Thursday, November 30, 2006

on the woodpecker might have to go...





haha, my friend forward this to me, enjoy~


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The Woodpecker Might have to go!


Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark


One: Don't miss the boat.


Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.


Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.


Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.


Five: Don't listen to critics; Just get on with the job that needs to be done.


Six: Build your future on high ground.


Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.


Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.


Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.


Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.


Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

 

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny (2006)

Rating:
Category:Movies
Genre: Comedy
ok, the lines are very innovative, especially the songs. But they're racked with obscenities, with the "f" word, "c" word (rhymes with rock), and every other vulgarity throw every 10 -1 15 seconds. Low brow humor. The movie really pokes fun at heavy metal rock, and links its all the "negatives" associated with it e.g. devil-worship, occultism, tarot cards, pentagrams.

While I find the presentation of the film quite refreshing (a bit Monty Python-esque, especially with the animation), I won't recommend paying weekend prices for this show at the local theatres. So be warned...




http://www.tenaciousd.com/

Monday, November 27, 2006

Settlers of Catan (1995)

Rating:★★★★
Category:Other
hahaha, my friends brought back a lot of games when they went for holiday in the States. This is one of the treasures that they brought back. Uses a lot of brain juice*. So far the theory is that the first person who starts playing the game usually is the victor, in a 4-player game. Hope you guys out there can prove this wrong...

Wiki Entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Settlers_of_Catan

* or just plain luck, according to my friend. Largely due to because he can't beat his wife^ at this game.

^ as in cannot win, not that my friend is a wife-basher...

Saturday, November 25, 2006

on giving thanks for my first pay cheque...




woo hoo~ First pay cheque came in! Now got "ding-ding, ching-ching" and all the "flowy moola" in my my bank account again. Am really thankful for this pay cheque, because my organisation allowed me to draw the full salary to the end of this work month, instead of just paying me for the numbers of days that I am in since my start date on last Monday. Apparently this is not a much-practiced convention in other companies, so am really thankful to God and my fellow co-workers for this arrangement.


Moreover, there a couple of wedding invites in the next month, of which I am keen to bless the couples. Also, needed some cash to buy some "necessities"* and spend time with friends**. Last, but most importantly, can start the discipline of tithing again.


Just updated my daily expenses chart. A good practice which I decided to adopt from my friend's example, as a way of keeping track of my spending habits. I realised I'm really a man of appetite, and my stomach is my god. Must repent ah, and start to eat less~ Also, after doing my sums, realised I got less than three hundred "big kahuna" to last me till next payday. With that in mind, guess I have to place certain restrictions on my lifestyle^, till the full pay cheque comes in.


                                          


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*sandals, house phone... yesh, not your usual rice, fish and meat stuff....


** Yeaps, my friends have been very generous to me in my long sojourn of unemployment. Still, cannot take their generosity and good will for granted.


^ no more watching of movies every other day, less snacking on tidbits, more walking around places rather than use the escalating public transport system...


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"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) 


Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " - Matthew 4:3-5 (NIV)

on trying to bend the rules...

haha, confession is good for the soul, and I need it, so here goes. I've been telling people that my first week at work has been fantastic until up till Thursday. That's when I gotta start on the hands-on, technical operational part. A bit overwhelmed, by the way my older colleagues seems to fly at their jobs, while I'm crawling at my work. So decided to be creative and try to take short-cuts, by trying all the funny ways to alter the finished products.


Somehow the Lord, in His ever patience and unchanging grace, spoke to me in a still small voice just now on my way home, that what I am doing is not good. Not only not good for my work, but not good for my soul. Basket, 4th day at work already tried to "pattern more than badminton" ah? I guess this eagerness to be on par with my older colleagues, while stemming from a good desire of not wanting to be a burden or tripping stone, has also something to do with my pride. Pride of wanting to be just as good as the "老将" of my department, and not wanting to look stupid by asking the stupid questions*. 


Thanks God there is still a chance to undo my "creativity". Praise God for providing "Ctrl+Z"** opportunities. But I still gotta confess to my other colleagues la. Must be mature about this... 


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*haha, what Dilbert refers to as "being blinded by the obvious".


** Come to think of it, not only "Ctrl+Z", but also "Ctrl+N" ah... sorli, geeky-speak here...

on not being able to respond for the past 3 days...

Due to some technical glitch, or some divine arrangement, I was not being able to log in to my Multiply website for the past 3 days. Experienced acute withdrawal syndrome, and unnecessary anxiety. Was really worried my account might have been deleted bu accident, and all my precious content might have been deleted away.


Think this is a good reminder not to be to attached to anything of this world. Where my heart is, there lies my treasure also. I should start looking more towards my devotions, man...


oh, also apologies to my Multiply network people who were expecting my quick-witted repartees to their online entries. Not I "dao" you hor, just dat couldn't respond! :p




 


 

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Kingdomality Personal Preference Profile


http://www.cmi-lmi.com/enterppp.html
haha, a friend sent this to me. Tried it and got the following results:
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Your distinct personality, The Shepherd is to tend to your human flock. You understand the needs of those for whom you are responsible. Shepherds are vigilant and reliable. You realize your obligation and commitment to the well being of those entrusted to your care. Shepherds are very dependable. You engender a feeling of comfort and stability to those within your charge. On the positive side, Shepherds can be empathic, caring, understanding, practical and realistic. On the negative side, you may be manipulative, close-minded and sentimentally rigid. Interestingly, your preference is just as applicable in today's corporate kingdoms.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Lifehouse - The End Has Only Begun



 

Lifehouse - The End Has Only Begun Lyrics

We walk in your footsteps

Though I've had my ups and downs

And I'll stand in the silence

Until I figure it out



One might fall and the other will stand

And one might give where the other won't bend

The night is bright as the sun



I'm never gonna know

Never gonna look back

Never gonna know where we would have ended up at

The end has only begun



So stop counting the hours

Live out in the world

Cause I've been chasing the answers

And they don't want to be found



One might fall and the other will stand

And one might give where the other won't bend

The night is as bright as the sun



I'm never gonna know

Never gonna look back

Never gonna know where we would have ended up at

The end has only begun



Well the day

Tonight feels like a million miles away

And these times just won't change

Life just stays the same

I'd give anything to see the light of day



Cause I've been too far away

To hear you whispering



They say one might fall and the other will stand

And one might give where the other won't bend

The night is as bright as the sun



I'm never gonna know

Never gonna look back

Never gonna know where we would have ended up at

The end has only begun



Well the day

Tonight feels like a million miles away

And these times just won't change

Life just stays the same

I'd give anything to see the light of day



What you do

No one can decide it's up to you

And who you are is what you choose

These times when the world falls apart

Make us who we are
(Taken from http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Lifehouse/The-End-Has-Only-Begun.html)

Lifehouse (2005)

Rating:★★★★
Category:Music
Genre: Christian & Gospel
Artist:Lifehouse
Friend passed me this CD yesterday. Great songs, meaningful lyrics. A must-listen...

Website:
http://www.lifehousemusic.com/

on my first day of work...

well, after 16 months of good break, I'm coming back to the workforce and becoming a "productive element of society" again. :D It feels good to be going to work this morning, although it's like travelling from 1 end of the island to the other. Wasn't sure of the timing, so got up a bit earlier. Then turned out I was half an hour earlier for work - thank God there was people already in the office to let me go in. haha, I got back the same old place I was seated at a year before~ felt like a sense of being placed by Him.


Staff devotion was great. Enjoyed the ministering of the Holy Spirit early in the morning, as He led the person leading the devotion to lead us back to basics again. Salt and light of the earth - God keeps reminding these things to me. Hmm, must really go and chew and meditate on these things...


There was one other newcomer with me. The best part is that we only found out today we came from the same church! :D Haha, the rest of my colleagues joked that it's a "sign", must go tell our pastor to consider letting our church becoming partners in ministry with our organisation. As per my previous blog, Singapre is only so big...


As I volunteered there a year before, I knew most of the people there. Also met other staff who joined during the time I was not there. The "funny" thing is that somehow there's this sense of family warmth, like "returning home". I can assure you I've never felt these way about any of my previous workplace. C'est tres étrange... 


As with any first day at work, there's usually a lot of information thrown at the "n00bs"*. I don't know how my fellow newcomer colleague felt, but it sure was saturation day for me. Thank God there was some time in between each session to pause, reflect and record our thoughts. Tomorrow promises to be even more interesting, with physics lessons thrown in, both theorectical and applicational. Hmm, better bring my cap, to avoid sunburn...


-----------------------------------------------------------------


* leetspeak for "newbies"

Saturday, November 18, 2006

on a cosy saturday latter half of the day...

ok, from late noon into late night, so i guess it's "latter half of the day" bah. A friend opened up her place* to a bunch of people whom she made friends with over the internet through this Multiply portal. She said she needed some help with the preparation and house-cleaning. Since I was free for the afternoon, I volunteered my legendary house-cleaning services^. Reached the place in Orchard around 4plus. It was a really good day, bright and sunny, albeit a bit hot.

When I arrived, it turns out she had already done most of the house-cleaning, chopping and preparation of ingredients. So basically I went there to share a bottle of Hoegarden's and played with her mini daschund**. Am really blessed by her sharing about her past missionary trip to Zambia for 6 months a couple of years back. A tale of high drama, spiritual attacks and blessings - can really see how God used this episode to train her to listen to Him better.


Well, around 5pm, we started to do the cooking. She was saying how glad she was that people were turning up tonight so that she can have a chance to try out some new recipes and get some feedback. Then more people start to stream in earnestly from 6pm onwards. By then, the chicken wings were done, the lamb were sliced, the cheese were laid out and the pasta was halfway done. The "makan-ing" started earnestly after saying grace over the food at around 7pm, and the wine and conversation flowed freely.


Although for most of us were there meeting new people for the first time***, there wasn't much sense of barrier between the people. I guess it helps that out of the 12 people there were there, 9 were from the same church. Also, we have been reading ea-chg others' blog entries on Multiply. So I guess there's more in common to start conversations. Also we were just enjoying the hospitality of our good friend, who was such a wonderful hostess in feeding us with fabulous food and wine. Must give special credit to the lamb - superbly done! :D


ok, due to the 4 half-glasses of wine, am a bit tipsy now, a bit incoherent and dunno how to end this entry, so shall just stop writing now. *hiccup*  


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^ learnt from army training, with Cif and green scrub, any dirt & stain also can be removed ah...


*technically it's her brother's place, but he's away for working trip. So she's house-sitting the place for him, kinda.


** again, technically it's her brother's. Wesley is a bright dog, although a bit attention-seeking. He just lies on his long back and stares at you with soulful eyes. Bark's louder than his size though.



 


*** only exception to this was my other friend's girlfriend, who's connected to 11 out of the 12 people there, in some way or another. Well, after all- Singapore's only so big...


P.S. Oh, one memorable thing is that some of the people who met me for the first time remarked, "Oh, your're the one who watches a lot of movies/writes a lot of movie reviews one, right?" maybe i can do film-criticism as a side-line from now onwards, since there is a readership... niak niak niak.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

on thriving on uncontrolled energy...



***You Are Animal***



A complete lunatic, you're operating on 100% animal instincts.
You thrive on uncontrolled energy, and you're downright scary.
But you sure can beat a good drum.
"Kill! Kill!"



The Muppet Personality Test
http://www.blogthings.com/themuppetpersonalitytest/

on going to Vivo and aboard Doulos...


oh, prior to visiting my friend in hospital, went to Vivo Harborfront City to "gai gai"* a bit. Had spare time afetr my interview, so decided to walk from Redhill down Telok Blangah towards Vivo. It was a brisk 30 minutes' walk. Thank God the sun wasn't too bright, and I was wearing short-sleeved shirt, not long. Had a good time hiking down Henderson Road. The estate was really quiet in the afternoon, and I had a blast shuffling along to my iShuffle.


First time at Vivo. Not your conventional blocky shopping mall - the architecture lines feels more fluid and wavy**. Really "tourist-trapped", think designed to ensnare all the tourists after they finished with their gaming at the IR (Integrated Resort) in the future. Even the traditional medicinal shops ( like 龙镖燕窝) looks snazzy and upclass, complete with young, svelte salesperson.


I think the design on the rooftop level is very innovative. It incorporates outdoor sculptures, with free wading pools and outlets, to let the people have a choice what they wanted to do. A good usage of rooftop space also, increasing the REIT.


oh, the world's "oldest active ocean-going passenger ship", Doulos is in town for the week. It was docked at Vivo harborfront. Not my first time aboard ships, since my first job was in the shipping lines, had my fair share of going onboard vessels for visits. Still decided to "gia gia"*** around the ship. Only the bookshop areas were availabe to public access. If you wish to see the interiorsm have to pay for a guided tour. Quite a lot of books, CDs and tapes available for sale. And it's nice to feel the sea-breeze aboard the ship. Do go if you have the time...


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* Hokkien for "shopping".


** when juxtapoxed against Harborfront City next door.


*** Hokkien, literally "walk walk", means "to stroll about"

on "bak chiu"* also can have ulcers one...

yes, something which I learnt as I visited my friend in hospital the other day. Was kinda surprised to hear she was warded. She's pregnant now, and my other friend didn't elaborate much. So was kinda worried for a while. Thank God it was only her right eye that had a slight tear. According to my other friend, this friend of ours frequently has eye infections, because she is not really that disciplined in washing her contact lenses. When asked, she said, "Aiya, just rinse can liao mah..."** But think after this little episode, she won't dare not to clean her lenses liao...


                                            


oh, she had to be warded because had to have the "missy"*** drip eye drops for her constantly every hour. The dosage has to be correctly administered, or else the medicine would affect the development of the foetus In her womb. So mothers-to-be who wear contact lenses, beware!


---------------------------------------------------------


*Hokkien for "eyes".


** which is a big NO-NO. If you want to look pretty by wearing contact lenses, please be disciplined enough to take care that the lenses stay clean by washing them daily. Dun "ai swee mai mia"^.


*** local slang for nurse


^Hokkien, literal "love-beauty-dun want-life".


                                                     

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Yih Ming's and Denise's Wedding




on looking for God for the right reasons...


Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." John 6:26-27 (NIV).

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Was looking through the Scriptures this morning on what verse or verses to send to my usual Bible verse "kakis"*. Came across the above verses in the Gospel of John. Somehow the verses just pulled at my heart, and I sms-ed it out to my people.


It's funny sometimes, when we read the Bible, how words just jumped off the page. For me, I was intrigued by the above passage, because the 2 verses didn't seems to connect at first. In verse 26, Jesus states the people are looking for him not because they wanted more magic from Him, but because they had been fed by Him the day before**. I guess in a way Jesus is admonishing them for looking for God for the wrong reasons.


Is it wrong to look for God to provide our daily need? I don't think so, and I don't think Jesus is teaching the crowd that God is not willing to provide for them. Rather, I think He is saying don't just look for Him just for the sole reason of being fed by Him physically. Jesus can provide for us physically, but He desires to provide so much more other than providing for your physical sustenance only.


So how come then Jesus talks about "working" for food in the next line? The people weren't exactly "working" in the conventional sense of going down to the vineyards and fields to plant their harvest. Nor were they in the pastures looking after their flocks. So how come Jesus talks about working?


If we read in context from the preceding lines in verses 22 to 24, the crowd that was looking for Jesus was working in the "unconventional" sense. They had to go around the countryside, physically exerting themselves. Then they had to drag out boats to go sailing across the Lake towards from Tiberias towards Capernaum. After that they still have leave their boats and go searching for Jesus on foot. Certainly sounds like a lot of work to me. 


Yet Jesus did not praise them for doing all these things. Why? Because He knew in the secret place of their hearts, they were looking for Him for not the right reasons. He did not say to them, "Well done, faithful ones, who toiled in your search for me. Come, have some more bread, be filled and rejoice." Rather, He challenged them to lift up their eyes from daily existence and work for food that will not spoil.


Again, I want to emphasize that Jesus is not saying that God doesn't care whether we can fill ourselves physically. Of course He cares for you. If He is the one who looks after even the sparrows of the air and the wild flowers of the field, would He not care for us, whom He says are created in His Image? I think Jesus wants us to believe that God has already promised to be our caretaker. Rather than being distracted on where our next meal is to come from, we should focus on the will and the kingdom of God. 


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*Malay term of endearment, for "good friends"


** in the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand (see John 6:1-15, Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17).


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P.S. Well, two minor "miracles" happened in the choosing of this text. The first is that I sent out an additional sms to a friend whom is not on my weekly SMS schedule. But somehow was just prompted to send the verse to her anyway. Her reply back was "Thanks jack. Was asking GOD ABT SOMETHING LAST NITE. U made me tear tis morning. Thanks and God is gd." Goosebumps were raised, as I guess the Lord used my message supernaturally to convict her of certain things in her heart. Replied back "Amen to dat. Will give thanks to God with you".


The second minor "miracle" was that I got offered a job in the afternoon today. Was joyous that I was finally offered a job at last. Had to take a pay-cut, but am not complaining. Think the Lord also used the above verses to be convicted about not worrying what is offered in my terms of employment. Rather, think about what I can offer to my new employer, even as I continue to labor in the market-place, for His glory to be made known. Give thanks!


 

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

2006 Stephen Tong Christmas Gospel Rally -[The Meager King]

Start:     Dec 17, '06 7:30p
爱的主内弟兄姐妹,

2006 唐崇荣巡回圣诞布道会《贫穷的王The Meager King》

新加坡

日期:17th December 2006 (星期日)

时间:7.30傍晚

地点:新加坡理工学院会议中心


讲员:唐崇荣牧师(博士)主讲(杨达明长老-华译英)

电话:+65 63330511

敬请大家踊跃邀请亲友、同学参加,聆听圣诞大好信息!

并为此布道会代祷。

欲知详情,请与我们联络。

谢谢!并祝主恩永溢!

电邮 :contact@stemi.org.sg
网站 :http://www.stemi.org.sg
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Above is an excerpt from an e-mail. Rev. Stephen Tong will also be speaking in various towns of Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Jakarta. For details, please e-mail to contact@stemi.org.sg

Friday, November 10, 2006

The Adventures of Elite Girl


http://www.insanepoly.com/blog/?cat=7
wow, nowadays, got more and more creative people around.

The style is refreshing, the language might be a bit coarse for some.

on maybe just a little evil...



***You Are Bert***


Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you loveable - even if you don't love them!


You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you


You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil


How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others



The Sesame Street Personality Quiz
http://www.blogthings.com/thesesamestreetpersonalityquiz




somehow, this is like finding a lost piece of teh jigsaw puzzle after so many year... I feel liberated... I feel found... I feel... a little E V I L.... *nasal pitch* ah HAHAHAHAH, ah HAHAHAHAH...

Thursday, November 9, 2006

on earlier sunrises these days...

argh, I think our earth is tipping the other way these days again. Earlier night falls and earlier sunrises. Here I was this morning, dreaming of lala-land*, when I was awoken by some sounds. It was my mom putting on her exercise shoes, getting ready to go for her morning walk. After mumbling good morning to her, i checked the clock. Egads, only 6.45am, and it's day-break already?? ah well, better hit the laundry basket, and get the wash load going, before going off for swim... ah, I hear the buzz of the spin-cycle. Gotta run.


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*"dreaming of lala-land" is a local expression, meaning you are deep in sleep. I didn't REALLY dream of a lala-land. If I did, i would top my friend in having the weirdest dream^ ever...


^ My friend dreamt he was a potato flying around. Yes, a potato with self-consciousness, flying around. Sounds pretty spooky, until you've read Doonesbury...

on having a choice to serve the Lord...

 
 


"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 (NIV)


ah, just reminded of the significance of this verse, which I read almost half a year ago. Joshua was the last among the generation of Moses, promised by the Lord that he will see the promised land. He was the successor of Moses, chosen to lead the next generation to go and claim forth the land. Though this generation of Israelites did not see the miracles of God when He led their fathers out of Egypt, they saw His miracles when they were conquering the land. And God grant Joshua and this generation peace and prosperity after they had go forth and settled in the land, despite the disobedience that these Israelites displayed at times.


So why did Joshua still presents a choice to the Israelites, in the closing chapters of this era? Is it to play the devil's advocate, to remind the Israelites that they didn't quite fulfil their destiny? Or to entice the Israelites to worship other gods by telling them they have a choice?


If you read the preceding verses before this, you can actually see that Joshua was painstakingly reminding the Israelites of the power of the Lord throughout the whole time of their journey. I'll like to think that Joshua was reminded of the short-term memory of his own generation, so much so that he feared that this generation will be like their fathers', quick to forget the goodness and awesomeness of their Lord Most High. So in fact, Joshua wasn't really giving them a choice.


Moreover, I also believed Joshua was modeling his own life for the rest of the Israelites. To put it in plain-speak, he could be also saying, "Right, chaps, I know you got lotsa gods in this area we're in, and some of you may even remember the ones that your fathers got before in the desert. If you REALLY want to worship those gods, then please yourselves. But for me and my household, there is NO choice. There is only one God, and that is the Lord most high." He was not only making a personal statement or decision here, he was declaring the sovereignty of the LORD in his life.


My personal take on this is that there is not much of a choice here, really. If you are not serving the Lord, then you are not serving the Lord. We cannot choose to serve the Lord, and other "gods" in our lives simultaneously. If you have made a decision to follow God, then follow Him fully.

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

on a wonderful Thurday morning...


had a deep sleep last night. was only woken up by the turning on of the TV in the living room*. Mom was up early to catch her daily dosage of morning news snippets on Channel 8 before going out for her morning walk.

Bro was already up. He said he woke up earlier to study for quiz. Ask him whether got sleep well or not, replied a tad gruffily he did, which makes me suspect he didn't. Can't blame him, because he also have an interview to go to later in the afternoon, regarding his industrial attachment. 


Had to rouse my sister 3 times before she got out of bed to go for work. Think must get her one of those old fashioned alarm clock, the kind with the incessant ringing bell kind... After her 20 mins' preparation**, came over and asked after me, before going out.


Decided not to eat too much, since snacked a lot last night while watching TV. Just grabbed a cuppa and turned on the laptop, replying to e-mails and chatting to a friend in London^. Haha, he was staying up to finish up on some lab report. Told me now London is 8 hours behind Singapore's time, due to daylight saving hours. Din know about that one. Well, you learn something new everyday.


Send out sms-es to all my usual sms buddies. Got the verse from BIblegateway this morning. the verse was from Joshua 24:15. Will share in another entry on how it spoke to me.


Mom came back with an armful of breakfast. Got roti prata and nasi lemak, and said it's all for me^^. So much for not eating breakfast... ;p Thank God I didn't decide to go out for a swim, to hasten my recovery from flu. ah well, can always go tomorrow morning, I guess...


Got a couple of sms replies back. Some asked for prayers, some asked after my interviews. Replied a few back and also prayed for those who requested prayers.


And all these before 10 am~ see, it's good to start off your day early. :D


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*been throwing mattress in the living room these past few nights. Don't want to spread the flu bug to my brother, as we share the same sleeping quarters. I've been sick before in a few tests and exam papers, and know how sucky it all feels. Don't want my bro to go through that, un-needed-ly... 


** which is a great improvement. LAst time when she woke up, she needed at least 60 mins to get from "still walking around and sleeping" zombiefied state to "I'm awake, but whole world, watch out, grrrrr" griuchy state. At least now she got it down to 1/3 the time. My sis is not a morning person...


^ or "Londonium", as Asterix and Obliex will say...


^^ I wish my mom will make up her mind, keeps telling me I'm getting fatter, yet still feeding me like some Christmas turkey...


Tuesday, November 7, 2006

YouTube - Flushed Away Viral Piece


http://youtube.com/watch?v=MAJwcFB_Z8A&mode=related&search=
Everybody DANCE now... ;D

Flushed Away (2006)

Rating:★★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Animation
Haha, went in with no expectations, and laughed my head off. From the people who brought you "Wallace and Gromit". The story's pretty good. Don't expect this to be dry Brit humor - think men are really gonna feel the pain...

oh, the slugs were SSSOOOOOOO CUTE!

Official Website:
http://www.flushedaway.com/flash/index.html

Monday, November 6, 2006

on hacking cough and drippy nose...

well, time for my annual major sickness again. Well, the Lord has blessed me with a good constitution. Normally I am not the type to fall sick easily. But when I do fall sick, I do get all the various sicknesses coming altogether in one bandwagon.



It all started when I went to try my sister's recommendation of Pepper Lunch Express at Dhoby Gaut exchange last Wednesday. Don't get me wrong, the food was fantastic. But I just wolfed it down too fast. Think the sizzling hot Shimofuri beef scalded part of my gums and caused an ulcer to pop out.


Then because of the ulcer, had a slight fever. Then took a cold shower while in the feverish state, and caught the flu bug. Then as the mucus from the drippy nose flow backwards down my gullet*, I also developed a cough. Thank God don't have sore throat, if not it'll be really a nightmare of minor illnesses.



Am getting better now, due to constant hydration**, plenty of sleep and 京都念慈庵川贝枇杷膏, am getting better already. Whatever it is, it'll take about 2 weeks before the flu bug runs its course in my boy. Hoping won't spread it to my brother, because his exams are coming. Well, time for my medicine...



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*oesophagus, to be more exact


** drank at least 3 litres of water everyday for the past few day...


 

Sunday, November 5, 2006

on being blessed through helping...

oh, usually I don't have crisp $50 in my wallet one recently, Just that needed to help out a sister with her moving of stuff from her previous landlord to her present landlord's place yesterday. That story is another marvellous story of grace...


Earlier in the week I received a call from this sister, whereby she had to vacate her lodgings immediately. She had some problem getting people to help her move her place and was knocking on every open door possible. Truth be told, I don't know this sister very well. But seeing the desperate straits she's in, I agreed to help her. It had not been an eazy journey for her, for she's been crying out every night throughout this ordeal. Thank God she was able to come to a decision yesterday morning.


So she gave me this "ooo loo"* address of a far-out condominium along Bukit Timah. I was wondering how to get to that place. Well, decided to check online at streetdirectory.com first. Well according to the map, it's looks pretty much a walkable distance, but I wasn't sure, after my last year's fiasco. But it took only about 20mins from the bus stop. I know to some people, that's like asking them to take their live. Some more in the haze... But for me, I enjoyed it.


Called my friend when I reached the place. She was settling some stuff at the management office. Seems like she had to pay a deposit or something, to allow the movers to come in with their truck. After a while, she came by and opened up the door to the unit. Then an hour flew by, whereby we had to do some repacking and shifting of some of the smaller items, before the professional movers came. Was glad I was there to be just that extra set of hands of her. The boyfriend had some urgent stuff to attend to, and could see she was really stressed out by the whole affair. Think she neearly broke down when the movers din come on time as stated. In the end, she did break down while praying. She asked for prayer support and basically what happened was she prayed, and I agreed to what she was praying.


As usual, I was the dumb-struck male that don't know how to handle things when women cry in front of me. What I did was to just be there and prayed silently in my heart for her, as she poured forth her heart in prayers. But the funny thing is, I wasn't saddened by her state of brokeness, even as she was there weeping before the Lord. Instead, I gave thanks for her present predicament, because she is closer to the Lord due to the crisis.


Well, the movers came earlier than expected, and they were really efficient and professional in their job. Took them only half an hour to move more than 40 boxes of items and 20 pieces of furniture in all kind of sizes. Seeing them work is almost like magic, wrapping everything in cellaphane and moving in double quick time. We took a cab seperate from them and reach the new landlord's place ahead of them. So I was able to spend a few moments talking with the landlord. She was a Christian lady, with a nice little place near to Holland Village. Had a brief chat with her before the movers arrived. Then it's back to moving boxes and directing the movers.


After the movers left, just spend some time in the house with my friend and the Christian lady landlord, waiting for my friend's boyfriend to come. And it was a time of blessing, as this lady ministered to the sister, with words of assuarance, of love, of hope and of comfort. I was glad to be there to partake of the wisdom. Truly a woman of God**, as even my own worries and anxieties just seems to melt away in her presence. Oh, and she enjoys Indian movies too. reminds me of my dead paternal grandma...


Well, al in all, it was a good journey for me in all these yesterday. Think I was being blessed more than I bless the sister. Am sharing this to give glory to God, that one is being blessed already by the act of service.


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*out of the way 


** later she confided in me she's in the deliverance and healing ministry in church, and everything sortof clicked in place la.

on asking the Lord "Are you sure?"

haha, another humbling experience for me. This morning woke up early again, because haven't ironed the shirt I'm supposed to wear to church service. So got up earlier than usual and ironed my top*. After that, checked my e-mail, chatted with a few friends online and then headed out to church. For some reasons, just felt super happy, despite the flu bug and the lack of rest. Kept singing cheery songs to the Lord and basked in His presence on the bus ride there.


Went into the sanctuary immediately after the people left the 1st service. Wanted to cool down, and to get ready for service. Was glad to see more people coming into the sanctuary earlier, to prepare themselves for the worship service. The worship team this morning led the congregation into a wonderful time of praising and exalting the Lord. And as I was singing there on the top of my voice^, singing unto the Lord, suddenly I heard the Lord say, "Jack, offer the money in you wallet to me today."


I was taken aback.  All I had in my wallet was a brand new crisp $50 note which I had withdrawn the day before. I didn't had any smaller notes, and all I had was that big, BIG $50 -note. The pinch was acute as it was half of my salary for a week's job while temping at my friend's place. So I asked the Lord," Are you sure?"


The Lord never replied me back. Ironically, the songs I was singing were talking about giving my life over to Him, and there I was questioning God over $50.  haha, I realised it was not the Lord who is unsure. It is I who was unsure. Unsure of whether the giving away of $50 will leave me destitute for the coming weeks or not. Unsure of whether He will continue to provide for me. I realised that in the instant of asking, I have actually committed a brief act of unbelief. Unbelief in the fact that God can ask me back for what He provides for me. "Lord, don't you know I worked very hard for this? Why are you asking me for MY money?"


haha, thanks be to God I was instantly convicted that I was not hallucinating due to my flu or tired mind. I heard God, He told me to do  something, and remained silent. I questioned, waivered a while, and instantly offer Him back what He wants of me. In the end, when the offering bag came around, I promptly dropped all the money I had in my wallet. And rejoiced in my heart of hearts I did not withold anything, or harden my heart over a measly $50. 


I guess it's like that in life,  when you are comfortably doing your thing, when suddenly you hear God's voice telling to do something out of the blue, something that don't cross your mind. You might end up wondering for a little while, "Lord, are you sure?" But whatever the length of hesistation, be sure that it is God who is calling and be sure not to harden your heart!


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*I'm a lazy man. Figured no one would be interested in see below my waistline, so I usually don't iron my pants.


^eh, I'm what you might call a "shouter". I don't sing, I shout at the top of my voice. :p


 

Thursday, November 2, 2006

三国志大戦公式ウェブサイト


http://www.sangokushi-taisen.com/sangokushi-taisen1/
and here's the version 1 website! :D

三国志大戦2公式ウェブサイト


http://www.sangokushi-taisen.com/
haha, another god reason for me to go learn japanese~

the fascinating game version 1.1 is out in arcades in Singapore now. This website is featuring news on the coming version 2 of the game.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Erotic Lounge: Sensual Passion, Vol. 2 [LIMITED EDITION]

Rating:★★★★★
Category:Music
Genre: Imports
Artist:Various Artists
Great music to chill out to on a rainy day in a bean bag over a cup of kahlúa® and milk...

Amazon review:
http://www.amazon.com/Erotic-Lounge-Sensual-Passion-Vol/dp/B0002XNQ5G