The World Which I Live In

2009-10-23T10:04:00.005+13:00

18th October marks the day i gave my life to Christ. Yet, it is not a process done and finished once and for all. It is just a beginning of the struggles to come, yet, i persist knowing i gave myself up to God to take my life through. Gone were the days that i go around, over and under the problems. Gone were the days i try to run away and ignore difficulties anymore. Christ is here to live in me, and my body is His temple.

Professing my love for Jesus, doesn't make me a better person from now on. It's declaring that i'm weak, and i need Him. I'm still a sinner, no different from the rest of the world. Yet, following Jesus gives me hope. Hope to change, hope to pick myself up and hope to be forgiven.

I have nothing to give to God. There is nothing i can be proud of in my life that i can say before Him ,"Lord, i am proud of myself as a good person". For what is the meaning of my life, compared to His pureness, awesomeness and holiness.

I'm wicked, sinful and evil. I'm capable of all those things. Many asked, why did God create evil? Why didn't just wipe out evil once and for all? God did not created evil. Men did. The sooner we stop blaming God for everything, the sooner we realise how small and weak we are. If God were to wipe out all evil, there would be no one left on Earth the next second.

Yet, Jesus willingly gave Himself up for me. For what? Because i'm worth it? Because i deserved it?

~ To show us, the true meaning of love ~

Unshamed by Starfield (Link to song)

I have not much
To offer You
Not near what You deserve
But still I come
Because Your cross
Has placed in me my worth

Oh, Christ my King
Of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends
To call me friend
Your mercy sets me free

And I know I'm weak
I know I'm unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace
Because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed

I can't explain
This kind of love
I'm humbled and amazed
That You'd come down
From heavens heights
And greet me face to face

Here I am at Your feet
In my brokeness complete

Narnia

2009-10-13T13:15:00.000+13:00

I'm getting BAPTIZED this coming SUNDAY.

Question?

2009-08-06T09:51:00.012+12:00

I have not been posting anything recently. There was just too much gush to write about. I have so so much to blog about, yet, without a start, i leave it all tomorrow and tomorrow until it gets too heavy to bother writing. But i found something that sums up half of what i want to blog about, but it's alright.
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Second semester started not long ago. My gosh, 4 weeks ago. -_-''. Time really is zooming. God has been always faithful to me, and when i read this, i felt a need to post it up. It's too good to keep it for myself. I pray that God continues to work in your (readers) lives as well.

Ten Questions To Diagnose Your Spiritual Health ~ Donald S. Whitney

Is your character becoming more like Christ's?

1. Do you thirst for God?

2. Are you governed increasingly by God's Word?

3. Are you more loving?

4. Are you more sensitive to God's presence?

5. Do you have a growing concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of others?

6. Are you more reliant on God each day?

7. Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you?

8. Do you still grieve over sin?

9. Are you a quicker forgiver?

10. Do you yearn for heaven and to be with Jesus?

Attending church on Sundays doesn't quite cut it, people. Neither does being busy with Christian activities, or congratulating oneself on not stealing/cheating/lying/hating/etc

Just ponder about it for a while, without thinking of your next assignment, your studies, what you're planning for tonight, games, msn.

Have a great day =)

Dilemma

2009-06-12T20:27:00.006+12:00

One night i was heading to uni to study. While walking towards the computer lab, my flatmates and i watched a girl waving down a bus from the main terminal in the uni and missed it. It was a cool night at the time. Adding to her black clothings and black hair, she was hardly noticeable from any angle i have to admit. Thus she missed the bus right in front of us.

We watched her run across the parking lot to try desperately to wave down the bus for the last time to no avail. Dilemma creeped in. Both my flatmates prompt an action of kindness by asking one another should we help send her back. My mind was blanked. I'm put in a position to choose between studying for my finals and helping a total stranger. It was such a difficult 5 seconds. I hesitantly chose to say no and in addition defended my answer as being her fault for missing the bus.

That decision did not bring peace to me. I kept wondering, even now...... if i could have managed the situation better.
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By every book, it is the expected action to help her isn't it?

And by every right, it is a person's decision to not help her as well isn't it?

Either one, it did not bring peace to my mind and heart.

I was certainly reluctant to help her because i did not know her and where she lives. In addition, my study was my priority. At the same time, i felt as though it was her fault for missing the bus. My reasons certainly lack substance, but is it something God wanted me to ponder about?

I thought about if that if i helped her, i should help others too, but i don't usually help people who miss the bus. What does that make me? A hypocrite? Certainly if my flatmates miss the bus, i would help send and pick them, because i know them and the relationship is different. Is that a good reason? I know i'm not the only one that ever feels this way. Many passengers on those bus would have thought about how if they could help, would they do it question too.

If i had listened to my flatmates and we sent her back, i could easily feel as unpeaceful as i am now, because of the fact that i was coerced to do so.

One thing i can be certain of is that, i had no intention of being involved in someone elses' problem, knowing especially it happens to everyone in their lives. Being involved in one particular incident doesn't make me a good person. It only makes me a bigger hypocrite. Another thing is the attitude of which the matter of my intention of helping. If i was forced, my attitude of helping is not right. People may say, it doesn't matter as long as the help was extended. There's more to just the help. What about the attitude? If i was coerced to help, i definitely know the attitude of my helping was wrong.

I don't really know what to think. It's puzzling. When i keep replying the incident, i was reminded of this verse in the Bible from Matthew 7:3

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

It sort of reminded me about my decision and from the attitude perspective, not the action perspective. I know from the action perspective, i was a dick for not helping already. But from the attitude perspective, it was clear to me from the passage that it reminded me of my attitudes towards helping others.

Jesus reiterates in the passage above about how we tend to judge people blatantly, without first looking at ourselves, knowing we too are not perfect and in every way are like the ones we judge. The passage tells us about how we ought to look into our own eyes by taking out the plank, before we look into our brother's eyes and take out his sawdust.

Just from that, i know clearly that if i had helped the girl, i was a hypocrite because i did not have the intention to help. I am more inclined to help those closer around me because they are the planks in my eyes. My reasons would be more justified by helping friends who need me most, than strangers because they are the ones whom i have to deal with in my daily walks of life. Helping a stranger while disregarding the people closer to me, when they are the ones that need me most makes me a hypocrite, and whatever help i have given is by no means justificating my intentions which wasn't sincere.

Ponder upon this,

What are your intentions when lending a helping hand?

ps: 2 posts in one nigth. Read the one below as well

Question of an omnipotent being

2009-06-11T14:12:00.004+12:00

Have you ever wondered the word god really refers to a being that is all powerful and all mighty?

Do you think the word god is just a term to define something/someone?

Do you wonder if people just made god(s) up as civilisation moves on?

In my own words, i believe that God is all powerful and all mighty, that the word god is not just something that describes a force that is not human, but a name given to it (note the caps) and I believe God existed and made men, not men made God.

Why?

There are reasons we can easily gather from our knowledge of this world to supress God's existence and His importance in today's society. From my own experience and criticisms, i can point out a few. These are what atheists usually say when asked about the existence of God.

1. God cannot be seen and touch.

Of 5 of the human senses, these are perhaps easiest indicator used to identify an existence. It is true, that God has no face anyone can paint, nor does He have a solid physical structure that anyone can easily recognise. Even more compelling is the idea that a God that cannot be seen and touch can talk and act. Atheists' question as to why such a powerful being is unable to show itself but still "controls" humanity.

Here's a simple analogy. Can you see air? No. But does it mean it isn't there? Quite easily atheists' will counter this argument empirically by saying that the quantities of air and its content can be tested and proven while God cannot. Says who? God made the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in it from the soil to the trees, to seas and to mountains, to gold and silver. Who is to say God's creation is not an evidence? What seperates God from men, is that God is a creator, men are discoverers.

No man has ever created anything out of nothing. Men manipulate what the world has to offer to make something new. It is always said that the Wright Brothers invented the first airplane and that was how aviation today was borned. In other words, created. I am more inclined to believe that men discovered aviation by using the theories of aerodynamics and physics made by God.

Men may not see God himself, but does that mean He doesn't exist? Men have made hypothesis, theories, arguments and debates but has never come to a conclusion because men cannot disprove God's inexistence. How ironic right? That it is so difficult for men to prove something that cannot be seen and touch doesn't exist, yet fail to do so.

I have never seen a panda in my life, does that mean it doesn't exist? It boils down to the notion of my attitude towards something. An atheist chooses not to believe in God because he/she has the freewill to do so, and by choosing, he/she omits the possibility that there is a God. In effect, atheists choose to not want to see and listen. Can you see the bias? It is not the issue that they believe in God's inexistence because it is true, but more towards choosing not to believe. Easily said, i choose not to believe in pandas, because the foundations and charities that support them are fake. How blatant can i get?

God 1 - 0 Atheist

2. Men made God

The idea that deep down inside each of our hearts, we yearn for something when we are lonely, thus the idea that civilisation in the ancient days made God to overcome the vacant spiritual needs is an psychological explanation of society creating God to instil unity and community.

What then is the rational behind making a god for men? If men made god, wouldn't men be god or perhaps greater? And if men were god, wouldn't men be able to overcome death, create something, be superior?

It is true, that men have made gods for their own needs, but is it easily believed that that was the only purpose? To fulfil a need? Atheists say that out of the will to be controlled, men made God so that their futures and purposes can be guided by a supreme being, thus labelling religious societies 'weak'. If men made God, wouldn't men be all powerful, able to create and over come death? The answer is no. You don't need experiments and research to prove it because all three criteria cannot be fulfilled by men.

God 2 - 0 Atheist

More to come....

There's more to life

2009-05-24T14:17:00.002+12:00

Ever wonder what "life" means? Does it differentiate the contrast of alive and dead? Or does it mean the activities we go through on a daily basis, up and down, that is preconditioned by the world around us?

Have you ever wonder what "life" is in your own words instead of the "life" that you exported from the world around us.

To me, to have life is to have a purpose. With that purpose, only can i live my life to the fullest. We cannot make our own purpose, because it is the purpose that makes us.

Here's a lyric of a song i want to share.

Storyside B: More to this life

Round and round this world we go
Forming truths from what we know
It could never be foretold
What will happen tomorrow
Things we see right now will change
Our lives will never be the same
Praying hallowed be thy name
And I am lifted from my shame
And I know this will not be in vain

A moment in time has passed before my eyes
There's more to this life, there's more to this life
I'm struggling to fight the reasons we cry
There's more to this life, there's more to this life

Time will tell as hours go
The truth inside will soon unfold
Revealing secrets as we grow
Into a brand new tomorrow
The plan is already in place
Transcending love through time and space
Strong and humbled by His grace
Catching tear drops from my face
And I know I will not be ashamed

A moment in time has passed before my eyes
There's more to this life, there's more to this life
I'm struggling to fight the reasons we cry
There's more to this life, there's more to this life

And if it's peace you seek
Let me wash away the blood that's drawn
And soak up all the tears upon my sleeve
And if you'll kneel with me
Well I will pray for our forgiveness
To the only One who'll truly make us clean

A moment in time has passed before my eyes
There's more to this life, there's more to this life
I'm struggling to fight the reasons we cry
There's more to this life, there's more to this life

There is a meaning to "life". We cannot give it meaning by our own views and ways. Just as our body's need of oxygen to survive, so does our life's need in Christ.

It is not an option, neither an advice, nor an alternative. It is a need.

Everyone needs Christ. The result of the absence of Christ is what we see in today's world.

So i encourage you to think about your "life" and what it means.

Love Quotes

2009-05-14T23:07:00.005+12:00

I was browsing the net. One thing led to another and i ended up reading love quotes. Some are really good.

Anyway, enjoy.

“If I never met you, I wouldn't like you. If I didn't like you, I wouldn't love you. If I didn't love you, I wouldn't miss you. But I did, I do, and I will.”

“Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you I had no control over.”

“It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is the most painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let the person know how you feel.”

“True love cannot be found where it truly doesn't exist, nor can it be hidden where it truly does.”

“You may not love me today, tomorrow, or ever, but I will love you until it kills me, and, even then, you'll be in my heart.”

“I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.”

“Falling in love with someone isn't always going to be easy... Anger... tears... laughter.. It's when you want to be together despite it all. That's when you truly love another. I'm sure of it.”

“I don't wish to be everything to everyone, but I would like to be something to someone.”

“I'm not supposed to love you, I'm not supposed to care, I'm not supposed to live my life wishing you were there. I'm not supposed to wonder where you are or what you do...I'm sorry I can't help myself, I'm in love with you.”

“Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life...You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love.”

LOL

“The worst thing you can do for love is deny it; so when you find that special someone, don't let anyone or anything to get in your way.”

And my favourite of all......

“It is impossible to fall out of love. Love is such a powerful emotion, that once it envelops you it does not depart. True love is eternal. If you think that you were once in love, but fell out of it, then it wasn't love you were in. There are no 'exit' signs in love, there is only an 'on' ramp.”

2009-05-12T00:03:00.002+12:00

"I just want to take this opportunity to express myself at this moment, to pray for peace of my mind and calmness for my heart.

I'm a step away from an emotional breakdown, a breakdown that i don't need at all. Being among lives that are constantly stolen and destroyed discourages me a lot. Watching the absense of God around my circle tears my heart. It's rather selfish that i take this burden upon myself to make it an obligation to care. I have no regrets for being. I care because i love.

The pain is sometimes just unbearable. The outcomes i see stirs up within and eats me. The joy sucked out of me, being stolen by a thief, giving the devil his foothold. Unfortunately, in my anger and sadness i sin.

I would just like to once again, pray for a peaceful mind and a calm heart, to be reminded that only God can change the hearts of others. My influences is compromised by my selfishness and thus is not sincere anymore. Prayer is the only weapon i have. In the midst of the situation, i know i am selfish for not being able to let go. I will, eventually."

Anonymous

Love needs no reason

2009-05-01T00:37:00.002+12:00

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Love 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.
Love never fails.

Love needs no reason.

It is not an emotion to be prompt when a stimuli is in place.

It is not a feeling that occurs from an action.

It is not a reflex.

It is not a thought that needs calculation of the situation.

It is not an action that requires labour.

Love just is.....

It needs no reason.

The Dilemma

2009-03-30T11:11:00.003+13:00

Last week at OCF Bible discussion we touched on the topic on God's dilemma.

Scenario

Recall best friend you have, where you spent alot of time with, playing around, talking, sharing secrets, copy each other's homework and seeing each other alot. Imagining that you are now a top judge in a high court and being justice and fair, you cannot be corrupt and unfair. One day your friend is being presented in your court to be charged for stealing $10 because he was hungry and needed to eat. He lost all his investment to the recent economic recession. What would you do?

As a judge, you must be fair because you uphold the law. Also, you yourself are incorrupt and justice. At the same time, you love your friend whom you spent most of your life with. He/she even saved your life once from drowning in the river when you were young. What are you going to do?

That was the case scenario we presented to our groups. Do you think God has this dilemma too? Think about it.

God is like you too, in the case scenario. He too has a dilemma. It is not easy for Him to just say, i forgive you, because like yourself as a judge, you cannot compromise your love and justice. Just like God who is holy and pure, He cannot compromise Himself by letting go of sin. Sin to God, is like crime to men, which must not go unpunish. He needs to judge no matter what.

Sin is an offense against God. Just like crime. No matter how small or big, a crime is a crime. Is stealing $10 and $10,000 make it less of a crime?

Nonetheless, it is still a crime isn't it? The same as sin. Sin is not how much of a level that is acceptable in God's eyes. Often we rank sins like a scale from 1-10 and draw a line between what is acceptable and what is not. Often we make that threshold of good and bad and act in a way that we think is close to the line without stepping over to the other side. Think about it again, does stealing $10 and $10,000 make it less of a crime? Just like God sees it, He doesnt perceive sin as big or small. All sins are sins to Him don you agree? If you dot a small ink on a piece of white paper, no matter how much you believe the paper is still clean, it is NOT entirely white anymore. It is true that the dot is hardly seen, but it does not run away from the fact that the paper is not clean anymore. Just like God, who is pure and holy, He cannot tolerate sin, not even a drop or an ink.

Good and bad, right and wrong is more resemblance to a direction. Even those two words show the extreme opposite of one another. It is a direction. God sees that as a direction. You either choose to go left, or to go right, where one side resembles good and bad. It is not a scale with a line in between.

So do you think God has a dilemma now?

Whenever we commit sin, it separates us from God. Separation occurs instantaneously. It's difficult to imagine it but here's an example. If you accidentally scratch your dad's car, do you feel anything? If someone scratched your car, do you feel anything? That's separation. You immediately feel guilty or in trouble when you scratched your dad's car. That's the separation your dad will feel too cause his car was being offended against. If i spilled water over your laptop, don you feel an immediate reaction that separates us from our relationship? That's the separation God feels towards sin committed against Him too. But like your dad, he too has the dilemma to punish you, yet love you at the same time.

So what now? We are all sinners, we commit wrongs against men and against God and GOd needs to punish. Just like you as the judge, you cannot say you won't hand down a sentence to your friend just because he is your friend.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 6:23

By being a sinner, we are condemned to die and go to hell. That is the law and that is it. No other way out. Just like the case scenario, your friend has to faced his or her consequences.

But God is a God of love. He loves us. God does not have love, because He is love. You cannot take love out of God, just like how you cannot take heat out of fire. God loves us so much that he substituted Himself to be a sacrifice for our sins. For sin is punishable by death, so only by sacrificing someone who is sinless, can sin be taken away from all sinners. That form of substitute came in Jesus Christ. He was of no sin, who came to be sin for us, so that we might live.

God paid the ultimate sacrifice Himself, humbling down to be a men among us, so that He can die for us. It was paid in full.

So back to the question as the judge, what would you do?

If you possess God's justice and love, you would charge your friend with the most heaviest fine ever (i.e. 0$100,000) because you are a fair judge, and when you walk out of the court, take off your wig, you'll pay it all for him/her because you love him/her.

That's what God did and He showed His justice and love, all at the same time.

Personal Relationship

2009-03-22T23:12:00.004+13:00

Last Friday at OCF, we talked about personal relationship.

Personal relationship seems relatively easy to understand; it involves 2 people. I believe relationships are important because we as humans are wired that way. Having said that, i do believe that we are made to have relationships and not live this world alone. Have you ever felt the need for relationship everyone you are alone? Think back to the times when you were home alone for the whole day, or when you come to a new country and a new place, or when you enter a room full of strangers. No doubt, some may say, they like to be lonely, but after a period of time, there is this 'need' for relationship.

Loneliness does not necessarily mean absense of sociality. It could mean, absense of people you know, or absense of something greater than you. After a certain threshold, we do feel that 'thirst' for relationships. As i have mentioned, i believe as humans, we are wired that way. Not only are we built for relationships, we are meant to have them.

Loneliness brings emptiness as well. When we feel empty, often we try to keep ourselves busy to get rid of the emptiness, but it doesnt stop us from being lonely. We can try and try to keep busy, just to break the emptiness feeling, but what keeps us making ourselves busy? Can you say i'm motivated by emptiness to get rid of emptiness? It doesnt solve the overall problem; loneliness.

Loneliness works in funny ways. I have friends around me 24/7, and yet, i can still feel lonely. I have contacts with my flatmates everyday and yet, i can still feel lonely. This loneliness issue deep inside our hearts is like a doughnut, where cream-fill sauce makes the outside pretty but emptiness fills the inside. Often we try to cure that loneliness by planning our lives with purpose, giving it meaning. We put study, work, marriage, relationships with others and entertainment as means to cure loneliness. It makes sense, i cannot deny it. I do that too. However after all these plans we make, they always come to an end nonetheless. Once i finish my studies, my purpose is complete and i'm back to square one. It's a never-ending struggle to fight loneliness. One temporary solution after another.

Often our future is something that we have no control over and we associate it with something greater than us, like luck, chance, horoscope, favourite number, feng shui etc. All these showcase the 'need' i mentioned about relationship. People want something to be associated with them, something greater to put their hopes on when in emergency. No man dares to say i'm the best and the greatest. He/she would be God. Nonetheless, we always put something far greater than us above us to watch over us. Call it God, call it spirit but again, it shows the 'need' for something greater than ourselves that we want to have a relationship with.

As humans, i believe again, we are created in such a way, that relationships are important. But whatkind of relationships? We often look for meaningful ones, ones that will last forever, ones that will cure that 'need', ones that will take away emptiness in our hearts and loneliness of the world. As horoscopes can define ourselves wrongly sometimes, just as my lucky necklace does too, i know deep in my heart, God's love does not. His relationship is one that is never frustrating, never disappointing and never failing. He said so Himself. His love flows like a river that never ends. That 'need' and 'thirst', call it void, call it space, call it something from nothing, can only be filled with God's love. Everchanging love.

Our hearts are shaped in a certain way. But no matter what way it is, each of us has the same shaped heart, and only one design shall ever fit in it, because only a maker can know which shape to fill it. To find such a maker, we look to our creator. To look at our creator, is to look for our purpose as well, asking questions like why are we here? We tend to think a lot on this issue, what is our purpose? Without purpose, we cease to exist. But we are still here. Thus we know that our maker has a plan for us. He wants to have a relationship with us, which is why, as humans, we always thirst for such a need, because we need relationships.

Relationships are important. Even more so, we have to think what kind of relationships are important. Important in a sense, that they are meaningful and ever-lasting. Not temporary. Loneliness is not an extreme end of togetherness. It is not a scale of 0-10 either. Loneliness just simply means absense of a relationship. You can add friends, but you cannot add loneliness. Even enemies take away loneliness.

As much as i have said, i'm in that sort of stage where i'm like a doughnut. Mostly because i have been looking at the temporary solutions to cure myself of loneliness. At times, i do feel empty as well, and by all means i keep myself busy, yet amongst the busy-ness, emptiness is still there. I can be busy doing things and still feel empty. I can have a hundred friends chatting with me, yet still feel lonely.

Dear God, i pray and pray, that in times such as this, your never-ending love still rests on me, to keep me from the loneliness of such a heart. I pray for a changing heart that is seeking You. I pray for my friends, readers and friends of friends Lord, that You may answer the voids in their hearts when faced with loneliness or emptiness and show them that having a relationship with You, fills such a horrible gap that haunts us everyday. Amen

One word: Irony

2009-03-16T16:37:00.016+13:00

This news has been up and about for quite sometime now. It's about 9 year old girl in Brazil who got repeatedly raped by his stepfather since she was 6. She was carrying twins into her 4th month. Doctors allowed an abortion to happen because her back wasn't developed enough to support twins and that issue sparked a debate among Brazilians populated Catholic society. The Vatican got involved as well. More of the story here and here.

The issue on the debate was directed at the abortion itself. Here are some clarifications.

- In Brazil, abortion is allowed in the case of raped or when the mother is put at health risk.

- Abortion is illegal within the Catholic community as it is a form of murder (taking away an innocent life) which matches up to the Ten Commandments.

The question brings to a new issue. How many days/weeks/months is considered "life".

The Vatican says that life starts in the form of an embryo and that God's love does not differentiate itself from an embryo to an adult. Read here.

So now we have 2 points are are openly contradictory to one another. The girl has clearly twins that are passed the embryo-stage and she is also risking her own life by supporting weights she herself cannot support.

At this stage, what are you going to do?

Her mother approved the abortion and doctors went ahead as well in support in order to save the girls life. The Brazilian archbishop however excommunicated the people involved with the abortion deeming it as a sin to take away life. Excommunication here means, to be expelled from the church.

Cardinal Re from the Vatican since then defended the archbishop's decision in the light that many were against. This situation produces a very big dilemma for people like you and i who are at the far side of the world.

In my opinion, it is a rather difficult judgment and decision to make. Ultimately, we're all human and we have to take a stand to something that we belief and stand for am i not right? To be ignorant of such matters is equivalent to a blind man who sees darkness. Might as well right?

The Vatican is known to put church laws above human rights for most of the time. They argued that in this case, human rights do not apply because it is the responsibility of a human to protect the lives of the twins. Also, because God allowed the existent of the twins, thus only God can take away their life. That is the claim.

At the same time, doctors say that continuing with the pregnancy might kill the girl as her bones and muscles are not developed to carry and handle such weight.

Now you be the judge of this.

I know my opinion already and i have no choice but to agree with the abortion solely because its inhuman not to. How can the church think about a poor 9 year old supporting twins? Do they expect her to survive? What if she dies? That's 3 lives they would have taken away. From the church point of view, it doesnt matter as long as life is preserved. What an irony! To preserve life, they are willing to let another go. What form of preserving is that! From the doctor's point of view, it seemed like a textbook decision, to save your patient, you do what is necessary. I do think in making life so much an issue, the church forgot what love is. How are they expecting a mother, to watch her daughter go through a pain no child is suppose to go through, especially labour, at her age! I don expect the church heads to know because clearly they are deprived of such wonders and nightmares of life, yet retaining the status quo that they know what is best for families. Irony again. It is true that God's love has no boundaries, from a zygot to an elderly, but don they think God's love exist for the girl too? Some may argue that yes, the girl would maybe able to give birth in the end if God loved her so much, but being rape and then force to give birth is like double raping her. If forcing wasnt enough in the first place by her rapist stepdad, the church still stood by willingly to force her again . And for what? Seriously, for what? The church isnt gonna take care of them are they?? The church has lost sight of the main issue and missing the point altogether. I do think that the church in becoming God's witnesses to the communities of the world, they let slip what's the basic importance for an individual. So often emphasis is given to societies, communities, congregations, groups, organisations and teams, yet they lose sight of the fact that within all those, exists unique individuals that make them up, each with their own special talent and gifts from God.

No doubt that i've pondered what it would be like to actually have the twins lead a normal life, but then again, i must not lose sight of what is in front of me, in front of them, which is the girl. The Bible does not give such clear answers to situations like this, but still, it calls us to not lose sight in God and to fix our eyes on Him. By fixing our eyes on Him, we could make decisions such as this case. I believe the Catholic church has lost sight of things, looking at the options rather than the immediate consequence.

Having said that, yes the church might be right about all this and the girl may actually survived, but somehow they excommunicated the mother, the child and the doctors. That itself makes their blindness so clear. It goes to show how unloving their loving church is. Who has authority but God alone to deny anyone to enter church. Then again, church refers to the people, not a building. In the light of the excommunication, the Catholic church signalled their intention by not wanting sinners in their church. Irony again.

As humans, everyone is a sinner, and falls from God's grace all the time, everytime. Yet, God still loves us, welcomes us with open arms. Even followers of Jesus dont deny their sins, but delights in their weaknesses to make them grow stronger in Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:9

"......Therefore i will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when i am weak, then i am strong.

The Catholic church however, desires the holy and expels the unholy. Who are they to judge people's righteousness and actions but God alone. An individual's sin is an individual's sin. It is not a collective total towards the community's sins to which the church can have any authority in having a say on it. Only by God's grace can we be forgiven, and it is not by our own works, or anyone else works, so that no one can boast.

In my heart, i felt sad to see how the church can opt to follow such a path, just for the sake of a law that they intepret as being the word of God. Many would argue with me to question how the doctor would anyway know that carrying the twins were life-threatening to the girl and that the doctor may have made the wrong assumption. I don't honestly, but because he could come to a decision like that, that is serious enough to jeopardise his own membership with the church, i think its goes to show the bravery to what he stood up for, whether in profession and in faith. Whereas to the church leaders, it shows hyprocrisy, willingness to persecute a victim of rape in favour of their sins by excluding them in what is rightfully only God's grace to save and forgive.

The church leaders should by now know God does not discriminate sinners. Nor does he allow us to judge one another.

Let's pray for the girl shall we?

PS: I speak from a Christian point of view, not a Catholic. Do not be mistaken, these 2 terms vary like A and Z.

Business, Busy-ness

2009-03-12T21:57:00.004+13:00

Being busy is good. It shows that I am doing something meaningful. It also shows that i am committed to many things. How much the benefit is always debatable. Being busy also shows that life is full of challenges and that it is not a smooth sailing journey.

This semester, i feel pretty busy. I feel as though that God's given 24 hours in a day, is insufficient. How can that be? Everyone has the same equal amount of time to work with but yet, i feel time passes too fast. I thought to myself, it must be my time management skills that are inadequately put to practise. But my skills have not change, thus i must be managing time the same way i used to, maybe just a bit better. Yet still, i hardly get any rest nowadays.

There's just a lot of things that i'm committed to and i'm not regretting it. I took on the chance to be in this position, not because i wanted to prove to people i can do it, but because i want to do it for the purpose of fulfiling God's purpose. With full semester management work, 5 semester papers, OCF duties and MUMSA duties, one must question, why am i in this position?

I believe that in times like these when all seems to move to fast and there's not enough second to catch a breath that it is for my own comfort that God will provide.

I believe that life is not all about weighing the cost and benefits that should be treated like an algebra equation.

I believe that in every distress moment i go through, there is a comfort moment parallel with it waiting for me at the end.

I believe that in sacrifing my free time to do something meaningful, someone elses lives can change even if i did not directly influenced it.

Now that's said and done, there's only one thing i'm constantly afraid of everyday i wake up from my sleep. That in my constant busy-ness of life, i'm missing the things that are right in front of me.

I'm afraid that what i have around me to work with, i lay them aside first and then later and then never.

I'm afraid that in my daily scheduled life, i let go the very opportunities that i hoped for when i commit myself to believe that being busy will change people's lives.

I'm afraid that instead of being a friend to others when they need me, i become a friend to my work daily and weekly.

Lastly, i'm afraid it will severe my relationships with people i'm closed with and with God.

Help pray for me, that in the midst of my life now, that i do not miss the point of it all.

"I can be the fastest runner in the world and still lose a race, just because i ran the wrong way"

InWeekend, UnWeekend

2009-03-08T21:34:00.007+13:00

The meaning of weekend excites almost everyone. It does to me too, but the concept is rather different from now on. I look forward to my weekends, without a doubt. Weekends leave behind the trails of weekdays that i dread. It is also a good excuse NOT to do any study.

My weekends have been upside down lately, maybe even for the rest of the year. I feel as though my Saturdays and Sundays are summed up in my weekdays, which is to say i'm as busy on weekdays and weekends.

This Saturday, i only had 5 hrs of sleep prior to waking up. I woke up at 7.57am to the ringin of my phone text message asking for a ride. I had to pull myself up to attend a breakfast with MUCF at Nai Chen's flat. Getting up was difficult, standing up was double the effort. The breakfast went alright. We had Asian breakfast. Hahaha. Check it out (in words) in Nai Chen's blog.

After the breakfast, i got home and continued my sleep. I felt quite unwell the night before already, and coupled with sleep deprivation and insufficient water, it was a fuel for sickness. I slept from 11am-2pm, by-passing lunch. I woke up prior to 2 to ate the leftovers by my flatties. Thanks by the way, i was really hungry. 2pm-4pm is usually badminton session for me, which i decided to skip. It would have really killed me. I got to sit down and do some studying (good boy) but not much (it's ok, still good boy). t 5pm-7pm, i had commitments to attend the Palmerston North annual Relay For Life event. The event is in support of funding research for the cancer societies in New Zealand. It was very interesting. The concept was a relay run for 24 hours (12pm-12pm next day). My club's slot was from 5pm-7pm. Coincidentally, both OCF and MUMSA had the same slot (Dillematic to choose whom to run for). The idea is to keep the baton going around the track for 24 hours. We ran for Massey University by the way. It was a very interesting event, seeing tents of groups erected in and out of the track, opting to stay the night. There was cheers and singing, bells that are ringing, even shoes that are flinging. People just ran so passionately for their loved ones, either cancer survivors or a relative to a cancer victim. The joy on their faces when they ran was simultaneously showcased with the tears of their hearts beating. I chose to stay passed 7pm to watch the lighting of the candles. The candles were placed inside a white "Survivor Bag" with customised messages written by people, showing their love for their loved ones. at about 8.30pm, the announcer told everyone who are running to stop and just walk. Candles are being lit as well. At that moment, silence was observed for 15 minutes, simultaneously while people are just continuing walking the track and others standing by their survivor bagd that are placed around the track on both sides. The surrounding was dark, the only things that can be seen are the bags around the track and glow sticks hanging around participant's necks and wrists. The running continued soon after. I had a quick dinner at MCD and came back to run a few more laps for Massey, just to get our lap numbers up. We were in 7th place by nightfall. I stayed until 12am with a friend of mine. We observed fireworks which marked the halfway point too. I got back at about 1230am and slumped in bed, after shower of course. Just before going to bed, i reflected on the event, seeing many faces that shed tears and sadness during the moment of silence. Even talking to a few participants, they shared passionately. And me? I don't know. I was clueless and emotionless. I felt like a monster then, not being able to share their feelings and sorrows. Yes i ran, not because it's for anyone but just to be part of the moment. I couldn't think of anyone within my family tree who had cancer, or anyone who's close enough anyway. Cancer is everywhere and it's impossible that i havent been around any. Either they were not so close with me, or the ones close to me are keeping it from me. Either way, i had no share of relatives and friends who were fighting cancer, died of cancer or survived cancer that i know off. It's a pity and a blessing too i guess. Not being able to be a part of the moment in heart was a shame, partly because i do not know how to show support to my friends who participated. At the same time, not having anyone close to me suffer from cancer is also something to cherish, as i'm sure many will tell me to be grateful.

That was Saturday, i woke up and went back without seeing any of my flatmate.

Sunday came, i slept for about 7 hours as well. Woke up at about 8.30am to catch breakfast and prepare to go to church. Again, did not see half my flatmate since Friday night. Mass was at 1030am-1130am. After mass, i still had the window to visit the Relay For Life to catch the closing ceremony. I caught up with the scoreboard to see Massey Team finished in 8th out of a hundred. Well Done. I took one more walk around the track just to be part of the moment. The sunshine was really great too. Everyone was eager to see the end. I really applaud those who stayed the night, resting and running until dawn. Many stayed by the way, even those who lived in the city. The front stage, situated in the centre of the track was crowed with people to catch a glimsp of Palmy Mayor and also Palmy MP Jono Naylor and Iain Lees Galloway singing and giving their respective speeches. They looked so normal, in white-tees, cracking jokes and playing with the crowd. It's such a contrast with the asian culture, where Power Distance is relatively high. Back home, even in an event like this, politicians can't even humble themselves to wear t-shirts like that and run the track. Heck, they wont even pick up the mic and woo the crowd. The classical thing we'll always see them doing is giving a probably pre-written speech, usually lame and boring. I went home after that, doing some house work and studied a bit until 2pm. 2pm-4pm, i went for badminton. It was different. I won alot, compared to the week before, where i lost all. I rushed home after that to shower, to attend another church service, going there for the first time. It was part of my search for a new church. It was a Reformed Church and they call themselves a denomination. Makes me wonder, denomination from what? It finished at 5.30pm and i rushed to Dominos to ordered a pizza. After that i was on my way to Uni again, this time to play volleyball from 6pm-8pm. The game was fun and now here i am, spent all of my weekend already. Showered and finally able to have my own time, i sat down and thought of what to do next.

So i switched on my laptop and started wasting my time blogging. I typed in the title "InWeekend, UnWeekend". I started off the first sentence like this. "The meaning of weekend excites almost everyone".............

hibernation summer satisfaction

2009-03-04T19:26:00.007+13:00

It has been a while since i wrote to myself. Dated back the last post.......Mid November. Well so much for that effort. I do apologise for being slack and off-beat. My motivation was not there to keep updating. Really sorry. The reason im writing now is to get to the top of people's blog update! I've been sitting down the table for too long. It's time to stretch and just be looking down at the people below for the meantime.

A little bit of catching up from me. A lot of things have happen over the summer. The entire 3 months went by pretty quick and truthfully, i've grown pretty much too. Summer in New Zealand i have to admit is great. I really encourage friends and students alike to stay back at least for ONE summer in your study years, just to experience it and see what it can offer you. Many just go back home and relinquish the tranquility of their houses and delicacies of local food, and ignore the changes and opportunities that summer in New Zealand has to offer. I'm pretty thankful for God, in every way, that i was able to stay back for the summer season. Throwing in another thanks was the chance to go home to Kuching for 3 weeks and celebrate Chinese New Year and meet old faces. That i would say is the perfect summer.

I took one summer paper which was why i chose to stay back. Other than that, it was also a good time to setup my new flat and room. Living with 5 different people, i got to know them personally and improved our relationship as well as learn new skills in dealing with people. The experience is priceless and will be carried throughout my life. Living in the summer season in New Zealand after University Studies ended is very different from normal University Semesters. It is difficult to pin-point the exact experience i get, but i could summarise it by saying it was like being a parent and a child simultaneously. I do recommend staying back for summer, even if you cant stand it, stay for at least until the New Year. I've spent 2 summers in New Zealand already and each offered new experiences that can NEVER/HARDLY/RARELY happen during normal semesters. Learnt many things? Definitely.

I spent my summer hanging around with my temporary flatmates and we went to places we would never think off. I also got the chance to join the carolling team of one of the local church. It was a different environment from Malaysia because we knocked on every door down a few picked streets and just sang right in front of them. Spreading the message of Christmas was a joyful thing to do. Christmas isn't about santa! It's about Jesus! Otherwise, why call it Christmas and not Santamas!

I also spent summer learning "home improvement" skills. Particularly when the kitchen sink got blocked. Twice!!! The 3 of us spent 2 hours figuring out how the system worked, unscrew, clean and screw it back. Imagine this. The sink was blocked and the washing machine was leaking! At the same time!! After that piece of drama, no doubt i'm gonna say i have plumbing experience. The sink got blocked 2 days later again by the way, which we unscrew more pipes and this time, flushed the entire junk with a hose. Experience + 2!

When i went back home, i also had the chance to visit a close friend at her hometown. Her family and relatives were very hospitable and easy-going. I had the chance to go snorkeling for the second time in my life. Yes, snorkeling is not something that can be easily done in my hometown! It was great to see nature in fish. Got a few bite marks as well. The experience was so nice. I dreamt about it weeks before i actually did it. Definitely one of my favourite hobbies now!

I had the opportunity to catch up with reading as well, especially matters regarding spiritual growth. The summer season offered peace and tranquility most of the time. I am thankful for that and give all glory to God for the opportunity. Catching up with different books, about 3, it offered the chance for me to critique and search myself. Bringing me back to square one, i question things like what am i here for? who am i? what am i doing? who is Jesus. Basic questions that a non-Christian would always ask, i ask them over and over again. Searching for my own answers as well as receive help from others, it was a good season catching up with my faith and grow closer with God. I believe now, that being a Christian is all about having a relationship with its head, Jesus. Someone once told me, without relationship, there is nothing. And how true the phrase strucked me. Knowing about God was not enough, because even the devil knows Him, but does not follow Him. I found out that being a Christian is following Jesus and having a personal relationship with Him one on one. At the same time, our life has to reflect on it. Not by mere words but by action and lifestyle as well. But one thing is for sure, change does not happen overnight, neither does it happen over a fortnight. The day i realised i changed a whole lot, i knew in my heart, only God was behind it. He is awesome and almighty, pulling the strings of tools around my life and everyone's life to offer the opportunity for me to change. I did not realise how far i've come to this point (it was quite long). Reflecting back, it was a journey no man will ever come up with on a planner, a journey only God Himself can build and design, a journey only we can say yes..or no, a journey that will change a person's life....or not. It was a journey i sailed that was always subconscious but with God in focus. Friends i have, how grateful for their presence i appreciate, songs i listen, how great it stayed in my mp3 for no reason, people i meet, how unintentional the moment seem.

I am so very the grateful for that. The feeling is exactly how the Bible expresses. That people are blinded to the natural things on this world when their hearts are hardened. I was no different myself. I just want to thank those who prayed for me. Those who had faith in me, even the faith of the size of an ant, i sincerely thank you for the prayers. Ultimately, the change was from God and i want to thank You above all.

This year, i will be pretty busy. I'm taking 5 papers this semester. This is also the first time i have got no free days on my timetable. I'm also in charge of a team looking for sponsorships for BERSATU Games. I'm also the current Secretary of MUMSA. I've also took on a new responsibility as a committee leader for OCF. I've got a new flat with 3 new flatmates. Above all, i'm in the stage of life where i'm making the decisions that will change my life for the next.....neh, forever.

35 Truths about Prayer - 6

2008-11-07T21:41:00.000+13:00

Truth 6

Bring your anger to prayer. Hot metal can be molded

35 Truths about Prayer - 5

2008-11-07T21:39:00.002+13:00

Truth 5

If you begin to feel advanced in the way of prayer, think again

35 Truths about Prayer - 4

2008-11-05T00:39:00.001+13:00

Truth 4

Let your prayer be short. Love needs a few words

35 Truths about Prayer - 3

2008-11-03T21:06:00.002+13:00

Truth 3

Prayer is like a garden. Tend to it and it will be fruitful.

35 Truths about Prayer - 2

2008-11-02T16:49:00.003+13:00

Truth 2

Prayer begins in a restless heart. Listen to its stirring.

35 Truths about Prayer

2008-11-01T12:54:00.002+13:00

During this whole month i will put up 1-2 Truths about Prayer. Hopefully it'll give you readers meaning to why prayer is important, necessary and not such a bad thing to do

Truth 1

Prayer has many methods. Do it your own way.

Road to Recovery

2008-10-31T21:20:00.002+13:00

My blog posts has been a bit "dry" lately these few months. If you read from the beginnings on my genre, you could see a twist and turn from what i used to write, to what i wrote, to what i now write. It probably shows my character in season as well, how i grow and prioritise and change from time to time, but always along the same lines, just repititive every season.

Now the present, im getting better from my unfortunate downturn of health for the past 3 days, but thankfully, i've on the road to recovery. Thank you Lord. For now, i pray for the best in my exams this coming Monday as well as the fury of assignments after that. People are wishing for a quick exam period and return to their homeland....however i not..... sorry to say.

Summer by the way should be interesting this time. Moving/working/studying. That should pose a new challenge to my coming year. Looking forward =)

All in a day's work

2008-10-30T21:29:00.002+13:00

I've completed my first exam several days ago. (Drum Roll)

Yay! Glad that was over. Now my attention is set on next Monday's paper, which by far is the most interesting and difficult-tess paper i've sat thus far. The materials involved are really deep and requires revision every week to refresh my memory. I admitted in revision up until mid-term break where i stopped to complete my full-swing rush of assignments that were lining up to be handed in.

Thus far, i've failed in not completing 2 assignments on the designated date i picked, but nontheless, i need to work on it asap right after Monday's paper.

2 assignments, 7000 words, 9 days, 100%. How bad of facts could i ask for? It could have been, 1 assignment, 1000 words, 1 week, 10%...... but nooooo...

Thank my lecturer as well for being hyper super duper lenient in his paper. Praise God for that!

Back to reality now, i've actually completed my study for Monday's exam, just revising them thoroughly now. On the rainy side, im down with fever, mild fever i would say, as i've been through worst fevers than this. Preparing myself an environment to get well as fast as possible. I cannot afford to be handicapped at this moment. Not when alot is at stake.

Lord, heed my cries and prayers. Amen.

It's hard to say i'm sorry

2008-10-21T10:01:00.003+13:00

Saying sorry perhaps tops the list of the hardest things to do in everyone's life. Only God does it best while we avoid it if its possible because of our ego and selfishness.

I pray to have such a heart, to be able to say sorry, and also to forgive.

I'm sorry, for the past actions to people i've annoyed/hurt.

...

2008-10-20T12:16:00.002+13:00

That's right.

dot dot dot ...

i dono what to post...

my exam is a week's away...

i've got all summer to look for furnitures...

half the summer to work...

the other half to finish one subject...

i'm feeling...

feelingless...

like floating in the air with no sense of direction but gliding with the wind

Mind Bubble

2008-10-14T14:48:00.002+13:00

This period of time has been really challenging to me. I had recently made a decision to commit myself to another club yet again. This time, more intensive as before. I wonder if i'm making the right decision for myself. Then again, the "right" decision is also selfish. My years in Uni has given me tough challenges both academically and socially. I'm honestly afraid of what next year is installed for me by God.

It seems i live, breathe and eat my study with me as well as cook, prepare and sleep with my commitments and loyalties. A friend told me, that its ok to say NO and that I should feel peace after it. My friend said that in any decision you make, you must be able to feel and have peace about it. That talked helped me a lot in discovering decisions i make. I need to be at peace with it. I don't want to do things for the sake of self-interest or for the sake of others.

Sometimes sacrifice is needed to "betray" your loyalties elsewhere by saying no, but again, saying yes can also strike a trade-off. Either way, you cant have one and the other. To strike balance between anything that's clashing is the toughest challenge in life. I have made that decision, and I wil try my best to strike that balance, even if it means letting down both my loyalties, responsibilites and commitments, it's the best i can give and offer. I would only let God and myself down if i don't try anything at all.

The life squeezed out of me

2008-10-07T22:23:00.002+13:00

My life is full of planning this month. All of it has gotta do with preparation for exams. As myself, i tend to overplan and in most cases, to very detail. When i overplan, i don just give a grace period by a day or two, i plan to plan for something. If i need 4 days to study for a test, i double that by 4 again, making it 8 days to study for a test. If i need study during study break, i study before study break. If i have to take the bus at 8, i am ready by 7.

All this is just me. I plan far ahead.

But when things come right down to the last minute, it screws me up and my life together with it. My responsibilities and my life are always full of unexpected suprises hence the double planning comes in handy. Then again, too many tasks this month demands so much from what a capable human can do. I have to divide so many things to make up a bit for everything, for the best interest of everybody.

It is exhausting. It gets worst knowing emotions and stress creeps into you and takes over sometimes. It's made hard when I know i'm have my commitments elsewhere. Part of life is being able to find my way out of this struggle.

When my plans are disrupted, i get annoyed, as everyone else does. What's more compulsive, is that i get annoyed as well when my grace-period planning is disrupted. The tendency to over-plan fills up my schedules pretty much of everything, which makes my month full of plannings.

Is there something wrong with my scheduling? Or do i just have the compulsive-behaviour to double plan for something.

Partially, i associate it with the lack of confidence. But then again, confidence is a choice. Therefore i chose to overplan, because by that, only am i confident in achieving something.

So answering myself, no, i don't think i have a planning problem.

Gonna do this silent scream again. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Let's get back to work then shall we.

A hole so deep

2008-10-02T10:06:00.005+13:00

Date today reads 2nd October 2008. It another 3 weeks before finals start but leading to it is time period of anxiety to do revision. A solid 3 weeks for 2 papers is rather relaxing but not with 4 assignments hung in front of your head. With the readings and work needed to complete these a week before study break, it is just too much. Absolutely too much. 4 reports to write with equally huge amount of reading.

I've refrained and toned down the impact of my complains to people as well as myself but the pressure and stress is just too much. I probably brought this upon myself as a failure to foresee this chain of events that leads to pressures and stresses such as this.

I sigh loudly as i write, knowing only i have the authority and power to make things change. The challenge to manage time is always a struggle among students and I admit i'm no master in dividing them equally.

However it turns out to be, I'll just have to trust God's timing in everything although nothing seems achievable at the moment with the time in hand. A journey to the top of the mountain starts with the first step. Unless I take it, I'll never be that step closer.

It's what we all students go through I'm sure and it'll be unwise to say that my stress outweighs those of my friends.

I just want to offer comfort to those who are in this similar situation, that we're rocking the same boat.

Inside a guy's head

2008-10-01T14:56:00.007+13:00

Guys, we're amazing aren't we. We are like...........the opposite of girls. We have the physique, the macho-ness and the gift to charm.

I write this not to glorify the characteristics of how good my gender offers in society but to give a glimpse of what girls should know when encountering these situations, based on my experience and thoughts. To you guys, i'm sorry for revealing the true nature which you cannot deny, my intentions are only to protect the purity of the opposite sex and to not see them being used as a tool.

1. Guys think girls are always interested in them

This is true to classical-guy-thinking. Every guy thinks that the girl next to him is interested in him when she greets or talks to him. Any sort of recurring communication reinforces the "idea" that guys think girls are interested in them.

Advise: Tone yourself down ladies, don't give in more than you already have. Avoid being flirtatious. You're only giving false hope to a desperate guy.

2. Guys will try to get to know the girls' friends

To get close to a girl, guys will try to "fit in". They will introduce themselves to her friends and get to know them. That way, they can get precious info on her likes/dislikes without actually bothering what her friend's last name even is. To her friends, he is only using you. So any sort of nice things he say is therefore temporary unless his intentions are clear (To make friends). Otherwise, see him a month later and he won't even recall your name!

Advise: Watch his moves, if he tries to get to know your friends by himself without you introducing, Point No. 1 confirms Point No. 2!!!

3. Guys will sacrifice everything they can afford

They will sacrifice their time, study, work and sleep for it. If a girl hints at something, guys sense it as an opportunity to score. Eg. "My assignment is screwed! I can't find any articles on (fill in yourself)". Guys swoop in immediately, "What are you looking for?". Seems like a nice thing a nice guy would do. How about this, "I ran out of pepper, no wonder my cooking wasn't nice". Guys will drive straight to the supermarket and buy pepper straight away, eventhough girls have finished cooking , eaten and put the dishes back in the cupboard already. Time, sleep, study and work is not a barrier to guys. In their head, giving those up is worth it cause the girl is interested in him, *hint hint* No pepper.

Advise: Cut down on the complaining. This will put less emphasis on Point No. 1. Complain to a girl instead.

4. Guys change their lifestyle to suit hers

Guys will give up anything, as mentioned, even their lifestyle. They will change their face, habits, language, diet by putting on a temporary mask just to look good in front of her. What's worst, they may add extra something to their daily activity to fit in. A guy will temporarily like cooking if the girl is a good cook. He will try to learn how to cook, even change his diet from fastfood to homecook just for that.

Advise: Don't give too much of yourself away. Even if you do, note that his agreeing and amazement towards everything is a form of giving-the-stage to you.

5. Guys listen carefully, then debates back, then "surrenders"

In this situation, the guy sees himself as "never right". Eg:

Girl: Studying at home is so distracting. There's the kitchen around, lounge and my bed.
Guy: But its homey, you can rest when you like, and everything is available.
Girl: But the atmosphere isn't there. In the lib, everyone is studying, which motivates me
Guy: Well, if you have discipline you can study anyway
Girl: But still, distraction is more likely to happen right or not?
Guy: Ya i guess so, perhaps i should try studying in library then.

See where this is going? His priciples is overshadowed and humbled because of the differences the girl has. Sooner, studying will no longer involve book + guy but (Book + guy) + (Book + girl).

Advise: Respect other's thinking. If he doesn't have one set-mind on a situation, then don have one either.

6. Guys making moves are only interested in girls temporarily.

Guys making moves like buying drinks, asking out for a movie etc are only interested in a girl temporarily. They have no intention of getting to know you as a long-term friend. Once he finds out everything he needs to know about a girl, cross-check with his own needs, filters them out, produces a score lower than his expected average, he moves onto another "target". From constant contact for a good month to rare contact the next proves Point No. 6.

Advise: Don't start a relationship because he's "nice". Don't just accept everything he offers as well. Think about how opportunists he might get

7. Guys who are nice expect something back

Guys are selfish morons, they expect something in return from all their sacrifice in being nice.

1 Corinthians 13:
Love 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.

A guy who gives up is not looking for true love. He is only seeking returns from the girl. They deliberately lost interest to get out of a relationship they started.

Advise: Be aware of his responses to you. If girls you just want to play around, you're not better than the guy who hurt/will hurt you anyway.

8. Guys show off their lifestyle

Two scenarios tend to happen. They either show-off their lifestyle and expect the girl to be amazed, or, they change it (Point No. 4). In this case, they exaggerate everything they do, keeps account of what he does and then brags it off to the girl in which her reaction is usually, amazement.

Advise: Bragging tends to be normal among human beings, even girls themselves, but you can almost spot a bragger who has no limits when he is forcing something upon you.

9. Guys who are looking for a relationship are desperate

Guys like these are not sincere. They are desperate people who needs someone to fill in that gap. These guys cannot seek joy and gratefulness in what they have in their life. Girls tend to think if that it so, i therefore am his cure. Try rephrasing your position and think what cure does. A healthy person will not continue taking panadols.

Advise: Being single and being in a relationship are the same hierarchal level. Single is not below being-in-a-relationship. They are of the same level of life which God gives us to fulfil His plans. If you can't seek joy being single, there's no difference in seeking joy when you're a couple because the intention itself is self-seeking returns that fills the gap of loneliness.

10. Guys sin with their eyes

A guy's weaknesses is their eyes. They see something, magnify it 10 times and enjoy the pleasure of it. Not all guys are like this if they know what their eyes can do. But classical guys are different. Their eyes are what gives them pleasure and when the pleasure is absent, therefore the interest is lost. It's not suprising if a girl who has a lot of attention is constantly having to keep up with fashion and trends because of the attention she gets. Guys tend to move from girl to girl on the other hand to continue seeking pleasure.

Advise: Once you're no longer keeping up with trends, he is no longer interested in you. Dress modestly and properly. Remove the option for guys to sin with their eyes. It helps both sides

Disclaimer: Events above does not refer to anyone in particular. Any reference to an individual may be solely coincidental and accidental. (But if it does, then shame on you!)

Copyright: This article is self-authored based on intuition and should not be use for intentions of generalisation.

To errr is human

2008-09-28T22:42:00.003+13:00

There was this talk on Love at Grace City Church yesterday (27th September) from 3-9pm. It was divided into 3 part. Love, Purity and Truth.

Overall i have to admit that it enlighten me a whole lot about the truth of love and its purity. The meaning of love that was discussed was totally different from the meaning of love that i had and always assumed in my life. Now that i've realised so much on what i've missed and mistaken, i wanna strive to be the person in Christ Himself. I am willing to surrender my mistakes and sin to Him, so that i can follow Him, and His way.

It's not always easy to go through struggles in life. It never is. Struggles we face everyday, if taken into our own hands, always yields opposite results or no results at all. This too has made me realised that all sufferings, pain and struggles cannot be achieved and overcome by the will of men. By myself, i can succeed in a short-term, but i will keep failing as always. Only by offering my life to Him, can i be able to accomplish anything. Through Him, with Him and in Him, nothing is impossible by the unity of the Trinity.

To change, is what i want. To live the life like Jesus, is what i strive for.

But to fall and sin, is human. God's grace and forgiveness is greater than all of our sins combined. We tend to stray away from God as we commit small sins. Remember that Jesus has took all of our sins away, and will take them away, if we are only willing to accept the fact we are sinners and offer our sins to Him. With a flick of His finger, by the grace from the Father, our sins can be forgiven.

I miss you

2008-09-24T21:56:00.004+12:00

Dear Dad,

I miss you buying kuehs for us every morning and driving us around everyday.
I miss your time with us playing badminton and bringing our family out for dinner occasionally.
I miss talking facts of life and debating about them with you.

Dear Mum,

I miss your cooking and company.
I miss your funny answers when you are naive towards somethings.
I miss your nagging and shouting, but not too much.

Dear Yvonne,

I miss your loud laughs.
I miss your calling "Hey Ko!!"
I miss your passion towards badminton and music.

Dear Eric,

I miss your silly and stupid talks.
I miss your smile that always shows up wrongly even when the time is not right.
I miss the way you always challenge me towards something and then lose.

Dear Dear,

I miss smssing you every minute.
I miss your smile and hugs that brightens my day.
I miss having you around to talk of random stuff.

I miss you all. Hope to see one of you sooner rather that later.

Got a mountain to climb...

2008-09-22T23:36:00.001+12:00

I need to finish my assignment by Friday!!!!

Will need all the help i can get! Please don't stop praying!

2008-09-22T00:40:00.005+12:00

In life, we face tough challenges as we walk our daily lives. Sometimes, the amount of problems we have clouds our judgements even to the point it affects our emotions and social movements. What's most important is that we know God is bigger than our problem and that we should not tell God how big our problem is but tell our problem how big God is.

Different priorities in life

What's glad to know is that God did not create this world with us in it to be left alone to struggle as we walk the face of the Earth. God made us in this world, assigning names to us, knowing our fates even before we were born.....we were made for a purpose. I know i was created for a purpose. God created mankind so that He could have a relationship with them. He created mankind so that man could glorify Him.

God loves us.
God loves you.
He loved us so much that He sent His only Son in Jesus to be sacrificed to take our sins away.
Heaven is pure and clean and no man of sin can enter.
When Jesus died, the gates of Heaven was opened as He bore the burden of our sin.
Jesus set us free from our sins, making it possible to enter Heaven.
He has forgiven us, for past, present and future sins, IF we are willing to submit them to Him, now and forever.

To have a personal relationship with God, one-on-one, is our purpose in life.
To please God, is what gives our lives meaning.
To glorify God in whatever we do, is to fulfil the purpose which gives it meaning.

No one comes to God but through Jesus, as He has made God the Father known through Himself, that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.

I love You Lord
I long to have a relationship with You
I seek You as my Saviour

I pray for those who have never heard of You, that You may search for them and fill them with the Holy Spirit

I pray for those that are persecuted in Your name, that you may give them strength to carry on their mission for Your people, and forgive those that offend You as they have not known your mercy and love.

I pray for those who long to seek You, but restricted in their freedom to do so.

I pray for those who rejected You, that you may open up their hearts of stone, and give them hearts of love alone.

I submit these prayers in Your son's name, Christ Jesus. Amen

Different sides of life

A380 Cockpit

2008-09-22T00:37:00.001+12:00

Sophisticated technology indeed. Look at the amount of leg room they have and the controls they got. Really makes flying feel like an arcade game.

Morning at Fonterra

2008-09-20T21:34:00.007+12:00

Sakura Festival was happening today at International Pacific College but before the morning started, Hui said she needed to go down to Fonterra to finish up some of her lab work first. She got Xiu and i to go and help her.

We entered Fonterra labs for the first time, and perhaps the only time, to help her. She was gonna make some cereal or protein bar, i can't remember. Fact is, i got to wear a lab coat for the first time in my life! I felt like a scientist. Hahahahaha! To hold the pipet, measuring water and gylcerine mixture in 8 different sets of threes. It took a long time though. I also understood why i wasn't meant to be a lab-person.

I couln't be patient in measuring! Wasted about 4 cups because of "mismeasurement". Hahahahaha. Made a mess too. Can't even pour properly! All i wanted to do was measure everything efficiently and fast. All my brain could produce was management theories about the one best way of doing things was effective!

Anyway, here's how i camwhore my way in the lab. Did not dare to walk around and take pictures.

*Ahem* measuring something

Hui doing her real work while we're opposite her just preparing her tools.

Xiu and i at work. Fu-yoh..so sakai la me

Plastic balls to keep things afloat for incubation

One day i will get the chance to do that....

Nonetheless, lab work is so fun la....................

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for the first 10 min.

Random

2008-09-18T17:46:00.007+12:00

Look at my baby

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Gulfstream X

Size Does Matter

2008-09-18T17:46:00.004+12:00

Many people are still in awe and perhaps some, not so much bothered by the sheer size of the new Airbus A380. It is the largest passenger aircraft to be built in the world. The capacity itself doubles the old Boeing 747 which can carry about 400 passengers maximum. It's hugeeeee!!!!!

Some facts about the A380 from http://www.doyoutravel.com/blogs/a380/

The Airbus A380 began commercial life flying from

Singapore

and Sydney. It sold it’s tickets on eBay with the highest bidder paying £49,000 for a ‘Suite’.

The 12 Suites are described as ‘beyond first class’ and have seats nearly a metre wide, a 23” LCD and a separate bed with duvet and cushions designed by Givenchy.

Even the economy seats have their own 10” screens, USB ports and in seat power for your electrical.

The double-decker plane took seven years to complete, cost more than £6bn to develop and was finished two years late.

Its large enough to squeeze in about 800 economy class seats, but Singapore Airlines configuration has room for just 471 – a lot less than its rival, the 747, which can carry up to 568 people.

It has a range of 8,200 nautical mile which means that it can fly non-stop from New York to Hong Kong.

It’s the 3^rd largest plane ever built behind the Ukranian Cossack and the all-wooden ‘Spruce Bruce’

It can take an extra 163,000kg over the 747, which is the equivalent of 5 Second world War Sherman tanks

The Wright Brothers’ first flight was shorter than the A380’s wingspan.

Airbus couldn’t find a plant big enough to build the plane, so it built it in bits in Wales, Germany, Spain and France and shipped it to an assembly in Toulouse.

Birds eye view of an SIA B747 next to an SIA A380

Taxiing in Changi International Airport, Singapore during the promotional flight to Asia

Sketch/outlines of the current 3 largest aircrafts still in usage

More pictures to follow soon

The fuel that drives us

2008-09-16T22:14:00.003+12:00

Not literally, but physically.

Blood.

I had my second ever blood donation today at Uni courtesy of NZBlood who organised the session. They come to campus 2 times a year for a 2-day session to collect blood from would-be donors. I was encouraged by a friend to go and donate, in order to save lives as they say. I had no intention really to donate but as a challenge in life, why not right?

So i decided to gave my blood and it was a rather interesting experience ebing in a room full of donors and nurses. The horror of needles does not stop me but drove me on. What excites me the most was getting the opportunity to see the cool gadgets they have to hold and store blood.

I had no idea they that here in NZ, they needed a machine to shake the blood constantly once it's in the plastic tube. It's just amusing to watch. Haha. The needle was huge! Plus, watching my blood flow out of my body other than the reasons of injury was cool too.

Silly thought i had, i even wished my blood goodbye and take care once they met a new owner. Hahahahahahaha. It was just fun the first time! I couldn't sit still on my chair, instead i kept turning to my right to watch the machine tilt back and forth mixing the blood. Every now and then, some other machine would beep to signal that blood flow was under 40 m/min.

The nurse needed 3 tries to locate a proper vein with good blood flow for me which was a rather painful experience watching the needle in and out 3 times. Ouch.

That was the first time, this time around, one was all it needed to locate a good vein. I was done in less than 7 min.

I got pretty exhausted after this donation from not preparing my body in the proper way. I probably did not have sufficient sleep and fluid the day before as well. The effects of it lasted for about 4 hours. I could feel the weight on my head as well as on my chest.

Here's what they gave for my 1st and 2nd visit.

A blood red bottle.

I'm a B+. Nearly half the world's population are.

2nd visit freebie.

I do encourage you all to donate blood as well. Many patients depend on your blood to survive. Normally a transfusion takes more than just one donor's contribution to complete the process. So help out. You'll never know your blood might save yourself in the future.

The thing that makes us closer, sets us apart

2008-09-15T23:05:00.008+12:00

Sometimes i wonder why this so-called "gap" exists between us. Since the beginning of us together, this "gap" has been there all the time, pre-existing and dominating our relationship, being a part of us wherever we go. It always comes in many faces that dictates our actitivities that we could do together.

In school, this "gap" would prevent us from conversing during breaks, at the same time, we're in totally different classes and years. After high school, this "gap" exists as we have different priorities in life because you were still in high school and i was not. When i am overseas, this "gap" would be the time difference, costs in communication and the physical absence. Now that you're overseas, this "gap" still stands in between us screwing up our timezones to the extreme.

Overall, this "gap" created a silent barrier that we've always had to endure everyday day since Day 1. Even after eventually completing my studies, you would still be sitting through lectures for another 3 years. What happens within that 3 year "gap" is so difficult to predict. Practically, my career would start then, and when you graduate eventually, whats to happen to you? And i? Our relationship journey is so vague and blur, its almost so clearly blur. This "gap" that stands between us seems to follow us around.

Sometimes i wonder, if this "gap" was like God's own challenge, put into place to make us appreciate more of what we have, or the Devil's tricks, to tear apart the human relationship. Nonetheless, this "gap" has always won. "Gap" 100 - 0 Us. But it has never stopped us from being happy right? In the end, what makes us the winner are ourselves.

Yet, this "gap" doesn't hamper spirit to have a good relationship with you that will succeed. Wherever this "gap" goes, i will follow to make end meet. No "gap" is too wide to cover. May our Lord Christ Jesus soon take this "gap" so that we won't have to go through hardships as we have been doing ever since. One day, this "gap" will be gone forever, and that'll be the day that we've won.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssssssssssstrike! You're gone!

Praise Her With A Flower

2008-09-15T21:31:00.005+12:00

Who wipes my tears away?
Who melts my frown?
Who always saves my day?
The one who wears the crown.

Thank you for granting things
For our answered prayers
And for the hope you bring
To many who are in their dark despair.

Praise her with a flower
Thank heaven for our Mother
For her gift of love
Sent from up above
Brightens every hour.

From the highest tower
Shower her with flowers
Mother and a friend
From my grateful hands
Accept my humble flower.

On paper written lines
Express our needs
You always have the time
For every colour, race and creed.

Our faith has brought us here
From far and near
In one united voice
We thank you for your blessings
Through the years.

I dedicate this beautiful song to my grandmother

Make it a sin

2008-09-14T18:31:00.003+12:00

It's almost shocking to see the whole country stuck onto one silly event when there're more important matters at hand. All this i thanked Datuk Ismail Ahmad. What Datuk, just strip him of his title i say. Has he been living in the jungles all these years? Has he not realised that Malaysia is a multiracial society? Has he not realised that Malaysia isn't Malaysia without all the other 12 million non-malays? WTF is wrong with him.

To him, the chinese are squatters and immigrants. What have the chinese race done to him before is beyond my business which probably brought up all this tension. He refused to apologize suggesting that he was angered before someone in the past who happened to be chinese. I sincerely believe that no human is a racist by nature. They are merely made into one. As much as i would like to pity him for getting the wrong attention, society has developed the sole issue of race as taboo ever since May 16. As a person of caliber, matured and educated as he is, he has shown a no-brainer by critisizing 8 million people by generalising them. What he should have done was settle his matters and own thoughts personally, not brandishing it aloud. Call him stupid, he's beyond that.

The chinese race was brought into Malaya for economic reasons. Ever since we came, we became a part of the economy by building the country as much as the bumis did. Small medium enterprises or small businesses were famous among the chinese and this sector contributes over 60% of the country's GDP. We the chinese also helped opened up Malaysia by introducing several mainland languages and connections to enable foregin chinese tourists and investors feel a part of them in Malaysia. We too live, breathe, eat and sleep like other Malaysians. What makes us so different then? How we are what we are is define by how we were brought up, not by blood line.

Making a mockery out of himself was the worst thing he could do. With a thick face he says no and even asked for an apology from his chinese counterpart. In an instant, he lost over 8 million people's respect. Indirectly, what chinese are makes indians, eurasians and expatriats squatters and immigrants themselves is what he's saying.

Suspension from political activity is insulting. Insulting to those he disrespected. He should be punished positively and be put in a chinese society to work labour and see what he's sweat can bring him.

Sweet September

2008-09-14T17:51:00.003+12:00

September is always special to me. It is the month i was born in. Thus, nice things always happen during this superb and awesome month. Here's what i endure from thus far for the past 4 weeks.

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Parveen drew my hands with henna. Nice design from the net, on the back of my palm it's a SIA, Air NZ and MAS logos (unclear). The other side of the arm is a logo of MUMSA (hibiscus + fern hybrid)
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I was bored at home.
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My flatmates took me out to Cobb & Co. for dinner. It's a western find dining style of food. waited for 45 min for the dish to be served. I had 300g of pork. Finished it in style. That's Ken
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Michael my flatmate baked this for me. First time i had a banana cake which is so yummy. Can equal a chocolate cake.
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Bought plants to decorate my window sill. I'm the tall one, Yvonne you're the short one and Eric you take whatever's left. Yup, the fat one. Aren't my pots nice mummy?
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One of my birthday presents. Soap and towel. Indicating i don shower enough. Some other i did not have time to take its picture because its digested already.
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My mini collection of planes. B747-400 Air NZ, A320 AirAsia & B737-700 Southwest Airlines.
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Latest haircut. Been leaving the tail at the end since May i think. The thick ratio of hair down the back is call a mullet. In NZ, its just call the classical "Kiwi style"
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13 September 2008: Buka Puasa & Mooncake festisval. First time ever full house. Was so overcrowded. Annual General Meeting results were announced as well on the night. I'm staying for my 3rd term as Secretary of State. Appreciate voters who voted me. Thanks aye bro.
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Damp as the soil maybe, dark as the corner i'm in, dirty as the surroundings surround, i still flower beautifully, standing tall no matter what the environment does to me because its my responsibility....to beautify.

End of a break

2008-09-08T12:34:00.002+12:00

Time passed almost too quickly in the 2nd semester. It is already the 7th week of lecture, with an additional 2 weeks of break. That's 8 weeks gone! oh my goshy.....too quick...too fast....too furious! I have to admit i did not utilise my holidays properly. Would give it 30% of work intended to do...done. Haiz....big big sigh.... Nonetheless, i'm still catching up with work and studies at a proper pace, not lagging behind........yet....

Just wanna thank Hui and Xiu for making the weekend trip happened. It was a good stress-reliever. I was given the opportunity to search, seek and find my old self. I'm definitely much more joyful now compared to pre-school break. Really appreciate the trip. Thanks. The black water rafting? Nice experience, though i suggested the girls should have gone too. It would have been much more fun as a group.....

Back to school...now it's the final leg of this year, pushing through all the way towards final exam.... Hope i have enough fuel to make it...otherwise i gotta ditch my plane in the sea!

Exhausted is my name, tired is my game

2008-08-27T00:01:00.002+12:00

The weekend of ultimate body sacrifice has just passed with Unity & Diversity plus Malaysian Night over. It was a lovely Monday and an average Tuesday. But what seems not ok to me is the fact i'm tired and exhausted. 2 nights of sleepless nights have kept me zombieing the day. Monday was well enough for me to go through but today seemed like eternity. The day just wouldn't end. By 5 my eyes were already red and i felt ready for bed.

fact is, i'm not getting good sleeps. It's a chain-effect that causes smaller symptoms to develop that eventually tires and slows down my body's ability to work. I need rest rest rest. In my prayer to you Lord Jesus, please help me sleep. Amen.

Good morning dear.

Chit Chat Boom

2008-08-17T21:13:00.004+12:00

I have been having a long 'holiday' recently. 5 days away from my books is one heck of a long time this semester. It even feels weird and ackward because i owe my studies a lot now. With all the materials supposedly piling, i should feel bad but then the fun and challenge of practising for the upcoming Unity & Diversity concert has made up for all it. It's almost like stress is building up on one side and dancing takes it all away again giving meaning to the term guilty-pleasure.

Heard if right? No kidding, Eugene is dancing. Unheard off right? Well believe it. I'll upload the videos for ya'll to see soon. Especially you baboon. You know who you are. Hehe=)

This week marks the last week of 1st term 2nd semester. It'll be a good 2 week break for me to catch up with everything and hopefully stay ahead again. There are a lot of things i would love to accomplish before running into exam months in November. I would also like to, in all the name of vanity, congratulate myself upon holding office for Secretary of MUMSA for 2-full terms already. come next weekend i'll be officially stepping down, and hopefully, for real this time. I have done my best in serving the club as good as i could have. At times, i let my teammates down, this i apologise. To well-done tasks, i congratulate. MUMSA is indeed a growing club with talented people and opportunities and hopefully in years to come, we'll see the best of it. This is only the beginning of an awesome cub's entrance. Just like Liverpool.

And as all Malaysians are tuning in right now to watch the showdown, i've just got a cheer for Chong Wei,

Lin Dan ciak sai, (Lin Dan eat dung)
Ciak ka chu kee pai, (Eat until teeth spoil)
Kim meh ho Chong Wei thai, (Tonight get creamed by Chong Wei)
Thai ka mee mee lu cha eh jai. (Creamed until so creamy then you know)

Breathing the free air

2008-08-12T22:51:00.003+12:00

Alas after a week and a half of planning and carefully scheduling every single day of my life, i'm finally free from schedules and plans.........for now. Nonetheless, i can breathe again! I'm so glad and happy, the feeling, it's like....being free to roam and not worry again. I dislike worrying, it's not such a nice feeling and emotion to go through worrying just about every single hour.

Breathe people breathe............. the air is cool and fresh,
Sing the happy songs of joy.

Ah, relief...Goodnight New Zealand & Good morning Samoa.

Bunching blog

2008-08-09T23:01:00.007+12:00

Blogs have become like punching bags these days if not daily diaries where people just let out their anger, grief, stress and sorrow. It's where people can express anything so openly. So therefore, i would just like to do this.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Feel half better now. At least my screams won't disturb anyone.

Gift at the wrong end...

2008-08-07T08:41:00.005+12:00

I woke up in the early this morning at 6 a.m. because i needed to attend my Airline Strategic Managenet lecture at 8. My bus to uni arrived at 7.30 so that gives me one and a half hour to procastinate and get ready at my own sweet time.

The morning was a bit chilly, but i was prepared with warm clothing. The sun was barely up, still quarterly way up the horizon. The birds were chirping. As i stepped down the bus, i walked for 2 minutes around the oval to my lecture in the Refectory Building. Just before i open the door my mind went,

"Crap.................... no class today"

Just as i touch the handle to push the door open, my 'horror' was confirmed. Indeed i have been too focus with my schedules, timing, routines and habits that i forgot to remember the little details that may change my life.

Not a big deal having lectures cancelled but it goes to show, that life is full of excitement and changes, that i should be aware off all the time. Tiny details we omit in our daily activities makes a huge difference to our schedules.

Nonetheless, i've got 2 hours free=) Good morning everybody.

Out of the ordinary

2008-08-04T19:34:00.007+12:00

This is something you don't quite get to see.....ever!

Shops paying you to shop??

The Joker probably did this.

How do you count water???

Taken from here. Thanks Eric.

Feeling the moment

2008-08-04T15:27:00.002+12:00

As i write, the crowd of people are quiet, i could hear constant typings and fading mumblings. My notebook and pen is in front of me while an Apple stares at me. The sun is shining brightly outside for the 1st time after it kept hiding behind the clouds last week. The day is beautiful.

As i write, my lecture has passed, i am more knowledgeable than i was 2 hours ago, my stomach grows ever hungrier, people constantly walking in and out the computer lab. The day is a blessing.

As i write, i know i have datelines to fulfill, i know my responsibilities at home and my study, i know my commitment to God and people i love. The day is amazing.

As i write, i appreciate more of my life as i can have a good relationship with God, i appreciate my gifts and blessings that i received, i am content with what i have. The day is like any other day.

As i write, my life moves onto much tougher challenges, it'll be ever crueler and painful, yet by God's grace and mercy, I will persevere in my study. The day is great.

As i write, time keeps ticking, the sun moves ever lower to the horizon, and i am no where closer to finishing my study. Full stop, day dreaming is over. The day is not going to wait!!!

Time

2008-07-28T20:59:00.000+12:00

Why a day does consist of 24 hours? Some say men set it that way that 60 seconds made up 1 minute, where 60 minutes made up 1 hour. Why did they not calculated in such a way that 1000 minutes made up a day? Or 100 minutes made up an hour? It would have made calculations so much easier.

Whatever the agreement was, a day was a day, no matter what unit we used today, a day’s time cannot be increased, neither can it decrease assuming the amount of sunlight = sundown (equator area, it’s fair that way).

How great is it that God’s creation of light and dark added up with the speed of the earth rolling on its axis and size of mother Earth, produces the right amount of time in a day for mankind. How amazing is it for mankind to be able to eat, sleep, work and rest all within the same 24 hour period. Some say, our body’s circadian rhythm of 24 hours adjusts itself to fit the 24 hour cycle.

What if a day was 30 hours? Would we have a 30 hour cycle then? How long would we need to sleep, eat, rest and work now?

I believe that God intended to give 24 hours a day period for us all. He fine-tuned His creations especially us, to fit and use 24 hours to our comfort to perform all the necessary activities in life. He perfected 24 hours in a day for us so we would not have to work for more than 10 hours, eat 5 meals a day and sleep for 15 hours. Neither would we have less time in a day to do anything. Combined with the amazing Earth’s self rotation on its axis and the size of the Earth, God gave us the one precious free thing we have unconditionally.

Time. Time that we could use it to carry out human activities.

We are so used to complain that time is insufficient in a day to do what we want when in fact we should be grateful that a day is never too long neither too short. Let’s be grateful. It is perfect.

Unusual

2008-07-25T13:59:00.006+12:00

I've been off-beat for the 1st 2 weeks of study,

I lack the motivation to do anything, just being giddy,

I become tired of people often too fast,

And stay away from activities I think I couldn't last,

Even as I type my words are mispelt too often,

Dear Lord I need you so much so my life can be brighten,

Tell me, show me, hint to me my wrongs,

To be rid of it and be back self-singing songs,

I need Your strength to return me to myself,

I ask for Your blessing to get back my "health".

Have you had any idea how much i love you?

2008-07-20T22:42:00.001+12:00

Have you any idea how much I love you?

I doubt you do…

But I seriously think what we have has added a whole new dimension to this “Love” thing.

I mean, ever time I see you even if I’m expecting you,

My heart starts doing this little “happy dance” inside me.

You’d think that would have worn off by now,

But I don’t think it ever will!

I used to think that poets got a bit carried away when they wrote of things like “hearing angels sing” or “the earth moving” when talking about love,

But I’m a believer now

Loving you has brought so much magic and wonder and joy to my life that it makes everyday feel like a dream.

I still can’t believe my luck in finding the one person in the entire universe who is exactly perfect for me.

Thank you for showing me that there’s so much more to life than I ever thought…

You are more important to me than the very air I breathe,

And I will love you forever.

Linda Lee Elrod

TIGER!!!

2008-07-10T19:55:00.007+12:00

This is what we do out of the blue.

What she doesn't realize is that i tricked her into having a conversation where she had to make facial expressions and secretly hit the "print screen" button. This is what she did. Her original work of art. Magnifique!

Clockwise from left to right: Sabrina doing King Kong (Where's my banana?), Sabrina trying to stick her tongue out, Sabrina smiling aimlessly (My webcam not even on), Sabrina growling like a tiger.

I just love her smile. Don't you?

Hale or Hail?

2008-07-05T15:49:00.003+12:00

I woke up this morning to crackling noises on the rooftop. It was hailing! Small pieces of ice were raining down followed by rain. At one corner of the house i could see all the ice cumulating like snow. Over the ranges, it was covered in white sleet of ice/snow all the way from Tararua to Ruahine. It was beautiful.

BERSATU GAMES

2008-06-27T16:28:00.002+12:00

The preparation was then, the time is now. BERSATU Games 2008 Wellington, 28th June-2nd July.

MUMSA preperation was been superb. We've been as organised as much as we could be though there were a few slip ups, but thumbs up to the guys and girls who put in their effort and time to make our contingent preps a success.

Let's see our progress and make the target's a reality. Go MUMSA, auuuuuuu!!

Remember the times..

2008-06-23T23:01:00.001+12:00

Remember the times we used to spend in school at breaks just hanging around and talk about anything that comes up into our minds

Remember the times we spent every Saturday sitting apart in church choir practice without others knowing what’s going on with us in the beginning

Remember the times we used to go out for movies and you would always want me to hold your hands from beginning until the ending.

Remember the times when we played badminton and you would always laugh and smile in embarrassment when you miss a hit and then giving me the look to indicate to me to give you a better return

Remember the times at night when you always get upset because I forgot to send you a goodnight text and mornings too

Remember the times when we quarrel that you always cry and make me look like the bad guy

Remember the times when it took great pride and humbleness in saying that we’re sorry first and then accepting the apologies and promising a change

Remember the times when we have bad days we still never fail to cheer ourselves up just by talking for hours

Remember the times when my mum scolded me because I called you too much and the phone bill was so high and you wanted to pay me

Remember the day that I left you cried your eyes out in front of my family and relatives because you thought you may never see me again

Remember the day that I first called you from New Zealand you broke into tears in a matter of seconds because you missed me

Remember the day that I first joined the Malaysian Club I was so happy I talked about it to you so much that most of the conversation was 99% me and did not have a chance to talk when I wanted to put down but still you were ok with it

Remember the day when I got you the first gift from New Zealand you were so happy and delighted you couldn’t take your eyes of it or leave it alone

Remember the day I returned from New Zealand you came straight to my house and gave me a big hug and stayed for the evening just to catch up after one and a half years being distant

Remember the day we went bowling and you beat me in your very first time

Remember the day that we went to Sushi King and ate RM30 worth of food and still was hungry

Remember the day that I sent you off to KL and told you now I know how you felt when I left for NZ

Soon, you will be leaving Malaysia for real, this time, to a higher stage in life. I will not forget all the times we spent together and apart. You love runs deep in my veins and down in my heart. The bond we have is inseparable at any cost. One thing is to love with your head, so much more different when loving with your heart. I will continue to pray everyday that our love and relationship continues to grow and many ways and reflect the love that God has gave us because without Him, there wouldn’t have been us, not for this long. The challenges we face and go through, God put them in place because He knows we are capable of pushing through. I will count the days until your time has come to go to the States and wish you a good time preparing for it. You’re a big girl now and you have to learn to take care of yourself already =)

Remember the times and days we had in 3 years? They will come again………..soon

Yours truly,

Penguin

Time is so silent

2008-06-17T23:36:00.004+12:00

I woke up at 8am today and sat in my room until now, which reads 11.32pm. This is the 1^st time in a long time that I have not gone out of the house. For the past 2 and a half weeks I have gotten out of bed by 7am and off I go to university library by 9am. That was my routine. Today that routine was broken and how glad I was to be able to not worry about time at all. Getting out of bed as I wish, eating breakfast and enjoying it, taking my shower without rushing and just walking around the house knowing missing the bus wouldn’t matter. I had to sacrifice it for exam period but today wasn’t to be. Part of deciding to stay in bed and at home was because it was windy and raining outside. Also, my study partner felt the same way too and not want to get wet and be subjected to the wind. Mind you I have NOT stepped out of the house all day yet. Not even to feel what the wind was like! Gosh I’m so pathetic am I not? Doesn’t matter.

My morning was spent playing games and chilling out before I actually put my mind to study. It’s such a challenge to get yourself to study at home, especially in your own room where the bed lies inches away and the internet is staring at you saying, “Please use me!!” Nevertheless I got to do some study but honestly, efficiency wasn’t at the peak. Library atmosphere still works best for studying with intense focus and attention. Time at home was spent mostly being distracted. After one slide I could see myself picking up the guitar, which was what I exactly did. If it’s not that, it’s playing computer games. Being discipline at home really stinks. It just doesn’t work as easy as words can say. I admire and salute those who can. Really do. The target is there which is to study but the tools are not in place: Atmosphere and motivation.

Time becomes very still as you watch your clock tick. Everything is silent too. That applies to my home because I was the only one. Put these 2 together, it becomes boredom. It’s like time is waiting for you instead. All I want to say is thank you to my study partner(s) during this 3 week period. Being indirectly present at the library motivated me to study and concentrate because watching you all study helped too. Conclusion? I had the best study period in my life. Consistent study at the library helped me prepared for my exam. The 2 papers I had already, they were awesome and I couldn’t be more confident about it. I pray that yours are the same too and that the results you get will be satisfying.

Happy Belated Father's Day

2008-06-16T22:05:00.003+12:00

This is a late wish to my dad but a wish is nevertheless a wish. I was completely oblivious to Father's Day falling on Sunday, even oblivious that it was around the corner. Like "frog beneath the coconut shell". Anyway, Papa, Happy Father’s Day to you;

For striving thick and thin with me,

For being patient with me as a spoilt child,

For caring and loving me unconditionally from day one,

For never forgetting to pick me up from school late again since Primary 2 without telling me first,

For making time with me to play badminton,

For bringing us all out to eat occasionally making up for the time you constantly spent at work,

For driving me around all the time to hang out with friends,

For staying up late nights on Christmas Eve to pick mum and I up from church,

For bringing me up willingly without debt so I may have a good life and education,

For trusting me in what I do,

And for all the other things I fail to mention, I’m sure you now them already too.

Taken from here

Not your everyday sight

2008-06-16T21:06:00.006+12:00

This is something you don't see everyday.

Taken at the recent Cultural Festival @ The Square

If i'm 170cm, guess how tall he is?

Eureka 'Moment'

2008-06-14T23:40:00.004+12:00

I have a lot of things to blog about but when it comes to penning things down, I say, “I’ve got nothing to blog about.” It’s one of those nights where you just want to let your feelings be written out in words, but feel lazy to. The night is now, and the time…… a few days down the road. (Sigh). It’s nearing the end of semester which is why it’s much easier to have time to reflect about stuff that happens now. Pressure of exams have been lifted, 2 down and a remainder to go on Thursday. For tonight, I would just like to dedicate my prayers to the few and far between.

To my mum,

That the Lord may take care of you, bless you with good health and spirit. That you may find seek god closer everyday. I pray to the Lord that He can forgive me for the wrongs I’ve done to you in my 19 years being under your care. I’ve held grudges, scream back, cursed etc but I know what you do, you do because you love me and I’m grateful and thankful for ALL the things you’ve put me through. I would not take back any single day from my lifetime because by your guidance and care, I am what I am today, to be able to have a good education, life, responsibility and matured thinking that I may not have if I weren’t your child. The pain you had to go through for years ago years to come, I pray that the Lord holds you through it.

To my dad,

That the Lord may look over him and bring him back to the hands of God. That the Lord may bless him with good health and strength to live life in the eyes of God. I pray to God that He may also forgive me for the mistakes I’ve done against you. Your sacrifice has made me who I am today. You are my role-model in growing up. With my friends, I’ve never failed to say, “My dad is….” Because of the person you are. I pray that He may always look upon you and keep our family from danger and bring is closer to Him and one another.

To my brother and sister,

That the Lord may also bless you with His gifts and show you both what He wants from you. All the arguments and differences we have, I would not trade them away for anything else. The silence at home doesn’t show who we are and I’m thankful we are family. We fight because we love one another, which is why I thanked the Lord for it. You instill challenges in our life so we may grow closer. Let us grow even closer as we move away from teen-hood.

To my Tiger,

That you may always be strong to live day to day as the Lord has given you. I pray that our time apart may be useful for our time in the future because “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. You’ve grown stronger each day that I could see the difference for all these years. I’m very proud of you and thankful for the Lord in helping us move forward. I pray that each day that passes without you is a day spent with you with great love.

To my friends,

Many wrongs I’ve done to you. I pray that God forgives me as I find the opportunity to seek forgiveness from you all in the future. I pray that the Lord guides you each day towards your goals and not deviate from God’s eyes.

AMEN.

31st May - The Newlyweds

2008-06-14T22:55:00.007+12:00

2 posts in a night. I’m on fire. Only because I’m bored and felt the social responsibility to spread happiness. Happiness should be shared all round and not be kept to yourself.

The Date was 31^st May 2008, and the place was St. Patrick’s Cathedral. My friend Sylvia and James were both married that day. It was my 1^st time attending a wedding to someone close. It wasn’t only for one of them, it was for both. I know both James and Sylvia, so can I say I’ve attended Sylvia and James’s wedding?

“So who’s wedding did you go to this year’s?”

“My friend James and another friend Sylvia”

“Wow, who are their partners?”

“Sylvia and James”

It was a touching event to see. Marriage is a commitment of a lifetime to your partners. To watch them ready for commitment and going through the ‘3 Rings’ of marriage was just a memorable thing. Indeed, I’m happy and sad at the same time. When your friend gets married, they’ll leave behind all the usual things they used to do with you: The usual hang-out spot, the meals, the socializing times and also the hard times. Friendship ends abruptly once entering marriage life. Things eventually change. As you grow older, your circle of friends diminishes. It’s inevitable but unfortunate. You lose something to gain another. On a bright side of life, many more opportunities and challenges lie ahead. The wake of putting in front your life becomes a priority. Fast forward, you get many more commitments than just your spouses. Bills and work becomes your friend and they stick to you.

I used to have this skepticism when I was in secondary school, that when a friend has a girlfriend/boyfriend, he/she will no longer be part of ‘the gang’. Until this day, it stands true. A long story trimmed short, my friends A and B sort of ‘left’ me in Form 3 when they hook up with girls of their own. It wasn’t literally left, but more of, giving less attention. We weren’t as close as we used to be already. At each break-time, they would tag off to hang out with their newly found friend, and I’m left in class in search of people to hang out with. It was a tough thing to go through seeing myself discarded. It hurt so much at a stage where I hated the 2 girls because they robbed us of our close friendship. Since then until now, I have not seen the trail of A and B nor have I had the interests in contacting them at all. Partly because I still cannot forgive the fact that something so precious was taken away due to the fact it’s inevitable. Not only did they not introduce their gf’s friends, they cut off their side of friendship and joined the other side. I guess it was a good experience I had with them. I would not wish to have the time back. It was a really tough challenge, put forth by God, to tell me what life would soon be. A lifetime challenge.

Nonetheless, I vowed not to step into the bread crumbs that they made, that Sabrina sometimes ask me, “Why you hang out with so and so often but not me??” That’s probably why dear. I don't want to neglect my friends like how they neglect me. I've only got one more thing to work on now, which is to get to know your friends.

Usually I sidetrack and indeed I have! It’s supposed to be a happy post! Anyways, congratulations to James and Sylvia. Hope you like..ahem ahem…love, my present=).

OCF/Close friend group photo

The newlyweds

Trying to be in the spotlight =p

Back from the Dead

2008-06-14T20:22:00.011+12:00

It's been a while since I’ve touched my blog. Even longer since the last person that came across it left a comment.

The past month has been tough. Really tough. I had 7 assignments in the whole month of May and to cap it off, final exams the month after. I had no choice but to cut off socialising and also sports. It was just assignments day and night, breakfast until dinner, Monday to Sunday. But hey, I’ve finished 2 exam papers already thus far, and I've got the remaining this coming Thursday.

Wish me luck. I promise I'll be back soon with updates. I know who's very very disappointed. I'm sorry I've sidetracked what I've promised to set out to do beginning of this year. It's not over.

Bible verses

2008-05-17T12:54:00.002+12:00

Love 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 trust, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.
But where there are prophecies, they will cease, where there are tongues, they will stilled, where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophecies in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
When i was a child, i talked like a child.
When i became a man, i put childish ways behind me.
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face.
Now i know in part, then i shall know fully, even as i am fully known.

And now these three remain:faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

Prayer

2008-04-19T20:43:00.000+12:00

Prayer begins in a restless heart. Listen to its stirring.

Prayer is a yearning for one’s true home. Follow its lead.

Prayer is like a garden. Tend it and it will be fruitful.

Don’t worry about works or formulas. Prayer is a listening.

Prayer has many methods. Do it your own way.

Pray always, but schedule special times too. The spirit, like the body, needs formal exercise.

Let your prayer be short. Love needs few words.

Pray where you are. God is everywhere.

If you want something, ask yourself, “Do I want what God wants?” God wants your true goods.

If you begin to feel advanced in the way of prayer, think again.

If you need something, pray it. God desires your goods.

Remember: your work and struggles are not unholy. Pray and God will come to you just as you are.

When you’re praying becomes dry and routine, keep at it. Parched earth welcomes the rain.

Pray when you’re worried. Prayer puts everything in perspective.

When life is cruel and unjust, keep praying. God is the victim, not the cause.

Touch the joys and troubles of your friends and neighbors. Shared life is a shared prayer.

When you are overawed before Mystery, just be. God’s spirit is praying within you.

When God seems far away, keep praying. Light can be blinding.

Pray in your resting. Sleep is the prayer of a creature secure in God’s love.

Pray in your rising. Each dawn draws you closer to the light.

Use noisy times for prayer. Sound is the clamor of creation seeking God.

If prayer makes you passive and indifferent, it isn’t a prayer. True prayer will bear fruit in care and service.

God’s life runs deeper that your feelings or experiences.

When sickness, age, pain, or worry steals your concentration, relax. God is an understanding friend.

When you receive bad news, take heart. Praying uncovers the spark in the cinders.

If you don’t like somebody, pray for them. Prayer reveals the hidden God.

When prayer invites you to take risks, have courage. God will uphold you.

If, for any reason, you cannot pray, relax. The desire to pray is already a prayer.

Use quiet tomes for prayer. Silence draws you to the Infinite.

When you sin and continue to fail, pray anyway. God keeps on loving you.

Bring your anger to prayer. Hot metal can be molded.

When your heart is bursting with thanks, just be. God’s spirit is praying within you.

Pray when you feel lonely. Prayer puts you in company of angels.

To pray is to breathe. Do it deeply and you will be filled with life.

When you feel sad or sorry, weep. Tears are a prayer of the heart.

Offenses and Forgiveness

2008-04-19T20:24:00.003+12:00

Last night at OCF bible study i had the chance to be part of it and listen to the leaders messing with our heads=). The topic that night was "Offenses and Forgiveness". I kinda liked the talk because it's really helpful in life. Here's a short summary.

Offenses by definition means being hurtful and doing others wrong. To offend is to hurt by intention. Sometimes it's not. Misunderstanding can happen too, especially if one culture crosses another. Offense is also resentment and failure to show regard to other people's feelings.

Forgiveness is the ability to absolve payment of debt, by giving away the right to earn something back from the person that offended you. It is also to renounce anger or resentment. Forgiveness doesn't NECESSARILY mean forgetting. Forgive and forget is perhaps a misunderstood statement. Can you offend or be offended and hope it all goes away? Can you try and shove the unwanted memory? It's difficult.

Forgiveness is a one way traffic. Imagine 2 people. One being the offender and being offended. Forgiveness works one way. The offended forgives but the offender stands by his principles. Therefore forgiveness doesn't settle just everything. RECONCILIATION does. It is something that involves both parties. To forgive is easy, say sorry and all is over, to reconcile is not, talk it over, compromise and resolve the issue.

God sent Jesus to this world to reconcile our sins. He did not just forgive us with the word of mouth or the snap of His finger. He could, but He didn't. Instead, He sent His son to die for us, so that in return, we may reconcile with others. In Jesus's sacrifice, our sins are forgiven.

Read Matthew 18:21-35

If we set revenge, we are making ourselves judges and passing judgements which rightfully only belongs to God.

Uni Games Review

2008-04-19T20:02:00.005+12:00

Uni Games is an annual event in New Zealand in which all universities and polytechnics send their best teams to compete (not in this years' case). This year, it was held in Rotorua, home to the Waiariki Institute of Technology. In summary, events were held in different places from Tuesday through Thursdays with the opening ceremony on Monday and closing on Thursday night.

Journey to Rotorua

The badminton event was held in the Utuhina Badminton Hall. In my opinion, i think the halls' lighting is excellent. The format was a team event. 7 mens team followed bu 4 womens team. (You would think they would be more). Massey was placed in Pool A together with Auckland 1 and Auckland 2 and Victoria 2 while Pool B consisted of Monash (Australia), Victoria 1 and Auckland 3.

Utuhina Badminton Centre

Massey started off well, beating Auckland 2 5-1 and then Victoria 6-0. 2 doubles match preceded by 4 singles. I was playing the 2nd double and the 4th single. That was day 1.

Andrew and Ian. 1st doubles pair, 2nd and 1st singles respectively.

I'm exhausted

The 2nd day we took on Auckland 1 and lost to them 1-5. That was enough to put us 2nd in our pool. However, organisers did not told us that there was no semis...gutted. We were heading to 3th/4th placings on Thursday.

Victoria 2nd singles Karl vs Monash 2nd singles Kelvin

So on the final day, we lo the bronze to Victoria 1, last year's defending champion. Better luck next year then.

Cameraman with the finalists. Auckland womens 1 and Monash womens 1. Monash mens at the back

My score for the games:
Doubles: W 2 L 2
Singles : W3 L 1

Deja Vu

2008-04-19T19:56:00.003+12:00

Where have i seen these before????????
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That's right!! On Kennysia.com

Random

2008-04-10T20:49:00.006+12:00

What's this Eugene?? Buying baby socks??

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Neh, just using them as pouches for my new MP4 and handphone=)

Student moments

2008-04-10T17:55:00.003+12:00

I had a typical badminton training session today from 2-4pm for the upcoming Uni Games next week in Rotorua. As 4pm ticks closer, i told my friend that we should leave now (3.50pm) so we can catch the 4pm bus to town. So we did. We were about 3-4 min away from the closest bus stop when we saw the bus coming in the opposite direction heading towards the bus stop. Looking at each other, we ran.....like there was no tomorrow. My friend said while running, "It's not yet time le, why so early??" I saw another bus behind the first bus and said, "There!!! That one!!"

Running our lungs out, we..................................failed to reach the bus stop in time. So....we walked with despair to the main terminal on campus, another 5 min down to catch the next one. Along the way just past the chaplaincy, she said, "Hey, lets wait inside there la, got sofa,". I did not object.

Once inside i told her to check the bus stop to see if there was any bus left there. It's within listening distance by the way. She told me that she could hear a bus. So i told her immediately to the bus stop and we tookour bags and run for it hoping it might be the bus we thought we missed. So we ran to the bus stop and when we saw the bus making a turn coming at us, we quickly turn around and ran the other way to the initial bus stop.

So we ran.......................................the bus passed us....again....it stopped at the other stop and big big thankfully, there were people waiting there as well....we made it!

Panting and struggling for air in the bus after we sat down, she said,

"Never give up the first time you failed"

P.S. It was her fault

Election Review

2008-03-24T19:46:00.002+13:00

Sort of an old story, but then again, if it’s old, people reading it now would probably make it new again. Elections finished nearly 3 weeks ago and you need not a newspaper to tell you that the country’s main party lost its 2/3 majority advantage for the first time ever. Not only that, they suffered heavy loses not likely seen ever.

There were several things that astonished me in the elections nonetheless. We all know the parody of campaigns where BN will go out and campaign about new developments and oppositions will get in their faces. BN talks about improving all the tangible things in which almost all of them, related to money. Is that all they can do? Development development and more development which leads to economic wealth and stability. Yet in all the midst of their promises, they tend to forget the seeds that fuel the country, its people. Yes it’s true we citizens are concern of rising cost of living but surely there’s more to the country’s agenda than just that.

In my opinion, BN fails to recognize Malaysia as a country built on unity and diversity. The most important asset in the country is its people, not gold, rice, oil and electronic products. Malaysia’s society in my view are heading into the same direction as any other growing nation that we left behind and discard old ways far too easily. A villager would tell you that times have change and now no longer would anyone say good morning to me while a city folk would say nothing has change, its how we are.

I guess you can see where I’m going with this. I’m a social person and I would love to see Malaysians be like that as well. Before I left the country, I always thought people everywhere are the same until I was proven wrong in New Zealand. People here put attention to politeness and charisma, choosing to “take part” rather than “ignore”. Simply things like hello and good day are common around here. Try that in the streets of Malaysia, people will be confused and stare at you.

Few years back I remembered a survey carried out by a renowned magazine in a study to see which city is has a higher level of manners and politeness based on several criteria and believe it or not, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s gateway to the world came in 3^rd last of the 50 other cities. Badawi and several leaders obviously agreed with the results and lodged a complain to the study group protesting about it. Honestly, when the results were there, I was a little bit annoyed too at the lack of understanding showed by the researchers. They too fail to define the meaning of polite in Asia. In Asia, walking past a stranger without looking at him is considered nothing, while in Western countries, there’s this expectation that we must greet others, otherwise we’re rude.

This is an example of my previous mention of how BN failed to recognize in society today. Our society and community has lost faith and trust among each other these days because of the high crime rates. We live in a community where we need to always think about safety and ourselves, opting to ignore other’s plight if we can avoid. It’s survival of the fittest, and fetus as well (abortion rate increasing). Society is corrupting itself in a way and the rich get richer while the poor poorer. Yet, leaders do nothing to change the mindset of the country. Malaysia was glorious in the 70’s running up until the 90’s but that has all lost when politicians decide to use power for personal gain.

Truthfully, when it comes to voting, I do not take into consideration of which team and flags that rule the country because it is not the colors of the team that shapes the country but the players and the manager that inserts quality and performance to put balls into back of nets, not upgrading stadiums and pitches.

Easter Camp Review Part 1

2008-03-24T19:30:00.001+13:00

I apologized sincerely for the late posts. It has indeed been a while and all I can say is I was pretty occupied with various responsibilities entrusted to me, mainly, OCF Easter Camp.

The camp was great, cool and memorable. It ran from Good Friday until Easter Sunday. It certainly left a gap in me which I will gladly fill again next year. One thing I loved about the camp was the closeness between everyone. We all made new friends, all 30 of us. Not only that, we also learnt about the word of God the life of our Christ savior, Jesus.

Mornings and afternoons were filled with games and activities while the nights were devoted to talks and reflections including praise and worship. Behind all of it, everyone got to learn something about Maoridome. The girls were taught to sing and dance the poi by our very own JESS! And the guys were taught the Haka, a warrior dance by Jason. We put up a show for ourselves and it was good.

As for pictures, it has to wait as I brought my camera without its memory card. Kinda like me walking without a brain. Haizz…highlight of the whole weekend has to be the talk by Pete McIvor and his friend Graham who shared with all of us, Christians and non-Christians about the “Life of Jesus” and “The light unto my path”

God is morning, God is night

2008-03-05T22:26:00.003+13:00

God is morning God is night,
He is the Lord full of might,
He comforts the fear of those who in fright,
To live by faith and not by sight.

God is handsome God is awesome,
He makes a way for the troublesome,
Shy be not to pray and say,
"God i pray for You to be with me everyday"

Jesus is kind and gentle,
He made many sacrifices that we ourselves cannot handle,
The least we can do is acknowledge His life,
Not to deny, accuse and say He has a wife.

Why does it matter finding fault in others,
We should look in the mirror and see our twin brother,
Or sister may it be that corrupts our thinking,
That leads our life into a world that's sinking.

Look to God to ensure eternal salvation,
Though it's unimportant now because of life's temptation,
Live life as Jesus did because it's the only redemption,
Because when the light is out, God will reveal His nation.

After years of witnessing suffering and lies
We ultimately question, "Is there really a God out there hearing our cries",
Truth is, we've never tried to open our stingy little eyes,
To see that, there You are, my God, my saviour, my Christ.

First week of Uni goneeeee

2008-02-29T14:26:00.004+13:00

Hello readers!! It's nice to be writing again. I know i know, my blog's been stagnant as the water has been a medium for mosquitos. Nevertheless, i've got a few stories to pen in.

So far i've attended 2 classes for 2 papers. Waiting on one more next monday. The 4th paper is an extramural paper, a term to mean.....no-class-study-by-yourself. All the course notes were mailed to my NZ address in January. Talk about early delivery.

My room at my flat i'm staying at the moment is still quite unfinished. I give it say, 80% done? My landlord allowed me to stay in his room for the meantime and not collect rent from me until i move in. I'm still having trouble getting use to flatting life. Food issues have been tough. I understand that my flatmates are very cautious spenders. They rarely have snacks or junk food at home, something i ALWAYS have. It's only one week, and i'm already forced to give up chips, chocolate bars and instant noodles just to show them i'm not a big spender. I can cope, it wasn't that hard. If those snacks aren't around, i won't even wish it's around.

As a customary opening tonight, Friday, OCF (Overseas Christian Fellowship) will have its very own KIWI CULTURE NIGHT for anyone who drops by. Free food, drinks and nothing more than socialising until late. The aim is to provide exposure for new OCF members at the same time, just a pub-like atmosphere for people are aren't interested in OCF but drop by.

I'm stuck on campus doing nothing and nothing to do but surf the net. Even reading was difficult. Anyone out there who wants to exchange hobbies through brain transfusion, please contact me. I'll be happy to trade my chess skills with you.

HAVE A NICE DAY and God bless. Pray always because it's when He knows you want Him to listen.

Not so the 1st day in uni

2008-02-25T21:37:00.000+13:00

First day in University was a memorable one. Just that my class on Monday starts next week!

Hello Palmy!!

2008-02-22T20:38:00.004+13:00

I can’t believe it. I'm finally back here again. The feeling was surreal. I nearly wept for no reason whatsoever. It felt half like coming home, but also being away from home. The first sight of this little town in the middle of New Zealand was really calming. Everything looked the same it was used to be.

My flight to Auckland took about 10 hours 35 minutes and it was smooth all the way. I manage to miss all the in-flight entertainment because I was tired. I did not even switched to the games screen, neither did I even finished an episode of anything not to mention missing one of the good movies MAS provided….Bee Movie. Next to me was a Korean who was on vacation and guess what, he spoke no “Ingglish”.

I assisted him in filling out his immigration card. From all his sign language and broken words, I manage to understand him. He said he is going on a vacation with his friend who is in New Zealand. Simple but took some deciphering skills. I could easily have understood………I go New Zealand…use binoculars…Pity the man, he’s trying to expose himself, just in the wrong way. He even spelt Auckland as Ouckland.

I stayed overnight in Auckland with my cousin and his two daughters. They’ve really grown a lot. Alexandra couldn’t walk before I left New Zealand and in 3 months, she could run! I think I took that long to learn how to stop and turn around. Auckland is a beautiful city. Its harbour, concrete jungle and cafes dominate the scenes. The sky shines blue all day from sunrise to sunset.

I left Auckland the next day with traffic nearly costing my flight. I had 1 hour to spare. Pheww. Now, I’m in Palmerston North, onto my 2^nd year of university. Many challenges are to come especially living in town now. I’ll be starting school next week and I vow to myself to study hard. It’s not tough, it’s just challenging. More updates to come.

Take care readers!

Journey to the East

2008-02-18T16:47:00.005+13:00

It has been a long 3 months. That’s how long I’ve been back home for. There were good moments, great memories, and cherishable events at the same time, frustrating times, regrettable reminiscence and tense periods.

Opportunities were present it from time to time to lift me up and give me the chance to prove myself in life whether it is socially or spiritually.

I’m glad I rode on the waves with help along the way. At times, I just got to open my eyes to see the wonders right in front of me rather than be holding up my anger within. That’s something I hope to learn from. Patience is virtue, so is forgiveness.

No doubt, these 2 elements of life seem so hard to express. The best people to do it are phlegmatic people which their personality I adore very much. Defending myself against it was no peanut-eating contest.

It took strength, perseverance and the knowledge of psychological studies to be able to see myself from the 3^rd person view point. It’s easy to scream and let go anger at someone when people are angry and stressed but it’s not easy to see yourself capable of such things from other person’s perspective.

Rage can turn someone so noble into the complete opposite. It could embarrass your image you’ve built up for a lifetime, unless you’re no where close to being respected.

Nonetheless, the challenge back home was tough. It brought back memories of how I was and how my views were before I left for overseas. You can really nothing more than what is at home until you’ve stepped outside of your comfort zone. The journey from the top of the mountain till the sea lies with rocky challenges, each serving its purpose to expose us to potential dangers. We either climb over it, or perish at it.

P.S. Will be blogging from New Zealand at the next post..take care!

New Shoes!!

2008-02-17T12:23:00.005+13:00

Haven't been blogging for 2 days straight. Was kinda busy and tired at the same time doing some packing, shopping and visiting grandparents. I'll be leaving my "water land" (tanah air)next Tuesday and i'm trying to get my stuff all lined up. Problem is, i've got a super heavy luggage that its shell weighs 8kgs. It only leaves me with a pathetic 12 kgs to reach the limit of 20kgs for all flights. But anyway, i'm getting a new much lighter luggage that hopefully can erase 5 kgs.

Here's the latest thing i'm gonna put in it. Tada!

A new Pro-Ace badminton shoe. Bought from a pure Yonex store. Retail price at RM102.90, but since i've got connections, i got it for RM65.50. Don't be jealous!

Is there a God? Is the Bible His words?

2008-02-14T20:54:00.009+13:00

If there is no such thing as God and the Bible does not hold the original words which descended from God Himself, then the Bible is the biggest lie that has ever lived through and betrayed humanity for thousands of years. On the contrary, if the Bible does contain spoken words from God, it is then the most precious book that mankind has ever seen.

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

The Bible, also known as the Word of God is known such a way for a reason. It is the ONLY book that claims to hold direct quotes from the mouth of God. It is ironic how general society readily believes all form of literature and gossip of antiquity without query and curiosity of a second thought. When it comes to the Word of God, they firmly say out loud that it is a fake and it cannot be trusted without examining the evidence.

Inside the Milan Cathedral, Milan

However when it come details which can be verified, the Bible is unblemished and perfect. None has been able to challenge and refute the absolute truth of the Bible. Thousands of years of scrutiny have accounted to nothing more than unsuccessful searches and converted skeptics. It’s intriguing how the very people who are the most outspoken opponents of the Bible are the same ones who know realistically nothing of it.

Milan Cathedral, Milan

How do we really know the Bible contains what it says it contains? Firstly, it writes of advanced wisdom which humanity had no way of knowing or proving until recently. Secondly, unlike human prophecy, which is nothing more than sheer predications either by zodiacs, nature and energy about the future, prophecy to God is a definite promise of what is guaranteed to take place in the future at His appointed time.

St. Petersburg Russia (Church of the Saviour on Blood), St. Petersburg, Russia

How do you know who is a genuine prophet from God and who is a bogus? God gave us a test so we could utilize to determine phony religions and fraud prophets. In the book of Deuteronomy 18:22,

“If a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord and what he says does not come true, then it is not the Lord’s message”

Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand

God’s standards in all things are always perfect in every way.

Valentine's Day in the 21st Century

2008-02-14T15:35:00.022+13:00

Valentine's Day is a traditional holiday celebrated in North
America, usually on the 14th of February.

It's a day where people express their love by sending valentine flowers, gifts and chocolates.

The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtley love flourished. Various Christian martyrs were name Valentine.

In 1969 the Catholic Church recognised 11 Valentine's Day as to remember them. 3 Valentine's are honoured on this day. Valentine of Rome, Valentine of Terni & another Valentine from Africa.

All of them were either martyred or killed and none of these cases present itself with any romantic elements to suggest how today's valentine's day ended up with its own unique
tradtition.

The first recorded association of Valentine's Day was by this Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote Parlement of Foules (1382).

For this was on seynt Volantynys day.
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese [choose] his make [mate].

This poem was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia.

Now to my version of Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is a day where single fools would fork out as much as RM 30 to buy a bud of rose (one stem) for a girl,maybe 2, 3 i don't know ;

~ anonymously
~ randomly
~ who doesn't like him
~ who thinks she likes him
~ who just wants to impress her with the most expensive stuff

Now there're also chocolate boxes that go for that much, cards that cost twice as much and teddy fluffy teddy bears that looks so cute & cost heaps that come from Thailand or Indonesia. Teens today are misled and are easily corrupted by the message Valentine's Day offers.

If guys, you really like this girl very much and you wish to give her something to get her attention, why give her a rose where florists import them?

Why not plant your own? Or use other flowers you have?

Why give chocolate boxes wrapped by other people?

Why buy cards that are printed with words not even written by your heart or your head?

Why buy teddy bears only on Valentine's Day when there are 364 other days to buy it...even at a cheaper price!!

Oh ya that's right. It doesn't matter right, as long as you have the money, anything also can. A bud don't last a week. Chocolate boxes? In the front and out the back with consolations on the face (pimple) and waist (fat). Cards? Tucked somewhere in between text books. Teddy Bears? Will last until the next one arrives.

Many shops owners, business people, salesperson and restaurants use Valentine's Day as a tool of opportunity to take advantage by hiking price up.

Any gift considered to be a worthy of 'valentino' is doubled.

The true meaning of this day comes from the heart. It does not come from being praise by friends or your admirers' friends for being brave and courageous.

It comes with sincerity and honesty and not from showing off which gifts you can buy best. It comes with respect and love and not action and words.

How do it know this? Because i have an understanding girlfriend who knows the meaning of Valentine's Day and does not expect the most expensive nor cutest gifts from me. She has my heart and so do i. Everyday is our Valentine.

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Happy Valentine's Day.

God of Wonders

2008-02-13T18:18:00.003+13:00

God is important to my life. He isn't something nor is He someone. He is God. God provides strength in my life in times of suffering and when i feel lower than low to stand up and be counted. God provides love & care when i'm alone.

God will make a way,
When there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me.

He will be my guide,
Hold me closely to His side,
With love and strength for each new day,
He will make a way.

My purpose in life here is not for my own.
I wasn't born to make my own ends meet.
I wasn't born to live life to the max on my own.
I wasn't born to enjoy the richess and comfort life can bring.
I wasn't born to make myself happy.
I wasn't born to live by myself.

Instead,
I was born to live for God.
I was born to make others' end's meet.
I was born to change lives of others' who couldn't change their own.
I was born to be a soldier of Christ and to spread His love by loving others.
I was born to to bring peace.
I was born to whisper God's name to others.
I was born to help those who need help.

Most importantly,
I was born out of love of Christ.
I'm alive here and now for a reason. That reason was not because of human nature or by chance. If so, my parent's son could have been anyone. But no, it was me, i'm here and i will live my life not for myself, but for God.

In Christ alone, my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song,
This cornerstone, this solidground,
Frim through the fierciest drought & storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are still, when striving cease,
My comforter, my all in all,
Here in the love of Christ i stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe,
This gift of love & righteousness,
Scorned by the ones he came to save,
Til on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied,
For every sin on Him was laid,
Here in the death of Christ i live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain,
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the Grave He rose again,
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For i am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me,
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny,
No power of hell no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand,
Til He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ i'll stand

After high school

2008-02-13T11:56:00.003+13:00

Before i reached the steps of university life, i already had an impression or fantasy of my own of how it was going to turn out. Face it, everyone has their own perception of what university life will treat you.

University Concourse with library, dining hall and shops around it. Heart of the university.

There's the burning-midnight-oil-all-year impression, there's also the party-at-weekends-study-at-weekdays impression and there's also the damn-it's-difficult-im-gonna-die-when-is-it-over impression.

University lake. Next to the Vet Tower and Library

Truth is, you'll never know untill you've started. Between all 3 of those, i can honestly say the 3rd one was very much the only impression i ever had in institutes of higher learning.

Registry building at the end of the Concourse. Next to it it the SST (Social Science Tower)

Waking up at 7, breakfast by 8, at uni by 9, class till 5, back home for dinner at 6, study till 10 and off to bed before 12. I expected life in uni to be like this. One way and only that way. the best part would be you graduate and work. Well, it soooo the other way around. I want to study more instead of work.

Humanities Building. The oldest building on campus

In contrast to my programme, its so much different to my expectations. In brief i'll introduce my course. I'm taking the b\Bachelor of Aviation Management at Massey University, things to do with airlines and airport. Basically, the air transportation industry.

Main bus-stop on Turitea. Science towers A, B, C & D dominate around it.

What i study includes the ins and outs of the industry, how it evolves around the world, how the manage and maintain and also how to deal with people. Subjects i take include Aviation Human Factors, Aviation & Airline Strategic Management, Airport & Airline Planning, Aviation Studies, Aviation Psychology, Managing Aviation Systems, Managing Cultures in Aviation, Legal Issues, Airport Operational Management and Air Safety Investigation.

University Concourse with Library in the picture

These subjects basically tune us students to the environment and atmosphere in the aviation corporate culture.

University "residents" of unknown generations.

Aviation is a growing industry with yearly increasing growth percentages in passenger figures, passenger movements, freight movements and business/tourism travel. It's the only industry where at the moment is guaranteed positive growth. Not so much airline's position. Aviation contributes to globalisation making ends of the Earth reached within 24 hours.

University Concourse, outside the library. Only Spring & Summer produces such great sceneries

In China alone, there are 30,000 planes still awaiting for pilots to pilot it. In India, planes sit in hangars because of the shortages of pilots.

University residence at Hokowhitu Campus, 15 minutes from Turitea, the main campus. Their "local residents"

The industry is growing rapidly until we're scrambling to get people to fly them. In aviation schools around the world, scouts usually from their respective country's flag carrier eye these students even before they complete their training or degree in their flying school.

The "residents" residence.

My classmate who was a second year student, taking one class together has left the university because..................................Singapore Airlines has snapped him up as a pilot trainee after just 1.5 years out of 3 years of study. He took it and his future is secured. That's how bad airlines want pilots. As for engineers, managers, technicians, the opportunities are equally bright.

Singapore Airlines B777 at Manchester airport. Picture courtesy of Airliners.net

What made me took what i took was my liking towards airports. Believe me when i say i can stand there all day and just walk aimlessly looking at people embark/disembark and planes land and take-off.

Changi International Airport. Pictures courtesy from Airliners.net

Back to where i was mentioning about study life. Well, work hasn't been what i had expected. i have 2 semesters per year. 4 papers each which accounts to 8 annually. Within one paper, i'm only required to take 2-4 hours weekly, depending on which paper. Some, once in a fortnight. It all accumulates to around 8-10 hours per week with the following week less because of the fortnight rule. 8-10 is like high school + tuition PER DAY!!!!! And i finish it in a week.

I've gone through 2 semesters so far and both these semesters, i ONLY have 3 days of study while the other 4 are so called "weekends". To tell you the truth, friends kill for my timetable. It comes at a price too.

Science Towers B and C

Though i do not have tutorials, homeworks and projects, i do have around 8 essays and 3 presentations per semester to finish on. That's like 11-12 assignments and one semester equivalent to 13 weeks. So, that's about one assignment per week. I also have many many many many..................readings to do.

It's all about reading. In management, there's nothing much we can do but read and understand. Overall, its a good study and it guarantees you a job after graduation. The only thing is, interest and hardwork has to come with it.

Damai Beach

2008-02-12T03:33:00.003+13:00

Sarawak boast itself with many natural wonders in its own backyard, many untouched, undeveloped and still practically a virgin. It makes her wonders very different from the Phuket, Bondi Beach, Sao Paolo & Miami which are all exploited. Sarawak goes by the name Land of the Hornbills, nest to one of the bird species, the Hornbill.

Beaches in Sarawak are vast becoming tourists destination with concrete jungles taking over to dominate the seafront. Though i think its good to mobilise the advantage we have to generate revenue for the state and country, it is also a lost to locals who recognise the beach and sea as passing their time. One of those places which have been around for years now is Damai Beach Resort, some 30km from the heart of Kuching.

The beach stretches to around 3-4 km and hotel rooms account to around 400, which does not even equal the gigantic figure West Malaysia has reaching the thousands. The idea is to keep it small, so that we can protect the environment that we "borrow", at the same time, enjoy it as a holiday destination.

Damai Beach Resort is operated by Holiday Inn Group and if i'm not mistaken the manager of that resort is a German. Damai Beach Resort has facilities to cater for golfers at the Golf Club, kids at the Kiddies Club, multiple pools, a gym and a jet-skiing shop.

My family and i use to visit Damai once every 2 years, sometimes 3, depending and its certainly like a summer home for most Kuchingnites because many people have opt to come back again. It's the closest beach, what can you expect. It's either a 1 hour drive here, or 3 hours to Borneo Highlands, which in contrast is a resort as it is located at the Borneo range which divides East Malaysia to Kalimantan, Indonesia asa natural border.

Damai Resort may not be as popular and highly developed with many tourists flocking to it, it is still doing a very good business in attracting people. Occupancy rate during holiday season amounts nearly 90% and booking can be a hassle.

I guess the objective of Damai is not quantity, but quality. It may not be able to hold thousands but it certainly does serve the hundreds thatare willing to come back. I read this news in the papers a few years back and it featured an interview about an Australia couple in their 50's who comes back to Damai every year because they love the quietness and scarcity of the place. They, and most of us frequent visitors there are able to enjoy the tranquility of the sound of waves, the chirping of the birds and the whistling of the wind.

It's certainly a popular place for locals to hold wedding functions, year end office trips, birthday celebrations and random occasions. Damai Resort is certainly a destination not to be miss when visiting Kuching, Sarawak, the Cat City and also the cleanest and healthiest city in Malaysia.

If you can't make up your mind where to go on your next holiday, come to Kuching. It's a whole new environment and place. Feel the difference its people bring. It's nothing like the peninsular. The food, the culture, the society and the surroundings.

Does God exist?

2008-02-10T17:25:00.001+13:00

A man went in a barber shop to have his hair cut and beard trimmed. As the barber worked, they began to have conversations of various kinds of agenda until when they touched on the subject of God, the barber said,

"I don't think God exist"
"Why do you say that?"

The customer asked.

"You gotta be out there in the world to see that God doesn't exist. If He did, why are there
people suffering. Why are there so many sick children. If God existed, there would be no
pain andsuffering. I can't imagine a God who would allow all these to happen."

The man thought for a moment but decided not to respond. He let the barber finished his work, paid and left. Just as he walked out the door, he saw a man across the street with a long and dirty hair and untrimmed beard. He turned back and entered the barber shop again and said,

"You know what? Barbers don't exist too"

"Excuse me? I'm a barber. How is it that i don't exist. I just worked on you a couple of minutes ago", said the barber.

"No! They don't exist because if they do, there would be no people with long and dirty hair with untrimmed beard, like that man over there!", replied the man.

"Ah, but they do. That's what happens when people don't come to me", replied the barber.

"Exactly, that's the point. God too does EXIST and that's what happens if people do not go to God and look to Him for help. They don't see Him when He's always right in front of us calling for us to come back to Him. That's why there is so much pain and suffering in this world"

Does God exist? Course He does. We just have to open our eyes.

Holy Moly

2008-02-10T12:48:00.001+13:00

It felt like i never left Kuching for New Zealand before. I've been in Kuching since November 23rd, nearly 3 months and it feels like a long time....long enough to believe i never studied in New Zealand. What a weird feeling........ but soon, 9 more days, i'll be jumping on that plane again and head of to the corner of the world. I'll be starting me 2nd year in Massey University in Palmerston North and i heard news from friends that there're adding 10 JPA students. That's like a 100% percent rise from last year. How many percent rise is it if its from 0 students to 5 then? Anyway, hoping to see all my friends again. They do leave a gap in my heart and it needs some filling up to do soon. Wonder if Palmy added a skyscraper?

Posers

2008-02-10T02:34:00.001+13:00

One thing that all us cousins have in common is that we can do stuff together...when we're together. One of those are becoming posers!!!!! Kakakakkaa......Here are a few poser wannabe photos. My siblings, cousins and i star and co-star.......

Kelvin and i doing doing the Harry & Lloyd

It seems only "Victoria Beckham" doesn't know what's happening

2 guys and a girl, obviously all unhappy with each other

What's "Victoria Beckham" doing??

The king of all dumb-ers. 2nd from right, trying to swallow his fist

From left: Katherine Heigl, Matt le Blanc (Joey), Edison Chen, Victoria Beckham.
All on strike.

The pack from Kuching, minus Gregory & Sylvia

We're such posers it makes this kid look tulan

Sparks up the blog doesn't it? Hahaha. Proper pictures coming soon.

Journey to Christ

2008-02-08T04:20:00.001+13:00

Accepting Christ was a difficult thing in my life. Knowing Him was a task which came with sacrifices and dedication. Christ died for us to that we may lived. In return, we should live like He did. God sent His only Son, Jesus to save us from our sins we bear from our parents, Adam and Eve, so that we may enter heaven and be guaranteed of salvation.

Journey towards Christ was met with hills and mountains in my life. A friend asked me this, "When did you accepted Jesus into your life?" and i answered, since i was born because by having parents as Catholics, i thought i inherited the status as well. He then explained to me and said, "Being a Christian is not a heritage nor it is a custom which is passed down because every individual needs to open their own hearts and say i do by themselves in order to accept Christ". That's when i understood the meaning of being a Christian. It wasn't something i inherited from my parents as it wasn't theirs. Christ owns us and we belong to Him whether or not we denounce Him, ignore Him or reject Him. God is our creator nonetheless and we should say yes to Him.F or that, i object the idea aliens put us here on Earth. By saying i do when we learn to accept Jesus is when we become a follower of Christ.

Why is Christ important to me? He is because He loves me. He said it Himself all over the Bible and the best i can give is love Him back. He gave up His life for me so that i may enter Heaven. Heaven's gates was closed before that when God banished Adam and Eve. Jesus's purpose was to re-open it by saving our sins. Of love and humbleness, He let Himself to be crucified. Being a follower of Christ, I am promised eternal life and salvation, being saved after death. I have God to hold my hand when my time comes, to live in paradise after death and its the best thing one could hope for. I need not worry at all because i will have Jesus with me when i die. It gives me relief to know someone is waiting at the other end for me.

In contrast to some other religious ideas that we are reborn into animals, reborn into the circle of life all over again or roam the earth as lost souls are somewhat depressing and scary. Wouldn't you want to be thinking of a chance of paradise after death? Or suffering all over again in this world?

We only have one life and it is this life, to do good in every way we can to help others so that we may enter God's paradise for eternity. I believe in that and i'll take my chances. I pray i can know Jesus more each day. God is real because we are real.

Crazy scamers, dumb victims

2008-02-07T23:51:00.001+13:00

New issues arises everyday, sometimes amusing sometimes bemusing, some....relatively stupid until you don't mind knocking your head on the wall. One of those are scammers preying on the small naive community within our society. These people go all out and try so hard to make you believe 1 + 1 = 3.

Most are mandarin speaking people who have so much time to convince people to "deposit" money than using their charisma to earn themselves an honest living. I can't help reading in the papers everyday, our society being scammed up to a 6-figure value. 6 ok!!! Imagine saving up that much and losing it in seconds. Kinda looks like a 4 year old kid tricking his/her parents to buy a real airplane.

I once got one of these calls. Apparently if you can't respond back in mandarin, they don't see you as "potential customers". Damn rascist.

To those "victims" who easily got tricked, give yourself a knock, maybe 2 on the head darn it. It's so ancient china to think heaven pours gold unto you out of the blue these days. We live in a world where honesty is only uphold by those who truly believe in loving their neighbours while others just go by taking as much as they can.

What happen to hardwork and persistence if you can so easily "win" lotteries? This is what i dislike about reality shows as well. Any Tom, Dick & Harry can be a millionare these days. Wanna be a millionare? Go to Indonesia, their currency are in the hundred thousands anyway.
Reality shows are nevertheless fun to watch and hilarious, only the fact it benefits the winner and the winners are practically in no need of the cash.

Why not have a reality show where the most cash earned at the end of the day, goes to charity? Or to the poor who have nothing to feast on? Or African children who need medication? Like i mentioned, what happen to hardwork if our lives could be changed with one appearance in reality shows?

7.10pm

Blast OFF!

2008-02-07T05:44:00.002+13:00

This event was written based on a real story on the 7th of February, 0000 hrs to 0008 hrs.

BOOM! BOOM! BANG! BANG! PRAK! PRAK! PRAK!

Witnesses report:

" Happy Chinese New Year!"

" Gong Xi Fa Chai"

" So loud!!! weeeeee"

Happy Chinese New Year everybody, the year of the rat is here.
May they infest your house and bring you happiness, prosperity and joy. Muahahah

12.47am