As Time Goes By - A Tribute

When no one's around, when everyone's gone, the time you have with the only company left would be much valuable. These 3 consistent Saturdays have been pleasant, and worth to cherish, especially when you don't really have much chances throughout the year to have such quality times together. However, when you are permitted to spend time with, after such a long separation, it is beautiful.

Appreciate the endless generosity, the hours spent, all the wonderful meals, all the sharing and life experiences that I am entrusted with. All the ups and downs, all the goods and the ugly sides of life, to be able to know all... I would say, more than I deserve to know.. made me treasure this more. To think about it, this is the longest, lasting, friendship that I really have in Melbourne.. and I pray that it will last..I would never forget the time when you stand by me when no one else does, to offer me helps and company without complaining when no one else around.. Ceaseless gratitude... Words would not be able to describe how much this meant a lot to me. And since, I am limited and lacking in verbal expression, writing and prayers would be the only perfect channel of thoughts and emotions, the Lord knows best.

Christmas Eve, 24 December 2011, has been a memorable dinner, a wonderful Christmas present for me. We smiled, remembering that we had our first fine dining together in 31st December 2007, such a long time, but it just seems like yesterday. Amazing it is, to meet a person, similar to you, who has shared so much, with such a strong bond. I may or not know how do you view on this. But knowing myself how truth and precious this is for me, it is more than enough.

My only wish, is to ask for nothing for myself, but to have this friendship continues, as time goes by, to be able to witness how you beat the winds and conquer all the challenges, to be able to witness you grow more and more in Him, to be able to witness you to gain the best of the best, and to be able to see you happy and smile always.

BIC Choir 2011

Such an honor to minister together with these lovely people, who share the same passion, the same spirit and the same love towards our Father. We are not professionals, some of us have zero music background, we don't have a vocal teacher, but we have one thing in common : a heart to worship. Thinking back, it is indeed amazing, how we really had gone through song after song, a challenge after challenge, many busy practices and time spent in prayers. And thus, 2011 has been such a rewarding year. Of course, without Him, this ministry is just a mere performance of human works. It is only because of His grace that this choir exist. So we give all the glory unto the Lord alone. I believe that, we are still allowed to sing and serve, because His spirit is in all of us. And I know that this ministry will continue to be used to bring blessings and to proclaim the good news.

I am looking forward for 2012. Another grace, another year, to work and to give our best for this ministry. It would be great to meet the members again. Missing you all. God bless you.
Love, Jes.

It Had to be You

It had to be you, it had to be you
I wandered around, and finally found
The somebody who could make me be true
Could make me be blue or even be glad
Just to be sad just thinking of you
Some others I've seen might never be mean
Might never be cross or try to be boss
But they wouldn't do
For nobody else gave me the thrill
With all your faults
I love you still
It had to be you
It had to be you
It had to be you

Betty Hutton
"It Had To Be You" (1944)
From the Paramount Picture "Incendiary Blonde"
Written by Gus Kahn and Isham Jones
Orchestra conducted by Paul Weston
Released on Capitol 155

Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h809JwAGB0&feature=related

Every Prayer

Every Prayer - Israel Houghton. feat. Mary Mary

I heard 'em say He brought me from a mighty long way
And now today I can testify that I believe it
And on my way I realized He's the one who kept me
When the storms of life arise, sleepless nights and desperate cries
He has captured every tear assuring me He hears

Every prayer, waiting on the answer only to discover He is near
And He hears every prayer for He has done great things
And I believe He's a God that always answers prayer

I heard 'em say the prayers of the righteous availeth much
And now today I can testify that I believe it
Now on my way I wanna let you know that He will keep you
When the storms of life arise, sleepless nights and desperate cries
He's captured every tear assuring me that He hears

Every prayer, waiting on the answer only to discover He is near
And He hears every prayer for He has done great things
I believe He's a God that always answers prayer

Don't despise the tears you've cried
Or the prayers that you have prayed
Heaven heard your every word
And the answer, the answer's on the way

I heard 'em say there is an answer on the way
My God has done so many great things, great things
Hold on and you will see there is an answer on the way
My God has done so many great things, great things

Oh, there is an answer on the way
My God has done so many great things, great things
Hold on, hold on, there is an answer on the way
My God has done so many great things, great things

Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
You can make it, you can make it
You can make it for he has done great things

I believe He's a God that always
I believe He's a God that always
I believe He's a God who always answers prayers
Yes, He does

http://youtu.be/Kijc_5327yE

Quotes and Phrases from Brother Lawrence

Quotes to be remember from Brother Lawrence (1611 -1691):

• To that end I know the heart must be empty of all else, for God wishes to be its only processor without emptying it of all that is not Himself.
• It is not needful always to be in church to be with God. We can make a chapel of our heart, to which we can from time to time withdraw to have gentle, humble, loving communion with Him.
• I work before God simply in faith, with humility and with love, and I apply myself to do nothing, say nothing and think nothing, which can displease Him.
• Our sole business in this life is to please God.
• God seems to choose those who had been the greatest sinners to bestow upon them His greatest favours.
• I looked on Him in my heart as my Father and my God. I worshipped Him there as often as I could, holding my spirit in His holy presence, and recalling Him to mind as often as I found myself turned aside from Him.
• God very well knows what is our need, and all He does is for our benefit. If we knew how much He loves us, we should be every ready to receive equally at His hand the sweet and the bitter. Even the most painful things and the most hard would be sweet and pleasing to us.

Spiritual Principles:

To look always to God and His glory in all that we do, say and undertake; that the end we seek should be to become faultless worshippers of God in this life as we hope to be throughout eternity.

Practices Essential to Acquire the Spiritual Life

The most holy practice, the nearest to daily life, and the most essential for the spiritual life, is the practice of the presence of God.

To worship Him in Spirit And in Truth:

God is spirit and he must indeed be worshipped in truth – that is to say by a humble and genuine worship of the spirit in the depth and centre of our soul.

It is God alone who can see this worship, a worship we can so often repeat that the end it becomes as it were natural, as if God were one with our soul and our soul one with God. Practice makes this clear.

To worship God in truth is to recognise Him for what He is and to recognise ourselves for what we are.

Concerning the Presence of God

The presence of God is a directing of our spirit to God or a present remembrance of God which can come about either through the imagination or the understanding.

Means of Attaining the Presence of God: a great purity of life & a great faithfulness in the practice of this presence.

Bibliography:

"The Practice of the Presence of God", Brother Lawrence, translated by E.M. Blaiklock, foreword by Jennifer Rees Larcombe, Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, London 1981.

Sharing from Workplace

My current occupation as a customer service coordinator..

I have been working for almost 9 months. Do I like it ? not really. But i live with it, without a choice.
I got this job: by grace. (Dec 2010)
I never ever even thought about applying for customer service job.(In fact, I didn't apply. A kind hearted manager approached me in church and I was given this job).

Some background, Before and After:

Honestly I admitted that I did and maybe do, or do, have problems with people and temper.
I prefered a quiet environment of work, where I did not have to speak to strangers everyday, with no disruption when I am doing work. Another thing is, I am so used to solitary and I love it. Being alone doing work, had been my life for years.

My academic life requires me to spend a lot of time alone. I could shut myself in a library reading and practicing for whole day, without talking to a single soul. I was a student, who preferred to eat alone so that I could spend time studying. I was friendless even in few uni subjects, without an inkling of the need of a company.

These moulded my characters to be a perfectionist, a loner and an independent individual. Followed by this, ended up working in a hectic place where I committed, I strived, climbed to the top, became on of the best. Yet, my temper was built up lot there, being impatient, being easily angered or "manipulation" of stuff were a daily norm of behaviour that did not only acceptted as tolerable, but sometimes are required.

Then after I quit the company, I was jobless for 8 months, depressed due to personal problem, and desperate for a job in 2010..

22th December 2010, I was accepted in the current place.

Initially, it was a really hard place to work due to the huge differences in the environment in comparison to my uni and previous work situation. Like it or not, I need to talk, forced to accept complaints and learned to be patient.

I sort of asking for mercy.. begging and telling myself that : One day, you have to get out from this place.
And the more I cried out, the more I struggled...and the more depressed I become at work. Sanctification and denying the true you is extremely hard.

mid April 2011...
Finally, I started to realise that, I have to pray for the work place. Then I took a day in a week to start praying for the place. May the Lord bless this place, that's the main point, bless the souls, save the souls. And change myself, for I realise that my being here ... have to be the light of the place..
It doesn't have to be a long prayer.. but I believe that, when we do it, faithfully, God works.

As for me, I was undergoing a hard changes. I realise that God put me here for a training. To learn to talk. To learn to rejoice, to learn to smile and care and BE HUMBLE. Scolded and being complained sometimes, but what else I could do, then just keep my mouth zipped..It is hard, but whenever I started to let my nature to have the stage, " No " and " SHut Up" are the frequent terms, bombarding my heart.

Gradually

The more we obey, the more we realise, it is He taking over us.
To be honest, the job is still very boring and dry (honestly), but I live with it. Believing that one day I still could go out for the place.But not now.

Sometimes, I received gifts from customers ( clothes, books, foods that I never expect and I did not deserve these. And I wonder, why did these people buy me stuff ? They do touch my heart..and will be remembered.

I myself still have struggles with my flesh, with all the weaknesses I have and yes, I do need His strength to be patient daily, to care, to at least be nice to customer, and to remember HIm. Daily prayer before work is important. I humbly encourage you all to give 5 mins prayer before you work or class or exam or etc.

Epilogue

Remember Joseph ? Who was sent to Potiphar's house and the place was bless ? I believe that when His presence is in us, He controls the place. No one could harm you unless He permits. And the place would have a different atmosphere.

Sometimes, God led us to a place or a situation, where we complainted a lot. Yet, in the end, we never know that, He is planning of something and His plan would never be as what we thought.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

The Kiss of Heaven - Darlene Zschech

The Kiss of Heaven, by Darlene Zschech : Highlights and Quotes

Grace: a disposition of kindness and compassion, free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God, a state of sanctification by God, divine love and protection bestowed freely on people. Favor: an act of gracious kindness, a feeling of favorable regard, considered as the favorite, bestow a privilege upon.
Grace is used to talk about our position in life, while favor is used much more frequently to talk about our mission. Grace to live and favor to move.

For it is by grace that I live. This, I have only totally understood fully over these past 2 years. Reminding me always, that even the chance to breath, the opportunity of being alive, the privileges of enjoying all the blessings and the honour to serve Him, are indeed, His abundant grace for me. Thus, with a joyful heart. I bless, because He has blessed me. I love, because He has first love me.

July 2011 had become one of the significant months for me in my walk with Christ. It is significant due to the commissions that He alone has bestowed upon me. I remember the night of July the 9th, when pastor John Mendez imparted the anointing of the "Favor of the Lord" upon many brothers and sisters that came. This is followed by another few occasions of the anointing through Pastor Johan, and my personal mentor, whom had led me so much in my spiritual growth. Favor of the Lord is real, when we receive with faith. My life started to change since that time. Since then, my walk has been directed towards fulfilling my destiny, the calling.

Heaven Exchange : moments when God literally exchanges our weaknesses for His strength, our brokenness for His wholeness. Walking with Him involves surrendering my old nature to Him. The more we dive into the truth, the more I am aware of the sinful nature in me. And the more I realise how dirty I am, the more I need the blood of Jesus to cleanse me. At first, it was hard, it was painful , I denied it, and I rebelled for not wanting to change. I tried to defend myself, until I realised that, it was either following Him or no. I couldn't stand in two boats anymore and I had to choose. Thank God, I surrender. Impatient, easily angered, hot-tempered, workaholic, over perfectionist, self-pity and extreme emotions are all my weaknesses. Bringing all my weaknesses to Him increase my dependency on Him. And He did honor my honesty. There was a time when, before I led worship that I came to Him saying that: Lord, I was not a good speaker, but I surrender. Amazingly, He put words in my mouth when I served.. and I know, it wasn't me. It was Holy Spirit, speaking through me. This is heaven exchange. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9)

True worship is a daily lifestyle that honors God. The differences between worship and music : worship is inclusive, not exclusive. The music of worship embraces every man, woman and child. The heart of worship implores us to bring an offering of heart. It allows everyone to come and participate. On the other hand, music was created to carry, capture and communicate the presence of God.
As a musician, both through academic training and personal lifestyle, I had been living in a mindset of a musician, having the idealism of a musician, having the attitude and the character of a musician and even, I had to admit that I had the pride as a musician. This is what it means by music is exclusive. It was difficult and a constant struggle to distinguish the line of music and worship. Many times I separated the the essence of worship and performance and this did not please the Lord. I do love music, and I love to sing. But when I sing with the mindset of a performer, my heart would not be fully His. It became a human show, and the fragrant of His presence would be absent. Yes, this is one of my weaknesses that is in need of constant changes. I humbly need Him to put my heart of worship to Him above everything, and music would only be the instrument to His presence. Let me be His instrument, for He created music in me to please Him, and not myself.

The Lord doesn't require how good you are. He only desire your heart. I had been blinded by the pride that I had, and it was only because of His grace that finally I come to understand, this year.

When coming back to the heart of worship, then I realised that, adoring Him is the most important. It is not a matter of how good or talented I could sing, how musically knowledgeable I have.. but His presence is the most important. He alone deserves the worship and He is seeking the true worshiper who worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24).

Worship alone is not enough. We need to be rooted in His words. And the more He speaks to us through the words, the words become so alive that, we would be hungry for more and more. Pray for revelation when reading the words as Human 's logic would not comprehend the hidden truth. Seek for the meanings, let it become alive for the Words of God are powerful.

Darlene quoted that 'The more we know of God's Word, the more the Holy Spirit can use God's truth to direct us in our daily walk.' Respect and fear the Lord, and humbly ask for it, and for the knowledge of the Words are one of the true treasures of the world.
" He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure." (Isaiah 33:6)

Advices concerning pride:
The most dangerous to the flow of favor, is our own pride. When God's favor is shining on us, it tends to put us in the spotlight of attention. Signs of pride: easily offended, self-centeredness, fighting for our rights, isolation, needing to be served.

Pride and self-righteousness often hinder ourselves to be used fully by God. For carrying pride means we do not need Him. This is a very crucial point that I myself try to heed, especially when I know I have several gifts. My mentor, friends and even leaders have constantly giving advices about pride and I want to be careful with it. For this, I need God to change my heart, renew my mind, deny my flesh and undergoing the process of sanctification. I pray that as I encounter Him more and more, I am more in need of a humble heart. So that, when I bless, I shall serve in humility. So that when I sing, I sing with a pure heart, and so that, when I lead, I lead people to salvation.

Be clothed with humility. Humility is freedom from pride or arrogance. It is not thinking of yourself as being lower than a worm, because if we are going to lead people, we have to be out in front. But leading is all about taking people by the hand and pointing them to Jesus - not showing off our own wonderfulness ! "Who may ascent the hill of the Lord ? Who may stand in his holy place ?He who has clean hands and a pure heart?" (Psalm 24:3-4)

Undeniably, Darlene Zschech is an incredible woman of God, a true worshiper of the Lord and an inspiring leader. Reading this book has blessed me so much and taught me heaps. Her insights inspire me to deepen my walk with God and to shout and declare His name on high.

" I long to be an extravagant worshiper that God would discover the song in my heart to be elaborate, over-generous, and wasteful in my pursuit of Him" - Darlene Zschech.

I Thank Thee

From acquaintances to different friends, from friends to brother and sister..
It wasn't smooth relations. I ran away from them before..I avoided them before..
It is rare, that I eventually have acknowledged them as my mentors...
Unexpected that the relations have head to this direction.
Heeding their advices and countless hours of counsels.
Disciplined I gained, as they rebuked in love.
Respect and awe I have for them.
For wisdom and the presence of the most Holy is in them.

As I prayed with them together in unity,
in the presence of all my brothers and sisters..
A sudden swept of His presence fell upon us.
On my left, my beloved sister..
and on my right, my precious brother..
All of the sudden, the Lord spoke to me.
" They are your mom and dad, your spiritual mom and dad"
Engulfed in this sudden revelation..
I visualized myself as a little girl,
Hand in hand, being held in the middle by her parents.

I won't live today without Him
and I won't be who I am now without
your teachings and cares.


" I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." - John 14:18
"For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up" - Psalm 27: 10

Wedding for the Deserved

23 rd July 2011 would be the most important day for Jenny & Michael, as they joined together, hand in hand as husband and wife.

From the my deepest heart, I congratulated them wholeheartedly and was truly privileged to be one of the witnesses. It was a blessed wedding that she deserves.I have known Jenny as a woman who truly love God and through her testimonies, I have been greatly encouraged. She forgave and stood strong in her times of turmoil and even her best friend called her ' God's princess.' As I looked at her on her wedding day, I know that she is so fulled of joy.Whatever pains and sorrow she had in the past, God has always known. And He has especially created that day for Jenny. For she truly deserved it. My brother Michael, and sister Jenny, God bless you both for your new walk of life.

My love for piano..

I know I have drifted away from my path since 5 years ago. The days where I spent for music, live for music, with piano as my lover...The solitary hours in practice room... the breath that I used to hold each day.. Wishing to turn back the time, yet it is impossible. However inside me, the burning desire still persist.. and every time I listen to the tune..  I wish I could go back there.  No matter what I do, no matter what I toil for, alas ! My love of music still prevail. It is in me and it will never change. The whole emotion and body feel so much alive when it comes to me.  Yes, regret exists, however.. mistake has been made. I should have appreciated this in the past, I should have stayed focus on track... Surely the presence taught me to look for the future.. There is still hope. The love for music is still with me. .How much I dream for standing in the middle of the stage again.. I hope that I would be able to play in a recital once more.. Yes, in a grand hall, being poured by all the lights.  Yet, for now.. I surrender my desire to You... the inmost me... I dedicate my art to You.... I have my dreams. but let Your will be done.

Destined for a new journey

Months have passed alongside with changes that occur. April 2011 marks the beginning of the new chapter of my life. Indulging in nostalgia, I picture myself as a solitary figure, almost silhouette, walking alongside the wave of gentle ocean during sunset. Step by step, my feet touched the sandy soil, smooth and rough at the same time. And there seemed to be no time limit, just a setting, just a moment.

Sometimes, my feet bleed when the shells cracked my skin, disturbed. Sometimes, the bitter cold wrapped against me, as if pushing me to retreat. And many times, countless tears fought trying to win the storm of life. However, I move forward. Not knowing when it would end.

Like an ugly duckling who wondered around searching for identity, I had lived that kind of life. Thirsty to know 'who I really am', and I had been hunting for the answers for eons and ended up in myriad of human sorrows and heartaches. Being lost, I would have fallen into deep darkness...

Amazingly, grace is calling. And destiny would never fail. When you have been chosen, you couldn't run away. Miracles offer an unthinkable direction and I responded. Indeed, when a good shepherd is He, my Lord would never let me go astray. I have returned to the purpose of life. And I have cherished the new identity that would never be taken away. A meant to be, like the miracle that transformed the swan.

Yes, I am still a lady who loves solitude. I am the same melancholic fellow who appreciates aesthetic beauty of arts, music and literature, a sure idealist person with complex personality, yet undeniably, towards the better. I have founded my calling. I have discovered the new beauty, the intimate presence of The Lord of the universe, how great Thou art. Reasons behind I understand naught, wisdom of man would never attain to comprehend. Never would I expect the bestowing of such privilege. Only I know, it is an honour to heed. What I have before would all be secondary and I am pursuing the higher voice, the higher purpose, even though prices have to be paid.

and now, though there are only one set of footprints, my Lord carries me. Our sights couldn't see, but faith does. And He will never leave me nor forsake me evermore.

Dedicated to : my beloved brothers and sisters whom have been sent by Him to bless me. My gratitude towards all of you. God bless.

The Cat and the Butterflies

The Cat & the Butterflies

Simple artwork, dedicated to my workmate, Phoebe.
Her smile always encourage me and made my days better.
It will never be coincident that we both like cat and purple =p
I love you and this painting is for you and it comes with a message:

" For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
~ Psalam 139 : 13-14

You are precious in His sight.

Thank you Lord for allowing us to work together :)

I love her

Despite having busy days as a full time house-wife and a piano teacher, she still serves faithfully as piano accompanist at church, she takes English lesson, and regularly join another choir group in the city.. and recently she is taking flower arrangement course.. and that's the roses that she proudly arranged and displayed at our living room.
This woman is my mom.

It takes like almost 20 years for me to truly understand her.
She is very strong and independent woman. Beautiful, strict and never tolerate things against her rules. The queen of the house she is.. and I never remember her spoiling me. She always pushed me to achieve the best and sometimes, she is just too stubborn. Yes, we disagree on lots of things. I argue with her lots and sometimes never comprehend what is on her minds.. However, looking back at my own self, I do have her reflections.. I have her strong will, I have her stubborn mind, and I am critical just like her....

Realizing this, I want to be a better daughter for her. I know I am not a very good one.. and I don't know how to show my affection to her. But I do cherish her .. I appreciate her for what she has done for me, for taking care of me, for teaching me and especially introducing me to music..and my faith in Christ.

Having her is a blessing and I love my mom.

Lord, I thank you for giving me my mom.
Thank you for my dad
for my brother Jason
my brother Joshua
and thank you for my family..

The Phoenix

~ The Phoenix ~ my painting produced on 15th March 2011.

Moomba Festival

Moomba Festival 2011 ~ 13th March : Moomba outing with my beloved friends Tika, Erlin, Ben, Mik & Stephen =p Though it was only an hour and we had to left because of the rain.. most of us had a great time. The fireworks were cool and the 3 rides !!!! I love them all !!!!!! That moments were just.. Super Fun ! Made me feel younger, excited and vibrant! The night was followed by a mini rendezvous at the cafe as the rain poured and the temperature dropped ~ hot chocolate and mud cake was simply bliss ~~ Best Moomba Trip compared to the last 3 times in the past. Thank God for the friendships and thank God for the fun !

MSO Tributes to John Williams

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 's performance of Star Wars and Beyond ~ A Celebration of John William was certainly the best orchestra concert that I enjoyed most ~ And I thank God for this special opportunity to have this chance to enjoy the music so much ! The Saturday of 12th of March 2011, would be memorable and I really wish to have this opportunity again.

Firstly, John Williams has always been one of the master of film music that I respected. An American composer, conductor and pianist, he was educated in Julliard and had won numerous awards, including 5 Academy Awards and 4 Golden Globes. Notable in his works are the famous theme scores for the films : Star Wars, Jaws, Superman, Jurassic Park, E.T., Harry Potters 1& 2, and Catch me if You can. And truly, I enjoyed every single notes, every single pieces that was performed, all pieces were high and standards and really fantastic !

I grew up watching Jurassic Park, I watched E.T., even Star Wars and my mom used to play the soundtracks which meant I had been accustomed to the tunes and have grown up loving his music to such a degree that, it is never boring for me to listen to Catch Me if You Can's soundtrack and Harry's Wondrous World for 8 years ! And having this chance to listen to the live orchestra for these pieces played right before my eyes took all my breath away !

John William has this typical characteristic in his music which defines how much he loves it. The sweet beautiful melody, the clever usage of 'leitmotiv' and how he painted the characters of each different scores, proved how much genius he is. Main influences of his music are the prominent figures such as Strauss, Wagner, Prokofiev and Stravinsky and I would never forget the beautiful mournful tone from the solo violin for Schindler's List and would always praised the 20th century compositional idioms that he used in the opening for E.T.

Apart from that, MSO was so lucky to have the great maestro Anthony Inglis as the conductor. He is currently the Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra in London and has vast outstanding repertoires throughout his career. His versatility as a conductor, his eloquent of speech, the warmth and his deep understanding of John's music was obvious through his deliverance. The way he created the usual rigid atmosphere of the concert hall into high valued theater representing Star Wars with the costumes were entertaining, as if the conductor had transformed into the characters itself. And, I do personally love his English accent !

Trust me, though it sounded odd.. as I listened to the delicate tunes from John's music.. the music and the harmony melts my heart so much.. that.. the feeling and the emotion were incomparable... even to the feelings that I felt when I had my first date. That is how much strong I love certain music and John William's is one of my beloved.

He cares

It would be a waste not to share something good. And of course, no one but ourselves who experienced would understand best.

Especially in times of troubles, when you felt crushed, or when you had lost or even failed countless times. And thoughts like ' maybe I am not meant to be ' or ' perhaps I am just as bad ', would crept into your minds and made the rest of the day a gloomy day.

That was what had happened on the 10th of March, 2011. For those of my entrusted friends, they knew what happened, for I informed them, yet my pride never let them knew the exact feeling that I kept. I knew I failed, and yes I am not giving up, but, sometimes you did yearn at least a comfort. But no one would knew if you never asked for it.

And yet, one of my ex-colleague, and a good friend of mine, suddenly rang up out of the blue and offered to buy me a meal for lunch, which he never did before. Without even thinking, I thanked him and waited eagerly for the meal and I appreciated his effort and cares so much. And to tell the truth, I was about to forgo my meal for that day... Just a little hint of what had happened : losing $150 for nothing did made me a little bit down and I didn't have much money left..

Just when I had finished my meal, another friend and sister of mine, came suddenly and bought me my favorite plum tea. She never came before and she never did this before. And.. that was the moment when I came to a realization that... this were not a coincidence at all.. And my first instinct made me pondered and asked this question : " Are You comforting me, Lord ? "

It all made sense. I believe that, Alan & Winishe were sent and used by God to comfort me, though they may not believed it.

Even when the problem seems so small, even when you secretly bottled up everything inside, Your Creator, who knows the number of your hairs (Luke 12:7), will always cares what we are going through.

See I have engraved you on the palms of My hands;
your walls are ever before Me
Isaiah 49:16

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49: 16

Gothic Calligraphy Homework

It has been aeons... since the last time I really put myself to a certain degree of 'serious' artwork..

Though not exactly up to standard, finally I have managed to get a grasp of writing for A- Z Gothic lettering. Next, I can't wait to learn the Italic writing ~

Doing art work, which rarely did since I took Bachelor Music, was used to be my life for years.. I mean, painting and drawing are my first exposure to arts when I was a little girl. And I used to paint a lot..when I did my School back in Indo and.. during VCE years (Art & Design courses).. But since, I concentrated on music.. I didn't have time and motivation to paint anymore... and yup, I do miss it.While doing this project, the lettering was the hardest to tackle... all the words are supposed to be straight, rigid and in proportion... Mine doesn't ... Yet, I enjoyed during the decoration the most ~ The feeling of using my painting brush again was simply.. 'Zen' .. like what my friend, Len, always mentioned. Painting with brushes, especially in black, is just my forte.. and.. I love it !!!! Hopefully and hopefully... I will get inspired more to pick up painting again.

Catch me If You can

First viewed the film on 10th February 2003 for the first time.
Have had read the novel twice in year 2002 and 2007.
One the 13th June 2010, I have watched it again for the forth time.
‘Till today,the impression never cease.. Do you concur?

Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank William Abagnale Junior & Tom Hanks as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, released on December 25, 2002, ‘Catch Me if You Can’ is a comedy-drama film based on the life of Frank Abagnale. Set in the 1960’s the film chronicle the life of Frank, who before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars by posing as a Pan American World Airways pilot, dead-heading to many destinations in the cockpit jump seat, and he impersonated as a Georgia doctor (complete with a forged Harvard Medical School degree). Furthermore, he created a phony document of Harvard Law Transcript and then he legitimately passed his bar exam and masqueraded as a Louisiana attorney, which is awesomely impressive... His primary crime was cheque forgery, becoming so skilful that the FBI eventually turned to him for help in catching other cheque forgers.

Frank Abagnale is now one of the world’ most respected authorities, working with the FBI’s Financial Crime Unit on counterfeiting and secure documents, including check swindling, forgery and embezzlement. He has been a consultant, lectured and instructed hundreds of seminars worldwide and continues to offer his services for free to the FBI. Moreover, he has published several books, manuals and articles and has designed secure checks that are utilized by businesses worldwide

One of the factors that the film gets my attention is the setting. A near-flawless palette of period looks from the ‘50s and ‘60s times. The sequence of 'cat and mouse' chase between Frank Abagnale & Hanretty, also has succesfully created a lasting impression through its witty, clever scenarios, the humour that it contains and the mockery within. Especially the Soundtrack, which I still listen too for over 7 years, the collection and tone of music assembled dealt greatly with 1960’s pop culture. The fusion of several older generation songs with a similarly retro style of jazz in the underscore is obvious. John William’s composition for this particular film represents the perpetual chase. “The Float” is shifty with attractive rhythmic romp that is cyclical in its vibraphone and woodwind rhythms. It exhibits an excellent saxophone solo with ominous dramatic undertones.

Personally, I love “ Broken Home” the most, where the music volume has been reduced to melancholy solitude carried by a slow solo harp and lonely shadows of the solo sax and piano performances that graced the score's beginning. Perhaps, the whole OST has summarised a well-documented music album with indeed, a well genre-constrained score. The music simply never bores me. And it has been proven so strongly as I have listened to the soundtrack over and over again for more than 7 years.

Both reading the biography and watching the movie is inseparable. It would not be complete without doing both activities. Indeed, it has become one of my favourite movie to watch. While, the book itself is not to be missed, and if you decided not to read the book, you miss all the details.

Sources:
• Editorial Review, Filmtracks – Catch Me If You Can, written on 14th December 2002, revised on the 10th January 2009. Copyright © 2002-2010, Christian Clemmensen (Filmtracks Publications).
http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/catch_me.html

• Frank W. Abagnale, with Stan Redding , Catch Me If You Can – The True Story of a Real Fake, Bantam Book, USA 1980.

• Margaret A. McGurk, DiCaprio, Hanks have fun, so catch them if you can – The Cincinnati Enquirer, Friday, December 27,2002.
http://cincinnati.com/freetime/movies/mcgurk/122702_catchme.html

• Susan Goodwin & Becky Bradley, American Cultural History, Lone Star College – Kingwood.1960 – 1969.Copyright © 1999 [Kingwood College Library]
http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/decade60.html

• The Wikipedia Encyclopedia. Catch Me If You Can.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_Me_If_You_Can

Chinese New Year Eve 2011

I always love Chinese New Year Eve, as it is the best time to gather all families and relatives in Melbourne. For 2011, we celebrated the night for the first time at home. Except, the Yee Sheng (鱼生), all foods were home-cooked by the mothers of the families. Sadly, this year, my cousins : Shalyn 's family and Nith 's were not able to join us. Hope to see you guys soon. Looking forward to celebrate this with friends as well. And, I miss all my other extended families, cousins which are scattered all over many different locations. Wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year 2011. Giong Hi !

祖大家新年快乐。恭喜发财

Nasi Tumpeng

29th January 2011, House Warming at Robert & Nina 's residential home =p

The hosts had been very generous in providing us the meals. We had Indonesia's famous Nasi Tumpeng. Which usually, is only served to celebrate important event. The philosophy of Tumpeng signifies the geographical condition in Indonesia, especially Java to be fertile island. The tall cone shape of the rice symbolized the mountain in Java as tall and magnificent. This unique dishes was served as a means to signify blessings for the house. This was followed by prayers and blessings by the invited pastor and many friends who love and supports this family.

All foods were delicious, including Nina's home-cook 'Bak mi', or Indonesian noodles. The guests had great time enjoying themselves in the house. The house-warming was a success. And not to forget, Himelda's Indonesian style cheesecakes and her signature Tiramisu were really wonderful :)

'Après Un Rêve'

Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)'s ''Après Un Rêve' is one of my favorite French vocal music.

Truly lyrical, beautiful, melodious and deep.....moreover, it speaks of dream, night, mystery and fantasy.. Though I have known for this song from the vocal accompaniment 4 years ago with my friend, a vocalist.. I had naught understand fully the meaning of this lyric back at that time... instead... the meanings flow naturally now..maybe it is due to the maturing process that is happening....it is probably the most suitable music to immerse in during solitary times, especially during peaceful slumber accompanied by the warm voices of the gentle rain.....

' Après Un Rêve'

Dans un sommeil que charmait ton image
Je rêvais le bonheur, ardent message;
Tes yeux étaient plus doux, ta voix pure et sonore
Tu rayonnais comme un ciel éclairé par l’aurore;

Tu m’appelais, et je quittais la terre
Pour m’enfuir avec toi vers la lumière;
Les cieux pour nous entr’ouvraient leurs nues;
Splendeurs inconnues, lueurs divines entrevues...

Hélas, hélas, triste réveil des songes !
Je t’apelle, ô nuit, rends-moi tes mensonges;
Reviens, reviens radieuse
Reviens, ô nuit mystérieuse

Translation:

'After A Dream'

In a slumber charmed by your image
I dreamed of happiness, ardent mirage;
Your eyes were more tender, your voice pure and clear.
You were radiant like a sky brightened by sunrise;
You were calling me, and I left the earth
To flee with you towards the light;
The skies opened their clouds for us,
Splendors unknown, glimpses of divine light...
Alas! Alas, sad awakening from dreams!
I call to you, oh night, give me back your illusions;
Return, return with your radiance,
Return, oh mysterious night!

Dealing with today's Problems

I have been failing my drive tests too often that, I have reached to the point where... I am devoid of any emotions left.

What concerns me the most, is the money. I have spent lots of sums of money for the sake of getting a license, and I don't think I have had ever spent even that much for clothes. My mind told me that, perhaps I am not even meant for the license. Perhaps I don't have the talent for driving at all.... Though it feels sucks.. I just have to resign to the fate and ..the only thing I know is, well.. just pay the money for another try.

I did not have anyone to call too when I finished the test, except notify my best friend via text messages. My feet brought me straight to the place that I used to put my commitment & energy there.. yes, my former work place don 1.

As I sat down and waited for my meal, I felt slightly nostalgic feeling towards this place. The atmosphere, the vibe, the pace.... Though it is still as it is; small, old, smells of teriyaki sauce, not as clean and bright as my office, woody and a little.. dodgy ? .. I still have that sense of belonging and pride to this place. At least this is a remaining place that I still have some kind of triumphant feel, indescribable in words. At least this place acknowledged me to a certain degree.. And I know, I have decided to move on from this place, never coming back, but still, maintaining the relations.

My brief visit comforted me. Perhaps meeting my ex managers were the reasons, or was I looking back to the olden days. Yet, life moves on and Don1 have taught me that, I did able to climb to the top, no matter how many times I struggled there in the past. It was a success and I have to do the same at my current life situation, especially for my present job.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows - Soundtrack

The score for Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is composed by Alexandre Desplat, a notable French composer.

The first review of the soundtrack was released on October 31^st, 2010. The soundtrack received many positive reviews. ‘Obliviate’, the Prelude of the Deadly Hallows portrays the sad, mournful story, appropriate for the projection of the movie. It is neither a mysterious fantasy theme, nor a triumphant battle score, it is unique and full of depth, reflecting the progression of the emotions that the film contains.

At the time I watched the film for the first time in cinema; I noticed the melancholy tones and how the background music attracted me so much. When I found out that the composer was Alexander Desplat, it made sense to me. Having been listening well to Desplat‘s Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I could identify the uniqueness of Desplat’s composition; the sombre timbre, the many uses of dark tones, the beautiful melancholy tunes. And after I watched Deathly Hallows: Part 1, for the second time, I decided to purchase the soundtrack.

One month has passed, as I listen to the soundtrack all the time and I have fallen in love with it. ‘Obliviate’ sets the scene for a sad, mournful story and perhaps, highly appropriate to introduce this film. The music lends quiet emotional depth in ‘Harry & Ginny’, some tense, robust action with outstanding precision in many other tracks. In ‘Ron’s Speech’, the emotion in this music is high above success. It is so much serene and beautiful that I couldn't help but really feel it. Through the music, it depicts Desplat's genuine understanding towards the characters in the film; the painful transition from children to adult that the characters have to face, the struggles, and the deepest feelings, the dark forces, have all been illustrated with the entire soundtrack.

Nevertheless, John William’s scores for Harry Potter‘s first two movies received much credit as well. And Harry’s Wondrous World, ceaselessly, has been my favorite for 8 years and will always be.

No doubt, these soundtracks serve as my faithful companions when I was alone, in my room, which illustrates the mood of the story for Harry Potter series vividly. And honestly, some of the music suit my moods very much.

Kitchen Workshop Buffet

25th January 2011 - 18.00 pm @ Kitchen Workshop, Crown Entertainment Complex.

Having mon premier Unilodge Company dinner buffet ~ A cozy effective way to get together with the managers & other staff members, while having a chance to have your ideal way of dining experiences.

Instead of rushing to the food counter and taking as much food ravenously, I did it step by step and never against the order by starting from:
1. Appetizer - Tomato & Basil soup with croutons, garnished with Parmesan cheese
2. Salad - Garden salad with French Dressing, Beetroots, Tomatoes, Pasta Salad, etc.
3. Entree - Cordon Bleu Veal with Chat Potatoes, with many others available here and there.
4. Main Courses - Grilled Pepper Fish, Roasted Chicken, & Roast Beef.
5. Dessert, observable from the photograph.

And, please don't get me wrong. When it comes to buffet, my ideal rule is to take as little portion as much for each food that I would devour upon. Take your time, eat gracefully, and no rush ! Thinking in mind, that this is a time for food tasting. Be careful on the portion on each dishes would allow me to safe more rooms for my stomach, in conducting the maximum gastronomic activity as possible, and at the same time, to watch over my weight. Plenty of people would have the pleasure to be represented as my witnesses.

The overall ambiance of the dining room was all right, despite the limit of food varieties compared to Sante, but I do think that the quality of the food here is pretty satisfying. The only thing that I found it disappointing was the roast beef - hard, not enough taste.. anyway,
Love the grill pepper fish the most. I ate double portion & it's simply Enchante !