Hope for the future

A cup filled with water, overflowing. It's far too small to contain anymore. The only solution is to pour away some, so that it'll not be suffocated. How bout changing the shape of the cup? Adding more material so that it'll be able to increase it's capacity for what's coming in. But it's not an immediate solution...it takes time. Right now the only way to solve this problem is to discard some of its contents, let it breathe and rest while it gets ready for another "operation".

The illustration completely describes my situation now. True enough TLBC has been amazing and enjoyable for me. But, it seems like there's too many information and facts for me to digest and contain. I feel overloaded. Just like when there's a heavy object on the weighing machine, the plate of the machine will sink it's way down. Exactly. Yup, every modules have opened my eyes towards the work of God's hands that i never knew. But the passion and joy of unveiling every mystery in the bible seems to be diminishing. And so, i decided to take a little break. Have a good rest at home and not think about what's taught in school. A good little retreat and talk with God.

Obviously that doesn't mean i shut off completely from what's taught. Still absorbing but at a smaller capacity. This very interesting fact that i came to know is in the book of Romans, Paul actually said that because of the Jews' transgression that results in the salvation of the Gentiles, which is us! And thus we may be called into Israel and we're the children of the promise. All thanks to Israel! :) Another one. The end times would be determined according to the state of Israel. Like who's the authority and all. That's because Israel is the land that God blessed. A covenant God had with Abraham. A promise and hope that all of us can hold on to. A future, though it may seems a little hard to visualise right now. How about this. I remember Pastor Benny telling us about his research on the country Israel. Israel was and still is enjoying great wealth. Companies like haagen daz and happy co. (ben & Jerry) belongs to them too! Though they are a US or UK brand, the company belongs to Israel. Amazing? It's this pleasure of seeing God's word getting more and more vivid and real that kept me "alive".

Many people out there are trying to prove the bible wrong by sending their best archeologists and researchers all over the world. Why not prove the bible right? There's more satisfaction when all that's in the bible become so alive right in front of our eyes that we can say BINGO! :D

Oh no!

Pastor Benny Ho taught us on the book of Romans 1-8 last week! It was super good!! Oh man...one of my favourite speaker. :) The way and things he speaks about are so engaging and applicable! :)

Well, we're having Pastor Joel Baker right now. He taught us conflict resolutions and spiritual authority for the past 2 days and for the next 3 days, he's going to speak on JEWISH ROOTS! So exciting! I really really can't wait for the passover dinner that we're going to have this thursday! Oh but the anti-climax is...i'm getting my A level results this friday...

Boo. I don't think i can really enjoy thursday night and friday morning. My mind would be filled with all the alaphabets and the face of my teachers! Though i always tell the others that God's divine presence and peace will cover and overwhelm us in all other areas, it's just so hard to really do it! Easier said than done. What a real test of faith and trust. Indeed i'll fear not, for i know i prayer and have done my best. So...all the best to all A level students out there! May we be glad for whatever results we'll be getting! :)

1000 marbles

I came across this story that really speaks so truthfully about our life on net.(http://www.christianlifestories.com/stories/m-r/marbles.html)Really got me to think and reflect. The word is REFLECT.


The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it. I turned the volume up on my radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning talk show. I heard an older sounding chap with a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business himself.

He was talking about "a thousand marbles" to someone named "Tom." I was intrigued and sat down to listen to what he had to say. "Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital."

He continued, "Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities."

And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles."

"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years."

"Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900 which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I'm getting to the important part."

"It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail," he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy."

"So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round-up 1000 marbles.

I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in my workshop next to the radio. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away." "I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight."

"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then God has blessed me with a little extra time to be with my loved ones...

"It was nice to talk to you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your loved ones, and I hope to meet you again someday. Have a good morning!"

You could have heard a pin drop when he finished. Even the show's moderator didn't have anything to say for a few moments. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to do some work that morning, then go to the gym. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast."

"What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special," I said. " It has just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles."

What then is our purpose in life? What's the whole meaning in living on earth. How much time have we wasted? Time that could have save someone and to have eternal life. Time that could have been spent on something more constructive, more fruitful. Time with God.

:|

Joy
Smiles
Cheers
Happiness
Laughter
Enjoyment
Peaceful
Quiet
Lonely
Dull
Sensitive
Emotional
Jaded
Fatigue
Tears
Unhappiness
Questions...without answers
Inspirations
Answers
Repentence
Discover
Ascertain
Rejoice
Thankful
Joy
Smiles
Cheers
Happiness
Laughter
Enjoyment
Peaceful
Quiet
Lonely
Dull
Sensitive
Emotional
Jaded
Fatigue
Tears
Unhappiness
Questions...without answers
Inspirations
Answers
Repentence
Discover
Ascertain
Rejoice
Thankful
And the list continues...

Isn't life usually like this? It's a cycle of ups and downs. Repetitive, tedious and troublesome yet interesting and beneficial. Oxymoron? :

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. -Romans 5:2b-5

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1:2-4

Just Let Me Say

Terrific song that i came across in Tung Ling when i was on duty for the keyboard. Worship led by benjamin, otherwise known as benji boy, who is so well-loved by the girls in TLBC. (Haha! :P) The lyrics is good, so is the song. :)

Just Let Me Say
Just let me say
how much I love You
Let me speak of
Your mercy and grace
Just let me live in the shadow of Your beauty
Let me see you face to face
And the earth will shake
As Your Word goes forth
The heavens can tremble and fall
But let me say
how much I love You
O my Saviour, my Lord and Friend.

Just let me hear
Your finest whispers
As you gently call my name
And let me see
Your power and Your glory
Let me feel Your Spirit's flame
Let me find You in the desert
'Til this sand is holy ground
And I am found completely surrendered
To You, my Lord and Friend

So let me say
How much I love You
With all my heart I long for You
For I am caught in this passion of knowing
This endless love I've found in You
And the depth of grace, the forgiveness found
To be called a child of God
Just makes me say
How much I love You
O my Saviour, my Lord and Friend
Just makes me say
how much I love You
O my Saviour, my Lord and Friend

Happy Valentine's Day! :)

Valentine's valentine's valentine's! :) Today is a couple day! I went to Plaza Singapura to get guitar strings for joel chia (better thank me ah!) at yamaha with 2 other cool friend from Tung Ling, Jonathan and Leroy. On the way we saw so many couples; young, old, les and gays. It is one of the rare days where you see super alot of flowers around! Haha! I remember telling zhulong how i wish to have a bouquet of flowers too! Haha! Oh well, just a wish, not a want. Haha! I can still remember the last time i receive a bouquet of flowers was almost 3 years ago! Woo...super long time ago already. Haha.

When we were on our way from Tung Ling to PS, we passed by Orchard Road Presbyterian Church which had a banner that says something like this; Love is not in the air, love is at the cross. Isn't it so true and sweet? I guess many couples will spend this day expressing their love for each other and friends will make cookies and cards for one another to signify their love for them. But something that struck me today isn't about sharing love with loved ones, but remembering His love for us at the cross. Amazing? It's not all about us, it's about Jesus. Thus i decided to cancel my date with my girlfriends and stayed home, spending time with the Lord. (Though i took a rather long nap first! :P)

"Someday my prince will come". Haha. A phrase that i remember seeing it on a t-shirt. (I forgot the verse that went along with it though.) Yep yep...someday God will send me His right one. The one that gave me his rib. Haha!! Good day to all! :)

Influences

Wow...all my friends who just got their o's results did well! Congratulations guys! :D May God lead you to the right course! :) well, this week passed really fast and i can see myself busy the coming week again! Boo... :( And something's bad!!! I've yet to complete my book for book review that i due on the 14th... Shucks...

Oh well, i didn't exactly have a good weekend except for the "outings" with friends and the catching up with some others. Yesterday, which is saturday, a really good friend of mine shared about the problem she's facing with regards to the people around her in her workplace. Right today, some stuffs that were said to me by others shook me. It's all about the people in our life.

Now i understand why John Maxwell (or is it another writer, not sure) said that the 2 most important things is life are the books we read and the people around us. I finally see another perspective of why the people around us. It is the very influence, the very words said and actions made that determines your every step next. Really powerful... I remember in one of my previous posts, i mentioned about the fact that i'm a person who can be affected by others rather easily, at times. Yeap...now i'm getting "it" again.

I must admit i was rather affected when my friends said something bad, my weak point, about me. True enough, i know that is my weakness, my flaw. But i really didn't want it! I've been trying to change and get rid of that bad habit if mine and i've really improved. I know they are just kidding and because we are all so close friends that we were so frank. But, there's like other people too!! Some other people who don't really know me yet! Right away i felt a little condemnation. I felt as though i'm really bad, full of flaws, really really bad. I took a step back, went home myself today and gave a good thought. I complained to God, i teared. It's just me to be so sensitive about little things. But i thank God for reminding me, of not to conform to the patterns of the world, to always stand upon His truth, to be like Jesus. Sometimes i wish my friends would encourage me instead of teasing me about my weakness. I know they are kidding and all these are just for pure laughter and i can take it, i don't mind being made fun of, "bullied". Sometimes, and i mean sometimes, i rather not have it. :( Is that an expectation? I don't think so. Its just my opinion, choice, preference. And i know that we are all made differently, react to things differently and think differently. I believe there are many others who were or are hurt by what i say, do or react. If i really did and you're reading this, i'm sorry.

Lesson learnt. Really to be careful of not only my tongues, but my action and reaction. Facial expression, words, movements. At the same time not to do all these to "por" others. (What a thin line.) Live your life like yourself! :) I know that there may be many who don't agree with my thinking and who thinks that its rather "stupid" to be troubled about such things. But i believe its something that we must be wary about. Something that can be so crucial especially in the working field.

I'm going to really try...really hard to kick my bad habit and to be sensitive to others. I would like to apologise first, to those who i will be hurting, for i am really not perfect.

ELECTROCUTED!

This is exciting! Pastor Yang prayed for all of us today after our last session of journey of Israel(His sidetracks are good!! :P). It was.....BOOOOOM! :D He didn't exactly prayed for me. The thing he did was walk to me, place his hand on my head and say," Let the fire of God fall upon you!". Oh my my...the moment he walked towards me, i can feel this hot sensation overwhelming me completely! And when he place his hand on my head, i felt as though both my hands got electrocuted! Oh man! It's the anointing, the fire, the touch, the very presence of God! Tears rolled down my cheeks immediately. I wasn't crying at all, not weaping, not wailing...just tearing. I didn't even realise i was "crying" till tears came down! The question,"Is that really you, God?" now has a firm answer...YES! :)

I would say all these years being a Christian, i have yet to really feel that very touch from God! Usually, i would cry and wail that sometimes i wonder is it me or the Holy Spirit. But this time, it's completely different! Its the touch, TOUCH, T-O-U-C-H OF GOD! :D :D :D

Indeed God will come and touch you when you desire, thirst, long for Him. I remember i was telling God,"Please don't pass me by, please. Let me feel you, your anionting that i may testify." and God answered me! PPOOOOMMMM! Mamma mia! Haha.

Pastor Yang said this," If you want to tell people about our God, you need to testify. And to testify, you don't use doctrines and bible verses alone...but the experiences you had. That's real testimony." It shook me. I have been hearing this so often but this time, what he said actually kind of "woke me up". I started thinking and realised that if someone were to ask me how you know your God is true, i wouldn't have experiences such as this to share! Thank God....Really thank God...Amen...amen...

Well, today is a good day. I baked! Cheese and onion tarts. Its really nice! (Of course! :P) But the crust is a little too dry...guess i didn't put enough flour. Recently girls in jabok at TLBC got this passion for baking. Its contagious...HAHA! Well, i used to bake whenever my sister or mom want to. Now, i feel like mastering the art of baking! Its so fun especially seeing the results, getting your friends to taste them and hearing their compliments! :) I want to try chocolate cookies, apple tart, cheese cake, all sorts of desserts! New term resolution. Haha.

Stares. A desire yet irritation. Isn't it? Haha. But i love it. I like being the one staring. eh...a nicer or rather more correct way to put it is, observe. Yeap. Thats good. Observing's good...but judging is bad. Bad...never judge. Especially people.

Let the peace of God reign

A song that spoke right into my heart, that descirbes how i feel...

Let the peace of God reign-Hillsongs(Shadows of Your Wings)
Father of Life
Draw me closer
Lord, my heart is set on You
Let me run the race of time
With Your life enfolding mine
And let the peace of God
Let it reign

Oh Holy Spirit
Lord, my comfort
Strengthen me, hold my head up high
And I stand upon Your truth
Bringing glory unto You
And let the peace of God
Let it reign

Oh Lord I hunger
For more of You
Rise up within me
Let me know Your truth
Oh Holy Spirit Saturate my soul
And let the life of God
Fill me now Let Your healing power
Breathe life and make me whole
And let the peace of God
Let it reign

The journey

Lesson at TLBC currently is on the journey of Israel by Rev. Yang. It is super interesting yet scary. We'll be going through the path of Israel...from Moses to David to Solomon... It is definitely exciting to study and know more about the past so that we may understand and learn from each experiences. But, i got a little confused when he said something about them being prophetic and that we will have to go through them(to reach Mount Zion) so that we may reach and touch the very glory of God! When he was speaking, i could sense the fear of God overwhelming me. Suddenly i feel heavy and i feel like crying and hiding! It's really something that i've yet to come across in my life!! :

But...ain't it cool? To be so covered by God's presence and to touch Him? But, its also very scary!! Thinking of all the trials and sufferings we gotta go through before His coming and the persecution that we have to face. Indeed that great amount of faith is required. I was just wondering; can i be like David where i'll rejoice and sing praises to God even during pains? Amazing....really amazing...He even mentioned about the second coming of Christ and the 1000 years on earth where Jesus would come and we will rule and reign the earth and all of us will go to the very centre of the earth which is Jerusalem to worship God. I so wanna go Israel now... :P

I guess the whole topic would be alot more clearer after tomorrow and wednesday's lessons...can't wait to hear more! He is indeed one super anointed preacher an one who has a great deal of faith and is walking so so so closely to God! I really admire him...the passion for His glory...oh man...so influential! :D

Well, i'm now suffering from this pain at my hip bone because something really bad yet funny happened.......i fell when i was bathing yesterday night! :s I got this super big blue black near my left hip bone and the bone itself is painful! I can feel the pain even when i walk up and down the stairs...and thank God for the stairs at my house...really...so that i'll be used to it when i take buses and when i'm out. Bleah...and the incredible thing is: I actually ran and ref-ed 2 matches today! Impressive heh...I can't believe i did it! :) All thanks to God...and lynn, for praying for me! :D

See, Hear and Talk...in a RIGHT WAY!

I just realised its been more than a week since i posted anything!! Oops...well, i'm really busy for the past week. I didn't had time to call my sec 1 girls and to go out with my jc friends! I was busy refereeing and handling other issues. haha.

Oh man! I really gotta admit that i spend loads of $$ this week...oops. I bought 2 bags, FEW pieces of clothes and SOME accessories in just 3 nights. Haha. Maybe to some out there this is considered few but to me, Oh my goodness! My first ever time spending so much in 3 days! Gotta repent...haha.

Talking about refereeing, i just can't forget my experience at Kheng Cheng School last friday. One of the primary school i ref-ed was so rebellious! The coach actually got a quota of how many fouls he wants per quarter of the game! Mamma mia! I still can remember him shouting, "stop him, push him!" and the players do likewise. Oh man...so rubbish...what morals have been instilled in them man. I can't believe it. I was so so angry that i wanted to disqualify them! But, i patiently told the players off and gave them warnings hoping that they will not do it again. Little did i know, the coach smiled and say continue! This is so disgusting!! Worst match ref-ed ever.

Well, as i reflect my week, i realise how God has placed different situations together so that we may learn! I just had a 2 days lesson on mentoring and the importance in it plus my experience from the match i ref-ed on firday, i see how they cam be linked! I can imagine that my life would be in a great big mess if it were to be filled with people like the coach i mentioned. How important is it to really mix and know good companies! What will happen to the players of the coach in future? What will they learn? Will they be potential crime-breakers? Will they be saved and "brainwashed" by someone else? It's kind of scary, i feel. It'll cost the whole lifetime of someone just because somebody in your life influenced you in the wrong way. I come to agree that it is very very important to mentor and be mentored. To choose the right mentors and mentees, to teach the right values and have a close guidance.

Sometimes in life, i seems to take people for granted. I tend to judge whether or not this person can teach or add values, knowledge and wisdom to my life. Whether he or she is capable of helping me to be a better person. I was so so wrong! Everyone who left their prints in my life actually meant a lot. The every words they say and comments about me. I've learnt to accept views from different perspectives and to take a step back to evaluate all the opinions. It got me to realise how onlookers can give a better picture of who i really am.
I realise at times when people give a brief and random comment about me like "u're not exciting", i would suddenly freeze and asked myself, am i really boring? Though at times i know they may be just kidding, somehow it'll enter my mind and even take root! it dawned upon me that what i say really matters to people alot though it may be just kidding. And if its really kidding, say "I'm really kidding!". Maybe its just me...someone who's rather sensitive and thinks alot. At times i would much prefer that i'll be someone who is blur and not the kind who thinks too much. Well, no complains...i thank God for who i am.

Amazing heh...small little things that happen in life can birth out lessons and valuable thoughts. Haha. All in all, i think that though one's opinion about you matters, God's opinion is still the most important. And we must be careful about accepting what people say about us...so that we do not become like what they described but to be like Christ!

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children-Ephesians 5:1