The city of sin and beyond

2 Tim 2:12 - If we are faithless, He remains faithful for he cannot disown himself.

Amen to that as I can fully say I experience this wholesomely throughout the past 6 weeks of my stay in USA.

Even when I found convenient excuses to skip QT, He remained faithful. Even when I easily forget to say grace before my meal, He was faithful. Even when I disobeyed and sinned, He continued being faithful.

He calms my fears, He sees that the Devil do not come and take control of my soul, He makes sure that everything is right on track so that the whole trip is safe and fruitful. Just because I am merely man and He is God.

I am back from the city of Sin, and if you've been there,it really DUH to see why it is called the city of sin. The seven sins as we known are magnified in Las Vegas.But many people argued that this is the culture of that city.

Las Vegas has numerous hotels and each of their lobby is a casino. So either you can gratify your "gluttony" sin by tucking in to their buffets, satisfy your "greed" and "envy" sin by gambling. You can also give in to your " lust " sin by going to strip clubs, switching on your hotel rooms' tv to watch porn or call any of the flyers handed out to you as you walked along the streets.

Yes, it is truly a city of sin, but I still appreciate the kind trolley driver who brought us around, the hotel staff who were so helpful and the city itself for giving a fantabulous time.






Apart of Vegas, this trip also brought me to one of the world's seven wonders- Grand Canyon.



And I hope everyone back home is doing fine. Can someone please please post an entry of the baptism and worship conference?

I will be home soon :D

As I was working out at the gym this morning, I caught sight of many young kids who are in summer camps now. Okay, I admit... I purposely did the cross trainer right infront of the rock wall so as to see the children in action.

My friends who are in USA with me call me paedophilic... haha... but i do love my Tanglin Halt kids alot. Seeing those children in their summer camp reminded me alot of the Tanglin Halt camps where the children comes in different characteristics and looks, but one thing : nothing can match their innocence.

The lack of updates in this blog can be attributed to my dislike for technology. I am not a blogger by nature and this blog was started so as to keep accountable to the SYTs back home. I prefer writing by hand and it's only in my own personal writing then can I pen down the deepest feelings and emotions. The blogosphere is just too transparent and too intimdating for a private writer like me.

Nonetheless, as I was sorting out my photos yesterday, I realised that I have left home for about a month. I have been in Los Angeles for about 3 weeks already and week after week have been filled with activities. I have visited two churches in the last two sundays and it really reassures me that no matter where we are, we worship the one same true God. Standing in church, praising Him, worshipping Him with our hands lifted high has never felt better. It was a refreshing touch to go to church in US. Thank God for bringing me Christians as well as a church. I miss my close relationship with Him but I know that He is with me no matter where I go.

So, an update of what I have been doing so far :







Picture 1 & 2: At universal studios. It was really fun, chiong-ing around sitting all the different thrill rides.

Picture 3 &4 :At LA getty mueseum which is free for all visitors. This mueseum is fantastic as it is situated beautifully admist mountains and the landscape itself is so beautiful. When I visited, they were showcasing " Cruxification" as one of their art pieces. Very enchanting oil pieces.

Picture 5: I did a very embarrassing thing by going onto LA national TV. I was at the red carpet premier of "hairspray" that stars John Travolta, Zac Efron, Michelle Pieffer, Amanda Bynes and Queen Latifah. Honestly, I only like John Travolta but when Zac Efron came out, I just joined in the shouting. And I got all their signatures because I was acting so groupie. How embarrassing can this get, considering that celeb journ was never one of my forte.

And a shout-out to all my SYTs down there, I have received the Sunday Times and holding it in its phyiscal form never felt any better. I may have good Sunday Times everyday. But what beats Sunday Times and just my own home news?

You girls rock. And I pray that God will renew you and us through this baptism and you will blessed others in the worship conference.

Thank you:)

Worship 2007

As mentioned in my previous post, Worship 07 is coming soon and the SYTs left in S'pore so far has embarked on their journey to learn to worship God with flags, tambourines and streamers.

Date: 20th July 2007
Time: 7pm
Venue: COR Worship Hall

For more info, please go to http://worshipconference.blogspot.com/

If you're interested or have any query, pls approach any of the SYT or tag it!

SYTs: Add on if I forgot anything. Thanks!


From: Esther Neo

A starry-studded afternoon

How many times in your life can you say " I am going to Hollywood after school".

I find it pretty amusing that this is what I told my mum and sis where I will be going after lessons today.

I had a fun time in Hollywood today, not that I see any mega stars but I finally went to the Walk of Fame and go close up with the handprints of the people who graced the big movie screens. I respect their profession but I am not one of those who will go insane over them. It was exciting nonetheless.

And for xinjie, how spot on can you get? I was really filmed in Hollywood today. We were walking along Hollywood streets and there were people shooting a movie. It was so cool watching them do those scenes as it reminded me of my film course in CS and later when we walked back they waved at us and kind of beckoned us to look into the cameras.The camera then started panning and following us!I think that they are filming cut-aways to fit in between shots, but who cares, we are on a Hollywood movie. We were all so busy smoothing our hair, it was so hilarious at that moment. I do not recognise the actors by the way, but does it matter? It's Hollywood! Haha.

And Hollywood will be holding the opening of Harry Potter premier. The child actors will all be coming to LA to put their handprints, footprints and WANDPRINTS on Hollywood walkway. How cute can that get!

After Hollywood, we went to this famous American diner- International House of Pancakes. As the name suggests, everything was pancake. This is what we ordered but I only finished one-third of mine as it was too sweet. Mine is the wholemeal brown pancakes with blueberry( I just had to choose the healthier version). And my amazing three friends, polished up their plates while I died from instant-diabeties setback on my seat. However , as compared to Sydney's Pancakes on the rocks, this is way far from it.

America has such a culture where tipping is like a norm. It annoys me as the servers only are nice to you at the instant where you are ordering and paying but after that, they become a totally different person. It seemed forced that they try to put on good service.

A little update about my normal life. I have been going jogging in the morning around my neighbourhood because the weather is just so pretty at that time. A most embarrassing thing happened today and I tripped and fell flat on the pavement. The people in the car zooming by must be having a good morning joke about me.

I miss Singapore food. I miss Tau Huey especially, my favorite food in the world. The last one I ate was at Tanglin Halt!

Song of the Season

If you hear a song playing when you open this blog, this is the opening song for Worship07. This is to share with Jing and others who might not have heard of this song before.

I don't know if you all can see the embedded player cos I can't. Anyway, this song will be removed once Worship07 is over cos I think you all should know right?

Enjoy and please do come, do come for it.

Majesty
by Planet Shakers
from Arise (2006)

Rising
I feel my heart sing
Praises our Lord and King
The wonder, the majesty
Welcome the King of Glory in

Every tribe and tongue
Every land will sing Your praise
To the end of time we sing
Majesty

All majesty
To the God of creation
All majesty
God of all generations
This anthem we sing
To the God of all nations
All majesty
We sing

From: Esther Neo

Praise be to my Father alone

Every morning, I will switched my Sim card over to my Singapore number to check the daily messages that you girls sent me. I have just finished doing QT and my phone started beeping with your daily word, I thank God for you girls.

Today was extra special as a Tanglin Halt kid send me this message : " I have a question for you. If Jane has 28 apples and she bought them at 45 cents each, how much does she has to pay? And, why were you not at tuition yesterday?"

Just this little thing warms my heart and added some colour to my morning.

I was feeling far from God in the past few days as I settled into LA and was caught in the busy-ness of school, checking out their transportation, washing clothes, losing myself in the big campus etc etc. I can rattle off thousand of things that take my time, but I know there are no excuses to just spend time with God. If you can go to the supermarket to get your food, what's with the time spending with His word which is the bread of life. This morning, I had a fruitful time with the Lord and He spoke so much to me that it made me ashamed but loved at the same time.

I have already been in LA for the past three days and school has been alright. The usual American school with all the sports culture and what not. What really caught my interest is the nice old buildings though.

The last day before I left for LA, I was in San Fran Gay Pride Parade. San Fran honours their gays and lesbians and even the government has set special protocol for fair treatment given to them and their families. America has reached a state where homesexuality is a norm and openess to it is a measure of your character towards others who are different from you.

I was there for the experience and although at some parts, the floats were really pretty, I have to constantly remind myself how homosexuality is not part of God's plan. The homosexuals themselves are however cool about their identity and in fact pride themselves as one big family.Throughout the parade,condoms were being handed out and I was pretty disgusted by those free giveaways.








This scene is something which is very real to me. God reminded me that this will be a likely situation I will be in when I worked in Journalism in the future. I will be faced with things and issues that conflict with His word and also my beliefs. In the media industry, there will be much more of this to come. I believe many of you are going through this now, especially Joyce, Bella and Jas who are on internship. I think this is call the "mid-youth" syndrome!

There is one picture I posted which shows a church supporting homosexuality. It still baffles me at how this whole idea came about as from what I understood from my faith so far, it does not go in line with the preachings. I am just discouraged by the message that he will be sending out ot the rest of America on how Christianity/Catholism can go hand in hand with homosexuality. Like what many pointed out, homosexuality is a personal choice and although I might not agreee with it, I do not discriminate.

In one corner of the parade, a man was bravely preaching about God's judgement on homosexuality. I would like to applaude his courage and will to spread God's word. I pray that God will protect Him and guide him as he braves the fire to preach about Jesus and never be discouraged by any trials or abuse from man. May God be with him.

I know that you girls are going through baptism soon and I pray that whatever spiritual warfare you are going through, know that you can make it through with Christ and He will make you stronger at the end. Satan might have his ways and God's ways are stronger than anyone else. He will help you and lead you through the baptism where you will be cleansed and renewed in His spirit. I am always praying for you girls and let's all trust in God to walk us through our journey with Him. He loves us more than we know.

And this is an image I got from God this morning: God reminded me that even I might be walking in the dark streets and dangers are lurking around, all lights can go out but He will be the brightest lamp to walk me home and ensure that I am safe. Men and things of the world can be like the rest of the lamps who might flicker or be dim when they have no energy left or just waste away as they are temporary, but God is ever-lasting and His faithfulness will always shine.

Praise Him and I pray that God will be with you always.

Hi all... to make my presence felt!!!! (2)

that was me btw.... Jas.. keep forgetting to sign off.. haha

Hi all... to make my presence felt!!!

Hey hey... glad to see that u r still walking n even growing stronger in god over in US jing =) that god has indeed been showing Himself in new ways to u in USA.

a little update abt dance.. dance is really fun!! n when i'm able to kinda noe the steps alr... u really feel quite happy n joyful dancing.. esp if u think abt the names of the sets.. =) i've yet to read abt the meanings behind the actions for tambourine steps but when i read alr can tell u more.. or can oso fwd u e email if u want =) n ya.. sth that was said strike me when we were at the prayer meeting yest.. that we r dancing, singing, acting all for the audience of one, that is God. it really strike me cos for me, i guess i've been bit too caught up w all the 'my first time dancing!' thing n wana get frens down to watch... n have forgotten abt why n who am i dancing for. that why was there even a worship conference in the first place. so ya... sth small to share... (n jing! i'm doing tambourine!!! hehe...)

lets start praying for the worship conference in our QT too... not jus during prayer meetings n svc... for if God's presence is not there on that day.. den all's in vain...

Sights of San Francisco

San Francisco Chinatown:

Where I had my first proper meal, Dim Sum at 6.50 US for all you can eat. But I was never good in buffets and I only had only one helping. I think I needed Esther and Xinjie to finish my food. :)

The most crooked street in SF:

The "crookediest" street: SF is special as it has alot of uphills and downhill.s Just looking at it before attempting to climb it already made you feel like you drop 10 kilos. Just kidding, but it really tones your leg muscles with all of their houses built on hills, the people here have really nice legs. This street is so crooked that the cars have to do a 10 x S course. Imagine this as your driving test, you can kill yourself. Manual car...you need luck on top of good luck.

Fishermen's wharf and Pier 39:

A tourist's trap :It is like Sydney's Fishermen Harbour. Smells fishy and there is pigeons and seagulls' poo everywhere. Almost all the seafood sells cold beer and seafood and also alot of gimmicky stuff. I like the view though, the ferry boats, they look really peaceful docked by the bay.

Castro :


The gay district of SF. SF embraces homosexuality openly. On the streets, it is nothing unusual to see two girls or men hugging and kissing each other. They are so comfortable in their own skin and in this area, everyone hangs rainbow flags to signify their openess towards gays. Even the rubbish bins have the rainbow-coloured signs. Honestly, the people in Castro are really nice and cheerful.

The Palace of Fine arts:



A breath-taking place with old roman architecture. A park on its own for picnics. Very intriguing carvings and nice blend of colours, landscape and just the good vibes of being in touch with nature. It is so beautiful that it deserves two big pictures.

Golden gate bridge:

An icon on its own. Recall King Kong movie where the gorilla rips off the bridge. It is crazy just going through this gate where the wind gives you the latest "Golden Gate" hairstyle. I have to hide my camera after a while as I am afraid it might just get blown off.


I like San Francisco. Apart from my dingy hostel and the many homeless roaming around, I like this city which bright sunshine, colourful flowers along the houses and streets, the intriguing hills and slopes, the nice colonial houses, the cute chinese towns, the beautiful landscape along the bay. I like this city.

San Francisco - A sunshine city

During Tanglin Halt Camp, there was one moment that stuck with me forever and I am sure will be with me for eternity. At one of the outdoor games around the neighbourhood, I was pretty exasperated by how the games were ran and hence accidentally, I uttered the "S***" word. It is not a usual word to come out from me as I find words like the S one, the F word and what not unpleasant.

After knowing the Lord, the F word is a total no-no and what really stopped me was the bad image it reflects upon yourself by using that word. In fact, I hardly read books that uses the F word so frequently as I believed that if you are a good writer, you can definitely find another better word to replace your fustration than just conveniently using the F word.

Hence when I said the S word, one of the Tanglin Halt kids - Geraldine (G.G) said: " jie jie, you are not allowed to say the S word". I was then feeling really ashamed but I am glad she reminded me. I know God wants me to be less anxious and at the same time review my speech. From then, I never said the S word again.

In USA, I can see where the struggles of a Christian come from. The images and words which mocks Jesus is so widely used in Tees, souvenirs etc. It hurts me to see His name tarnish and ridiculed. The media uses vulgar like their 2nd language and I have to admit that I have used "damn" quite a couple of times already. God reminded me during QT that I have to stand firm in my ground and not be shaken ( Parable of the sower).

Reflecting on my privileged position as a Christian where my peace comes from God alone and how I can always look to Him for help. The people of USA, the youths here need God in their lives. They need that hope, the love, and the peace to soften their hearts and allow goodness to shine from their souls.

Seattle - Not so much of being "sleepless"

I often thought that NTU's sole SBS service- No. 179 is pretty much a terror untill I sat a bus in Seattle to the airport today.

SBS No.179 only challenges your physical state by threatening to butt you off your seats or stretching your biceps power as you struggle to hold onto the handles. However, for the Seattle public bus, it TORTURES you mentally,physically and psychologically.

First up, dragging my 25kg luggage up the bus steps almost made me pass out for a moment. I did thought that my arms might just swing off from my shoulders.

Secondly, as the luggage could not be fitted into the seats, it blocked up the aisle and I ended taking up two seats as my friends' bags were with me. This African American then boarded the bus next and the intimidation started then. He started by sarcastically asking if we were going to the airport and then went on to shout out loud how tired he was from standing all day at work and how he bought an expensive ticket and has no seats. He said that I took up two seats like no one's business and when my friend offered him our apologies while I try to free up a seat for him, he rejected us flatly claiming he is noble and will not pick on us. So much for that, I think I was looking so terrified like a mouse and the guy has the nerve to ask onlookers what's their problem and continue blabbering about his paid ticket and what-not. This incident just have to spoil the image of Seattle being a friendly and wholesome city.

Thirdly, there was another African American and his whole family on the bus. The Dad then decided to be nostalgic and started his life-story telling session to the entire bus. He was speaking so loudly then I knew how he was bullied by a Chinese woman named Wong, how he had to came home at 8, how he left his family and blah blah blah. He was so full of himself now with his current achievements and I wanted to faint from this "entertainment" on the already stressful ride.

Fourthly, the bus ride was supposed to take only 30 mins to the airport and after what seemed like eternity and when we are still in some industrial corner of Seattle, we started to get freaked out. The time seems to be speeding by while the bus seems to be getting slower and turning into more desolate places. Thank God we finally reached the airport on time.

Now, I am still feeling the post-effects of this awful bus ride. Everything in Singapore seems better- the airport, the planes, the people, the small town, the clean streets and of course my bed. But, I will get over it soon enough I guess. God will cheer me up!

A little on Seattle, it is really a relaxed city as compared to fast-paced NYC. I experienced a "hustle-bustle" shock when I arrived in Seattle as there were lesser people on streets and sounds of seagulls yelping is audible. Even the sales here are so gentle and peaceful as compared to NYC's survival of the fitness battle. As Seattle is situated by the sea, the life here is more peaceful and the people there were concerned about their health. As I was walking on the waterfront yesterday, everyone had some equipment with them, be it blades, skateboard, bicycle... except me with just my crumpler bag looking lost and confused.

So now I am in San Francisco and I hope everything will go well. Thank God for his protection so far.

Girls : Good luck for your dancing. I want the tambourine! work hard for God :)

The hustle and bustle of New York City

Just a while ago, Singaporeans are voted one of the world's fastest walkers due to their hurried lives and stressful lifestyle.

However in NYC, I guess they are either hurrying to party the night away or to catch the 8pm Broadway show. I managed to experience this insane moment in NYC's Time Square- which is like 5 times Singapore's Orchard Road during GSS but now with crazy lights and even crazier New Yorkers.

NYC is so not part of the "Save the earth" plan where even in the day; the billboard lights still flashes constantly. But in the night, the lights are really beautiful.


Even their Macdonald's must be part of the lighting parade to fit in.



Times Sq has the most amazing stores and the M&M's store is one which I really enjoyed myself in it. It is like a M&M Disneyland on its own.

They sell all kind of stuff inside and what really intrigues me is their wide range of M&M's chocolate candy. It has more hues and shades than any other painter’s palette and they even had many interesting mixes. You can see the delight on everyone's faces as they filled up little plastic bags in every single colour of M&M's possible.





Ironically, opposite the M&M's store is the Hershey's store where Hershey's chocolates are sold in special packaging and sizes. The aroma is mind-boggling but due to my strict budget constraints, I can only enter to whiff and feed on the "scent".



#2: The famous Broadway street has many theatres and each single one airs a different musical at 8pm every single night. It is a one of those must-have experiences to go for a Broadway muscial while you are in New York City. Each theatre has their strong historical value where many are made famous by acclaimed musicals. Their interiors are lined with chandeliers and each sits about 400 viewers. Thanks to others' recommendations, I managed to get half-price tickets and can only say that every cent is worth this good experience.

The Lord is my Helper

As I was listening to Jars of Clay – Love song for a savior, it dawned upon me that I really miss going for service and being so spiritually connected to God.

However, I am thankful that I still managed to read His word regularly and pray to Him. Jesus has been at the tip of my tongue whenever I am going through some fix and I will pray and ask Him for help. I feel close to Him but I miss singing gospel songs and going to church.

God has been amazing in these past few days while I was in New York City. As I was sitting on the cab to the airport, I could not help marveling at how He had aided me.

As I admired the sunrise glory on New York 5 a.m. morning, I cannot thank Him enough for helping me recover things that I thought I would lost forever, helping me have an edifying speech to forge good relationships with my travel mates, comforting me when I am fearful and watching over me as I falls asleep. The Devil tried attacking me several times, planting evil thoughts into me, but God always put me in self-control so that I can pray and seek Him.

Previously, I had lost my favorite pendant (the one that looks like Anna Sui which I have been wearing since forever) on the Brooklyn Bridge and I asked God to help me look for it. In the end, I still could not find it but I decided to just let it go. However, just as I was feeling unhappy two days ago, God planted a little surprise into my crumpler bag. I was quite sure that it fell onto the streets as I was tugging it quite violently while adjusting my bag strap.

Only God can do such a miraculous act by placing it back safely into my bag.

Last night, I was frantic because I could not find something while packing off for Seattle. But I just stood there calmly and remembered what Pastor Joshua said about asking God to retrace your steps and helping you to find it.

The next moment, I found it. Praise Him.

The very same night, I had a very frightful dream and it was totally heart-wrenching but Jesus assured me of His presence.

God is not only my helper but also my protector who rest my fears and my Lord who loves me more than I can ever try to love Him.

So to my fellow SYTs who might be struggling or having little problems, trust Him with all heart for He is faithful and will see you through anything and everything. His ways are mightier than man and He can do even the most impossible thing.

One thing that I learnt is to have faith and trust in Him and He will carry you through. Faith can move the mountains, but with Jesus, faith can keep the fire burning constantly.

In His Love,
Jing

New York's hype

Today, I had a greater bite of the Big Apple. It excites me more now as I slowly explore this "city which never sleeps". God reminded me that this trip can be enjoyed if it was done with Him and whenever I am feeling annoyed with my travelling mates, He reminded me to project Christ-likeness in this learning journey. He reassured me many times when I had to walk alone in the dark streets or go to the scary toliet at 4a.m. It was great knowing that God is there to guide you along and bring you to the sights and sounds He created. Sadly, NYC is very much a wasted city but there are still areas which God has created Himself.

Take my utmost favorite place in NYC for instance- Central Park.

I like travelling to places to see their landmarks but as I experience more, it occurred to me that many are just over-hyped and not worth those that you accidentally stumbled upon. Central Park is famed but it depends on how you enjoy it. For me, it was of course with food and hence - Pinic in the Park. After making a stop at Wholesome Foods- which is this supermarket made for me, it made the rest of my day.

As the name suggests, this amazing supermarket only sells food which is organic and healthy. So, you will not be able to find stuff like soft drinks, Oreos etc. Unlike a normal supermarket, it has rows and rows of cooked food. There is an amazing salad bar where you can pick and mix out of the many appetizing choices and also a "hot food" station where there are roasted chicken wings, creamy soups and the biggest apple cranberry crumple I ever seen. There was this chocolate bread pudding where the chocolate is simply lazily drenched over the warm pipping bread that looks so heavenly. I was so fascinated with the supermart that I left out pictures.

Many New Yorkers picnic their day away at Central Park and eating there just gives you this amazing vibes of being in this city. However, I concluded that to be a true-blue New Yorker, you seriously need a dog and I am not that fond of one.Dogs are so not my thing.

Oh, and my Central Park is the film site for Home Alone- Lost in NYC too :D

Central Park just rocks so much.

Day 1 in the Big Apple

Day 1:

We rose bright and early at 7-ish and headed out to the streets. On one hand, we are dying to hit the American streets and on the other hand we were hungry as we skipped dinner the previous night. However, due to budget constraints, I only had a enormous banana which was delicious by the way. Foreign fruits always taste better, I have no idea why.


Stop # 1: Central Park

Stupidly, me and my friend wore shorts in NYC summer which is super cold and we almost fainted walking on the streets. Thankfully, as we hit NYC's famous Central Park, we spotted a make-shift counter selling coffee which was really life-saving.


And here it is, looking so pretty and serene.

We went on the subway next. NYC subways are pretty old and as they allow commuters to bring food/drinks in, the trains are all kinda old and dirty.

We sat the subway all the way to the last station of downtown New York and reached the state ferry stop to make our way to the Statue of Liberty. As how my friend puts it, it is amazing how one statue gets all the attention, and I guess we all know how it looks like already

Instead, there is Brooklyn Bridge, which connects Manhattan to Brooklyn state and it is also where "How to lose a guy in ten days" is film. Sadly, I lose my necklace on this bridge. Sighs, but at least I left a part of me in NYC.

Besides that, I also hit Chinatown, Ground Zero- site of WTC, Rockefellar Centre and the little neighbourhoods like Tribeca and Soho. I covered pretty most of NYC's sights in the first day and it is really over aimbitious. It left our muscles sore and our minds exhausted. We just kept on walking and walking. As we get more familiar with the map, it is kind of intriguing to figure out your way and just trot along the NYC streets which is bustling with yellow taxis and hiphop punks all the time.

At some corner, there will be some gay rights activists while on the other corner there will be two people having a brawl. Honestly, I am quite scared most of the time as since I am so short, I get pumped into countless times. Argh!

For now, NYC is just like Melbourne, Australia where everyone is dressed in the latest fashion and donuts are at the turn of every corner.