Discovered: NUS Module Blogs

Interesting move by NUS to leverage blogging as a teaching and interaction tool. I even saw a video of the NUSSO double bass section rehearsing, haha!

Jars of Clay

But this precious treasure – this light and power that now shine within us – is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.
2 Cor 4:7

Bad things happen to good people, that's all I can say.

Well, it's pretty close to home but not close enough for tears.

Now, I wish for peace and love to rule the hearts remaining. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Pondering in the dark

For you made us only a little lower than the angels, and you crowned us with glory and honor.

Psalm 8:5

When I awoke at 6.30am, I didn't get up immediately. Instead a part of me insisted spending some time in the dark, thinking about what I want to do this year.

*flash multiple thought bubbles*

Work's going well; been busy-busy and expect to get busier still. Thus far the journey's going well. But it also occurred to me to devote my energies to the rest of my life. Like remembering not to neglect my friends, else I'll die a lonely sod.

Or putting my neglected camera to better use. Also realized another thing recently, can't seem to find a decent personal profile pic for public use - comes with preferring to stand behind the lens?

Plucky

(well, not really)

Had my inaugural guitar lesson tonight! Though the get-going was a little jerky - after all, B, my talented teacher's gotta sense my pace and comfort level - am looking forward to the next session already. Am only apprehensive about committing time to practise, ha!

Sign

By Nobukazu Takemura

茶道

Now, for the n-th time I'm not into Chinese tea.

It's been 10 years since I last visited Tea Chapter though. Was certainly meaningful, learning not just the SOPs in making and serving tea, but also the history and varieties of teas - briefly of course.

And it really ought not to be viewed as something archaic and irrelevant - after all, it defines a significant part of Chinese culture. Ok, 'nuff said.

*click*

Attended an Olympus workshop - knowledgeable instructor with wry sense of humour but good tips to dole out. But was yawning away to boring facts being read out.

Inner Desires

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

Change

Mandate n. An authoritative command or instruction.

And then [Jesus] added, "It is the thought-life that defiles you.

Mark 7:20

Paradigm shifts are usually uncomfortable and that's how I felt. When I shared how I felt, he said something that made me wonder, "If your conscience is strong, then you wouldn't be bothered."

Perhaps this year will indeed be a year of breakthrough - of metamorphosis and of continuing journeys.

All I Need Is...

Hillsong United
All I Need Is You

Left my fear by the side of the road
Hear You speak
Won't let go
Fall to my knees as I lift my hands to pray

Got every reason to be here again
Father's love that draws me in
And all my eyes wanna see is a glimpse of You

All I need is You
All I need is You Lord
Is you Lord

One more day and it's not the same
Your spirit calls my heart to sing
Drawn to the voice of my Saviour once again
Where would my soul be without Your Son
Gave His life to save the earth
Rest in the thought that You're watching over me

All I need is You
All I need is You Lord
Is You Lord

You hold the universe
You hold everyone on earth
You hold the universe
You hold
You hold

Greater Effectiveness
Didn't get enough sleep this week coz I was busy with work. And now I wonder if I'm just darn inefficient - agonizing over words, sweating the small stuff. In any case, this week has been fruitful and stimulating. 51 more weeks to go! Woohoo!

No More Goodbyes
How many goodbyes can you say in a lifetime? Today, we saw V off at the airport - she'll be in London for the next 3 years, receiving pregnant women who want to give birth on local soil, she says (ok, I stretched it a little). Unexpectedly, tears couldn't help but well up in my eyes and others as well, I'm sure. Separation's never easy. All the best, V!

Better Questions
Midway showering after my swim, I couldn't help but overhear a kid asking his dad for answers. "Can you tell me where grandpa is?" "When will we die?" "We will get reborn?" "How will we live and do our homework?" Haha, such earnest curiosity! But indeed, how many times have I let my assumptions get the better of me.

More sleep
('nough said)

Psalm One

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

From WFTP: A time for starting over. A new beginning. A wonderful time to take stock of life and look for ways to improve and grow. Too often, careless resolutions are made that are never kept, and so one year blends into the next with little change. The fact is, all of us have areas in our lives that could stand some improvement. As this new year begins, let us look at our lives with honesty and candor. Let us approach change with a positive spirit, and work toward finding ways to become the people that god wants us to be.



So what do S'poreans do on the 1st day of the year? Why, go shopping of course! And off went 2 men and a lady. And God bless Robinsons for affordable office wear :)

Best buys: $10 Laptop bag and mom's $40 handbag which got her a free 'live' pearl (poor oyster)!

Still

Still
By Hillsong Australia

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

In the wee hours of Saturday morning, the predator was out on the prowl. Way too early to catch the fireworks, but welcomed by dancing rays of light, quietly sweeping across the sky to some whimsical behest.

Later though, the predator became the prey - dashing across the road with heart a-pumping to escape two perceived muggers in caps, sweaters and sneakers. "You're socially conditioned to be biased," someone remarked as this tale was earlier told...

This countdown night will probably be spent alone - but not lonely, for meditating with God is never boring.

Happy New Year, all! May you cross over rivers and mountains towards your God-ordained destiny in 2007.

Thanksgiving

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning of it...

Ecclesiastes 7:8

Was reminded during cellgroup that one should thank God for every little possible thing. So often I find myself struggling with negative thoughts - be it financial lack, pressures at work, inner lethargy, or the lack of romance - only to end those days feeling downtrodden and unaccomplished.

*WHAT DO I HOPE FOR?* was what I scribbled down. With 2 days left to the year, I truly have to answer this important question and as I do so, to determine to end the year in hope and faith.

An important question to ask next is *WHAT WILL I DO DIFFERENTLY?* As I matured, I began to recognize the flaws and idiosyncrasies of people around, especially my parents. But while it is easy to point out flawed or habitual thinking, now I tend to reflect first about my own self before speaking.

Change is neither automatic nor easy - such a cliche, but ever so true. Especially in renewing one's mind.

Last Friday of 2006

Cleared my room, or rather, part of my table last night. It's bittersweet rifling through artifacts from the past; found a letter I never mailed and scribblings of goals I'd set for myself in '96 & '04. Then organized the cards and gifts I received this year.

Spent the morning doing tech support for my dad after the new desktop came. Yup, whenever he yells helplessly from the room, I gotta respond. I'm really no technie but dad thinks otherwise of my computing degree. I expressed irritation literally - "I'm irritated" - to no avail.

Such pleasant weather today - the rain's finally stopped, a bright sky and a cooling breeze going through the house. Great for a swim, but didn't have time. It's funny, but time really does tick by ever so surely - it's never enough.

The weekend awaits, so does church and bookstore duty.

Oh Rainy Night

My Room, the bane of all housewives

Oh rainy night, the drops are loud and falling
It is the night of much wine, friends, re-vel-ry...

Feeling rather satisfied right now, must be the wine speaking. T'was good catching up with old friends & (relatively) new girlfriends. T'was an unexpected card that left me smiling :)

Today I'd spent half the day at church, serving at the bookstore. While it was a thoroughly enjoyable session, I went home feeling burdened - mainly by the admin work that was thrust upon me. It has been challenging serving in the bookstore - long hours, dealing with difficult customers, mastering countless procedures that seem to keep evolving etc.

The toughest thing about serving is learning to lean on God - lasting in the ministry certainly takes commitment and dedication to excellence in everything I do. That means leaning on God for joy and strength or else burnout is inevitable. What can I say now...


Me & Uncle Patrick, the BBQ perfectionist

Goodbye, 2006

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it

John 1:4-5

It's been a great year, did I say that already? Learning to lean on God for strength through dark times. Being challenged to grow beyond inadequacies and idiosyncrasies. Being healed of wounds unseen yet real as can be.

Of goals I set out to achieve this year, I've achieved only about 60%, I'd say. Time to reflect, review and redirect myself.

Had a wonderful Christmas service yesterday - worshipful songs, a modern and touching take of the Christmas story, priceless decisions to accept Christ, and great fellowship with ministry mates.

And oh, an unforgettable candlelight service - being one light among countless others, shining in the dark with hearts united. His presence felt beyond words.

Merry Christmas to one and all... my avid fans of ELE! :P

Viewfinder

"We are the result of the choices we made yesterday" rang through my head last night, on my way back from the cellgroup's Xmas party.

Another weekend: meeting friends, meeting new people, attending church, busy at bookstore... what can I choose to do differently this time?

I'm certain various things are in motion, whether or not I engineered them. What's next? What's coming up?

Perhaps I'm experiencing year-end pre-resolution retro-musing syndrome. Whatever that means.

Gotta set some bodacious goals and achieve them this time.

Before that, wine anyone?

Still Photo-rabid

Got a new toy *grin*











So... the year's coming to an end. But it's too late for retrospection. A ministry mate who was encouraging me to rise up beyond my feelings of inadequacy. Indeed, may 2007 be a year of confident striding towards divine destiny.

Photo-rabid

Was searching for another Sam Leong but stumbled upon this fella instead. Well, it's certainly nice to have an other half to share your hobbies with. His pics of travels and family just make me go...

Run!

SG Biathlon '07 on 17 Mar... Anyone?

Seeing Colour in B&W

12:57am What am I doing up, listening to BBC3 Late Junction? Must say, I quite like the pleasant jazzy numbers from the London Jazz Fest.

Been back at work. Have realized that procrastination hits me when I face any task I don't particularly fancy. One word - willpower.

So why am I still up??


Lately been appreciating quiet. Plain silent quiet, so I can hear myself think, and most importantly, just hearing from Him.


Women - can't live without them... except when they smoke.


Quaint attracts, doesn't it?


Perspective, that's what we all need. Remember, we're living on borrowed time.

Memories

Top left: Eager Beavers @ Rockhampton Motorcross Show (you should see our bored faces 1 hour later. BTW never eat ice-cream while standing within 10m of the race track, else vanilla becomes cookies&cream *yilch*)

Top right: Often baking under the unforgiving Aussie sun, must be 40 deg Celsius. Deadfall & thin trees litter the land - occasionally we hear a dead tree collapsing in the distance and it made me skittish while doing big business in the field.

Bottom left: Many hours idling while dangling in hammock. That's one not-so-insane pose - I claim heat-inspired madness! Come reservist, lotsa talk-cock sessions and fooling around - no matter if you're 35yo or 40yo, whatever helps to kill time faster!

Bottom right: Hungry goat @ Rockhampton Heritage Village. Though boring town, it does have some history as a mining town more than 100 years ago - the harsh conditions in which their pioneers endured while starting a new home in a harsh land reminded me of our forefathers' difficulties.

Viewfinder

After bible study @ YMCA today, the Orchard Christmas lights beckoned, so took a short walk. Reflected about some things that are troubling me. Also chanced upon a camera shop @ Le Meridien and the salesman was most helpful without being pushy - must be my blur newbie face.

Immediate homework: To scour DP Review to facilitate well-informed decision to invest $2k!

Servitude Down Under

No single word to describe

By day, punished by unforgiving UV glares
Smouldering road dust
By night, whipped by windy chill
Thank God for Baygon, Goretex and Milo!

Wonderfully blue sky
Big open fields
Mountains and vales a-rolling

Trees trees trees, green and waving
Others gnarled and frigid grey

Hurrying to toil,
Fatigued by fatigue and incredible inefficiencies
Interminable waiting, everywhere we go
Cursing, swearing, shaking heads

Freedom we crave and finally find
Swinging hammocks between trees, we slumber and laze
Except pesks abuzz - flies, mozzies, sandflies, ticks, spiders
Animals approach - lizards, emu, kangaroo
I swear I heard a dingo howl

Belt-tightening wonders of a combat diet:
Maggi mee and instant mixes we savour
Hard-tacs (some prefer mushy soft) we masticate
Ration packs we rip, uniform in colour and smell

The nights, unbelievably starry
Connect the dots… Orion’s belt, Big dipper
Now where’s Scorpio?
Spotting shooting stars by happenstance

Verse unfailingly brought to mind:

Then the LORD brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, "Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that – too many to count!"

Gen 15:5

Seeking refuge in the quiet and distant
Singing, praying, seeking, thanking
His presence near - undeniable and true
You’re amazing, Amen.

The usual cast, as colourful as always
Birds of a feather congregate
Jokes and banter abound
Horsing, crude, political

Reminiscing good time, bad times
Discussing gastronomy, what else?
And hobbies and relationships alike
Sharing lives and woes

Finally, Good day!
We scramble across dusty tracks
Pot holes and gullies no match for our fury
Racing back, relieved and exuberant

Battle scars abound
Sunburn apparent on noses and necklines
Flesh poked with angry swells

Now, spilling into sleepy Rocky, again bored
How many adult shops can one visit?
Art gallery discovered!

Back at the airport,
Fly me to the moon!

All in all, unfulfilling but insightful
Time a-ticking, not awaiting
The world surely passing us by

Soldiering On... I'll be back!

Sorry, couldn't resist that liner.

5 hours more to take-off and here I am, still pushing paper. Before leaving the office, CH assured me that my efforts would be recognized. *blink and utter thanks*

Tired becomes me. Been up late fighting lack of sleep, flying kamikaze beetles and most of all, inertia. Didn't realize how I must have been holding up till I saw this verse...

The LORD is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him sincerely (Psalm 145:18)

...and tears came. Cried out to Him again during CG and V prayed for me.

In any case, this could be a good break from work after all, as disruptive as it may seem. Kangaroos & toady roadkill, here I come! 8-D

On a serious note, am glad for the love and concern shown of late. Lotsa well wishes, CG prayed for me, D prayed for me, parents are sending me off & will prob pray for me. Though I'll be missing an extraordinary service this weekend, am believing in God to carry me through and to draw me closer.

So am I really on the verge of something big? No idea. Faith and hope is all I have, at the moment.

Hasta la vista, baby! :)

p.s. back on 20 Nov, any kind soul wants to fetch me from the airport at 5am??

Explore Singapore! Closing Extravaganza

Look out for this event under Explore SG!: INDIE GARDEN

Singapore Science Centre
15 Science Centre Road
Sat, 2 Dec 2006; 630pm till late
Exclusively for those aged 16 and above.Roam the Science Centre and Observatory at night, for free! Come party at the Eco-Garden with free gigs by Electrico, Astreal, Great Spy Experiment as well as Guerillaz. Dance till you drop to Poptarts’ unique blend of indie rock and more.

Thank God...

For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

2 Cor 8:12

Thank God for a cellgroup leader who cares and who is loved because she first loved.

Thank God for constantly speaking to me about areas in my life that need to be committed to Him.

Thank God for peace after a night of good sleep and strength after a night of insufficient sleep!

Thank God for opportunity to serve and to have room to grow.

Thank God for a family that loves one another despite the pet peeves.

Thank God for friends who go back 9 years and can laugh and joke together while playing poker.

And of course, thank God for loving me :)

Now, onward, here I soldier!

Lullaby...

Chanced upon this - Wake Up Wake Up, courtesy of Lullatone. Sounds like musical wind chimes, flitting about whimsically yet sensibly.



Also chanced upon this - Sleepless by Marconi Union. Evocative ambient, that's what it is.

Now you know you need sleep when your dad in the living room catches you nodding in the kitchen...

Love Thy Planet

Read BBC News: Global ecosystems 'face collapse'

The WWF's Living Planet Report warned that "warned that if demand continued at the current rate, two planets would be needed to meet global demand by 2050."

Good Times, Bad Times

T'was 2 years later that we staged a repeat of sand/sun/sea/pool, albeit with one missing, causing wistful comments like, "Something's missing..."

Grow old with me, guys.

Oink If You Are Singaporean

Read this amusing and thought-provoking snort to the call for more graciousness at home.

"The pig is a great animal. It’s omnivorous, it will eat anything, even shit. It’s a highly efficient food processing platform as well as being extremely low maintenance. Leave a pig alone and it will fend for itself. It isn’t clingy or needy.

This is exactly the kind of image that Singaporeans want to project to the world. We are efficient and low maintenance. We get things done fast, without hiccups, while retaining the ability to work independently and for comparatively low wages. We’re also willing to take shit from people. As a Singaporean, I’m proud to behave like a pig."

More Beer?

While R found catharsis a la John Lennon, I'm left high and dry...

Another one bites the dust... but to be fair, it's been some time. Now I ponder my own future and the pattern of things in and around me.

Indeed, "vanity of vanities, all is vanity." All I see is a mountain range surrounding me. Am I my own mountain to climb, I wonder.

Will power and resolve, that's what I need to summon right now. To break out, step out, confess and believe with all my heart!

IT at Disney

Read MIS Asia: Fact and fantasy.

The first two days of every new cast member's training is called Disney Traditions, which is a view of the company's history and culture, how to create a magical experience for guests and the trainee's role as a cast member. Local employees act as voluntary teachers a couple of days per month.

"When some IT people applied to teach the course and were nearly appointed, the HR people were surprised, describing it as a 'fantastic' achievement.

"I am encouraged to see IT people participate, but why should it be viewed as unusual? This reflects the 'back-office culture' of IT staff and I feel that the actuality, as well as the perception, has got to change," says Coker.

Boost Your Life the Urawaza Way

Weekend's here! Read this - tips to improve your life.

Takeaway from last night's cellgroup message - keep an eye towards eternity in everything that I do. Gotta remember tt...

Only the fittest shall find marital bliss

Read this excerpt about the dating woes of graduate women and sanctioned "social darwinism".

八月十六

There is not enough time to do all the nothing we want to do.

Bill Watterson

After slogging at D's to setup her new sofa while threatened by her excited dog, popped down to Tanglin Camp together to check out exhibits there. Provocative's the word - from disgusting to politically subversive (IMHO) to disturbing.



Headed down to the far far east for dinner. 'nough said :)


Saturday: Traditional Annual Arson Interest Group cum Mid-Autumn Festival.



Sunday: Dinner with family! Also mom & pop's 28th Wedding Anniversary. Awwww :)

9859 days old

2 days more to... Mid Autumn Festival :) Someone just told me "30 is like the new 18, you're a teen!" Bought a Bengawan Solo green tea mooncake! Ok, think it's more sentimental than gastronomic value... 'nough said.

Received a mailer from ABRSM telling me about the latest in music syllabus, courses and education efforts. Hmmm, been ages since I last touched any musical instrument besides my handphone... Somebody sell them decent CRM software pls.

Now, back to ageing... Still single AND happy, still a humble civil servant though job scope's changed radically, still faithfully serving in church but taking on greater responsibilities, still blogging :)

Guess this year hasn't seen any majorly significant achievements for me. But God's constantly renewing my mind and correcting erroneous beliefs and thought patterns. To God be the glory! And I'm still looking forward to greater things!

I digress but check out this warm & fuzzy clay-animated ditty: Happy Tree Friends :)

Women à Flambe

After fried food, tiramisu complete with candle, cheesy movie a la 80s style, cigarette water masquerading as expensive cocktail. and 1 too many greasy pratas, conversation just isn't the same.

Relationships, food, money, relationships, men, women, relationships, work, finger-guessing, relationships... A full cycle of topics to talk about.

Belief

On this day-off, I trekked down to Waterloo St to check out some of the SG Biennale exhibits. Namely, the ones at Sculture Square, Church of Sts Peter and Paul, St Joseph's Church, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and Sri Krishnan Temple.

What was interesting, I thought, was the interplay between artwork and the religious scene - esp. at the Kwan Im temple and at the Sri Krishnan temple. A tad contrived, but point taken anyway. At the churches, was more interested in the chapels than the art installations. Pity huh?



Now all piqued and provoked, I trooped down to National Library to catch the The World Press Photo Exhibition 2006 (before it ends shortly this week). Soon enough, this ignoramus found himself staring at vivid potrayals of major events around the world. From tragic hardship to heartfelt grief to death en masse... struck by it all, my tears were almost coming. This came to mind: "For God so loved the world..."

Alright, enough visual, mental & emotional stimulation for a day.

Oh btw, I flunked my SBJ - again.

We

Finally finished reading We by Zamyatin. Didn't find it easy to read because of the written rambling thoughts of the protagonist. But otherwise was an interesting read - reputed as the grandfather of the genre about a futuristic dystopian state.