Dan Conolly

You're probably bored of my stories regarding jobs and all...But yea..., it's still moving slowly. Sent out a lot of applications and still just awaiting replies. I might need to move different places from Auckland ...but again , it really depends.

Anyway I'm writing on an incident that happened a few days ago.It happened on a Sunday.

That morning I was serving on 2nd Keys for the main services. After that while I went to grab my bible in the car, I met Ludo whom ended up chatting with me for 10 minutes about his trip to Melbourne. Walking pass the guest lounge, I accidentally saw Dan Conolly who was lying on the couch with his hand on his head (looks like he was in agony of some sort). Trying to be a good Samaritan, i went up and asked him if I could pray for him. He said ok and I just prayed for him ... and also his tinnitus which he has been suffering.(apparently he needed to play natural background sound of the oceans or some sort to sleep)

After praying, he said something that I'll take that as possible prophecy over my life.

He said that each time that I have prayed for him or said things to him regarding things relating to his life... I have always been quite accurate even though I don't really know what was going on. He said that things I was praying for him that day spoke to him and he thought I had a sensitive spirit of discerning stuff ( well, how come I didn't know that ? lol ) He also said that he felt that I could have the possibility of having anointing for healing. In order words, he feels that God's going to use me for discerning his voices and healing people. To me, I always feel excited when people tell me things like that. (though Pastor Alfred told me not to desire it so much cause he thinks its always better to get things straight from God .... long story )

Last night , while I was spending some time with God, while I was praying on the keyboard for Dan Connolly's tinnitus ( lol! ) I had a sorta dreamy kind of image ( u know like u wake up in the middle of a dream ), that God was  spitting to eye of a blind man...then after that I remembered another of those dreamy image where God was spitting to eye of another person..... Perhaps God was going to heal Dan of his hearing. Unsure if this was really of me or of God, I asked Ai after that if I should tell Dan it. She told me there was two consequences of that action... He might be encourage and God will eventually heal him as he seeks harder for the healing of his hearing. Or He might be disappointed if God doesn't heal him hearing that I told him God was going to. Either way, I thought I should keep it to myself and wait until I get another confirmation.

My heart is to learn how to discern His voice... I hope I'm in the path towards being able to do so.

Ai, ALL THE BEST FOR AI EXAMS WHICH IS TOMORROW =D !

Closed Doors

One shut door after another...
Lord, you're leading us somewhere right?

Should i go over to Auckland to further my studies?
hmm......

Rejection

I'm writing this in a disappointed state. My application for an Australian Graduate Visa has been declined and refused... all because Our Great University of Auckland wasn't recognised...it's so lame!

The amount of energy I've put into this application...so that I can be in Australia with Ai, get a good job which pays so much better than New Zealand, and live in a more vibrant country, just seemed to be wasted...

Where are you leading me Father ? I just feel a little depressed today. No jobs, no visa, my contract's at work is ending...and it's only part time as a student when I'm already a graduate ? I remember I wanted this year to be more of a year for traveling and spending more time doing your stuff...And I have done those, traveling and all, helping out at church and all. But it's now end of the year.. I've applied for uncountable number of jobs but they never went well.Most of the good companies that offered graduate positions are now all closed...I just don't like that kind of feeling of uncertainty.

Anyhow, I will still trust in you. I believe you got the best job that suits me. I believe there's a reason why you hooked me up with this part time job in fisher and paykel too. You got great plans and I will be still and know that you're God of my life and you got a future me.You said in your words:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)"

 I claim on to that promise...
Thanks Father.

The night we pretended to be Gods

Ok ... I know any1 reading might think we're getting ahead of ourself .. but because Ai has been a little down recently, I'm just putting this up to cheer her up (you guys might be going " yea right...you're just using her as an excuse!") None the less , this is just for fun....!!! seriously... I like babies but I'm not going ahead of myself. This is just FOR FUN! hehehe.. just to clarify in case I get chopped into pieces.

So this is Josiah LOL

                 

and Jacinta

                 


ps: For one thing, we got small ears.. so i dunno where the pixie ears came from!! LOL..

ASIAN JASON MRAZ

YO! Just for you laughs!

ps: I look like an egg.

love,

Richard

random

ARg...somehow I got electrostaticed by my car door 3 times today! 

must be a sign that someone is thinking of me lol.

ps: 30 more days....can't wait.

Matthew 2

It's quite freaky and yet amazing how God can speak to us differently each time we read a scripture.

Was reading Matthew 2 today about the birth of Jesus and places that God told Joseph (through dreams) to go during the first few years when Jesus was borned.

It was during the time when Herod was ruling Israel that God told Joseph to flee from Bethlehem to Egypt. Then God spoke to Joseph in a dream, commanding him to go to Egypt. (note it wasn't a supernatural encounter that I always hope for to get myself with God). Eventually Herod was mad and killed all the babies in Bethlehem.

A few years passed and Herod died. God spoke to Joseph again in a dream, asking him to return to Israel. Joseph had to pack his baggage and travel a long distant back. I checked the map of Israel and Egypt and boy, its definitely looks like a good long walk on those camel legs. When he got back, Joseph realised that one of Herod's nasty child, Archelaus is now ruling Judea, the place that Joseph was camping at. Joseph panicked and God warned him in a dream again! telling him to go Galilee, in a little town called Nazareth.

Now this is how the trip looks like for Joseph during that period.

Bethlehem--> Egypt ---> Israel (Judea)-->Israel (Galilee)

My thoughts were, why didn't God just tell Joseph where to go straight away (Galilee) and told him to take this long ass route. For going to Egypt part I understand that nasty Herod was still alive then. But why did God tell him to go to Judea and then only after seeing Herod's son was now in charge, only did God tell him to go to Galilee. Also, why didn't God tell Joseph the whole plan out, instead only giving instructions one step at a time.

I feel that that was God's nature of speaking to Joseph --> one step at a time, in His own timing. Joseph probably didn't wanted to go through all those troubles and anxiety of fleeing from those armies hunting baby Jesus. He was just stuck in that shit. I think sometimes we have no intention of things happening, but when they do we should just follow where the Holy Spirit is navigating us to go and what to do. God can speak to us many ways..like dreams and promptings, visions, (thru a donkey ?)etc. It's an exciting journey. I think God wants to see our obedience and trust in Him where he wants to take us. Because of Joseph's obedience, he as a father provided a safe place for Jesus to live in.

Also, I think that God sometimes don't show us the whole detailed picture... like who you are going to marry, how are you going to get out of this trouble, or which job you are going to have, etc.I think that he wants us to trust in Him, for His guidance, and to learn to hear His voice. If God did really show me every single thing I should do, I think that life would be a like boring set of instructions a recipe  ( oh speaking of recipe, I made Yang Zhou fried rice today too ... my sister thought it was yum ^^  )

Visa update

E-Business Systems

Application Status Application General Skilled Migration -     24/09/2010 Application received - processing commenced    24/09/2010 Application fee received    22/10/2010 Application being processed further Person 1 Wei Chea Tan Date of birth:     Passport No:    24/09/2010 Health requirements outstanding    24/09/2010 Medical examination required    24/09/2010 Chest X-Ray report required    24/09/2010 Chest X-Ray film required    24/09/2010 HIV blood test required I have  been checking my visa process recently and it seemed to have proceeded to the next stage!!

uptown doggie .

I heard that there's a new uptown girl dog in JB !!

can't wait to meet her =D

but that will be like in 2 months time ! 

oh well, anyway,I'm really looking forward to meet the pretty dog.

worried

I'm just worried of you....hope everything goes well for you. hugs

an incidnet at the gym

Yesterday was one of those days that you wonder what would happen if you weren't smart and calm enough to find a way out....lol (full of myself eh?)

Last night at the gym I was working out with Venod, my gym buddy. When it was about 3.50 I quickily went to shower knowing that the gym was going to close and that I had to prepare to go for worship practise soon as it starts at 4.15pm.

I met one of the staff members changing in the gym and asked him if its ok for me to shower now as its almost approaching 4.00.

He said it's fine and asked me to take my time.

Before that I was joking with Venod saying that "man, its nearly 4. I hope I don't get locked up in the gym since its nearly 4pm (closing time) and that just happened to be the case.

I was showering and singing some song when suddenly everything went pitch black. Could feel a cold sweat running down me even though there were water coming down from the shower. My heart skipped a beat knowing of the fear that I was locked in the gym....... and I was.

I learned to appreciate the lights in any toilet from that day on as I struggled to dress up, probably wearing my underwear inside out or something. I also had to feel my way out of the toilet which was just scary. A couple of knocks on my knees and arms but I made it out, just to find another pitch dark environment. All I had was the light on my watch to show the way.

I panicked for a second when I wondered if I brought my phone with me, and relieved when I touched it at the bottom of my bag. I called Venod who was suppose to wait for me before he left. He told me he'l come back for me.

While waiting I searched around to see if i could find an exit. Suddenly, I heard a long high pitch and monotonous sound. I sighed as I realised I triggered the gym's alarm. I jumped onto one of the nearest sofa, putting both palms of my hands to my ears, knowing that I am going to be trapped inside a building with insanely loud alarm.... and it went off.

As I sat there wondering what I'm going to do now, I saw an amazing light! It seemed that a board saying "Jesus" was printed on top of where I was looking at. I rubbed my eyes and realised it said " EXIT" instead. I ran over there and saw an emergency exit sign and quickly turn the knob.

If u have seen those movies where some people who found treasures and that amazing light the shown right out from the chest, that's how it was for me. The evening sun shined straight at me as I open the exit door and I was free!!

Anyway I wrote a complain letter and called the people out today as a concern of the way how they dealt with it. Maybe they'll give me a month's free membership for this incident. LOL.. but it's just one of those days...

first time worship leading

First time worship leading in church...

Not nervous or anything yet. 

But I think that I would definitely need a good rehearsal tomorrow.

Especially for a team I haven't played with or heard playing together before.

Guest speaker coming on sunday to GAA,

and pastor Alfred has step down from church....

I hope GAA will be able to pull it together this Sunday.

The Man Who Loves Food

This guy here loves food.

Best part is he isn't picky about them.

Loves it simple and with LOADS of tomatoes.

Loves pasta.

Loves cheese.

Love beef.

Love this man who loves it simple.

My love...

I am in so love with her...

The more I know more about her, the more I'm attracted to her.

There's so much potential in her for so many awesome things that she can do in the future.

And she's also beautiful LOL! Apparently my sister says she's too good for me lol.

I'm so in love with her.

The 3 Phases of Long Distance Relationship

There are three emotional phases (Protest, Depression and Detachment) that all of long distance lovers goes each time we go apart again.

It is not only me and you and all the people that are living a
Long Distance Relationship, that goes by the Protest, Depression
and Detachment emotional phases, each time we go apart again.

Dr. Gregory Guldner, of the National Institute for Building Long
Distance Relationships, shows in his book that puppies also "feel" the same as us.

According to Dr. Guldner, "Although it's difficult to
apply conclusions from research done on animals to the emotions
described in humans, I've found that the reactions of the pups
are strikingly similar to the reactions of many of those in LDRs."

And he continues, "When the researchers removed the mother dog
from the kennel, the pups began to protest. They cried and ran
around the kennel sometimes for hours and even days. Eventually the
pups stopped protesting, but they began to behave as if they
were depressed. They slept poorly, they lost their appetites, they
stopped playing with toys in the kennel, they lost weight,
and they withdrew from other dogs."

And more, "This pattern of protesting the separation, then
behaving depressed, then developing some emotional distance, seemed
to represent the usual reaction of the pups to separation.
Because these reactions occur very early in the lives of the pups,
there is good reason to believe that the sequence of emotions may
even be programmed to help them survive."

And he states that, " Researchers speculate that the sequence of
separation, protest, depression, and detachment may reflect an
almost automatic protective reflex in many mammals. How much of
this reflex remains in us humans we don't know, but I think it
unlikely that we have managed to escape it entirely. More likely,
the emotional reactions remain, but we have learned to change the
behavior they evoke."
"But the emotional triggers that cause the pups to cry for days,
and us to feel saddened by our partner's departure, remain deeply
ingrained."

And as I told you in previous post, it's a fact that no matter how many
times you go by the experience of separation again and again, nothing
eliminates this three phases. The only thing you can do is to realize their
existence, understand each phase, and take action so you can make
this experience more "soft".

And the advice's I am going to give you, comes from my personal
experience, and from the help of 2 fantastic books, (you can find
their references, at the end of this post) that I did buy, read
and apply, that did in fact help me a lot living again and again
the experience of being apart again and again.


So my advice's to help you in the phase of Protest (when you fight
against the separation in all the ways you can) are:

- Spend the morning or afternoon before your beloved leaves, with
friends. Do something active, to keep your minds "off" of that
moment, and avoid being alone, crying all the time.

- Don't focus on the pain of being apart again, focus on the
pleasure. How bliss you are for loving and be loved. And you will
not be apart forever.

- If it is too hard for you to take your beloved at the departure
place, like to the airport, and stay together as long as possible,
then either say goodbye at your home and let your beloved take a taxi
to the airport, or take your beloved at airport but say goodbye in the
car.


My advice's to help you in the phase of Depression are:

- Let out the emotions, cry, scream. Give permission yourself to be
"depressed"(but not for long time!), but please please please don't
make yourself miserable.

- Surround yourself with friends and family that can give you all
the support you need, and don't be alone at your room crying all
time.

- Go to work, go to gym, set goals like getting in shape, and stay
active. Go to a comedy movie to make you laugh!

- Don't focus on how long your beloved will be away. Take comfort
in the fact that you are not really alone, only separated by space.


My advices to the phase of Detachment are:

- Detach yourself of the "pain" of being apart again, but please
don't detach from your beloved. Keep strong communication with your
beloved. Nowadays we are so lucky to have all the technology to
make staying in touch so easy, like phone, text messaging, email,
faxes, web cams, etc.

- Don't make the separation between you and your beloved an
obstacle, see as an opportunity to grow.


My Dear Lover, face your feelings, understand them and learn to live
with them.
I know it is easier to speak than do, because to me, one of the most
difficult things in a Long Distance Relationship, is this emotional
phases of separation.

But I am learning, and getting better each time, and very soon it
will arrive the time when there will be no more go away again.
And the same will happen to you.

Be strong , you are not ALONE!!!



P.S. this is a COPY AND PASTE from HERE.

reveal it !

Felt a little jealous today when my friend proudly said that he got a job that pays 50k a year (quite high for a graduation pay in Auckland), where he'll also be provided with a car and free phone (unlimited calls). He also said that this was his second attempt to look for a job and his first interview. and he hasn't even graduated yet!
no money
Where are you leading me God? I have been trying hard.. you have shut door after door. I have doubted You a few months before for a very tiny period, but I will trust You to provide for me. I know you will provide me a job that I'm interested in, that can lead me down paths that I won't be able to see at the moment. I believe that you're leading me somewhere...but where Lord? I think it'll be good to reveal it soon LOL...come on papa Jesus, show me the money! (not literally just money, but you know what I mean)

Also, please provide me a place that I'll be able to be with Ai. We might be apart another year if I don't get my working visa especially since my university is not even recognised in the list of recognised universities) You can stretch us, but please not till we're pull apart , ok ? deal ? lol.

I have been patiently waiting. I know things will work according to your time, but please reveal your plans soon Father...

aiyuen or aiyuan ?

Ok, I know that I'll get into deep trouble because of this incident...

Today I locked myself out of the computer at work...All because I was typing my password wrong the whole time!

It had something like "aiYuen" there....but I spelt the original password as "aiYuan". I kept on typing aiYuan wondering what was the reason I couldn't log into my computer. Finally, I got locked out because of too many attempts...sigh.

Hopefully someone can help me unlock it tomorrow.lol.

who's that girl on your phone?

I have never had a picture of a girl on my phone....!

I just realised the 'power' of having a picture of someone you love on your phone! Especially if she looks amazingly stunning in that picture.

It gives me motivation..

It gives me inspiration..

It gives me fuzzy feelings.

It makes me work harder.

It makes me smile.

It makes me look toward the future with anticipation.

It makes me show her off to friends when i'm using my phone.

It reminds me that I'm bless...

Recipes!!!

I've been subscribing to this recipe lady and have been collecting recipes..

hehe

why?

so i'll take the time to learn how to cook when i go over to Auck!!!

i have 31 recipes and counting!!

woohoo

MEATBALLS BAKED IN THE OVEN The easiest way to make a bunch of meatballs is by baking them in the oven.  They come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.  This simple meatballs recipe also makes them flavorful without being overpowering with the spices.  Totally Picky-Eater-Friendly.

HERE'S ALL IT TAKES

• 1 pound fresh lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• 1 fresh egg
• 6 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs or crushed soda crackers
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Heat oven to 400ºF.  Generously grease a 12 x 17-inch sheet pan with olive oil or regular cooking oil.

In a mixing bowl, combine the meat with all the ingredients.  Use your clean hand to incorporate all the ingredients well.  Using  a 1-inch cookie dough scooper, scoop out meatballs onto the greased sheet pan. Space about an inch apart.

Bake for 20 minutes until light brown.  Remove quickly from pan with a metal spatula.
They taste great eaten on their own. Of course, I threw mine in a pot of fresh tomato sauce and let them simmer together for about 10 minutes. That made for one AWESOME spaghetti dinner.

CREAMY, CHEESY BROCCOLI RICE RECIPE

This cheesy broccoli and rice recipe was a BIG HIT with the family.  It made a perfect side to a batch of crispy, chicken.  It, also, made a filling vegetarian lunch the next day.  I thought it was even better the next day.

HERE'S ALL IT TAKES
makes 4 to 6 servings

First, fill a large saucepan with water, set to boil over medium-high heat for blanching the broccoli.

Then, get the rice started.

• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons oil
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
• 2 cups hot water

In a medium saucepan, lightly brown rice and sliced garlic in oil for 3 to 5 minutes on medium heat; constantly stirring.  Add hot water, stir; cover with lid.  Reduce heat to low and cook 12 minutes, or until water is absorbed.
PREHEAT OVEN 400ºF. Grease 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan.
While you're waiting for the rice to absorb the water,
blanch the broccoli.

• 3 small to medium crowns of broccoli, cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces

Blanch 4 minutes in boiling water.  Use a slotted spoon to lift out broccoli to a strainer set over a bowl to drain.  Allow broccoli to cool enough to handle.  Roughly chop into small pieces about 3/4 to 1-inch in size. Transfer to large mixing bowl.
Bring it all together.

• 2 1/2 cups cooked rice from above
• 1 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup Monterrey jack cheese, grated
• 1 (12 ounce) can CARNATION Evaporated Milk
• 2 tablespoons  yellow onion, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Measure out the rice. (You'll have leftover rice.)
In the mixing bowl with the broccoli, add measured rice, 1 cup cheddar, all the jack cheese, evaporated milk, onion, salt and pepper.  Transfer to 8-inch pan.  Top with remaining cheddar.
Bake 20 minutes.

LOADED POTATO POTLUCK FAVORITE

This is the creamiest potato recipe I have ever made. In all my years growing up, watching my Memaw add evaporated milk to her recipes, I never put the two together.  It was the secret ingredient that wasn't really a secret at all.  Memaw knew; she kept several cans of evaporated milk in her pantry year round.

Makes 16 servings.

• 8 medium potatoes (about 2 1/2 to 3 lb. total), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup evaporated milk
  
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2 cups (8-oz. pkg.) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled, divided
• Sliced green onions (optional)

Place potatoes in large saucepan.  Cover with water; bring to a boil.  Cook over medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender; drain.
Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Grease 3-quart casserole dish.

Return potatoes to saucepan; add evaporated milk, sour cream, salt and pepper.  Beat with hand held mixer or mash by hand until smooth.  Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese and half of bacon.  Spoon mixture into prepared casserole dish.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.  Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, remaining bacon and green onions.  Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

COOK'S NOTES

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated.  Cover with foil and bake at 350ºF for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated.  Uncover; top with cheese, bacon and green onions; bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

 yum yumz... =)