I listened to the entire album as i got lost in The Curve area. Surprise surprise. I’m totally hopeless with directions. But it was worth it tho. Going all the way to The Curve, fulfilling a promise to Mia AND the AYA Choir (sorry for not being able to meet up and hang out!). But ’songs from the jiwang kingdom’ was totally apt in moments of ‘lost direction’.

I must say, i love the album! It was heartfelt and of course, knowing how much effort and love was put into this, i thought this is Mia’s best yet. Jun’s bits of magic with the electric is AMAZING. Oh, and i just have to say this (and it’s a compliment), Mia AND her band last night are the best people to watch LIVE. I was just in awe.

The entire album is listen-worthy but my current favourite has to be ‘Percaya’. It’s beautiful. I imagine being on a field watching the sunset…with you. And this song would’ve played :) Another favourite is ‘The Tender Hour’. Okay fine. So maybe *i* feel jiwang right now. But i like ok. I wish i could write songs like she does. Mm.

Thank you, Mia, for sharing your beautiful voice with Malaysia. And soon, with the world ;) You inspire me, with your spirit and talent. Those who know their God will do GREAT exploits! My best wishes to you as you venture to Aussie-land! *hugs* It’s been an honor to know and learn from you! Much love.

Mia and i and her spotlight cap :D *laughs*

I’m believing for a life-changing night at AYA Awards tomorrow! Its so inspiring to hear all the stories of the finalists…what makes them tick and how THEY would continue to inspire others. AYA Awards is just a stepping stone in allowing them to tell their stories, encourage and inspire others who aspire to get their own breakthroughs. I see seeds being sown. Lord, Your will be done even right now as preparations are *still* being made ;)

Mich and i will be heading the Finalist Attendants team and i’m personally looking forward to meeting each and every one of them! Amazing people. Some of whom i’ve met a few years back…it’s amazing how our paths would cross again :) This time through an avenue i believe whole-heartedly in.

I’m excited! :)

I start work in my new job officially on Monday. Another exciting journey and chapter ahead :) Am believing for my own story!

Just some short updates on what i’m doing lately :

#1. I got a job :) Praise God! Will be undertaking a role as a research analyst in D&B, a financial services company. Am excited, pray with me that this is yet another opportunity to serve with a purpose and shine for Him! And also, to be the best i can be wherever i’m placed.

#2. I got a new toy. Well, not-so-new. Hahaha. My dad didn’t find the Nokia E71 suitable for him and SO, got himself a new phone and passed it down to me! Ah, it’s not an iPhone 3Gs, but it IS a 3G phone. Would be awesomely useful to keep in touch with churchy stuff thru emails if i’m blocked at my new job :D And i can tweet too. Whee.

#3. I’ll be heading down to Acts Singapore this weekend with the worship team!! Woots. Been waiting for MONTHS. It’ll be lovely to finally visit our ‘family’. So excite lah.

Ah, life is definitely good at this point ;)

On another note, i’m totally smitten by a friend’s darling son, Isaiah V. He’s SO adorable. I stole his picture (ie. didn’t ask for permission to post it up). But i just couldn’t resist!!! Tee-hee. He looks like he knows everything.

Bet he cheered YOU up :)

Hmm. I think it’d be really nice, to marry someone with dimples :)

I’ve been roaming around, I was looking down at all i see…

You know that i can use somebody.

Someone like You? :)

I threw my trash in a bin at Peacehaven. It is gone.

***

Painted faces fill the places i can’t reach…

So many campus students are out there hurting. Genuine, eating-’em-up-inside hurt. What AM i doing with my life?

How do i make it better? What else can i do? Intention with focus.

***

Waging wars to shake the poet and the beat…

I hope it’s gonna make you notice…

…someone like me.

I am home. Fond memories indeed.

And i have graduated.

Looking for a job, i am.

*************************************************************************

I feel strangely overwhelmed.

Just a short update on what i’ve been up to :

#1. I’m really enjoying myself here.

#2. I’ve been eating non-stop. Sudah bulat giler :S

#3. The weather here has been erratic. Sun-shiny and rainy within hours. The clouds here move so fast.

#4. Melbourne is a chocolate and coffee haven. Seriously. They drink chocolate here. Not eat it. AND, i drank more coffee in this 5 days than i have in 6 months. Elder and Jason will be so proud of me :D

#5.  I’m *still* getting used to the transportation system here. I’ve been going the same route everyday…you’d think i know the streets well by now. Oh well.

#6. Penguins are smaller than i thought they would be. Happy (from Happy Feet) are of a different breed. :D Melbourne ones are short and they make quacking noises.

#7. I *love* the wide open spaces on the way to Mt Dandenong & Philip Island. And i saw sheep :D

#8. I had craving for Chinese food today. Had charsiew and RICE. *beams*

#9. Went for 3 services today. 1 in Bridge Church in Richmond and 2 in Planetshakers. I know, old habits die hard? Heh. Quite enjoyed myself. Observed different things and thought…church is never gonna be perfect. No matter how famous. Also felt awkward in being a guest and having to stand up as a newcomer. Heh. Was praying so hard for services back home! Was glad to receive updates. Thank you :)

#10. I miss Malaysia. Some places are awesome to visit. But nothing beats home :)

Happy Merdeka, everyone :)

Sometimes, i feel like…i’m just too selfish for my own good. Brat? I am.

Jesus isn’t selfish. In Matthew 14, even when John The Baptist was beheaded, Jesus had to ‘postpone’ his mourning and minister to people first. Only after when he’s helped those who needed him, did he steal away to mourn.

Too often, i’ve caught myself saying or thinking…why should *i* make that sacrifice. To do something when i could do something else. To wait just a little bit longer. To drive just a little bit farther. To eat a little bit less. To watch what i say to someone when i know well he or she deserves to hear it. The phrase ‘keep the unity’ rings so clear.

God, You show me time and time again how i’m just a work in progress. I’d never be that perfect masterpiece. And yet…You give me hope that i can be.

I’m currently looking for a job. Praying, seeking…taking that leap of faith and believing that i’ll land where God wants me to be. Could’ve just taken up that ‘other’ job. But i felt it wasn’t for me. Not now. It was too easy. Too comfortable.

²⁷But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”

^29-30He said, “Come ahead.”

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”

³¹Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

I could’ve taken the easier route. But He’s asking me to walk on water. And you ask me, “What got into me?”

Jesus did.

******************************************************************************************

On a random note, i absolutely love picking my brother up from school. It gives me this secret thrill in watching these kids run (literally, run, as if they’re being chased by a pack of wolves) out of school, the moment the school bell rings. They’re so cute lah. How fast time flies. It was only…yesterday, that i was 7, in grandma specs and coconut hair…eating a whole hard-boiled egg to signify the first day of school.

I think that’s when i realised how much i disliked egg yolks. I was forced to eat that whole egg. And i almost puked.

When i grow up and have kids…and if one of them so happens to be a girl? She’s gonna have pigtails. And the tradition of eating hard-boiled eggs on the first day of school? I’m gonna let it slide.

I think an apple would do just fine. Anything that keeps the doctor away should keep the barf-level stable.

It’s so funny…reading the ‘popular’ blog posts on my blog that WordPress keeps track off. Most of them had everything to do with me thanking God for my exam results.

What have you people been googling??? *laughs*

Anyways, in true Ellie-fashion, i suppose i MUST do another one. The final, final one. A Monash student i am, no longer. All by the grace and mercies of God. I passed my last finance paper which i thought was a sure-fail. I didn’t even finished the paper. But God gave me more than i asked for. Which was more than enough. And i got a Distinction for the other paper. God’s too good to me. On September 5th, i will take up my scroll with a testimony that God has given me. I honestly can’t wait! :)

‘Ancient Skies’ by Michael Gungor has been on loop since results were out. You have never changed, Your love is endless and Your mercy has remained through all the ages, You shine so bright. Nothing can compare, You made the heavens and Your glory fills the air through all the ages, You ride ancient skies. You’re amazing. Psalm 34 is so apt to describe how i feel right now.

To all of you who prayed and believed with me, thank you :) You guys have encouraged and inspired me.

Now, keep praying that i land myself a job that God wants me to be in. Heh. I’ve had my head in the clouds way too often for my own good. It’s time to come back to Earth.

On another note, Marley & Me (the book) made me cry. Darn it. When i grow up (hahaha), i want a family with a nice, big doggie. Let’s just say its an unfulfilled childhood dream, okay? ;)

I said i miss you. 

:)

Cyberjaya needs revival. 

And better road signs. 

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I discovered one of my deepest fears from today’s ‘adventure’ though. 

I’m afraid of getting lost. Like, seriously. Physically lost…and perhaps, that can apply spiritually as well. I am AFRAID of getting lost and having no sense of direction. The feeling of not knowing where to go (in life), who to call upon (God) and the FACT that i had not enough petrol (strength/Holy Spirit) = that lousy feeling of helplessness. Plus, i lacked sleep and had a headache (distractions). All i wanted to do was go home (and be like Mary). 

Thank God i DID have people to call (leaders/friends). *Thank you, Jack & Kuan Cheen :) 

If it wasn’t because i had *someone in the car with me, i’d prolly had pulled over to the side of the road, cried and gave up. 

I’m so glad i’m home. 

*We really can’t do life alone.