on taking stock of life after the 1st quarter of 2008...

Egads, where have the time flown? 1st quarter of 2008 has come and gone. Time to review my 2008 resolutions~

From my previous blog

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My 2008 resolutions, Lord willing, are:
1) cut down from my 87 kilo till about 75 kilo (2 "pruss pruss" kilo a
month)
2) pick up the guitar (not to "xian za bor")
3) finish reading the New Testament of the Bible once
4) Go climb Kinabalu!~
5) Go for 10 "click" at SC run
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So here are the updates:

1) cut down from my 87 kilo till about 75 kilo (2 "pruss pruss" kilo a
month)

 - Just went for my company health check last friday. Took my weight and it's still hovering at the 85 kilo mark. ("O woe is me, waily waily waily...")

2) pick up the guitar (not to "xian za bor")

 - Haven't saved enough to buy myself a guitar. (*Rent garments out and beats chest*)

3) finish reading the New Testament (NT) of the Bible once

 - By His grace, finished reading through 1 & 2 Corinthians, & Galatians. Also finished all the psalms^. Thinking of starting to read a chapter a day on the major prophets.

4) Go climb Kinabalu!~

 - ok, because of timing issues, can't do this with my friends this year. Probably have to push back to next year, Lord willing...

5) Go for 10 "click" at SC run

 - As you can surmise, if I had been training, I wouldn't be still at the 85 kilo mark, so ...

Well, though my resolutions still looks like they are in a bit of a hotch-potch and mish-mash, I still give thanks for the other things that happened so far in my life. Still got 75% of the year left to finish these goals - "Can do!"

^ok, Psalms are not part of NT. So i'm weird, capish? 

Powerful testimony

Powerful testimony

Multiply only allows the first 10 mins of the clip to be played. For the full-length 20 min clip. just copy and paste the link~

http://www.muslimjourneytohope.com/testimonies/testimony_afshin.wmv

on why seek first His righteousness...

my friend sent me an sms early in the morning after my staff devotions:

"Bro, in Matthew 6:33, why is righteousness mentioned? Why not other attributes of God, such as holiness, glory, love...?"

Basically it was a question in the Bible study program he's in, and guess he wanted to hear  more opinions.

As a good student, I remembered what my teachers said about reading in context. So i went to Biblegateway.com and checked out the passage:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

- Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV). [Italics my own]

Then I also went to Wiki "Righteousness" and got some interesting insights.

So basically, righteousness = perfectness = wholeness = holiness. Yet in this fallen world, not all things display this righteousness of God. To pursue God's righteousness means to seek intimacy and union with the One Perfect God. The fallen world yearns for perfection but does not seek God. So if we want to be perfect, be perfect in Christ Jesus, who is the love and glory of God revealed to us.

NiN10Doh! (NC-16)

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/432427
hahahahah! Had a good laugh over this one. For all gamers, especially the Nintendo gamers~c:D

Just Follow Law (2007)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Comedy

My friend lent me the DVD and I had a good laugh over it. Not a bad local production, and has a strong cast. Fann and Gurmit really hit off well onscreen, and the supporting cast had great camaraderie.

Now I understood why for a period of time, my friend kept saying everything with a malaysian accent. Also, you should catch the part about how the people justify using the "ah gong's"* money to take cab... :D


IMDB Entry
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0898319/

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

*Slang for using government money

on takeaways from today's sermon

Wait upon the Lord!

Date: 30 Mar 2008

Title: Who Is Adequate?

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Introduction

1.The Report-Card Syndrome: Feeling adequate… “Not good enough?”

2. “Who is adequate for these things?” (v16) Those in Christ!

A. The Triumph in the Trial (v12-14a)

"…who always leads us in triumph in Christ… " (v14a)

 3 misconceptions about Paul’s unrest despite God’s opening the door in Troas

1. Individualism (Finding Titus is more important than founding a church)

2. Geographical superiority of Macedonia over Troas

3. Paul was led by compass of peace

Paul was principles-led, he was so concerned about finding Titus because he wanted the news about the church in Corinth.

Linkage- go to 2 Cor. 7:5 after reading 2 Cor 2:13

The Book of Revelations – “Jesus gonna win!”

3 grand misconceptions about the victorious Christian life

1. It’s a myth! – sin-management instead of repentance

2. it’s an absence of trials! – Life’s not a spiritual Disneyland

3. False triumphalism – Ray Stedman on Dangerous Confidence

3 anchors in v.14

1. Through gratitude to God (“… but thanks be to God” (NIV))

2. Through grace from God (“…who always leads us… (NIV))

3. Through glory of God (“…in triumphal procession (NIV))

Pillow-case story – Forget the past, remember that God is giving you a glorious future!

B. The Aroma in the Affliction (v14b-17)

“…and manifests through us the sweet aroma…” (v14b)

The fragrance of Jesus – “from life to life” (NASB)

To pursue with    a sense of destiny         &       a sense of desperation

                             (What you can be)                   (What you are now)

                             Boldness                                   humility

Know ourselves, Die to Self, Find ourselves

Philip Yancey’s definition of faith:

'Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.'

 

The significance of tone – “Whatever”

 

Christ is everything, Christ is enough

 

Conclusion

Our Adequacy in Christ!

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

Text in black is the sermon notes outline given by church. Text in green are the thoughts I jotted down during the sermon. Not sure why today took down so many pointers :p Not that was trying to write to keep myself awake; just that everything said by Pastor Ed today seems important and apt.

Everlasting God

This morning sang this during the worship and praise session. Started out as a mantra, but as we sang it, our spirits began to be lifted up. Hallelujah to God on High!

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

"Everlasting God"

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

(lyrics taken from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/christomlin/everlastinggod.html)

on teachings about the heart...

ok, was blessed by these 2 passages I read:

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'   James Friesen once wrote, "Living from our hearts is not simply doing what our feelings tell us. That would be folly. Living from our hearts means that there is an inner directive that, if governed by the Spirit of God, keeps us on a path that is spiritually attuned to who we are and how God is leading."'

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

'   Charles Spurgeon once said, "God is too good to be unkind, too wise to be mistaken, and when you cannot trace His hand, you can always trust His heart." We know this to be true not because of our outward circumstances - those aren't always the best gauges of things. We know it to be true because of what God says to us in His Word:

   I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not to abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for (Jeremiah 29:11, The Message).

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Taken from Chapter 5. "Am I really in charge of my own life?", Life.Now.

on two sms-es I sent out this week...

First one is my regular Wednesday stint. Was reading through some devotions in Travel Mercies, and just struck by the depth and insight in some of the devotionals. Somehow, they prompted me to look for something said by Jesus to encourage my friends in the middle of the week:

"[Jesus said,]'Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.' - Luke 6:37-38

Lord, teach us not to be as the world is; but to be just as You are in our lives - loving, faithful and with hope. Amen."  

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

The other is on Friday, when I came across this interesting quotation by Henry David Thoreau in this book I'm reading, " Life.Now. ". Tagged on an after-thought after the quote and send it to my kakis again:

"Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. It is not important that he should mature as soon as an apple tree or an oak. - H.D. Thoreau. Which drumbeat you're hearing depends on whose you are."

on should politics and sports mix?

Should politic and sports mix?

Yes!

 

 0

No!

 

 4

Whatever...

 

 0

OK, opening a can of worms here. Recently, a lot of governments and humanitarian groups are concerned about the actions of the Chinese government over the Tibetan unrest. Some groups have suggested that countries boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  

My personal take is that we shouldn't mix politics and sports together.

Please understand by the above statement, I'm not being pro-Chinese government, nor am I supportive of their course of actions over the Tibetan situation.

To me, the Olympics is an event where athletes come together to better themselves, and compete against each other. It should not be hindered by issues of gender, age, race or nationality. The Olympics should be a unifying arena, where human beings can come together to celebrate progress at being able to run faster, jump higher and perform other feats of physical prowess, whether individually or as a group.  

It should not be reduced to a platform to raise international support for one's agenda.

 

on writing less personal thoughts these 2 weeks...

Yeaps, March/April are my busy periods at work. Have not been writing as much as I would want to. Now that work is wrapping down, hopefully can get my creative juices cranked up again.

on only you...

Dang dang dang dang DANG...

on praying and listening

Eh, seen this in the corporate Day of prayer e-mail from my organisation. Pretty good stuff, so sharing with you all:

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

LISTENING

"Prayer is listening and speaking from our inner heart, rather than from our senses and mind." Dr Trevor Griffiths -- Lost and Then Found, 1999.

Scripture reveals how the Lord speaks to His servants. Sometimes through direct contact -- "The LORD said to Abraham. . ." with no explanation as to whether God spoke in an audible voice or through conviction within the silence of the man's heart. On other occasions God spoke in a vision or by "appearing" to His servant. God initiates the contact within the circumstances of the individual and for His own purpose.

Hannah's silent prayer out of the bitterness of her soul was because the Lord had deprived her of a child and made her an object of contempt within the family. God used the family constellation to create a deep yearning in prayer and a devotion that would give up her precious son Samuel to God's service for the whole of his life. C. S. Lewis puts it this way -- "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." The question is -- what information and responsibility has God placed upon us for prayer at this time? James advises us to be "quick to listen and slow to speak." If this is necessary in our human relationships then it is vital in our communication with Almighty God regarding His mission in the world.

Let us, therefore, pray as we respond to God's Word:-

CHURCH PLANTING/LEADERSHIP

"Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless -- cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything --  encores to the end of time.
Oh, yes!" 1Peter 4:7-11 - The Message.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

"Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come." Psalm 71:17-18 -- NIV.

WOMEN

"Women, listen closely to what I say. . . .Yes, weep and grieve until the Spirit is poured down on us from above and the badlands desert grows crops and the fertile fields become forests. Justice will move into the badlands desert. Right will build a home in the fertile field. And where there's Right, there will be Peace and the progeny of Right: quiet lives and endless trust. My people will live in a peaceful neighborhood – in safe houses, in quiet gardens. The forest of your pride will be clear-cut, the city showing off your power leveled. But you will enjoy a blessed life, planting well-watered fields and gardens, with your farm animals grazing freely."  Isaiah 32:15-20 -- The Message.

THE SICK, THE POOR

"The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set pines in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, so that people may see and know, consider and understand, that the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it." Isaiah 42:17-20 --NIV.

ORAL COMMUNICATORS

"Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands. They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life." Proverbs 3:1-8 -- The Message.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote in 1869 "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."

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For those who want to pray along with us, you can go to
http://www.twr.org/get_involved/pray

on durian being the ORIGINAL forbidden fruit...

Last night had to take cab back home, as stayed in church quite late with the play set up. The uncle who drove me was a chatty, bald, moustached Indian fella, who had lotsa interesting stories and theories. One of the ones that's closest to his heart is that the durian is the ORIGINAL fruit from the Tree of Life that God forded Adam and Eve to consume in the Garden of Eden. Why that line of reasoning? Because the durian has" the smell of hell, and the taste of paradise"....

 

Go figure that one out... :p

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems like our Caucasian brothers don't really like the taste and smell of this fruit. Check out one of their thoughts:

http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/kitchen/2002fa_durian.html

Beautiful World - Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada Beautiful World Lyrics

It’s only love
It’s only love

moshimo negai hitotsu dake kanau nara
kimi no soba de nemurasete donna basho de mo ii yo
Beautiful world
mayowazu kimi dake wo mitsumeteiru
Beautiful boy
jibun no utsukushisa mada shiranai no

It’s only love

nete mo samete mo shounen manga
yume mite bakka jibun ga suki janai no

nani ga hoshiika wakaranakute
tada hoshigatte nurui namida ga hou wo tsutau

iitai koto nanka nai
tada mou ichido aitai
iitai koto ienai
konjou nashi ka mo shirenai
sore de ii kedo

moshimo negai hitotsu dake kanau nara
kimi no soba de nemurasete donna basho de mo ii yo
Beautiful world
mayowazu kimi dake wo mitsumeteiru

Beautiful boy
jibun no utsukushisa mada shiranai no

It’s only love

donna koto de mo yatte mite
son wo shitatte sukoshi keiken chiagaru

shinbun nanka iranai
kanjin na koto ga nottenai
saikin choushi doudai?
genki ni shiteru nara
betsu ni ii kedo

boku no sekai kieru made aenu nara
kimi no soba de nemurasete donna basho de mo kekkou
Beautiful world
hakanaku sugite yuku hibi no naka de
Beautiful boy
kibun no mura wa shitakanai ne

moshimo negai hitotsu dake kanau nara
kimi no soba de nemurasete

Beautiful world… Beautiful boy…
Beautiful world… Beautiful boy…
Beautiful world… Beautiful boy…

Lyrics taken from
http://www.metrolyrics.com/beautiful-world-lyrics-hikaru-utada.html

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007)

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Animation

Ah, giant mecha fighting unknown assailants to humanity, with cool Jewish mythology & names and weird psychoanalysis...

What more can one want? :P

Official Website (Japanese):
http://www.evangelion.co.jp/index.html

IMDB Entry:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0923811/

Wiki Entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelion_1.0

Batman Hates Robin (PG)

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/430424
BA da Ba DA BA DA Ba Daaaa Bat mannnnn...

:D

What I got for my birthday this time...

Well, people has been asking me what do I want for my birthday. I actually don't have anything in mind; but I did tell my colleagues that I need a new wallet. So these are what I got from them:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My "Ah-Goo" wallet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An interesting paper-cut

Not to mention all the well wishes that flooded my sms-es, e-mail; and all the binging on good food and beverages. So thank you all~

Now I must seriously go and look for that pair of jogging shoes*...

 

*Actually, they're not lost, just that I'm too lazy to go jogging...

Henry's Farewell Party (17 Mar)

We bid farewell to our dear "Uncle" Henry. Though his time with us is short, we still ahda good time working and sharing with him.

Birthday celebration (17 Mar '08)

Thanks, guys!~

L to R:
Wendy, Eddie, Mark, Clarice, Me, Veronica

OK, went out with a few colleagues to celebrate my birthday. Thanks to Eddie for taking the pics!~

on retribution for a naughty childhood... (PG for pic)

Yes, as a Christian, I'm not supposed to be into concepts such as retribution. However, I believe what goes around, comes around. These few weeks, taking care of my mom while she's recovering from her fall has been both a joy and a pain. Some of the things that she did, does and is still doing ah, just makes me wanna vomit blood

Ah well, just gotta take things in their stride, and learn to give thanks, no matter what!

P.S. Sorry for the graphic picture. Was originally planning to put up a movie/gif of a man throwing up blood, but the quality of the clip sucks. Go watch it here, it's right at the end.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Horror

ooooo, dark and disturbing. With lotsa blood and gore splatter all over the place. Tim burton and Johnny Depp do it again.


Official Website:
http://www.sweeneytoddmovie.com/

IMDB Entry:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408236/

Wiki Entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweeney_Todd:_The_Demon_Barber_of_Fleet_Street_%282007_film%29

The Kingdom (2007)

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Politically-charged drama. Loved the intro sequence, and the cinematography - a bit "Blair-witch"-y; but not so vertigo-inducing. Great performances by all the actors. Go get the DVD if you can.

Official Website:
http://www.thekingdommovie.com/

IMDB Entry:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0431197/

Wiki Entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kingdom_%28film%29

YouTube - Music Idol 2 (bg) - Without you (aka Ken Lee), Mariah Carey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQt-h753jHI
My friend just showed me this link

http://sgblogs.com/entry/tulibu-dibu-douchoooo/188819

And subsequently, I went to look for the YouTube link. Enjoy...

Ken LEEEEE~~~~
Tulibu Dibu Douchoooooo....

the mrbrown show: Malaysian lessons

http://www.mrbrownshow.com/2008/03/17/the-mrbrown-show-malaysian-lessons/
Nuff said. :D

on back in office on a Sat noon...

After playing badminton with my friend and his friends, decided to come back to office to tie up some loose ends at work. Sat in front of the computer from 1pm till 3pm, before decided it's time to fight the Zzzz monster by going out to get some tea-break. As I walked out of the Arctic-cold office into the brightly-lit sunshine, I was wondering what's up with the weather thesedays. It was still poring cats and dogs a couple of days back, and now this?!?! I should be at the beach, man....


ooooo. see the ray of sunlight in between the leaves...


Nobody's around on a hot hot Saturday afternoon...

Having my teabreak at my desk...

Yummy Milo bun (left) and blue-berry bun (right), with a big packet of kopi (in the cup)...


Honestly, I wished I could be like this cat dozing in front of the confectionery shop I shopped at; but duty calls. Onward Christian soldier!

Melon (PG)

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/429776
Sick or Genius, you decide...

Joyeux Noël (2005)

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Another film watched during the lunch-time. Great story about a group of men seeking solace on the battlefield on Christmas eve during World War 1. Great and sharp portrayal of the French, Germans and the Scots.


Official Website:
http://www.sonyclassics.com/joyeuxnoel/main.html

IMDB entry:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424205/

Wiki Entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joyeux_No%C3%ABl

Amazing Grace (2006)

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Watched this at our lunch-time movie hour. Great story about the history of abolition of slavery in late 18th century Britain. The lives of William Wilberforce, William Pitt and John Newton just came alive for me. Masterful acting. A must-watch~


Official Website:
http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/

IMDB Entry:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454776/

Wiki entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace_(2006_film)

on how can our spirits fail***

hmm, was preparing my weekly sms this morning on the bus. Composed the following message:

"Answer me quickly, O LORD;
       my spirit fails. ...

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
       for I have put my trust in you.
       Show me the way I should go,
       for to you I lift up my soul.

Teach me to do your will,
       for you are my God;
       may your good Spirit
       lead me on level ground.

- Psalm 143: 7a, 8, 10

   Even as we seek our LORD this day, be patient & still ourselves in Christ, let the Holy Spirit be your guide."

Even as I was composing the sms, a question struck me:

    How can our spirits fail?

I mean, our spirits are immaterial and corporeal, so what do you measure the fail-ability** of one's spirits?

Even as I ponder, a few answers came up -

1. Our spirits can "fail" when we perceive the circumstances to be more than what we can bear, and we respond by surrendering to utter despair;

2. Our spirits can "fail" when we perceive we don't measure up to God's perfect standards;

3. Our spirits can "fail" when we perceive we have run out of natural strength, and can't go on anymore.

As you can see, a lot of time our spirits "fail" because we perceive we are "failing". Interestingly, this morning for staff devotions, the facilitator shared about how many times we don't let God be God, and wrestle control of our lives away from Him.

Something to tickle your brains this morning~

* Scriptures taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20143&version=31)

** ok, so my vocabulary notz powdersfull la... :p


*** Just re-read the title of this bog entry - super "ah-beng" engerish sia... :D

on the difference between dogs and cats

Eh, read this before, but still good for a laugh. Enjoy~

--------------------------------------------------------------
 DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food!  My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride!  My favorite thing! 
9:40 am - A walk in the park!  My favorite thing! 
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing! 
12:00 pm - Lunch!  My favorite thing! 
1:00 pm - Played in the yard!  My favorite thing! 
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail!  My favorite thing! 
5:00 pm - Milk bones!  My favorite thing! 
7:00 pm - Got to play ball!  My favorite thing! 
8:00 pm - Wow!  Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing! 
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed!  My favorite thing!          

  
        
CAT DIARY  Day 983 of my captivity.
 My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. 
 They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are  fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.  Although I make my contempt for  the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in  order to keep up my strength.  The only thing that keeps me going is  my dream of escape.  In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit  on the carpet.  Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless  body at their feet.  I had hoped this would strike fear into their  hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of.
 However, they merely made condescending comments
 about what a 'good little hunter' I am.   There was
 some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight.
 I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. 
 However, I could hear the noises and smell the food.  I overheard that  my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.'  I must learn what  this means, and how to use it to my advantage.  This morning I was  almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by  weaving around his feet as he was walking.  I must try this again  tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.  I am convinced that the  other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.  The dog receives  special privileges.  He is regularly released - and seems to be more  than willing to return.  He is obviously retarded.  The bird has got  to be an informant.  I observe him communicate with the guards  regularly.  I am certain that he reports my every move.  My captors  have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is  safe.
 For now...                               

Cat

on a comforting psalm

Psalm 142

A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer. ^[a]

  I cry aloud to the LORD;
       I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.

  I pour out my complaint before him;
       before him I tell my trouble.

  When my spirit grows faint within me,
       it is you who know my way.
       In the path where I walk
       men have hidden a snare for me.

  Look to my right and see;
       no one is concerned for me.
       I have no refuge;
       no one cares for my life.

  I cry to you, O LORD;
       I say, "You are my refuge,
       my portion in the land of the living."

  Listen to my cry,
       for I am in desperate need;
       rescue me from those who pursue me,
       for they are too strong for me.

  Set me free from my prison,
       that I may praise your name.
       Then the righteous will gather about me
       because of your goodness to me.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 142:1 Chapter 142 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

Taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20142&version=31

Another comforting psalm from the psalmist himself. May it ministers to you~

MOSAIC Music Festival 2008 • 7 - 16 Mar 08

http://www.mosaicmusicfestival.com/mosaiclivingroom.html
Free jazz concerts!

on takeaways from yesterday's sermon

Date: 09 Mar 2008

Title: When The Truth Hurts

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

 

Introduction

1. When the truth Hurts… Painful rebukes

2. Paul’s three inner convictions as inferred from 2 Cor. 2:1-4

 

A. WHEN THE TRUTH HAS TO BE CORRECTED (v1-2)

"…that I would not come to you in sorrow again…” (v1)

 

• 2 normal ways to confrontation

Ø       run away

Ø      in harshness

• "has" to do; spiritual responsibility
• Galatians 6:1-3

 

B. WHEN THE TRUTH HAS TO BE TOLD (v3)

“…having confidence…that my joy would be the joy of you all” (v3b)

 

The acknowledgement of the truth leads to an environment of brokenness in the community of God

 

The affirmation, the application and the advancement of this truth

 

Acknowledgment -> Affirmation -> Application -> Advancement

You Know             -> You Agree   -> You do           -> You spread

 

A Sacred Trust

 

C. WHEN THE LOVE HAS TO BE EXPRESSED (v4)

“…that you might know the love which I have especially for you” (v4b)  (NASB)

“the depth of my love” (NIV)

Are we able to love other who hurt us?

 

Conclusion

Speaking the truth IN LOVE…

Life of Telemachus, the monk who died in 391 A.D.

 

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Text in black is the sermon notes outline given by church. Text in green are the thoughts I jotted down during the sermon. Pastor Ann shared humorous and reflective thoughts on her birthday sermon*. Am glad of the perspectives which she shared from her personal journey and ministry life together with Pastor Ed.

* yes, pastors also have to preach on their birthdays. :p

Babycare 101

Got this in my e-mail this morning, Had a good laugh. Must view for all parents!

on a refreshing psalm this morning

Read this refreshing psalm on my way to work. May it refreshes you too!~

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

  O LORD, you have searched me
       and you know me.

  You know when I sit and when I rise;
       you perceive my thoughts from afar.

  You discern my going out and my lying down;
       you are familiar with all my ways.

  Before a word is on my tongue
       you know it completely, O LORD.

  You hem me in—behind and before;
       you have laid your hand upon me.

  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
       too lofty for me to attain.

 Where can I go from your Spirit?
       Where can I flee from your presence?

  If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
       if I make my bed in the depths, ^[a] you are there.

  If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
       if I settle on the far side of the sea,

  even there your hand will guide me,
       your right hand will hold me fast.

  If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
       and the light become night around me,"

  even the darkness will not be dark to you;
       the night will shine like the day,
       for darkness is as light to you.

  For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother's womb.

  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful,
       I know that full well.

  My frame was not hidden from you
       when I was made in the secret place.
       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

  your eyes saw my unformed body.
       All the days ordained for me
       were written in your book
       before one of them came to be.

  How precious to ^[b] me are your thoughts, O God!
       How vast is the sum of them!

  Were I to count them,
       they would outnumber the grains of sand.
       When I awake,
       I am still with you.

 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
       Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

 They speak of you with evil intent;
       your adversaries misuse your name.

 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
       and abhor those who rise up against you?

  I have nothing but hatred for them;
       I count them my enemies.

  Search me, O God, and know my heart;
       test me and know my anxious thoughts.

  See if there is any offensive way in me,
       and lead me in the way everlasting.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 139:8 Hebrew Sheol
2. Psalm 139:17 Or concerning

Taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20139&version=31

Visit to Baby Lucius

haha, the Supardis welcomed their first baby boy, Lucius Emmanuel Supardi on Tues (03 Mar).

A few of us went down on the following day to visit them. The whole family is doing fine~ Took some pics with my "lao pok" phone camera. Enjoy!~

Cannonball!

Boy, I'll like to see this in my church someday~ :p

on funny captions

haha, went to the Greek Masterpieces exhibition at the National Museum on last Saturday with two of my friends. Pretty enjoyable trip. Here are some of the statues which I enjoyed more, becos of the funny captions I stuck to them:



















"Hmm? Where's my pecker?" :D

Dark One-Winged Angel

Giving you the Finger

Yes, even though I go for cultural events, I'm not a very cultured person :p

on the cost of discipleship

hmm, came across this quote in one of the devotional materials in my retreat.

“Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.”

                     The Cost of Discipleship

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Hope this bless you too~

Luther (2003)

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Great movie! We watched part of it during our staff devotions this morning. Then we bought in lunch and watched the rest of the film during lunch break.

The only thing I had with the film is that Fiennes is too handsome for the lead role, and he was not fat enough after he got married. :p

Movie Website:
http://www.lutherthemovie.com/

IMDB Post:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0309820/

Wiki post:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luther_%282003_film%29

Meet The Spartans (2008)

Rating:	★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Comedy

Yes, as far as spoofs go, it's parallels quite closely to the actual movie,
300.

As a film by itself, it sucks~ big time :p I watched it only to see how bad it was. But me and bro still had a good laugh. Don;t watch it on weekend!

Official website:
http://www.meetthespartans.com/

IMDB post:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1073498/

Wiki post:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meet_the_spartans

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Sang this during staff devotions this morning. Penned by Martin Luther, it was often called the batthe hymn of the Reformation.

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

taken from
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/i/mightyfo.htm

For more info, goto
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Mighty_Fortress_Is_Our_God

on why too much coffee is not good

taken from http://www.reverendfun.com/

Don't be too quick to judge

Nice lesson

on finding long-lost friends~

oh, was really glad that I managed to reconnect with a friend from secondary school days. We basically lost touch after we graduated from secondary school, as I went the JC path and he chose to go polytechnic. I've tried to search for him on MSN, Friendster, and even Google-ed his name, to no avail.

Imagine my surprise when I received a invitation 3 weeks ago in Facebook from him. :D so I got his msn ID, got reconnected and caught up with one another over our missing years. Hmm, probably will drop by in KL and do a more thorough catching up. Thank God for technology! :P

oh, the joy, the joy! haha, I guess you can go to Luke 15 and see other kinds of joy at finding lost stuff~

on takeaway from today's sermon

Communion verse from Exodus 34:1

Praise Adonai! Worship God and Enjoy Him Forever

Date: 02 Mar 2008

Title: Pursing Purposeful Intentionality

Text: 2 Corinthians 1:15-24

Introduction

The significance of Questions… “How?” vs. “Why?”

Success without purpose is like life without meaning

Three important questions to highlight as we reflect on 2 Cor. 1:15-24:

Q1: What Things Best Represent Your Life? (v15-16)

"…to be helped on my journey" (v16)

·         Background – Acts 18 – Founding of Corinthian church by Paul, etc. etc.

·         What is the purpose of the Church?

·         Purpose vs. Routine – 3 Stooges planting trees

·         Story of Chuck Nolan from “Castaway”

·         What best represents Jesus’ and Paul’s life?

 - A few good men

Q2: What Things Actually Determine Your Direction? (v17-18)

“…do I purpose according to the flesh…?”

God-Led Purpose vs. Flesh-led Purpose

Having a God-led purpose will

·         Redeem our time (John 17 Principle)

·         Refocuses our lives

·         Revitalizes our energies

·         Redefines our significance (Identity! – who we are and whose we are)

·         Realign our battles

Q3: What Things Are of Greatest Asset To You? (v19-22)

“…the promises of God, in Him (Christ) they are yes…” (v20)

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity Accomplishments

·         Relationship between “purpose” and “success”

·         Relationship between “purpose” and “identity”

·         Relationship between “purpose” and “intimacy with God”

 

Conclusion

We have been born to have a personal relationship with God – don’t waste your life!

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Text in black is the sermon notes outline given by church. Text in green are the thoughts I jotted down during the sermon. Am glad for the time of ministering by the Holy Spirit throughout the service. Pastor Kai chose a not-so-usual communion verse to lead us during Communion, but the insights and take-aways are wonderful. And Pastor Ed took us through the 5 ways to turn trials into triumphs again :p Guess it's gonna be a regular staple...