4 Years On...

As I was asking around for some old photos in an attempt to collate them together as a gift for a bride-to-be, I was happy to receive this photo in my email.

(Some DG members are not in the photo)

This was my previous DG named "Surprise". Long story as to how we got that name. This photo was taken 4 years ago on Christmas Eve as we gathered at then J's place. As part of the reshuffling exercise, the DG had cease to exist... all being allocated to other DGs. All of us have since moved on in our lives... the couples got married and 6 babies had since came from just this group of us! It is comforting to know that all of us are still growing in our Christian walk in our own ways. It is also comforting to realise that all of us look pretty much the same then and now, despite 4 years on! Continue to be thankful of these brothers and sisters in Christ whom have been in my life and eternally :)

Joy of Cooking

Parents have gone to Genting. They will be back tonight. Didn't feel like hanging out and wanted to idle around at home, decided to come home after church and lunch. DG went Sushi Teh for lunch. I was craving for sake sashimi and plus I have 20% discount (Sushi Teh JCB card + birthday month special) and a $10 voucher, we had savings of close to $30!! M's curry soba took a long time to come... made me remember that I had some japanese curry paste left over at home. So for dinner, I cooked myself japanese curry noodles!! Yum! :)

Bought this at Isetan supermarket. Along with some carrots and chicken sausage (couldn't find any other chicken at home), the curry was easy to cook. Once the curry is cooked, add them onto a bowl of noodles (cooked beforehand) and wahla! Japanese curry noodles!!

Some weeks back, over the Deepavali weekend... I invited my co-DG leaders and their spouses over to my place for lunch. Since it was the pumpkin season, I thought of cooking pumpkin chicken risotto. The receipe was taken from the "Good Taste" recipe magazine I bought from Woolsworth supermarket in Brisbane. Looks simple enough so thought of giving it a try.

For starters, I made my famous egg mayo to go with Japanese rice crackers. With that bit of parsley as garnish, it looks really appetitizing! CS once taught me how to make spinach salad that has balsamic vinegar and olive oil as dressing. Salads are always easy to make and healthy to eat. Am so glad that my 'experiment' turned out pretty well... except that the pumpkin was a bit over baked and some turned slightly black (but the pumpkin was still soft and sweet)... and because I used Australian organic brown rice instead of risotto, it had took a little longer time than expected to be cooked in the oven.

Well lessons learnt and I'm sure I'll do a better job at my next attempt. One facinating thing which I discovered - butternut pumpkin (from Australia) only has seeds at the bottom （instead of across the... fruit? vegetable?)! This was an interesting discovery for me and my 80-year-old grandma who was helping me prepare the ingredients that morning.

When shall be the next time the cooking urge strike?? ;)

Guaranteed Seat

My office is like my second home. I have accumulated so much of my belongings kept in my office! As I was sorting through some things, I picked up 6 CDRs - these were photos, songs and videos which either I have taken or my friends have taken and given them to me. One of them is a video recording of my baptism...

I first accepted Christ in 1988 when I was a little girl. My parents being non-believers, did not allow me to go to church until I was 19. Even though I grew older and I could choose to be baptised by myself, I wanted my parents' approval and blessings. I went for membership class in 2000. I sounded my mum out then but she was not totally approval of my decision. To her, baptism would mean that I am 'officially' a Christian. It was difficult to explain to her that I have already accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour and that already makes me a Christian. Baptism does not make me more 'christian'. It is an act that I publicly declare that I am a child of God and affirming my salvation through Jesus Christ's sacrifice for me.

It was Sunday 11 July 2004, exactly 28 months ago. It was like my '2nd' birthday other than my actual birthday this month. Although my parents were not present in church to witness my baptism, I was very thankful that I had their blessings and approval to be baptised. This means that after the many years, they have acknowledged me, their child, a Christian. I thank God for His timing. For through the years, although they don't say anything about my Christian faith, their acceptance to me was shown in their deeds and actions. Simple things like sending me to church sometimes, even asking me why I wasn't going church on Sundays (sometimes I go for Saturday service then), meeting my Christian friends. Mum was concerned that I have to marry a Christian man when I become a 'real' Christian. That meant my choices were limited. Well at least that showed that she had a good understanding that I should not be marrying a non-believer. But of course my limited choices of marriage partner does not stop me from 'restricting' myself by becoming a Christian. I look forward to that eventual marriage - between Christ and the church. Well I guess partly because of that, mum does not really disapprove of W.

I don't have photos of my baptism. This was the prayer that Pastor C said for me as he scooped some water onto my head...

[my name], I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. May you continue to walk in this newness of life, day by day, in fellowship and partnership with God’s people. Be a faithful child of God, fearing no one but trusting completely in our Heavenly Father to provide this day, everyday, as you live a life that is holy, sharing Him with family and friends. We ask this in His mighty name, for His glory. Amen.

Thank God for WK who kindly videoed my baptism down for me. I didn't even asked him to do so! Having this 'evidence' reminded me of the decision that I have made, and to encourage me that I am His precious child. I must continue to strive to be faithful to God and trust Him completely and to live a holy life that is pleasing to Him. My seat is guaranteed in heaven because of Jesus Christ :)