Oral - Guangyang Primary School

Speaking Right Programme(Reader’s Theatre) - Kranji Primary School

English Bridging Course (International Students) - Guangyang Primary School

Tuning In Programme (Programme for At Risk Children) - Naval Base Primary School

Happy Birthday, Monte

Today is Monte’s special day. Happy birthday, Monte! I cherish each day that we share together. Our life together is enriching because we have entrusted our whole being to the Lord. Monte is a wonderful husband. We have been married for 11 years, we have our fair share of highs and lows, joys and despair, hopes and disappointments like every other married couple. We see His strength in our weaknesses. We see hope in trying circumstances. We see His hand of love working on our behalf. We have matured as a couple and we continue to allow the Lord to do a deeper work in us. The Lord nurtures, waters and grows our marriage. We posture our hearts towards Him and allow His love to flow through us as one.

Journeying with Him

Every one of us is on a journey. Whatever station we find ourselves in, we know fully well that we have come this far because the Lord has sustained us by His amazing grace. The Lord makes our journey beautiful and colourful because He is a creative and resourceful God. Joy, hope and peace flood our hearts daily as long as we keep our eyes on Him. He is the reason for our being. He is the reason why we rise in the morning with hope and expectation. As we take baby steps of faith, He prods us on to trust Him in greater measure. None of us know what tomorrow holds but we rest in the full assurance that whatever may come our way, our gracious Father keeps us safe and secure in His abiding love. This is the reason why we thrive even in the most adverse and unbelievably difficult circumstances. He is the reason why we are able to press on with courage and hope. The Lord's sustaining power and grace deepen in us as we step into the water and taste and see that He is good.

He Covers Us with His Love

In His love, the Lord heals us of our bleeding wounds in our utter state of helplessness and hopelessness. Sometimes we go through deep anguish and pain when circumstances in life pose tremendous challenge or difficulty. We may not fully comprehend why and what has brought about the adverse situations. Sometimes, there is no immediate reprieve and rest from the turmoil. Things may start spiraling out of control.

Yet, it is in such times that the Lord beckons us to run to Him. We find comfort and rest in His presence. He shields us from pain and agony. He covers us with His love.  Out of some of our most painful experiences, God can bring beauty out of ashes. He brings light in our darkness. He brings hope in our desperation and hopelessness. We then begin to see that His love is so strong. His love is enough to carry us through every circumstance. As we allow Him to flow through our feebleness and weakness, His strength and might overpower us and lead us to overcome victoriously.

She Brings Tears to My Eyes through Her Singing

As I listen to 7 year old Rhema Marvanne's voice, tears well up in my eyes. The Lord uses a little girl to bring His love and touch the hearts of millions of people all over the world. 

O Holy Night

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees,

Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night, divine! O night when Christ was born

O night, divine! O night, O night divine!

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His Gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His Name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy Name

The heart wrenching story of Rhema Marvanne who lost her loving mum to ovarian cancer has been an inspiration to many.

Soften our hearts, Lord

The best soil absorbs water readily so plants can grow healthily. 

Our hearts like rich soil easily absorb water to quench our thirst for the Lord. 

When the Lord speaks, our hearts cry out to respond to His voice.

We live by His word and draw from the river of the Spirit of God to receive nourishment for our souls. 

We cry out for the continual softening of our hearts. Our brokenness and contriteness lead us deeper into the grace of the Lord. 

As God opens our ears to hear Him, opens our eyes to see Him, we also desperately need Him to soften our hearts so that we can feel Him.

We will not be weary and burdened. He will fill us with unspeakable joy and peace that passes understanding. He will make us rest on the greenest and softest pasture. 

He will fill us with His goodness and grace unceasingly. 

The blessings of the Lord are prepared for those who seek Him with all of their heart, soul and mind.

The Nacre of Life

I was browsing the website on how pearl is formed 
(http://www.thepearlmarket.com/pearl-formation.htm)

“A pearl is a natural gem created by a living organism. When a foreign object is introduced into a mussel or oyster the animal coats the irritant with a substance called nacre, the same material with which it builds its shell. Layers of nacre build up to make a pearl.”

The setbacks, irritants, challenges that we face daily are very much like these layers of nacre in the mussels. In His love, the Lord uses the circumstances of life to mould and make us to be more like Him. Very often, the pressure and heat can be unbearable and overpowering. At such times, discouragement and fear strike furiously. Despair and disillusionment set in. Some of us may bend or give up. Others fight on when the storms of life come crashing in. The power and strength of God help us to overcome every tragedy and challenge. We ride on the wings of His Spirit and soar like the eagles. We acquire a bird’s eye view of things as the Lord begins to open our eyes to see what He sees. He enables us to overcome by the power of His Spirit and the might of His strength. He never lets us go.

The Lord will use anything in His hands to bring out the beauty in each of us; for there lays a priceless and beautiful pearl. He reveals His glory through us. His enduring love leads us on to persevere and spurs us to pursue Him with undying devotion till the day we see Him face to face.