Carpe Diem seems like a big word to me.. I mean only to me not you! hehee… Getting the reference from Wikipedia.

Carpe diem is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace (see “Source” section below) that has become an aphorism. It is popularly translated as “seize the day”. Carpe literally means “to pick, pluck, pluck off, cull, crop, gather”, but Ovid used the word in the sense of, “to enjoy, seize, use, make use of”

While reading this article, it got me to think about how we have never really enjoying every moments of our lives… The people we spent time with.. The people we met only once…The people who were once our mentor.. Or even the people we fall in love before… We somehow took all of these for granted… We never appreciate and never take everything for real…

This article talked about two different types of time. 1. Chronos time is what we live in. 2. Kairos time and that is God’s time. it’s time outside of time. It’s those magical moments in which time stands still.

These Kairos moments leave as fast as they come but I mark them!

When I have this artcle in my mind and I listened to my Senior Pastor Preached today… I really wished time stood still and let me really enjoy every moment… There are moments where I overlooked some people or things which I never appreciate. That moment just come and go!  

In the past, I was taught about grabing every Kairos Moment eagerly. When you missed it, you really missed it! Nowadays, I really wished that i am not so busy that God got to throw a brick at me to catch my attention. I wished i will never come to a place where poeple are throwing brick at me to catch my attention to tell me ” you missed the Kairos Moment”

Every moment is precious and we should treasure it all.

Every seconds where we meet people, we should treasure it all..

Every minute where ur mentors disciple us, we shouldd treasure it all.

Every Kairos Moment we experienced is precious !

If I had a couple Kairos moments during the day, I call it a success!

 here it goes:

After their first three dates, his girlfriend told him an astonishing piece of news that changed his life forever.

It was a “dark secret”, 61-year old Raymond Anthony Fernando remembered of what his then-girlfriend Doris Lau Siew Lang told him almost three decades back.

I am schizophrenic, she had told him.

If that was not surprising enough, she also told him that she was a patient at the Institute of Mental Health, otherwise known as Woodbridge Hospital in the 60s.

Yet, the secret she guarded so carefully — one that scared away all her previous boyfriends upon hearing — finally stood the test of one man’s faith and love for her.

Raymond, a Singaporean whose heritage is part Eurasian and part Sri Lankan, listened as Doris poured her heart out about her past and her condition.

Schizophrenia is a group of psychotic disorders characterised by disturbances in thought, perception, affectation, behaviour and communication lasting longer than six months.

At the onset, because there was little public awareness on schizophrenia, Doris’ symptoms of headaches, insomnia, a loss of appetite and even being delusional sometimes worried her family.

They believed she was charmed, and brought her to a medium instead. The delay worsened her condition. It had escalated to a point when she harboured suicidal thoughts. Back then in the 60s, a relative who worked in the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) heard of her unexplainable illness and recommended Doris be warded. Her condition finally stabilised.

Instead of breaking up with her after hearing what she said, the freelance television actor and motivational speaker asked her, “Will you marry me?”

“I was deeply moved by her sincerity and her caring nature. I had dated many girls, but Doris was very down to earth… Doris is a very timid person and I decided I wanted to give her a better life, so I asked for her hand in marriage,” Raymond told this writer.

The couple tied the knot in 1974.

This year, the couple celebrate their 37-year anniversary.

Doris is still battling with schizophrenia and as of five years ago, arthritis as well. As for Raymond, he too has diabetes, high cholesterol and cataract.

Challenges of caring

Medical costs aside, Raymond revealed that the road is tough to say the least. He used to struggle between juggling work and caring for his wife.

In 1995, under tremendous amount of stress, he attempted suicide.

In retrospect, he said, “I deeply regret taking that route — imagine what would happen to Doris if I had not survived.”

“It’s still very tough,” Raymond admitted. “But I have to stay and remain strong for Doris. She needs me badly.”

The couple had unfortunately lost their only two children — one through a miscarriage and the other through an abortion. In the latter case, the couple made that decision as Doris would have to get off the drugs that would affect the foetus.

The devout Catholic relies on his faith to get by. He left his 31-year job as a public relations officer in October and is now working from home as a writer to earn income to pay their bills.

Caring for his wife turned him into an advocate for the mentally ill.

“It’s been extremely tough for her as Doris’ sole caregiver, especially when the support structure for caregivers of the mentally ill is clearly lacking — something which I have been fighting for, for decades.”

But Raymond never regretted taking her as his wife.

“No, I will not ever walk away from taking care of Doris because of one simple reason — I love her deeply,” he said

Raymond handles all the household chores and finances while maintaining his writing jobs and caring for his wife. The last job entails taking her to numerous medical appointments at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, IMH and polyclinics monthly, and ensuring she religiously takes her medication — 52 tablets a daily. He visits the same hospital for his eye treatment.

Although her schizophrenia is now stabilised, Raymond reveals that it may relapse anytime. “The symptoms of her arthritis condition caused her to be in tremendous physical pain in all her joints that left her mobility severely impaired. In severe pain, it can trigger a relapse of her mental illness,” he said.

Doris had suffered a relapse before so he and the doctors are carefully monitoring her condition.

Symptoms

Raymond reveals how the symptoms first develop. He usually first notices physical tell-tale signs such as the white of her eyes turning slightly blue, and much dandruff appearing on her scalp.

At the beginning, Doris would become uncannily quiet and fearful. “The slightest noise will affect her,” Raymond said. Over time, she tends to become increasingly anxious and begins hallucinating. While she is not violent, her husband said, Doris cries when she hears buzzing in her ears and voices telling her to do “strange” things.

“There were occasions when I had to sleep with the house keys under my pillow as she would wake up in the middle of the night and attempt to go downstairs to the void deck. She believed that her mother was waiting for her downstairs. But her mother had already passed away,” Raymond said sadly.

Traumatic experiences such as the loss of their children and the loss of her mother haunt her as well.

The breaking point is when Doris begins talking about suicide. That is when Raymond is left with no choice but to admit her into hospital.

“On most occasions, she would have to undergo ECT ( electro convulsive therapy). This is where mild current is applied to the brain every four seconds to stabilise her.  Most of the time, she requires at least six shots of ECT.  It is an extremely painful period for me,” he said.

She may require another knee operation should her medications fail, he adds.

Despite all these, while he acknowledges that it is an uphill task to care for her as her arthritis condition worsens, he is prepared to fight this battle for he and his beloved wife.

“If there’s one thing you can say to your wife now, what would you say?” this reporter asked.

“If schizophrenia is part of your life, then it must certainly be part of my life. I don’t necessarily like what the illness does to you, but it is you who I love. And that will always be the guiding, motivating force of my life, Doris.”

Deborah Choo used to write for an array of websites such as Youth.SG and The Online Citizen. She now blogs in her free time

I recommend you to go!!! I love visiting to museum like that! Love the expereince….

it felt like you are really on board with the people. !

Let me share with you the experience.. Before you enter into the exhibition hall, you are given a boarding pass..

This boaridng pass gives you information of a passenger. Information such as either you are first, second or thrid class. Background of the family and who you are travelling with you.

 I love this alot! This is the Grand Stair… If you watch the movie, you will get to see this….

This make the whole exhibtion feels sooooo like you are really on board!!!!

 They even showcase this huge ice thing.. it was sooo cold..! Let you expereince the coldness of it.

There is even finger prints on….

I found my new hobby… is to go for exhibitions and Museum!!! hehehe! I totally love friday like that…… Relax and Enjoy! Alright… Have a blessed Weekend

You thought I didn’t really notice. But I did. I wanted to high-five you.

Yesterday I had a pair of brothers in my store. One was maybe between 15 and 17. He was a wrestler at the local high school. Kind of tall, stocky and handsome.

He had a younger brother, who was maybe about 10 to 12 years old. The only way to describe him was scrawny, neat, and very clean for a boy his age.

They were talking about finding a game for the younger one, and he was absolutely insisting it be one with a female character. I don’t know how many of y’all play games, but that isn’t exactly easy.

Eventually, I helped the brothers pick a game called “Mirror’s Edge.” The youngest was pretty excited about the game, and then he specifically asked me, “Do you have any girl color controllers?” I directed him to the only colored controllers we have, which include pink and purple ones.

He grabbed the purple one, and informed me purple was his FAVORITE.
The boys had been taking awhile, so their father eventually came in. He saw the game, and the controller, and started in on the youngest about how he needs to pick something different. Something more manly.

Something with guns and fighting, and certainly not a purple controller. He tried to convince him to get the new Zombie game “Dead Island” and the little boy just stood there repeating, “Dad, this is what I want, OK?” Eventually it turned into a full-blown argument complete with Dad threatening to whoop his son if he didn’t choose different items.

That’s when big brother stepped in. He said to his dad, “It’s my money, it’s my gift to him. If it’s what he wants, I’m getting it for him, and if you’re going to hit anyone for it, it’s going to be me.” Dad just gave his oldest son a strong stern stare-down, and then left the store. Little brother was crying quietly. I walked over and ruffled his hair (yes, this happened all in front of me). I said, “I’m a girl, and I like the color blue, and I like shooting games.

There’s nothing wrong with what you like. Even if it’s different than what people think you should.” I smiled, he smiled back (my heart melted!). Big brother then leaned down, kissed little brother on the head, and said, “Don’t worry, dude.”

They checked out and left, and all I can think is how awesome big brother is, how sweet little brother is, and how Dad ought to be ashamed for trying to make his son any other way.

—————

Posted while on the move. Through the eye of the backberry

First trip to BKK, First Wedding of the Year, First 21st Birthday Celebration and not forgetting celebrating my mummy’s birthday! It all happen in the first week of 2012!

First Wedding of the year is none other my Shifu’s Wedding! Ray and Evan!

Congrats to this awesome Couple.. Both are super Angel toooo… I will always remember the dinner I have with you both …

The first 21st Birthday I celebrated for in 2012!.. Such a Sweet Girl. Happy 21st Birthday Weiling!

We Love you lotsssssss

Not forgetting Mummy’s Birthday! I think you have one of the most crazy, playful daughter in this family!  Thank you for loving me still!

Not forgetting you are the Chairman of the family!!! Making us proud by receiving the President PBM Award 2011… We Love you!

The most awesome thing during the first week of 2012 is attending my home church, City Harvest Church! Proud to say, it is one of the most AWESOME PLACE to be!

I always loveeeee to hear my Senior Pastor Kong preach. Seeing him so hungry for God by doing his annual fasting for days always encourage me to love God more. This four weeks is back to the basic by attending CIC Class with the whole church.

When Pastor shared about discipleship, I always always remembered what Grace said to me ” Jesus have 3 closest disciples, 12 disciples and the 70 other disciples. Jesus named the 3 disciples the closest because they paid a price to be the closest to jesus. Means a lot of rebuking, a lot of pressing in to do. So do you want to paid that price? If not, then just stay at the level of 12 disciples and dont complaint.” hehee… Really that stuck me! And of course that stays with me forever…

So if you wan to be the closest to your discipler, remember it required a price to paid I am willing to paid that price.. Are you?

Let 2012 be year of Joy with your Mentor and Discipler

Restore to me the Joy of Your Salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit       (Pslam 51:12)

It was such an encouraging article for most woman. If you would want to feel bless and encouraged as a woman. Do read this blog: http://www.wow31.org/

This Article goes like this:

As women, there is an inherent desire in us to have companionship and to find that special someone; our life partner. During childhood, many of us would read fairy tales or watch cartoons and movies of how a princess is rescued, falls in love and is swept off her feet by her Prince Charming and they both lived happily ever after. And we often imagined ourselves as a princess who would one day fall in love and get married in the same way.

Unfortunately, I am sure many of us have realized that reality could not be further away from the stories we have read or the movies we have watched. The challenge of finding a life partner, falling in love and eventually getting married can be daunting and often leaves many broken hearted and discouraged along the way.

I too went through the process of spending my time and energy investing in several relationships, only to find them ending in failure. I remember one painful breakup from a relationship that lasted for more than five years. Each time I failed in relationship, I became more disillusioned with this thing called love. Any of you out there who can identify with me?!

Sometimes in our search for relationship, we can unknowingly put our pursuit of our relationship above even our pursuit of God. Our desire for relationship can unknowingly become the idol in our life.

In 1995, I came to City Harvest Church after my five-year relationship ended. I was tired and broken on the inside. Resentment was building up on the inside of me, age was catching up with me and I was fearful that I might not find that special someone in my life anymore.

It was in one of the church services that Pastor Kong preached about the story of Rebekah.He shared about how Abraham was a type of God and the servant was a type of the Holy Spirit and that God was the Matchmaker in the union of Isaac and Rebekah. I began to find healing and hope once again through the Word of God.

Isaac Met Rebekah (Gen 24:62~67) “Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her….”

I remember thinking to myself that this is the Bible version of a fairy tale; except, this is not a fairy tale at all because we know that the Bible is a record of all that had happened of what is true!

I began to study the Word of God and learned about the different women mentioned in it. And I came across Ruth in the Book of Ruth and discovered how her obedience led her to her promise.

Boaz Met Ruth (Ruth 2: 10~12) So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

(Ruth 4: 13) So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife.

I read about how Boaz met Ruth when she followed Naomi who is an Israelite (who symbolizes God, His Presence and His Favor) to the Land of Promise and Ruth obeyed all of Naomi’s instructions. Because of her obedience, Ruth met Boaz and found favor with him. He eventually took her as his wife, and although she was not a Jew, God grafted her into the lineage of Christ and she became a part of the family that brought forth Christ.

The Bible mentions another remarkable woman, Rehab. Though she was a harlot, she had the courage to risk her life and to save two Israelite spies. She then left her people to embrace Jehovah God and be amongst His people. She eventually married Salmon and gave birth to Boaz who in turned married Ruth as mentioned above.

Are you seeing a pattern here? I certainly did! I saw women who had abandoned their past, their traditions and the people they were familiar with to embrace the true and living God. They made the decision to follow God, and came under His wings for refuge which enabled them to receive their reward. God orchestrated their relationships and became their Matchmaker.

I know that my God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is one who looks to and fro the earth to see whose heart is loyal before Him that He may show Himself strong on his/her behalf.

In Romans 8:32, Paul reminded us that if God who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Jesus also freely give us all things? Through it, I realized how much God loves me and He truly wants the best for me. He wants me not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever for a very good reason, so that He can pour the fullness of His blessings into my relationship.

In my many years in church, I have seen how many Christian women struggled while waiting for the right one and there are many who have lost faith in this area or even grew bitter over time. I wanted my story to be different. I weighed my chances – statistics showed that in most cases, the proportion of Christian women outweighs that of the Christian men in the church.

I looked at my odds back then; I had just joined City Harvest Church and in those days the ratio of students to adults was probably 5:1. I was standing at the parking lot outside the church and looking at the sea of students, I knew that in the natural, my chances were low and the odds were certainly against me. I remembered the scene so well even now as I write this. I saw where I had gone wrong and how the pursuit of relationship had become greater than my pursuit of God. Like the women in the Bible, I wanted to pursue God.

I did not know where that supernatural faith came from but I recalled saying this prayer: “God, I have proven myself to be foolish in the area of relationships. Today I want to bet on You no matter what the chance and the odds are. Make me your testimony and be my Matchmaker. Make me a living proof to Christian women that You are still our provider especially in the area of relationship. Close my eyes to all the wrong relationships and open them when the right one and the right time has come.”

It may seem like a prayer of desperation, but now I know that the prayer was motivated in the Spirit and it was undoubtedly a prayer that God heard. It was from that day forward that He orchestrated my journey and prepared me to meet the one that He has planned for me.

I have documented my journey to encourage other woman so that they may fully understand how faithful our God is if you will entrust Him with your relationship and let Him be the Author and Finisher of your faith in this area of your life.

In my next 3 articles, I will talk in greater detail about:

• THE PREPARATION

• THE PROMISE

• THE PRIZE

I will chronicle the process that God brought me through to bring me before my ‘Isaac’.

I will also discuss the struggles and pain during the preparation, the process of waiting and how I finally overcame them.

I pray it will be an encouragement to many of you out there who are wanting God to be your Matchmaker and that the journey God brought me through will help you! Stay tuned! Meanwhile, if you do wish to ask me anything with regards to the above post, please write to me at info@wow31.org.

Love,

Susan

Super encouraging article. Thanks for such an inspiring article

We girls are starting on our round 2 yeah!!

Posted while on the move. Through the eye of the backberry

On the last day of 2011. I was invited by one of my member’s family to go over to have a dinner. I was feeling very drained by all that have happened.. Still, I went ahead of it to be there.

This whole dinner changed me and kind of like pick me up before the year ends.

I was fellowshipping with the parents and they were sharing with me about the culture of their family…

They designed the hall like a home in US. Everything seems so cozy and very home. They have family pictures all around… They will change the pictures every three years. They will invite professional photographer to take pictures for them…

One thing that touches me the most is that the dad was sharing abt how once a week they will meet to talk.

They talk about things like economy, prices, languages and more. By that, the dad was saying he wants to help the children understand the world better..

They will do activities together such as decorating the house for Christmas, shopping together for their photoshoot..

They will meet to even discuss what course the children want to embark for the new year.

I thought to myself, ” why is there so many failures in relationship in this world?”. The key to that is poor communication.. I would say, I’m not a gd 100% good communicator.. We are all imperfect people and I’m still learning how to be a good communicator. I have never come to a conclusion before that every failure in a rs is always one person’s fault. NO! It is always a both sided thing..

I remembered listening to this sermon by Pastor Kong “the matter of your heart”. This sermon really teaches us how to express and communicate our feelings..

We are all still in the learning process

On a more lighthearted note ” I’m gg to BKK!! Let’s shop till we drop!”

Have an awesome week ahead:)

I would say 2011 was one of my best year.. Of course the bad ones at the back of the year… BUT God is still gooodddd~ There are a few groups of people who have blessed me lotsss in this year and I would like to specially thank them for.

 The Leaders: Want to say a big thank you for such a wonderful team of fun, joy and laughter.. The teasing of each other every week never fail to make Tues Meeting Fun. Thank you Wenling for all your constant love and care for us. Your committment to meet our needs is really “wow” You met me late at night just to be there for me and make sure everything is ok…. thank you for your LOVE, Leaders!

 Finance Department: Thank you staff of Finance for accepting me and thank you for your fun apart from being so serious… Thank you for guiding me and I am constantly learning new things… Thank you AR team for teaching me lotsssssss and lottssssssssss of things… it seem like my learning never stops.. I love ittt :) thank you guysssss

 Thank you the boss of my life for about 10 years? Thank you for being my mentor for these mannnyyyy years….. You knew all my weakness….. BUT you still LOVE me all the way  and never give up ….

Whenever I have a vision, I love telling it to you cause you are always the one Excited for me and believing it will come true even though sometimes it is very IMPOSSIBLE! heheh! Thank you boss of my life….

 Thanks to these two sweet girls…. I never never regret fighting for you girls to transferred to my cell group. I think God have given me two very wonderful helpers!

A very big thank you for being there for the cg… Thank you for arranging all the necessary things these period. Words can’t explain how thankful I am! I Love you girls ttm!

 I love all the staff in CHC! Thank God for all of the,  The one I loved the most is sis GRACE TAN! Want to say a very BIG thank you for all your advicesssss! Like an elder sis to me, you always make sure I start my week right by eating breakfast with me on every tues to listen to me!

I know I am very irritating at timesssss.BUT too bad I’m gg to irritate you for LIFE! hehee…. But I LOVE you still! Thanks Grace Jie! Your constant love and care touches me

 This lady I can never forget! The buddy of the year! hehee..Just want to say a big thank you to my buddy for being there for me…

Both of us are quiet people, when we go out we seldom talk but yet still enjoy each other company…

Think that’s how it satisfy our soul.. The quietness… LOL! Thanks for being here … Thanks for your shoulder when I need to cry… Thanks for leading my cg when I want to go for mission trip. Thanks for rebuking me when I am way too irritating! Thanks for your hug when it is the toughest period… Thank you for everything!!!

Lastly, thank you E267! a group of people who laugh exactly like your leader… A group of people who is fun, and outgoing… Let 2012 be a year of breakthrough for us! Lets multiple! Your Leader love you lotsssss

Thanks cgc for loving people and helping me so much with the cg. The cg is so fun, bonded is because of you guys! Love you warriors of E267

Thank you all who have entered into my life and blessed me… Thank you for all your love…. Like what some said” People comes and People Go” Still I want to thank those that have left a footprint in my life… Every relationship, friendship we learned something from it… Whether a good one or a bad, I still thank God we have a chance to know and love one another.

How you exit 2011 will determine how you enter into 2012. My disappointments, sadness, worries I left them all in 2011 and enter 2012 with GREAT JOY, LOVE and EXPECTANCY! Thank you 2011 and HELLO 2012

Lastly, I am very very honoured  that I have Pastor Kong and SUN in our lives… Thank you for the season of loving people wholeheartedly… We Love you Pastor Kong and SUN!