Hillsong United - Age To Age

You gave me hope

You made me whole

At the cross

You took my place

You showed me grace

At the cross

Where You died for me

And His glory appears

Like the light from the sun

Age to age He shines

Oh, look to the skies

Hear the angels cry

Singing, "Holy is the Lord"

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16

RQ: Random Quote #8

"Jesus's birth was important, His death was meaningful; but if He did not rise from the grave, our faith would be pointless."

Happy Easter!!

In Him,

Hazel xo

Indonesian Youth Band (IYB)

Some, if not most of you know that I'm in a band. It isn't just any band... it's the Indonesian Youth Band... in Toronto!!! The name is not something we're proud of, as we turned this into a private joke among the personnel. We're still on the prowl for a more sophisticated and professional name. Holler, should you have any suggestions. It's kind of very urgent (conscious grammatical error).

IYB, which was established in late 2009, is a heterogenous band. We do not represent one single church, but rather this band consists of members who belong to our respective churches, to promote the idea of being united under ONE heart of worship. The music we choose to cover varies from rock to gospel, even slow worship. Recently we have started to write and perform our original composition. The ultimate objective of our band is to unite all of the denominationally diverse Indonesian churches in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) through music, so that we could together praise and worship the Lord Jesus Christ as one culture, despite any principle differences. In addition to that, we accept invitations to perform on public venues for secular occasions. In September 2010, we were invited to perform at the Harbourfront Centre for a Vietnamese cultural event (alongside former members, Putri and Fehren). Apart from uniting the Indonesian churches in the GTA, our band also has a vision of being a channel for God to non-believers who are unfamiliar with Christian music.

This past Sunday, 17 April 2011, IYB was humbled to be given an opportunity to perform at Mississauga Baptist Church. We did 2 covers: "Lord You Are Good" (Israel Houghton) and "How He Loves Us" (Kim Walker); and one original song, "Technicolour", written by our very own David Siringo Ringo.

With this said, I'd like to introduce you to our 9 members.

David Siringo Ringo: Electric, Vocals

Phillip Bako: Bass, Vocals

Brian Rochilli: Lead electric

Hazel Theresia: Vocals, Acoustic

Jonathan Tjoandi: Drums, Music director

Nia Warouw: Vocals, Keyboard

Paul Siringo Ringo: Percussions, Drums

Alex TJ: Lead vocals

Fritz Chen: Lead keyboard/piano

On Sunday, we were joined by a special guest, Nando (pictured below), who helped us with the sound system. We hope to have you with us again the future!! :-) Unfortunately, due to conflicting issues, Fritz was unable to join us in this performance. Hopefully we'll have a full house next time, so I can show you all of the band members. In the meantime, here is a couple of pictures from Sunday.

Now for some SILLINESS!!! A little stereotyping won't hurt. This is what I perceive us as:

David Siringo Ringo: THE GENIUS

Phillip Bako: THE WISE MAN

Brian Rochilli: THE ROCK STAR

Hazel Theresia: THE HOSTESS

Jonathan Tjoandi: THE CHARMER

Nia Warouw: THE LEADER-FOLLOWER

Paul Siringo Ringo: THE LIVELY ONE

Alex TJ: THE ENTHUSIAST

Fritz Chen: THE M.I.A.!!!!!

Those in accordance with me say "Aye".

IYB in 2010 with former members Novy, Fehren, and Putri

Shopping for Indo gifts pt. I

Those of you who are curious (like me) and wondering what I bought today, here are some pictures. I am giving all of these away to my friends in Indonesia (except that rectangular block in a paper bag – that's Henna for my hair). LUSH and Victoria's Secret are two of my favourite brands. I love their products, they smell amazing and are of superb quality. Please be advised that these items are priceless. Whether you are getting a LUSH or Victoria's Secret product really doesn't matter. The appearance of the packaging does not account for my level of favour towards you. Some companies may have taken more time in perfecting their packaging for consumer appeal, but I honestly tell you that it does not matter. They're going to be disposed of when you're done with them anyway. I spent a long time picking out these products for you, so please accept and be grateful with what you are being given :-).

These are only some of the things I've bought. I'm pretty sure I'm still missing a few other people. I'll be crossing off the names I have written on my list once I go through each item. Enjoy, my lovelies!

From LUSH

Solid soaps

• Figs and Leaves

• Rock Star

• Ice Blue

• Sexy Peel

• Sultana of Soap

Shower Jellies

• Whoosh

• Sweetie Pie

From Victoria's Secret

Body Creams

• Indulgent Body Cream in Naked Musk

• Indulgent Body Cream in Warm Vanilla & Tempting Praline

• Indulgent Body Cream in Midnight Raspberry & Sexy Lily

Body Lotion

• Hydrating Body Lotion in Wild Scarlet

Body Washes

• Exhilarating Body Wash in Secret Charm

• Exhilarating Body Wash in Strawberry and Champagne

Body Mists

• PINK Sparkling Body Mist in Cool & Carefree

• PINK Sparkling Body Mist in Fresh & Clean

That's all for today. I'll be returning to Eaton Centre to pick up some more products for the people I've missed.

Love ya!!

xx

Hazel

Personal Questionnaire (retake)

I took this exact same quiz almost 2 years ago. I'm going to do it again now and see how much the answers have changed! :-) Here is a link to the original post: http://softlywhispered.blogspot.com/2009/07/quiz-from-feby.html

ABC About You Questions:
A - AVAILABLE: For counseling, yes. For dating, nope.
B - BIRTHDAY: October 8, 1990
C - CRUSHING ON: As of now, I am crush-free.
D - DRINK YOU LAST HAD: Nestea Cool
E - EASIEST PERSON TO TALK TO: Cimi (haha)
F - FAVORITE SONG: Albertine by Brooke Fraser
G - GUMMY BEARS OR GUMMY WORMS: Gummy Worms!!
H - HOMETOWN: Jakarta
I - IN LOVE WITH: JC and CJ
J - JUGGLE: All the time
K - KILLED SOMEONE: Not that I know of..
L - LONGEST CAR RIDE: To Philadelphia! (I forgot how many hours, though)
M- MILKSHAKE FLAVOR: Strawberry (still the same :))
N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: 1 younger, dearest brother <3
O - ONE WISH: ........................... :)
P - PERSON YOU CALLED LAST: Jon Tj.
Is this an intentional trick?? Did they expect us to notice that Q is missing?
R- REASON TO SMILE: Something/someone makes me feel good
S - SONG YOU LAST HEARD: Mykonos by Fleet Foxes
T - TIME YOU WOKE UP: Late (HAHA - same answer. FYI, I don't have class anymore!)
U - UNDERWEAR COLOR/PATTERN: PINK
V - VEGETABLE(S): BROCCOLI, green beans, lettuce (YES, forever and always) <3 Love these greens.
W - WORST HABIT: Wasting time (O gosh, I have not changed)
X - X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: Teeth and knee (I dislocated my kneecap in 2008)
Y - YOYOS ARE: Retractable?? -> smart
Z - ZODIAC SIGN: Libra

Random Questions About You:
Spell your name without vowels: Hzl
What color do you wear most?: I prefer and mostly wear neutral colours. Bright colours attract attention and I don't like attention.
Least favorite color? Yellow mellow
What are you listening to? My laptop fan
Are you happy with your life right now? YES
What is your favorite class in school? BREAK TIME! oops.. that's not even a class (LOL - not gonna change this answer)
When do you start back at school/college? I'm in school for the summer T_T (again, this year, after I come back from Indo)
Are you outgoing? Sometimes I can be!
Favorite pair of shoes? flats! They're so simple.. you can throw them on wherever and whenever. They never go out of style (I agree).
Where do you wish you were right now? In a warmer room. My bedroom is freezing.

THE CANS:
Can you dance? I like to think so. I used to, though.
Can you tie a cherry stem with your mouth? Haven't tried. I heard you're a good kisser if you can do it :P. Kinda curious to know.
Can you whistle? A LITTLE.
Write with both hands? Hmm.. I'm not ambidextrous.. but I can try.
Walk with your toes curled? Yes!!!! I curl my toes almost all the time, especially when I'm cooooold.

THE DO'S:
Do you believe there is life on other planets? Could be.
Do you believe in miracles? FO SHO!
Do you believe in magic? No, it's all tricks, dude. ALL tricks! Hahahaha.. I'm with a "magician" :P.
Love at first sight? NO. But when you were in kindergarten you probably did (^^).
Do you believe in Satan? I believe in the notion of his existence.
Do you believe in Santa? No, but I like the idea of him. He seems and sounds nice in movies.
Do you know how to swim? I used to take swimming lessons, but I'm nowhere near being a decent swimmer.
Do you like roller coasters? I LOVE 'EM!!
Do you think you could handle the stuff they eat on those reality shows? Oh my gosh, never will, ever!

THE HAVES:
Have you ever been on a plane? Of course.
Have you ever asked someone out? Ya.
Have you ever been asked out by someone? Ya.
Have you ever been to the ocean? The closest I ever got to is the beach, but I still love oceans :) (Would really love to go someday, though).
Have you ever painted your nails? My nails are painted right now!

THE WHATS:
What is the temperature outside? The forecast says it's around 4 degrees Celsius.
What was the last restaurant you ate at? Pho Hung (hahahaha.. they're both Pho restaurants!! Totally unplanned!)
What was the last thing you bought? Gosh, I have not gone shopping in forever! Which reminds me, I have to go buy stuff for my Indo friends).
What was the last thing on TV you watched? The Big Bang Theory.

THE WHOS:
Who was the last person you IM'd? Cimi.
Who was the last person you took a picture of? I last took a picture of my nails.
Who was the last person you said I love you to? EVERYBODY!!! I love you all =) (haha, I'm keeping this one)

CRYING SECTION:
Ever really cried your heart out: Ya ya ya
Ever cried yourself to sleep? Yes
Ever cried on your friend's shoulder? Yes
Ever cried over the opposite sex? Oui
Do you cry when you get an injury? Depends on how severe/painful it is.
Do certain songs make you cry? I mostly cry from hearing songs or watching videos.

HAPPY SECTION:
Are you a happy person? Still am!
What can make you happy? Anything and anyone.. I guess :P.
Do you wish you were happier? Hmm.. I wish I could be a little more content with what I have and am given. Gratification = happiness.
Can music make you happy? Definitely.

LOVE SECTION:
How many times have you had your heart broken? Don't know. Never counted.
Have you ever loved someone so much that you'd die for them? Yes.

LOOK AT ME:
What is your current hair color?: Reddish brown
Current piercings?: Ear lobes
Have any tattoos?: Nope
Eye color?: Brown

IN A BOY:
Favorite eye color: Doesn't matter
Short or long hair: Short. Long hair seems greasy to me (still does. Yuck).
Height: At least 4" taller than me :-)
Best clothing: As long as it "makes sense" (--> yup hahaha. It could be a bit subjective on my part, though)

HAVE YOU EVER
Been to jail: No
Ran away from home: No
Laughed so hard you cried: YES
Cried in school: Ya
Done something really stupid that you still laugh at today: MAYBE o_O
Gone skinny dipping: No, I think I'd catch a cold instantly.

THIS OR THAT
Pepsi or Coke: I like Coke Zero because it isn't too sweet.
McDonald's or Burger King: Perhaps McDonald's (I've digressed)
Single or Group Dates: Single dates are more romantic and personal, while group dates are FUN!
Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate. Too much of vanilla makes me sick. Having too much chocolate doesn't do that to me.
Strawberries or Blueberries: Strawberries (changed my preferences)
Meat or Veggies: Poultry (yes! Haha)
TV or Movie: TV (I love Korean dramas, Grey's Anatomy, and The Big Bang Theory)
Guitar or Drums?: Drums (oh, bias)
Adidas or Nike: LULULEMON!!!!!!
Chinese or Mexican: Mexican, because I love tacos! I said pitas in my previous answer, but I've found out that pitas are in fact, Greek food, not Mexican.
Cheerios or Corn Flakes: Still Cheerios.
Cake or Pie: Depends
MTV or VH1: MTV because I have no clue as to what VH1 is

RQ: Random Quote #7

"Quitters may find temporary bliss to their immediate end, but they will never indulge in the pleasure of pure success."

- HTL

God's Grace: My testimony

I have never considered myself "rich". My family has never had any surplus of money that we could lavishly spend on ourselves. Our finance has always been marginally sufficient to provide for our family's needs until this present day. In this blog post, I intend to tell you a story of my own life experience. Sometimes in the midst of various simultaneous occurrences, we may not be paying attention to what is going on. It is as if we are getting by in a breeze without truly realizing what is happening around us – to us. At least that's what it was like with me. So now I'd just like to take the next several hours to write and reminisce on my past.

I'm going to first describe my family's background in Canada, from the time before we got here up to our current life. I can barely recall the exact situation(s), but here is how the story goes. Warning: what you are about to read is a true story, not a mere fabrication.

Jakarta. It was the morning of a summer month, sometime in 2002 (sorry for my lack of memory). I remember getting myself ready in a pretty, classy-girl-type purple dress with matching shoes. My parents were anxious to get my brother and I to appear as sophisticated as possible. In spite of my parents' obvious agitation, I couldn't care less to know where we were going. My parents spoke of a very important interview we had to attend, but all I knew was how important it was for us to make it to the place on time, as the person we had an appointment with would not like it if we came late. Mind you, I was eleven and my brother was only seven years old. We were moody and upset with all the morning ruckus that had interrupted our good night sleep.

RQ: Random Quote #6

"Hard work brings success. Success brings title. Title brings prestige. Prestige brings respect."

- HTL

Moral: one must work hard to gain respect.

Floral dress photo

I love this dress! I borrowed it from a good friend of mine for my album photoshoot. The dress is custom made, apparently. My friend's female cousins all have the same one for a huge anniversary celebration or something. Thank you, Juvira for lending it to me!! Hehe..

For your information, this is one of the pictures featured in my album. I recently put it up on Twitter as my profile picture, but I got a bit self-conscious seeing my face plastered there, so I decided to post it here on my blog instead (for those of you who missed it and don't know what I'm babbling about on Twitter) :-). The reason why I'm putting it up is because I LOVE this picture! I love everything about it – the colours, the background, the effects, etc. (with the exception of my face). The photo was taken by one of my friends, Irene, in Indonesia. She's an amazing photographer, by the way! For a student, she had the skills of a professional.

I apologize for this very random post. It was only supposed to be a diversion from my dissatisfaction.

Bonne nuit, tout le monde.

xx

YouTube Channel

Nervous.. but I now present you,

Hazel Theresia's YouTube Channel

I sound super lame, I know. I have no idea what got into me today, but I felt like making a channel for my album (and to promote it as well). So, here it is! Just to warn you, though, it is extremely unprofessional (because I'm the one who set it up). Please bear with it until I find a willing friend to design it.

Thanks for checking it out, my lovelies :-).

RQ: Random Quote #5

"You know you've done something right when the person you love tells you, 'You've changed me.'"

- HTL

Indonesia: Pre-mission trip 2011 pt. II

It's coming, it's coming, it's coming!! Here is the countdown till my summer mission :-) (I would manually count it myself, but since I'm terribly awful at Math, I'm not even going to try.)

Due date: May 15, 2011

I am excited. I don't know what else I can say or feel. This is going to be my first-ever bona fide mission trip. When I was 9 or 10 years old, I went on "ministry trips" to the rural areas of East and Central Java. I consider them ministry rather than mission trips because I was simply going around singing at the local churches there, but didn't do any preaching, evangelizing, and/or community service whatsoever. This time it'll be different because I've been asked to share a little bit of my testimony, to sing, and to speak and lead the youth. From what I was told, we are also going deep into several different villages to serve the people there, while testifying our faith to them. There's only about a month left before I rock it, but I still haven't prepared my speeches and whatnot (I'm definitely bringing my flashcard pack everywhere!). Hopefully my prayers will be answered in a swarm of inspiration for the next 2 weeks or so. I can already feel that this is going to be a ground-breaking, life-changing experience for me. It's what I've been waiting to do all my life. God is finally using me to live out my passion and do something outside my comfort zone for the good of others. Those of you who know me, follow me on Twitter, or read my blog probably know how passionate I am to be involved in charity work. Well, guess what? My dream is coming true! What I can do now is to just view the upcoming few weeks in optimism (as I'm finishing my third year of university), get myself ready, and trust in HIS power. Only His hand can get me through each step of life.

Your prayers are crucial. I'm asking every one of you to please pray for our team, the people, and God's work in this operation. May it be as fruitful as a fertile mother and produce as many offspring of love as God desires.

Love in Christ,

Hazel Theresia

Superchic[k] - Beauty From Pain

Beauty From Pain by Superchic[k]

The lights go out all around me

One last candle to keep out the night

And then the darkness surrounds me

I know I'm alive

But I feel like I died

And all that's left is to accept that it's over

My dreams ran like sand through the fists that I made

I try to keep warm but I just grow colder

I feel like I'm slipping away

After all this has passed

I still will remain

After I've cried my last

There'll be beauty from pain

Though it won't be today

Someday I'll hope again

And there'll be beauty from pain

You will bring beauty from my pain

My whole world is the pain inside me

The best I can do is just get through the day

When life before is only a memory

I wonder why God lets me walk through this place

And though I can't understand why this happened

I know that I will when I look back someday

And see how you've brought beauty from ashes

And made me as gold purified through these flames

Here I am at the end of me

Trying to hold to what I can't see

I forgot how to hope

This night's been so long

I cling to your promise

There will be a dawn

After all this has passed

I still will remain

After I've cried my last

There'll be beauty from pain

Though it won't be today

Someday I'll hope again

And there'll be beauty from pain

You will bring beauty from my pain

RQ: Random Quote #4

"It's not about how you say what you do, but how you do what you say. Words can mean more than thoughts, but actions speak louder than words."

- HTL