Back in SG!

Helloooooo, clean-toilets-potable-tap-water-aircon-home-sweet-home! Oh, and family and friends too, of course :)

Thank God for His protection & provision during this trip - more to tell laters. Gotta catch up with work & stuff.

Manolo, Ma' Foot Hurts

Manolo Blahnik @ Design Museum

When Carrie Bradshaw, the shoe-loving central character of the HBO TV series Sex And The City, took a wrong turn after lunch in SoHo she found herself on one of New York’s grungier side streets and face-to-face with a mugger. “Please sir,” she pleaded. “You can take my Fendi baguette, you can take my ring and my watch, but don’t take my Manolo Blahniks.”


No, I don't have a secret fetish for 3 inch heels. But my new work shoes are really giving me grief...

Running & Listening

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24

1. Retail therapy rocks - bought new shoes.

2. Komala Villas' Thali Set Meal rocks - absolutely value for money, especially for the carbo-lovers, and chock full of flavours. Question: am I supposed to eat the yoghurt on its own? And why do people keep looking at me (the only chinese)?

3. Dreamgirls almost rock - a tad too many musical numbers, but entertaining nonetheless. Moral of the story: Hang on to your dreams, but don't screw yourself over either trying to realize them.

Tchaikovsky & Stravinsky

Check out BBC3's special on these 2 composers. Great site to explore, esp. the radio programmes!

Scream and the world screams with you

Aren't there days when you just feel like screaming? And questioning everything you've been busy with?

Amidst the busy-ness, you stop for a breather and wonder if you're headed for the right direction.

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
1 Pet 5:2-3

So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and knowledgeable men, and made them heads over you, leaders of thousands, leaders of hundreds, leaders of fifties, leaders of tens, and officers for your tribes.
Deuteronomy 1:15

Some time ago, G the SIA gal was encouraging me to take heart and gave me the first 2 verses. Earlier today I plonked onto my bed and flipped open my bible and read about how Moses delegated his duties to men of varying capabilities.

I'm tempted to jump ship, I really am. But it would be cowardice, wouldn't it?

Come on, get on your knees and pray, and then grit your teeth through it, the heart says.

Grrrrr.

Try

Because I'll only know after I try, I muttered to my mom in defence of the water I was wastefully running in capturing some experimental shots.

Ok, the food bits in this pic are a tad gross...

Caught Lake House today on VCD (yeah yeah, get with the programme, whatever). Same old romantic what-if/never-meant-to-be, though it is rehashed in a refreshing manner.

So who is that special someone?

*ponder*

Seek First

When You said, "Seek My face," My heart said to You, "Your face, Lord, I will seek."

Psalm 27:8

Geylang Bahru

After Zoe's baby shower last Sunday, I was inspired by S & Z's photo-passion (though now overtaken by family duties). Their Nepal pics really renewed my interest anew. So on the spur of the moment, I wandered around Geylang Bahru. Really liked the waning sky and tried to capture it, albeit partial success. It was only today that I realized I left out the old Serangoon fire station.

Listening to New Light of Tomorrow by Husky Rescue.


Update: Suspected food poisoning... not a great a feeling on day 1 of CNY. At least I'm not puking... *sigh* As they say in mandarin, tomorrow will be better! ;)

This morning, attended parent's CNY service at the Kreta Ayer People's Theater and surprisingly, was encouraged in many areas:

1. Remembering the work of the Cross during Holy Communion
2. Giving to God solely to please Him
3. Continuing to be faithful in serving God despite busy schedule and work pressures

Except singing Hillsong's "All I Am" in mandarin takes a little getting used to.

Spent the afternoon resting and then had DIY steamboat dinner. Mom's ever the busy bee, from washing the floor to preparing the steamboat ingredients to cleaning the sofa. She's got a certain tenacity that I just have to admire.

Ok, logging off now. Let's hope I can binge stomach-churning-free tomorrow... heh!

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?