Catch-Up with A & K

This afternoon, I had a catch-up lunch & coffee with A & K, former co-workers from EAST. We ate at Sumire Japanese restaurant at Bugis Junction, a favourite go-to restaurant when our office was still located at 110 Middle Rd, but it was a first visit for A. Apparently A has left EAST for four years already, and is currently working at St Lukes Eldercare in Tampines. I just learnt there are 22 St Lukes Eldercare centers all over Singapore at this point, in 2020! Indeed, we are an aging nation.

Another interesting and somewhat welcoming piece of news, is that K will be rejoining EAST come January 2021. I do pray for good and better working relationship ahead and good times of fellowship too. For the past month, I have grown rather fond of the new colleague and I am already starting a countdown for the day to say goodbye to him. I feel sad when I think of having to say goodbye in less than a year because I know that time will pass by in a heartbeat and soon, I will be but a passing memory of his young, work life.  He has been a fresh breath of air thus far. :)

In another two weeks, I shall bid Thomas farewell. He is a MDiv TE final year student from EAST and his three years at EAST have passed by in a blink of an eye. He will be returning to HK to do a ThM. I believe Thomas will be a serious bible teacher in the future. Praying for God to lead him and guide him in his future ministry.

ARPC Reopened Today

After a good half a year of being locked down, and watching church services online. It was thoroughly refreshing to be back in ARPC @ Adam for a live church service this Sunday morning with familiar churchgoers like Nick Tse, Doris Ng, David and Evelyn to name a few. I was also pleasantly surprised that my new colleague Josh and his family, parents and younger sis Hannah were seated a row behind me. It was nice to have a chat with his dad Eric after the service and say hello to his sis. I saw his beautiful and elegantly dressed mum whom I heard does accounting but did not have the opportunity to converse with her. For lunch, Doris and I went to Adam Road Food Center. Nic was there with a few brothers. I had roasted chicken rice set with a braised egg and Doris had an egg prata. We proceeded to Mac's for desserts where I had yuzu cream cheese pie and a choco ice cream cone and Doris had a choco McFlurry. Another highlight from the interactions prior to the start of the morning service was helping Doris make a doc's appointment at Outram Polyclinic because of some chronic pain she has been experiencing in her right inner thigh. I hope to accompany her to her appointment on 27 Oct afternoon, Tue. 

The sermon by Ps Chris this morning was taken from Genesis 20, 21. As I reflect on all he had shared, I remember the story of Abimelech, Sarah and Abraham... How Abraham had told Sarah to say she was a sibling instead of a spouse out of fear of being put to death because of her. Sarah had acceded to his unreasonable demand but God had protected Sarah nonetheless by saving her through giving a dream of revelation to Abimelech. It's amazing how God has chosen Abraham, such a flawed character and fallen man to be the Father of many nations and placed His favour upon him and his descendants. It cause me to come to the understanding that ultimately, when we receive unmerited favour from the Lord, it definitely has nothing to do with us, and everything to do with God, and His chosen, sovereign purposes in this world.

30th Baptism Anniversary & New Colleague

7 October 2020 was my 30th Baptism Anniversary. Thank you, Jesus. I love You, Lord. Thank you also for my new colleague, Joshua Wong. :)

KW's Birthday, Nelson's Birthday & Cousin Peter's 63rd Birthday

August is almost passing by without a single post from me. Today being 30 Aug is KW's birthday. I sent him a birthday greeting, "Don't count your candles. Just enjoy the glow." to which he responded, "Hahaha... thanks. I think better don't have cakes to avoid cholestorel :D" So funny. Nelson and my dear cousin Peter shares the same birthday on 31 Aug, which is tomorrow. Today, being a Sunday, my family is celebrating my sister's birthday in advance in Bishan as her birthday falls on 2 Sep. Mum is preparing her famous prawn mayo salad, fried beehoon, and customary red eggs for her. Sis has ordered a strawberry fresh cream shortcake from Four Leaves Bakery at J8. I should be heading over soon.

Meeting Stan on CMB

Last week on Polling Day, I got matched with a good looking chap called Stan on Coffee Meets Bagel. Over the weekend, we had lotsa fun chatting up with each other over Whatsapp. As I begin to sense that it could turn into something romantic, I informed some close buddies. Quite a few gave me advice against pursuing this relationship namely because we seemed spiritually mismatched. He has not been attending church for ages even as he professed to be a Christian. I wanted to cut communication with him on Sunday night I think but was coax back to resume on Monday morning, or Tuesday. However, by Wednesday night... after I revealed my diabetic condition, our communication again came to a standstill of sorts. Now, he seems to be hesitating. Oh wells. Relationships, even simple friendships can be complicated for me. But never mind, I really should not let it bother me too much. If we chat, we chat. If we don't, it's his loss, not mine.

Update: After I typed this entry, Stan chatted with me and was telling me he was encountering some unsolvable problems at work. He did not go into the details and I did not ask further. Also, as we conversed more I told him upfront that I could not help him out if it had to do with money matters and he sounded frustrated from then onwards, even though he denied he needed help with money. I just had a gut feeling things were dodgy. Actually, I really do not know if I should have given him the benefit of the doubt and more time to explain himself before I had cut off contact with him. But it was quite a swift and decisive move I made that day. Mostly because my buddy BY had her doubts about his good will and she sensed something not right about him as well. I trust my buddy more.

I am updating tonight because I thought of him tonight and I pray all is well with him. Even though I may not be in contact with him, I still wish him well. 25 July

Polling Day

Today is Polling Day in Singapore. I cast my vote in less than 10 minutes. The process was smooth and efficient for me. Unfortunately, there were long queues in many other polling stations around the country. It is almost without a doubt that that PAP will be given a mandate to rule again but the question is the percentage of votes they will garner.

Andrew's 60th

Last night, my cousin Andrew celebrated his 60th birthday and a number of us celebrated with him via Zoom. These Zoom birthday celebrations seem to be the new normal even though the lockdown has loosened up in many places. It is wonderful that many of us relatives from Singapore, and Sydney are able to join them in KL for Andrew's milestone celebration.

Just three years ago, I remember celebrating Peter's 60th at St Regis with a buffet luncheon, and TF was still around at that time. In another two years' time, we will be celebrating MF's 60th. I remember celebrating MF's 50th at Phuket not that long ago. It was really celebrated in style. Milestone birthdays can really be a lot of fun. Memorable occasions when shared with loved ones.

David fang

Started chatting with a 60 year old chap who looked like 40+ or 50+ yesterday, on IG. Not sure if it will last beyond a week. His late wife is a beautiful Australian lady. He has two kids, 19 and 13. His mum is 85. He is currently in Sg. Is 60 years old too old?! Bawahahaha

But I had really liked his description of himself - gentle and meek. :)

2 July. As expected, the chats did not even last beyond two or three days. I just did not really have good vibes and decided to exit, delete and block. Finding a good, trustworthy online connection is certainly more difficult than rocket science, I figured. I have had at least 3-4 encounters online and they all flopped.

But it could be I am not ready to build a connection. I am not entirely sure either. I have a lot of online anxieties, fears and concerns and I tend to overthink things. But because of my past bad experience with P, I'd really rather be safe than sorry in all future interactions online.

Ernest

Saw Ernest's pic come up as a new PAP candidate for the coming election. Excited for him and praying for God's protection upon him and his family in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Lord, may You use him mightily for Your glory. Amen.

Update: He is now running in YCK constituency. All the best to him! Trust that he will score a major victory next Friday!

Daphne's 40th yesterday

23 June 2020 was Daphne's 40th milestone birthday. I organised a birthday zoom for her and glad that at least Jeff and Grace showed up! :D

Father, please watch over my dear friends, keep them safe, grant them good health. Especially for Daphne who is starting her 4th decade, walk closely with her and her family, dear Lord.

I thank you for their friendship and love all throughout these years.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my Abba Father and my Papa in Abba's presence.

I imagine that the two people who love me the most unconditionally could be having conversations about how my life on earth will pan out to be in the coming days. It is a comforting thought that these two dear ones who are unseen are able to see what the future holds for me. I take comfort in their love for me and that I can totally trust them no matter what happens. This is what I have - childlike faith in my Papas.

I have a hope and a future because of their great and unfailing love for me. I will put my trust in them, and definitely in my beloved Saviour Jesus. Thank you Jesus, for everything.