Your Unique Voice

In the course of my vocal training, I make it a point to share with my participants and trainees that it is important that we do not strive to sound like someone else because everyone has a unique voice that God has given to us and all we need to do is to work on improving it.

I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever

I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for Me
And I will open up my heart
And let the healer set me free
I’m happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing
Of when your love came down

Chorus:
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever

Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the healer set me free
I’m happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing
Of when your love came down

I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever

I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever

Oh, I feel like dancing
This foolishness, I know
But when the world has seen the light
They will dance with joy
Like we’re dancing now

I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever



Lord, You are the reason why we sing. The human mind can never fully comprehend the depth; the height and the width of your boundless love, and only those who have completely abandon themselves to Your lordship can boldly enter into Your holy presence to worship and adore You.

Enjoy The Paintings

Here are some paintings displayed at the Singapore ArtsStreet 2008 at North East in Hougang. Enjoy!

Thinking Out Of The Box

Last Saturday, I happened to run into Singapore ArtsStreet 2008 at North East in Hougang. Some people were busily painting away. I always marvel at people who can draw and paint because I cannot draw for the life of me.

At one corner of the event, I saw some people pasting stickers on outlined pictures. It is thinking out of the box because conventionally, we use crayons, poster colour, water colour or paint. Creativity brings a breath of fresh air and it is unlimited.

BFF

Recently, one of my young vocal trainee was preparing a song for an audition. In the song, the word ‘BFF’ caught my attention. I found out from her that it meant ‘Best Friends Forever’. A few years ago, a friend sent me an SMS with the abbreviation ‘btw’, I took a long time to figure that one out. It means ‘by the way’.

Online and SMS shorthand is so widely used today. Look at some interesting shorthand here:

c u : see you

ttul: talk to you later

btwn: between

gb: goodbye

gn: goodnight

t’row: tomorrow

2day: today

y’day: yesterday

2gether: together

con’t: continue

bbs: be back soon

This online and SMS shorthand continue to evolve and develop and shape our way of communication. This hype is certainly here to stay for some time.

Motion Sickness

Going down memory lane is interesting. When I was very young, my mother would bring me to visit my late maternal grandparents at the current Eunos estate. That area was a kampong then. Travelling in a non-aircon bus from Commonwealth area to Eunos took such a long time as the road systems then were not as efficient. I had terrible motion sickness, so my mother had plastic bags all ready just in case I would throw up. Every trip we made to see my grandparents were filled with anxiety. However, what I appreciated most is that my mother did not allow my motion sickness to deter us from making the arduous journey.

Now let me bring you back to the year 2000, as Monte and I were in Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, we took medical missions trips to other parts of Baguio, Philippines. We traveled by jeepney. In a jeepney, the people would sit facing each other and only the driver and the front sitting passenger faced the front directly. Monte made special request for me to take the front seat due to my problem with motion sickness for fear that I might not make the journey. I appreciated his thoughtfulness.

Today, I can read on an mrt and at times on a bus but reading in a moving car is out of the question. I have come a long way, my motion sickness condition has improved remarkably.

Chip Of The Old Block

People who have seen my mother and me will always comment that I take after my mother. Apart from looking alike, We also have similar taste buds. We crave for wanton noodle, chicken rice, satay, durians and rojak. Monte (my husband) commented that our mannerisms are very similar too. Isn't this interesting? Well, to put everything into a nutshell, I am the chip of the old block and I am happy.

Doubly Blessed

My late maternal grandmother was one of the kindest person I had known. I had never once heard her raised her voice. I do not remember her flaring up even in trying times. Occasionally, I would stay over at grandparents place as my mother had some important things to tend to. I remember grandmother would carry me and whisper comforting words into my ears. The reassurance, love and care meant a great deal to me.

Now, I will say something about my mother. My mother is a kind woman. I grew up in Commonwealth Crescent for a large part of my life. There were many Hainanese families there like ours. That neighbourhood was one of the friendliest neighbourhood I had ever known. There was such a community spirit among the people. On some occasions, my neighbours had commented to me that I had such a kind mother. Needless to mention, these neighbours had been blessed by my mother’s kindness. Growing up, I remember on many occasions, my mother would send me off with food or gifts for my neighbours. She always gave the best to others. Whenever I think about my late grandmother and mother, I can only thank God for I am doubly blessed.

Unstoppable

In mid June 2008, I caught a programme on television which featured lives of Singaporeans who were abroad. In that episode, it was on a Singaporean woman in Mongolia. She was a missionary there for many years now. She was filmed ministering, visiting people, at work, at play and just about everything she did from day to day. One thing that stood out in her life was the joy and exuberance she exhibited. Her love for the Mongolians was infectious. Her labour of love had certainly paid off. She would not be coming back to Singapore right away, she was so happy to remain in ministry there.

At one point, the programme host commented that this missionary thought like the Mongolians. Her whole life was immersed in the Mongolian culture. No one would know that she was a foreigner because she lived just like a Mongolian. She was unstoppable for the love of God compelled her to persevere on for the glory of the Lord.

A Father's Love

One day in early June 2008, I tuned into a local Chinese radio programme and they were featuring stories of cancer stricken children. A couple had four children and two out of their four children had cancer. When their first child was diagnosed with cancer, the father shaved his head. The young son asked his father why he did that. With love, the father told his son that he was going into battle with him. The battle was none other than the battle to overcome the sickness. This great act of love touched his son deeply.

Simply Irresistible

Mickey is so well loved by everyone in the family. He is an extremely smart dog. Yesterday, I went to visit my parents. As usual, Mickey was overjoyed to see me. As I sat on the floor near him, I noticed that from time to time his eyes was directed on his leash which was on a nearby shelf. All he wanted to do was to signal to me:” Please, please, please, please, please bring me for a walk!” He is simply irresistible.

The Great Paradox

God is so strong and mighty yet He is so soft and humble in heart and spirit. He possesses all the resources in the universe and yet He gives us the wonderful privilege to partner with Him in the work He is doing. He reigns on high and yet He came down to earth to touch the down-and-out. He is righteous and just and yet He will never turn His face away from one who is truly repentant. How could a God so great and awesome reveal His heart to mankind? This is one of the greatest paradox in life.

Keep The Heart Pumping

This morning, Monte (my Husband) and I had a badminton game at the sports hall in Hougang. I used to play badminton in my school days, I have always enjoyed this indoor sport. Exercise has a way of invigorating us. Besides playing badminton, we also cycle, swim, brisk walk to keep fit. I am the one who is not as disciplined as far as exercising is concerned, so Monte has to prod me on most of the time.

Let His Light Shine Through Us

Last Friday, Monte (my husband) and I had delicious hamburger steak at the famous Ma Maison Restaurant at The Central, a relatively new shopping centre.

On the table sat a table lamp. The lamp shade was made of stained glass. The light shone through and illuminated the stained glass. It was absolutely beautiful. We caught little snapshots with our hand phones.

In many ways, we are like the stained glass lamp shade for when the light of Jesus shines through us, we begin to radiate with His glory. When we become a beacon of His light, we begin to direct people to the Lord. We carry the presence of the Lord wherever we go and we bring the gospel of peace to every nook and corner of the earth.

Come Home (All We Like Sheep)

Some time ago, I was talking to a sister-in-Christ who shared with me about her backslidden son. She wanted me to remember her son in prayer. Nothing else will bring greater joy to her than to see her son return to the Lord. Her heart was broken but her faith remained strong in the Lord.

We must be careful not to send these straying people on a guilt trip. We can pray and love them back to the household of God. All they need is our love, care and acceptance. It does not matter what they have done or where they have been. What is most important is they are home.

All We Like Sheep

All we like sheep have gone astray
Each of us turning our own separate way
We have all sinned and
Fallen short of Your glory
But Your glory is what we desire to see
And in Your presence is where we long to be

O Lord!, show us
Your mercy and grace
Take us to Your holy place
Forgive our sin and heal our land
We long to live in Your presence
Once again

Taking our sickness, taking our pain
Jesus the sacrifice Lamb has been slain
He was despised rejected by men
He took our sin
Draw us near to You Father
Through Jesus Your Son
Let us worship before You
Cleansed by Your blood

Upon This Rock

The Lord, Jesus Christ, the Rock of our Salvation is unshakable and immovable. When we stand upon this Rock, we are safe and secure. The Lord upholds us with His righteousness right hand. He has given us strong feet to scale great mountains of our faith. He leads us on to terrains and dense forest that we never imagined we would be able to tread upon. All He asked of us is that we put our complete trust in Him for He is the Rock of Ages and He stands firm and strong through all eternity.

Upon This Rock
When others see with earthly eyes
Just what they want to see
You will see the things that never die
You will know and recognize
By simple child-like faith
The priceless truth that
Others will deny.

When others say I'm just a man
Who likes to dream His dreams
When others call a miracle a myth
You'll listen for eternity
In moments as they pass
And see with spirit eyes
What others miss.

Upon this rock I'll build My kingdom
And on this rock forever and ever it shall stand
And all the powers of Hell itself
Shall never more prevail against it
For Satan's thrones are built on sinking sand
Upon this rock I'll build My kingdom
And on this rock forever and ever it shall stand
Upon this rock of revelation
I'll build a strong and mighty nation
And it shall stand the storms of time
Upon this rock.

If in a simple carpenter
You see the Son of God
If you would chose to lose
When you could win
If you would give your life away
For nothing in return
Then you are where
My kingdom will begin.

The Burst Of Colours

God made all things beautiful. The multi-coloured flowers speak of the creative power of our living God. The beautilful flowers radiate gloriously in all the earth and we see His beauty from His creation.

Corporate Worship

Last Sunday, the Lord opened the door for Monte (my husband) to minister at Radiant Community Church. When we gather in faith as a community of believers, God honours our commitment and sacrifice in loving service to Him. This act of worship speaks of our desire and delight to pursue the Lord in every possible manner. The corporate anointing of God is manifested when He inhabits our praises and He reveals His glory and grace to us in increasing measure. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.

Forever Faithful

Recently, Monte and I were on our way to have dinner near our flat at Sengkang. We caught the tail end of the setting sun. The beauty of the Lord radiated gloriously in the evening light. Just like the sun that rises and sets daily without fail, God’s faithfulness is great towards all of His children. When we posture our hearts towards the Lord, He lays His hand of love on us and leads us into His purpose and plan for our lives.

Comfortable And At Ease

Over time, my direct involvement with these precious children has opened the door of friendship with them. The children are comfortable with me.

From January to September last year, I had the privilege to conduct Speech and Drama training at a primary school in Upper Bukit Timah Road. One day after training, as I was on my way out of the school, I ran into an eight year old girl who was one of my students. This year she would have turned nine. I noticed that she had her hair cut short. Previously, she used to have shoulder length hair, which was tied up. She wanted to know if she looked better in her new hairdo.

Currently, I am also on a Speech and Drama training programme in a reputable school along Guillemard Road. A few weeks ago, this ten-year-old boy, asked why my body was tilted sideway while I was walking. He went ahead and showed me what he saw. I explained that I was carrying some heavy things and that had caused me to lean to one side. However, I thanked him and added that I needed to be more aware of it as it would not be good for my posture in the long run.

Through these incidences, I am thankful that the children are comfortable and at ease with me. Whenever, a smile breaks out on a child’s face, it brings much joy and delight to me. I count it a privilege to contribute to their growth in little ways. I firmly believe that a child learns best when he or she is relaxed and happy. Learning can be fun and enjoyable. A non-threatening, caring and loving environment nurtures a child to reach his or her fullest potential.

Thank You

I have enjoyed vocal training so much that I look forward to each training session. My deep appreciation goes to all my friends, church leaders and members, contacts and every participant and trainee who has given me the opportunity to do what is close to me heart. You may view some of my testimonials at http://vocaltrainingjeefong.tripod.com/id11.html

An Honour To Serve The King

Monte (my husband) was invited to speak at World Revival Prayer Fellowship last Sunday. It was such a significant service being that it was both Pentecost Sunday and Mother’s day. We thank God for granting us a wonderful time of ministry.

Our hearts are humbled to have the opportunity to be God’s messenger and mouthpiece. It is such an awesome and fulfilling ministry. As we declare the infallible word of God with His authority and anointing. God is glorified and magnified in all the earth.

Attention Seekers

In the course of my training, I have come across some children who scream for attention. At times, they may even disrupt the classes. There are underlying reasons for such behaviour.

In March and April this year, I was conducting a Story Telling training at a school in Yio Chu Kang area. Little Jerald appeared. He was a bubbly nine year old boy. For the training, the children were to write a story on any subject of interest to them. I suggested some possible topics to them, one of them is ‘My Father’. He jumped up and exclaimed: “I have no father’. I was taken back and enquired further. I learned that his parents were divorced and his father was well alive. His mother might be the one who had custody of this little innocent boy. It finally became clear to me why he sought so much attention in class. On this note, I would to mention that this also happened to older students in some secondary schools that I had trained in the past.

As the training went on over the weeks, one day, Jerald, presented his story in front of the class. The title he chose was ‘My Father’. He spoke with such confidence and ease. He was so proud of his father. His love for his father was evident when he spoke so fondly of him. He even said that his father was his hero. Needless to say, little Jerald was so badly affected by the broken marriage. That day when he finished his story, all of us applauded loudly for him. It was such a heartwarming moment.

There are many Jeralds around us who are crying for help. Many who need love, care, and concern. Many who need someone to lead them by the land to help them to move on from where they are to another point in their life's journey. Christian leaders and workers who have an opportunity to reach out to minister to this group of people have a heavy and yet important task God placed upon them. May the Lord's continual blessing and anointing rest on them as they do the work of the ministry.

Child Prodigy

Little Yeo Ye Eun is a five year old blind genius pianist. She was born blind. Her adopted mother, Park Joon Soon, when interviewed on Star King, a Korean talent competition, mentioned that little Ye Eun started playing the piano at the age of three. What is amazing is that she has never leant how to play the piano but she can play a song after hearing it once. View this little clip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntReE2n15bo%20 and it will blow your mind away.

The Selfless Christ

John 4:31“Meanwhile His disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.””

Our Lord, Jesus, poured His life out to minister to the people around Him. In the gospel of John, Christ’s selflessness was portrayed when His disciples had to urge Him to eat something. Apparently, He was so engrossed with the needs of the people, so much so that His hunger was not an issue at all. We often hear that a hungry man is an angry man. We become short fused and irritable when our stomachs are growling. But Jesus is so different. He went beyond Himself to love and serve the people with all that He had.

Christ’s selflessness is so pure. He was not concerned with His reputation. He ministered to the outcasts, the down and outs, the people that society despised. For that reason, the Pharisees constantly attacked him as their finger of accusation wagged furiously at Jesus.

Jesus was never intimidated. He kept going on because love compelled Him to the end. Look at the lepers that Jesus touched, no one would even dare to get near them but Jesus defy the norm. He loved the lepers and brought them healing and hope. This is why millions upon millions of believers today love and serve Jesus and pattern our lives after Him. When the selflessness of Christ is evident in us, the world is turned upside down for the glory of the Lord.

From The Depth of His Heart

Last Wednesday, Monte (my husband) and I were at the Esplanade to watch a Japanese bamboo flute performance. The Japanese master teacher along with four of his students gave us an awesome performance. The master teacher has been playing the flute for forty years. What captivated me most was how he played with all his heart. His emotions were oozing out from him so powerfully and wonderfully. That top-notch performance had utterly enraptured us.

Perfection Takes Time

Perfection takes time. For believers, this takes a lifetime. God is producing a masterpiece that He can proudly present to all. He takes great pains to ensure that we are without faults and blemishes. His precious work in us brings out the best that we can ever be.

Sometimes, the crises we find ourselves in may seem to suffocate us, we are seemingly drowning in deep sea but what is amazing is that God’s unseen hand is ever ready to save us. Through our trials and tribulations, we learn to rest on the arms of God. We begin to understand peace that passes understanding. We know the abiding presence of almighty God. Our spiritual muscles are strengthened for the arduous journey ahead. We know that we can overcome and triumph because God is with us.

Escalating Prices

Global rising prices is raging like a blazing fire in many countries all over the world. The same amount of money today gets you less goods and services. Recently, an article in the papers caught my attention. Due to escalating prices, this Filipino lady could not afford to buy milk powder for her baby. We are not talking about luxury goods, milk powder is a necessity. Yesterday, I learned that some people in another country cannot afford to buy rice and bread as food prices had escalated beyond their control. Many impoverished people all the world over are plagued by hunger pangs at this moment.

Let us come back to Singapore. Low income families who are struggling to survive face tremendous pressure. Some live on instant noodles because that is all they can afford. The Singapore government is doing all they can to help the poor and needy.

The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund is an excellent initiative by the The Straits Times. Needy children get $30 to $50 a month. Mr Seenivasagam’s three children are the recipients. In his interview, he related: “Please thank the people at The Straits Times for me. My children would have had nothing to eat at recess if not for them. - Security guard Madialagam Seenivasagam, 50, whose three children, aged 10, 12 and 14, receive $1 a day from the School Pocket Money Fund.” Because of people who care, those who are in need receive help. Because of people who care, the poor need not go to bed hungry. As Singapore becomes more affluent, the people who are more well off can do more to reach out to those who need a helping hand.

Persevering Love

Phoebe Worrall Palmer (1807-1874) was a well known teacher, humanitarian and theologian. Her influence and impact was far reaching during that time. Phoebe’s third child, Eliza, died a tragic death. Her maid accidentally dropped a lit oil lamp on the gauze curtain covering the baby’s crib. Little Eliza died in her infancy in the flash fire.

Can you imagine the inexpressible pain, the anguish, the despair and agony Phoebe must have felt? In the book Streams of Living Water by Richard Foster, the following account reflected the pain in Phoebe’s heart when she said: “In the agony of my soul I had exclaimed, “'O, what shall I do!'"

God reached out to the inner recesses of Phoebe's heart in those trying and difficult time. She found solace and strength from God. She allowed the word of God to nurse her back to health and wholeness. She allowed God to walk her through her immense grief and pain. To cut the long story short, she picked herself up and emerged stronger and more determined to love and serve God with every ounce of her energy.

How many people can be like Phoebe Palmer? How many of us can remain strong in the face of life’s harshest storm? strongly believe she overcame because her relationship with God was so strong. She was deeply rooted in the love of God and this led her on in spite of her pain and suffering. She did not allow the trial to destroy her life and ministry; on the contrary, she thrived and persevered to pursue God in greater intensity. She left behind a godly model and example for millions of Christians to follow after.

Resounding Melodies

Monte (my husband) and I were at the botanic garden last Sunday evening to catch a wonderful performance by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. They played to a very large crowd of people. The relaxed atmosphere is just amazing and we soaked in all the beautiful melodies that echoed through the air.

Clouds Of Glory

I have always been fascinated by clouds in the sky. They never fail to captivate my heart. They are so unfathomable, constantly changing formations and patterns. They radiate with the beauty and glory of God. When I look up at the sky, I see the wonder, the greatness and the bigness of our supreme God. A God so great that the temporal issues and things in life appear small and insignificant. The challenges and seemingly impossible situations suddenly become more manageable because God is in control. Oftentimes, God speaks to us through nature. The trees, the mountains, the sea, the sky echo a resounding chorus declaring His majesty, power, strength, dominion, authority and glory.