It was an adventure unlike any other. Across the waters on a rickety bumboat and arriving at Pulau Ubin in the late afternoon, the tide inching its way up the shore, aided by the pouring rains and threatening thunderclouds. We had prayed hard for pleasant weather for the 'recce' session, but perhaps someone prayed harder (or better put, there was a greater need elsewhere). Either way, we made our way down to a (quite unsightly) shed stacked with bicycles, the main form of transport on the island which apparently portrayed a 1960s Singapore.
Drenched by that point in time we took off on $5 mountain bikes (which looked a little dodgy, but held out, fortunately).
sigh gtg...be back later.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Cho
Recall the cho across which Dr Khanna's father took his last steps, the searing desert heat, and unbearable pain burning through your feet. Tying leaves to his feet, only to find the leaves completely permeable to the heat. Perhaps a fictitious place, but one which our school's Astro Turf is modelled upon. For today I tasted the the full blast of the heated turf.
Perhaps it was sheer madness that caused me not to have second thoughts about wearing sandals to school, it was entirely possible for me to return home and fetch a pair of shoes, given that I had only realised my folly about two steps out of the Condominium estate. Still, I persisted, choosing to put faith in my not-so-tough-as-steel feet, only to find regret.
To be fair, the ground only threatened at the beginning, hardly a tingle, but prolonged exposure was - in a word - hell. In a moment it became clear that I would not last, even as I struggled to hentak-kaki to beat the heat. Half an hour into the game and I sat out, because it was far too hot. I had hoped for the sun to go down, but apparently it wouldn't relent, not today.
But there was purpose in all this I guess. For in my sitting I struck up a conversation with David, on of those in charge of the MCYC youths - who, coincidentally came for a meet-the-BB-Boys' (with a captial B as always) session - and it was in this conversation that we exchanged thoughts on the workings and building of a Preaching Point, during which of course I shared the interesting experiences of worshipping in a Cathay Cinema Hall.
And that would bring us to MCYC, the camp which has both been a blessing and (sometimes, unfortunately) a burden - still, I'd prefer to see it as a blessing. As the youths came and went, mixing with us in the process, we felt joy, we felt fulfilment, and we also felt that we had a long way to go. Breaking down age, education and (yes) gender barriers was no picnic, and we would have our hands full for the coming two weeks. Still I debate over the possibility of attending the camp, to go or not to go, though the latter seems more likely - given a very packed schedule.
Recently, I've been trying to finish a book that was (graciously) lent to me by Derek - The Moor's Last Sigh by Salman Rushdie (the poor potato). A satisfying read so far, but difficult to understand in its own ways. An exploration into a dysfunctional family, revelations of human nature, the very best and the very worst, struggles within relationships, passion, desire, abstinence, rejection, ecstasy, all the different flavors of life, tantalizing spices of life, dashed onto a platter, a generous portion indeed.
And now, it seems, this blog remains as but a fragment of what it was. Merely a record of life now, unvisited (though many come and go silently). Let it be that way. To my invisible audience, adieu!
Perhaps it was sheer madness that caused me not to have second thoughts about wearing sandals to school, it was entirely possible for me to return home and fetch a pair of shoes, given that I had only realised my folly about two steps out of the Condominium estate. Still, I persisted, choosing to put faith in my not-so-tough-as-steel feet, only to find regret.
To be fair, the ground only threatened at the beginning, hardly a tingle, but prolonged exposure was - in a word - hell. In a moment it became clear that I would not last, even as I struggled to hentak-kaki to beat the heat. Half an hour into the game and I sat out, because it was far too hot. I had hoped for the sun to go down, but apparently it wouldn't relent, not today.
But there was purpose in all this I guess. For in my sitting I struck up a conversation with David, on of those in charge of the MCYC youths - who, coincidentally came for a meet-the-BB-Boys' (with a captial B as always) session - and it was in this conversation that we exchanged thoughts on the workings and building of a Preaching Point, during which of course I shared the interesting experiences of worshipping in a Cathay Cinema Hall.
And that would bring us to MCYC, the camp which has both been a blessing and (sometimes, unfortunately) a burden - still, I'd prefer to see it as a blessing. As the youths came and went, mixing with us in the process, we felt joy, we felt fulfilment, and we also felt that we had a long way to go. Breaking down age, education and (yes) gender barriers was no picnic, and we would have our hands full for the coming two weeks. Still I debate over the possibility of attending the camp, to go or not to go, though the latter seems more likely - given a very packed schedule.
Recently, I've been trying to finish a book that was (graciously) lent to me by Derek - The Moor's Last Sigh by Salman Rushdie (the poor potato). A satisfying read so far, but difficult to understand in its own ways. An exploration into a dysfunctional family, revelations of human nature, the very best and the very worst, struggles within relationships, passion, desire, abstinence, rejection, ecstasy, all the different flavors of life, tantalizing spices of life, dashed onto a platter, a generous portion indeed.
And now, it seems, this blog remains as but a fragment of what it was. Merely a record of life now, unvisited (though many come and go silently). Let it be that way. To my invisible audience, adieu!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Satan's Folly (For those in temptation)
Thanks to Max Lucado for this, a truly inspirational chapter that i felt urged to share.
We've all seen the hilarious scene before. A first-time soccer player on the field, by some fluke of a chance steals the ball away from the opposing team, dribbles with ease past two or so defenders, unleashes a 'killer shot', whips it into the goal. He does his celebration, all sorts, we'll leave that to your imagination, only to find in a moment, that rejoicing alongside him, are players from the opposite team. Own Goal. The embarassment, the shame, and the sheer folly of it all. It's disappointing, we all know that, to score an own goal.
Take a moment to think about this. Satan scores own goals all the time. How so you might ask? Think about it, all temptations result in folly for Satan. It's true. Let's think about this.
Say you get tempted. If you resist, that is Satan's folly, it builds you up in strength against him. But that's a straight-forward one. What if we fall for it? What if we fail to hold up against temptation - well I'm sure some of you (if not most) already have the answer in mind.
From past experience, I can safely say, that temptations and sin build you up. If it wasn't for my struggle in the past and that tussle in the past, I wouldn't know the depth of God's grace, the breath of His loving arms, and the great extent of mercy that He offers us everyday. If it wasn't for falling into the darkness, we wouldn't appreciate the light, and wouldn't see anything in that light. But it is precisely because we fall, and are picked up by God again, that we can grow closer in fellowship with Him.
Max also states this: that Satan is under the control of God. Satan is God's servant. Recall that Satan had to gain God's permission before he could tempt and afflict Job. Recall also that God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Cor 10:13), and remember that everything was created for the glory of God - including Satan. As such, Satan is indeed evil, but it backfires ultimately, every time, and it only helps to build up the kingdom of God. Numerous examples in the bible - Daniel in the Lion's Den, Balaam's cursing of Israel, you name it.
Well isn't that why God allowed there to be evil in this world in the first place. He could have just intervened, but He didn't.
And with this in mind - knowing that temptations will only help us to grow in our faith, struggles will help us to grow closer to God - we can then face every temptation with more strength and confidence!
hope that's an encouragement to those out there...especially those tussling with temptation!
We've all seen the hilarious scene before. A first-time soccer player on the field, by some fluke of a chance steals the ball away from the opposing team, dribbles with ease past two or so defenders, unleashes a 'killer shot', whips it into the goal. He does his celebration, all sorts, we'll leave that to your imagination, only to find in a moment, that rejoicing alongside him, are players from the opposite team. Own Goal. The embarassment, the shame, and the sheer folly of it all. It's disappointing, we all know that, to score an own goal.
Take a moment to think about this. Satan scores own goals all the time. How so you might ask? Think about it, all temptations result in folly for Satan. It's true. Let's think about this.
Say you get tempted. If you resist, that is Satan's folly, it builds you up in strength against him. But that's a straight-forward one. What if we fall for it? What if we fail to hold up against temptation - well I'm sure some of you (if not most) already have the answer in mind.
From past experience, I can safely say, that temptations and sin build you up. If it wasn't for my struggle in the past and that tussle in the past, I wouldn't know the depth of God's grace, the breath of His loving arms, and the great extent of mercy that He offers us everyday. If it wasn't for falling into the darkness, we wouldn't appreciate the light, and wouldn't see anything in that light. But it is precisely because we fall, and are picked up by God again, that we can grow closer in fellowship with Him.
Max also states this: that Satan is under the control of God. Satan is God's servant. Recall that Satan had to gain God's permission before he could tempt and afflict Job. Recall also that God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Cor 10:13), and remember that everything was created for the glory of God - including Satan. As such, Satan is indeed evil, but it backfires ultimately, every time, and it only helps to build up the kingdom of God. Numerous examples in the bible - Daniel in the Lion's Den, Balaam's cursing of Israel, you name it.
Well isn't that why God allowed there to be evil in this world in the first place. He could have just intervened, but He didn't.
And with this in mind - knowing that temptations will only help us to grow in our faith, struggles will help us to grow closer to God - we can then face every temptation with more strength and confidence!
hope that's an encouragement to those out there...especially those tussling with temptation!
What to Say?
and this blog is likely to be seen as dead. and i pretty much agree.
holidays are no fun i guess. it gets boring with nothing much to do at home.
I see people play their lives away on the computer, sleep their lives away on bed.
I'm no better I guess. But I do hope that God will make this a meaningful holiday.
Recently, been reading lots of Christian literature. Max Lucado's books to be precise. Really touching, really encouraging. And one day I'll share a little joy to encourage you all as well.
Playing the Piano has also become a regular part of the day. FF's Memories of Life, and well just my own nonsense again, and yes BEEThoven (the vegetable no?). I'm getting cranky.
alrighty. that's it then. it remains to be seen, what be the fate of this blog.
holidays are no fun i guess. it gets boring with nothing much to do at home.
I see people play their lives away on the computer, sleep their lives away on bed.
I'm no better I guess. But I do hope that God will make this a meaningful holiday.
Recently, been reading lots of Christian literature. Max Lucado's books to be precise. Really touching, really encouraging. And one day I'll share a little joy to encourage you all as well.
Playing the Piano has also become a regular part of the day. FF's Memories of Life, and well just my own nonsense again, and yes BEEThoven (the vegetable no?). I'm getting cranky.
alrighty. that's it then. it remains to be seen, what be the fate of this blog.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Forgotten Holidays
And a few years back, the holidays would kick off with some sleepover, as I remember it, at Ken Wei's place. Nights filled with ineffable laughter and joy, chatting, rolling people up in mattresses (the 'sushi treatment' as we called it), the occasional gaming, indulging in comics, late nights, and just unforgettable company. Folks like Darren, Sean, my brother, the hippo Fippo, would join in, and we'd have a blast.
It's something that I would recall with a certain sense of fondness, yet loss. So near but yet so far perhaps. Missing that carefree spirit, that no-holds-barred play hard attitude. Missing the holidays that weren't packed with so many commitments. Useless living, but it brought laughter and refreshment to the parched soul. And yet I recall Kenny's (or rather the Friar's) advice that 'the sweetest honey is loathesome in its own deliciousness', perhaps that is true too, but I seem to still prefer an overdose of honey to none at all.
Years back there would be that sense of anticipation to some mega trip overseas with family, with my beloved cousins, to Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne (we loved Australia) or California. Something similar. But this year, it's to Thailand for mission trip, and in a fated clash of events, my dad announed that he would only be free for the period where I will be in Thailand. Not that it's a painful thing to be serving God, it's just that it would be a different sort of anticipation. Or perhaps I'm still confused in all this inebriated nostalgia.
Years back I would recount such events with a great use of intermittent elipses, but I guess I've knocked off that habit, much to the relieve of many of my friends, and the blog has become more user-friendly (or rather, reader-friendly) as a result. But somehow, the raw beauty such unrefined typing is something that I sorely miss as well.
As I packed my room this year (a rather trendy thing to be doing now), I found many items from the past, letters from people I miss dearly (sigh. church camp), encouraging birthday messages, letters of thanks ranging from 'Thanks for playing the piano in church!' to 'Thanks for being our page-boy!'. Letters that will fade away with time. There's something about nostalgia that hurts, yet it hurts us in such a striking way that we will only long for more. Strange but true. I suppose this is the 'bog of reminiscence'.
And so this year's holiday, a world of difference. Hopes of reuniting with classmates the next year dashed, replaced by the (fearful?) anticipation of the new IB year. No sleepovers, lest there be some miraculous connection (or rather, reconnection). No holidays (but perhaps I should shift my perspective - this mission trip could be seen as a holiday of resting in our Father). No useless days of doing nothing, more work, more NYAA, more tutoring of Mdm Loo's daughter, more commitments.
In the face of everything, well, I do feel a little upset. But i guess, it's a different sort of holiday, a holiday with a difference, perhaps a meaningful holiday would bring more joy than a useless one, as long as the Lord blesses it. And that is my prayer, that somehow peace, joy, and even rest, may come out of this otherwise hectic holiday. And I pray that for everyone else as well. :)
It's something that I would recall with a certain sense of fondness, yet loss. So near but yet so far perhaps. Missing that carefree spirit, that no-holds-barred play hard attitude. Missing the holidays that weren't packed with so many commitments. Useless living, but it brought laughter and refreshment to the parched soul. And yet I recall Kenny's (or rather the Friar's) advice that 'the sweetest honey is loathesome in its own deliciousness', perhaps that is true too, but I seem to still prefer an overdose of honey to none at all.
Years back there would be that sense of anticipation to some mega trip overseas with family, with my beloved cousins, to Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne (we loved Australia) or California. Something similar. But this year, it's to Thailand for mission trip, and in a fated clash of events, my dad announed that he would only be free for the period where I will be in Thailand. Not that it's a painful thing to be serving God, it's just that it would be a different sort of anticipation. Or perhaps I'm still confused in all this inebriated nostalgia.
Years back I would recount such events with a great use of intermittent elipses, but I guess I've knocked off that habit, much to the relieve of many of my friends, and the blog has become more user-friendly (or rather, reader-friendly) as a result. But somehow, the raw beauty such unrefined typing is something that I sorely miss as well.
As I packed my room this year (a rather trendy thing to be doing now), I found many items from the past, letters from people I miss dearly (sigh. church camp), encouraging birthday messages, letters of thanks ranging from 'Thanks for playing the piano in church!' to 'Thanks for being our page-boy!'. Letters that will fade away with time. There's something about nostalgia that hurts, yet it hurts us in such a striking way that we will only long for more. Strange but true. I suppose this is the 'bog of reminiscence'.
And so this year's holiday, a world of difference. Hopes of reuniting with classmates the next year dashed, replaced by the (fearful?) anticipation of the new IB year. No sleepovers, lest there be some miraculous connection (or rather, reconnection). No holidays (but perhaps I should shift my perspective - this mission trip could be seen as a holiday of resting in our Father). No useless days of doing nothing, more work, more NYAA, more tutoring of Mdm Loo's daughter, more commitments.
In the face of everything, well, I do feel a little upset. But i guess, it's a different sort of holiday, a holiday with a difference, perhaps a meaningful holiday would bring more joy than a useless one, as long as the Lord blesses it. And that is my prayer, that somehow peace, joy, and even rest, may come out of this otherwise hectic holiday. And I pray that for everyone else as well. :)
Monday, November 06, 2006
Ode To Eric
While everyone's in a mood for reminiscence, i guess i should spend a moment reflecting on the loss as well, I'm no poet, that's no secret, I'll stick with unrefined nostalgia.
We all agree, we'll miss eric, for his antics, for his guitar playing, for who he was, and for all those laughs that he brought to our faces. For that passion (and fiasco) in the 2005 4.9 CASL worship band plan (which fell through), for all those practices that led to the playing for worship in front of the school last August. For Sally, that little bunny, that showed that perhaps Eric shared with some of us that fondness for stuffed toys (I for one kept a torn and tattered stuffed toy dog till I lost her last year *sobs*)
Sadly, I couldn't bid farewell to Eric like I did with Ding. Church beckoned, and I was needed to play those hymns and that doxology. It felt quite painful, after all we wanted to give Eric a meaningful and heartfelt goodbye, and I couldn't be there to give it. Nevertheless, I gave my blessing the previous night, and prayed that he would have a great time in America.
Still, let's keep Eric, our dear Christian brother, for all his angst, in prayer. Let's keep in touch with him, and let's look forward to his return (hint hint next year). God Bless, Eric. This is not our final farewell :) - yes Tim always has to end on an optimistic note haha.
We all agree, we'll miss eric, for his antics, for his guitar playing, for who he was, and for all those laughs that he brought to our faces. For that passion (and fiasco) in the 2005 4.9 CASL worship band plan (which fell through), for all those practices that led to the playing for worship in front of the school last August. For Sally, that little bunny, that showed that perhaps Eric shared with some of us that fondness for stuffed toys (I for one kept a torn and tattered stuffed toy dog till I lost her last year *sobs*)
Sadly, I couldn't bid farewell to Eric like I did with Ding. Church beckoned, and I was needed to play those hymns and that doxology. It felt quite painful, after all we wanted to give Eric a meaningful and heartfelt goodbye, and I couldn't be there to give it. Nevertheless, I gave my blessing the previous night, and prayed that he would have a great time in America.
Still, let's keep Eric, our dear Christian brother, for all his angst, in prayer. Let's keep in touch with him, and let's look forward to his return (hint hint next year). God Bless, Eric. This is not our final farewell :) - yes Tim always has to end on an optimistic note haha.
The Week Goes By
And in a flash, one week passes us by, and it has no doubt been an eventful week, contrasting moments of euphoria and sadness. Birthdays and departures. Somehow, time just seems more and more fleeting with the passing of time. And the importance of needing to get close with God just seems to get stronger and stronger with each passing moment.
Bye Eric. Happy Birthday Sean. Mixed emotions. Church cost me a farewell to Eric, but let's keep in contact with that bubbly friend of ours, emails emails and more emails.
Chinese A2 was introduced to me about a week ago, by Mdm Loo. Something like courage drove me to be gungho and decide to take the subject next year, or perhaps it was pure human foolishness. Interest over academic marks, like I've always believed. For those considering A2 as well (few few...sparsely few): imagine literature but in Chinese. Not that difficult except we'll have to study lit terms in Chinese. And of course Chinese essay writing.
Today marked a milestone, the struggle is out. And I'm overjoyed to be freed of its guilt and shame. Thank God for the strength to share it with some others. Of course, temptation and past guilt still haunts, but slowly, the power of God will overcome it for sure. Recently, God has been speaking to me so strongly, so surely, thank God, and I found out that what it takes is just a pure and earnest heart to hear God. Hallelujah.
God Bless for the week ahead.
My cousin is out! Welcome to the world Elijah! What a powerful name. What powerful connotations, may God bless you richly Elijah, for a fulfilling and Godly life ahead! For the Glory of the Lord! Amen!
Bye Eric. Happy Birthday Sean. Mixed emotions. Church cost me a farewell to Eric, but let's keep in contact with that bubbly friend of ours, emails emails and more emails.
Chinese A2 was introduced to me about a week ago, by Mdm Loo. Something like courage drove me to be gungho and decide to take the subject next year, or perhaps it was pure human foolishness. Interest over academic marks, like I've always believed. For those considering A2 as well (few few...sparsely few): imagine literature but in Chinese. Not that difficult except we'll have to study lit terms in Chinese. And of course Chinese essay writing.
Today marked a milestone, the struggle is out. And I'm overjoyed to be freed of its guilt and shame. Thank God for the strength to share it with some others. Of course, temptation and past guilt still haunts, but slowly, the power of God will overcome it for sure. Recently, God has been speaking to me so strongly, so surely, thank God, and I found out that what it takes is just a pure and earnest heart to hear God. Hallelujah.
God Bless for the week ahead.
My cousin is out! Welcome to the world Elijah! What a powerful name. What powerful connotations, may God bless you richly Elijah, for a fulfilling and Godly life ahead! For the Glory of the Lord! Amen!
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