Grandma's 80th Birthday

T'was a smaller gathering than in previous years; Aunt Ds chose not to publicize the event. And all's good, gram's 80yo - we always celebrate on the last day of the lunar year, i.e. 1 day before CNY... And we'll be back for more on 2nd day of CNY!

Whatever

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:16

Love is a many splendid thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love!

Moulin Rouge

Mom's throwing a hissy fit in a bid to bake her annual pineapple tarts and I'm simply too tired to be bothered.

I guess I really ought to be strong and not let circumstances or lousy feelings get the better of me. But empty is really how I feel right now.

It's day 47 of the year and I'm already beginning to lose perspective. Swimming/jogging's hardly helped, though going up and across Mt Faber felt like a serendipitous achievement.

All I need is love? Whatever...

32m37s

I passed! Swimming on! :)

For the umptieth time

I've no V Day plans. I do instead have a date with some unknown swimming instructor - eh, it's my biathlon swimming trial. So there :)

Confession: Was checking out car prices.

Bottletrees & Birthday Bash

Be Amplified

For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Ephesians 2:10

Mouth to Mouth Referral

Thought of the day: How far would you go to voice your opinions? What about protecting your own rights? And the rights of others?

This occurred to me over dinner, cake & non-fair-trade coffee. While B was busy quizzing hapless service staff about fair trade (and the lack thereof), L related a recent incident where D not only got fleeced of his money but got into an awful shouting match with a hawker.

Earlier today I'd received an email mailer for a coming event and the organizer had inadvertently exposed about 100+ email addresses. I promptly shot a note back to voice my concern and to my surprise, an email recall quickly ensued - however no apology was made, whether individually or en masse.

I wonder what really prompts people to write in to forums with impassioned letters or to call into 93.8 and voice their views. Is it an altruistic desire to better public goods or an urge to simply opine (and sometimes whine)?

That said, here I am, opining.

Sympathy For The Devil

Rolling Stones
from "Beggars Banquet" (1968)

Please allow me to introduce myself
I'm a man of wealth and taste
I've been around for a long, long year
Stole many a man's soul and faith

And I was 'round when Jesus Christ
Had his moment of doubt and pain
Made damn sure that Pilate
Washed his hands and sealed his fate

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
But what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game

I stuck around St. Petersburg
When I saw it was a time for a change
Killed the czar and his ministers
Anastasia screamed in vain

I rode a tank
Held a general's rank
When the blitzkrieg raged
And the bodies stank

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name, oh yeah
Ah, what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game, oh yeah
(woo woo, woo woo)

I watched with glee
While your kings and queens
Fought for ten decades
For the gods they made
(woo woo, woo woo)

I shouted out,
"Who killed the Kennedys?"
When after all
It was you and me
(who who, who who)

Let me please introduce myself
I'm a man of wealth and taste
And I laid traps for troubadours
Who get killed before they reached Bombay
(woo woo, who who)

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guessed my name, oh yeah
(who who)
But what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game, oh yeah, get down, baby
(who who, who who)

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guessed my name, oh yeah
But what's confusing you
Is just the nature of my game
(woo woo, who who)

Just as every cop is a criminal
And all the sinners saints
As heads is tails
Just call me Lucifer
'Cause I'm in need of some restraint
(who who, who who)

So if you meet me
Have some courtesy
Have some sympathy, and some taste
(woo woo)
Use all your well-learned politesse
Or I'll lay your soul to waste, um yeah
(woo woo, woo woo)

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guessed my name, um yeah
(who who)
But what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game, um mean it, get down
(woo woo, woo woo)

Woo, who
Oh yeah, get on down
Oh yeah
Oh yeah!
(woo woo)

Tell me baby, what's my name
Tell me honey, can ya guess my name
Tell me baby, what's my name
I tell you one time, you're to blame

Oh, who
woo, woo
Woo, who
Woo, woo
Woo, who, who
Woo, who, who
Oh, yeah...

From Wikipedia: [the song provoked] media rumors and fears among some religious groups that The Rolling Stones were indeed devil-worshipers and a corrupting influence on youth. It should be noted, however, that one interpretation of this song is that "The Devil" is in fact mankind. The lyrics are a brief history of some of the most notable atrocities committed by man against man...

Meek, Willing, Focused

These words echoed in my mind since morning. What times are we living in? What perspective shall we adopt? What are we called to do - individually and corporately?

*pause*

Number one on my list of resolutions, still: Time management, especially ensuring sufficient sleep and a health QT.

*click*

Celebrated dad's birthday today - 54yo this year. Beyond the fish head curry and dinner jokes, we prayed prayers of blessing and encouragement. May revelation upon revelation caused this family to be set upon a secure place, on high.

Life's Short, Love Hard

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

The tributes during S's memorial service today reminded me of one thing that should matter most in life: What do I want people to say in their eulogies for me?

Of course, other thoughts occurred like how I would want my own tributaries to be organized. Seriously though, it's certainly not about one's academic qualifications or sales clinched or accumulated wealth. But rather about the relationships forged, the lives touched, the service made to others...

So there. To plagiarize M1, "One life, love it... love others."

Beautiful

Shawn McDonald


As I look into the stars
Pondering how far away they are
How You hold them in Your hands
And still You know this man
You know my inner most being, oh
Even better than I know, than I know myself
What a beautiful God
What a beautiful God
And what am I, that I might be called Your child
What am I, what am I
That You might know me, my King
What am I, what am I, what am I
As I look off into the distance
Watching the sun roll on by
Beautiful colors all around me, oh
Painted all over the sky
The same hands that created all of this
They created you and I
What a beautiful God
What a beautiful God
And what am I, that I might be called Your child
What am I, what am I
That You might know me, my King
What am I, what am I
That You might die, that I might live
What am I, what am I, what am I, what am I
What am I
What am I
What am I
What am I
What am I

Your Value

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Workmanship in Greek is poema or to make, to do, compose. So know this simple truth, you are God's poem, His expression to the world. And therein lies your infinite and unique value to God which no one can take away or diminish.

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.