My days have been monumentally packed with work, after-work frivolities and family engagements since before Christmas, up till now. And, it will continue to be so for the next fortnight.
So, here's a quick recap of the weekend that was… (Pics taken with Aurelia Bea.)
.
.
.
.
.
Friday (Dec 27th, 2013)
AM: Work - Last working day of 2013. Whoopee!
PM: Belated Christmas dinner with my best friend.
We decided on Italian beforehand, and even the sinfully gratifying tiramisu comes second to the company of my high school bestie. We laughed, bucket loads and that made my heart immensely happy.
Saturday (Dec 28th, 2013)
AM: Baby time with Kyra and Ryan.
These two little cherubs are growing up way too fast. I spent my afternoon getting my hair done - Kyra is quite the budding hairstylist, giving out tons of cuddles and kisses, and getting heaps in return (loved my drool-soaked shoulders).
PM: Date night with the handsomest man in town.
(I was my Daddy's date for a wedding dinner that night.)
Sunday (Dec 29th, 2013)
AM: Church.
PM: Colleague's wedding dinner.
I went full-on vintage earlier tonight - Sparkly dress (LOVED the low-scoop back big time), winged eyeliner and red lips.
It's a look that I don't often sport (I've always been of the impression that red lips might seem a little OTT and garish on my skin tone) but judging by the compliments tonight's look has garnered, I may venture to bring it about more often.
----------
Readers, meet Aurelia Bea, my new babe!
Two weeks ago, on a whim, I visited a Digi Store and fiddled with the latest iPhone 5S. One of the store's assistance walked over, chatted with me and asked if I was interested in getting one. I informed him that I have two months left in my contract and I'd have to wait till then before considering an upgrade.
He logged into the system, checked my details and told me that it was possible to get an upgrade now, as they're not really finicky about a one or two months leeway. I was delighted. But before I could utter my preferences, he added that I would have to wait for about a month or so for my new device, as almost all of the Digi stores in Penang are out of their iPhone 5S stock. All of which was fine to me, as Evie is still in tip-top condition.
However, as I left the store, I thought to myself, "Would be nice to get it before Christmas". I brushed that little desire aside and went on with my Christmas shopping.
Yesterday afternoon, that same guy gave me a call (while I was at work) and told me that their shipment arrived a little earlier than expected (two weeks earlier) and my iPhone 5S was already here. My heart did little cartwheels and I replied that I would be there today to get it.
Later that day, CM had a Christmas Party. After we were all stuffed with a spread of sumptuous home cooked food, we had gift exchanges. Mine was handed to me and I quickly ripped apart the packaging and discovered that my present was an iPhone 5S cover.
Turns out, one of the other managers in CM thought that it would make a nifty gift for me, seeing that I am such a big fan of Apple products. He walked over to me and added, "Head over to my shop (he owns a cool phone shop - part of his additional business) and they'll stick the screen protector for you, for free, when you get your iPhone (He didn't know that I had pre-ordered an iPhone 5S or that it had arrived that very afternoon)."
As I drove home from the party last night, praise overflowed from my heart to my beautiful Jesus.
He granted my heart's desire, which was said in the softest of whispers. As if that were not enough, He went the extra mile and orchestrated for things to just fall into place - one blessing after another.
So tonight, as I admire the sleek design of my new phone, meddle with the Touch ID a jillion times and explore the 1001 features, I will also remember that this golden blessing is His way of reminding me that He IS the Keeper of my heart, Lover of my soul and Author of Time.
Her name holds a very special place in my heart. 'Aurelia' means golden and 'Bea' means blessing. There's a story behind that name. Let me fill you in on that story.
----------
Two weeks ago, on a whim, I visited a Digi Store and fiddled with the latest iPhone 5S. One of the store's assistance walked over, chatted with me and asked if I was interested in getting one. I informed him that I have two months left in my contract and I'd have to wait till then before considering an upgrade.
He logged into the system, checked my details and told me that it was possible to get an upgrade now, as they're not really finicky about a one or two months leeway. I was delighted. But before I could utter my preferences, he added that I would have to wait for about a month or so for my new device, as almost all of the Digi stores in Penang are out of their iPhone 5S stock. All of which was fine to me, as Evie is still in tip-top condition.
However, as I left the store, I thought to myself, "Would be nice to get it before Christmas". I brushed that little desire aside and went on with my Christmas shopping.
Yesterday afternoon, that same guy gave me a call (while I was at work) and told me that their shipment arrived a little earlier than expected (two weeks earlier) and my iPhone 5S was already here. My heart did little cartwheels and I replied that I would be there today to get it.
Later that day, CM had a Christmas Party. After we were all stuffed with a spread of sumptuous home cooked food, we had gift exchanges. Mine was handed to me and I quickly ripped apart the packaging and discovered that my present was an iPhone 5S cover.
Turns out, one of the other managers in CM thought that it would make a nifty gift for me, seeing that I am such a big fan of Apple products. He walked over to me and added, "Head over to my shop (he owns a cool phone shop - part of his additional business) and they'll stick the screen protector for you, for free, when you get your iPhone (He didn't know that I had pre-ordered an iPhone 5S or that it had arrived that very afternoon)."
As I drove home from the party last night, praise overflowed from my heart to my beautiful Jesus.
He granted my heart's desire, which was said in the softest of whispers. As if that were not enough, He went the extra mile and orchestrated for things to just fall into place - one blessing after another.
So tonight, as I admire the sleek design of my new phone, meddle with the Touch ID a jillion times and explore the 1001 features, I will also remember that this golden blessing is His way of reminding me that He IS the Keeper of my heart, Lover of my soul and Author of Time.
Last night.
Colleagues. Christmas carols. Food. Presents. Tons of laughter.
Jolly good reasons to stay back in the office after working hours.
Checked out this series by HBO awhile back, and while I didn't thoroughly enjoy watching it, I liked some of the lines in the show.
Here are some of them, coalesced with my thoughts…
I've learned that it is important to be with someone who loves all of you - not parts of you, but ALL of you.
I'm still coming to terms with that. Easier said than done for a person who enjoys planning and whose life revolves around meeting deadlines all the time.
But this, I'm sure of: My God is never late, never early but He's always on time. In HIS timing, I trust.
Here are some of them, coalesced with my thoughts…
.
.
.
.
.
“Truth and relationships don’t make life easy. They make it possible.”
Over the past month, I've truly discovered the power of true friendships and real relationships, and I am ever so grateful for them. And, it confirmed what I have always believed - Being truthful is the only way to make any friendship or relationship work and last.
----------
“Love isn’t something you feel, it’s something you do. If the person you’re with doesn’t want it, do yourself a favor and save it for someone who does.”
Life is short, and not one more second should be wasted on that person who doesn't love you enough to put in effort and stay, even when all has lost its meaning, because that is what love is - It has nothing to do with what you get, but everything to do with what you are expected to give, which is everything.
And, if you've given your best and your all to someone who doesn't give a flying rip about you, love yourself enough to come out of it. Over time, you will meet people who see that love and who pour their love into you, so that you can stop spilling your love on people who don’t seem to want it.
And, if you've given your best and your all to someone who doesn't give a flying rip about you, love yourself enough to come out of it. Over time, you will meet people who see that love and who pour their love into you, so that you can stop spilling your love on people who don’t seem to want it.
----------
“How can you grow as an artist, if you don’t have the freedom to fail now and then?”
I've made mistakes as a person, and as an artist (the first definition).
Both have propelled me to grow in wisdom and creativity, recognising that mistakes are not to be shunned, as they humanise us every now and then - to feel with every fibre of our being and to share; to let someone else know in their moment of suffering that they are not alone, and that soon, it will all be alright.
Both have propelled me to grow in wisdom and creativity, recognising that mistakes are not to be shunned, as they humanise us every now and then - to feel with every fibre of our being and to share; to let someone else know in their moment of suffering that they are not alone, and that soon, it will all be alright.
----------
“When someone sees you as you really are and wants to be with you, that’s powerful.”
I've learned that it is important to be with someone who loves all of you - not parts of you, but ALL of you.
----------
“I think it’s all about timing. I think timing is everything.”
I'm still coming to terms with that. Easier said than done for a person who enjoys planning and whose life revolves around meeting deadlines all the time.
But this, I'm sure of: My God is never late, never early but He's always on time. In HIS timing, I trust.
Just so you know, I am a movie credits kinda girl.
I stay back - way after the movie has ended - to see the credits rolling up on the screen and that makes me feel happy. For some reason or other.
It probably has to do with the fact that I've written, prepared for, shot and directed mini film projects while pursuing my degree in Comms and Media Management. It took hours upon hours of planning and even more time was spent on the piecing together and editing of the footages.
And, to have your name up there - in white against a black background - after months and months of hard work, it is (to me) the crown of honour after a person's intense labour of love.
However, all those sacrifices are only worthwhile when you are rightfully honoured and aptly described. Unlike these poor, unfortunate souls…
.
.
.
.
.
I have a few rules in life, and one of them is this: When it comes to building friendships and relationships, be who you are. Period.
I'm a big believer in creating ties that last, and for that to happen, we need to do away with masks. There really is no reason in hanging on to a friendship or relationship if you have to walk on eggshells all the time.
----------
Dearest Dee Dee,
I love how giving you are, how we laugh together about the most trivial of things and most importantly, how you just seem to get it.
I love that what we have is true. I never have to worry and look over my shoulder to watch my back when it comes to our friendship because I know with all my heart that you've got mine, and I promise to watch yours, always.
Love you,
Mellie May.
P/S: The resolution for this pic is abysmal and we took it eons ago. We need to take more pictures TOGETHER when you're back. |
*
Related post(s):
After leading a phenomenal worship service at church yesterday (Thank you, Jesus for gracing Your church with a glimpse of Your glory and a touch from heaven. I'm forever grateful), I returned home with a sore throat and a morphing-to-Darth-Vader-like voice.
This morning, the sore and pain are still around, but I wouldn't have had it any other way.
I have learned a long time ago that I am no good at doing things in a half-baked manner. It's either I give everything or I don't give at all. If that means that I have to be more disciplined in doing vocal warm-ups, then so be it; but I made a choice to never stop declaring His praises at the top of my voice till my very last breath and I intend to keep to it.
So today, while I was letting my mug of lemon tea (with a generous dollop of honey) steep, I'm embracing my hurting throat proudly, as if it was a badge of honour…
Yesterday night.
An adorable baby, a swing, plenty of kisses and deep-bellied baby laughter.
Super therapeutic for the soul.
My Christmas present from my father this year.
.
.
.
.
.
Still reigns as my favourite fragrance, after going through many many bottles of perfumes (from different brands).
----------
8 years later, and he still remembers.
My Daddy knows the way into his daughter's heart. Kind of a no-brainer as to why I love him so much.
AutoCorrect and Conspiracy Nuts Don't Go Well Together
By Melissa - Thursday, December 12, 2013
"Life moves on, whether we act as cowards or heroes. Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such."
Henry Miller
My boss informed me the week before last that he was going to be away on a business trip to Japan and asked if I wanted anything from there (He made it very clear that he would NOT get me any Hello Kitty-esque items, which didn't bother me as I despise that finger-flicking feline.).
I (very sheepishly) said that if it wasn't too much trouble, I would like my favourite Japanese cookies.
Shiroi Koibito - Only available in Japan.
(The prices for these babies are exorbitant at Amazon.)
(The prices for these babies are exorbitant at Amazon.)
This morning, after a relatively alright shopping trip down to KL the past weekend (more on that later this week), I came into the office and saw this on my table…
.
.
.
.
.
=)
… was presented to me last night while I was cradling my friend's little cherub.
Thanks, Pam (Shen and Caden too)!
----------
Which reminds me… I'd better buck up and get started on a Christmas Gift shopping list soon enough. *gulps*
Some time back, during my uni days, I was in a tutorial - bored out of my skull and I was having a staring competition with the iMac in front of me (The iMac won, needless to say) - when my lecturer asked the class to come up with a list of ten social diseases that are plaguing today's society.
A little while later, he (my lecturer) circled the classroom and inspected our lists. I reluctantly showed him mine.
He surveyed my handwritten list, and burst out laughing a few seconds later. He proceeded to tell me - still choking back some of his chuckles - that stupidity is most certainly NOT a social disease.
And now, 1.5 years later, I am pretty certain that my lecturer was wrong… Stupidity is a social disease.
Allow me to convince you by directing you to this post:
.
.
.
.
.
Introducing… The 33 Dumbest Things that Happened This Year.
Faithfulness - Message at Youth Impact (Nov 30th, 2013)
By Melissa - Sunday, December 01, 2013
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged HIM faithful who had promised.
(Hebrews 11:11, NKJV)
----------
The above scripture says that Sarah judged HIM faithful who had promised. How many of us make promises today? And, how many of us actually keep to those promises that we have made?
Before getting to where I am today, I interned in an advertising agency for 3 months (requirement for diploma) and in a lifestyle magazine for 2 months (degree prerequisite). I wrote tag lines, copies and articles for both places where I interned at, and one rule of writing that applied for both is: Words like 'promise' or 'guarantee' are deemed as (kinda-sorta) off-limits, and are not used in any of the ads or pieces I wrote.
WHY? Because, companies don’t like to make promises and be held accountable for them. In the event when anything goes wrong, a case can be built just on those words and a costly lawsuit could ensue as a result of that.
I do not like making promises that I can't keep. I prefer to be a woman of her words. So when I do make a promise, I intend to keep it and see it through, whatever it might take. But, I've learned that in life, people are made of different stuff. In turn, not everyone is like me. Which is why we live in a society that promises much and means little.
As a result of encountering broken promises repeatedly in our lives, we tend to look and surmise that our God is the same - that He is not a promise keeping God. That is the lie of the enemy – our God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19) and He WILL keep His promises.
Sarah was barren and all dried up. She was well past her childbearing age and in the natural world (based on her age, condition and logic), she wasn't gonna be able to have a child. But, God gave Abraham and her a promise, that they won't just have A child, but that Abraham would be the father of MANY nations. Sarah CHOSE to judge HIM faithful, regardless of what logic and medical reports tell her.
1. WHAT is Faithfulness?
"Faithfulness is not doing the right thing once. Faithfulness is doing the right thing over and over and over again."
(Joyce Meyer)
----------
- Know therefore that the Lord your God IS God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. (Deuteronomy 7:9, ESV)
- The word ‘faithful’ in Hebrew (Old Testament was written in Hebrew) means “to prop” or “to support”. In Greek (New Testament was written in Greek), it means “trustworthy”.
2. WHY Should We Be Faithful?
- We are faithful because of conviction, not convenience.
Imagine if God is faithful to us only when it is convenient; when we are at our best behavior. If that were the case, He would not have sent His Son, Jesus to die for us on The Cross. We serve a God who is faithful in ALL circumstances and at ALL times.
- If you can't be faithful with the small things, God will not entrust you with bigger things because God looks for character, not ability.
- A gift will not take you to your destiny, CHARACTER will. (Christine Caine)
- Do you love the promotion of God, or do you love the PRESENCE of God? (Saul vs. David).
- With whatever gifts that He has entrusted in your care, for you to use for HIS glory, are you looking to be noticed or to touch lives? We need to check our hearts every now and then, to make sure that we know WHO we are doing it for and WHY we are doing what we do.
- Faith starts, faithfulness FINISHES.
Being faithful is about being obedient to His call, over and again; NOT sacrifice. When you feel like doing it the LEAST, that is when you should do it the MOST.
3. The Call to be Faithful
In the past 3 weeks, Life has taken a turn, a very BIG turn for me. After what happened last week, I was ready to throw in the towel - I wanted to give up everything here in Penang and head back to KL because things that happened seemed too much to bear and too painful to live with.
I was kneeling - face down and crying out to God - when God reminded me of His faithfulness to me for the past 3 years; from going before me to prepare the way for my degree, to confirming that it is His will for me to be back in Penang for this season.
After God took me down the road of His faithfulness in my life, He asked me two simple questions:
1. Will you still be faithful to Me?
2. Have you forgotten what you live for?
I decided that circumstances in life will not dictate my perception of who God is in my life.
- Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23, New International Version)