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July 23rd, 2008
09:40 am - Don't compare
I wanted to blog about my ant stings. I was actually quite fascinated how the wound swelled up. I had 4 ant bites from the Tioman forest. One of them was through my sock and that one didn't react as badly as the rest.
I've been comparing myself with others and feeling bad about it when I seek God's word about this issue.
Colossians 3:23
Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
When we compare ourselves against others and due to that think we are very good or not up to it, and it causes us to work less hard, or harder, we are working for people rather than for men. Far be it from me to do something like that. I'm very prone to doing that. Feeling good because I'm ahead of men or feeling bad because I'm behind.
God reiterated in the parable of the talents. Only need to multiply what you have. No need to wish you multiplied others' amount. God is equally pleased. God knows us. He knows our strengths and weaknesses. He won't ask us to bear more than what we can bear.
So Lord, forgive me for watching people. Keep my eyes focussed on You. I shall work for God alone and not for man.
I just need to my best. Why should I worry what I can do it not as good as what others can do? We all answer back to God in the end. I need only multiply my one talent. Others with more, need to multiple their talents. In fact, I should help others.
I too pray for humility. I realized this just now. Perhaps, why I haven't been able to grow as I wish to is the fact that I've a lot of pride, arrogance and satisfaction with my past achievement. If I want to grow, I must die to myself. If it requires my past to be washed away, such that I can have the humility and right state to come before God, childlike and humble once again, that wash that past away. Hold on to good works no longer. Forget all that I've done.
I've been reading up about Azusa Street revival. And I hope to see Holy Spirit alive in me once again.
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July 10th, 2008
08:33 am - Updates from Tioman!
Tioman is a nice sunny island with many habitats.
My group is the Ecological Light Pollution Study Group. Basically, we are concern with which groups of insects are more affected by artificial lighting. So we set up malaise traps in the day, some with light, some without, and go back in the night to collect them.
Jungle trekking is fun. I like the rejuvenating experience of just walking through. At night, you will see many eyes peering at you. Those are called eye shine. Very beautiful.
But... we also experience the fury of the insects. When the ants bite. When the bee sting. Nanthinee got stung yesterday. :( Hope God will heal her finger ASAP. I remember how Sum Yin couldn't write for about a week after getting stung on her hand as well and transformed into a one-week right-hander.
Okay. I must do all I can here. Since I'm here, let's go all out. Put emotions, put insecurities, put fears aside, yeh, and go for it.
I'm learning very much here how to love.
I have a new found interest in insects. Really thanks to Nicholas. His passion really rubs off. They are hardy and resilient animals. I still have a creepy feeling when I see moths in specific though.
Till we meet again.
May God bless you abundantly and help you with each day's struggles that you might know how much He loves you and cares for you.
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08:28 am - Day 4 on Tioman Island
I've have been itching to use the internet, not because I'm addicted but because I miss home. Internet brings me home as I check my email, as I read blogs and see updates on Facebook if any. Away from home, I realize I miss the comforts of having my best friends messages away from me. I miss having my friends to share my burdens.
I have been bearing my own burdens every day. Every night, I go to God under my blanket with a torchlight to pray and seek help.
Yes. I miss having people there to share with me.
I'm trying to be opportunistic but sometimes it's hard not becoming inward-looking myself.
I pray to look beyond me. Really take a good look outside of my inner life, to look at others, so I can love others.
I'm not to sure how to go about that. God please lead the way!
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July 5th, 2008
12:15 pm - You are faithful
Lord of all the earth
How You care for me
You have made me
You will save and carry me always
You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful
Your joy is my strength
Lord you are my guide
I rely on You
I put my hope in things not seen
Your promises all true
Always You're with me
Your hand will lead me
My trust is in your name
I really like this song. :) I've been trying to improve my singing technique, asking for advise and watching YouTube videos. So I was quite pleased when Michelle said my singing wasn't squeaky. :)
I also plan to take up vocal training classes sometime in September when the next school term at Believers Music start. Anybody else interested? Everyone deserves to know how to sing, so that all can sing freely to the Lord. :) Or purely for one's own personal edification and enjoyment.
So I am very grateful for Believer Music who encouraged me to take up singing. :) It's really encourage. After our coach Daniel Kan encouraged me, I literally felt courage added unto me and I now am not scared to sing for others to hear, not as much as before. :)
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July 1st, 2008
12:46 am
The most beautiful prayers are those prayed by those you used to pray for. :)
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June 26th, 2008
11:59 am - My life is Yours
One of my favourite passages of the bible is actually that of God extending Hezekiah's life. As a child, it puzzled me how God would so "cruelly" put a deadline down for Hezekiah's life.
Isaiah 38:1
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill... "Thus says the Lord, 'Set your house in order, for your shall die and not live.'
What did Hezekiah do to deserve a death sentence?
But equally amazing, I find, how Hezekiah had the thick-skinness to ask for a life extension.
Isaiah 38:2-3
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, and said, "Remember now, O Lord, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
And how, God always answers prayers and moves in response to them.
Isaiah 38:5
... 'Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David, "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will add fifteen years to your life...
God even confirmed this by giving Hezekiah a sign.
Who is man, that God should listen to man?
Doesn't this story remind you of those who experience a near death experience, and get a sudden realization that this life that they are living, is really, truely, a gift? It does not come from ourselves, we have no ability to control the times of life nor death. We can eat supplements, keep fit and healthy, but no one can live beyond what God has already planned for us.
I can imagine Hezekiah, waking each morning of that next 15 years, that God gave extra to him, and taking a deep breath to sniff in the fragrance of the morning, and thanking God, he is even alive. Isn't is also amazing how he requested for a life-extension? This is surely a man who knew the value of life. He wants to live another day to sing love songs to his wife. He wants to live another day to teach his children the ways of God and tell them how proud he is of them and loves them. He wants to lead the country a few more years, to ensure the next leadership team is ready to take over him, continuing in the ways of God, before he dies. He wants to just enjoy his life and living his life for God. So he doesn't want to die just yet. He suddenly realizes the value of life and love and does not want to go just yet.
Each day is a gift. It is tremendously hard to believe it and live it out. Sometimes I wish for a near-death experience, to have a short-cut to this revelation. But I never know, as it might turned against me and make me bitter to God as well. So I must constantly remind myself, how precious the life I have, the breath I breathe, the potential each moment holds to make the slightest difference to the course of events of this world.
As to God being "cruel"? Who are we to judge God's actions. Besides, the life we live, is not ours in the first place and God often thinks very differently from us. The best is yet to be.
I believe it is when we realize, we don't own anything on this earth, even our lives. Yes, even in making money, the ability comes from God. When we realize nothing we own is ours, everything comes from the Lord, that we can begin to live freely and give freely to the world, storing up treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy.
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June 23rd, 2008
02:35 pm - HOTWHEELS and MUSIC
Last weekend was honestly one of my best in a very long time. I did not expect it at all, neither did I anticipate it but it was so good.
We had HOTWHEELS on Saturday, an orientation programme for freshmen. I never felt more "used". I am rarely ever "used". That's how I feel. I often feel I have very few strengths. I felt used because being an OGL in a sports event, I was forced to act like a coach. Cheering, delegating, planning, taking care of injured, advising ways to cool down faster etc. And I love doing that. It was actually one of my unspoken dream job as a child. I wanted to be a coach, a personal trainer, but I never dared to speak it out, because I am not a fit nor athletic person. So OGLing on Saturday was very fulfilling and I became very high. :)
Then went for Believer Music class. It was revolutionary. I am doing the Spontaneous Worship Dynamics 1 class and what I enjoy about this course most is that we get to learn and practice song-writing, which is something I really enjoy doing. Two weeks ago the theme was "Use Me", last weekend it was a song calling people to turn back to God.
If you had known me, I'm not one who likes singing. I enjoy singing, but never in front of people. I sing when no one but God is listening. If you want me to sing just for you, I need to muster a lot of courage. Last time when I needed Ziwei to help me translate my song into musical notation, I hid with her at a staircase and took many moments to convince myself to sing to her. This fear of people hearing my voice developed probably because I had been criticized as a child. I used to be extremely sensitive to peoples' words. (Now, it shouldn't matter. God's word must be above all and God gave each an ability to sing his praise and worship with our voice.)
So imagine my shock when the teacher, Daniel Kan, asked the class, don't you think my voice sounds like the Sixpence None The Richer lead singer's voice? I have never felt more flattered, seriously. He added if trained, it has potential to be well-liked by many.
That opened a window in my heart. Like I felt air gushed into my heart. A door that I had kept closed for many years was suddenly pushed slightly open, that I could breathe again.
And what else the course did for me? Daniel taught us that we were all meant to be ministers unto God, we were all meant to be songwriters, songwriting was not only for the elite few like Hillsongs or Planetshakers, but meant for ALL believers. And listening to each student's song convinced me further. When I close my eyes and listen to the songs, when I meditate upon the lyrics, something in my spirit clicked. I think this is what it meant by worshiping in spirit and in truth. When we infuse biblical truth into our words, and engage our spirits in song, worship is experienced at a whole new level.
During church service, praise and worship felt very different. I sang the heart of the songwriter. I was never very aware that the songs we sing are actually written by real people with real emotions, real problems, struggles, needs, real need, desire and love for God. But suddenly I was so aware of the spirit of the song. I no longer looked mechanically at those songs (rhythm, melody, lyrics, etc.) and thought whether I liked the song or not, but I felt the music in my heart.
On Sunday, I tried singing my song again, and honestly I never felt more ministered. I have never ever worshiped till I sweat before. I was my first time I felt so engaged singing my own song.
And the music has switched on in my heart again.
I used to have an unending song in my heart. But some years ago, it stopped, as if someone pressed the off button. Last night, I struggled to fall into deep sleep, for the music was so loud in my heart and mind.
That's what made me so excited over the weekend. HOTWHEELS and MUSIC. :)
And that music thingie drew me so close to God.
Thank You!
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June 22nd, 2008
12:04 pm - Sixpence None the Richer
Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given to you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already. So that when we talk of a man doing anything for God or giving anything to God, I will tell you what it is really like. It is like a small child going to his father and saying, 'Daddy, give me sixpence to buy you a birthday present.' Of course, the father does, and he is pleased with the child's present. It is all very nice and proper, but only an idiot would think that the father is sixpence to the good on the transaction. When a man has made these two discoveries, God can really get to work. It is after this that real life begins. The man is awake now...
-C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity
Isn't it beautiful? Ask any worldly Christian, it is not easy to give what one has to God. It's not easy to give up the prospects of a fulfilling and successful life in this world to pursue the kingdom of God, to see God's vision come to pass. One feels like one is giving a lot to God and it's hard. But come to think of it, when we realizes that we are not giving any more to God than what God has first given us... How should I put it? Yes, like the passage, God isn't a tiny weenie bit richer by our services to Him. He just pleasures at your love to Him. One realizes that giving to God is only natural and nothing spectacular.
It really makes me want to cry. I am always so hesitant to give Him more, to make sacrifices that would hurt, to just take a step out of the comfort I have gotten used to.
When pastor shared about the majestic, splendid, beautiful ship in the dock that never sailed the high seas, my heart cracked. We were made/meant for so much more than being docked to the harbour.
And when we do sail the high seas, meet with storms, ferry passengers around, it is useful and meaningful to remember, God gains nothing out of all our "sacrifices".
Nothing we have that was not first His.
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June 9th, 2008
11:45 am - Changi Beach Low Tide 6-6-08
Thanks to Kok Sheng, once again got to experience natural therapy, this time at Changi Beach! We were helping him search for sand stars, a genus of sea stars.
And I learnt we call them sea stars instead of starfish as they're commonly known because they aren't fishes!
Wouldn't mosquito buddy be so excited to see all the stars?
This, to give an example, how dark it was, before the sun had risen. We were dependent on torch lights to search for stars on the sea bed.
Oh, a big star that I just stepped past, before Kok Sheng pointed it out to me!
A red sea urchin. Did I say that my Dad and Sis, love to eat it? Uni as it is known in Japanese, is a delicacy. This yellow gooey stuff that's inside the urchin's tough husk.
Look! A Sponge!
A rockstar! :)
Stars on the wall as well at Changi Village.
I like this cute little fungus.
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June 3rd, 2008
11:50 am
Michael Griffiths in Take My Life: At the very lowest level our time is worth whatever it takes to support us; at the highest it is worth whatever we allow the Holy Spirit to use us to do. The Christian is not concerned to be mercenary, but to him time is precious because it is a gift from God. He gives me my days.
I've grown weak, soft and lazy over the days. Ill-disciplined, easy to become discouraged and give up and slow to act.
Is my time and life worth so little that I live my life in such a way, giving in to every lie and temptation and emotion?
No it is not worth so little. It is worth the suffering that Christ went through.
I realized I was not excited about reporting about my grades on my blog. It is just that after all the hyped of working hard for the exams, when I got the results, I realized I was not half as excited about it.
I thought it would feel good to do well. It didn't.
My heart yearns for something more than just paper qualifications and the praises of Man. It yearns for something eternal.
Let me shake myself. It is time to wake up. I've been sleeping for way too long. It's very difficult to make someone who has just woken up function properly, have you realized? But I must do all it takes to get the engine going. I'm a sleepyhead, I must wake up.
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May 30th, 2008
12:20 pm - going to check results
The typical feeling of unrest and uncertainty, moments before the grades are checked.
Before I check, I just want to give thanks first, to set my perspective right again. I am grateful for this Semester. It hasn't been easy for me struggling to make sense of my Christian walk and coping with the bombardment of academic responsibilities. But I thank God for His grace and strength to push me through.
That I might know His grace more, His love more and His will more. It's scary.
Lam 3:25
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
Yup. It's scary. But this is not the first time I've been tested in this manner. I shall not compare.
His grace is sufficient. His providence is enough. A, B, C, D, E, F, G. His providence is enough. I must trust in Him and give thanks no matter what.
In our hearts of hearts, we all desire to do well don't we? :)
Human nature? We all want things to turn out well.
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May 26th, 2008
11:55 pm - Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
I just read the blog of a dear friend and it seem to have shook me. Her heart to love people and to love God. A glimpse of her life from Down Under, takes my selfish and short-sighted soul out on a ride.
So hard for me to fathom the vastness of this world, the meaning of this life.
Just when I catch a little glimpse of it, I am so overwhelmed.
That prayer, used to be the cry of my heart.
I want it to be so again.
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May 23rd, 2008
10:53 am - UniCamp 2008
I don't have much time to blog about this now. But I figure I shouldn't drag it anymore. As Christians we often talked about miracles. I realized my miracle happened only because I took steps that enabled its unfolding.
Huanyan said something really interesting. We have the same caregroup, NUS A1, as last year. The only thing that's different is that he's the only remaining member, we have an almost complete turnover. Interesting right?
We were at St. John's Island for our Tertiary University Camp. This time we have the new youth brothers and sisters and the NS ministry joining us. I was very blessed by the TSPT as well. And I thank God these people joined us. The atmosphere was very different with so much young blood injected into an ageing ministry. (Ops! I didn't mean to make anyone sound bad with this, but age is really catching up, even for me. I cannot remember my 21st birthday anymore!)
I was especially blessed by the Holy Communion time. It was so impactful that every other impact during the camp, left little mark on me.
It was a heart-wrenching time for me, as I received a revelation about my heart towards God. How it has changed. How God does not figure in my life anymore. It was amazing I realized it. Because outwardly, nobody could see it. I guess, I finally figure out what Puay Lin meant last time when she said it was possible to serve as to give our leaders what they want and make them think you're fine, but actually you're not. People mentioned about the system. The structure is so stable in church that it will take very long to realize something is not right, if people are not discerning. I served to a stage, I questioned, why do I need to be a Christian to serve? I'm doing so human-a-thing, I bet any good man out there will a respectable character can do this "God-work" I am doing now.
The Holy Communion session spoke sense into my heart. What is my treasure? Is it still God's kingdom? That beautiful pearl that I sold everything to buy. Is it still valuable to me? Where your treasure is, there your heart will be. Where does my commitment lie? It also reminded me of the joy of investing in lives. I talk about investment in properties, in antiques, in learning recently, but it's been a long time I talked about investment in lives, which is of far more value.
Lives are much more valuable than money, than an education, than a big old colonial house that's mine and a collection of antiques. He who wins souls is wise.
And it's people like these I'm photographed with, that made me realized it, that very Holy Communion night.
I especially want to thank Shi Jie and Si Hui for coming up to me to speak to me. What they said to me meant a lot to me. Because it made so much a difference to who I am now, and who I was before the night of Sunday, 18th May.
This God kingdom thingie, is definitely real, good, true, worthy of selling all things for. God, forgive me for selling my soul to those things that were not You. Such unthinkable an act. To give my Christ-bought life, not to His kingdom cause but to things made by Man.
I finally understand what Tamar meant when she quoted this verse from Psalm 16:3 - As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
Indeed, amen.
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May 21st, 2008
10:40 am - when a detour is no detour
It's been a long time since I had such experiences. Yesterday I gave tuition in the night and went to past Huanyan some stuff, by the time I came home it was pretty late and I was pretty tired, to add to the tiredness, when I reached my condominium gate, I realized it was locked as the gate has been spoilt for some time, so I had to walk the long way in. It dampened my spirits a little.
But strangely enough when I took the longer route, I walk by these security guards at the neighbouring condo who were very friendly and smiled at me. :) Then I walk by a taxi and the taxi uncle called me. At first I thought he thought I wanted to take cab, but I soon realized they were searching for change for $50. The passenger was a Japanese man so they had difficulty communicating and the man was getting increasingly frustrated and upset at his predicament. I didn't have change and went to ask the guards who did not have it either. Then the passenger pointed insistently at the credit card sticker on the window and asked for that service. The uncle was new to taxiing and did not know how to use it. So with much trial and error the passenger managed to do it himself. And I think it cost $1 for that service and the passenger was really angry. He said because the uncle didn't have change, made him pay $1 more! He exited the taxi and slammed the door really hard, leaving in a puff.
It's not everyday that you get to experience and be part of such a situation. I hoped my presence helped to tone down the situation a little bit. Thank God the uncle was quite calm, had it been a hot-tempered driver, he would have also blowed his top off after encountering such a fierce and seemingly uncompassionate passenger. After he left I commented that need to have small change next time and learn to use that credit card payment machine. :) He offered me a lift, but I said no need, cause I live so near.
So that was my adventure. I am recounting in such great detail as it meant something to me. When a detour is no detour. Who knows, the very reason I ended up going home so late and meeting with the plight of gate being locked, was so that I could be directed to their paths. If I could be directed to their paths for such a small reason, what does it say about all my life encounters. Could I be at the very place I am at now, for no small coincidence, but because it's the very place God wants me to be at? And if so, what does that say about my life, all my life I could be where I was at, exactly so I could accomplish something in me or for someone so that we can achieve the greater purposes of God, now or in the future?
Connecting the dots...
Acts 17:26-27
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
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May 19th, 2008
06:49 pm - Imitation Faith
Have you heard of imitation faith?
Outwardly, a person is completely Christian, according the church standards.
Goes to church, tithes, prays, reads the bible, serves...
But the God worshiped is not the God that Christians worship. But an imitation God. A God the person think He is. And so is his or her faith. An imitation of the real thing. A faith based on an untrue God. Neither is the faith true.
The person goes on life thinking he or she is Christian, but never experiences the fullness of a true and living relationship with the Saviour.
Ever hearing, never perceiving.
Ever seeing, never understanding.
Such is the sad plight of an imitation Christian. And the worse thing is, sometimes people don't even know when they are one. They try all sorts of ways to draw near to the imitation God, but because they go to the wrong source, they never receive.
An imitation faith, cannot satisfy, and is a poor, very poor reflection of the real thing.
I found biblical support for imitation faith!
Revelations 3:1-3
... I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
But thank God for his mercy!
Rev 4:19
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
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May 11th, 2008
12:41 am - A short evaluation of one of my childhood ambitions
Did you know that as a child, one of my dream job was to be a researcher, work in a laboratory or even work my way up to a lecturer?
I think it was my interest in Science as a child, together with my introverted nature that made me prone towards such an area. I had wanted a job with minimal human contact. I also had interest to educate. I often imagine myself teaching and sharing what knowledge I had with others. To me, a laboratory job would be good because it meant staring at non-living objects. A lecturer job better than a lower level teacher job (SS, JC), as it also meant, I had less need to control a class, which I knew I wouldn't be good at (I have had a problem disciplining people all these while).
I was aware that I wasn't a very bright or talented student all along. I was very aware that while some could score and write fluently without much hard work, for me to do something impressive required me to squeeze every ounce of blood out of me. And to me those people were naturally smart, while I'm a fake smart, meaning I can produce results with a lot of hard work, while they without much hard work can produce results. And no matter how hard I work, I will never reach their standard when they do not work much at all.
My sister was one such example of a naturally smart person. I looked up to her a lot as a very intelligent being. One who produces results while not putting in a lot of work. I attribute that to intelligence, she picks things up easily. Or perhaps she can understand with minimal effort, or catch concepts with just a glance, or capture the knowledge while the teacher teaches and have no need for revision after class.
It was a similar case for my "running ability". A lot of people often boast of my running ability. I have been in school team, I have even completed a marathon. But I am very very aware and clear about my "talent". I do not have talent. If I have talent, it is in training and perseverance. It is definitely not physiological or morphological, but intellectual and emotional advantage.
I am good at reading up running magazines, treating my injuries, taking care of my diet and workouts and running even when it hurts. But I am not one who can run fast without training or with minimal training. And even if I train to my maximum, I am never as good as the naturally talented who train minimally.
What do you call this? Something like the middle class grouping? I am never good enough nor bad enough to be noticed or for someone to place their attention on. I think it is this group of people that could possibly be neglected in the society/education system. We are good, but never good enough. Bad, but never bad enough. We are average, just okay.
As I became a Christian, a whole new whole opened to me. I realized that when I love people, I become less anti-social and more outward-looking. I started to realize I actually enjoy company and interaction with people. So my view towards laboratory work started to change. I started to consider careers such as counselor, tour guide, civil servant etc.
As I entered into University and got the biomedical/cell and molecular/genetics/biochemistry-treatment and experienced "boring" education which is education that does not engaged one's heart or mind, but simply attempted to drill knowledge into the brain, I was no longer able to churn out top quality grades. I no longer desired to memorize as I did in high school and junior college and work so hard pointlessly for grades... It was here, that I stopped dreaming to be a lecturer, nearly crossing it out of my list of possible careers for good.
It was the pains of university life together with greater self-awareness of who I am that caused me to stop dreaming to be a lecturer.
However, recently, I experienced a revival of sorts. As I began to attend Biology classes in which I was interested in, I started to dream a little more. I realized I really do have interest in growing intellectually. I desire not just to make my heart a garden, but also my mind one. I enjoyed learning and sharing the joy of what I learn.
I am still aware of who I am. But I do not wish to short-change myself by limiting myself to my expectations and beliefs of my capability. Neither do I want to slough my way through land which God has no intention for me to pass through.
So my decision is to be humble and to learn. To desire humility and wisdom. To be aware of my capability and aware of who I am. Yet, never discounting what hard work and a touch of luck can do in my life. It is important to be discerning to God's leading and not be so caught up in a I-me-mine attitude where the world revolves around me. I need to be aware of God's work in my life and follow His leading. This is my conclusion. I shall do my best, whether in deciding my career or attaining my career, and let Him do the rest.
Thanks to Angelina for inspiring this entry. While talking to her on the bus today about University education, I thought of this.
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May 7th, 2008
08:58 pm - Beatlemania
I can't believe it's happening again.
Once I start listening to a Beatles song, I listen to the whole album and sing along. Because it's so good, I cannot stop. I don't know for the how many times am I promoting the Beatles. When I listen to a CD, I normally fix my attention to some favorite songs within the album. But it's so hard to do so for any Beatles' albums, because all songs are so good and potential favorites! (I have my biases though. I don't like Yellow Submarine and Love Me Do. I don't like monotonously repeating tunes.)
Imagine singing this to God!
I go to God when I'm feeling down. When I'm alone, I think of the great things He's done and the promises He has made. I know no sorrow, nor sad tomorrows because of the love He has given me.
Perfect. The Beatles have done it again. Perfect match.
There's A Place
Lennon/McCartney
There, there's a place
where I can go
when I feel low
when I feel blue
And it's my mind
and there's time
When I'm alone
I think of you
the things you do
Go round my head
the things you've said
Like I love only you
In my mind there's no sorrow
Don't you know that it's so
There'll be no sad tomorrow
Don't you know that it's so
There, there's a place
where I can go
when I feel low
when I feel blue
And it's my mind
and there's time
When I'm alone
There's a place
There's a place
I was reminded of my passion for the Beatles when I was in Secondary School. I wrote an essay dedicated to John Lennon. About a girl who was a fan of John Lennon and longed so much to meet him that she worked many shifts and many jobs to save up enough to fly over to New York to find him. But... in the airport she heard the news that Lennon was shot dead.
I used to like to fantasize a lot, that girl could have very much been who I had wanted to be.
I think I got the idea when I had chanced upon websites that had the topic "What were you doing when you heard the news that Elvis Presley was dead"? And then you read all about people breaking down when doing their thing, like driving in the car, the news comes on, and the tears drop down.
Hmmm hmmm.
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08:21 pm - a taste of heaven on earth
I seldom promote items on this blog. The only other time I recall doing so was for Sony Cybershot cameras. But this taste of a bit of heaven is too good to not promote here! :)
I feel like I'm in heaven! Sipping icewine, watching icewine video, reading icewine pamphlet. :) Thinking of Beatles song...
A taste of honey
tasting much sweeter than wine
Do dut don du, do dut don du
Can't believe I was ever so close to that vineyard when I was at the Niagara Falls. If only I had more interest in the liquor 2 years ago, I would have surely wanted to visit the winery. :)
Inniskillin World Class Icewines
Extreme Winemaking
Once the extreme temperatures arrive, Icewine pickers arrive, often in the dead of night, to harvest the frozen clusters. The precious grapes are immediately pressed in the extreme cold to extract the luscious nectar. In this process, the water content in each grape remains frozen in crystals, leaving only a few coveted drops of concentrated, intense liquid. Icewine yields are a mere 10-15% of an average table wine harvest. Slowly fermented over the coming months, this delicate nectar will eventually become Icewine.
Intense Flavours, Pure Varietal Character and Great Balance
The finished Icewine is intense, sweet and sumptuous, yet balanced with brilliant acidity, creating a unique sensation on the palate. Renowned for fruit flavours ranging from mango to peach to lychees, Icewine is truly a natural wonder and extreme winemaking at its best, yielding the impressions of tropical tastes wrought from the frigid extremes of the icy Canadian winterscape.
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May 5th, 2008
11:04 am
What an interesting semester it has been!
:)
I was reminded of the days I cannot fall alseep because the fan woke me up or because I was so burdened. The days, I heeded Pastor Jeff's advice, and set by the Adinandra Belukar forest by the road to rest and take a break from the stresses of daily life.
A taste of living on campus.
And some spiritual awakening.
Renewal of mind.
Company and support of family and friends.
It is very special to me.
Thank You God!
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11:00 am - Philippians 2:3-4 (Amplified Bible)
Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].
Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for interests of others.
Timeless verses! :)
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