Shopping

Ann and I started out shopping at Terminal One Seremban yesterday. In all fairness, I never shop there. NEVER thought there's anything worth buying there. Didn't like the 2.10 parking fees or the general ambience of the mall. BUT I ended up buying more things than Ann. Never thought it'll be so, but it was so!

Here's why: I found this dress for RM35 (that after much deliberation I came back for). It was not perfect but it was worth it! And that was it!


After a couple more chores, we found ourselves in Nilai at a small Korean shoe shop. How I simply do not know. *looks at Ann* And though I entered without the intention to get anything, I got a most expensive pair of shoe (which I would not normally have gotten). Why I simply cannot comprehend. *looks at Joelt* Never in my life!


Goes to show that I do have some shopping in my blood after all. Who knew!

Gifts from KK

She bought sea shells on the sea shore. The sea shells she bought were sea shells from Philippines. They were pretty cheap and pretty unique, I just couldn't not buy.
I also developed a deep bruise on my knee. Not surprising. But it was not the mountain or the sea that I fell, but outside the bathroom one morning =( I'm too clumsy.

Land below the Wind

I hope I got the tagline correct this time. And this is about time =)

Kota Kinabalu
August 29 - Sept 1, 2009
Kota Kinabalu and Kudat

It was meant to be a short trip for Serena's wedding but decided to extend it just a little longer. Wasted rm160. That's how airlines earn their money. Silly people like us. But it was worth it. Note to self: there are some things more important than money.

Serena's beach-side wedding was beautiful. God held the weather just about right for the entire ceremony and dinner. Congrats Serena and Matthew!

The wedding:Syiok Sendiri Shots

But a trip 2.5hours to KK should not be wasted or over on the first day itself! It was imperative that we also experience the other side of Sabah. Our team's main goal was local delicacies... of which I never knew there were so many. I've forgotten more than half of what they're called exactly or where they're to be found.
While there our tour guide, Unc.Dick, brought us places. In KK there are many must sees. One of which is the mountain of Kinabalu. Taking off at 6 in the morning, we were hustled for breakfast and then to the mountain. Though it was cloudy at first, God cleared the sky at one point, long enough to see the magnificent mountain looming before us. It was a sight to behold.

Another trip (which was new to me and that I absolutely loved) was to the tip of Borneo. Hint: It is the tip of the left ear of the 'wolf' shape of Borneo. It is 3 hours drive from KK and another 3 hours drive back. I can't imagine attempting such a trip on my own though. But the journey was worth it.

But what has always won my heart is neither hill nor delicacies. It is the sound of waves washing ashore and the feel of the wind against my skin. I love the feel of soft sand caressing my toes and the cool sea water teasing at my feet. My heart leaps at the wide open and inviting sea for miles and the sky so high and so blue, with the sun peeping through the clouds or falling over the horizon. Oh how I wish I had taken the time to soak it all in and to stand in awe. How I wish I was bold enough to let my heart soar with the wind and just let all my guards down. The ocean beckons you to leave all your troubles behind and calms every wild emotion. How it fills my tank.

Oh Malaysia

With all the ugly things we are hearing on Malaysian news so near to our Independence Day... here's a different tune. I learnt this in kindergarten, and found it in an old song book:

On the shore beyond the tropical seas
You will stand to welcome me
On the shore beneath the sky so blue
All my dreams at least will come true
Oh Malaysia, land of glory
Where I found my heart's true love
Soon we'll be meeting, dear Malaysia
You will be forevermore

--> hear the song here

Church Camp 2009

Church Camp 2009:
Knowing God and Making Him Known
August 23-26, 2009
Genting View Resort
Rev. Ronnie Chin

I was trying to be excited and to infuse enthusiasm for this camp. We had prayer and fasting for a week before the camp (which I hope would prepare our spirits to receive from God) but some how I could not feel excited. I was exhausted and disappointed. I could not feel the enthusiasm I was trying to portray. I felt like a hypocrite.

But I've always been bound to my sense of responsibilities and was determined to see the entire thing through. I had begun to feel stressed over the enormous amount of work to be done and the standard that I had initially felt I had to live up to. I had to give my best, and yet my heart was always more for people and ministry than the details of organizing. I would rather forgo getting things perfectly in place if there was someone who needed that time in the world. I had always seen need over want, tears over comfort. I decided it was time to get back to the basics, to rock the boats of complacency. (yes, I decided. LOL)


(awaiting more pics) Note: pics were copied from various Facebook albums

I want to thank God, though, that I was able to take the entire thing in stride - organizing the camp, ministering to the youth, finishing my assignment, and finding time to refresh myself in God, on top of celebrating Ann's birthday. It sounds insane even as I think about it now. However, I know that it was by God's grace that I felt un-tension and un-panicky and un-stressed. Now that's the miracle. Though I was tired, I was OK. He lifted me in His wings and I was okay. In fact, I had enough strength and heart to minister, counsel, stay awake.

The very first night God had met me and given me 'just enough strength to live for today', as the song goes. Sometimes when we are looking for a way out, God says I'll give you grace to hang on. Sometimes when you want an answer for something, God says you don't need to know but trust me. It's infuriating but God is looking for faith. And then I stood up and said 'it is well with my soul'. And then I turn around and begin to be His vessel.

On another note. My crazy bunch of youth. They may be noisy and many other things, but I'm blinded to those other things. =) They are the first at the altar. They step up to pray for others. They are excited. They are willing to be transparent with God. They obey. They are easier than adults. LOL!!! (oops..)

Justin, say it again! Aspirers rocks! Pictures

Media Fast

Aspirers declared a "media fast" from the 16th to 22nd August. Everything media related from TV to newspaper, messengers to blogging.. everything listed on the poster below. It was a dedication to remove all distraction from our lives that hinder us from hearing God.

We live in a world that has so much distraction and influences from everywhere else that competes for your attention and focus and very soul. This fast was to learn to remove all these distraction and influence (kinda like detox). And I kid you not, it's not easy.

In fact, this kinda fast is not really heard of. But I feel it may be practical, workable and good in this era that we are living in. So Aspirers, to check the effectiveness of this media fast, click here. Your poll will help in future programs. Thanks!

New Age Influences

(this was blogged during the media fast but posted only after)

Here's something I was reading in the library on New Age Movements*:

"This pervasive resurgence of New Age paganism takes many forms, including cartoons on television and children's movies. Examples are Captain Planet, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Power Rangers, The Lion King, and Pocahontas."
– H. Wayne House, Charts of Cults, Sects and Religious Movements.

That is ridiculous. I watched those cartoons all those years back…

That's a scary thought isn't it? We're all being prepared and swayed into this thought process unconsciously.

*New Age Movements (such as Theosophy, Scientology, Silva Mind Control, etc) basically throws all previous religious identification with God out of the window and claims that such feelings of separation with God is a falsity that blinds one and causes all his problems in life. Thus, by altering one's consciousness through different techniques (i.e. meditation), one will achieve the self-realization that Self is God.

Tony Romas

Another strike of my list. Now I can say I've been to Tony Romas. I've heard both extremes of reviews of this place but I liked the place. It met my expectation. Will I come back? Maybe but obviously not too often. Less than seldom too.
Good food, nice ambiance, awesome company. What more can one ask for? It's the epitome of a good night out.I was taught a Chinese saying: "sam seong si seng". The English equivalent of it would probably be "wishes come true" but it doesn't resonate the same. Basically, my translation is that God indulges us sometimes, to remind us that he loves us. It's the small things. When your loved ones fulfill your little desires, they really know you. But don't forget God behind the scene.

To my friends, you are precious.

To God, you're the ONLY one for me.

My Birthday

Dear Diary,

Today is my birthday. And I thought I might have a quiet one this time. But chance has it that I didn't.

The day started at midnight, at a mamak store nearby. With the Yeohs singing the birthday chorus horribly a couple of times. I thank God I was facing the other way. It was too embarassing. I was pretty much lost for words.

I woke up later than usual with the song Boom boom boom and Great is the Lord remix. Go figure that out! After dressing my best (in the short time), picture with my new toy, I dragged myself to work, walking in 15minutes after devotion had and started. Oops. Bad start.

I had decided the day before that this year, I will thank every single person that wish me. By whatever means I am wished, their simple thought counted for me. It should mean something. So I spent the ENTIRE day replying sms, emails, facebook wishes. I had no idea how tedious it could be. But I wanted to personally thank everyone - not just a template msg. I barely worked the entire day...

Ann came for lunch. So together with my two trusty work day lunch partners, ETC and Matt, we went to Pizza Italia (with almost all the food ETC could not eat). It poured cats and dogs so we decided to wait for the pizza to be ready. Yummy! We overate big time! But I couldn't help it! =) We got free ice creams too

I was feeling guilty from taking such a long break that we rushed back to the office as soon as we could, to find a bouquet of flowers and a cake. Aaawww.... That's a tick off my 'wants-list'. I love my flowers! I have not received any for 8 years now. I don't care that it's from a girl. LOL. Flowers have a very simple way of melting my heart. (It's now sitting glaringly on my desk, right at the foot of my bed) The office had a little celebration of our own. It was nicer than usual.

I spent the evening like any Wednesday evening: TV, rest, and getting ready for prayer meeting. I knew that the youths would probably plan something or other. And of course they did. After a good prayer meeting (with the number smaller than usual), we had a song and a cake. One of the youth prayed for me voluntarily and I was very touched. Plenty of hugs! =)

After a short mamak, I'm back home and writing this entry. There should be a Perseid Meteor shower tonight. I hope I get to see it at least but the sky is too cloudy to see anything. It should be beautiful. But I need to end my day by thanking my Creator, without whom I won't be here. This should be Your celebration too, my God. I love You....

p/s: I should have done some assigment. Man, i'm going to suffer from not doing it....

Good night.

in today's news...

In today's news, H1N1 virus is not the only virus going around. What the newspaper term as ILI or Influenza-like Illness is spreading across the nation like ... well like any air-bound virus.

News here.

This is the very same virus that has been going around and rendering you guys sick, Aspirers. One after another.

So do take care of yourselves guys...

Survey for my Research

I'm doing a research paper on the globalized multicultural malaysian youth. So I'm doing a survey to see how much our generation and the youth today know about our own culture or are we completely westernized. This survey is opened to 13-29years old Malaysian ONLY. It is opened to anyone so please do send this on to anyone you want who fits the criteria. As many and varied as possible will be great. Pretty please...

Please click the link below and do the survey for me.
Survey closes on August 21st. Yea I need it soon. Last minute work ;P
http://www.eSurveysPro.com/Survey.aspx?id=4a0cf892-5659-46ca-9d6a-e5087828afc1

Thanks for your participation!

Globalization and Information Technology

There is a shift happening in our world today, for those who area aware enough or willing to admit. A shift that benefits the next generation in the way we think, do things and live. We are living in the consequences of a previous generation - consequences we never thought possible, now the only reality. We need to rethink the way we do thinks.



It's a technology revolution. How it has changed the world as we know it. What will the world be tomorrow? Are we ready? Can we cope?

Someone Special

This is for someone special.

You never know where you'll be down the years or who'll be there.

You never know if what you did or who you are can be shared.

You never know.


This is for someone special.

Happy Birthday!

Yasmin Ahmad

News has it that Yasmin Ahmad, acclaimed director, Malaysia's prized story-teller, died suddenly on July 25th. Known for her unique way of telling story, capturing the essence of what's truly Malaysian, she will be missed. Her heart warming festive advertisements never failed to capture hearts and media spotlight. News of her death spread further and wider than possibly imagined. I should go search for all her movies to watch. (except Susuk since its a horror film) Does anyone have a collection?

May her legacy continue. She wasn't just a writer or just a director. She boldly told the story from a point of view that most wouldn't dare. The E true story. May the torch she has been bearing be caught and fought for in generations to come.

A list of her movie can be found on IMDB. Anyone has her festive advertisements? Youtube doesn't have many. Here's the latest (I think) for an organization in Singapore:



I did not really bother when Michael Jackson died. But her.... I was.

bible school

In my last course at bible school, I spent some time getting to know the people and life on campus. Here are some observations:

Check out the projection screen

When was the last time you had a trilingual service? Here bilingual is a must, and trilingual is generally rare. I caught one. I didn't know the song being sung but have you heard a song sang in 3 languages at one time? The translator at times needed to repeat in 2 language. Another guy interpreted for himself.

I also observed something rather funny:

Gender separation

I asked if it was a rule but it wasn't. We used to say Children Church never 'left' us. Such profound impact, or is this a very Asian culture that we can't seem to shake. (Doesn't happen so obviously all the time though)

Some say rules are made to be broken. But when there isn't any, people toe the imaginary line? Food for thought.... =)

Sign

Saw this sign at a new makan place in town:



I wonder if anyone ever tried coming back 'tomorrow'.

Another Injury

You know how they say if you ever get stabbed, you should never pull the object out. It's unwise. Let the medical personnel handle it or risk bleeding out? Yea, they're right.


I stepped on a thumbtack (which I had dropped and could not find for weeks) with my barefoot (I have the habit of walking around the office barefoot). Pulled the stuck thumbtack out of my left heel. And blood poured out like water ... onto my chair and on the carpet. And walked on a limp the rest of the day.

Gunung Dato

So the day finally arrived - the day i sworn will never come. But as they say, love makes you do crazy things. Or a great sense of responsibility. Take your pick.

The path up was not easy. There was no dedicated path per se. Half the time you wonder if you're lost. Roots and rocks, logs and holes. (see picture) If anything, this will test your stamina. Thank God my group were having as much trouble as I was. If not for an over optimistic pretense (if you want to call that), I may not have made it. It was certainly a lesson for myself, in terms of encouragement. Even though we knew that it wasn't another 5 minutes away but the old trick of "just around the bend" actually worked. Food for thought huh? We are more able than we ever thought we could be, and encouragement fuels it.

I was told there are a lot of fauna to look at, but when you're huffing and puffing and everything's a blur, you really don't see anything else save the next step ahead. But I did chance upon a few things along the way. They say along life's journey, we must learn to stop and smell the flowers. Or in this case, see the queerness and creativity of God's handiwork.

The final stretch to the peak was the most challenging for me. There are three (3) batches of vertical ladder all the way to the top - each with its own sets of challenges. For me the vertical climb had me hanging for dear life and feeling ever closer to my Maker. Choking back tears and telling my muscles to relax was as hard as .. well it was just hard lah. Thank God for encouraging people around me who told me where to put each of my limbs next.

But it was something I had to do. It wasn't just because everyone was encouraging me to climb. But when would be the next time I ever climb this mountain? I don't see it happening in the near future. So I just had to. Sometimes you just gotta. Experience is the best teacher, they say. Was it worth it? Oh yea baby! It was exhilirating to know you made it. The scenery did not capture my heart but seeing the bunch of youth and their crazy antics up there did. Aaww...

I made it. We made it.

Food and more food

Although I had started an exercise regime, this week I have been involved in feasting on food, food and more food. And the food spread was glorious! None of which I consciously plan for. Just that, when in Malaysia... it's a little hard to avoid! LOL. *blame it on everything else but the person eating* *ahem*


The food spread for dinner at the Louis' of which Lav cooked a bunch of the dishes and contributions from other people. I didn't guess that it was such an elaborate spread. But I overate... again.

The food spread during the last class for this year's BCM extension in Agape. We love to celebrate with elaborate food spread that was not properly planned. And I wish I ate ... more.

Then there was the wedding dinner on Friday night. And what do you get at dinners? Right on!


Anne, you're a girl! This is so unlady-like! Control yourself, girl! =D

New exercise regime

In view of the coming Gunung Dato climb which I have involuntarily get myself into (for the love of youth), I had seen a need for me to start exercising in a more convenient manner. City park is too far, too time consuming and too dependant on the weather. I had found myself giving one too many excuses not to go.

SOOooOo..... I'm starting this new exercise regime I hope I can keep to for.. well for as long as I can. How about 6 months for starters? And I can do it right at home, WHILE reading my book! How convenient and purposeful is THAT.

*I have no idea why blogspot automatically turned this picture 90degrees when there was no need.

I have decided to run.... okay walk 30minutes a day, 5 days a week on my parent's machine. I have calculated that at a certain speed and incline of the machine, I can burn about 150 calories (which btw is equivalent to 1 cheddar cheese or 1/2cup of vanilla ice cream) within that time frame. Not that I'm counting. I just didn't realize what these little snacks actually meant. Or how insignificantly little I'm burning a day.

So here's to better health and stronger stamina and longer endurance! As Catherine Rohr, founder of Prison Entrepreneurship Programme, had influence me during GLS2008 to remember.... *forgot* Well it was something about how leaders need to take care of their own well being if we want to be effective to our organization.