I am

still alive.

Wedding bells aren't ringing

Nearly 40 days ago, Mike and Felicia wedded each other at the Marriot Hotel while the rest of our invited poly ex-classmates shared their special day. The dinner doubled as a reunion as most have not caught up with one another since we left school in 1998! Bored by the atmosphere and part of the company I had, I began to engage in my own thoughts - how I would like mine to be...

My wedding shouldn't, couldn't, wouldn't have a morbid atmosphere, boring arrangements or traditional table-to-table toasting. I know I am supposed to look elegant and fresh but I can't imagine myself carrying the demure disposition of a typical bride on my big day.. and hello! it's supposed to be a happy occasion, not a funeral!

And so my mind glanced through the various wedding themes - vintage, seasonal, whimsical, et cetera... with occasional interruptions by the need to socialize at the dinner table.

One of my idealistic chums, Raine, and I exchanged thoughts about the same topic the next day and she mused, "Darling, I can imagine a live band at your wedding playing jazz, your guests dancing away, mingling around, chatting and laughing." Now, that's an idea... jazz! A simple cocktail evening party, with jazz by the pool - with no compromise in quality of the music, decor and food, of course. I can imagine how mom & dad will react upon hearing this. Ha, you can't please everyone.

"Or perhaps a retro nite with polka dots wallpaper and sparkling deco," she went on, painting the fun, nostalgic picture of the 80's. But wait, it is supposed to be a romantic affair. And so she continued visualising, "Let's see... A garden wedding in the evening can be romantic, with lots of greenery, soft music and Victorian decoration... like those English gardens type? It'll not be too warm and we can throw in lamps to add a dreamy mood to the surrounding." Sounds like the unsponsored version of Trista & Ryan's wedding.

Ha, it was unfeigned felicity just talking or thinking about it but then again, we aren't duped into thinking day and night about getting attached. Till then, this fantasy is still in the pipeline and may only be realised after other dreams come to pass. We both know we can comfortably settle with the resolution of never marrying, but we are more excited about each other's future consort than our own! I don't know about Raine, but who knows, I may soon become an Emma comtemporary. Oh, by the bye, I am finally done with 'Emma'.

To love is to give

It is heartening to see that my 'Compassion' article has moved the hearts of some and spurred my 2 young friends into action.

The same message about compassion rings in the spreading of the Gospel.

"Kelly, we are already doing missions cos our resources are in Vietnam, remember?" She smiled. I can sense genuine joy and satisfaction exuding from her bashful face. We have begun to embark on our first mission trip by sowing into needy lives and now, we are moving on to the next...

Today marks the beginning of our Missions Pledge for 2004. It is not just a season for missions or for giving. It is not as if there was never a spark for revival before but it calls for more focus and finances now, because we are living in borrowed time. This season will never pass, until every single person in the world has heard of Jesus. Are you ready to go or give?

The Maslow Scale of Needs illustrates the various levels of human needs as: physiological needs (fundamental survival), safety/order needs (security, stability, reliance on order, freedom from fear and anxiety), social needs (love, affection and belongingness), esteem needs (self-respect or esteem of others) and eventually, self-actualization.

Maslow saw that the lower needs may be satisfied but that discontent and restlessness may remain for the individual. Self-actualization, the topmost level of the pyramid, means actualizing one's potential becoming all one is capable of becoming and that involves a purpose beyond himself.

The wealthy, the sufficient and the educated are easily at this stage but certainly not those perpetually in lack, the sick or the unschooled. Without meeting or fulfilling their basic needs, the hearts of people have little desire to look beyond themselves and hence, have no room for God.

To love is to give. Demonstrate the love of Christ by giving. Give, so that the city can be a soul brighter. Give, so that someone will not plunge into a Christless eternity. There is so much you can offer. Simply put what you have into the Master's hand and He'll multiply it.

"So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase." - 1 Corinthians 3:7

A simple wish

Happy birthday, Cheryl!

Let me extend this simple wish:
That all your birthdays may be bright;
That, as you follow in Christ's way,
You'll walk always in the light
Of His grace and mercy and love;
And may He ever perfect you
Into the very essence of womanhood,
That He'll be first in all you do.

But should life go awry,
And all your hopes and dreams lie shattered,
May you be assured - remind yourself -
That it's relationships that matter:
Yours to Christ, and His to you,
Your heart to man outflowing -
Your sustenance shall be His peace,
The Christ within you, growing.

Now forge on, girl, along life's way;
Step by step step lively!
Walk on, upward, toward that Light
Which shineth e'er more brightly;
Have no fear, and heed no care:
No harm will dare befall thee
Until that day He calls you There -
That best, that brightest Birthday.

Though unimaginably, I used to be the inspiration of your poems, I do not have the calibre to pen this one. Nonetheless, it represents my heartfelt wishes for you, as a sister and as a friend. Thanks for being with me at my weakest, laugh with me when I am happiest, and for all that you are to me... Thank God for you... Miss you and love you heaps... Always.