NOT getting MARRIED?

With about 10 weddings to attend(attending) this year, more and more of my peers are starting their a new phase of their lives as wedded couples. I rejoice in knowing new unions between a man and a woman that are formed within the institution of marriage. The romance, passion and the testimonies these individuals share in the celebration of the wedding with their friends and family is truly a beautiful sight.

Pav and Fion

On the other end of the spectrum, we see that there are still quite a significant number of young adults who stay unmarried, yet they are living under the same roof as a couple. The Japanese and our close neighbours - the Singaporeans are seeing a population decline because the citizens are not willing to have babies. Partly because it is expensive to raise a young one in a high standard economy, but partly it is also because the couples are unwilling to marry. Why is there such a reluctance?

Premarital cohabitation - "More than 5 million unmarried couples cohabit in the U.S., nearly eight times the number in 1970, and a record-breaking 40% of babies born in 2007 had unmarried parents (that's up 25% from 2002).

- Time Magazine: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1898346,00.html#ixzz1bwz2W3Qz"

There has always been a strong debate in the idea of cohabitation opposed by the religious traditionals and defended by the modern contemporary, but the general acceptance on this idea is growing larger very quickly. This idea spreads like a parasite in the morality of human beings. Given what ever reasons - financial, relationships, practicality - a man and a woman cohabiting is never a good option. It stirs in the minds of the individual that living together doesn't require marriage. It goes beyond just sex before marriage, rather we could start acting like "husband and wife" without signing with the registrar of marriage. This "acting" gives the couple the option to get "in" or "out" of a relationship whenever fancy. This decays one principle - that only married individuals should stay together under one roof.

Lost meaning - There are a great number of people has no real idea of what a marriage is. This includes married individuals who have been married over 10 years. People think that marriage is just about living together and have children - and being tied to an extended family (Parents / Grandparents) that comes with your partner. Some just want to get married because they need to buy a house together and that merging their bank accounts together would help them with their maximum home-loan amount. No wonder unmarried individuals prefer to stay unmarried - simply because they see these "excess baggage" that comes with marriage unnecessary. What does marriage really mean then? Let me answer this in my next article.

Unwilling change - "My dad told me on the day of my wedding, 'Never go in a place that you wouldn't take your wife.' " - David Gibbs

With marriage comes a change in lifestyle. You are a wild running stallion when you single, but when you tie the knot, you're but a couple of chariot horses. Statistically over 76% of unmarried men above the age of 30 will give you the answer of being unable to change their lifestyle at the moment to accommodate a wife in their lives. "I have not done half the things I want to do in my life, how would I get them done if I got married now?" - Brother, show me a bucket list and I'll show you how you can chase the wind. Men (and even some women) sees marriage as a big boulder tied to their ankle. They have forgotten that it is not a dead boulder that they are tied to, it is a living human being that they love that they are bounded to. And if somehow both these humans can work through the changes in their lifestyle - put one feet in front of the other at the same time - they can fulfill even greater tasks together! Two chariot horses can do much more meaningful work than a wild running stallion.

Cost of wedding - If you are an average Indian family, the bride's father had better have the Dowry to pay for his daughter's marriage. If you are an average Chinese family, the groom had better have at least RM 30,000 in his pocket. GLAM & PRIDE - 'nuff said

Lack of social pressure - This came up as one of the few factors of why couples refuse to get married. It reads that these couples don't feel "pushed" to get married either by family or friends. A reminder to all those young uncles and aunties - the next time you see your eligible-yet-unmarried-nephew at any family function, ask them the "When?" question.

test service

don't know how this works

Absent Star

Absencent StarWhere has the big Star gone?The audience awaits his presence warmA day dedicated to celebrate himHe yet shys away, no where is he seenBy eleventh hour, he snuggles inAt twelve, under a grey blanket thinThe day grows colder, a scarf on her shoulder,And until the black curtain close,He never peeked a nose,Though tonight we sleep cold,We still see his secondary glow,For that itself we are sure to know,Perhaps we will see him tomorrow.

Changing Lanes

I've always been a safe driver on the road, never really had a major accident (Thank God!) and all of my past little bumps I had were because of other people's slackness. When it comes to being on the road, I'm usually in no hurry. I just want to get there safe... Even when I've been driving on the lane that moves the slowest, I'm okay with that... perhaps I'm a little afraid of switching to the Fast Lane...

Much like what I've been going through these days... I've been sort of signaling that I want to change lane, on to a Faster lane perhaps where there might be less congestion or less obstacles ahead so that I could get on with my life in a smoother pace. But at times, I was reluctant to steer my life out of this current lane I'm in... Its just that I'm not sure what's gonna come up before me... What has God placed before my life that He wants me to take if I ventured into this lane?

Up to now, I hope you'd read that I'm not talking about Fast and the Furious kinda thing... I'm making a decision to change the course of my life. I want to move on to another career...

Even before entering the University, I've always thought I wanted to be an Academician. Something about the intellectual mind set that attracts me very much... a Quest for Knowledge and Creativity! I want to be at the brink of Technology, the frontiers of Science, and the peripheries of Innovation, Creativity and even Arts!

I've been in this Job for about 1 1/2 years now and I've had a very rewarding experience. I believe I've been very well exposed to the industry and being able to understand how a structured economy works. I've learned very much about management and financing and most of all, dealing with people. But as I take a step back to consider how far this has brought me to what I want to achieve, I'm not so certain anymore that I'm actually in the fast lane... Staying here too long and I might just get caught in a Jam...

So I've decided, I want to move on to the Faster Lane where I would need to gain more qualifications and experience which would propel me into the direction I'm heading much quicker... I want to do my Masters!

Learning to aim Long Term...

The Heat is On!

Some thoughts on the Election Fever

The election is just around the corner! This Saturday, Malaysia decides!
This time around, the tides seem to have really taken a major shift, and what's more, as an eligible voter now, for the first time I'm part of that Action!

So much has been going around;
-Banners pollute the streets
-Flags fluttering in the winds of change
-People crying out for JUSTICE!
-Ceaseless hailing of manifestos
-Opportunists shaking hands with strangers
-Press prints pressing the "op-Pressed"
-Alternative news network goes free (for a week)
-Demeaning caricatures of a "Cheap Red"
-Erasing indelible inks
.... the list goes on....




(Banners, Banners everywhere! I'm sure the printing companies are making millions)























(B.E.R.S.I.H = Free and Fair Elections... at least that was what we hoped for...)


But what does all this mean to me?

Malaysia, a land that I have learned to love as I was growing up. Though I have seen its bites and blisters, even some places I wished I had not seen, yet this is the land of my origin and I believe that it will someday rise to become a great nation in my generation!

Christians, Christians, do you want to see change in your nation?
Are we concerned about what our country is going through?
Or are we only interested in the politics that only affects Christianity?



(Christ and the Ballot Box?)


I urge you my friends to get involved this time around. Read and discover what is going on! Know who you are voting for! Personally, my greatest concern is that the lower and middle class income people would get a fair leverage in terms of the socio-economical state from where they are in. Let Malaysian Taxes be for the Malaysian People! (Not getting lost in corruption at the high places!)

The votes we Christians cast isn't just done because of our responsibility as a good citizen, but a vote of wisdom that we allow God's hand to move and shape the up coming governance!
Commit the elections into our prayers!
May there be a move for the better as the reshuffling of the deck begins!

Complete Make Over

Incredible! I was offered by my own niece to have a complete make over! She asked me for S$ 1000... I curiously asked why... She said, "I need S$1000 to have a complete make over of your image!" Dazed in my mind my thougts reacted, "Why would I need a make over? Do I look that bad?" Then I came to my senses! Yes... I'm 24 this year... I still look like a teenager!

Stangely, I do find that most of the people I am around with now have changed quite a bit. In the way they wear, the way they speak, the things they like and what they want. Of course I don't see myself "conforming to the ways of the world" but I think what my little niece (who is obsessed with Taiwanese artists by the way...) does carry a point. I need to change! (At least a little bit). I'll be working soon, this Monday I'll be joining the marketplace for the first time! I'm going to have to be more matured and dress properly for work! Even when I go out, I'd probably have to change my clothes! And yes, the next point she brought to me was that its gonna cost me!

As I visit Singapore these few days, I've come to see why my niece said that to me. Here, even the teenagers act like adults. (Of course with the few punky looking kids around). What really struct me is that these people really have a diciplined healthy lifestyle! I went to the gym with James this morning and I realised its not just my wardrobe that needs change.. I need to also pump up my fitness level. I've been on the steady decline these days and today I found that my dad could even lift himself up easier that I can! Had my medical check up earlier this week, I'm scoring just a little higher on the over weight line! I used to give excuse that I have big muscular built around my chest, but I know now I'm just denying the fact that I've got lots of fats in many other regions as well!

From today onwards, I'm committed to keep myself healthy and active as God had commissioned me to take care of this Temple He has entrusted to me!

1) I have stretching exercise daily in spite of my job hours
2) I will have a fixed routine to maintain a wholesome health momentumn
3) Once a week I will climb mountain (Saga or Ketumbar)
4) Lay off the Carbs, Fats and Oils
5) Eat lightly and no stuffing myself until I feel too full
6) No sweets more than once a day
7) Fruits and vegetables the way to snack
8) No supper time
9) Sleep Early
10)Be accountable to my progress logs


Target weight : 60kg in 3 months

Employed

I'm actually blogging this because, since I've posted my nickname as "I got the Job! Praise God~!" on my MSN account, I've been bombarded with the same questions and I've repeated it over 7 times liow... so to save some typing time.. I'd best setup a blog entry:)

First of all, I want to Thank God for the Job offer! It was something that I quite eyed for even when I was doing my job search. Even when I stumbled on this company and the position that they were hiring, it was one of the 3 that I really put effort to customize my CV to fit the application for the position offered. Something clicked with me! The little experience that I have with water treatment from my Industrial Training days were of good use! I'm sure by divine purpose, this was granted to me... for how long? I don't know... but I really Thank Him who takes care of the bread and butter I need!

I've just got the confirmation letter on my Job offer today! After carefully looking through the contract and the letter of appointment, I have decided that I will take the position as a Water Treatment Engineer in Hydro K Sdn. Bhd. Its a subsidiary under Taiko Marketing Malaysia.

Ok, here is the gist of the questions...

What company is this?

HydroK is actually a chemical supplying company that builds water treatment systems for plants and mills and they also sell chemicals to service the facility they erected for their customers. There are a few specifications the water quality must be at before it can be used in milling and production processes in factories, so the company provide services to treat such water.

HydroK is under Taiko Marketing. Its an International Company that's stretched its base in several ASEAN countries.

What is the nature of your job?

The position is given as a Water Treatment Engineer. Basically it deals with some sales and services. When the water treatment facilities are provided, there must be someone who knows to manage it. I will be the one who does the training and from time to time do tests to maintain the systems in the mills.

Thus this job may require me to travel and meet clients and even go to the mills and eventually be an on-site "consultant" to our clients. It means that I may have to relive the "Gua Musang" experience again from time to time.

But as for now, as I am new, I will be based at head office and will tag along with my managers and supervisors to meet clients and get myself familiar with the 130 range wide of chemicals that the company is selling. Maybe only specialized on the ones that does water treatment.

Where will you work?

Yes, I am based in Shah Alam! I will be based there initially to familiarize myself with the work I'll be undertaking. Soon I will have to travel even further to client's offices and plants.

Oh ya~! I do seem to like the environment there:) Conducive for work!

So far? How are you traveling?

I am currently traveling on my trustee Comel motorcycle:) Eventually I may need to get a car because of the nature of my work. But until I can afford one, I will ride my Black Stallion till it has served its purpose well...

How much are they paying you?

Its a secret... no la.. wanna know.. ask me personally la.. hehe... but the bad thing is salary only reviewed once a year

What are the additional Benefits?

Standard lo... Medical coverage, Employee insurance (extended to immediate family), 18 per annum paid leaves, sick leave paid up to 28 days, 60 hospitalization days, etc...

When will you start?

Starting after CNY... 11th Feb 2008!

Any other questions... post on the comments:)

Cheers!

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

"Absolute Ludicrous!" -everquint-

I took 6 days to finish this little book (which could have taken only a day) and found it to be entertainingly absurd! I thought it was a good read as a whole, very enlightening and funny too! It tried so hard to cramp all sorts of scientific jargons that goes beyond all physical laws that at the end of the day brings to no logical background. It is much to the imagination of the reader to try his best to depict what Douglas was trying to say. Much of it makes no sense anyway...

One prime characteristic about this book is the advocacy of its own senselessness! The Earth was destroyed by a "ridiculous catastrophe" that at the end of the day was just a mistake the Vogons made and that the planet's destruction didn't matter at all. There was much about the Ultimate Question to Life and Existence of the Universe that in the end led to no where. Everything was meaningless and improbable. It also talks about the theory of infiniteness and probabilities (and that wildly imaginative Improbability Drive). Weird theories about God and Creation as most of all that happens in the Universe are by chance and probability. One thing that I couldn't stand reading was the argument of the Creation of the Babelfish that took the theory of the Non-existence of God.

Amidst all the cramped jargons were many carelessly-defined-terminologies that read like a child's play of Technological Fantasy. In its rich forms of description, as a reader, I found it really hard to imagine what was in the author's mind. Mysterious creatures that had no physical entity, possessing only a blue shade of light that had its own consciousness. Units of speed that is relative and circumstantial that in the end has no real physical measurements. A million years sound like something that happened yesterday... Nothing in the book really makes any sense.

In conclusion, this book carries a totally sarcastic approach to God, Meaning, Life and all the Physical laws known to mankind. Still, I'm looking forward to read its sequel "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"

Dead Poet

I'm so sorry Bloggy,
For leaving you empty,
I can't say that I'm busy,
Its just that I've been lazy,


I'll write something soon?
Maybe something about the moon?
Come give me some inspiration,
Relief my mental exhaustion!

Camp Cameron Re-viewed 1

A screenshot of senses

An afternoon following a midday shower
Rushing sounds of a restless river
Like a fleet of calvary galloping in bronze armour
a bridge overhead succumbed to a moderate tremor



The peaks of mountains far out in a distance
If one is quiet enough to listen
The song of trees in the wind they shuffle
As every blade of leaves begin to ruffle



The grey clouds Slowly blown away
Clear skies make way for the gleaming ray
In the wet grass the livestock come out to play
The farmer's fowls go clucking away



Slowly the sun hides into the trees
My face refreshed in the evening breeze
The mountains enveloped by mist eventide
Their peaks and their foots the fog divide



The orchestra of the jungle sings as moonlight glistens
Surely filled with creepy inhabitants
Reminds me of our visitors every night
Sometimes gave the girls an awful fright

Silent Street

Slowly he walks treading a narrow path of muddy road, he leaves with him light imprints onto the ground that perhaps others may follow. He has few companions, but with them he's very comfortable. The road seemed trying in the beginning, but years down that marshy path has taught him to endure. Many a time, he fell hard and skin his knees. Many a time, the rocky grounds were unstable and he felt insecure. Yet, every time he went through these things, he had a Friend to pick him up and lead him on again.

Many who came alongside him asked him why is he walking there. There's certainly a better way, and what they showed to him was no lie. For parallel to this road, there's a neatly tarred highway. It was a fast and easy track. Many people chose to walk there. Road bumps were fewer, the course was much steadier, many things tangible felt substantial. It was the easy way.

But he knowing where he's heading down this narrow road declines their offer, faithful to the path that he's on. Trusting that this path takes him to a far more promising destination compared to that of the highway. He knows, his path is The Way. He knows what he believes is The Truth, and he certainly knows that where he's going is The Life. He knows, yet only he knows.

Very few of us now are constantly reminded of Matt 28:19 and 20. The last few words recorded in Matthew left with us by Christ Jesus. The Great Commission. Like how Mr. Lian puts it, "GO and make disciples of all nations", makes it sound like a special task. The word "GO" is read as if Christians must be "sent out" to fulfill The Great Commission. Please refer to Mr. Lian (Our Bible Study Teacher) what the Greek meaning of the word is, but it does not imply what we frequently derive as "send out". As Christians we are to share the Gospel to everyone around us. Not being afraid to love the people around us and tell them about Jesus Christ and the Salvation that He has given to us all! We have failed to realize this urgency and sometimes it is because we already feel the comfort of the company that we are in, even though the company is but a few people.

When was the last time you've talked to your friend about your faith? When was the last time you mentioned Jesus Christ to a friend? Do your friends around you know you are a Christian? Does your life speak Christ to them? Are you a living breathing model of Christ that people recognize and would want to follow?

Here's something that might help us all...
(Romans 1:14) I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
WE OWE THEM THE GOSPEL~!!!
Paul writes here that he owes Greeks and the Barbarians (All Gentiles),
Wise or unwise (Phd Holder or that HoBo down the street),
Momma always say... if you owe someone something, go repay him at once when you've got the means to...
Until we realize that our friends need God, or else they're on the Highway to Hell... then we see the urgency. A lot of us allow them to pass us by, they become our friends, worked and played with them, but yet we've never had the urge to repay that debt we so owe them... the Gospel.

As a confession, in my many years of walking with the Lord, I've only been spoken to a few non-Christians about God and Christ. Sharing the Gospel had never been an urgency. Even in my campus days, I've not done much as a Christian student, carriying out my obligation to tell my friends about the Gospel. In this pluralistic society where tolerance dominate, we tend to "respect" one another's religion by not talking about religion at all. We don't want to "offend" our friends. We don't want to be called the "fanatic". I personally had fallen into that trap, I'm finding my way out. How? By making the first step to reach out. My campus days are not over yet, and so does many of us. I believe it is a strategic time being in campus where our friends are, as Mr. Lian puts it, too old to be given orders and too young to be expected of anything. It is here that men and women will turn to God when given a chance.

I'm not making anymore excuses. In the words of Will Hung (a great philosopher), "I have no professional training..."
We DON'T need professional training to share the Gospel.
If we Love our friends enough, we will tell them about it. Not just in words, but also in our actions. The way we live our lives, our integrity, our principles, our priorities and our honesty. The quality of your life is what others look at.

But he was always watching one of his companions. He always thought he was a little bit too loud about telling others why they should be on this narrow path instead of the 4 lane highway. But today he understood what it meant to bring across a friend travelling full speed to eternal doom, and suddenly to change course to follow him to eternal life. "Oh... such Joy to see one soul saved." For once he walked a silent street, today he breaks silence by proclaiming Salvation!

ABC's of staying focus

Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits
Believe in yourself
Consider things from every angle
Don't give up and don't give in
Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.
Family and Friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches
Give more than you planned to
Hang on to your dreams
Ignore those who try to discourage you
Just do it
Keep trying no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier
Love your God with all your heart, soul and mind
Make it happen
Never lie, cheat or steal, always strike a fair deal.
Open your eyes and see things as they really are
Practice makes perfect
Quitters never win and winners never quit
Read study and learn about everything important in life
Stop procrastinating
Take control of your own destiny
Understand yourself in order to understand others
Visualize it
Want it more than anything
Xccelerate your efforts
You are unique of all God's creations nothing can replace you
Zero in on your target and go for it!

Thanks Charles~!

Beauty of the Night

Late last night, I saw a face,
A familliar radiance, I longed to meet,
Its full glory brought evening's grace,
Yet memories made it bitter sweet.

The cool of the north wind billowing,
Listen to the tree leaves brushing,
The clouds in the sky quietly shifting,
Yet she stands still brightly shining.

Caught up in the satin purple sky,
Writ largely, she takes centerstage,
Beauty that can wet a man's eye,
Lasting beauty gone beyond age,

As the stars cast their own glow,
She still comes to steal the show,
Yet this glory, only for a night,
For in 15 days she will again hide,
Likened to her grand Entree,
So also she does in her Degress,
She gestures a little curtsey,
And a graceful smile on her face.

So see you again in a month or so,
For month after month, you watch me grow,
Your gleaming beauty I'll always recall,
Lasting memories ever since I was small.

Hitting the RESET button

File not found errors, slow program run, frequent disconnections...

Cleaning up disk space,
Throw unwanted files and folders,
Sort documents into different folders according to their classification
Uninstall junk softwares,
Run SpySweeper to remove trojan/spywares
Run a full system defragmentation,
Hit RESET~!!!

This is the season where I've come to a pitstop and start to reflect on recent events. Doing a little self analysis on the way and also resorting my life and gather my thoughts back to where they once were. Pin pointing my feelings and highlighting my emotions, Listing my To-Dos and mind mapping my responsibilities.

I've come to realize, I've lost initiative to strive for excellence. I'm contented at where I am, but I think being where I'm at will lead me nowhere. Too relaxed during the holidays and my focus is all over the place. I don't know waht's going on for what reason and what areas of my life is affected. This is why, from today onwards I've decided to get back in gear and step on the gas pedal. But before I can do that, I've got to determine where I wanna go. Destination please~!?
(Kinda late for the start of the Sem huh? 4th Week already~!!)

PRIORITIZE~!!!

I've lost all sense of what's more important. Worst, I've forgotten who is MOST important. I think I've ignored who I truly believe in long enough. I'm asking for Your forgiveness for my lack of interest in coming back into Your presence the way I used to. O' Lord, how I wish to converse with You once again like I've used to. I realized that I've taken You (and Your grace) for granted and that my reduced conversations with you were based on the assumptions that You would understand. But it has shown me how much it drifts me away from being right beside You. I know Your hands still hold me, but yet I do not know Thee... Help me to know what it's like to fall in love with You all over again.

Without God, a man can live a life without directions. I've not experienced that fulfilling experience again since I've started this semester. I've got too much time, but I'm wasting it away. Kim Cheng has challenged me to take me Sleep and do something Deep. While I'm here, I've got lots of investments to do. But I've not started anything yet. And even as a student, I've not been fulfilling my responsibilities as a Undergraduate of University of Malaya. Study? "Later larh.." I guess this "Later-larh..." attitude has got to go!

Being overlly sensative may sometimes be a burden. Thinking too much and putting circumstances on assumptions has bogged me down to wonder what's happening. Is there something wrong with me? Has anything changed? What more can I do? Asking stupid questions get stupid answers. At times, all it takes is allowing nature to take its course.. humans are often good at altering it based on their own ideals. I believe God has set all this for us, so what is there to worry? As long as all Glory is given to God in all that takes place, there's not greater satisfaction even if it doesn't go my way!

Past 2 days has been days of ramblings. Probably it was a time for me to churn out what's inside, putting it on a table and sort out what goes back in and what has to stay out. For a sentimental person like me who archives almost anything in life, its hard to hit the DELETE button. What has been said or written has a Value to me... though sometimes these Values are just Burdens that occupy space on my Physical Memory. I think the next keyword is...

LET GO~!!!

Laying down my burdens and setting them down is indeed a humbling process. It indicates a sign of weakness, that this traveller has had too much to bear and he takes this little break. Everyone else just seem to be moving on fine with those heavy burdens on their back.. some look at me on the way and scoffs "Weak-ling!! See my burderns I bear is far greater than yours! Get up, pick them all up again and move along~!!"
Challenged? Tempted? Feel like taking them all up again and continue this journey? Now that I'm humbled, I think isn't it Wiser that I call upon a God who loves me and take these burdens away? All my food supplies, ration, med kits, shelter, and other "necessary items" to be taken off my back and rely on Jehovah Jireh~!? Wouldn't that be easier? I'd even probably overtake these "scoffers" when I'm ready to move on, and perhaps tell them about their unnecessary burdens they carry and lead them to my Saviour!
I guess now its just the time for me to get up and go.. but sometimes getting up also has this little pauses.. to stretch and bend, carck your bones and flex your muscles before you actually take the first step away? I hope I don't take too long doing it... I guess its time to...

MOVE ON~!!!

Take a look at the map, ask for directions, set a path plan, tell my guide I'm ready.. Let's go...

Our Identity in the Trinity

The mystery of the Trinity to many of us is still very unclear. Even Christians are unable to properly define the Trinity because it seems mathematically incorrect. How can 1 + 1 + 1 be 1? Three in Persons? One in Spirit? I thought this was classic monotheism? Why is there a Triune Godhead? I’m not writing this to tackle any of these questions, but I’m here to point us to an understanding of how this Trinity is unto us. How are we identified within the Trinity?

We are:-

Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
(1 Corinthians 6:19)

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are asked to honor it because now that we belong to God, and that the Spirit of God dwells within us. This is why Paul has continually urged the churches to keep our bodies righteous before God so as not to have this temple within us defiled.

The Power of the Holy Spirit makes manifest the presence of God in our lives in many ways; by receiving the Gifts of the Spirit as well as the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), guiding us in our Prayers coherent with the will of the Father (Romans 8:28), alerting us of our trespasses against God the Father, and much much more.

While still in this lifetime, we know that it is impossible for a man to keep the laws of God simply because of the sinful nature that we were born with. This is why God must then be indwelling within our lives making us a new creation, birthed in Spirit.

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature …… But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law”
(Galatians 5:16-18)

The Holy Spirit was sent to us as a guide as believers of Christ. We are aided by the Spirit to discover our identities in God and through it we glorify God with our praises and also in worship.

Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ”Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:3)

We are all blinded as creatures that lack understanding. We will not be able to understand God if He were not revealed to us by the Spirit. Without the experience of the Spirit, God would be reduced to a human concept. (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).

Body of Christ

Therefore, my brethren, ye also have become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that ye should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
(Romans 7:4)

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
(1 Corinthians 12:12)

The Church of Jesus Christ is the Body of Christ as He is the head of the church. Whatever the body does exalts the head, and what ever the head desires the body to do, the body acts. This is in the understanding of the direct will of God (guided by the Holy Spirit).

Many Christians claim Christianity as a private affair. “It’s between me and God, so what do I need a Church for?” This is their failure to understand that the whole intent of God’s creation since His Word was first spoken was the creation of the Church that will in the end be glorified together with Christ. Only from the Church, God is creating an assembly of men and women who would choose to love Him and for that, they will live in eternity in His presence.

Sons of God

Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.
(1 John 3:1)

Therefore thou art no more a servant but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
(Galatians 4:7)

”..that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
(Titus 3:7)

God also appears to us as a Father. In our prayers we often mention our Father in heaven, yet many times we really don’t appreciate the privilege of being able to call the Lord God almighty our Father? I don’t know about you, but it simply amazes me that we are able to call Him that! We are children of the promise! And it doesn’t stop there! We are even called to be heirs of God’s kingdom. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, so that makes us Kings and Lords of His dominion.

Mr Lian always tells us that someday we are to be rulers of the universe! That is why this lifetime is like a training ground for us. In understanding our status as Christians and what we are moving towards. What phase of Eternal Life we are going through now and how God works in our lives, we would be able to watch our walk with God more closely… not only in this lifetime… but for Eternity!

Believe it or not…. We have a Destiny~!!

Tagged by Kok How

Four things many don’t know:-
I fell into a drain once
I have flexible facial muscles
I have a fascination with little animals
I can sing, but I can’t rap


Four movies I can watch over and over:-
Beauty and the Beast
Lord of the Rings
Star Wars
The Fugitive


Four places I have lived:-
Riviera, Cheras
H5 tower Pandan Jaya
Taman Bukit Teratai (Where I’m at now)
Bestari (4th) Residential College, UM


Four TV shows I love:-
Sponge Bob Square Pants
The Nanny
Discovery Channel
X-Play


Four places I have been on vacation:-
Perth, Australia
Banda Seri Begawan, Brunei
Bali, Indonesia
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah


Four of my favourite foods:-
(any) Chicken Rice
(any) Nasi Lemak
Ngau Lam Mee at Petaling Street
Nippon Sushi


Four places I’d rather be:-
New Zealand
Europe
Korea
Home (its where my heart is)


Four songs currently listening to:-
Josh Groban – Closer Album
Gary Chaw – Romeo and Juliet
Jay Chou – Fantasy Album
Cold Play – Speed of Sound


Four other people who will be tagged:-
Mei Si
Kimberly
Ivy Se Hoo
Jun Yi

Sweeter as the years go by

Of Jesus’ love that sought me,

when I was lost in sin;

Of wondrous grace that brought me back to His fold again;

Of heights and depths of mercy, far deeper than the sea,

And higher than the heavens, my theme shall ever be.

Sweeter as the years go by,

Sweeter as the years go by,

Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus’ love is sweeter,

Sweeter as the years go by.

Its the beginning of a new year~! Celebrations are on the way World Wide~! All around the World people are counting down in their respective timezones. This year there's even a greater celebration, for the muslims all over the world are already celebrating the Hari Raya Haji!

Celebrations everywhere!!! It reminds me of how Humanity is celebrated. As much as those who would cast a wet blanket at me right now to remind me of the sufferings elsewhere in the world... let us for one moment be reminded of the greatness of the civics men have established over history. The celebrations of the calendar dates, ceremonies as well as the fancy display of lights and decoratives everywhere marks a significance in the delight of LIFE itself.

As the hymn goes on singing "Sweeter as the years go by", this year I want to dedicate myself to drawing ever more closer to Jesus my Saviour, Lord, King, Brother and Friend. I believe its a challenge of faith for me to walk closely in His guidance. May my will be as His so as I would carry out His plans for me with His strength that comes in the joy it brings.

I don't know what will become of this year... but I'm starting off this year with Anticipation instead of Fear!

O' Lord, that I remain faithful to walk in Your ways.
Help me lead those behind me. That I leave springs of water on grounds I tread.
May my life be an inspiration to others as You have inspired me.

Goodbye 2006

31st December 2006

Done with another year. Its been a good beginning and I think its been a better ending. Surely I thank God most of all for His faithfulness to me throughout this year. Like the man who looked back at the footprints in the sand, sometimes I felt as if He wasn't there with me when trouble times came, but amidts a few trying times throught this year, He has shown His goodness and His presence in my life ever so evidently!

This year I've got the opportunity to strenghten ties with more of my old friends and also got to know a few new ones. I'm really thankful for all my friends who've been there with me, through joy and sadness, leisure and pressure, for the sharing in open and in secret, for laughters that make my jaws ache and quietness for a listening ear... there are so many times in my ups and downs this year that I thank God for sending a friend to be with me!

Family!!! This year I've done somethings that I've never thought possible to express to my family members. For each of my family members I've done something for them on their birthdays. For my mom, a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. For my dad, a swanky steak dinner at Rendezvous. And for my dear sister Ivy, a surprise trip down to Singapore to celebrate her 21st Birthday! Big girl already...

Summary of '06

Started this year as President of PKVUM. Heavily tasked, pretty draining but exciting!
Come February, it a lovey dovey month with Valentines Day in place and all. Came pretty close to getting hooked up with someone. Close...
Had a great Easter party in Mid-March and me for the first time playing "Jesus". Wasn't a walk in the park...
Exams - Exams and more Exams in April!
Spent 2 and a half months in Industrial training after that at a Palm Oil Mill... a Great Experience living in the countyside (Gua Musang, Kelantan)
June, something happened that made me think the world was crashing down on me (~~ Why does the sun keep on shining?~~~), only to find myself landing on a pillow that broke my fall.
Come a New Semester!! Less work load, new Juniors, new challenges, more support.
Debaters calling me back to join them but I declined... once again. Helped them at Haluansiswa and was tempted to join them again.
Projects and more PKV projects
Mid-Sem came, thought I'm gonna do badly this sem for sure~!! So bucking up!!
One week holiday that was half spent in Cameron. Here, there were rumours spreading about me getting too close to someone.
September was a whole month of thinking.. could she be The One? Mid September the question popped up. Friends are asking, parents are curious, buddies are provoking!
Question 2 popped up again in a dramatic way the day 5th Semester ended~! She said "yes".
Study - Dating - Study - Study - Dating - Study - Study - Study - Dating - Study - Exam~!!
Holiday~! One whole month of "Honeymoon". Was down in Singapore to celebrate [V]s birthday!
Late December and my supposedly Final Sem just started and with it came the Winter Holiday Seasons... (I wish there was really snow here... really hot and damp in KL~!!!)
Resolutions for the New Year?? ---- Yet to be made
-- End of 2006 .... awaiting 2007~!! --

Have a wonderful year ahead my friends~!!!

Signing off the last Blog Entry of 2006~!
-everquint-

-END-

Loosing sight of the enemy

Its been a long long time since I've heard, talked, read or even spell this word... and particularly, its gonna be the first time I'm using it on my blog. Little of him has been discussed even in churches, to many his name brings an aura of fear... though we know we should not fear for the battle has already been won... he has become invisible in our thoughts, but still he's very real, just that often times we forget...

Ok by now... some of you would have been asking who "he" refers to... "he" as I wanna put it is such a low-life that does not deserve a capital letter if the word he begins in a sentence though it defies the laws of written English. he is namely satan..
Oh yeah... gotta credit David Choong for the book "God at Work". It struck me here that there is the existence of evil at work too...

satanism has been so gorily depicted in films, stories and even tales of old so much so that it has veiled us from seeing his true nature that many of us have forgotten about... the great deceiver (well, ok didn't really want to put the word great there also... hehe... giving too much credit).
It has been made so "Obvious" that the subtle is neglected. This is also a LIE in itself.

But its true that he is like a roaring lion awaiting for his victims to be defenseless then devour...
he is so much a part of our society today and all that goes on in our mundane lives yet we cannot see him nor see his evil deeds...
The phrase "power of good and evil" seems only to exist in our fairy tales... there's no realistically tangible evidence in our everyday lives...

Today we see the power of evil is also at work in our lives, yet it most often goes unnoticed.
Ever heard a whisper in your head telling you to do something you shouldn't?
Ever thought of cheating in even the little tests?
Ever thought of getting away with not paying for your meal?
Ever thought of giving a bribe to your friendly neighbourhood traffic policeman?
Ever thought of putting the blame on your little brother and getting away with it?

What are his fiery darts?
The enemy doesn't just lunges big hoops of flames causing us to instantly crash and burn, but they hits us fiery darts and lets us slowly bleed to our death. These darts are called LIES.
Lies is the deadliest weapon because it confuses the mind and hurts the soul. Lies puncture our armors slowly, doesn't seem to hurt or bothers us at first. Probably feel a sting or two and we feel uncomfortable about something being said or done to others. But if we don't find the root of why we do certain things that we know it is NOT right yet we allow ourselves to "indulge", we will never be able to identify that these are lies we live by and commit ourselves to discipline.
One of the biggest lie today is Self Deception. When we deceive ourselves, we can even repel rebuke. We will turn a deaf ear to correction and we continue to walk in a path we think its "right".

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." James 4:17

When individuals start cheating themselves, they start cheating others around them as well. Some people call them hypocrites (Which I think most of us are), and some are out right liars. Cumulatively, it spawns a society full of liars, cheaters and even mockers. Now we get a macroscopic view of he problem. Corruption, bribery, tax evasion, organized crime, and even murder. Small little things in life that sparks a chain of events can result in heavy consequences. A little giving in and ignorance is all it takes to create a fault, destined for a tragedy.

There are demons at work!
They are out to get us!
We need not fear because we know the Truth!
But we have to be vary of their presence lest we are caught off guard!
Be vigilant with our thoughts!
Be watchful of our actions!
Have we forgotten?
The great tempter is roaming over the earth waiting to devour!

Tale of 2 tourists

It was 6.40am. The pesky buzz of "Encore", sung by JayZ with Linkin Park was screaming in his ear. "Argghh.. I need some more sleep~!!", He said to himself and gently pushed the side buttons of his phone to Snooze the ringer. ZZZzzz... He fell back into deep slumber.

6.48am, "Ding Ding Ding Ding... Thank You Thank You~~~...", off the alarm ringer went again. "Who would have thought Motorola would make the snooze for only 8 minutes? So odd!!" He thought to himself, "And its got no option to set it longer or shorter! 8 minutes? So weird~!"
Dazed and feeling a little blur he made his way into the bathroom to take an early warm shower.

After a quick shower, he was reminded of a comment someone once said to him, it was more like a question. "Where are you from sir?", asked the man at the ticketing counter. "Oh! We're local, from Kuala Lumpur," he replied feeling a little awkward. "Sorry sir, I thought both of you were from Hong Kong." the man commented. Then he just smiled and thought to himself, "was that a positive comment? Or do I just look weird?"

Because of that, he made up his mind to do something different today. He sent an early SMS to his darling that read...
"Morning dear, did you rest well? I was just thinking of doing something cheeky today. Wanna dress up like tourists? Add a sunglass or a cap perhaps? See ya later~!"
She didn't reply so he assumed she'll surprise him.

She came to his house about 7.30am dressed in pink with a neatly folded pink scarf. It was given to her by a dear friend. A beautiful scarf to be worn by a stunning mantrap. He was dressed in a hawaiian shirt and had a sombrero shape-like hat. No, he lost his sunglasses a few months ago. Much regretted.

She had some business to settle so they went to her uncle's place to get books from her cousin sister and he had a short chat with her uncle. (Ooo.. getting to know the family better ehh..) They both left the house at 8.10am and it was still early (so they thought). They parked straight into KLCC's underground parking lot. Both of them were really excited for the day's events and they got out of their car quickly and tried to hurry to get THE tickets.

Well, yeah as many of you would have guessed. THE tickets were to allow them to go up to the skybridge. Something they've done before, but not satisfied the last time. For today it was clear blue sky and the view from up there would have been nothing but Spectacular!!

Then they made their way to the ticketing booth and was there about 8.30am sharp. Early... but not early enough~!! There were soooo many REAL tourists there already waiting for the free tickets to go up the skybridge... aww (sob**sob**) both of them were devastated! They couldn't achieve what they came here to do. But little did they know... this was only the Beginning~!

Perhaps it was because of this disapointment she made up her mind to spend quality time here with him since they were already here anyway. It was their first time at KLCC so early in the morning without anything to do! All dressed up, for NOTHING?
"No way~!" she exclaimed, "we're not gonna be so dressed up so early in the morning for nothing!".
So she asked him to take her to the park, since the sunshine would have done them much good! Both he and she headed towards the park with her trusty camera.

As they closed in to the park looking like a couple of tourists, they started pointing high and low. Up at the twin towers he exclaimed, "Whoa~! those are the 2 tallest twins in the world~!"
"Wah, look, the sunlight is reflected by the windows of the high rise building lar!" she shouted in awe as she examines the aluminium platings and the glass panels off the building surface.
"Wah!....wah!...wah!!!", and the "Wah!"s kept on going as they headed towards the fountain..
"Wah, thats a fountain? so many holes at the bottom but no water flushng up geh??"
"Wah, but its such a big pool of water for a fountain!". "Wah, the water so clear la!"...
"(Sam-Pat betul lerr)," some of the other local visitors thought to themselves.

Then she took out her Secret Weapon. A gadget that freezes time and seals it as long as bits and bytes exists. A Nikon Coolpix that is willing to their "Cool" shots. It was kind of their first time taking pictures together so they were quite shy about it. But to start the lenses clicking, he was willing to let her shoot him a few times.


The "Korean" Guy

But it wasn't fun taking pictures of only him, so he persuaded her to let him take pictures for her instead, so she reluctantly agreed, then only willingly took one picture for her.


The "Korean" Girl

Pretty soon the camera lenses got warmed up and so did she, it was time for him to convince her that they should take a picture together. She became so shy, so he kinda had to force take a picture that looked plain weird.


"Let me tell you something...", he said
"Is he trying to kiss me?", she thought **blushes**

Then as the sun started scorching the earth, so did it heat the atmosphere and the shots were getting warmer. Though they didn't manage to get up to the skybridge today, this was the best view they could get of the bridge from ground level.


Aiya~! Whose hands are those?
Kacau-ing the view only~!!

And the Sam-Pat-ness (38-ness) continues as they kept playing with the camera.

Kawaii-neh~!!


Why so mad lehh...??
Aww, darling sayang!

Well when 2 Sam-Pat (38) people get together armed with a camera in hand this is what you get...


Eii, he can roll! She can't...


Budak Getah


The next Bond Girl?

But as the morning progresses, the sun rays were getting a little too intense for these tourists and their legs were growing weary from walking around the park. He took her by the hand and led her to a shaded bench and they rested there. Rested from the walk and also rested from their talk. It was a sudden mood change, all along earlier in the day it was cheerful, loud, noisy and funny but now things were going mellow. Their voices were lower, their speech became slower... it was a new morning, the sun has already rose to a good angle, good enough to cast a shadow off a slanting tree by these two, and good enough to produce a Rainbow as the spinklers went off to water the trees in the park simulating the morning dew.

The rainbow always reminded him of a New Promise, a hope to hold fast to.
"I wish this moment never ends", he whispered to her.
"Can we freeze time?" She asked in reply.
"We can't, but we can always look back in time," he answered and took her camera from her hand and took a snapshot that would remain in their memory as well as in data form.


Sands of time can never stop falling,
But we can always look back to cherish a moment.


This I promise you

Its getting late! No matter how much sticky tape the janitor had put on these benches to keep couples from leaving would never work. Its almost 10am, they've gotta go! Otherwise his phone will keep buzzing because he was expected to be with his buddies soon after. Both of them were running on empty tanks, her stomach was growling, his was already singing "Ooohh... Gardenia~~!!"

They walked back into KLCC hurriedly and went back into the Atrium. Both forgotten where they had come from so they were just wandering around that area for a few minutes. She stumbled on to a watch shop that sold fancy looking watches going cheap!
He asked her, "Why not take a look, you've been looking for a watch for quite some time right?"
They began looking for a suitable pair. It was 2 pieces for RM 30, so it was well for him to get one too.. Quickly they decided on 2 pairs and he bought it for her and one for himself. It wasn't a pair of look-a-likes because they considered the praticalities that if its different, they could swap watches whenever they liked.

After that little distraction, it was high time they find their vehicle! He was running late! She was hungry! They were LOST! Two blur "tourists" traced their way ack to the parking lot but they had forgotten which floor the car was parked. He paid the parking ticket as a gamble to get out of the car-park before the grace period expires. She helped him hunt for the car.

As they wandered aimlessly amongst the parking lots, a kind stranger offered his help.
"Excuse me, where are you both off to? Are you lost?".
She with in her panicky state resolved herself to a calm cool behaviour and replied,
"Oh no sir, we're just looking for our car." Smiled, turned away... blushed a little and the two burst out in laughter as they saw the man going in through the glass doors.
"We're really lost aren't we?" He said to her.
"Haha, I guess so," she replied.
He apologized and regret that he should have parked outside near the KLCC park.
"It's okay la, fun isn't it?" and she continued laughing.

Very soon, he was convinced that they were at the wrong floor and they needed to go one more down. Once they were down, they immediately spotted their car and quickly jumped into it. "I guess we've got one more thing in common," she commented. "We're both blur when it comes to remembering where we've parked our car!".
"That's a serious problem isn't it?" He replied, "we'd better fix that hunh?".
She gently replied, "we don't have to, I'm happy to have a company just as blur as me!"

[Fragile] - Handle with care

I'm not sure how true this news is, but I just heard that the 8th College President just passed away yesterday in a freaky way. He just went in his sleep after watching TV with his friends in 8th college. All of a sudden, he was just taken away like that. It doesn't scare me much in that way, for the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. It just makes me ponder over what I have now and what I would have left in this world after I move on? What would I take into eternity with me?

Sense, Smell, Touch, Feel, Taste, Thought, LIFE. The consciousness of the existance of Self.

Today I looked back into the looking glass and saw myself. Who have I become. Who am I becoming? My year as a 21 year old has gone and passed. But I've treasured every moment of it. I've learnt so much more than that of the other 20 years cumulatively! .

I've learnt how to be a leader, a big brother, a teacher, a good friend, a listener, and to love others like Christ did. Of course, there may have been ups and downs. To come to think of it I'd probably recall 4 ups and 2 downs that were intensely significant. But in general, I think I've grown more maturely to walk the path of a man. It was part of shaping my character, grinding off the rough areas and chipping back on what doesn't belong. I've learnt to let go of somethings and embrace a few new ones. I'm thankful that now my life shares with someone else other than me and my family. It feels different, unexpected yet a thrilling experience that I'm giving time to adjust to. Amidts all these things that has been going on in my life, it seems like I've still got a long way to go.

But what "if" something would have gone wrong? Or time's up? What would I have gained? What would I have lost? What would I be like in eternity? What can I take with me? What do I leave behind?


Ye Mortals that are likened to a brittle wick,
Cease to breathe by a simple flick,
Even to a drop of water on a pebble break,
When ye perish, not thy choice to make.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You~!

Ding-Ding-Ding-Ding~~
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, you're far too kind~~!"

I wanna thank all my friends whom which I've recieved many many well wishes.
Simple ones, Funny ones, Philosophical ones, Weird ones, Poetic ones, Lovely ones, Long distant ones, Sophisticated ones. Thank you all~!

Though there's the exam papers bore in thoughts all day long, I hardly had the mood to really celebrate my birthday, and knowing that everyone around me was either too far or too busy I wasn't really expecting much this year. The day went on just as any ordinary morning, just that the hand phone was heavily bombarded till late afternoon.

But retiring to the evening, it was nice to have a quiet dinner. I needed to babysit the kiddos cuz my parents and my neighbour attended a wedding dinner. So I packed chicken rice for them earlier. It was nice to share sometime "babysitting" the kids when I brought them to KLCC park. Just felt a little bored at home cuz I wouldn't let them play the computer... (they've played it for 6 hrs in the morning~!!). Had a lovely night drive round town and back. Wasn't raining, really cooling. All the while there was still Monday's test in my head and I was already feeling a little dozy from the day. All in all, thanks dear. Really appreciate all you've done~!

Well, I'm 22 now~! Its 11 x 2 hehe... Significant number 11.

All through the day many a cheerful ring,

My little gadget continues to sing,

Friends with all their well wish bids,

And an afternoon well spent with kids.

Much solitude even as evening draws nigh,
Left my spirits in a irksome sigh,
The moon absent in the November sky,
Am I expecting something? I wonder why?
Then came a familiar glow,
Not from the sky, but here below,
Brought to me my feed for the eventide,
And some time well shared late into the night.

To the Lord above I say thank you~!
For friends who stick through and through.
Once again as I reflect on those around.
They've always put my feet back on the ground.
Dear friends, I can't thank you enough.
Thick or thin, smooth or rough,
May His love we continue to share,
Amongst ourselves, and to others out there~!

Birthday --- Exams

Every year without fail I run into this dilemma of 2 worlds. To celebrate or to dread studying.
Yup, I'm taking the liberty this year here just to share a little bit of what I go through in the recent years.

I love the number 11. Ok, November 11 is special to me (Obviously... if u don't yet know.. its my BIRTHDAY~!!). And to add to that effect, I was born at 11:13pm at Hospital Besar Cina Kuala Lumpur. Yeah, I guess you could say my dad was 2 minutes late to register me exactly at 11:11pm, but I'm still glad.

The date itself is very easy to remember, and you've guessed it, my SMS inbox is being bombarded by friends from every circle. Friends of Old and friends of Late, from old church, old school mates, Serayians and Victorians, PKVians, Old fellow Campers, UM-ers, Bestarians, and family members. Just wanna shout out a word of THANK YOU to all of you~! (Yeah, thx Kim - all the way from Auzzieland~!)

But the sad part is, ever since High School days, espcially when we're taking Major Exams (SPM and STPM), my Birthday Falls on the Exam period~!! I think I was taking Biology STPM on my 19th Birthday. Ever since I've been in University of Malaya, I've always had posponed birthday celebrations. At those times, It just doesn't feel the same like the old days.

My most memorable birthday was when I turned 18 in 2002. I was in lower 6 and most of us were already in the holiday mood drawing to the close of the academic year. My old school friends with some of my new Victorian friends threw a party for me at my house~! I enjoyed it very very much! It was fun having the whole house noisy with chatters and laughters. Then they brought out the "Secret Recipe Chocolate Banana" cake~! HUGE pile of cream and fudge~! I loved it so much~! It was sooo big we couldn't finish it thought there were so many of us. Those were the days... (or rather that was the day...)

Yup, yet again today and for the past 2 years, Exams and Birthdays clash. My 21st birthday was another quiet one. Just me and my family minus Ivy who was in Singapore, sat at Kim Gary's Mid Valley on table 11 and had a decent meal. (Thanks Ashley for the nice card u made and the guys back from the old school for the cross necklace you people gave, dad and mom for the gold ring)

Today has just begun. My friend is getting married today~! So it means my parents will be going to her wedding and I'll be babysitting the kiddos at home. (Congrats Krystal~! Have a wonderful wedding~!). Well, the day has just begun. At least 1hr and 21 mins through by now already. Who knows what's in store.. haha :)

Birthdays remind me of alot of my friends. Its true when they say no man is an Island. We're all born in a sea of faces. People we meet and get acquainted becomes part of our lives. How well we be friends depends on how much time and exprience we share with them. Throughout our lives we will continue to engage with one another giving and taking from one another till we depart from this world. It also reminds us of what really matters that we do here on earth. Is it worth it all? Can I make a grown man cry? Or a sobbing toddler cease her tears?


What are we doing here?...

Let's study..

Stillness

In the midts of silence you hear nothing,
Grass fields of tranquility, there's wind blowing,
An easy breeze after the rain but no trees brushing,
It is still, calm and serene.
Time for solitude and placid.
Nature is quiet, not even whispering.

Much like this blog for quite a while, nothing has been written, nothing expressed. Tonight to break literary absence it would be good to see a few words here.

I've been working on an entry that has forced me to put it into drafts for 4 times now. There are things that I'm still very uncertain of and must be really cautious when engaging such an issue. I think being careless about what is about to be written here is most cataclysmal. Keeping readers in suspense? Not really, haven't found the time to do some research about it anyway.. piled with lots to study and work at hand.

Times have certainly changed for me. I feel like a different man ever since our lecture weeks ended on 20th October. There are certain readjustments for me that I'm forced to make... at least I force myself to make. Its to pave way for what is to come. Everytime I talk about the future, it comes with little uncertainty. Yes today I will tell you again, I'm not even sure what way am I paving for myself. But I'm positive that God indeed has great plans for all of us and that we should commit our desires to Him that He may see it come to pass according to His will. I've learnt to embrace the future with anticipation rather than fear. What is to come, must come because the future is in His hands.

I think I'm very much a man who reacts differently to circumstances, obligations and environment. My stepping down as president has softened myself much more now that I'm no longer in leadership. There isn't a rush inside anymore to have things done or rather see to it that things get done. I believe I've learnt alot from this experience over the past 1 year and I'm sure such an experience would be put to better use in near future. I'm truly glad that there is a bunch of young willing servants who rose to take responsibility over PKVUM and though I'm put off the stage, I promise to continue to inspire~!


There comes a point when a traveller must meet a crossroad and choose his path. Knowing that one road leads to another and that it may not meet once again with the road he formerly negated. But a decision in confidance is but all it takes to keep on moving, aware of someone who loves him is always looking out for him. That is his comfort.
I've made a decision, a commitment, a promise that I intend to keep.


O' Lord, see me to the end~!

Time Gap

Sparingly using a little of my time,
To come up with a simple rhyme,
Class cancelled, a test posponed,
Some ticking-tocks I can call my own,
Time, something I can now afford to abuse,
But only if I could have better used,
Not for long can I keep this up,
Better be wise, don't spill the cup,
My tummy groaning in desperate hunger,
Wonder if the guys are eating? Can't wait much longer,
"Some people" get to eat Italian,
I think I'll only get to savour sub-Asian,
Can we go now? Its singing Gardenia~!
Time's up, gotta face realia~!


Ivan, Grab a Grub and Go Study~!!!

Breaking Silence

Lately there has been flares of questions that heat deep into my heart. Mostly those questions are of external factors, namely from the people around. But me being a good thermos is able repel such heating by choosing to deny certain things that ought to be faced with some level of seriousness.

Further more it is 2 thermos that are repelling flaring questions about "us". On my part this thermos is completely shut. Her part, she's got a good line of defence utilizing denial as a thick thermal barrage. The more intense the flames become, the more we take cover.

But there must come a time when one must start to open to allow a wee hole in the flask to examine the temperatures outside and test if what they say is true? Considering how hot the temperatures they say it is if they are indeed factual. These questions must then be allowed to enter in and be confronted with seriousness.

How is it then when one starts considering, influences the other to consider as well? She's got it sealed tight, unready to peek out. Perhaps a proposition to its reality would break her silence?
Today this thermos is now broken, consumed in flames with questions of "its" probability. The point is now to puncture a hole in her barrage and perhaps, only perhaps, she may shatter her defences as well.

Dear readers, I'm not talking about thermodynamics... Its a change in the point of view that must take place if there were to be a conclusion to questions.

Happy Birthday Malaysia

A little something to inspire Malaysians. I'm not sure if they really published this in The Star newspaper

The Voyage

Sail therefore a mighty vessel,
In its own time, in its own course,
Enduring storms, inhaling in serenity,
Bearing in its load, scores of privateers,
From different races, religion, and peers,
Working in harmony in well earned unity.

Achievements never come overnight,
Nothing was gained without a fight
We see how all things came to be,
As we stroll back into our history.

In the past foreign ships came into sight,
Sails reaching celestial heights,
Gloriously cruising in unstoppable momentum,
Didn’t know they’ve come to take our freedom.

Oppressed we were, submitting to them,
Circumstances made us powerless to overcome,
Robbed our supplies, plundered our feed,
We toiled hard to gratify their greed.

Arose therefore warriors of hope,
To claim once more of what they took,
Brilliant leaders then appeared,
To take freedom by the pen with less blood smeared.

Conciliate then a peaceful treaty,
To honour and respect each party,
Agreeing to work parallel with one another,
Instead of one over the other.

Since then, greater we have become,
On the mast we’re able to see how far we’ve gone,
As we unite and set sail together,
Solving hardships we will endeavour,
Across rough seas was part of the voyage,
In history to us, a timeless passage.

Therefore strive on, and make it known,
Show the world how much we’ve grown,
Pushing the limits, crossing the boundaries,
For the end of the horizon lies countless mysteries.

Until we scorch the sky and fathom the sea,
Patriotic citizens we pledge to be.
For the love of one nation,
This be our bastion.

-everquint-

Thought Coherency

It follows nicely what I've posted earlier, just about 16 hours ago. After Bible Study with Mr. Lian it all came together matched conveniently with my thoughts former. Like I said, its more convenient.. not coincident.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Now, there is nothing on earth that happened in coincidence! Mr. Lian suggested that there is no such thing as luck. Everything can be explained and calculated! A mathematician would say that a roll of dice is by chance.. If you roll a fair dice square enough, the chance for each number to be shown on top would always be 1/6. Throw it frequently enough, it proves that the mathematician is right! There is chances of change~!

But a Physicist would never agree. A dice throw is heavily dependant on all interacting forces that can be precisely calculated, velocity and force of throw, mid air interacting forces, impact and the degree of spin, then the bounce rates of the materials, centrifugal spin velocities... all that and much more can be calculated. And if for one case that such a throw would result in number 3, a perfect replication of this throw would give us 3 again! So is there chance?
I like how Mr. Lian put it. “Chance is the admission of our human finiteness. We don’t compute what actually happens behind that chance.

I believe, God is in control of all things.

Luke 12:7

“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are more valuable than many sparrows”

And such is my confidence.

Perfect Fit

The words of my friend Kay Jin still lingers in my thoughts. "Do you believe in coincidance?" he asked. "Certainly there is a divine plan," I replied. "But for what, I may not know yet". Perplexed by the thoughts of a divine arrangement kept me thinking and reflecting on how my life came together like a script perfectly written. I'm not saying my life is perfect, yet how amazingly all things come together around me keeps me believing that there is a Soveriegn God.

As I look back in the days of my High school, my friends always asked of my confidence. "Why aren't you troubled of where you're going? Isn't there something you would like to do? Where do you see yourself in future?". The same friend who asked me these questions is here with me today in UM.

All my life, I've seen how God has led me and my family into difficult cirumstances so we may learn and He would display His awesome wonder of redeeming what's lost. Sadly. it is at troubled times His words speak louder. My family's Exodus from Church to Church has helped us see a bigger picture. Myself in UM has pushed me into a position to be a servant of servants. Relationships cornered me to reexamine my Relationship with Him. In lack I've seen abundance. Indeed. God is in control.

"Don't you think some times we are like stringed puppets on a stage set to entertain the audience of One?" another friend may ask. "A play written by a friend whom I know loves me, I would gladly and willingly follow. May it be bright days or, storms, blessings or perils, I am amenable."

As sacrifice leads to greater sacrifices, will I be able to finally give my all? I know someday the phone will ring, will I be able to say "yes" when I pick it up?

There's a garment already prepared for me. I will grow into it that it may come to me as a perfect fit.

Servant-Hood

I think it was timely that Rev. Steven Kum came here to speak to us about Servant-hood. I think it was refreshing for those who were involved with so many activities in the past few weeks and also a future motivation and a challenge for those who are new to the CF and are thinking of service here in their campus. Many a time, we tend to start off on the wrong foot as we come to serve God and I think what Steven Kum did today helped some of us to re-gather thoughts of what does it mean to really be a servant of God.

Today I discovered the difference between being a servant and having servant-hood. So it seems that a servant is a man who serves. But having servant-hood is an inner self-sacrificial attitude that yearns to serve the master.

In devising how Mr. Lian would argue this point, I'll try to clarify the divide of service and servant-hood. Service is an act, a servant doesn't necessarily have a heart of a servant (servant-hood), but a person with an in-dwelling heart of a servant carry out the act of service due to the nature of servant-hood within. So we can safely say that, the nature of servant-hood produces its fruits which is the act of service, but the act of service alone doesn't mean the servant has the nature of servant-hood. Service is merely the fruit of servant-hood.

Isaiah 6:1-8

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.

2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.

3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."
6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.

7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"


Here the prophet Isaiah was first commissioned by God to carry out His work. A servant's encounter with his Master. See that the Master is Holy and even the angels declare of His Holiness with their wings covering their heads and feet for even they are unworthy to see Him!
Isaiah was in awe of such glory and was humbled to see the Lord come and felt unworthy when the Lord drew near.

I think the first thing about servant-hood is to know who you are serving. Knowing your Master and acknowledging His sovereign will over our lives is prime step. Often times we start our service because we are asked to and that we feel that there is a need to fulfill that obligation, yet we tend to forget who we are doing it for at the end of the day. Sure it seems like serving others and perhaps will rub off some joy in the process, but we miss the true joy of knowingly serving our Master. The Joy of the Lord is my strength~!! If we were to serve in such an attitude knowing who we are serving, the Joy of serving God gives us strength.

Common day psychologists will tell you that service with a smile brightens those around you and yourself. Smile gives you the vibrant energy to keep going at what you're doing. What more can the Joy of the Lord do for you? At the expense of your labour, you not only keep going, but it becomes pleasurable to you! Talk about enjoying what you do.

Secondly is that we must be cleansed. Isaiah was cleansed with a burning coal upon his lips. He needed to be atoned of his sins that he may do the will of God. We tend to carry a lot of excess baggage that weighs us down even when we are serving. The promise of redemption that God has given to us on the Cross of Calvary is not always the first place we go to before we start off with our service. We tend to drag along a lot of guilt and ill feelings about ourselves and thinking we're incompetent. Have we forgotten the Grace of God that has been freely given to us? In our innocence before God, we are to serve.

Thirdly we avail ourselves to do His work. I remember Cheffrost is always challenging the juniors to check their capabilities versus their availability. Often times, our capabilities may be great but we do not avail ourselves to the service of God. It is better even if we are incapable of many things and that in our weakness avail ourselves and let God use us for His Glory! In a sense, we now serve as humble servants who depend on His leading and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He becomes our inspirator. Forever Relying On God (F.R.O.G.). God is searching for hearts that are willing.

In verse 8, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!". Isaiah was willing. Are you?

*Actually, every time I hear of the name Steven Kum, I'm reminded of Melalyn about her comments of him.. hehe (ask her to tell you if u're curious)*