Day 15- THE Phrase

"Lord Jesus, I accept You as my personal Lord and Saviour".
That phrase has changed my life. I'd like to be dramatic and say that it changed my life the moment I uttered it, but it didn't. But life certainly has changed ever since Jesus came into my life. My perspective of life, life's purpose, the people around me, the things that I do. Now all of them have meaning. They're all fulfilling. 
********Life hasn't been any easier with You, You know. Actually it's been harder. I've been through failure- twice. My hopes were crushed. Circumstances prevented me from going to church. I struggle with a lot more things now; like aspects of my character which are not pleasing to You, and even church.  
But You have brought me through them all. You have showed me what faithfulness is. You taught me the meaning of unconditional love and acceptance. You have been my friend. You were there when I cried my heart out over my breakup with Ken. You were there when I failed miserably in Engineering. You were there when I almost had to transfer out of Monash. 
More importantly, You're still here in my life, right now. Seeing me through all the moments. And the best part is, You know how I feel, perfectly. I don't need to struggle for words to express how I truly feel. Or to hold those tears back so I can form coherent sentences. The countless times I have 'abandoned' You for other things, You took me back into Your arms without making me feel small. You're full of grace. And now I truly understand the lyrics of that song:-

It's Your kindness Lord, that leads us to repentance.Your favor Lord, is our desireIt's your beauty LordThat makes us stand in silenceYour love, Your love, is better than life
We can feelYour mercy fallingYou are turning our hearts back againHear out praises rise to heavenDraw us near LordMeet us here

Yes Father. Your love and kindness leads me to repentance. You're like a Dad I never had. Haih. Tearing as I blog this out. I really love You lah Dad. Like super. Sometimes I think it's so hard being a Christian, but I can never, and would not want to picture a life without You. I know I'm far from being the ideal Christian, but I wanna thank You for the journey that You're walking through with me. You have never failed to amaze me, time and time again. (: 
p/s: That's my letter to You (: Finally. Heh. pp/s: I pray that You build me up to become the woman You want me to be. 

Day 14- Best Mashup!

Here's "How Six Songs Collide" by Norwegian Recycling. Without a doubt, this is the best mashup I've heard. (:
From the title, you can already tell what songs are being mashed up :P
Enjoy! (:

Day 13- Something Funny

Well. More specifically, the challenge today is a memory that always makes me laugh.
I don't know. Probably about everything and anything that Andrew Chua does. His pranks. HAHA. Too bad I don't have pictures :(

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On a random note...

Hello! :D

I felt pretty today, so I quickly snapped a picture of myself before heading off to class. :D

p/s: Have a to-do list tonight! Shall cross off as I'm done doing it. Doubt I'll finish all by tonight :( 

• Clean up room
• Readings for Week 1
• Readings for Youth Media, MCP & Global Cultures Week 2
• Shopping! :D 
• Create sticky notes for photoshop tutorials

Day 12- Musical Artist's Life Story

So. He's not my favourite musical artist, but I think his life story is pretty inspiring. I don't know. Like. He used music to pour out his emotions when tragedy struck, and in turn that music has I guess touched many others as well. And how he managed to get up again despite all these circumstances. 
Here's to you: Steven Curtis Chapman. 

Steven Curtis Chapman- Google images.

Day 11- Best Self-Shot

I don't know if this qualifies as a self-shot, since it's not just a picture of me, but hey. I LIKE IT! :D

I'm on the left, in case you don't know.

From the photo, you can tell:
1. I like yellow tops.
2. I look good in short hair.
3. I hang out in the 'aquarium'. A lot.
4. I have small eyes.
5. My picture angle is always from the right.
6. I look good with a fringe; side parting.
7. I think I have a good complexion.
8. I'm a girl.
9. I have a small face.
10. Did I mention that I'm pretty? HAHAHA.

p/s: I feel so blonde now. Sigh.
pp/s: I bought new clothes from Kitschen! So satisfied. :D 

Day 10- Dreams

They say dreams reflect your innermost desires. And this has been mine for the past month:-

Boston College. I dreamed of stepping into Gasson Hall, not knowing anyone but relying on God to lead me to trustworthy people- people who will be my best friends for the whole year that I am there. 

I dreamed of big lecture halls; amazing lecturers; interesting tutorials; and getting good grades during my semesters there. I dreamed of a jaw-dropping library that holds thousands of books on sturdy wooden bookcases, old and new, classics and contemporaries; books that I would just borrow and read every night.

I dreamed that I sneaked into music lectures to secretly learn jazz; and that I sneaked into the practice rooms just to run my fingers across the piano; playing familiar melodies in which I will lose myself in. I dreamed that it is in this room in which I will meet my future husband- a law student, fellow musician, and a godly man who lives for God. He is tall, has broad shoulders, and smells nice, and is intelligent and wise beyond his years. He loves reading, and we would sit beneath the huge tree outside BC and read different books- him leaning on the tree bark, and me lying down on his stomach. Other times, he would play football, and I'd look up from my book, time-to-time, just to admire him from afar.

I dreamed that I would have a nice roommate- a girl who is tidy; talkative; fun; kind; and that we would have 'sleepovers' every night, talking about boys, love, life, and our futures. I dreamed that we would always visit Boston City; going for musicals; and constantly being in awe of the richness of its history. I dreamed that I would work part-time in a diner and buy clothes and shoes with the money I earned. 

I dreamed of a church, not too far away from BC that is in need of a pianist. 

I dreamed that I will be actively involved in the student ministry in BC; developing a passion for students there and the United States as a whole.

I dreamed that I will have a deeper relationship with God while I'm there; knowing God in such an intimate way that I never imagined I could have. I dreamed that it is there that God tells me what His plans are for me in the future; who He intends for me to marry; and what ministry He wants me to be involved in; as well as the country I'd settle down in, be it Malaysia or the US.

I dreamed that I will form amazing friendships, and that we'll have road trips together; go to Disneyland during the summer; laze around in fields in spring; take walks underneath the autumn leaves falling; and have snowball fights in winter.

I dreamed that I will spend Christmas there, a white one, and enjoy a Christmas atmosphere I've never experienced before. I remember dreaming that I'd come home to Malaysia, feeling excited, because I knew that it wouldn't be long before I went back to the States again (: 

BC atop Chestnut Hill; overlooking Chestnut Hill Reservoir

<3

BC during Winter (:

Autumn in BC

Day 9- I Pray for Change In

Malaysia; for clean elections, for good people to be elected into the government; people with hearts, passion and compassion for the people of Malaysia; for transparency; for a mutual understanding and respect between all citizens; for fairness in the justice system; and more importantly, for God-fearing men to lead the country.

Myself; to be more real in my Christian life; to learn how to see things from a different perspective; to have more love for the people around me; to be less selfish and more selfless; to be humble, submissive, and to approach all things in humility; for a stronger passion for Jesus; for a deeper love for my country; for a more compassionate spirit; and more importantly, to grow to become a woman after God's own heart.

Churches; to be more relevant to society; to care more for its people; to not have a
church-y/building-ish attitude towards Christianity; to challenge Christians to be set apart from the world; to challenge Christians to be practical in today's world; to challenge Christians to be more real in their circles; to be more supportive for missions; to have a stronger passion to intercede, to pray, and to support change in the country; and more importantly, to always remember that God is the head of the church, and that we serve God, not the church, and not men.

United States; to have a spiritual revival; for a decrease in immorality; for more bold Christians to stand up and stand out to make a difference in the country; for economic growth; to be a leader not only in economics or politics, but also in Christian spirituality; and more importantly, for them to remember that they can ignite good change all over the world with the power that they have.

Day 8- Presidential Material

I think this person would make an amazing president.

She's super awesome right!

Nuff' said.

Day 7- Favourite Cover

....of my favourite song. I don't have any favourite songs, but I'm currently into Youtube singers! Like Cathy Nguyen, AJ Rafael, Tyler Ward, Julia Sheer, and of course, Jayesslee! :D

(Check them out! Click on their names! (: )

So. I think I shall post up a few covers that I realllyyyy like (:

Day 6- The Earliest Memory

Was probably memories of my mom spending time with me. At that time, I was the only child, meaning that I should be about 4 years old, or younger. Mom taught me how to ride a bike, she played jigsaw puzzles with me, and fixed Lego with me as well. She got me Play-Doh, and we would make all kinds of weird concoctions. She bought those Barney tapes, and also Sesame Street and KidSongs, and I'd watch them endlessly.

It's odd. I never remembered having my dad around. He was there to provide. But I guess that's about it. And I always longed to have an older brother/protective father figure. One who would continuously support me in all that I do. And never lose faith in me.

Hm. I hope the guy that I marry next time wouldn't be shy to show his love and affections for his kids. (:

Day 5- Letter to You

Hey Gene,

Just wanted to say thanks (: You've been my role model, my mentor at times, my boyfriend, and most importantly, a best friend to me. You listened to my thoughts, and never once judged me although you had plenty of reasons to. You patiently guided me, even when I was in my worst of moods. You got your points across in a nice manner, helping me understand the other side of things, although it took you a long time. And you did that too, even when you had other obligations to fulfill. You taught me what unconditional love is.

In honest truth, you do complement me in some ways. Like the way we think. Our perspectives differ hugely, it even seems like we think in two different extremes. But I guess, it opens up my perspective on things.

You're a great cell leader. You care for your guys so much, it inspires me to do the same. To not just care about their spiritual growth, but to make sure they grow up to become real men who will benefit society later on in life.

I'm really sorry for all the times I hurt you, or brushed you aside, or made you feel unimportant. And I guess above all, I'm sorry that we didn't make it past 1 1/2 years. We've come so far in our lives with each other, and it's still weird trying to adjust to not having you in my life anymore. At least, not as a boyfriend. I do miss you. But all the same, I appreciate our friendship that we have now. It's definitely at a deeper level, and I hope to see you mature into a great guy as well. (:

p/s: The topic for today is actually "a thank you letter to someone who has changed your life". So Gene, this is for you, and yes, you've changed my life (':

pp/s: I'd like to write a letter to Jesus as well, but I'll save that for another day. I've written Him quite a few letters, and the best part is I don't need to crack my head to find suitable words that will convey my message accurately, for He knows. (: Wait for my letter Jesus!

Day 4- Paradise

Music + beautiful scenery (?) + wonderful people + amazing food + lamb & pork + Jesus + handsome MEN + my family + friends + cute animals

Cannot find a picture. Maybe I'll draw it one day. HAHA!

p/s: This is a very slipshod post because I just came back and I feel quite lazy to think now, so I'll edit this tomorrow and post up a better one. Hopefully with a picture :D 

Day 3- Songs for the Desert Island Trip!

I hate doing song playlists! Because a lot of my songs are instrumental kinds, and they're not like funky funky ones. So I really don't know what to choose. :/

1. I Feel Good by James Brown
Yeap. The one that was constantly played on ntv7 :P I mean. A deserted island. Uninhabited by anyone. I need to constantly uplift myself and remind myself that I FEEL GOOD YO!

2. Jar Of Hearts by Christina Perri
Emo song. Just because it suits the whole desert island scene. Perfect for an MV!

3. Pirates of the Carribean soundtrack
Just because I might want to do a bit of role-playing with my own self. Then I have some theme song to accompany me when I'm pretending that I'm some swashbuckling pirate on an island.
ARRRR!

4. A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton
To remind me of what I'm missing back home in the city. BTW. I'm a city girl. I don't like going to Langkawi and whatnot with nothing to do, except being surrounded in awe of nature =.= NYC YO!

5. Blessed Be Your Name/ Trading My Sorrows/ Still
Self explanatory! :D

On a random note. my favourite worship song of all time is The Heart of Worship. It really resonates within me. Maybe cos I identified with Matt Redman about worship and all.
Boy did I learn my lesson ever since. (:

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On another random note...

So, my heart really bleeds. It bleeds for the Myanmarese guy who sells spicy chicken thigh at Monash.

I always buying spicy chicken thigh (yes, again!) from this guy, and he always gives me a really nice smile. So I chatted with him yesterday and I found out that he goes to this Myanmarese church somewhere in Sunway, and today I found out that sometimes he goes to pray in FGA. Woah so far.

But that's besides the point.

He's always so cheerful lor, besides the fact that he's been away from Myanmar for 5 years, doing a menial job (which may not be the only one), leaving his family back home in Myanmar and all. Yet he seems to take every day with this stride that comes with such joy that radiates from him. Really lah. Every time I buy something from him, my heart aches. It aches for all the other Myanmarese refugees and all who come to Malaysia and work so hard, learn to adapt so quickly, and yet, are still content with what they have.

<3- heartbreak. 

So yeah. I really like this Myanmarese guy. I would love to be able to sit down, buy him a drink and just listen to his stories, or whatever he wants to tell me. Or just treat him to a nice lunch or something. And introduce him to many of my other awesome friends.

And he blessed me with extra bits of chicken! Man. I feel like tearing up. :'(
That aside. I was really blessed, even by talking to him. The little random blessings in life. (:

p/s: To all Monash-ians who buy snacks from the aunty, try talking to him sometimes. I think it might really make his day, and it will really teach us a lesson, and bless both parties in some way or another (: 

Day 2- Inspiration

Music. Perhaps its the deep love that I have for music ever since I was a little girl. Perhaps its the sweet sounding melodies that seem to be created, just by mashing a couple of notes together in harmony. Perhaps its the hope that one day, I'll be able to make music like that too. Teaching the world the beauty of music, and the serenity that it brings. It inspires me to be fluid, to experiment and to not hold back, in order to create something so perfect, even perfect dissonance. It reminds me that each piece is a story in itself, unfolding into another different story each time it is played. The stories of the composer, and of the performers. It reminds me that each composition is uniquely made; alive. It reminds me that stories, although they sound the same, are unique in their own way.

People. People with a passion for the small things in life. And also people who truly fight for what they believe in. I'm not meaning those who aspire to become big politicians or businessmen, or famous artists. I mean the people you see everyday, who have a passion for their jobs to do it well. Or people who truly care for the needy. Or people who befriend the un-befriended. Or the janitor who smiles when cleaning toilets, or the cheerful Myanmarese guy who sells spicy chicken thigh at Monash. Or my lecturer who constantly goes out into the roads to rally in hopes of changing the country, although there's the chances of imprisonment. They inspire me to excel in the things that I do; even if it seems degrading or lowly to others. They inspire me to truly think about what is important at any point of my life. Even if I am just a student. They constantly challenge me on how I can make the most (and best) out of my Christian life in Monash. They teach me how to fight for what I believe in, and to fight for it till the end.

Matthew Lee. You will always be remembered. You were only 15. You had leukemia. Yet, you faced life with such joy and hope. Happiness which overflowed from yourself into others. Being the best friend you could be for those around you because you wanted to make the most out of your life at 15. You constantly looked puffy and pale, and had to wear long sleeved shirts because of the chemo. But that was secondary to you. You wanted to finish PMR and make your parents proud of you. You constantly looked at the good things in life instead of the life that you could have, one without leukemia. I'm sorry I didn't go for your funeral- it's something I've regretted ever since, and it's too late for you to know this; but know that you inspired me a whole lot. (':

Jesus. Because You inspire me to become like You. To love wholeheartedly, in all selflessness; to be genuine and real; to care for those uncared for or outcasted by others, even if it means being an outcast yourself. Because You teach me the importance of humility and of love.

More importantly, because You love me for who I am, although I'm not worthy of that unfailing love. And you remind me to do the same. (':

Day 1- Guilty Pleasure

So there I was, proclaiming loudly and publicly on Facebook that I didn't have any.
Guilty pleasures, that is. Funny thing is, I didn't really have to crack my brain for this. It was one of those random thoughts that pop up for absolutely no reason. And they don't serve any purpose in my life also.

Just like my dreams. But will leave that for some other time.

Presenting:- Lindley's Guilty Pleasure #1

It's not porn okay!

Actually right. I didn't really understand what a guilty pleasure was, so I Wiki-ed it.

A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it.

So. Romance books. I really love them. I know it's all shallow, and the plots are always so predictable, but I love it. Actually I can just have a whole romance book marathon, reading trilogy after trilogy. Man. The best are the Highlander romance books. Ah. Muscular, a little rough, not gentlemanly, innovative, heroic, chivalrous, but *le sigh* SO MAN AH!

Guys today. Super cannot make it one.

Guilty Pleasure #2- Hannah Montana & Family Guy

I SUPER LOVE HANNAH MONTANA. Actually the songs are pretty catchy too.
That's it lah. My popularity gone already. HAHA.

If you watch Family Guy, you'll know that there's a lot of crude humour involved. I don't really like other shows like HIMYM and all, but Family Guy is THE BOMB!

People always tell me it's crude humour in Family Guy. Very low class one. And when it finally hit me, I was depressed. I like crude humour after all :(

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Come to think of it right. I think I have like, super a lot of guilty pleasures one lor. 

Maybe the term 'guilty pleasure' isn't accurate, but let's go along with the whole "feeling guilty for enjoying something".

4. Pan Mee

DID I TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE PAN MEE. 

DID I.

DID I.

DIDDDDD IIIIIIIIII.

Super love. So every time you go out with me, don't ask me where to eat. I'll say pan mee. Then the nice obliging people around me will be "Okay, let's go" but inside they'll be like WHAT! AGAIN. NONSENSE. 

Ask Wilson. 

So yea. I feel super guilty when I eat pan mee one. Cos I know that I always that until people are so sien already. Then they never ask me where to eat anymore.

(Partly because I cannot decide where to eat also lah. HAHA.)

5. Sarcasm

Not that I'm super sarcastic. But I love shooting people down. Especially boys. So fun. HAHA. 

And no, it does not make me feel empowered and all that feminism nonsense. 

I just enjoy it.
Jesting, you call it. :D

6. Random reading on Wiki

Because it is a waste of time. Because the things I read don't really serve any purpose in life one. Like about the Knights Templar. Or Geishas. Or list of converts from Christianity to Muslim. 

HAHA. 

But I enjoy it! And people always give me a weird look one when I say I do random reading on Wiki :( 

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Woah. I just realized that I like to talk about myself. Talk about being vain. Actually got a lot more guilty pleasures one. So. Ask me about it. HAHA. 

p/s: I secretly enjoy attention. Another guilty pleasure :( And I love talking about boys. HAHA!