Thankful Easter Memories

I had a most thankful and fulfilling Easter this year! Alot of tears but they were all happy tears that I know God would treasure.

It all started with Thursday's choir practice. The songs for this week's worship (Fri & Sun) were difficult! Beautiful songs, but difficult! At first we were all worried about how it would go...when we thought we'd be staying and practicing forever God showed us His grace. We all enjoyed it alot! I really loved the voices of the brothers...you guys made the songs sound soooo beautiful!!

The fellowship retreat went just ggrrreeeaaatttt! We took over 1000+ pictures in that 24 hours, but I must say those were precious precious memories! I still can't believe we were able to come under-budget! God really provides! The place was just incredible, the weather was bright and b/s participation was amazing! God has spoke to each of us I think and we were all renewed and refreshed, both in relationship with God and in relationship with each other. I am still pondering on all that went on in that fruitful 24 hours. I really pray that our flame will continue and be spread to all the others.

The musical event touched so many of us. The production itself was great, but what really touched us was sT's dedication despite all the pain + obstacles and how we all prayed for her in unity, I think the event brought us together too, as we experienced this together with her as a family. I really thank God for the opportunity. Of course, aL and bF's performance added soooo much life to it!! Congrats everyone! Have your $ ready for all the lovely pics we took before we start blackmailing...just joking =)

pL's baptism was definitely the highlight of the weekend that touched us soooo much! Brother, you mean so much to the family and we are all sooooooooooo thankful & happy to see you grow and see your changes in the past 2 years. We thank God for the grace and letting us see His work. It's our blessing to be able to walk with you! Lo Lic! Keep it up! Now, remember, the choir is waiting for you!

On Monday I went to the One of A Kind show with jM. I really enjoyed spending the day with you girl.. and catch up on all the stuff we haven't talked for in months!! Congrats again! I still can't believe it! But I'm sooooo happy for you! You're in my prayers! Thank you for urging me to bring Moogie home...I'm starting to feel it's a girl...Hubby really likes her too! Unfortunately, she ended up on the floor this morning just as we expected. HA!

We had our first Women's Group last night. It was lovely as always! Support between sisters is always soooo sweet. I'm praying for a fruitful year as we continue to love & grow together!

The weekend was soooo full I'm soooo sleepy now though...I need another weekend to rest up!

Happy for YOU!!

Two good news happened this week! I'm very happy for two important friends of mine.

What I see? God will make a way, and He really prepares!

He knows our need and in time, He provides.

The way may have been difficult, but He will make a way, when there seems to be no way.

He makes all things beautiful in His time.

His gifts may come when you're least expecting it. But don't worry, all the necessary 配套 will somehow be ready and fall into place, because nothing happen "just because"...You may not have planned for it, but He did.

I went through a little road block this week, was a little disappointed. When I thought one door opens, it closed! why but these two news from J & P reminded me of the above lessons. So, let's not loose hope and only see the bad side of things. He has a plan!

Happy for you. You're in my prayers

Get Moving! Day 8, 9 & 10

This week has been quiet difficult. I feel like I'm coming down with a cold. I have been having this headache for a few days now, and this lump at the tip of my throat that I feel I'm going to start coughing soon.

I have been keeping up with the exercise and getting into the gym on time though, except today because I'm off work. Will do my run on the tread at home, I promise.

I have been doing pretty good at the gym, sticking faithful to the plan. I still don't see any difference in weight though. I'm suppose to be feeling better, hubby is saying I'm sleeping better at night, not tossing around as much. But because of the cold I'm not feeling 100% at all. Thankfully it has been a busy week at work so the week went by pretty quickly, although, with pain and stressful moments.

I have been really conscientious about what I eat too. I notice that I am usually under in my calories intake, but with too much carb, too little fat. I really like that website I'm using to keep track of stuff coz it gives you charts to easily show you where you are lacking / having too much. Of course, I'm not using it *everyday* ... I'm not that crazy yet, but whenever I get a chance to use it, it's an eye opener everytime. Those food labels on packages really does mean something. One thing that really shock me is how easy each of us can be 'over' in our sodium intake even if we are really careful! HA! Let's see why mom will accept that idea! If she buys into it, maybe she won't eat so much salty stuff and her bp would be under better control!! But, I know it's hard...

Get Moving! Day 5, 6 & 7

I had been too busy in the past few days to write. But, I didn't stop moving. I am well on my routine and I even did 40 minutes on the tread at home on Saturday...just as Dad was turning the clock for Daylight Saving. It feels weird to be turning the clock when it's still soooooooooooooooo cold and there's sooooooo much snow outside...My body has been reacting much more than usual too...I am feeling so tired ever since we turned the clock...surprisingly how much an hour difference can make. Feeling kinda blue I indulged on a McD lunch yesterday...feel so guilty afterwards! So bad, but...yyuummmm...so good!

It's not easy moving under such circumstance. Especially yesterday (monday morning). It's so hard to get out of bed to begin with and the cold is certainly not helping.

But...I'm keeping my eyes on the carrot and staying focus...not just for those prizes from the "sponsors"..but also the fact that I am feeling better, sleeping better and getting more energy. I haven't loose any ponds though >_< ... Hopefully that will come soon!

With my 1.1 Miles & 338 vertical feet today, my Cumulative record as of today: 9.27 miles, 2372 vertical feet.

Longing for Spring to come!

Get Moving! Day 4

It's a normal day. The snowstorm is gone (for now), the buses are running fine as usual and the subway stops for "delays" as usual. I got to the gym the usual time and did my routine. The same 4-5 others were there...we are starting to nod and say 'good morning' to each other. I guess I'm getting used to it now. I really do hope that this can be part of the routine that I don't feel I'm doing anything special.. I guess this is the only way it can be sustainable. I am still not used to getting off work later though..the day seems to be so long...I guess it's especially true on Thursday since I also have choir at night....Thursdays seems to be soooo long. Ha, I guess that justifies a coffee! =)

Today I did my 15 minutes on the tread, 6% incline, 3.2 speed = .8 mile. I also did my complete weight routine as Gillian has on the plan. The shoulder press is the most difficult...it really hurts!

There are about 10 showers in the changeroom. I had been trying out a different 'stall' each day..and today, I found 'the one'... the one that has the best shower head so far (in terms of water pressure and *direction*)... Haha...of course, today is only my 4th day....so maybe, it's not the **best** of the **best**..but it sure did gave me a refreshing start. (Don't laugh at me...it does makes a different eh! Ever tried a shower that only gives you some dripping drops in a direction that you have to twist your body against the wall to get to the water? I'm sure you know what I mean!)

I also came across an interesting website today: http://www.my-calorie-counter.com/ . It can be used to keep track of both what you eat & exercise...with alot of interesting graphs....I will try to play around with it more when I have time.

Mom's reporting a bp of 135 today...a very good improvement. Thank God! But her comments are making me worry. She keeps on telling us not to worry, she is fine. I hope she won't be hiding anything from us because she doesn't want to us to worry.. .Maybe we shouldn't ask her too much so she doesn't feel any pressure. Keep praying.

Tired tired.... time for bed. Praying for a peaceful & quality sleep.

Get Moving! Day 3

A little tired today...yesterday was a 'heavy' day. Today there's another snowstorm. But actually the commute wasn't that bad, maybe because I was early.

Today I'm feeling much better, and I enjoyed my workout in the morning. Kinda felt refreshing after. I can't wait for spring to come...when I don't have to wear my heavy bulky jackets when I walk out from the gym!

Record for the day: 30 minutes on tread at 6% incline, 3.2 speed = 1.64 mile, 505 vertical feet. If I add the other two days, my cumulative record would be: 4.03 miles, 884 vertical feet.

Also tried out the Flow Pilates class at lunch. This was a 30 minutes class so it's not as rushed as Mondays. Alot easier too. It's basically stretch moves with an exercise ball & a yoga mat. Pretty relaxing.

I'm not feeling much pain from the workouts anymore, I think I'm getting used to it. Not bad.

Mom's bp is still high at 152/80 this morning...keep praying...I know I need to continue to "look up the mountain", where my help is from!

信心習作

假若有一天覺得失去往日那信心
前路彷彿多憂暗 凝聚了萬串萬串的傷感
但你可將這些苦惱忘掉輕輕唱這首歌
或者我是太囉嘍 或者我未最清楚 請你一唱


美夢你未曾達到 請別要人傻傻地兜圈找苦惱
你像似未明白到 苦惱原是不補
這路途如未知預告 如果這一刻轉身太早
就算不起舞願你能至少放輕這腳步


美夢你未曾達到 請別要人傻傻地兜圈找苦惱
盼望你會明白到 挑戰其實多好
這路途如未知預告 人不必一聲不響跌倒
願你可知道誰要和你一起 未會別離


假若有一天覺得失去往日那信心
前路彷彿多憂暗 凝聚了萬串萬串的傷感
但你可將這些苦惱忘掉 輕輕唱這首歌
或者我是太囉嘍或者我未最清楚 請你一唱


美夢你未曾達到 請別要人傻傻地兜圈找苦惱
盼望你會明白到 挑戰其實多好
這路途如未知預告 人不必一聲不響跌倒
願你可知道誰要和你一起 未會別離


假若有一天覺得失去往日那信心 無論心底多憂暗
無論掛著掛著幾多傷感
盼你可相信這苦痛原是塑造你心一顆
就算你未最清楚 就算你未最清楚將會怎過


假若有一天覺得失去往日那信心 無論心底多憂暗
無論掛著掛著幾多傷感
盼你可相信這苦痛原是塑造你心一顆
就算眼淚有幾多就算每步也堪坷
願祂每日共你交足這功課

--- 信心習作 by Takenetion (http://www.takenation.com/) Thanks bro for have written such a beautiful song. You must be very happy if you know HE has really used it to cheer me up today.

Thanks hubby for your reminder & comfort. and Thank YOU for your prayers & support. My heart is warm and I know HE is always with me.

Get Moving! Day 2, the hum

Today is probably my first hum. Not from the exercise, but from mom's situation. There's so much unknown and my emotions are taking its own toll. Mo sum gei in anything. I managed to get into the gym on time and did my weights exercises...can't really count how many sets or how many reps I did...I just did some mindlessly ... Then went on the tread for 15 minutes mindlessly...brought a book to read but can't really read....

Had my Starbucks tall mild around 10:30am...feel so weak, life is so fragile, I know HE is in control but my mind can't stop thinking of the worst....Life is so fragile, so much has happened to b/s around us this past month.

Having a simple life and a boring daily routine is actually quite an amazing blessing. A simple life if not simple at all, it's with alot of GRACE that one's life can be normal.

我要向高山舉目，我的幫助從何而來？

我的幫助從造天地的耶和華而來！

祂必不叫你的腳搖動，保護你的必不打盹，

保護以色列的也不打盹，也不睡覺！

保護你的是耶和華，耶和華在你右邊蔭庇你。

白日太陽必不傷你，夜間月亮必不害你。

耶和華要保護你，免受一切的災害。

祂要保護你的性命，你出你入，

耶和華要保護你， 從今時直到永遠！

I need peace & serenity from above.

Get Moving! Day 1, the official start

I actually moved during the weekend too. Me & sC went to yH's apartment and had a girls workout session. Felt quite good especially after all the lau-sai-bau and go-lik-dou-sa we had!!

Today is my official day 1 at the gym. Did my 30 minutes on the tread at 6% incline, 2.8 speed. I'm going to start counting my achievement! Today I walked 1.59 mile, & 259 vertical feet!

At lunch I also tried out the Pilates class. A 45-minutes class is kinda rush for my 1 hour lunch, given I gotta walk over and get change before/after. But it was kinda relaxing to slot something like this in the middle of the workday. I enjoyed it.

Ha! Also worth noting: I didn't have a coffee this morning! Hubby made toast w/jam and hot Ovaltine for me!