Chinese New Year 2009

Advertisements have, yet again, dominating the scene and competing to wish everyone in the most creative way possible. Although Petronas (by Yasmin Ahmad) continues to warm the heart and even KFC is picking up the trail (can't find it on youtube though), I think this year Carlsberg's says it most boldly as it sheds a different kind of light. It's been a quieter festive season this year. The Ox year has brought in more distress than joy as we forsee the hardships ahead. Carlsberg newspaper advertisement begs to differ, suggesting that "life favors those who see things differently". Perhaps so. Perhaps that's what we need. Chinese character for life is only one stroke different from that of ox.

Note: pics of advert unavailable

And though we are older and lazier to bai nin, CNY is CNY with its soh mee and bak gua, reunion dinners and overeating, ang pows and chor tai ti, catching up with long lost friends or family... It also means relatives and friends hassling you about getting married (or having children) which you politely smile to while hoping they will drop in a hole beeath them.


Here's wishing you a very Happy Niu Year!

Faithful One

O Lord my God
You're my one and only
When everything is in disarray
You're my peace my sanity

You've always, always seen me through
You've always, always been there for me
Faithful One
Whom have I but you

When I have cried all my tears
I know you caught every drop
When I have no more strength
I know you will refresh my soul
When I have no where to hide
I know I can run to you
When I'm at the end of my rope
I know you've provided the way out

Circular Argument

What is circular argument?

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem gives some example:

pg.78
We believe that Scripture is God's Word because it claims to be that. And we believe its claims because Scripture is God's Word. And we believe that it is God's Word because it claims to be and so forth.

pg.79
My reason is my ultimate authority because it seems reasonable to me to make it so.
I know there can be no ultimate authority because I do not know of any such ultimate authority.

I think these kinda argument might appeal more to the Chelliah brothers.

The Food Factor

Food has its way of bringing people together. It's more of an Asian thing, I hear. Fellowship involves food. Reunions involves food. Parties involves food. There's something about food that brings people together. Perhaps our minds are really in our stomachs? Or perhaps it's as the Bible say... something about breaking bread together?

We like to bring food up to BCM (whenever we have classes) for breakfast and tea and so on. And it has been my observation that it becomes a factor to draw people together too. Once the 'bell' is 'sounded' that the food is on the table, sleeping ones will awake, studying ones will close their book, and from across the hall they'd come (even from the other class') with Lionel diving head first. It didn't matter if we're not all that acquainted.

And that's what I love about this place. lol.

This video, unfortunately, sees people more fatigue than usual: test was in an hour's time.

More siew pau the next time we come, guys!

Theology 1

I've been taking a course these last two weeks, Theology 1: God, Revelation and Man, at BCM (a place I'm starting to be familiar with).

Theos = God
Logos = word or discourse.
Thus the proper definition for 'theology' is the discourse about God. According to August H. Strong, "theology is the science of God and of God's relations between God and the universe."

What is covered in this course? Well...
Bibliology, theology proper, anthropology, harmatiology.


When I first read that, I laughed so hard. It felt like I was reading a different language altogether. But honestly, it wasn't so bad. =)

Animal Bites

Yeah, literally. That little thing that you thought was so cute and innocent... it bites!

Mojo is a monkey, belonging to someone I know. I met him in an estate in the middle of nowhere Banting. Guess what, he bit me!! What did I ever do to him? It's not cute!

This is Mr.Squirrel who was sitting in front of my door when I came home one day. I thought it was cute and all, plus it's not afraid of people. But most of all, it did not move to let me in the house. After a few pictures and small pats, it bit me! And then it jumped on me and I freaked! AHH! Do I have a sign on me that says "bite me"? (Of course, Mr. Squirrel wasn't done and decided to bite my maid till her finger bled deep)




And I had a bundle of sharpened pencils stacked facing upwards. Only that I had to put my hand on it without quite realizing it, recoiling after a 2 second delay. I found a piece of led sticking out of my elbow and Fiona shrieked. She told me stories of how someone she knew went mad while Vanes (or was it Veron) fainted after having a led stabbed them. That's not comforting. But I didn't do anything about it except press as much of blood out as possible.

Maybe I'm asking for it. pfft.

The Louises

Introducing the Louis sisters:





You guys were awesome!

resolutions

Lord, I have but one resolution this year. I want to be a better person.

I need to let go of all my hang-ups and not allowing it to affect my current relationships and decisions. I cannot continue to build walls. Teach me to engage my heart and not be afraid to cry. I can change.

I want to erase my prejudices and be kinder to people regardless of how I feel because I know God loves them still. God that I may love the way You love, see the way You see. I need to be less critical and more encouraging.

I need to press on to seek Your face, extend Your kingdom, pray more and obeying Your voice. I will not fear because I know You hold my tomorrow. Come what may that I will follow You.

Here's the facing 2009! Bring it on...