I followed the band from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. What a wonderful weekend of good music! You would never know how much I appreciated the sessions and how blessed I was.
Showing posts with label appreciation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appreciation. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 25
Paul Baloche, Michael Rossback, Stuart Garrard and Carl Abrecht came to Asia
I followed the band from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. What a wonderful weekend of good music! You would never know how much I appreciated the sessions and how blessed I was.
Saturday, August 24
Why do You Never Run Out of Grace?
In moments like these when I am aware
of the ugliness within,
I take of my shoes and dare not face You.
The promises left unfulfilled,
the wrongs to be corrected,
and what could be but is not yet;
Proofs of my worth as a steward.
In moments of facing such truths:
of realisation of my empty-handedness,
why do You never run out of grace?
© Joel Yap
of the ugliness within,
I take of my shoes and dare not face You.
The promises left unfulfilled,
the wrongs to be corrected,
and what could be but is not yet;
Proofs of my worth as a steward.
In moments of facing such truths:
of realisation of my empty-handedness,
why do You never run out of grace?
© Joel Yap
Sunday, March 17
Handwriting
Mine needs improvement.
In primary school, I remember being spoken to by numerous teachers regarding my handwriting. In Year 3, there was this teacher who even went to the lengths of summoning me to her office during recess, just to practise writing more neatly. It was only half of the recess time, she had a heart. Many years had passed now, unfortunately my handwriting remains just as terrible if it did not become more worse. Writing this, I recall a clinical instructor back in the hospital who once said to me, "you can make a good nurse, but your handwriting sucks!" Hehe! I did not argue with her but took note of her words with a smile. May God bless these good people and anyone else who warned or tried doing something about my penmanship!
This evening at this moment, I am sitting at a local cafe near where I live; here not for the food but rather access to the Internet. Do you know that in some places you just write down your order on a piece of paper, usually in codes, and the waitresses will collect that paper and key in what you want and soon bring your food to your table? Where I am practises just that; and I just received the wrong beverage because the waitress mistook what I wrote - "607" for a "601" and thereby served me white coffee instead of tea, which I had been craving for all weekend. On the brighter side, the manager agreed to replace my order and I am now awaiting to enjoy that cup of tea. As a grateful customer, of course, I intend to apologise to the waitress on my way out later. So glad for not having to suffer the consequences of not-so-good handwriting tonight.
Turning 22 this year, if I do not die in a terrible car accident or get caught in the middle of a gunfight. Is there still a possibility to make improvements in penmanship?
In primary school, I remember being spoken to by numerous teachers regarding my handwriting. In Year 3, there was this teacher who even went to the lengths of summoning me to her office during recess, just to practise writing more neatly. It was only half of the recess time, she had a heart. Many years had passed now, unfortunately my handwriting remains just as terrible if it did not become more worse. Writing this, I recall a clinical instructor back in the hospital who once said to me, "you can make a good nurse, but your handwriting sucks!" Hehe! I did not argue with her but took note of her words with a smile. May God bless these good people and anyone else who warned or tried doing something about my penmanship!
This evening at this moment, I am sitting at a local cafe near where I live; here not for the food but rather access to the Internet. Do you know that in some places you just write down your order on a piece of paper, usually in codes, and the waitresses will collect that paper and key in what you want and soon bring your food to your table? Where I am practises just that; and I just received the wrong beverage because the waitress mistook what I wrote - "607" for a "601" and thereby served me white coffee instead of tea, which I had been craving for all weekend. On the brighter side, the manager agreed to replace my order and I am now awaiting to enjoy that cup of tea. As a grateful customer, of course, I intend to apologise to the waitress on my way out later. So glad for not having to suffer the consequences of not-so-good handwriting tonight.
Turning 22 this year, if I do not die in a terrible car accident or get caught in the middle of a gunfight. Is there still a possibility to make improvements in penmanship?
Friday, October 26
Foto Friday
Taken on the way home from Ipoh today,
had a good week of rest and fellowship.
Really glad to have taken my break this way.
Tuesday, May 1
Seniors
To the seniors who share the same citizenship but were born decades earlier, thank you for coming out on 28 April. My generation has so much to learn from yours.
For being a good role model and for showing that you care, thank you!
My appreciation extends to those who care but were not able to join us for health reasons.
Friday, April 20
Privileged
To be selected, chosen, picked, to be placed in a group of elites. It is a privilege.
I am more than blessed to receive this privilege for I did nothing much to deserve such an honour, to be placed among the elites, so-to-say. Not trying to boast here, recently I had been enlisted in a few programmes which are not open to all students in my cohort. As a matter of fact, I estimate that there were less than 30 students in one of the programmes; and less than 40 in another. Of course there have also been other prestigious groups that I had no chance of joining, by the way.
Things are changing; prayers being answered. This year is going to be an exciting one. Alas, so will the challenges ahead be even tougher than before. Many good things shall come but not unless my worth is proven.
Privileged, and very stressed! At times, I do feel like quitting, frankly speaking.
I am more than blessed to receive this privilege for I did nothing much to deserve such an honour, to be placed among the elites, so-to-say. Not trying to boast here, recently I had been enlisted in a few programmes which are not open to all students in my cohort. As a matter of fact, I estimate that there were less than 30 students in one of the programmes; and less than 40 in another. Of course there have also been other prestigious groups that I had no chance of joining, by the way.
Things are changing; prayers being answered. This year is going to be an exciting one. Alas, so will the challenges ahead be even tougher than before. Many good things shall come but not unless my worth is proven.
Privileged, and very stressed! At times, I do feel like quitting, frankly speaking.
Wednesday, February 15
We climbed
I finally got out for some exercise! Figured I could use some lest I continued to grow horizontally.
Was going to do it with a few friends but due to some errors in communication, or people waking up early, two guys showed up by 8 o'clock this morning. My friend and I waited for about half an hour in his car before deciding to go ahead with the mountain climb without waiting for the rest who were coming at 10 o'clock.
After weeks of a rather sedentary lifestyle, it wasn't easy to start exercising again! My heart was pounding and my lungs were tired. There were many times I wanted to give up albeit it was just a simple hike. I tried convincing my buddy to start heading down for breakfast but somehow we didn't give up so easily. Not that it was such a difficult climb, and not that we reached the top. But it wasn't a cup of tea for me. yet.
Long story cut short for your sakes, we made it to a certain altitude before going for breakfast and I am glad we went for that climb before filling our stomachs. Also glad that we went alone as we would have slowed the team down if we climbed with the other friends. Breakfast was great. The catching up was delightful. I am happy with our morning this day.
When one runs, he or she runs far; when two or three run, they run far. How true!
Was going to do it with a few friends but due to some errors in communication, or people waking up early, two guys showed up by 8 o'clock this morning. My friend and I waited for about half an hour in his car before deciding to go ahead with the mountain climb without waiting for the rest who were coming at 10 o'clock.After weeks of a rather sedentary lifestyle, it wasn't easy to start exercising again! My heart was pounding and my lungs were tired. There were many times I wanted to give up albeit it was just a simple hike. I tried convincing my buddy to start heading down for breakfast but somehow we didn't give up so easily. Not that it was such a difficult climb, and not that we reached the top. But it wasn't a cup of tea for me. yet.
Who Paid the Penalty
The God responsible for Law
is the same God who paid the Penalty;
He who knew no sin Himself
died a convict- that we are.
The hands that formed the heavens
were the hands that gave us bread;
He breathed life into Adam
but lost His on a tree.
He knows the rotten human Sin,
yet never fails to forgive;
So long as we confess to Him-
our Saviour and our King.
© Joel Yap
Sunday, December 4
Toys
A friend of mine was kind enough to remember me when she had free movie tickets. A few of us went to watch the Tintin movie last week.
As Christmas draws near, I want to remember a few friends from back home too. Took the opportunity to do some shopping, conveniently, as we were still waiting for our movie. At that point of time I specifically had a dear boy in mind- an eight-year-old whose improvement in academics was plausible; he even received the Model Student award in his primary school, I found out from the proud grandmother. Very happy for him and had been wanting to give him something since his birthday, which was a few months ago!
What would an eight-year-old boy want? I was eight years old before and I knew where to find his gift.
Stepped into ToysRus for the first time in Singapore. I was told by my friend that I looked like I saw heaven! Or as if Moses stood on Promised Land. The store was huge and full of toys! Fun stuff for almost every age group, especially below 12. You name it, ToysRus has it. At an instance, my senses brought me to where the boys' stuff were. There were figures from Star Wars and Transformers, and of course many other stories as well, but I was concentrating on these two. I felt like a little boy once again, mesmerized by the quantity of the toys and wishing I had most of them. Looking and choosing, looking and choosing. In the end I realised I was there for a boy, not myself. Picked up an Autobot suitable for the kid's age and got out of thePromised Land toy store.
Growing up, I used to play with toys too. Not only that, I remember vividly even talking to some of them! The children's department or toys section must always be visited each time my family went out shopping albeit the fact that many times our trip to the supermarket was for groceries. Shopping meant looking at and sometimes owning new toys. Mom and dad didn't earn big money. We were okay financially but we weren't bathing with milk and using dollar bills as tissue paper. However, as children, how many would be aware of social classes? All children know to do is play together; some are taught to share and take turns whereas some might behave a little ill-mannered. I was a child, like many others, who liked playing and ever open to receiving new play objects.I was a boy who would sometimes pester my parents for the latest Lego or action figures. Unfortunately, or fortunately, most of my wishes weren't granted. Just as life is yesterday, today and forever; on Earth, most of your wishes don't come true, and they shouldn't lest there be chaos all over the world. So, I wanted many things which my family couldn't afford. Nevertheless my sister and I had ample toys to play with, thanks to being born much later than most of our cousins. (Dad is the youngest among ten other siblings!)
Sister and I played with lots of hand-me-downs. But dad and mom would occasionally buy us new toys. I remember crystal clear even till today for wanting a Robocop so badly that I kept asking mommy for it for my tenth birthday. (Tears are building up in my eyes now as I ruminate on this) That wish came through; it felt like the happiest day of my life back then. Now it feels stupid to have wanted a Robocop so much. Haha! Now I find toys practically useless though they were once the greatest treasures. Mommy and daddy didn't have money to splurge on play items that were practically useless, but they still bought us new toys once in a blue moon despite having abundant sources of used ones from our extended family. By the way, I kept asking for so many things from my parents but never paused to think about how they might have felt each time they had to reject my request. Sigh.
Love means sacrifice. Now, having long grown up from being a naughty boy, my eyes are opened. To how much of a rascal I had been as well as how much my parents loved me and love me still. Amazing how feelings are able to mix, not something Rocket Science can explain- I feel bad, yet loved.
Love means giving even though you might never receive anything in return. Parents have no way of making sure how well will they one day be treated by their children, but that cannot stop parents from loving.
I am grateful for having enjoyed a good enough childhood; happy that my parents are still alive and well. This blog post was not meant to make myself or anyone cry like the way I am brought to tears now, just some thoughts as I bought a toy for a little boy.
As Christmas draws near, I want to remember a few friends from back home too. Took the opportunity to do some shopping, conveniently, as we were still waiting for our movie. At that point of time I specifically had a dear boy in mind- an eight-year-old whose improvement in academics was plausible; he even received the Model Student award in his primary school, I found out from the proud grandmother. Very happy for him and had been wanting to give him something since his birthday, which was a few months ago!
What would an eight-year-old boy want? I was eight years old before and I knew where to find his gift.
Stepped into ToysRus for the first time in Singapore. I was told by my friend that I looked like I saw heaven! Or as if Moses stood on Promised Land. The store was huge and full of toys! Fun stuff for almost every age group, especially below 12. You name it, ToysRus has it. At an instance, my senses brought me to where the boys' stuff were. There were figures from Star Wars and Transformers, and of course many other stories as well, but I was concentrating on these two. I felt like a little boy once again, mesmerized by the quantity of the toys and wishing I had most of them. Looking and choosing, looking and choosing. In the end I realised I was there for a boy, not myself. Picked up an Autobot suitable for the kid's age and got out of the
Growing up, I used to play with toys too. Not only that, I remember vividly even talking to some of them! The children's department or toys section must always be visited each time my family went out shopping albeit the fact that many times our trip to the supermarket was for groceries. Shopping meant looking at and sometimes owning new toys. Mom and dad didn't earn big money. We were okay financially but we weren't bathing with milk and using dollar bills as tissue paper. However, as children, how many would be aware of social classes? All children know to do is play together; some are taught to share and take turns whereas some might behave a little ill-mannered. I was a child, like many others, who liked playing and ever open to receiving new play objects.I was a boy who would sometimes pester my parents for the latest Lego or action figures. Unfortunately, or fortunately, most of my wishes weren't granted. Just as life is yesterday, today and forever; on Earth, most of your wishes don't come true, and they shouldn't lest there be chaos all over the world. So, I wanted many things which my family couldn't afford. Nevertheless my sister and I had ample toys to play with, thanks to being born much later than most of our cousins. (Dad is the youngest among ten other siblings!)
Sister and I played with lots of hand-me-downs. But dad and mom would occasionally buy us new toys. I remember crystal clear even till today for wanting a Robocop so badly that I kept asking mommy for it for my tenth birthday. (Tears are building up in my eyes now as I ruminate on this) That wish came through; it felt like the happiest day of my life back then. Now it feels stupid to have wanted a Robocop so much. Haha! Now I find toys practically useless though they were once the greatest treasures. Mommy and daddy didn't have money to splurge on play items that were practically useless, but they still bought us new toys once in a blue moon despite having abundant sources of used ones from our extended family. By the way, I kept asking for so many things from my parents but never paused to think about how they might have felt each time they had to reject my request. Sigh.
Love means sacrifice. Now, having long grown up from being a naughty boy, my eyes are opened. To how much of a rascal I had been as well as how much my parents loved me and love me still. Amazing how feelings are able to mix, not something Rocket Science can explain- I feel bad, yet loved.
Love means giving even though you might never receive anything in return. Parents have no way of making sure how well will they one day be treated by their children, but that cannot stop parents from loving.
I am grateful for having enjoyed a good enough childhood; happy that my parents are still alive and well. This blog post was not meant to make myself or anyone cry like the way I am brought to tears now, just some thoughts as I bought a toy for a little boy.
Friday, August 5
Foto Friday
I mentioned a need for a new cell phone soon
during a casual chat with dad one day.
As my current Singaporean phone
could not be recharged anymore.
I never wanted another 'black and white' one though,
nor had I ever intended that dad bought me anything.
And he buys me one.
No, I am not despising the good old solid Nokia phone.
I am glad to have a father who provides.
And shall use it happily as I would a new iPhone.
Perhaps a real new iPhone soon?
Yes, I will pay.
Tuesday, July 12
Mom was here
For the past two nights. She came to Singapore with me on Sunday and went back home this afternoon.
It was nice having her around as my nights were less lonely. Hehe!
And my room becomes bersih each time she comes. 'Killing two birds in one stone,' my teacher taught. I get company, and a cleaner place to live in.
Besides that, my wallet would become a little bit bersih too. Do not misunderstand, I do enjoy spending the extra-than-usual bit of money when she comes. Afterall it is supposed to be her 'break'. Take last night, we went to watch Transformers: Dark of the Moon in digital. I had a great time. The sound system was so good that even mom could tell. Hope she didn't freeze too badly though.
She left today. By bus, in the afternoon.
Sigh, gonna miss her.
It was nice having her around as my nights were less lonely. Hehe!
And my room becomes bersih each time she comes. 'Killing two birds in one stone,' my teacher taught. I get company, and a cleaner place to live in.
Besides that, my wallet would become a little bit bersih too. Do not misunderstand, I do enjoy spending the extra-than-usual bit of money when she comes. Afterall it is supposed to be her 'break'. Take last night, we went to watch Transformers: Dark of the Moon in digital. I had a great time. The sound system was so good that even mom could tell. Hope she didn't freeze too badly though.
She left today. By bus, in the afternoon.
Sigh, gonna miss her.
Friday, April 22
Friday, February 25
There(Here)
We did it! After a long day. Cleaning, packing, loading, unloading, unpacking, cleaning and cleaning. I made it out of Bishan to Ang Mo Kio with the very helpful help of mother.
It has been a nice day spending time with her doing stuff together.
Now to a well deserved rest.
First night in this flat.
It has been a nice day spending time with her doing stuff together.
Now to a well deserved rest.
First night in this flat.
Thursday, February 24
Halfway there (2)
One more step closer to Ang Mo Kio from Bishan!
Mommy came over to help me move. We did cleaning at the new place this morning and we're now back to packing after having our lunch.
She works fast, she knows what to do when it comes to cleaning, unlike me. Wonder what will I be doing now if she hadn't come.
It's gonna be a long day, much to do.
Happy to spend some mother and son time together now!
Mommy came over to help me move. We did cleaning at the new place this morning and we're now back to packing after having our lunch.
She works fast, she knows what to do when it comes to cleaning, unlike me. Wonder what will I be doing now if she hadn't come.
It's gonna be a long day, much to do.
Happy to spend some mother and son time together now!
Saturday, December 25
My first stethoscope
Merry Christmas!
In the overwhelming of activities and events, I am putting in effort to personally remember the meaning of Christmas. Jesus, Phil 2:6 Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, Phil 2:7 but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness came down to Earth and suffered so that all who calls upon His name shall be saved.
Yup, I don't give a damn about Santa Claus, snowmen and those silly Christmas songs.
In spite of the fun in big events and the blessings they can bring to the town, I still like to enjoy simple celebrations. Staying home in the morning. Mom and dad bought me a stethoscope! Hahaha!
Everyone have a happy Christmas!
In the overwhelming of activities and events, I am putting in effort to personally remember the meaning of Christmas. Jesus, Phil 2:6 Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, Phil 2:7 but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness came down to Earth and suffered so that all who calls upon His name shall be saved.
Yup, I don't give a damn about Santa Claus, snowmen and those silly Christmas songs.
In spite of the fun in big events and the blessings they can bring to the town, I still like to enjoy simple celebrations. Staying home in the morning. Mom and dad bought me a stethoscope! Hahaha!
Everyone have a happy Christmas!
Thursday, November 25
Philippians 4: 6,7
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
5 months ago, I applied for a scholarship to aid in my daily expenses whilst pursuing my course of choice- Diploma in Nursing. 4 months ago, the application was successful. Read this and other July blog entries to find out more.
I opted for the same diploma course and the hospital sponsorships here a year ago. Many sleepless nights were caused by the constant worrying regarding finances and stuff. And in the end I did not have the guts to take the risk of not being awarded a scholarship.
Having gone through a year of regret and rebellion, I decided to apply for a place in the same college again, being more fervent this time round. And praise God for the opened doors of various places and hearts, I got enrolled into this nursing course. There were still uncertainties concerning my scholarship, prayers were constantly made. However this time I remember not worrying, there was peace. Peace, knowing that things will all fall into place once we take that first leap of faith in accordance to God's will.
Once again, many thanks to all who made this possible. You and I know who you people are! I love you all!
Sunday, November 21
Joel Yap
As an activity to relief some stress and boredom, I tried out the power of Adobe Photoshop this evening since I skipped dinner.
Joel, that's my name.
I still remember my teacher's words years back in secondary school, repeated over and over again that names were the first gifts from our parents. Therefore we ought to be proud of our names.
I still remember my teacher's words years back in secondary school, repeated over and over again that names were the first gifts from our parents. Therefore we ought to be proud of our names.
"Hello, do you think your parents, during the 10 months of pregnancy, just anyhow picked a name for you?"
said Mr. Ng, vice principal, to a bunch of rebellious students who didn't wear name tags.
said Mr. Ng, vice principal, to a bunch of rebellious students who didn't wear name tags.
And I shall never forget his words.
Sunday, October 24
Give Back
Will anybody comprehend
how have you been good to me
how much you have blessed me with
certainly I cannot understand
why your love for me
and how you do it
Please keep me from forgetting
never allow I to be nine with leprosy
I owe you four months of rain
now accept my little pail
for of all that you give me
a tenth I will give to you
© Joel Yap
Sunday, September 12
Through Your Eyes
I see a friend
one whom people liked
so promising, and without pride
Sigh! gone dim-
the brightest lights
Even angels fall
what more sheep go lost
I bore the sight and I cried
as I saw me through your eyes
A glimpse of your sadness
when you looked at my madness
So this is how pain feels
when you cared for me back then
Thank you for loving me
my family and friend
© Joel Yap
Tuesday, September 7
Semester 1 over
Just took my final paper today, which marks the end of my very first semester in the School of Health Sciences, Nanyang Polytechnic.
Just like that, 16 weeks of classes and 3 weeks of hospital attachment has ended. Just like that, I am one more step closer to becoming a nurse. My memory of the first step is still so vivid, the step that was so difficult to take, followed by various consecutive steps. So many changes, so much change. So many ups and downs along the way.
During this first semester I've seen wonders and miracles on a personal level. Experienced providence and blessing, not forgetting fulfilled promises. Also reminded that, unfortunately, not all promises are fulfilled all the time.
My eyes were opened to a glimpse of the world. I see the things that make it so ugly: Materialism, Conditional Love, Racism, Sexism, Ungratefulness and more. I see hurting people in need of love and understanding. I see them wandering in this fallen world, searching for temporary relieves. Alas, I see loneliness in myself also. Thus am reminded that no man is an island.
The feasibility of this journey depended on faith for financial providence. And faith paid off for my fees and bills. I really thank all who helped in their own ways to open this door for me. Not going to mention names here but will not forget any of them.
Time to take a rest, enjoy my holiday and get prepared for Semester 2!
Just like that, 16 weeks of classes and 3 weeks of hospital attachment has ended. Just like that, I am one more step closer to becoming a nurse. My memory of the first step is still so vivid, the step that was so difficult to take, followed by various consecutive steps. So many changes, so much change. So many ups and downs along the way.
During this first semester I've seen wonders and miracles on a personal level. Experienced providence and blessing, not forgetting fulfilled promises. Also reminded that, unfortunately, not all promises are fulfilled all the time.
My eyes were opened to a glimpse of the world. I see the things that make it so ugly: Materialism, Conditional Love, Racism, Sexism, Ungratefulness and more. I see hurting people in need of love and understanding. I see them wandering in this fallen world, searching for temporary relieves. Alas, I see loneliness in myself also. Thus am reminded that no man is an island.
The feasibility of this journey depended on faith for financial providence. And faith paid off for my fees and bills. I really thank all who helped in their own ways to open this door for me. Not going to mention names here but will not forget any of them.
Time to take a rest, enjoy my holiday and get prepared for Semester 2!
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