Been unable to sleep at night with so much thoughts in my mind. Greeted this morning with some system issues. I seems to resolve it but there are some processes still keeping me weary. And I read this Daily Bread entitled “The Eye that Never Sleeps”. I am comforted to cast my anxiety on Him for he cares.

Before you sleep, just gently lay
Every troubled thought away;
Drop your burden and your care
In the quiet arms of prayer. —Anon.

We can sleep in peace when we remember that God is awake.

I shall remember and constantly remind myself that before I sleep, I lay all work concerns, worries under His care and that I shall find rest in Him who will gentle rock me to sleep. Amen! Glory to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Bag checked, books checked, spelling list checked, uniform pressed! Readied shoes, socks, pocket money, sandwich. Alarm clock set! Valerie is GOING TO SCHOOL – PRIMARY ONE at St Margaret’s Primary School. Excited for daddy and mummy too. We prayed with her, instructed her the do’s and don’ts. Encouraged her and sent her to bed by 8:45 pm. A new chapter is about to start for Valeris a baby always in our hearts. And we are confident that she will have a great time. ALL The Way Valarie!

We welcome 2011, and look forward to God’s continued blessing. May the God of Hope fill me, Jessica and Valerie with Joy and Peace as we trust in Him. May God grant me to be fruitful at work, and be a blessing to the company I work. May he grant Jessica and me with another child in His time and will. And May He bless Valerie so abundant. May she excel in her academics and may she have a teachable heart with Good memory and gain knowledge. May she grow in the training and instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We welcome 4 little new friends to the family, 2 Clownfishes (NEMO), 2 Regal Tangs (Dory) and one Royal Gamma. Unfortunately, there had been a number of issues, one of the clownfish is very territorial, bullying the other new comer (who happened to be smaller in size too). We picked up the fishes at 3 pm and by 9 pm one of the Regal Tangs died for some unknown reasons. And by midnight the Royal Gamma to lay dead. It was wonderful that the aquarium owner gave a 24 hour warranty allow, fishes that died to be repaced at no cost. … lets see what happens tomorrow!

This month is a busy month, did my first trial installation for customer. Was quite worried as It was like 7 months ago that I did my installation in the US. Valerie prayed for me and I was moved to tears. She prayed the most profound and wonderful prayer. And more importantly I could sense the presence of the Holy Spirit as she prayed.

Lo and behold, God answered all her prayers. The hotel was very old and things looked dirty and air quality was poor. But God’s grace was with me. I managed to sleep fairly well, I cast my anxiety to Him and He responded with a sense of peace and comfort. I managed to complete the installation within 4 hours and things did went along very well – glory to God. This meant that I could shorten my trip and return home earlier.

Well, God clearly answered Valerie’s prayer. And what was even more comfortable is that, Valerie gave up her play time with her friends and opted to pick me up at the airport instead – it was really sweet of her. Thank you God for blessing Valerie and granting her a teachable heart.

Decided its time to change my car. Booked a VW Golf 1.4 TSI DSG. Lower road tax, better fuel economy. Counting down to the day to pick up my new ride!

Blue Graphite is the colour! Exciting!

Today I learned and am reminded, there are times when we face difficulties or problems that leave us helpless. It may be the loss of a job, difficult family or work situation, or health struggles. Behold we have a powerful God to whom we can bring our concerns. So before we do anything else, remember ASAP – Always Say a Prayer – C. P. Hia

Something happens when we pray
Powers of evil lose their sway
We gain strength, and fear gives way
Therefore let us pray – Anon

Remember, prayer should be our first response rather than our last resort!

I am starting this series of words for reflection. Have a read. If God is ministering to you. Knock and you shall find, seek and it will be given! May God Bless you!

He gives me work that I may seek His rest;
He gives me strength to meet the hardest test;
And as I walk in providential grace;
I find that joy goes with me, at God’s pace – Gustafson

If we are suffering remember:

“suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us:. Rom 5: 3b – 5. Shalom!

We embarked on an amazing journey to Shanghai, China. Dad and Mum had earlier gone to Shanghai to stay with Jessie for a month. Our mission was to fly to Shanghai and escort the folks back – of course R&R. Arriving on the 18th May morning at 0640H, I was impressed with the expressway, brand new, clean and efficient. Pudong the commercial district has been landscaped with modern skyscrapers. Street were generally clean (was told that they have cleaning trucks patrol the streets 24 x 7 and cleaners clearing garbage twice a day) in the name of the ongoing EXPO!

The hotel room was fabulous (thanks Jessie), and we had a fair relaxed itinerary – guess this was one of the rare trip that I did so much shopping. What you need to do to survive Shanghai:

1. Speak LOUDLY (preferred if you speak and look hostile :-))
2. You need to be prepared for unglamorous events:
– fighting for taxi;
– fighting for dining tables at restaurant;
– telling someone off;
3. Learn to bargain at shopping centers. (Warning: if the merchant finally give in to the price you ask for, you better buy it else you will be cursed and swear at – unless you are very thick skinned).

OK. We visited Zhou Zhuang, EXPO (horrible), Tai Kang, Xin Tian Di, Yu Garden. But we did not visit the Bund! Next trip. Dad, mum, sis, bro-in-law, Jessica and Valerie tailor made suits and cheong sum thought. They all looked lovely and dashing.

Will probably plan another trip again to Shanghai. In all, good experience and most “shiok” nice weather. Thank God though the weatherman said it would rain whole week, by God’s grace, it rained first day and last day when we were there.

Now back to reality! WORK HARD! Check out the gallery for some of the photos taken!

Valerie having a great time with her friends … a picture tells a thousand words.

It is the 3rd of May.  Time flies and much activities have come and gone!  Past weeks, I have been reminded that in everything I do, trust that HE is in me and with me all this while.  I of little faith, we often then to give up but he never gives up on me.  This picture tells of how HIS great light will overcome the “darkness”.  “The many tasks we face each day can burden and oppress.  But spending time with God each day can bring  relief from stress” – Sper.  So to keep your life balanced, lean not on yourself BUT on HIM!