QT Sharing (11 Apr)

Scripture Reading: JOHN 20:1-9

The Empty Tomb

1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"

3So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

That week's friday was indeed not a 'good friday' in the eyes of the disciples. Their Master was cruxified and 'hastily' buried in a tomb. Saturday, the day of Sabbath, must had been neither a 'joyous' occasion. They were filled with sadness, anxiety, worries, lost, uncertainties. And how were they suppose to worship God when they just witness the God that came to earth being cruxified. Maybe many of the disciples were already starting to plan for the future - to simply move on. However, there were still some disciples who held on even though they did not know the Ultimate Plan which was going to unfold before their eyes.

On the 3rd day after the cruxification, Mary Magdalene was the 1st to rush down to the tomb. I am sure her hastiness was that she wanted to attend to Jesus' body since it was hastily prepared. I am not too sure if the body could have been preserved by the spice which was earlier on applied by Nicodemus. But I believe that by the 3rd day, the body should more or less be decomposing. A rotting corpse. And it was Mary who came 1st, intending to attend to Jesus' body. Does our Christian life have the same kind of zealousness as that of Mary's? I am not talking about attending to a decomposing body. I am talking about the works of God. Whether is it attending service, serving others, doing things that we need not do, can we be the 1st? I am not talking about 'performance apprasial' but what I am saying, is our attitude right before God? If we really love God, we will do anything for Him. We will not find excuses but instead be 1st to offer ourselves. A dear pastor of mine said this: "Last to know; First to go" Can this be our motto?

Mary could not find the body and rushed back to tell the 2 disciples - Peter and the other disciple, if I am not wrong, is John. Peter and John rushed down to check the situation. Both the disciples must had been already feeling downcasted after witnessing Jesus' death. Now they came to the news that His body was lost. It must had really hit them even harder. As they rushed down, their emotions must had been pin-balling around. John reached the tomb first but he never went into the tomb. Why? Only until Peter came, went into the tomb then did John enter. I have no answer. I will go and check it out. But I suspect is because John did not want to face the reality. Yes! He heard about the body being lost but as long as he had never seen it for himself, it may still be untrue. 'Buying' a chance and a hope! Likewise in our life, when situations are not moving as what we hope it is, do we choose to 'deceive' ourself that if we do not encounter the situation, it will be alright. Yes, there may be time we need to prepare ourselves to encounter the situation. John did not go in initially could be that he was just preparing his heart to witness the heart-breaking situation. And finally he did enter the tomb. So do we dare to enter the 'tombs' in our lives? And most importantly, can we trust that God is with us and He has a plan for us?

Lord! You know that we love You. You know that we want to serve You. However, our flesh are weak and many a times, we serve ourselves more than we serve You. Forgive us Lord. Help us to be as zealous as Mary. Help us to be the 1st in coming to serve You. Let everything that we do for You be pleasing to You.

Lord! There are many things we could never have comprehend because Your ways are far greater than ours. But let us put our trust in You. We may take a pause to prepare ourselves but eventually, when we take a step, it will be a step of faith. Let us be reminded that You are always with us and You neither leave nor forsake us. Thank You Lord!

QT Sharing (10 Apr)

Scripture Reading: JOHN 19:31-42

31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"[a] 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."[b]

The Burial of Jesus

38Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[c] 40Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. That equates to about 34kg worth. I am not too sure but I believe that amount is way too much spices to wrap Jesus' body with. However, that's not the issue or something we can comment about Nicodemus. This is his 'last' act of worship onto his beloved Master. He never fully understood that Jesus was to be resurrected. Initially, he could have hiden himself but at this final moment when Jesus' body was to be removed, Joseph and Nicodemus came to retrieve the body. They both were 'secret' disciples but at that point of time, they chose to risk their reputation and even their lives.

I learn 2 things.

Firstly is how serious we take our worship. What is the worth of our worship? I am not talking about the material worth. I am talking about the heart worth. If we can recall, there was another story when a lady poured perfume ( 1 year's worth of wage) onto Jesus' legs and Nicodemus with his over-carried spices. These 2 stories seems like it is a bit over-exaggerated and appear to be unwise. Why wash the feet with such expensive perfume? Why 75 pounds of spice over a dead body? It is not the quantity or the price that matters. It is their worship unto God. It may sound that they are just spending money unwisely but it is their heart of worship. Even if the story was to change to using milk to wash Jesus' feets or 7 pounds worth of spices, it doesn't change their heart of worship. They came with an authentic heart. As whether it is wise of them to spend so much, it is not for us to say because these are their money. They could choose to spend in anyway they want. And most importantly, are we giving the best to Christ?

Second lesson is how we react to our faith in good times and in bad times. No doubt, in good times, all will be able to sing Hallelujah, praise be to our God. And when times are bad, can we still sing the same note? Joseph and Nicodemus had been secret disciples and most probably had denied being associated with Jesus before when questioned. However, at that crucial moment, they chose to step up from their hiding and came to retrieve Jesus' body. They might have faced persecution or even death but they couldn't care any more. How about ourselves? Do we care more about ourselves than we care for Jesus?

Lord! Thank You for Your unconditioned love for us. Thank You for Your blood shed for us. Help us to worship You. It is not the worth of the content of worship but it is the heart of our worship. May it be pleasing to You. Lord, help us also to be zealous in our love for You. In good times, in bad times, we will continue to stand firm. Let our voices continue to sing the same note of worship to You!

ALL ABOUT ME (I LOVE VOID DECK)

1. what kind of first impression do you think people have when they first see you?
~ introvert; maybe a nerd

2. what’s one thing you like to do alone?
~ doing biz in the toilet

3. what is your favorite line to say when bored?
~ xian lah (that’s my first name)

4. What movie(s) made you cry?
~ those sad sad one lorh, those abt pple separated from their loved ones

5. do you ever have to beg?
~ Nope

6. what kind of books do you like to read?
~ dun really read much. But if the book can stir up my interest, I’ll read

7. do you think you’re cute?
~ Cute = Ugly but adorable. Not quite able to relate to the ugly part though. Hmmmmm……

8. Is it a problem changing clothes in front of your friends?
~ same gender no problem, opposite gender may have problem. Need to see psychiatrist after viewing.

9. favorite communication method?
~ Body language.

10. do you care?
~ hmmm… depends on what, who

11. what do you eat when you raid the fridge at night?
~ meat

12. if you could have plastic surgery, what would you have done?
~ I’m very contended with my face but I wouldn’t mind shrinking my face.

13. describe your bed?
~ My smell

14. spontaneous or planned?
~ both

15. do you know how to play poker?
~ Poke you! Poke You!

16. what do you carry with you at all times?
~ My head, 2 arms, 2 legs, well nearly every part that makes up my body

17. what do you miss most about being little?
~ everything else that goes with me is also little

18. are you happy with your given name?
~ yes! Means a lot to me. Thank you to my mum!

19. what was the latest sport you played in?
~ Basketball

20. what color is your bedroom?
~ dirty off-white

21. you ever been in a play?
~ yup

22. do homeless, or starving people sometimes annoy you?
~ No

23. do you consider yourself to be a nice person?
~ Yes definitely! I am one of the most eligible bachelor. (did I hear somebody faint onto the keyboard?)

24. where is your ideal marriage location?
~ initially I thought void deck will be quite cool. Now I think my church MPH also not bad, got air-con somemore! Muahahahahahaha!

25. what one instrument you wish you could play?
~ Flute

26. something you like and hate at the same time?
~ Food

27. what’s one language you want to learn?
~ Khmer

28. have you ever pierced your body parts?
~ are blisters considered part of the body?

29. do you have any tattoos?
~ No

30. what’s one trait you hate in a person?
~ Irresponsible

31. what do you cook best?
~ Pasta

32. do you cry in front of your friends?
~ uh... this... depends

QT Sharing (5 Apr)

Scripture Reading: JOHN 18:15-27

Peter's First Denial

15Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17"You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not."
18It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
The High Priest Questions Jesus 19Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."
22When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded.
23"If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" 24Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.[a]

Peter's Second and Third Denials

25As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."
26One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

This is a famour passage. Peter was playing baseball. He strike Jesus out 3 times. Many people would have suggested that Peter was nothing but a coward. True! Peter did deny Jesus 3 times but to just criticise and point finger at him, I somehow feel it is not fair. Where are the rest of the disciples? Hiding? Running away? The bible never specifically mentioned that but we could more or less guess. Only Peter and John were around when Jesus took this path of suffering. It must had took a lot courage for the 2 disciples to even dare to appear near Jesus.
If we could recall a bit earlier just before Jesus was arrested, Peter was the first to retaliate to protect Jesus. Then why is there a sudden change in his 'heroic' behaviour. At that point of arrest, Peter might have just let his emotions get a better of him and he simply just dashed to the 'rescue' of Jesus. But after the arrest, reality set in and Peter started to realise the significance of the arrest. I am sure that Peter was filled with mixed feelings. On one hand he must be feeling anxious about the safety of Jesus and on the other hand he was also worried for himself. He was lost as in what to do. And in the questioning of him, his fear overtook him and he chose to deny Christ. It really reminded me of Church camp, retreat, seminar, all these activities that drives Christians to be convicted, to be on fire, to be zealous for the Lord. These activities are good because they help us to re-focus and re-commit ourselves to the Lord. However, many a times, after the activity, reality returns and many fall back to their previous way of life. We stop living a life for Christ. It is as good as Peter denying Jesus. We really need to relook into our way of living. Are we really living for Christ? No numbers of retreats, seminar, camp will make us more like Christ. It is ourself. We have to embrace Christ. We have to live a life for Christ. Everyday!
Do not feel dishearten if your life is not as 'holy' as it should be. None of us can ever be holy enough for God! But as we understand that holiness means setting ourself apart for God, then we can start now, yes, I mean, right now, and ask the Lord to change us. Peter's 3rd denial was visited by a crow from the rooster. Prophesy comes true. I believe the crow was not so much to condemn Peter for his denial but rather it's a wake up call. It must had really woken him up. Though he was still very much facing the reality, he realised that he was not just dealing with reality, he was dealing with the Creator of reality. There are many rooster's crows in our lives. These are warning calls for us. We are heading towards a clift. It is time to turn back. Are we paying enough attention to such crows???
My last lesson from this passage is that know the truth does not equates to no suffering. When Jesus was interogated, He speaks nothing but the truth but his treatment was far from being justice. Even though Jesus was ill-treated, He stood by the truth. His body may suffered but His heart was at peace with God. Truth = Peace

Lord! May our daily life be a life live for You. In our moment of weaknesses, please forgive us and draw us back to You. And may we continue stand by Your truth so that nobody can find any valid fault against us. Thank You Jesus for dying for us!

Are You A Church Go-er?

Why do we go to church? I believe this is one of the most taken for granted question. Some may be because have-to-tag-along with parents' reason, my-friends-are-there-so-I-go reason, there-are-many-'chio~bu'/'yan~dao' reason and I am sure the list can go on. And the top listed answer must be 'worship God lorh'. Please dun get me wrong. I am not doubting the people who give such answer. In fact this should be the reason why we go churh. However, I feel, even for myself, that we should really reflect upon what is the true meaning of worshipping God. Sometimes as we give this answer, we already have a perceived idea of how worshipping God should be and sadly, it is not really the true understanding of what worship is all about. I won't go into details of how worship should be but my intention is to really provoke us to really re-consider our pre-conceived way of worship. Look into the bible, look at how Abraham, David and the many others characters worship God. I am sure it will give a light and a few pointers to re-adjust our way of worship. And another thing is that you will never be able to fully comprehend worship and fully exercise worship. What I mean is our worship can never be worthy for God but it is because of His love and grace that He chooses to accept our worship. But that does not mean that we should never try to 'improve' or 'excel' in our worship for God. Whatever we have, we will want to give the best to God.
My philosophy is that the only reason to go to church is because to worship God. The meeting up of brothers and sisters in Christ is purely because in that individual, there is also a like-mindedness to want to worship God and thus drawing them together. So in a way it's like a 'fruit' produce from the Christians who come to worship God. However, if a person was to go church just to find friends, companionship, they will run themselves into the danger of not fitting in and very soon they will feel left out because in the first place, they never embrace the true reason for going church. Well then again it's not for me to judge people for their reason to go church. My intention is just to put up a warning sign to remind ourselves. Most importantly, I believe that for whatever reason these people come to church, I know God can turn it around.

QT Sharing (4 Apr)

Scripture Reading: JOHN 18:1-14

Jesus Arrested

1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
5"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."[a]
10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

Jesus Taken to Annas

12Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.

"I am he" That was what Jesus replied to the troop. No hesitation. Was Jesus afraid? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing for sure I know is that His heart was at peace and He knew that the Father was in control. "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" That was His reply to Peter. Jesus was certain that what He was about to go through is the idea of the Father and was assured that the Father would be able to deliver Him through.
Maybe at present context, we are not facing any 'persecution'. But if we were to be persecuted, can we be as nonchalant as to declare that we are followers of Christ? I am not sure about myself. Having to face death, or worst, tortures, I will not be too sure if I can even utter a word. Even if not persecution, in our daily life, are we living a life for Christ? Are we proud of our faith and do we let known to people about our faith? To be frank, I am struggling. I don't outright proclaim to others that I am a Christian. I wish I had the courage to do it.

QT Sharing (3 Apr)

Scripture Reading: John 17:13-26

13"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify[a] them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

In this world but not of this world. A 'light' in this dark world but never will the 'light' become the darkness of this world. This is who Jesus is. And as followers, we are also called to be the light for the world. By knowing the word(truth), we set ourselves against the world. It is not so much that we have become the enemies of the world and that we should start to fight against or retaliate against the world. What it simply means is when we know the truth, we ceased many of our worldly ways and instead follow the truth which conflicts with many ways of the world. In that case, should we start to worry? Nope! Because we can see that even as God had sent Jesus in the world and died on the cross, we know that God is in control. So likewise, as we are sent into this world, we may face trials and tribulations but our hope is in the truth. And as we set our eyes on the truth, we will be sanctify(make holy; set apart)

From v20 onwards, Jesus talks about being united in one so that the love and the truth of God can be make known to the world. In v26, "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." The word 'in order' really struck me. In order for the love of God to remain in us and Jesus to remain in us, the name of God needs to be make known. I am not sure if I am interpreting it correctly. But I just feel that if truly God's love and Jesus is in us, then we will want to make Jesus known to other people. If we by mouth claim that we are Christians and we love Jesus but yet not proclaiming His name to the world, then it is time to really reflect.

Lord, forgive us for our unwillingness to talk about You. There may be many reasons why we never share about You but never will be valid reasons. I ask that You grant us a bold heart to speak forth Your name, to tell others about the truth. Even as we have entered into the Holy Week, we just want to be reminded of Your goodness and love for us. And if there is an opportunity to share with others about what You had done for us on the cross, we will testify for You.

QT Sharing (2 Apr)

Scripture Reading: JOHN 17:1-12

Jesus Prays for Himself

1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

6"I have revealed you[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

This is the beginning of the Holy Week. Jesus had entered into Jerusalem. He was received with warm welcomed by His people. Even in this midst of excitement, Jesus still knew why He was there. The cruelsome outcome at the end of it. Was He afraid? I suppose so even though He was fully God, He was also fully man - man of flesh. Thinking about what He was about to go through, it must have been bad enough. But I believe He held on was because He understood His purpose on earth. He knew that He had to do it so as to fulfill His purpose and to give glory to God. In v4, it says, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." Even as Jesus He Himself is God, He submitted Himself to God the Father. Even as the Father had given an important but taunting 'task', He knew that He had to do it so as to fulfill His purpose and to give glory to God. It was never easy but Jesus knew that the Father was in control. I guess very much in our life, are we submitting ourself to God? Even when things are not in our control or things are not smooth-sailing, are we able to still look up to God and say that He is good?
Lord, help us to submit ourself to You. In doing so, reveal to us the purpose You have for us and that we may be faithful to Your plan and thus bringing glory to Your great and awesome name.


In v6-12, it talks about Jesus praying for His disciples, those whom God had chosen and given to Jesus. In v9, when Jesus said that He prayed for His disciples and not the world, it's not that He had no heart for the world. Jesus just wanted to focus His prayer on His disciples as He felt that immediate burden for them as He knew He would not be with them long. This really struck me. Have I been earnestly praying for those people whom the Lord has entrusted in my life? Nope! Taken for granted! It's not that I am going to leave them soon then I start to pray for them but are we really bringing our brothers' and sisters' in-Christ into our prayer? Are we truly concerned for one another enough to remember them in our prayres? I must admit I have fallen short of that? Even if there's no urgent need to pray for them, do we still remember them in our prayer?

Lord, these are the names that you have placed in my heart. Let me remember them in prayer as all times. And I prayed that You continue to reveal Your heart to us so that we may truly know You and Your plan for us.
Darren, Clement, Ding Yi, Xin Ling, Si En, Wen Yuan, Joanne, Amelia, James, Gordon, Colin, Samantha, Yvonne, Jamie, Magdalene, Daniel, Xu En, Xavier Milner, Andrew Milner, Joseph.

JUSTIFICATION

Heard a sharing from a friend how he, from being a Buddhist, was converted into a Christian. His walk was never smooth-sailing. In fact, it was filled with much struggles, conflicts and pain. But one thing he mentioned really kept me thinking. In the midst of his conversion, he came to a realisation that it was the great faith of the Christians that justified their faith. Interesting. In Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what we do not see." Faith is never a tangible element. And there's no way one can use any tangible evidence or reasoning to fully prove its existence. Then am I contradicting my faith. Nope. Instead of saying that because of lack of tangible support of my faith and therefore concluding that my faith is not possible, I choose to hold on to the true essence of faith. Being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see. I may not be able to reason why God works in certain, why God allows certain things to happen and why some things contradict with God but I guess that is not my primary task on earth. My primary role is to love God! And through loving God, I will be able to start to comprehend why some things are done in certain ways, why some things happen and why somethings happen which I simply have no answer to and yet I can feel secure because God is in control. And if we were able to have an answer for everything, who needs God!
So my point is when people question for our justification of our faith, we do not have to always have an answer. I think the best way to justify for our faith is through our action. Are we doing what we are preaching?

SERVICE

Well! When I am a bit 'richer', I will have the luxury to take taxi around. And I must say from my past experience, there are all sort of taxi drivers. Some are chatty, some are reserved, some are over-chatty, some are wierd, some are philosphical, some are 'chimney'(smoker-smell of cigrarettes), some are sleepy(these are those tat you got to watch out of). Well! Basically you get all kinds of drivers. On the hold, most of them are not too bad.
However, there are just a few things I dun appreciate about taxi drivers. The inconsiderate kind. One of which will be the 'horners'. They horn non stop on the road in the hope of catching a passenger's attention. Irritating. Another kind is those who will slow down on the road to catch your attention while you attempt to cross the empty street. And because the taxi slow down, it hinder the crossing of the road and before you know it, the road is congested with cars. GREAT! And I had 2 encounters of such inconsiderate drivers in 2 straight days. First was on a friday nite after cell. So 2 groups of us wanted to take taxi. After a long wait, my group decided to just flag a taxi for the other group and then we take MRT home. So the taxi stopped and we signalled to the other group to take the taxi. In the 5 seconds, the driver got impatient, stared away and drove off. I nearly took out my MILAN and shot at him. Haha! But I must say God is good because if the taxi had waited, my group would have taken MRT home. And guess what? 2 taxis came along. Muahahaha!
Then the next day was supposed to go Eastpoint Sakura for meeting cum lunch. Then was at the road waiting to cross when an occupied taxi came to a halt right in front of me. Heard that! RITE IN FRONT OF ME. The passenger had wanted to alight and so the driver tot tat I would happen to be waiting for him to pick me up. Oh GREAT! Well! Had enuff of taxi driver. Singapore wants to be a country of excellent service. Far from reaching that goal. Maybe in the presence of foreigners they put on a far from poor service but guess what, there's no pride in their job. I am not just talking about taxi drivers. I am talking about Singapore on a whole. The retail section. Come on! Singaporeans! Buck up! Take pride in your job. Doesn't matter if you are just a salesgirl or a waiter. The little things you do firstly show how much you take pride in your servicing job and also it will reflect good on your personality.

Maybe...

Maybe I am just a coward! Or maybe I am just scared! Or maybe I am intimidated! Or maybe I am just not ready. At that point of time, I chose to run away. I wish I could have done otherwise than to just speed up. Amused I may be at the sense of God's humour but yet the same time, confused because I do not know what to do. There are so many Maybes and Ifs. Or I should just be bold and talk about it.
Would YOU give me an answer? Unless YOU go before me, I will not make the move. Show me what is acceptable to YOU. Show me YOUR way.

Thinking again

I guess I'm just a thinker. In a bad sense, it is called Day Dreamer. In an occupational language, it is called a Student. Well! Whatever you name it, it will not stop the fact about me. Thinking is good becoz it helps me to rationalise, internalise, organise my thoughts, my feelings and the things I see and hear. However, if it is not properly managed, there's a great risk of 'cukoo-lising' oneself (which means go crazy) I guess the best way to manage thinking is to bring everything before God and seek His wise ways.
Actually quite a few many things happened but just couldn't find a 'quiet' day to settle down and update. Finally, today I feel the peace to sit down and start typing. What should I talk about? Ok! Let's talk about movies!
Up to date, I have watched erh... at least 5 movies since the beginning of the year. Wow! Out of which, I am sure that 3 of the visits were paid from my own pockets. The other 2 were treats. I have set myself a quota of max 6 movies (out of my own expenses) for the year. So technically speaking, I only have 3 more movies which I can watch. By the way, the treats were not becoz I begged people to pay for me. It was unexpected treats. : p So I have decided that the remaining 3 slots - Spider Man 3, Pirates of the Carribean and last one undecided. The last 2 weeks, I watched a movie a week. The first movie was "I am a Cyborg but it's ok". Korean comical movie acted by Rain and I dun know who the actress is. It is a totally no plot but yet funny and light-hearted movie. The whole movie revolves around a Mental hospital. Rain and the actress were the clients of the hospital. The actress thinks that she is a cyborg and can only feed on batteries. Rain thinks he has the ability to steal peoples' power. So a lot of lame and funny things happen. Eventually the actress was malnutritioned becoz she refused to eat. So Rain decided to help her by 'implanting' a device that will help her convert staple food into electrical energy for her body. So that's the ending. Recommended to watch for those who enjoy lameness and subtle romance. Muahahaha. I went with 3 of my Sec school mates. 3 guys, 1 girl. The other 2 guys were totally bored out by the show. Actions! Actions! That's what I think they want. Anyway this movie was a treat.
The next movie I watched was "300". Great show I must say. Talks about Persians attacking the Spartans and how 300 Spartans held up millions of invaders. Eventually most of them died, it was really a marvel to see how they fought off the invaders. I know it's a MOVIE. The story is real but this is just a movie - acting. Ok! Fine. I won't spoil the fun by telling the whole movie. You go watch yourself. Anyway it's M18. I thought it was given this rating becoz of violence but den the movie also got some sensual scene. This part was a bit disappointing becoz I thought it was unnecessary. If they have scrapped out that scene, the movie is going to be as good. So I guess the censorship decided that it's for the good of mankind to have some kind of "Sex Education". Haizzzz........ But still highly recommended, only for those who are of age.

Ok! That's for the movies. Now what should I talk about.

Hmmmm. Home affairs. Parents had another quarrel. Hate it. Though, it was somehow or rather 'reconciled', the whole atmosphere is sucky. 26 years of such torments, it's really draining for the mind. Sometimes, I just feel like giving up, run away from home which I never get to do it. The only thing holding me back and together is God (and maybe food. hahaha : p) I know it won't help by running away. I have to deal with it but there's honestly nothing I can do. Pray! I guess. And after all these years, it really leaves a 'shadow' in my own life. I am worried that history will repeat itself in my own family. That's why I am learning to control my temper and to be responsible for my actions and words. Lord, only You can help me!

Ok! Unhappy things aside.

Next thing on my mind was or rather were a few words: Man of his word! Some youths 'shot' these words at me. Am I really Man of my words? I know they said it jokingly, I hope! But it really speaks alot to me. Credibility. Do I hold on to what I say or do I just give empty words? I won't go into details but what I know is that I am a Man and I have words to say. So I jolly well be a Man of my words. (Am I making any sense? Muahaha : p)

Next thing on my mind are another few words: Try again! The word flash itself to me twice in a row. Coincidental? Maybe, maybe not. I am not superstitious but that's how the Lord speaks to me. However, I will still be cautious. I shall seek the counsels of the wise people first. So meanwhile, everything is per normal.

Next thing: Working out! Have been playing basketball and doing weights quite regularly. Really need to keep in shape. IPPT coming. Must at least get Silver and the $100. Then with the money go and grow fat den after that start training to keep fit den it goes on and on. Vicious cycle. I guess I have improved quite a bit on basketball. Have been playing with these group of skilled players and secretly learning from them. Another 6 kg to go. June! That's the target.

Hmmm.... Can't recall what else I want to say. Nvm. Another day. Yup! Remember! 1 more thing. Prayer Request:

Pray:
for me as I embarked on my studies for my last semester. Pray for peace, wisdom, discipline. Thk you! God bless!

EMOnster

Feeling very flustered! Feeling very insecured! Feeling very confused! Feeling very easily agitated! Feeling very bo chap! Feeling very emo! Hate it! Another mood swing.
Really hate it! Things hanging in mid air. Things getting in the way. Things that got nothing do with me. Nearly everything is stepping on my tail. Arggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh! I want to talk but I don't just want to talk about it. I want to deal with it. I need to hear from YOU, God! You assured me before. Assure me once more. Speak to me. Speak through somebody. I just need to hear Your voice.

Awkwardness!

A: Yes (can I help you?) *words in brackets got stuck in the throat, never came out

B: Hi (half spoken Hi)

[as quickly as the few words were spoken, the silence was heard. It was so clear that it was definitely awkwardness)

~The End~

Hmmmm... Thinking... Thinking.... Thinking....

Well! Updates updates updates! Hasn't been updating since CNY! And a lot of things on mind keeping me thinking and thinking.
Got my results back! Woohoo! The sky crush on me! Well! What to expect from just studying enuff to pass. Either you barely pass or you fail. Another semester to go. Hate it. Ok! Xianjie, stop being an idiot and just study hard and I meant real hard and get over with this exams. Despite this bad news, I saw God's mercy and grace. I was so afraid to tell my mum because she will torment me with her naggings and honestly, I am a bit mentally unsound after all these years of torture. I delayed the news for a week and to my surprise, my mum just came up to me, ask me abt the results and causually said that if I need to resit any paper, den better study hard. I nearly fainted. She spoke the words of mercy. Haha! I believe it is God who had 'inspired' her to say such things.
Well! Having the whole sky crushing on me is bad enuff. The whole earth underneath gave way. WooHoo. Double K.O. Oh dear me! Why am I so poor thing? Why? Why? Ok enuff of self-pitying. Back to reality. I guess it just means that I really have to even more depend on God. Lord, help me fix my eyes on You!
Got a few weeks to sort out my mess and emotions and then I realised it's time for me to teach in Alpha. Actually, I am looking forward to it. It's such a challenge. Beside presenting the message, how do you catch their attention? I thought I shall be lame. Incorporating lame sound effects into my powerpoint. That was the 1st lesson. Ok lah! Not too bad lah but i guess i shd have used better quality sound effect instead. hahaha. That day's topic was on how to resist the evil. We need to put on the armor of God - belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, boots of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit.
And the following week's topic was How do I tell others abt Christianity? We need to firstly, in our action convinced others that we are Christians, secondly, to find opportunity to tak about our faith, thirdly, to share about what God has done in our life, fourthy, to ask God to empower our sharing and lastly, to pray that God will open our spiritual blindness and to give us the boldness to share.
After these 2 sharings, I really thank God. I look back 7-8 years ago and I will never have dare to stand up in front so many people to share. Fear. self-consciousness, denial, whatever reason it may be, I knew that the Lord has helped me to overcome. I remember the point of time when i was asked to teached the JYs when we were still in Eastpoint mall using the Montersorri. Initially, I was very reluctant because I just didn't feel comfortable and confident. Nevertheless, I took up the task. Initially, I struggled and I felt that I was really lousy. I didn't even know what I was saying. Haha! But as time passed, the Lord granted me the boldness and wisdom. And I really thank God because I know I humbled myself before Him and ask Him to use me instead of me using my own talents. Even right now, I dare not say I'm doing a fantastic job and I'm still learning and all I know is that I got to trust in Him. My encouragement to all is that never stop trying for the Lord, never be disheartened and continue to fix our eyes on Him.

Teachable Moment

Owner: Amelia Yeap
Title: Parable of Vertical Marathon

sometimes life can be like a vertical marathon.there's only one way to move, and that is up.what's behind is in the past. you can't turn back, or else you wouldn't succeed.it's tiring. and many times you feel like giving up.you try and grab hold of the railings for support, but sometimes, it's just not enough.you look at the number of storeys you have climbed.you think about how many storeys you have left to climb.it seems so daunting. and the temptation to quit is so great.
you see someone overtaking you, and you get just a wee bit demoralised.
you overtake someone and you feel like you've achieved a great feat.
everytime you pass by a water point, you feel such a great sense of relief and gratefulness for that breather.you give yourself a cup of water as a reward for making it this far.finally you reach the last level.you put in all your effort to lift up your legs and climb climb climb.some of your friends in the race help to motivate you and push you and support you.and finally, you reach the top.and you'll find that it's all worthwhile.sometimes, halfway you may feel like giving up, but don't.cos you don't know what's in store for you yet.so just hold on.

Teachable Moment

This one is a bit late. Should have posted it long ago. Though I haven't ask the person involved but I am sure he won't mind. The owner is Ding Yi.

Thou Shall Not Covet:

One of the Friday, the SERVERs decided to go and play badminton. They booked a court at 5pm. We arrived early at abt 4:15pm. There was an empty court and since no one was using, we decided that we might as well make 'full use' of it. Then Ding Yi objected to it because he said that we didn't book the court and it is as good as coveting something that we don't own. After that incident, it really kept me thinking. In our daily life, are we coveting alot of things even if it such small or trival things? I guess the lesson learn is that take what is yours.

Hearing His Voice

I am really glad that the Lord is speaking to me again. I guess it has been a long time since I hear His voice so intimately. Even as He spoke to me through the earlier song I have posted, His word is being once again confirmed when a caring friend from church prayed for me. The 2 things that the Lord is speaking to me is Patience and Fixing my eyes onto Him. Even as my friend prayed for me, I cannot help but laugh as the prayer started to unfold the 2 things the Lord had spoken to me. It's definitely more than coincidence. And my heart is at peace.

Yes! Lord! Let me be patient. Help me to cast my eyes upon You. Let me not lose sight of You and that everyday of my life, I will choose to honor and glorify Your name. Let me put my faith in You! Let me see Your wonders at work! Amen!

A New Song

I am very thankful of God! Somethings He will reveal certain things to me and to be frank, they are all not-so good news. But even as I pieced up all the news, though it is bad, I know the Lord is preparing me for the bad news. And honestly, I felt that I took the bad news pretty well! Though I exaggerate it at times. Haha! But even more thankful is that in such times, He pieces a song in my mind to remind me of how faithful He is even when things dun turn out right!

I FIX MY EYES ON YOU (editted 13 Mar 2007)

Verse:

I bow before Your throne
My eyes are not fixed on You
My eyes are troubled
My mind is distracted from You, Lord

Pre-Chorus:

In Your word it is said
That everything has its time and seasons
The coming of Spring time after winter is assured
But when such time fails
I may not understand
But I know the Lord is here

Chorus:

Patiently wait for You my Lord
Trusting in You simply because
You're my Lord, the Creator of my life

And I will lift my hands to You
In such times I'll sing a new song to You
Of Your faithfulness to me
I bow before Your throne
I fix my eyes on You

Testing

The previous post was a testing because my new posting just simply did not show in my blog. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Why?

Why? Can you tell me why? Why do you have to treat me like this? Why? Why? Why? Why can't Blogger post my postings? WHY????

Spring

I'm no Prince Charming nor the Boy Next-door
Neither do I have charisma that draws people asking for more
I may sway like a hippo on the dance floor
And snort and eat and sleep like a boar
I wonder if these are all that you can see in me lorh?


Joshua Harris - Boy Meets Girl

"Patience is important not only in waiting for the right time to start a relationship, but also in allowing it to unfold at a healthy pace. Impatience rushes everything. It urges us to skip the time and attention a healthy friendship requires......."


Everything has its time and seasons
Spring after Winter is assurred
But yet when times like this fail
Can we still trust the Lord is here?

Waiting eagerly for the first dew of Spring
Won't you get to know better of that thing
Even if flowers do not bloom in Spring,
For sure we know that we will sing,
Of the friendship we have from the King.

Princess Series

Haha! Another Princess Series Bouquet! But yet again it's somebody's order. Haha! Last minute order. But very sweet. My fren ordering on behalf of his brother-in-law. Maybe the brother-in-law shd start to learn to be a bit more 'romantic' huh!

I shd maybe consider be a florist! Muahahahahaha!

Princess Series

Well! Here is another Princess Series Bouquet which I made. Too bad it's somebody's order! Haizz....! Haha! Nvm! One day! One fine day! Hahaha!

Flowery Chinese New Year

Well! I'm glad that I'm done with my spring cleaning. Finally my room is neat and tidy! So proud! The coming saturday is going to be CNY eve. So fast. I haven't even bought my CNY clothes. Arrgghhhhhhhhhhh. Actually, not that bad lah! I have been doing some window shopping around. Have some clothes in mind. Hehehe! Got about $150-200 budget. Thanks to mummy and sister. Hehehe! So blessed! I don't know why but suddenly have this funny taste for floral design. Hahaha! I actually had my eyes on this red floral, long-sleeved top. A bit retro type. Abt $50 after discount. Still hesistating whether to buy or not. Then also today, I worn a very striking floral bottom. Hahaha! Quite like it. But Li Boey said it looks like an underwear. Hahaha! And I'm sure you all will never guess where I bought this short. NTUC! Hahaha! Last place on earth. Well! It was cheap and I like it so I just bought 'them'. Not just 1 piece. It's 4 pieces in total, different pattern. Me super cheapo! $3.90 per pair. Woahoooo! Anyway, I badly still need to get at least 3 tops by next week. Anybody keen to 'pei wo' go shopping???





Beside the flowery top and bottoms, here's another flowery thing. My latest bouquet design which I made. Improvement: now includes baby breath. The bouquet looks so much better with the side flowers. Maybe if I can't find any job, I go and sell flowers. Hahaha!


I call this series of bouquet, the Princess Series because the way I wrap the bouquet. It looks like a princess's gown if you know what i meant. Here are the photos:

Spring Cleaning

My room was fit for only pigs to stay in! That's what my parents had been saying for the past erh.... well! as long as I can remember. They always said a person's personality can be known by just looking at his bedroom. Ok! Let's have a look at my room. Messy! Ok! I'm a messy person. Full stop! And the interesting part is their justification that if I clean up my room, I will become an organised person. Hmmmm! So my personality is determined by the condition of my bedroom. Cool!

Anyway, isn't that a good thing since this year is the Pig year. Fit just nicely to the theme. Yea...hhh! Wake up, Xianjie! Stop procrastinating. Get up and clean the room. Ok! Honestly, when I looked at my room, I had no idea where I should start with. Everywhere is a mess! All the past years, what I do is simply gathered up the mess, tidy it up and slot it back where it was. Smart right! But I guess it's not helping. A chinese saying "Change the soup but never change the ingredients" It is not solving the root of the problem. Ok! I had make up my mind! I just had to throw things - many things. So to keep it short, I threw away alot of things. Took me 3 afternoons to clear my room. Yeahh! And I managed to tow the ancient sewing machine out of my room. SPACE! Everybody start tapping the "SPACE" key on your keyboard. Finally, my room had space. The next thing I want to get rid of is the other bed. I have 2 single beds in my room. If I could move the other bed out, it is not just space, it's a plot of land! Then I can buy and put a drum set, amplifier, guitar, bass- basically my own jamming studio! Muahhahahhaha! Ok! Dreams aside. Well! 1 thing I really thank God for is how much He loves me. He gave me my own room. It is something that I feel very grateful for but yet something that I have taken for granted. I know many of you out there are old enuff but still sharing rooms with your siblings. I know you all yearn for your own room and privacy but I guess on the bright side is that you can have an intimate relationship with your siblings. Also I believe it's a learning point because you all will be more sensitive towards those who are sharing the room. This helps because in the future, when you get married, you know how to share the room with your spouse.

Even as I was digging through my mess to see what I can throw, I came across many interesting things. Some notes I had written when I was much younger. Really brings back memories and laughter.

Beside cleaning up my room, I had to helped with some other errands. I needed to fix a clothes hanger rack( is that the right word). It's base was too small, the rack stands were slightly flimsy and when extra clothes are hung onto it, it will simply topple. And to be honest, I thank God for physics. After 4 years of studying physics, it may not have benefitted me in what I am studying now, it definitely had helped me in my day to day work. By applying physics, to solve the problem, I concluded that if I add weight to the base, it will prevent the rack from toppling over. Haha! Maybe it's a small thing but I really feel very satisfied. Thank God for physics.

Teachable Moment - Mother's Tongue or Alien's Tongue?

Yes! Once again, it's a Teachable Moment! This is something I observed last Sunday and I thought it will be good to share this story with everyone. The owner of this story is Quo Si En! I entitled this story:

Mother's Tongue or Alien's Tongue

During one of the mission debrief back in Singapore, Si En shared on one thing that the Lord has spoken to her. She brought up a point as in why we get so excited and enthusiastic about learning Khmer when we ourselves are not keen in making an effort to stay and listen in the Chinese Service. Even as she brought up this crucial point, I am sure it's more than just a 'closing speech.' On one Sunday, she was not on worship duty and could choose to attend the English Service but she chose to sit in the Chinese Service. I really praise God because she really walk her talk.

I am very much encouraged by her efforts. Most importantly, I see an obedient heart which the Lord delights in. And I truly believe that the Chinese Congregation Ministry is not declining but is going to grow. And to all those who sense the passion for and the needs of the Chinese Congregation Ministry, take a step of faith and let the Lord start shaping you.

(Let me clarify 1 thing is that I am not saying that those who chose to go to English Service is doing the wrong thing.)

Teachable Moment - Parable of the Swimming Pool

Well! I decided to add something new to my blog. So far, I have always been talking about what God has done in my life, what the Lord has impressed upon me on certain issues. These are the many things that happen in my life but there are even more things that are happening around me in other people's life. And through my own witnessing, I think that it is good to share their stories, firstly to give glory to God, secondly as a teachable moment to others and thirdly as a way to affirm them. And yes, all these stories are used with permission from the owners.

So this is the first story that I will share with. The owner is Amelia Yeap. And she used the swimming pool analogy to describe the different relationships of individual with God. I titled her analogy as The Parable of the Swimming Pool.

Take the swimming pool as Christianity in general.

People who are fully clothed and are standing at the edge of the pool, looking on disinterested:These are the people who are anti-God. Atheists. They want don't know, and don't really care what's up with Christianity. They are happy being what they are. People with no God.

People who are fully clothed and are standing at the edge of the pool, looking on curiously:These are the people who have no religion, but are looking for a purpose, looking for a God. They're waiting for people to tell them to get changed into their swimsuits and get into the pool.

People who are getting dressed in the bathrooms, yet unwilling to move out to the pool deck:People who have heard of Christianity, but they dont want to make the move to accept Christ. For whatever reason, perhaps they want to know more before taking the leap of faith into the pool.

People who are lying by the poolside enjoying the warm sun, contented just to watch the other swimmers:Church-goers. Pew-warmers. People who are happy going to church from 9-11am but refrain from serving in any ministries to avoid unwanted burdens or sacrifices.

People who are sitting on the edge of the pool, testing the water with their feet:Christians who are luke-warm. (Do most of us fall into this category?) They serve cos church leaders encourage them to, and they feel obligated. Perhaps their relationship with God is sorta on off. hot cold. love hate.

People who are struggling to swim:Christians who are facing difficulties in their walk with God. Perhaps they feel that God isn't there, or perhaps they are disillusioned by christians who dont behave like they are christians.

People who are swimming underwater.Christians who are way too into Christianity. Extremists maybe? Cults? Or maybe it could be describing people who are feeling burnt out by ministry. They need to come up to the surface to breathe.

People who are happily swimming in the water:Christians who are reaping the joy of serving and worshipping God. They are contented with their lives, constantly giving thanks for all that God has done.

So what type of Christians do we belong to?

I Have Decided......

It's a long time I had updated my post. So much things happen but just can't get myself to type. Haha! But here I am. Finally, I have decided to post my tots.
On saturday, went to watch the return leg of S'pore vs Malaysia Asean Football Cup. Went with Daniel, Xu En, Darren, Hui Xian, Clement, Ding Yi, Xin Ling, Joanne, Colin, Samantha, Ariz, Joseph and Marcus. So after Youth Alpha, the rest except me and Daniel, took cab to Kallang. Me and Daniel, I guess being 'older'', we tot it will be more sensible to take a train. We reached slightly later but both of us spend lesser. Hmmmm! Prudent. So we make our way into the packed stadium and had to sit on staircase. We were sitting slightly off a corner flag. Quite a good view, I must say. The 1st leg result was 1-1. Well! To keep the match commentary short, I will go straigh to the main highlights. First half, 0-0. Quite a few chances from both side but both playing safe soccer. Den into the middle of 2nd half, Lionel Lewis make a blunder. A shot came in from his left side. He went down and instead of pushing the ball away (it rained b4 and the floor and ball is wet), he chose to lightly parry the ball. And to his astonishment and also to the crowds, the ball spinned over him and rolled into the net. Basic Goalkeeper 101: Never do that. Honestly, I tot it was all gone for S'pore until late into the 2nd half, we equalised. Thkfully! Went into extra time, 0-0. Finally, penalty shoot-out which S'pore won 5-4. It was such a scene when Lionel Lewis saved the crucial penalty. The S'poreans sprung unto their feet and started roaring the OLE cheer. So that's pretty much said abt the match.
Even as I returned home, somehow there's this tot in my mind. Not about the match in particular. Throughout the match, the S'pore fans were not just jeering at the Malaysian players but throwing all sorts of vulgarities. I guess facing our opponents, we as fans want to intimidate them. But the way we carried it out is so unsportmanship and really show how much culture and depth we as S'poreans are. It is really sad I must said (though at that point of time, i was laughing at some of the cheeky comments) And as i pondered upon the incident, it hit upon me abt some thing. We as Christians are like the Malaysian players. The Malaysian players had left their hometown and come to a foreign land to play a match. As they are considered the 'foreigners', they will expect hostile treatment from the opponents and their fans. Likewise we as Christians, we are in an alien land(earth). This is not over home. It is temporal. And as we are aliens to this world, we will face all sort of hostile treatment thrown at us. It may be intimidating but there's one thing we must know, our coach is God. Nothing is impossible for Him. He gives us instruction and all we have to do is follow. Yes, no doubt as human beings we have our limitations. We may not be able to last the whole match, we may be injured, we may be disheartened but God will not forsake us. And another important point is that our Star player is on ourside. He is Jesus. Nothing, nobody is going to be able to stop Him. So even when we feel the pressure of the world, the hostile treatment, let's not be dismayed or intimidated but let's put our trust in Jesus Christ.

Today, went for our regular soccer training. Had a practise match with the veterans. I must said I am very inspired after the S'pore vs Malaysia match. And indeed, I was impressive. Haha! My head becoming big. I make about 4-5 crucial saves. I was making the uncles frustrated. Haha! But eventually, I still let in a goal! But I must say, I am good! Muahahahahahahahaha!

.................... Not my will but Yours be done!

New Year Resolution???

2007! Another new year! Why don't I sound as excited as I shoud be? Maybe after 25 years, every year just seem to be another year of extra burden and responsibilities. Sounding so dampening. Haha! I do look forward to a new year. Yet as I have said earlier on, it also means new things and new responsibilities. But I guess above all, it's a new year to continue the good work the Lord has done in us and also entrusted to us.

Well! I'm sure everybody must be re-counting the old year and tabulating their successes in the resolutions that had been met. Hmmmm! For me, I don't know if I met any since I can't even remember what resolution I made in the beginning. : p Hahaha! I guess I won't be making any resolution this year since I couldn't keep it to memory. Actually, I won't really call it resolution. It becomes too mechanical and I just dun feel comfortable. I prefer to call it the 'direction' for the new year, where the Lord wants to lead me. But even before I talk about this year's direction, there's certain thing that I must thank God for the year 2006. I won't go into details but put it simply, the Lord is faithful in His promise. Though His long awaited answer was not what I actually expected but it was nevertheless clear and enlightening. (And also now my finger will be freed.)
As for this year's directions, I am still not too sure. I have to wait for my results to be released. I need to pass all my 3 papers if not, I'm going to be stuck in another year of studies. Arggghhhhhhhhhhhh! And then alot of pressure are adding on. Parents expecting me to graduate and start working. Arggggggghhhhhhhhhh! I wish I was much intelligent but guess what, I am not. I can cook, I can do floral arrangement, I can play but I am not a genius in studies. Haizzz! I'm not complaining. Just making a statement. Haha! So actually this year's direction will be very determinant on my results. Well! Just got to leave it into God's hands! : ) As for other side directions, I am very determinant to pick up Khmer. I don't think I will be able to fully pick it up in a year's time. I am giving myself 3 years. Meanwhile, I am just trying to learn their consonants and vowels. Oh dear me! It's not easy. Their writing of the 'alphabets' is like drawing! haha! But it's fun. Another side direction is to lose weight. Badly need to lose weight. Firstly for health reason. Secondly for clothes. It's really hard to get nice looking clothes for a buffalo.

I guess the next big direction will be removing all my entertainment rights which I mentioned in earlier post. It is still valid. So no fast-food, no movies, no KTV (except for the one which I had promised since last year with some of the youths) etc. Maybe I shouldn't go that extreme. Not total abstinence. I don't think I will survive. At most 2 fast food outing per month, 6 movies for the whole year and 2 KTV for the whole year. Sounds like a realistic plan to me. Muahahaha! Yes! Whoever sees this will hold me accountable for my actions. If I do break any of this rules, hold me accoutable. Yeah!

I am sure this year is going to be an interesting year. May the Lord continue to direct us in our daily walk with Him.