@DaveGilpin

All I wanted to do last weekend was SLEEP!!!!

But my plan was ruined when the faithful Adele Chow asked me to attend service on Friday night.

And man! I ended up going to ALL 3 services!!!!

We had Pastor Dave Gilpin with us who delivered 3 different messages over the weekend.

Source: CHCKL Facebook

My heart was so blessed by the messages shared by Pastor.

These are some candies I picked up from his sermons.

Friday @ 8:00 p.m

1. Stop singing other's song

2. Believe in yourself

3. Get rid of balance

4. Don't wait till you're perfect

Saturday @ 5:00 p.m

Everyone is just a prayer away from God.

Before Jesus is my Savior, He is my Creator.

Move from sorry to glory.

Sunday @ 10:00 a.m

Is not a disorder but asset.

Pick the game that God called for me.

50% of our weaknesses is mythical, another 50% is reversible.

Focus on the Kingdom of God

These are just 1% of what Pastor had shared.

I was concentrating so I didn't write much notes.

But I'm really encouraged by what he shared.

Is something I need to hear in this struggling season of my life.*again*

As he shared on believing in ourselves, finding back the divine sparks and looking pass my weaknesses, I just felt like my spirit men is punched in the face.

THESE are my struggles!

I needed this punch to get the fire burning again for Jesus.

And I think the reason I've been wanting to sleep so much lately is because the dreams that I had is way more interesting than my real life.

No joke.

Just yesterday I dreamt that I have my own art gallery and I was working in a advertising company where I can just brainstorm for ideas and draw all day long!!!!

If I can, I'll choose to stay in that world FOREVER!

But is ok, though my real world is far more boring (not forget to mention, different) than my dream world, I will work hard so that one day my dreams will come true and my real life will be way more interesting than my dream world!

HMP!!! You just wait and see!!!

The world needs one CONSTANCE LIM!

And it needs you to be you too! XD

Now we know!!! Now we know!!!

Finally it comes to an end.

Taken from: City Harvest KL FB Page

But let me tell you how the journey started.

Butterflies in my stomach!

I've been super duper hyper this last few days.

I think even my neighbor at work is a little bit annoyed by me. LOL

WHO CARES!!!

I'm too happy already.

I couldn't help but to think what could have contributed to this sudden change of mine.

And I've concluded that it has to be one of the below:-

1) An assignment.

Last Friday, Hazel suddenly looked for my help for her assignment. Apparently she didn't record anything from her first interview and she was desperate for help. So I rushed to church to meet her after work.

We were suppose to start as soon as possible. But then, we didn't.

We end up talking about other things that have been on my mind for a while.

It felt soooo damn good to finally share these struggles with someone who listens and understands. 

Not only that, the assignment of her's open up a whole new world to me!

*singing~ a whole new world~~~~*

Because of what she told me, I started to see things differently now.

Thus, contributed to the "change".

Thank you Hazel!

*I told her we don't have a photo together for me to put up here and she sent me this!* 
LOL

2) A booth.

Last Saturday Oyan, Pearl and I opened a booth in church.

And as I've mentioned in my previous post (here) it was a great experience and a boost of self-confidence.

Never thought what I drew was good enough and never thought people will appreciate it.

And out of it, someone actually approach me to design their flier and name card.

I'm still very nervous + excited about it. But Imma just do my best and see how it goes!

3) A Proposal.

Someone got engaged!!!!!!!! 

WOOHOO!!

When I found out about the news, I was super excited and happy for them.

Even at this very moment that I'm still very excited for them.

I know, I know, is pretty much none of my business.

But is also none of your business that I'm happy for someone's engagement!

*unless you are that someone! XD*

4) A delivery.

Got this from the post office on Monday.


Totally didn't expect receiving it!

I e-mailed to get free book and I forgotten about it until I received it!

And the good news is, they did not just send me one but THREE books!!!! *AWESOME!*

5) A decision.

I think it was last Wednesday that  I've decided to get myself a tablet.

And with the help of Oyan, I got on Monday!!!

Love it so much! Although I'm still not very used to it, but all great things start small!

Can draw more and post it up here d!!! 

hehehehehehe

We are seriously selling these

Last year when I first started doing it, it was something spontaneous.

I made 2 and gave it to Oyan. (read here)

My mom read that post and decided to support me by buying 10 from me.

I was very happy.

Since then, Oyan keep encouraging me to sell it online but to me it was impossible.

Because who will go online to buy notebooks?

Besides, I don't really think I did a good job and I don't think that people will buy my "art".

So the idea of selling my notebooks was buried away.

Then came Christmas.

I did a few notebooks to give it as present.
To me, it is meaningful, useful and unique.

My CG members like it and they gave very encouraging responds.

So when Pearl talked about open booth last weekend, I told my CG members that Oyan actually suggested me to sell my notebooks.

And to my surprise, they were all very supportive and encouraging of the idea!

And so, I decided to go ahead.

But I was very nervous about it because I don't have no confidence at all.

I thought to myself, what if I fail?

Will people buy my notebooks?

Even until yesterday I still had this fear in my heart.

But Kevin Khoo said something that woke me up.

*Oyan told me things like this lots of time, but because we are so close, I always think that she's being kind.*

If no one buy, you don't lose anything. 

If someone buy, is a bonus.

Then only I realize, what am I afraid of?

I have nothing to lose.

So I went back home, and started preparing for the booth opening.

Which happened today.

I woke up early in the morning to do some last minute drawings because I have only a few notebooks in hand.

I managed to draw another 4 this morning before Oyan came by around 12 noon to pick me up.
I was still very nervous but I told myself

It doesn't matter. 
I'll gain experience.

We were there early to prepare and to work on our decoration.

While we were doing that, someone came by and we sold my FIRST notebook! 

I was speechless!

Then slowly, more and more people saw my artwork and I was super encouraged by them.

WOW!

You drew all these?!

It encourages me.

Someone even came to us and asked for a name card!
*Is this for real?*

... ... ... ... ...
*speechless*

THANK YOU!

to those that came and support!

THANK YOU!

to those that encouraged me!

THANK YOU!

to those who helped out!

THANK YOU!

to those who believed in me!

This girl really can sell stuff!

My QC!

The first 2 kids that bought my bookmarks!

My first customer

Me drawing

Last minute drawing number 1

Last minute drawing number 2

Last minute drawing number 3

It was fun.
And I thank God for the experience!

Love,

Constance

And the little bug follow me home without flipping it's wings

Is been a crazy weekend! 

I ended Friday night with a severe headache and begin my Saturday morning with lots and lots of nightmare thanks to the unnecessary stress that someone put on my shoulder. Boo!

I have to forced myself to come to a point where I lift it up to God and just focus on what really matters and not those petty little things. 

Well, I'm not say they are not important, is just not crucial enough to turn my life upside down.

Ok, enough of my verbal vomit.

After the special morning service with Dr. Ron Chong on Saturday, Oyan and I decided to go to Setia City Mall and join the fun at ChurpOut2013.

Here's some of the photo I took there.

I was pretty excited when we decided to go there on Friday. 

And I was very nervous because I know a lot of bloggers that I follow are going to be there! And indeed I saw most of my favorite bloggers there.

Fourfeetnine

Miao

Ernest

Bobo

Timothy

And yes, I SAW them and not MEET them because I was too shy to do anything. Oyan urge me to take picture with Miao but I insisted not to. Because I was really really really really SHY! I dare not talk more after asking Miao to draw me and saying thank you after that. ><

I mean yes I read their blog, but I don't really know them right? But that's just a part of their life. Besides they don't know who am I! Wouldn't that be like AWKWARD!

Or maybe I think too much, they are popular enough to be friendly to stranger fans, I think? 

OK.

I'm just stupid. 

Is like when I wanted to take a picture with Wan Chean before she flew to London.

We've been in the same church and same zone for few years.

We stayed in the same hotel room before.

We talked to each other before.

And I'm still shy.

><

And the picture I had with her would not happen if not for Jan!

Thank you so much Jan! Thank Kiewwwww!
*OK, I digress. I just want to put this picture up! LOL*

Anyway, I had a great time there playing games and seeing all those familiar yet unfamiliar faces! And I earn myself some badges, got a pretty nice outer wear at only RM25 and also lots and lots of goodies!

Will definitely go for ChurpOut2014! Maybe by then I'm brave enough to say "Hi" to them. LOL
ღ

Somehow for no particular reason, I find my joy in customizing notebooks cover.

Here's the 2 notebooks that I customized lately.

I'm pretty proud of myself for both of these notebooks! Especially the second one since I hand drew it. Hehehe.

Didn't regret buying those marker pens! Love playing with them so much!

Oyan say I can customize this for people and earn some money for building fund. 

Maybe I can.

Any interested buyers out there? 

Love, 

Constance

When will you be a Cell Group Leader?

Last weekend was a pretty meaningful weekend for our church. (In case you are wondering, I'm rooted in City Harvest Church Kuala Lumpur.)

Other than having our pledge weekend for our 8th Arise and Build, Pastor also took this opportunity to announce the new Zone/Sub Zone/Cell Group structure of our church. 

He introduces all the Zone Leaders, Subzone Leaders and Cell Group Leaders on stage. Is pretty awesome to see all the leaders who are the backbone of our church and getting the whole church to pray for them.

Stolen from Adele Chow's FB

After service, someone asked me "So, when are you going to be a Cell Group Leader (CGL)?" I looked at her, shocked to hear that question but I laughed and said "Impossible for it to happen in the near future."

Ok. Just in case I presented it wrongly, I wasn't offended by the question and my respond was sincere. Because I really don't see myself being a cell group leader (yet, if ever).

But to be honest, if this question had been asked years ago, I would be bitter because back then I wanted to be a CGL. I still remember it clearly how badly I wanted to be in the leader's team. I always admire those who share the Word of God and always in the "inner circle" of the leadership team. And on top of that, I love love love preaching/ sharing the Word of God.

Long long long ago, I always imagine myself preaching and sharing God's word. When I'm listening to someone preaching, I will imagine myself sharing the same message in my own unique style. Sometimes, I even go to the extend of re-writing a message that I heard over the weekend! A bit crazy, I know!

I just love the image of me sharing from the bible and everyone else have to keep quiet and listen. I love the idea of how awesome it will be to speak words that impact people's life. Owh! Being a CGL was my dream!

But boy were I naive back then! Being a CGL is not merely about preaching! But is to be a shepherd to all sort of sheep. Fat sheep, skinny sheep, OKU sheep, black sheep, you just name it and you will have it!

A CGL need to take care of all the different needs from different people. The demand comes from all sort of sizes and colors. And the best thing is, it will come whenever they like. Morning la, afternoon la, evening la, night la, during your honey moon la. There's no limit to it!

And if you have a member like me, you'll probably need a very good insurance just in case of any heart attacks! 

I spoke to leaders who are not disappointed but heart-broken by their members. I see them giving all their time and energy to talk and "just-be-there" for their members. I see them loving and loving again no matter how painful it might be. 

CGL is not a title. Is not just someone who comes every week to share from the bible (which is not easy also) and say bye bye. But CGL is someone who walk with others all the time. They are constantly giving yet never gives up. They are those who keep loving and risk having their heart broken again. To be a good CGL is not easy, is not like playing masak-masak or play-doh. Is even more hardcore than a mission trip to Myanmar.

To those CGLs out there, I respect you guys a lot. Forgive me as I never knew how hard it is until I saw the tears in your eyes. Thank you for giving, loving and all your sacrifices.

To those who hate CGLs. I've been there, done that and almost made a movie out of it. Is really not easy to be a CGL. And just think about it, they don't have to do it yet they took the responsibility on their shoulder and try their best. No one is perfect, just like us.

As for the big question whether I want to be a CGL. My answer will be:

"Yes, if God's grace is upon me!"

Seriously, is not easy!

Love,

Constance

I'm a FINISHER!

My first RUN, and I FINISHED it.

Woke up early in the morning to get ready for the run. I know this sounds a bit weird but I can't just go for a long run before taking a bath! XD

I can't run when I feel sticky yucky! Don't ask me why, cause I have no idea too! LOL (Although I like it when my body sweats after a good exercise)

This is my first run after so many years. And I love every second of it. 

I did not run all the way, I ran, stopped and continued.

Sometimes life is like this too! ><

Along the way I breath in and out through my nose. 

Focusing on one thing, RUN.

I'm surprised that the thought of giving up never crossed my mind.

I just ran. 

When I was near the finishing line, just in front of our church, I heard my favorite song. 

I don't believe in coincidence, if man did not plan it, GOD did!

I jog my way to the church gate, and when I saw the finishing line, somehow my body just have this energy and I ran as fast as I could.

And I grabbed my first marathon medal.

I sat at a corner, breathing in and out.

 Thinking back the whole journey. 

I wanted to cry.

Because

I finished the race.

With God.

*tears*

[Stole this from Jan]

[Stole this from Oyan]

[Stole this from Brian]

Someone said I'm extremely cool after my first marathon. Haha. I don't know why also! XD

p/s: I think I will start running!

Love,

Constance

Let's Run

Finally! The weekend has come. Is time for me to RUN!!!!!!

Yup! I'm talking about Neon Run 2013!!! I'm super excited about it! 

I was pretty scare to sign up because of my back condition. But with my doctor's approval, I have nothing to worry about! Just go and run (maybe walk) and have fun! 

Check out the running kit they provided for us!

And for this run, I got myself a new pair of shoes! My doctor recommended me to get a pair of New Balance Minimus and gosh, they are really really REALLY light!

Check them out!

Aren't they pretty!! And I got it for 50 % off! *blessed*!

Is been a while since I last run or even do exercise. Oh! How I miss my kick boxing days when I can just kick and box away all my stress and anger. Hehehe. 

I went for a jog two days ago and I really really enjoy it!!! Although half of the time I was walking, but I love it when my body sweats after a good session of exercising! XD

Never ever thought that I would be able to run again. 

Tomorrow, my first marathon.

 I'm running for a reason. 

How about you?

 Why are you running?

Love,

Constance

When 36 of us become Orang Asli

Last Saturday was our CG retreat. 36 of us car pool down to this small town call Ipoh and turn the place upside down. Because there were so many of us, wherever we went instantly became the most popular place in Ipoh!

The uncle of the gerai along the road side selling coconut water definitely did not expect such revival at his stall when he woke up that morning. LOL.

I love the "Heong Beng" factory that we went. According to the SCS's (Sophia, Charis and Stephen) mom, this is one of the few left if not the only one that is still using the traditional way to make this Chinese traditional pastry.

The "oven" was super duper hot! I tried to put my hand in (without the fire burning of course) and it felt like my iPhone casing is going to melt! *True story* Suddenly felt respect towards the uncle. LOL

Fun fact: Do you know that instead of charcoal, they use coconut shell to heat the "oven"?

Because the weather were extremely hot. All of us went opposite to have a refreshing coconut drink. Imagine 30++ of us all gather under one small gerai under a big tree. To the boss, revival indeed had came. Because of us, there are even cars that stopped by just to buy whatever that we were having! Kesian the stall a bit further in front, they were few meters away from us, but they have ZERO crowd. >< 

The place we stayed was superbly nice! And I'm not lying nor am I advertising them for a fee. But it is really really nice! Check this out!

I love nature a lot! And since young I always dream of having a tree house so that I can hide from my sister! LOL. *my dream came true!* XD

And they literally have a tree in the middle of the room!

Is really a nice place to stay. But too bad I had to rush back to church the next morning so I didn't enjoy much of the facility. But I will definitely go back there again!

Oh! Why do I have to go back to church? To get my Preach It! medal! My first ever Emerge medal. *Super touched*

More to come!

Before I forget! Pastor was asking all the leaders to run for Neon run and I think I'm one of the few who did not sign up after that. Not that I don't want, but I'm concern about my back. Is been a while since I last ran.

So I consulted my doctor and I love what he said.

"We shall work towards that!"

When I heard that I was super duper motivated! The doctor make me feel so happy and not alone. LOL He really encourages me la!

So yeah, my virgin marathon run will be none other than CHCKL Neon Run 2013!!! *excited*

Love,

Constance