Quote

"I'd rather struggle as a single than be unhappily married." - a friend

Got Tagged: List of 5s

I have been tagged by Kar Yong to do this list of 5's thingy. Thought I better do this before I end up not doing it at all(just like the time when I kena tagged by Pearlie :p )..

For those that i've tagged and are going to be doing too. The rules are:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves
3. At the end of the post the player than tags 5 people and posts their names, than goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they done got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog.

What was I doing 10 years ago (March 1998)?
- I was studying SAM(South Australian Matriculation) in Taylor's college (wow - issit 10 years already! feels like it was just yesterday).
- Deciding what I'd be studying the following year in Uni and in which Uni...
- Praying hard that I'd have the opportunity to study in Australia the following year .
- Hanging out with my close college friends(we were a multicultural group - chinese, indian and malay) and doing crazy stuff together(man.. those were the days).
- 3rd year serving as a pianist in church.

5 things on my to-do list today
1. Do my Hebrew homework
2. Do my counselling assignment
3. Work on my theology assignment
4. Do some church work (prepare for several important meetings on Saturday and Sunday service stuff)
5. Prepare for presentation for Cross Cultural missions class

5 Snacks I enjoy
1. Ice Cream (my absolute favourite!!!)
2. Potato Chips (Lays, Ruffles and Kettle - what to do, the nice ones are expensive...)
3. Chocolate cookies (Tim Tams, Chocolate chips, etc...)
4. Curry Puffs
5. Keropoks (Prawn Crackers and Keropok Lekor)

5 Things I would do if I were a billionaire
1. Support missionaries serving among unreached people groups
2. Support Bible Schools in 3rd world countries
3. Support friends that I know who are serving God full time and struggling financially
4. Buy books and bible softwares
5. Travel around the world

5 of my bad habits
1. Procrastination
2. Snacking when I get stressed out
3. Read till late into the night when I'm interested in a story (despite knowing that I have to wake up early the next day and have lots of work)
4. Doing everything else other than what I should be doing (did I mention procrastinating!?!)
5. Get really engrossed in my favourite TV series (I'll be watching hours upon hours until I've finished the whole season) :p

5 places I have lived
1. Klang (when I was a toddler)
2. My current house in Petaling Jaya
3. Melbourne, Australia (while I was studying in Melbourne Uni)
4. Seremban (while studying in Seminary)
5. Cairo, Egypt

5 jobs I've had
1. Helper in my mum's catering company
2. Part-time waitress in a shop in Melbourne
3. Managing database and Customer Service in Specialty Dept for SOS KL
4. Worship Coordinator in PJEFC (been holding this position for almost 4 years now)
5. Depends on what else God has in mind in the future...

5 people I tag
1. Yoshua Chua - one of my fellow STM mates. Just trying to give you something 'extra' to blog about. ;)
2. Shern Ren - My friend and fellow musician currently studying in Australia.
3. Doulos - It's been a while since I've chatted with you online. Hope you are doing well in Wales.
4. Ewe Jin - My friend and colleague. Time to get up from your blog 'slumber'. Now you don't have excuse about not knowing what to blog about... hehehe...
5. Nicole and Lee - My sister and brother whom I'm quite fond of... Thought to encourage you in your blog postings. :)

In Sickness...

It's been an up and down week for me. To be frank, it's been more down than up as I spend the week hovering between very sick and sick-but-on-the-brink of recovery. I hate being sick.

One of the things I hate about sickness is that it isolates. I'm not able to go out or hang out with my friends - not only because I'm feeling weak, but also kind of difficult to hang out with people when you don't want to spread your germs to others.So all the while I'm in bed, I hear laughter about me and it can get pretty miserable not to be able to participate and share in the fun.

Another thing about sickness is that it impedes one from doing things that one is normally able to do. I find this rather frustrating- especially when I have lots and lots to do anyways - and would rather be up and about. A friend advised me to just rest and not worry about work. A bit hard to do.. but it did help when I finally decided to take his advice (had no choice by then) and am thankfully much better since then.

The last thing that I hate about being sick is how it affects the physical body and finally the emotions. The worst it gets, the worse I feel - trying to be cheerful is rather difficult in such a situation. Thankfully there's the occasional 'cheering up' through online chats - where it's the probably avenue that I can still connect with the world (When I'm lucid enough).

Bear with me. These rantings have a point. As I was lying in bed yesterday, in one of my most painful moments, I came to this realisation. Sin is like sickness. It isolates us (from God). It stumbles and makes one helpless. At the same time, there is a lack of joy.

As I thought about this, I'm thankful once again for the joy that I found in Christ. Because of Jesus, I am able to have a relationship with my Father in heaven. While I am weak, He is strong. I can have joy because of Christ. He has done all of this for me and more. Once again, I am thankful.

Holiness of God

Enjoyed theology class today. We are moving on to the attributes of God in class and today's highlight was on God's goodness and holiness. Quite a few things stood out and lots to think through(will blog about it in another post- if I still feel inclined to do so) - some of which I will prolly use in my sharing with my musicians as I find it relevant.

One of the things that stood out for me about today's lesson is the excerpt written by Myk Habets about CS Lewis - Narnia Chronicles which I thought to post here:

C.S. Lewis speaks often about good not as a thing but a who. In his stories he trawls his thought world to come up with a suitable character to represent God- and that who is Aslan, the great Lion. Aslan is the Jesus Christ figure in the novels. He is God. He is "the Son of the Emperor over the Sea"-that's how he is described. In a famous scene in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe Mr and Mrs Beaver are describing Aslan. When Susan finds out that Aslan is a lion she asks: "Is he - quite safe?" Susan says. And Mr. Beaver says, "Safe... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good."

Lewis understood the wild side of God. The holiness of God. Susan wanted safety. She wants Aslan to conform to what she wanted him ot be like. But God cannot conform to our limited notion of him. He is good, and he certainly is not safe - for he is holy! He is God.

The issue of the shoes

Just came back from Cross Cultural Missions class. We had a lively discussion in class today. As always, I enjoyed the class -especially whenever our lecturer gives us scenarios and challenges our thinking. I like the fact that he is not afraid to take us 'out of the box' especially when it comes to examining issues relating to the poor and the local church.

Today was no different as he gave us the following scenarios to ponder...

Scenario 1:
You have two pair of shoes and you know someone else who have none. What would you do?
Some of the class responded that they might give a pair away. Others responded by saying that they would take them out to buy new shoes.

Scenario 2:
What if the shoes that you owned were Nike shoes? Would you be willing to give that away? Or would you keep it and take the guy and buy him some cheap shoes...

Scenario 3:
What if you decide not to give the person anything? Would that be a sin in accordance to the Scripture?

Scenario 4:
You have those 2 pair of shoes and you saw a pair of Reebok shoes that you want and your birthday is around the corner. You pray to God that you will get it for your birthday. Somehow the money comes and you are able to buy those pair of shoes. Do you think that God really answered your prayer?

Further questions:
If you
a) decide not to give your pair of shoes to those who are in need AND in accordance to the Bible, sin in not doing so
b) Then you pray for a new pair of shoes and somehow got it,
Would it mean that it was not God who answer your prayers in the first place?
Could it be possible that it was the devil who gave you the pair of shoes - in order for you to keep on being blinded and being self centered that you do not feel guilty in not giving to others???

What do you think?

Quote about pain

"Pain is inevitable. Misery is optional." - Rev Edmund Chan, Senior Ps of Covenant EFC.

Engkau Di Dalamku - GMB

Was just going through some of my BM(Bahasa Malaysia) songs to figure if there was any that I could use on Sundays. Quite liked this one.




Kaulah penulis hidupku
(You are the author of my life)
Kau membuat segalanya baru
(You make all things new)
Engkau di dalamku dan ku ada dalam-Mu
(You are in me and I am in You)
Tak ada yang take mungkin bagi-Mu
(There is nothing impossible for You)

Ku Dicipta untuk-Mu
(I was created for You)
Untuk membawa harum nama-Mu
(To glorify Your name)
Engkau di dalamku dan ku ada dalam-Mu
(You are in me and I am in You)
Kini kudatang mencari wajah-Mu
(I now come and seek Your face)

Mengasihi-Mu selalu dengan segenap hatiku
(To love You always with all my heart)
Mencintai seluruh perbuatan-Mu
(To love all that you do)
Mengabdikan hidupku sesuai rencana-Mu
(Enslave my life according to Your plans)
Ku mahu menyembah-Mu sampai akhir hayatku
(I want to worship You till the end of my life)

Kau memahami hatiku
(You understand my heart)
Hanya Kau yang mengertiku selalu
(It's only You who always understand me)
Engkau di dalamku dan ku ada dalam-Mu
(You are in me and I am in You)
Kini kudatang mencari wajah-Mu
(I now come and seek Your face)

Ramblings...

Another Sabbath has come and gone. Thought to do some work today and finish up an assignment - but ended up resting most of today as my body has been feeling rather achy, my throat scratchy and have been sneezing throughout the day. *sigh* This constant weather change from cold to hot and cold again is not helping. I already can't afford to fall sick anymore- have a long week ahead and much on the 'to do' list for this week - assignments to finish, leading worship, class presentation, sharing in a Cell Group and chairing a meeting with my musicians on top of the usual classes. I'm reminded about how much I need to continue to depend on God - especially as it seems that my plans have not been going the way I've intended in the last week.

One of my personal highlights is that the last couple of days has been good for me as I hear news from my family in Egypt. Still miss them a lot and am so excited about the stuff I hear that they are doing. My church friends in Egypt has also been sending news and it's great to be able to still keep in contact with them (despite the occasional language barrier). I was also reminded again about how they celebrate Easter at a different time from us - apparently they will be celebrating it during end of April. In so many ways, I wish I could be there with them but am still glad nevertheless that I can be a part of their journey. Their walk with God continually challenges mine and help me to go on in these days where He is continually shaping me.

Quote

“Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice. And we do not really love Christ unless we are prepared to face His task and to take up His Cross. . . .” - William Barclay

Reflections for Good Friday 2008

Earlier today, someone in church prayed about how we as Christians have sometimes become desensitised to what Christ has done for us on the cross and asked God to make it real again. Good Friday, Easter and Christmas have become merely another event.

As the prayer went on, it got me thinking - how do we end up making one of the most significant event for a Christian to another mere event? That some how, some way, we just have to contrive some emotion just because it's Good Friday, Easter and Christmas. I shudder to think then what we subconciously think on other days - what Jesus has done for us and the love of God then mean on 'normal' days... Lately, when I talk with some of my young people during Bible study discussions, I find it rather worrying when they tell me honestly that the fact that Jesus died sometimes no longer holds any meaning for them.

I wonder if our lifestyles have a great part to do with it. I wonder if we have let the busyness and demands of life to crowd out our souls. We push God aside instead of allowing Him to govern our lives. Other things seem to matter more - how comfortable we can get, how much money we can get, etc..... We forget to practice dying to ourselves. I wonder then if we no longer become sensitive to the sacrifice of Christ because we ourselves no longer sacrifice. We do things for others of give out of our own convenience.

For me personally, I admit that it's so easy to put my own needs and wants first - instead of helping those who are in need around me. I was joking with my friend the other day that sometimes "when it rains, it floods". Somehow, people seem to need help when I'm already drowning with heaps of stuff. It's so easy to push those who are in need aside. I forget that I live no longer for myself but for Christ.

STM had the stations of the cross this year to encourage us to reflect on the footsteps of Christ to the cross. Regretfully, I was not able to participate as I was sick in bed. Nevertheless, I was able to think and pray (when I was awake) through the work of Christ and listen to some of the songs that I posted up earlier to prepare my heart for this weekend ahead. A friend of mine who shared some insights about Peter denying Christ also got me thinking.

Christ has died for me. I cannot follow Him merely by words. By doing so, His dying becomes merely another event, another ritual. To what extent am I willing to sacrifice for Him- will I be willing to give up my life? Or will I be like Peter, professing Christ's deity but when the time comes, will I deny my Lord? I, who have seen His grace and mercy in my life over and over again - will I still choose to put my life over His in both the small things and the big things of life?

I can only honestly say- I have so much more to learn, so much more that is lacking, so much farther to go. Yet, by the grace of God, I am what I am. As I remember His grace - if only momentarily, for I seem to forget so easily - the wonder of the life and death and resurrection of Christ washes over me and I can only but worship Him...

New Again

A song that we're(young adults) presenting for Good Friday...



Mother - do not cry for me
All of this is exactly how it's supposed to be
I'm right here, can you hear my voice
My life, my love, my Lord... my baby boy

Chorus:
As they nail me to this tree
Just know the Father waits for me
God how can this be your will
To have your son and my son killed
Whatever happens...whatever you see
Whatever your eyes tell you has become of me
This is not...it's not the end
I am making all things new again

I remember when you were born
In that manger where I first held you in my arms
So many miracles and lives you've changed
And this world repays you how, with all this pain

To go or not to go...

Am thinking of going for a holiday after this semester is over for a couple of days... Hmm... To go or not to go.. that is the question...

Quote about Truth

"Truth does not change lives. Truth applied does." - Rev Edmund Chan, Covenant EFC

The Weekend

This weekend is almost over and it has left me with lots of food for thought and challenges personally. Several highlights:-

1. EFCM Conference- all the EFC churches in Malaysia gathered together at my church this weekend for a conference. The speaker Rev Edmund Chan was an awesome speaker. I liked the fact that he not only is he an excellent communicator, he was also theologically quite solid. Even better, he spoke with authority as he evidently internalised what he challenged the congregation with - reading the Word and praying. I was deeply encouraged by some of the things that he shared and by his life. I will try to post up some of it in the coming days (after my assignment on 'inerrancy' is completed).

2. Have been praying for a friend that the Lord seems to have placed a special burden in my heart for. There have been times when I've felt helpless and have wanted to help this friend more. Though I've not gotten any solid answers, I'm glad to see that God is answering prayers in small ways over this weekend. It's been an encouragement to me to keep on praying and keep on depending on God.

3. Managed to finally meet up with a friend that I've been playing 'cat and mouse' game for the last 3 months. Realised how much I missed hanging out with her. It was good to just catch up and encourage one another. I really loved the time where I just played on her piano and the two of just sang songs of worship together - it was lovely. Being with her always challenges me to work out my calling as I am continually molded and shaped while in seminary. God has called her to be in business while He has called me into full time ministry. I've been reminded again and again that I need to keep on letting God to work on my life- no matter how painful or difficult - so that I may be able to minister to hers. This working of God is not merely for me. It's so that He may be glorified through me too...

Just As I Am

Was watching this a couple of days ago... Thought that it'd was appropriate as we move into 'Holy Week'.

Quote

"I'm exercising so I can eat more." - a colleague

Some people just want weird things....

"I want her to hate me so much that she will leave me alone" - a friend of mine..

Happy Birthday...

Today's the birthday of someone I've had a love-hate relationship for a long time. Nevertheless, this person has had quite an impact on my life. Though our relationship has not been easy over the years - and it still has it ups and downs - this person has taught me a lot. This person has taught me that forgiveness is a process. This person has taught me to love those that are difficult is a choice. Through this person's life, I've learnt that God has truly created us all different and that difference is not necessarily bad though it can cause a lot of misunderstandings at times. Through this person, I've also learnt to depend a lot more on God when people fail.

Happy birthday.. Though it's been hard to say this sometimes, I thank God for your being a part of my life...

Just for laughs...

Just to provide a little relief for my fellow seminarians who are doing their assignments... *grin*

Taken from: Reverendfun.com

Liz and Chris are married!

In the excitement of the elections, I totally forgot to post this up earlier... :p My best uni mate Liz has gotten married this past Saturday(8th March - election day) in Melbourne, Australia! Am sad that I couldn't attend the wedding but am so happy for her and her husband(Chris) - both of whom I've known for a number of years now. I wish them all the best as they embark on their journey of life together as husband and wife. I will always remember the times we had together - studying together, playing together, laughing together, avoiding stalking from certain people, fighting, seeing Chris coming to Christ, etc.... I was especially glad that I could spend some time in January this year with Liz when she came over to Malaysia.

Thank You God for both of them. Thank You for Liz who's been such a blessing a me during our uni days. Thank You for friendship.