Pictures of some Snow... in Birmingham...

Just wanna post some photos here.. :D taken from the window of my room........

Wonder it will snow somemore?? hmmm.... that is the waiting part.. hehehe..

SNOW!

Yes.. snow arrived to Birmingham today.. I was in lecture when it happened.. initially, it was raining flakes.. and then eventually snow.. If I was in room today, I probably would witness it better.. Anyway, it was interesting today as well.. hehehe.. and I heard that it hasn't been snowing for a long time.. so, perhaps, there is a significant indication here.. Hmmm.... what? I am still wondering too.. hehehe..

Oh yes!.. coming to an exciting news!.. I have finally narrowed down to a topic for my dissertation and I am excited about what I would be researching and writing about.. Hope it would be as interesting as I would hope it to be.. I know our good Lord would be guiding me as I research and write.. Looking forward to this interesting journey.. *grinning*

what topic would I be writing about??? check this out.. hehehehe.. the main focus, generally is this.. and yet focusing specifically on something interesting.. profound? hmm.. I am going to find out as this would be my sole focus for the coming months.. lets see what I would discover..

Source: http://www.italiancharmcollections.com/product_beta-greek-alphabet-laser-charm-p25558.html

Do remember me in prayers if God brings me to your mind, especially for the coming months.. I could feel in me that this research would be something very meaningful and fulfilling.. I am praying that I would be sensitive to His leading as I choose specific focus as well as samples for my empirical studies.. Step by step, prayer by prayer, I would be exactly where the Lord wants me to be.. *smile*

Photographed Meal...

hehehe...... wonder my parents would be proud of me... for doing so much cooking!.. here are two pictures of one of the many meals I have cooked!.. do they look yummy???

Nice??

here are the remaining photos in facebook...

Photographed meal! 23.10.08

Awesome weekend!..

I had an awesome weekend.. It was just one of those weekends that I would remember.. multiple encounters with God and it is so cool to be so loooved by Him..

I went for a Christian concert at St John.. called Worship Central.. and I was thoroughly blown away.. much to catch in the midst of all and was really enjoying the music.. it stirred much deep stuff in my heart.. lots of stuff which words just couldn't express them.. honestly. and it felt so warmth inside out.. which I long for and He knew.. *grinning*

Yesterday was awesome too.. with two church services at different church.. The Lord was ministering deep within me.. either I was rather sentimental yesterday or God touched at the right time, at the right spot of my heart.. ya.. think it was the latter..

"Patience trust in the slow work of God".. this phrase stuck in my little brain... Waiting patiently, with perseverance in the Lord.. because faith grows in the process of waiting.. This was spoken of at St John yesterday evening.. and who else was spoken about non other than.. "Joseph in the book of Genesis".. Joseph's story has been spoken of to me numerous times the past months.. I think I lost count!.. Is God making a statement loud and clear to me? *wink*

Well... more waiting awaits me.. think that rhymes nicely... hehehe..

"The Pressure's Off"

There's a new way to live... By Dr. Larry Crabb...

This is the book that I am currently reading.. Real intriguing and exploring.. I am enjoying it. I am quarter into the book now.. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially those who are searching.. and seeking; whether about life, what we are doing, anything at all... I think all of us do that lots but just that sometimes or rather most times, due to commitments and busyness, we put that aside..

Well, today, as I scribble, I just want to challenge everyone to pause a moment and to reflect.. I like doing reflection lots these days.. and it is good for our souls.. and, to go back on track of knowing who this God is.. who this Jesus is.. Knowing His Heart.. Knowing the giver.. spending time with Him.. It is just amazing in this relationship with Him.

Well, I am back to the book.. So, anyone care to join me? Lets journey together for that is how the Lord has made us to be, to be there for one another, encourage and love... So, my encouragement today is to read this book.. and be wonderfully blessed.. Never know, ya.. what God would be saying via this book.. but it definitely has some great effects on me!.. And I just want to share this.. *winking*

Full Day...

Yup.. this is my fullest day of the week with whole day of classes on Tuesday.. Hehe.. Now, stealing some time to scribble before lecture starts at 10am.. and it will go all the way to 5pm today for different lectures.. I would prefer some breather but then again, it is being timetabled such way.. Just have to have more energy for the day.. and I know exactly where to seek the strength from.. the Source, who else.. Our Abba Father who is my provider.. *grinning*

ooh.. lecture starting soon.. so I am off..............

Do Something with Nothing...

This topic (please click on the word "topic" to go to the website and be blessed), I took from Our Daily Bread devotion which was for the Monday 20th October 2008. I got to read this as it was encouraged in the student cell of BCEC to read it as a group and to share if anything comes up... Well, I really thought it was very timely for me even as I read and listened to it at this hour, half an hour after midnight.. "do something with your nothing.." Hmm.. I do have lots of waiting time.. hehehe.. whether it is a short time or longer time at this season of my life..

Ephesians 5:15-21 says, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

The daily devotion ended with this phrase "When you find time on your hands, put them together in prayer" which has spoken to me deep, much deeper than usual at this time. God is definitely teaching me something powerful. He has always been doing that.. Just that sometimes, I didn't catch it.. well, He is super patient with me which I am thankful for. It is by His Grace... *smiling contently*...

Good night...

Energized...

so thankful that I am feeling energized today.. Sometimes or rather, lots of times, these moments do come.. that shows how fragile emotions and even energy level is.. or should I say how fragile a person is, particularly me.. hahaha.. maybe it is just me, eh? Hmm.. anyway, looking forward to some lectures tomorrow.. hopefully, I am able to understand the theory as well as the applications.. knowing a little of the right questions to ask and able to merge theory and reality.. in the sense of applications and practicality of things in the finance world, so to speak.. Am I scribbling "jargons"? hehehe..

I very much realised that stepping out in faith really do me good.. it energizes me as I take steps of faith.. Hmm.. real cool.. and I thank God for His guidance and provision.. *grinning*

(Scribbler needs to fulfill her hunger spang... with potatos.. hehehe... )

Carried away....

Sometimes, I felt that.. just conveniently got carried away with things... thoughts... the "doing".. and then, it would be like "oops.." for me.. Then, looking back, I was aware sometimes (for a moment?) of what was going on but it slipped away rather quickly before it could be grasped and looked deeper into..

Complication? Hmm.. I wonder.. Anyway, currently, reading a book by Larry Crabb titled "the Pressure's Off - There's a new way to live"... It is a very interesting book... never thought anyone would be writing it but there it was.. And the way how I stumbled into it was rather interesting too.. hehehe.. Would I do a book review on it? hehehe.. that would take me ages to do, I think.. coz always got stuck somewhere along the process line.. needing to do it "very right".. see, think that is my problem.. Wonder have you caught that? Anyway, I am beginning to see some light to some things.. one step at a time, waiting upon the Lord, they are becoming clearer.. by His Grace.. If by my own, I would have messed it up.. Releasing them once again to Him who knows the best for me!..

(Scribbler has gone wondering off today.... in the depth of her soul....)

New batches of photos in facebook...

and.. it is true that pictures speak thousands words... so.. I shall let them do their job properly.. hehehe... Just click the below.. and it will bring you to the facebook pages... Mainly, photos taken during my recent trip to London.. a visit to my dad's friend and family.. I had a superb and lovely time there with them.. This time round, I had a new and different perspective of London.. a wonderful one and I just love it!.. the weather was so good.. God is good!.. *smile*.. Aunty Margaret said I brought the sunshine with me.. ahh... I was so lifted up!.. hehehe.. and the last batch of photos were taken yesterday as Lisa and I went exploring Selly Oak in Birmingham itself..

• Roomie Shots 29.9.08

• Journey from Birmingham to London Marylebone.. 10th Oct'08

• Greenwich GMT.. the exact spot!.. 10th Oct'08

• Golden Jubilee Bridges, pre-London Eye Flight.. 11th Oct'08

• London Eye Flight!... 11th Oct'08

• Post London Eye Flight Part One... 11th Oct'08

• Post London Eye Flight Part Two... 11th Oct'08

• Snap Shots of everywhere during London Trip 10-13 Oct'08

• First Exploration to Selly Oak 17 Oct'08

Before long...

it is already Thursday the 15th October 2008 now.. Should I be running after time eh? That is the question in my mind now.. Hmm.. if I am to do that, think it is rather meaningless.. Oh geez.. What is the right thing to do, then? Have anyone ever wonder about that? Or is it just something which people ignore even though there is that big question mark? Hmm.. I really do wonder.. In that sense, today, at this hour, at this moment, I am in such a state.. and in many ways, I am glad that I am not denying it but it is kinda weird to be asking such question at this time but yet, this is where I am.. Who has the answer? Would there be an answer anytime sooner? Hmm..

I know God has the answer.. He is our creator.. He knows the very core and obviously, the surface and any part of what is taking place in our lives.. In that very truth, is where my hope lies.. about life and about living.. Otherwise, it would have really been history.. for me, that is. This scribbling is kinda melancholically influenced, I would think and that is part of me which is such.. call it sentimental.. call it emotional.. it doesn't really matter..

but.. what am I scribbling about? Hmm.. what am I trying to say here? Oh...oh.. lets meditate on things.. that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, praiseworthy.. (Philippians 4:8,9.. Viv's edited version).. to further enhance that, let me share this picture I have taken.. I thought I wanna end with this picture.. what does it means, actually? well..... lets all figure out together, shall we?

And.. Lets Rejoice in the Lord always.. Again, I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) It is matter of choice.. which is why I choose to put up this picture coz it is pretty with its bright color.. just the color I need to brighten my day a little bit.. and that matters.. zip-zap.. off I go now..

I'm back in Action Soon..

Hehe.. just got back from London today and well, need some time to settle down shortly.. and well, need to get ready for lectures tomorrow, ya.. so, can't blog much today but just wanna drop a big "HI!".. hehehehe.. I will be scribbling soon coz much to scribble about.. and photos too!..

Over and out for now.. momento... Be back soon.. hopefully.. hehehe.. ta...

The Capital of Britain..

that's where I am heading tomorrow in my first long distance train ride from Birmingham to London.. and it costed me 6 pounds and 60 pences.. with my student rail card and advance ticket advantage. Real cool, isn't it? I will be meeting my dad's old friend and family over the weekend.. It would be interesting as the last time I have seen them was when I was really small.. So, this would be a rather interesting visit and adventure..

I haven't finished packing yet.. and so, must do so tonight so that I would be all ready to go tomorrow morning.. hehehe.. My train ride is 1055am.. and I am looking forward to it.. hehehe.. Hope to take lots of photos as I travel.. which reminds me to charge my camera battery.. hehehe.. good thing!.. else, there won't be any photos taken..

kay then.. time to do some studying and other stuff too before my trip tomorrow.... till I scribble again.. which will be in a couple of days time....... ta.......

alpha.. beta.. returns, risks.. portfolio.. mean.. median... etc..etc..

and so much more.. hehehe.. those are some of the terminologies that I am using for my studies.. Reviving my statistics memory and finance memory.. hehehe.. which were nicely packed up somewhere in my litle brainy many years back now. Wonder how much I could actually remember..

Well, this is the initial stage of my study life at this juncture.. but what interests me the most is to be able to learn some cool statistical softwares.. I think this is what excites me the most! hehehe.. so fun!.. Gonna go to the computer lab tomorrow and have more fun with them!.. hehehe.. that shows where my interests lie.. don't you think so? I somehow think that being a researcher is kinda fun!.. Lets explore more and see, ya..

Currently, still thinking on the narrow topic that I could write on.. praying and asking God for clarity in this area.. Hmm.. Please do remember me in prayers about this.. I really want to write on something which could really excites me and I just love researching on it.. Wonder what that really is? Hmm.. I really do not know.. but then again, I cannot be in this "don't know" mode for very long.. Just got to decide on a topic and start on it.. gathering information... etc.. oops.. time is running out.. tsk.. tsk.. "God, please help!"...

Well, I better run along and do some reading and work.. cherrio... till I scribble again.. hopefully soon.. :D

Crossroads...

Before I go into the main topic.. I just want to praise God! Hehe.. I am so happy to see what God is doing in my search for a place to belong, to serve, to have fellowship... Obviously, you know what I am scribbling about.. hehehe.. And thank God for new friendships!.. and for kindness!.. :D I got a lift back home tonight without me asking for it.. I am so blessed!.. hehehe..

Well, that is what I wanted to share and now, lets come to the title.. of "Crossroads"... I got this word from the service today.. from Jeremiah 6:16 that says, "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" Somehow, this stood out for me today.. Hmm.. Again, there are much truth in it.. What are the ancient paths? What is the good way? These are the questions that I have even as I ponder on this verse..

The above verse is where St John's Church, Harborne gotten the word Crossway for their community work and a platform to reach out and extend God's love to the community.. which I thought was excellent!.. It very much reminds me of DUMC.. hehehe..

Anyway, I very much feel that I am at the crossroad.. and what better time than now to ask what are the ancient paths and good way... Well, it is amazing to see God unfolding what He has installed for me, in His time and in His ways.. All I need is to be obedient and be patient too.. hehehe.. waiting, sometimes or rather most times can be kinda nervy and yet if it is meant to be waited, it is worth it to wait.. to wait upon the Lord who reveals the right stuff in His time..

Hmm.. I have been thinking.. and you know what? think all of us are always at crossroads in our lives.. Hmm.. I would think so and that makes life interesting.. hehe.. uncertain, yes but interesting to see what is installed ahead of us.. Well, time for me to snooze.. still need much sleep so that I can be totally and completed well from the cold.. Good night!.. *wink*

Split into half?...

What am I trying to scribble here with the topic above? I wonder too.. hehehe.. well, I guess it could refer to making decisions.. Some decisions are hard to make and there are procrasinations involved as to really decide which direction to take. BUT, can I split things into half? hehehe.. possibly works for short term but am afraid that would not work out in the long run.. coz the focus has been splitted into half as well.. we can't get the best of both worlds, so to speak.. eventhough we would love to.. well, I would love to be able to do that but reality is that it would be tough.. especially, the timing of things just clashing with one another and I would feel torn in-betweens.. this would not do..

Well, looks like I have to decide where to go and what to do pretty soon.. I think I have more or less decided but shall let it linger for a while before I have the final decision spoken.. Spending time with the good Lord is very vital and important.. Seeking His face.. and then with one focus in mind, to press on, regardless of distance, weather and so forth..

Geez.. the cold is still bugging me.. and I think I shall decide to stay in bed for the day and attend St John service at 630pm.. Shall take my morning medication and sleep a while more... I will be back!.. hehehe... cherrio..

1st Chinese Dish!.. ever..in Birmingham!

Hehe.. I cooked my first Chinese dish today.. hehehe.. It was a simple, cauliflowers, some meat, etc.. The past one month, been eating lots of other "western" food.. Finally, today, fried some vegetable dish!.. hehehe.. tasted not too bad.. Forgotten to take a picture though.. Will do so for my next dish..

And guess what!.. was looking for prawns.. and finally found some but of course, they are all frozen ones.. hehehe.. better than nothing, right? Well, hope to cook my favorite tomato sauce prawns soon.. kinda miss that.. hehehe.. but firstly, need to get one more ingredient.. in Chinatown, I suppose.. Hmm.. I need to figure out, what the ingredient is first.. I don't know what it is called in English.. must ask mom.. hehehe..

Hmm.. maybe I would get the hang of cooking as I explore possibilities of cooking variety food.. I shall invent some dishes.. hopefully.. hehehe.. but knowing me, I love the few favorite dishes of my own.. and loving the potatoes..

Conclusion is I am stacking up my food supply like nobody's business and also trying my very best in ensuring that I finish eating them too!.. Very vital, I would think.. else, I would go hungry... definitely not on cold weather... No wonder, people put on weight when they come to UK.. coz when it is cold, you got to eat to keep warm.. Hehe.. no fear.. I already have a remedy to keep warm during winter... hehehhe.. that is for me to know and for you to find out from me.. *wink* so naughty me!..

Ah-Tis-Choo...

*blowing nose*... oh dear me.. Caught the "autumn" cold or "british" cold as you may choose to call it.. and it is rather annoying to be in such a state, ya.. but what to do? Am tryin to make myself comfortable as much as possible.. hehehe.. I am like this now.. got the image from the net.. hehe.. but getting better today.. Yesterday was rather bad, actually.. my nosey was super block!.. Managed to get me-self some medication from the local pharmacy and think it is working.. so, today, am a good girl, staying home to get maximum rest and drink lots of water!.. hehehe.. Oh yes.. so happy to be able to get some sweet potatoes and cook some soup!.. hehe.. love that very much...

source: http://www.illustrationsof.com/details/clipart/9456.html

This could be it!...

Hehehe.. think I could have found the church which I wanna stay on.. I am getting there now, i hope and pray.. Tonight, went for a "Way-in" course at St John, Harborne.. and the very words spoken by the vicar just somehow had the connections that I was praying for.. Hmm.. and I could really sense the passion that the vicar has for the church, the congregation and the community.... and He spoke about the church coming alive.. the breathe of God into the church.. and I thought that is so vital.. talking about the touching of the hearts of the people.. alot of times, truths stay up in the head and never really get to go down to the heart.. which essentially required so because that is where transformations take place..

Just like what was shared during last night meeting at Christian Union, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.. Interestingly how these come together so timely..

And, just a few seconds ago, I was reading this daily devotion from the Vine which I thought was great to cut and paste here as encouragement to all.. coz it has spoken to me rather timely and it is a wonderful assurance and reminder for me at this hour..

****

One Day At A Time
Don't get worked up about… tomorrow. Matthew 6:34 TM

Max Lucado says, "Worry is to joy what a vacuum cleaner is to dirt; you might as well attach your heart to a happiness-sucker and flip the switch." Jesus said, "Don't get worked up about… tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." When it looks like things are falling apart, Paul reminds us, "Every detail in our lives… is worked into something good" (Romans 8:28 TM). When it seems like the world's gone mad, don't forget God "existed before anything else,… and He holds all creation together" (Colossians 1:17 NLT). When worry whispers, "God doesn't know what you need," remember God promised to "take care of everything you need" (Philp 4:19 TM).

Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." You won't get the wisdom or resources to handle tomorrow's problems till you need them. When we "go confidently to the throne… [we'll] find kindness, which will help us at the right time" (Hebrews 4:16 GWT).

Over a century ago Charles Spurgeon said: "Enough for today is all we can enjoy. We cannot eat, drink, or wear more than today's supply of food and clothing. The surplus gives us the care of storing it and the anxiety that someone might steal it. One staff aids a traveler; a bunch of staves is a heavy burden. Enough is as good as a feast, and more than gluttony can enjoy. Enough is all we should expect; a craving for more is ungratefulness. When our Father doesn't give you more, be content with your daily allowance."

****

Tee-doo-loo... I am feeling happy today.. :D There is a progress of things... and it is great to see it coming to fruition.. much hope.. been praying and asking Him to direct me.. well, more updates coming up!.. hopefully and by the Grace of God.. one day at a time as how the devotion said it well.. *wink*...

10th Month into Year 2008

Woozier! I remembered just around end July, I scribbled about reaching the month of August and blah blah.. and now, it is October! and before long, winter would be here and then 2009.. Am I speed tracking the time forward? No.. just trying to grasp some little understanding today. Hmm.. somehow, possibly, today, am abit little sentimental.. feeling a little "dizzy".. as how my Shanghai friend puts it.. hehehe..

Anyway, was reminded of Ecclesiastes somehow.. talking about life.. is there meaning? Hmm.. there is!.. and King Solomon ended Ecclesiastes with these two verses which I thought there is so much to it!.. that goes like this..

"Now all has been heard here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (Eccl 12:13-14)

With God, there is meaning in life.. and yet so many do not know who He is.. Hmm.... Last night at the Christian Union of the Uni, the pastor spoke something.. and something stirred in my heart even as I heard the discussion among the young people.. There is this constant nagging.. Hmm.. or is it called "nagging"? I do not really know except to look to Him and ask Him what are all these? Hmm... where to go? what to do? how to say? so many questions..

And even today, as I woke up.. with the strong wind blowing outside my window.. what is it that has surfaced? Am I discovering something greater than life? Or Is there something the Lord wants me to catch and run with it? Hmm.. some things I still do not understand and actually wonder will I ever understand them.. Well, in Ecclesiastes 3, so much has been written about.. a time for everything, a season for every activity... Something to simmer about.. don't simmer too long though.. hehehe..

Have a great October month ahead!.. Have an Outstanding October!... I pray that mine will be so! I also pray that it is so for everyone too!.. Make the best out of it! *wink*