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Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
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Just some paragraphs that got me thinking. Enjoy!
08/12/08
Remember My Name
Margaret Manning
There is something about knowing and calling a person by name that gives dignity and worth to that individual. To be able to look someone in the eye and say his or her name communicates knowledge, oftentimes warmth, and a sense of value--I care enough to know your name.
It seems ironic to me, in light of this experience, that we know the names of Donald Trump, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Estee Lauder, Sam Walton, Michael Dell, Paul Allen, and Ted Turner. Individuals that we will never know personally become synonymous with power, success, prestige and renown. As a result, they are known and valued by most in our society simply because they make the Forbes Magazine Billionaire list year after year.
In our culture, our worth is largely determined in monetary measures, and by our buying power. Money and power are the things that our society teaches us to value, and we name the names of those who attain high levels of both. But to experience the kingdom Jesus reveals we need not have money or power. Rather, it is in our willingness to use both money and power to serve others that demonstrates our citizenship in God’s kingdom and our identity as Christ’s followers. And as we serve one another with the gifts we’ve been given, we come to know those who might otherwise remain nameless. Moreover, as we serve, nameless though we may be by our world around us, we are known to God, and through offering our lives in service, we remember the name of the one who “came not to be served, but to serve and to offer his life as a ransom.” (Mark 10:45)
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You don't have to watch anything else. This will do...
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Thursday, March 27th, 2008
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I was at chapel this morning and guess what? I realised that the Easter skit my church did was not that original at all...
No more kudos.
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Tuesday, September 4th, 2007
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This post goes out to my brave bestie.....
KUDOS TO YOU BABE!
YOU ARE ONE HELL OF A BRAVE SOUL!!!
okay, I'm not particularly artistic so no photoshop or whatever nonsense the world has now. This is as good as it gets!
For those who are wondering why this post is now in existence, it's because my bestie went for the most dangerous surgery in all history (my own take). Lasik! I think I'm just gonna stick to my contacts... Or sit with my nose touching the com screen to type.
Anyway, this post is done WITH contacts... WOOT! :P
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It's very tiring to fast on a work day. I was all right last week maybe because my body was running on the excess fat. This week, fat source has decreased. I guess it's also because I slept really late last night as well.
Anyhoo... Today I met my 4N(A) class again. I have to say that they are such BRATS! But it's funny how they keep relying on their teachers to give them model answers and constant assistance. The top 10 requests and questions [with my answers] they asked today are:
1. Cher, give me idea that can score marks one leh... [I'm your machine ah?]
2. Cher, help me la! [I am helping you what!]
3. Cher, don't walk away ah! You supposed to help me. [You come up with idea then I don't walk away.]
4. Cher! You every 5 mins walk away from me one! [You got no idea what!]
5. Cher, this idea can or not? [Can... You just have to tell me how you want to do it.]
6. Cher, I don't want to think la. [I also don't want to think]
7. Cher, what I do next? [What do you think you should do next?]
8. Cher, what is journal? [This big book here in front of you that is obviously empty!]
9. Cher, like that can? [You say can then can la! What are you drawing?!]
10. CHER!!!!!! [WHAT?!!!!]
When will they see that there is no model answer for D&T and that their ideas are important to kickstart everything...? At one point, I had to stop the boys from screaming for me and asked them how many Miss Teans are there. The best part was that they gave me the "blurrest" look ever! I could see the question "Miss Teans?" hanging over their heads. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!! They are so silly!!!
Today, I managed to get 3 more working on their projects. Thank God for His motivation. It's been a tiring but yet a happy morning. I'm done at school and ready to go (yes, it's only getting to 2pm) so I guess half days still do exist for teachers on very special occasions such as these (External Validation la).
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I'm into the 40-day fast this year and when I was at the gym after dinner, I met Clare, my humorous gym-rat friend. Some of you will prob remember her. She's the one I've been ministering to and talking about God for almost a year. Recently, she's been reading the Purpose-Driven Life book by Rick Warren and that really encouraged me.
It was really good to see her today at the gym cos it definitely has been almost 2 months since I last saw her with her PDL book in hand. I told her that I was fasting and I loved it when her eyes lit up. She told me she would join me, partly also because she saw the amount of weight I've lost (okay, I started fasting earlier than the 40-day thing). I reminded her that her motivation to fast has to be of the right spirit. The best part was her enthusiasm to pray for the nation when I told her what the 40-day fast was for. Her eyes lit up so bright and that really brought a smile to my face. Next step is to make sure she starts attending church.
Note to self: Extra Love Singapore book for Clare
Anyway, so another good thing that happened today was when I was searching for a book for journal this 40-day period and I found two old journals which I have apparently written so much about God's work in my life from 2003 - 2005. It was quite nice reading old stuff. Some of it didn't even seem like it was written by me. My baby said an elf came in the night to write in my journal for me :P
Rightie, that's all for today. Youth Day is over. Tmr's the start of a new week. My 4NA kids better be ready with their design journals or I'm just gonna have to kick their asses into the workshop.
G'nite world... (all these talk about GM is getting me down. Maybe I should really help Kirk come up with a project that promotes saving the earth. Then maybe he will really get his dream... The Nobel Prize. After all, they always say to dream big right? RIGHT!)
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Thursday, June 28th, 2007
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The first week of school is almost over. I've met all 5 classes and I have to say, I'm happy to be taking them for D&T. I'm not given any math classes this semester cos the school is in need of D&T teachers.
I have learnt that friendly and firm can co-exist and that the students can take it. They are super quick learners and they aren't those horrid little kids (thank God!) teachers always talk about. The saddest thing is that no one gives them a chance. Maybe it's easier for me cos I'm teaching D&T and they do love D&T. But I guess the thing is that they want their lessons to be interesting. They like stories and games and activities but they understand that not every lesson can be fun and exciting.
They are sensible but they just need someone to handhold them a little, to believe in them, to encourage them. After all, that's what teachers are for, right? *winks*
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Okay, I shall start this entry with a complaint. THE WEATHER IN SINGAPORE IS HORRIBLE!!! IT'S A CRAZY SWEATSHOP HERE! We seriously need to aircondition this entire nation. All in favour raise your sweaty armpits! *raises both sweaty armpits*
Went to meet my girls at Swensen's Crown Prince and they cheekily greeted me with "Good afternoon Miss Tean!" So paiseh... I have to say we successfully tore down that place with laughter and screams (typical of students from all girls' school including yours truly). I got there at 5pm and almost 40 of them were finishing up their food. It was just great to see them again even though it's for the last time... Well, maybe not. Who's to know when our paths will cross again?
We were snapping pictures and having the farewell ice-cream cakes for dessert (and my silly girls went ahead and ordered their own ice-cream thinking they could stomach everything in). Nothing much else to say so let's just let the pictures say their thousand words. (I have yet to post them cos I'm too sleepy right now. So watch this space!)
To my girls:
Thanks for all the gifts and the kind words. Thank you for the wonderful farewell. As a teacher, I merely did what I should do for the benefit of all of you and I am thankful I was given the opportunity to make lessons fun and interesting. I hope I will have the energy to do that when I have 10 classes to teach like any other permanent teacher. On a more serious note (not that what I said earlier is not serious), you as students need to do what you should do for the benefit of yourselves. Let's be thankful that we are given teachers to teach us. There are many out there who want to study but aren't given the opportunity to. I believe you will do Crescent, your parents and yourselves proud. I pray that at the end of the journey, you'll all have big smiles on your faces, knowing that you've all done your very best!
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The final day came and went. I didn't get to see my girls for the last time cos of the post-exam activities lined up for them.
I was rather happy though as I don't think I could have held back the tears.
But I do miss them.
I'm just glad I'll be seeing them on Monday.
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E Math results are out... I'm pleased to announce that my girls did better than I expected them to. GOOD JOB 3S1! :D
However, there's more work to be done on their part. The grades aren't all that fantastic but I think they all deserve a pat on their shoulders, considering that the Paper 2 was really tough. I was pleasantly surprised that ONE of them had only 11 marks deducted from the challenging Paper 2 *jumps for joy* That's a great accomplishment!
My only regret is that I will not be there to return their scripts to them and tell them how proud I am of them.
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I got my final posting. I am not sure how I'm feeling. Maybe more sleepy than any other emotion.
I'm posted to PRESBYTERIAN HIGH SCHOOL. Apparently, quite a few ex-Kuo Chuan students have gone there so I guess I will see my old students after all! I was quite surprised to be posted to that side of the island. Guess I've gotten used to the west side. It just means I have to wake up a lot earlier cos the MRT ride is 20 mins and for my dad to send me to school every morning will be rather taxing.
The funny thing is that the pastor (I can't remember his name) asked my dad if I wanted to work at PHS as there is a shortage of teachers and he can pull strings. My dad was pleasantly surprised to hear that I was posted to PHS and was just amazed at the "coincidence".
Now God has opened the door, it's time to step in with full confidence that He's got so much more in stored for me *big smiles*
To my Crescentians, I will miss you terribly. You girls have made such a difference in my life. It's such a pleasure teaching you all and you all made my 10 weeks so memorable and wonderful. Thank you! We'll find a way to keep in touch ayt? Be it through MSN or blogs or whatever... You are always in my prayers. Don't hesitate to update me on whatever's been going on in your lives! Oh, and if you gals are ever in Orchard (which is my backyard... hur hur), CALL ME!!! We'll have catch up sessions!
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Went to church this morning and was pleasantly surprised by bestie and Esther. Thanks for the presents babes!!! :D
Lunch was FANTASTIC!!!! AND I REALLY MEAN FANTASTIC! We had sooooooo much to eat and the frozen lime margs were just Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm Mmmmm Mmmm! We ordered so much to eat and so much to drink. At first, we were thinking of just having a liquid lunch but in the end, we had the best of both worlds. I always love the quesidillas at Cafe Iguana and the nachos... So yummy!
Silly ol me brought the camera but left the SD card in my laptop. So now, I'm just waiting for the bestie to upload the pictures and send it to me. Watch this space!
The 7 of us were alcohol and food overloaded by 4pm and decided to visit the shops at Central. Some how, all the shops nowadays all look the same. I commented to my peeps that it seems that nowadays, I can't get decent clothes without having a 14 yr old wear the same top as I. We then decided to head to Starbucks for a cuppa and managed to get sofa seats (YAY!). We chilled like we used to and I really enjoyed it. I miss those times we all went out after church and sat around aimlessly talking about random stuff. Now, life's just gotten so busy and tiring. But anyhoo, good memories :)
Thanks for the wonderful time guys... It really made my birthday so much more enjoyable. To the bestie, thanks for organising the "surprise" lunch and for putting up with nonsense even at midnight. Lurve ya!!!
Not the end yet... We went for dinner with the parentals and my sister at some Peranakan eating place featured on "Makan Places: Lost and Found". We had to stomach fish head curry, ladies' fingers etc after a scrumptious lunch. I had a hard time but I really enjoyed the food. It was good to see the parentals getting along and how everyone at the table was enjoying the company. Well, at least I know I did :D
This is an end to the birthday celebration. I can't imagine it lasted 2 days! That's just so kewl... I never had a celebration such as this! Thanks to all who planned (esp my baby and my bestie) and all who came to make this occassion so memorable. *Big Smiles*
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I officially celebrated my birthday for 24 hours. I have to say, this is the coolest birthday I ever had! On Friday, I stayed in school to mark exam papers till about 4ish and then went to meet the boy, who was conveniently in town. We went to Sim Lim to get PC games (but didn't get any) and some other computer stuff before catching Spiderman 3 (Germ, I have to agree with you. It was a good end to the trilogy and it's worth watching again *winks*) with our mummies. After Sim Lim, I thought we'd get home to get the car and get my M1 Crystal Jade voucher before heading to Great World. My mum was home when we got there and while she was talking to me, she stopped abruptly and whispered something to the boy. I guessed something was up but my growling tummy kept me in the kitchen.
After the movie, the boy said he was hungry O.O so we decided to drive to River Valley to get roti prata. We got home and the boy crept upstairs. When I went up, I saw my birthday present!
My three favourite princesses!!! Ariel, Cinderella and (hiding behind) Sleeping Beauty. Well, technically, Sleeping Beauty ain't one of my faves but the picture looked like Belle and he got the wrong one.
The boy had to carry the balloons from "Party are us" at Centrepoint all the way to my place. What a head turner!!! [Baby, without the balloons, you already are such a head turner ;) ] He revealed that he actually wasn't hungry after the movie but because it was 20 mins away from midnight, he wanted to stall time just so it would be my birthday when we get home. *Awwwwwwwww...............*
This morning, I had breakfast with the boy. He went to AV and got CHEE CHEONG FUN!!!! WITH PRAWNS!!!
It was just soooooooooooooooo delectable :P Freshly made too!
After breakfast, the boy was smsing someone and I knew he was up to something. The doorbell rang at about 12ish and guess what?
My birthday bouquet arrived... My favourite flower, the Star of Bethlehem. So pretty... *big smiles*
I spent the day with the boy watching TV and playing computer games. We had actually planned to go to the beach (and today's weather was so fine cos I had prayed for great weather today. Thank you God!) but we were too tired. It would have been really uncomfortable to lie there in the sun and I didn't want to risk either of us falling sick. I still enjoyed myself regardless and this birthday just felt so special. And that's cos this is the first birthday spent with the boy *silly grin*
We then made our way to Hog's Breath at Holland Village for dinner. It was oh so yummy!!!
 
Our Erdingers My Steak!!!!
The boy was so hungry he needed to tuck in now or he'd become a psychopath... Still, he posed cos he loves me :P
We visited the shops near the hawker centre and was browsing when I saw this dress... I had to try it on. It looked so nice! The price was rather steep and I decided against buying it (But when I was changing out, I heard the nets machine go off. I was the only customer in the shop and brushed it off as someone buying a necklace or something.) I told the shop owner that I'll think about it and she gave me the "ohhhhhh". My impression of her changed. I thought of her as one of those irritating sales people that guilt trip you into buying stuff. I was rather disappointed because she definitely did not come across as that initially. She then patted my arm and said, "Okay, you think about it!" She gave me a rather sheepish grin and that kinda confused me. Just as we were walking out of the store, the boy handed me a shopping bag. And there it was. The dress!!!! :D After pulling that stunt on me a couple of time, you think I'd get wiser.... *shakes head*
Then it was off to NYDC for dessert.... Yummy dessert.... Chocolate addiction (my favourite) and Jedi Mudster (the boy's favourite)
Just look at the maltesers! There was this other couple who had the same dessert as us. They left the maltesers untouched. HOW CAN?!!!
That's how we ended the evening. Gosh, I'm so happy! Okay, mush time... For those who gag at mush, this is a good place to stop. For the boy, it's compulsory you enter mushland.
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Back then, the subject heading would be "Exams...". Things are different now... And sweeter... Okay, just a little sweeter. Exam periods are way more relaxing than the normal working days. No need to plan for lessons, activities (which always take too much time to prepare), mark homework, chase homework, mark some more homework and chase even more students (good thing they don't run away when they see me). BUT shortlived. Tomorrow is the Emath paper for Sec 3s. Marking starts then...
I was invigilating a sec 2 class today and suddenly, I had this fear... That sickening stomach feeling which I get when I am secretly worried about something that I think I'm not worried about *laughs*. I spent the two hours praying for my Sec 3 girls (and baby, I was praying for you too, so don't get too jealous :P ), for the paper they had today, for the papers they will have tmr... Then, I found myself praying for ME!!! That God will calm my nerves!!! *LOL* And I THOUGHT exam stress was over.
As a teacher, it is a real desire to want your students to do well. That would then reflect well on you. Face it, that's how the world functions. I'm trying not to let that get to me, that my self worth is only based on how well my students do. Results ain't everything. Our best efforts often are. If someone's best is a 67 / 100 and another an 80 / 100, does that really mean the latter has more worth in this world? During my stint in the primary school, my kids were telling me about the comparisons happening at home. It's just so sad when they have placed so much pressure on themselves to perform well just so that their parents will love them that tiny bit more. Or so they think it that way. It's just sad... Shouldn't our best be more than enough? Should it be "as long as you've put in your best efforts, you're already a winner in my eyes" kind of expectations? Again, I can't be more thankful that God loves and accepts us for who we are and we don't have to strive for that one more mark to gain His love and grace. There's a great difference in striving for that one more mark to gain love and striving for that one more mark for His glory. The latter simply means doing your best. Doesn't it? *thinks so*
Sorry for the rant... I guess I'm into to the "your best is enough" mentalitiy and not "i tried my best, but my best wasn't good enough" mentality.
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Friday
Joyce's 20th birthday and we went to Marche at Vivo. If you like cramp seating, expensive, quality food, then head down to Marche Vivo! The eight of us had quite a lot of fun, laughing and eating together, taking ramdom pictures (there was one where Cass' and my head seemed oddly conjoined that it was freaky) and Cass bursting out in song near the wading pool where THERE WERE COUPLES HAVING A NICE QUIET NIGHT. Well, at least right until our dear Cass started crying out, "STARS SHINING RIGHT ABOVE YEWWWWW!!!!" You just got to love that crazy woman...
It was definitely nice hanging out with that bunch of "kids" once again. I do miss those days....
Saturday
Nothing much happened. Went to Bren's church and had a wonderful time worshipping God with my baby next to me. I do love it when we are just standing there next to one another and singing praises to the One we both are in love with. Real cool... We bought a seafood pizza back for dinner and watched Man U beat Everton 4-2. I have to say that it's just hilarious watching the boy getting anxious. Each time Man U scores a goal (result from much prayer from yours truly and a way cool prayer-answering God), the "YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!" that comes out from the boy's mouth is so full of conviction and joy! And not forgetting the victory dance which followed it. Definitely the cherry on top of the evening!
Sunday
Church and then lunch with the bestie at Subway. We both had a yummylicious salad... You can NEVER go wrong with a Subway salad. They always taste SOOO GOOOOODDDDD!!!!! Did a bit of shopping and got my first top from Dorothy Perkins. Sometimes you never know what great bargains are lying in the stores till you walk in and take a good look.
We TRIED to find the Dhoby Express (did I get it right?) at the MRT station. APPARENTLY there's a shopping "mall" at the MRT station which I didn't know about and has existed for months. Man, pathetic is the word. We really TRIED to find the shopping mall and when we eventually did, it was quite a let down. But we being girls, we still managed to get stuff from there. EARRINGS!!! Nice button earrings and we being besties and having similar tastes in clothes and accessories, we got the same pair of earrings but in different colours. 3 for $5! Cheap man...
So now I'm back home... Lesson plan and learning package time... Bleaug.. I think I'll go slack for a while more before I start work... Hmmm... Will I ever get to start work today? *highly doubtful*
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2007
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Felt like I literally got up on the wrong side of the bed. No, not the grouchy side, just the side that tells you you're not your true self today. My girls picked up on that quite quickly when I started slipping on my tongue. My girl uncontrollably burst out, "Miss Tean! What's wrong with you today? *laughs*
It's been a lethargic start and it's not gotten better. All the bloating and tiredness is really getting to my system. I'm just glad God's giving me the strength till consultations are done. Now, back to solving more math problems... Grrr.... *chants "for my girls! for my girls! for my girls!"*
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I had a terribly long day at school today. Actually, for quite a number of days, I've been spending almost 11 hours in school. Today, I clocked close to 12. I realised the difference between spending 12 hours in school and 12 hours in the office. In the office, I have to face the computer. Right now in school, my 12 hours are with my students. I'm glad to say that I'm enjoying the time spent with the girls, getting to know them as they stream in for consultation. I hope this won't change after I graduate from NIE.
So after that tiring but satisfying day at work, I met up with the boy for a quick dinner. He was totally drained from today's paper and was sleeping on the tatami in the living room while I gobbled my dinner. The best part was after dinner, we spent some time joking, teasing and laughing. What a nice way to spend an evening. Two tired souls running on empty... joking and laughing with the boy.... What more can a girl ask for? *smilez*
That wasn't all to the evening. After the boy left, I was trying to solve some questions from the past mid-yr exam paper. And guess what? Miss Tean can't do it.... I'm a horrible teacher. I have problems solving simple Sec 3 Emath problems. Best part is, I'm getting sick of solving problems. I've been doing that all for so many days! I think I will go sleep now and hope I don't wake up tmr. And if I do wake, please God, I need revelation. This question's haunting me!
ZzzzzzZZZzzzZZZZzzzzzzzzzz.............. Goodnight world. Be nice.
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There has been much talk in the staff workroom (where Jen, Ethan and I are stationed in the staffroom) about Christianity. Apparently, Ethan is reading the Bible and it is his new year's resolution to finish it within 2 years. There was talk about "sacrifice" in the old testament and he surfaced his "concerns" about animal sacrifice. Basically, I had a good talk about it and what blood symbolised, especially when the Perfect Sacrificed died for us.
I also have to testify at God's amazing timing. A teacher walked into the workroom (where we are and also where the photocopier is) at the right time when we were about to end the conversation. God was good and He provided a non-threatening environment for us to chat about His matters. Jen, who was not very interested, also started to show some interest in the subject matter.
This is the second time we are talking about God. The first time was when we first started at Crescent, where I shared my "mini" testimony on how I joined the force and also about peace. I can't remember how the topic on "peace" of mind and heart came about but it did...
Well, in just a couple of weeks, we'll be almost done with practicum. I hope to invite them to church at least once and maybe I'll give it a shot next Saturday. Start praying, Cheryl!
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Thursday, April 19th, 2007
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Many years ago, I heard a wonderful man of God preach right here in Singapore. Due to my retention power, I am not able to recall the venue which he preached at. I have a feeling that it was in the Indoor Stadium. Anyhoo, I came across this website where Ravi Zacharias and a few other shepherds and shepherdesses post their articles to uplift and encourage the human spirit.
I subscribed to the daily readings and today's reading is about our
For those who do not have the time to read the whole passage, just read this little excerpt -
"Let no one grieve at his poverty,
for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again;
for forgiveness has risen from the grave.
Let no one fear death,
for the Death of our Savior has set us free.
He has destroyed it by enduring it."
This is the mystery we proclaim and the Savior we can mirror because God has laid claim on our souls.
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gods_chert's journal
calm.
amazed.
disappointed.
Kudos!.
tickled.
awake at such a time.
content.
thankful.
emo.
mixed feelings.
tired.
stuffed.
ecstatic.
thoughtful.
chipper.
not my usual self.
sleepy.
excited.