Juanita’s blog

Yesterday I had an interview for a full time job. It was for an accounting position. To be honest, the whole interview was just ‘dodgy’. I can’t believe all the questions asked by the interviewers was so irrelevant and unprofessional. The man was bragging on how qualified and good he is, and yet, his interview "seriously cannot make it" (shaking my head).

My friend Yee Min was trying to network me into her company to work as an accountant. Before this, she told me the job is going to be stressful and requires alot of patience. She was having a hard time working there because she was treated unfairly. Poor Yee Min only got paid $10 per hour and the boss was saying harsh words to her throughout her whole employment. She really dread working there but persevere on because she wanted some working experience. Mind me, I’m talking about a chinese boss here. For those who have worked with chinese bosses before, you would have such a clear idea on what I’m talking about.

$10 per hour?? You must be joking. I might as well go back to Malaysia to work. The reason I look for a job in Australia is because it stands a better prospect than M’sia. Anyway, he asked me questions like how long have I been here? Which part of M’sia do I come from? Then I told him I go to church. Then he went on "Oh,so do you have any prohibitions?" I was like…"I eat everything, as long as my clothes is not indecent, then it’s fine, NO smoking and NO drinking for me". Then he was quite surprise. He said how come the "whites" says they are Christians and yet they smoke and drink. It’s really simple. I answered him that they self professed they are Christians but never do what they should. I told him the Bible said our body is a holy temple for God, therefore God lives in us and we should not smoke. The Bible also doesn’t allow drunkedness.

So, the interview went on for about 40 minutes. The only relevant thing they asked me was what are my future aspirations. To be honest, in my heart, I was thinking to myself, my future aspiration is non other than to serve the Lord. He started telling me about his working experience and how good he is. He told me he used to work with PriceWaterhouse Coopers and he deals with big companies like Esso, Amcol…and listed all the big company names to me. I was starting to get bored because, really, what does that has to do with me??? (Before this, I’ve already heard about this boss’s bad reputation in Adelaide). Then he asked me whether am I a time watcher? He said he doesn’t like people who comes in at 9am and expect to go home at 5pm. He says timely report is crucial to him, so, if I can’t finish work at 5pm, I need to stay on and work until I finish it. Then he looked so serious and went on saying he is a very impatient person, so if I’m a fast learner I would not have any problems with him, but, if I’m slow, he doesnt like to repeat himself twice. Well, fair enough I guess, because everyone has their own characther.

To be honest, I agreed to go for this interview in the first place for 2 reasons. One was because I really need some work experience. The second reason was because I want to earn money to go to Cambodia in 2008. It’s not easy to look for work in Australia. Every job requires experience. But, Barry told me it’s not right to work for someone who practises paying wages illegally. In Australia, the award rate is $15 dollars per hour.

Am I going to regret if I don’t get this job opportunity?? They say opportunity doesn’t come often. Well, my answer is no, I won’t regret. 23 years of my life. Never once God failed me. Do you think He’s going to fail me now?? I don’t think so.

Luke 18:27 The things which are unpossible with men are possible with God.

I truly believe He will provide and open doors if we diligently seek Him and wait upon Him. Christians often say God bless you. Well, indeed He has, in many many ways that I can ever imagine. God is a faithful God, therefore, show Him that you love Him by being faithful to Him.

I just love Sunday. The reason is because I get to worship God in church without persecution on Sunday. Count your blessing, name them one by one. This is definitely one of the blessing from God. Imagine the Christians in persecuted countries!! They need to worship God in underground churches, probably get tortured or thrown into jail for reading the Bible. And here we are, able to sing praises to God and listen to pastor’s preaching every Sunday. I know how priviledge I am.

Sunday is also a time of fellowship. I’m not worshipping God alone, but I also have my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who share the joy of salvation to worship the Lord together. We are from different culture, different background, different countries, and yet, we all are one big family, and the reason is non other than Christ himself. Behold how good it is, for breathen to dwell in unity and love. I praise God for this special bonding.

Today, Gillian, Joyce, Marion and myself had the chance to visit Auntie Nan. Initially I thought I would take a bus some time this week to Auntie Nan’s nursing home and sing for her. Then Gillian ask me to go for visitation after church service. So, I was like, yes! To me, visiting Auntie Nan is always a wonderful time. We sang many hymns today, read 2 Bible passage and prayed. I was so glad to see the smile on Auntie Nan’s face. Although Auntie Nan has dimensia and could not speak very well, but just by looking at her, I just felt greatly encouraged. I believe it’s not only me who feels that way, but many of our church’s young people. Many of the elderly at Kirkholme look so down and lonely, but Auntie Nan is different. I can see the peace and joy that is shown on her face. Auntie Nan just touches people’s heart through her faith in Jesus Christ.

But, when we were singing half way, I felt my chest tightens. I thought to myself maybe we sang too much this morning, and I’m getting some chest pain. I do get chest pain once in a while. It feels like my chest is pulling. It’s abit unusual to feel chest pain, but when I see the doctor and asked him what’s wrong, he just assured me everything’s fine (don’t trust everything the doctor tells you). So, I said a silent prayer to God. I asked God to grant me the strength if it is His will for me to serve Him for many more years to come. If God is going to use me, He will grant me the strength to go on.

After visitation, Marion, Gillian and I sat in the car and talked. I really enjoyed my time with my sisters. We shared about our faith and edified each other. Often times we looked back and could not understand why did God chose us and brought us to Hope church, but, the answer is very clear. He stretch forth His grace towards us. I said to Auntie Myung, if our desires to serve God is in accordance to God’s plan, nothing will change it. We will be in God’s plan.

Santification is a process.

Marion, from the girl who was so afraid to tell your dad that you are attending church and having to keep all the Christian materials each time he comes for a visit, to a girl who’s going to be baptised in 2 weeks time. From the girl who never dares to pray in public, even last year, to the girl who has grown so much in your prayer life now. This is sanctification.

Nikki, from national youth camp, you made a decision that you should attend church and serve the Lord more. Look at you right now. Reading your devotions daily and helping out in YAF with the talents you have. This is sanctification.

Gillian, I see your love for God increases each day as you spend your quiet time with Him. So glad that you are walking closely with God. I am always supporting you. From the girl who dye her hair in different shades and come to church just for the "gourmet" lunch four years ago, to the girl who is serving the Lord as a YAF president and also learning to carry a meek and lowly spirit in you. This is sanctification.

As for myself, I know that I too have undergone santification. From someone who was struggling with her spiritual walk and sins in the past, to someone who is willing to take up the cross and follow Jesus now. 2 years ago, Juanita would probably only focus on her own needs. But, the Juanita now wants nothing but to run the best race for Jesus. This is santification.

My prayer is that God will sanctify us to be more and more Christlike each day.

For by Grace we are saved, not by our works, but by God’s gift (His son Jesus Christ). Amen to that!

Just like everyone, Christians are humans too, and we too, often sinned against God in our Christian journey. But, if we come before God with true repentance and ask Him for forgiveness, He is willing to wash and cleanse us as white as snow. Isn’s that a wonderful promise?

Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace"

1John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"

And of course at times, Christians do feel discourage and weary. Yesterday I almost felt like giving up as I was writing my assignment. It took me really long time to think of words to write. But, I was really glad and thankful for my friends who saw my msn nick and encourage me not to give up and strive on!! Thank you all. I think after this, I should really read more books to brush up my English.

I remind myself that I should trust God and not give up so easily. So, this morning I read the book that Barry bought for me. God’s answers for your life. This verse comforted me:

Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength

I’m really thankful for Barry. I was stressing out last night, and then Barry kept encouraging me by saying that my assignment looks good so far and he said he’ll stay online with me whole night and finish this assignment together =) I really don’t know what would I do without you. I think the parts that I wrote was only a minor part and you helped me edited and completed most of it. I think when it comes to good command of english, I fail at it. So, this blog is specially written to say thank you to you for helping me and for always being so supportive. I think God wrap you up as a nice present and sent you to Adelaide for me last Dec. I hope I can be a good supporter to you as well. Just like we both agreed that we should honor and glorify God in our relationship, I pray that we may use our best to serve Him and that God is always in the center of our relationship and He is the one we acknowledge in everything we do.

Thankful for our friendship

I just posted a new entry for my blog this morning. So, I’m going to do a quick one for this and get back to my assignment.

Well, today I had an interview to be a Student Guide for my Uni’s Orientation Week in July. So, I took a bus to the city one hour before interview starts. By the time I reach the city, it was about 1.30pm. So, I thought to myself….mmm…there’s still ample time to relax myself abit before interview. Then, I waited for the free bus to come, but it was delayed. I decided to just walk down to City West Campus. Somehow, as I walked to reach the next bus stop, the free bus came around. So, Yay!! I caught the Free Bus to City West Campus (which is my campus).

When I reach there, I looked at the notes I jotted down for the interview venue. I looked at the map, and suddenly I got really puzzled…My brain went…."freeze"….where’s playford building?? This man saw the confusion on my face, so he asked me whether he could assist me in any way. Then I show him the paper, and he said you’re at the wrong campus. I was like "OOOhhhh noooo!!!!" Then I looked at my paper and slap my head. It’s City East, how could I read it wrongly and figure it would be at the West Campus. I reckon I’m super blur!!! So, I went panic!!! Then I ran out of the uni building and starting running on North Terrace. For those who know Adelaide, running on North Terrace to City East campus is not a pleasant thing at all. Not at all…

So, I ran all the way down North Terrace, then I saw the free bus coming again, and it’s already 1.45pm. Then I hailed the free bus and went on it. When it stops in front of state library, I came down and started running again. I had a marathon day (*faint*). Knowing my health isn’t that good last year, I tried to tell myself not to stress myself out by running. So, I started praying and asked God to give me the time I need to reach for interview. This verse came into my mind, Zech 4:6a "Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit: saith the Lord".

Finally, I reach City East campus and I took a while to find the interview room as well. Aish….But, thank God they inteviewed me. Overall, I think I did fairly well. I know it’s not by my own strength (can’t do all of these without God’s help). I think I learnt a good lesson today.

Why I say it’s 2nd blurness of the week. It’s because Barry sent an e-card to me on sunday, so I left the windows  with the e-card opened and then I opened another new windows to do research. After a while, I was wondering how come there’s cricket sound in my room. So, I msn Nikki and told her "I think I have a cricket in my room". I also put that title on my msn display nick. Then Nikki came to my room with "Impulse" spray! Hahahaha….hilarious…she was going to kill the cricket with impluse. Then when she came in, we started looking for the cricket sound and where it comes from. After that, I realised, oops….I think it’s from my lap top. Then I realised the e-card Barry sent has a bird figure, and it was chirping. When I closed the windows, the sound was gone. *Faint*!!! Nikki glared at me and went silent…silent…silent…So, I change my msn nick to "I’m so blur…unbelivable"!!

All I can say is, Juanita is seriously blur!!!! I have defected to Min Yen and Lydia’s side, joining them to be the queen of blurness. I shook my head as I thought about both incident. But then, thinking back on my silly act, I seriously can give a good laugh about it!

Barry, don’t be upset with me running ok =P

Guess what, yesterday I finish my last paper, my final exam!!! Yoo Hoo!!!! Yes! Yes! Yes! God willing, I shall be able to graduate soon. Wow, 3 years of studies, sometimes I wonder how I pull through 3 years of studies. It’s really by God’s grace, I don’t think I can do this on my own. Philipians 4:13 "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me".

Daniel Ki was craving for wedges the day before I had my exam, and I bought some chicken nuggets last week. So, he suggested that we should have a "mini party" to celebrate the finishing of my exam yesterday. So, here we are, dan ki, sam ki, nikki, tab and myself, in the library, discussing what we should do for our "mini party". So, everyone said they’ll bring something. Yesterday was just awesome time, but we were stuffing ourselves with junk!!! Not very good, but once in a while is fine, I guess.

So, at first, we chuck the nuggets and wedges in the oven. Then, dan started to smash up the Oreo biscuits, and ended up passing on the "tool" to me (it was originally a crab cracking tool *cough*). So I smash the Oreo into small pieces. Sam said "this is the other side of Juanita that we shall not let anyone see"…hah…"you’re right sam". Then we had flat bread, made by Grandpa Ki (love you grandpa) and yummy curry made by Auntie Myung (love you too Auntie Myung). Also, not forgetting, dan ki’s "coffee talent". He reckons he came out with this brilliant idea of putting ice cream in the coffee, but, I told him Cibo Cafe had that ages ago. But, it tasted way way execellently than Cibo’s, because it’s specially made by Dan’s hands. Then we had Doritos with hot salsa sauce, yum yum!!! Poor Nikki, no one eats the chips she bought =(  Nevermind Nikki, we have it another time ok. After stuffing ourselves with so much junk, dan started to open the M&M’s chocolate and mixed it up with the smashed Oreo and ask us whether we want to have ice cream. Nikki, tab and myself went "NO"!!! "Too Full"!!! So we decided to eat it later. Then dan asked this question "Is having an extra stomach space for dessert a guy thing or a girl thing?". I told him it’s a guy thing, but nikki said it’s a girl thing. Well, we didn’t come up with a conclusion eh??? We also played a game where someone whispers to another person, and then passed it on until the last person has to say it out loud to everyone. Well, you’ll be surprise how much words are twisted or eliminated at the end of the game. Poor dan was the victim of Sam’s making up sentences.

After washing up, all of us went upstairs to the library to study again. Eventhough I finished my last exam yesterday, I still have another assignment to pass up on Friday. It’s 2500 words essay!!! I need prayers!!  Anyway, after 1 hour of food digestion, we all decided to go downstairs and have our ice cream with the smashed oreo and M&M’s. So, we all proceeded downstairs and scooped some ice cream and mix it up with heaps of oreo and M&M’s.

Overall, the time spend with dan, sam, tab and nikki was really great! We had so much laughter and fun, and we ended up talking again in the library after ice cream. Awwww…….sweet!!!

I really have to say, some people only have one family, but I’m so blessed and thankful that I have a second family. My church family, God’s family. I’m so glad I can share my love with my church family. 3 years in Australia, Hope church is now a part of me. It’ll be sad when I leave Hope church behind in the future, but everyone is always in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear God, please bless Hope church and the Hopefuls. In Christ name, Amen.

I just can’t comprehend the fact that someone who can call himself/herself a best friend can make you loose the trust in him/her. Friends are meant to be supportive and build each other up. Pastor Jack Sin said in his book that a friend that causes our spiritual life to stumble is worth shunning away. He quoted Proverbs 13:20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed".

Well, I just felt that a friend that I used to call best friend has dissappoint me in many ways. At times, friends do fail us, and the more closer we are to someone, the more we understand each other’s characteristics, and also the more opportunity to see each other’s flaws. That’s when friendship are put into testing, to love, to forgive, to let go, to compromise, and finally to still stand firm with each other as good friends. I really pray that God will grant me the patience that I need, and also give me a compassionate heart, a forgiving heart, a thankful heart and a loving heart. That’s my prayers.

I’m thankful for my circles of friends. I really do. Life is so colourful and wonderful with the blessings of friendship.

I onced read a book titled "Where Angels Walk", and Gillian, Nikki, Min Yen, Amanda Fu, you guys are really my great sisters in Christ and so angelic to me. The times that we spent together, I’m going to cherish it deep in my heart. The times we sing in choir, when we go out for meals, when we sing praises in the sanctuary, when we share rooms at camps… Only God knows and control our future endearvour, but one thing for sure, no matter where we all end up, we shall someday meet in heaven =) Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

As for my friends back in Malaysia, it’s been a while since we last catch up with each other. Theen, when I was upset with my visa application, and I sms you, you called me straight away on the mobile all the way from Malaysia. A friend in need is a friend in deed. I really miss you and the times we spent together in penang and KL with pau, xuang and doreen. Those were one of my best years in life. Mamak and "superman", remember??? Me, always doing silly things during exam time to help everyone release stress, you and pau would laugh and think I’m crazy. Me, pretending to fly off the balcony, pau, with her worse chinese vocabulary. When I think of you guys, I get all teary. If I were to write down every single thing we’ve been thru, it’s just gonna be whole long list. "Chin gu" (means friend in Korean), you guys are really my "chin gu"!!

As I’m writing these, so many friends just pop up on my mind. Steven, thanks for calling me the other day from Malaysia to ask me how am I. I wonder how’s F4 doing?? hah..remember Chistian Fellowship camp??

How about my CCC’s brothers and sisters in Christ?? Andrew, Connie, Joyce, Stephenie, both Janice, Desmond etc. Praying that all of you are serving Him with your talents and also the growth of Youth Force.

Vyn, barley, jet mey, iris, siew yee, pui kuan, pui yee, yuh yuan etc…my great bunch of college classmates, I’m longing for a reunion =P

Sun, Lini and Ah li, high school was so much fun with you guys around. I won’t trade it for anything else.

Alan, Hing, Jack, ah liang, wei chien….how about starbucks when I go back???

As for my non Christian friends, I really pray that you guys can open your heart to Jesus and believe in Him. Jesus said in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life, no men can cometh to the Father except by me. I really pray that one day we can all see each other in heaven.

I love you guys very much!!!