| CheeChiaw |

2011-04-11T12:18:00.003+08:00

Opening my FB today made my heart extremely heavy...

We are so used to looking at friends' wall post that's full of Happy Birthday wishes. But today for the first time, I opened to a friend's wall post that's full of "RIP".

Though that's not someone who's extremely close to me, and I din even know about the news till it was a bit too late... However, the impact is still unbearable.

What made it worse is the fact that this friend is only around my age.

Which got me thinking, do I care enough and appreciate the people around me enough, before it's too late? What should I do if one day such misfortune happens to people that I really love?

May God bless her soul. R.I.P. my friend.

2011-03-09T23:14:00.002+08:00

If something is important and precious to you, would you rather own one which is broken? Or would you rather lost it completely, so you won't need to bear the pain of holding on to the broken one?

Sometimes I really envy those who've lost it completely.

2011-02-14T13:05:00.003+08:00

Happy V-day to that special you ^^

很想輕撫你所以避開你
寧願用距離去令你好奇
迴避過眼神先偷偷喘氣
吩咐手臂放在原地
傳聞浪漫太快愛戀都走得快
才會遲遲未步向你說一世愛護你

情太過洶湧像深海而我卻會忍耐
但求來日你醒過來
這份情像翅膀打開
還沒有相擁別意外神教會我等待
待情流像細水才去承諾你
拿一生兌換愛

很心急擁抱所以在禱告
求甜蜜以前帶著你慢步
遊歷過旅途等一天終老
生老病死一起細數
原來慢慢靠近更珍惜這一吻
而我停留是為了你要給予你護蔭

能為愛戀學習按捺情信寄進心內
但求能學會倚靠神
愛被馴服過更精采
連地老天荒亦不更改時間永遠等待
等你情願那天才去承諾你
無止境那份愛

我用沈默叫醒愛情你用期待做你反應
繼續行近直至開始愛

2 important questions before the million dollar question

2011-01-18T23:37:00.003+08:00

Recently a newly-wed missionary couple was sharing with me about their journey of relationship.

What inspired me most was when he proposed, instead of the usual one million dollar question, he actually asked 3 questions:

Will you go with me to where God wants us to go?
Will you serve God with me?
Will you marry me?

I shall copy this.

Christianity is not a religion

2011-01-16T23:24:00.002+08:00

Today a friend asked me an interesting question, "can I have a relationship with God but don't want to become a Christian?"

I can so relate to that, when I first came to church, I vowed that I'll never want to become a Christian. My whole universe turned around when someone told me that Christianity is not suppose to be a religion, but a relationship with God.

It was when I fixed my focus on a relationship, ignore religious thinking, God became real in my life.

I sincerely pray that with my little explanation, she would be able to look at this question in a different light and one day she will get to experience the realness of God in her life.

Christmas Wishlist 2010

2010-12-03T16:18:00.004+08:00

To whom it may concern,

I know you are thinking of what to get me for Christmas present. So I am gonna make it real simple. Here's what could make me a happy boy this Christmas:

1. Books vouchers (Borders, MPH, whatever)

2. Treat me a really good meal (Price is not a concern, preferably involve killing some pigs)

3. iPad (If you love me too much and have too much spare cash)

Thank you and Merry Christmas in advance :)

Samurai principle in the corporate

2010-12-01T13:04:00.003+08:00

The Samurai believe in living as if they are already dead.

Here's an excerpt from a book that talks about this belief of the Samurai.

"Those who are reluctant to give up their lives and embrace death are not true warriors.... Go to the battlefield firmly confident of victory, and you will come home with no wounds whatever. Engage in combat fully determined to die and you will be alive; wish to survive in the battle and you will surely meet death. When you leave the house determined not to see it again you will come home safely; when you have any thought of returning you will not return."

Interestingly, the Bible talks about the same thing too...

"The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."
- John 12:25

To apply this at work, I've learned to practice this principle of working as if you've already been fired. Do what is right and necessary, don't need to try to please anyone just because I am afraid of losing my job.

I feel so powerful because of that.

Sometimes good enough is really good enough

2010-11-30T12:55:00.003+08:00

I learned an interesting and shocking fact today.

In learning to speak a foreign language, it only takes six months of concentrated effort for a person to be able to speak correctly 95% of the time. Whereas to be correct 98% of the time requires 20-30 years of experience.

Look back at most of the the things we do in our daily life. How often we have done something good enough and later spent countless of hours to perfect it and realised that it only made a little difference.

The pursue of perfection in everything is a journey without a destination. I think it's wiser to just focus on being great for a few things that really matters, and learn to accept just good enough for most other things.

2010-11-17T00:16:00.002+08:00

Sometimes it's really good to run away from routine and look at the hamster wheel in a bird eye view. I had a really good 4 days getaway road trip, did some serious thinking, questioning and answering within myself. Now I think I have the answers and decisions that I need.

This is gonna be life changing.

Claustrophobic movie day

2010-10-17T10:58:00.007+08:00

Went to watch 2 movies yesterday, ironically, both involved somebody trapped in an enclosed space.

(warning: may contain spoiler)

The first one, "Devil", is a story about 5 strangers trapped in a life, and one of them is the Devil. Seriously it reminds me of a game of "Mafia". Light off, light on, someone was killed. Now guess who's the mafia... Then light off, light on again, someone else was killed, now guess who's the mafia again. The best part was when there's 3 person left, I really can feel the tension, cos it reminded me of the classic round of Mafia that I had during the working adult camp last year. Till the last round, there's only 3 person left. Now I am not the mafia, so it got to be either you or you, and all 3 person desperately try all ways to convince the others to believe that they are not the mafia. The scene in the movie was somewhat like that, of course with a twist in the end.

A good surprise in the movie is that it has a very biblical theme about repentance and forgiveness. I truly enjoyed it.

I think "Buried" must be the most low budget movie ever made. It's about an American worker in the Iraq being taken hostage by terrorist, and sealed in a wooden box, buried underground. I kid you not, the entire movie is just like that, a man in a wooden box. For almost 2 hours, you are just watching a man in a wooden box. Just 1 actor, 1 scene.

For the whole 2 hours, I was feeling exactly how he felt, trapped in the cinema... Please end this now and get me out of the cinema. You can hear the fidgeting and small talk of the audiences, even cursing.

But I must salute whoever came out with the idea and the script, he really has extraordinary selling skill to be able to sell something like this to the investor, producer, the crew, the distributor, and the buyer of the cinema. Kudos for that.

Now if you want to test your own patient and acceptance for weird movie, go watch "Buried".

Amazing weekend

2010-09-23T17:36:00.002+08:00

I was away from work for 6 days since Malaysia day holiday last week, and those 6 days had been really amazing and fruitful. Here's a summary of things (and joy) worth sharing...

Segi CF camp at Genting Peace Haven

Follow Ps Shawn and Alex, with Ruth to minister for the CF camp. Had really great time, just connecting with people, get to know a few new friends, praying for students and having fun. And most important of all, a student that we've been reaching out to finally received Christ during the camp. Nothing else more important and worth rejoicing than seeing a soul saved in heaven!

Spike Asia 10 @ Singapore

My first time really attending a regional advertising festival. Honestly, I wasn't really excited or having any expectation when I went, I actually looked at it as just part of my job anyway... However, it turned out to be a really mind blowing experience...

My first surprise came on the first day. It was sunday and we reached there in the afternoon. I was walking alone in Suntec Mall before the conference started, and in my mind, I was telling God that I don't want this to be just another business trip, please show me a sign that You've brought me here for a purpose, or at least show me your presence here.

Lo and behold, as I was walking aimlessly in the mall, I actually came across a section which looked quite happening, with people walking in and out, and some people standing outside welcoming people... So out of curiosity, I just approached someone and asked him what's happening. Guess what, he told me that it's a church service going on there and they've just started. So I just walked in for the service without even knowing the name of the church, and later only realised that it's the New Creation Church and on this week they were showing a video of Ps Joseph Prince preaching in Hillsong Conference.

What's so significant about this is that I was actually checking out New Creation Church and Ps Joseph Prince on the internet a few weeks ago since I've heard Melvin talking so much about him. And the sermon that day really spoke so strongly and straight to my heart...

Next, the conference. It surprised me to realise that there actually a similar theme in most of the sessions by different speakers. Advertising now has evolve into giving back to the society, brands are coming out with ideas that not just make money and sell product, they need to do something good to the society in order for consumers to love them.

And it actually answered one of my main skeptical view about advertising, that it's just promoting consumerism and greed. But now, I actually believe that advertising can really make the world a better place... And it sparked an idea in my mind that I think it could really change the world if it's able to take off... (more details on that some other time)

And the most amazing part of the conference was that they actually invited Cyril Takayama to talk about the similarity between advertising and magic. Can you imagine seeing the world most awesome magician standing right in front of you demonstrating magic tricks? (we grabbed the seats at the 1st row) That's the coolest experience ever...

Besides the conference, I also took time to visit the Marina Bay Sands. Paid $20 to go up the Skypark on top of it and had a magnificent view of Singapore. The view is really not cheap, but I think it's worth it for the experience. Went into the casino also, since it's free for tourist. It looks bigger and more classy that Genting casino, but surprisingly there's actually not much crowd there.

Came back to work on Wednesday fully inspired, and had a new dream to fight for.

on church events...

2010-08-19T11:37:00.005+08:00

I attended the "1040" documentary screening and the Only Love Music Rally by Jaeson Ma for the previous 2 nights. I think I just don't have enough words to describe my amazement on his anointing and passion to share the gospel of love and to challenge people for world mission. So if you haven't attended yet, or you know any friends who need to encounter God is a powerful way, tonight is the last night of his evangelistic music concert.

On another note. I realized something interesting on such occasion where people from different churches and ministries gather together. If you know some friend from a different church, it seems like it's a great time for people to promote their church events to one another.

You meet a friend and he tells you,"hey, have you seen this flyer? We are having a blah blah blah conference next month, i really hope you can attend. Call me earlier if you want to reserve a ticket, I can get you the early bird price..."

Then another friend, "Hey, have a look at this flyer, the speaker we got for this special meeting has a really powerful testimony and is really inspiring, I think you will really benefit from this..."

Then another one... then another one...

And honestly, you actually also have an event that you need to get people in.

Then the dilemma comes, if I want to invite my friend, then by right I should give face to his event as well rite? And I actually not interested to go for his event one... Should I still invite him to my event?

I think sometimes we need to make more disciples and make less events.

We want to be this kind of church

2010-08-12T16:49:00.002+08:00

"A church is the only organization that exists primarily for the benefit of its non-members”
– William Temple

Built on solid rock

2010-08-11T16:21:00.005+08:00

I was thinking about changing my desktop wallpaper today, while going through the default images available, this picture of stones reminds me of a beautiful scripture. So I did some editing on the picture and got this wallpaper on my desktop now. Feel free to download and use.

charcoal barbeque

2010-08-09T17:42:00.003+08:00

Discovered a great barbeque restaurant in Pandan Indah with Stephen last Friday. Love the old school charcoal pot, love seeing pieces of meat being grilled on the charcoal fire.

To me, happiness always comes in simplicity. Especially when it's about food.

Did God said Adam and Steve?

2010-08-05T11:39:00.004+08:00

One judge single-handedly overturned Proposition 8 in the US yesterday. Proposition 8 is a publicly voted ban of same-sex marriage in the state of California.

Now, the overturn of Proposition 8 not only means that same-sex couples can get married legally in California, it also means that kids at school, as early as kindergarten age, could be taught that there's no difference between same-sex and opposite-sex marriage. Now imagine your 5-year old son coming home from kindergarten telling you, "daddy, I am gonna act in the kindergarten open day skit. Steve and I will play husband and wife."

As I was reading through the news, what shocked me was a picture of two female having a wedding ceremony, both of them are actually reverends of a church. It reminds me of a friend in the church who once told me that in his formal church, his youth pastor is actually a gay and married with a husband. Everyone in the church knew it and had a silent agreement not to talk about it, so everything was fine.

Now if the leaders in the church is also showing people that same-sex marriage is OK, who's suppose to tell us what's right or wrong is God's eyes?

Can anyone show me any scripture in the Bible that proves God approves of same-sex marriage?

(Disclaimer: This post by no means trying to discriminate gays. I have gay friends and I love them just like anyone else. Put it this way, it's like you hate cigarettes but you have a best friend who smokes, so while loving this friend, you also believe that he should quite smoking and smoking shouldn't be encouraged.)

What's your stand?

2010-08-04T11:13:00.005+08:00

Alex Bogusky, the former ECD and partner of one of the most acclaimed advertising agency in the world, CP+B, decided to quit his career in Advertising.

It was such a huge shock for the industry, for Bogusky is often referred as the Steve Jobs of the industry, earning a salary close to $2 million and he was also named Creative Director of the decade by Adweek.

His reason? Simple. Because he has a stand, advocating a ban on advertising to kids, which according to his boss, "is not compatible with the business we are in". His reply to his boss was a simple note saying, "I resigned like you recommended"

Now finally there's someone in the advertising industry whom I can call my hero.

Read the full story here.

You can never find a better ambassador

2010-07-14T14:23:00.004+08:00

What God taught me through a prayer meeting that din happen.

2010-07-12T14:52:00.004+08:00

We had started a weekly prayer meeting with the Segi Lifegroup in church every Thursday morning at 7am.

Last week, as usual, I woke up at 5.30am and beat the jam to get to the church at around 7 plus. But when I reached there, nobody was there yet. And I waited for a while, still nobody came. Then I called Ruth, who suppose to have the keys to open the door. No answer. Then I called the boys. To my surprise, they told me that Ruth din tell them that there's prayer meeting today, and she din come to pick them up.

After waited for a few more minutes, I decided to just leave, all grouchy in my heart. "How could Ruth not informed me that she couldn't make it today!? Does she know how early I got to wake up, how long I need to be stuck in the jam to reach the church, and how long I got to be stuck in the jam again to get back to work! Now I've just wasted a few hours of precious sleeping time for no reason..." I was just frustrated.

After a while, I received an sms from Ruth, "Sorry, this week we will make the prayer meeting on Friday."

At that moment, my immediate reaction was, "no thanks! I already came this week and wasted my time. I am not gonna come again tomorrow!" And I din reply her anything.

Then, God spoke to me.

"You know what, you absolutely have the right to be grouchy and you really don't need to come for the prayer meeting if you are coming just because Ruth called for the meeting and asked you to come..."

"But if you are here because you want to meet with God, spend time with God and talk to God, then no matter what goes wrong, what's the obstacles or how much travel time you need to sacrifice, wouldn't you will still be excited and happy to come?"

I felt convicted in my heart immediately. But at the moment, my answer to God was, "ok, I got it... But let me think about it first. I am still unhappy, at least let me take a break for this week and I will make it for next week then..."

Silence. And after a while, God spoke again.

"Remember Job? I just had a bet with Satan again, he said that you definitely will not be coming tomorrow, but I told him that I believe you will come."

I believe you will come.

Now, how could you not be amazed and totally surrender when God tells you that He believe in you.

"Would you want to marry yourself?"

2010-07-05T10:21:00.003+08:00

Great question by Ps Tim during his message this week, which got me really thinking...

Based on his 8 principle of someone worth married to:

1. Respect authority

2. Take responsibility

3. Proven healthy relationship

4. Financial stability

5. Sound decision making

6. Servant heart

7. Committed to a local church

8. Moral purity

My honest answer as for now, probably not...

Thank God I am still single.

Our transportation prayer answered!

2010-05-27T10:03:00.003+08:00

We are having more people from the Segi lifegroup recently. Most of the time, when we have outings or during Sunday service, 5-6 grown-up and well-built men will need to squeeze in my tiny Iswara. We always consider it a miracle when the car brought us to the destination without breaking down... We've been secretly praying for more transportation.

Just a few weeks ago, my mom spontaneously suggested that we should get an extra car for the family, cos since my sis started working, my mom din have any car at home for her to go out in the day. So she suggested me to get a new car so that she could use my Iswara.

As we were suggesting what car to get, my mom wanted a Myvi, my dad wanted a Vios, and myself, being practical, wanted a 7-seater MPV. And as expected, the idea didn't make sense to my parents at all. There's only 4 person in the family, and most of the time I am just using the car for myself, why on earth should we need a MPV.

After a few weeks of research, negotiation and contending, my dad also found a dealer from Perodua and Toyota for comparison, yet the negotiation went stale. I told God that the car is not just for my own, it's for the convenient for students to come to church...

Few days ago, the dealer called my dad and told him that the interest rate will be raising in June, so we better make the booking fast...

By divine intervention, my dad went for test drive yesterday and made the booking. We will be getting an Alza in few weeks time! And the best part is my dad agreed to pay for a large portion of the installment every month! God is great and my dad is awesome!

Sam, Fungai, James and Melvin, God answered your prayer and this is also for you guys :)

How to love your enemy?

2010-05-17T12:03:00.003+08:00

I went for a revival meeting hosted by Ps Enoch Lam last week, here's something interesting that he taught about loving the people whom we thought unlovable.

The bible taught us that we have to love our enemy, but it is inevitable that there's certain people in our life whom we just couldn't love no matter how hard we tried. He offered some steps to overcome this.

First, ask your self, does God love this person? Obviously the answer is yes. So if God love this person and you claim to love God, should you also try to love this person?

It's like when you fell in love with someone who loves dogs, no matter how much you hate dogs, you will try to accept and learn to love his/her dogs too right?

Then there's 4 steps you can take gradually to learn to love this person.

To Endure - Instead of running away or to avoid the person, first learn to endure the presence of the person.
To Accept - Then you come to accept that there's nothing you can change about the person, and learn to accept him/her for who he/she is.
To Enjoy - When you are not skeptical about the person, you can start to enjoy the person's presence.
To Love - After the 3 steps above, now you'll find it not so difficult to love the person.

Now do you see it's actually not difficult to love that someone whom you used to hate so much?

Devotion notes - The Death of Lazarus

2010-05-14T23:59:00.003+08:00

I was doing my devotion this morning reading on John 11:1-6, had some new revelation on some verses that I've been overlooked, so as usual, I noted that down in my notebook.

Then in the afternoon I managed to catch up with Ps Shawn for lunch and heard about the latest condition of Mei Mei's dad. I just felt that I got to share this, specially dedicated to Mei Mei and her family.

John 11:1-6

A man name Lazarus was sick, so Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus. But even when Jesus knew about it, He remained at where He was for two more days.

Sometimes when we pray to God about something urgent and important, all we got was silence, isn't this similar to Mary and Martha? I can imagine their frustration, someone is sick and dying here, but Jesus seemed doesn't really care, He did nothing at all for another two more days...

But the scripture also clearly told us the reasons why Jesus did that.

Because He already foreseen how it will turned out in the end, Lazarus won't die. (v4)
So that people will believe and see the glory of God. (v4, v15, v40, v45)

And even when Jesus did nothing at all for the moment, the scripture assured us that Jesus still loves them. Both the intercessors, Mary and Martha, and also the one who needs to receive the healing, Lazarus. (v5)

So even in our difficulties when we pray and din hear God's answer immediately. Remember Lazarus. Remember that:

God knows that it will turn out well in the end
It is so that when the turnaround happens, God will be glorified and people will come to believe
God still loves us no matter what

Contending vs Contented

2010-04-26T12:03:00.003+08:00

The message that Ps Tim shared this week was really impactful, this quote of him keep repeating in my mind:

"What God wants us to contend for are usually the things that we are contented with,

what God wants us to be contented with are usually the things that we are contending for."

How true.

Positioning Statement for Christ

2010-04-23T11:28:00.006+08:00

In advertising, we learned that every product, every brand, every campaign needs to has a positioning statement, what is it? and why should I buy?

I just found the most precise positioning statement for Christianity, written by Watchmen Nee:

"Christ is the son of God who died for the redemption of sinners and resurrected after three days. This is the greatest truth in the universe."

What is it? Christ is the son of God

Why buy? He died for the redemption of sinners.

Who's your target audience? Sinners. (Now who says you cannot include everyone and anyone as your target audience.)

What's the support for the benefit you claim? He resurrected after three days.

What's the USP(Unique Selling Proposition)? This is the greatest truth in the universe.

The Passion

2010-04-03T11:20:00.008+08:00

Watched The Passion of the Christ again on Good Friday Campus Vibe. Just want to share a few things that jumped up to me in a new light that I've never seen it that way before...

The final miracle that Jesus performed before he was crucified wasn't for his family, his disciples, his followers, poor lady on the street, or rich man. But it was for his enemy who came to arrest him (Luke 22:49-51). Perfect display of loving your enemy.
The crowd demanded to release Barabbas the murderer instead of Jesus (Luke 23:18-19). Isn't it the same as the modern culture that we are living in right now? People welcome what brings death and destruction and rejects truth that brings life.
While watching the scene where Jesus was scourged and mocked, we may have great anger and hatred for those Roman soldiers and high priest who did this to him, but actually in God's eyes, these people were actually forgiven and blameless the moment Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34). Don't forget that Jesus has the authority to forgive sin. (Luke 5:24) Perfect display of grace.
While we felt grief-stricken watching the crucifixion, we shouldn't overlook the fact that crucifixion is not just about sorrow and tragedy, but at the end of it, there's the resurrection that brings life and hope.

A little trivia about the movie, do you know that during the crucifixion scene, the hand that nailed Jesus on the cross was actually the hand of the director, Mel Gibson himself? According to a quote by Mel Gibson, "it was me that put him on the cross. It was my sin."

Yes, it was also your sin and my sin.

Numbers don't lie

2010-03-06T21:06:00.007+08:00

I was walking in Tropicana City this afternoon and suddenly assaulted by a young girl trying to introduce me to a charity organization. Since I wasn't in a rush, and being nice as usual, I stopped by and listened to her.

They are a locally founded organization, running orphanages and supporting underprivileged children in Malaysia, claimed to be taking care of more than 500 kids through its orphanages throughout Malaysia.

The girl was trying to persuade me to make a fix monthly contribution through credit card direct debit.

Everything sounds convincing till I had a look at their financial statement. Being a little financial literate, I automatically tried to decipher the numbers. And I had a shock.

The numbers in the most current year column told me that of all the income this organization collected, only approximately 7% goes into "financial aid to orphanages / shelter homes". Yes, 7%! No typo error there. The item called "Charity events and fund raising expenses" took up 53% of the total income, and "Operating expenses" was 8%.

In simple term, if you donate RM10, they spend RM5.30 to organize events, 80 cents to pay their staffs salary, landlord and bills, and lastly, the orphanages that they suppose to support will get 70 cents.

Another noteworthy findings, Their income for past 2 years grew 240% and 140% respectively, but the aid to orphanages only increased 40% each year, whereas the money that goes to event expenses increase 420% and 90% each year.

Now after knowing this, tell me, who in their right mind would trust their hard earned money to such stewardship?

Update : 11/3/2010

On a second thought, Janet and Felicia's comment made sense. Let's give the organization some benefits of doubt. They are probably not out there with the intention to swindle from the fund, or else they won't even reveal the financial statement, or someone must know a better way to furbish the numbers.

The management is probably consist of people who have lot's of passion on the cause that they believe in, but too bad they are just not proficient in financial management. How they manage the fund now is probably the best way that they know how to run it. Maybe what they need now is consultation on fund management instead of more money to be wasted on poor management.

My best friend came to church today

2010-01-25T00:40:00.002+08:00

What a pleasant surprise. Stephen called me in the afternoon to ask me out for dinner, he told me that he's craving for steamboat. So I agreed to meet up with him after church service.

Just right before I am leaving my house for church, he called again and told me that he's too bored and nothing to do before I am able to meet up with him. So I just simple suggested that why not join me for church service today? And he agreed, to my surprise...

Then another problem came to my mind, how do I arrange the transport and dinner for the campus students after church service and go for steamboat with Stephen... either we got to wait till they all finished dinner and I send them back first, or we just got to compromise not to have steamboat today and have dinner with the students instead.

Little did I know that God already had a solution for me... I was so surprised when Carissa told me that they are planning to have steamboat after the service. In my memory of almost 2 years being in the church, there's only once or twice that we had steamboat after service. What's the chances of it being just a coincident?

Though it's just something trivial and insignificant, but I believe God knows my friend personally and made the arrangement for him even it's just such a small matter.

Praise God for that.

Luxurious after-life property

2010-01-22T10:33:00.004+08:00

Went to Janet's mom's memorial service yesterday, it's a celebration for her birthday. We were totally astonished when we reached the Nirvana Christian Columbarium in Shah Alam, just right next to the Panasonic Stadium, where you have your annual Bon Odori.

The place looked so nice that I wish I could stay there after I am gone, seriously.

I totally don't mind booking myself a room here, only if I have the money.

(Disclaimer: This is not a paid advertising by Nirvana, though the writer would not mind any kind of reward for writing this :))

Social media status: Away

2010-01-19T00:58:00.003+08:00

I am on fasting for all my social media this week. So no Facebook, no Twitter. If there's any urgent message, go traditional, sms or call me.

Thankfulness

2010-01-16T22:32:00.005+08:00

I remember a few months ago when I was hanging out with a friend in a cafe, he asked me for permission to smokes. Then he told me that he always knows that it's bad to smoke, but he has been smoking for many years, it's not easy for him to stop.

So I told him about my testimony of how God helped me to quit smoking, and then I prayed for him that God could help him to quit too. But I don't think he had the intention to quit smoking at that time.

Today in the afternoon, when I sms him just to catch up, he told me that he just stopped smoking recently, after 9 years of being a smoker! Then he said, "I do believe in your prayer and I always appreciate your previous prayer for me about my smoking habit."

Just a little token of prayer could make a huge difference in someone's life, we might not see the result immediately, but we know there's power in our prayer and God always answers.

On a side note, I was so encouraged when I read Jaeson Ma's blog about "365 Days Of Love". It's his new year resolution that in this year he will get to demonstrate love by doing random act of kindness to somebody everyday, and he will blog about it everyday. Wow! I don't think I have the persistence to do that. But I did pray that throughout this prayer and fasting week, everyday God will give me an opportunity to bless someone.

UPDATE

I just met up with this friend last night, he was so excited when he told me bout his journey of quitting smoking. And I lost count of how many times he repeated the phrase, "it's a miracle!"

2010-01-09T00:44:00.005+08:00

As I was looking at the whole progress and talking to God about the "Allah" issue, I believe here's something that He showed me.

Why is this happening now? It's not a new issue anyway... 2 Timothy 3:12 says, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Persecution is a promise of God to the godly people.

How should we as Christians react? "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matthew 5:39. "But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44. It's a time of testing to the church of Jesus Christ, whether we are able to practice what we preach.

What would Jesus do? "Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34. He even have compassion for those who nailed Him on the cross.

How shall we pray? "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:29-30. As Peter and the disciples started to face increased persecution, they din pray for God to take away the persecution or destroy the persecutors, they asked God to increase their boldness to face the persecution. I remember reading a quote that says, "we never pray for a lighter load, we pray for a stronger back to carry the load."

Lord, I pray that you will teach your church wisdom, peace and forgiveness in current situation. Lead us to walk in your will and in your way. Amen.

Yaay! I am going to Bangkok again

2010-01-07T17:55:00.002+08:00

Can't believe I am going to Bangkok again, it was quite a last minute decision, and it's my 3rd time to Bangkok! Gosh. I must have a special tie with this city...

After two times being there previously, basically I've been to most of the common places that tourists go, Chatuchak, The Royal Palace, The Zoo, Floating Market, MBK, Patpong...

Basically this time I just want to experience something different, though it's unavoidable to go to some of those places again, due to some first-timer in the group, but I have a list of stuff that I've not done before and wish to do this time.

Watch a Thai Boxing match. Wanted to try this during the previous visits but never have time.
Visit a local Thai church service. Though I don't understand a single word in Thai, but I believe the presence of God defy language barrier.
Get to know a new Thai friend. And I mean really make a new friend and keep in contact even after I come home.
Eat all insects and bugs that are sold at roadside stalls. I tried cricket and maggot, but dared not touch the rest. This time I want to eat them all!

That's all for now, I am still thinking of something more. Now I am really excited! 20th Feb...

I am not in the mood for new year eve

2009-12-31T08:49:00.002+08:00

I think I have more confident to raise the dead than to finish up what I have at work today...

unwrapping time...

2009-12-29T10:09:00.003+08:00

Now that Christmas was over, a big thanks to everyone who took the effort to give me something for Christmas presents, I guess this is the one of the year that I received most presents. Truly appreciate each one of those. And please forgive me that not everyone who gave me something actually received back something from me, I promise that I will keep you in mind next year. And to some I still owed, I will find something nice and suitable for you, I really believing in giving something meaningful, useful, and specific for the person instead of just simply give something for the sake of just giving.

Now looking at the presents that I received, the headache part comes. To be frank, though I appreciate your kindness, but some of the things are really not useful for me. I believe everyone face the same question, what to do with presents that you can't use? Throw? Give it to someone else next year, or next time gift exchange? Keep in the closet collecting dusk till mom does spring and force you to throw it away?

This morning someone gave me 2 packs of Strawberry Flavour Condoms from Bodyshop as present... Now, anyone wants it?

How I spent my Christmas eve

2009-12-26T12:32:00.002+08:00

My initial plan was to do something different this year, just go home early and spend the night with my parents watching TV. But my mom told me that they will be going out for a wedding dinner and asked me to go hang out with my friends... My usual hang out gang had a plan which I am not keen to join, and most of my other friends had their own outings already, with friends that I don't know... What made it worst was towards the end of the day, my handphone battery died...

Then I remembered Yean Ching's twitter message saying that they need more volunteer in IOI Mall that night...

After accepting the fact that I got to spend a lonely Christmas this year, I decided to just go help out for "The Heavenly Gift" in IOI Mall.

Turned out that it's the best plan that God had for me. On a Christmas eve night, helping last minute shoppers to wrap their gifts, giving out balloons to kids and the most meaningful of all, explaining the community needs to passerby and collect donations. We have a few Christmas trees that was hung with little cards, each printed with a specific needs of poor families, orphans and charity organizations, where people can pick any of those cards and donate any amount for the needs written on it. Imagine a family with a disabled father and ten kids to raise, living on RM800 a month, family of five living on RM200 a month...

During our Christmas service, I heard that we managed to raise a total of approximately RM75,000 in 21 days of "The Heavenly Gift" event in IOI Mall.

Reminded me of the real purpose of Christmas, it wasn't just for us to have an excuse to party and be merry. It was to remember a king who abandoned all his glory and riches, and came to give his life to the poor, the broken, the hurting, and the lost.

I had the most meaningful Christmas eve ever...

My life testimony

2009-12-21T09:41:00.005+08:00

I was asked to give a testimony of my faith journey during yesterday's church service. My first time. I'm always encouraged when I get to hear people's testimony. Tells me that God don't stop working after the last book in the Bible was written, He's writing a new chapter in your life and my life everyday, every moment.

For those who missed out yesterday's service, here's a draft that I wrote for the sharing ;)

________________________________________________

Throughout my journey of faith, I’ve experience so many times God did something wonderful to my life, today I am just going to share a few experiences that brought significant impacts to my life.

I’ve come to know God for about a year and a half now. It was during a low period in my life where I was looking for fulfillment in clubbing, drinking and hanging out with friends who also enjoy those activities, at that time Joescher started to invite me to attend lifegroup and church to try to experience a different kind of lifestyle.

I felt quite reluctant at first but eventually I decided to just give it a try. After being in lifegroup for few times, I experience genuine friendship and I find more peace and joy here. I also thought that the topics that we talked about here in lifegroups makes a lot of sense to me, that’s what makes me keep coming. And a few months later, during the Easter church service, I decided to give my life to Christ.

Quitting smoking

Before I came to know god, I used to be a smoker
Always tried to quit, but it was just too difficult
When I started to attend church, lifegroup, I start feeling guilty about smoking, because the holy spirit started nudging me with love and gave me a greater desire to really stop it.
One day as I was smoking, I just asked God that if you are real, help me to quit smoking
After that I really quitted smoking effortlessly, and I realized that the day I asked god to help me to quit smoking, it was the last pack of cigarette that I ever had.

New Job - Salary

Those who knows me knows that I used to be business partner with Joescher in CC+J Adhaus.
It was about a year ago I came to a point realizing that I’ve had enough of advertising, it was time to moved on to something different.
So I quitted the company without knowing what to do next.
It was at that time I had a lunch appointment with a teacher that used to teach me in an advertising training course.
So happened that they were having vacancy and desperately looking for someone. She was so excited to invite me to work for them.
I agreed and when she asked me about my expected salary, I honestly told her my current salary and the lowest salary that I could survive with.
She offered me the lowest salary that I mentioned, and I accepted without negotiating
On the first day I started work, she called me into her room and told me that she changed her mind and decided to pay me the same amount that I used to get, it was a 25% increase to what she offered earlier.

Miracle baby – restoration in family

We had a Healing rally last year and I was thinking about who to invite.
Suddenly I just had a strong feeling that I need to invite a particular cousin
It doesn’t make sense to me, because: 1) I don’t know that she had any sickness that need healing. 2) My mom will be going, and my mom used to have some misunderstanding/argument with her, my mom won’t be happy that I invite her. 3) She’s a Christian
But I just invited her anyway
She came and I saw her went out to be prayed for during one of the session
Few months later during Chinese New Year, I heard from one of the aunties that the cousin was pregnant, and she told the whole family that it was because of the healing rally that she was able to conceive.
Apparently she was barren and they just decided to go for a test tube baby before I invited her for healing rally
After the baby was born, my parents visited them. It was first time after few years of not talking to each others because of some argument

The School of Acts

After a year of becoming a Christian, I always desire to know more and grow in my faith and relationship with God. I like to take every opportunity to learn and I always wish to go for a training where I could really be equipped.
About six months ago, Ps Shawn told me about TSOA and recommended me to join the school. It was a six months part-time ministry training school
I made the decision to sign up for the school in a few days time
We had 3 night class a week for six months and every week a different minister who came from different places around the world will teach about a different topic.
My faith and horizon was stretched so much during the six months period as I was hearing testimonies of great things that happening around the world and through the life experience of those ministers.
Throughout the course, there’s also different challenges. Sometimes I was really tired after a whole day of work and still trying hard to stay awake in class, and sometimes there’s opposition from my parents, because they can’t understand why I was spending so much time for church and class.
But by grace of God I managed to finish the race.
In just 6 months, I felt like my faith journey has probably grown 6 years.
In one particular class, the students were asked to hear from God and pray for another classmate.
I had an impression that a classmate’s sibling was facing some problems.
I went to her and asked her about it. And she told me that apparently her siblings had a major argument with her dad because of some disagreement in the family, and they were in a terrible relationship.
So we prayed together for restoration.
The next day, she called me and told me that her sister actually visited her father after a few months of not talking to each other.
Now after I’ve completed TSOA, I have a greater burden to impact lives with the gospel and see lives changed, especially reaching out to the international students in campuses, because eventually they are the ones who will go back to different nations and possibly transform a whole nation.

There’s so many more stories to tell, and I believe that none of these stories can happen if I didn’t obey and take the step of faith when I felt that god was asking me to do something.

I believe that as God has done all this wonderful things in my life, There’s a lot more great stories / miracle that god has in store for each of us… To me, the key to claim these miracles is through obedience, even though sometimes it doesn’t make sense to us.

I am especially inspired by the story of Esther. In book of Esther chapter 4, she obeyed and took a step of faith to meet the King to beg for mercy for her people, even though she knew that she might be put to death by law. Eventually because of her faith and obedience, she saw all her people saved. In Esther 4:16, Esther said that, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” That shows faith and obedience.

So I invite you to think about this, what are the miracles that you are expecting to see in your life? What are the steps that you knew God is asking you to take but you are reluctant to do so?

Just try to obey and take those steps. I assure you that one day you will be proudly standing here sharing those miracles that God do for you after you’ve taken those steps of faith.

I hate my job when...

2009-12-09T20:12:00.002+08:00

I am given unreasonable deadline.
I am given unreasonable workload.
My work interfere my personal time, personal priorities, rest, sleep...
All of the above happen at the same time.

Today is no. 4.

"I HATE MY JOB!!!!!"

from going after girls to evangelizing...

2009-12-01T10:22:00.003+08:00

We were having an interesting discussion in the office someday last week. Shahnaz was giving Vince some coaching on how to go after hard-to-get girls.

According to one of Shahnaz's theory, the harder she resist, the bigger the breakthrough will be. The key is no matter how hard the girl resist you, as long as she allows you to keep staying around her, just be persistent and hang on, you will have a chance to reach a breaking point and see her fall head over heels for you afterward. If she won't give you a chance at all, she won't let you be around her, she will run away from you as far as she could and flee for her life.

Need any proof? Don't you see so many fat ugly man out there who have a gorgeous and faithful girlfriend? They know this trick...

Well, personally I don't know how well it works on getting girls, but I see its application in reaching out to our unchurched friends.

I believe we all has friends who has a problem believing in God, and yet always likes to ask us questions about God and Christianity. They don't mind following us to Lifegroup meetings and church service or events occasionally, but they insist that it's just for the fun of it, not that they are ready to believe in God.

I think that theory applies here, the more they resist, the bigger the breakthrough will be. As long as they don't run away from us, one day we will see their heart touched by God and they will be so head over heels for God.

I still remember how much I resisted when Joescher first invited me to church, how I get irritated when he talked about Christianity, and how eager I wanted to change channel when I heard worship songs in his car. And yet I stayed around him till one day God touched my life and the rest is history.

So just have faith and keep reaching out to those who have been following you to church for a long time and yet to believe in God, as long as they stay around, you never know one day they could become the strongest disciples that you've even seen. Just look around you, you don't need more proof...

Now that it's all over...

2009-11-24T10:12:00.003+08:00

I think I am suffering serious TSOA withdrawal symptoms. Bear with me, will be cranky and emo every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night 7.30-10pm. Some of the nights might burst out in worship singing from 7.30-8.15pm.

These symptoms might go on for approximately few weeks or up to six months, depending on whether appropriate rehabilitation treatment is found.

random night out

2009-11-22T11:51:00.005+08:00

We were having a random-for-no-reason barbeque session last night, and halfway through, someone just suggested that why don't we drive up to Genting to yam cha now? So, within just an hour we quickly gobbled up the remaining food and cleared up the mess, and headed up to Genting at 12 something midnight. Talk about randomness and efficiency.

It was really an awesome night, catching up with each other's life, gossips, scandals, who's got a new job, who's got a new girlfriend and etc... And I just realized that I've really not seen some of them for way too long.

Looking forward for the next big thing with the gang, Christmas. And by the way, I will be going to Genting again on Monday.

p/s: I pity the driver who have to endure the insane laughter and screeching shriek while concentrating on the windy and foggy road. You deserved an award!

It's finished

2009-11-20T10:30:00.003+08:00

I finally had my last night in The School of Acts.

The Last Supper

Six different nationality were represented in this pic. Nepal, Myanmar, US, India, Philippines and Malaysia. I want to believe that we don't need to wait till when we get to heaven to meet again.

By the way, yesterday was a rather special day, besides having my last night in the school, I attended a funeral, skipped a wedding, and celebrated a friend's birthday.

Counting down

2009-11-17T10:58:00.004+08:00

Some interesting and tongue-twisting quotes from the class last night.

"Your call is not your call."

- our calling in life is not up to us to decide, it's God's calling on our life.

"Hurt people hurt people, healed people heal people"

- We can only give to others what we have inside of us. So if we are hurt, we will minister hurt unto others. Only when we are healed by God's love we will be able to bring healing into other people's life.

Only two more classes to go...

2009-11-15T12:25:00.002+08:00

It just hit me that The School of Acts is coming to the final week already. No more rushing and hungry Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights after this week and no more rushing for worship practices...

It's amazing how fast six months can passed. I am going to miss those nights.

The amount of learning I had for the past 6 months was truly overwhelming, imagine within 6 months more than 10 different teachers sharing their life experiences and ministry experiences that possibly adds up to hundreds of years. I believe I was just able to grasp fraction of it in class. But thanks to the convenient of technology, all classes were recorded, so I just decided to buy the CDs of all classes, cost a bomb to my wallet. But I think it's worthwhile.

Finally, here's my submission for the cover design of our yearbook, it may not be selected as the final cover, but I am really proud of it :)

It's free!

2009-11-11T17:33:00.003+08:00

Looking at this page, I felt my tears almost coming down. Yes! After a whole morning of trying and failing and not giving up, first time in my life, I managed to grab the Airasia free ticket.

In total, I paid only RM73 for the airport tax, travel insurance and miscellaneous processing fee, for return flight ticket to Manila. I love Airasia, and definitely God is good to me :D

EN Conference 2010, here I come!

p/s: I would love Airasia more if they aren't MU's sponsor.

I had an awesome Saturday :D

2009-11-08T03:28:00.004+08:00

Puchong church 5pm service - Pasta Zanmai - Snowflakes - burger - Movie, "The 4th Kind" - Arsenal won 4-1 - sleep with a big wide smile (except I am a bit afraid of alien abduction when I am halfway sleeping)

you don't need to talk to communicate

2009-11-04T11:31:00.006+08:00

3 of us sitting in the same office, facing each others. There's complete silence among us, except the occasional sounds of typing on the keyboard.

Everyone's eyes are fixed our own laptop screen, and once in a while, laughter just bursts out from nowhere.

Well, we are actually communicating to each others, everyone knows what the other person thinking and laughing about. Weird jokes are actually flying around among us.

Welcome to Twitter.

just grumpy

2009-10-26T23:59:00.003+08:00

It's one of those day again, where I get unreasonably grumpy, depressed, angry for no particular reason. I took 2 days leave from work, but I wonder why I seems to have more work than a working day.

No mood to do anything, but works are waiting for me. Wish I could just say screw it! I don't care anymore! Let me sleep first and think about it tomorrow!

So you hate me now?

2009-10-22T23:53:00.006+08:00

2 person were mad at me today. I usually will be very affected for such situation, I hate the feeling of disapproval, I like to be the mr. nice guy who everybody loves...

But recently I just learned that it's not a big deal when others disapproves you or even hates you. It doesn't mean that you are wrong, you just have a different standpoint from theirs.

Jesus never did anything wrong, but there's still people who hates him after 2000 years.

And I learned that there's no point feeling upset about how others behave and how they treat you when it's not like what you expected. It just gave you a new clue to discover more about the person's true character.

Symptoms of falling in love

2009-10-22T14:53:00.004+08:00

A friend posted this on Twitter this morning.

"galfriend shared "feli, he's finally someone i feel i wanna cook for...." wow, that's love..."

How simple and sweet.

I was wondering, what would be my version?

Maybe...

"She's finally someone I feel I wanna go home early for..."

"She's finally someone I feel I wanna give up fishing for..."

"She's finally someone I feel I wanna wash the dishes for..."

"She's finally someone I feel I wanna learn to speak a foreign language for..."

Well, I think God haven't bring that someone into my life yet.

So, what would you want to do for your someone?

God, please teach me mercy...

2009-10-19T10:40:00.005+08:00

When you have all the authority, rights and advantage over someone, especially someone who has wronged you before, now you have an opportunity to seek revenge and get back everything you deserve, God wants to test your mercy.

Matthew 18:21-35
'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'

I love my "nothing box"

2009-10-17T22:19:00.002+08:00

Grace posted this on facebook with the title "Now I know why chee chiaw and vince love fishing so much." I couldn't agree more. This guy is so full of insight.

Guys, you must watch this to understand why sometimes the females around you are pissed off with you; Girls, you must watch this to understand the things that guys piss you off is just their nature.

p/s:
Jun, now you know why sometimes I just don't have anything to share ;)

I survived 40 hours...

2009-10-16T10:38:00.003+08:00

...without sleep, 2 days of work, overnight setup for an event and 2 night classes continuously. Most importantly, thanks God I din fell asleep while driving home. I found out that prayers is much more effective than Red Bull plus Livita.

I was assigned as the photographer on the event day, running up and down with a camera body that cost RM7k plus, a lens that cost RM5k plus, and a flashgun that cost RM1k plus, took 700+ photos. I felt so pro. Any picture that comes out from a machine like that looks good.

One day when I grow up, maybe I want to be a professional photographer.

By the way, I just realised that I have 11 more days of annual leave balance and now there's only 2 months plus left till the end of the year. I love cracking my brain thinking of ways to waste the leave.

Pastor Raymond talked about advertising in the class

2009-10-08T10:32:00.003+08:00

Surprisingly, what a Pastor said about advertising makes so much more sense compared to those so called advertising guru. Advertising is made for people, and he who understands the heart of people makes good ads.

Happy people comes from a happy culture

2009-10-05T10:08:00.003+08:00

Last week I get to know a friend who came from Bhutan. I am always fascinated getting to know the culture and people from different nations.

As we were chatting, we talked about this Gross National Happiness that Bhutan observe. Unlike most country in the world that measures GDP, the king of Bhutan actually thinks that the happiness level of their people is more important than GDP. So based on research, the Happy Planet Index estimates that the average level of life satisfaction in Bhutan is within the top 10 percent of nations worldwide, and certainly higher than other nations with similar levels of GDP per capita.

I was wondering, what if there's something called KHI (Key Happiness Index), to measure the happiness level in companies instead of just KPI (Key Performance Index)... Do you think the company you work in could pass the test?

Feeling like I am prostituting my brain power and ideas.

2009-09-30T11:02:00.002+08:00

"Lord, please give me a passion and excitement to do what I need to do and paid to do everyday. Amen"

who's the player of your life?

2009-09-28T01:11:00.005+08:00

Watched "Gamer" last Friday, it's pretty crappy to me. I think it's just another mainstream Hollywood production that hopes to attract audience with nothing more than violence and sex.

However, I see a spiritual lesson in the story.

It talks about in the future, technology allows a person to use his mind to control another person's body to do whatever he wants, and people use this technology to play simulation games. Just imagine playing the "Sims" and "Halo" using the life of another living human being.

The lead character is a star warrior who won the most rounds of shooting games in record because his life is control by a skilled player; while his wife is suffering in a life of immorality and sexual indulgence because her life is controlled by a pervert.

A good illustration for our life, whatever we do in life depends on whether our player is the holy spirit or the devil spirit?

It's best summed up with Romans 7:18-20

"I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."

This is how I discovered how to DIY hot chocolate drink

2009-09-25T18:00:00.005+08:00

I was suppose to be fasting today, but in the afternoon, my colleague just came and offered me 4 big fat chocolate bars. It was too tempting not to take.

So my creative mind started working and I came out with an idea to melt the chocolate bar in hot water and make it into hot chocolate drink... (I know, I should repent for thinking of this)

The result... Blek! Tasteless. Like drinking Milo ais after all the ais has melted.

Creative ideas are not always good ideas.

Maybe what I need is some caramel, cream, and A Starbucks mug.

Thanks to Grace for introducing me to this super cute blog

2009-09-24T18:49:00.003+08:00

Meet Lardee and ickle.

I sensed the tension rising in the office, it's suffocating

2009-09-23T10:07:00.002+08:00

Perhaps everyone suffers a little post-holiday depression.

post holiday depression

2009-09-22T23:35:00.004+08:00

I am now a bit depress thinking about the end of my 4 days holiday and work beginning again tomorrow.

What I did for this few days... An overnight prayer meeting and an overnight fishing, got some freelance job done, met up with a mentor of mine and learned something new, watched 'Where Got Ghost', had my favorite taroballs at Snowflakes, found a new bak kut teh place at Jalan Ipoh which is one of the best that I've ever had, classes in TSOA continued.

It's sad that I missed the church retreat, many other things that I wanted to do but not done. But nevertheless, I had a good rest.

Goodbye holiday and hello work!

work grumbling

2009-09-19T21:50:00.002+08:00

It's one of those freelance client again.

"Just follow my idea."

"I want it this way."

"Can't you follow exactly this reference?"

"Can amend for me today?"

"We need to meet up so that I could explain to you exactly what I want."

"Can put the logo bigger? Or repeat the logo as a pattern and spot UV it"

OK, I feel better when I focus in the cheque that you are gonna give me.

I am humbled

2009-09-12T11:32:00.003+08:00

God showed me that he gave me a lifegroup not just for me to minister to them, but I could also get ministered by them.

God showed me that He doesn't just want me to teach them, but I can also learn so much from them.

God showed me the that the kingdom of darkness can be broken with confession and walking in light.

God showed me what it takes to be a man of God.

More importantly, God reminded me that I am just a sinner like anyone else, saved and made clean by his grace and mercy.

Thank you Lord.

Yaay! I am on leave today!

2009-09-11T17:23:00.004+08:00

Had 8 and a half hours of sleep last night. Should be enough to refill my lack of rest for the past few weeks. Anyway, my purpose of taking leave is not just for the 8 hours of sleep. Will be having exam for TSOA on next Monday, so today is suppose to be a study break.

Though we have been notified about the exam since 2 months ago, I think what I've studied is probably only bout 20% of what I suppose to study. Last minute panic, never changed since high school.

My classmates were asking each others about their progress this few days, it gave me a little comfort knowing that I am not alone. Some of them have not even started yet. All students have the tendency to study last minutes, such a good illustration for the scripture 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man."

It reminds me of my PMR and SPM time, last minute not enough time to study everything already, we will resort to skimming over the brief notes and forecast questions given by the teacher. Exactly what I am doing now, brief notes and outline on the book of Acts, giving by the teacher, and also Ps Shawn's Willmington's Guide to the Bible.

At least I am proud to say that I've declined a fishing trip to Kundang with Vince, and free ticket to the T Music Festival tomorrow with Jeng Hann. That would probably give me some additional 12 hours.

Ok, back to study.

God, please give me wisdom and good memory, lead me not into distractions.

My miracle niece

2009-09-06T22:43:00.004+08:00

Today my family went to my cousin's house to visit her and her "miracle baby". After few months, it's the first time I really get to meet this little niece. I was in awe with God's wonder the moment I held him in my arm.

About a year ago, we had a healing rally in the church by an African pastor, Robert Kayanja. At that time, I just felt a strong prompting in my heart that I needed to invite this cousin to attend. It didn't make sense to me at that time, simple because I wasn't really close to this cousin, and I don't think she would need any healing at that time, and she's already a Christian herself. But I obeyed the prompting and invited her anyway. And so she came.

A few months later, I heard that she's pregnant. Apparently, my cousin and her husband were hoping for a baby for quite a while but she just couldn't conceive. It was just before they decided to go for a test tube baby, I invited her for the healing rally and she was being prayed for. Just 2 weeks after that, she got pregnant.

And because of this incident, the whole family and extended family heard about what God did for her.

And today when I was playing with my little niece, I heard my cousin was telling the baby that if not because of this uncle, he won't be born. I was so astonished with this idea. Just because I simply obeyed the prompting of the spirit, a life was born...

Of course I dare not claim the credit. I know that if it's God's plan to give them a child, God will make it happen with or without me. But I felt honored that just because of simple obedient, I was involved in this amazing plan.

Good morning :)

2009-09-03T09:54:00.007+08:00

Too many things to do, I better be brief.
10 different jobs on hand right now, big, small, direct, indirect...
I feel like back in agency life. Janet said I can't run away from my destiny.
Plus 1 freelance job.
And it's all "urgent"
Plus some personal projects, also urgent.
Consistently sleep deprive. Struggling to keep awake at work, in class and while driving.
Exam is in less than 2 weeks, and I've barely studied.
Nevertheless, God's presence is stronger than ever.
TSOA having open class again next week, Mon and Tues 7.30pm-10pm. the speaker will be Ed Silvoso, author of "Anointed for Business", talking about marketplace ministry, venue will be in FGA. Message me for more info.
Church camp was unexpectedly great.
"Up" was good, I cried so much, must be the aftereffect of the Holy Spirit from church camp.
Want to watch "Orphan"
Can't wait for the release of "Church Music" from David Crowder Band.
Craving for the yummy dessert from Snowflakes.

Transfer window closed, no new signing for Arsenal. *sigh*
New handphone! With great camera =D My posts will be more picture-ful now
The sky is beautiful this morning :)

the price of one life

2009-08-27T10:10:00.004+08:00

A friend who works in a local NGO once told me that here in Malaysia a baby can be bought and sold for merely RM400.

Last night in TSOA, Ps Troy Marshall was sharing about their work in Honduras saving dying babies infected with Hydrocephalus. Three children a week on average are sent to the public hospital infected by this disease, and most of them died simply because their family are so poor that they can't even afford to buy a 'shunt' to be implanted to the babies' brain to control the disease, for merely US$100.

Guess what, you can save a dying baby by just giving US$100. I think that's so cheap.

What would God be thinking when He sees this? The life that He fearfully and wonderfully made is worth only RM400/US$100 in you human minds?

open class in TSOA

2009-08-24T10:51:00.003+08:00

Just a short update. TSOA is having open class this week. Meaning that anyone can come join us and experience the awesome things that God's doing in the class. The minister for this week will be Pastor Troy Marshall, Mon-Friday, 7.30pm - 10pm.

Message me if you are interested to come and need more info.

Update
Open class at night only Mon-Wed, Daytime class is open too, Tues-Fri 9.10am-1pm.

work work work

2009-08-22T21:35:00.003+08:00

Last week was such a challenging and stretching week for me at work, thank God, at the end of the week now, I am feeling awesome and amazed of the things that God has put together for me.

The previous week I've been really struggling with workload that never seem to move anywhere. And coincidently Ps Shawn preached about Mosses, when he fought the Amalekites and has to keep his hands held up so that his army remain winning, there's Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands when he was tired. (Exodus 17:10-13)

The amazing thing happened on the next day, we had 2 new interns came in to help me under my one man show department, literally helping me to hold my hands up. This is such a superb creative team, the work that I've been struggling was done in a few days, with awesome quality. They are some of the best creative people that I've ever worked with.

I also went to another 2 colleges to give talk in the class, with about 50 plus students each class. And went together to support Grace for one of her talk. Still feeling paranoid before every session, but starting to enjoy it more and more now. Thank God after every session we will get to have awesome lunch. Grace said there's one coming up in October that will possibly sits 200 students. I can already feel the adrenaline pumping. Bring it on!

we don't need more mission trips...

2009-08-18T09:17:00.005+08:00

Last night the school finally announced the date and location for the mission trip this year. It's the highlight of the class, of course everyone was excited. Pastor Raymond said that every year we take great effort to look for the right location to go, a place where the soil is hardest and the local church is struggling, and we will go and turn the place upside down for the kingdom of God. Every year the students see signs, wonder and miracles happens...

However, I think I would be disappointed this time, by my "sight", I don't think it's possible for me to go unless miracle happens, a Red Sea parting miracle... Oh well, maybe God's will for me is not to go.

Meanwhile, I seek comfort in these verses and quote.

Moses said, "If your presence doesn't take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you're with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we're special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?"
-Exodus 33:15-16 (The Message)

To obey is better than sacrifice.
-1 Samuel 15:22

"We don't need more mission trips but more mission people for whom all of life is a mission trip."
-Leonard Sweet via Steve Murrell's blog

Keep praying.

on sowing

2009-08-14T10:55:00.004+08:00

I am thankful that I have the ability to sow my money into God's mission field.

Everytime when God challenge me to stretch my faith and sow more than what I am comfortable with, this quote from one podcast sermon that I heard once upon a time always encourage me...

If you think sacrificing your money is difficult for you, compare it to those who sacrifice their life...

a reluctant speaker to some reluctant students

2009-08-13T09:53:00.003+08:00

After few days of struggling and agonizing, yesterday morning I finally managed to give a talk in a design college. Early morning, in a class of 20 over students, all looked sleepy, uninterested, reluctant and admitted that they were tricked by their lecturer to sit in the class. What a challenge for my first time...

By God's grace I manage to finish the session, for one and a half hour and din get stoned by the students (no stones around, but they could still throw me their laptops and handphones though).

Thanks to Felicia and Grace, who sat behind the class and kept sending me supporting energy throughout the session. And thanks for stepping in to pick up the loose ball and filling in my weak points.

And not to forget Janet, who treated us an awesome lunch at Sushi Zanmai afterward, which made everyone bloated and sleepy for the whole afternoon.

There's more to come.

(p/s: I regretted for not getting a haircut last week)

What I need at this moment...

2009-08-12T00:35:00.002+08:00

Feeling tired, sleepy, miserable, anxious and bored right now. But work still needs to go on, though every inch of me feels like giving up.

What I need right now, maybe is just simply a pat on the back, or some kind words of encouragement to carry me through...

the meaning of Grace

2009-08-05T17:41:00.003+08:00

In one of Pastor Scott's sermon, he used a nice illustration to explain this.

If one day I am driving on the highway and I exceeded the speed limit, the traffic police stops me, warn me and let me go without a fine, that's mercy. My wrongdoing was forgiven.

But if the police does not fine me, on the contrary, he draws out his wallet, take out a stack of cash and hand it to me, that's grace. Not only my wrongdoing was forgiven, I was given what I don't deserve to receive.

Beautiful.

more testimony of miracle

2009-07-31T16:24:00.007+08:00

God just did another amazing miracle for me...

I used to have a membership with TrueFitness and the contract was suppose to be for a year. Few months ago, because of schedule and time constrain, I couldn't go as often as I should be going anymore. So I decided to stop the membership. But because the contract, they will automatically charge to my credit card every month and there's no way I could cancel it before the term ends.

The only trick to come out alive, as many people did, is to cancel the credit card that you signed up with. So I did that.

For a few months, they keep sending me account statement and smses and tried to call me to pay up the balance. But I just ignored.

Few weeks ago, I was reading Luke 19:1-9, I felt God was telling me that I should not just ran away from the membership like this, He wanted me to go and settle the balance. But I was thinking, since I've not been paying for a few months, there's no way I have enough cash on hand to pay it off all at once (ya, I am that poor). And many people has just ran away like that, they probably won't bother to do anything to me too.

But in the end I was convicted that I should obey and settle it in a proper way. God reminded me about the share investments that I had, and told me to sell one of those and use the money to pay back the balance. I was reluctant at first, because the share was making a loss on paper, if I sold it, then I will realize the loss.

Anyway, I just obeyed exactly in the end, trusting God's providence. I sold the share, got the cash and happily settled all the balance 2 days ago.

The next day after I made the payment, miracle happened.

In the afternoon, I received a phone call from my stock broker telling me that another share that I am holding was going up very strongly, because the company made a major announcement that day. I was shocked, because that was one of the flop I bought few months ago that went down immediately after I bought it, and for few months it never gone higher than the price I bought it. To make it worse, I remembered a few weeks ago in the investment class that I am attending every week, the teacher asked me what share am I still holding, when I mention the name of that share, the whole class burst out laughing, you can imagine how crappy it was.

But I checked it's price in the evening yesterday, after the market was closed, it went up about 30% in a day and the profit that I made was exactly the amount I paid to TrueFitness the day before... plus a little extra. I refuse to believe that it was a coincident!

This is the 3 months price movement of the share, taken from bloomberg.com

How amazing! How unbelievable! How indescribable! How awesome...! Arghh... Human's word are never enough to describe the greatness of God!

what Yasmin meant to me

2009-07-30T09:22:00.007+08:00

Much has been said about the contribution of Yasmin Ahmad to Malaysia advertising and film industry, we truly lost a great icon, there's nothing I could add on that anymore, but I do like to share about a personal encounter that I had with Yasmin...

About 2 and a half years ago, When I was just a fresh grad from 95%, before I started CC+J with Joescher, I remembered Yasmin was invited to 95% to do a screening of her documentary about the poor in India.

At the end of the screening, Janet introduced me and Joescher to Yasmin and told her that we wanted to become art directors. Almost immediately, Yasmin took out her namecard and handed it to us, "you want to be art director? I need art directors now, call me." I remembered she sounded more excited than both of us.

That must be one of the most honored and unbelievable moment in my life. I mean, for a top Creative Director in the industry like her, shouldn't it be like, "I receive hundreds of job application from fresh grads every week, send in your resume and some sample works to my office, the Creative Group Head will see first, but I can't guarantee that we will call you. You know, we receive so many job application, we can't be calling back to everyone of them."

She gave us her personal mobile number instead, and ask us to call her to arrange for an interview. The fact is she has never met us before, and we were just another nobody fresh grad to her.

It's something like you wanted to work in a bank, and Teh Hong Piow gave you his personal number and asked you to call him; or you wanted to work in airlines, and Tony Fernandes gave you his personal number and asked you to call him; or you wanted to become a politician, Najib gave you his personal number and asked you to call him... You get the picture.

And I remember, before she left, she turned to me again and reminded me, "remember to call me!"

Though we eventually went and had an interview with her husband, and fellow creative director of Leo Burnett, we couldn't make it into Leo Burnett. But I will never forget Yasmin Ahmad as someone who's so humble, someone who sees the potential in everyone equally, someone who has so much love for the people around her, someone who's so "human".

May her soul rest in peace.

Departures

2009-07-27T14:43:00.005+08:00

I watched the Japanese movie "Departures" last Saturday, I must say that it's one of the finest movie that I've seen recently, no wonder it won the best foreign language movie in Oscar this year.

There's no complicated storyline or high tech production in the movie, everything was just so simple but heart warming.

The story is about a cello player in an orchestra who lost his job, and accidentally found another job of "encoffination", a Japanese tradition of preparing dead bodies prior to cremation. The story revolve around how he started resenting the job to being dedicated to the job; how he found sense of significant in such job and the lives of families touched by his job.

Some learnings from the movie:

No matter how menial is the task, you can still find the significant in it.
If you think you are serving difficult people, try serving dead bodies.
Hold on to what you believe in, no matter what other people thinks, sooner or later they will see it in your way.
Don't wait until the day of cremation of your love ones to regret for not appreciating them enough.
The importance of a supportive spouse.

One of the surprise in the movie must be Ryoko Hirosue, who acted as the wife of the main character. She still looks the same as 10 years ago, when I adored her so much during my high school time. Well, at that time she's almost the number 1 imaginary ideal girlfriend of all otaku teen boys. What a joy to see her again on big screen.

Anyway, though it's an awesome movie, but it's not recommended for those who like fast pace action packed stuff, go watch Transformers instead.

Not even a hint

2009-07-26T10:38:00.004+08:00

Yesterday I went up to Selesa Hill Resort with Alex to minister for Victory Weekend. We reached there just in time when Ps Tim talked about sexual sin. The session was such a good reminder for myself.

God's standard of purity is this, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity..." (Ephesians 5:3)

Not even a hint.

Sometimes little things are easy to be overlooked. Like what Ps Tim said, we are living in a generation that no longer be shameful about sexual immorality, but applaud sexual immorality. It is said that the most sensual scene in a movie in the 60s' was the bare back of a woman, but now we see that on the street everyday. We are living in an era that's much more difficult to uphold moral standard compared to the era when Paul wrote about "not even a hint of sexual immorality".

But not even a hint is this, not even a dirty joke, or not even a sensual pop up window... The reason is simple, if we can't even resist small temptation, it's will leads to bigger defeats eventually. What you starve dies, what you feed grows...

It's not easy. That's why on Mount of Olives, before Jesus was arrested, again and again he asked the disciples to pray that they will not fall into temptation (Luke 22:39-46)

wonderful day :)

2009-07-24T09:27:00.002+08:00

I believe yesterday must be the day God showed himself strongest to me since I knew Him. In one day I witnessed how 5 different lives were touched powerfully by God in a way that only God himself can do it.

Sometimes I do question why I do what I am doing, but now seeing all these things happening, everything is just so worth it.

I am drown in the grace and love of God...

God the restorer

2009-07-23T12:42:00.004+08:00

This is too amazing...

Two nights ago during TSOA prayer meeting, we were asked to pray for our fellow classmates. As I was praying, I suddenly had an impression that someone was troubled because his/her siblings are in a conflict/quarrel. And later I just knew that it's for a lady in the class. Don't ask me how I knew, I just knew that I knew, but I wasn't sure whether it's real (Wow! It rhymes :D). I've never talked to this lady in the class before, she's considerably one of the quietest students in the class, and I knew nothing about her.

So I just decided to ask her about this, knowing that I could be wrong...

She was quite surprised when she heard it, then she admitted but was quite reluctant to talk about it because it was a sensitive issue to her. As I explained to her how I got the impression, she became more open and started to share with me the story. Apparently because of some issue that happened in the family, her siblings were in conflict with her and her father.

Then we prayed for God to work a miracle in the family and turn the situation around.

And God answered the prayer.

This morning I received a call from her, and she told me that one of her sister who has not been talking to the father for months just visited her father the next day after we prayed. It was really a breakthrough.

I was awe-struck when I heard that. All glory to God for he hears and answer prayers! For restoration and reconciliation of relationship. We need more faith to expect greater things from God!

I hate monday morning traffic!

2009-07-20T09:52:00.004+08:00

If there's a spirit that controls the traffic of KL, I think he's really against me. Especially on a Monday morning.

Two weeks ago, I leave home for work at 8.15am, and I reached office at 9.15am.

Last week, I leave home at 8am, reached office at 9.30am.

So today I decided to really give the traffic a blow in the face. I leave home at 7.30am, but ended up being beaten upside down again. I reached office at 9.50am.

What's wrong!!?? Would I ever be able to reach work on time at 9am? Should I leave home at 7am next week?

God and "Need for Speed"

2009-07-17T11:09:00.003+08:00

"To me, Jesus is like the little GPS arrow that you have on top of your screen when you play "Need for Speed", it always point you to where you should go, and when you go the wrong way, it will turn red and always point you back to the right way."

This was said by Fungai. When computer games geek meets Jesus. It was such a joy chatting with him, he's a real joker. And the way he interpret Bible scriptures is so simple and funny. I can imagine him one day being a stand up comedian, or a really captivating preacher.

Thank God for adding this man in our midst.

By the way, can't imagine I can still have bak kut teh last night after having the big rib eye steak burger for lunch.

random things on a boring thursday

2009-07-16T18:50:00.004+08:00

I feel seriously stuck now. Been working on the same thing for almost 2 weeks now and there's not much progress. The deadline is approaching, and not much is being done everyday, and because my brain is stuck, so it also affected other jobs that comes in my way. It's like the traffic at Federal Highway on a Monday morning.

It's scary.

Ok, nothing much can be done anymore at this time. Thank God I can go home a bit earlier today, and sleep over it.

By the way, I am so grateful for the lunch today, rib eye steak burger at Daily Grind. It's something that makes Carls' Junior looks like diet food, according to Janet.

Stomach still full now, meeting up Fungai for dinner later to prepare him for Victory Weekend, praying for a fruitful and inspiring conversation.

a new comer

2009-07-15T12:40:00.004+08:00

We have a new colleague in the office today. Honestly, I found it a bit awkward, cos the age group of all the staff is within 20 something (except the bosses, but all their mental age is still 20 something), now suddenly there's a 50 something.

I need to learn to relate to people of different age group.

weekend is coming :D

2009-07-10T12:21:00.003+08:00

Work is killing me this week. The rate of new work thrown to me is much faster than the rate I can get it cleared. And suddenly there's so many people that I need to meet up within this few days. I really need more time and more energy... See it as a higher level test to prepare myself for something even greater.

Glad that weekend is coming. For the past few weeks I've been staying at home all day doing nothing during weekends, just spending quality time with my PSP, cos I was really too tired and too lazy to go out. Except last week that I went to JB and Singapore. By the way, I went overseas to Singapore last Sunday just to attend the Every Nation Singapore Church service. They are having the service in a cinema, GV Vivo, imagine the worship projection and video recording is projected on a huge cinema screen, how cool is that!

It struck me when I was taking the MRT to the service, the train ran past some parks and lakes, the weather was perfect and I saw people jogging, playing tennis and fishing in the park. I suddenly thought that what a waste I usually spent all my sunday mornings sleeping and playing PSP, I got to do something healthy outdoor every Sunday morning.

So this Sunday, I am going fishing! Semenyih or Subang, or Rawang...? Hmm... Anyone interested to join? :D

world creation in modern technology

2009-07-08T09:00:00.000+08:00

This video is absolutely stunning! Reminds me of how God created the world and everything for our enjoyment :)

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty... And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light."
- Genesis 1:1-3

Urgent prayer request

2009-07-07T00:10:00.004+08:00

God miraculously arranged me to meet Timmy. He is a 24 years old guy now lying in the hospital battling with HIV positive. His nerve system was infected, causing his lower body to become paralyzed, can't walk, can't controls his bladder and his legs are constantly shaking uncontrollably.

His eyes were also infected and caused him to lose his sight. And he will be going through an operation for his eyes in this few days.

Please pray for the eyes operation to be smooth and successful, Pray for miraculous healing, pray that his hope and faith will be raised, pray for God's provision and peace for his family.

We need more prayer warrior to stand together with us in prayer, because we are believing for a big miracle.

slave of all

2009-07-02T11:53:00.004+08:00

When you are the only man in the office, you get special job request sometimes.

This morning was filled with odd jobs. First, Janet's car tyre punctured. Since I am the only man, so I have the honor to help her change it. Gosh... first time I changed a tyre all alone, it's not as easy as I imagined. After I put in the spare tyre, then only I realised that the spare tyre was also flat. So I had to take it out again and carry to a nearby motorcycle shop to fill it, and carry it back to put it on again...

Then Janet and Felicia were rushing out for a meeting, they needed a chauffeur, and again because I am the only man in the office, I got the honor to do it as well.

While spending my whole morning on changing tyre and driving Janet's car back to the office, the picture of Jesus washing the disciples' feet keep repeating in my mind. And I felt joyful doing odd jobs like this (though I am now soaked in sweat, exhausted and extremely hungry now).

"and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

-Matthew 10:44-45

once bitten twice shy...

2009-06-30T09:40:00.004+08:00

Last night in class, Rev. Wong from NECF shared a bit about his struggle and failure in relationships when he was younger, and how eventually he found his wife. He even made little poem to summarize it...

"Once bitten, twice shy,

twice bitten, never try,

thrice bitten, sure die,

fourth try, what a surprise!"

What a comfort to know that even a godly man is a human too, and it's ok to fail in relationships. Hope that I don't need to get bitten till the fourth time to find the surprise :)

different expression of love

2009-06-26T16:31:00.004+08:00

A bible lesson that struck my heart...

In John 21:15-17, There's a scene of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection, and he asked Peter, "do you love me?" for three times, and Peter answered him, "you know that I love you" for three times. As we see in the bible, it seems like so redundant for Jesus to ask the same question for three times and received the same answer for three times, but actually the significance of it was lost in translation...

The verses in its original Greek words, for the first two times Jesus asked Peter, "do you love (agape) me?" The Greek word agape means an unconditional love, the highest form of love. The same Greek word of love was explained in the famous scripture in 1 Corinthians 13...

"Love (agape) is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

The same Greek word was also used in Ephesians 5:25.

But Peter's answer to Jesus was, "you know that I love (phileo) you." The Greek word phileo simply means a brotherly love, to love a person as a friend. It's so much difference compare to agape.

Then finally at the third time, Jesus asked, "do you love (phileo) me?" And Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time (John 21:17). His answer was still the same, "you know that I love (phileo) you."

I think at this point Jesus should be the one who feels more hurt. For two times he asked and expected an agape love, but Peter could only gave him a phileo love. Finally he has to accept the reality that Peter would not gives him an agape love, and he resorted to ask for a lower standard phileo love. Can you imagine the hurt?

my name

2009-06-25T09:30:00.002+08:00

Few days ago, in one of the class in TSOA, Pastor Colin Hurt warned us to be careful of anything that has your name on it, be careful of people who glorify your name. Because it will feeds your pride and make you bigheaded.

I remembered that I visited a church and had a pastor prayed for me, his prophetic word for me at that moment was so revelatory that it helped me in a major decision in my life. So sorry that after I left the church service, I couldn't remember the name of the pastor, but what he did for me in the name of Jesus I would never forget.

Last night I heard God told me to consider it a blessing that I had such an easily forgettable name, cos then people will remember what I do in His name instead of my own name. I like that idea.

So for those who are wondering whether I will get an English name for myself, or thinking about what English name would suits me, you gonna be disappointed, don't think I will get myself an English name.

I remember a while ago in one of Pastor Tim's ENLI class, he talked about breaking up our Chinese name and see what it reveal to us. Mine is actually quite interesting. My name in Chinese character "超" actually means "Superior", but if I break it up, it's actually consist of "走“ (walk), "刀" (blade), "口" (mouth), which literary means walking in blade (danger) and mouth (gossip/criticism). Wow! That's the cost of being superior...

what pastor says about masturbation

2009-06-24T17:31:00.004+08:00

I was reading Pastor Kong Hee's blog and he talked about this topic... biblical view about masturbation. "99% of boys do it and the other 1% are lying". Gosh! It's really interesting and eye opening. Sometimes it's not enough to just tell people that they shouldn't do certain things, we must also give a good reason why they shouldn't do it.

spending time on what's matter

2009-06-23T15:16:00.004+08:00

I felt a little depressed after reading this from Our Daily Bread few days ago...

"If we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family left behind would feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Why then do we invest so much in our work and so little in our children's lives?"

What's more depressing is that when I look at the other areas of my life, many of those actually could easily get a replacement of me if I am to die tomorrow...

Should really start to be more selective on how and what I spend my time on...

expecting from God

2009-06-21T21:49:00.003+08:00

Pastor's Scott's Podcast sermon last week talked about expecting from God. When we pray to God, we shouldn't wonder whether God would answer the prayer or not. We should expect him to answer.

The illustration he gave was whenever her daughter comes home, she won't ask whether daddy will serve her dinner tonight. She comes home expecting, "dad, let's have dinner now!"

So few days ago, when I had a financial need to buy something, I just simply asked God, "father, I need money to buy this, i know you will give me right? Thanks." Reminds me of when I was in college, every time when I need money for college, I would ask my father and he will surely give me.

Guess what... My prayer got answered today. Glory to God! And thanks to the people who God used to bless me :)

a restful day

2009-06-20T21:06:00.003+08:00

I enjoyed staying at home whole day today, nothing to do, no agenda, just rest, watched some anime, read some books, played PSP and slept. And played with dogs... There's 3-4 stray puppies outside my house and I've been feeding them leftover rice and bones for a few days. Now they are always happily waving their tail welcoming me whenever I come home. How easy to winthe friendship and faithfulness of dogs.

Used to dread staying at home on weekends, I will get depressed. But today was so different, maybe I've been overworked or maybe it's a sign of aging...

Looking forward to join the men life group for Broga Hill hiking again tomorrow.

being translator

2009-06-19T09:47:00.003+08:00

You never know how tough is someone's job till you experienced it.

One of the Podcast that I subscribe to is The Yokohama Grace Bible Church Podcast, usually preached by Pastor Scott Douma. Every time he will preach in English, and a Japanese translator will translate every sentence to Japanese.

Yesterday as I was driving alone and listening to the Podcast, suddenly I had a playful thought... After every sentence that Pastor Scott spoke, and as the translator was speaking in Japanese, I would translate it to Mandarin or Cantonese at the same time. I had so much fun doing that, though it really looked silly (I am alone in the car anyway). I was trying so hard to catch up with the timeframe that the Japanese translator spoke, or else I will miss the next sentence. Though I could understand the English version pretty well, and I am pretty confident in my Mandarin and Cantonese standard, but to look for the most precise word and translate it immediately in the shortest time is really a tough job.

How many times I listened to sermons with translation and laugh at the lousy translation when it's too slow or it missed the meaning, thinking that it shouldn't be that difficult translating such simple words. Gosh! I was really wrong... New respect for translators.

a wednesday holiday

2009-06-18T10:01:00.003+08:00

It was the first time I attended a Christian funeral service, in an Anglican Cathedral, was really an eye opening experience. Surprised that the whole service was so in order, everything that happened and every prayers and every hymn was written in a program book which was given to every guest before the service started.

The office was supposed to be closed today, but the colleagues were reluctant to go home early. So we decided to go lepak in Sunway Pyramid. And guess what we did... We went to play in the arcade! Can't believe that I played the dancing machine, with my super retarded hands-eyes-legs coordination, I really felt like a monkey. It's something that I always reluctant to do. But it was good... I heard God saying to me, "I want you to learn humility, lose your pride, feel the shame and be happy with it." What a great lesson. And it didn't end there, later we saw some sticker photos booth and someone suggested that we go do it. Ok, so we did and you can see me in the most "kawai-est" poses ever. More lesson on humility and losing pride... I am praying that none of them are excited enough to post and tag those photos on FB now.

Later in TSOA, i sang in the worship band as backup singer for the first time... felt really good. The presence of god was so strong that I felt like I want to sing and worship for the whole night non stop. And it was really a good experience learning to recognize the signals of the worship leader and follow the flow. Discovered that I am not entirely tone-deaf after all.

As I thought that it was a really good day, unfortunately it din ended well, my sis came back from a vacation in Hong Kong with a bad news for me. My heart was terribly aching till now. I can only keep reminding myself that no point crying over spilled milk. There nothing I can do anyway...

leaving a legacy

2009-06-17T09:49:00.003+08:00

Office is closed today, for a church service. Yup. But it's a funeral service. My boss's mom passed away on Sunday and today everyone in the office is going to her funeral service. We attended the wake on Monday, surprisingly, Dr. Mahathir's wife was there too.

It revealed to me that this lady really lived a significant life, serving the Malaysia Red Crescent Society and the needy for most of her life. Even The Star had a news bout her death.

Reminds me of a Podcast sermon by Pastor Steve Murrell about leaving a legacy. He talked about in the book of Genesis, whenever God writes the story of someone, "This is the account of so and so..." he only writes a few verses about the person, but a whole lot more about the person's son. Leaving a legacy is not only about my own life, it's mostly about the life of my descendants and the people whose life I leave an impact on.

Yesterday I had the privilege to meet up with two friends, one during lunch and another was late night after class. It was such a great time fellowshipping and sharing meaningful conversation. And I realised that even though we don't have to pass up any assignments for TSOA, but the holy spirit always brings me real life practical assignments. Sometimes it comes in a chance to share with someone a timely message that I just heard the night before, sometimes it can be a change of attitude that would really help in a particular situation, and sometimes it's simply understanding people's need and sharing the love of God with them.

I thank God for all these wonderful opportunities and for the great work that he's doing in my life now. Amen.

willingness

2009-06-16T09:21:00.002+08:00

One thing that struck me most in the class last night, Colin Hurt taught us this prayer, "Lord, I am not willing, but I am willing to be made willing."

How often I prayed that, "Lord, I am willing, do whatever you want to me..." and when God actually did what he wanted, I will change it to "God! why did you do this to me?"

Sometimes when we tell God that we are willing, we secretly hope that he din hear that. I realised that I can fool myself but I can never fool God.

Now to be honest with you Lord, I am not willing, but I am willing to be made willing...

a walk to remember

2009-06-15T13:23:00.005+08:00

Finally get to watch Fish Leong's concert on last Saturday night, totally satisfied and there's no words to describe the feeling. We looked around, almost all who went were couples, or group of girls, me and Jeng Hann were the only odd one, a pair of guys. Gosh...

The theme of the concert was "Today is our Valentine's day". Imagine all the romantic songs, and it's a guy sitting beside me T_T I bet Jeng Hann felt the same.

What's more interesting was after the concert finished, the LRT was closed because the concert was running too late. We actually parked our car 2 stations away and took the LRT to Bukit Jalil to avoid the jam.

So we decided to do something adventurous. In spite of the options of getting a cab or calling someone to pick us up, we decided to walk back to where we parked our car. So two guys, 12am midnight, walking along Kesas highway from Bukit Jalil to Tasik Selatan. A journey of less than 5 minutes by car, and it took us about an hour to walk.

It was such a great experience, to accomplish something that no one in their right mind will think of doing. When I reach home and checked out the route that we walked on google map, I found out that it's actually 4.1KM long. Wow!

Want to challenge a longer walk next time. But of course never under a hot sun...