Nursery Visit

Stephanie and I went plant shopping in Sungai Buloh a few days ago. Steph's the perfect person to go nursery hopping with as she knows everything you need to know about plants! Do check out her very interesting blog here and nursery directory here.

Thanks to Steph's advice, I managed to choose a few hardy plants that won't wither so easily.

We also took lots of pretty pictures... here are some of them.

Holiday Home Updates

It's been nearly a year since we started Holiday Home Malaysia. I'm really glad we started this and we've had guests from UK, USA, Russia, Australia, Russia, Canada, Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and of course Malaysia so far.

There have been many memorable guests, such as a Russian family whom we communicated with via email even after they arrived because we couldn't understand each other verbally and so needed the Russian - English translator on the internet.

I really thank God because He has blessed and guided us tremendously through this new endeavour and it has been an eye-opening and enjoyable experience for us.

Thoo and I are constantly thinking of how we can improve the place and feedback from our guests have been really helpful. Recently, we've added new bedlinen, DVDs, kitchen utensils, plants, a clothes rack and more cushions.

Here are the latest pictures.

Dog's Miraculous Rescue

A dog was miraculously rescued from the sea yesterday, 3 weeks after the devastating earthquake and tsunami destroyed his home. What an incredible miracle!  

She was even reunited with her overjoyed owner soon after!

Amazing stories like these really warm my heart and I'm so inspired by the people who made it happen - a thumbs up to the coast guards for their incredible rescue!

Japan's Tsunami

A massive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan last Friday and as of today, over 3000 people are confirmed dead and more than 8000 missing. The world is growing very concerned about the nuclear reactors that have malfunctioned at Fukushima, exposing dangerous levels of radiation into the atmosphere. The lives of thousands of Japanese people have been changed in a split second.

I'm touched reading about how the Japanese have maintained their good values during this time of adversity, helping and encouraging each other to remain strong. I really feel for them, and am praying for God to bring healing to this nation. May the whole world stand united in helping Japan.

Here are some pictures from the internet (courtesy of CNN, Getty Images and unidentified sources):-

Christmas Mood

It's my favourite time of the year.... brightly lit Christmas trees everywhere, Christmas carols playing in the shopping malls and lots of people in holiday mood. December is a time to be thankful for all God has blessed me with :)

The Christmas decorations in Kuala Lumpur are getting better each year. Here's what I've seen so far...

Snow @ Pavilion

Giant Christmas tree @ The Curve

Reindeers @ Pavilion

Cosy little Christmas town @ 1 Utama

In the midst of all the activity around me, I must never forget the one and only reason for the season...God coming to earth in the form of Jesus Christ to bring salvation to us.

Footprints of Faith

It's been nearly 2 months since I started working in the advertising industry again.  Pretty exciting I would say, and challenging at the same time. There's so much for me to catch up on! Nevertheless, I think I've settled in quite comfortably.  Met some nice colleagues too.

There were times when it was particularly challenging, especially when meeting difficult and demanding clients. I was quite turned off by a few of the irate and rude ones, but am getting used to it - reminding myself not to take things too personally.

I'm glad I took this step of faith.  I did look back initially, thinking about the comforts of being where I was, as opposed to being in an unfamiliar place and out of the comfort zone.  It was scary at times, especially when demands were high and I didn't really have a clue about what I was supposed to do.

It's during these times that I've prayed the hardest and really had to depend on God.  And to take tiny steps as He leads, knowing that He was and is always in control.  There have been pleasant surprises along the way, and God is opening my eyes to new experiences each day.

New Chapter Begins

The past 3 months has been quite a whirlwind. Not chaotic, but just really exciting and fun! The 3 month break after resigning was very timely for me as it enabled me to rest and do the things I enjoyed - travelling, cooking and even starting a guest house. I'm starting work again next week. It's quite a surprise actually, I didn't expect myself to start a full-time job so soon. However, I felt that this was an offer I had to take and a blessing from God as it was much better than my expectations!

It's nice being able to relax, read and watch tv at home alone on weekdays but I realised that life is more meaningful and colourful when you share it with others. Having people around makes you appreciate life more and see things from a different perspective. I know I have a lot to learn at my new workplace and I'm looking forward to this new chapter of my life.

God is full of surprises! I asked him for new experiences, and He told me to empty my cup. So I did, and now He's given me more than I imagined. I've learnt that when God says something, we have to obey Him and step out of the comfort zone at times because that is when growth happens.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11