Reminiscing The Day I Said "I do"

18th September 2014



Someone onced said, "If you keep mentioning 'those were the days', that shows that you are getting old."  I can't help it but of late, this seems to be my favourite phrase.  Looks like age is really catching up.

10 years ago blogging is simply out of the picture in my life.  I guess becoming a stay-at-home-mom has contributed to this part of my life.  While I enjoy writing down every piece of precious memories, there are times I am frustrated with the lack of ideas, vocabulary and my greatest enemy: brain freeze!

Of course, picture speaks a thousand words.  So, here it goes - Time to recapture the best moment of my life.


Date: 18th September 2004

It was a sunny morning and all of us woke up early.  The ceremony would only began at 10am but it took some time to transform an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan in the hands of the magician a.k.a. make-up artist.

My then husband-to-be sent me with a group of friends to the bridal shop.  He then went straight to the church to oversee the setting of the hall.

The ugly duckling was about to enter the magician's lair

The transformation is taking place

The next step of transformation: hair-do

Nope, we do not have anything like 'Fetch the Bride activities' or Tea Ceremony, not even a wedding banquet.  We do not have bridal car, bridesmaids or best men either.  In fact, we did not hire a photographer on our Big Day.

Yes, we were really rebellious!  We are really grateful to our parents for not demanding anything from us.  I feel a bit guilty to my mom for not having a wedding banquet.  After all, I am the youngest in the family and the first to get married.

The final touch - a beautiful tiara for the queen of the day

Now that the bride was all ready, let's zoom in to the venue of the Big Day - CCC JB.  Don't be surprised by the photo below.  Remember, I do not have a bridal car.  It's not $$ issue.  Somehow in our clever mind we do not see the need to have a bridal car.  Thanks to Ajit and his Four Wheel, he drove us to the church and thanks to our dear gentleman Albert for opening the car door .  Emm... am I supposed to give you ang pow?  Well, in the traditional wedding, each of them SHOULD receive a red packet.  But may I remind you we do not follow any of the traditions?  So, no ang pow lor!  :p

Arrival of the bride

I was ushered to the Baby Room while waiting for the ceremony to begin.  Well, we reached there quite early.  So, time to snap some photos!

My bridal entourage - flower girls and the ring bearer, aren't they adorable?!

While the bride and her gang were busy snapping away, let's check out the main hall... what's going on there?

The hall was quite empty

Minutes later, the hall was full!

We were honored to have many friends and relatives came all the way from Australia, KL, Spore and Segt.  Thank you for sharing this special day with us.

The beautiful Me and my dad - preparing to enter the hall: The Bridal Processional

The worship team was led by Crystal, assisted by Pei Pei (keyboard), Yap (drummer), Nigel (guitar), Hema (singer) , Fong Ling (singer), Doreen (singer), Amy (projectionist), and Ezekiel (soundman).

The Scripture was read by Audrey and Ps Rajan shared the Word interpreted by Ps Kenneth.

Then we proceeded with the Exchange of Vows and Rings.

After the Groom and the Bride said the magic word 'I do', the ceremony was coming to the end.

Our dear parents

Shally's grandmom, aunt and sis

Andrew's ex-colleagues

Shally's primary school buddies

Tina and Shally

Shally's secondary school friends

The youth group all the way from CCC Segt

Our CG members, who graciously helped us to usher the guests at the ceremony

IK/UTM/CCC Tmn U friends

Shally and her mom

Shally and her sister

Andrew's parents, sister, uncle, aunts, and cousin

Light refreshments were served after the ceremony and photo session time has began.  A special thanks to Quentin, Ps Et Yong, my brother, and Ju-Li.  There are altogether 4 CDs which consists of more than 100 pictures (actually, not too sure how many) for this eventful day.  I was too lazy to go through all 4 of them.  So finally, took out Ju-Li's masterpiece and insert them in this blog. 

Ju-Li and Shally

I would also like to thank Crystal's mom, Hui Ling, Yap and Hazel for helping us with the deco of the church, Meng Hee for cleaning up the mess and everyone else who had contributed to this beautiful day.

Boy & Girl - Love Story

18th September 2014




It has been 10 long years since the boy and the girl tied the knot.  Unlike the prince and princess in fairy tales, they did not live happily ever after.  Many ups and downs in life came along the way.  But it was God that keep them together till this day.

Their very first meeting was at the girl's house.  It was the girl's first visit to the church since she moved to this new town.  The boy was told to pick her up and bring her to church.  Little did he know this girl would be his wife-to-be.  Her long hair tailed gracefully behind her.  That beautiful girl was about to sit in his car.  He felt an adrenaline rush and his heart pumped faster.

There was little conversation betweeen these two young lads.  The church was only 10 minutes away.  But that journey was the beginning of their friendship for the next 15 long years.

The girl soon became active in church.  She loves to sing and dance.  Worship ministry was definitely the place to be.  Quite the opposite, the boy couldn't do any of those.  But very often, you find him smuggling into the church during worship practice, just to catch a glimpse of that amazing girl.

It was term break and the church was conducting a mission trip to a nearby town.  Both of them participated and they spent nights and days together with a whole group of young lads.  Nevertheless, the boy's eyes were always following the girl.

The mission trip was about to end.  The boy had finally decided to make his first move.  But with one condition: If the girl took a ride in his car to go back home that very evening.  It was rather impossible as the girl always followed the church van.  The impossible became possible when the group decided to stay behind to have a durian feast.  The girl is not a fan of durian, neither is the boy.  The girl approached the boy, asking if she could take a lift in his car.  "How possible could this be?"  The boy thought to himself.

The boy was nervous throughout the 1 hour journey.  Finally, he stopped at one mamak stall and asked if the girl would want to go for a drink.  The girl was quite surprised of the invitation.  She agreed.

They sat down and ordered their drink.  Then the boy asked if the girl would like to be his girlfriend.  He assured the girl he desired for a long term relationship and eventually led to marriage.  He was not looking for puppy love.  The girl was caught unprepared.  She never thought the boy would actually like her!  Both of them decided to give each other a week to consider and pray.

All these while the girl admired the boy's leadership skill and spirituality.  He stood out amongst his peers because of his wisdom and maturity.

Nevertheless, as both prayed and committed this relationship to God, God directed their path to each other.  The pastor also prayed for them and was convinced of the following scriptures for them:-

Mark 10:9     What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

The end of one week soon came to pass.  One week seemed to be a year for the boy.  They met again and the girl nodded with agreement.  That was the beginning of their journey of love - a lifetime commitment with God as the centre of their relationship.

Photo courtesy of Ju-Li

From my heart to yours

It's hard to believe 10 years had passed since the day I said "I do".  As I pondered on the past 10 years, together, hubby and I have created many breathtaking memories as we journeyed through life.

Marriage isn’t always a bed of roses. We’ve to work at it sometimes. Sometimes we need to compromise. We’ve seen dark days together. But we’ve also recommitted to loving each other.

I’m honored and blessed to have this man in my life.  Who, knowing how crazy, controlling, and weird I am, love and cherish me in everywhere (though sometimes he didn't show it).
 
Below is a little 'whisper' from the bottom of my heart to this special guy that I am in loved with.  I'm suppose to declare my love to him during our dinner celebration but I chickened out in the end.  Was hesitated to post it here initially but finally decided to do so.  After all, this blog serves as a reminder to me the many blessings God bestowed in my life.  And hubby is definitely one of the best gift God has given me.

I’ve always said that marrying you is the best decision I ever made in my entire life.

Together, we have gone through many ups and downs in life.

Thank you for your love, your care, your understanding,

and your forgiving spirit for the past 10 years of our marriage.

I’m sorry that I may not be the best wife, the best mother,

the best friend, or even the best partner you've ever had.

In fact, a lot of times, I may be a stumbling block to your ministry

as I’ve always fighting to have more time with you. 

I may have added a few strand of white hair to your crown of glory or your beard

as you've always wonder why am I in such a bad mood. 

I may have added a few more pounds to your weight

as you’ve always need to finish off my plate, and now children’s plate.

I’m sorry that you need to go through all the heartache whenever we argue.

I’m sorry that you have to bear with my pettiness and bad temper.

I’m sorry that you always need to be the one that apologize and make the first move.

I’m sorry that I have so many weaknesses yet you embrace them all and love me just the way I am.

Thank you.

You may not earn millions of dollars.

You may not be able to provide me the best comforts in life.

We may not be driving the best cars, staying in our dream house, always settle for budget hotels whenever we travels.

But that doesn’t make you any less.

I am proud to be your wife as you commit yourself to serve God and forsake all the luxury of life.

I am proud to be your wife coz I know you are a responsible man who not only preaches the Word but doers of the Word.

I am proud to be your wife because I love you.

Photo courtesy of Khai Chew

Anniversary - Poem

Ten years have passed since we said "I do"
I remember each moment like seconds ago
Though your beauty was flawless from head to toe
It was your inner grace that made my heart aglow

In the south we planned our abode
But it was not to be as the Lord showed
Six homes we've had and many more down the road
But through it all, two little rascals He bestowed

Despite the problems that weigh
By my side you always stay
Though anger may overtake me all the day
A smile from you surely melts the hurts away

Countless mistakes and pain I've wrecked
Yet through love and forgiveness our marriage you protect
To admire and appreciate I often neglect
Yet you never failed to show care and respect

Your dinner may be delayed a decade
But my love for you has never fade
And in our silver year, as the promise made
You will have your Europe escapade

Zoo Melaka 2014

26th May 2014



The kindergarten excursion this year was a visit to Zoo Melaka.  I wasn't keen to go at all but am surprised to discover that 3-year-olds are also allowed to go.  Certainly do not want Erwyn to miss the fun, but at the same time, concerned that he is a bit too young and the teachers may not be able to pay full attention on him.  Finally and reluctantly I signed up for Elyse, Erwyn and ... poor me!

Children gathered in the hall waiting for the arrival of the bus

Yeah, the bus is here!  Line up two by two.

He is always super excited when boarding a bus

Before the excursion, I read a few reviews from the web on Zoo Melaka.  Most of them had good comments on it.  One even made a remark that Zoo Melaka is better than the National Zoo in KL.  Well, I was a bit doubtful about that.  But with an open mind, I set off with some expectations.  After all, I heard they were closed for awhile to upgrade their facilities early this year.  Now Zoo Melaka is privatised and they have even increased the entrance fee!

Much to my disappointment, there are not many animals in it and the place looks a bit run down.

After all the walking, the children deserved to have some fun at the park!  Perhaps this was the highlight of the day!!!

Bravo, kids!  All of you had made it to the end.

We headed back to the bus and the children had a small feast in the bus.  All of them were hungry and thirsty and tired.  But they still had reserve energy to make noise and sing songs and had more fun in the bus.  Children.... :p

Lantern Festival 2014

4th September 2014


The much awaited Lantern Festival (元宵节) is around the corner.  I was a bit disappointed when I found out that the church does not have any activities this year.  My disappointment soon turned into delight when Dr Christina & Dr Choy KC invited us to their DG for a time of fellowship.  

As this DG consist of mainly young families with little ones, the host was so thoughtful to have asked an art teacher, Jade, to keep the children occupied while the adults indulged in sinfully delicious food.

Of course, the highlight of the day was the lantern walk.  This is the only time children are allowed to play with fire, aren't they?  :p

The fun continued with sparkles!!!  

Even days after the DG, my boy keeps asking me to bring him to Aunty and Uncle's house.  He sure knows where the fun is, huh?!!

Church Camp 2014

28th June 2014



The theme for our Church Camp this year is 'Reigniting the Flame'.  We were so privileged to have an old friend of ours to share the Word of God with us.  This year, we had an overwhelming response from the church members as well as brothers and sisters from other churches.  Although there were some hiccups along the way, God saw us through and eventually things fell into place.

As I was involved in the children ministry this year, I missed out on all the 'fun' in the main hall.  However, I have never regretted taking up the challenge.  Being absent in the main session doesn't mean that God couldn't speak/minister to you.  In fact, months of preparing for the teaching has taught me so much about the Armor of God - which is the theme for the children ministry.  I am honored and really thanked God for His wonderful blessings.

It wasn't a smooth ride initially.  There were so many things to get ready.  From choosing a theme for the teaching to putting the lessons together, preparing the workbook for the children, searching everywhere in Melaka even all the way to KL for the props, brainstorming with hubby on the treasure hunt, and everything else you could possibly think of.  It was exhausting.  Pressure pumped in as the day drew near.  Everyday my free time was used to the maximum.  As the days progressed, I began to see the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

Door gift

Teaching aids

Teaching aids

Workbook

Teaching aids

Finally, the day had arrived and we reached Cheringin Hill - our campsite.  The arrival of campers was an exciting moment. Finally they were at camp after weeks of anticipation. The first thing all campers did was to check in and get settled into their rooms.

The worship team was as busy as before.  Many of them arrived early with the musical equipments.


The camp was officially kicked off with the welcome address and the ice breaker.  Then, everyone headed back to their respective rooms to freshen up, some roamed around the resort before we went for our dinner.


Session One began immediately after the dinner and I was caught unprepared how active and energetic  these kids were.  After all, the last time I was involved in children ministry was one year ago.  It was a smaller group compared to this one.  I really thanked God for having 3 wonderful helpers - Allyna, Amanda and Debbie.  They certainly carried tons of weight off my shoulder.



A simple introduction to the Armor of God and the first piece of the Armor - Belt of Truth was taught through a short clip, a skit and a game.  The group was then divided into two - Junior and Senior.  The little ones did some colouring activities as well as craft work.  Whereas the older kids were given some challenges.  Their ultimate goal was to find the combination number to unlock the first lock of the treasure chest.

Group activity - senior

Group activity - junior

I really have no idea what he was doing?!?

My sweet princess

Looking for something, my guess???

The next day, we woke up to a beautiful morning to start the second day of camp. It is quiet and peaceful here in the mornings with the sound of nature - remote and close sounds of chirping birds, and buzzing insects. One of the things we experienced here at camp is the unparalleled beauty of nature and peace.

The first order of the day was morning devotion followed by breakfast.  Then the children continued their lesson on the second piece of the Armor of God - the Breastplate of Righteousness.  The highlight of the lesson was the game - Water War!  The children had fun playing water gun, getting themselves drenched from top to bottom.  Honestly, I too, had fun.  Loving to see the smile on the children's face.  I guess now I know why I love children.  They are true to their feeling.  They do not pretend.  They do not put on a mask.  Our laughter must be so loud that even some of the adults from the main hall came out to check on us.  Oopss!

My little boy dislocated his arm few days before we went for the camp.  Nevertheless, it doesn't stop him from having fun!

After the children dried themselves up and got changed, we went back to the children hall to watch a movie.  A time to chill out and replenished our energy before we start our next lesson - the Shield of Faith.  A puppet show and an impromtu skit from the floor helped us to realise how important it is to put on the shield of faith in our Christian walk with God.  Next, we moved on to face/body painting.

Lunch was served.  Our stomachs were rumbling after all the fun in the morning.  The children joined the adults for some fun time while I headed back to my room for a nap.  Sleepless night the days before + all the hyper energy activities with the kids = exhaustion. 

The kids went for swimming after the nap.  One may wonder, "Where do all their energy come from?"

We touched on Helmet of Salvation and Sword of the Spirit for our last lesson.  I was thrilled to see the faces of the children when I did the magic trick.  One child commented, "Teacher, you know how to do magic ah?"  That was the best!

The little ones did the craft - shield, while the teacher sculptured a balloon sword for each of them.  As for the older kids, they needed to complete a few tasks in order to get the combination number to unlock the last lock on the treasure chest.  The winning groups received a Popular voucher as their reward.

Day Three, which was the last day of camp had arrived. Camp sure goes by fast. It just seemed like yesterday we were welcoming campers and lighting up the candles as part of the ice breaker.  As with each day this week, we had a cool night and woke up to a cool morning; however, the temperature quickly rose by mid morning.

A simple worship followed by a group photo, then some headed back home while others drove to the market at the nearby town.  As for my family, we packed up and drove straight to McD - a treat for the kids.  After all, they had been surviving only on bread and white rice.  Sigh... picky eater they are.


At the end of the camp, I did feel a little sad.  As it is I am not an overly excitable person. And most times I feel that events like this require me to be excited and eager and loud - if for no other reason than to make the kids excited and eager and responsive.  And when you have pushed yourself to the top, coming back down to the middle ground takes another round of effort.  After surviving the camp, teaching, organizing, cleaning and etc ain't that hard.  But I definitely need a good rest, simply lazing on my bed, even for a couple of minutes.

Thanks to every committee members, participants and the management of the hotel for making this camp a memorable one.  A big thank you to Khai Chew for taking all the lovely photos.  Above all, thank you God for Your presence, protection, and grace that abound so richly in each one of our lives.  See ya next year!