Hats off to Monday's Mania
Saving the world before bedtime on Tuesday
(Campaigning. oh so exciting. to see the faces of many friends plastered across the many corridors, to hear the songs echoing throughout the school blocks, to see shamelessness written over the faces of many - and some green paint as well heh - to laugh and to play along. to put up fake campaigns - Leon the Peon most notably - to put up our crazy fronts, and just to have fun. But beyond all that. I'm still unsure of who to vote.)
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
the Lord's love. brighter than any sunshine. the greatest sunshine. You alone light up our lives and give us our direction in the murky dark.
In sooth I know not why I am so sad -
Indeed, O sadness where is thy sting? - when we have the joy of the Lord in our hearts. (: It's been a long Week 2, we're halfway through - o how shockingly fast time passes - lots of issues have been resolved within (hopefully) and now God has illuminated my path - the path to follow is the path of love, to love his people. I've been really quite joyful recently. and wow - that despite all the stuff that's bothering me.
Lord Lord, Wherefore art thou Lord?
and we continue searching, all of us. my prayer life hasn't been the most healthy, but I do pray that God will draw us all nearer to him. 'Drawing Near' John Bevere - a series has started on it - may it be a great encouragement and loving message to all who yearn and trust in him (: Meanwhile, Lord help me to rely on you even as I search earnestly, may I worship with my heart - not just empty words.
that is all. adieu. may God bless all of you.
on a rather strange note. things have been a little strange. some fish behind my back - some random whispers along the corridor - some ginseng - some hello panda - and some excited murmurs from behind. confusion ensues. but God is faithful.
Showing posts with label IB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IB. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
A Greater Song
I see the heavens proclaiming You day after day
and I know in my heart that there must be a way
to sing a greater song
a greater song for You on the earth
to sing a greater song
a greater song for You on the earth
Right now, reclining in the back of my computer chair, past midnight, a busy day, a tiring day, have you ever had that sense of lostness after a long day of being with friends and company? Have you ever felt that sudden sense of emptiness once the CPA curtains close with a bang (and a rather needed school anthem)? Have you ever felt a sense of loneliness once the crowds disperse and the dust settles?
Tim has. and sometimes Tim chooses to cover his ears, block out the sounds of the world, and recline into silence - not emo - but simply a point to recharge and focus back on God. As a self-proclaimed introvert, perhaps Tim draws strength sometimes from just being alone - with his Father in heaven. Just singing, and just praising Him.
Today was another rather tough day, but Tim is glad that God has seen him through it, and there is still joy brimming from within. No more sadness, no more sadness. Soccer, Black Comedy, Friends and God - enough reasons to smile :):):)
and tomorrow. de-day arrives. CE presentation. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, oh God my song and my salvation!
and I know in my heart that there must be a way
to sing a greater song
a greater song for You on the earth
to sing a greater song
a greater song for You on the earth
Right now, reclining in the back of my computer chair, past midnight, a busy day, a tiring day, have you ever had that sense of lostness after a long day of being with friends and company? Have you ever felt that sudden sense of emptiness once the CPA curtains close with a bang (and a rather needed school anthem)? Have you ever felt a sense of loneliness once the crowds disperse and the dust settles?
Tim has. and sometimes Tim chooses to cover his ears, block out the sounds of the world, and recline into silence - not emo - but simply a point to recharge and focus back on God. As a self-proclaimed introvert, perhaps Tim draws strength sometimes from just being alone - with his Father in heaven. Just singing, and just praising Him.
Today was another rather tough day, but Tim is glad that God has seen him through it, and there is still joy brimming from within. No more sadness, no more sadness. Soccer, Black Comedy, Friends and God - enough reasons to smile :):):)
and tomorrow. de-day arrives. CE presentation. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, oh God my song and my salvation!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Time Flies When You're
Having fun. It's been a long time since I've made a non-philosophical-cum-non-Christian post. And I suppose it's always good to take a break from being serious - lest people start thinking that I have no life except to think. Picking up the habit from Fab - I guess I should blog a little about school life - for the sake of memories, and for the sake of reminding myself of the little blessings God has given me :)
5 weeks of school have simply flashed by. 3 weeks of being in 5.12 have also flashed by. the class is really starting to warm up to one another. But feelings of imminent sadness already start to overwhelm me - time flies - and nothing can mock the steady ticking of the clock. The days fly by, and soon we'll all go our separate ways again. But nonetheless, friendships have been forged, and I'm simply overjoyed.
Cheers to the Bio-Math-Chem gang! Deon, Eve, Maye, Sankaran, WingHing (Sam Lee?), Merv and Chen Min! You guys have been a great source of laughter, of blessing in these first few weeks. May God nourish this relationships and help us all grow closer to one another! Not forgetting the rest of the class - little chance to mix around with you guys - but I'll sieze every opportunity! and of course...there's the upcoming WOW.
BB has also been a blast (awesome alliteration there (:) - even though the stress load has been piling up...perhaps it's the reunion of Year 4s, perhaps it's the new female company (chris, audrey, tess, mk), perhaps it's the whole fired up spirituality of it all. This year has so much more in store!!! Thank God. Thank God.
O's results are coming. A reminder to weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice
But meanwhile - Chinese A2 was probably a choice God made for me - else I wouldn't be in a non-intact class - else the company would have been different. Just think, each of of us is so special, and we're put where we are for a special purpose. wonderful!
and I end off on this rather 'high' note. and leave these 3 puzzling questions (cheers Maye!):
1) What is a dictyosome?
2) What are the factors of 1517? (not 1 or 1517)
3) How does one pronounce 'allele'?
5 weeks of school have simply flashed by. 3 weeks of being in 5.12 have also flashed by. the class is really starting to warm up to one another. But feelings of imminent sadness already start to overwhelm me - time flies - and nothing can mock the steady ticking of the clock. The days fly by, and soon we'll all go our separate ways again. But nonetheless, friendships have been forged, and I'm simply overjoyed.
Cheers to the Bio-Math-Chem gang! Deon, Eve, Maye, Sankaran, WingHing (Sam Lee?), Merv and Chen Min! You guys have been a great source of laughter, of blessing in these first few weeks. May God nourish this relationships and help us all grow closer to one another! Not forgetting the rest of the class - little chance to mix around with you guys - but I'll sieze every opportunity! and of course...there's the upcoming WOW.
BB has also been a blast (awesome alliteration there (:) - even though the stress load has been piling up...perhaps it's the reunion of Year 4s, perhaps it's the new female company (chris, audrey, tess, mk), perhaps it's the whole fired up spirituality of it all. This year has so much more in store!!! Thank God. Thank God.
O's results are coming. A reminder to weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice
But meanwhile - Chinese A2 was probably a choice God made for me - else I wouldn't be in a non-intact class - else the company would have been different. Just think, each of of us is so special, and we're put where we are for a special purpose. wonderful!
and I end off on this rather 'high' note. and leave these 3 puzzling questions (cheers Maye!):
1) What is a dictyosome?
2) What are the factors of 1517? (not 1 or 1517)
3) How does one pronounce 'allele'?
Monday, January 15, 2007
5.12 Proverbs
Waiting in the LT, Mr Pat Soo in control of the labtop which contained the excel sheets that held the direction for our future - our future classes - and so our future friends and school experience - had all been in the hands of God. I had hoped for a surprise, and God gave more than just a tiny shock.
At least Wing Hing was there to witness it with me, we stuck close, having identified with each other by virtue of identical subject combination, and peered intensely at the screen as the classes from 5.01 to 5.06 were flashed. Nope, we weren't there. And it was not till another 6 classes later that we found our class in 5.12. Apparently it was the second language. Dah. Chinese A2.
Not that I was upset. I guess it was kind of interesting being in the same class as BB folks Wing, John Tay and Ethan. Not to forget OG cum Chinese A2 mates Huang Zi and Ben Seow. The Hwa Chong Cheng Yi. And the Bio-Chem-Math girls - who also gave up the free Grade 7 in CL B for something more challenging. An exciting blend of people, not everyone was too pleased, but we'll see where we go in the months to come.
So 5point12 - Proverbs. How wise.
Instinctively, I went to look up Proverbs 5:12:
How my heart spurned correction!
That wasn't so assuring. Maybe it was a warning. But then again, bible roulette never did result in anything that was truly God's voice. I felt instead a strange return to that familiar verse that guided me through so much of my childhood - when my paths were crooked and the way was blurry:
Yes Lord. We know You are sovereign. What you have planned for us we cannot fathom, yet it brings such excitment. Oh Lord, make our paths straight, and fill this year with joy and peace!
On a side note - spoke to the prayer group today :) and thank God I spoke so fluently, it couldn't have been me speaking on my own accord - I had hardly practiced or composed my thoughts! God is good. And teacher blessing has started. Personally, thanks once again to a God-given opportunity, Mdm Usha appeared alone right in front of Steven and I, and we prayed, a simple yet (hopefully) assuring prayer. Two Indian teachers so far. :)
Well. School's tomorrow. QT beckons. Cya all!
At least Wing Hing was there to witness it with me, we stuck close, having identified with each other by virtue of identical subject combination, and peered intensely at the screen as the classes from 5.01 to 5.06 were flashed. Nope, we weren't there. And it was not till another 6 classes later that we found our class in 5.12. Apparently it was the second language. Dah. Chinese A2.
Not that I was upset. I guess it was kind of interesting being in the same class as BB folks Wing, John Tay and Ethan. Not to forget OG cum Chinese A2 mates Huang Zi and Ben Seow. The Hwa Chong Cheng Yi. And the Bio-Chem-Math girls - who also gave up the free Grade 7 in CL B for something more challenging. An exciting blend of people, not everyone was too pleased, but we'll see where we go in the months to come.
So 5point12 - Proverbs. How wise.
Instinctively, I went to look up Proverbs 5:12:
12You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!
That wasn't so assuring. Maybe it was a warning. But then again, bible roulette never did result in anything that was truly God's voice. I felt instead a strange return to that familiar verse that guided me through so much of my childhood - when my paths were crooked and the way was blurry:
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
Yes Lord. We know You are sovereign. What you have planned for us we cannot fathom, yet it brings such excitment. Oh Lord, make our paths straight, and fill this year with joy and peace!
On a side note - spoke to the prayer group today :) and thank God I spoke so fluently, it couldn't have been me speaking on my own accord - I had hardly practiced or composed my thoughts! God is good. And teacher blessing has started. Personally, thanks once again to a God-given opportunity, Mdm Usha appeared alone right in front of Steven and I, and we prayed, a simple yet (hopefully) assuring prayer. Two Indian teachers so far. :)
Well. School's tomorrow. QT beckons. Cya all!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Project Beacon
Last days of any milestone in life are always worth the documentation - orientation is no exception - but I chose not to write about ACSiting race, or the cactus gifts, or the ridiculous things we did in public, simply because it isn't worth the effort expressing in words what has already been so richly imprinted in every person's mind.
4.9 regrouped for soccer yesterday, our collective unity still in place. The yellow-blue soccer ball that sits in the corner of my home - the 4.9 ball - a symbol of that collective identity. An identity that we strive to preserve -
But inevitability threatens.
There will be no further elaboration, but many lament the fact of life. We have to move on (or is 'moving on' simply a optimistic twist on 'leaving behind'?), and we will go our separate ways. Accept the inevitability, life only happens once, and there will never again be the sparks of 4.9. I believe at most we will keep a small flame going, but fireworks will probably be an impossibility, friendships diluted by reality.
But who knows. I may be wrong. And never forget that we will spend an eternity together - in fellowship with our Lord in heaven.
Project Beacon. May ACS be a beacon of truth and light - a true beacon, not a travesty of one. A Friend (who declines to be mentioned) has taken the great burden, and many of us have heeded God's call to support him. How was I chosen as his accountability partner, I shall never know, but may God provide me with the grace to see him through.
(edittt (thanks kenneth): A beacon not to draw men unto ourselves - but to point them toward the source of all light, that is God, that is Jesus. May we decrease as He increases!)
Really, it's been a time of earnestly seeking God and trying to find Him - I do implore all to do the same. I find myself wrought with many worldy distractions and desires, but may God bring down such walls of pretences, and behind all our pride, achievements and progress lies a heart which is fully human, and that desperately needs God.
Proverbs 2:3 - 2:5
4.9 regrouped for soccer yesterday, our collective unity still in place. The yellow-blue soccer ball that sits in the corner of my home - the 4.9 ball - a symbol of that collective identity. An identity that we strive to preserve -
But inevitability threatens.
There will be no further elaboration, but many lament the fact of life. We have to move on (or is 'moving on' simply a optimistic twist on 'leaving behind'?), and we will go our separate ways. Accept the inevitability, life only happens once, and there will never again be the sparks of 4.9. I believe at most we will keep a small flame going, but fireworks will probably be an impossibility, friendships diluted by reality.
But who knows. I may be wrong. And never forget that we will spend an eternity together - in fellowship with our Lord in heaven.
Project Beacon. May ACS be a beacon of truth and light - a true beacon, not a travesty of one. A Friend (who declines to be mentioned) has taken the great burden, and many of us have heeded God's call to support him. How was I chosen as his accountability partner, I shall never know, but may God provide me with the grace to see him through.
(edittt (thanks kenneth): A beacon not to draw men unto ourselves - but to point them toward the source of all light, that is God, that is Jesus. May we decrease as He increases!)
Really, it's been a time of earnestly seeking God and trying to find Him - I do implore all to do the same. I find myself wrought with many worldy distractions and desires, but may God bring down such walls of pretences, and behind all our pride, achievements and progress lies a heart which is fully human, and that desperately needs God.
Proverbs 2:3 - 2:5
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Twisted Puppets
Armed with the spanking new (albeit, splattered with ugly green paint) IB tie, we entered the school, fresh and ready for the second day of Orientation.
Special time with God today, on the IB building rooftop, the skies opening above to reveal the radiant sun, the air atop fresh as ever, and the scenic view overlooking the astrofield. Huddling in a little corner, searching for a dry spot to stay on (it rained badly), and just praying, how meaningful. The prayer group is going to start moving somewhere soon, and hopefully we'll keep praying - it is exciting, but it hasn't shocked us yet - Yes God, we're waiting for you to Shock us!
The talks today would have sent me to dreamland, but thankfully the Alistar-duo managed to make things more lighthearted and cheery! We are apples and JCs are oranges.
Orientation dance was strange but enjoyable (i guess) - though the the task of carrying out the girls' role befell me (by virtue of my position on the right). We twisted, we stomped, we stepped up, stepped down, and played puppets. Had a wild time, shamelessly strutting our stuff (which was not that bad!!! :P)
Mud and Water defined the rest of the day - but I'll cut it short here - the memories will never fade away (yes, that of bowling in the mud and scissors paper stone in dustbins), as much as the stains on my Sec 1 Orientation 2003 shirt will never be washed away. Yes what a special day, as I wore that Sec 1 Orietation shirt - the milestones of life congregating in a single moment.
Subject briefing tomorrow. At the moment it stands at:
HL Biology
HL Chemistry
HL Mathematics
SL Economics
SL English A1
SL Chinese A2
A ridiculously tough combination, one that I might or might not regret, but only time will tell. I know it's a geeky combi, but bear with me :) I dropped Physics! Horror of horrors!
Well, Day 3 tomorrow, gtg pray for the prayer group (strange as it may sound) and fall alsleep in those everlasting arms. Thanks for all God.
Special time with God today, on the IB building rooftop, the skies opening above to reveal the radiant sun, the air atop fresh as ever, and the scenic view overlooking the astrofield. Huddling in a little corner, searching for a dry spot to stay on (it rained badly), and just praying, how meaningful. The prayer group is going to start moving somewhere soon, and hopefully we'll keep praying - it is exciting, but it hasn't shocked us yet - Yes God, we're waiting for you to Shock us!
The talks today would have sent me to dreamland, but thankfully the Alistar-duo managed to make things more lighthearted and cheery! We are apples and JCs are oranges.
Orientation dance was strange but enjoyable (i guess) - though the the task of carrying out the girls' role befell me (by virtue of my position on the right). We twisted, we stomped, we stepped up, stepped down, and played puppets. Had a wild time, shamelessly strutting our stuff (which was not that bad!!! :P)
Mud and Water defined the rest of the day - but I'll cut it short here - the memories will never fade away (yes, that of bowling in the mud and scissors paper stone in dustbins), as much as the stains on my Sec 1 Orientation 2003 shirt will never be washed away. Yes what a special day, as I wore that Sec 1 Orietation shirt - the milestones of life congregating in a single moment.
Subject briefing tomorrow. At the moment it stands at:
HL Biology
HL Chemistry
HL Mathematics
SL Economics
SL English A1
SL Chinese A2
A ridiculously tough combination, one that I might or might not regret, but only time will tell. I know it's a geeky combi, but bear with me :) I dropped Physics! Horror of horrors!
Well, Day 3 tomorrow, gtg pray for the prayer group (strange as it may sound) and fall alsleep in those everlasting arms. Thanks for all God.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Light of the World
(yes sean, I will be labelling this under 'God' again :P)
Having the school uniform on again was definitely the strangest sensation, waking up at 5.45a.m was an equally strange and out-of-habit experience. Nevertheless, there was always something special about the first day of school - that sparkle of enthusiasm, that rejuvenated passion and that hidden wanting to meet everybody again. It brought a smile to my face, a God-given joy, that brimmed from within throughout the entire day.
Perhaps it was the prospect of meeting new people, admittingly it was an enjoyable experience, one that we looked upon with apprehension, yet was surprisingly delightful when it came. Of course, it all boils down to attitude (100% :P) - and having clothed myself with that positive attitude (that so bugs all good handful of people), I must confess that I did have a memorable orientation - kudos to all the Year 6s - you guys are a great bunch.
More importantly, Dr Ong shared the theme for this year:
'You are the light of the world' Matt 5:14
As Christians we are called to clothe ourselves with love, compassion, and the Fruit of the Spirit. To set our minds on things above, and to always have an eternal perspective in things. Having been brought out of our (individual) darkness, we have entered His marvellous light, and nothing short of gratitude should follow.
'Out of the darkness, into His marvellous light' 1 Peter 2:9b
And for that reason let us endlessly declare God's praises and his majesty, praying unceasingly, rejoicing always and always full of gratitude for the one who plucked us from the miry clay and made us beautiful. Some people choose to hide their light under the bowl, but this year, let us with confidence shine for God, as testimonies of His loving-kindness, spread the love of Christ to all those around us.
The most fascinating thing about light is its influence on the surroundings, it gives vision, it even gives warmth (like a blazing fire), and it removes all fear. As we go about our IB years in 2007 and 2008, let's adopt this mission, to be little lamps for Christ, and
bring the light of the gospel to those who are still in the dark;
bring the warmth of compassion to those who are in pain;
and bring assurance, hope and the promises of God to those trapped in fear!
Consider it pure joy, to be a lamp for Christ. My brothers (and now sisters) in Christ, continue in this labour of love. and to all my 4.9 and 4.10 friends, let this desire to glorify Christ be the everlasting link that remains between us, even as we go down our separate paths!
Having the school uniform on again was definitely the strangest sensation, waking up at 5.45a.m was an equally strange and out-of-habit experience. Nevertheless, there was always something special about the first day of school - that sparkle of enthusiasm, that rejuvenated passion and that hidden wanting to meet everybody again. It brought a smile to my face, a God-given joy, that brimmed from within throughout the entire day.
Perhaps it was the prospect of meeting new people, admittingly it was an enjoyable experience, one that we looked upon with apprehension, yet was surprisingly delightful when it came. Of course, it all boils down to attitude (100% :P) - and having clothed myself with that positive attitude (that so bugs all good handful of people), I must confess that I did have a memorable orientation - kudos to all the Year 6s - you guys are a great bunch.
More importantly, Dr Ong shared the theme for this year:
'You are the light of the world' Matt 5:14
As Christians we are called to clothe ourselves with love, compassion, and the Fruit of the Spirit. To set our minds on things above, and to always have an eternal perspective in things. Having been brought out of our (individual) darkness, we have entered His marvellous light, and nothing short of gratitude should follow.
'Out of the darkness, into His marvellous light' 1 Peter 2:9b
And for that reason let us endlessly declare God's praises and his majesty, praying unceasingly, rejoicing always and always full of gratitude for the one who plucked us from the miry clay and made us beautiful. Some people choose to hide their light under the bowl, but this year, let us with confidence shine for God, as testimonies of His loving-kindness, spread the love of Christ to all those around us.
The most fascinating thing about light is its influence on the surroundings, it gives vision, it even gives warmth (like a blazing fire), and it removes all fear. As we go about our IB years in 2007 and 2008, let's adopt this mission, to be little lamps for Christ, and
bring the light of the gospel to those who are still in the dark;
bring the warmth of compassion to those who are in pain;
and bring assurance, hope and the promises of God to those trapped in fear!
Consider it pure joy, to be a lamp for Christ. My brothers (and now sisters) in Christ, continue in this labour of love. and to all my 4.9 and 4.10 friends, let this desire to glorify Christ be the everlasting link that remains between us, even as we go down our separate paths!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)