Swallowing IT hard!!

I'm actually very tired after a whole day of work but I say to myself that I must make this entry so that this would be a reminder to myself. Not towards the bad but more of self-encouragement.

Today I swallowed hard on my pride and ego so to not stoop to the low-class argument and mentality of a colleague. I know I was not in a wrong and everyone else also knows that. I was quite hot-headed when the incident happened and was so sure I would deal with it confrontational via email. Like this person would get worse repercussions through black and white and look totally stupid because it was not my fault at all. And I would also copy my boss in the email. But while I was crafting the reply, I got into a dilemma. My brain says 'Do It!', my heart says 'Forget about it. Be gracious!'. I stared at the screen for a long time struggling to make a decision to do it or not. And my heart won. I decided not to because,

1. There are enough wars already going on in office. I don't need another to make my point when everybody else knows the problem doesn't lie with me.

2. I don't need to fall into this 'trap' and show that I am of the same maturity and attitude as this person and it isn't my fault afterall.

Maybe some of you reading it will think I've made a foolish move and I should have countered back. I may 'suffer' more now but I trust that in long term I will be winner after all. I will always remember what one of my ex-bosses say, "Pick the right war to fight!". Yup! This war is not worth my time.

A Good Start!

I was introduced to the song below at yesterday's Praise and Worship. It's been a long time since I attended one and ta-da!! His message is here for me! There was certainly a purpose for me to be there and I am thankful. I know He will walk with me through this year in all the highs and lows :D !

I hope this song is of help to all that needs His graces too.

滿有能力 I Am Strengthened in Him (Stream of Praise)

我的盼望
All of my hope
就在耶穌基督裡
Lies in Jesus Christ alone
在祢裡面滿有平安
For I know that He is my peace
生命泉源
All of my joy
就在耶穌基督裡
Lies in Jesus Christ alone
有主在我裡面活著
He lives in me forever more

﹝副歌﹞
我宣告在我裡面的
Declare, “the One who’s within me
比世上一切更有能力
Is greater than the one in the world”
我不屬這世界
I’m not of this world
我高舉耶穌的名
I belong to Jesus, the King
我宣告在我裡面有
Declare, “the one who’s within me
活水湧流滿有能力
Is greater than the one in the world”
有耶穌在我裡面活著
I know that the King lives in me
我勇敢站立
I am strengthened in Him!

﹝Bridge﹞
有主在我裡面
My Lord, who lives in me
沒有懼怕能戰勝仇敵
Conquers all of my enemies
有主在我裡面
My Lord, who lives in me
沒有懼怕還得勝有餘
Is my portion, my victory

New Year's Eve

It's New Year's eve again! Like many would say, 'so fast!'.

I took a quick look at the no. of entries this blog for the past year and realised I really didn't write much here this year. It isn't because I have nothing to write or my life has been less exciting. Maybe I've become more tired from work and only post what intrigues me very much. Nevertheless, the tradition of putting in this entry has not been forgotten and forsaken.

2011 has been quite a year for me. From celebrations to surprises to life threatening accident. I think if you name it, I have it, almost all. The last quarter of the year was definitely the highlight of the year. Lots of roller coaster emotions and uncertainties. So much to think about and decide about my future. The last week of my break has been really good. Hearing and talking to different people on all perspectives.

Well, may the worst I ever had end here now. With God's grace, I have sailed through the storms and looking forward to more good wind in my favour.

Award

This morning, I received from my Principal a Special Commendation Award for my act of sacrifice. This was done in front of all the Directors. I felt awkward and wasn't very keen of receiving the award in front of so many "big shots" but I didn't want to put my boss in a spot as well. I am only an ordinary officer doing my job.

However, deep in in me undeniably felt so happy about receiving it. I was eager to share this happy moment with my colleagues. Those who were close to me, of course. And like a little child who won a prize in school, I couldn't wait to show my parents what I have been given. When I got home, I passed to my dad the trophy box, he smiled so wide. I could see how happy and proud he was at that moment.

But more than anything, I am grateful and thankful that I am alive after so many stings.

An Unforgettable Experience

It's been a week since my incident of getting stung by bees. Most of my swells have subsided by now but it is still very itchy. This whole week of MC really didn't do much. Eat, sleep, scratch, check emails, watch tv... not too bad a life huh?

Everything just happened too fast and too sudden. Recalling back, I can't believe the incident lasted for almost 2 periods of lesson. I'll never be able to forget the feeling of bees crawling on me, buzzing around my ears (and 1 hiding in it) and stinging me. And I'll never discount the fact how God was with me throughout the whole ordeal.

The moment when I fell and with more bees coming towards me, I knew for sure if I do not pick myself up from there, I might have died on the spot. It was His Spirit who lifted me up and gave me the courage to bear all the pain, gave me the wisdom to find the solution to stop the attacks. I am totally grateful! Very very grateful.

I've never thought that my little act of kindess to help one hysterical student ends up me being called a heroine now. And getting all the attention from media and people in school whom I don't know or hardly know. It may seem the silly to some people or even retribution to those who do not like me, but I know for sure I am certainly living with a better conscience knowing I did what I had to do.

And one thing for sure, I made my parents really proud of me though they didn't say it. Not just them but also my extended family and friends who knew about it. And I am very thankful too for their love and care over me this period. I can't asked for more. I am truly blessed. Thank you Lord!

Reflecting the Past, Appreciating the Present

Today is Teachers' Day, the ministry has changed the celebration to every 1st Friday of September so just in case you think I've mistaken, just to clarify this point.

I'm sure many of us have been taught by numerous teachers in our academic years from Kindergarten to University. Some of them made impacts in our lives, some are just so easily forgotten.

I managed to re-connect with one of the best teachers I ever had in my Secondary School on FB about 2 years ago. I had the privileged of being taught by her for 2 years and guided under her in a school pastoral care and counselling programme later. She is often deemed as a nice and friendly teacher but also one who is firm and corrects what is wrong. I don't think many teachers past and now does that very well.

Yesterday on FB there were many teachers' day greetings. After almost 20 years from post secondary, so many of us decided to greet her 'Happy Teachers' Day'. One of her reply to us was (not in exact words) 'I am glad to see so many of you doing well now'. I had a quick thought through who my secondary school mates were and what they are doing now. Yes indeed. Many of us are really doing well. Doing well doesn't mean you have to be big wig but someone who is good in your career or family or even health.

As an educator now, I tried to relate what I do for my students vs what my teacher did for us in the past. Though my career may seemed to look good, I thought through thoroughly if I had ever made such a positive impact on my students in the past few years. The challenges and struggles in managing youths these days is probably different from my time. I guess I have, can't be completely don't have.

Some school mates shared about their various experiences with the "Famous" teachers, well known for many reasons, good and bad. Perhaps in many years to come, I could be on one of the top charts as well.

While having dinner colleagues last night, we shared on the topic of how much a terror we can be but also be able to play with those whom we worked very closely with. I am comforted to know that there are minds in the office that thinks alike. And I hope that in the years to come, if I am still in this job, I will do even better not just in my career but also creating greater postive impact on my students.

I am thankful for you who have made this impact in my life. The seeds were planted many years ago and it is sowing now. I hope I have planted the right seeds too. Happy Teachers' Day!

Grateful

Just got back from Australia, travelling to some familiar places I've been to. This trip was meant to be a chill and relax one for me, or so I thought. Trying out with new travel mates was truly an unforgettable experience. One thing that I have learnt is being grateful for the firm teachings from my father when I was growing up.

I used to dread and think why my father is so strict with my brother and I. When I was a teenager he would often reprimand or correct us on how we behave, speak and being responsible to others. Though they were tough times I am appreciative of what he wants of me now. I can proudly say I have not let him down. It is true that only family members can tolerate and allow your weaknesses at home. It is them who rather you falter at home than at outside. It would have been really embarrasing when outsiders tell you how bad your etiquettes are, fortunately I do not need to be told.

I also spent my 34th birthday in the land of down under this year. It was the coldest day on the trip and nursing a bad cold at the same time. I felt loved by the many at home. My FB wall was filled with so many greetings from so many family and friends. While I could not reply each and every of them then, I could still feel their warmth even now after so many days. When I visited a friend and her family I had a delicious cake for celebration even though it is many days after my birthday. Thank you, you know who you are.

I am grateful for the blessings these years. Thank you Father in heaven, for always looking out for me.