Wolverine

I was prompted to re-watch the first two X-Men after the much talked about Wolverine. I loved that show. And it was for that very reason that I pulled out the old DVD. In my mind, the story should match perfectly, as any good story should.

However, as I re-watched them, I found a few inconsistency (as I suppose would be natural). Anyhow, these are what I discovered:

• Sabretooth (in X-men1) showed little resemblance in appearance, personality and character to Victor Logan, brother of Wolverine. Neither was there recorded any tension between the two men of vengeful brotherhood or arch enemy.
  
• In one of Wolverine's flashback (in X-men2), he saw himself escaping the laboratory naked, with his adamantium blades protruding and blood spilling all over his arms and body, while he screamed in agony. If Wolverine has had bone claws all his life, adamantium claws would not have such an effect on him.
  
• In X-men2, Stryker (the military scientist from Wolverine's past) said, 'you've always been an animal, I only gave you claws'. Wolverine has always had claws, what Stryker did was to make him indestructable. This idea of receiving his claws only during the adamantium experiment was seen throughout X-men2.
  

By now, you're thinking I'm way to free to be thinking all these things. Actually I'm not that free. But this occured to me. Thinking about it didn't take time. Blogging about it did.

Reading Assignments

This is my first official semester (or trimester as it is called). I'm taking 3 subjects and my reading assignments are more than I've ever imagined possible.


No, of course not all those books. These were some of the books displayed during one of my classes. And I don't intend to read any non required books. This trimester I have a total of 6books and a bunch of articles and partial books to finish. (I guess I'm definitely going to need that extension with the speed I'm reading) One of the challenge was to source for the books. These are but a few that I now have.


My favorite book, however, is the penguin book. The pages are few, the font is huge, there are pictures in it and it's like a children's tale containing lessons. (like a parable packed with truths)


Well, at least I'll perhaps learn to speed read out of this. And of course learn from all the things I read. Nothing like being forced to read.

Updates

Every now and again I'm tempted to be lazy and not update. But then either out of OCD-ness or the memory of one of the purposes of this blog (archives for future reference), I find myself here. Don't ask.

Brought a bunch of youth up for BCM Day on May 1st (a food and funfair day to raise fund for BCM annually) of which I need to play a part as a student there. =) The heat was insane and for some unanswerable reason I found myself sunburned at the end of the day. (I wasn't even under the sun, was I?)


I find myself being hassled to one of the many stalls to assist. The stall sold awesome Rendang and curry which we manage to finish selling! Brought me back to the days when Agape was holding fund-raiser fairs every year, where we, the teens then, fought to help out at the burger and hot dog stall. Those were the days, my friend.


The very next day, the scenario changed completely. The heat did not. So clad in dresses and tie, the youth took over a favourite restaurant in town. The sweltering heat plastered our pressed shirts and dresses to our bodies, not at all fancy. But it was our 26th ANNIVERSARY and we'd let nothing spoil it. Even if the sun was cooking us, and we had dinner at 5pm!


Everyone was simply beautiful and I wish I stopped to take some photographs of everyone. As usual I had the jitter bugs and could barely sit still or stop worrying. Not like there's much to worry about. The group had evolved and grew so much that it was still a good celebration even though we forgot to bring out the cake.


I hope the rest of the Anniversary pictures and video would come out soon for linking and archiving purposes. I'm a nerd like that.

Pictures courtesy of Lynne and DavKok. I failed to take any on my own, remember?

But by the grace of God

Do you believe that you can shelf everything in your heart
To busy yourself in the requirements of everyday
Responsibility is a science, deception is an art
Perhaps you never have to face what your heart wants to say

Men fear what the future holds and that which is unknown
Men scurry to take control of which he has none
We will reap what we have sown
To deny that it's all in the hands of the Son

You can run but you can't hide
Ignorance is bliss but it isn't safe
Don't even try to beat the rising tide
Your heart explodes and your world begins to cave

Oh God, You are my only
There's nothing certain under the sun but You
I know that I am not my own property
But it's hard to accept it as true

How can I throw caution to the wind
"Step out of the boat and just believe"
Against You I have greatly sinned
But Your grace I freely receive

Fear engulfs me whole
Of the things You've set before my path
Heal my heart and rescue my soul
Take me out of this dark shaft

By Your grace alone I still stand
By Your love alone I still am
Need I still Your guiding hand
Need I still Your providential ram

This is a story that will never end
I can't stand alone, I know thus far
I know what's around the bend
Didn't want to be the one setting the bar

God!

What did I get myself into?

I'm now taking Masters of Divinity
At Bible College Malaysia
Part-time

Hmm...

Illustrated Story: Laying it all down

This is the story of a man
Who walked his own way
And had his own say

He knew the path he walked
Many has gone before
He believed he could soar



His journey brought him many treasures
Precious gold and silver but at a price
Along came the burdens, hurts and lies

It was the life he wanted
But who knew life would be such
Who knew it would all be too much





One of his wanderings brought him to a halt
As he faced the marvelous rugged cross
His treasures began to look like dross

The cross was calling him to lay it down
"Give everything to have everything
No more hiding, no more fighting




Come and lay it all down at the cross
Forgiveness and grace, purpose and peace
Love and hope that will never cease

There's more to want then what you have
More than your dreams come true
Lay down your all and say I do"




After much struggle and debate
He gave the man on the cross a try
He was afraid, that's no lie

But only wonders filled his life
The man lifts his hands and said
The old man is dead




Now he walks and talks with Him
Holding His hand all through
His love grew and grew

So much in store, there's no turning back
When he gave everything
He gained everything

Dedication - Hillsong

Who Did It? An Agape home production

This Easter we had a home-production. Inspired by Ray Boltz's 'The Hammer' (which we did include in the play), it was fully written and produced in Agape.

here are some details about it that you might not know:

Scriptwriter AARON CHELLIAH
Music Compilation JOSEPH WONG

Anyone has a video snippet of the play?

Miniature Earth

A video that helps put things into perspective. Imagine if there were only 100 peoeple on earth, using the same proportions (statistics or percentage) of our big world.

I am richer and more blessed than 75% of the world's population.

Appreciate what you have. There's so much to be thankful for.

Remember the rest. Pray for them. Perhaps in some ways we can make a difference?

Jamie's Kitchen

There's a reality TV series called Jamie's Kitchen, based on a cooking school that celebrity chef Jamie Oliver started for the down trodden and back alley youngsters. I've heard the concept and loved him for it. While in Melbourne, Dav walked me past his centre and pointed it out.

Today, for the first time, I saw the series. And it moved me to tears... A lot of kids need these kinda break. They hadn't been fortunate and could use a place to belong, some guidance and some people to believe in them, they need hope and love. The reality show sounded real issues (discipline issues, background and past), stories and sounds of hope.

I was inspired. It sounds like quite an idea. Got me thinking....

Devotion: It's not over yet

Matthew 26:69-75

Simon Peter.

Peter wasn't just one of the 12 Disciples. He was a die-hard fan of Jesus. Just earlier that same night he declared that even if the rest deserted Jesus, he never will. He had given everything to follow Jesus, since that first day he was called. When Jesus was arrested, it was Peter who drew his sword and started swinging it around, cutting of a servant's ear. Yet it was Peter who denied knowing Jesus, three times.

He couldn't have done it deliberately or with evil intent in his heart. He loves Jesus! Yet in his vigor of spying on Jesus and waiting for the verdict of his beloved Lord, he had denied Jesus out of fear. Maybe he didn't want to blow his cover. Maybe he was just afraid of being caught as well (after all, how can he rescue Jesus if he was caught?). Whatever his excuse was, he denied Jesus. As Jesus had insulted his devotion earlier that day by predicting it. When the rooster crowed, Peter would have been crushed at the realization.

How dark the days ahead must have been. To have failed, and failed miserably. How difficult it is to wake up in the morning and find hope again. To not know if he had been forgiven, to explain or express himself, to say he was so sorry. It was all over now that Jesus was dead.

But the miracle of Easter took place. Jesus, now back from the dead, seeks Peter out. There was mixed emotions at the sight of Jesus. Should he stay away from guilt? Should he walked the other way because he had failed? "What defines us is how well we rises after falling" said the butler in "Maid in Manhattan". Peter ran... no... swam to shore ahead of the boat. Once again by his Masters side, he was lost for words. Should he have said 'I'm sorry' or should he have explained? Should he tell Jesus that he does actually love him a lot?

But our dear Lord, oh, what a surprise it was. Jesus was so beyond his expectation. Commenting on Peter's restoration, the late Roy Hicks Jr wrote in 'A Small Book About God' said: "What breaks your heart and mine is being forced to recognize that even though we have failed Him miserably, we genuinely do love Him. We have failed Him - only to discover that he doesn't want to talk about our failures. He wants to talk about our love."

John 21:15-19

Jesus did not say a word about Peter's failures. Sometimes we look at our own failures and think it has to be the end. But Jesus says 'it's not over yet'. He holds us by the hand and talks about our love, our strengths, our future....

How shocking it is to know that God is more kind and giving than you ever dared hope and that you want to do His will more than you ever thought possible - Bruce Wilkinson in 'The Secrets of the Vine'.

Peter was the one that stood in front of the crowd on the Day of Pentecost. Peter was the one that led the Twelve and the movement of the church. Peter was the one who died upside down on a cross. Peter was not perfect, but this realization propelled him onwards, doing things he never could have imagined, till the end of his life. Because he got it.

In our own lives and in ministry, whether dealing with our own failures or the failures of others, let us emulate Jesus in his restoration method. May we remember to always run (or swim) towards Jesus and not away, despite our shortcomings. May we remember to be compassionate towards others and help propel them forward despite their mistakes. Let us be agents of hope, of love, of encouragement, of restoration to the world.

Amen.

Abortion

Recently I looked into the issue of abortion for my research paper. In the view of the sanctity of life, I took the stand that abortion is wrong. Wrong is too mild a word. The paper was suppose to support my stand from the perspective of medical science, theology, psychology, sociology and any other '-logy' there is.


Abortion is not a new topic and will be around for a long time more. It is much debated about in what's been called the 'abortion rights debate', which started during the Roe v. Wade case in 1973. One would need to think about many perspective of the issue. There is the health issues. Did you know that abortion is 4 times deadlier than childbirth and is linked to breast cancer? Another question that pops up is whether a fetus is a person. And although psychologists argue otherwise, biological science has concluded tat at conception, an embryo is a full human being and tat a fetus have its own characteristics and habits. Others argue that women should have the right over their own body, but I wonder about the baby's right to life. The bible has never addressed the issue of abortion per se because it was unthinkable, but does emphasize on the sanctity of life to God. We can also see that the laws of abortion varies in different nations depending on the culture and situation of their country. I suppose one cannot impose their beliefs to another culture or situation.

“There is something truly odd about the discussion of abortion rights. The discussion is a bit one-sided. All of the participants in the debate are alive, and the interested parties whose lives depend on the outcome of the debate are all absent — either dead or about to be killed.” By Walter Sneider, Abortion - Deadly Politics.

And as much as I wanna say it is clear to me that abortion is not natural and should not be the 'choice' of selfish women, when it comes to cases like rape or life-threatening situations, I really don't have the answer. Every stand becomes gray. All I know is that that God is sovereign and merciful.

But why can't we talk about the real issue behind abortion? Is abortion an excuse for us to live life promiscuously and flamboyantly, without a care and responsibility in the world? Let's not try to fight the symptom, let's find the root problem. There is a bigger moral dilemma that our world is facing. 93% of abortion cases are for selfish conveniences - finances, too old, too young, not ready, inconvenient, not married, etc. Over a million induced abortions in the States, and almost 500,000 in India (year 2000). That's insane!

John Willke, president of the National Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati, asked the right question when he asked “Since when does anyone's right to live depend upon someone else wanting them”

The church has always been accused of being judgmental, scaring away half the women facing the consequences of their mistakes. Maybe we need to step up and show the same kinda grace that Jesus showed the women caught in adultery. Maybe we can educate prevention and wholesome relationships and lifestyles, like what Focus on the Family is doing with young people through 'No Apologies'.

I don't wanna stand and tell a young girl not to abort because it's wrong. I wanna tell her about the wonderful life that God has install for her if she never walk down that road in the first place.

Lovers of self

I saw a trailer for Renee Zellweger's new film "New in Town" where co-star, Harry Connick Jr. was caught saying (during the interview) that in small towns people generally help each other, even strangers in the middle of the road. No questions asked. If you grew up in a tiny town, you'll be able to understand what he's saying. Because helping another person is only natural. People knew how to love another.

Just the other day I chance upon someone's handphone picture gallery.


Immediately my heart was saddened at the truth behind the words. True in respect to today's generation. True that we find ourselves selfishly doing things for our own gain. That it was about what I felt, what I wanted, what was fair to me, what was my right. We've gotten more vain, more concerned about our image, more conceited, more kiasu.

Think about that for a moment. A lot of our rationalizations are actually attempts to make our selfishness seem less selfish. I find that I'm guilty of that too.

The scripture that came into mind, where Paul warns Timothy that in the last days people will be lovers of themselves instead.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive,
disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them!

And today we see an entire generation that have fulfilled prophecy.

Let's think about that for a moment....................

What has become of our world?

In the last decade alone, our world has taken such a leap into the unknown. The differences between generations has become larger a lot quicker. And suddenly, we've stepped on the express lane heading head first towards end times. And that is a scary thought.

What is to become of a generation that no longer understands that there is a truth, and that that truth cannot be changed nor compromised? What becomes of a generation that gives in to what their heart wants, and fall back on our their unreliable feelings? In this media age, we've become so caught up with all that isn't even real. How would we recognize what is anymore? I watched a session (Mark Gungor's Marriage seminar) about how a lot of men in the States (according to statistics) have chosen porn over a living breathing woman. The virtual reality world has penetrated out lives and our thinking so much so that it was changed an entire generation - in their behaviors, their values, their lifestyle and the very crust of what a society is. It's scary. In Japan, teachers are being replaced by robots. How can robots be the molder of the next generation?!!?

We follow reality shows like they are people we can look up to, idolizing anyone who is "lucky" enough to have the lifestyle of the rich and famous. How many of them are good role models for our young? What happens when the dreams become a crave? And people buy into the reel life? Anyone in the position of influence can stand up and declare a 'truth' and people will believe these days. There is a new age belief that is against everything Christians have been believing. And people are following it by the thousands.



The end is truly near... Christians need to start standing up instead of just surviving.

Another ui

ui = unindentified injury

It was discovered yesterday, that I have yet another bruise on me. This time it's almost black in colour. And no, i'm sure it's not ink. It was found on my calves, at the back of my knee.

I can't recall or imagine how I got that bruise. I doubt I could bruise that part during sleep either.

I also discovered (later) blood on my knuckles and on my shoulder. I did not realize that I had scratched myself till it bled over.
And I'm pretty sure I'm not self abusive.

It's one of those x-file incidents.

not ashamed of the gospel?

You'd think I have no problem with this. But I do. I can preach it and pray about it but I still have that fear.

I carried my heavy, thick 'Christian Theology' to the bank and JPJ, knowing I can catch up on my reading assignment during the LONG waits in those places. In holding my book and reading it, I hope to God nobody notices what I'm reading. How in the world am I to explain what that is. True enough, two people decided to ask me. An Indian Mak Cik and a petite Malay lady.

"Studying ah?" They ventured to ask. They think I'm a student *beams*

"Ya," I politely answered with a sweet apologetic smile and directed my attention back to the book. Please don't ask the next question, I kept repeating in my head. Please don't ask what I'm studying or where I'm studying. It was so hard to answer that I'm studying Theology at a Bible College. I know my answer will follow with gawks and awkward silences or even a polite and forced "good for you" instead of "you crazy ah".

Thankfully they did not venture to ask further. Probably not wanting to disturb me further.

Or had I just missed an opportunity to testify? Sigh!~ Silly me. =(

Book Indulgence

I've always loved books. Used to read 2-3 books a week in higher primary primary and lower secondary. Would visit the second hand bookstores, people's libraries and so on. I loved ETC's and Rachel's book libraries (when I chance to go there for cell those many years ago). The reality was this:

• I couldn't afford to be buying books.
• My sight was worsening as I indulge in books.
• I was shutting the world out when I sit by myself and read.
• I had to study.

So I stopped. Read only two books a year. Tops. My eyesight power was too high. Didn't want to risk going blind. I never allowed myself to want to buy books. At least not brand new ones that cost 30-50bucks. To me it was ridiculous. Second hands were okay as they only cost a max of rm20. And so that was how it was. Until one fine day.

• I realised I could afford.
  
• I realised I should read more (my english was deteriorating).
  
• I realised my sight had stabalized.
• I realised I still wanted that library.

So it started one dreary day while I was soothing my down times, walking alone down the aisle of Popular, allowing myself to browse. I saw it. Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility". I actually like classics. And wanted it. And I bought it after another 10minutes of consideration. And read it. And was glad. Recently, I allowed myself the pleasure of buying books. As strange as that statement may sound to many. I actually feel happy after buying a book. I'm also starting to 'get' the shopping therapy. Oh no... And here's the recent addition to my library - one I'm starting to build for Aspirers and for myself (separately). Note to youth: Screwtape letters for Aspirers - about . a senior devil writing letters to his nephew, a junior devil, about how to lure and destroy his human subject. Note to self: I need to start reading the books I'm buying.

Vaio Vive

Have you ever eyed something and knew in the depths of your heart that you wanted it? Some of us would just go for it. Some others, like myself, would hesitate, more often than not, and partially believe it's not ours for the taking (in some twisted sense). Well, I don't often see something I really want. And even less often reward myself with it. No, I don't understand myself either.

I wanted a Vaio CS. A blood-red Vaio. [Refer] But it comes with the higher end model. So I settled for Pearl White. The same colour as James, my MyVi. I wanted as much memory capacity as possible too - 4Gb. But the lower end model has only 2Gb. We gotta live with what we can get rite?

So my dear friends, who do not think I can do this on my own, came with me. They won't even let me drive my own car up, loan me a lot of cash so I have no other excuse, bargained and checked with the shops cause I won't dare to, embarassed me with all the questions they asked regarding the Vaio, even carried it after. I'm glad they did. Was literally my driving force to get the Vaio I had only said I wanted but still delayed to getting it. I felt like I was dragged up and had the laptop shoved into my hands. Thank God for irritating friends like that. That's testimony#1.

Here's testimony#2. They actually ran out of the white I wanted. I felt like merajuk-ing to Lav like a spoilt child cos I did not want to settle for any of the other two colours. I regret I didn't trust that God would give me the best that I wanted. I was upset (over a colour. How childish!). But at the very next shop, that Der insist on checking out, their branch had JUST called about an available final stock white one! Hallelujah! On top of that they were upgrading it to 4GB for absolutely FREE! (I asked him thrice if he was sure). I almost couldn't believe my blessing.

So I got:
A white Sony Vaio CS
with free upgrade to 4gb
and free laptop bagpack
and free bluetooth laser mouse

In that split moment I felt like hugging God, mentally. (I didn't actually feel the actual excitement till the day after - delayed reactions) I didn't even pray about it or for it. And I hadn't been as devoted as I wished I was yet He saw the desires of my heart and He granted it. There was no condition clause! It was like God saying "Nah, for you. Be happy. Know that I see your heart's desires. Now and always." ETC onced said God knows you're gonna use it for ministry so why won't he give if you only ask. Why not ask? I sincerely do not know. But even so. He blows my mind.

So here is she..... Yes its a 'she'. Because it looks like a girl lah.
Introducing,
Vaio Vive


Note: I'm taking my own sweet time to migrate over. I need to borrow all kinds of installers, please.

Fasting

Chapter 18: Prayer, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem [page 390] Several benefits come from fasting, all of which affect our relationship to God:

1. Fasting increases our sense of humility and dependence on the Lord
   (our hunger and physical weaknesses remind us how we are not really strong but need the Lord)
2. Fasting allows us to give more attention to prayer
3. Fasting reminds us that, just as we sacrificed our personal comfort by not eating, we must continually sacrifice all of ourselves to him
4. Fasting is a good exercise in self discipline, strengthening our ability to refrain from sin
   (training to accept the small suffering willingly, we will be better able to accept other suffering for the sake of righteousness)
5. Fasting heightens spiritual and mental alertness and a sense of God's presences as we focus less on material things.
   
6. Fasting expresses earnestness and urgency in our prayers
   (we are saying to God that we are prepared to lay down our lives that the situation be changed)

Perhaps I should fast more. But it's so hard....

He knows best

I've always wanted to be married by 28 and start my own home. I can't wait to 'play house' and fuss about furnitures and household chores (as boring as they sound to many ppl). And I want children of my own. I want the kind of commitment the media marked as feared and unwanted.

But I suppose it is my singlehood and support that has allowed me to do what I did these last few years. Ministry has had my undivided focus to be advanced. I would not have heard God if I had been preoccupied. I suppose He knows best and makes all things beautiful in His time.

I've always wanted that streak of independent adulthood. To live and taste life as any young adult ever did. To believe I can reach for the stars or dine under them. I looked across and the pasture looks greener, as they always do. We're all taken in by the media. A life like that is always tempting. Age has that effect on you.

But I suppose it is the simplicity of my life that thought me to appreciate the little things in life, to remember there are those in need. Compassion can be caught and learnt. And at the end of the day, it's the simplicity of life that won my heart. Luxury looses its sparkle when learnt the simple joys of seeing lives grow. I suppose He knows best and plants eternity in our hearts.

I've always wanted to travel the world and see all nature's beauty. To say I've been there and I've done that - said with the different chops on my passport. I'd like to live and taste the world's diverse culture, to marvel at God's creativity be it nature or people. To find that people are so different yet innately the same somehow. A lifetime would not have suffice to see all that the world has to offer.

But I suppose it is this town that my heart is most familiar with, where God has called me to dwell for now. The rest of the world can wait when God's calling is concerned. The world is going no where. I wonder if it's man's similarity or diversity which attracts me most. I've been blessed to have gone to different places, as doors are being opened and my desire fulfiled. Perhaps one day I'd get to, one city at a time. I suppose He knows best and holds tomorrow in His secure hands.

Sometimes I don't believe that I can have what I want, yet as I look around me I realise He has answered many of my little desires. Sometimes I'm too afraid to reach out and believe, yet God brings people of situations right unto my lap. Why then am I still afraid? Why then do I still find it hard sometimes to believe it's mine for the taking? Why then I still want those things I have chosen to forego? You don't have because you don't ask. Ask and you will receive, knock and the door will be opened. Sometimes fear gets the better of me and I find myself still standing behind the iron bars I thought I'd walk out of, ashamed of what was and is.

Sovereign Lord, give me the strength to endure, the courage to break forth, patience to wait upon You, serenity to accept, wisdom to decipher and make right choices, discipline in the everday, faith to conquer, compassion for the broken, humility to learn, and more of You.

"I'm set apart, not living life my own ways..."
May I know the reality of that.

Croc

My maid claims there was a baby crocodile walking down our bushes this afternoon. One as long as the length of your forearm.

I wonder perhaps if it was a very large monitor lizard instead. I live on a hill, far from any source of water or swamp. There never has been a croc in the area before. There has been frogs, snakes, monkeys, squirrels, monitor lizards, but never a croc.

If it where a baby croc, the mother must be near by. What news that'll be for Seremban town. Should I turn Croc Hunter? Let me get my khakis.

Aspirers Camp 2009: Song

Sing a New Song
This is the song birthed into Ann's heart, before the camp. It is a song about expecting from God and waiting on Him and asking from Him.

We remember, Jesus, you cried
Go into all the world and say
You loved the world so much you gave
Spirit hear us when we pray
We're gonna give our all and say
O let your presence fall today

The expectation is building
It's rising up within us
It's burning, it's burning
Deep within our souls

Pour your spirit on us Lord
Send us dreams, give us visions
Don't let this flame die down
More of you in us we pray
As we answer the call
May our hearts beat as one with yours
May our hearts beat as one with yours

My Saviour and my Lord
I stand before and I pray
I'll never walk the other way
In Your name we boldly come
We wanna lift Your name on high
This is our one heart's desire

We did this song last Sunday, Mar 1st during Sunday service - sharing our song and heart's cry with the rest of the congregation. This post has been back dated.

Aspirers Camp 2009: Testimonials

Testimonies







-Ale

Overall, I felt camp was G-R-E-A-T! And I felt so much more blessed cause this year instead of being at the altar going me, me, me, me. I went to the altar going, Them, them, them, them. It was the first time I never stood up front to be prayed for -Lynne

What I am trying to point out here is that God use many ways to touched our lifes...I was so longing to be blessed by God and I didn't feel it until I went up to pray for these younger ones... Hearing them speaking in tongues were really a fulfillment in my life...The satisfaction and joy u gained is much more than you expect...I was simply touched by it so much...See,God touched His people with different ways... -Jian

The one thing about Aspirers retreat is that you sort of leave everything behind, all your worries and troubles are suddenly lifted from you, and you find rest in God. I could see everyone there felt free and peaceful. It was a great experience. There was crying, there was shouting... it was all a cry to the Lord. Some were so deeply burdened that when God touched them, they instantly released all their sadness. -Warren

many were touched..His presence was so strong...You could just see Him pass by..I thank you God for being so real to me...for listening to all my crys..and understanding..besides that ps julie khoo was the bomb man..her sermons were like musicals..lol..she loves to sing...wheee.!! - Larissa

Ppl... Wat i wan to say now is God wil never forsake you no matter wat... Just dun turn away from God when something bad happen to u o when u feel dry.... Dun ever run away.. Juz pray nd talk to him.. And trust me...God wil touch you in a very special way... -Qing

Anyone care to add? Let's give Him the glory

Aspirers Camp 2009: Expect

Expectations
This year's camp was one of the hardest to encounter. It wasn't the logistics but something more. We've been talking about this camp since months ago - we believe that this camp is gonna be so much more where lives will be launched to a whole new platform of faith. We told them to Expect.

But instead of anxiousness, I was down most of the time. And I witnessed that the rest of the leaders and committee were down and out. They faced difficulties and hindrances, both with the task at hand and in their own lives. Because of that, I believed even more that this camp was special, that it would be different. Or so my head keeps telling me, because my heart was not responding.

The night before camp, Chaco asked me what it was that I was expecting in camp. I said souls saved. This is the highest ever recorded number of campers ever and there were so many new people. I remember thinking we've all had the spiritual highs over and over again, now I want more. I want to see souls saved, lives transformed by the power of His name. God, oh God! Because I know God is in THAT business and I want to be in THAT business too.

"Chains be broken,
Lives be healed,
Eyes be opened
As Christ is revealed!"
- You'll Come, Hillsong

Did God disappoint?
No. Never. I cried when I heard the words.
Was camp better this year?
It was different. And yes, revival is here.
Was it up to expectation?
It kinda depends what your expectation is right? Don't put God in a box!
What can we expect from this?
The beginning of a generation that is rising up to take their place in Faith.

This year we saw our youths rise up in faith. They prayed. They did their job. They held on even when the storms came in. They didn't give up. They believed. They fused the enthusiasm. They mentored. They reached out. They ministered and prayed for others! They prophesied. They did things I never did when I was 16 or 17. I can retire.... almost =)

Oh Lord, I see what you are doing. Give me now the strength and boldness, wisdom and guidance, patience and compassion, to take it to that next level.

..to be continued.

aspirers camp

ASPIRERS CAMP 2009:
EXPECT
Expect Great Things
(13th to 15th February 2009)

....is coming...

Sony Vaio

While scouting around for laptops, I fell in love with this:

It has everything that I need (want) and it's so sleek. It's tagline has the word 'passion' in it - one of my favourite words. And this red is gorgeous. It was the advert on the newspaper that caught me some time back. I mean it's a Sony.

Do I really even need it? But have you ever gazed at one, caressed it and hear it call to you?

Woe is he who brought me into the Sony shop.

It is slightly over my budget. Should I get it? I know it's an indulgence! I saw an Asus which is pretty good for rm700 less than this. My heart is warring within me.

Lost Generation

This is a video I received as a forwarded mail. It won second place at the AARP U@50 video contestand it is about the Lost Generation. As the next generation comes dangerously close to becoming this, believe that we can still make a difference.

Take time to watch this. You won't regret it.

eating habits

Everybody has strange eating habits. Just go out a couple of meals with someone and you'll begin to see those strange habits coming out. You may just be shocked.

There are about a hundred things I don't eat and I will spend the time to pick them out one by one. People wonder why I go to all that trouble picking out the onions on my noodles.

Some people eat their burger in layers, some people layer everything they eat with chili padi, some people destroy every straw they use.

Eugene eats the cake but not the cream. Even if it's Secret Recipe.


What's yours?

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...