I wouldnt know how many I'll score yet because I havent played soccer in 2010 as of yet, but fitness is definitely on the list for sure. As for the rest, I know God will make it happen in His timing even though I am already revving my engine ready to go. If He was a traffic light, Orange would be lit up right now for various issues. But nevertheless, I place my total trust in Him that He will provide and fulfill all my needs: someday, somehow, someone.
To me, my glorious strong ending to 2009 does not have to be a huge hoo-ha. I am just content knowing that:
- He has been and will always be there by my side no matter where I am.
- My family and friends are safe thanks to His divine protection.
- He has used me to touch the lives of the people around me, no matter how big or small.
- In spite of the distance, my relationships with people have not deterioriated, but in fact are stronger today than they were yesterday.
- God is in control in the driver's seat and I have absolutely nothing to worry about.
2009 has been peppered with so much flavour and I thank God for every single thing that He has allowed to happen, good or bad because in every circumstance, we need to see it through His eyes and not ours, and see the hand of God moving in our lives. Certainly I have done absolutely nothing to deserve recognition in the eyes of God, but to be who I am today is really a product of His constant moulding and fine-tuning. My walk with God is far from over, and I still intend to see out this walk till the day I die.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve your people as a loyal servant to all, a hardworking employee to my bosses, an excellent student in campus, a faithful friend to the people around me, a commited member of n309, a willing leader in CHC, a brother to my sister and some friends, an obedient son to my parents, and finally, a child who submits totally to God. Am excited at what 2010 has to offer because this time next year, I will only have 1 more semester to go before graduating, and perhaps for certain issues, the light may turn green by then.
P.S. For all those who read this entry, please scold me if I tell you (in a non-joking manner) that I am not going back to Singapore in June/July. I dont want to kick myself in the butt and regret not coming back like last year.
In case you havent realised, K really really loves everyone of you very very very much.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Actually...
To tell you the truth, none of those items on the wishlist in the previous entry would matter..and the things that I'd really want to have right now cannot be bought with silver and gold. I'd really love to dedicate the remaining time I have to people whom I love and care about, which basically means all 800+ odd friends on my facebook friends list., minus duplicates and fan groups.
It's a really sucky feeling to see a friend suffer and yet put on a strong front in front of you, when its so obvious that the person is hurting from all the late night crying and depression. Sigh.
Maybe I'll just not do anything about getting attached for awhile, at least for this holiday. God, just put the right people in my life to tide me through. Meanwhile, teach me how to love like you do. I want to exercise the child-like faith again.
It's a really sucky feeling to see a friend suffer and yet put on a strong front in front of you, when its so obvious that the person is hurting from all the late night crying and depression. Sigh.
Maybe I'll just not do anything about getting attached for awhile, at least for this holiday. God, just put the right people in my life to tide me through. Meanwhile, teach me how to love like you do. I want to exercise the child-like faith again.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wishlist.
For those who are struggling to think what I want/need (not in order of importance):
1. Shoes (Formal/Smart Casual) Size 9.
2. Formal pants/Berms(Khaki/Shiny material/whatever you think looks nice.). Size 33-34 (I know. In a bid to 'reduce' my waistline so that people do not think I am fat.)
3. Formal Belt.
4. Polo Shirts/ Business/Smart Casual wear. Size L
5. Watch (leather strap with a not so big face. my wrist is rather small for a guy)
6. Wallet (hear the cows moo.) Coin pouches are a turn-off.
7. Smart Casual slippers. A good gauge would be the black one I always wear.
8. Laptop cover cos I realise its a hassle to go through customs having to take out my laptop.
9. GPS
p.s. dont mind shades cos the sun is really bad there. call me if you are seriously considering.
*basically a new wardrobe since most of my stuff are in Australia, and besides, they are the most affordable rather than extravagant requests like macbook pro for recording. duesenberg guitar. and plenty of 4-digit stuff which takes me about a year to save.*
But other stuff you can give me:
10. Cards, preferbly things that whenever I read I can attached a particular memory of us to it.
11. Videos. Jealous of dixon cos he go overseas for 1 year he gets a video. I go for 3 years I dont have. =(
12. Whatever that can help me keep in contact with you.
13. Sermons. BIBLE. (left my slimthin bible in church yesterday absentmindedly =( )
What NOT to give me:
1.Stuff that I will never find a use for. Trust me, an Engineer always thinks simple.
2. Food.
3. Car chargers for ipod.
4. PS3 games.
5. Accesories for mobile phone/ipod/whatever.
Im not really being thick skinnned, infact im not really expecting anything this Christmas. so yeah.
Above all you can give me money in the form of angpao. I'd gladly chuck it in the bank. =)
1. Shoes (Formal/Smart Casual) Size 9.
2. Formal pants/Berms(Khaki/Shiny material/whatever you think looks nice.). Size 33-34 (I know. In a bid to 'reduce' my waistline so that people do not think I am fat.)
3. Formal Belt.
4. Polo Shirts/ Business/Smart Casual wear. Size L
5. Watch (leather strap with a not so big face. my wrist is rather small for a guy)
6. Wallet (hear the cows moo.) Coin pouches are a turn-off.
7. Smart Casual slippers. A good gauge would be the black one I always wear.
8. Laptop cover cos I realise its a hassle to go through customs having to take out my laptop.
9. GPS
p.s. dont mind shades cos the sun is really bad there. call me if you are seriously considering.
*basically a new wardrobe since most of my stuff are in Australia, and besides, they are the most affordable rather than extravagant requests like macbook pro for recording. duesenberg guitar. and plenty of 4-digit stuff which takes me about a year to save.*
But other stuff you can give me:
10. Cards, preferbly things that whenever I read I can attached a particular memory of us to it.
11. Videos. Jealous of dixon cos he go overseas for 1 year he gets a video. I go for 3 years I dont have. =(
12. Whatever that can help me keep in contact with you.
13. Sermons. BIBLE. (left my slimthin bible in church yesterday absentmindedly =( )
What NOT to give me:
1.Stuff that I will never find a use for. Trust me, an Engineer always thinks simple.
2. Food.
3. Car chargers for ipod.
4. PS3 games.
5. Accesories for mobile phone/ipod/whatever.
Im not really being thick skinnned, infact im not really expecting anything this Christmas. so yeah.
Above all you can give me money in the form of angpao. I'd gladly chuck it in the bank. =)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Sometimes..
I can't help but wish I was back in Perth.
No stress, nothing to think about.. and literally no worries..
Am I really too obliging to do anything and everything?
Perhaps I am really losing my sense of self. and maybe sanity.
Kennethhhh where are youuuuu... come back!
No stress, nothing to think about.. and literally no worries..
Am I really too obliging to do anything and everything?
Perhaps I am really losing my sense of self. and maybe sanity.
Kennethhhh where are youuuuu... come back!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The only reason I'm blogging..
is because my computer in office has no MSN, dosent allow Facebook, gaming sites..etc. Which basically means, I disappear from the face of the internet world whilst I'm in office. Sad life I have. Suddenly I feel like I’m in China, where certain sites are blocked off the server. Anyhow I will be contactable via phone though.
Work has been somewhat interesting, doing up a report for carbon emissions and following the Copenhagen Climate Conference really closely like paparazzi to superstars. Nevertheless my eyes are opened wider as I scourge through sites after sites, articles after articles in search for information. I must say it is somewhat depressing to find out that the situation is pretty bleak. Pro-environment people must be saying ‘I told you so’ now.
Shan’t bore you with work-talk if not I’ll dive into typing paragraphs of self-opinions.
Life back in Singapore has been good. Not exceptional though, must be because of the uni exams for the rest that my schedule remains quite free. Nonetheless I am still having quite abit of after-hour fun, juggling working and meet-ups and wrestling with flesh to wake up for work. Happy that I can wake up automatically at 7am now and sleep at 12am the night before. SOON. I shall not have to wake up so early anymore.. Caribbean, here I come!
And so December is already here and it’s the time of the year where everyone reflects and celebrates another great or ‘great’ year. I think I shall refrain from publicizing my thoughts if not I’ll be writing a thesis on 2009. But in truth, so much has happened over the year that I have yet to allow all that to sink in. I’ll type it in an email though, and to account to my ‘weekly’ readers for depriving them from my emails for so long.
Meanwhile the goals for 2010 have yet to be set. I think certain issues have been and will be on my mind over the next couple of months, or rather whilst I’m still in Singapore, and some can only be achieved when I’m back in Perth. To be honest, I haven’t the faintest of idea what goals to set! But hitting 24 next year, it is easy to predict some goals already. Family, friends and members have been asking, I have been looking.. Well perhaps its time to stop looking.
Time’s up, I should stop slacking. Hahahaha.
Work has been somewhat interesting, doing up a report for carbon emissions and following the Copenhagen Climate Conference really closely like paparazzi to superstars. Nevertheless my eyes are opened wider as I scourge through sites after sites, articles after articles in search for information. I must say it is somewhat depressing to find out that the situation is pretty bleak. Pro-environment people must be saying ‘I told you so’ now.
Shan’t bore you with work-talk if not I’ll dive into typing paragraphs of self-opinions.
Life back in Singapore has been good. Not exceptional though, must be because of the uni exams for the rest that my schedule remains quite free. Nonetheless I am still having quite abit of after-hour fun, juggling working and meet-ups and wrestling with flesh to wake up for work. Happy that I can wake up automatically at 7am now and sleep at 12am the night before. SOON. I shall not have to wake up so early anymore.. Caribbean, here I come!
And so December is already here and it’s the time of the year where everyone reflects and celebrates another great or ‘great’ year. I think I shall refrain from publicizing my thoughts if not I’ll be writing a thesis on 2009. But in truth, so much has happened over the year that I have yet to allow all that to sink in. I’ll type it in an email though, and to account to my ‘weekly’ readers for depriving them from my emails for so long.
Meanwhile the goals for 2010 have yet to be set. I think certain issues have been and will be on my mind over the next couple of months, or rather whilst I’m still in Singapore, and some can only be achieved when I’m back in Perth. To be honest, I haven’t the faintest of idea what goals to set! But hitting 24 next year, it is easy to predict some goals already. Family, friends and members have been asking, I have been looking.. Well perhaps its time to stop looking.
Time’s up, I should stop slacking. Hahahaha.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Relieved..
1 down, 3 more.. no wait. technically 2 down because its at 9AM TOMORROW. But thank God for His goodness..you have no idea what the stress level was like this morning. But praise to His name amidst the good and bad. If I do well, I praise Him. If I dont do well, I still praise Him because He is always good and all things happen for a reason. Regardless of circumstance, I believe He can turn it around some way or another.
A dead person can be resurrected in His name.
A dead dream can be resurrected in His name.
Surely, a turn-around for 2nd upper class is in the making is in the making.
God, do whatever you want with me, I will still praise your name for ever and ever.
Love,
K
A dead person can be resurrected in His name.
A dead dream can be resurrected in His name.
Surely, a turn-around for 2nd upper class is in the making is in the making.
God, do whatever you want with me, I will still praise your name for ever and ever.
Love,
K
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Update..
Life has been not bad so far, if Myrna hadnt reminded me to update I would've forgotten about this blog.. HAHA. nah more like I'm too lazy. and no idea what to blog about. This Friday I'll be taking the word for cell and I'm very much excited about it! Having a chance to share the encounters with God in one of the world's most dynamic churches alive is indeed and honour. We're doing a Reinhard Bonke series called Full Flame, where in every CD there is a theme to be discussed. So happens that this week is about one of the important must-haves for a Christian.
That word on its own seems cheem, but yet it is so easy to receive. Some have it, some don't. Some spend all their lives getting more of it, on the contrary some get discouraged along the way and never get it. Some try to fake it, while some avoid it. What is that it that I'm talking about? "It" refers to the Annointing. True isnt it? What distinguishes having IT and not having IT?
One man received not only the annointing, but a DOUBLE portion of it. That man is Elisha. In the Bible, He is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19, where Elijah was told by God to be annointed as a prophet in his place (v16). But who was Elisha? To me, he was an ordinary man, annointed to do the extraordinary, and of course he had every quality and the capacity to do the work of God. What qualities did he have that led to the double portion? How did Elijah make sure that Elisha was 'the man' God was looking for?
1. He was a sower. (v19)
He ploughed the land and would later scatter seed and reap the harvest when the season was here. He didnt just sow A seed, but many to reap the bountiful harvest. Don't just sow a seed into one friend alone, if you expect a huge harvest then your sowing must be way beyond the few friends within close proximity!
2. He loved and honoured his father and mother. (v20)
3. He sacrificed willingly for the call of God. (v20)
4. He served the people around him. (v21)
5. He was faithfully persistent. (2 Kings 2:2-6)
6. He was hungry for IT. (2 Kings 2:9)
Once, twice, three times over, Elijah asked Elisha to stay behind and no longer follow him. But Elisha simply refused to back down from his mentor/leader. He wanted an impartation of the annointing so bad and even rebuked those that reminded him that the Lord would take Elijah awy from him! I imagine Elijah saying in his mind " GO AWAY LA! Going to heaven already still bother me! " Sense the frustration in his question in v9. But after Elisha's reply, his tone changed because he knew that he knew God was going to use this man to shine for Him.
7. He had unshakeable faith. (2 Kings 2:13-14)
Finally, he tore his clothes. God knows whether he was naked, but he believed that the double portion was upon him and split the river.
What then is the annointing to me? To me, the value of the annointing cannot be measured by silver and gold, but it costs a wholly devoted, willing, faithful, hungry, loving, humble servant of the Lord God. It's not only measured by the things we do (worship, prayer, fasting), but also with our attitudes to go along with it. Let's position ourselves right where God wants us to be to receive IT, and use IT, to turn the world upside down and set things the way God meant it to be.
That word on its own seems cheem, but yet it is so easy to receive. Some have it, some don't. Some spend all their lives getting more of it, on the contrary some get discouraged along the way and never get it. Some try to fake it, while some avoid it. What is that it that I'm talking about? "It" refers to the Annointing. True isnt it? What distinguishes having IT and not having IT?
One man received not only the annointing, but a DOUBLE portion of it. That man is Elisha. In the Bible, He is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19, where Elijah was told by God to be annointed as a prophet in his place (v16). But who was Elisha? To me, he was an ordinary man, annointed to do the extraordinary, and of course he had every quality and the capacity to do the work of God. What qualities did he have that led to the double portion? How did Elijah make sure that Elisha was 'the man' God was looking for?
1. He was a sower. (v19)
He ploughed the land and would later scatter seed and reap the harvest when the season was here. He didnt just sow A seed, but many to reap the bountiful harvest. Don't just sow a seed into one friend alone, if you expect a huge harvest then your sowing must be way beyond the few friends within close proximity!
2. He loved and honoured his father and mother. (v20)
3. He sacrificed willingly for the call of God. (v20)
4. He served the people around him. (v21)
5. He was faithfully persistent. (2 Kings 2:2-6)
6. He was hungry for IT. (2 Kings 2:9)
Once, twice, three times over, Elijah asked Elisha to stay behind and no longer follow him. But Elisha simply refused to back down from his mentor/leader. He wanted an impartation of the annointing so bad and even rebuked those that reminded him that the Lord would take Elijah awy from him! I imagine Elijah saying in his mind " GO AWAY LA! Going to heaven already still bother me! " Sense the frustration in his question in v9. But after Elisha's reply, his tone changed because he knew that he knew God was going to use this man to shine for Him.
7. He had unshakeable faith. (2 Kings 2:13-14)
Finally, he tore his clothes. God knows whether he was naked, but he believed that the double portion was upon him and split the river.
What then is the annointing to me? To me, the value of the annointing cannot be measured by silver and gold, but it costs a wholly devoted, willing, faithful, hungry, loving, humble servant of the Lord God. It's not only measured by the things we do (worship, prayer, fasting), but also with our attitudes to go along with it. Let's position ourselves right where God wants us to be to receive IT, and use IT, to turn the world upside down and set things the way God meant it to be.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
A heartfelt letter to G.
Dear G,
On this very special weekend, where emotions run high and throats get sore from all the celebration thousands of kilometres away.. I wish I could personally be there for a very special birthday of whom I hold close to my heart. I didnt need a professionally done video or a 10,000 seater stadium or all the pyrotechnics or the loud, booming music to remind myself of how this place became an integral part of my life. All I needed to know was how I came to know you for who you are. How you clothed me in your robes of righteousness when I was dirty as anything. How the doors of your house opened to me when all other doors were shut, even my own.
Eversince day one when I stepped into your house in Jurong West, the miracle building where thousands sowed in tears to build your house. Everyone united physically and spiritually to build a building for your purpose, and your glory to shine throughout the land. I distinctly recall time after time, sowing in tears, be it financially, physically,mentally, for your house and your precious people, nothing can ever compare to what you have done for me and through me so that your name is eventually glorified and lifted high. I remember vividly the dreams and visions you have impressed upon my heart, some yet to come to pass, some already realised, and some in the midst of accomplishing. I reminisce the times where I would come on my knees, prostrate, and allow you to speak into me, where mindsets are renewed, strongholds broken, faith increased, and love poured out. I think of the times as a youth that I would run and do anything radical for you, the crazy times we had as a 100-odd cell group, times where we had 200+ members + friends and we had trouble booking seats for everyone, times where cell group was at a function room and I had so much trouble fighting so many voices with just 2 guitars with moz, times where we were really living in revival.
Till this day, I thank you continually for placing me in a place where I am around people to help me grow, to lead me into breakthrough, to laugh and cry with me, to mould my character and bring out the best in me. I thank you for placing various ones in my life, be it leaders or members or fellow ministry members to shape me. Today I just want to honour the pastors and leaders in that place, for being such an inspiration be it loving you wholeheartedly and loving people fervently, or being there in the marketplace for the marketplace to penetrate the market place, or building a church without walls, or simply just being who they are. Thank you for you, for being who you are, and for a big big love that is immeasurable and incomprehendable that you placed me in a place where I know I can call my home.
Thousands of kilometres away, I am still proud to call this new house my second home, where I sense that a paradigm shift is coming, and you want to do something great in this house. No matter what, I will allow myself to be used by you because really, you mean everything to me just like how I was everything to you when you died on the cross 2000 years ago. To me, you are my ultimate source of motivation and inspiration.
Love, k.
On this very special weekend, where emotions run high and throats get sore from all the celebration thousands of kilometres away.. I wish I could personally be there for a very special birthday of whom I hold close to my heart. I didnt need a professionally done video or a 10,000 seater stadium or all the pyrotechnics or the loud, booming music to remind myself of how this place became an integral part of my life. All I needed to know was how I came to know you for who you are. How you clothed me in your robes of righteousness when I was dirty as anything. How the doors of your house opened to me when all other doors were shut, even my own.
Eversince day one when I stepped into your house in Jurong West, the miracle building where thousands sowed in tears to build your house. Everyone united physically and spiritually to build a building for your purpose, and your glory to shine throughout the land. I distinctly recall time after time, sowing in tears, be it financially, physically,mentally, for your house and your precious people, nothing can ever compare to what you have done for me and through me so that your name is eventually glorified and lifted high. I remember vividly the dreams and visions you have impressed upon my heart, some yet to come to pass, some already realised, and some in the midst of accomplishing. I reminisce the times where I would come on my knees, prostrate, and allow you to speak into me, where mindsets are renewed, strongholds broken, faith increased, and love poured out. I think of the times as a youth that I would run and do anything radical for you, the crazy times we had as a 100-odd cell group, times where we had 200+ members + friends and we had trouble booking seats for everyone, times where cell group was at a function room and I had so much trouble fighting so many voices with just 2 guitars with moz, times where we were really living in revival.
Till this day, I thank you continually for placing me in a place where I am around people to help me grow, to lead me into breakthrough, to laugh and cry with me, to mould my character and bring out the best in me. I thank you for placing various ones in my life, be it leaders or members or fellow ministry members to shape me. Today I just want to honour the pastors and leaders in that place, for being such an inspiration be it loving you wholeheartedly and loving people fervently, or being there in the marketplace for the marketplace to penetrate the market place, or building a church without walls, or simply just being who they are. Thank you for you, for being who you are, and for a big big love that is immeasurable and incomprehendable that you placed me in a place where I know I can call my home.
Thousands of kilometres away, I am still proud to call this new house my second home, where I sense that a paradigm shift is coming, and you want to do something great in this house. No matter what, I will allow myself to be used by you because really, you mean everything to me just like how I was everything to you when you died on the cross 2000 years ago. To me, you are my ultimate source of motivation and inspiration.
Love, k.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
after fighting a huge war, I managed to muster enough strength to blog.
And that is only because I only have a class later from 2-4.
Well eversince the trip, I think I have changed (or so I think). I realise that this semester I really am open to talk to new faces, complete strangers that I've never met before. Not because they are in the same class and I want to be in the same project group as them, but yeah. just pure unadulterated relationships. During Rocky (a monthly youth worship event), Evan said something that really impressed upon my heart. ' How can you be a salt and light when you are in the 4 walls of your room, staring at the screen i-lecture-ing?' Which in essence is literally taking the gospel out of the 4 walls of your room.
University Life is really amazing.
I wouldnt imagine myself in a place like this if I were in Singapore. Chris was saying 'so this is what pauline means by going global.' And yes, I agree completely. In 1 module alone, I have met people from kenya, nigeria, india, china, brunei, singapore, malaysia, indonesia, egypt, french, mauritius, netherlands, saudi arabia, south africa.. And many more that I've yet to talk to. To hear them talk about their culture is really awe-inspiring. Though some may not have the perfect government, but yet they still choose to enjoy life and make do with the current nation's leaders. Egypt is also really not about pyramids and mummies (but I still joke with him about it. EVERYTIME). Kenya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, they all have amazing wildlife, and yet there is part of civilisation that thrives within the country. My Saudi friend threathens to kill me all the time, jokingly. Dont know why.. must be Osama bin Laden's follower.
INDIANS! Forever the life of the lecture. Throwing out answers, questions, oh and the accent from their mouths brings immense joy to the LT. Even the Aussies love making fun of their accent. Mainland Chinese, unmistakabe for their 'qiao she' accent, are really rising up to the challenge of building up their country in the Oil and Gas industry. Dutch are not known for their milk.. but they really do love their national football team. And the 'van' in Ruud van Nistlerooy is really not in every dutch's name. E.g. Dirk Kuyt. Oh and the Russian girl I met in my first semester.. but lost her contact already. I really really want to go there and see the aftermath of Stalin's 5 year plan.
Honestly, I really am loving attending class. Not about the lecture/tutorial, but for the relationships with people. And to every person that I meet, I sensed a whisper in my heart ' God loves this guy/girl.' Truly, the love of God surpasses all understanding, culture, personality, appearance.
1 Cor 13:13 ' Three things will last forever - faith hope and love, the greatest of these is love.'
Having said all that, I have finally reiterated my love for attending classes. Anyway, for those who dont know yet, I've got into the music ministry in my church here! Thank you for those who have been praying for me, and interceding for me. Dont know what I'd do without you guys. So yup, probably wont be up on the first team yet, gotta attend 4 practices first and see how things move on from there. So yup, things are going to get pretty exciting!
Note to self: No matter how exciting things are, at the end of the day, whatever you do must glorify God.
Well eversince the trip, I think I have changed (or so I think). I realise that this semester I really am open to talk to new faces, complete strangers that I've never met before. Not because they are in the same class and I want to be in the same project group as them, but yeah. just pure unadulterated relationships. During Rocky (a monthly youth worship event), Evan said something that really impressed upon my heart. ' How can you be a salt and light when you are in the 4 walls of your room, staring at the screen i-lecture-ing?' Which in essence is literally taking the gospel out of the 4 walls of your room.
University Life is really amazing.
I wouldnt imagine myself in a place like this if I were in Singapore. Chris was saying 'so this is what pauline means by going global.' And yes, I agree completely. In 1 module alone, I have met people from kenya, nigeria, india, china, brunei, singapore, malaysia, indonesia, egypt, french, mauritius, netherlands, saudi arabia, south africa.. And many more that I've yet to talk to. To hear them talk about their culture is really awe-inspiring. Though some may not have the perfect government, but yet they still choose to enjoy life and make do with the current nation's leaders. Egypt is also really not about pyramids and mummies (but I still joke with him about it. EVERYTIME). Kenya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, they all have amazing wildlife, and yet there is part of civilisation that thrives within the country. My Saudi friend threathens to kill me all the time, jokingly. Dont know why.. must be Osama bin Laden's follower.
INDIANS! Forever the life of the lecture. Throwing out answers, questions, oh and the accent from their mouths brings immense joy to the LT. Even the Aussies love making fun of their accent. Mainland Chinese, unmistakabe for their 'qiao she' accent, are really rising up to the challenge of building up their country in the Oil and Gas industry. Dutch are not known for their milk.. but they really do love their national football team. And the 'van' in Ruud van Nistlerooy is really not in every dutch's name. E.g. Dirk Kuyt. Oh and the Russian girl I met in my first semester.. but lost her contact already. I really really want to go there and see the aftermath of Stalin's 5 year plan.
Honestly, I really am loving attending class. Not about the lecture/tutorial, but for the relationships with people. And to every person that I meet, I sensed a whisper in my heart ' God loves this guy/girl.' Truly, the love of God surpasses all understanding, culture, personality, appearance.
1 Cor 13:13 ' Three things will last forever - faith hope and love, the greatest of these is love.'
Having said all that, I have finally reiterated my love for attending classes. Anyway, for those who dont know yet, I've got into the music ministry in my church here! Thank you for those who have been praying for me, and interceding for me. Dont know what I'd do without you guys. So yup, probably wont be up on the first team yet, gotta attend 4 practices first and see how things move on from there. So yup, things are going to get pretty exciting!
Note to self: No matter how exciting things are, at the end of the day, whatever you do must glorify God.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Results!
CHPR2432 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics HD
CHPR3432 Chemical Kinetics & Reactor Design D
MATH1020 Calculus, Statistics & Probability HD
CHPR2530 Process Fundamentals Credit
Was 3 marks away from getting a grand slam. =( hahahaha. Sad that Andy Roddick lost. Always been a fan of brute strength and power and yet accurate. Anyway. Sorry for the lack of holiday updates.. too much has been happening to be blogged down! Visit to Planetshakers, Snowy Mountains.. Meeting Ps Chris Pringle at C3 City Campus, .. simply too much to take in! Meeting my cousin for lunch later!
CHPR3432 Chemical Kinetics & Reactor Design D
MATH1020 Calculus, Statistics & Probability HD
CHPR2530 Process Fundamentals Credit
Was 3 marks away from getting a grand slam. =( hahahaha. Sad that Andy Roddick lost. Always been a fan of brute strength and power and yet accurate. Anyway. Sorry for the lack of holiday updates.. too much has been happening to be blogged down! Visit to Planetshakers, Snowy Mountains.. Meeting Ps Chris Pringle at C3 City Campus, .. simply too much to take in! Meeting my cousin for lunch later!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Update!
Day 1:
Touched down at Melbourne's domestic airport at 0510 hours, not too bad a flight, slept my way through, but when we came out from the airport, freezingly cold. Hopped onto a cab and checked straight into the formula 1 hotel in the city. Slept till about 9-ish and we were out again exploring the town area.. headed down to Queen Elizabeth's Market where we ate our first donuts of the trip and they beat Singapore's ANY TIME hands down. Basically the place is just like a wet market and pasar malam combined, but the market was actually dry and pretty much a million times less bacteria you would find at Singapore's wet market. Pretty cool place I would say..
Headed to the main shopping area of the city, where Flinder's Street Station's located. It's got an awesomely vintage design that would remind one of London, likened to the Orchard Road in the city area, just that this one is probably a million times more majestic. =) Walked around and chanced upon an ancient-looking cathedral diagonally opp the train station, and so we decided to take a peek. St Peter's Cathedral it was and the minute we opened the huge doors with tainted glass, I was reminded of the scenes of the churches in Angels and Demons. Really really awesome stuff, breathtaking. Seemed to be a organ practice going on though, and seriously, I was shell-shocked at the design, architecture, and as well as the accompanying music, leaving me in awe of God's house. I'm definitely going to be so consumed if I went to Rome!
Melbourne Town Square was the next stop, where all the unique arty farty structures around the visitor's centre. Likened to the CityHall, Marina Bay area with the flyer and all..Saw the footie stadium from a distance, looked HUGE, somewhat like a Quidditch arena, just probably slightly lower. Havent really begun on my shopping spree yet, intending to unleash the 'kiasu-auntie' spirit within when I get to Sydney.. muahahhaha. After that caught up with Janan's friend, Leon who brought us around the city area which we have yet to really explore (my friends really arent shopping people. =( ) Basically thats pretty much the first day. hahaha. OH. and I discovered 2 of my friends had a "concert" on that very night do..while sleeping that is..
Day 2:
Today had the Great Ocean Road Tour together with Alvin's friend Nadia,doing the tourist-thing according to one of the locals at one of the scenic points. Had a cute dog called Odi too. Amazing thing is that they actually live there and watch the amazing scenery everyday without fail.. sigh. I wish I could have a place like that! Basically the Great Ocean Road is along the coastal line of Melbourne, so you have like many stopover points to just stop and take in the amazing view. Hit a town called Lourne where we bought lunch and drove up to the waterfall place and have lunch along the way.. The waterfall was about 30m only but it was freezing due to the altitude above the ground, and the terrain reminds me of my long navigation expedition in Taiwan man, just that this time round it is MUCH MUCH nicer and NO FIELD PACK.
Then we headed straight to the 12 Apostles, probably the highlight of the day. For church going people, no there aint 12 rock formations looking like the 12 apostles. In fact there were 13, but 2 of them collapsed, so dont bother wondering which apostle 'died'. On the way, Janan decided to try and drift the car and I almost got to see my entire life story unfold before me in 30 secs. Ugh. Thank God for safety. Oh and about 2 hrs later, he thought he got caught for speeding, doing 140km/h on a limit of hundred. Totally scared the nuts out of him, thought he was going to jail. LOL. Anyway, nothing I say will have the same impact as having pictures so wait for the pictures to be up! Anyway we almost ran out of gas on the way back and I thought we had to push car all the way till the city, luckily there was a small station about 10km away, so there was still just enough left.
Had dinner at Esteller's, an indonesian restaurant after a long day. Decided to try their Nasi Uduk, basically coconut rice + egg + fried chicken thigh. Ordinary? but it tasted AWESOME. and the sambal belachan really enhanced the taste. Long time never drink chilli already. LOL. AND I HAD AVOCADO MILKSHAKE FINALLY. My long-time craving is satisfied. =) After dinner, Nadia showed us around the city, just another area. Went to Crown Hotel, and visited the casino that had the fireball thingy every hour to attract people to the hotel. Fortunately Joshua could get in without getting checked. (He looks like a little kid!) The casino was quite okay.. but too many slot machines i felt. Looking from the tables, it was quite affordable for kids at 18 years to play.. sigh. So many youngsters wasting life away! Anyway, the fireball thingy was quite cool, nearly burnt all my hair as I was quite near. If it did I would have to buy a wig for the rest of my life. Then again, I could get many wigs so that I'll have different hairstyles and colour everyday. HAHA.
Day 3:
Slept in late again due to the orchestra playing the whole night.. Headed down to St. Kilda's beach via tram. Yes! my first tram ride! You just have to tag off once and you can take unlimited rides for the whole day! Basically a cross between MRT and Bus, cool stuff man.. Anyway St. Kilda's is actually like Holland V, just that it's located near the beach and a yacht house where all the yachts are docked; plus a theme park with roller coasters to behold. Bought Fish & Chips for lunch and sat by the beach to soak in the sun. Sad to say Busselton Jetty in Albany beats this in scenic-ly. hahaha. Took a walk along the beach (emo-ing) and chanced upon jellyfish being washed on shore! Probably the size of Jumbo's Chilli crab! HUGE! Took a walk around the 'Holland V' area, lotsa cake shops around to Joshua's delight, and this novelty shop that sold unique items like 'fart machines', voice-changing loudhailers, and various what-nots. got afew ideas of some pranks for the next semester. muahahahaha.
Headed back to the city to just chillout at this coffee place before heading back to the room. Yes Yes, I know, I should be out there shopping like some crazy sua-ku. But yeah. Number One: my friends aint shoppers. And Number Two: We all were tired. Whilst my friends are out getting dinner, taking this chance to blog before we all fight over the lappy to use again. LOL. Okay, sorry to disappoint you guys with no pictures. Promise they will be up on facebook soon!
-I HOPE I REALLY PASSED ALL UNITS! -
Touched down at Melbourne's domestic airport at 0510 hours, not too bad a flight, slept my way through, but when we came out from the airport, freezingly cold. Hopped onto a cab and checked straight into the formula 1 hotel in the city. Slept till about 9-ish and we were out again exploring the town area.. headed down to Queen Elizabeth's Market where we ate our first donuts of the trip and they beat Singapore's ANY TIME hands down. Basically the place is just like a wet market and pasar malam combined, but the market was actually dry and pretty much a million times less bacteria you would find at Singapore's wet market. Pretty cool place I would say..
Headed to the main shopping area of the city, where Flinder's Street Station's located. It's got an awesomely vintage design that would remind one of London, likened to the Orchard Road in the city area, just that this one is probably a million times more majestic. =) Walked around and chanced upon an ancient-looking cathedral diagonally opp the train station, and so we decided to take a peek. St Peter's Cathedral it was and the minute we opened the huge doors with tainted glass, I was reminded of the scenes of the churches in Angels and Demons. Really really awesome stuff, breathtaking. Seemed to be a organ practice going on though, and seriously, I was shell-shocked at the design, architecture, and as well as the accompanying music, leaving me in awe of God's house. I'm definitely going to be so consumed if I went to Rome!
Melbourne Town Square was the next stop, where all the unique arty farty structures around the visitor's centre. Likened to the CityHall, Marina Bay area with the flyer and all..Saw the footie stadium from a distance, looked HUGE, somewhat like a Quidditch arena, just probably slightly lower. Havent really begun on my shopping spree yet, intending to unleash the 'kiasu-auntie' spirit within when I get to Sydney.. muahahhaha. After that caught up with Janan's friend, Leon who brought us around the city area which we have yet to really explore (my friends really arent shopping people. =( ) Basically thats pretty much the first day. hahaha. OH. and I discovered 2 of my friends had a "concert" on that very night do..while sleeping that is..
Day 2:
Today had the Great Ocean Road Tour together with Alvin's friend Nadia,doing the tourist-thing according to one of the locals at one of the scenic points. Had a cute dog called Odi too. Amazing thing is that they actually live there and watch the amazing scenery everyday without fail.. sigh. I wish I could have a place like that! Basically the Great Ocean Road is along the coastal line of Melbourne, so you have like many stopover points to just stop and take in the amazing view. Hit a town called Lourne where we bought lunch and drove up to the waterfall place and have lunch along the way.. The waterfall was about 30m only but it was freezing due to the altitude above the ground, and the terrain reminds me of my long navigation expedition in Taiwan man, just that this time round it is MUCH MUCH nicer and NO FIELD PACK.
Then we headed straight to the 12 Apostles, probably the highlight of the day. For church going people, no there aint 12 rock formations looking like the 12 apostles. In fact there were 13, but 2 of them collapsed, so dont bother wondering which apostle 'died'. On the way, Janan decided to try and drift the car and I almost got to see my entire life story unfold before me in 30 secs. Ugh. Thank God for safety. Oh and about 2 hrs later, he thought he got caught for speeding, doing 140km/h on a limit of hundred. Totally scared the nuts out of him, thought he was going to jail. LOL. Anyway, nothing I say will have the same impact as having pictures so wait for the pictures to be up! Anyway we almost ran out of gas on the way back and I thought we had to push car all the way till the city, luckily there was a small station about 10km away, so there was still just enough left.
Had dinner at Esteller's, an indonesian restaurant after a long day. Decided to try their Nasi Uduk, basically coconut rice + egg + fried chicken thigh. Ordinary? but it tasted AWESOME. and the sambal belachan really enhanced the taste. Long time never drink chilli already. LOL. AND I HAD AVOCADO MILKSHAKE FINALLY. My long-time craving is satisfied. =) After dinner, Nadia showed us around the city, just another area. Went to Crown Hotel, and visited the casino that had the fireball thingy every hour to attract people to the hotel. Fortunately Joshua could get in without getting checked. (He looks like a little kid!) The casino was quite okay.. but too many slot machines i felt. Looking from the tables, it was quite affordable for kids at 18 years to play.. sigh. So many youngsters wasting life away! Anyway, the fireball thingy was quite cool, nearly burnt all my hair as I was quite near. If it did I would have to buy a wig for the rest of my life. Then again, I could get many wigs so that I'll have different hairstyles and colour everyday. HAHA.
Day 3:
Slept in late again due to the orchestra playing the whole night.. Headed down to St. Kilda's beach via tram. Yes! my first tram ride! You just have to tag off once and you can take unlimited rides for the whole day! Basically a cross between MRT and Bus, cool stuff man.. Anyway St. Kilda's is actually like Holland V, just that it's located near the beach and a yacht house where all the yachts are docked; plus a theme park with roller coasters to behold. Bought Fish & Chips for lunch and sat by the beach to soak in the sun. Sad to say Busselton Jetty in Albany beats this in scenic-ly. hahaha. Took a walk along the beach (emo-ing) and chanced upon jellyfish being washed on shore! Probably the size of Jumbo's Chilli crab! HUGE! Took a walk around the 'Holland V' area, lotsa cake shops around to Joshua's delight, and this novelty shop that sold unique items like 'fart machines', voice-changing loudhailers, and various what-nots. got afew ideas of some pranks for the next semester. muahahahaha.
Headed back to the city to just chillout at this coffee place before heading back to the room. Yes Yes, I know, I should be out there shopping like some crazy sua-ku. But yeah. Number One: my friends aint shoppers. And Number Two: We all were tired. Whilst my friends are out getting dinner, taking this chance to blog before we all fight over the lappy to use again. LOL. Okay, sorry to disappoint you guys with no pictures. Promise they will be up on facebook soon!
-I HOPE I REALLY PASSED ALL UNITS! -
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Guts, with a passion.
If you dont know by now that im 100% pro-engineering, then you must be quite blur not to see that. Was re-iterating my stand to someone today that people dont have the guts to take up engineering, preferring in-demand courses like business and life science. In which, I support my statement with a passion. Indeed it IS a sad fact that as the years go by, classes get smaller and smaller! People drop out/switch course because of the hectic demands. No doubt it is stressful, but no matter how stressful it is, I believe He is good. Its not as if I have a natural flair for it, and I almost did business, the easiest of the lot.
To me, human nature does not have guts. Not with respect to the course of study, but even in general issues. Look at the youths of today.. tell me where are the REAL big time gangsters? To me, the 'gangsters' of this generation are seriously PEANUTS to the gangsters of the past. Young punks today 'try' to act big in front of their peers. Well, in my opinion, a big L. Truthfully, I think people tend to meet personal needs and company needs, but more often fail at meeting national needs. To be honest, the business industry is as saturated as it is, and yet hundreds of students still take the 'standard' path of a typical JC/poly student. What about the declining IT industry? What about Fashion? I feel that Singapore's talent has not been maximised on a national scale. Or rather, what talent?
To me, the possibility of Singapore getting submerged underwater thanks to global warming is increasingly agonizing. And yet, of what use would a business degree be when you have natural disasters to cope with. And you people complain when there is no jobs available. Well. Stop whining and start meeting national needs rather then having a small puny mindset. Period.
-still dreaming of my 3 distincitions-
To me, human nature does not have guts. Not with respect to the course of study, but even in general issues. Look at the youths of today.. tell me where are the REAL big time gangsters? To me, the 'gangsters' of this generation are seriously PEANUTS to the gangsters of the past. Young punks today 'try' to act big in front of their peers. Well, in my opinion, a big L. Truthfully, I think people tend to meet personal needs and company needs, but more often fail at meeting national needs. To be honest, the business industry is as saturated as it is, and yet hundreds of students still take the 'standard' path of a typical JC/poly student. What about the declining IT industry? What about Fashion? I feel that Singapore's talent has not been maximised on a national scale. Or rather, what talent?
To me, the possibility of Singapore getting submerged underwater thanks to global warming is increasingly agonizing. And yet, of what use would a business degree be when you have natural disasters to cope with. And you people complain when there is no jobs available. Well. Stop whining and start meeting national needs rather then having a small puny mindset. Period.
-still dreaming of my 3 distincitions-
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Libration.
at 1700 hrs today Kenneth has been released from the agony of having back to back papers in a day. He is probably going to knock out and recharge. and have a wild dream of having 3 distinctions and 1 credit. =)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Pure unadulterated content from deep within.
The reason why I have decided to blog less often about G is because I want to keep this blog real. To show the world that even bad things happen to Christians. To be a living virtual testimony to the people out there. To show them that all it takes is a different mindset, a different perspective to make a different choice, and eventually alter the course of your destiny.
But for now, in view of my double paper on Wednesday:
'Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Word will not pass away.'
'For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind.'
'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.'
'He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.'
Whom have I in heaven but you
There is nothing I desire besides you
My heart and my strength, many times may fail
But there is one truth, that always will prevail
God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever...
But for now, in view of my double paper on Wednesday:
'Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Word will not pass away.'
'For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind.'
'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.'
'He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.'
Whom have I in heaven but you
There is nothing I desire besides you
My heart and my strength, many times may fail
But there is one truth, that always will prevail
God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Dear God, I thank you for having such a sweet mother..
Hi son,
Attached is a page on words of encouragement. Life is not smooth sailing all the time, sometimes you may meet with obstacles but if you have faith in god and with your family supporting you all the way, you need not be alone. Think positive, be cool and calm. Always remember, do the relaxation exercise, that is, breathing exercise. Whenever you feel anxious or stress, breath in slowly and breath out slowly too. After repeating that, you should feel calm. Do Not Panic. Panic will cripple you and cloud your mind. So it is important to stay calm, to enable you to think clearly especially during exam time.
Good Luck to you. Good nite. Dont study up too late. Sufficient sleep is important and remember to do some exercise too. Eat well and keep yourself sufficiently hydrated.
Mum
-if there was one thing I could ever inherit from your genes, it would be your sweetness. Love you mom.-
Attached is a page on words of encouragement. Life is not smooth sailing all the time, sometimes you may meet with obstacles but if you have faith in god and with your family supporting you all the way, you need not be alone. Think positive, be cool and calm. Always remember, do the relaxation exercise, that is, breathing exercise. Whenever you feel anxious or stress, breath in slowly and breath out slowly too. After repeating that, you should feel calm. Do Not Panic. Panic will cripple you and cloud your mind. So it is important to stay calm, to enable you to think clearly especially during exam time.
Good Luck to you. Good nite. Dont study up too late. Sufficient sleep is important and remember to do some exercise too. Eat well and keep yourself sufficiently hydrated.
Mum
-if there was one thing I could ever inherit from your genes, it would be your sweetness. Love you mom.-
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
A Must-watch video about God moving in China.
The first part of 6 10-minute videos. I am still very encouraged that in spite of Mao Zedong's efforts to enforce the Cultural Revolution, there were many that still stood by their faith, sacrificing years of their life in jail.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Finally after fasting for 40 days and 40 nights..
The much awaited package from my cell group that travelled round the world in 80 days for my birthday has finally arrived in a shoe box. hahahahha.
Handwritten messages. Cd of all my glam and unglam pictures which reminds me, I need to get down to running after my exams..Shirt from Chris and Sarah (Its unbelievably thin), thankfully its a perfect fit and The Life of Your Dreams Sermon Series.. my guess its chosen by Rachel! STILL IN THE BUBBLE WRAP! haha. I shall hereby be distracted and pop all the bubbles one by one.. hahaha. bubble wrap is fascinating..Thank you for always breaking the $10 budget for my birthday present (or has the money allocated for present increased?!), never fail to surprise me with your choice of gifts every year.. The Coldplay Cup last year was too nice to be ever used. =)
Posing with the gift, kinda hard to get a nice angle. esp with this laptop of mine.. In any case, it IS hard to put into words the gratitude and love I have for you guys back home. Unexplainable, but I shall let the picture below do the talking for me..
P.S. The N309 sign was pure "inspiration" from Coldplay's Viva La Vida Album cover. *somebody shout 'rip-off!'* Okay okay.. Oh well, after spending a good 1 hour reading your messages, laughing at some.. I'm still wondering who's S.J.! Xing Juan? Sitorus Jacqueline? But the handwriting seems to be neither! Aiyah. In any case, really glad to receive love from home, you have no idea how much of a blessing all of you are to me! Please do take care of Pauline alright? (Not in the *ah beng* kind of take care, but yeah.) Oh and of each other too. And FYI Elliot, Swine flu has not hit Perth yet. LOL. Lots to say, but back to books! Test tmr!
The end is near..
Handwritten messages. Cd of all my glam and unglam pictures which reminds me, I need to get down to running after my exams..Shirt from Chris and Sarah (Its unbelievably thin), thankfully its a perfect fit and The Life of Your Dreams Sermon Series.. my guess its chosen by Rachel! STILL IN THE BUBBLE WRAP! haha. I shall hereby be distracted and pop all the bubbles one by one.. hahaha. bubble wrap is fascinating..Thank you for always breaking the $10 budget for my birthday present (or has the money allocated for present increased?!), never fail to surprise me with your choice of gifts every year.. The Coldplay Cup last year was too nice to be ever used. =)Posing with the gift, kinda hard to get a nice angle. esp with this laptop of mine.. In any case, it IS hard to put into words the gratitude and love I have for you guys back home. Unexplainable, but I shall let the picture below do the talking for me..P.S. The N309 sign was pure "inspiration" from Coldplay's Viva La Vida Album cover. *somebody shout 'rip-off!'* Okay okay.. Oh well, after spending a good 1 hour reading your messages, laughing at some.. I'm still wondering who's S.J.! Xing Juan? Sitorus Jacqueline? But the handwriting seems to be neither! Aiyah. In any case, really glad to receive love from home, you have no idea how much of a blessing all of you are to me! Please do take care of Pauline alright? (Not in the *ah beng* kind of take care, but yeah.) Oh and of each other too. And FYI Elliot, Swine flu has not hit Perth yet. LOL. Lots to say, but back to books! Test tmr!The end is near..
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Blogging at an unearthly hour..
Yes, time check, 5.15am.. RISE AND SHINE! not. been awake memorising formulas for the calculus test at 0800 hours later. Somehow I think there's an inner peace within me that helps me relieve the focus away from exams.. and I am kinda thankful that my papers are quite spaced out, except for the double exam on the 17th. Process Fundamentals and Calculus should be a breeze, but Kinetics and Thermodynamics on the SAME DAY?! Goodness gracious me. Even my Dean's List of a friend Lionel Lam admitted it was a GG. i.e. good game. But I think Uni is not about results alone, but also about enjoying life.
I'm sure others would also have a crap timetable, just that they just do it for the sake of getting over it. Just like O levels. WHOEVER TAKES SOCIAL STUDIES AND HISTORY ONE AFTER ANOTHER?! And I got a B3 for Combined Humans. Thank God I spotted correctly. But I loved history anyway. Cold War and Russia were my favourites.. ANYWAY. Results dont matter! I think if during the interview, if the bosses ask me if results do matter, I wouldnt for it either. YES, even if I got top scores. Or even if last semester was a fluke and this semester was the start of my downfall.. So I guess with that change in perception, although my hunger quest for excellent academic results has not changed, but note to self: dont be depressed with the grades if my expectations arent met, afterall, they are just numbers. Also, in the working world, its a different league altogther.
Reminder for next semester: Attend at least 1 plant visit! One thing to look forward to next semester: NO MORE 8AM CLASSES. FAREWELL MATH! oh wait. theres math2040.. -___-
Anyway, really cant wait for the Melbourne/Sydney trip. Going to be awesome. And I'm going to drive up a snow mountain called Snowy Mountain. Hurhurrhurr. But I wasnt joking. Shout out to those in Sunny Singapore.. Dont worry! You are not forgotten, will get my parents to bring back stuff I've bought from the trip.. LK shall do the honours of getting the gifts around. Alright! Back to Integration, First and Second Order Differential Equations.. and.......trying to stop my eyes from tearing. Anyone has ideas of stopping it? Isit because of the lack of sleep, or are my eyeballs going to pop any minute?
Ughh. and no. Im not crying.
I'm sure others would also have a crap timetable, just that they just do it for the sake of getting over it. Just like O levels. WHOEVER TAKES SOCIAL STUDIES AND HISTORY ONE AFTER ANOTHER?! And I got a B3 for Combined Humans. Thank God I spotted correctly. But I loved history anyway. Cold War and Russia were my favourites.. ANYWAY. Results dont matter! I think if during the interview, if the bosses ask me if results do matter, I wouldnt for it either. YES, even if I got top scores. Or even if last semester was a fluke and this semester was the start of my downfall.. So I guess with that change in perception, although my hunger quest for excellent academic results has not changed, but note to self: dont be depressed with the grades if my expectations arent met, afterall, they are just numbers. Also, in the working world, its a different league altogther.
Reminder for next semester: Attend at least 1 plant visit! One thing to look forward to next semester: NO MORE 8AM CLASSES. FAREWELL MATH! oh wait. theres math2040.. -___-
Anyway, really cant wait for the Melbourne/Sydney trip. Going to be awesome. And I'm going to drive up a snow mountain called Snowy Mountain. Hurhurrhurr. But I wasnt joking. Shout out to those in Sunny Singapore.. Dont worry! You are not forgotten, will get my parents to bring back stuff I've bought from the trip.. LK shall do the honours of getting the gifts around. Alright! Back to Integration, First and Second Order Differential Equations.. and.......trying to stop my eyes from tearing. Anyone has ideas of stopping it? Isit because of the lack of sleep, or are my eyeballs going to pop any minute?
Ughh. and no. Im not crying.
Yes, laugh.. I dont know why I am Wei En Tan instead of Kenneth Tan. This kinda gave me hope of passing this unit. hahaha. Hopefully this can be like Heat and Mass Transfer, think I got 27/30 for the in course assessment...needing only 32 marks in the exam to pass. Heehee. I hope for a full score this time round!Saturday, May 16, 2009
Do you know ____ ?
During this birthday I've been thinking over quite a number of things, about academically, 5 year plan, getting attached, relationships, and growth. One of the things that hit me about getting attached is about knowing G. As I grew up as a youth, one of the things that seemed to me back then was that I had to be a super good christian in order to get attached. Most of you newer people wouldnt understand that because things have opened up so much. I must admit as a 16,17 year old back even back then, I couldnt comprehend why it was that way.
Even till now I think to myself, is it really that difficult to get attached? Is it really that difficult to come face to face with relationship issues with the opposite sex? Most people would 'um.. I dunno' and adopt an evasive attitude towards it. But I doubt that should be the way. As much as you are comfortable with it, it should be shared with the people you are comfortable with. I guess one of the reasons why I am quite reluctant to do so is because of the gossip that people carry around. I recall sharing about who I have had quite a good impression of, who is pretty, etc. Eventually I dont know how it got misinterpreted as 'Kenneth likes ____.' And best of all, it spreads faster than the winds blowing across the earth.
Many have told me I am very eligible. Yet some ask me, 'why you havent get attached yet?' Well, maybe its because I havent got to know her yet. Maybe its because I need to go out and meet people? I think the important thing is to strike a balance between knowing people, and knowing G. I could be the ultimate socialite, but yet when it comes to knowing G, cant say much. Just know the blood of Christ washed your sins, attend cell group, service, bible study, full stop.
Who is this G that we religiously/faithfully worship and serve?
I am sure even in the olden times, the people wondered, Who is this invisible G? They probably also asked realistic questions like how do I know G is speaking to me? How is it possible to speak in tongues? Amongst the 12 disciples, only 3 of them could be said that they knew J. Yes, the other disciples were serving, powerful ministers..yet they were not intimate enough. I'm sure that when the multitudes came and the thousands were added to the church,
they didnt care if this G was a person or not.
nor did they didnt care if the church had imperfect people.
nor did they care about the problems they had before they stepped in.
All it took was a step of faith and a single experience.
And it got them hooked for the rest of their lives.
On my 17th/18th birthday, I wished for wisdom. Wisdom not only to place value on the right things at the right time, but what is right AND important. So it would be my honour, to spend the rest of my life knowing G, rather than spending all my life searching for a partner and lose my soul.
Even till now I think to myself, is it really that difficult to get attached? Is it really that difficult to come face to face with relationship issues with the opposite sex? Most people would 'um.. I dunno' and adopt an evasive attitude towards it. But I doubt that should be the way. As much as you are comfortable with it, it should be shared with the people you are comfortable with. I guess one of the reasons why I am quite reluctant to do so is because of the gossip that people carry around. I recall sharing about who I have had quite a good impression of, who is pretty, etc. Eventually I dont know how it got misinterpreted as 'Kenneth likes ____.' And best of all, it spreads faster than the winds blowing across the earth.
Many have told me I am very eligible. Yet some ask me, 'why you havent get attached yet?' Well, maybe its because I havent got to know her yet. Maybe its because I need to go out and meet people? I think the important thing is to strike a balance between knowing people, and knowing G. I could be the ultimate socialite, but yet when it comes to knowing G, cant say much. Just know the blood of Christ washed your sins, attend cell group, service, bible study, full stop.
Who is this G that we religiously/faithfully worship and serve?
I am sure even in the olden times, the people wondered, Who is this invisible G? They probably also asked realistic questions like how do I know G is speaking to me? How is it possible to speak in tongues? Amongst the 12 disciples, only 3 of them could be said that they knew J. Yes, the other disciples were serving, powerful ministers..yet they were not intimate enough. I'm sure that when the multitudes came and the thousands were added to the church,
they didnt care if this G was a person or not.
nor did they didnt care if the church had imperfect people.
nor did they care about the problems they had before they stepped in.
All it took was a step of faith and a single experience.
And it got them hooked for the rest of their lives.
On my 17th/18th birthday, I wished for wisdom. Wisdom not only to place value on the right things at the right time, but what is right AND important. So it would be my honour, to spend the rest of my life knowing G, rather than spending all my life searching for a partner and lose my soul.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Post-Birthday Post.
Prelude leading to the celebration:
The pre-birthday festivities: Mind Games..
The 'brick' looking cake went on my face and ended up on the bottom left and corner, and a free cold bath at about 15 degrees.. The multitudes fled in fear of a backlash..
Finally, a group picture.. THE ONE WHO WAS PETRIFIED.. the third girl from the left. yes you. dont run. your birthday coming..
First and only gift of the day, green bean soup from a lovely cell group member.. Celena. As you can see she was clearly trying to drown me in that container of soup. Speaking of containers, remind me to return you your 2 containers!
Courtesy of Lionel Lam, my classmate (FROM MALAYSIA) in my chemical kinetics lecture. And he thought I was joking that it was my birthday and he better treat me nice. Plenty of wishes, but here's afew..
Not bad Sheila! Still made effort to redeem yourself! hahaha. And Thanks Myrna for the free advert!
Anyway, dont be disappointed if your birthday wishes didnt get mentioned, just that there were too many pictures to post up more printscreens, and I want the world to know that their well wishes are really really appreciated from down under.. To the great friends that I have over here, Currie hallers, the NLCC people, fellow engineers (together we die!), I am thankful that you have come into my life eversince I set foot on this country. To name every single one of you, I dont have to do my report already, BUT you guys know who you are! I must say it is an amazing journey I have had with you guys and I look forward to greater experiences in my next 2 years over here!
The pre-birthday festivities: Mind Games..
The Counter Attack:
12th May 09, 0000hrs..
12th May 09, 0000hrs..The 'brick' looking cake went on my face and ended up on the bottom left and corner, and a free cold bath at about 15 degrees.. The multitudes fled in fear of a backlash..k: 'WHERE ARE THEY?! WHEN I THREW THEM IN THE POND THEY DIDNT RUN. now run so fast.'
a: ' oh dono leh..' *act blur live longer*
The REAL cake. Gelato icecream. Awesome. Even still, someone was so terrified of me using the nicer cake to throw.
Finally, a group picture.. THE ONE WHO WAS PETRIFIED.. the third girl from the left. yes you. dont run. your birthday coming..First and only gift of the day, green bean soup from a lovely cell group member.. Celena. As you can see she was clearly trying to drown me in that container of soup. Speaking of containers, remind me to return you your 2 containers!Courtesy of Lionel Lam, my classmate (FROM MALAYSIA) in my chemical kinetics lecture. And he thought I was joking that it was my birthday and he better treat me nice. Plenty of wishes, but here's afew.. Not bad Sheila! Still made effort to redeem yourself! hahaha. And Thanks Myrna for the free advert!Anyway, dont be disappointed if your birthday wishes didnt get mentioned, just that there were too many pictures to post up more printscreens, and I want the world to know that their well wishes are really really appreciated from down under.. To the great friends that I have over here, Currie hallers, the NLCC people, fellow engineers (together we die!), I am thankful that you have come into my life eversince I set foot on this country. To name every single one of you, I dont have to do my report already, BUT you guys know who you are! I must say it is an amazing journey I have had with you guys and I look forward to greater experiences in my next 2 years over here!
More importantly, I'd like to give credit to my family back home, they wished me on the 10th in fact, amazing. Without parents, I would've have been born to bring you joy/pain/love/hate. And my irritating sister who always asks me about her uni/hostel applications.
My spiritual family, n309. Believe it or not, you guys still hold a special place somewhere in my heart. Even though you guys won't see me for another couple of months (I hope some of you are disappointed. HAHA), it dosent mean that I have backslided and become a rebel.. Not to worry, I am still strong in spirit, alive and well. Always interceding for you guys and proud to hear testimonies of people growing, friends receiving Christ, members actively getting discipled. To the people who have been constantly reading my mails/talking to me, thank you for your support. It's more than me wanting to do my part, but God's way of using me to be an encouragement to you. I know I havent been writing, but dont worry, I'll find time after my exams to compensate! For the rest who havent been in contact with me, dont feel guilty not doing so, in fact I dont even expect replies for the emails I've sent! It dosent mean I will love you any less anyway. So yup, Continue keeping me in your prayers, greater things have yet to come!
For the rest of my church friends, regardless of how close you are too me.. thank you for your wishes, some even coming in 2 days AFTER my actual birthday *DWAYNE*.. and claiming Im senile in the process.. Want to appreciate you guys for keeping me in the loop about whatever's going on in church, the things that has been going on in your lives.. I cant explain how I feel right now, but thank God for each and everyone of you that walk this journey with me.. Was quite surprised to receive wishes from the young ones, to the people from the old n109 days.. You guys are amazing! Thank you for blessing me in your own unique individual way!
My Army brothers, what can I say, even though many a time we try to meet but end up some pang seh, some still at home at the meeting time, some on the way until never come, but after all, we went through what we thought was hell with each other. Recce course was no joke, even the dreaded POW. You guys inspired me on my re-CST. Truly everyone of you are special in your own individual ways.. Tan goo niang with his late night screams, huuaaaa with his late night harassments, ngjingwei with his stupid slangs.. too many good experiences to recount. We had the crappiest jobs, but we had the most pride. Quoting the legendary Chay: "Pride ke yi chi de ma?" To me, finally I can taste it.
There are certainly too many people to mention in 1 entry, but if you'd want something you'd want me to say, then do ask me on msn.. I'll boost your ego on the spot!
Meanwhile, most importantly, I'd like to thank someone for bringing great guidance over my life. You encouraged me when I was at my weakest point, praised me for a job well done when I was at my best. Even during times where I wasnt faithful in the little, yet you remained faithful to me. Certainly, I do not deserve any of this, but because of your unconditional love, you give me courage to stand up on my 2 feet and press on. Im not here by chance, Im not here by luck, I know that this is the path that is set before me, and together with you I will be able to complete this part of the journey. I may not be the best preacher, I may not be the best guitar player, I may not be the best evangelist, and I may not be the most successful person..
But putting all that aside, I am still willing to lay down my life for you because..
'My precious son, I hear them screaming I'm watching the face of the enemy beaming but soon I will clothes u in robes of my Own, Jesus this hurts me much more than you know, but this dawn hour I must do nothing, for I have heard your unbearable cry, the power in your blood destroys all of the lies, soon you'll see past their unmerciful eyes look there below see the child trembling by his own bedside, now I can tell you why, he is why you must die..'
This is why you have stolen my heart.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Kristos Kai Kosmos? or not.
Well, if you are worried now, you should be. Statistics shown in this video can strike fear or doubts in the hearts of the people, but the Word of God still stands. The Second Coming will happen only when everyone has been offered a choice: to turn to God, or against Him. Muslims may be the majority, or some may just follow the crowd blindly. The Message needs to get out for non-believers (including Muslims) to make a choice.
Shall leave this question to let your mind to start thinking: should we reach out to the Malays in Singapore? If so, how then can we repackage the gospel to be relevant to them. (I'm thinking of what Ps Kong said about putting on the robes of a monk and preach in church. haahhaha. Man, I miss that sermon!)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Short Post.. I hope... ahaha
As I looked out of my window and into the blue sky one morning (yes one of the rare mornings I wake up early), I pondered about my career as an engineer, and why did I choose this course? Did I pick it because my Dad wants me to do it? Or isit really my personality that is suited for this course?
I read in a forum link (courtesy of Titus) that most engineers eventually defect to the finance/investment/commerce sector where all the money is, and even Titus himself may be convinced that it is the way to go. I must agree on one thing though. The job of an engineer pales in comparison to the exciting life the business sector has to offer. Why would one put him/herself through the ardous journey of equations, Newton's First, Second and Third Laws, Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer, and study a million and one processes to eventually get a job that probably is sian enough to reduce your life span by half?!
Engineering is without a shatter of a doubt, one of the toughest courses to do in this lifetime. But I just feel that Engineering brings you to be more of an Andrew. Some may ask 'Who on earth is Andrew?' Andrew was one of the 12 disciples, and if you do a search on Andrew in biblegateway.com, you'll see that he was a follower most of the time. He was faithful. He wasnt the one doing all the preaching, healing, casting out demons, all the exciting things like Paul or John as reported. Andrew probably could do all that but in addition he was faithful. And Engineers are just that. They hold a job for decades and get a stable pay. I'm sure Andrew would've wanted to be known for the signs and wonders and miracles. However, the fact that Andrew was a great follower indicates that it was something that outshone others, or even some of the disciples.
No wonder companies want to hire Engineering graduates. Aside from the technical aspect which can never be forgotten, additional building blocks of commerce/investment/finance/accounting can be built upon that solid foundation. Recession? What recession? Well, I cant say I'm a great John/Paul, but I can say I'm an Andrew.
I read in a forum link (courtesy of Titus) that most engineers eventually defect to the finance/investment/commerce sector where all the money is, and even Titus himself may be convinced that it is the way to go. I must agree on one thing though. The job of an engineer pales in comparison to the exciting life the business sector has to offer. Why would one put him/herself through the ardous journey of equations, Newton's First, Second and Third Laws, Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer, and study a million and one processes to eventually get a job that probably is sian enough to reduce your life span by half?!
Engineering is without a shatter of a doubt, one of the toughest courses to do in this lifetime. But I just feel that Engineering brings you to be more of an Andrew. Some may ask 'Who on earth is Andrew?' Andrew was one of the 12 disciples, and if you do a search on Andrew in biblegateway.com, you'll see that he was a follower most of the time. He was faithful. He wasnt the one doing all the preaching, healing, casting out demons, all the exciting things like Paul or John as reported. Andrew probably could do all that but in addition he was faithful. And Engineers are just that. They hold a job for decades and get a stable pay. I'm sure Andrew would've wanted to be known for the signs and wonders and miracles. However, the fact that Andrew was a great follower indicates that it was something that outshone others, or even some of the disciples.
No wonder companies want to hire Engineering graduates. Aside from the technical aspect which can never be forgotten, additional building blocks of commerce/investment/finance/accounting can be built upon that solid foundation. Recession? What recession? Well, I cant say I'm a great John/Paul, but I can say I'm an Andrew.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
I have the cutest mommy in the world.
Corinne: Halo, hows the going?
Kenneth: busy
Corinne: what is gretsch?
Kenneth: nothing laaa
Kenneth: miss u more
Corinne: wah, so good ah. 1st time hear you say zhe mor rou ma de hua
Corinne: :)
Corinne:your singtel bill is pretty high last mth. u talkg to your girlfriend? if you are using spore hp, you should use the rerouting cheaper.
Kenneth:nola
Kenneth:got no girlfriend
Kenneth:ddaddy keep smsing the sg line
Kenneth:-.-
Corinne:you mean boyfriend????heehee
Corinne:ok, will try now.
Kenneth:no girlfriend prettier than u la
Kenneth:u the most chio-est woman on earth
Corinne:wad is chio-est
Kenneth: prettiest
I bet she must be smiling herself to sleep now. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA. MOMMY I LOVE YOU!
Kenneth: busy
Corinne: what is gretsch?
Kenneth: nothing laaa
Kenneth: miss u more
Corinne: wah, so good ah. 1st time hear you say zhe mor rou ma de hua
Corinne: :)
Corinne:your singtel bill is pretty high last mth. u talkg to your girlfriend? if you are using spore hp, you should use the rerouting cheaper.
Kenneth:nola
Kenneth:got no girlfriend
Kenneth:ddaddy keep smsing the sg line
Kenneth:-.-
Corinne:you mean boyfriend????heehee
Corinne:ok, will try now.
Kenneth:no girlfriend prettier than u la
Kenneth:u the most chio-est woman on earth
Corinne:wad is chio-est
Kenneth: prettiest
I bet she must be smiling herself to sleep now. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA. MOMMY I LOVE YOU!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Reminiscing..
This picture was probably the closest I ever got to get featured on the LED screen. hahaha. Nevertheless it was used quite frequently for announcements. Taken at Emerge 2003. heh. Jurong West, you bring me too many good memories to count.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
When I am bored...
.. I try to look seductive with my eyes...
and when I try to be naughty, maybe urm. I will use my eyes to give electricity..
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
And now, my acting days RE-LIVED.
I know. I am lame. -.-" Dont make yourself lame by saying I am.
By the way, the set of 12 books are a set of joke books written by Rev George Ong, the speaker for the camp. Just giving info for those who didnt get why everyone cheered and laughed when I said that. It definitely wasnt holy laughter.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Susan Boyle: Idol or Not?
I'm sure by now many of you have caught the Youtube sensation Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent show, and there has been a big hoo-ha about how this 47 year old woman managed to belt out such an amazing voice to charm the audience. In an earlier season, Paul Potts (in his signature buckteeth) also belted out an opera piece, went on to win it, and has since flourished in his opera career.
The rags-to-riches storyline is indeed common, and apparently people LOVE to hear about someone less than ordinary to do something extraordinarily well. People are intrigued about how so-and-so managed to overcome all odds to finally achieve his/her dream. Trust me, it always sells. For example: Comparing a person who was a Christian all his/her life since birth, backslided halfway and led a normal life, and then came back to church few years down the road for good. Compare that with a person who was persecuted, left church, smoked, did drugs, got raped, almost prostituted, but eventually there came a divine moment where God touched the person's life and came back for good.
I mean our testimonies all testify of God's goodness in our lives, but what exactly do I drive at here? Yes, it is true that the second scenario was more "colourful" and "happening" and people are inclined to side with the person with the "colourful" story. Amongst all the controversy that the media people wanted it in, boost viewership and ratings (all that is completely natural in entertainment), we should always be impartial when voting in such contests.
My stand:
People are bound to root for Susan Boyle because she stunned the world. But it should'nt be overdone. Regardless whether she wins or not, this competition is shopping for talent. It would be great if she won of course, but if she doesnt, I would still recognise her effort because she did her best.
With regards to our testimonies of salvation, it is important to recognise that G. is not looking for who He can save to create an exceptional testimony. Salvation cannot be regarded as a "talent contest" or "who wants to be the best salvation story" because J. came not to save certain people, but to save all. Likewise in doing His will, it dosent matter how normal/exceptional your salvation case is. What matters is the courage in decision making, and the ending. Will it be a resounding celebration?
Who will you be? Paul Potts/ William Hung?
The rags-to-riches storyline is indeed common, and apparently people LOVE to hear about someone less than ordinary to do something extraordinarily well. People are intrigued about how so-and-so managed to overcome all odds to finally achieve his/her dream. Trust me, it always sells. For example: Comparing a person who was a Christian all his/her life since birth, backslided halfway and led a normal life, and then came back to church few years down the road for good. Compare that with a person who was persecuted, left church, smoked, did drugs, got raped, almost prostituted, but eventually there came a divine moment where God touched the person's life and came back for good.
I mean our testimonies all testify of God's goodness in our lives, but what exactly do I drive at here? Yes, it is true that the second scenario was more "colourful" and "happening" and people are inclined to side with the person with the "colourful" story. Amongst all the controversy that the media people wanted it in, boost viewership and ratings (all that is completely natural in entertainment), we should always be impartial when voting in such contests.
My stand:
People are bound to root for Susan Boyle because she stunned the world. But it should'nt be overdone. Regardless whether she wins or not, this competition is shopping for talent. It would be great if she won of course, but if she doesnt, I would still recognise her effort because she did her best.
With regards to our testimonies of salvation, it is important to recognise that G. is not looking for who He can save to create an exceptional testimony. Salvation cannot be regarded as a "talent contest" or "who wants to be the best salvation story" because J. came not to save certain people, but to save all. Likewise in doing His will, it dosent matter how normal/exceptional your salvation case is. What matters is the courage in decision making, and the ending. Will it be a resounding celebration?
Who will you be? Paul Potts/ William Hung?
Monday, April 13, 2009
The greatest tearjerker in all of history.
To my one and only J,
I love You.
and I can never say it enough.
Because in doing His wil didnt only cost You something.
But it cost You everything.
Indeed, you have made all. things. new.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Wake Up Call.
It was only the past 24 hours that the sinking feeling of loss effectively penetrated deep in. How would you feel if you were in my shoes? Would you still be able to carry on your ministry the very same way you built it upon? To be frank, I feel like ripping my ministry apart and built it from scratch because of this incident that changed my life. I dont want to regret not doing enough for every person that comes into my midst. I wouldnt say 5 years ago, I did not do my best in following up on him. But I knew that if you placed the present Kenneth you see today back then, perhaps things could have been different.
Youths, Young Adults, you can be cell leaders, connect group leaders, leaders in school or in your workplace, you cant say that you've been there, done that until you have experienced it yourself. I am boldly making this statement because it is true. Up till this event, I must admit I thought that soul-winning was just a lifestyle. Something that should be done. Something that Christians should be passionate about. And now this is what I define soul-winning:
Soul-winning is a call to obedience, a call to faithfulness, a call to compassion, a call to love, a call to patience, a call to servanthood, a call to humility, and finally a call to willingly embrace a lifelong calling.
God has called us to be conversionists, to break down and to restore everything to its orginal purpose, yet for some leaders that I've seen personally for myself add more agendas and conditions for their members to fulfill. What for? Have they lost their soul? People are always people. I remember Pastor Kong saying that we are 2/3 spiritual and 1/3 natural. Oh they can be so vision-minded, go for numbers and all, yes I agree its a great thing to be concerned over numbers, but hold fast to the values that God has placed within the leather-backed book we carry. The just shall live by faith. My cry for everyone of you is to walk in truth.
Easter is about the resurrection. Perhaps after months, you'd probably have given up on the very people you've been trying to get back. Dont wait until the person's face appears in the Orbituary section of the Straits Times before you realise and regret. Start resurrecting broken relationships again.
Broken meaning you initiated the break-up because you deemed that he/she was no longer potential and will never come back.
Broken meaning you start sowing back into his/her life the very seed of life that was placed in yours when you came.
Broken meaning you break that judgemental mindset of yours and start seeing everyone as a potential disciple of Christ.
Broken meaning you die to your old mindset, and start building on the God's values.
I cannot express how much this event has brought tons of revelation upon me, but I will take each revelation as it comes as I rebuild my foundations, beliefs and value systems with regard to minsitry, God, and my personal life.
On a side note before signing off:
X was telling me how great CHC is and how good I am at the guitar. In my heart I commented:
Please. Dont praise the place where I came from, but praise the God who made me.
Is CHC your everything?
Is ministry your everything?
Is connect group your everything?
Is serving your everything?
Is the great praise and worship your everything?
Are your cell group members everything?
Are events everything?
I am sure all these rank somewhere of somewhat importance in your life, and your heartbeat would gladly beat for any of these things in or outside this little list. But friends, let me tell you one last thing:
I would gladly stop my hearbeat for these things just to listen to God's heartbeat and allow God to take all of me in exchange for all of Him. Only then I can say, it is not I, but Christ who lives in me. Love you deep deep G.
And now, the song 'Above All Else' makes so much more sense than before.
I just hope that my friend up there will finally realise what he has missed out over the years.
Youths, Young Adults, you can be cell leaders, connect group leaders, leaders in school or in your workplace, you cant say that you've been there, done that until you have experienced it yourself. I am boldly making this statement because it is true. Up till this event, I must admit I thought that soul-winning was just a lifestyle. Something that should be done. Something that Christians should be passionate about. And now this is what I define soul-winning:
Soul-winning is a call to obedience, a call to faithfulness, a call to compassion, a call to love, a call to patience, a call to servanthood, a call to humility, and finally a call to willingly embrace a lifelong calling.
God has called us to be conversionists, to break down and to restore everything to its orginal purpose, yet for some leaders that I've seen personally for myself add more agendas and conditions for their members to fulfill. What for? Have they lost their soul? People are always people. I remember Pastor Kong saying that we are 2/3 spiritual and 1/3 natural. Oh they can be so vision-minded, go for numbers and all, yes I agree its a great thing to be concerned over numbers, but hold fast to the values that God has placed within the leather-backed book we carry. The just shall live by faith. My cry for everyone of you is to walk in truth.
Easter is about the resurrection. Perhaps after months, you'd probably have given up on the very people you've been trying to get back. Dont wait until the person's face appears in the Orbituary section of the Straits Times before you realise and regret. Start resurrecting broken relationships again.
Broken meaning you initiated the break-up because you deemed that he/she was no longer potential and will never come back.
Broken meaning you start sowing back into his/her life the very seed of life that was placed in yours when you came.
Broken meaning you break that judgemental mindset of yours and start seeing everyone as a potential disciple of Christ.
Broken meaning you die to your old mindset, and start building on the God's values.
I cannot express how much this event has brought tons of revelation upon me, but I will take each revelation as it comes as I rebuild my foundations, beliefs and value systems with regard to minsitry, God, and my personal life.
On a side note before signing off:
X was telling me how great CHC is and how good I am at the guitar. In my heart I commented:
Please. Dont praise the place where I came from, but praise the God who made me.
Is CHC your everything?
Is ministry your everything?
Is connect group your everything?
Is serving your everything?
Is the great praise and worship your everything?
Are your cell group members everything?
Are events everything?
I am sure all these rank somewhere of somewhat importance in your life, and your heartbeat would gladly beat for any of these things in or outside this little list. But friends, let me tell you one last thing:
I would gladly stop my hearbeat for these things just to listen to God's heartbeat and allow God to take all of me in exchange for all of Him. Only then I can say, it is not I, but Christ who lives in me. Love you deep deep G.
And now, the song 'Above All Else' makes so much more sense than before.
I just hope that my friend up there will finally realise what he has missed out over the years.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Burdened.
I never really comprehended what was it like to lose a member through death until a couple of minutes ago when my ex-n309 member (now in another cell group that multiplied) wrote me a message on facebook:
kenneth, you rmb Paul Wai, he passed away ytd. He died in a car accident.. i am feeling really horrible n upset now, have been crying since ytd. I really regretted not helping him to stay in church in the past, now everything is gone.
My initial reaction? I was taken aback, definitely. Afterall, I used to sow my time and energy in reaching out to him through basketball games at various places, SP, Ngee Ann, anywhere there was a court to play, we would meet "religiously" every Saturday. Even as I feel that I could've done more for the person with my capacity now, I think at that point of time I really did the best I could to draw him closer to the cell group, and closer to God. At the end of the day, he decided to leave.
The only question that I failed to ask him was: Why.
I think if all the 'why did you leave' questions had a solution. Most of the cell groups in church would have doubled or tripled.
kenneth, you rmb Paul Wai, he passed away ytd. He died in a car accident.. i am feeling really horrible n upset now, have been crying since ytd. I really regretted not helping him to stay in church in the past, now everything is gone.
My initial reaction? I was taken aback, definitely. Afterall, I used to sow my time and energy in reaching out to him through basketball games at various places, SP, Ngee Ann, anywhere there was a court to play, we would meet "religiously" every Saturday. Even as I feel that I could've done more for the person with my capacity now, I think at that point of time I really did the best I could to draw him closer to the cell group, and closer to God. At the end of the day, he decided to leave.
The only question that I failed to ask him was: Why.
I think if all the 'why did you leave' questions had a solution. Most of the cell groups in church would have doubled or tripled.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Attitude determines Altitude.
We were discussing this important issue about attitude at cell on Friday, and the following remark came to mind : " Kenneth is always like that. " "That is a very Kenneth thing to do." (not said by someone at cell.) And I felt provoked. Such cutting remarks deserve recognition because it is not out to hurt you, but a distinct reminder to reflect and re-align.
For others to say that negatively/positively about you, then there is a need for change. 'Why do I have to change something that is already positive about me?' you ask. Well, its not a change for worse, but a change for something even better. You see, the refining process is not about just extracting the old. It is about removing the old, and adding new stuff to make the product even better. That should always be the way shouldn't it? Going onto perfection. =)
Leading PnW next week, my trust is in You for a great time!
For others to say that negatively/positively about you, then there is a need for change. 'Why do I have to change something that is already positive about me?' you ask. Well, its not a change for worse, but a change for something even better. You see, the refining process is not about just extracting the old. It is about removing the old, and adding new stuff to make the product even better. That should always be the way shouldn't it? Going onto perfection. =)
Leading PnW next week, my trust is in You for a great time!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Engineers are from Mars and Businessmen are from Venus.
I was talking to my prof the other day about modern day engineering, petroleum plants and such. One thing that he said was very true.
"When you design a plant to produce a product, your boss will always push you for 100%. And the best thing is as engineers, we know its not possible."
As I go through my module, Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Design, my prof's words were further underlined as I study various reactions, conduct experiments and lay the foundation theory. As much as my boss is anal about achieving maximum productivity, Newton's Three famous Laws stand in the way from realising the impossible. For any given reaction, it is impossible for it to achieve 100% conversion, this inspite of all the futile attempts to tweak various properties of temperature, pressure, composition. "How about adding a catalyst?" No wonder you are not an engineer. A catalyst only speeds up or slows down a reaction! And most cataylsts are not cheap.
Sometimes system incapabilities do hinder your 'immortalised' productivity. The question is not "Can you use the current equipment to extract out the best?". The question is, "How much money are you willing to spend?" Given the current times, who would want to spend millions of dollars upgrading equipment? Mind you, the equipment in our labs today easily cost hundreds and thousands of dollars! And they are so small in size as well! What more big huge equipment that probably would cost you 10 lifetimes to build one.
No offense to the business people, but to have this sort of anal mentality wont get you far. Engineering has always been in my blood, and will always be, now I understand why we engineers are always required. Problem is: with most of our friends picking a much sought after business degree or some sort, who then will be trained enough to manage plants? There you go. To all those who "foolishly" went for it, just have the fighting spirit and audacity to compete among the millions all over the world whom like you, decided to do business. Few fail to realise this with a global mindset though, and it saddens me at the end to find out that you said "oh no, I took the wrong course."
________________________________________________________
Sidenote:
To those who think biodiesel is going to save the world, here's some food for thought. Biodiesel is way inferior to our crude oil because the energy it generates when combusted cannot be compared to that of crude oil, hence not suitable to be used for our automobiles. Even as we speak, people are trying to find out what is the ideal composition of crude oil and biodiesel to achieve maximum power. Well, that still is going to deplete our oil resources.
Guys. The gold is now in renewable energy. Not in biodiesel.
So aspiring businessmen and businesswomen, believe it or not, Im telling you the ball is in our court now.
"When you design a plant to produce a product, your boss will always push you for 100%. And the best thing is as engineers, we know its not possible."
As I go through my module, Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Design, my prof's words were further underlined as I study various reactions, conduct experiments and lay the foundation theory. As much as my boss is anal about achieving maximum productivity, Newton's Three famous Laws stand in the way from realising the impossible. For any given reaction, it is impossible for it to achieve 100% conversion, this inspite of all the futile attempts to tweak various properties of temperature, pressure, composition. "How about adding a catalyst?" No wonder you are not an engineer. A catalyst only speeds up or slows down a reaction! And most cataylsts are not cheap.
Sometimes system incapabilities do hinder your 'immortalised' productivity. The question is not "Can you use the current equipment to extract out the best?". The question is, "How much money are you willing to spend?" Given the current times, who would want to spend millions of dollars upgrading equipment? Mind you, the equipment in our labs today easily cost hundreds and thousands of dollars! And they are so small in size as well! What more big huge equipment that probably would cost you 10 lifetimes to build one.
No offense to the business people, but to have this sort of anal mentality wont get you far. Engineering has always been in my blood, and will always be, now I understand why we engineers are always required. Problem is: with most of our friends picking a much sought after business degree or some sort, who then will be trained enough to manage plants? There you go. To all those who "foolishly" went for it, just have the fighting spirit and audacity to compete among the millions all over the world whom like you, decided to do business. Few fail to realise this with a global mindset though, and it saddens me at the end to find out that you said "oh no, I took the wrong course."
________________________________________________________
Sidenote:
To those who think biodiesel is going to save the world, here's some food for thought. Biodiesel is way inferior to our crude oil because the energy it generates when combusted cannot be compared to that of crude oil, hence not suitable to be used for our automobiles. Even as we speak, people are trying to find out what is the ideal composition of crude oil and biodiesel to achieve maximum power. Well, that still is going to deplete our oil resources.
Guys. The gold is now in renewable energy. Not in biodiesel.
So aspiring businessmen and businesswomen, believe it or not, Im telling you the ball is in our court now.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
the rude awakening
The past few days I have always been awakened at unearthly hours by a number of irritating events:
1. People walking on the roof.
2. People drilling outside my window.
3. People talking over the phone.
4. People shouting to the people below.
5. People making a din in the floors below.
Amidst all these, the most effective one that got me out of my bed was Mr Alarm Clock.
Funny how the rest, who generated volumes of irritating noise, shook the very foundations of my room, failed to draw me out of bed except the Alarm Clock. Power of focus and discipline. When you set your heart upon the things of God, nothing can ever stop you. Even if it means getting out of bed.
Remember that still small voice.
And I remember every single encounter.
1. People walking on the roof.
2. People drilling outside my window.
3. People talking over the phone.
4. People shouting to the people below.
5. People making a din in the floors below.
Amidst all these, the most effective one that got me out of my bed was Mr Alarm Clock.
Funny how the rest, who generated volumes of irritating noise, shook the very foundations of my room, failed to draw me out of bed except the Alarm Clock. Power of focus and discipline. When you set your heart upon the things of God, nothing can ever stop you. Even if it means getting out of bed.
Remember that still small voice.
And I remember every single encounter.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Excuse me, you are?
The minute you and I were born on this earth, our parents would anticipate day after day when we would speak our first word. Most of the time, the baby would utter mama or papa or some random word. In my opinion, the most important word to teach your baby is "Hi!" Why do I say that? Because for the next 5 to 10 years of your baby's life, he/she would be the centre of attraction of every function, birthday celebration, wedding, family occasion... etc.
I distinctly recall my cousin giving birth to her first kid, and I have officially become an uncle to this nephew that stared blankly at me and drooled (not on me). He even turn my serious, strict dad into this joker, prancing about as if the baby was his own. Yet to all babies/kids who go through such situations ALL the time do not really know how to react. For myself, I was never taught how to socialise since young, just basically paying respect to relatives and 'hi, how're you's to friends and cousins.
It wasnt until secondary school where hormones of all teenagers raged that I started to experiment on 'how to bio char bor' 101. Looking back at all my attempts, I rate myself an epic failure. I was talking to one such girl I tried to chase in sec 4, and we hadnt talked for 6/7 years. I told her how I was such a loser and she literally burst out laughing.. well it wasnt the kind of reaction I expected, but I understood why she felt that way. And we spent hours reminiscing those funny, and weird days of freedom. Anyway I enjoyed the bio-ing during those times, being 'centre of attraction', and now enjoy laughing to my heart's content at those ridiculous attempts to get attached to 'the One'.
I'm glad with who I am today, but just one area you and I need to develop: the skill to socialise and develop meaningful relationships.
'Huh? I have alot of friends already what?'
'What socialise? I AM the Socialite!'
When I scroll through my MSN/Facebook contact list, I realise at least half were just a part of my life for a period, and then never kept in contact anymore. From Primary School, to Secondary School, Polytechnic, Various Courses I attended, Church, Army. Lets change the way we define friends.
Friends are not only the people we are with during school. They are classmates.
Friends are not only the people we work with in office. They are colleagues.
Friends are not only the people who train with you in the jungle. They are fellow recruits.
Friends are not only people who you meet every week at cell group/church. They are members.
What then is the true meaning of friends?
Dictionary.com says:
friend
1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.
3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.
4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.
My definition: 5. A person who builds a meaningful, lifelong relationship.
There are too many hi-and-bye friends in the world today, mere acquaintances. I myself have become guilty of it. But they always say,"Its not what you know, its who you know." Your social influence on people has an impact on your destiny, believe it or not.
The person whom you bullied in primary school could be the next upcoming president.
The person whom you backstabbed in secondary school could be the next CEO of the company you want to do business with.
The outcast of your BMT platoon could be doing his PHD in MIT, UPenn, whichever.
No longer should we have people that were just a "fraction of life". And when you know the person, you really know the person. Every person is precious. Jesus did not reject anyone. He only rejected the attitude within. So lets not be a stereotypical person! The person he/she was a decade ago would probably be a different person right now! Come on! Its 10 WHOLE YEARS!
It's time to dig out those autograph books you signed and wrote your contact details when you graduated from seconday school and primary school. Let's pick up those friends we've lost, and start catching up with them and eventually win them over!
I distinctly recall my cousin giving birth to her first kid, and I have officially become an uncle to this nephew that stared blankly at me and drooled (not on me). He even turn my serious, strict dad into this joker, prancing about as if the baby was his own. Yet to all babies/kids who go through such situations ALL the time do not really know how to react. For myself, I was never taught how to socialise since young, just basically paying respect to relatives and 'hi, how're you's to friends and cousins.
It wasnt until secondary school where hormones of all teenagers raged that I started to experiment on 'how to bio char bor' 101. Looking back at all my attempts, I rate myself an epic failure. I was talking to one such girl I tried to chase in sec 4, and we hadnt talked for 6/7 years. I told her how I was such a loser and she literally burst out laughing.. well it wasnt the kind of reaction I expected, but I understood why she felt that way. And we spent hours reminiscing those funny, and weird days of freedom. Anyway I enjoyed the bio-ing during those times, being 'centre of attraction', and now enjoy laughing to my heart's content at those ridiculous attempts to get attached to 'the One'.
I'm glad with who I am today, but just one area you and I need to develop: the skill to socialise and develop meaningful relationships.
'Huh? I have alot of friends already what?'
'What socialise? I AM the Socialite!'
When I scroll through my MSN/Facebook contact list, I realise at least half were just a part of my life for a period, and then never kept in contact anymore. From Primary School, to Secondary School, Polytechnic, Various Courses I attended, Church, Army. Lets change the way we define friends.
Friends are not only the people we are with during school. They are classmates.
Friends are not only the people we work with in office. They are colleagues.
Friends are not only the people who train with you in the jungle. They are fellow recruits.
Friends are not only people who you meet every week at cell group/church. They are members.
What then is the true meaning of friends?
Dictionary.com says:
friend
1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.
3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.
4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.
My definition: 5. A person who builds a meaningful, lifelong relationship.
There are too many hi-and-bye friends in the world today, mere acquaintances. I myself have become guilty of it. But they always say,"Its not what you know, its who you know." Your social influence on people has an impact on your destiny, believe it or not.
The person whom you bullied in primary school could be the next upcoming president.
The person whom you backstabbed in secondary school could be the next CEO of the company you want to do business with.
The outcast of your BMT platoon could be doing his PHD in MIT, UPenn, whichever.
No longer should we have people that were just a "fraction of life". And when you know the person, you really know the person. Every person is precious. Jesus did not reject anyone. He only rejected the attitude within. So lets not be a stereotypical person! The person he/she was a decade ago would probably be a different person right now! Come on! Its 10 WHOLE YEARS!
It's time to dig out those autograph books you signed and wrote your contact details when you graduated from seconday school and primary school. Let's pick up those friends we've lost, and start catching up with them and eventually win them over!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Lay lio! Lay lio!
This song's probably the most played song in Australia's radio waves, everytime I listen to the radio in somebody's car, it'll definitely play some how.
'Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares
Someone to love with my life in their hands
There's gotta be somebody for me like that
'Cause nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they're not alone
Somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There's gotta be somebody for me out there
The world cries out for help, are you gonna stand there and do nothing like a typical Singaporean? or are you going to get your butt moving and do something about it?
Recession & Creativity (Plagiarized from Ps Kong's blog)
On February 4, 2009, American President Obama gave his State of the Nation address. He said, “History reminds us that, at every moment of economic upheaval and transformation, this nation has responded with bold action and big ideas. In the midst of civil war, we laid railroad tracks from one coast to another that spurred commerce and industry. From the turmoil of the Industrial Revolution came a system of public high schools that prepared our citizens for a new age. In the wake of war and depression, the GI Bill sent a generation to college and created the largest middle-class in history. And a twilight struggle for freedom led to a nation of highways, an American on the moon, and an explosion of technology that still shapes our world … We are a nation that has seen promise amid peril and claimed opportunity from ordeal. Now we must be that nation again.”
In other words, what makes a people great is their ability to creatively try out new ideas in the face of immense challenges and crises. Recently, my friend Aries Zulkarnain sent me an article of a list of innovative ideas that have emerged during times of economic duress. Some examples:
The Great Depression: 3M invented the Scotch tape (1930); Revlon launched long-lasting nail polish (1932); Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom and Chicken Noodle soup were introduced (1934); GE introduced the fluorescent light bulb (1938); Hewlett-Packard was established (1939).
Eisenhower Recessions: Texas Instruments introduced the transistor radio (1954); McDonald’s opened its first restaurant (1955); Proctor & Gamble tested Pampers disposable diapers (1960).
1973 Oil Crisis: Arthur Fry and Spenser Silver invented Post-it Notes (1974); Bill Gates and Paul Allen formed Microsoft (1975).
Early 1980s Recession: MTV hit the airwaves (1981); Diet Coke made debut (1982); Microsoft introduced Word for MS-DOS 1.00 (1983).
Black Monday: Prozac was approved as an antidepressant (1987).
Gulf War: The World Wide Web and Apple Powerbook debuted (1991).
Dot-com Bust: iPod was unveiled (2001); RIM introduced Blackberry 5810 (2002).
Today, we are in a recession that many have claimed the worst since WWII. It was started by the collapse of the housing market. Then, the collapse of major banks caused public panic. The amount of available credit spiraled downward, making it almost impossible for anybody to get a loan. This recession was especially hard on car makers. As consumer confidence continues to plunge, things continue to get worse.
But hardships and difficulties are the necessary backdrops for greatness. When it seems like we are hard-pressed on every side, we must courageously tap into our oft-hidden God-given talents and gifts, unleashing the potential of those underused abilities to their fullest. Our moment of crisis is also our moment of creativity. This recession could well be our greatest hour yet. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward” (Heb. 10:35).
In other words, what makes a people great is their ability to creatively try out new ideas in the face of immense challenges and crises. Recently, my friend Aries Zulkarnain sent me an article of a list of innovative ideas that have emerged during times of economic duress. Some examples:
The Great Depression: 3M invented the Scotch tape (1930); Revlon launched long-lasting nail polish (1932); Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom and Chicken Noodle soup were introduced (1934); GE introduced the fluorescent light bulb (1938); Hewlett-Packard was established (1939).
Eisenhower Recessions: Texas Instruments introduced the transistor radio (1954); McDonald’s opened its first restaurant (1955); Proctor & Gamble tested Pampers disposable diapers (1960).
1973 Oil Crisis: Arthur Fry and Spenser Silver invented Post-it Notes (1974); Bill Gates and Paul Allen formed Microsoft (1975).
Early 1980s Recession: MTV hit the airwaves (1981); Diet Coke made debut (1982); Microsoft introduced Word for MS-DOS 1.00 (1983).
Black Monday: Prozac was approved as an antidepressant (1987).
Gulf War: The World Wide Web and Apple Powerbook debuted (1991).
Dot-com Bust: iPod was unveiled (2001); RIM introduced Blackberry 5810 (2002).
Today, we are in a recession that many have claimed the worst since WWII. It was started by the collapse of the housing market. Then, the collapse of major banks caused public panic. The amount of available credit spiraled downward, making it almost impossible for anybody to get a loan. This recession was especially hard on car makers. As consumer confidence continues to plunge, things continue to get worse.
But hardships and difficulties are the necessary backdrops for greatness. When it seems like we are hard-pressed on every side, we must courageously tap into our oft-hidden God-given talents and gifts, unleashing the potential of those underused abilities to their fullest. Our moment of crisis is also our moment of creativity. This recession could well be our greatest hour yet. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward” (Heb. 10:35).
Important Announcement
Hi guys,
due to a sudden prompting, I've decided... not to close the blog lah.
Just to let you guys know that I'll be sending my in-your-face posts to my beloved cell group members for them to read. Believing their mindsets will be challanged and broaden their perspective with regards to their Christian walk, engaging culture and the world. Perhaps I may not be as straightfoward as I usually am in my posts here, but I'll try to put up substantial stuff to be a blessing to you guys.
In any case, if you are not in my cell group, and wish to receive my emails, feel free to let me know and I will gladly add your email address to the list. Thank you for your support for me whilst I am overseas and whenever I'm back. Glad that you've thought of me and showed care and concern about my life.
Kenneth sends his love to you whenever and wherever. =)
due to a sudden prompting, I've decided... not to close the blog lah.
Just to let you guys know that I'll be sending my in-your-face posts to my beloved cell group members for them to read. Believing their mindsets will be challanged and broaden their perspective with regards to their Christian walk, engaging culture and the world. Perhaps I may not be as straightfoward as I usually am in my posts here, but I'll try to put up substantial stuff to be a blessing to you guys.
In any case, if you are not in my cell group, and wish to receive my emails, feel free to let me know and I will gladly add your email address to the list. Thank you for your support for me whilst I am overseas and whenever I'm back. Glad that you've thought of me and showed care and concern about my life.
Kenneth sends his love to you whenever and wherever. =)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Dear God,
in the most unlikely of circumstances, please allow me to meet a korean from Yoido Full Gospel Church. hehehehe. Or a Taiwanese from New Life Church. hehehehe.
Amen.
Amen.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Koreans just have a way with romance.
Tried to embed, but couldnt. Have a listen to this, and tell me what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCSe66pWNmc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCSe66pWNmc
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Famous Luke 5
Now, we all know the famous story of Luke 5, where Simon, James and John were called to become Jesus' first disciples in this book. What made them "eligible" to follow Jesus? Take into account, that Jesus was rejected in his very own hometown and got thrown out of the city. Then he travelled to Capernaum, which was about 20 miles (ie 32.18680 km ) So if you have completed the 32 km route march in SISPEC, or Exercise Long Walk during the Recce Course, you would have walked the distance Jesus walked before making his first disciples. And you jolly well know that 32 km is no mean feat, some even fall out of the march, so Jesus must've been quite a fit man. In the olden days, there was no map, no compass, so he'd definitely take a couple of days on a camel to reach Capernaum. So what qualifies one to be a disciple of Christ?
This was how far we were from the shore.
1. Jesus picked those who were willing and available. Luke 5:1-3
1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
By the time he arrived at Capernaum, Jesus would've been quite tired, so he need a place to rest and he found boats by the river so he could rest and at the same time cater to the large crowd. And of course, Jesus wasnt a man without manners, who would just enter anyone's boat without permission right? Afterall, boats represented a fisherman's livelihood, his precious. Without it he couldnt make a living. So, for Simon to lend out his precious, Jesus obviously had built a relationship strong enough for Simon to willingly lend it to him.
2. Jesus picked those who were obedient. Luke 5: 4-5
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Now it is impossible to know someone for a day, and call him Master the next. Simon and his fishermen khakis obviously must've heard of the miracles happening, and the Sea of Galilee was so near the city of Capernaum. How could it be possible that they did not know who Jesus was? In any case, with their obedience to his command, unknowingly Jesus brought them from a place of limitation (shallow end) to a place of no limitation (deep end)! Simon probably thought Jesus was going to take him to the place where he USUALLY fished, but to his surprise, Jesus brought him FURTHER, where the rewards were unlimited! For those who rear fish, the size of the fish depends on the size of the tank. Especially for koi fish. So in the deep end of the sea, there were unlimited possibilities of what they could catch, and their boat was unable to contain the harvest because the boat itself was incapable of the overhaul! Note here, Jesus went out with one boat, and came back with 2 boats.
3. Jesus picked those who were humble. Luke 5: 6-8
6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
The fishermen recognised that a miracle actually happened in their lifes and how tremendously blessed they were. Was it the limitation in their mindsets? Perhaps because of that, they were discouraged by the constant repetition of negative results, so much so that they turned their backs of God. And thus, they felt they sinned.
Friends, lets remind ourselves how we became disciples in the first place. Firstly, we willingly availed ourselves to serve. Secondly, we were obedient to the authority over our lives. Lastly, we humbled ourselves in our character. Let's also recognise the impact that spiritual encounters can have over our lives. 1. We can be more spiritually sensitive. 2. Our mindsets are renewed to think endless possibilities. 3. We clear the pathway for the purpose of God to be revealed in our lives. (Simon and his khakis eventually became fishers of men.)
I personally have experienced how hard it is to launch into the deep. I went crabbing (catching crabs) recently with some of my cell group members, and I really enjoyed myself that day, soaking myself in the hot blazing sun. It is no mean feat. Though they said it was the crabbing season, it was high tide and we were up to knee level. Furthermore, the crabs have to be larger than the coke can size. Mind you, the coke cans here in Perth are BIGGER.
And mind you, my "boat" was quite cui because my members didnt tell me to bring WET shoes for the occasion, so I was barefooted. ugh. and the crabs are so small and fast that you cant even see them. And they can hide in thick mosses too. The best part is that I havent talked about the pincers yet. but anyway, it wasnt till I launched out into the deep where I found them. Bibilical principles are still relevant till today!
This was how far we were from the shore.
Thats me at the side poking the ground incase they hide underneath the sand. So much for breaking up the fallow ground eh?
Extreme left: My member, Joakim finally catches a teeny weeny crab, but more to come. Another member, Michelle freaks out when the crab brushes against her feet.
And finally, we rejoice after catching the first crab..
So guys, Jesus travelled 20miles for his first disciples to turn the world upside down. I travelled so far into the ocean to catch the first crab.
Why not you step out of your comfort and do some world shakin' and history makin' ?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Jac-kwer-leen oh Jac-kwuer-leen, zui hao xiao de jiu shi ni (UIC song)
Was just talking to Madame Sitorus just now and she really brightens up my day with her reactions...
Kenneth says:
hi jac your face is super funny
Kenneth says:
AHHAHAHAAHAHHAA
jac says:
?
jac says:
huh?
jac says:
OH GOODNESS
jac says:
WAT ARE U DOING
jac says:
hahahahha
jac says:
kenneth tan wei en! 
Kenneth says:
hi jac your face is super funny
Kenneth says:
AHHAHAHAAHAHHAA
jac says:
?
jac says:
huh?
jac says:
OH GOODNESS
jac says:
WAT ARE U DOING
jac says:
hahahahha
jac says:
kenneth tan wei en!
Kenneth says:
LOL
jac says:
KENNETH THAN WEI EN
jac says:
hahahahahahha
jac says:
change change change!!!
LOL
jac says:
KENNETH THAN WEI EN
jac says:
hahahahahahha
jac says:
change change change!!!
Kenneth says:
HAHAHAHHA
Kenneth says:
my friend said
Kenneth says:
who is that. so scary
jac says:
BOOOOHOOOOO
jac says:
T_T
jac says:
HAHAHAHHA
Kenneth says:
my friend said
Kenneth says:
who is that. so scary
jac says:
BOOOOHOOOOO
jac says:
T_T
jac says:
:(
Kenneth says:
why are you crying!
Kenneth says:
quite funny what!
jac says:
hahahhaha
Kenneth says:
why are you crying!
Kenneth says:
quite funny what!
jac says:
hahahhaha
And then she ran away to hide her face.
In any case, the photo in question was....
Monday, March 2, 2009
单单的爱着你
Perhaps I might have seemed a tad bit angsty in the previous post, but to be very frank, I dont really care. It is a saddening fact that many fail to make it back a Christian/ as passionate a Christian when they come back from overseas studies. I simply refuse to be part of that statistic.
你爱是我苏醒 Your love renews me
重新来过 To start all over again
深切渴望能活 Deep desire to live
在你手中 Within the palm of Your hands
生命跟随你跳动 Living life according to your heartbeat
梦想因你而启动 Dreams are materialising because of You
所有一切交给你 Lifting everything unto You
毫无保留 Witholding nothing
让我为你而活 Let me live for You
让我为你而站立 Let me take a stand for You
永不放弃想你爱我 Never giving up, wanting You to love me
让我为你前进 Let me press in all for You.
我气息是你赎回 My very breath comes from You
如今单单属于你 Eversince I am wholly Yours
活出你旨意的生命 Living Your purpose for my life
改变世界为你转动 Changing the world to turn their hearts to you.
转动的梦想 Developing dreams
实现着希望 Fulfilling hopes
我已看见永恒的光芒 I have seen everlasting glory
光芒在我心上 My heart is filled with Your glory
在世界绽放 Releasing to the world
让我为你照亮 Let me shine
if there was no CHC, would you still love God as passionately as you did?
你爱是我苏醒 Your love renews me
重新来过 To start all over again
深切渴望能活 Deep desire to live
在你手中 Within the palm of Your hands
生命跟随你跳动 Living life according to your heartbeat
梦想因你而启动 Dreams are materialising because of You
所有一切交给你 Lifting everything unto You
毫无保留 Witholding nothing
让我为你而活 Let me live for You
让我为你而站立 Let me take a stand for You
永不放弃想你爱我 Never giving up, wanting You to love me
让我为你前进 Let me press in all for You.
我气息是你赎回 My very breath comes from You
如今单单属于你 Eversince I am wholly Yours
活出你旨意的生命 Living Your purpose for my life
改变世界为你转动 Changing the world to turn their hearts to you.
转动的梦想 Developing dreams
实现着希望 Fulfilling hopes
我已看见永恒的光芒 I have seen everlasting glory
光芒在我心上 My heart is filled with Your glory
在世界绽放 Releasing to the world
让我为你照亮 Let me shine
if there was no CHC, would you still love God as passionately as you did?
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