Soul Survivor

New Beginnings

2010-06-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hey frens! I've been feeling kinda restless with blogspot of late, especially with the lack of innovation with its features. It has served me well for 5 years and 7 mths (since Nov 2004!!) but its time to retire my very first blog. Even as I do so, it is on a bittersweet note. Looking back, this was where I posted some of my first poems. (OMG, and even back then, I was quoting Fluffy songs!!! Its a sign.) Sigh...yes, I'm a sentimental creature.

Well, the time has come for a brand new chapter! So if you'd still like to follow my nonsensical/emo/random musings, you can head over to my new blog at http://michelle-lea.tumblr.com/ Better still, start a Tumblr blog so I can follow you too. haha! :)

Alrite farewell jazzymoo.blogspot.com. I'll see you guys over at Tumblr!

Mid-afternoon Break

2010-06-08T01:28:00.000-07:00

Stumbled upon this video of Michael Gungor shredding wood and totally reinventing Doxology while I was taking a break from writing/editing. It's always cool to see a muso having such fun!

Things That Make Me Happy

2010-06-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Catching up with a good fwen. It feels like a warm blanket around the heart. :) (mental note: Need more of those.)
Singing in the shower
A whole bunch of free Biotherm skin care products!! (I forgot this is why I used to love buying stuff from Biotherm. They're not stingy like other brands.)
Having my Personal Trainer tell me I've lost a good bit of weight (body fat % going down, metabolic rate and muscle % going up! Yays!!)
Listening to Fluffy songs on my iPod and smiling to myself on public transport
Tomato soup, chix caesar wrap & sweet watermelon juice from Mescluns Sandwich/Salad Bar (yummy, fresh and wholesome ingredients!)
Private Practice Season 2 (I've finished all of Grey's Anatomy already what!)
Counting down the days to Sydney 2010 (less than a month!!)
My purple flip flops. I love them so much, I'd wear them everywhere, and I'm thinking of getting another pair. Pity I can't wear them to work or to Sydney cos it's gonna be freakin' freezin' there in July.
Space for my soul to breathe, time to read and connect with my Maker. :)

Church@Work: Love On The Move

2010-06-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

The youths performing a song item for the elderly at Peace Haven Nursing Home. They spent 7 rehearsals preparing for the song items/mime/ dances and testimonies.

Last Weds was probably one of the most fun and rewarding days at work. I've never really liked intensive desk bound work, so when I heard that the video crew was gonna spend 2 full days filming MegaLife's (RiverLife's youth ministry) new project, "Church@Work," I jumped at the opportunity and hopped on to the church van for a fun 'excursion.' :)

Church@Work is all about tearing down the four walls of our church building, getting out into the community, to show God's love in action, hence the tagline, "Love On the Move." The kids planned for weeks for their cell-based projects, and from the 31 May to 5 June, they went to various voluntary welfare organisations to bless the poor, underprivileged and those forgotten by society. They packed and distributed food to the elderly; they ran camps for youth-at-risk and the kids of prisoners; they took Down Syndrome patients to Marina Barrage to fly kites; they spent time with patients at IMH/ the disabled and more.

It's kinda like our own version of the I Heart Revolution...which got me really excited, cos its about time we see past ourselves to serve and love a world in need. And its just fantastic that our youths are leading the way in this movement. I hope and pray the rest of the church catches on too.

It was heartwarming to see the kids stepping out of their comfort zone, getting past their fears to share the love of Christ. It took a lot of courage for them to visit and chat with people they were not naturally comfortable with or had language barriers with...but they did it with such compassion and a cheerful spirit. I'm so proud of our MegaLifers! :)

Joshua and Cassandra filming Benedict (L) and Zac (R) in a video interview

I think they were also surprised to have a full media crew tagging along behind them (writers; art director; photographers + video crew) but it probably encouraged them too. Quite a few of the youths whom I know from worship ministry surrounded me excitedly with wide-eyed smiles, "Michelle, what are you doing here?" (And even those who didn't know me personally, just randomly came up to me saying, "Hey, you look familiar!" And some other kid would go, "She's a vocalist in the worship ministry lah!" haha! Wah, not shy these kids. Gotta love them!) And when I chatted with them/interviewed them to capture their testimonies based on this experience, they were even more excited to share. It really touches me when I see them opening up like that...our youths are such a great bunch, and sometimes, they're just waiting for us to express our interest and concern in their lives. :)

Well, this video shoot was a wonderful experience I must say...made quite a few new friends too. Like Benedict and Zac (both 13 years old) who really cracked me up. They were like a pair of stand-up comedians. They even asked for $ to buy drinks from the vending machine as 'payment' for the video interview. And when Cass passed them the coins, they were SOOOO happy they were bopping up and down. Now if only all of us could be that easily contented? haha!

MegaLifers outside Peace Haven Nursing Home at the end of their project

Finally, this video shoot was a wonderful opportunity to spend some time 'in the field' with my youth writers/photographers who are covering Church@Work for a new youth-driven publication. Yeah, it was like overnight, God entrusted me with this new bunch of youth writers/photographers. And its so much more than getting the writing/photography done or helping them to grow in their talents, I've come to realise that its about shepherding them. They're a real promising brunch...some of them are kinda shy or have low self-esteem, and it seems like this seed effort for a Youth Creative Arts ministry could really be a platform for us to draw them out of their shell, to flourish as artists in the house of God, and to pull them into deeper community.

I'm beginning to realise that its the pastoral element of my job, the relational aspect that makes me feel fulfilled, more than the operations side of it. I'm thankful for opportunities like these..and I'm praying that God continues to grow my heart for His people. :)

Moving Forward

2010-05-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

After sitting in for Every Nation Church Singapore's band rehearsal, Dawnie & I fell in love with this groovy and hopeful song. Somehow, it also reminded me of this beautiful verse in Joel (the most anointed book in the Bible. I'm not biased. Just sayin'), which speaks about God's promise to restore unto us our wasted years. This is our God.

"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you" (Joel 2:25)

And so everyday, I'm learning to let go of my past disappointments, hurts & regrets...to lay them at the feet of Jesus and find solace in His arms. Its still a daily struggle, but a choice I have to make. For it is when I have faith in Him, and trust Him to write the story of my life, that I love Him best.

Lord, help me to recover my passion for worship, for YOU. Help me to move forward into the fullness of the destiny that You have for me.

Moving Forward (by Israel Houghton & Ricardo Sanchez)
==================================================
Verse 1:
What a moment
You have brought me to
Such a freedom I have found in You
You´re the Healer
Who makes all things new
Yeah yeah yeah

Bridge:
I´m not going back
I´m moving ahead
Here to declare to You
My past is over in You
All things are made new
Surrendered my life to Christ
I´m moving moving forward

Verse 2:
You have risen
With all power in Your hands
You have given me
A second chance
Hallelujah hallelujah
Yeah yeah yeah

Chorus:
You make all things new, Yes
You make all things new
And I will follow You
Forward

The Vision and the Reality

2010-05-27T02:24:00.000-07:00

Wise words from Ozzie Chambers...

"We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to be battered into the shape of the vision to be used by God?

We have to learn to live in reliance what we saw in the vision, not simply live in ecstatic delight and conscious reflection upon God. This means living the realities of our lives in the light of the vision until the truth of the vision is actually realised in us." - Oswald Chambers

Divine Detours

2010-05-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Liew Tong Leng

Sometimes, you get a gut feeling, a sense of the right decision to make, or how things are going to pan out. You feel it in your bones, see it in your dreams...its whispered by your heart when all the other voices are silenced. But God knows better and wants better for you...so He takes you on a divine detour. Because to live your life on a hunch is just not good enough. You need to know, and know and know.

If You're Gone (by Matchbox Twenty)

2010-05-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

I love how Rob Thomas shares the story behind this song...kinda funny actually.

OOOM @ SAM 21st May

2010-05-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

L-R: Neli Atiga on keys; Abiel Pascual on cajon; Howie Tan (back row) on bass; Jon Chong (LV and guit); Jonathan How the organiser; me on BV

It was my first time participating in OOOM @ SAM (Originals Only Open Mike), supporting Jon Chong on BVs again. It was also the first time we had a band that was entirely from Every Nation Church Singapore!! I had such a blast performing with these guys and an even greater time just hanging out with them before and after the gig. They've got a real wicked sense of humour these dudes! :) Here's to gd times & new frens!

Drummer Boy

2010-05-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 19th Birthday Johannes (aka "Nurse")!! Dawnie and I had a simple zi char dinner at Punggol to celebrate Johannes' birthday, and we presented him with a GAP t-shirt with a drum set design on it. Nurse impressed with his ever so gentlemanly ways - picking me up from church and sending me home (after just passing his driving test. haha!), and slipping off quietly to pay the bill while Dawnie and I were chatting. Looks like this birthday treat thingy is going to be a tradition with us.

Dream A Little Dream

2010-05-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

A short conversation that made my night.
====================================================

Mich: I really like the Soul Survivor, "Not Ashamed" album!
Glenn: You'll really like my album. In fact, if I do ever record an album, I want you on it.
Mich: Are you serious?
Glenn: Err yeah.
Mich: What do you want me on your album for?
Glenn: To sing lah! Then play harmonica meh?
Mich: Awwwwwwww!! Well, I'm gd at comms too!! hahaha!

Have A Little Faith

2010-05-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

I admit, I shamelessly ripped this off Abi's blog. But its good stuff, and ought to be shared. Thanks in advance Abi!

❝ A man seeks employment on a farm. He hands his letter of recommendation to his new employer. It reads simply,’He sleeps in a storm’. The owner is desperate for help, so he hires the man. Several weeks pass, and suddenly, in the middle of the night, a powerful storm rips through the valley.

Awakened by the swirling rain and howling wind, the owner leaps out of bed. He calls for his new hired hand, but the man is sleeping soundly. He dashes off to the barn. He sees to his amazement, that all the animals are secured with plenty of feed. He runs out to the field. He see the bales of wheat have been bound and are wrapped in tarpaulins. He races to the silos. The doors are latched, and the grain is dry. And then he understands, 'He sleeps in a storm’.

My friends, if we tend to the things that are important in life, if we are right with those we love and behave in line with our faith, our lives will not be cursed with the aching throb of unfulfilled business. Our words will always be sincere, our embraces will be tight. We will never wallow in the agony of ‘I could have, I should have.’ We can sleep in a storm. And when its our time, our good-byes will be complete. ❞ - Rabbi Albert Lewis

Taken from Mitch Albom’s book “Have A Little Faith”

The Rhythms of Grace

2010-05-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

- Matthew 11:28 (The Message)

Hand On My Heart

2010-05-17T23:05:00.000-07:00

That feeling never really goes away does it? Sigh.

"My Soul Is Complete"

2010-05-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

This song has been on repeat on my iTunes lately...really been ministering to me deeply. This video features Ben Cantelon from Worship Central (UK) singing it. Its got that beautiful Jeremy Camp "Live Unplugged" feel about it. But vocally, I still prefer the Soul Survivor 2008 version by Andreana Arganda. Her amazing vocals give the song a lot more intensity and heart.

"My Soul Is Complete" (by Phil Shaw)
=========================================
Father of everlasting grace
Be my comfort in this broken place
I'll rest upon the perfect love
In You, in You

Faithful Lord You never change
When all is lost, You remain
Saviour all my hope is found
In You, in You

Chorus:
My soul is complete in Jesus, in Jesus
Your grace and Your truth
Have made a way, and now I'm free in You

King of glory be lifted high
I'll worship You Lord with my whole life
Fill my heart with a joy that's only found
In You, in You

Bridge:
With hands held high I'll live my life
To worship You, be glorified

Jowlli Yeewston!!

2010-05-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

September is for Frothers, January is for Lovers from Russell Brownley on Vimeo.

I have this tiny crush on Joel Timothy Houston as you know. (Ok who am I kidding? I get palpitations when I'm in the same country as him.) So when Glenny sent this AMAZING video of Joel's 30th birthday surf trip in Indonesia last year, I was beyond ecstatic. Its just soooo cute to hear all his buddies say all these wonderful, heartfelt things about him. Awwww!! *total Fluffy moment*

Oopss!!

2010-05-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

On msn this morning @ the office:
============================
Mich (to Cheryl who's in a meeting somewhere else): Hungweee!!
Cheryl: Ok, will tell you when we're going for lunch. We're all looking at your msg btw.
Mich: OMG OMG!! Who is everyone??
Cheryl: Cass, Thomas, Eve, Freddy...Thomas says yr msg is on a 58 inch screen. (They're basically the Technical & Production staff team in church)
Mich: Ooopss!!! *super malu* Err...I go eat cheezels first.
Cheryl: Cass says enjoy! haha!

Just before we go for lunch @ the office:
===================================
Uncle Freddy: Hungweee?? :)
Mich: *maluuuuu*

Poured Out For You

2010-05-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Today, was a costly lesson in Psalm 27:6,

"And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD."

"I Have Loved You Wrong" by The Swell Season

2010-05-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

A haunting performance by Marketa Irglova & Glen Hansard. Its an interesting change as Marketa is usually on piano and Glen, the passionate and emo Irish troubadour, is usually shredding wood on his beat-up guitar. Who would have thought Glen Hansard could play the piano so lyrically. For clearer audio, go here.

Tea & Company

2010-05-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

After a short meeting in church on Labour Day, I headed down to Tea Cozy @ Plaza Sing to meet up with crazy Steph. I said she looked kinda Ugly Betty-ish with her new specs and braces. She didn't get my comment cos she has never seen the show, so it made her kinda upset until I spent some time reassuring her I DID NOT think she was actually ugly. haha!

Everything at Tea Cozy is for sale...including all the angels and teddies etc. you see. A pretty place for a cuppa with a good fren. It was kinda pricey though...$50 for the scones; foie gras (Steph ordered it. I did not touch it!); baked mushrooms and drinks that we ordered.

I love love love the wee little rocking horses. Wish I could get me one for my room. :)

Blackmail

2010-05-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

So Thomas was talking to me on gmail chat about Jennifer Knapp...you know, Christian Artiste who has recently come out of the closet. And then I made this comment about Brooke Fraser, and look what he did!!! SABO!

Psalm

2010-04-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Lord grant me hope in my darkest hour
For I cannot see beyond my cloud of tears.
Every breath is painfully laboured,
And each step wearies my soul.
Deliver me from my sorrow,
Lest I collapse from its crushing weight.

My God, Abba Father,
The Author and the Finisher of my faith,
You hold my life in Your hands.
Do not forget nor forsake me,
Hear my desperate cry,
And come quickly to my rescue.

Keep this heart beating for Your Kingdom’s sake.
Heal my wounds with Your love,
And restore the ruins of my heart.
Strengthen my broken spirit,
Floodlight my life with Your hope,
And keep me safe in the centre of Your will.

Train Wreck

2010-04-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

What do we do during the train wrecks of our lives?

"I'm hanging on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
And I'm hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will be okay.

Broken lights on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
Haven't forgotten my way home"
- 'Broken' by Lifehouse

Quips

2010-04-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Dawnie on how to choose a cell:
==========================
Aiyah...I told myself, next to circle line, got nice people. Can oredi! So fussy for what?

Glenn on vocal lessons:
====================
Glenn says: I dun like my tone, how to improve ah? Drink juice? Oil? Milk? Tar?
Michelle: Change your placement. Ask your Hillsong vocal coach to help u.
Glenn says: I'm working on my placement now. Like it's I am working on the hardest. Imagining an egg in my mouth everytime I sing. Makes me wanna laugh the whole time. What if i crack the egg and get yolk on my pretty shirt?
Mich: hahhaha!

"Saving Grace" by Hillsong United

2010-04-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

As the waters cover the sea,
So your love covers me
Guiding me on,
Roads unknown
I trust in you alone

Chorus:
My saving grace
My endless love
Deeper and deeper I'm falling in love with You
My one desire
My only truth
Deeper and deeper I'm falling in love with You

Bridge
And i will rise on wings of eagles
Soaring high above all my fears
I rest in your open arms of love

Starbucks Tour

2010-03-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

Some pics from the Starbucks Tour, which Jon & I are in the middle of right now. These pics and the video below are from Sun's performance at One Fullerton. The heavy downpour threatened to ruin our show, but thank goodness it lightened in the end. I think this branch at One Fullerton is probably one of the nicest Starbucks around S'pore with its lovely view.

Jon looking all Jason Mraz-y with his cap

"Green Lady"....dedicated to Muffin Boy, who missed it during the concert at the Esplanade. :)
The sound is not the best though cos it was distorting at some points, n we can't EQ the voices in this super raw set-up.

They Turned My Room Into A Band Studio!

2010-02-28T00:20:00.000-08:00

Jon Chong kicked off his Starbucks tour on Fri, and it'll go on until 11 April. Tour dates & venues here. I'm singing back-ups for him on selected dates. So anyway, the band came to my house for rehearsals, and I was quite amazed at how my room looked as a makeshift band studio. :)

Jon on lead vox + guit, with his tiny amp from Japan.

Howie on bass

Howie "Killer Licks" Tan with Ivan, our 2nd bassist, in the background. They'll be rotating for the tour.

Lullaby

2010-02-17T04:22:00.000-08:00

I met up with dear Berno and Danny today. Thank God for an extra CNY off day from church! :) It was a great time of catching up with 2 dear fwens who used to be such a huge part of my everyday life in BMI. We don't get to meet up as often these days...and the ache in my heart reminds me of how much I miss these incredible folks, our regular jams, suppers, insane Taboo nites, birthday pranks....and just how deeply we've done life together over the past few years.

Today, as we chatted...Danny also managed to sing/play "Love Story" by Taylor Swift and "Apologize" by One Republic for me. haha! And then Uncle Danny also played a lovely guitar lullaby for 2 mth old Baby Esher, who has grown so much since I last saw the fella. Such a beautiful moment...only accidentally marred by my stupid camera flash. I had to stop filming pretty soon cos it was too bright for the baby.

Soundbites

2010-02-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Dawn says: Eh I hv a new song other than "Walk" :) Its currently titled "Time Traveller"
Michelle says: Like the book, 'Time Traveller's Wife"?
Dawn says: oh haha. no lah...different
Michelle says: Why all yr songs abt transportation one?
Dawn: HAHAHA

Mich: *trying to stuff a pair of earrings into a teeny weeny plastic bag*
Amelia: *observing* You might want to give up!
Mich: *stunned silence and jaw drops*
Amelia: Oh...that must have sounded pretty negative.
Mich: YAH! It pierced my hopeful, optimistic Disney heart!!

The Climb

2010-02-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

I'm really loving "The Climb" after I heard Alarice sing it. So hopeful, so Disney!! :) Its not about reaching your destination, or how fast you get there...its about building your character.

I don't like the original version by Miley Cyrus though. This version by Ahmir is still quite alright. Quite Boyz II Men-ish.

The Climb lyrics
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;I can almost see it

That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

"Unveil Your Deepest Song"

2010-01-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

I attended Alarice's album launch, "Sunday Afternoon" @ the Esplanade Recital Studio with my Dawnie just now. I'm so glad I went although I've seen her plenty many times before. Usually she plays with an acoustic set-up, but this time she had a string section and a full band: Er Chow Kiat on drums; David on bass; Nigel Tan on electric/acoustic guit; Jocelyn Ong on keys; Neli and Tina Atiga on backing vocals! It was a refreshing experience seeing her play with a full band. Enjoyed their arrangements and how tight they were.

I loved loved loved seeing Neli and Tina up there. They added so much with their harmonies. Neli waved at me from the stage too. Love the guy! And when he came in with his part for "First Dance", his duet with Alarice...you could literally hear the collective 'wow!' from the crowd. Smashing lah! :)

Anyway...coming back to why I'm so glad I went for Alarice's concert. I appreciated how natural and open she was in sharing her faith as well, which inspired her to pen many of her songs. And on top of that, I think I felt moved and inspired by her songs...which is prob something I haven't felt in a long while. Together with her originals, and covers like "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus; "Man in the mirror" by MJ and "Only Hope" by Switchfoot, I felt like I was given a huge dose of hope, and a Disney-esque prompting to dream again. Yeah...something I shared with Dawn that I need in this season.

I guess I really need to find myself again, step out in faith, face my giants and chase after the dreams that I've tucked away in the corner of my heart. This song from Alarice's new album kinda describes my state of mind right now. "Oh, midnight train, take me to lands unknown, show me where I need to go."

=================================================================
Midnight Train (by Alarice Thio)
-------------------------------------------------

Left her life in the city
Now her home's on her back
So scared yet so unafraid, of the heroes and giants she'll face

She took the midnight train, to a place far away
She packed her things and her dreams in a suitcase
She flew out the door, to follow her call
And as the clock struck 12, she was onboard
Thinking and dreaming as she headed for, headed for the stars

Oh, Midnight Train
Take me to lands unknown, show me where I need to go

===============================================================
If you missed Alarice's album launch at Esplanade, she has another concert this Sun, 31 Jan.
3pm at Oosh, 22 Dempsey Rd. Ticket details at www.alaricemusic.com

"Sunday Afternoon," her new album, is available at HMV at $14.95. Support local music!! :)

Jon Chong's Gig @ The Esplanade (15-17 Jan)

2010-01-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Last week, I hardly knew how I would survive the wk with 3 rehearsals, 3 nites of gigs, and conducting the choir for Sun svces. Now that the gigs @ the Esplanade are over, I'm honestly quite relieved that I finally have a breather. But it really was a precious experience...every time I gig at the Esplanade is a precious opportunity. It was also great to be able to support Jon in his long anticipated album launch. I was with him when he first started out in his song-writing journey years ago. In fact, back then we were jamming in my room with Danny, and recording on cassette tape!! Haha! How we've grown since then. :)

Through this gig, I met some incredibly talented young musos from La Salle and a very groovy and funny bassist from Every Nation Church. And we had some fun times indeed...am looking forward to more gigs ahead. :)

I was also greatly moved by the show of support from my incredible fwens who came down to 'groupie' me. haha! And some of them even came down 2 nites in a row, although the sets were pretty similar. To be honest, I almost teared when I saw them in the crowd, looking so enthusiastic, cheering me on and even trying to make me laugh with their hilarious antics.

Thank God for the gift of fwenship. :)

Beautiful bkdrop of the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.

Top row (L-R): Howard on bass, Jon on vox and acoustic guit, Stephen on electric guit
Bottom row (L-R): Naz on keys, Chow Kiat on drums, and me on bking vox

Combined Birthday Celebrations & Christmas Dinner

2009-12-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

Amelia, Darren, Muffin & I had a mega belated birthday celebration at 15 mins cafe @ La Salle. This was the vintage robot they got me as part of my pressie. :) I loves it.

A ravenous Darren (what's new?) about to eat the wrong thing. Check out the fear in vintage robot's eyes!

Christmas day dinner @ my place with pizza, choc fondue, ice-cream & a movie! Darren is doing 'S' for Henry Seeley in this pic, while Muffin is trying to counter with an attempt at forming a 'H' for Hillsong. haha! If you look closely at the table, you shld see Brooke, the triceratops. :) I love dinosaurs!!

The guys and Amelia. Our table is filled with fruits and nonsense snacks like Hello Panda, diff varieties of Pocky, marshmallows and cornflakes. Sugar overload!

Muffin using Brooke the Triceratops as a satay stick for his fondue. FAIL!

Cell Christmas Party @ Seng and Dorcas' Place

2009-12-21T06:32:00.001-08:00

Dorcas hard at work, stirring Randolf's amazing pot of mushroom soup.

Jem scooping out balls of vodka soaked watermelon. POTENT!

The dress code was red, green and gold. This is obviously the red camp.

The greenies, and 1 goldie, and Arun..the odd one out in white.

Happy group pic!

Christmas Svce 2009

2009-12-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

3 bilingual Christmas svces in one day. Plenty many Chinese songs. Many hours of stressful memorisation/studying. It's all over now. And seeing the number of salvations during the altar call....I think its all worth it. Check out our stage backdrop with the pretty fairy lights. Quite breathtaking when they're switched on at Jeremy's drum crash moment! :) Thanks to Uncle Freddy and the lighting crew. [Photo credit: Muffin]

W for Woh-oh-oh?? Haha! Not in this case. W for Wonder Boy, whom its always a joy to serve with.

Wonder Boy to the rescue! More pics will come when Ricky, our photographer, Facebooks them I'm sure. :)

Welcome Baby Esher!

2009-12-13T22:19:00.000-08:00

Erica, Danny & I went to visit Berno n Henry Choo at Mt Alvernia yesterday cos Berno had just given birth to her beautiful baby Esher (the name means 'blessed' in Hebrew). Here's a pic of Uncle Danny cradling Esher. :) I'm so happy for Berno n Henry...what a journey it has been.

Hyderabad- The City of Pearls

2009-12-12T07:27:00.000-08:00

Hyderabad, home to the world's largest film studio and the thriving Tollywood industry; a major IT hub and the "city of Pearls." This destination with its curious blend of traditionality with modernity was where I spent the last week on a mission trip with 15 RiverLifers. India is not for the faint-hearted. Most of us who are accustomed to our little kingdoms of comfort will certainly find it a shock to the system.

Once we landed at the new Rajiv Gandhi International airport in Hyderabad, we were impressed at how clean and modern it was. But as one experienced team member warned us, "this is not reality, once you step out of the airport, that's reality!" Sure enough, as soon as we drove out....we were awakened to the harsh reality that the Indians call life.

First of all, you're hit by the pollution and the dust that is everywhere, dust that we would become well acquainted with over the next few days. Next is the insane, stressful traffic conditions- the drivers honk constantly 24/7 and weave in and out of traffic with a devil-may-care attitude. This is a city that does not slow down for anyone. And as you look around, you find opulent gold mansions in the same neighbourhood as slums that are filled with miserable, make-shift tents for shelter. In the schools, you find kids with empty lunch boxes, pretending to eat in a corner, just because their friends have packed lunch boxes. Your heart cringes and tells you that something is just not right in this scene.

Despite its claims to modernity, India is still very much entrenched in the cruel traditional caste system. The Dalits, or the Untouchables, are considered the lowest in the caste system and are pretty much the rejects in Indian society. This was the same people group that our mission team ministered to during our trip. Over the week, we visited some slums and a few Dalit Education Centers to distribute school bags, biscuits & sweets to the poor kids; we staged a Christmas drama for them; sang songs and played games with them. We smiled at them, laughed with them, shook their hands, touched them, heard their life stories, prayed over them and told them how God loves them- through our words, and our presence.

Christmas drama

Our whole team was touched by the pureness and simplicity of their hearts, and put to shame by their ability to be content with the little that life has blessed them with. One sweet Dalit boy accepted the school bag we gave him, immediately sat down, closed his eyes to pray and give thanks. But really...the Dalits were grateful not just because we handed them a biscuit, but simply because we chose to be there with them. Our simple presence affirmed to them that they were loved and they mattered to someone.

Zoe, Ps Joe's youngest daughter, helping to distribute gifts to the Dalit students. The kids in our missions team were great on this trip.

Dalit boy receiving his new pencil case

We didn't get to change the world with one mission trip....but we planted seeds in the hearts of this community. Seeds that would make a spiritual difference. We know this because spiritual warfare never felt more real--I got hit by the worst case of sinus ever; Randolf pulled a muscle on the first day which caused him a lot of pain over the week; Koon Eng fell down out of the blue on a pavement; a few other members had spiritual attacks. And around the 3rd day of our trip, a tense political situation erupted into a full-blown strike/riot in the city, the worst the city had seen in many years.

Buses were burnt; roads were blocked by angry protestors; the police enforced curfews which meant no one coud leave their homes. We couldn't leave our dormitories to visit the schools/slums or even stand next to the main road as a group without the fear of getting stoned. In fact, we didn't even know if we could fly home or if the airport would be open. But in the end, God paved the way for us. We were blessed with pockets of time during which the situation calmed down, and we could go out to do our work as planned. And on the very last day of our trip, the strike came to a halt as the political parties reached a resolution.

Exciting or nervewrecking you say? Well....this was by no means an easy trip for me personally, given the harsh physical, social and spiritual conditions of the land, but it was most definitely a valuable experience for me...one that tested my faith in God, and revealed to me God's heart for the poor and the oppressed.

Now that I'm back....it's rather curious how I feel. Part of me feels relieved to be back home....where I don't have to live with dirt, dust, RATS (!!!), problems with basic amenities like water and electricity (altho' it was very funny when Randolf knocked on our door to borrow our toilet light bulb, because his just blew). And yes, I don't miss the curry as good as the infamous Hyderbadi bryani is. (curry 3x a day is NOT funny). But part of me misses the madness and joys of communal dormitory living. God blessed us with some surprising friendships on this trip. :) It seemed like by the end of the trip, we were pretty much family. Yeah...I'll definitely miss hearing each other's random jokes through the thin walls, the constant opening of doors, shout-outs and shared laughter.

Slum school

Most of all....I think its seeing the fullness and reality of God's work among the downtrodden. There is so much more we can do. But I think I've learnt that for us to rise up as a Justice Generation, we have to count the cost. Love comes with a sacrifice....and I've been so privileged to talk to missionaries in India who have selflessly laid down their lives to do God's work. I guess I'm just taking baby steps in this area...and I'm learning to step out of my kingdom of comfort. I'm praying that this trip will effect a permanent change in my soul and life mission.

Hillsongland 2010!

2009-11-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

Mich: I'm signing up for Hillsong Conference 2010!!!
Abi: Who are the speakers and guests?
Mich: Ehhh...Christy & Nathan Nockels! Woohoo! (Christy is like one of my all-time fav female worship vocalists.)
Abi: And??
Mich: Oh!! Dimples!! :) :) (i.e. Tim Hughes)
Abi: And??
Mich: HOW CAN WE FORGET FLUFFY???? *wider, sorta silly grin*
Abi: And??
Mich: AND FLUFFY!!!!
Abi: Hahaha! And???
Mich: FLUFFFFFFYYYYYY!!! (need I say more?) Ok, I can't rem who the rest are. haha!

[For the record, I checked the Conf web site...and Judah Smith, Nancy Beach, T.D Jakes and Andy Stanley will be speaking too. hee!]

Darren: Hey! Don't just teach the kids in India how to sing Woh-oh-oh ah! Teach them 'Beautiful Saviour'!
Mich: Ermm....
(All this coming from the one who insists that he's "not skinny, just chiselled." Seriously?? haha!)

BMI Mates Reunion @ Pepperoni Pizzeria

2009-11-30T05:59:00.000-08:00

Last nite was a real treat as I had a catch-up session cum belated bday celebration with the BMI folks- Danny, Abi, our dear heavily pregnant Berno and Henry Choo. I didn't realize how much I missed hanging out with this gang until last nite man! We had a fantastic dinner at Pepperoni Pizzeria at Bukit Timah....our meal came up to only $13 pax! And we ordered 2 appetizers with our pizza too! :)

Check out the size of this ginormo family-sized pizza!! Half of it was some Suprema pizza (chix, sausage, mushrooms etc) and the other half was Parma ham with rocket leaves. And in case you're wondering...yes, we finished all of it. It's a thin-crust pizza, and very yummy!

After dinner...Henry Choo drove us to this secluded ice-cream place at Mt Sinai Rd which serves Haato ice-cream. While having our choc hazelnut/ green tea ice-creams, we managed to play a game of pick-up sticks. Old school eh? :)

Abi concentrating hard. And oh...I don't have a pic of this....but Baby Esher kicked for me several times in Mummy Berno's tummy, when we asked him to say 'hello'! haha! Apparently, most of the time he is quite shy when asked to do that. Berno thinks he can sense when its a strange hand on her tummy. So for Abi and I to get a response from him is quite rare. haha! I love this baby already. I can't wait to teach him how to sing woh-oh-ohsss!! :)

Hello Panda!

2009-11-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

The Pandas have reached SengKang first. :) This is Becky. She's the Borders Panda...and a sweet random gift from my fwen, Audrey. Becky came along with 3 packs of Kinder Bueno. Haha! Wonder Boy showered me with mentos and Kinder Bueno too. I have lots of choc in my fridge now. hehe!

Surprise!

2009-11-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

I got Jason Mraz's new live album as a birthday pressie from Andie today. And to my surprise (and Marcus' and Abi's disbelief) when I pulled out the CD booklet, I saw this on the front cover! Haha! Yeah, that's my name on the top left corner! Jason wished me Happy Birthday. hahhaa! And its the ONLY name on the CD booklet ok? :p

Thanks Andie for this awesome album. I love it! :)

Fluffy. Still Lost.

2009-11-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

Muffin: HAHAHA! What are the odds of someone's dog named Fluffy near your house only to be found out by you through a lost notice?

Darrenshakers: Lucky it's not "Lost Worship Leader: Fluffy."

LOST

2009-11-22T06:38:00.000-08:00

On my way home today, I saw a notice around my estate about a lost dog named Fluffy. Poor lost Fluffy! :(

When I checked my email, amazon.com sent me an email to inform me that my package could not be delivered to my Vpost USA address and is now stranded at one of the local U.S post offices. In other words, my package of Christmas pressies is officially LOST. :(

"I just got lost
Every river that I've tried to cross
And every door I ever tried was locked
Ooh-Oh, And I'm just waiting till the shine wears off..."- 'Lost' by Coldplay

Life Light Up

2009-11-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

God springs the most unexpected surprises on me these days to light up my day. :) Look at what Wonder Boy drew for me to cheer me up. haha! I was feeling sian beyond comprehension when I mentioned to him, "I think it would cheer me up if I could sing with you." This was the cute drawing he sent me. Yes, its supposed to be both of us sharing a mic. Awwww!

Charlene, Ps Chye Aik's little daughter, drew this for me during choir rehearsal last week. And I don't mind at all that she didn't know how to spell my name cos it was such a sweet gesture. :) And I love dolphins!

Grace Like Rain

2009-11-15T21:17:00.000-08:00

My grandma holding up her baptism certificate

It was quite a mad day yesterday....had to conduct the choir for 2 services, pass Darren his bday and baptism presents together with Amelia and Nigel, and then make a dash to prepare my grandma for her baptism service. But all in all, it was a blessed day witnessing both my grandma's and Darrenshakers' baptism. :)

My grandma was one of 2 baptism candidates who were asked to share their testimonies during the services...and Sharon, my cell leader, supportively helped my grandma to read out her testimony. It was great having my family members there...and seeing the number of friends my grandma had quickly made in church. :) Here are the pics from yesterday.

Darrenshakers with one of his baptism presents....

Its a SHAKER PENCIL!! hahaha!

Joel Seng and Darren Peh...the 2 HighLife baptism candidates

Darren, "I look like I just won a lucky draw!"

Posing with Darren and his bday + baptism pressies from Muffin, Amelia, Nigel and me. We gave him a guitar tuner, guitar accessories pack (with capo) and The Message Bible (NT).

We love singing "woh-oh-oh"!!

My grandma together with her baptism classmates, Senior Ps Vincent Lun and Ps Peter Low.

Wet but happy faces!

Darren in the baptism pool with all his frens and supporters cheering loudly offstage.

Getting dunked!

Haha! I love this pose of Ps Vincent

It's been a long journey...but God is faithful. :)

My grandma with her old fren, Angie, and my Aunt Pauline

And that's my fav cuzzie, Sabby! :)

A pic with Ps Vincent and Sharon, my cell leader, after the baptism svce.

Birthday Wish List 2009

2009-11-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hey hey fwens! Yes, its November, the most awesomest time of the year...haha! I realize that some of you have started checking my blog for the annual bday wish list already. So sweet lah you all! Thanks! :) Anyway, here it is...posted on the exact same date as last year's list too (9 Nov). Cool coincidence. :)

This year's list is kinda shorter....so feel free to surprise me with something outside the list. :) However, if you do select from the list, please let me know which item you're getting, so I don't get repeat items. :) Thanks once again folks. I'm really looking forward to meeting up with different ones of you. Yay!

The 2009 Birthday Wish List:
=============================
1) Jason Mraz- "Beautiful Mess- Live on Earth" (CD/DVD) [TAKEN!]
2) Carrie Underwood- "Play On" (CD) [TAKEN!]
3) Kris Allen (CD) - to be released on Nov 17 [BOUGHT!]
4) Sara Bareilles- "Between the Lines- Live at the Fillmore" (DVD)
5) Mark Batterson- "Wild Goose Chase" (book) [TAKEN!]
6) Unicorn/ Horse figurine. :)
7) Robinsons Vouchers [TAKEN!]

Possible pressies for group sharing:
====================
8) Benetint Blusher
9) Magic Mouse
10) Prison Break S4 Box set

If you are broke..:) :
===============
11) Kinder Bueno [Taken!]
12) Mentos [Taken!]
13) Fold me paper cranes (I always like those) haha! [I got a close enough version of it]
14) Sing me "Happy Birthday" over the phone/in person...but I want the "woh-oh-oh" version. :)
[Done! The Corrinne May version! :)]

Stuff a girl can only dream of:
==========================
15) Air ticket and concert ticket to see Jeremy Camp/ John Mayer LIVE!!
16) Oven (yes...after Dawnie has gushed about the amazing dishes she can whip up with her humble oven)
17) Nord Electro
18) Fluffy :) (this one will always stay in the list)

Happy Muffin Day!

2009-11-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

Over sms this afternoon:
===================
Mich: Happy Muffin Day! Am so proud of u...it's been a great year of growth for u. :)
Muffin: I am a bigger Muffin now! :)
Mich: Next year you'll be final yr (NUS) rite? You'll be a ginormo Muffin! :)
Muffin: Ginormo Muffin?! What's that? Become pandan cake or something already!
(*Ginormo is Brooke Fraser's fav word.)

Bizarre Msn chat with Darren after he found out I bought his bday present already:
============================================================
Darren: Michelleshakers or Joulshakers?? (Darren calls himself Darrenshakers because he Fluffy Henry Seeley)
Mich: What Michelleshakers? Nonsense!
Darren: You have earned the right to the shakers tag! haha!
Mich: I don't want it. haha!
Darren: You can't reject it! It is conferred.
Mich: WHY NOT???
Darren: Its just like knighthood.
Mich: OMG! haha!
Darren: You cannot reject knighthood. HAHA! You are hereby conferred the title, "Michelleshakers." *everyone claps*
Mich: ......

After reading the above:
====================
Muffin: Luckily I'm not knighted, I don't want to be a shaker please. NEVER!
Mich: He oredi shakered u!!!! In our email thread. U kena Muffinshakered! Go and see your email.

Anticipation!!

2009-11-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Shane & Shane- "Everything is Different"
To be released Nov 3

John Mayer- "Battle Studies"
To be released on Nov 17

Jeremy Camp- "Live in Dallas TX"
To be released on Nov 17

Jason Mraz- "Beautiful Mess- Live on Earth" (CD/DVD)
To be released on 10 Nov

*Other noteworthy releases:
Lifehouse- "Smoke and Mirrors" (To be released on 8 Dec)
Michelle Branch- "Everything comes and goes" (To be released Jan 26 2010)
And there's also a whole array of new albums from the likes of Carrie Underwood, Kris Allen, Sting and more.

My wallet will not survive this avalanche of new albums that's clearly a conspiracy by the music industry on Christmas shoppers. Bah!

Afterglow

2009-10-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

After a massive thunderstorm this evening, the streets and buildings of Orchard Road started to glisten with a magical afterglow. The fresh air, the cold wind, the light drizzle and the city lights created that Christmasy/ Wintery atmosphere- a rare moment in humid, tropical Singapore.

I plugged into my iPod, and as I listened to Annie Lennox's "Waiting in Vain"...I felt like I was in that movie, "Serendipity" for a surreal moment. Festive season-check. City setting- check. Reflective state of mind- check. Sense of uncertainty as to what the future holds- check. Bittersweet tension between beauty & poignancy- check.

I remember Daley Hake wrote something about how the heart goes through seasons.
I'm not sure what the next season holds, but I'm praying I'll be alright.

"Just breathe, and every little thing will be alright."- 'Inhale/Exhale' by Marty Sampson

"Are Worship Pastors Becoming Extinct?"- Glenn Packiam

2009-10-20T00:21:00.000-07:00

This blog entry by Glenn Packiam is a solid reminder for us who serve in Worship & Music ministry not to miss the point and lose sight of the big picture. Good stuff!

==================================================================
By Glenn Packiam

Over the past seven years, I have served as the Director of the New Life School of Worship, a 9-month program designed to train worship leaders for local churches. We believe that to effectively prepare our students for local church worship ministry they need to be trained in more than music. They need to be grounded in theology, familiar with church history, and responsible with their handling of the Scriptures. Moreover, they need to learn what it means to be a pastor: to shepherd the people under their care.

But it seems that some churches aren't looking for that. They would prefer a musician who can lead the "singing", oversee the tech team, and produce recordings of their original songs. None of these are bad expectations, of course. But are we looking for these trade skills at the expense of other, more essential pastoral qualities? Are worship leaders simply highly skilled technicians who have a "steady gig" at a church?

Today's worship leader may spend more time with his Macbook than with a real book. She may be more familiar with GarageBand than the people in her band. He may be better versed with directing the choir than providing spiritual direction.

Of course, the trade side of being a worship leader and the pastoral side are not mutually exclusive. A person can be good at Pro Tools and at pastoring the people on his team. The trouble is we've lost the sacredness of the pastoral vocation. Any person who says their core role is to pray, study, and provide spiritual direction is not as "useful" to the corporation we call church. What else can you do? we ask. Then we proceed to fill so much of their time time with scheduling bands, arranging music, and working with the latest recording software that they are no longer doing any pastoral work. Musicians and singers become cogs in a wheel, things we use to fill slots. True, the administration needs to be done. And yes, musical excellence is valuable. But at what price?

Ross Parsley, the long-time worship pastor here at New Life, is fond of saying that music ministry is not about music; it's about people. Worship ministry is first a sort of a "helps" ministry that serves the Body of Christ. But more to the point, it is an excuse for us to connect with one another. Music is the table we gather around, the place where we see each other face to face, and then learn how to walk alongside one another in this life of faith.

Perhaps the question every church who hires a worship pastor-- and every aspiring worship pastor-- should answer is this: What will Jesus ask us about: the music we produced, the services we programmed? Or the people we pastored, the sheep we fed?

Take time today and think about the people on your team. Pray for them. Pick up the phone and call them. Break bread with them. Talk to them about more than the setlist. Remember your calling as a worship pastor, not a music program manager. Clear some of the clutter from your week. Maybe it's time to appoint others to do the tasks that are keeping you from your role as a shepherd. You have never met a mere mortal. Our music will not last forever; these people will.

Chris Tomlin- "Glory In The Highest"

2009-10-19T00:09:00.000-07:00

Chris Tomlin talks about his brand new album

Ever since I bought this album on Sat, I've been playing it on loop and I've been finding it hard to tear myself away from my Macbook. haha! Yes...its THAT good. The only other Christmas album I'd rave about is Israel Houghton's "A Timeless Christmas." But "Glory in the Highest" is quite different and I don't think I've ever heard a Christmas album like it.

Most Christmas albums are studio recordings, but Chris' is special because:
1) Its a live album featuring tight and creative song arrangements for your familiar Christmas carols. Chris and team are just so gifted, I don't know how they got the inspiration for these unique arrangements. And he's so talented at coming up with new refrains for old songs. Every time I listen to the songs, I go, "How did he think of that??" Wow!

2) This album features great worship leaders/singers like Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and newcomer Audrey Assad, whose sound kinda resembles Sarah McLachlan (awesome)!

3) You can actually hear the sound of the people fully engaged in worship, which is so beautiful.

4) I think there's just something so worshipful and ministering about Chris' voice. :) What a gift from God!

I bought my copy of this album from Trumpet Praise around $16...and its worth every cent. Now I just have to tear myself away from the Macbook, so I can go swimming. :)

Elevate Worship Seminar

2009-10-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

Before

After. Wolverine??
Moral of the story: Don't.Piss.Glenn.Off.

Haha! That's a photo from the Elevate Worship Seminar on Sat @ The City Church, conducted by Every Nation Church Singapore (ENCS). I had signed up with Glenn and Nigel, but it was a pleasant surprise to bump in to Crystal, Chee Yan, Piying and Abigail, members of the worship team from MegaLife and SuperLife . Yes Andie and Cheryl: Our RiverLife table at the conference was sweetly intergenerational. haha! :) And Chee Yan bravely went up to jam with the fierce ENCS team.

Anyway, it was a simple local worship seminar...but I was so blessed by the amazingly generous and sincere hearts of the ENCS team. From the moment we walked in for registration, the ENCS team welcomed us warmly, many of whom were members of the worship team we would see on stage later. And after singing/playing...the worship team mbers would serve us tea/lunch/ice-cream...and then come round to chat and pick up your thrash.

We love Neli! Cheryl and I with Neli at FOP earlier this year.

The worship, led by Ps Neli Atiga was refreshing and fantastic (love tt gospel stuff, the super tight harmonies and impromptu raps!!), but I think what impressed and moved me the most was the heart of servanthood displayed by the ENCS worship team. That image of Mike, one of the vocalists, coming round with his black trash bag to pick up our plates is stuck in my memory. And their members were just doing it with such a cheerful spirit. Awesome stuff!

The Office

2009-10-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you have to roster for 5 congregations.
Cheryl and Andie: "If u look for us during rostering season, this is what we will prob say to you..."

Let Them Hear (by Ginny Owens)

2009-10-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

"Let them hear You through me,

And let Your words be mine.
Let them see that Your love
Is the reason I'm inspired,
And when given the choice,
May they recognize Your voice.
Let them hear You through me, O Lord."

You've Got To Dismantle

2009-10-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

"But to evolve you have to dismantle, and that means accepting the idea that nothing you've created in the past matters anymore, except that it brought you here." - John Mayer

(I shamelessly ripped this quote off Jet's blog. Thanks dude!)

Stuff I'd Like....

2009-10-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

This is in no way a super early birthday wish list. This is just me blah-ing out loud into blogosphere. :)

1) Pedicure Package
- I'm a bit guilty to admit this....but I've been finding pedicures terribly therapeutic of late (esp with the foot scrubs).

2) Chris Tomlin: "Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs" (Oct)
"How can I not support my Chris? He is remarkably cute, and funny too." (sung to the tune of 'How can I keep from singing?') haha! Chris is my Fluffy #2....one of my fav worship leaders. This album is a live recording featuring the likes of Christy Nockels too. Fantastic! Can't wait to grab this record.

3) The Swell Season (Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova): "Strict Joy" (Oct 27)
And from Chris-Mr Bright & Shiny, we go to dark & twisty. I'm referring to the couple from the indie Irish movie,"Once," with the ridiculously amazing musical chemistry. Who can forget their hauntingly beautiful song, "Falling Slowly"?

Well, this is the follow-up to "Once". I definitely need this album for my fix of emo, heartbreaking Irish music. Its amazing how Glen's smashed up guitar sounds still sounds so good!

4) Jeremy Camp live album (Nov)
- Fluffy #3!!! LIVE album. Need I say more?? :)

5) (500) Days of Summer Soundtrack
- I caught this movie last night, and quite unexpectedly, found myself totally charmed by its witty and creative script/visuals, loopy characters and funky indie soundtrack. Go watch it if you haven't! I find it better than Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist to be honest.

6) I Heart Revolution-"We're All In This Together" DVD (Nov)
- And of course, we had to end with Fluffy #1. :) Anything that Joel and Danger are part of, I gotta get. haha!

UK Trip (Pt 2)

2009-09-28T09:13:00.001-07:00

Our in-flight entertainment....baby Amelia, of Thai-British parentage.

and her super cheeky brother, Kieran, who loves Cars, Ice Age & Doraemon. You should hear him speak in both Thai & British accented English....so cute!

Playing with Anna

Kieran randomly and quite violently stuck a Cars sticker on Anna's mouth! Hilarious! haha!

The London tube, which we got very well acquainted with

British pub/cafe

Hillsong London @ The Dominion Theatre. This is where they stage "We Will Rock You" too.
Check out the beautiful video display that greets you when you walk in.

Pete Wilson and the Hillsong London worship team

Edinburgh Caste, the spectacular view we got from our window at Castle Rock Hostel

The bustling streets of Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Tattoo

L-R: Me, Abi, Anna, Andrea

Glen Coe

With Doris, the Harry Potter bridge in the background

Face the West, a cool local Scottish band we got to listen to at one of the local pubs

Damien getting us ready for a group pic

Family Potrait?

Magical Faerie Glen

Heart shaped rock at Faerie Glen.

Love is On The Move

2009-09-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Leeland's new album, "Love Is On The Move," has made quite an impression on me, quite surprisingly, considering I've never really listened much to their music. I'm particularly struck by the maturity and passion behind their lyrics. Awesome stuff! :) This is my fav track, "Follow You," which really resonates with me.

Follow You (by Leeland)
=========================

You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.

All my needs you have supplied.
When I was dead you gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?

Chorus:
And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.

Use my hands, use my feet
To make your kingdom come
Through the corners of the earth
Until your work is done
'Cause Faith without works is dead
And on the cross your blood was she'd
So how could I not give it away so freely?

Bridge:
I give all myself.
I give all myself
I give all myself... to you.

And I give all myself.
Yes, I give all myself.
And I give all myself... to you.

I'll Leave The Light On

2009-09-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

"We are each other's keepers"- Grey's Anatomy

Holding On

2009-09-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

What do you do when life seems determined to snuff out all the hope in your soul?
I've experienced it a few times before, but I've always managed to pull through and bounce back with God's help.
This time though, I'm watching it happen to one of my best frens. And its horribly painful to see it unfold. There's only so much a heart can take. I wish I could alleviate her pain. But I'm helpless.

How do you save a family member from the ravages of terminal disease?
What do you do when love dies?
How do you comfort a heart that has been betrayed and hurt beyond belief by a trusted life partner?

Today we sang this line from Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin in church,
"All our hope is in You, all our hope is in You.
All the glory to You God. The Light of the world."

I was reminded that more than ever, in times of crisis, during the 'dark nights of the soul,'
we need to hold on and believe in God's truth.
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power."- Colossians 2:9

God is greater than our hearts (1 John 3:20) and all the trials we can possibly go through.
We have everything we need in Him...be it strength, courage, hope, healing, faith or the power to overcome....and then to rise.
We just need to believe in His Word and trust His sovereignty.

Recovering the Hunger

2009-09-27T06:09:00.001-07:00

"If your motivation is others, I guarantee you, God will use you beyond what you can ever imagine....Building them (the next generation) not just so they can play the guitar well, but we need to build into them character, understanding and the Word of God."- Joel Timothy Houston

Simple but passionate words from my Fluffy. A much needed reminder for me that I'm not here to build my own ministry or career....but to inspire worship and build into lives. Somehow, with the hectic pace of work, that dream of mentoring the next generation got shoved away somewhere. Sigh. God help me not be derailed...help me to recover the hunger.

"Batter my heart"

2009-09-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

I picked up my treasured copy of John Donne's "Poems of love" today...in an attempt to breathe some poetry into my soul. :) I really should do this more regularly.

"Batter my heart, three person'd God; for, you
As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend;
That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow mee,' and bend
Your force, to breake, blowe, burn and make me new."
- John Donne, from the Holy Sonnets XIV

Mist, Myth & Magic: Memories from Scotland

2009-09-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am back from the land of lochs, glens, misty mountains, faeries & castles. (I have been for a while, but haven't had time to blog.) :) Scotland is truly a place of breathtaking beauty...so otherworldly that it is the stuff of poetry, myths & magic. And yes Rie, I really did feel like my storybooks were coming alive before my eyes.

As we were trekking down valleys or rolling hills and cliffs (at which point I felt a bit like Elizabeth Bennett in Pride & Prejudice), I was just taking it all in....and just telling God, "This country is just ridiculously beautiful. I can't believe what You created here!" And so Scotland and London has been a much needed respite for this artist's heart and soul. :) I hardly know where to start when it comes to recounting the trip and sharing our massive number of photos!

Perhaps I'll just share this small selection of Abi's best pics on flickr for now. Mine have not been sorted out yet. :)

Some Highlights:
- Hillsong London svce (It was inspiring, learnt so much, fantastic worship & sermon by Judah Smith, super friendly pple....I could definitely make it my home church. :))

- Taking the Tube and making my way around London on my own (felt like I was in some Brit movie. ha!)

- seeing castles and holding real swords in the presence of a real castle heir! (Eowyn moment can??)

- Hearing an awesome local Scottish modern band, "Face the West"

- Doing the traditional Scottish dances, which requires you to twirl your partner and go "bouncy bouncy bouncy bouncy bouncy bouncy bounce." (true story)

- Faerie Glen (I'll never forget that enchanting home of the faeries, or "little people," and the Faerie castle which we climbed up)

- seeing 2 rainbows in one day!!

- My Fluffy, Joel Houston, is actually of Scottish heritage. :) And it was quite cool to find out that the Scottish pronunciation of the 'Houston' clan is actually 'Hooston.' haha!

Blessings:
- friendly locals who offer to help you carry your luggage down the tube station and through the streets of London. (I was really dreading struggling with my ultra heavy luggage.)

- We didn't have personal screens for inflight entertainment on our flight to London, but we were seated behind the most beautiful pair of kids, Amelia & Kieran, who were of Thai-British parentage. It was soooo fun playing with them.

- having 2 seats each for myself and Anna on the return flight home. (think we were the only ones who got to sprawl & sleep)

Home-cooked dinner at the hostel with some of the members of the tour group

We were trying to spell out 'MacBackpackers,' the name of our tour company.

Beauty in the Broken

2009-09-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

A few of you may have heard...Jeremy Camp's wife recently had a miscarriage. Such a sad loss, especially since Jeremy lost his first wife to cancer years ago, but their amazing attitude, their unwavering trust in the Lord during this time has been such an encouraging testimony. Read their blog entry here.

Made me wonder what's the song my soul will sing when all that's dear to me has been taken away. Will I succumb to despair or will my soul still sing of His unchanging goodness? Will I still believe? I can only pray that I remain steadfast when that day of testing comes...

Here's a song that I'm listening to now, which was written by Jeremy Camp after the loss of his first wife to cancer, at a very young age.
Lord, I pray that I stay the course, until "faith shall be sight."

I Still Believe (by Jeremy Camp)
===================================

Scattered words and empty thoughts
Seem to pour from my heart
I've never felt so torn before
Seems I don't know where to start

But it's now that I feel Your grace fall like rain
From every fingertip washing away my pain

Chorus:
'Cause I still believe in Your faithfulness
'Cause I still believe in Your truth
'Cause I still believe in Your Holy Word
Even when I don't see, I still believe

Though the questions still fog up my mind
With promises I still seem to bear
For even when answers slowly unwind
It's my heart I see You prepare

Bridge:
Well the only place I can go is into Your arms
Where I throw to You my feeble prayers
Well in brokenness I can see that this is Your will for me
Well help me to know that You are near

Flying Off To Nessieland

2009-08-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

After wrestling with a difficult video script (it's completed, YES!), and literally wrestling with my suitcase (to make everything fit. It's still exploding...shall try again tmrw)...I'm more or less ready to fly off to London/ Scotland.

The period leading up to this trip has been pretty stressful in every sense of the word...but I do hope that once I'm there, I'll be able to take my mind off things and enjoy myself. *Breathes in and out* Thanks btw, to all the wonderful souls who prayed for me during my meltdown.

Well, I'm flying off on 21 Aug (Fri), 0740 (I have to be at the airport at 6am. Help me God!) and I'll be back 30 Aug (Sun), 1935 on a Thai Airways jet plane. I've got roaming, so I'm still contactable by sms/phone. And there's always email/Twitter/ Facebook cos Abi brought along her Macbook. Feel free to drop me a note yeah...would love to hear from home while I'm on the road. :)

I'll miss you my fwens! RiverLifers: have a fabulous 18th Anniversary svce + "Defining Moments" young adults outreach.

Please pray for journey mercies, protection from H1N1 and that Abi will not 'lose/loose' me, our money, our phones or our luggage etc.
Glenn...you know what to do if something happens. ("Solution" + "With Everything" + "From the Inside Out.") Marcus...yes, you can have Hedwig.

Farewell my fwens! Till I see you again...

==============================================================

Random thought: Who's taking care of Fluffy's puppy, Danger, now that he's in the US for the Hillsong United Encounter Conference?? Hmm...

Fluffy got a fluffy

2009-08-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

Introducing "Tupac Danger Flash." Joel's new pet puppy. :) Look at those eyes and that chocolate fur!

Danger is making sounds for I Heart. So cute can die. Today Glenn commented, "Great..now she's crazy about the dog too." haha! Oh c'mon...Joel + doggie is like a lethal combination can? *meltz*

Ouchies for Nigel Hendroff! Danger is gonna grow up to be monster of a dog. haha!

Hedwig

2009-08-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

I'm immensely chuffed. I finally found Hedwig (Harry Potter's owl) at a toy shop at Taka today. Look at her, looking all regal next to my anthology of John Donne poetry, Medieval English lyrics, Celtic fairy tales and Jane Austen collection. :) I believe Hedwig is what every home library should have. :)

Of course, my mum had quite a differing opinion. When she pulled Hedwig out of the plastic bag, she went, "You think you still small kid ahh?" Bleahhh!

Acoustikers United @ Eliz's Wedding

2009-08-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

On Sat, we had our first public performance as Acoustikers United at Eliz's wedding. We performed a song item, "This Day" by Jadon Lavik, for Eliz and Thomas. :) Here's Dawnie and I, before the wedding @ Trinity Methodist Church. Quaint little chapel with pretty stained glass. It made for a great venue for our acoustic worship set and song item. :)

About to start...Dawnie on lead vocals, myself on backing, Johannes on cajon, Nigel on guit.

People seemed to like the song we selected and our acoustiky arrangement. Am glad. :) Hopefully got more lobang in future. haha!

Band photo

What is "Yo-har-nurse" doing??

Fooling around with Dawnie's handbag. haha!

The RiverLife Worship & Music Ministry. Eliz looked gorgeous in her Ted Wu gown! :)

Everlasting

2009-08-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

I read this from Glenn's blog, and thought it was the best blog post I've read from him ever, so I'm hijacking it and pasting it here in its entirety. What beautiful and powerful reflections on one of my favourite worship songs, "From The Inside Out." Yes THAT one....which makes me cry every.single.time.

=============================================================

"Everlasting" by Glenn Chan

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:2)

“I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times not yet done” (Isaiah 46:9-10)

Hidden deep within the recesses of the human soul, MY soul, lies a longing. A longing…

for eternity… (Ecc 3:11)

for life and a sense of permanence…

for the everlasting…

This, to me, is proof enough that we were made for so much more. This is living proof of Ecclesiates 3:11. The divine hallmark within us leaves us with this longing. But because of the depravity of our lives, we end up living out this insatiable craving for immortality in all our various sinful ways.

We seek an unattainable perfection in things and in people. Unattainable, impossible, but we do it anyway. This is the way of destruction. It is tearing humanity apart. Just open up the newspaper or turn on the new on TV, and there you see it. Humanity making a mess of this world. Killing, stealing, destroying…

But for your Grace…

We were made for eternity. Yes we were. But if not for the Grace & Mercy of the Almighty, we would never make it.

Oh, that my eyes may be opened to see the things that really matter, Lord. May I live with eternity in mind and purpose. Break me, change me form the inside out.

The time is NOW… I SURRENDER.

A thousand times I’ve failed

Still your mercy remains

And should I stumble againStill I’m caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart in my soul

I give you control

Consume me from the inside out Lord

Let justice and praise

Become my embrace

To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else

My purpose remains

The art of losing myself

In bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart in my soul

I give you control

Consume me from the inside out Lord

Let justice and praise

Become my embrace

To love You from the inside out

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise

From the inside out, Lord my soul cries out

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise

From the inside out, Lord my soul cries out

From The Inside Out

by Joel Timothy Houston (Hillsong United)

Amelia's Birthday & the Parfait Incident

2009-08-06T06:15:00.001-07:00

About a month back, we celebrated Amelia's 21st birthday at "Sun & Moon" restaurant at Wheelock Place. Here's a pic of Cheryl & Amelia with their yakiniku kamameshi (rice and cow meat served in a steel pot). Such pretty & quaint presentation....it came with an hourglass timer too.

I think this was the soft shell crab sushi roll. We finished it pretty quickly...

The full group with Darren & Nigel posing with our yummy matcha parfait. We had such huge laughs because we were daring each other to order a "matcha par-fart" when the waitress came.

Everyone say "par-fart"

It was all gone pretty fast with 5 peeps sharing one dessert.

Gotta love this shot!

At Coffee Club having beers

Cheers to the birthday gal! :)

Sick

2009-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

What kind of sick person came up with this idea??? Seriously.

Faith + Hope + Love

2009-07-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

One of the funniest reviews of the new Hillsong album that I've read. This is taken from Tony Morgan's blog...as part of the Hillsong "Faith + Hope + Love" blog tour. Yes, you heard that right....BLOG TOUR!! Basically everyday, a blogger writes a review on the album and posts a new video from the album, and links to the next blogger after him/her. What a cool concept eh?

Start the Hillsong "Faith + Hope + Love" blog tour here.

===========================================================

By Tony Morgan

Heard people talk about Hillsong for years…but was leery of the hype.

Heard Brian Houston speak in Dallas…and recognized he’s a gifted leader with a humble heart.

Heard Joel Houston lead worship live at a conference in SoCal…and realized the whole stinkin’ family is gifted.

Heard my wife say she still loves me…even though I can’t play guitar or sing or speak with an Australian accent.

Punk'd

2009-07-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Mich: *Mich's hp rings...unknown number is displayed. Picks up phone* Hello?

Caller: Hello...this is Michelle right? I'm Jon calling from Wee Lee Music. Is this a good time for you to speak?

Mich: Wee Lee Music? Er...what is this regarding? *a bit distracted as she's lugging around a huge backpack and 2 jkts for her Scotland trip*

Caller: Well, I heard from Andrea that you're singing for Bob Fitts at FOP. And Michael W. Smith is coming to town, and I was wondering if you'd be keen in singing back-up for him.

Mich: *short pause* Oh....er, when is Michael W. Smith's coming?

Caller: Actually...I also don't know. THIS IS JOHANNESSSS!!! hahaha!

(Johannes is our 18 year old drummer from church.)

Mich: WARRAU!!! I FEEL SO CHEATED!!

(I was seriously considering singing for Michael W. Smith. Blehh. This boy ah...just a few mins earlier, he cheated Dawnie into thinking he wanted to produce an album for her. We're gonna get back at Johannes man. haha! But ok lah....that phone call really made me laugh.)

When Fluffy Came To Town

2009-07-29T00:20:00.000-07:00

This is a teaser trailer for the 2nd installment of the I Heart Revolution dvd that Fluffy screened during his workshop on Sat, titled "From the Inside Out." Very honest and provoking, it really tore me up inside while I was watching it.

Joel at the workshop, quoting Mother Teresa, "Truth is humility"

During his excellent workshop, Fluffy preached about being a people defined by truth, love and justice. It's such a challenge, rising to that call. It's really going to cost us. During the Hillsong United concert, we sang, "with everything, we will shout for Your glory, with everything, we will shout forth your praise." That moment was when I came undone.

"With EVERYTHING"....that's a scary thing to sing. Made me realize that I've got such a long way to go in the journey of radical surrender, obedience & commitment to Christ. I don't think I've ever come away feeling so burdened or broken for God from a worship experience before. And honestly, I didn't expect it from the Hillsong United concert at Expo. But I'm really glad that it was a lot more than a night of Ra-ra, hype, jumping around, bright lights and fantastic music. As Joel said, "if our worship has no effect on the streets outside, infiltrating the dark places, then perhaps we've missed the point."

I've come away with a whole new level of respect for Joel Houston now after seeing him preach and lead worship....he leads with such humility, integrity and depth. Dawnie approves of my Fluffy too....she thinks he's so real. :)

So how was the Hillsong United workshop/concert for you? Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Soundbites:

===============

Cheryl and Darren (via sms): Happy Fluffy Day!!!

Mich: *warm and fuzzy feelings*

Andie (to Nigel while he's talking to Morris during Joel's workshop): *sternly* Don't disturb people's Fluffy time!!

(That's so funny coming from Andie!)

Dawnie to Mich: *during the intro of "The Stand" This one Fluffy song! :)

Mich: Wah you know ah?

Dawnie: Of cos lah! *smiles proudly*

(I'm so proud of her. haha!)

Glenn: *after the concert* Are you the happiest woman alive on the planet?

Abi: *on her blog* michelle met her fluffy and is totally smitten. worse than chris smitten. worse than jason smitten. she’s totally for fluffy. she has palpitations. seriously. damn cute.

(The palpitations are absolutely true. I had to sit down and fan myself to calm down.)

Crazy Love

2009-07-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here's an excerpt from "Soul Cravings" by Erwin McManus, which I have been using as part of my QT. Beautifully written and deeply moving.

============================================================

"Like a Kiss On The Face" by Erwin McManus

This is the great irony of the human story.

When God does come to embrace us, to meet us face-to-face, to bring us into relationship with him, we far too often find ourselves betraying love.

Yet his love is undeterred.

He still pursues us with his relentless compassion

God is the passionate lover of humanity

He created you for love.

You cannot live without love, and you do not have to.

Yes, there is an insanity to love. You will go mad in pursuing it.

You will despise life itself if you do not find it.

Your soul craves love and will find satisfaction with nothing less.

You shouldn't be surprised that as you look for love, you keep running into God.

Listen to your soul. You have not given yourself to a futile search.

You are not alone in your pursuit.

Love searches for you.

Is it possible this is why the story won't go away? Two thousand years later and somehow it is still strangely compelling.

On a cross, Jesus of Nazareth hung naked and beaten for love.

Talk about rejection.

It would be easy to conclude that God made a fool of himself.

What was he thinking to die for love?

He gambled everything on the power of love. That love was more powerful than hate. That love was more powerful than death. What was he thinking to die for us, to give himself for you and for me, knowing we might just kiss him in the face and then walk away?

Love's just crazy like that.

The Sunshine of My Life

2009-07-22T23:13:00.001-07:00

The things that Dawnie says really cracks me up sometimes. haha! I love my "Ah Lian" fwen! :)

[Talking about books over dinner]

Mich: Yeah, for the books that I REALLY LOVE, I usually keep two copies. Like I have two copies of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Jane Austen's novels.

Dawn: Har?? How come?

Mich: Eh...one is my private copy, usually a box set that's meant for the book shelf....the other is a browsing copy, for me to lend people. And this copy can be folded, highlighted etc.

Dawn: Wah...you library ah?

Mich: .......

==============================================================

[I recently sent out an email with details about the Hillsong United workshops and concert on Sat. e.g. meeting time/venue...web site link...list of attendees etc.]

Here's a sample:

* 1100 - Workshop attendees meet for brunch at Lerk Thai

* 1215 - end of lunch, proceed for workshop

* 1600 - end of workshop, coffee/ quick bite for dinner

* 1700-1715 - queue for entry

* 1745 - non-workshop attendees join us in queue/inside

* 1900 - concert time (i.e. prepare to be Fluffified!)

Dawn: Auntie Mich, you organising 10-day tour ah? having said that, Fluffy would be proud of you.

Mich: I didn't come up with the detailed plan!!! It was Nigel!!! ahhhhh!! I'm not capable of coming up with such detailed plans one. 10 day tour. *faintz*

On My Way

2009-07-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

After a long but fruitful day, I decided to play some Corrinne May to soothe my soul. Yes, her music always feels like a warm blanket on a rainy day. I suspect I posted the lyrics of this song after being moved to tears by it at Corrinne May's concert. But oh well, "On My Way" seems to have taken on richer undertones with the passing of time.

There's still that sense of the unknown and a muted shade of poignancy as I journey on step by step, but I feel very blessed, because I realise that the 'view' now is considerably different. Along the way, I have found some very special fellow travellers who "surround me with love at every milestone." Trusted companions whom I can share the laughter and the tears with. I thank God for each of you. :) Let's walk on.

"On My Way" by Corrinne May
===============================
I'm far away from what I've known
And there's static on the radio
Just a girl in a car on a lonely highway
Driving up and down this winding road
It's getting dark, the stores are closed
The map is wrinkled, my coffee's turned to grey

Chorus:
But I'm on my way, I'm on my way
There seems to be no end in sight
But I know I'll be alright
I'm on my way, I'm on my way
Don't give up on me I'm on my way

Bridge:
I can picture your smiling face
Your arms stretched to hold me
Waiting there by the gate If I ever get lost,
I know you'll find me
There's a cross on a hill saying,
"Do not be afraid."

Fluffy: Its (Singaporean) Origins

2009-07-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Dawnie's 3rd guest blog post. This is soooooo close to my heart, for obvious reasons. haha! So whimsical, so heartwarming! Love it! :)
==========================================================
By Dawn Wong

Of late, the name "Fluffy" has been hanging off the lips of Mich's friends. May I henceforth put forth that it was I, ahem, yes I, who used the term "Fluffy" to refer to "beings that cause our hearts to melt like...caramel". Fluffy is Joel Houston to Mich, and Fluffy is...well, what Fluffy is to me is secret to you. So anyways, I cannot claim credit to inventing Fluffy because Fluffy came from the movie "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist", which Mich and I watched (not together, but we did know that we would somehow watch it, cos it was That Type of music movie.) In the movie, Nick and Norah - indie music freaks - fall in love with each other while chasing an elusive rock band that goes by the name of "Where's Fluffy?". You had to follow hints all around town to find the venue where they were playing. So, unless you were a die-hard fan, you would have just fallen by the roadside, wilted and died. One clue was found in the toilet of a pub, written and drawn in liquid paper (a rabbit and some words) on the door of the toilet. Which also means that, unless you were facing the door while doing your business, you would have totally missed it.

Although I didn't create Fluffy, I do have my evolving theories (and grammar) about All Things Fluffy. And these theories (and grammar) pop up only during msn conversations in the wee hours of the morning with Mich, my friend. Fluffy used to be a noun, but we've made it a verb. So if you Fluffy me, means you really dig me lah. And just a few minutes ago, I've realised that Fluffy needs to be elusive in order for it to qualify as a real Fluffy. Like I had a Fluffy who, sadly or not I'm not sure, doesn't quite qualify anymore. Because I chose to do something else over Fluffy. And like I told Mich, Fluffy has lost its fluffiness because Fluffy and I are friends now. But of course, Mich thinks that even if Joel Houston becomes her friend, he will still be Fluffy. Well, I'm sceptical. I still think my Fluffy theory stands.

And seriously, if you read my post until here, you really don't think that my words are fluff. Right or not? Go fluffify, whatever that means :)

=================================================================

And just for the record:

Mich's Fluffy= Joel Houston
Darren's Fluffy= Henry Seeley (yes, I know how salah that sounds)
Muffin's Fluffy= Brooke Fraser

Darren's Mock-Up Attendance Sheet

2009-07-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Darren is our music min temp staff in church. I got him to help me do up a table for the choir's absentee list. This is the draft template that he sent to me for approval. Cracked me up big-time.
Click on the picture for an enlarged view. Trust me, you'll wanna see what he wrote.
This is what you get when you ask a Planetshaker fan to work for you. haha! This was the feedback I gave him, "Darren....format PASS. Content....FAIL!!!"

Random Monday Moments

2009-06-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a continuation of yesterday's sporty activities. Darren, Amelia & I crashed a condo at Bedok Reservoir (ok lah, his fren stays there), and spent an entire afternoon splashing around in the pool, watching Darren perform stunts on the slide and having a yummy zhi char lunch beside the pool.

It was interesting to observe the difference between our personality types. Amelia is such a good girl, who abides by the rules. Like when this guy was cleaning out the pool with his tools n pipes, Amelia guai guai steered clear from the area he was cleaning. Darren and I on the other hand, wanted to just swim to that area, and only if the guy scolded us, then we would go away. Don't try don't know right? Haha! No wonder they say its not easy to lead musicians. They just want to test the limits/ break all the rules.

After our late lunch, we headed down to Ikea for more food (lunch wasn't enough for Darren), and fun! If only everyday could be so relaxed. We didn't have no schedule to follow, so we just followed our whims & fancies, and enjoyed each other's company. :)

Darren found a fren at Ikea after we 'deposited' him at the kid's play corner.

Under 'quarantine'? haha!

Ladies having tea

The wee little soft toys that Amelia forced Darren & I to buy at 90 cents each. Darren named his mini alligator, "Michelle Chooi." So annoying right? So in turn, I named my hippo, "Darren Pink"! ha!

They wanted to make my head look like a garden. No my ears aren't really that big...that's Amelia behind me.

We couldn't leave Darren out. Here he is with his cake-hat! Poor Amelia kena cut out of the frame by Darren.

Welcome to Darren's magic show, "Please check to see that the hat is empty."

The magician concentrating hard...

Ta-dahhhh!!! See the rabbit!!

Darren is pleased as punch with his trick. I love this series of photos! haha! Cracks me up.

Amelia and her ginormous TOOF! That's my new fav word. "GINORMOUS!" :)

Sunday Afternoon @ ECP

2009-06-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

Muffin & Darren, with his signature pose. I don't know why also.

With service cancelled, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for us to head down to East Coast Park for some healthy recreation & fellowship. After I woke the boys up bright and early (Darren actually asked in his groggy state, "Can I snooze you?" To which I replied, "Of course you may not!!! WAKE UP NOW!!), we headed down to Macs for brekkie. The weather was perfect- sunny but breezy! :) For 2 lovely hours, we cycled (Darren bladed), chatted and enjoyed the fresh air. Definitely a welcome change from our usual routine. As soon as I got home in the late afternoon, it started pouring, providing some cool relief! Thank God for a gorgeous day with great company. :)

With Amelia. The guy at the bike shop automatically handed me a pink bike! Yay! :) The svce at the bike shop was quite good. $6 for an hour, the next hour is free + free water. They fetch and collect your bikes too. Not bad!

Our rest stop cos Bedok Jetty was too packed.

Svce by the beach! haha! Marcus sang "You'll Come," pretended to give announcements, and we contemplated having Holy Communion with ribena & prata.

Erm...our very own Beachside Boys. Colour coordinated in blue too!

Muffin succumbs to peer pressure and does Darren's signature pose. Alamak!

We like being random. :)

Amelia's epic battle against whaling. Read the t-shirt, "Whaling Sucks!"

With Hearts As One

2009-06-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

With staff working from home, church svces and activities all suspended due to H1N1, our usual flurry of activity in church has come to a standstill. Overnight, my calendar went from super packed to almost empty. As I was sadly cancelling out events on my planner, I felt a bit lost/bored...and so did a few others I'm sure. After all, we're a team that's gotten used to juggling multiple events and tasks.

But interestingly, with all that free time on hand, we've found ourselves meeting up with each other more. We're going cycling, swimming, having dinners, worship sessions etc. Within this short week alone, I've had more deep, lengthy and meaningful conversations with different ones in church, than I've had in months.

And yes, it gives me warm & fuzzy feelings to know that these existing friendships are becoming richer....but I think more importantly, this week has reminded me that ministry is not about about running from one event to the next, it's really about building and nurturing precious relationships. It sounds like so duh rite? But it really is an easy trap to fall into when you're so busy you don't even have time to run personal errands.

We build God's church by coming together "with hearts as one." But if we don't deliberately carve out space for these relationships to grow, how can our hearts be knitted together? I think this whole H1N1 thing has made us appreciate the community we have in church a lot more. :) And I think when svces resume, our people are going to come back with a greater spiritual hunger as well. Looking forward to next Sun!!

7 Keys To Becoming An Effective Leader Of Worship

2009-06-26T00:24:00.001-07:00

I just read this from Carlos Whittaker's blog...and it made me giggle. haha! Yeah..with his mix of truth, irreverence and humour.

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By Los Whit

It seems like posts like these are all the buzz right now.
8 Keys to this.
7 Principles to this.
5 Lessons from this.
21 Ways to Fail Proof that.
And 9 times out of 10, there is usually a good nugget or two in those.
So I thought I would try my hand at one.
These keys have helped me tremendously in my leading worship and I read them everyday.
I give you the 7 Keys To Becoming An Effective Leader Of Worship…

1. Stop thinking there are actual keys to this and just read your freaking Bible and meditate on it so that it pours out of You on Sundays instead of You pouring out of you.
2. Stop thinking there are actual keys to this and just read your freaking Bible and meditate on it so that it pours out of You on Sundays instead of You pouring out of you.
3. Stop thinking there are actual keys to this and just read your freaking Bible and meditate on it so that it pours out of You on Sundays instead of You pouring out of you.
4. Stop thinking there are actual keys to this and just read your freaking Bible and meditate on it so that it pours out of You on Sundays instead of You pouring out of you.
5. Stop thinking there are actual keys to this and just read your freaking Bible and meditate on it so that it pours out of You on Sundays instead of You pouring out of you.
6. Stop thinking there are actual keys to this and just read your freaking Bible and meditate on it so that it pours out of You on Sundays instead of You pouring out of you.
7. Stop thinking there are actual keys to this and just read your freaking Bible and meditate on it so that it pours out of You on Sundays instead of You pouring out of you.

There you go.
Los

The Ang Moh & The Ah Lian

2009-06-21T01:04:00.001-07:00

This is how Dawnie makes my day! :)

Mich: I'm going for the Hillsong United workshop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! :)
(Thanks to the awesomeness of Darren Peh, who got a fren in New Creation Church to get tix for us. And Darren, just for this weekend, Henry Seeley rocks!! haha! Yes indeedy, I think we have both come to an understanding that Joel Houston & Henry Seeley rock.)

Dawnie: Hey I'm so happy for you!!! It's Fluffy time!!! Hey Fluffy u're so fine, u're so fine u blow my mind, Hey Fluffy! *clapclapclapclap* Hey Fluffy! *clapclapclapclap*
(From one groupie to another: Dawnie thanks for totally GETTING IT! haha!)

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Dawnie: Hey, remember the Acoustikers United recording of "Love will keep us alive" that we did? I let my colleague listen. And she said, "I like the girl doing the harmony. She sounds like an ABC."

Mich: Awwwwwwwwwww!!! So sweet! Tell your colleague she made my day!
(Dawnie is a self-confessed Ah Lian at heart, while I'm clearly quite Ang Moh at heart. haha! But we're both fwens!!)

Dawnie: Yah you see....its a sign that you're meant for Fluffy! :)

In A Heartbeat

2009-06-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

I saw this beautiful pic on Brooke Fraser's blog and it made my heart go "Ahhhhh!!!" Yeah, I'm missing Sydney again. The 'waves' hit me every now and then. Look at that beautiful pool! It's probably Bondi beach where she stays.

Photo credit: Liew Tong Leng

Sydney...the land of Krispy Kremes, Valley Girl, weekend markets, quaint secondhand bkshops on Oxford St, Creme Brulee shower cream (from Cole's), rooftop possums, wild mountain kangaroos and of course....Hillsong church where all good stuff flows. I'd fly back in a heartbeat!

Acoustikers United Jam

2009-06-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Acoustikers United (Dawnie, Nigel & myself) had their 1st jam cum recording session at my house on Friday. After pizza, they trashed my room (ok only a bit lah! haha!), then we got down to some super fun music making with gorgeous numbers like "Heal Over" (KT Tunstall), "Bless the Broken Road" (Carrie Underwood version), "When you love someone" (Bethany Dillon).

Just before we called it a night, Nigel convinced us to jam one more number....so we launched into The Eagles' "Love will keep us alive." What a magical moment that was....we kinda stumbled into it, but I'm so glad we did it. I think we all felt a big 'click' within our hearts....like we KNEW this number was the Acoustikers United anthem. *goosebumps* I guess its a song that resonates with all of us in this season.

It really was a beautiful night of "creating & relating." So rare to find fwens who are in sync with you like that. All in all, I was inspired & rejuvenated. :) Thanks guys! So after the music-making...we 'cam-whored' until midnight using my Macbook's photobooth. And these were the fantastic results! haha!

I'm imitating Nigel Old Soul's classic singing pose. hehe!

Dawnie's Ah Lian pose! Check it out! hahaha!

Nigel trying to make me look bloated through the glass; Dawnie sipping 'milk'.

The Jason Mraz pose

Click here to view the full album

'Loosed' in London

2009-06-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

Reading Abi's latest blog post filled me with an ominous sense of dread & worry. (ref. below)

"i have done it ONCE and AGAIN. i've lost my wallet. this time my damage is far higher than previous time it goes into the hundreds. damn freaking winner. i'm quite upset cos i thought i was over this. i seriously thought so. now i'm living on good graces cos i can't withdraw any money what so ever. cards should be coming in maybe only like on wednesday. sucks."

I've seen her lose her hps before....one of the occasions included our KL trip. She left her hp in the office...and I had to make sure she stayed close by. I'm supposed to go London/Scotland with her in Aug. Righhhttt....I have a feeling she's going to lose a hp/wallet/ticket or worse still....ME. Yes, lose me in the U.K, and I'll get eaten by hounds & horses.

And you know what Abi said in response?? "I will not loose you lah!"
She said LOOSE!! What am I??

No Fluffy For Mich

2009-06-11T04:39:00.000-07:00

"Though I have not seen him...my heart knows him well."- 'Soon' by Brooke Fraser

I have a stellar history when it comes to unfortunate timing with concerts.

The Police & Switchfoot concerts (note plural) clashed with my Sydney/Melb trip in Feb 2008

Singfest 2008 (featuring Jason Mraz) clashed with my KL trip for the Passion Conference (featuring Chris Tomlin) in August 2008. And Reuben Morgan ALMOST came to RiverLife during that eventful weekend too.

My cell member's wedding dinner (Seng) clashed with the Hillsong United concert in May 2008. (I badly wanted to go watch Joel...but I asked myself, "What Would Joel Do?" and figured that he would want me to attend my cell mber's wedding. And so...I went for the wedding dinner while I wistfully smsed Glenn for live updates from Expo.)

Rewind to 2006<<.....my birthday celebration clashed with the Hillsong United concert at The Rock Auditorium. There was no publicity for this one...so I really found out very last min.

Fast forward to 2010>>....The church is supposedly scheduling Cheryl & I to go for the Willow Creek Arts Conference. BUT...Hillsong United are the featured band THIS year. In fact, my colleagues are watching them there right now.

Looks like this year I won't get to see Joel (aka Fluffy) live for the umpteenth year running. :( I was anticipating 25th July for many months....but I recently found out that it clashes with RiverLife's Young Adult Outreach Event, which I'm singing for. In fact, everyone whom I was looking forward to attend the Hillsong United concert with is pretty much stuck in church with me.

And so...my anticipation turned to deep sorrow. Maybe I'll never meet Joel this side of heaven. Will never get to hear and sing "Tear down the walls," Solution," "With Everything" live. *sobz* Such is life. I'll have to ask myself, "What Would Joel Do" AGAIN this year. And yes...Joel, who believes in the power of the local church, would want me to support my church in this impt event. Having caught the heartbeat of Hillsong United, its time for me to live it out and put it into practice.

Still...my heart is aching, especially when I listen to Hillsong United songs. Only Dawnie understands and doesn't think me nuts. Thank you gal! And for those of you who think that I'm so crushed simply because I won't get to see Joel....it's really more than that lah. The vision and music of Hillsong United has always inspired and ministered deeply to me....perhaps more than any other Christian music. And worship experiences with a Hillsong team have always refuelled me the most. So yeah...I was really looking forward to that.

There's nothing I can do now except to add more 'woh-oh-ohs' into the choir arrangement for next wk's set, in tribute to Joel.

What People Are Saying:
=====================
Rox: Am I just gonna have to admire him on youtube for the rest of my life?!?!?!

Dawnie: You have to fight for Fluffy!! Can you pontang? Or take leave lah! Or swop with someone!

Cheryl: Let's ask Jackson to change the date of the outreach event!

Glenn: When I'm in Hillsong College next yr, and I get the chance to make friends with Joel, I'll make sure he knows about you. Then when he visits S'pore, we'll take him out for local food.

Darren: Ehh....but Joel Houston's quite ugly leh. (so says the Henry Seeley fan)
Mich & Nicholas: *drop jaw* BUT THAT'S NOT THE POINT!!!!!
(Marcus said: Only Darren has the guts to say this kinda thing to you. He never die before!)

Leaning In

2009-06-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

My way is guarded by His angels. I'm leaning in...towards faith.

"Help me see the light
I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide
Death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom."
- 'The Kingdom' by Bethany Dillon

Songwriting Tips with Fee

2009-06-08T05:26:00.001-07:00

I got this from Carlos Whittaker's blog. Funny stuff! Heh! Somebody sure is jealous of them Aussies. (Steve Fee's the one with the blue speech bubble, Carlos' is in grey)

Reckon they have it made mate.
Los

"Love Will Keep Us Alive" by Alarice

2009-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Alarice and Nigel performing a cover of The Eagles' "Love Will Keep Us Alive" at No Black Tie, Kuala Lumpur on June 1 2009.

Abi and I had this discussion the other day. We asked each other, "Bright & shiny" or "dark & twisty"? (For those who don't watch Grey's Anatomy, it's a reference that's often used in the show to refer to the core of your heart, who you are. I.e. cheery optimist vs. moody emo type)

Interestingly, Abi, who is like all energetic and zany, decided that she was "dark & twisty"....and I, who may appear very reflective & emo, concluded that I was "bright & shiny." haha! Its funny how who are deep inside, doesn't always match up to how the world perceives us. :) Anywayz...I really love this cover of "Love will keep us alive" by Alarice, because it reveals my Disney, "bright & shiny" heart..and got me all teary. I feel like 'life has meaning' once again. haha! Enjoy! It's a beautiful one.

Let Worship Rock & Justice Roll

2009-05-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

I was watching a sermon by Glenn Packiam from New Life Worship's teaching series, "Re:verb/// Conversations on biblical worship." His message was titled, "Let worship rock and justice roll." It sounds quite cool and groovy right? But once you dig in....the msg gets really sobering (in a good way). Glenn referred to The Message's version of Amos 5....and it was so close to home that it made my heart go "ouch!" I think we've all been guilty of a 'feel good' brand of Christianity which traps us in our kingdom of comfort. I know I have. And it makes me sick to think that we've offered up empty worship unto God.

"I can't stand your religious meetings.
I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
your pretentious slogans and goals.
I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making.
I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it.
That's what I want. That's all I want."- Amos 5:21-24 (The Message)

Glenn concluded with this profound point, "Worship was designed to wake us up to the world, not insulate us from it." Wow....now that's something to chew on, and to live out.

Cell Group Antics (Featuring Jeremy & Ivan)

2009-05-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Jeremy had us cracking up in laughter as Morris hooked him up to this Osim massage device, which caused his arm/shoulders to twitch as regularly as a metronome. Watch Jeremy attempt to drink his iced coffee as Ivan increases the intensity of the massager. The things those 2 do to entertain themselves. haha! Wah...laugh until stomach pain!

Alarice @ Esplanade Pics

2009-05-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pics that Abi took for Alarice at the Esplanade Concourse gig. Nice? Contact her if you want to engage her services. haha!

Alarice & Nigel

My fav shot...it's such a 'singer' shot. I like!

View the rest of Abi's photos here

Fields of Grace

2009-05-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

1) I'm amazed by my Grandma's spiritual hunger. I've been buying her a lot of literature for new Christians, because she's been reading through her daily devotionals so quickly. She's so happy to have new books to learn from, and is just taking it all in so readily. It's super cool hearing her tell me how much she liked a book, or a certain passage she read. :)

2) I am looking forward to the reunion of the Acoustikers United (Dawnie and Nigel Old Soul) for our jamming/recording session. :) We were 'scattered' cos of Nigel's exams, and then Dawnie's Tokyo trip. I NEED MUSIC!!!! Quick guys, give me my fix!!! haha!

3) Scotland in August....India in Dec. Yay!! :) I still can't believe I'm headed to the Bonnie land of Nessie, Macbeth, William Wallace, Ewan McGregor etc.

4) I'm amazed at how wonderfully encouraging our RiverLife youths are. Every now and then, they surprise me with random affirming comments and it just melts my heart to see them growing up so beautifully. I heart you guys! :)

5) Just over the past week or so....a good friend's dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. It looks pretty bad and she's very shaken up. Then another close fren messaged me about her personal medical condition, which I cannot divulge here. Life is so fragile. We can't take anything for granted. I'm learning to pray harder than ever for my frens n loved ones.

Mad Church Disease??

2009-05-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

I think I've got it bad. All I can think of when I'm going for my personal holiday is which churches I can visit/worship conferences I can attend. haha! As some of you know...I'm headed to London/Scotland from 21 Aug-29 Aug. And I really hope to visit Holy Trinity Brompton (Tim Hughes' church) and Hillsong London. (Technically, I can visit both on one Sun because both churches have morning and evening svces! Yay!)

I just found out that JUDAH SMITH, who used to be the Youth Pastor of Generation Church, the thriving youth ministry of The City Church, Seattle, is going to be the guest speaker on 23 Aug at Hillsong London. (He's now the Preaching Pastor of The City Church.) WOOHOO!!! I'm so glad I'll be in town to hear him. (sorry, i know i sound very geeky) It's not just going to be personal holiday, but a time for spiritual refuel. YAY!!

Abi, we are so going to Hillsong London!! Nigel has already assigned me to buy him Hillsong souvenirs. haha! :)

Here's a funny dialogue I had with May about my upcoming Scottish adventure:
===========================================================
May: When are you going Scotland?
Mich: 21 Aug-29 Aug. It's during the Edinburgh Festival!
May: COOL!! HAPPENING!!
Mich: I will say hi to Nessie for you! :)
May: Nah, Nessie shy!
Mich: Hahahha! I almost peed in my PJs!!
May: I email Nessie. Tell him don't so shy! Hibernation for 50 years already. Not good to be so isolated.

Disney Wonderland

2009-05-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

This is the 2nd blog post from my very special guest blogger, Dawnieeeee, who just got back from Tokyo. :) I personally think its the best blog post I've read in ages, because it just clicked with the very dreamy, idealistic side of me (my heart is Disney at the core), and it made my world all bright, shiny and hopeful again. :) As Dawnie said, "I think i'm now world weary, and Disney made me feel like life has meaning." haha!

Another plus is that Gabe Bondoc (videos below) sang the very song that sparked my love for music & singing in the first place, "Part of your world," from the Little Mermaid. I used to sing all the songs by heart as a wee little girl, and I even have the DVD now. :) The Gabe videos are so fun! Try singing along with him ok? Enjoy!

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By Dawn Wong

I never thought I'd say this, but I love Disney. Disney is neither tacky nor childish, it is just wonderful. The happiest day in Tokyo for me was spent at Tokyo DisneySEA, the water-themed park just next to Tokyo Disneyland. The moment I stepped into the Disney Resort Line (aka train) bringing us into the theme park, and saw the Mickey Mouse-shaped windows and handles in the train, I just felt my heart kick back and relax. It was pure bliss catching all the musicals, on land and on water, and waving non-stop to Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy, Chip & Dale, Goofy and Pinocchio. Even though most of it was in Japanese, I still sorta understood what was going on, because it was Disney. I know Ariel in The Little Mermaid... I know the Genie in Aladdin... I know the songs, the sounds, the stories...you tell it in a different language, I still know them. Because I grew up with them, starting with the Ladybird books that I used to read as a child. And therein lies the beauty of Disney's animated stories and universal themes of love, play and beauty. Or so I would like to think. Well, anyways, it so happened when I returned that youtube celeb Gabe Bondoc has been recording his Disney covers too! Oh my...they are veryveryvery lovely. He is the second person I know to choke over songs (the first is Mich, you cry), and he chokes over Disney's songs. Awww...

The first is Part Of Your World, originally sung by Ariel in The Little Mermaid. The second is really fun - A Whole New World - where Gabe sings only one part and lets you, the audience, sing the other half of the duet. I had a blast singing along with him, though the range is totally out for me - I either need to screech or sing damn low. Haha. Enjoy :)

"God of This City" by Kris Allen

2009-05-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Andie showed me this video last nite and I just thought it was sooooo amazing! It's just pretty wonderful that a worship leader won American Idol. :) (And another worship leader, Danny Gokey, was in the Top 3) And here he is, singing a song that we sing in church. Wow!! Ok...am I being a bit duh? haha! But well, this is not something that happens often in American Idol world. I think it'd be so cool if Kris Allen sang a duet thingy with Chris Tomlin. Kris and Chris! haha!

Alarice @ Esplanade Concourse

2009-05-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here are the other Alarice videos that I recorded from the night. Wah, not easy man...hold my hand steady for 3-4 mins. The whole gig was really nice...Abi got her opportunity to be Alarice's official photographer; met up with many frens like Nigel Old Soul, Jon (Kuching Boy), Crazy Steph, Muffin....and we even bumped into cool Jet!!! Jet got totally traumatised by Steph, although it was only the 2nd time he met her. I had to stop the conversation before she invited herself to his house for a free dinner. haha!

Jet and I got to swop copywriting horror stories...which was therapeutic. I think he's probably the only fren I have right now who fully comprehends and empathises with my copywriting woes. haha! Ok anyway...back to the videos. Dawnie enjoy! I'm sorry my finger was too slow to record her cute medley of "Somewhere over the rainbow" with Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours."

"Man in the Mirror" originally by Michael Jackson, covered by Alarice. The closing song to her 2nd set. This one was quite the crowd favourite....not easy to sing Michael Jackson songs man.

Another original new song by Alarice, "First Dance."

Midnight Train by Alarice

2009-05-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

This video is for my Dawnieeeee, who missed Alarice's gig @ the Esplanade Concourse cos she's holidaying in Tokyo. This is a new song from Alarice, which I really like. :) Will upload more tmrw. Takes awfully long to get one up!

Alarice: Guit and vox
Nigel Tan: Guit and percussions
Jocelyn: Keys/Piano and backing vox