Little Big Dreams

Hanjie and her kaya toasts! :)
Thank God for Michelle...or else I think I would have overslept and miss this meal... :P The normal Singapore breakfast at all the kopitiams -- Kaya Toast, Half-boiled Egg, and Teh-Bing (Ice Milk Tea)...love it! :D

Today started off with a nice breakfast with Hanjie and Michelle at Hall 2 Canteen. Yet I continue to sleep after I return back to my room. Yesterday night after the paper, I had slept for 9 hours...and today, I think I have slept more than enough...hahaha...I guess I am officially in the Sleepy Pigs' League...lol

Ever since AA306 ended on Tuesday, there is a slight inertia for me to pick up the study rhythm that I had built up over the past week. Manz...I think this will get harder as I finished more papers. The end is so near and yet so far...grrr.... :/

My mind starts to wander off again in my little wonderland -- my dream-soon-coming-to-be-true Europe trip, my sinful indulgence with my chocolates and ice creams, and the wish to get the daily Do-What-I-Want-to-Do (aka D.W.I.W.D.) pass for the rest of my holidays till I started working...hee hee... :P

As I was reading through my friend's blog in which she posted her entries on the places she travelled while she was exchanging in Poland, I realised how ignorant I am about the world around me. Eastern Europe is a part of Europe but yet not as popular as the places in the Central Europe like France, UK, Switzerland, and hence I thought there probably isn't much there and probably only left with all the ruins from those wars in the past. Yet, in the pictures I saw that she and her friend took, I can see how beautiful Budapest (Hungary) is, how modern Krakow (Poland) can be, and how delicious looking are the food there that you hardly find them in Singapore! Oh manz...make me really wanna juz pack up and go off immediately...hahaha...lol

I really wished that I can go travel around the world, to see and venture into the different religions, cultures and customs that each places has, and hopefully in return, I could be there to bring to them the chance to know of my own culture, my religion and my people back in my homeland. Yet there are limitations and I know it is going to be a big-dream-to-becoming-true and I probably have to fulfill my many other little dreams first. Well, at least there are still many things for me to look forward to ya? *wink* ;)

People I miss lots and to thank God for having them in my life...

The month of May is finally coming and there are so many catching ups to do manz...it's gonna be a happy busy holiday...*bleam* :D

And for the two of you, I will see you guys in Europe...Yeah! :DD

To Gaynor: Hope to see you too in Lucerne! Yeah...lol

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
~ Proverbs 17:17"

Bin following you... :P

Quiet Time

Finally got the time to read the bible again. And as always, God has the answer for me...

I like my study bible. A lot. Really like it because the questions I come up with as I read the bible it seem to have prepared well enough info for me. This time, I was reading on the healing of the blind man at Bethsaida(Mark 8:22-27).

It is a story that illustrate again on how Jesus heal the people. Yet this is slightly different in two ways that I take special notice of. First, the blind man was not healed on his first attempt. Second, Jesus had to spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him as he was healing him. So questions: Why did Jesus spit on the blind man's eyes when he has the healing power that certainly need not to spit in order to heal his blindness (8:23)? Why did Jesus fail to heal the blind man on his first attempt (8:25)?

Thanks to my bible it seems to have some info here to learn about it. It is stated that there are several Roman writers as well as Jewish rabbis considered saliva to be a valid treatment for blindness. In this case, it may be that Jesus recognised the man's need for increased faith and offered his physical action to raise his expectations. If so, the man's spiritual sight was strengthened as physical sight was imparted to him.

This story also appears to have taught us two lessons. First, Jesus heals people in a variety of ways, in which for this case, he used a two-step process. Second, it is important for us to understand that achieving spiritual insight may be a gradual process rather than a dramatic event. The disciples, like the blind man, had a measure of insight, but they still need the help of Jesus for further understanding.

I guess this story pretty relates to how I feel after the weekend services with Benny Hinn. To a certain extent as I have mentioned before, I don't feel much through his service, and I guess I know why now. In my heart, I don't believe as much as a miraculous healing through the spirit, as much as to see it with some physical actions attended to the healing process. I see it more as to heal psychological needs than rather physical needs. Just like the blind man who needed Jesus's physical action to raise his expectations and strengthened his faith. And I am learning slowly to take it in now... :)

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. ~ Hebrews 10:35-36"

Be Considerate

This is dated back on Sunday but I think I should still post this up to let others being aware of some inconsiderate neighbours living among us...

While there is actually a tap on the floor area for mops and pails, there are still people who choose to do the most disgusting way -- to wash their dirty mops in the sink! Eek...that's totally gross! :S The sink is meant for us to wash our hands, our faces and fruits for hygiene purposes. Can't they spare a thought for the others living around them? *completely shocked*

"Please have a thought for others and don't be one of them yourself..."

If Only Through Heaven's Eyes

What an old song...love it as much still... :)

"If Only Through Heaven's Eyes"

by N'Sync

I never thought you were a fairweather friend
You never let me down, you're true to the end
You’re in the darkest hour, when all was lost
Somehow you left the light on
You faced the wrong and showed the world a thing or two
Stood up for me, for you
And you should know

Some say it wasn’t worth the things we went through
I say it ain’t worth losing you
I hope you know how much you’ve changed all our lives
Someday you’ll see if only through heaven’s eyes

I still remember the things that you said
I keep your words alive I could never forget
Cause in the final hour you made me proud
So proud that I could know you
You told the world its time that they believed in you
You stood for right and truth
And you should know

Some say it wasn’t worth the things we went through
I say it ain’t worth losing you
I hope you know how much you’ve changed all our lives
Someday you’ll see if only through heaven’s eyes

Only through heaven’s eyes...

And so we can’t forget
We’ve got to keep remembering them all
The ones who took the fall
They did it for us all
And we should learn from it
Stand up if you believe in it
You’ve got to face the world...be strong

Some say it wasn’t worth the things we went through
I say it ain’t worth losing you
I hope you know how much you’ve changed all our lives
Someday you’ll see if only through heaven’s eyes

Goodbye AA306! :)

Went out to meet mummy for dinner...and caught a candid shot of her...stoning... :PWith mummy around, it always mean some good food around too...hahaha...yummy yummy...lolSome lion dance troupe performing at Chinatown...a great way to promote our Chinese arts and traditions to the tourists I guess... :)

It is rare to find a black man and a white caucasian as one of the lion dancers.

This just show how cultures can be crossed and how we can learn from each other's differences...

Thank God for the racial harmony in Singapore... :)

Woohoo one down, and two more to go! :) Geez...I feel like I am much lighter after the heavy burden is gone. Right now I just pray that nothing goes wrong and I can just pass the paper...and GRADUATE!!! Hee hee...getting more and more desperate... :P

Thanks for everyone's wishes...I really need them bcoz I must admit I have a tendency to freak out during tests and exams...hee...bad habit hor? :P Thank God for you all...I really appreciate it...hahaha...feel super warmth in my heart...*hugz* :DD

Oh and I just received my last birthday card from my friends, DHL, all the way from Poland! Yeah...so happy to hear from you two...*hugz* :D

To Daryl and Huiling (aka DHL! :P): THANK YOU to the both of you for the birthday card even though it is really belated...lol (Paiseh I also only got it from my mum today... :P)

To Huiling dear, I didn't know you got read my blog though (next time give me a tag k? *wink) Hahaha...thanks for the care and concern for me. *hugz* I am glad you like the scarf...and juz for your info, I happen to make only two of them out of the same material and the other one is given to Daryl wor...such a coincidence manz...lol Yeah...I can't wait to go Europe with you too! :D

To Daryl bro, thanks for planning all the itinerary and bringing me around...really owe you lots for this one manz...lol And yes the strawberry cake on the card looks so delicious but yet not real lei...so you better bring me to find a nice piece of cake to eat while I am in Europe k? *grinz* :P

What I always do after exam is of coz to give myself a little treat. Today is no exception...so guess what I did? :P I pre-order my most favourite and waited-for-so-many-years final episode of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS!!! :DD Took the offer from SingPost and purchase the adult version special limited edition which cost me S$52.35...big hole in my wallet again...but I believe it's all worth it...yeah...lol More about the HP's book 7 is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Deathly_Hallows

"Today is another happy day for me...so glad that it is finally over...battle continues for the final 2 showdown! :P"

If Tomorrow Never Come...

I feel nervous and scare, like a bride waiting for the bridegroom to enter her room to take her hand, like dealing with matter of life or death. This is the final day before all the exams begin tomorrow...

God, please be here and walk with me...last lap before the journey begins.

Special Weekend With Benny Hinn

Daph & Me! :)Our choir!

Notice that they actually form a big white cross there? Very cool wor... :P Shu Hui & Me! :)Can you see that the WHOLE stadium is totally packed with people?
How amazing...*astonished*Joanne & Me! :)

Have a very long day today as I met up with Daph, Joanne, Amanda and Shuhui for a little chat before we headed down to Singapore Indoor Stadium for Benny Hinn's Evangelistic Meeting. The crowd was huge and the queue was long. We had been there ever since 4pm (while the meeting only started at 7pm).

Just a brief introduction for all those who never heard about Benny Hinn:

Rev. Benny Hinn is a world-renowned healing evangelist who has traveled extensively around the globe, preaching and teaching on the biblical principle of divine healing through the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. In his conferences, miraculous signs and wonders often follow his emphatic preaching of God's Word. Innumerable individuals have been greatly impacted through his
powerful ministry.

More about Benny Hinn is found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_hinn

I was totally surprised and overwhelmed by the huge crowd gathered inside the stadium. People don't just come from Singapore but many other countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and even Philippines as well. By 6.30pm, the whole indoor stadium was completely full. Absolutely ALL seats in there were taken up even though there were still many people streaming in.

As Rev Benny Hinn spoke, his voice and his posture were, I would say, very charismatic. There was just something in his voice that you couldn't help but feel totally attracted to his speech. Well, sounds a bit like those story narrators to me... :P The choir was simply spectacular and they certainly had put up a very great performance.

The highlight of the night was of course the healing part, where many patients came up onto the stage to testify for the miracles done onto them. Everyone in the stadium was praying in tongues and you could feel that somewhat the atmosphere was totally filled up with the Holy Spirits. Some of the people even fell onto the chairs and the floor as the pastor prayed for the Holy Spirit to touch them.

Yet I have to admit somewhat I feel a little difference.

As the pastor was praying with the crowd, I prayed in tongues as well. I would say it feels good in me as I actually feel an energy surge through my body. When the pastor exclaimed the word "Touch!", I felt a slight current passing through me there. Yet at the same time, on the other inner side of me, I could also feel a strong opposite force that pushes me against the current. Instantly, I have lots of questions running in my mind again as I became doubtful for what I felt. Somewhat, this feeling is just not justifiable to what I believe in. Could it be my reluctance to believe in Holy Spirits? Or could it be my stubborness to open up? Or could it I am too conscious about falling? Or even...could it be I just don't feel anything?

I can't say I totally don't believe in such things as Holy Spirits working in us. I felt it before when I had completely no idea why I could feel all those emotions in me (not that I feel guilty or what) when I just ran back to God and started crying and totally touched by His presence. I saw friends who have experienced them who would become somewhat "different" from the normal sense during such services that deal with the Holy Spirits. I did feel a little "different" as I prayed together with the people around me today. Yet I have to say it is only a LITTLE difference and I don't feel that much of a great push on me when the pastor exclaimed "Touch!". Well, I wondered if my heart somewhat had a hard spot for this...and I do know this shouldn't be right but I just can't help to feel it that way...

While the pastor was praying today, I actually noticed a man in the floor area, ministered by a church supervisor and probably his relative who sat beside him, kept standing up and down and moving his leg in the process. I didn't take my eye off him for fear that I can't locate where he was again. Initially, he was assisted by his relative as he stood up in front of the church supervisor who then talked to him and laid hands on his head to pray. After that prayer, the man stood up again, moved his legs up and down, then he sat down again. Soon, he stood up again, moving his legs again and sat down. He repeated this at least 4 to 5 times before he finally stood up, lifting up his hands to praise and worship while the relative beside him now kneel on the ground to pray. And at this time, tears started to flow down my cheeks...

The man did not go up to the stage to testify for his healing in the end. Yet to me, compared to many of those who went up on stage to testify their miracles, this man had indeed impacted greatly on me about the service. His testimony juz seemed so much greater and such a big comfort to me.

This is truly what I quoted again from St Augustine:

"Faith is to believe what we see, and the reward is to see what we believe in."

Harrowing of Hell

Juz wanna share what I learnt while I am on my journey to look for answers to some questions I have over the easter play...something I juz wanna come clearer again even though it was told and understood many many times... :)

While I realise the JW topic attracts everyone's attention, which I guess I shouldn't really have posted that (sorry about it! :X), I don't know if anyone of you notice my questions for the Easter service there as well (Thanks Brian for noting it and telling me some clues there... :) ). So I decided to look up on wikipedia again (the super useful rearch engine...hahaha...lol), and I finally find the information I am looking for -- "Harrowing of Hell" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrowing_of_Hell).

Basically, I have to admit that during the play, the part playing Jesus descending into the hell somehow bothers me. And over these days, sometimes I can't help but to think WHAT is the SIGNIFICANCE of it? Why Jesus, the Son of God, instead of going straight to heaven, would go down to the hell instead? How do people know about this when in the bible, there is nothing much being said about this? (I have to admit that I didn't read the bible enough though, so if you know of anything pls enlighten me here... :P)

To a certain extent, I don't think that the church put that part up in the performance just like that if it does not carry any significance. Because if they do, there would probably be someone who would start to question the reason for it. And I have to say it might not be seen in the right direction when all of us often response to things differently. Because, after all, Jesus's death and resurrection are the main focus of the performance for the easter services, in which the area people would like to debate upon, telling us that if indeed he has died on the cross for us for our sins.

And what I found this:

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church,

"He descended into hell" affirms that Jesus did really die, and through his substitutionary death he conquered death and the devil. In his human soul united to his divine person, the dead Christ went down to the realm of the dead. He opened Heaven's gates for the just who had gone before him.

So what have I gained here?

Well, it tells me that Jesus indeed is a man, like any of us, when he was on earth. I know this is something told many times, but some of us might not even think that as a man, the Son of God, Jesus would go down to hell after he died, right?

This part of the play helps to remind me once more that Jesus is indeed a man with flesh, that he would, like us, feel joy when something good happens; that he would, like us, feel sorrow and pain (in the play he cried when John the Baptist died). He went through those sufferings for us as he carried the cross on his back...those pain and wounds were all real. Can you imagine how pain it would be if anyone of us were being beaten like that?! (Ouch...!)

It was mentioned briefly in Hebrews 2: 14-16,

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death -- that is, the devil -- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants."

Actually from my study bible, it also provides another reason for why as to Jesus HAVE to become like us (Heb 2:17). It mentioned here that Jesus became human, not just to die for our sins, but also to be our high priest. To fully communicate God's salvation to us -- and identify with our need -- Jesus had to become one of us (the qualities of a priest are given in Heb 5:1-3).

Something I come to learn about...again... :)

More about Christ descended into hell is also mentioned from the Roman Catholic: http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p122a5p1.htm

Common Conversations Between Students During Exams

I have observed that there are a few common topics among us during the exam period. And I mean really COMMON. Not every time will you always have something to say...so juz be prepared...

Let me juz try to illustrate to you how can a person actually be asked the same question 3 times in a day...not that the person is deaf, or stupid or too blur kay....*ahem*...well, I am referring to myself hor... :P


[N.B.: This is a little elaborated and exaggerated version...and fully censored because I know who are reading my blog...hahaha...lol]

One fine afternoon, as usual, I went out to buy my lunch. On my way back, I met A, a friend in the same XXX seminar group.

A: Hey nice to see u here...u stay in hall ar?

C: Ya...exam period mah...bo bian cannot go home...got to study and study...sianz...

A: Wah so hardworking...so how's ur study comin along?

C: Eh...ok loh... *sheepish grin*
(actually I don't really want to answer this because it makes me feel so guilty...)

.............

On the same evening, I went out for dinner with my group of friends, B and D.

B: Haiyo I can't study in my room...super hot sia...and my bed keeps tempting me manz...

D: Yah I also can't stand it liao...haiz...wanna go XXX lib to study tog anot?

B: So far dun wan la...got any place nearer? Conference room on boh?

C: Hahaha...I lazy to go down lei...u all go ahead ba...

B: Wah C...u can tahan in ur room ar? Zai...so how is ur study comin along?

C: Eh...ok lo... *another sheepish grin*
(same question for the 2nd time in the same day...did I say something to trigger it? Hmm....)

.................

When I was in my room after dinner, F drop by bcoz she wanna catch her favourite show on my TV.

F: Wah ur room super messy lei...how can u live in a place like tat?

C: Bo bian busy mah...got exam liao...study until too tired to move le...
(Actually I am juz making an excuse here...)

F: Haiyo so hardworking ar...so how's ur study comin along?

C: Eh...ok lo... *got nothing better to say*
(I guess I need to think if they can tell that I am studying or not...)


I realise during exam time, you probably don't juz need to prepare answers for your school papers. Coz sometimes, you may also want to prepare some standards answers for any Q&A sessions posted by the people around you...especially when they are all the same...

Juz kidding manz...hahaha.... :P

Flu-less at last! :)

Geez...I must have been pretty bo liao enough to take this picture...hahaha... :P But this also should be the last time I would get such stuffs in my basket...*wink* :)

I realise that I haven't thanked God over this, so here I am writing this entry down, reminding myself over the little victory over my "flu"...yeah... (",)v

On Tuesday, I actually woke up at 10am in the morning (well, I juz missed my dear alarm clock once again...lol) I got up from my bed, and the FIRST thing I ever did is to sneeze. And THAT sneezing didn't stop there after I did my wash up, ate my breakfast and blah blah blah. It continued to go on for about 5pm that day -- a total of 7 hours this time!!! Oh manz...it was really REALLY bad, and like I had mentioned before, it was not my first time in this month that I sneezed and coughed like nobody's business. But this time, it really made me feel so much so like a weak dude...haiz... :S

So instead of asking my neighbour to help me get medicine from the pharmacy, I went straight to the clinic at the extension again. This was the second time I went to this clinic, and the 5th time I went to see doctor in juz ONE month! Manz...this is really frustrating as I never seem to get well, especially it IS my exam period! Grrr.... :/ Never in my life I feel so desperately for some miracles or healings to be done right there, and even in my heart, I wished and prayed that I could meet someone like Rev BennyHinn immediately instead of having to wait till the weekend...gosh... :S

So while I was waiting at the clinic, which apparently had a super long queue (a peak period to get sick I guess :P), I started to pray quietly to myself as I closed my eyes and juz sat there. I kept praying to God that this time, PLEASE make the medicine work on me, that I can stay alert and awake, and be able to concentrate on my studies more effectively. I was juz so stressed up these days, fearing that if I could ever even make it to graduate! So when my name was called, I went inside to see the doctor.

As usual, the doctor checked my breathing, asked me the same old questions again. He seemed a little surprise too when I told him I had been sneezing non-stop for the last 7 hours. He checked and told me that it was probably my sensitive nose that was causing me all these sufferings (maybe I should juz change my nose then...haha...lol). So after all the routine checkings and questioning, he began to prescribe some medicine that would cure my sensitive nose, but yet would make me drowsy.

The word "drowsy" really came pretty much of a big shock and worry for me. I guess the doctor can tell what I am thinking of directly from my facial expression then...hahaha...no kidding... :P I was worried, and I informed the doctor that it IS my exam period. Well, guess what, the doctor immediately reconsidered about the medicine he was going to prescribed to me, and selected two other medicine for me to take in the daytime instead, which should be able to keep me awake. THANK GOD for such an understanding doctor here...phew... :D

So now I have guai guai taken the medicine as instructed for 2 days, and ever since yesterday, I don't sneeze anymore...Woohoo! :DD This is really the BEST feeling I have ever had for quite a long long time...hahaha....lol Thank God for the healing...yeah...*bleam*

Cheers to a healthy body! v(^_^)

"Did I mention to you all I like the last part of this song on the drum solo? Hahaha...act I would want to learn how to play drum as well manz...cool... :)"

Read Ang Ku Kueh's Blog! :P

Yah if you are wondering why I blogged so much more this week, that's because I am stuck in my room and the only thing that comes handy and entertaining is my computer! :P Hahaha...so much say for me about studying...lol

Most of the time I have been reading off my friends' blogs, and also those other food blogs, travel blogs and those interesting one. One blog I highly recommend here is the Ang Ku Kueh's blog at http://akkueh.blogspot.com The author has quite a sense of humour there and she wrote a series of stories (still continuing up to vol. 9) with the title "The Sad Ping Pong Queen". Another Mr Brown kind of blog manz...hahahaha... :P

Haiyo Joseph Khoo, you got me addicted again la...hahaha...lol *bleah*

P.S.: Pls start reading the Sad Ping Pong Queen story from vol. 1, or else you wouldn't catch the flow there...enjoy! :)

Faith is to believe what you do not see; and the reward is to see what you believe. ~ St Augustine

This is regarding to what I say in the previous entry that seem to capture quite a lot of attention. And sorry if I have made some of you worry for me. :P Well, I am really just curious to know more about everything sometimes, because it actually leads to me think much more and beyond what I see and also to know what others see. It helps me to understand the world and the people around me, how different each of us can become as well. Certain findings, like the beliefs that Jehovah's Witnesses held, really seem interesting to me, especially when we read off from the same bible yet how different people can come to conclude and think and believe in what they see. So thank God for internet and the many other easily available resources that help to increase our knowledge and not just to accept the things as they were but to understand and appreciate what He has given to us. :)

[Disclaimer: What I wrote here is my own personal views and have no intention to criticize or offend anyone or anything. Everyone differs in their own thinking, beliefs and values. You need not have to agree with what I say.]

After knowing about JW and reading up on info about them and the bible verses as stated by them, I realise that there are verses in there stating such law on blood, especially in Leviticus Chapter 17. Yet what I notice here is mostly back in the Old Testaments where by people still need to make sacrifices since Jesus has not come yet during that time. This is something that need to take notice on because the ethics and beliefs they had back then would differ greatly from that of present times.

What really capture my attention on the JW website is a statement that says this:

"God's people refused to sustain their lives with blood, not because doing that was unhealthy, but because it was unholy, not because blood was polluted, but because it was precious."

And what they believe is that (quoted from the same webpage) "The evidence shows that people who disregard God's law on blood often experience immediate or delayed harm; some even die from the blood. Those who survive have not gained endless life. So blood transfusions do not save lives permanently."

This is pretty rebuttable and I guess that is some reason why JW is present because some people do hold on to such beliefs. Well, for me, I see it in another way.

If what they see blood as being so precious, isn't it meant to be something really good? Then if it is something good, why don't you want to share it out...especially to the people you love? I have to admit that it sounds a little selfish to me. And most important thing is that if our blood is precious, then Jesus' blood is even so much more precious than ours! Yet he has shed his blood for us, to save not one but ALL of us here. If bible is to teach us to become like Jesus, aren't we suppose to focus more on saving lives, even if it requires our blood? What's more important to you then: saving lives or keeping your precious?

Like I say again, different people will hold different values and hence different stand in this. So don't doubt me on this... :P

They have also quoted this: "God and men view things in very different lights. What appears important in our eye is very often of no account in the estimation of infinite wisdom; and what appears trifling to us is often of very great importance with God. It was so from the beginning."—An Enquiry Into the Lawfulness of Eating Blood, Alexander Pirie, 1787. Well, I agree to a certain extend...hahaha...it really sets me thinking. But I guess this is a statement made from men isn't it? So there is a limit as how true it can be, no matter how wise this man is, he is not God...so no one really know how God view things then...hmm... :l

Well, I believe different decisions are made depending on the different situations then. Remember what Jesus said on Sabbath when he healed the man with the shriveled hand (Matt 12:9-13; Mark 3:1-4)? He said (v.4) "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" And remember what Jesus says about clean and unclean (Matt 15:1-20; Mark 7)? From Matt 15:10, "Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean', but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean'." Well, think about these two verses and try to understand...

I can only say that the evidence in such a situation is pretty much judgemental. There could be many other reasons involved. And of course you can always tell me what I believe in and the evidence shown is the same as well. So such things is really depend on ourselves whether we choose to acknowledge it as a truth to us.

But what I am mainly trying to say here is that we should NOT see thing only on one side of it -- see it in an overall view. When you only focus on certain areas of it and ignoring or not opening up to other views about it, we can actually become very objective to what we see. "The veil that covers our eyes shall only be lifted up by the hands that weaved it." Think again about this quote here...

To me, what's more important is that even if we are not the same in our way of worship or of our doctrines, I still don't think we should be against or reject one another. More in a way, we probably should see and learn about the difference inone another. After all, we serve the same God...are we? :) It feels funny when we are like a body, yet opposing from one another. Just imagine your hands and legs start to disagree with one another and starting fighting...manz that will make you look quite ridiculous isn't it? Hahaha...and THAT would be quite an ugly scene to look at too...hahaha juz kidding...lol

And I agree, from Brian's blog, that it is all about us trying to do so from a million different directions to different ends, and that indeed if there is a reconciliation for all the different denominations to come under as one, it would certainly make us a whole lot easier to help the world and to come with a much stronger identity. Instead of thinking about how different we are, we should start thinking about how similar we are, because it is the same God and the same bible we have with us.

Yet as the real world shows, things are just always not that ideal. Hence, this is why we need to continue to learn, to know what we can do, to see for ourselves what is right for us there and not just let others lead us to believe into something that you don't even have a clue or right feeling about it. It is, probably, all about your own decision making.

Well, I guess I have made mine! :)

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. ~ Albert Einstein"

Jehovah's Witnesses

Wanna take a break in the midst of my study so I went to look up at Wikipedia for some questions I have after Easter. I don't know about others but if you recall the play during service, there was a part when right after Jesus died, he was in hell, and the devils trying to get close to Him and yet he won in victory at the end (in which he holds up the torch in the play). I was wondering what actually happens then and if the bible says anything about it. What is the significance of it? I went to search for Wikipedia but so far I don't find anything yet. Anyone knows anything about this?

Oh I also discovered something else on wikipedia as I search for the related topics. I came across this christian denomination which is known as the Jehovah's Witnesses (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah_witness). One thing that I am puzzled at is that, as stated in wiki, "...in areas where they are active, they are commonly known for their door-to-door preaching, their objection to blood transfusion, and for not celebrating birthdays or holidays." I mean, isn't it a little strange? Somehow I feel a little creepy about this christian denomination. According to Jehovah's Witnesses, they viewed blood as sacred and hence they rejected the transfusion of blood, blood cells etc.

From wikipedia, "The central theme of their preaching is God’s Kingdom with Jesus Christ as its king. The Witnesses believe that the reign of Jesus began with the Second Coming or presence of Christ. Originally, the Second Coming was believed to have occurred invisibly in 1874, but this date was later revised to 1914. Witnesses believe that their faith is the restoration of first-century Christianity. Thus, Jehovah's Witnesses reject traditional Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, eternal torment in hell and the immortality of the soul as being later, illegitimate additions to the original Christian teachings."

Well, it feels weird that in christianity itself that there are doctrines that actually go against another doctrine. I mean, even if they are different, they don't really reject the other...or do they? At least I don't see it in most of the doctrines, even when they are opposites of each other. Oh well, something new to me I guess...ha...

How To Save A Life

Actually I DON'T watch the drama at all! :P But I love both the songs it plays in its Season 3, Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" and The Fray's "How To Save A Life". The lyrics is great and the tune is nice...love it! :))

"How To Save A Life"

The Fray

Soundtrack of the drama Grey's Anatomy

Step one you say we need to talk

He walks you say sit down it's just a talk

He smiles politely back at you

You stare politely right on through

Some sort of window to your right

As he goes left and you stay right

Between the lines of fear and blame

And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best

Cause after all you do know best

Try to slip past his defense

Without granting innocence

Lay down a list of what is wrong

The things you've told him all along

And pray to God he hears you

And pray to God he hears you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice

You lower yours and grant him one last choice

Drive until you lose the road

Or break with the ones you've followed

He will do one of two things

He will admit to everything

Or he'll say he's just not the same

And you'll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life

"Guitar chords for this song available here:

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/t/the_fray/how_to_save_a_life_crd.htm"

The Korean Boy Story

The story told by pastor during the service serves as a very great reminder to me as to recall what has God done for me. And how great can His love be when he sacrificed his son Jesus to die for us for our sins. This is what I remember about the story. For those who heard it before, hope you guys will remember it too; and for those who have never heard of it, hope you will feel something after reading it... :)

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During the Korean War in the past, while the country is under the attack by the enemies, the civilians began to flee for their lives. And among them was a missionary couple from US, who got onto their jeep and started to drive out of the place.

As the couple drove past a little bridge, the wife suddenly asked her husband to stop the car.

"Did you hear that? I heard an infant crying here. Let's get out of the car and search for the baby. In such a cold weather, the infant certainly cannot survive here." she said and started to walk out of the car.

"Are you crazy? Every one is fleeing now and the enemies would arrive here any minute. The infant got nothing to do with us so let just go!" the husband replied.

Yet the wife refused to give in and she got out of the car and started to look around for the baby. The husband unwillingly followed her. While over hundreds of people were running for their lives above the bridge, the couple finally found the baby under the bridge, and in the arms of a 30-years old woman. As they got closer to her, they realised that she was already frozen to death.

She was among the refugees who ran for their lives. With 9-months pregnant, she went into labour while she was running and with no one to help her, she was forced to give birth to a baby boy under the bridge. It was a cold winter night then. In order to keep the baby alive, she stripped off all her clothes and wrapped them around the baby. She had sacrificed herself so that he could continue to live. At this sight, the couple was touched and decided to adopt the baby. They put a blanket over the dead woman, buried her at that spot, took the baby back and legally adopted him before they headed back to US.

As years had passed, the boy grew into a fine young man. While he was thankful to his foster parents for raising him up, he decided to ask them the question that had bothered him for a very long time.

"Mum, Dad, I am grateful for the both of you to raise me up into a man now. Yet you are both white caucasians and I am a Chinese from the East, how do you two found me?"

When the couple heard his question, they replied "Son, we have been waiting for you to ask us this question over all these years. You see as we fled from the Korean War back then, we found you under a bridge in your mother's arms. She had sacrificed herself while trying to protect you and keep you alive."

All of a sudden, the man started to cry after hearing how his mother kept him alive.

"Please bring me to the place where you had found me."

So during that year's winter, the missionary couple flew back to Korean with their adopted son to the place where they found him. The little bridge, however, had turned into a overhead highway bridge now.

"This is the spot where we found you and your mother." The old man said as they come under the bridge.

Right there at that moment, the young man begin to stripe off all his clothes and placed them neatly on the ground. He even stripped off his undergarments there, leaving himself shivering naked in that cold weather. He knelt down and started crying again.

"Mother, I can finally feel how cold it is for you back then. I am really thankful for how great your love is for me. If it wasn't for you, I would not be here. You have died for me so that I could live."

Happy Birthday, Terence! :)

Happy to be at the final Easter service with Daph! :DCelebrating Terence's birthday @ NYDC Suntec

Left to right: Bavis, Yanning, and Me! :))LOVE the mudpies there! :P Oh and my yummy baked rice too! :DHere's the birthday boy...TERENCE! :DDOur birthday presents for him -- a T-shirt that is NOT his normal style wor...hahaha...hope he likes it and wear it often manz...lolGuess who's back? It's JIAN HU!!! :D
He is staying in Singapore till 19 Apr, for about 2 weeks. Thank God he is here coz I am still wondering how to get his UK number...hahaha...lol Well bro, see ya over there in London! *bleam* :D

Thank God for this wonderful Easter! :)

Initially, I don't intend to go out today as my exam is approaching. But for the sake of my friend coming over for the service, I took a cab from my hall all the way down to Expo...well, that really burnt my wallet manz...haha...lol

But thank God it is all worth it because God has certainly worked in the heart of my friend today. :) You don't know how great I feel to have you with me at the service, being able to share lots to each other, and joining my cell group friends as well...hope to cya more there! *hugz* :D

Coz I talked to my friend, I realised that there are many things hesitating her to get close to God. At first I really thought she is giving me excuses again because of many things that happen in the past few monts that every time I asked her to come, somehow there will be some events that in the end she never shows up. But soon I realised that I must have mistaken her in the past that I thought her attitude towards God is wrong as I feel she is not really serious about going back to Him by the way she acts even though she told me she wants to do so. Thank God I was persistent in asking her to come, again and again, despite the fact that I have to admit that I was totally disappointed and kinda feeling of giving up on asking anymore, for I do fear of those disappointments I will get when she go back on her words again. I feel so helpless then.

I shared with her soon after the service, and getting to know that there are many things happened in her life for the past few months that have caused her to have difficulty in making her decision to come back to God. And some of them I have been through too and I understand those awful feelings. One of her situations is even exactly the same as I had when I backslided. It actually took me lots to share with her about it because it was a past that I didn't like to recall. It still hurts and I know it is a big regret that I have. Yet I know only if I share to her my story, she will then know well enough the consequence of it. Well, if you are reading it, you know pretty much the result of it as seen in my life that I really hope you will never follow my foot steps...just to let you know...

LikeI said before, there are just many things that are about US instead of about God. And that shows how much we are wiling to give to God. There is no pressure for us not to give to God yet when we are not ready. But the questions is thrown back on us: What have we done for God? if we think that we should not go back to God just because we are not ready, that will be something we shouldn't do. Taking your relationship with your friends for examples, imagine that I never catch up for a few years, do I still know you as well as I do before? I don't think so! And even if you two are very close friends will still feel a little strage at the beginning of your conversation.

Today service is pretty much the same like that of yesterday's. The Korean boy story and the production move my heart once again. Like I said before, I realise what is more important for us Christians to look at is NOT what God has done for us, but simply what WE have done for God. We will never stop to give praise to God for the things He has done for us. And like I told Yanning, it would probably be a list that never ends. Yet, how would you feel when you look at the list of things that you have done for God? Juz to be clear, I am NOT asking you to compare your list to that from God's list. It can NEVER be compared. But is your list of things you do for God long or short? Are YOU satisfied with it? Well, for me I am definitely not. All I want is to make that list just longer than now, and longer again, and just longer, and longer... I know I have many obligations for me, and so does everyone else. We can never compare ourselves with others because all of us are just different with different obligations to fulfill. Think about it...

We went to celebrate Terence's birthday at NYDC after the service and some of them went to KTV (as Bavis persisted it...hahaha...lol) and play cards and pool at Chris' country club, The Legend. Well, as I need to go back to study, I can't join them and went for a short walk with Yanning before heading back hall. There goes my easter day...hahaha...lol

Easter Service! :D

Brought my mummy to the service this evening. It was the FIRST time I am finally bringing my mummy to see CHC...and it is also my FIRST time watching the Easter service. And I know when the Easter service is over, I can finally declare that I have been to CHC for a year then. Well, that sounds really fast to me...and I really have to thank God for this wonderful past one year I have been here... :))

As expected, the Easter service is pretty much the same flow of events as that of the Christmas service, which mainly feature the big production from the drama ministry, a short sermon, and the altar call. I LOVE the drama production as it never fail to surprise me with their excellent preparation, performance, and the sense of humour it carries yet doesn't affect the message it brings. I was so AMAZED by the way they changed my favourite song, the soundtrack from Tokyo Drift by the Teriyaki Boyz, with lyrics that actually fits into about praying and fasting!!! :DD Hahaha...wish I can record that down so I can make amendments to my current ringtone...hahaha...lol

The production really serves as a great reminder again to me on how much Jesus has sacrificed for all of us. Like the Korean boy story which pastor mentioned (will write about the story when I got time as it is really beautiful), it is only out of love for us that Jesus will choose to do his will for us -- to die on the cross for our sins. I teared again and again as I watched the production when they showed the cruel treatment on Jesus. All the canings, the part when Jesus carries the cross on his back, the judgement in front of the crowd...Ouch... How can we forget all these??? We really have to think through WHAT have we done for God instead of simply asking him for more or to forgive our sins. All I wanna do right now is to keep praising and worshipping him for everything He has given me...how wonderful life can be with You in my life... :)

Today, I am really glad that my mum agree to come to the service with me. When pastor made the altar call, frankly speaking, my mind keep thinking of what I can say to my mum then. I know some of the members have give me signals for me to invite my mum down to the altar. But somehow, I AM actually hoping that someone else will do the job for me because, you know, it just feel really awkward for me to ask her down...when all because she is my mother?! Haiz...hard to explain that feeling manz... :S

But nevertheless, I picked up that courage and asked my mum if she feel touched or feel anything special. And she replied me "Yes". So I kinda ask her to just go down with me to be prayed for, pulling Shu Hui along with me so I will feel less awkward. Shu Hui, really thanks for companying down with me there because your presence really makes me feel so much better...thanks dear... *hugz* :) Well, my mum is pretty cute too in a way she thought she is NOT allowed to go down with me since she is not a member of CHC...hahaha...oh well...lol

After the service (and after making many decisions and hesitations as well... :P), we head to the Changi Airport for dinner at the staff canteen. Thank God the canteen closes at 9pm on weekends, or else we may not be able to go there coz it was already 8pm by the time we get there. It seems like everyone is very happy and talking as well.

My mum seems to click very well soon with my cell group, especially with Dennis with their food and hawker talks, and all those karaoke sessions. :P And seriously, I NEVER realise how happening my mum is! Hahaha...surprise surprise surprise...my mum actually frequent the clubbing places like Zouk and Devil's Bar with her facial friends! OMG! And she knows exactly when are the ladies nights too...AAHHH!!! Well, I guess it is my fault as I never ask her much about her late night outings as I only thought she is going over to the pubs with her friends only. I mean, that's what I like to do to pub rather than clubbing as I like that coziness to chat with friends over some beers and finger food...yummy! :DD I only remember once that she has asked me to join her with her friend before to some pubs at Clarke Quay. But I rejected her offer, thinking that it will be quite boring when I don't even know her friends there. Oh well, life is always full of surprises isn't it? Hahaha...cute mummy... *hugz* :D

Tomorrow I will have to go to service again as Yanning and Yuhan are coming over for service. Well, I actually meant the Sundays as my studying days though. But then I guess it is more important for me to accompany my friends to service, especially they finally agree to come over ya? :)) Hahaha...just one thing: hope they don't pang seh me on the very last minute again like they used to over the past few (or many) times... *cross finger* :X

"THANK YOU JESUS because of your sacrifice on this day, we are able to be set free again."

Dream of a Journalist

Guess what I found from Googles? My blog is ranked 80 on someone's list of the ranking of the websites! Hahaha...how interesting manz...lol But then, it shows there with only one visitor...hahaha...oh wells... :P You can check this out at: http://ph03.hotrank.com.tw/reg/rp?myid=h03-60621&hkey=&mode=year&dstr=2007&type=4&subt=2

Anyway, juz for those who don't know yet, I have started out a food blog called "The Food Law" at http://thefoodlaw.blogspot.com or you can get the link on my side bar. :) It will be a blog that talks about food only, allowing me to share with you all the nice cuisines I have tasted, and to thank God and all the chefs who make our lives wonderful with all these great food around. :D

Actually, this is also part of my passion on journalism that I used to have since secondary. Back in DHS, I had joined the SPH Friday Weekly Young Journalist Club for a year plus. We are mainly divided into 4 groups and I was posted to 天鹰组。With my group, we would write a 2-pages to 4-pages news article for Friday Weekly once in while. It is really fun and we learn alot on how to write a good newsarticle, finding your focus for your topic, how to do the newspaper layout, as well as the newspaper publication process. It is absolutely NOT like any other journalism club in schools because what we write will be published on the newspapers that will be sold to students and school all over in Singapore. And since it is under Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), my participation in it gives me great credits on my CCA records and I really consider being a journalist back then.

Because being a journalist, you will be exposed to many insights in which most of us will not be able to see on our TV, newspaper and other media channels. Seriously, every article or stories have been checked for and reviewed by the SPH before they are released to the public. BUT I am NOT saying they are not real here. Somehow, you will feel more for those stories or see a bigger picture of it if you are the one who is writing it.

Journalists will also be able to access to places where most of the public are not allowed to go, attend events that are only for selected people, come to meet the powerful people and the riches, and to get hold of the latest news before everyone else and you will always be updated with what is happening around you. These have all been motivations for me to become a journalists.

Yet there is certainly nothing known as "free lunches" in the present society. And being a journalist will also come across tough times as well. Like if there is any emergent news, you will have to be there at the scene even if it is right in the middle of the night. You will lose your sleep and dressed up immediately just to rush down to do your job. Sometimes you also have to agree that not everyone is friendly. If you interviewed someone who is hostile and refuse to give much information to you, you will really have a hard time there and you probably need to refrain yourself from beating up those people who are trying their best to make your life miserable. Hahaha...lol

Being a journalist, you MUST also be careful of using your words, in case you may offense anyone and be sued. So in general, it is a tough but meaningful job. You have the power to help the others by exposing what is lacking or what has been ignored in the current society.

Just to recap, I also used to send in my chinese stories to the newspaper as well, hoping to be selected to be published in which I would be able to earn some good extra pocket money then. Hahaha...well those are my glamorous days when I was among the top percent in Chinese back in DHS...lol

Well back to the topic, this time is slightly different. I AM writing some food journal...but in English! Hahaha...so pls don't pinpoint me over my numerous grammatical mistakes and misuse of vocabularies...hahaha...lol

So whenever you are bored or craving for food, feel free to give my new blog a visit ya? *wink* Hahaha...hope you guys will enjoy reading it. And you are all welcome to give me feedbacks or recommendations if you have any nice dining places or cooking tips in mind... :))

"Juz remember the food reviews are all based upon my personal preferences. So I have no intention to criticise or judge any of the stalls or food featured. Your opinions are independent from mine as we may have different taste buds there. Hahaha...but I really appreciate any feedbacks so I can learn and make the improvements there. So enjoy! :DD"

River Theory

Had my quiz yesterday...and it's a big killer! AHHHHHH!!! :S It is really putting me like ants on the hot edges. Well, work harder next time ba...ha... :X

But I still hold the words my dad told me when I was young -- 先苦后甜。Eventually, I soon realise that the meaning of these words behind can be illustrated by the course of the river that I learnt back in DHS in physical geography. There are also many famous quotes that relate to the rivers like "True love is never a smooth course" and "逆水行舟，不进则退“。Let me illustrate on it a little further...

In general, the river starts to flow from the mountain (highland area) to the plains (lowland area) because of the natural gravitational force that makes it flows downwards. The speed of the river is also the highest from its start to its end. Because of its high velocity, it is able to carry boulders, big rocks and pebbles down the stream.

As the river flows downwards, part of the forces it carries is offset by the frictional force along the river banks and the river bed. It can no longer carry the boulders and hence these big rocks start to settle along the river banks on the upstream, followed by the other big rocks and pebbles, and eventually the particles and sendiments on the downstream and the plains.

So what's the point of taking a deeper look at this nature course?

Well, for me, I see it as a course of our learning process, especially for students who are in the midst of their exam preparations.

For the start, when we picked up a new skill or learning a new theory, we would very often come across many questions and problems that can be as big as those boulders. This is the period of time where we have the most number of questions in our minds as we are still unfamiliar with it. This is the same as the river for it carries the most number of particles with it here.

Yet the learning process is usually fast for most of us because what we learn are the basics. Very soon, our problems are also settled one by one. This is illustrated by the river speed in which it is the highest at the beginning, and also the boulders and big rocks which start to settle along the river banks on the upstream of the course. The significance of the big rocks settling down first is that we usually manage to clear the major questions we have for the new knowledge such as "What is the use of it?'.

However, the start of our preparation for exam is always tough and full of inertia, like the numerous inevitable forces acting on the river as it goes down the stream. We are often tempted to give up half way because of all these forces and all the temptations that appear to make our life much a better place to live in.

Yet if you manage to pass through them, you will eventually find peace and happiness soon after. Have you notice how calm is the river flow in plains? And what left behind in the downstream of the river are only the particles and sendiments that suspense in the water body, difficult to be noticed. If only you persist through, even though there are still questions and problems, but they become so much smaller now that they are hardly noticeable.

Do you notice the change in the flow of the river and how it can relate to our learning process now?

Juz one thing to take note is that true enough, the river course is also changing from straight to more bends in the plains. Life is just like that too. The beginnig of our learning process is simple and obvious as to where it will go next. Yet when we finish one phase of it, we will soon realise that there are many more phases waiting for us to pass through them before we can finally proclaim our success. Thus, the process MAY look more complicated than before, just like the bends in the river course.

Yet has the river stop flowing? No! I recall a quote that I have read before: "Never take the mere bend of the road as the end." Well, that says it: Never take the mere bend of the RIVER as the end! We should never discourage whenever we come across the little "bends" in our lives, just like the river will ignore the bends in its course and continue to flow, and flow, and flow, and flow......

Anyway, HAPPY EASTER DAY (in advance) to everyone!!! :D We shall never forget the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and thus we should also set ourselves as good examples for we serve a great God here...yeah...lol

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." ~ Hebrews 10:35-36