Songwriting

Started my attempts to revise my stuff. So far, been studying ISDM; reading the subject guide to get an idea of what the whole syllabus is about. So far, have finished it, and have started going into the articles that's for required reading. One down, 23 to go. Still have my other subjects as well to take care of. Praying that I can manage to cover everything in time for the exams.

Went down to Esplanade library again earlier in the evening. Studied a bit before I got distracted by a sort of impromptu performance at the library's cafe, where they have a guitar, keyboard, mics and speakers for people to play on. Though I don't really know how to go about this. So decided to pick up a copy of "Songwriting for Dummies" and browse through it. Do have some interest in this area, since I write poetry and have converted one of them into a song before in Sean's last guitar class with us last year. Had it recorded in my player, with Yong'an on vocals and lead and Sean on rhythm. Maybe it's time I revive the partnership, heh. Perhaps once exams are over, can start doing this for fun and get Jiaxing involved as well. Anyway, did write down some lyrics while relaxing on the sofa before I left the library earlier.

With All My Heart

Sitting here staring out the window
At the great city beyond
Lights in the evening
Knowing you are there
A joy coming over me
Is this for real
Feelings for you coming true
My heart beats faster

But I know I'll only find
True love in the Father
Coming from Heaven
Filling my heart

Take these feelings away
If it's not from you
Stirrings and emotions
And my many thoughts
Replace them with Your love
Let me find joy in Your comfort
As I put You first
With all my heart

Days and months rolling by
Still thinking of her
My heart's thoughts cry
Will we ever be together
Only You could know

But I know I'll only find
True love in the Father
Coming from Heaven
Filling my heart

Take these feelings away
If it's not from You
Stirrings and emotions
And my many thoughts
Replace them with Your love
Let me find joy in Your comfort
As I put You first
With all my heart

With all of my heart Lord
I'll put you first
©Jonathan Chia 2006

Hmm, might still need some work. Just a draft that I wrote in one sitting, so perhaps it can be improved. Still have not thought about how to fit in the music. Guess it'll be a work-in-progress till after the exams when I have more time to work on this. Kinda inspired by God's love that is present in my life, that He is in control of every situation. Putting my trust in Him for what lies ahead on the path that He's set before me, that's what I have to do. For He's ever faithful, and will deliver His promises ü

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever" Psalm 23:6

Gout, take 2.5

Got hit by gout again over the weekend, causing "sleepless in compassvale walk", episode 2 (episode 1 was in december) on sunday morning. Was woken up in the worst possible way at about 5-6am in the morning, and basically lied down in bed till about 9 enduring it and praying for the pain to be gone. Took some medication after breakfast for a bit of relief before heading to church, where I was quite dazed throughout the sermon cos of the pain in my foot. Managed to copy down notes but not sure whether I got down everything or not. Thinking of getting the cd for it to run through the message again. Pastor was talking about the church of Smyrna, which is my "adopted" church in the cell, heh. So thought I'll follow up on it.

Lunch with Emily followed and chatted with her after the meal. Wayne somehow disappeared after the service. Apparently, it's a habit of his to do so and go for speedlight, after asking him about it on msn yesterday. Most of us already know, I think. Oh well, no harm done. Now I know what can be expected after the 11am service on sundays ü

Celebrated Emily's birthday on friday as a cell. Got her a book called "Powerful Promises For Every Woman", by Elizabeth George, after the staff at Tecman recommended it. It draws 12 promises from Psalm 23, and after browsing through it, thought it'll be a nice book to get. Initially wanted to find something related to the joy of the Lord, but couldn't really find much on the subject after looking around the place for a couple of hours. Anyway, Em, if you are reading this, hope you like the book ü

Went to see my family doctor in Ang Mo Kio today, whom I've consulted since young, for my gout. Did a blood test to check the uric acid levels in my blood and gave me a new medication to take, which so far, is promising. Pain's going down and I can walk without too much pain. To those who are keeping me in prayer, a big thank you! Will continue to trust in the Lord and pray for a complete healing.

Been taking some photos of the city from the esplanade library during breaks while studying there. Uploading to my gallery, link's on the right in the navigation menu. Granted, there's a lot of noise in the pictures. Not sure how come also. Will try and play around and see.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to the God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7

Successful performance

Been a long day. But at least the performance is over and done with. Still wish to have a debrief soon though, and the celebration meal with all the performers and helpers. Comments so far are that Jiaxing's vocals are good. Even Joshua said she should do a set at venues for experience and some revenue. Heh, oh well. That and her "bakery" option, don't see why not. Just that she don't want to at the moment. Future career options perhaps? :p

Felt that this performance can be a stepping stone for future similiar events. But maybe not that rushed and last minute things. Have to plan in advance for this. Hope it raised the profile of the club in school. Already received some interest from students to join the club sometime before the performance. Still have to sit down and discuss with the rest about the options for the club, not to mention the selection for the new excos. Already identified some potential ones to come into the family, just hope they'll want to take up the challenges that will be facing them.

Now that the event is over, can finally concentrate on my revisions. Time's running out. And it looks like the sofa at the Esplanade library will be seeing a lot of me in the near future, starting from later today., heh. That and perhaps Terminal 2 BK for overnight studies. Not much time left to waste. Have to start mugging now for exams.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Gout, take 2 :(

Been feeling the familiar (and hated) feeling of swelling in my toe joint again. Been acting up for the last few days, and now, it's starting to hurt badly. Praying that it'll go away soon. Wayne prayed for me also in cell earlier. Hope it'll clear up before sunday.

Cell was wonderful. Andy managed to come and share with us what he studied on the Church of Pergamum, with some good cross references here and there. Bro, reading this? Email all of us the softcopy will you? Made some more flowers while waiting for Peiwen to arrive to lead in worship. Kinda told Xiumin last week I'll show her the making process. Together with the ones I made earlier in school, gave the bunch to each of them, with the exception of Weiqiang, who didn't take I think. Terence booked me to teach him on sunday also. Looks like He's gonna stay in Singapore for the time being, with no definite date on his shift back to KL.

Rehearsal in LT1.10 on wednesday came and went. And I must say it's a tiring experience. Some headache as well at the beginning trying to hook up everything, but thank God it got resolved. Hope to have a better session on monday when we take to the place again. Sale of flowers are going well. Have covered the cost already, and now are trying to source for more material (specifically blues and purples) that some of the admin staff requested for. Seb and Jiayan are going to chinatown to try to find it; apparently the shop in ang mo kio ran out of stock for the next month -_-" Not really surprising, considering valentine's day is around the corner. Been working my socks off for this event. Praying hard it'll be a success, and that I can concentrate on my studies after that. E-revision just started, and looking at the dates, I'm beginning to sweat. Time is just going too fast for my taste...

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Flat batteries

Not really talking about the state of my hp battery here, but rather more of my mind and body. Tried to rest during the CNY period, but unfortunately, got very weary and fatigued instead. Sleep didn't help at all. Felt that the more I rested, the more fatigued I got. Theories thrown up suggested that I was too busy for the last few months, and suddenly I stopped my busyness for the CNY. That's when all the fatigue and weariness from the last few months hit me like a runaway train. Ouch. Maybe that's the punishment for sleeping 4-5 hours a day on average.

Been a good weekend spent working, which gave me a new level of fatigue and tired feet. Sales at Global rock. 35 sales for these couple of days. Translating into slightly over $300 for the weekend. Gonna be a good march ü. But still need to cut down on expenditure. Which means time to diet. And definitely time to get rid of that bulge of a tummy. Still lazy at doing my crunches before bedtime. Ok, it's lazy and tired. Must find a way out of this pattern. Not really conducive for studying or for keeping my physique in shape. Not to mention for my health either. Francis mentioned in the cab on the way home after cell on friday that I should exercise 3 times a week, instead of the one time as I keep telling myself. Need better time management I think. But then again, with all that I need to do (at least for the next few weeks), I doubt I'll have much free time to exercise. Just hope to cut down on carbs during this period of time.

Luther came back with a quotation for the pa equipment we need for the performance. A dropped jaw was the reaction. Didn't know it'll cost so much to rent the stuff for 3 days. Sigh. Gonna have to cut back on the equipment a bit. Hopefully it'll still be ok to get the sound and stay within budget. I mean, 5 condensers and 1 feedback monitor should not cost too much to rent for 3 seperate days right? Hope not. Praying for a solution to present itself. Still need to talk to the technical people later in the day in school to find out more about the sound system and what it can support. Most ideal situation is that it can take in every single input connection and work. Don't think switching wires throughout the performance is very nice, since the stage is open for everyone to see. Just have to see how it is.

Will need patience to help me along in the next few weeks. Patience and wisdom. Will have a lot on my hands, and it's not gonna be an easy journey. But I trust God, for I know He's in control of every situation ü

"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires" Song of Songs 8:4