Departures (movie 2009)

Initially I thought this will be a boring movie. I did hear good comments on it. This movie won the Oscar Best Foreign Language film.

This movie is about this guy, Daigo Kobayashi's life which took a turn when the band he played in was disbanded. Left with no job, Daigo, a cellist decided to move back to his hometown. At his hometown, he got a job working as an undertaker. It wasn't easy at first since you have to face different kind of corpses and also the taboo of this job. People despised his job, including his friend and wife. However, he found meaning in this job and through the job, he experienced the acceptance of make up or touch a deceased, the temporary lost of his wfe, the grudge against his father and etc.

It seems to me that a lot of people think that handling dead people are such a dirty job. (there is a scene where his wife shun away from him saying that his hands are dirty) However, this movie shows that no matter how dirty a job is, if it's done with patience, passion and heart it will be something that you'll never forget in your life and even fix bad relationship with anyone else. There are a few funerals showing different family and their feelings for the deceased. It was really touching. I almost teared. I imagined how I would response in those moments. I realised how much I love my family and my wife. It will also be a heart wrenching experience for me. These feelings propel me to want to spend more time with them and not to regret it later.

Another thing that I learnt in this movie is the passion and conviction in the things/work you do. Daigo is not the only example who does his work with passion and conviction. His boss and another uncle also do it with passion and conviction. They see meaning in their work. They found the motivation to persevere in their work no matter how lowly or repetitive it may seems. How many of us have found such meaning in things we do?

Something that touched me is also the support of Daigo's wife. Initially she threatened him to give up his job for her and their baby. This is what she said, "How do you want me to tell our child what his father does?" Later on when she saw how Daigo perform his work with such patience, grace and respect for a deceased whom she knew, she was convinced. This was shown when she spoke up for Daigo later in the movie,"My husband is a professional!"

Another classic line from this movie,"Your last purchase is actually select by someone else, what an irony!"

In conclusion, this is a great movie and it definitely worth the money and time.

Hippo vs Penguin

Yesterday SD gathering was refreshing.
What stuck on me was Hippo and Penguin. Haha

Sarah shared about a prophecy she received during the leaders' getaway. It was about penguin. How the penguin is to live in a community, to stick to the community and not to be alone, Interdependent of one another, learning from each other and sharing with one another. It reminds me of the movie about penguins,"March of the Penguins".



In this movie, the penguins travel together and huddle together in harsh winter. In the extreme cold of the Antarctic winter, the females are at sea fishing for food leaving the males to brave the weather by themselves. They often huddle together to keep warm and rotate positions to make sure that each penguin gets a turn in the center of the heat pack. This is community living. If the penguins are selfish and always stay in the center of the heat pack, then those at the outer ring will probably die. I guess slowly more and more will die eventually. less penguin = less fats and warm. =p

Then Eugene shared about Hippo. Hippo also live in community. Though they live in close proximity, they do not seem to form social bonds except between mothers and daughters, and are not social animals. The reason they huddle in close proximity is unknown. Within the pods, the hippos tend to segregate by gender. Bachelors will lounge near other bachelors, females with other females, and the bull on his own.When hippos emerge from the water to graze, they do so individually. Hippo are territorial animals. It is normal for them to kill crocodiles living in the same area. They are very violent-tempered too. It is claimed that they kill more humans than any other animal except mosquitos.

Am I more a Hippo or a penguin? Am I like hippo who react when someone step on my toes or intrude my "territory"(comfort zone)? Or am I like penguin who will accept one another readily, stand together and help one another in harsh circumstances? Or am I too individualistic? Will I welcome vulnerability and closeness like how the penguin huddle together? Or will I be selfish to stay longer in the center of the heat pack(each person for his own)? Am I outwardly joining cg and events but not connecting at heart level? Am I with the community like the Hippo or am I in the community like the Penguin?

Hippo vs Penguin... Who am I in CG, in church, in family and in workplace?

I like the prophecy spoken in the gathering about Subway burger. Every ingredient inside gives forth individual aroma and taste. They contribute to the nutrition value and taste of the burger. Everyone is unique but together as one we can serve a much higher purpose.

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up ONLY one body. So it is with the body of Christ....Yes, the body has many DIFFERENT parts, not just one part...But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it...So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally.If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad...." 1Cor 12:12-31

I want to be like a penguin. Haha... Ironically, I chose the smaller of the 2 and the gentle and lowly of the 2. God really has a way for us to learn from the meek.

FIREPROOF

DO YOU KNOW WHICH FILM IS THE BIGGEST GROSSING INDEPENDENT FILM IN AMERICA IN 2008?

It's not Slumdog Millionaire, not Milk. But it’s coming to theatre near you!



At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.

Growing up, Catherine Holt always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter...just like her daddy. Now, after seven years of marriage, Catherine wonders when she stopped being "good enough" for her husband.

Regular arguments over jobs, finances, housework, and outside interests have readied them both to move on to something with more sparks.

As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare." Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees-for his father's sake more than for his marriage. When Caleb discovers the book's daily challenges are tied into his parents' newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened.

While trying to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and again. He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?"

When his father explains that this is the love Christ shows to us, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. And with God's help he begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife.

But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever...rescuing his wife's heart.


WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THIS MOVIE?

"Amazing! Action-packed, heartwarming, and a great resource to help strengthen and affirm marriages!"
Dr. Gary Smalley, author of Change Your Heart, Change Your Life

"FIREPROOF is going to do much more than entertain and stir hearts; this is a movie that will impact couples in a profound way for decades to come."Dennis Rainey, President, FamilyLife

"FIREPROOF is a beautiful picture of how God can use one partner to completely turn a seemingly hopeless marriage around. What an encouragement!"Rebekah Land, Ph.D., Marriage and Family Therapist

"What makes a movie worth seeing is a powerful story that is well told. FIREPROOF is a compelling, must-see film."
Bob Lepine, Co-Host, FamilyLife Today

Letter

Pass this on to your friends. =D

As a Christian...

"No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." 1Jn3:9-10 (NIV)

This is something I read today and I was pondering over it. God's standard is really high. But then, it was not written that those who are born of GOd will not sin instead it was written that NONE, NO ONE, Not even 1 who is born of God will CONTINUE to sin. It is an absolute statment and yet it is possible for us, sinners to reach with His grace.

Wow if I am continuing in my sin, I am not considered to be born of God because if the seed of God is in me, I couldn't continue to sin. Somehow God will intervene and I will somehow stop it.

Reflecting back, there were moments when God actually intervened when I was in sin. If GOd had not caused my sins to be exposed; if God didn't get someone to point out my sins; if God didn't create hinderance for my sinful actions; if God didn't give me strength to flee from sins, I would have continued in my sins. Those were the times I felt so loved because of His grace. God is so gracious to me. Gosh, I really feel so precious in His eyes.

However, I have seen cases where GOd intervened but nothing was changed. Sad to say that the brother/sister has made their choice on who to follow. Thank God that opportunities to repent are always there, as long as we are alive, as long as Jesus has not return. There is still hope. =)

So as christian, as child of GOd, I will do what is right in His eyes and I will love my brothers and sisters(I don't think God say some or I am given any choice to choose). Just as GOd's promises stands true all the time, His standards are as firm. Any brothers and sisters within my influence/ radar, I am to love.

How many times have I resent against a brother;
how many times have I withdrew goodness/kindness from my brother;
how many times have I judge my brother;
how many times have I rebel against my leader;
how many times have I avoid loving my brother;
how many times have I think that he isn't good enough for my help;
how many times have I pay lips service to him;
how many times have I criticize my church(I don't mean Nexus here);

I am guilty and those are just few grains from the sack. Gosh it is tough to be like Christ.
Thank God for the grace that were given.
Thank God for the practical example Christ shown.
Thank GOd for the patience from my leaders.
Thank God for the forgiveness from my brothers and sisters.
Thank God for the strength to love.
Thank God for the strength to give.
Thank God for the faith to believe.

"...With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Mt19:26

Leaders' Getaway

Look at how we enjoyed ourselves!!! =)



The sunset was beautiful too!!



It was an enjoyable time with all the leaders in AG1. It was fun knowing one another. We had a game whereby we were to describe ourselves using an animal, a muscial instrument and food. Here are some of their descriptions: chameleon,elephant, tiger, horse, puppy, tortise; trumpet, cymbal, guitar, keyboard; durian, seafood, banana, bread. Guess which were mine.

The theme of this Getaway is about Passion, so we had a number of discovery sessions, some were games and some were discussions. =) And we had a session of prophesizing over one another as well! I received prophecies which were really apt!! Thank God. He assured me that whatever I need were/will be given to me and I should not be fearful but be courageous to go forth with faith to take on more roles & to take care of more people.

"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Prov 11:24-25

WOW! That's challenging.. But if He said so, so be it. I rather to be generous than to be stingy. Haha..

We also watched a sermon by Bill Hybels about leader's state of mind.
"When leader grow and get things right, everyone under him will grow and benefit"
My personal growth does have implication on my flock, so I got to grow!!

Another thing that spoke to me was what Bill said about Holy Discontent,he said that this is something that precedes vision and that is the key to leadership: God's heart and a human heart being aligned perfectly around what frustrates heaven and earth. Wow, it was a revelation to me. I kept asking God for vision and I didn't know how to come up with one... Now I somehow know where to look.

Reflecting back, I saw fruits when I followed through my holy discontent. I can't really explain what I felt then but now I can. Those were holy discontent and they gave me the motivation to do something about it for God and fuelled my perseverance. I will want to take time to observe what are the holy discontent that God put in me now. Probably those will be the areas that God wants me to do something about it with him. And it is something unique in me that God has created. =D

Do not Worry

What do you worry?

• Work– Will I be able to finish all these today? Will there be OT today?
• Job- Where's the replies to my resumes? Will I get a job in times like this?
• BGR – Is he/she the right person?
• Parents – What will my parents think?
• College – Will they accept my application? Will I be able to pay for the fees?
• Money – How will I make it this month? Will I get pay cut or lay off?
• Future – What will I do?
• Marriage – Whom will I marry?
• Bills – How will I ever pay for it?
• Decisions – Which job should I take? Shall I go? Shall I do this?
• Your health – What if it is something serious? Will I recover?
• Your future – What is going to happen to me? What to do?
• A combination of a number of the above!

This is just a simple list of worries I can think of. Can you think of a longer list?

Extract from a blog.
Worry is something that I know how to do. I suspect that when I worry I am primarily thinking about my own need to "fix" something and my utter inadequacy to do so. There are some things that you just can’t fix.

I can recall nights when I have lain in bed and imagined. Sometimes I relived the past (accompanied by some worry). I thought about a conversation or a meeting that took place and worried about the implications of it. At times I relived the past by imagining having made a different decision and then thinking about what might have been. At times I have worried about failures from the past.

At other times I have worried about the future. What is going to happen? Where will we live one day? What will we do?

I read again this week the familiar Scripture in Matthew 6:25-27.

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

1. God invites us to trust in him regardless. I have a friend who inspects homes for a living. The other day I heard him say that when he pulls his truck in front of a house, he always prays before going to the front door. He prays for these people and prays that he will do a good job with this inspection. My friend understands that we are called to live in daily dependence upon the Lord.

2. God invites us to live in daily dependence even in the midst of a struggling economy. This is an opportunity for so many of us to learn a new kind of dependence on God.

3. God invites us to bring our anxiety before him in the context of faith. This is not a call to some sort of indifference to what is happening in our world, economy, culture, etc. The key to dealing with anxiety and worry is not indifference but faith in God. This allows us to stare reality in the face and deal with the hard, cold facts of life.

Perhaps those of us who are church leaders/pastors/ministers/etc. would do well to follow Hezekiah’s example in 2Kings 19:14 when he faced an impossible situation with Sennacherib, king of Assyria. He prayed, "…Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God." Some things just can’t be fixed and simply need to be given over to God.

The good news is that you cannot fix so many things that are broken in your life or ministry. Yet, we are not called to be a people who have a fix for whatever might be broken. Rather, we are a people who hand it over to God.

Personally I had my fair share of worries. When I was preparing my wedding, I worried about the finance, whether I have enough money to cover; I worried about the program, whether I missed out any part; I worried about what it will be like on actual day; I worried that pple can't get me because my handphone hang the night before. Thank God it was over. He sent friends to support and help me. He gave me peace and assurance as I depended on Him.

However, I still do worry.. eg financially whether I can save enough for baby and house, how my flock is doing. But I seek God's wisdom to plan whatever I can and whatever is beyond me, God, you take it from here. =)
So just follow the 3 steps. God is just and faithful to His words. Don't worry.

Moving towards Changes

A blog that I read today. The five questions posted are great questions for us to reflect on.

1. Do you need to change your attitude? Do you tend to be cynical and negative? Do you complain more than you praise God?


2. Do you live for the applause and approval of other people? Do you feel disappointed, and even angry, when others do not seem impressed with your willingness to sacrifice for your prayer life or your ministry (Matt. 6:1-18)?


3. Do you need to change where you have placed your "treasure"? Is your heart wrapped around the desire for earthly goods, material wealth, and status symbols? Or, are you investing in a treasure that moths and rust cannot consume (Matt. 6:19-24)?


4. Do you take Jesus at his word? Do you trust him to the point of risk? Or, are you merely going along with his words as long as they seem reasonable?


5. Are you serious about loving God and loving others or do you hold on to cherished fantasies rooted in hatred, lust, or envy?


It will be so good if someone else can evaluate it for me. =p Probably someone who know me very well can help me answer these questions... haha

1. Do I need to change my attitude? Do I tend to be cynical and negative? Do I complain more than I praise God?

2. Do you think I live for the applause and approval of other people? Do I look disappointed, and even angry, when others do not seem impressed with my willingness to sacrifice for my prayer life or my ministry (Matt. 6:1-18)?

3. Where do you see I placed my "treasure"? Do I need to change? Is my heart wrapped around the desire for earthly goods, material wealth, and status symbols? Am I investing in a treasure that moths and rust cannot consume (Matt. 6:19-24)?

4. Do I seems to take Jesus at his word? Do you think I trust him to the point of risk? Am I merely going along with his words as long as they seem reasonable?

5. Do I look serious about loving God and loving others or do you think I hold on to cherished fantasies rooted in hatred, lust, or envy?

My Grandma and my Uncle

Tonight I managed to visit my grandma with sarah. She looks better at home and she can remember me. Haha.. My uncle also found a maid who can speak mandarin to take care of her. The maid (from Myanmar) is suppose to reach singapore this week. Hope that she can assimilate into the family quickly.

I realised that my uncle had been improvising switches and gadgets to ensure that my grandma's needs and safety were taken care of. He is really a true engineer. He made mirrors so that he can see my grandma from his room through the reflections. He made a bell switch near the bed to wake him up in case she needs anything in the night. He also made a switch for her to on/off the fan while on bed. A overhanding handle was installed for her to use it when she has no strength to sit up. A frame was made to secure the bed side so that she will not fall out of bed and to prevent her from walking out of her bed at night. A made shift toilet bowl was put beside her in case she need the toilet.

Recently he prepared some materials for installation of CCTV (with IP address) so that he can monitor the house while at work.(you never know what the maid might do while you are gone) Thank God for my uncle.

I am trying to picture myself in his shoes when my parents are old. They love me and take great care of me. I will take good care of them when they are older too. It has to start now as well.=) Hope I can go for stroll with my grandpa soon.

"Do not Judge"

Expectations are everywhere and from everyone. Even towards someone whom we do not know, we do have certain expectations on him according to the culture we are in. Whenever certain expectations are not met, certain conclusion are formed knowingly or unknowingly. Example if a person litter publicly in singapore, what would we conclude about him? If a person speaks loudly in public in singapore, how would we think about him? If a person rushed to be first in the queue for buffet, what is our impression of him?

Seriously, I will form certain impression of pple knowingly or unknowingly. However I am open to factors or explanations to change this impression of the person. So before I know the person personally or hear his explanations for his action, is it wrong for me to have impression or judgement?

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ” Matthew 7:1-2

“Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.” John 7:24

So judgement is wrong if we were to do it by mere appearances, however there are right judgement. What are right judgements? I guess we got to look at all different aspects and give chances for the person to explain himself before passing any judgement. Whose judgement are right? Does it differ? I guess it does. To a person who value career, putting career first is right and for a person who value family will not agree to that. For all of us has different priority because of differing convictions and values.

I guess if we follow the guidelines and principles from the bible, we will have a similar sense of what is right and what is wrong. But we shouldn't be quick to make a judgement. No matter how true is the judgement, pple don't like to be judged. Personally I acknowledge that we are all sinners and we will fail somehow, so probably if judgement were to be made, it should be made on the action first. I really hope that I can say that I wouldn't judge a person. However to be frank, if a person kept making the same wrong and continue his ways, I can't help but to judge or to make some conclusion about the person.

Friends, if you think that you felt judged,wronged or hurt by me, pls tell me and let me be aware of it. I would definitely appreciate the opportunity to clarify and improve our relationship. I would love to become like Jesus in this area too. =)

What is best for me?

Yesterday Sarah and I went to watch Marley and me. It is a great movie. The dog is really cute and super hyperactive. Haha... He doesn't listen to commands from his master and mistress and he is scared of thunder storms. Even after a few years, he doesn't change. Still the couple loved him very much and accepted his flaws.=)

Personally I saw the sacrifice that the couple need to make to start a family. It wasn't easy. Marley is not easy but having kid is worst!!(said in the movie) Anyway, John Grogan (the male lead) works as a reporter. When he was called to work as a columnist, he wasn't very happy. He wanted to join his best friend to follow up some news as reporter. Even though he was successful with his column about his life (esp marley), he yearned to be a reporter. In the end, he managed to work as one in another company.

That was not the end. He was corrected for putting "himself" in the report that he wrote. In the end, he felt unfulfilled again. He actually asked his boss to start a column for him to write. Ironic! It seems that he knew what he wanted but in the end, it wasn't and it turned out that the work he liked was the area that God puts him, columnist. (it was by "chance" that he start to write on the column)

Alot of time we keep saying that this or that is the best for me or we know what is best for ourselves. Do we really know? Or are we blinded by our emotions or childhood dream that we stubbornly persisted. Maybe it is also a way to make sure that is not for me. Haha..

So what is best for me? Do I know best?
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5,6

I guess I don't know for sure. However I learnt that whatever I do, it is good to seek for more godly advices so that my victory will be sure. =)

What good is there in Physical Exercise?

Recently I broke my exercise regime... Wed I skip it to run errand for my wife and since then I procrastinate by giving myself excuses... Typical sinful body.. =(

Today I won the battle and resume back my exercise regime. As I was exercising, I thought what's the benefits of exercising and why am I doing it. The answer seems obvious. I need to lose weight because I went beyond the ideal weight range. "Isn't there shortcut?" I thought.

WOw my sinful self does know how to ask good questions. Yes, there are ways like going to slimming program, going for lipo suction or eat slimming pills. Once my sister gave me a pill before a sumptous dinner which can prevent my body from absorbing whatever I eat. Hmm... sounds like a good idea.. I can have all the pleasure of eating and yet I can look the same.. haha..

If it is just about weight loss and looking good, I can choose all those options that the world provide and most importantly, they are easy options. However, exercise does improve my stamina; it does build up my endurance; it does strengthen my body; it does improve my energy level. All these will help me to be effective for work, for ministry and even improve my quality of life with my love ones indirectly. Weight loss and looking good are part of it...

In the midst of reflecting, I was reminded of 1Tim4:7b,8

"...Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next."

Being a christian of that sort sounds tough... Any shortcut to look spiritual?
Just follow what is expected of you? Legalism!! Changing the outward appearance only. Looks spiritual but inner being may not be so. This sounds like cosmetic surgery... However, these will not survive thr tests and trials.

"So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence.
A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better.
Knowing God leads to self-control.
Self control leads to patient endurance,
and patient endurance leads to godliness.
Godliness leads to love for other Christians,
and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.
The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2Peter1:5-8.

Just like how I make effort to go to the gym to workout regularly and benefit from physical exercise, spiritual fitness starts with making the effort to apply the benefits of WOG to my life and changes will progress from there.

Psalms 119

I was amazed when I found an article about Studying the Scriptures which says:
"All but three verses in Psalm 119 contain a reference to the Word of God (variously referred to as God's laws, decrees, precepts, promises, testimonies, statutes, judgments, ordinances, commands, and words). Read this psalm and record your observations of the beneficial effects of the Scriptures in cultivating a relationship with God."

I tried reading it again and it is true that the whole Psalm 119 mentions alot on the beneficial effects of the scriptures, some direct and some inferred. It was a refreshing and fun time reading it. Previously I would get bored reading it because it is the longest chapter in the bible with 176 verses. I read it a few times but it never occur to me that all the verses are talking about the benefits of the scriptures.

You can try reading on your own and challenge each other to see who can find the most no. of different beneficial effects of the scriptures. I remembered what Pastor Jeff said on sunday that you need to research on the scripture, review it and remember it to get the most out of it but most importantly, we should be doer of the Word. So after knowing the benefits of reading and meditating on the scripture, we got to ACT upon what was learnt.

Guardian Angel

As I read Yeu Ann recent blog , I can't help but to admit that I do struggle ministering to people who are socially immature. I have to give my full attention to them because the general crowd are not keen or find it hard to relate to them. There were times that I struggled because I would be moving myself out of the general crowd to join the "minority". If it wasn't because of His love, I wouldn't be able to do that. There were times I did right and times when I showed the same belittling look in my heart. (I am still a sinner under sanctification) All those little obedience helped me to grow in accepting the differences among people.

All of us grew up from different background and some were fortunate enough to have friends or teachers who helped them along the way. When I was young, I wasn't socially mature. I didn't have many friends. I felt little, at times felt bullied; I had to seek for attention, approval or friendship from my classmates. But God is good. I had a teacher who trusted in me, who had faith in me and showed me grace and mercy for my failures. He was like my guardian angel for my last 2 years in primary school. I grew in confidence because of him.

Sometimes people who always voiced their displeasure and opposing opinions are looked upon as not flowing and might be outcast. I don't think I was an easy sheep as well. However, I was thankful for the guardian angels that God had placed along the way. People who showed me truth, people who stood by me, people who trusted in me. If not for their support and trust, I wouldn't be who I am now. They were my guardian angels too. =)

Personally I too noticed some guardian angels and witnessed how their "mortal" grew and transformed as they stood by and trusted them. Somehow God must have let them see something in them (the "mortal") that others can't see.

Barnabas came forth strongly to me as such guardian angel in the bible.
He believed in John Mark even though John Mark deserted them(Paul and Barnabas) before(Acts15:37-39).
Barnabas believed in Saul(who was called Paul later)even though he had prosecuted several christians before. (Acts9:26-27)

Who is your Guardian Angel? Who is your "mortal"?

My Primary Responsibilities?

When I was little, my family usually visit my grandparents every sunday alternating between my paternal and maternal side. This routine was broken when I was older and had more activities over the weekend. When I became a christian, I couldn't visit them on sunday so I tried to visit them on my own whenever I had the time. Sadly the frequency was much reduced over time.

Last year, my maternal grandma was hospitalised for suspected turmor in her colon and she had an operation. The operation was successful but since then she became weaker and after some fall, she became quite immobile and weak. To make things worse, her appetite also suffered.

Once Sarah and I visited her at rehabilitation center(she stay for a short while), we were there when she was having her lunch. We told her that we wanted to bring her downstairs but she would have to eat more in order to have strength to do that. She did eat more. I realised that she wanted to move about and she appreciate the company of her dear ones. Even 15mins was good enough for her, but I didn't give her that many 15mins for the past year.

Now she is back home. However, she would be "locked up" on her bed when no one was at home because previously she fell down while no one is around. This is a sad thing to know... My uncle is actively looking for a suitable helper to attend to her. Hopefully he can find one soon and my grandma will not be "locked up".

I also heard from my parents that my paternal grandpa is feeling weaker and find it harder to move around and gets tired easily. Once a fortune teller told him that this is probably his last year and I think he believed because he told my brother that recently. Sarah and I went to visit him yesterday evening. I was humbled by my grandpa's friend (or neighbour). He said that what is the point of visiting without gifts. I did not know what or how to answer. I wasn't affected by the fact that I went empty handed, but by the limited effort that I put in to meet his need. I know he would want us to visit more often and preferably at a earlier timing or have meals with him. We reached at 8pm and the last time I saw him was during CNY.=(

I tried to talk more with him but with my limited Teochew, I wasn't able to talk much. Sarah also tried her best to talk to him in Mandarin. In the end, we went back after 15 minutes... Through the chat, I found that he sleep at 9+ and wake up at 4+am and go for a stroll at 5am. I hope I can accompany him for a stroll at reservoir for fresher air in the early morning. Just like the times in my childhood when he brought my cousins and I to reservoir for a stroll.


In my heart, I wished that I have a car so that I could save time in travelling and I could also fetch my grandpa or grandma to places for meals or stroll. I was quite emotional as I pondered over these and for the fact that I spent little time with my family...

What are my primary responsibilities?

I wasn't sure whether I would buy a car but I did decide to plan more visits to my grandparents and be more sensitive to their needs (including my parents').

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12

Submit to all Authorities

Last sat morning Sarah and I planned to have outing with all shepherds in our cgs. Our plan to exercise was changed due to the morning rain and the fact that some of us couldn't wake up in time... hmm.. meeting up in the morning seems not easy.. Nevertheless it will not stop me to arrange more morning meet up. I guess as long as everyone makes the effort, there will be 1 day, we can meet in some reservoir and have a nice cool time doing devotion and worship while immersing in God's creation. Jesus also went up to the mountain early in the morning. Though we don’t have mountains in sg, we can settle for reservoirs or hills. =)We had a good chat and sharing over breakfast and went to Arcade together.

When we were at the arcade, one of the staff disallowed a brother’s entry because he was wearing a school T-shirt. We argued that he is already working and that was a university T-shirt but the staff said that even an older man came in wearing that T-shirt, he will not be allowed entry too.



We tried to cover up the logos with cardigan but the staff said that this was lying. So in the end, the brother went to buy a change of clothes just to go to arcade to play. I think that it is quite absurd because the intention of the law was to keep students out when they aren’t supposed to be there. We are all working adults and we can easily provide our working passes to verify.

But as I reflect, I thought we should apologize and abide by the rules. Jesus asked us to submit to all authorities. The staff was just doing what was told. And if officers were to make spot check, they are answerable for it. How far are we willing to fight the case with them if we were the “culprits”?

In conclusion, do not wear old school T-shirt when you are out with friends. You never know when they might decide to go arcade and you get chase out by the staff. =p

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men.." 1Peter 2:13.

Every word, every sentence has 3 possible meanings

Aiya I didn't have time to update my blog during the weekend. Nevertheless, I shall put in 3 entry to make up for it.. haha..

I learnt something amusing last friday. I arranged to meet up some sisters to go SMU for cg gathering. I sms them to meet at Dhoby Ghaut NEL station control at 730pm. To me, I thought I have already make it very clear. (Dhoby Ghaut has 2 station, North-South and NEL. NEL station has a few gantry and there is one next to station control, one in front of Plaza sg entrance and another smaller one nearer to staircase and escalator that will lead to the underpass to North south line station.)

One sister called me to ask me which exit I am referring to. I said NEL station control and she asked me whether it is the Plaza Sg exit. I said "no, it is the NEL station control exit". And it went on for some time and finally she concluded that it is the plaza sg exit. I realised that the exit she meant was not the gantry exit but the exit from MRT platform.

Another sister called me to tell me that she is at the station control and she didn't see anyone. I told her that I was at NEL station control. In the end, she was waiting at the Plaza sg gantry area near top up/ticketing machine. To her, that was also the station control...

Another sister called me and said that she reached the station control and I realise she was at the north south line station control. I think she didn't know that there is another station control at NEL side.

I didn't expect my seemingly clear sms can have so many different interpretations. I read an article by Lee Kuan Yew and I learnt that every word or sentence has 3 possible meanings: What the speaker intend to mean, what the hearer understands it to mean, and what it is commonly understood to mean. I have seen it happened last friday. Haha..

I guess even if all of us seek to look at the words and sentences as it commonly understood to mean, there could be differences already... No wonder alot of conflicts are caused by miscommunication or misinterpretation. I had my fair share of it with my wife too. Whenever we realised that we were angry because of different interpretation, we laughed at ourselves, at how silly we were to get into arguement because of that.

Starting a habit again

I am feeling the dread to follow my exercise and eating regime. I started to exercise this week again after taking a rest last week because of my flu. I wanted to exercise on Mon, wed and fri lunch time; and after my exercise, I will eat minimally like having a cup of milo with cereal and some biscuits. On top of that, I will eat minimally for the other meals, choosing to eat a smaller portion and choosing noodles or bee hoon over rice for lunch. I also told my mum that I wouldn't mind a few slices of bread for breakfast and less rice for dinner... I am stopping myself from eating more than I should. So my guiding principle is to eat to ease my hunger and not to be full (learnt from an article from Newspaper). All good food now has to stop when the signal comes... sob, sob
All these for the purpose of losing weight and staying healthy. My weight has passed the ideal range even though I don't look overweight (kept assuring myself that it is my heavy bones not my fats) I learnt that in order to lose weight, I have to take in lesser calories and exercise to shed more calories. I need to keep a minimum calories input daily if not my body might decide to store more fats when I eat again thinking that famine might happen again... haha what a great creation.. So dieting isn't a good choice... Plus I want a healthy body so I need to take in what it needs.
The result after 4 days, my weight seems to drop a few hundred grams... haha.. good start..but it isn't easy to keep this regime.. The weight loss will be significant initially but I expect it to be lesser after a while. I hope I can still persevere on. The last time I tried this regime, I managed to shed 2-3kg... That was before my wedding.. I regained those after my flu, honeymoon and CNY. So sad... Praying for God's strength as I try my best to take care of this temple of God. Friends, do stop me if you find me indulge in food unnecessarily. My wish is to lose 10kg

True Spirituality

What is True Spirituality?
Spirituality is about bringing ourselves entirely under the lordship of Christ. It has to do with how we put Christianity into practice in our day to day lives.

As God's representatives on earth, we are to put our spirituality into practice by demonstrating his reality to people who do not know Him, and bringing glory to His name through our lives and conduct, not only in "spiritual" matters, but also in our everyday responsibilities. We are also to view people as God views them, and to live according to the principles of His word.

These are something that I learnt from Hope Sem. I am glad that I signed up for this Christian Ethics seminar. These are part of the basis that form a framework to help me make God honouring decisions. =)
With this framework, it will be easier for me to explain why I do the things I do and to give an answer to my faith too. YEAH!! So first step is to practice and practice!

As I am pondering over this question about true spirituality, I can't help to be reminded of a brother, Yeu Ann. He is a creation pathway person. He always expressed his awe for God when immerse in nature. That is not all, sometimes he would share how he was filled with awe and how he felt so loved by God when reading certain verses in the bible. Recently, he shared alot on rainbows in his blog. How these rainbows reminded him of God and His covenant with us. God is so real and personal to Yeu Ann.
So envy... I want to have that kind of relationship with God as well.

Tough to be a teacher

Being a teacher(of any sort) aren't easy especially when the expectations on you are more than what you can handle. Cases like parents coming to you complaining about their child's behaviour or results aren't satisfactory because of you. Pushing the blame to the teacher and not acknowledging the child's responsibility or in some cases play down the child's responsibilities and actions. Personally I am not a teacher (though my wife is), I am not speaking on behalf of my wife but recently I received a feedback on how my communication led to a misunderstanding. I was quite angry about this because it sounds like I am at fault when I was not the one who cause it. However, through the strengthening of the Holy Spirit, I manage to humble myself to receive the feedback and accept the weakness that I had. I am imperfect and I know my communication isn't my strength. I thank God that I have people around me whom I can discuss about things and help me to sharpen my perspective and communication. One of such person is my dearest wife, Sarah. Others will be Dehua, Eugene and Guofeng when I have the chance to talk to them. =)
During this episode, the devil initially has a better hand of making me think of giving up to teach what is right especially to pple who don't readily listen to my advice. And causing me to feel right to be angry. I kept praying for peace in my heart and humility to accept the feedback and to acknowledge my flaws. And finally, the love of God won this victory. I was reminded about Jesus' love for us. Jesus did manage to die on the cross despite the insults and harsh treatment he received from the people He intended to save. It really takes greater love to continue to love despite the resistance, the treatment and hurtful comments.
I know I can only do this with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. I want to strive to do better in my communication, I will want to clarify till my message is through and I will continue to pray for humility to receive feedbacks and to know myself better. Thank God for this experience too. =)

My First Blog Entry

I have been a consumer of other people's blog for a long time. =) I guess it is time for me to start one. I thought this is a good idea to share my thoughts and my life to all my friends and visitors to my blog. I pray that I will be faithful to update it regularly. I do not want to start this and MIA after that...
Friends, remind me to update my blog if it is dominant for too long. And for those who are better in english, please give me all your feedbacks so that I can improve my english. I was inspired by those beautifully written blogs and I want to write like them... =)
Last of all, I hope you will be encouraged by my blog as well and you will post comments and feedback on it. =)