Dedication

Was just thinking to post this just to record my thanks and appreciations to all those heroes, sung and unsung, individuals who have come and either be a part of my life or just cross by. Life becomes more meaningful and more significant because each of you have helped to shape my character, personality, worldview and value system.

My first thanks of course goes to the All Mighty who has created my. Thank YOU for leading me all these while, through thick and thin, sending angels to help in times of need. God, indeed You have proved Yourself faithful all these decades after believing in You. I'm sorry to have hurt or offend You in anyhow, yet Your grace is sufficient to keep me going.

Thank you Bro Colin Chong, for being my brother and exemplary boss. It was you who taught me on life investment and it was you who secretly blessed me with not just care, but also in terms of prayer and finances. You are such a gentle man yet a man of principles and beliefs.

Not forgetting my elder "brother" Andy Wong for lending your ears to me when I needed the advice. Thank you being such a great listener and for sharing your life with me. Really miss those times when we would just sat and chatted over many things, ranging from ministry to personal.

Along the way, I met you Mr John; because of you, I could finish my Masters smoothly and really thank you for the laptop that came in handy when I needed the help. Thank you for offering your help in sourcing out a suitable employment for me at the time of crisis. Really appreciate your prayer and network. I am sure Ben inherits your side of being helpfulness that he is doing so well in BB and study.

Agnes, we met when we just started our Masters. You have been like an elder sister in offering your advice despite the struggles you have. Thank you for offering to help liaise with your department head. Though we didn't end up colleagues, I value your friendship and really hope you will survive your storms too.

Mr Cheah and Estee, thank you for being such a great encourager to me when I was almost giving up on completing my masters. It was so touching to see both of you actually took the extra mile just to push and motivate me to finish the course and graduate. Thank you so much for helping in the project too. Estee, really appreciate your help when you introduced your friend to help in the project.

My life and ministry wont be so colourful if is not because of you, my dear youths and students. Thank you for treating me as friend more than anything and to look beyond that teacher-student mentality. Some of you are so close to me that we could almost share anything under the sun. And I have seen so many of you growing up to be great men and ladies that will impact the society for the better. Simply too many of you for me to name one by one. To all my dear "brothers", you know who you are, thank you for accepting me into your life and for being part of my life. I really wish we could walk the journey of brotherhood together till the end.

Counting from here, indeed God is faithful when He allows all these people to cross my path. Somehow, all these come in the perfect timing, like it or not. And the list of thanksgiving goes on further. I hope I can give personalised appreciative post to each of you, but it will probably take ages and ages to finish recording. Only God will be able to repay every single kind deed you have given.

Thank you for your partnership in ministry. Thank you in the brotherhood and friendship too.

Moving on

Been such a long time didn't really sit at the comfy of my couch to pen my thoughts. And now is the last quarter of 2013. How I wish time can slow down sometimes. As I flashed back, have been through storms after storms, especially the last two years... somehow, there are still blessings along those storms, which is why I am thankful for. Looking back, is always good, as the saying goes "count your blessings and name them one by one"... I guess that is one of the easiest ways to keep moving despite the many facets of challenges, to inch forward despite the hurdles along the many faces of pathways: thorny, rocky, muddy, rough terrains.

Now, let;s see what has 2013 gotten me so far.... It was tough to begin the year after 6 months of "absence" from the teaching line. The first quarter was a rough terrain where it seemed leading nowhere, no light at the end of the tunnel. Then the offer came from a new school, though wasn't the one I wanted. The big news came one month later.

Stepped into WMS in the midst of preparation for the one of the two major events of the school. Lots of school jargons, adjustments and in-between lessons... My first day at school was brightened by a student who, out of the blue, wished me to have a nice teaching experience in the school. Such warmth welcome and hospitality shown. And am really glad that we have progressed further.

Stepping into 5 September is the beginning of SPM Trial. At this point of writing, am sure there are those who are still burning the midnight oil; after all tomorrow is the first tough hurdle, BM. After been made homeroom teacher for 5C, today I thought of wishing them good luck after seeing their stressed face. And they responded with a smile! And that just another approving sign that they really welcome this new homeroom teacher, whom they hardly know and who can hardly recognise and remember their names. I am so glad and so proud of them. Wesleyans, you can go far Above and Beyond.

New Beginnings

Been so long since my last post. Suddenly the thought of reactivating my blog again. Well, what a way to begin by saying today is a great day. It's now June 2013, and it just shows that half a year has gone by just like that and what have I achieved (or lost) ? Should really start to count one by one, lest it would forever be gone, disappear into the thin air before making any significant impacts. After all, today is a special day too. And next week, will be the day I really start afresh in a new environment. New environment means new challenges await. I wanna believe that He has everything in place for me. 

Starting Afresh

Been a really long since my last post. Coming to think of it, it has been a busy weeks then and now am still busy. Just wanted to steal time to rest, recreate, rejuvenate and relax. It is now February and it without me realizing it, is the mid February. Wow, time really flies and time really steals away your life. No wonder people say time is life and time is money. What is lost can never be retrieved. Like it or not, we have to move on. Question is how do we go about it?

Someone once told me that some of the most difficult tasks in life are
.. not in what cause us to fall, but in how do we get up after that fall
.. not in how do get up after a fall, but in when do we get up
.. not in when do we get up, but in why do we need to get up

All in all, each failure is a seed of success which was planted yesterday that will sprout into a giant tree tomorrow. Anyone reckon ?

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