Another month has passed

Another month has passes and I wonder what's there left ... Looking forward, another two week, the school gonna ends. Looking back, I wonder what I had learned for the past 10 months. What I had been doing for the past 10 months. Friends around me, each has their own lives, some already had families of their own. What about me?

Anyway, came back from SPW on Sunday. And now is the second day, yet things learned still fresh. To be frank, was annoyed over certain things that had happened, yet thankful over many reminders given. Deep down there is a longing, there is an expecting whisper. Am guessing, maybe it is not for me. So near yet so far. Lord, help me to focus on You and to focus to what I have now. Telling myself, maybe God wants me to stay another year. Maybe there is a surprise. Whatever it is, I tell myself, I need to pull through this. Question is : Who is still with me? What is there for me to continue to work on? How am I supposed to do so? And the list goes on....

Someone said I'm like a brother (or even a father) to many.... what a statement, but why am I don't seem to be inspired as much as last times. Another month has passed and no news. Maybe no news is good news. Whatever it is, Lord, I know you are still in control. Don't let me lose focus on You.

Gone with the wind

Look at the date! It's already mid of October. Another few more weeks, we shall bid year 2010 farewell. Time really flies and I wonder how much had I achieved this year. What had I learned so far this year? Have I made any significant contributions to my life and my surrounding thus far?

Indeed there are so much that I've learned. Been a really hectic year, especially when you're part of an ambitious State. There are just too much happenings here and there. I would say I am glad to be part of them. No doubts crises still happen. No longer I view them as obstacles but rather as blessings in disguise.

All I hope now is not to let go of my dream and not to lose hope. Someone says to continue to have hope in Him for He is the Lord of hopes, dreams, impossibles ... only achievable by those who have faith in Him. With Him in my vessel, obstacles are GONE WITH THE WIND.

Two Choices, One Decision

Now that PMR is over, I find many of my students are like yachts sailing without anchor, but being tossed in the vast oceans of confusion. Cant really blame them as they are still young to be able to see further. Surrounded by misconceptions, many are like the blinds, groping in the dark; some are like the blinds leading the blinds. Sometimes I wonder, is there any way that these youths be taught to think critically; that to choose is just follow your heart's desire and not obliging to friends.

I recalled after my SRP time, I too was lost, but only for awhile. I knew very well that I am good in Arts, to be specific, Literature... but I wouldn't want to be in that class. Two reasons.

(1) Most of my friends are in the Science Stream
(2) That Literature-to-be class is one of the worst class in the whole form

So, with my result, I chose Science class. And that decision carried me to Form 6, whereby I continued in Science Stream. Not bad.. I found that I could have the best of the two worlds. I am good in both Language and Science/Maths fields. So, I reckon that the best decision to make is to always allow your heart has its say. Your heart knows you very well. Your heart always leads you to the right path.

No doubt, Science students have the wider advantage in terms of courses that they can do and careers that they could venture into, Arts students do not lose out in many ways. Of course, if you could do both, that is the best. The world now is looking for those who can blend in Science and Arts well.

So, follow your heart's desire. Ask those more experienced than you. From there, sit down list down all advantages and disadvantages.... then weigh out the options. When you can see the picture clearly, make a decision and stick to it.

Discipline

I read one quote today : He who lives without discipline dies without honour (Icelandic Proverb). Indeed it is true and a very wise saying. Discipline is part and parcel of life. Some will need to be more disciplined than the rest, obviously. It is only those sluggish ones who suffer in the long run. Months back, I read in a documentary book about a species sloth. They have short, flat heads; big eyes; a short snout; long legs; and tiny ears. On top of that, they also have stubby tails, usually 6–7 cm long. These mammals are capable of sleeping up to 18 hours a day!! That's absurd. Imagine us spending such long hours in sleeping. What's left are 6 hours. What can be done in that 6 hours?

So, it is indeed a wise to say that one who lives without discipline will die without honour. No one will remember how long we can sleep, rather how much we have contributed one way or another to the society.

The Reminder

"What is the most difficult thing to do as Christian? It is to bring the first person to Christ."

Echoing what Pastor has said this morning in his sermon. It is indeed true. To bring someone to Christ is the hardest thing to do. Still remember the first person I brought to Christ. Hardly know him as he was very much reserved then. The only time I would pass his room was when I needed to meet my friend in the hostel during my first semester in campus. But then, sometimes my friend was nowhere to be found. Soon, we became friends. When I found out that he has great interest in Bible, I grabbed that opportunity, offering Bible study to him. And lo and behold, soon he followed me to church. And on that morning, I felt Holy Spirit confirming that he has finally accepted Christ into his life.

Soon after that, I began reaching out to even more people by offering Bible study to anyone who would be interested. It was surprising though.... my knowledge about God wasn't deep then. But somehow I was able to share and teach using the Bible. Thanks to all those sherperding lessons and Bible Study sessions I had. Credit goes to all my respected leaders and peers. Truly value your partnership.

Reckon the STORMS

Been awhile since my last post. Reclining into the comfort of my own desk, my thoughts seem to drift to wanting to pen a thought down. In a way it is a sign of releasing my frustration over the careless mistakes made as I was marking their papers. It was either they were careless or they were just being indifferent. In anyhow this experience is sufficient for the Pen to ink down another post on STORMS.

Someone once said "Life's just a journey; full of bends, full of mysteries, and full of challenges." Hence, life is made of a number of STORMS that we as mortals must and should learn to adjust and to adapt for our own survival.

Struggles - Each of us have our own struggles in life. Be it having to fend for our living in the rat race, or be it having deadlines to meet daily, we cant possibly run away from them. Regardless of age, our struggles are there to mould us into better individuals, having learned the lessons of humility, pride, sense of urgency, sense of belonging and even sense of security.

Trials/Temptations - Life's all about choices and decisions that we have to make. Yes, there is no right or wrong decision. Nonetheless, we know what is right and what is wrong in this world where wrong seems to be right sometimes. Imagine a student facing a major examination paper today. Last night was his favourite football match (live telecast) in the wee hours of morning. He cant resist not to watch his favourite team performing on the field. He made a decision to stay up to watch, at the expense of his paper.

Opportunities - At some points in our lives, God allows some people to come into our lives, granting us some chances to learn and to develop ourselves. There will be some openings for us in terms of advancement in career, securing a top position in office, attending a world class conference, and the list goes on. The question now is "Are we prepared to assume such privileges?"

Recreations - The world we live in today has become a Global Village. Times are hard yet not without some "desserts". When we are STRESSED, we need some DESSERTS to calm our heart and mind. Yes, we need time of refreshing for our tired and fatigue souls after having a day full of deadlines to meet. We need to go back to our homes to be recharged, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Money matters - Nothing is free in this Concrete Jungle. You want to survive, you neeed cash with you. Depending on our purchasing power, we nourish our body with wants and needs. To some people, having a i-phone is a WANT, but to some, it is another NEED.

Solitude - The world societies have taught us that we need friends to keep us company. But, don't we realize that sometimes we need to be alone, time to reflect and respond whether we have achieved our goals in life. We need to come to bargaining with our mind, have we changed for the better or for worse.

Refreshed and Rejuvenated by Water

My previous blog talked on our lives being refined by fire. You might be wondering what is next in store? After the refining, a tough and challenging process, we need to be refreshed and rejuvenated by Water. Water, many times represents the WORD, which is the bread of our soul.

We need water to replenish our physical body. We need water to survive. Likewise our mind, after being refined by fire, it needs the nourishment from water to live on. At the same time, our heart needs to draw strength from somewhere. So, unless our mind has been refreshed, our heart will still be empty. I mentioned that our value system would be challenged daily. Hence comes the refining process. What about rejuvenation? Rejuvenation deals with our hunger for knowledge and thirst for character.

Knowledge in itself is useless unless we know how to apply it. If we know how to apply it, we are wise and we have good character. People of character not only will go far in life, achieving success after success, they will also make a significant impact on the quality of life. They will shine in times of difficulties. They will not shatter when there is a crisis. Even if they fall, they will rise again.

So, water test is a test of rejuvenation to our spirit, refreshing power to our mind and heart. Joshua 1:8 says "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

Even in Ephesians 6, we are asked to put on the full armour of God, that will protect from head to toe. We need the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, buckle of truth, sword of the Spirit, sandals of peace, and the shield of faith. But wait, what about our back? There is no protection on our back.

Here comes the armour bearer. Amos 3:3 "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?". Hence, we cannot go through the water test alone. We need someone, and this person has to be someone who is able to rebuke us and at the same time encourage us. He or she will always intercede for us so that our feet will be geared towards the right direction.

A Refiner's Fire

Fire is said to be man's good friend but bad enemy. From the beginning of human civilization, fire, without doubt, is one of man's greatest discoveries. It is after all, the master of destruction from which comes renewal and refining of matters. Anything that comes into contact with it, will be burned into ashes of dust. Life, in a way, is seen as a series of fire tests.

Our lives are neither mundane nor routine. At times we are at the peak of our happiness, yet to reach joy. At some other times, we would be groping in the dark valleys, succumbing to our injuries, sorrows, despair, confusion, anxiety, and the list goes on. This is like a journey being tested by fire. It is in such times, we need to see a tiny beacon at the end of the tunnel. If we just continue towards that direction, we will soon discover, it is a great pillar of fire waiting to refine and to renew.

There's a Chinese saying : "Genuine gold will not be destroyed by fiery flame". Scriptures says in Romans 12:1-2, that we are to be renewed in our mind daily, not to conform any longer to the pattern of the world for we are living sacrifices. We need to examine our lives, to really dig out any impurities in us. Do we have a habit that needs to be rebuked and corrected? Any conflicts that need to be acknowledged and dealt with? Anything in our past that needs to be brought to light and renewed and then refined further so that the past has no grip on us anymore? Any unforgiven sins? Any reconciliation yet to be carried out? Are we involved in unhealthy relationship? What about our past glories? Have we been challenging the authorities set up, be it the law of the country, or at comfy home, or at busy workplace or at sheltered school?

We are very much motivated by our sight, aren't we? We wont believe something bad is going to happen until we face it ourselves. Not many of us are risk takers. But have we not realized it that many times we need to go through the Refiner's Fire Test, that is to take the step of faith? Just like Daniel and his 3 friends who went through the fiery furnace without being hurt. They were bold enough to step into it and they came out alive. I believe we don't need that kind of FIERY EXPERIENCE to wake us up.

The moment we gained the right to be children of God, our value system will be challenged. Our principles had been challenged so much that we have no other choice but to submit and obey. Our mind need to be renewed. Our spiritual man need to be rejuvenated, refreshed and refined. Yes, it is tough, almost an impossible task. Just like no individual can get close enough to a pillar of fire without protection, many of us wont dare to face the fiery tests of life without our armour.

Armour? What kind of armour? Our armour is simply the WORD of GOD. After all BIBLE is actually Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. We need to constantly challenge our selfish life principles with the highest standard of principles found in the BIBLE. Yes, we wont make it to the top, but at least we make sure we would want to pass the test of FIRE - A REFINER's WORK.

The Pen with new Inks to resume writing ...

As I reclined into the comfort of my couch, I couldn't help but to continue to ink down my thoughts on one of the chapters in our lives as rational beings. My previous blog talked about life's seen as many chapters of a book, JOURNEY. I have decided to continue to ink down more on TESTS, TRIALS and TEMPTATIONS, which will be reflected in the next few posts.

Life's but chapters of a book

July this year has proven to be one of the toughest months as there were two big events held at school this year. One was Report Card cum Entrepreneur's Day and the other was Speech Day. Now that both these twins have taken a rest, many breathed sigh relieved. In fact, for some, it has been a memorable one as they celebrate God's goodness, achieving their best in their fields of discipline. To those who have done well, well done and keep up the good work!! To the rest who did not yet make it to the hall of fame, don't give up. Continue to work hard, strengthen your weaknesses and maximise your strengths. God's sees every effort we put in. Life's got more to offer. Life's seen as the many unending chapters of a book - JOURNEY.

Somewhere within that book, JOURNEY, lies few chapters that dictate TESTS, TRIALS and TEMPTATIONS; these are seen as both friends and adversaries - for a man's greatest foe is the man himself. What's left of us is to grab a paint brush and paint some colours into our individual books, grab a pen and ink down our memories and grab a pencil perhaps to sketch some comedies.

God's grace

Still recovering from the aftermath on Wednesday... the scary incident of Initial D, near death experience still very much fresh in my mind. Never in my years of driving that I face such incident before. Fresh as it was, I could still share during my Bible class this morning. All I could say was it was by God's grace and mercy that I am still very much alive. God's grace was upon me.

Over the lunch table, talking and sharing with friends who cared for me so much. If it weren't for these people, I think I would be long gone elsewhere. Arrogance has really cropped into my life so much that I really don't deserve all these cares and concerns. But God's put these people into my life to be part of my life even without me asking. Now what is left of me, I have to rise above these falls. Painful, lonely, stressed, but I've got to pull through the thick and the thin.

God's grace willing, I'm willing to reach out to Him again. Let me just come back to Your gentle arms, LORD. Your grace is more than enough for me to sustain the long suffering.

Survived by God's grace

When my car skidded and spun 2 full circles, at that point, the only thing flashed through my mind was "What is gonna happen next?" Never happened in my life before that I felt so scared and panic before. The whole car was like almost wanting to bang onto some railing or divider or something else. My hands were stunned on the wheel, my eyes were stunned towards the road, wondering where would I land after this? Would the car be overturned? Would the car banged into something? I couldn't see where was I heading. Now even as I think back, I'm still anxious.

But then, I recall I could still feel the peace inside, that God's hand was somehow still there. Miraculously enough, there was no traffic on both sides of the roads. I could only remember there was one pedestrian, running away from the scene. Finally, the car decided to stop spinning and stopped in the middle of the road, on a road divider. I was safe, but was stunned for awhile.

No cars were there. I praised God that He really protected me and my car. Indeed He is a great God that He has proven Himself faithful time and again, and that His grace is sufficient for me. Soon, there were cars coming, honking at me. I started the engine back and slowly drove away.

Now think back, God has a lesson for me to learn, and for that I'm thankful. Forgive me Lord. I have learned my lesson.

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Finally I am back

Finally, after long silence. Been so bogged down by work loads after work loads. Finally got the chance to recline into my couch to serenade the night, expressing thoughts in writings. As I withdraw into the solitude, I begin to realize that I need to realign my focus on Him again. There are times that I have fallen away from God, been so busy with my own interests.

Woke up this morning singing praises to God in my heart. Wondered why and what would He want me to do for Him. Thought of last Friday devotion that reminded me to keep my SPIRITUAL man healthy and fit. Seriously, I need to lose some "weights" ... there are too much burdens on my shoulders which I hope to share with someone whom could understand.

Reading my pulses of thanksgiving, I've been so far from HIM. Yesterday, through the Pastor, He has reassured me that He is still there for me. Thank you so much Lord!! Forgive me for being so distant from you.

Recess Revolution has really moved me beyond words. Been so long since the school is filled with such positive remarks made. Hearts are lifted. Cares are lessened. Burdens are reduced. I can literally see so many standing on top of the world.

A Commitment

As we grow and as time passes by, we cant possibly run away from making commitment and keeping it. It is said that it takes more than just a man to make a commitment and to keep it; as making a promise and keeping it. At times, it is painful to keep commitment as it requires dedication, accountability and discipline.

Many things around us today revolve around commitment. A spouse would demand commitment from his or her significant other to remember their wedding anniversary. A parent would demand the children to behave and show academic excellence. A boss would demand the subordinate to put job's priority above other personal merits. A dating couple would demand undivided attention and care from each other. And the list goes on.

So, what is commitment? Is it just a promise? Is it a pledge? To many it may just be another word, but to the Pen, it is a part and parcel of life.

Good memories are worth it ...

Looking back at some recent photographs taken recently... These are some of the best memories

Just don't know why the feeling of wanting to dig into the laptop and search for worth looking pictures. Recalled that I don't really like to stand in front and smile at the camera... but then again, life can't move on without having good memories. Life's filled with the many colours and facets that once we begin to venture into it to really understand that

It takes pain to learn a lesson
It takes endurance to gain a skill
It takes courage to explore the uncommon ground
It takes time to understand a crisis
It takes patience to learn all the above

What can I say ...

This week has been real hectic week. Though exams are all over, I still feel there is so much to be done. Is true that many times, we just put God at a corner of our lives. Is true that many times, we seem to spend less time with Him and hence forgotten how He may even speak to us. Life's not a bed of roses. Look at the world around us today. People come and people go. How many of these actually stick with us as close as ever? What can I say ... there are those I really miss.

What can I say ... what goes around comes around. When you used to be a student yourself, having to sit down there and listen to what your teacher has to say to, seems a mountainous task to do. Now that you have matured and come back to encourage your teachers and your fellow juniors. It is such a pleasant testimony.

What can I say ... life's all about choices and decisions. We have choices to make between what to do and where to go. We are not so much bogged down by how many choices we have, just how do we sometimes decide upon something that will be pleased to people around us. We are so worried whether our decision would please our significant others, our close buddies, our peers and the list goes on.

What can I say ... people say is not how much we have in life that matters, it is who we have in life and how we live our lives that matter. It is true we will have friends, and perhaps meetings some "enemies" along the way. But how much are they part of our lives? Are we part of their lives? Only God knows ...

No Greater Love

There is no greater love than this that He lay down His life as a ransom for many. No greater love. What a theme... what a message.. This year has been a great year. I have seen lives changed, people's lives been touched and inspired, reconciliation between friends, reconciliation between students and teachers, conflicts resolved .. these are just some to name. As I mature, I begin to see things from various lens of perspectives, from different angles, justifying as much as possible and to seek clarification whenever possible. There are times I wonder why I am I doing what I am doing now.

Though many times I want to call it a day, time and again, I just cant quit and then leave. That is so irresponsible. They are just students, youths, growing teenagers looking up to someone to coach them, to love them more, to teach them and most of all, to be their friends. When the thought of leaving come bugging me, my heart will just cry out .. for them. To God be the glory.

I just cant help but to thank God that He has put me here. Doing something that I like and enjoy. Tiring and challenging and many times demanding my every single second in planning. But after all a day's work, I thank God that I still able to withdraw into His rest. Amen!!

Leadership is about ...

Wanted to write on this earlier but was bogged down by numerous tasks to settle, be it in work or study. Reflecting upon the Camp conducted last month, I cant help but to thank God that despite the many setbacks, last minute works and confusion as well as mis-communication, it was a great camp. Witnessing how many students had risen above the challenges and some even overcame their personal barriers, it somehow sank into me that God is the one behind all these.

One told me leadership is about giving and taking. Another said that leadership is about sharing your life with someone. Still another described leadership is where we come as one to reach out and minister to the less privileged ones. I always believe that the highest degree of leadership is servant leadership. Being the least would make one being the greatest in the Kingdom.

The next challenge is to coach them to live a life that will contribute to the society where wrong seems right. So, Leadership is all about .....

New Resolution?

New Year New Resolutions... how many of us really sit down and make resolutions? Or the better question is who even bother to keep the resolutions? Hardly any of those that I know of either make or keep resolutions. To some, it is just a gimmick of life, making our own self feel better that at least we "plan" in our lives. To some, it is just another routine in life. No wonder the statistics say only 5% of the world succeed in their lives. These 5% of the champions in their lines, be it business, career or ... well .. God knows what.

Frankly, resolutions are just there to let us focus and then to stay focused. Focus what we want to be, where to go, what to do, how to do and when to get it. Then, stay focused so that we don't be misled elsewhere. Someone once told me in order to succeed in life, we need to create a "niche" (making a name for ourselves). We can be champions in whatever vocations we choose to be involved in. Just Focus and Stay Focused.

What's next ??

Just this morning we had a very inspiring message from a Minister. He constantly reminds us that we need to get to know Jesus deeper and more intimately. Knowing Him is a great privilege and a great pleasure as He knows our deepest needs and desires. Looking at the world today, at times we tend to forget that we are living under grace. So, what has life got to offer us at times such as these? We read in the papers that weather is changing, people are dying, and organizations are restructuring. Technology is advancing so rapidly that some of us are left behind even before we realize it. At the click on the mouse, we see ourselves standing either on top of the world or at the bottom of ocean floor. What's next to behold but the knowledge of knowing someone who holds our future?

Times are getting tougher, harder and more challenging and more demanding. Yet, how many of us really realize that we are not getting anywhere if we ever give up now. It is during these times that we need people to work together. Teamwork is all it counts for us to continue to advance. Networking, as many would call it, is what we need in order to survive the battle of the fittest. What's next to get us going and not giving up? As someone once said, "I considered all these nothing compared to knowing Him who is beyond everything".

Something Different

It's now almost the end of February 2010. Mind you, time really flies! The year has been really good one way or another to me generally. Started my post degree last year was a good beginning. Towards the end, she has entered my life. That is the bonus at the end of the year. Celebrating CNY this year has thus been a bit different compared to previous years as I now have more places to visit. It is tiring to travel almost everyday, meeting new faces ... but then again, this is something different.

Looking at my job scope, I can hardly breathe amidst the loads and piles of work. If ever I want to call it a day, I think it will be now. But then again, I recall "Winners never quit, quitters never win". I am thankful that I have found much joy in pursuing in what I believe in - investing my life into others. No doubt, at times it is frustrating to see how they treat you after so much blood, time, effort and tears you've poured out. Many don't seem to appreciate what you've done. To them, this is just part and parcel of life. But to me, I see them as friends who need direction to charter so that they can go further.

To those who have encouraged me, yes .. you may not know it, but you do encourage me a lot. Just a pat on the shoulder, a warm friendly hug when you least expect it, a word of "thank you" and a smile ... all these actually brightens my day. If you would ask me is there any reason for me to continue to coach, to teach, to lead, to serve, to oversee ... I'd say "Yes. It's for them and for the Lord that I will commit myself in doing as long as my service is needed"

Without expecting rewards? Well ... that is another issue all together. Looking at life differently sometimes will enable you to see rainbows in storms. That is being different, that is being significant. Isn't that something different?

One Too Much or One Too Little

Everywhere we go nowadays, we'd always see the phrase "One .... " It's the talk of the town, that we are One in the Family. Being united is what people have been talking and emphasizing a lot these days. To some, it means more than just being accepted into the society. To some, they just can't be bothered. So, in the end, what would we expect to get out of it?

The Pen always believes that the better phrase is always Unity in Diversity. Being One (as a family, a nation, a community, a society) does not mean just united physically. We wont reach true unity unless we are truly united in our mind first. When we are united in our mind, we speak the same language, cast the same vision and hence achieve the same progress. So, the question remains is ... are we One Too Much or One Too Little ? Think about it.

The Blessings of Being the First

Being the first has its many privileges, as some might say. But definitely it comes with many duties, chores and responsibilities. Sometimes, we can't help but to say being the first makes us more stressful than the rest. In another sense, each of us are first in our lives! Think of it this way, we came into this world, with a purpose. And for that very reason, we are the first to make an impact to the world. I recalled in my high school days, I never wanted to hold any top positions in the school. I would always chose to be the number two in any committee line-ups. And you know what, there were many occasions that my authority as Number Two over-ruled the Number One.

Soon, I began to understand that each of us are born to bring an impact in the community that we live in. Some would obviously even carry their charisma wherever they go. One thing that is for sure, being the first would always have its better and more blessings than any other things.

Life's Like That

Some people view life as a journey; some an adventure. In anyhow, life is but a present to be treasured and celebrated as it is a PRECIOUS. It is a journey that is full of various terrains to cover, forked roads and bushes waiting for one to explore. As we begin our journey, we must realize that we are the painter of our lives.

We can paint our lives with any colours we want: red for the amount of excitement we have, yellow for the number of friends that we made, blue for the memories we leave behind, black for all those secrets, green for the recreations that we indulge in, and the list goes on ...

At times, I wonder how many of us would dare to make a difference in our lives? How many of us would dare to venture into something that not many would do? The essence of life is "To enjoy one's youths, but be on guard that we would be judged by our conscience ultimately" As the saying goes, "Life's like that" ... carpe diem