The time has come...

Hmmm... Let's see... Doing 2-3 assignments at the same time, preparing for Church History mid-term exam, presentations to prepare for, preparing for worship this Sunday, have 3 meetings today(therefore, need to rush back to PJ after this too), less time to blog....
Yup - the dreaded part of semester has arrived... Time to work... :p

Gripe...

I've had an excellent weekend... Just came back from Sitiawan road trip over the weekend and Gentings on Friday. Have some food for thought and had a wonderful time with some of my girl friends... (will hopefully blog about it soon)..
However, as soon as I stepped onto my doorstep. I had a call from one of my bosses with more work to do - I hinted to him that I've just arrived home to no avail... Some people just don't understand the sanctity of the Sabbath... Had to do some conflict resolution which is soooo not working out *sigh*... Cannot understand why people are so thick headed! It's obviously back to the 'real world' again.

Pleasant surprise

My aussie big bro has been reading my blog the last couple of days (yes, it does warrant a blog post cos am so happy to hear from my bro!). Thanks bro for the 'Down At The Cross' song! Have been looking for it for absolutely ages...... A bit sad that won't be able to meet up with you this weekend.. There's no way that I can be at JB. :(

Completely

Just had a wonderful day of keeping the Sabbath today. Just feel like I am so totally rested after a long time of unrest - soul catching up with body. It felt a bit alien at first - being intentionally in not having plans for the day and to just rest, read the bible, pray and relax. My mind kept on going to all the things that I could be doing instead - doing some readings for assignments, doing church work and stuff. However, after a while just got used to it and it was just really really good- just to enjoy the moment and not allowing myself to feel guilty in resting as much as I need to. Even watched an inspirational show 'facing the giants' - about trusting the Lord, facing your fears and remember that with God nothing is impossible.

I really loved the song below from the show. Just really spoke to me as I learn to put aside time to rest in Him.



Completely
The secret of life is letting go
The secret of love is letting it show
In all that I do, in all that I say
Right here in this moment

The power of prayer is in the humble cry
The power of change is in giving my life
And laying it down - down at Your feet
Right here in this moment

CHORUS
Take my heart, take my soul
I surrender everything to Your control
And let all that is within me lift up to You and say,
"I am Yours and Yours alone
Completely"

This journey of life is a search for truth
This journey of faith is following You
Every step of the way through the joy and the pain
Right here in this moment

CHORUS

CUG camp recap and reflection

Came back from a great time with the young people in my church earlier today. I even kidded with Ps Choon Meow while building a sandcastle with my group on Saturday morning that we should do this kind of thing more often - good break from the office. ;) [Pic - uncle CM was building a turtle while SY's our mascot mermaid. Our team won - we did an 'under the sea' theme. Kenneth and both Kevins built a really cool shark in the sand too].

It started out quite eventfully. Leon was supposed to come pick me up from STM and then I was supposed to take him out for dinner around in Seremban. However, as he approached the Senawang toll, something went wrong with his car (his timing belt broke) - despite him sending it for service just the day before. So we were around until 9-ish and poor uncle CM had to come get us. G and Josh and Beena had to send me to senawang to meet them (thanks guys!). Talk about more unwanted happenings -it was a rather crappy day for me already. Jason later on shared with me that he had quite a horrible day too- the poor guy was also rather sick when he got there and almost decided not to attend. I was glad that he did - I could get dinner with him and spend some time catching up while the rest played some games.

[Pic -Poon as Donatello in the sand]. In spite of how it began, it was an excellent camp. I had a great time bonding with the young people as well as Ps Choon Meow’s family. Jason, Leon and I were the only 3 young adults there- they dubbed us the overage youth *grimace*. I was glad to have the other two around - reminded me of the times we had when we all their age and the struggles that we've overcome since then. I was allocated to stay in the same apartment as them(Ps CM's family). I was reminded of my family in my younger days as I stayed with them. Sarah, the oldest reminded me of me when I was her age - how she has to be the big sister and watch over her siblings. Liz is so adorable - she's such and extrovert and tailing after everyone else. It was just so awesome to see her joining us in our praise and worship. We were singing 'Give us clean hands' and I was just touched to see her singing so earnestly especially the line 'let us not lift our souls to another'. Elijah was also so adorable - throughout the camp everyone wanted to hug him, carry him, play with him. *grin* He's definitely a younger version of uncle CM.

[Pic- Kenneth among the roses. He was just really really comfortable. ;)]
On the overall, I think that the group's definitely much closer after the camp. I was encouraged by the initiative and ownership taken by the young people. Through them, I see hope for the future of the church. Apart from the fun and games (there were heaps of those - dunno where they get the energy from. :p), we had some devotional time as well as praise and worship.

[Pic - Jin Wei wearing all our team tokens - my team was the one with the orange headband a.k.a Michaelangelo. The other teams were Rafael(red band), Leonardo(purple) and Donatello (blue plaits)]One of the young people also led a sharing - she challenged the rest of the group about how they viewed the church and their commitment to it. The song below summarized her challenge to the group. I think the song's pretty awesome. There was a time of prayer as well. Another committee member also challenged the group to reconcile with those that have hurt them - I saw one or two doing that (*sob* love these people so much - am so proud of them too!). One or two shared with me that they are beginning to see how they've always expected others to welcome them into the ministry and forget that they too make up the CUG and how they too need to make the effort to welcome others. Like I said, am just so proud of my young ppl.

PS: The food was really really good. It was definitely one of the best camp food that i've had - very home cooked style. One of the young ppl remarked that they found it remarkable that they didn't get thirsty after drinking the soup and it was not salty.

Dear God,
Thank You for the awesome time at camp and for what you're doing among our young people. I pray that you will watch over them and protect them from evil. They are so precious. Thank You for the blessing of being a part of their lives.

If We Are The Body

Casting Crowns - Live in Atlanta

3d Animation Version (Quite cool)


If We are the Body
By Casting Crowns

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying
Farther than they know
Farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

CHORUS

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ

CHORUS

Jesus is the way

Quote on Christian and Scripture

It is no exaggeration to say that without Scripture a Christian life is impossible. – John RW Stott. Understanding the Bible, 2001.

Sabbath prayer

Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hast sanctified us by Thy commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Sabbath lights.

May the Sabbath-light which illumines our dwelling cause peace and happiness to shine in our home. Bless us, O God, on this holy Sabbath, and cause Thy divine glory to shine upon us. Enlighten our darkness and guide us and all mankind, Thy children, towards truth and eternal light. Amen.

- opening prayer of the traditional home service for Sabbath eve

Interesting signage

My Beloved Principal

So cute huh? :)

CUG Camp - FBI

In spite of what's happening right now in my life, I am absolutely looking forward to this weekend. Tonight, one of my church mates will be picking me up and we'll be leaving for PD around 8-ish. What's happening this weekend is that my church's College Uni Group will be having a camp at PD. Their theme is FBI (Fellowship, Bonding and Integration) - not surprising for a 4 month old ministry. The committee has told us to bring a lot of clothes :p.. Their plans are sooooooo obviouslaa. I jokingly told Jason (my friend and Worship Leader partner in church) that while the 'kids' are having fun, the young adults can go for 'teh tarik' (Eep! Sounding like one of the old foggies now :P)...

I was especially moved when a few of them asked me if I would be attending and that they were looking forward to talk to me in camp. I honestly must say that I am looking forward to spending the time with them as well. To me, being with the CUG group does not mean 'work'. To me, they're like younger bros and sisters that I'm so proud of. It's such a blessing to walk alongside with them.

I ask for your prayers at this time. Please pray for wisdom as I interact with them. Pray for opportunities that I can truly have good time of bonding with them and be a blessing to them. Pray too for safety and protection.

Guess who's sneakers??

Just thought that this was cute... Cos it was definitely not worn by one of the students. *cheeky grin*

Ps: I've had several ppl come and ask me if it's Dr Lim. I assure you. This pair of sneakers and feet belong to someone else... ;)

Overcast Friendship

Author's note: Thanks to Lan Yin for your listening ear this evening and for making me feel that someone else understands. I write this as I reflect on my conversation with you.

The sky overhead was cloudy and the wind blew around her as she walked around aimlessly. Her arms were wrapped around her as if to ward off the chill. She loved days like these - preferring it to the sultry hot weather. However, as she walked, she did not notice (as she usually did) how the huffing wind was trying to stir up the dried leaves from the floor nor paid any heed to the people who passed her by. Instead, she stared blankly ahead, her mind deeply lost in thought.

As the wind toyed with her hair, she thought of how things had changed over the last couple of months. A ghost of a smile graced her lips as she silently thanked God for what had been gained. The smile soon faded as she thought of what had been lost. It was as if she could not help herself - before she knew it or could stop it, her mind conjured images of him... Pain slowly seeped into her being. She hugged herself even tighter. 'Why bother remembering? Perhaps it is better to let things be.' However, it was as if a dam had burst in her mind - images after images flashed through her mind...

An image vividly played in her mind - she saw that it was the time when she used to be him and another friend - how they would laugh and joke and conspire with one another. It didn't seem to matter too much if other people would give them censuring looks or talk about them. What seemed to matter most was that the three of them were together. Once, when he and the other friend had to leave for a couple of days, she remembered feeling disconsolate without them around.

Another image flashed through her mind - this time it was of how she would sit and talk with him about all sorts of things. They would mostly reflect about life and how things were affecting them or about what they were learning. She sighed... Those days seemed like old black and white photos - precious but slowly fading.

That image faded as others that were filled with good memories took its place. 'Yet', she thought as she stared the ground, 'What use are those memories? They seem like a dream - once here but now gone.' A part of her still loves him - as a friend - as she always had. She still wished the best for him in spite of everything. Another part of her just wanted to move on and give up on him. The part that has been hurt by broken promises and by the fact he no longer seems to care the way he used to. The part that feels that he was merely using her through their friendship. She was she was afraid that part of her was slowly turning bitter if she did not decide soon - to let go of him completely or to hash things out with him.

Many times, she had tried to write to him or speak to him about how she felt - only to let despair overtake her when she couldn't write or when he didn't seem to see how she needed to talk to him. Eventually she gave up the attempts. She already felt so stupid. Where she once believed in him and defended him to others - she felt let her down by the promises that he broke. Better that he did not make any promises in the first place. Then perhaps it would not matter so much. She had made so many excuses for him in her mind that she had reached a point that she could no longer do so. To her, some parts of him had changed to a person she no longer knew.

Maybe it was just better for her to let him go. She saw how other people had become a priority in his life. She did not resent that - just hurt that she could be so easily discarded. Wasn't friendship about giving and taking? Didn't friendship had to be reciprocated? She felt like a fool for still wanting his friendship especially every once in a while when he deigned to speak to her. It was during those times that she gets a glimpse of the way their friendship once was and wished that things would get better.

What should she do? Was she just being irrational? She just didn't think that she could face him to be hurt again. She had enough brokeness to deal with....

A drop of rain fell on her forehead, breaking her out of her reverie. 'How apt..' she thought as she looked at the sky and ran for shelter....

Wonderful evening... reflection on words and actions...

It's been a long day. I really had a great time this evening though. I just came back from my dinner with my spiritual sister, Sue Ann. Had some vegetarian stuff at the Curve(don't laugh) - am still on the opinion that I STILL LOVE MEAT. However, for the sake of my beloved friend who loves veggies and healthy food, I gave up my love for meat during dinner (good training for mission trip I guess *grin*).

Anyways, the whole point of the dinner was to spend time with her. It was just good to hang out with her once again (reminded me of the times where we used to hang out a lot together before I went to STM). I think that if I have any regrets in coming to STM, it's that I have less time and opportunities to hang out with her and be a support to her. Therefore, any time spent with her is usually very meaningful as we take the opportunity to catch up with another and encourage each other.

Through her, I get a glimpse of what's happening in the marketplace and in return I share about my life in STM.

This evening, as I was talking to her and sharing with her about what God has been doing in my life, I came to a realisation. Words can be so cheap sometimes. As I recollect events that have happened, I realised that I have been at times swayed by words that may seem to be so right at the time. I was so convicted by them that I overlooked certain actions of the person. I forgot that action speaks louder than words.

As I look at my life now, I see how God has really directed my paths as I choose to trust in Him. I remember the time when I had to look beyond my fears and make a difficult choice. Should I take the path of familiarity and security or the path of obscureness and uncertainty? A part of me was afraid to leave the part of familiarity and yet deep down inside I was unhappy and my thoughts were very jumbled. On the other hand, when I stared the path of uncertainty, I was afraid that of what was ahead. I was afraid of being alone and getting lost. As I look back, I'm glad that God gave me the strength and faith to choose the uncertain path. I would not be where I am today otherwise.

Though I was alone for a while, He has provided excellent companions along that path as I continued in my journey. In particular, where one once swayed me with words (words that made me doubt my worth at times), I see another whose life and actions have been a great encouragement, example and a rebuke to me. Though this person's words may not necessarily be super affirming or even honeyed, the person's attitude, struggle and perseverance has really spoken to me. My life has been made richer because of this person. I am so thankful and blessed by this unexpected person.

Thank You God for spiritual sisters such as Sue Ann, through whom you always speak into my life. Thank You for friends who you have used to mould me, shape me and encourage me to be more like You through their life. Through them, I get a glimpses of You. I am continually thankful for the blessing of each and everyone of them.

Help Needed At YWCA

Anyone interested to help out at YWCA on Saturdays at 4.30-6pm?
I just received this appeal for help from the couple who's been doing some ministry there as their co-worker has dropped out due to pressure at work.

The details:
A young lady wanted to help out girls from Sarawak, Sabah, OA and Indians from marginalised groups.
Time and date: Saturdays at 4.30-6pm.

Please leave a comment if interested. Otherwise, please help to pass around the news. Thanks!

Family

Sometimes, though I feel that my family may not understand certain things that I do or may not see things my way, I am reminded time and time again that they are still my God-given family...

Mum used to say(and it used to exasperate me sometimes) that though we never chose our family members, God has his purpose in choosing them for us.. My family are definitely not made up of perfect people (I know I'm not - as my sis would point out to me much to my disgust from time to time) and there are times where we definitely drive each other nuts (on purpose or otherwise).. But as I interact with people around me, am beginning appreciate and see my mum's point more and more...

Thank you God for each of my family members...

Red Alert - hectic weekend ahead...

Looks like the weekend ahead will be one of the more hectic ones.. *groan* Wish I could split into several people...

Starting from this evening, I have one interview to conduct, application forms to fax out, Sunday worship stuff to prepare, have a quick dinner and then go for CUG meeting (which will be quite cool - tonite we'll be doing a session on abortion. We have a medical doctor, a psychologist and a pastor to cover the different aspects of the topic). When I get back, am going to have some 'family time' - have not seen much of my family in the past two weeks as they've been away. *sigh* They're going away again this weekend but am staying back tonite so they can catch up with me. At least my sis is back from Australia.. Missed her...

Tomorrow morning I'll have a meeting with pastor, an interview with a deacon, worship practice in the afternoon and an evening appointment with a friend. Am going to be so exhausted by the time I go home....

On Sunday I'll have church in the morning, an interview with an elder. This is followed by an important lunch appointment with a friend (have been waiting for more than a month to meet up). After that, if i have any energy left, will explore the possibility of going to PC fair with my bro.. Am thinking that I need to get a bigger memory card for my phone as well as my camera. Will also need to help some of my friends get some stuff...

Am so looking forward to Monday - we're having a staff trip to Pulau Ketam. Can't wait for that. Will be a nice touch to the end of my hectic weekend...

Will covet your prayers for strength through the weekend... I foresee one or two points where it'll get really draining...

My Readings...

In STM, we have required readings for almost all the classes. Occasionally, when I want a break from the 'intellectual stuff', I read some fictional stories... I generally love fiction not only because it's quite easy to follow, but it gives an insight to stories and situation from a different perspective and I learn a lot from them (hmmm - almost time to write another story on my blog soon)....

So far, since the beginning of this sem, I've finished reading the following:

1. 'As sure as the Dawn' by Francine Rivers-
This is the third book of Francine Rivers famous trilogy. The first two talked primarily of a Jewish girl, Hadassah who was taken out of her home to become a slave during the ancient Roman times. This particular book talks about the struggle of a retired gladiator from Germany in the Ancient Days of Rome. It tells the story about the journey of that gladiator in not only finding his place in society of that time - but his yearning to go back to his home country. In the end, though he finds his way home, but finds he doesn't fit there any more. Also, because of the living testimony of the people around him who journeyed with him to his home, he eventually accepts the Christian faith.

Personally, though some parts may seem surreal, I was moved by certain bits - like how Christians were struggling and working out their faith. It also gave me a glimpse of how being a Christian in those times must have been really difficult for them. Some of the chapters really moved me to bits - like the part where the Roman soldier died - yet he forgave his murderer and prayed that his murderer would find God....

2. 'A Man Called Dave' by Dave Pelzer
Inherited this book from Sarah. Quite an interesting book - talks about a man who grew up an abusive home... His mother never treated him as a human being but as an 'it'. She even stabbed him and did all sorts of horrible things to him. This book talks about his journey in overcoming his abusive childhood as well as how it affects his life and worldview. Some bits were quite inspiring.. As I said, it makes an interesting read...

3. 'Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire' by J.K. Rowling

Just finished reading this book yesterday afternoon (instead of sleeping).. Not going to say more about this since most have read this book...

Where Is Malaysia Heading?

Received this info in an email from a friend... Sent it out to some friends and am glad that I had some response saying that they were interested to attend to see what the talk is about....

Forum : 'Where is Malaysia heading?'
Date : 12 August 2007(Sunday)
Time : 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Venue : B2 Hall of Sin Chew Daily Building (19, Jalan Semangat, Petaling Jaya.)
Speakers : Dr. Farish A. Noor (Political scientist) AND Mr. Malik Imtiaz Sarwar (Lawyer)
Moderator: Bob Teoh (journalist)

If you have any query, please contact 03-79658593.


*************************************
THE SPEAKERS:
(1) Dr. Farish A. Noor - Dr. Farish A. Noor is a Malaysian political scientist, historian and human rights activist who has been researching the phenomenon of political Islam and transnational religio-political networks across the Indian Ocean . He used to write columns in the New Straits Times, Sin Chew Daily and Internet daily Malaysiakini. He is a researcher at the Zentrum Moderner Orient, Berlin, and one of the founders of the http://www.othermalaysia.org/ research site.

(2) Mr. Malik Imtiaz Sarwar - Mr Malik Imtiaz Sarwar is a prominent lawyer with primary practice experience in the areas of civil and commercial, constitutional and public interest litigation. His ideas on human rights were honed during his studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia and his masters studies in international human rights at Oxford University in Britain . He is the Deputy President of Human Rights Society of Malaysia (HAKAM) .

THE MODERATOR: Mr. Bob Teoh - Mr. Bob Teoh has extensive experience in journalism. He is the Chief Editor of the English portal, Sin Chew -i.com.

Miracle Does Happen Sometimes...

This is living proof of Daniel coming on time to class for Malaysian Church History - had to call him the previous week 15 mins after class started at lecturer's request... Keep it up Daniel!