WHAT TITLE

Pain & Suffering

2011-05-01T03:12:00.000+08:00

Some say it is ILLUSION
Some say it is FATE
Instead, we can face it with the GRACE AND POWER OF GOD!!!

Peter, do you AGAPE me??

2011-04-19T00:45:00.003+08:00

John 21:15-23 speaks of Jesus asking Simon Peter THRICE: 'Do you love me?' with Peter answering back 'I love you'. Each time Jesus asked the same question, Peter got more hurt, or maybe guilty, especially when he had just denied Jesus THRICE a while ago.

Many people crossed referenced this passage to that of Peter's denial of Jesus in John 18 and that the above event is a symbolic restoration of Peter. The NIV bible even titled this passage 'Jesus Reinstates Peter'. However, if we read into the original Greek version of this passage, the idea is more than this simple restoration Jesus did on Peter.

Before proceeding further, it is important to note that the Gospel of John was originally written in Greek. And in the Greek language, there are 4 different words for love, which are:

Agape: Unconditional love (often referred to the highest order of love)

Eros: Romantic love

Philia: Friendship/brotherly love (lesser form of love in comparison of Agape)

Storge: Natural blood-ties affection

During translation of the bible to English, all these Greek words for love were either substitute with words of similar ideas or just with the word LOVE. As a result, the original essence may be lost lost through translation. As such, we shall re-examine John 21:15-23 with the with the Greek's word for love:

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, " Simon Peter do you AGAPE me?"

"Yes LORD," he said you know that I PHILIA you"......

Again Jesus said, " Simon son of John, do you AGAPE me?

He answered, "Yes, LORD, you know that I PHILIA you"......

The third time he said to him," Simon son of John, do you PHILIA me?....

(Peter finally answered,) "LORD, you know all things; you know that I PHILIA you."

From the above passage, Jesus was in fact asking if Peter love him with the highest and purest form of love, just as he had loved the world. However, Peter knew of his inadequacy of love, coupled to the fact that he had just denied Christ 3 times. He could only love God just like a loyal friend or brother. Hence, he did not even answer to the question.

The following chart illustrates the imbalance of love between God and man(Peter).

Imagine in today's context of the passage, if Jesus is to appear and ask:

'My child, do you AGAPE me?'.

We will most probably answer:

'LORD I hope to AGAPE you.' (not answering to question)

And again if he ask the second time, we may subconsciously be reactive and react like Peter and answer:

' LORD, you know my heart, you know that I desire to love you!!' (not answering to question again......)

If there is a love test towards God, I believe that none of us can profess that we AGAPE God the way he has loved us. This truly reflects our inadequacy to God's standard of LOVE! We seriously has a balancing issue with God, the love balancing beam is well tilted to the extreme.

However, in the passage, the third time Jesus questioned Peter, he finally brought down his standard, asking PHILA instead. This is significant because it strongly indicated that Jesus was accepting Peter's PHILIA, knowing he could not AGAPE.

Finally, Peter managed answered to the question.

God does not expect us to come to him with this highest form of love. He knows that we cannot achieve it. Instead, the loving God is willing to accept the love at our level. Recently, a Christian told me this: " I want to be a Christian, but I am not sure if I am up to it." Of cause, all of us are not of the 'STANDARDS' to be Christian!
All God is asking is for us to come to Him, despite of how unworthy we may be. Because he will come down to our level....

To be continued.....
So how did Peter turn out in the end?...

Rivers of Babylon

2011-04-11T21:29:00.002+08:00

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion.. By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion.. When the wicked carried us away in captivity, Required from us a song.... Now how can we sing the LORD's song in a strange land...... Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be acceptable in thy sight here tonight.. LORD, my ROCK and my Redeemer.... (From the lyrics of Rivers of Babylon) Psalm 137 & Psalm 19:14

In this fallen world

2010-03-08T21:49:00.004+08:00

In this world thats fallen..
help me be firm for you...
That I may shine for you..

There are times where I may fall..
Teach me to run to you..
instead of being far from you...

Thank you for blessing me...
with things which I may still not appreciate...
But I know that you want the best for me!!

Why am I so downcast.. my soul...
from the burdens of this world..
pressing down so hard on me...

My LORD...
it is you who approach me..
in such a time as this....
reminding me that you are still here..
that you still cares for me...

Now i stand in awe of you..
For your wonderful hand...
and how you are always here...

True you are to your word..
that you will never leave me...
nor forsake me.

And I will praise your name...
and lift your name up high...
for you are ever faithful.....

Content of the new book.. Chronicle of the dynasty

2010-02-14T02:20:00.002+08:00

Content:
1. Rise of a new empire
2. Banishment of royal princess by empress dowager
2. A new concubine
3. Breaking down of the imperial household
4. Leech infested village of bitterness
5. Imperial household re-established
6. Presentation of the crown prince to the royal courts
7. Crown prince goes to the mountains to seek wisdom
8. Defecto kingdom established.

2010-02-12T21:54:00.001+08:00

Praise the LORD!!
for He is worthy to be Praise!!
He lifts the spirit of the burdened!!
Praise the LORD!!
for He is in-charge!!

First Love

2010-02-12T13:44:00.002+08:00

Light the candle, stir the flame,
lets the sword of your word stir my heart again,
Holy Spirit, move in me,
draw me close to your heart where i need to be...

First Love,
Jesus my saviour, my one's desire is to love you more!
First Love,
Lord make me faithful...
I want you always to be...
My first Love.....

(Lyrics of the song.. First love)

2010-02-12T00:31:00.002+08:00

Why am I going around looking for people to talk to? Someone is always there waiting for me...

Hiding place

2010-01-02T14:51:00.002+08:00

You are here in the valley,
You are here in my sorrows,
You are here in the darkest hours of my day...

You are here with your grace
You are here with your love
You are here even though I am not aware...

Is your faithfulness so great?
So great that beyond one can imagine?
That our human limitations cannot comprehend?

That you can create in me a clean heart,
wash away all of my stains..
And restore to me the joy I have never seen?
....................................

Why was it you I seek..
When I was brought to the deepest depth..
What is your plans for me?
Who you want me to be?
Where is it that you are guiding me?

Feet like that of a deer??

2009-11-29T04:25:00.002+08:00

About 10 years ago, under the power of the HS, this was the prophesy over my by a 3rd party who knew nothing about my life:

Yey, I will make your path difficult,
But I will make your feet like that of a deer,
so that you will trample on high grounds..

I remembered it significantly.. But it did not crossed my mind that as my life progresses, it become more significant.....

But PBTG.... He remains faithful till now....

Respect the Laws of Nature

2009-11-05T23:42:00.003+08:00

Nature......
far more supreme than any emperors ever existed on this planet...
the ultimate lord over all mankind....

Yes! Nature...
Earthquakes buried thousands alive...
Tsunamis washed thousands of homes away...
Many other forces of nature trumph over man...

Likewise, nature is at work within us..
Termed it the social forces of nature,
where all the laws of nature is at work
including the survival of the fittest,
the ecological pressure exerted upon individuals...

Hence, in a social community, whoever that do not have the calibre to survive, ecological pressure will act upon that person, and 'death' will eventually occur. Such occurance will happen naturally as nature has its ways of eliminating much of the disadvantagous genes for the society, ensuring that the advantagous traits are passed to subsequent generations...

However, in reality, instead of totally eliminating all the inferior genes, an equilibrium is reached instead. This result in a constant ratio in phenotypic triats within the society from a marco point of view. I term such phenomenen the WORKS of nature, equilivalent to 'mechanism put in place by God'

One may wonder why such equilibrium existed as the 'societal ecological forces' would have eleminated the inferior genes. I believe that the real reasons for such is beyond our limited capacity as mere humans, though we can rational countless reasons for such. Examples are that such inferior genes serve as a support for those who possess the superior genes; allowing the advantagous individuals to improve on their survivalibilty. However, despite all the deductions we can generate for such equilibrium, the actual reason still remains a mystery. Therefore, as mere humans, I believe that it is best to just accept this fact but not try to meddle with this equilibrium, afterall, we DO NOT EXACTLY KNOW why such equilibrium existed in the first place.

As such, today, I will like to address on this particular breed of people who believe that they should eliminate the so-called inferior traits of the post-modern society. Hence, embarking on CRUCADES of destroying such individuals. Of cause, in today's context, this is not done by killing each other. Instead it is by disrupting individuals' means of survival.

In some extreme cases, to ensure the complete 'kill' of the inferior genes, they may resort to DESPICABLE acts, which may make subsequently themselves ABOMINATIONS.

What an IRONY!! From being the eliminator to the target of elimination. To put it simply, some call it the plans backfire; and some call it gei kiang (which means act smart in hokkien).

Therefore, it is best to 'let the nature takes it course' and not try to play 'god' by manipulating EQUILIBRIUM of nature. If any individual deserves to be eliminated from the process of natural selection, nature, who is far superior than human beings, will act against him/her. We do not need to artifically induce any elimination tactics which may disrupt what the force of nature is doing....

Let he who has eyes sees,
and he who has insights understand the entry....

Judgement belongs to God... Forgiveness belongs to me..

2009-09-18T21:04:00.005+08:00

'Judgement belongs to God,
Forgiveness belongs to me... '

The above statement has been knocking at the my mind for the past few days... Persistant it can be....

Simple as it may sound, it is something which is difficult to swallow.. After all that I have endured; after all that I have heard; and after all that I have seen.. And on top of that, I am a human afterall..

Surely, it is natural for any human to bite back.. So why am I told the otherwise?

Somehow, I was brought of the story of Joseph:
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold to the land of Egypt as slave, accused of things he did not do and subsequently put into prison for 2 years.... Before life turned around for him..

In reflection, I realised that my life seems so similar to Joseph before his life turned around.. Life has never been smooth for me. Instead, it has been full of turbulance which, many times, rocked me out of my senses.. Though still preserved by His mighty Hands, I have been very tired and weary... Seeing myself on the verge of falling so many times...

On top of that, I have to deal with so many wounds of life... Some are still fresh with pain.. And some really gives me the urge for revenge..

Then I got reminded of this extract from the ancient prophet Isaiah:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. " (55:8-9)

Ouch!!... But God!!! Where is justice, I asked....

Then the story of Joseph continued...
Joseph was eventually plucked up from being a prisoner to become the equivalence of a Prime minister in our present day context, who was second in command to pharoh... And instead of taking revenge of his brothers who betrayed him, he said:
'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.'

So how? Does that mean that my life will turn for the better, and that God will bring justice in due time? Then I will be 'benovalent' like Joseph to forgive? Then this conviction came...

It is not up to me to decide who to punish, because I am also a fellow fallen being- saved and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. So that I may be forgiven... so that I can walk boldly to the judgement seat of God blameless not because of my own merit, but by His grace...

Then I realised that what is important is this: Since God has forgiven me of all my past iniquities even though I don't deserve it, I should also 'bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave (me) Col 3:13

Oh! no chance for me to be 'benovalant' anymore

And as for judgement wise.. It is therefore not up to me to decide anymore.. because He knows better than I (refer to the lyrics of the song at previous entry) .. Hence it is His decision.. Hence, in reverence for His sovereignity, I have release it all to Him.. For Him to decide..

Acknowledging the fact that I am a human.. I know that this is going to be difficult for me to embrace this:
'Judgement belongs to God,
Forgiveness belongs to me... '

So God... help me...... guide me....

My prayer... Directly adapted from 'You know better than I'

2009-09-17T20:54:00.003+08:00

I thought I did what's right
I thought I had the answers
I thought I chose the surest road
But that road brought me here
So I put up a fight
And told You how to help me
Now just when I have given up
The truth is coming clear

You know better than I
You know the way
I've let go the need to know why
For You know better than I

If this has been a test
I cannot see the reason
But maybe knowing
I don't know is part of getting through
I tried to do what's best
But faith has made it easy
To see the best thing i can do
Is to put my trust in You.

For, You know better than I
You know the way
I've let go the need to know why
For You know better than I

I saw one cloud and thought it was a sky
I saw a bird and thought that I could follow
But it was You who taught that bird to fly
If i let You reach me
Will You teach me.

For, You know better than I
You know the way
I've let go the need to know why
I'll take what answers you supply
You know better than I

Lyrics from 'Joseph: king of dreams' songtrack: You know better than I

My thoughts....

2009-09-16T12:55:00.005+08:00

I have been with the organisation for 3 years..

Being the first DMT for this organisation..

And also the longest till now... as a VOLUNTEER...

Through this time, I have MIA twiced..

True reasons only I know and some others trusted ones..

And I wish to keep it that way...

Though this time, I have heard various rumours..

And in fact witnessed that some are indeed true..

though some are just rumour..

I have seen high turnover in this place...

And people in this place are always different whenever i return in action..

People come and people go...

Some are still my friends..

And I know their reasons for leaving..

In fact many times... I share similar sentiments as them...

but feedback tend to fall on deaf ears...

I am groomed to be a businessman from young..

Learning to see big pictures,

Learning to strategise..

Learning to be FIRM...

But I am also taught these fundamentals from my same mentor..

To respect others... for their freewill, for their emotions, for them being human...

And also not to make use of our fellow team-mates or play our own down..

Much less to take each other for GRANTED...

Now I see myself unhealthy in this place..

First for my character development,

and second for my emotion health..

Hence, with wisdom and maturity, I decided to make my decision today..

In the presence of all the witness present today..

I will stop VOLUNTEERING in as the 'so-called CREW'....

And today... will be a day I declare that many un-necessary burdens will be lifted from me...

Goodbye.... LIBERATION!!

2009-09-16T12:33:00.008+08:00

Yes..

Today shall be my day of liberation..

From an organistion that played such small part of my life..

Yet affected a significant portion of my life..

There will be no turning back...

No turning back from this decision..

Place of control and manipulation..

Place of controvesies..

It is time for me to leave this place...

so as to protect myself...

To protect myself from any potential harms...

To protect myself from any future hurts..

To protect myself from character damages..

Yes..

This decision may be personal initiated..

Yet the development is based on wisdom and rationalism.

Coupled with maturity and counsultations...

I decided to proceed...

And there is no turning back... no turning back...

Extract from an entry 3 yrs ago--- revisited

2009-09-08T19:57:00.000+08:00

Son, I have loved you with an everlasting love..
Before you were formed, I have known you...
Come to me..

Don't work so hard trying to please me..
I just want you to enjoy my presence...
To come into my embrace...

Son, I am still your Father,
I still love you...
Even though you may have failed me...
I still love you...
I want you to know that I fogive you....
I am still here..
I have never left you...
I will never forsake you...

Come Son,into my rest....
into my loving arms...
All your problems are in my hands....
I will help you solve them all....
No problems are too big for me...
and no problems are too small for me....
I am here son...
Just come to me...
Just rest in my presence...

Son,I want you to know...
I want you to have the best...
I love you...
Even though you are small,
You are still special in my eyes...
You are still my precious son.........

瀟灑走一回

2009-09-06T17:34:00.000+08:00

Seasons and weathers pass by very quickly
dynesty rises and fall
grudges and deed, life and death will bound to happen who can be able to accept this fact
leave half awake, leave half drunk at least my dreams will have you
I will gamble with my youth tomorrow
you use true love in exchange for your life
Time and tide will not recognise the mortal,
full of sadness
Why not 瀟灑走一回

Sandy... Rest in Peace...

2008-09-09T23:25:00.004+08:00

An atmosphere of gloom awaited me
As I walked towards the dwelling
Once filled with welcoming sounds
of joy from our faithful friend..

I remembered when you first joined us..
From a wanderer to a part of us..
Instantly love from all of us flows..
on this nature so likeable..

Over time you have grown with us..
Through every thick and thins at home..
So part of our lives you are..
That your departure breaks our hearts..

I remember of those times,
you shed your tears when you came..
And when i tried to tuck you to sleep..
Times where you ran to me for refuge..
And times you welcomed me home...

Sandy, you will always be remembered by us..
and thank you for being part of our lives..

Some quotes of the week...

2008-06-15T21:58:00.001+08:00

'Officer, I am not drunk... See.... I can walk in a straight line...'

'Teething pains are fun'

Your smiling face

2008-06-04T00:40:00.003+08:00

Whenever I see your smiling face, Deb
I have to smile myself
Because I love you (Yes, I do Deb)
And when you give me that pretty little pout
It turns me inside out
There's something about you, dear deb (I don't know)

I thought I was in love
A couple of times before
With the girl next door
But that was long before I met you
Now I'm sure that I won't forget you
And I thank my lucky stars
That you are who you are
And not just another lovely lady
Sent down to break my heart

(Chorus)
Isn't it amazing a man like me
Can feel this way
Tell me how much longer
It will grow stronger every day
Oh, how much longer

No one can tell me that I'm doing wrong today
Whenever I see you smile at me
No one can tell me that I'm doing wrong today
Whenever I see your smiling face my way
No one can tell me that I'm doing wrong today
No one can tell me that I'm doing wrong today

(Lyrics edited from James Taylor's song: 'Your smiling face')

Aftermath

2008-05-15T12:30:00.003+08:00

A day has passed since the scene
then the realisation of the extent of my damage
So deep is the wound that I need the nurse to assist
In the recovery from this painful episode...

Now I see so much fear in me
the phobia of even calling you.
Much more the phobia of asking you out.
Because of my fear of getting hurt deeper...

This whole episode may be short,
Yet its long for me in my mind..
Most of it fueled by uncertainity,
building up on my confusion and insecurity...

And then i remembered some of the words you said,
though i understand its unintentional,
but repeated thoughts of it made my hopes dwindle
expecially over the few days of isolation...

Yes my feelings for you is ever burning,
but now it is masked by this thick cocoon
of pain and confusion that accumulated..
Life appear never be the same again...

This shell is causing great discomfort
And I know that I am incapable of removing it.
Only you can remove this shell
For the fire to burn with zeal and illuminate the place again

I hope that there is miracle to bring life back,
which i know you are capable of.
In the recovery from this hurts..
And bring the healing in the right direction...

Phew... peace resides once again....

2008-05-14T20:15:00.004+08:00

Now that the game has ended, with both sides inflicting damages.. Minor or serious, we cannot assess. But there is one thing I desire, that the damages can serve us positively.. And also a learning process for us all....

Surprised to me is this, everything fall in place so perfectly.. although nothing was planned.. Situations created alot of realisation within us... and help us discover what we really wanted...

Now is time for recovery, and hope that wound will be bandaged with love. Leaving behind a beauty scar when healed, that will serve positively to us...

This whole eposide is such a painful and high risk game which span over significant time. Although the ending was memorable, with a heavy rain which is a prelude of a rainbow, and hope that this flood shall never repeat again.... just like a promise which happened many years ago.....

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: "I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth."
And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."
So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth."
Genesis 9:8-17

Blood runs thicker than water...

2008-05-13T19:34:00.004+08:00

Girl: Is korkor with you?
Dad: Yes..
Girl: Think something he is sad, can you please check on him?
Dad: (to son) Girl said you appeared sad... what happened?

At that moment, eyes almost became watery.. Although after that I had a heart talk with him.. About everything...

My little girl, although our relationship has all the while be strained, maybe because formative years happen in such environment.. Full of pain and full of hurt.. Deprived of the privilage that many have... And we have our individual wounds in the process...

Though it is not our fault, yet we have paid a heavy price for it. So heavy the debt that we have to pay it through our lifetime.

But don't you know one thing, my dear, tear shed for you have accumulated for over the years. When I see you feeling down, I was sad. When you are in pain, I was concerned. Although all these were done in isolation. Don't you know one thing, blood runs thicker than water... And you are always tied to me, regardless of the circumstances.

All our lives, we have always misunderstood each other. And I am aware of that. I may appeared heartless to you.. But thats fine with me.. Afterall we have both been hurt.. And we can blame no one, except the situation.

I am aware of what you mentioned about me to many people, and everytime I heard about it, it hurt me. Although I had to swallow it silently during my isolation.

How many times you showed aggression towards me, and how many times your tongues wagged sharpness on me, which wounded me deep. Instead of returning such favour, I spent alot of efforts in my thought, thinking of ways to help you understand your actions, while trying to be as painless as possible? Although I don't know if the understanding has been delivered.

My little girl, don't you know that it is cursed to know too much here? Don't you understand that this foresight of mine is sometimes a curse? When I have witness so much prediction happened here... Yet, I was powerless to control it.. Making me feel so useless in here..

Have you not known my little girl, I have so much concerns in life.. I have always been looking out for you and the little one, although it is very discrete. All of you are my concern, which is from the same source...

Who can understand this concerns? Which is so inbuilt within me. Resulting in so many sleepless nights...

My dear sister, this love for you is always there, although you will never see it at all.. I just want you to know that I love you..

Don't worry for me.. because your brother is strong, afterall he has survived through so much in life....

Scars?

2008-05-08T20:14:00.003+08:00

Can scars be removed?

Yes, with the medicine called love..

And with it, impossible things happened.. from the worst day inverting to the best day....

And only a few can have that ability. to do such mavelous things..

Love you.... lots lots..

Letting out....

2008-05-08T04:08:00.003+08:00

It is now quite late into the night, but yet my eyes are open wide, Seeing all the minds thats running through my mind. Hopes feels scattered that it would be better now, when the major stress factor is removed. But why must stunt start immediately, first from her, then next from him. Living me behind in the cold.
Just in a day, how many times must 月亮笑阮□大呆, 被风骗不知 (mood laughing at me that I have being easily fooled), but yet I accepted it, because of the highest calling that came with it. Though I feels like a knife deep in my heart.

Imagine: how a speaker feels when his audiences seems to be sleeping. Demoralised, unappreciated, foolish or maybe all of the above? How will he feel especially if that audience is of particular importance to him.

Apparently, communications are lacking here. Why can't you just tell me that you are tired earlier, but instead told me to continue talking to the wall. And in the end both sides have to endure an unnecessary hit from the situation..
And what is more, another bullet hit me before that, Excited like a little kid, that I can see you soon... full of anticipation and hope. With such strong urge to see the new day come, where I can visit the shrine where the angel reside.

Then the stunt came.. just like an arrow hitting the soaring hope, that excitement level plummet vertically down! Just like a bird suddenly losing its wings. Excitement drastically dropped to rock bottom of disappointment. Such a high intensity drop, that the impact causes everything in me to scatter into countless bits.

Faith is among one of these scattered bits. Which makes me uncertain over little things, that I will doubt even simple actions such as a promise of a call. That my sense of security is totally gone...
(It will take some time before repair can be completed, though it may be expedite if the catalyse is activated.)

Thus, another bruising session occurred, with a yet another suggestion for curing the symptoms and not the problem. True enough, tomorrow may be better, but the this problem will persist and may even propagate if it is not arrested! Sometimes, I really hope that you can stop running away, as it is not a solution.

True that I may be far behind in priority, and I willingly accepted that, after all they are the integral parts of your life, and I can never replace them. And this is a fact I resigned to. All I ask for is that I will not be bullied by this fact. It is very painful when it happened not once by twice within this short span of time.. Ouch..

Don't you know that you are holding an important key, which I hope that you can use it soon, after such a long time of persuasion? I really feel that the tomorrow may never come...

And to make matter worst, this appear to be a self-explanatory projection for what may happen if it goes through for what may happen in 6 months time. With tangible signs that had, has and will be happening. Which will make the path very stressful.

One was from the 12 days of Chinese isolation, which became a good benchmark. Then came today where tendencies of talking to the wall occurred. Coupled with the fact with the running away syndrome, which usually are resolved in person. And these signs are peppered with the fact that there are so many restrictions in speech (eg. someone around, or that walls have ears), which may also restrict COMMUNICATIONS over distance. And understanding your reactions to potential academic stresses, which can be disastrous with no in-person communications, bundled with the fact that I must queue for your attention behind your beloved when you are away from them. And this is only just a part of the many ingredients...

Ouch... Literally! I see are potential pressure, which extremely high chance in creating a stressful environment, which will definitely hurt both sides, with little repair because of the sheer separation! Ouch.. Ouch... Ouch..

I agree that you are from the planet and that you are manifesting your characteristics. But this tight-rope risk is too unbearable for us to take. And unlike your phone, life has no saved games.

The sun may rise fairly soon... And yet I my eyes are still wide open. Maybe this is also good, so that I may wake up late, so the day of potential misery may pass by quickly, through sleep... Anyway, there is little hopes in savaging this day.

Very soon I will join the society of wilderness, which may not be as ideally friendly for us as what you said. And your support will mean alot for me, to fuel me on in this world of cruelty. Thought I can spend these last few precious days with you in this peaceful valley, before we may not have such carefree privilege anymore. These days of mine are exceptionally short, in relative to many others, but why can't you appreciate this situation. Where such sentiments are unanimously shared with those already in the world- that they crave for this short precious days (which is already much longer than mine) which can never come back until they grow old...

NB: Sometimes, I wonder if it is worth it having both sides hurt unnecessary which can be easily prevent through, communications and more transparency..

Two are better than 1

2008-04-13T21:58:00.002+08:00

Escapism may be a way,
But it can never be a solution.
In the process it block my love
Which may appear unevenly balanced…

___________________________________________________________________

Like a boy going to the fields to pick some flowers for her mother, hoping she will receive it with gladness. Instead, upon reaching the kitchen where his mother were, because of her stress in life, she screamed at him. What was worst, she snatched the flowers and threw it away, chiding him for bringing dirt in. Then she commanded him back to this room.

Broken hearted, the boy dropped his love note to his mother on the floor, and slowing walked up to his quiet room. Sitting alone on his bed, and thinking of the incident which happened earlier, tears rolled down his eyes… And felt as if he was the most miserable kid in the world..

___________________________________________________________________

And you may run all you want
But I will chase all the way,
In the process may catch up.
Is it worth it to waste precious energy on such?
When this can be done with less effort…
And headaches?

Traits can be inherited,
But it can be altered,
With experiences in life.
Why holding on to so many,
Where there is a channel to release.
Why deprive someone the honor?
Of accepting that burdens…..

__________________________________________________________________

Now i see a man standing at the door. Waiting for the door to open.. It is raining heavily.. And he is drenched... He knew that someone was at home. But couldn't understand why no one received him..

This man was a wanderer who incidently walked passed this house while on his quest for some treasures. However, the charm of this house was so appalling that he decided to cancel his quest. And find out more about the house...

There he began to knock, but no one answered, though there were light within. People inside may be sleeping he thought. So he decided to wait till someone comes to the door.

Few minutes pasted, then a few hours, and a few days, yet no one opened the door. So he peeped though a small opening of the door, and caught a glimpse of the interior. What he was so appalling that he decided that he must definitely get into the house.

Months passed. Now the man is frail, deprived from nutrients as he waited at the door. No one brought food out for him.. even though once in awhile he heared movement in the house. What kept him waiting was the burning passion within him..

Now that seasonal downpour has arrived, but yet he was willing to brave the cold. Just for the owner to open up... He may be able to catch some glances, but nothing beats going in.

Is he going to give up waiting? The answer is no. So giving up is out of the question. The question is...

When will the door open?
__________________________________________________________________

Two are better than one…

童话

2008-04-13T21:16:00.001+08:00

lyrics to the song: 童话

忘了有多久
再没听到你
对我说你最爱的故事
我想了很久
我开始慌了
是不是我又做错了什么
你哭着对我
说童话里都是骗人的
我不可能是你的王子
也许你不会懂
从你说爱我以后
我的天空星星都亮了
我愿变成童话里
你爱的那个天使
张开双手变成翅膀守护你
你要相信
相信我们会像童话故事里
幸福和快乐是结局

Last presentation in NUS

2008-04-11T22:25:00.007+08:00

Today is my last official day in sch before I go for my leave of absence to China.

And what made it so memorable was our presentation which turned out to be so successful!!! It was really a big risk executing the revolutionary idea of presenting a marketing report in a play..

Anyway, we were being referred to this site by the tutor.. where she consolidated all the funny clips on Marketing which she found...

http://funnyvideo4u.com/

NB: Thank you dear for being there just now when I needed you most....

Take it easy....

2008-04-07T14:55:00.002+08:00

As you go through life you'll see
There is so much that we
Don't understand

And the only thing we know
Is things don't always go
The way we planned

But you'll see every day
That we'll never turn away
When it seems all your dreams come undone

I will stand by your side
Filled with hope and filled with pride
We are more than we are
We are one

There's seems so much you must be
Can you still just be you
The way you are?

When I see the care in you.
Is more than enough.
Of what i desire?

Even those it seems tough
We can learn as we go on
Our journey has only begun

Tears of pain, tears of joy
One thing nothing can destroy
Is our love, deep inside
We are one

We are one, you and I
Just like Venus and its Mars
One system under the sun

All the wisdom to lead
All the courage that you need
You will find when you see
We are one

Note: Take it easy my dear... don't pressure yourself too much..
Adapted from the lyrics of 'We are one' in Lion King 2

phenomenon happens

2008-03-28T22:55:00.000+08:00

Today, I received the 1st treat from my dear friend of 3 yrs - Mr Paul Ho Man Hong....... to a cup of Tao Hui Jiu (Soya bean drink)...

Reason for that: That he decided to treat everyone on the table.... hmmmmm..... That is extremely rare....

Engineer

2008-03-17T15:45:00.000+08:00

In every mechanism, there are bound to be glitches. And during glitches, there is also a need to identify the area thats giving the problem. Only then, glitches can be repaired. This is a process which may require time.

I may not know what is the actual glitch in this system here, but i know that i am somewhat responsible for it. Now I see that the system system is about to explode, unless we address it soon.

Though I may be culprit to bring the heat, but yet I want to be the engineer to repair it.

Lost.......

2008-03-15T23:44:00.001+08:00

What is forsight for,
when it shows my fate
not promising, but painful
unless some varible is changed

Now i see my myself at lost
In some reality of life.
I know i cannot hold you back
but i need to be shown a path

It can be quite hurtful on me
cursed that i know too much
but yet i have to respect that
though it is a painful one....

Risposte

2008-03-07T19:35:00.000+08:00

Pressure is what I least desire,
on the star that shines on me..
Process: long it may be,
in absence of rules and such..
instead one with a direction..
so that we will not lose our way...

Numbers only 1 can understand

2008-02-22T00:55:00.000+08:00

40562903620231335191421260523232!

My 99 & 1 for you..

2008-02-15T23:23:00.000+08:00

Now that the floodgate has fully opened!
and Spring has fully arrived...

Fragrance is filling your dwellings..
which is birthed from my heart..
And it touches me to the core
when you treasure it with your heart.

Words cannot relate what I felt,
for someone who is beyond fathom
And words cannot express
the joy of seeing the pleasant breeze.

And just with your gentle words
magnificant power is unleashed,
to send our lives into suspension

That time becomes frozen with your words,
sending me to another dimension
far beyond the reaches of man
and creating a desire to meet
on this weightless world
forever and ever..........
with the one....

Son of the proud father...

2008-02-15T20:49:00.000+08:00

It has been some time since my birth,
and you witness my formative years
Sometimes beside me,
while most times from a distance..

Unseen tears were shed when I fell,
And unspoken joy when I shined.
All displayed barely beyond your heart.

Many attempts were made,
to spread my premature wings,
In hopes to soar up high,
so that you can boast...

Yet strings of failure occurs,
which results in sparks flying,
while misunderstanding could be felt.

But until now haven't you see,
that there is a strong desire within me?
To be the son of the proud father.....

Alert! Alert! Flood is coming!

2008-02-08T09:38:00.000+08:00

Just Look! the water is overflowing
Of the magnificant floodgate
Very strong wave will come!
Everyone beware of its Depth

Tea appreciation

2008-02-04T23:02:00.001+08:00

Sitting alone in the room,
With thousand years of art,
experiencing its tranquility,
bringing memories of one...

Sitting alone in the bus,
With mind drifting away,
there I catch sight of you
bringing excitement from one...

Since the arrival of spring...

2008-02-03T21:09:00.000+08:00

Since the arrival of spring,
signs of winter has faded,
and fragrance of meadow begins to flow...

Since the arrival of spring,
Sun has risen above the hills,
making its presence felt....

Since the arrival of spring,
Snows on mountains begins to melt
Creating streams thats of fresh...

Now i see a massive floodgate,
Holding back the streams of spring,
Where anyone can release the source.

Now i see the tide has risen,
Beginning to overflow through the gates,
where its freshness can already be felt.

Now if the floodgate releases its content,
It will send floods of freshness to some.
And changing the lives of many.....

_________________________________________________________
Due to some kok innocently infringing on the exclusive of this entry. This entry is now:
(C) Justin Sng Yang Koon, 孙仰昆, 2008

Visdom of the day 3

2008-02-03T20:48:00.001+08:00

Life is not a game,
you cannot save it.

What title? - poem?

2008-01-25T18:05:00.000+08:00

春眠不觉晓，
处处闻啼鸟。
夜来风雨声，
花落知多少。

Who is this beyond fathom?
Only realised over the night!
Just like the sudden arrival of spring…

效历朝英雄
莫辜负圣贤
总在茶余后
供予后人说

And that’s where you reach the depth,
That many couldn’t attain.
The knowledge that’s of the sage…

百战旧河山
江山几局残
千年孤臣泪
文章写不尽

And over the storm you hold the keys,
Saving him from all calamities
And opening a path for him to shine….

And now he feels the breeze.
Which carries along hopes
Together with the dream to
再造一个辉煌的汉疆和唐土。。。

Note:
1. Some chinese phrases are taken from the lyrics of 古月照今尘 by 文章.
2. The intepretation of the above is up to individual discretion. Writer is not responsible for any misintepretation.
3. The English words are not intepretation of the chinese, but is a continuation of idea.
4. Inspiration is drawn from everywhere.. and over a cup of 铁观音.

Last few days in China

2008-01-23T21:52:00.000+08:00

After arriving in Suzhou, we stayed there for 2 nights, before taking a flight back via Pudong Int Airport.

Last factory and dinner
In the morning after a night of comfortable rest, my dad called the representative of the last factory to indicate that we would like to visit the factory. The reprentative sent a vehicle to pick us up to the factory where we spent the entire day there before being brought for dinner.

Alcohol was again served.

8% is nothing... after 12%.
Being a careful person, my dad asked for the alcohol % when the hard liqueur were served. When the waitress read 8%, my dad's face suddenly radiated with confidence, knowing that he will be able to take it.

So immediately, he toasted the host and daringly drank the whole glass. He had no choice but to follow suit.

Later, the host made a mistake. He toasted each of us individually, maybe due to his inexperiences. When reached my turn, after toasting, the side of my eyes noticed that he was observing how much I will drink. Sensing that he is going to follow suit after me, I bottomed up!

He followed. For me, the alcohol did not hit me like the previous time. Saved. But for him, could see his face extremely red after that. Striked! Haha...

This really made him learnt his lesson. The subsequent tooast were directed to everyone and could see that he only sipped after the toast.

After dinner, we were sent back to our hotel.

Met 红霞, she was extremely rosy!
Upon arrival, I hoped on to a cab to meet 红霞. Upon seeing her, I almost couldn't recognise her. Her cheeks were extremely rosy. This may be due to the constant exposure to the cold.

Anyway, we went to the nearby coffee house for a chat until about 11pm. Thereafter, I sent her home before going back to my to rest and prepare for my journey back the next day

And we were waved goodbye by snow
To go to the airport, we took a 3hr coach ride from on of the China Eastern Airlines branch office in Suzhou.

Upon arrival at the airport, it began snowing. It was a nice experience expecially seeing it from the heated indoors. There, we saw the snow flakes floated gently down to the ground.

However, due to the snow, our flight was delayed from taking off because it had to be de-iced. It was after we had board the plane. As such, patiently wait for the process. What made the process longer was that the airport only had 2 de-icing trucks, and there was a queue of aircraft for the process.

Hence, we were delayed for more than half hour before our journey back home started.....

The 'rush' to Suzhou

2008-01-20T23:09:00.000+08:00

Today, we took a long distance bus from Wenling shi to Suzhou which took the whole day. Our journey started at 1pm sharp from the bus station and arrived at Suzhou at 8:30pm.

Shocked at the sitting configuration.
When we went up the coach, we were extremely shocked by its sitting configuration. Each passenger is allocated a space which consist of a inclined backrest and a long mattress. These are arranged in 3 rows with 12 beds per row stacked in 2 decks. 2 narrow asiles are present between the rows. The height and width of the coach is similar to those of regular coach. Imagine the limited room available for each person, sideways and heightwise.

When we were about to walk to the asile, we were instructed by the bus captain to remove our shoes and carry it to our spaces. Anyway, the asiles are so narrow that we had to squeeze our way between 2 rows to our allocated space.

And the coach stinks too
While squeezing through, I could smell a stanch of salted fish. I suspected that it was that of the socks of the locals. Yucks. The smell remained throughout the journey.

Hence, to alliviate the stanch, I opened the side window a little, hoping to bring fresh air in. As it is winter now and that the route which we traveled is mountainous, the air which came in was extremely cold. Apparently both are bad. In the end, I still had to bear with some smell and experience the cold.

Miserable ride.
While travelling, I tried to sleep, but was unable to because the speaker was directly above me, and they were blasting whatever very loudly. So I tried to sit up.

Bang! My head hit the ceiling! The headroom is insufficient even for me to sit up. So I tried to incline backwards.

But the angle was extremely comfortable as well! So I tried lying on the side. The space was so limited that shifting positions was a humoguous task. The space given was really miserable.

The rush.
When we arrived at toilet checkpoints, we were only given unspecified very limited time to do our business. We had just enough time (for guys) to discharge our waste, wash hand and run back to the coach. Even then, the door almost closed on us once. It was really a rush..

At one checkpoint, it was a small cookhouse when everyone was instructed to disembark for dinner. There, we each had to pay RMB20 per person. Then, each of us has to carry a metal tray and the staff will place our desired dish on small metal plates on our trays. At the end, we were given a metal bowl of rice. Only wooden chopsticks were supplied. Then we had to carry it to the dining area. The whole process reminds me of life in army.

Anyway, for the previous rushing experiences, I globbled down the food with the chopsticks. However, despite the fast eating, when I looked up after finishing my share, the whole dining area was almost empty! The other passengers were already boarding! Anyway, the dinner stop was the last stop before reaching Suzhou.

At last, we arrived.
It was about 8:30pm when we arrived at the outskit of the city. The coach just stopped by a round-about and the captain keep calling us to disembark faster. When we got down and collected our lagguages, the coach just zoomed off and continued its journey to Yangzhou. The coach was indeed a rush.

There, we hired a private car to ferry us to our hotel. Upon arrival, the hotel and its room appeared posh. Most likely 4-5 stars. Everything seems so comfortable, which is a sharp contrast from our journey here...

Heres a picture of a strip found on the bed...

More updates from China..

2008-01-19T17:09:00.000+08:00

Here I am, this rural industrial town for the forth night and have almost lost track of time. Life here is cold, 'alcoholical' and chinese... Of the 3, I cannot get used to the former two. Despite these, there are more experiences here.

What a gruesome journey.
Yesterday, the owner of the factory brought us to a country factory which manufactures raw materials for the products. Journey there was miserable. We had to endure 1 hour of car ride along the country road which are so unevenly paved. While in the car, we experienced bumps every few hundred meters. My uncle almost vomited, he claimed. When we finally reached the raw material factory, all of us left the care immediately with relief...

Why wear the same?
Later in the day, we visited another factory where the export manager attended to us as their boss was busy entertaining someone else, afterall we were the impromptu guest. After the meeting, the staff brought us for dinner (which is the usual practice of chinese). As this was entertained by the staff level, four staffs were present to make up for the absence of their boss. It was there that I discovered that the export manager sweater was of the same colour as mine. Hence, I immediately took off mine as I do not want to be a subject of joke among us Singaporean. Fortunately we were having steamboat for dinner, where the steam could keep me warm at least. Great! I look young!

During the dinner, the export manager asked for my age. Out of impulse, I told her I was 1 year younger than her, which I figured from her msn address given to us (she included her birthday in her username). However, she was not attentive enough to hear that hint. Eventually, my dad got into a wager with her that if she can guess my age correctly, she will be excused from beer, which she is not used to (surprising!). The 3 option given was: 17. 21 and 24. During the process of guessing, she keep saying that I look 17. However, due to the adverse reaction from my dad, that option was ruled out. After a long period of consideration, she finally chosed 24, which great uncertainity from her face. Upon asking for confirmation, I took up her glass of beer. She looked extremely scared.

Instead, I took the glass and drink it, because she guessed correctly. What a waste, we lost one drinker!

After the revealation, the discussion continued. The china's nationals keep saying that I looked younger than 23 and that I looked more like 17. Which makes me feel young again!
As of other dinnner, this meal was again paid by our host..

At last, our first cents..
It was only until today that we managed to spend our first cents on food. Ever since we touched down in China, all our meals were paid for by the hosts from various factories. It was only when one of the host brought us to the bus station to purchase tickets for tomorrow's trip to Suzhou that we spent our first cents.

Our first output of cash was on a roadside stall for sweet potato, which was considered the war food during the Japanese occupation in Singapore..

And first sight seeing...

After purchasing the bus tickets, my dad requested that we be brought to visit one of the attraction in this area. However, the staff from this particular factory said they had to finish up their work for the day. Hence, my dad suggested to just drop us at the attraction.
The attraction which we visited was the man-made caves which was created after years of harvesting for materials during the ancient days. Some of the usage of stones harvested were for ornaments, funitures, excercise machines (dumbells) housings etc.
(pictures to be added)

Due to time constraint, we only managed to visit one of the caves. I managed to take some pictures of my experience there.

The pond above is actually the bottom of the well below The frogs can be seen from the well which represent 井底之蛙.. Hmm.. It suddenly reminds me of someone... However the idea is loosely associated to that someone because this 蛙 heard alot of the world outside..

The mountain above is now hollow from harvesting of stones in the past

However, the caves does not impress me because it is not natural and that I have seen much better landscape- 黄山 (huang shang), which is acclaimed to be the most scenic place in China leading to this saying: 五岳归来不看山，黄山归来不看岳 wo yue gui lai bu kan shan, huang shan gui lai bu kan yue (chinese characters will be added later)

The above phrase means: After visiting the five famous mountains in China, you will not want to visit other mountains. And after visiting 黄山 (huang shang), you will not even want to visit even the five famous mountains. This emphasize the profound beauty of 黄山 (huang shang).

Hence, visiting the cave, does not really impress me, from the aspect of scenery, expecially when it is artificial. However, I managed to appreciate the cultural aspect, which emphasized the advancement of the ancient chinese in terms of craftmanship and their ability to build with stone.

By the way, I am a Chinese! Hmmm.. Proud of my heritage.... As my dad always say: we are the decendents of the dragon 龙的传人

Our motorised trishaw journey.
After the visit, we had to find our way back to our hotel. There was no transport from the attraction.

Fortunately, while buying the tickets, the counter-lady gave us a number to call for transport to a car terminal (yes! a car terminal!) where we can charter a car back to our hotel. Upon calling for the transport from the attraction, we discovered that the transport was actually a motorised trishaw, which can barely fit 4 person at the back. The configuration was 2 on one side facing each other. It was cheap though, only 5RMB to the terminal which was only a small house with many cars and motorised trishaw parked along the road.

More drinking, this time, big blow!
Upon arrival in our rooms, the owner of one of the factories called us for dinner again at the high-end resturant in our hotel. This is our 4th time having dinner there, because of the lack of option in this small industrial town.

Before dinner, we were brought to a huge hall where the food samples were displayed everywhere. In the center, live seafood were displayed. The owner, his friend ( a banker) and my dad placed the order. After 'choosing' the food, we went back to our dining room (with a toilet in each room) and wait for the food.

Alcohol this time is the 12% chinese hard liqueur, which we had 2 night ago. However, this time, was heavy drinking. First, the owner toasted to us. before drinking, I observed him first. It was a relieve, that he drink only sips, which I subsequently followed suit.
Next, the banker toasted with me on the individual basis. Right in front of my eyes, he bottomed up! Oh no! I had to follow suit! If not not considered respectful! Hence, closed my eyes and drink the whole glass down (standard wine glass). Within a few minutes, I started to see star!
After about 10mins later, the banker's assistant toasted to me individually and he finished the whole glass too! Oh no! Another time! After this glass, I saw more stars!!

Interesting, for every refill, the wiatress filled my glass to the brime! Thats not fair! Anyway, the host toasted us a few more times which once in a while specified at least half cups, which was bad enough. This went on for a few more rounds.

Altogether, 5 person drank a total of 5 bottles of their version of XO, bearing in mind that my dad's wife only drink barely 2 glasses. Imagine how much the rest of us drink to make up for her incompetence..

After dinner, I literally felt unstable.. Even until now, I could feel myslef still spinning. Anyway, tonight, we can sleep more because our 'express bus' journey to suzhou will be at 1pm. ..

Update: Factories visit in China

2008-01-17T22:59:00.000+08:00

A few days ago, I received an urgent 'imperial idict' from the emperor to accompany him to visit factories in China in prepration for life after graduation. Thus, within 30 days after my trip from Korea, I find myself travelling again to the northern hemisphere, this time to China.

Departing from T3.

As we are travelling with Singapore Airlines, we had the 'privilage' to depart from the newly opened Terminal 3 of Changi airport. Class as it may be, even the toilet in the waiting area which can see-through glass to the checking area. It has its ulgy side which was spotted by my dad in the toilet at the boarding lounge - dustbin filled with napkins till overflow. So he told me to take a picture of it before boarding the plane.

Buy 1 get 3 free...

As this was a 1am flight, there was not many passengers on the plane, as such, after the plane too off, I took the liberty to conquer an empty row of 3 sits. There, I lifted up the arm-rest in between the seats and lied across with my head facing the left. I put 2 pillows on beneath my head and used one as booster before covering myself with 2 blankets.. As I was not tired yet, I watched 'Rush hour 3' on the left-most screen which the switched to journey display status on the middle screen. As it was difficult to see the screen from my position, and since the left-front seat was vacant, I inclined the seat to get better angle for viewing. As such, I had 3 more free seats for the price of 1. What a good deal....

Service too good to be good.

As for the in-flight service, maybe due to the lack of passengers to served, I felt that I was 'harrassed' by the in-flight attendance every few 10mins, even when I was 'sleeping'. Apparently, it was from the same stewardess. As such, I did not managed to get proper sleep. First, I was offered snacks, then there were seemingly rounds of drinks every few 10 mins, and every rounds I would be offered. The most noteworthy was during the breakfast.

In laying down position, and eyes partially opened, a face suddenly appeared from the top with some glibberish comming out of her mouth. I almost screamed. I only understood what she was saying after sitting up and her repeating herself. However, when served, I ate only a few mouthful as I was in a semi concious state.

At the end of the journey, I concluded that SIA do indeed have good service, but maybe just too good for my liking because I did not had a good sleep because of such.

Wait longer than travelling.

Upon arrival at Pudong international airport at Shanghai(6am) , I found out that we have to catch another 50min flight to a town, but the flight was at 7pm that night! What a long wait. However, we managed to make good use of the wait by visiting a factory in Shanghai before going for the domestic airport for the flight.

We arrived at the airport very early (5pm) and had to stone for 2 more hours before boarding. After an inmemorable wait, we boarded the plane, which was parked on the apron far from the terminal. It was a cold walk from the transfer bus up the plane, expecially when there was a congestion at the stairs.

When everyone had boarded the small 737 plane, the announcement came that there would be delay taking off. Wait again. When it finally moved, our plane had to wait in a queue of 3-4 planes. Wait again. In all, from boarding to take-off, we waited for close to an hour, which was longer than the journey itself! (see my dad dozing off even before the plane took off)

The journey ended eventually and could at last sleep on proper bed in 2 days.

Factories girls?

First thing in the morning, we begin visitation to the factories.

While on the factory tour, I had a memorable experience in one of the rooms. The room was filled with girls, mostly in their teens, doing some wire processing. When I first entered and walked pass them, I heard excited chatterings among the girls I just walked pass.(note, I was the last in the group and visitors are common in factories). Managed to heard something like "...... hen (very) cool..." As I walked down the row, I apparently created excitement along the way, with many looks on me. Hmmm... were they excited by me?

To confirm, I tried to take notice while walking back. True! Giggles happen whenever, I turned my head to their directions. Does young man make them excited? Is it that they have never seen a 'young man' visiting factory with his dad?

Chinese can really drink.

As for drinking, I have been intoxicated with alcohol almost every meal with any Chinese host we ate with.

During the first lunch, we were served wine with 45% alcohol content! It really burnt when it when into the mouth. It was a painful drink. To make it worst, the host actually poured alot into my glass (in context of rice wine). I had to struggle to finish the 'fire' drink. Although, it may be painful, the after taste actually taste quite nice after awhile. Will try to buy some back if I can find it in the next few days.

As for beers, it was served during dinner at the first night and lunch today (2nd day, Thursday). Personally, I hate the taste of beer. But not trying to complicate matter, I forced them down their throat. Anyway, it was here that I learned tricks not to be served too much - try not to drink to less than half your glass because that entitles refill.

Today's dinner was the worst where we had dinner with 7 China's chinese. We were served 'golden wine' which is some form of chinese hard liquer which alc content of 12%. Though lower then the rice wine, we were continually toasted by each of them individually and twice for each individualy because of this chinese saying "hao shi cheng shuang" (good things comes in pairs). As such, drank a total of a few glasses which makes me super dehydrated now...

Thats all for the trip so far....

Cotton fields sung the China's way

2008-01-15T02:45:00.000+08:00

While searching for 龍的傳人 (decendants of the dragon) in youtube. I chanced upon this which incooperated the song Cotton fields into their melody. When I heard it for the first time, I almost fainted, so this is the way they sing cotton fields... The song starts at 1:40 of the clip.

btw: the Texas Kana in the clip is actually referring to Texarkana!!

Taxerkana: a town in northeast Texas adjacent to Texarkana, Arkansas
(from: wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)

Anyway, according to wikipedia:
The song mentions that the fields are "down in Louisiana, just about a mile from Texarkana". This is geographically impossible.

The Labrador Market?

2008-01-12T00:18:00.000+08:00

In the earlier days when technologies was much less advance, 2 competing shoes company each sent one of their salesman to a civilization at the far corner of the world to conduct a study for the potential market of his shoes.

After months of audacious journey over the treacherous high seas, the duo finally arrived. Upon stepping off their ship and seeing the people, both of them decided to sail back immediately.

Reaching back their advanced culture after a few more months on the seas, they were greeted by their respective managers at the harbour, anticipating for favourable reports.

The salesman from the first company walked down the ship directly to his manager. With a disappointed tone of voice, he said: "Forget it, there is no market for our shoes, everyone is walking barefooted!"....

At this moment, the salesman from the second company was seen running towards his manager. Apparently, he was extremely excited. When he reached his manager,panting, he said:" Quick, send 2000 pairs of shoes to the far-away land! It is a big market! Everyone is walking barefooted!"....

I was reminded of the above story during the meeting with Toddycats project manager today.

As the newly appointed so-said Project Manager of Labrador, my first agenda was to introduce the public to the intertidal habitat of Labrador. Hence, assuming that everyone in the meeting have been to Labrador, after all it is a naturalist group, I proceed to do my presentation based on that understanding.

A few sentence into what I was supposed to say, Mr Siva decided to ask the group for a show of hand who has not been to Labrador Park. To my astonishment, 50% raised their hands! That's incredulous, ain't we a naturalist society, and Labrador is one of the only 4 Nature Reserve in Singapore? And if this group of people have never been to Labrador before, won't it be worst for the general masses in Singapore(other than those living near there). I was seriously caught off-guard.

To make matter worst, another person asked, where's Labrador Park? Bull eye! Disappointed. I felt like the first salesman, seeing that there is no potential for that place...

Sad sad sad..... .....

Wait a moment, suddenly, this thought came to my mind --- in actual fact, I have struck GOLD!!! If not many people have been to this place before, chances of positive response will be much higher because its something new for them. First time experiences are usually more exciting for people.. Wow... Like the second salesman, I have actually inherited a massive market to promote nature to the general masses of Singapore....

Note: for those who do not know about Labrador park, information can be found at the Nparks website.

To find out more on rocky shore habitat at Labrador visit:
Labrador Park blog
wildsingapore website (occassionally also features blog entries on Labrador)

Alternatively, can also join guided walks. Interested parties can contact me at: justinsng@yahoo.com

Austin strikes again!

2008-01-11T12:35:00.000+08:00

Austin is in the 881 craze this few days... Managed to catch a short segment of him dancing on video...

Hes always so happening...

The 'Kou Lian' Justin

2008-01-11T00:49:00.000+08:00

First, I went to service my car, so lost my legs that brings me around...

Kou Lian ar Justin ar, si bei kou lian tai...

Second, as such had to wander aimlessly in AMK hub for half a day... alone...

Kou Lian ar Justin ar, si bei kou lian tai...

Thirdly, had to watch movie all ALONE....

Kou Lian ar Justin ar, si bei kou lian tai...

Fourthly, it turned out that I was surrounded by ah pehs in the cinema.

Kou Lian ar Justin ar, si bei kou lian tai...

Fourthly, during movie distractions came from everywhere...

Kou Lian ar Justin ar, si bei kou lian tai...

Fifth..... Sixth.... Twelved.....

Kou Lian ar Justin ar, si bei kou lian tai...

Translation:
Kou Lian: pitiful/ poor thing
si bei kou lian tai: extremely pitiful...

40% alcohol!!!

2008-01-07T00:47:00.001+08:00

More on the trip to Korea:
On the first night when we were in Korea, my dad and his friends were having a party in one of the rooms.. I was invited as well.. There were alot of food, esp dimplings.. And not forgetting that they are business people, alcoholic drinks were inevitable!

Anyway, it was uncle Jerry's birthday that day as well.

My dad poured some hard liquer for me. Knowing the % alc, I diluted into many parts with mineral water before drinking. However, due to the massive dilution, it looked very clear--- caught by uncle Kelvin.. So I added a little more alc into the glass..

After the first shot, I could feel the heat, which was very comfortable especially when the window was open, bringing in the extremely cold air. As such, I had a few more shot just be keep warm. This gave me ideas for the subsequent days..

Day 2...
I glass (about 50ml) of Korean rice wine

Day 4....
About 4 wine cups of Ginseng wine..

Day 5..
A few more wine cups of Korean rice wine..
This was only that I understood why I could feel a massive sudden blood rush after drinking the Korean/ginseng wine.. And also a sudden narcotic feelings.. The alcohol content is actually 40%!!

'Ang Moh' eating 'liu lian'

2008-01-03T23:48:00.000+08:00

Daniel's father is in town and I brought him to try our 'King of fruits'- durians...

Before reaching the shop, he was signaled that he was not really keen on trying it after Daniel's bad testimony on its smell. However, we went ahead anyway...

And there they had their first bites of the majestic fruit..

And managed to finish one complete 'fruit'..

Wonder if they like it??

Winter Korea.. Exciting?

2007-12-29T16:04:00.000+08:00

When I told some of my friends that I was visiting Korea, their first reaction would be: "Whao, winter, snow... so exciting.. " For the inhabitants of the tropical region, experiencing winter can be exciting for many, afterall its something new for the first-timers. However, is it really that fun to be in those weather? For me is NO!

To be in that climatic conditions, I had to wear several layers to keep warm. For people like me who is used to shorts + T-shirt, it can be excessive troublesome for me. So I arrived at Korea's airport in this:
And was eventually forced to upgrade to these:

And despite all the coverings, my body still lose heat very quicky to the surroundings. So, everywhere, I would have natural affinity towards the heaters & radiators:

Hmm, seems like I am not the only one attracted to these.....

Anyway, the temperature outside was so cold that condensation fogged up our windows in the coach, so thick that we couldn't even see the shadows of the outside world. Which means no sight-seeing while on coach.

Ponds were frozen as well...

Even trees were covered with ice..

And 'butt-prints' can be seen on the benches..

Although, this can be fun for some, expecially kids

It was very inconvenient for me, like walking on slippery ice-covered ground. I almost slipped and fell.

Anyway, while walking in the open along the streets of Seoul, I noticed some girls dressing like these (was told that its this year's Korean winter fashion):

Wonder how they withstand the cold... for the sake of style...

Welcome Back! from Korea..

2007-12-29T15:53:00.000+08:00

Yes.. I just came back from Korea... the next few entries cover my experience there....

Another Visdom of the day...

2007-12-19T18:21:00.001+08:00

If you want peace with others,
be at peace with yourself 1st....

Blackout at Gelare

2007-12-11T23:22:00.000+08:00

After much persistant request by a very shy girl, I decided to visit Gelare @ Suntec with Stacy (pronounced as teh-si).

As usual, she was late again! So, I had to roam aimlessly around the fountain terrance until she arrived. Fortunately, she arrived only 10mins late. After visiting th Starhub shop with her, we finally decided to hunt for the Gelare shop at level 3. We had a hard time looking for it as it was hidden in a discreet corner.

When I entered, I went directly to the shy girl and said I wanted waffles, hoping that she will not recognise me. But to my dissappointment, she recognised me at first sight. Do I really have a distinct look?

After placing our orders, she proceeded to prepare the waffles for us, while Stacy left to buy phones, claiming to be back in 5min. Though she took much longer than that. So I had to sit there alone talking to the 'shy girl' over the counter. I observed that she never looked at me in the eyes while talking to me, so shy...

Thingggggggg.. When the waffles were ready, she proceed to scoop the ice-cream. I requested for more toppings, but she said its the standard size. This reminded me of the local movie 'Just follow Law' where one of the character was rigid in terms of following the law. I was like thinking, afterall we are supposed to know each other.. So sad that I don't have extra...

When the waffles were served, Stacy was still nowhere to be found! I had to run down to the phone shop to drag her up! So troublesome. And when we were back, my whipped cream were all collapsed, thanks to Stacy.

While we were having our waffles, the 'shy girl' went out to get her dinner. While away, a phenomen happened in the shop... There was a power-trip! First time experiencing such in a Suntec shop. So Stacy and I went around like little kids taking photos of this condition of the shop... (Look at the depressed look on Stacy)....

Austin and his 'Water Babies'...

2007-12-05T09:00:00.000+08:00

Recently, Austin bought 3 packets of bead-like stuff for $2 instead of giving the money for charity when approached on the same day. He claimed those were water babies, and it will grow when put in water. So he did just that.....

True enough, his 'water babies grew' and became spherical in shape. He got so excited that he went around the house telling everyone that his 'water babies grew'. So I went to see what my brother was up to. When I looked into the transparent pail which he 'incubated' his water babies.

I discovered that those were merely jelly-like balls which, when in contact with water, increase in size because of water absorption. "What!" I exclaimed.. "You called this alive?" I became so dissappointed with him, thinking that he is supposed to be smart.

So being a science student, expecially LIFE science, I explained to him osmosis and that these are not LIVE.. And I decided to show him that I can reverse it by drying. So I took one out and prepared a hair-dryer for some 'dehydration' process.

Just as I was about to do it. He snatched his 'baby' back and told me not to kill it.. What a joke! IT is not even alive in the 1st place. He said he wanted to see it grow to about 5cm diameter. I was like... What on earth...

Anyway, when he was not around, I took one of it from the bucket and put it in a toaster. However, due to the rapid heating, the sphere scattered into many pieces. Next, I took another one and bury it in a glass of salt. After, 1 hr when i came back to see, it shrinked, altough not to its orginal size because it can retain some water (some bonding etc.)

When I showed it to him after he came home, he was like: don't kill my babies.. and instructed Tuti to guard the rest from me..

Can't believe my brother to be so protective over something which is not alive! What happened to him???

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I decided to send some of his down 7 storeys down vertically. As such, Austin's girlfriend was invited to witness the event. Before the drop, Austin claimed that his babies will survive the fall (ie remain intact), but I believed otherwise.

So at ground floor, I called tuti to drop 2 of the spherical gels down. Instead, she droped a handful of it which made my brother screamed. And down it comes.....

Upon reaching the ground, the 'water babies' were smashed and scattered in all directions. Austin was dissappointed. Next, he proceeded to look around to see if there was any 'survival'.

Sad for him, none survived. Here, his girlfriend offered an alternative method of dropping, where his babies may still 'survive'...... "drop from 2nd floor instead".....

Spoilt for choice.. for a day

2007-12-02T17:11:00.000+08:00

Ever woke up one morning and can't decide what to wear that day? I had a similar, though smaller intensity...

This morning, my father flew to Nanjing for a business trip. As such, 2 cars was available. When I was about to leave for chuch, I was, sort of, can't decide which car to drive. After some consideration, I made my choice for the day...

I drove my dad's camry (left)... which has similar characteristics as that of woman - too complicated.

The car had so many unique features that it took me some time to get used to. First, no key is required to start the engine, just push a button and the car starts. Next, there is no hand brake. Instead, it has a foot 'hand brake'. Also, the rear mirror auto-configures to the user, which I tried to adjust but couldn't.

When moving, the whole lighting systems is automatic as well, say when enters a shady area, the headlight will switch on by itself. On top of that, there is still more, which cannot remembers for now.

But still, this car is like a woman--- complicated...

Austin is 15!

2007-11-30T23:45:00.000+08:00

My little brother, ops, I mean younger brother, has just turned 15! So decided to give him the highlight today!

First, he is still so small size and so KKJ (dun bother to ask what it stands for I will not reveal at all!!)....
And Austin has a unique preference for his clothing combinations - uni-colour... Heres's some example:

Red & red

Blue & blue
Yellow & yellow
He is the one who brings colours to the family, without him at home, the house is so quiet....

Miss him.....

Nb: He is camping somewhere in Singapore when this entry is written... His birthday is on 30th Nov.

It pays to be a little EXTREME. some say EXTRA

2007-11-30T17:18:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I had 2 open-book papers -Ecology and Lifeforms. The former started at 9am while the later at 5pm. And since both modules sort of compliment each other, I decided to bring notes for both modules into either exams.

As such, I prepared a basket full of notes and textbooks to bring into the examination room. It was really heavy with the notes and the distance from my car to the room was quite far. As such, I entered the room panting and the invigilator was extremely shocked that I brought so many stuff into the room! Nevertheless, she had to allow me because afterall, it was an open book examination. It was about 15mins before the start of the paper.

10 mins before the paper began, when I finally managed to recover from 'exhaustion from carrying', I started laying my notes and textbooks for lifeforms, on the HUGE table in front of me, in such a manner that everything were easily reachable. Notes for ecology were placed stacked up on the empty chair beside me. Proud of the arrangements, I sat down and waited for the question and answer paper to be issued, having the idea that the module tested at that time was Lifeforms.

The first thing I received the answer paper was to start writing my number and the relavent informations on the booklet. Being a """CAREFUL""" person, I looked at the module code on the question paper before copying it down on the answer booklet. I was SHOCKED!

The module code, LSM3251, literally flashed in front of my eyes. Lifeforms was supposed to be LSM3261! Oh no! Was there a typo-error? When I looked lower, the module title read: Ecology and environmental processes. I suddenly felt as if I was transported from reality to the dreamland!

I felt as if i was in a suspension. For awhile, I couldn't react at all. All the while, I had the impression that Lifeforms paper was in the morning although the exams details was pasted conspiciously on my wall.

When I finally got back my senses, I scrambled to switch what was on the table with that on the chair, rearranging the newly placed notes on the table. Then, I mentally re-tuned my brain to think ecology instead of Lifeforms, which was orginally in my mind. This last minute tuning was indeed very stressful although I, sort of, managed before the paper began.

The consolation was that I had prepared for both papers the day before instead of leaving the other for the break in between the papers. Phew....

Although I eventually did not even refer to notes from the complemented module, I did not regret spending all the efforts bringing the basket full of notes into the room, which really saved my life... in Life Science Modules examinations...

PS. What a stunter.........

Note: I did not bring the dog into the examination room as well. This picture was taken upon request of Vivien Sng

Wolfs lurking around ... even in NUS?

2007-11-27T21:19:00.000+08:00

Last week, a female friend of mine was with a male acquaintance when she was talking to me over MSN. When she went to the toilet this rude guy took the liberty to use her MSN account.

The following is an abstract of the conversation:

(for privacy purposes, the friend's name will be X and her boyfriend will be Y)

Justin says:hey...where is that Y?

X says:where else

X says:i'm fine. i'm still here.

( some time later)

Justin says:so Y is there alr?

X says:no no Y-fransico here

Justin says:u mean....??

X says:ya he's here la. (probably referring to the acquaintance she talked about earlier)

X says:thanks.

Justin says:u mean Y?

X says:hi this is alex

Justin says:ohh...

X says:who is Y?

Justin says:huh??

Justin says:X!! your bf haven arrived har

X says:she went to the toilet

X says:she has a bf?

Justin says:duh...

X says:u dun have to be so rude

Justin says:who are u in the 1st place

X says:this is alex

Justin says:rude enough to use pple account

X says:she allowed me to use the comp... im using it to check info for my exams

Justin says:not her MSN.... the com only

X says:the window just blinked...im sorry

Justin says:(URL of Y's friendster)

Justin says:whoever you are... pls respect one's privacy

X says:woah this guy looks serious...i like him

Justin says:anyway.. why you even care if X has bf? do you know here in the 1st place??... and dun be a GAY!

X says:i just think he's hot

Justin says:good for you!

X says:so how long has X been seeing this guY?

Justin says:who are you? why should i tell you??

X says:this is alex

Justin says:then why should i tell you... or rather .. why you so kapo?

X says:hey X's back, i'm going to close this window bye

Justin says:sorry...u will not close it you disrepectable swine

X says:huh?

Justin says:who is this

X says:X la

X says:why you call me swine

Justin says:whoever is using your msn...is there someone with you?

X says:wait wait

X says:have you eaten?

(a few seconds later and a few msg about dinner....)

X says:alex just left

X says:he need tp go home for dinner

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End of abstract~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In this conversation, what made me unhappy was this:
1. Intrude my friend's account (privacy)
2. Keep saying he is Alex, like his name very BIG..
3. And sounded so plastic, eg 'woah this guy looked serious.. I like him)

From my friend's account of him, Alex barely knew her only for 4 days when this happened. He approached while she was waiting for bus around 11pm. The conversation was initiated by tapping on her shoulder from the back and asked her for the time. The conversation continued for awhile. Before they parted, he asked for her contact. Being friendly, she gave him (MSN and hp).

When online, Alex immediately started flirting with her by saying things like: she is hot etc. Over SMS, he literally threw himself at her by always wanting to meet her, while he finally had the chance on that day itself and this conversation occured. In my personal opinion, he acted as if he was his boyfriend already.

This reminds me of the recent drama 'Dear, Dear Son-in-law' which was featured in Channel 8, 9pm (the series has ended now). Anyway, in this drama, there was this character who behaved similar to Alex. The character tried to chase Chili Crab(character's name) by literally throwing himself at her, as if they were attached already. He reached the extend of already calling her 'dear'. Together, he used all the sweet romatic description to her. However, it was later found out that he was a cassinova who places with girl feelings, after having fun with them, he ditched them.

In reality, such people exist! not just in dramas. They can be anywhere, in clubs, shopping complex or even within campus... Who knows that Alex is one of them, afterall his action is so drastic.

So girls, wherever you are beware of wolfs lurking everywhere, even in campus...

Some misconception

2007-11-26T23:21:00.001+08:00

interest in nature is different from loving nature,
although the line is thin between both..

Elvis in Airport!

2007-11-19T01:53:00.001+08:00

While waiting for my sis in the airport, we saw Elvis..... Here's some pics of him (taken secretly)..

And unknowingly, a video clip of him too!!

And here is Austin trying to be funny....

And at last! she arrived at 1am!

G1C & G1D Family day

2007-11-18T19:25:00.000+08:00

17 Nov was our church's zone family day. And to do something different, we built sand castle! Enough words.. now let the pictures do the talking....

Some of us had to come early to prepare the sand!

And our group decided to build something different...

With a tunnel through...

And our end result....

A tribute to Ecology group 7

2007-11-16T23:52:00.000+08:00

The time has come for our ecology group to cease.

After this semester, Manki will return to the west,

and those from other concentrations will leave us too..

Yet the memory of the group will remain vivid in my mind...

Without a word of doubt, group 7 truly stood out among the rest. Over time, we earned the reputation of being the fastest moving and most appropriately dressed group. Arn't we proud of it? haha.

And with the group, we ventured from shores to hills (and the forbidden beyond), where we 'suffered' together in the rough terrains for our experiments. There, our bonds are forged. What was more impressive was that each of us developed our individual niche in the group, specialising in some areas. As such, our group have specialised data collectors, data consolidator and data compute-er, and me, the specialised troublemaker!. Haha, the only dispensible member of the group...

Anyway, we truly make a great team, and this group is indeed one of the best groups which I have been in so far..

Here is some of the individual notable traits of some of the members:

Manki: a magician who usually perform dissappearing acts for ecology lectures

Wen Yan: tend to be invisible most of the time, although she is present all the time. Honestly, I only discovered that she is part of our group during the last practical! haha.

Sitoh: the excel king

Reena: recording central for data

Anna: photo contributer

Eleanor: e-mail question contributor

Sein Lin: 1 of only 3 guys

Denise: Are you a chinese?

Adeline: trait to be confirmed

Eliza: saviour for last practical

Pamela: pro-siva activist.

Last but not least, our dear TA---- Zeehan: for imparting knowledge to us.. Wasted, no photo records about her.. Must be camera shy.. Wait a min.. found a pic of her online from http://www.wildsingapore.com/riablog/people/zeehan.htm (need to acknowledge, haha.. if not infringe copyrights)

Heres are some of our photos taken during the practicals, will miss the days:

Monster in the sky!

2007-11-15T00:34:00.000+08:00

While driving along Benjamin Sheares bridge on tues, I thought I saw a monster in the sky! So I took a photo of it while stuck in a jam....

My dad's new wife!!

2007-11-05T21:55:00.000+08:00

My dad just received his new car today... and we, his children are the honorable first few to ride in it!! Some pics below:

Some happenings over the past 2 weeks

2007-11-04T22:39:00.001+08:00

As I was glancing through the pictures which I took over the past few weeks with my new WATERPROOF digital camera, a sudden urge of blogging about my life came back to me again!!! Wow... No more philosophical and 'cheem' entries!!!

So, whats happening over the past 2 weeks? Lets start from the green carnival in NUS. I volunteered to help only 2 hours each day from Monday & Tuesday to TELL INTERESTING STORIES like: there are dolphins in Singapore! Instead, I stayed on for 2.5 Days!!! Wonder what was the force? Could it be the persuasive powers of this lady on the right? I dunno.. hahaha.. Anyway, shes the exhibition manager for that booth.

Next, I would like to intro you this interesting 'Mon-Wed only' friend- Teh si... Opps.. I mean Stacy!!. Lets hope she don't read this.. Anyway, she's camera shy and has been deleting most of her pics from my camera. But some pics has managed to survive the annihilation of her power hands! So here it is.. saved...

Oh ya, forget to mention: She's the 'horse rider' who rides me around occasionally.. Very attention seeking riding in campus- everyone looking at you, but fun.. By the way, she is considered my 'Mon-Wed only' friend because I can only reach her only on these days for the 1st few weeks I know her.. Hmm.. Wonder where was she rotting on other days... (Lets hope she don't read this.. If not, Please visit my funeral!)

Another person who suddenly existed from nowhere EDDA.. I woke up some morning to realise that I have company to sch!!. Not just that, an entertainer!! In the car, sometimes she sings to herself and sometimes play with my camera like a kid, taking alot of pics of herself. Hers one video clip of her.

And more photos... Notice now terrorised I was in one of the pics?

Anyway, went to 2 field trips last week. Zoo on Monday and Lower Pierce reservior on Wedesday. Caught some video clips of my TAs. Aparently, both of them are quite camera-shy.. Heres an example from Jeff.. He is a good TA though..

Oh ya, while in zoo, a group of us lost our TAs during the practical!. Due to time constraints, Jeff had to move quite fast. While we were taking pics, we were left behind!! Can see the lost faces in the pic?

Ok. next. recently, get to know another 'ang moh'.. Haha. Know him through the evolution project. Share 3 similar modules with him- the evo, eco and lifeforms. Quite an interesting person, invited him to build sandcastle with me! Oh ya. his name is Daniel from Britain.. (Sorry Daniel, could only find this pic of you.hahaha. )

Sandcastle? Yes, went to try building sandcastle for 2 consecutive weeks in preparation for a church event. Group of TJC students came to helpus and we managed to build a becent structure.-compared to the week before.

The one above was done last week and below was done this wek. see the difference?

Ok.. shall stop here for now, because finger tired already.. Hope my readers, which is I, me and myself, is updated...

Do you easily trust someone because he is a christian?

2007-11-03T23:53:00.000+08:00

Madam: “Girl, you must not anyhow give your hand-phone number to a stranger”
Vxxxxxx: “It ok ma. He is an adult…. And a christian”

This was the reaction of a girl I met while learning how to build sandcastle today at East Coast beach. Apparently, there is a general perception among the public that Christians are nice people. Or rather, they should be nice. The following is a case study for considerations.

Crusades in Europe during 1095-1291 were initiated in the name of Christendom. Originally, the wars were meant to capture and, in subsequent wars, to recapture the Holy Land, which is the present day Jerusalem. However, instead of respecting the founder of their scared beliefs, the Christians apparently treated the Jews with hostility. For example:
‘On the way to Jerusalem, crusaders vented their wrath on victims close at hand. Jews in Rouen who refused baptism were murdered.’ [1]

One may argue that bloodlust was common during the days of medieval days and that such actions are of ‘no big deal’. However, I would like to introduce the un-expectable case, the Muslims, in fact, treated the Jews humanely during their rein in the Holy Land! Thus, it speaks a lot about our ‘testimony’ as a Christian which we talked about today.

Even in today, Christians are not the best ‘breed’ of people walking on this planet. Instances where Christians and preachers committed major crimes are reported throughout the world. Also, there are cases where Christians abuse the name of their religion to achieve certain objectives. Such actions make Christians today no better than those in the past.

So, is Christian really that heavenly as most people stereotypically expects? No! Christians are human as well! They have the possibility to commit any mistakes as any one else! In fact, being a Christian is not about observing a set of dos and don’t!

In Paul’s writings to the Christian in Galatians, he emphasized that ‘all who rely on observing the law are under a curse’ (Galatians 3:10). Why? You may ask. It is because ‘Christ redeemed [them] from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for [them],…so that by faith [they] might receive the promise of the Spirit.’ (Galatians 3:10, 14) Thus, Christians were ‘no longer under the supervision of the [moral/spiritual] law’ mentioned earlier in the bible.

However, if that is the case, then why must Christians do good? To be a testimony? Surely not!

True Christians learn to do the ‘right thing’ because they have a perspective shift. They learn to do the right thing because of their disassociation to the wrong things because they were made righteous under grace!

Relating back to the opening, it is thus easy for anyone who considers themselves Christians to abuse this GRACE that comes so freely (writer is guilty as well). It is thus easier to misuse the name of Christianity to satisfy one’s own selfish agendas, although doing so might result in undesirable consequences. Limitations in human minds, however, do not allow one to consider the latter before doing so! Therefore, this MAY allow Christians to superficially believe that they will be easily forgiven for their crimes, increasing the likelihood of them committing mistakes morally.

Also, consider this: does one need any credential to call themselves Christian? No of cause! After all the mouth belong to individuals, where they have the rights to say anything they want, even as the ‘king of the world’. Therefore, saying that he/she is a Christian does not necessarily mean that they are one!

On top of that, it has been well established that going to church and doing all the godly things does not make one a Christian. One can never know if he/she is a real Christian except for God Himself. Hence, the only way to discern accurately if another person is a real Christian is when God tells you so (cannot rule out this possibility, since all things are possible in the supernatural realm).

In summary, any strangers who claimed to be a Christian do not necessarily meant that they can be trusted as they may not really be one. If they are, there is also likelihood that he/she may break that ‘credibility as a Christian’…. If there is anyway…..

Reference:
[1] Schmidt, Sager, Carney, Muller, Zanca, Jackson, Mayhill, Burke (2005). Patterns of Religion, Second Edition. Pg 318.

Additional readings:
Jonathan Elukin. Christians and Jews in Medieval Europe: A New Synthesis. Trinity College-Hartford Connecticut, Department of History. Retrieved on 3rd November 2007 from
http://www.trincoll.edu/comm/facresearch/pplelukin.html

Complain about a fellow student (LSM3251)

2007-11-02T11:21:00.000+08:00

Recently, someone complained about one of our lecturers , Mr XXX, over his behavior and late posting of practical schedules and lecture notes. As such, the module co-ordinator brought the issue to the Biodiversity group leader and he was called in for explaination on such matters. As such, he had to apologise for one of the most ridiculous 'acadamic crime' ever.

Here was the charges that was against him:1. ringing handphone during practical field trip where he was the safety officer.2. Dressing in brightly coloured shirt so that he can be visible. 3. Late posting of lecture notes and practical schedules.

The above charges that was brought up against him truely reflect on the quality of this generation which will be taking over our society! We have grown up to be a spoon-feeding generation with the mindset of focusing on SELF-RIGHTS, where we have come to demand for our maximum rights with minimum cost paid.

Anyway, in my opinion, i think that the 'complain-er' is immature and is not ready for society. Why do I say so?

First, I would like to emphasize: this is a BIOLOGY module! As in study about animals and plants. As such, we will be going out-field often. Hence, the stucture of module is inevitable different from those mundane modules in NUS. According to the nature of the complain, it seems as if that this person is not suitable for BIOLOGY MODULES bacause he do not understand the aspects of safety in outdoors events. For example, handphones on in loud mode so as not to miss any emergency calls (if any), wearing in a conspicious way in order to be easily spotted as a safety officer.

Although, it was not appropriate that he received a call from his 'friend' during the lessons. I beleive that it as also impropriate for that particular student not being able to understand that lecturers are human as well.

Consider this: if you are now a safety officer and your phone is ringing from an unknown number. It is logical to pick it up as you do not know if it may be an emergency. However, it was only after a few sentences that you realise that it was one of your long-lost friends. In order to prevent this, the lecturer may need to get another phone which is partitioned from his personal phone. Will the 'complainer' bear such cost? Obviously not!

Secondly, as a biologist, the lecturer is, in fact dressed as one! What did that particular student expect him to dress up as in the field? Shirt and tie? Being on the field requires more of PRACTICAL DRESSING then the THEORTICAL PROPER DRESSING... Basing from the complain reply, it was aparrent that the student should not be in BIOLOGY at all. He should be confined either in the lab or office the whole day so that he can have the opportunity to be properly dressed!!

Adding on to his dressing on that day. The lecturer has instead scored points among a significant number students for being COOL and HAPPENING!! Also, he has reflected a DOWN to EARTH image which allows him to be more approachable as a lecturer. Thus, (MY BLOG TOO BAD.. CAN PUT PERSONAL OPINION.. hahaha) I beleive that the one who complained is inflexible and is a miserable person who finds pleasure in complaining (MR SCOURGE)..

His inflexibility is further reflexed in the inability to adapt to situations. Say, posting of schedules late and tests after the practical. I believe that he is not entitled to blame others for his FLAWs- inadaptability. As such (my personal opinion again), he should be SELECTED AGAINST in the process of evolution! That his genes shall not be passed down to the subsequent generations.
Anyway, his lack of understand of his 'environment' has turned me off. This lecturer, just started teaching only since this semester. Instead of chosing the easy option of using notes posted by previous lecturer, he painstakingly created 'FRESH MEAT' for, not just one module, but 4!. Not just that, he is one of the few lecturers who ultilises the module blog for additional 'JUICY' informations, flavouring our learning of biology modules.. As such, that complain sounded as if our lecturer is 'condemned for working hard'

Therefore, in response, I would like to complain about that particular student who is immature, inflexible and most importantly, not ready for BIOLOGY!!

Visdom of the Day!

2007-10-23T09:42:00.001+08:00

You cannot change your environment,
But you can change your perspective!

Mating Systems?

2007-10-20T03:15:00.000+08:00

While we were trying to find out the meaning of some different types of mating systems of primates during our evolution lab, we came up with the following alternative meanings to help us understand it better:

Lets hope that we human only falls under the BORING category.. :)

A letter from the Father..

2007-09-27T19:19:00.001+08:00

Son,

It has been a while since you have come to me. I am writing this to you to remind you that I am still here, waiting for you to come and talk to me, to spend time with me again..

I would like you to know how much I longed for you.. How I want you to be close to me.. I have been looking out for you every moment, hoping that you will turn around and run to me, into my arms again..

I want you to know that I have immesurable love for you.. and I will never let you go.. I will always be there for you, even you may not notice it.. even when you cannot feel it.. Once in a while, I tried to catch your attention, but you did not noticed it, and it pains me.. because I love you...

Son, I know that it has been hard on you all this while. I have seen your struggles.. I have seen your pain.. and I am there during your dilemmas.. When you fall, I was there too stretching my hand from the distance, hoping that you will see and grab it..
Come to me, just come to me son, let me work out your problems with you.. Let me guide you through.. Let me shower you with love all over again.. Come and find rest in me child... come and surp with me and let us bond again...

Come back soon, my child, whom I love dearly.. I am waiting for you with arms wide open..

From the loving Father

keys

2007-09-20T18:42:00.000+08:00

At this tender age of twenty-one,
the days of youth that many wants,
here you have gotten not only one
-key of age when many was once.

And what other keys you have received,
to explore both the land and sea..
that many other young would want?
at a tender age of twenty-one.

So here is both your other keys.
from the natural keys you have got-
the keys to drive
and keys to dive...

The happy diver

2007-08-20T18:16:00.000+08:00

Just with a button pressed,
I was brought into a totally different sphere,
From the hurriedness of the terrestrial world,
Into a serene and quiet dimension of the aquatic.
Where the worries of the world is so distance.

Then I caught sight of a bubblier,
Whose bubbles reflect its bubbliness.
Swimming in the peaceful world with liveliness
Reflecting the joy which many crave for.

Oh what a memorable experience,
To see this creature in this environment.
Who compliment the colorful world with joy,
And lifting its ambience to a greater altitude.

So what is this creature?
Which has such a potential?
It is not a fish, a coral or a crustacean,
But our fellow species…. ‘the happy diver’...

Are you the rabbit?

2007-08-06T16:24:00.000+08:00

Today, I was reminded of a story about a rabbit..
A rabbit was born in cage. During its early life, it would spend its time playing with other rabbits and exploring every
corner of the confined space. Life couldn't seems to be better as there was so much fun. Living life outside the cage never
even crossed the mind of this little rabbit. As time when on, other rabbits were removed from the cage until she was the only
rabbit left.
Thus, the rabbit was eventually left alone. What she could do was only to rest at the edge of the cage and curiously wondered
what would life be like in the outside world. It crossed her mind that the outside world appeared to look so wonderful, where
others roam around in the lush greenary, leading a carefree life. Life eventually became so bored for her that she longed to
be freed one day. However, being as helpless as she was, she could only wait for that day to come, hoping that her master
would free her.
Days passed, and eventually months, the hope of this helpless creature eventually dwindled. Together with the isolating
feeling of confinement, the rabbit became very miserable- aimless and without any purpose in life. Gradually, her desire for
freedom became so distant as misery take control over her life. Her days are thus spent just curling up at the corner
dwelling in her misery. All that was left in her mind was that life was so miserable and meaningless as she has lost all
hopes.
One day, the owner saw the pain misery of the rabbit and decided to open the cage's door to let it roam free. While opening
the door, instead of dashing out for freedom, the rabbit was still at its usual position. Thinking that the rabbit was
unaware of its freedom, the owner tried to direct her attention to freedom, but she still stayed put and just said: I am used
to the way of life and not prepared to change it....
This is a reflection of life where many of us are like the rabbit, we do have the freedom but yet prefer to stay put in our
own misery.

The subtle tear of the father

2007-05-22T10:30:00.000+08:00

Have you seen the tear of my father?
which is hidden from many others.
Shedding for his progeny,
silently away from company.

Heres a scene which was set,
when i was extremely sick.
Though he tried to appear cold,
but concern on his face was bold.

Friction do occur inevitably,
till both sides got unhappy.
A while later you can hear him back,
discreetly caring from the back.

Only the duck* could see his teary eyes,
when I thought that he was ice.
He felt a sense of regret there,
though already he has tried his best.

How can his children see his tears?
Its when they use their heart to hear.
So that they can see beneath the surface,
to see the tear on his face.

Cause his love is inaudible,
and is subtly visible.
which is seen at his personal corner,
where their faces appear at an obvious angle.

Though my father's love is marvelous,
it can only be seen by the able.
Cause the manifestation is subtle,
yet its reservoir is immeasurable.

*duck: a imagery used for a friend of father.

Written by: Justin Sng
Date: 22/05/2007
All rights reserved. Please seek permission from the author for any form of replications.

nb: The above passage was written in the early morning of 22/05/2007 and is dedicated to my father (Martin Sng) as a reflection of his unique love for his children: Justin, Vivien and Austin. Please leave comments at the bottom of this entry.

Tragedy

2006-12-14T00:24:00.000+08:00

Where be these enemies?—Capulet! Montague!
See what a scourge is laid upon your hate,
That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love!
And I, for winking at your discords, too
Have lost a brace of kinsmen. All are punished.

For never was a story of more woe
Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.

Seeping back??

2006-12-12T02:09:00.000+08:00

Traveling down the road in a car,

Where the problems were ringing again...

Depression starts setting in again,

Where the pain was becoming real again...

Am I seeping back into sadness?

Or have I lost your presence?

Or have I lost sight of you?

Or sorrows have invaded me again….

As the force of darkness began to invade me,

Another force was already at work within me..

Reminding me of Your goodness and love...

That You are always with me...

That you are in charge....

Though concerns were rounding through my mind,

I know that you are setting it in your time...

Though a sense of hurt were felt in my nerves,

I know that you are easing my pain with your love...

Though unforgiveness is still present in me,

I know that it will fade as you grace abound in me...

Father, you are my comfort and peace,

my counsellor when I am sad,

my companion when I am lonely,

my caregiver when I am sick..

Above all, Father you are my solution.....

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

2006-12-04T12:10:00.000+08:00

Lyrics:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

1.
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
2.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

3.
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Words & Music: Helen H. Lemmel, 1922

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:2

Tune in to channel FM 122.1

2006-11-30T23:01:00.000+08:00

When I was a kid I prayed to God for a bike. My mother overheard me and she said, "That's not how God works." So I thought about it, stole a bike, and prayed for forgiveness.

Christianity is the only religion in the world with the concept of grace, where believers are forgiven unconditionally. Whereby Paul even mention in one of his letters that ‘where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Romans 5:20-21.

However, immediately after this verse, he mentioned the following.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Romans 6:1-3

Thus, knowing this, some of us will put in much efforts not to sin, in other words to observe the moral law of the bible, because the bible tells us that we should sin no more because we are not ‘slaves to sin anymore’. However, many of us still fall back to sin despite the conscious effort put in. In fact, the trend is this: the more we tried not to sin, the more we stumble. Thus, are we still going to continue to put in more efforts to live an apparently sanctified life- so that we may eventually achieve the ‘goal set before us’?

At this point, I would like to bring about another verse from the Paul’s letter to the Galations where he was chiding the Galatians for being too legalistic. He questioned them the following: ‘ After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? .... Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?’. Immediately after the questions, Paul explained about receiving the Spirit by faith through the grace of Jesus Christ.

What a contradiction!! On one hand, Paul said we should not continue sinning, but on the other hand, Paul chided the Galatians for putting in too much effort in observing the law. How? Is there really a contradiction? The answer is no. If we study the book of Romans deeper, we will notice that what he said was very profound, which, in fact has no contradiction. Paul, in fact was all the while directing the attention to Christ in his letters. So how then can we marry the concept of living by faith and not sinning? The answer is in the following verses:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:1

… those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

So what about these verses mean? Are they just ‘head’ knowledge to us. In fact, these verse are trying to tell us to tune in to FM 122.1(Abba). Just like radio waves that are always around us though we may not be able to see them. We also have a Father who never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He is our Immanuel! Whenever we tune in to Him, he will always be there. And as we continue to tune in to the Spirit, we will slowly be transformed and eventually ‘will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.’ Galatians 5:16.

Thus, how are we going to tune in to God? It sounds so difficult. Quiet time usually becomes sleeping time. Sometime, making time for God can even be a chore. How can this be! Spending time with God apparently should be enjoyable!

For one to tune to God, it can be easy as well as hard. Jesus told us in Matthew 11 to come to him and yoke(tune) ourselves to Him, and as will yoke ourselves to him, our walk will be easier. Thus, to tune in to God, one just need to come to Jesus and enjoy His intimacy. And as we enjoy this loving intimacy with our God, we will hunger for more of Him. Thus, we just have to on the radio set to receive him. In other words open ourselves to him and wait on Him, and He will surely come and take you into the Holy of holies.

Just like a radio, we need time to tune in to the frequency. Thus, we cannot expect a sudden encounter with Him. But we will seek him and find him as we seek him with all our hearts. And as we continue to strive to seek the LORD, be in through worship or reading the bible etc, we will eventually be tuned to Him. And when that happens, we will gradually be renewed by His Spirit daily and thus be so satisfied with His grace and love, that the desire for the sinful nature will gradually fade. For I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20).

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. - Romans 8:5 Thus, it will not be ‘by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. That we can eventually strive to reach the goal set before us.

In conclusion, our primary struggle in our Christian walk is not to live a life pleasing to God, instead, it is to tune in to God’s frequency and to enjoy His intimacy. Then, we will naturally live a sanctified live in Christ.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:16

'There is a fountain' - hymn

2006-11-19T23:07:00.000+08:00

“There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Emmanuel's veins;”

Today, while in church worshiping God, the hymn ‘There is a fountain’ was played. When the song started, the opening words touches me and brought me to my kneel.

Right before my eyes, I saw myself in the Holy of holies! Then I remember that not everyone have access to this place unless we are blameless. But how can I be blameless for the scripture said ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’. So, how can I ever be in the Holy of holies, unless I can be cleanse off my sins.

Yes! True enough, now I am blameless before the sight of God because of this ‘blood that flowed from the Emmanuel’s vein’. That’s the reason why I can access to the Holy of holies and have intimacy with my almighty and loving Father. That by man’s effort I could never achieved it, but by my Saiour’s blood.

The words above spoke to me a lot.

Firstly, it reflected the everlasting grace of God. It was reflected using a fountain which is always flowing. Likewise, the grace of God flows freely for anyone who receives.

Second, it was about the accessibility to the grace. Fountains are usually found in public places where as many people can enjoy its beauty. This reminded me that everyone can access to this grace flowing into our lives (and I am one of the exclusive everyone).

Lastly, it reflected the marvelous love of my Saviour. Though, He is so almighty, yet he is our Emmanuel, which means he is always with us. What have we done to deserve such intimacy with Him. Nothing! Yet he still allowed his veins to be pieced so that we could enjoy this love so richly that ‘lose all (our) guilty stains’ as we ‘plunged beneath that flood’.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Scripture reference to the song:

Zech 13:1

Luke 23:42

Rev 14:2

Letter to my Father

2006-11-18T23:23:00.000+08:00

Father,

I know that you have loved me so much

to such unimaginable extent…

Where you just want to lavish your love on me…

And you want me heal me…

So that I may fulfill my full potential...

Father, you are my key…

You are the one…

You are my solution…

And You are my security…

Man can never be my solution,

They can never see me as you do.

They can never give the everlasting comfort like you do…

So Father,

Keep my eyes on you….

Where storms will no longer be a concern…

Keep my focus on you…

So that I can see through the eye of faith…

Keep my mind on you…

Where the ever-changing environment will not affect me ….

Above all,

May I always rest in your grace and love…

Don't carry too many unnecessary burden!!

2006-11-15T15:27:00.000+08:00

Today, while I was walking towards my usual place of study, carrying tonnes of items on my hand a thought struck me: Justin, don't carry unnecessary burden.... Give it all to God...

Looking back, I remember that there are times where I carried too much burden which weighted me down... This happens to be a strong tendency for me.... Though this, I have been reminded of this: Cast all your cares on Him because he cares for you....

Mixture in life

2006-10-17T10:15:00.000+08:00

While the lecturer is preparing for the lecture,
People slowly streaming into the room,
bringing a mixed spirit into here..

I see a person full of hurts walking in...
Exhausted from the daily toils of life....

I see a person seeking for love...
Having all the hopes of life...

Oh what a diverse mood i see....
In a fallen world of God...
Where people switch between joy and sadness.....

Now we need not sit on the emotional swing anymore...
For we have an almighty, to fill us with everlasting joy....

Trying too hard to please God??? (version 2)

2006-10-11T15:00:00.000+08:00

07/10/2006

Once, there was this man, who became a Christian when he was a kid. Being brought up from a pagan religious background, practicing religions was part of his life. Pagan spiritual manifesting was a norm to him. Hence, when he accepted Christ into his life, all these perspective were naturally brought forward to his new-found faith.

Inevitably, he was highly dedicated to the religion. He strived very hard to be a 'perfect' Christian. He was taught to be a good testimony(example), to memories the verses in the bible etc.. Through all these, he has gained a lot of knowledge of the religion. Unknowing to him, Christianity became a religion of practices where he tried very hard to do the 'right thing'.

As he stayed on in church, his knowledge grew. But, he only knew Christ as a sovereign being. In his mind, he strongly desired to please his Master. Eventually, he even learned that he has to love him. So, he worked hard on it. He strived to love his Almighty God. In situations, he would try hard to do the 'right thing'. He even put in a lot of effort not to sin, even with the 'right intention' of being grateful to the salvation. Lots of effort was also put in to allow God to help him in his situations. Despite all his efforts, he kept failing time and time again-feeling discouraged. Gradually, he picked himself up and tried again, each time putting in more effort.

Over time, this man became very weary. He was very tired. He knew that he has to rest in the LORD, but didn't manage to do it, because he tried too hard to rest. What an irony.... This man thus knew God only theoretically. As a result, many areas of his live started to crumble, bringing him into a state of oppression. He became very discouraged

However, this God is a loving God. He loves this man a lot and does not want him to be in such sorry state. He wanted this man to have a proper relationship with him, instead of a theoretical version. So, in His own time, the loving Father set His precious child free from all his agony.

While driving home one day, this man had a sudden inspiration. This inspiration was so great that he decided to recite it out aloud. The inspiration protrayed God as a loving Father, telling his child this:

Son, I have loved you with an everlasting love..
Before you were formed, I have known you...
Come to me.. Don't work so hard trying to please me..
I just want you to enjoy my presence...
To come into my embrace...

Son, I am still your Father,I still love you...
Even though you may have failed me...
I still love you...I want you to know that I fogive you....
I am still here..
I have never left you...
I will never forsake you...

Come Son,into my rest....
into my loving arms...
All your problems are in my hands....
I will help you solve them all....
No problems are too big for me...
and no problems are too small for me....

I am here son...
Just come to me...
Just rest in my presence...

Son,I want you to know...
I want you to have the best...
I love you...
Even though you are small,
You are still special in my eyes...
You are still my precious son.........

Tears rolled down this man's eyes as the recitation proceeded from his mouth... However, he was not able to accept it. However, the above recitation kept coming back to him.. It was as if that it was finding its ways into this man, while he was resisting it.

Eventually, this man approached his cell leader for prayer. Upon his request, they withdrew into a room for prayer. At the start, the oppression was laying very strongly on him. As the session proceed, there was a struggle within him- a struggle between the almighty God and the opression. Some time later, the oppression eventually left, and peace eventually engulfed him. God has won!!!

As a result, this man felt transferred into a new dimension and he managed to see God from a new perspective. God became so REAL to Him....He could experience His love in such a intimate way. Where His goodness is so real.. Where all the cares of the world dissappeared.. The bible suddenly sprung to life in him...

At last, this man truely understood his faith-built around the love of the Father, so personal and loving.... And he no longer need to work so hard to please Him, because the Father just wants him to enjoy His presence - which was the original intention when He created us.......

Sugar-coating is good??

2006-10-08T21:42:00.000+08:00

I see myself like a jar.

Once in a while, bitter chocolates were poured into the interior. Filling the space with pain and misery. Over time, the chocolate accumulated. Eventually, the chocolate slowly stained the jar, making the jar look stained and unsightly. Thus an object of scorn to the surroundings. People tend to keep a distance from it..

Instead of pouring out the chocolates, I decided to sugar-coat these chocolates into individual compartments. Painting the coatings with colorful colorings. Hoping to make my contents attractive so that I can accepted by the surroundings. It apparently worked, unknowing that my content were still bitter. On the superficial, this jar seems to contain sweets, but whoever digged into the jar usually got disappointed.

As time passes, as more chocolates are poured into the vessel, sugar-coating continued until I became very skillful at it. I thought that I have successfully removed the chocolates- until one day......

My potter, who knows all things decided to subject me to high temperatures. Oh no!!! All my efforts were GONE!!! The sugar coatings melted.. Hot bitter chocolates began to flow again.. Oh no!!! How can my creator do this to me?? How am I going to face the rest with this marred status.. I look so unpreserved!!! I don't understand.... How can you allow me to look so bad!!!... To make matter worst.. He took a hammer and BREAK ME UP!!! I could see myself scattered, with the chocolates spilling all over the place... My life seems like a mess all of a sudden!!! (to-be-continued)

"Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein we never had a defeat."- Winston Churchill

2006-10-07T01:32:00.000+08:00

Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein we never had a defeat.

Am I fighting a war... Where I have to struggle for victory.. Where I keep losing...
When can I win the war??
When will I see victory???
Do I need to wait for my 'Alamein'?

When I strive for victory... I got defeated...
When I work to overcome.. I got overcomed...
And when i tried to force through... I was forced upon...

But when I rest in Him,
I got the VICTORY
I OVERCOME

Taste and see that the LORD is good...
'Before Christ we never had a victory. After Alamein we will never have a defeat.'

My Son...

2006-10-06T12:08:00.000+08:00

Son, I have loved you with an everlasting love..
Before you were formed, I have known you...
Come to me.. Don't work so hard trying to please me..
I just want you to enjoy my presence...
To come into my embrace...

Son, I am still your Father,
I still love you...
Even though you may have failed me...
I still love you...
I want you to know that I fogive you....
I am still here..
I will never leave you...
I will never forsake you...

Come Son,
into my rest....
into my loving arms...
All your problems are in my hands....
I will help you solve them all....
No problems are too big for me...
and no problems are too small for me....
I am here son... Just come to me...
Just rest in my presence...

Son,
I want you to know...
I want you to have the best...
I love you...
Even though you are small,
You are still special in my eyes...
You are still my precious son.........

With Love...

Coming??

2006-10-05T23:23:00.000+08:00

i see myself at the alter....
Kneeling down,
Tears rolling down my cheek...
All broken inside....
Full of hurts,
full of pains...

Now, is the majasty coming down??
With all His legions of heavenly being...
Coming to stand by my side...
To wage wars against the tormenting forces??

Now... Should i rest??
After trying so hard??
To let the legions fight on my behalf??
And rest in the cosy embrace of my Dad??

No longer should i feel bad....
For I am not fighting alone anymore....
No longer do i see defeat....
For my father is fighting on my side....
No longer am i being bullied...
For my guardian is here to protect me...

Behold all... and see the Celestial Soldiers coming down to Earth...
Rediating their heavenly light...
Waging a victorious war...
For the One is mighty.........

I understand

2006-09-28T15:33:00.000+08:00

I understand..... that I am unworthy,
to even know you as a person...
to even talk to you...

I understand.... that why you insist on your rights...
that you want it your way.....
that there shall be no compromise....

I understand... that I am at fault...
to even request for your time...
to even ask for a midpoint....

I understand... that I would not be given chance...
that i shall be condemned forever..
that i am irriating...

Now i know 1 thing...
though I understand all these....
I know i will never be understood...

Guilty until proven innocent

2006-09-20T14:24:00.000+08:00

Have you ever though of the day if the justice systems in the present day works this way?

Sentenced before conviction,
Guilty until proven innocent..
Charged before investigation...

Imagine:

Dilemma of time

2006-09-17T21:49:00.000+08:00

Time is what i hope to give,
for space to grow.
So dust shall settle.

Yet time is what i can't give,
for empire's life is at stake.
So the siren is sounded.

How can i balance both,
where both sides are satisfied.
That peace shall prevail again...

Misunderstood

2006-09-17T17:52:00.000+08:00

Misunderstood.... why am i always misunderstood?? Someone please tell me....

The anguish of the broken knight

2006-09-15T16:51:00.000+08:00

There once was a wandering knight, who ventured into the unknown world with his trusty and faithful horse, carrying with him a precious rock.

One day, in the midst of his adventure, he chanced upon a magnificent castle in the land of wilderness. Awed by its splendor, the curious knight rode towards the castle. As he moved closer, he saw what looked like a saint-whose smile reflect the radiance of the morning sun. The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars, As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven Would through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night. See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand! O, that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek! What lady is that, which doth enrich the hand? The shine of the saint hence captivated his heart. Can he go forward when his heart is here? Turn back, dull earth, and find thy centre out. So, he set up camp in the wilderness hoping for the saint to let him in.

Everyday, the knight will just stand on his horse, hoping for the saint to notice him. He had to bear the heat of the scorching sun in the day, while braving the cold of the night. He did all these believing in the dream of finding favor with the saint.

Days go by and gradually months. Eventually, the long anticipated day arrived when the saint responded to the knight.
She speaks! O, speak again, bright angel! for thou art
As glorious to this night, being o'er his head
As is a winged messenger of heaven
Unto the white-upturned wondering eyes
Of mortals that fall back to gaze on him
When he bestrides the lazy-pacing clouds
And sails upon the bosom of the air.
She indicated to the knight to come nearer. The knight willingly obliged. However, the saint remained motionless. Only a week after did the knight noticed movement.

Gradually, the saint allowed the knight to bring her on adventures with his horse and the bag of gold. Together, they encountered mystical creatures, visited caves and labyrinths. The knight felt so honored to be able to serve the saint. Every night, while riding back to the castle, he would anticipate for the saint's invitation for him to enter the castle. Hoping not to pressure the saint into decision, he only asked once in a while for permission to enter- not expecting a favorable reply, but hoping for the best. He asked at intervals because he understood that the saint will prefers others to initiate a question even answer is there. He just wanted to facilitate answer.

One day, the saint had audience with the King of the castle as she was the precious daughter of the loving King. The loving father knew everything about his daughter and she always shared everything in life with him. The father knew of an area in her life which required help, hence, he encouraged her to allow him to take charge of. The loving father wanted her to live assured in the confidence in him. After that, the king revealed that he wanted to bless her with many rewards. At this moment, the princess felt that she should stop seeing the knight. She felt that the father wanted her to devote herself fully to him. However, the intention of the king was not fully understood.

A week later, on the 5th rise of the sun, she rejected his proposal. Then she hath sworn that she will still live chaste! The knight was stunted, but eventually resigned to her decision but indicated that he will camp outside the castle till she is ready. She advised against the decision.
And, in strong proof of chastity well arm'd,
From love's weak childish bow she lives unharm'd.
She will not stay the siege of loving terms,
Nor bide the encounter of assailing eyes,
Nor ope her lap to saint-seducing gold:
O, she is rich in beauty, only poor,
That when she dies with beauty dies her store.
Hence, the knight started camping outside the castle again. Hoping for an eventual change of heart, although he clearly knew that wait will be never-ending. However, daily, the princess perpetually suggested him to move further away. He obliged. Eventually, he reached a position where the castle appeared to be palm-sized.

Dilemma befallen the knight. Should he deny his own feelings? Should he still treat her nicely and make her feel awkward? Or should he intentionally hurt her to assure her that he had given her up? Hence, he resorted to try every solution. But all was received negativity.

Apparently, the princess was not satisfied. She wanted him to disappeared from her completely. In her own initiative, she took a horse out to the knight, carrying with her a whip. When reaching him, she cast the first strike. Ouch!!. The knight obediently received the blow without retaliation. Eventually, the second blow came down on him and subsequently the third, and the forth and more!!!.. The once carefree knight has thus being reduced to a helpless being. Though painful, he resisted any defense out of respect for the princess, wishing that the whipping will eventually stop.

The hope of the knight was not fulfilled. Instead, the slashes continued for weeks. Finally, he decided to make known to her his agony on the night of a Sabbath. Instead of stopping, the princess flared up at him. She slammed him down, refusing him to continue voicing up. So, he thought of ways to cool her down instead.

During his wondering days, the knight found a precious piece of silver and kept it with him. He decided to give it to her hoping to calm her down. It worked. The temperament dropped. He felt so relieved. Thinking that he would have peace again. The next day, he intended to offer 2 phoenixes to calm her down further. However, the result was opposite.

This time, instead of slashing on the superficial, she slashed harder deep into the flesh of the poor knight. This time, he decided that it was the final straw. He decided to confront her and eventually make peace with her. Instead, the intention was misunderstood and she began to torment more.

Knowing the problem, he embarked on the mission to communicate with her, hoping that the situation would turn for the better. He wanted to have a complete picture of the situation so that he could understand her intention. He even intended to ride away to a far off place after he sorted everything out. All attempts failed. Instead he felt that she had abused all the respect he had for her. What was worst, she dropped his precious rock.

The knight eventually ran out of solution. What made matter worst was that all the escape routes were destroyed. He found himself trapped, he could neither escape nor proceed. The knight was eventually lost and confused. He eventually felt worst then an animal. Out of desperation, the knight drew his sword to counter-defend. In the process, he accidentally hurt her. The princess was wounded! At that moment, his heart melted. He was sorry for his action. Seeing her hurt created much more pain than being whipped. He just can't bear the sight of seeing her in agony. He wanted to help her mend the wound, but she disallowed.

Right before his eyes, the knight saw a Gemini. One side is a tormentor; another is a weak girl, easily hurt. A girl under intense pressure from an unknown source, crying out for relieve. Hoping to please her father, yet misunderstood. Has anyone heard her crying? Has anyone seen her pain? How the knight hope to understand her, and help fulfill her demand. But he can't. He cannot see anything. She was holding back and hiding, of what he can't decipher. There is a wall built up since the day of turning away. How can he understand her without knowing anything?

On one hand, he hope to give her time, while on the other hand, he was restricted. Another dilemma he had. The precious rock that was dropped began to sink, and he couldn’t do anything about it. He needed help and the only help present was the reluctant princess. How the knight hope to give her time, but was pressured by the sinking rock. Hoping that peace be forged soon, so that help may come.

The injured knight hopes to let her know that he wants to forgive her for all his pain. He desired that she smile again. He dreamed of the day that the wall would collapse, so as to understand her perspective of the situation. He don't mind being in the wrong. He just want to satisfy her, even if more agony befall upon him. He hopes that she can radiate in her glory again. So, the knight can ride away at ease back into the wildness and not be misunderstood….

Poor tailor & the dress

2006-05-26T20:30:00.000+08:00

Once there was a poor tailor, who desired to make a magnificent dress for the wealthy aristocrat who would bypass his shop daily to social functions. But the measurements of the royal blood are considered a secret in the society culture, only the royal dressmaker can have the information. Hence, being just a lay tailor down the street, he did not have the privilege of her measurements. So, as the royal pass his shop everyday, he would observe her, getting an estimate of the measurements.

After some estimation, he set to work on the dress. Fueled by his passion, he indeed managed to make a dress fitting for a queen. Hence, he is proud of his craftsmanship. However, he still needed to catch the royal’s attention. So, he hanged the dress at the window, hoping to catch her attention one day. On the first day, she did not notice the dress. Subsequent days were not promising either. Holding on to the hope that one day his dress would be noticed, he waited patiently.

Days of anticipation finally paid off. The aristocrat finally saw the dress fitting of her. Followed by a delegate of attendants, she walked into the humble shop, wanting to try the dress. After trying it on, the measurement was close to perfect. However, being a royal, everything calls for perfection. So, though she liked the dress, she could not make any decisions. The humbled tailor pleaded for her to allow him chance to create a perfect fit, hoping that the royal would include the dress in her wardrobe collection. The royal allowed. 1 week later, the royal came back to try the dress, but still adjustments are still needed.

The time taken for such adjustments can be long. It ranges from a few days to years, or even a lifetime. Acknowledging that, the tailor was determined to work on the adjustments. Will the royal allow her actual measurement to be taken?? Will she acknowledge the effort of the tailor??

Disclaimer: this story has multiple interpretations, depending on the tangent of view. It can be dangerous if the interpretation is wrong..

TeArS

2006-05-22T15:53:00.000+08:00

A friend of mine shared with me about her friend's dream.....
She dreamt that she was crying about something, longing for comfort from someone... Suddenly, the LORD appeared to her, putting his hands over her... Giving her all the love he could give... Then, something awesome happened.... Her shed tears was transformed into golden beatles, flying away from her, bringing away all the sadness and grieve...

The psalmist mentioned in Psalm 56:8 (New Living Translation) 'You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.' This verse really shows us how much our creator cares about us, like a father loving the child... Have you ever wonder how much God is concerned for us when we are sad??

Also Jesus is the testimony of how much our heavenly creator cares for ue, that He 'so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16 (NIV) Hence, as a child of God, we are bestowed 'a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.' Isaiah 61:3 (NIV).... Sorrows can no longer have mastery over us.....

In conclusion, I would like to leave with you the 1st 2 lines of the song: What a friend we have in Jesus:
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

TPJC SSC Sea carnival heats

2006-05-16T14:41:00.000+08:00

15/05/06

“Paddles up, GO!!!” Do these commands bring back sweet memories of the days of Kallang River as a 17 and 18 year old student? The TPJC Sea Carnival has been a biennial event and recently, an annual event. A few of the alumni went down to check if anything has really changed since the Sea Sports Club has been disbanded this year.

For the first time in the history of TPJC's sea carnival, the event is not run by Sea Sports Club. Instead, the HOD of PE decided to have a go at organizing and managing the whole event. And as we observed from the powerboat driven by same old Mr Chew, things seemed to run pretty well, that's if one isn't comparing it to previous Sea Carnivals.

The familiar war cries of those rowing the dragonboat with all their might, and also the giggles of those merely splashing water in the same event, all bring a certain sense of nostalgia in us. So do the screams of capsized victims and cries of foul play from the unfortunate canoeists turned swimmers. Unwillingly and perhaps unknowingly, some of them became photo-evidence that sea tragedies do happen even in the calm waters of Kallang River.

On the whole, a Sea Carnival without a Sea Sports Club was indeed very different. When planning and running of the event switches hands from competent students to possibly overworked teachers, things did not seem to run as smoothly, and there is a lack of a Sea Sports Spirit to liven up the whole atmosphere.

In the words of our founding father, “Everyone thinks the sea sports club had an easy time coordinating the sea carnival. Now that we're gone, and something goes wrong, they know how difficult it actually is.” I will let this statement be a reflection of the importance of our club in maintaining a lively and well coordinated (now) annual event.

LONG DAY... yet SHORT ACCOUNT

2006-05-16T14:20:00.000+08:00

went around island today... from the east, travelled to Marina country club, then to East Coast, next to Kallang, after that to NTU... Then back to east.... What a long day...

People met today.... blah blah blah......

R we A pErFecT mAtch???

2006-05-13T02:03:00.000+08:00

Meeting in the morning...

After that, met Shuwen at suntec for lunch... As usual, she was LaTe!!!... mUst always waIt foR her!!... At lAst, she aRRived after some waIting... I was sTUNTED--- she was wearing exactly the sAme colour combination as mE... lIghtning strike also wont be that accurate!!!

After lunch, sHe accompanied me around thE shopping centre... While walking, could feel as if we were a pair of 'extremely, extremely madly-in-love' couples (鸳鸯)... where nothing else matters except each other & wearing such perfect matching combination walking side-by-side..... erm...... dont you think so???.... Shuwen???.... hahahaaa....

Next entry: Have Shuwen killed me yet??? heeheee.....

Majulah

2006-05-11T13:34:00.000+08:00

Flag risen....

Journey began....with powers stripped... lost my FIREBALL.... powerless now... how??? will I survive???? Can I make it??? will my journey be tough??? Will I be given power again????

Mane shaved... without glory.... all under mercy.... will this poor man return to glory??? Will the stone-table resurrect my glory again??? Will I be given wings to fly again??? Time will tell....

Una Paloma Blanca!!!

Nevertheless God....... be enthroned.... with your sovereignity....