About Project 365

Issue No.1

It has started to become an assignment which is of course, NOT good. Gab was right… both of us are more focused on the quality of the pictures rather than capturing daily random shots. So, is it a good or bad thing afterall?

Issue No.2

The restricted connection and travel! Some of you already noticed that I have been skipping some days and then post all the ‘missing days’ at one shot.

Issue No.3

I guess it’s because I’m still a novice. Alot of times, I wanted to capture my thoughts  and portray them in pictures but with my limited skills and well, limited source in Perlis, I failed to do so or maybe I didn’t try hard enough. It’s a lil’ frustrating, hehe. But I’m very eager to continue learning and improving *smiles*

Afterall, I still think this picture a day thing is beneficial in many ways… like some kind of theraphy at times.

Protected: just feel like writing in norsk…

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Protected: Goodbye by Janice Wei Lan

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幸福指環

Anyone who has been watching the current TVB hit drama “Gem of Life” especially from episode 21 onwards would know the story of this 幸福指環 (ring of eternal bliss).

In the drama, this ring is designed by Constance (Gigi Lai’s character) with a concept generated based on a fairy tale. Here’s one of her dialogues:

“It has been said that every human being was once in a whole body but was separated into two by a fairy. It’s like a shell being separated into halves. Therefore in our lifetime, each of us keeps on searching for the other half. When we have found our other halves and can be united together, it would be a perfect bliss. Relationship between human in fact is already a blessing/bliss. I’m making this a simple design so that it ’s affordable for everyone to purchase because everyone deserves to be blissful.”

Ma Belle has a 幸福 series, the ring (幸福指環) and the pendant (幸福吊咀). I really adore the design.

I personally think that these are perfect gifts for best friends, sisters or even girlfriends as a symbol of hope and bliss. Everyone deserves to have eternal bliss, sometimes, we all just need to believe and wait.

I have been doing rather out-of-the-norm-things-that-I-usually-do since I am back. Examples of such would be like walking to Jusco and Polo Ground from my house and having the urge to eat non-stop. And now, I have to worry about the weight gain

Another one will be me reading the elim youths’ blogs. By that, I mean blogs by carmen, clarence, daphne, eliza, bernice etc etc. And how I am truly inspired. Not only through the blogs where they have poured their hearts and minds almost but also from what I have observed right before my eyes. How they have matured and grow in the Lord and I could strongly sensed the gungho-ness they have in serving. Well, undoubtedly, I have this joyous feeling deep down in my heart but there exists a tinge of envy as well?? Maybe looking at them, compared to them, I haven’t grown in the Lord that much… and I wanted to. Looking at them reflects how I once used to be very fired up for Him and another reminder on how our God has been patiently, sacrificially, uniquely shaping these youth, and each one of us for His great works. I have been spending hours now reading their blogs, something what others might call a waste of time but I feel and know that I need and want to do so for I can at least connect with them a little bit more, a little closer still. That is the least I could do if I were to serve in areas that involve these youth. I need to understand them a little better, to listen to them more and most importantly to have a connection. I am trying, taking small tiny steps ^_^

birthday shoutout!

to you and me…

Happy 23rd Birthday, my friend!!
Hope you’re having a blast celebrating it in the States AGAIN!

Reminiscing…

Three years have gone by and we are now taking our own paths, exploring different things, learning, maturing and fulfilling our dreams or at least we try You have truly been a great friend in the past, now and always. Even if we were to lose contact for years, I know I can still depend on you for you’ll be there when I needed you. Thank you for all the years of friendship and good memories.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY with many good wishes and prayer for you ^_^

P.S. nonono, I’m not going to say I LOVE YOU ;p just wanted to say you don’t have to buy me dinner afterall, turns out that I like the book, in case you’ve have forgotten which one, it’s Where Rainbows End, heart wrenching – just the way you described it to be

farewell

It has finally ended. Have gained much much more than I expected and lost none in which I am thankful for. Time to bid farewell. Heavy hearted I am but looking forward to be home apart from all the work I know I will be receiving from william though ;p I am glad I left something profound for God behind thank Him for leading and maturing me and I know I am ready for greater things ahead.

So… goodbye Kongsberg and who knows, I might return one day =)

quoting from Here In My Home by Malaysian Artistes United… “…no matter where I roam, this is HOME SWEET HOME…” Yes, back to Ipoh it is… my home sweet home ^_^ counting the days…

the real holiday

Finally, I have decided to treat myself with a real holiday. And my definition is one that I only RELAX and not rush through top and tourist attractions, one that I FOCUS on MYSELF and not on others, one that I buy things for myself and not others, one that I ENJOY TRULY without taking too many photos for memories sake and one that of which I call a holiday.

And I think I chose a perfect place, at least with all the time I left and the cash restriction. Copenhagen, Denmark it is.

Without actually knowing it, I have booked myself into a five star youth hostel. The most expensive one among the hostels I stayed in for the previous trips. Costing me euro20 per night!! At least that was the cheapest I could get at that time. But, yes, just the right one to start off my real holiday. Six clean and comfortable beds per dorm, best location ever right in front of the harbour in the city centre ^_^ Got to know a couple of new friends – the dorm mates which is a huge bonus. Networking I call it.

Spend first half of the day just strolling along the harbour, passing by the canals and visiting the famous “Little Mermaid”. I enjoyed it so much, the views and ambiance. The second half of the day is even better as I decided to go for Tivoli Gardens and Amusement Park (it’s just 5 minutes walk from my hostel) I have always love amusement parks… the thrill rides!! Now you know why I like to be in Genting the theme park. I feel like a small child again. Treating myself with lots of ice cream, nachos and cheese and of course, those thrill rides. And yes, I finally had my merry-go-round after years of wanting to ride on it and the fact the I can’t in Genting due to age and height limit. I was there from 2pm till midnight. I was screaming and laughing, indulging myself in uncountable times of those crazy rides… and just when you think Solero Shot in Genting is scary and gives you LOTS of adrenaline rush… till you have this!

Introducing the Golden Tower in Tivoli… it’s way higher than Solero Shot, I like it, hehe…

and the highest carousel… was not working though when I went

Tivoli doesn’t offer just unlimited rides but also beautiful gardens here and there, live bands, short musicals, pantomimes and other entertainment – all of those for DKK200 a day. I went for some live jazz band performances as well as a half an hour pantomime – Thumbelina. Great one with eye candy casts, graceful dancing and good music. I think I haven’t laughed or enjoyed myself alone so much. It has been awhile. And I am glad and thank God that He is helping me to get through things and to find some time and have a treat for me, myself and I. Lord, you know exactly what I needed.

Second and final day – a Sunday. Decided to look up the brochure and map and found this church which actually has English service, so why not? And the result? I had a wonderful time of worship. They always say save the best for last, and this, my final worship and sermon in Europe is indeed the best of all. Not only the praise and worship was great, the sermon spoke to me that very morning and answered my question of one of my previous posts – the most important think is the PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP you have with God rather than acts of service itself. Thank You again. I mean I knew it all along so, another reminder and assurance for me.

After the service, I went to the King’s Garden/Park. Found a nice spot and laid down on the soft grass, actually enjoying the sun! surprise surprise. Spent the noon just lying down, yes, relaxing, reading Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern and had a short nap. Never knew it was so good to lie on the grass with soft breeze blowing and the sun giving you warmth and smiles. I then proceeded to the harbour, sat down on one of those benches and write while enjoying the beautiful view from the harbour.

Catching the last glimpse of canals before I hopped on the bus to leave Copenhagen and back to Kongsberg. I had a great real holiday. I am happy. I am content.

The End.

God is.

Still the great “I AM“.

I talked with some of Helene’s cousin and friends and to my ‘discovery’, about 90% of Norway’s population are members of the church but a large amount of them are not Christians. I mean what kind of teaching or custom is this. I just don’t understand sometimes. They attend church occasionally, are baptised, serve and know the hymns better than you and me. When I asked, they will say that they are not Christians but members of the church as they have been baptised there. It’s sad actually… they do everything but do not believe.

but God reminded me again that He is still the great “I AM”. Later in the evening, I followed Helene’s mom to her church and once again, it’s like being home. It was the best fellowship and worship I had since I came here. For once, or should I say, finally, I am able to worship the Lord again. It was good, so good. A lady named Biance shared her story of how the Lord has called her to serve in Norway and after going through many trials and reluctance, she is finally here.

… with Bianca and her family …

It was very encouraging and scary to know as well, hehe, that when God called you to do something, you will end up doing it, no matter how much you didn’t want to. It may take longer than it should have been but by the end of the day, what God has placed in your heart, asked of you, you just can’t run away from it. His will and plans WILL BE DONE ^_^

There were performances by the children and youth of the church. Here are some short videos I managed to take. And yes, if you were wondering, I worshiped in Norsk that evening. Amazing huh? To sing songs you are familiar with, not in English this time but in another different language ^_^ my heart was filled with peace and joy.

God is like the air. You can’t touch it, you can’t see it but you know He is ALWAYS there, around you, FOR you.

God is indeed beautiful. His beauty demands a response that is shaped by that beauty itself. I am amazed. Truly.

my heart is

beating in a funny way.

And my thoughts wander from the positive hopes and dreams to the negative disappointments and back to the hopes again. The cycle just repeats itself. Tomorrow I will know. Could it be a fresh start of something new after 7 long years? or could it be that God has something, someone else in store for me instead? Gosh, the waiting kills…

Paris – My Top Three Pick

1st – Eiffel Tower

The night view especially is awesome. Good place to spend it with loved ones At least it reminded me of my loved ones…

2nd – Louvre Museum

This one is undoubtedly my favourite! The artwork is amazing and the Louvre night view just took my breath away ^_^ I will definitely come again.

3rd – Chateau de Versailles

I didn’t spend enough time here as I need to rush back to the hostel. The garden is a great place to just stroll along and relax. Perfect for a lazy day :p

All in all, this trip is good except the aftermath of sore legs and headaches. Had a good time and made a couple of friends from Hong Kong, Seoul and Canada. Traveling alone allows you to meet new people and make contacts not to mention all the freedom!

Anyway, I saved a total of €27.90, thanks to the 2-Days Museum Pass(€30) which offers me unlimited access to all the places I went plus saving all the hassle of queuing for tickets and entry especially to the Louvre and Chateau de Versailles ^_^

way back into love

when I couldn’t put thoughts or feelings into words, I allow the song to describe it all.

For the past one month here, I have came to truly understand what it means by God blesses you so that you in return can bless others. Whatever the Lord has provided and taught you, use them to provide for others. I am not sure though whether there are exact bible verses about it.

God places us in so many different situations, allowing trials of many kinds and temptations into our lives not just merely to mold, shape, and bring us to maturity but also to use what He has blessed us through these experiences to bless, to understand and help others. I’ve always asked why must I go through this and that but by the end of the day, I realized that if I didn’t go through certain issues and trials myself, how can I then be compassionate enough and understand what others are experiencing?

No doubt, there are many detours in life but all will end up in the same destination where God has intended us to be. These detours have helped me to truly understand how others feel over a situation, over a fall, over a secret sin and how I could relate to them so closely. It then acts as a reminder of God’s grace that has brought me through all that and wanted me to do what I could, share what I have experienced to those who need to hear them, to those who need true, sincere encouragement and prayer rather than texbook answers and advice. As I am writing this, I couldn’t help but have tears because I finally understand that I don’t need to do super great things, to be very gifted to serve God for I just need to continue walking with Him and allow Him to use me to bless others in just small little ways.

Thank You, Lord.

Mr Right?

I know, it took me so long to reply and share my thoughts with you but guess what? you are NOT the only one. All this stuff and idea about wedding is getting to me as well. Not to mention the people around me are slowly getting attached one by one so much peer pressure even my cousins are all getting married.Well, I have fears too. On this thought especially. Fear of him being far from what I hope for. Fear of him not appearing in my life soon. Fear of having to spend my life alone. I guess these are normal considering the age factor Eveything, yes, it’s so uncertain sometimes that you feel like you can’t trust or have faith anymore. But I still hold on to one belief. God has His own perfect timing.

I used to set criteria of what I expect from the one. Eventually, as time passes and as I grow up, it changed. I begin to think how can I be the right person regardless of who the one will be in future. My thought would be when it comes to love relationship, there really aren’t any criteria to be set. I think it will always turned out to be different than what we hoped for. Lately, people have been asking me this question and I just couldn’t give them an answer. All I can say is when love comes, it will come and this time it will be the right person, right timing planned by God *fingers crossed* ^_^

random thoughts

i think. a woman’s bliss depends on the passion she has towards life. towards her family and children. towards the man she loves. it does not matter if she is not good looking. not smart enough. not talented enough. not independent enough. not earning enough. i would then say, a man is defined as good and successful not when he earns big money. or is super good looking. or smart. but it is his heart and the woman behind him. how great or successful he is, is not judged or said by himself or others but portrayed through the woman behind him.

it’s a lovely thought when it comes to relationship. all kinds. it is very simple yet complicated.

i’m confusing. i know.

tears

i am strong yet weak. i am bold yet timid. i am outspoken yet shy. i smile alot yet cry alot. tears. i always have them. when i miss home. when i am on video call with family. when i am angry. when i am upset, heart broken. when i watch chasing liberty or in her shoes. when i witness a wedding. when i am happy for my friends. when i read Max Lucado 3:16. when i receive encouragement from friends. when i hear God speaking to me. when i need to let go. when i need to grow up. just. everything can make me tear.

                                  

but i am grateful. for those tears. tears that make me grow. tears that bring me to maturity, to wholeness. tears that make me believe there is always hope again and again. tears that teaches me how to appreciate. tears that teaches me how to forgive and to love in all conditions. tears that shows people care for me, love me. tears that above all, shapes me into the person that i am today.

journey

The day has finally arrived. A journey. I’m finally going almost half way round the world on my own, with no travel companions with me. Scary it may be but I think it will be a new learning experience for me, learning to be bold, learning to be courageous, learning to do things on my own. Independent, that’s it. Although I’m under a student exchange programme coming over to Norway, there are no, yup, no sort of exchange student guides or whatsoever here. Basically I have to find my way around myself or by asking. Now, that’s well, exciting and tough all at the same time.

I guess this will be a great experience and way to journey for it captures the essence of what is it like to live life. It’s about going to unfamiliar places where there’a a new language and culture and the things that we so often rely on aren’t there anymore. We then have to rely on our own insights, attitude, judgement and inspiration instead of all the readings before hand, knowledge, skills and how-to we have previously get so accustomed to.

Here’s something I am learning. To meet people openly without the baggage. It will not be easy for me but I believe it will turn out to be wonderful. All that I can recall of, the best of times are always when we don’t exactly organize, being surprised by the people or when we are at our most natural comfortable being. It is this time that God is saying, “My dear girl, trust me, and just be there with an openness that somehow both you and I will take care of whatever that comes”.

I hope to learn what it means to travel into this new place. Though I may have loneliness creeping up my sleeves, but at the same time, feeling warmth and at home, feeling joy and security that comes from knowing God is always with me. Afterall, this is going to be one great deal of experience!! ^_^ am looking forward…

the airport

I’ve always loved airports. Just being there to watch the people and emotions expressed. You see different people of different cultures, languages, origins from all around the world have their paths crossed here.

                         
                    They may walk passed not knowing one another

              
                      or striking up conversations becoming friends.

Smiles and laughter greet those who are coming back home, those who have ventured out, bringing home plenty of experiences, those who finally met after years of being apart. Tears are shed too, happy tears, touching tears, sad tears, ‘will-miss-you’ tears.
                    
                      

                   

We too encounter many different people in our life. Either when we’re in school, colleges, unis, picking up our groceries, buying books at MPH, shopping in Jusco, enjoying a movie in the cinema, having dinner somewhere, attending dance classes or camps. Some may walk into our life, stays for a very long time, making a difference, becoming great friends. Some may just have our paths crossed a lil moment or just passes by, hardly having known each other enough. And some just turns out like any other strangers. I believe that’s ‘yuen’. ‘Jodoh’. Destiny. It’s something we can’t just sit around waiting for but also something that we can’t force into. ‘Yuen’’s like that. If we have it, we meet, have conversations, hit it off and become friends, have our hearts locked together. Else, we would have gone our separate ways.