Walking the Talk

These days I've been reading an interesting blog while dealing with the mounting dissertation stress which freezes me completely. It's an interesting read as I find him a mirror image of me. This is for the first time in my life that I'm acknowledging that there's a person out there who's the male version of Cindy. I feel it when I read the criteria of his future spouse. I have my own version which is so similar to his that I felt spooky reading it, unable to believe that this could be true. So I'm not crazy setting such criteria for my future spouse :) That's a comfort definitely.

I posted a comment to him that a heart that seeks God is never a lonely heart... and I'd rather be a fool for God than to end up with broken marriage or a wrong guy beside me by praying for my him. Indeed, these few days I've started my prayers for a godly husband once again after a few years of abandoning the hope of ever getting one, despite my doubt if I would ever find my him. In the depths of doubts, I choose to hold on to Him even when I can't feel him.

I'd need to walk the talk of godliness. For every criterion I have for my future spouse, I too should be able to fulfill the criterion myself. My first criterion is a man after God's own heart. So, the first thing to do on my part is to seek God once again. This morning, I hope I could appreciate Jesus the way Kari Jobe sang "What Love is This" and my relationship with Jesus can once again flourish. Indeed, of all the things in the world, I'd rather be a fool for Christ for it brings joy to my life.

Roger Wang and Friends Concert 2011

Guess what?!

Roger Wang and friends (local Sabahan artistes) are performing for a fundraising concert in aid of Maktab Nasional Learning Center. I'm so honoured to be a part of the main organising committee, and more honoured to be at a "priceless" place where I see them right in front of me!! Of course, there's the duty part, but I thoroughly enjoyed being there and meeting friends whom I've not seen for a while.

Words can't describe how much all these meant for me... Show you some photos which I took during the concert. Sorry about the clarity of the photos, no flash allowed during the performance!

Apologies to those whom I had to stop them from bringing their food in, or from coming into the hall during the performances. Some were unhappy with the fact that I stopped them by repetitively saying "This is too much, this is too much", but nobody asked them to be late too...

Here's the crowd in Sabah Trade Center's MINI THEATER... By the end of the night, it was like 90% full, and tickets were practically sold out (3 more tickets left).

We started off with Roger's band performance, and then Annabel Tiu, the cellist, joined him on the stage to give an awesome performance!

Next in line was Eloise Lau who sang two songs. I like the passionate "BURN" she composed in the bathroom. Lovely performance from a young star~

Here's a picture of Daniel Mojina and part of the band. Nice music, guys!

Not forgetting Hezekiah Ansim who partnered with Roger Wang to play traditional musical instruments... Lovely, touching worship music!

JADE Sisters performed their single: JANJI (Promise), a Malay song. I can't describe the emotion, but it's as sweet as chocolate!

Ahh... My kawan, Jonathan Tse, performing "Somebody's Watching" and "I'm Alive". Both songs are from his latest album "I'm Alive".

Last but not least, we have Angeline Perete performing. Very upbeat dance music, strong vocal! Is it samba music? Maybe... Together in this performance was Teddy Chin Jr. on saxaphone.

This is the finale, where MN students joined the artistes to sing two songs. I managed to snap a photo and had to leave to "membuka kedai" outside.

I actually missed out a snapshot of the lovely tap dance performance by Christopher Liew... I shall take one in the next show. Very soulful, I'd say.

There are only two shows, one was just now. Another will be in about 13 hours' time, at 2pm of 7th May 2011 in Mini Theater, Sabah Trade Center. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. And I hope it will be for you, if you are coming tomorrow to check us out! Tickets are selling at RM50 and RM80.

Hereby I wish to extend my gratitude to Roger and his friends who put in so much of effort to make this concert possible! May God bless your future undertakings.

Worship the Lord

What are we created for, my friends?

To please others, to make others "feel good" and that's it? Or is there anything more than just being a people-pleaser. I read it somewhere that when we try to please everyone, everyone else is pleased, except ourselves. So, what are you doing right now? Trying so hard to please others, or trying harder to please God?

I was browsing through blogs, and am encouraged that people are moving closer to God, and some are doing very well in their careers. These were the people whom I called friends. Now that they are doing really well in whatever they are doing, I'm glad I was a part of their lives in the past. People indeed move on, and unfortunately, I'm no longer a part of their new lives. I, too, moved on. Though this path I have chosen is a bit lonely, but I know well that my Lord is guiding me.

Yet, here I am, telling you a story on my blog. We are created to worship the Lord. Nothing else but that. Stop pleasing people if you are doing so in order to be accepted. By the power of the Cross, we have been redeemed. Jesus chose to die for us all, in order we're accepted into the Kingdom of God when it is time. What else do we need?

Joe Loy - Hope

This is a nice new song by Joe Loy, a local artiste. This is the theme song for the Alpha Kuching Conference this coming 16-17 April 2010 in Trinity Methodist Church, Kuching. I can't wait to hear it live and worship together with everyone else!

Joe Loy - Hope

P/S: I can't embed it, so please click link to go to the youtube video. Thanks!

Planet Shakers - Evermore

I was discussing with a friend on Christian music groups, and this song came up to our discussion. This is a beautiful song. I pray this Lenten season has been a fruitful one for you and this Easter is a new life for you. God bless. Amen.

My Story @ Starbucks

Recently I attended this My Story - Tales of Local Talent event in Starbucks, 1 Borneo. It was a night of fun and laugh and definitely good music from local talents. This round we had Meteor Crates, JADE Sisters, Atama and Moses De Silva featuring Alvin MY. It was a blast for the crowd. And the atmosphere and temperature in the 2nd floor of Starbucks that night, just one word - HOT!!!

A talented writer, Joanna Funk, has done a writeup on this event on Bandwidth Street Press, and the funny part is I never thought some of the photos I took using my Casio Exilim 1.2 mp could be used as a part of her writeup. Smiles...

Here's the link to her article ("My Story #5" at Starbucks in 1Borneo is a massive HIT (also in Bandwidth Street Press online edition, March 2010)
Note: Pictures #3 and #5

Do check it out. Have fun!!

Jason Mraz - Lucky

I like the tune...


"Lucky" Official Video With Colbie Caillat

Jason Mraz | MySpace Music Videos

We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

Nobody really discovers that I like music by Jason Mraz. Perhaps it was my pride which made me kept this from people, since there was a particular occasion where someone made fun of me when I said out loud that I like his songs. Those who have my Maxis number, and actually made it a point to call me, would realize that his song "I'm Yours" had been my caller ringtone for the past one year. Umm... Nope, I'm not exactly a CD-buyer, but I'm seriously considering buying his 2008 album (title mentioned on my blog post) because of his unique vocal and his music is really to my likings.

Here's the official MV of "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Enjoy!

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

It's been a while since I last blogged. Never really had much on my mind these days, besides procrastinating things which I was supposed to get done. I was checking out the blog of Jonathan Tse (someone recommended him when I told this someone that my school is introducing Youth Alpha to the RK classes), and I found this particular hymn ministering to me in the midst of my workplace at the moment. And I hope that you too will be ministered by this hymn. I pray that our eyes will turn back upon Jesus and receive sight again after being blinded by the things of the world. God bless!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace

Casting Crowns - Stained Glass Masquerade

Dear friends,

I'd like to invite you to reflect deeply about ourselves while listening to this song by Casting Crowns. Are we loving like how Jesus did? Are we who we say we are? Or are we plastic people, as described in the song?



LYRICS
Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Chorus:
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Chorus (x2)

But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

The Chipettes - Single Ladies

Kinda cute, isn't it?

Parachute Band - Complete

Chris Tomlin - Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all my blog readers a Blessed and Wonderful Christmas! May the birth of Jesus be a brand new start of our journey on earth and a renewal of our hearts. Let us get prepared for the coming of our Messiah as we approach Christmas Day. Let us make this decision to invite Jesus into our hearts once again on Christmas. Let it be a time of joyful praises and worship to our God, the Saviour and King of our hearts!

MN Idol 2009

This year my school had the MN Idol 2009 in Putra Ballroom on 24 April 2009 morning from 8am - 12.30 pm. I enjoyed myself walking around talking to students, and taking photos and enjoying the music. Though we only have 200++ students, we do have untapped talents here... I'm impressed with the dance category (both groups were excellent, but I prefer Jazz fusion and originality of choreography). The band performances were great... Well, umm... Most of them, but the winner wasn't exactly as expected. Well, what can we do? It was voting system, as per American Idol. So basically who has more money, more influential to the crowd wins.

This year the categories included solo, group, instrumental solo, dance, and band. I didn't manage to take all of it, but these are some of them...

THE PERFORMANCES...

Clinton Liew's Solo Performance

Ripped Label Band Performance

Broken A & D Strings Band Performance

The Wonder Boys Dance Performance

The Beat Chess Band Performance

The Beat Sync Group Performance

The Chiz Family before the judges

The dance groups when announcing results

THE WINNERS and the kidz...

Backstage with the Wonder Boys (Winner for Dance Category)

Ng Shu Ci (Winner for Instrumental Solo). She played Canon in D. Lovely performance!

The Ferrero Rocher (Nazzeef and Fiona) - Winner for Group Category

The Talesweaver with Ms. Chong and myself (they didn't win the group category, but their willingness to participate amazed us all!)

THE LOVELY TEACHERS...

Ms. Chong and me

Ms. Zane and me

(L to R: Cik Siti, Pn. Noraineh, me, Pn. Marrlina, Ms. Wency)

That's it so far... Will update more later on. God bless & Pax et Bonum!

Satu Suara - Warisan Bangsa

Whoever who attended Lent Unplugged would know our theme song by Juwita Suwito. I had been thinking what to blog about since after Freedom Camp 2009. I wanted to blog about my experiences during the camp, but it is not the right time yet. So then as I chatted with my net friend, he showed the effort of Malaysian government to unite Malaysians via the song "Satu Suara", and it was then this song was brought to my notice once again. Yes, I pray that all churches in the world will be united as one voice in time to come. Amen! :)

If I were a Boy (feat. R. Kelly)

Adrian (an old, sweet friend of mine) was driving me down to JB when we heard this song in the car. It's kinda funny... Let's enjoy the song and read the lyrics. For me, I see how God has created man and woman being different yet complimentary towards each other. So my conclusion would be it is better to be happy being who we are instead of trying to be who others want us to be. I've been through that phase and I had enough of it. I'm now stuck in situations where people are deciding what I should be doing at this moment... Oh well, God help me see the goodwill out of it.




Here's the lyrics for pondering purpose:

If I were a boy
even just for a day
I'd roll out of bed in the morning
and throw on what I wanted and go
Drink beer with the guys
and chase after girls
I'd kick it with who I wanted
and I'd never get confronted for it
cause they stick up for me
If I were a boy
I think I could understand
How it feels to love a girl
I swear I'd be a better man
I'd listen to her
Cause I know how it hurts
When you lose the one you wanted
Cause he's taking you for granted
And everything you had got destroyed
(R. Kelly)
If you were a boy
then girl you'd understand
you need to stop listening to your friends
love, respect and trust your man
So I go to clubs with the guys
and sometimes flirt with the girls
I should be able to roll out
as long as Im coming home to you
and give you the world
But you are not a boy,
so you dont have a clue (ey)
How I work and pay the bills
girl and everything I do is for you (eh eh)
(Beyonce)
I'd listen to her
Cause I know how it hurts
When you lose the one you wanted
Cause he's taking you for granted
And everything you had got destroyed
If I were a Boy (Beyonce)
If I were a Girl (Kelly)
I would turn off my phone (Beyonce)
I wouldn't play games (Kelly)
Tell everyone it's broken
so they'd think that I was sleeping alone (Beyonce)
Girl you know thats wrong (Kelly)
Id put myself first
and make the rules as I go
Cause I know that shell be faithful,
waiting for me to come home, to come home.
But you are not a boy,
so you can't understand
You are not a perfect woman
and I am not a perfect man (with me, with me)
I'd listen to her (eh eh)
Cause I know how it hurts (Kelly: and I know how you feel)
When you lose the one you wanted
Cause he's taking you for granted
And everything you had got destroyed
Kelly: Said Im sorry
It's a little too late for you to come back
but I cant let you go
cause Im too attached (Kelly)
If you thought I would wait for you
you thought wrong
But you're just a boy

Snoopy's Christmas

This is one of my most loved cartoon characters though I've to admit that I never truly watched or read all of Peanuts. I love Snoopy somehow since young? LOL! Here's a lovely vidz based on the song, Snoopy's Christmas.

New Playlist

Tada! Now you have a selection of 10 songs from my cute bear bear playlist at the side bar~ :) Enjoy the selection that I love... All praise and worship songs for God to God from His people!

Getting ready for dance class in 10 minutes time... Still deciding which attire to wear since I'm serving in choir later during Christ the King mass in church. It's black and white today... Tonight I'll be going out with my CG to 1Borneo... I shall declare that I'm officially broke once we finish dinner. LOL! Thank God my housemate left me with some rice, eggs, hotdog and seasonings. So I guess I can survive 4 days with less than RM30... So besides the daily trips to St. Simon's for mass, I shouldn't be driving around too much as I doubt I'd have money to pump in fuel. A lunch with Dr. Yip on Tuesday? Should be ok... *noting down*

Oh... How I wish pay-day will come soon~~~ Another 4 days to pay-day~~~ I believe God can let me survive through all these... Jesus, I trust in You!

How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin

The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Note: This is the lyrics for the song that's been playing on my blog... Sorry I don't know how to "repeat" the song. So until I know how, just click the "play" button when the song stops. I'll update with other songs soon~~ Have a nice day! ^^

Jesus Won It All (Hillsongs)

This is one of the songs which I'm hanging on to at this moment. Just want to share with all of you here.