I am so sorry for not updating this blog.
Tse Hwei speaks less nowadays eh?
My time is taken up with all the silly and unnecessary co-curric stuff that we have to do in school in order to get an equally silly but not so equally unnecessary cert to get into university.
Sis just reminded me again that I need to begin concentrating on a study plan for STPM already. The principal gaily announced that we're gonna have our school trials early August. Couple that with the REAL trial somewhere in the same month or a month later and you have a hundred odd F6 students dying in MHS.
You'll probably hear from me again after July's over, meaning after Hari Koku, which literally marks the end of all my co-curric troubles. Or the start of it. Depending on whether I manage to scrape up 5 main activities for CF.
I disagree with the school's shallow definition of an active club. Hmmph. Will grumble more about this after July.
Well, at least I have something to look forward to --> Song En's wedding on July 21!!
This wedding is really meaningful to me~ Not just because I can go and sharingan some wedding march techniques off the wedding pianist k.
Song En was my piano mentor for awhile when he was in MGC. I really really love his jazzy Because He Lives and his awesome Bridal Chorus. His notes were the ones that helped me through the Bridal Chorus that I had to play for Beng Hui's wedding.
There's always something about a friend getting married. It's like I'm feeling so happy for him and all but there's this really tugging realization of a new life blossoming somewhere. Of course that somewhere is where the newly weds will be la, but it sounds nicer if I say somewhere. Like, somewhere. See? That's nice.
I don't know if it's just me or what. I get excited so easily. I mean, I get excited every time I hear the siren of an ambulance. I'll go: Whoaaaaaaa someone's dying!!!!!! But at the same time, I feel so heroic cuz I get to move aside to make way for the speeding ambulance. It's like I get to play a part in saving someone's life or something.
Even when I swim, as I race towards the wall, I feel like every stroke of my freestyle becomes the stroke of some great swimmer in a movie. I can almost feel my own heart pumping and that heartbeat song (sorry to potong stim but I really dunno the name of the song) that's in almost every heroic movie.
That's all we humans live for, isn't it?
A sense of heroism, a sense of playing a part in some adventure, a sense of an extraordinary-ness in our lives.
Well, thankfully, we Christians have a chance to be heroic. We're a people on a mission, after all. Buahaha.
Was just thinking about Robin Hood the other day in church. And as I thought about Jesus, and how He travelled around, healing the sick, upholding justice for the helpless, feeding the poor, saving people from death... it just reminded me of Robin Hood himself. And I began to think of Jesus as Someone more than a gentle fellow who walked around with a worn cloak and dusty sandals. Jesus is my very own Robin Hood! Jesus was and is a hero, in every sense of the word. Literally.
Since we were made to become more like Jesus every day, maybe God incorporated a bit of that into us - the spirit of a hero. Little heroes we may be, but heroes nonetheless. Little heroes like Little John, Will Scarlet, Much, and George-a-Greene. Little heroes who were pivotal in bringing the legend of Robin Hood to life. Little heroes who didn't take the centre-stage but pointed towards the real hero in the spotlight.
I don't know how I got this far, but anyway, I'm excited about Song En's wedding. =)
And I'm a little hero.
And I shall end with a heroic laugh.
Mua-ha-ha!
Saturday, 7 July 2007
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Melancholy
I'm feeling much anger today.
I shall refrain from elaborating so as to refrain from sinning in my anger.
Ignore me, people.
I just need to say I'm angry.
I'll be fine tomorrow.
Sunday, 10 June 2007
A New Life, A New Start, A New Day Everyday
As I plucked off my share of the bread for the Communion today, I picked the crust.
So?
That's probably what you're all thinking. Heh.
Yeah, well, the thing is you need to know how I used to pick my food. I always picked the tastiest-looking chicken during dinner, hoarded the juiciest piece of mango during desert and tore off the insides of any bread I got cuz it's always the nicest part, since the crust is just awful to me.
Yup, selfish me.
What sis told me when I was younger struck me though. She described all the stuff I wrote up there la, then she proceeded to say (as usual) that she always took the un-nicest part so that she could leave the best to us.
That sort of didn't sink in till much later la.
Anyway, when I picked the crust today, I realized that although I'm still quite a selfish person, I'm less selfish than I used to be.
Usually when I pray my personal prayer for the bread, I have trouble thinking of what to say. Cuz I don't really keep His death in my mind all the time, so when I come on Sunday, it's difficult to think of His death as other than something done a long time ago. Today, I realized that His death changed my life. Not just the selfish aspect, but many other aspects of my life. I don't know what kind of person I'd be if He hadn't come looking for me to make friends with me, but I'd probably be someone I'm disgusted with if I could see that "myself" right now. And then it struck me that I have a chance to change every day, to grow better each day, to be a better person, to improve everyday because I have this God who enables me to do so. There's always another to try harder and to try again, and there's always hope of a better me in the future or maybe tomorrow because my Jesus died for me on the cross!
Suddenly it wasn't that hard to pray that personal prayer anymore. I think the best part that God enjoyed most today was seeing me realize all that: That I can change everyday, that it's not impossible to become more like Jesus because I was created in His image in the first place. Today I realized what I knew in my tiny brain all this while but failed to know in my heart - that God is content with just listening to my heart. That's what prayer's all about! I don't have to decide between Manglish and proper English when I pray, or apologize for using the wrong words when I pray (yeah, I do that. I'm that polite. Perasan haha~).
Indeed,
We will use the words we know
To tell You what an awesome God You are
But words are not enough
To tell You of our love
So listen to our hearts
And I don't have to keep trying to imagine Jesus carrying the cross or dying on the cross to remember what He did for me every time I take the Holy Communion. That's like so rigid. That's so like me.
Anyway, a new life, a new start, a new day, everyday! I shall change that part of me bit by bit, starting today!
When Uncle Anthony gave thanks for the cup, he said: "Thank you for this new life that we can have in You."
Today was the first time those words melted my heart. Thank You, God!
Plus He tegur-ed me and said that since His 2nd chances for me will never wear out, I should give other people 2nd chances also. And 3rd chances. And so on, till 70 x 7 times and beyond. Haha. That's what Jesus meant when He spoke to Peter, I guess. That His 2nd chances for us never wear out. And so we must do the same for others. Got the message, Father.
May each day be a fresh new day for me, Lord, that I may never grow weary of Your love and Your 2nd chances for me. Amen!
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Updates on Robin Hood
Hi. I'm having The Pain right now. Just dropped by to say that Robin died.
A very ho lin death.
Good ending to the legend + book, though, as I told Pei Ling.
Thumbs up to Roger Lancelyn Green.
But Robin died.
Now I'm toilet-bookless.
Buh-bye.
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
7 Deadly Sins - I Am A Sloth
| Greed: | Very Low | |
| Gluttony: | Very Low | |
| Wrath: | Very Low | |
| Sloth: | High | |
| Envy: | Medium | |
| Lust: | Very Low | |
| Pride: | Medium |
Discover Your Sins - Click Here
Thursday, 31 May 2007
WordPress Blog
Oh ya, about my WordPress Blog, I didn't realize that I hadn't changed the privacy settings. So it was previously set to allow only self-recognized users la. So I've changed it cuz Pei Ling and Yen Mei said that they couldn't access my blog. Many apologies!
Anyway, now you can just click on the Back to I Speak link at the bottom when WordPress prompts you for your username and password.
That's all!
Oh, and MGC-ians, please make sure to access the MGC blog k!
Anyway, now you can just click on the Back to I Speak link at the bottom when WordPress prompts you for your username and password.
That's all!
Oh, and MGC-ians, please make sure to access the MGC blog k!
Farewell, MMU-ians!
Yup. The MMU-ians left today: Chong Keat, Rebecca and Mun Yee. Stephen left for Subang after the Children's Hour Sports Day yesterday. We were supposed to have a farewell makan for the MMU-ians after the morning ministry today, but the lunch that they were supposed to be yao kui-ly eating turned out to be a brunch that they didn't eat quite so yao kui-ly. I personally felt that it wasn't exactly the best farewell we've held since Geng Yi left. I can't help feeling I could've done something more for them today, but I didn't. Partly cuz I didn't know what it was that I was supposed to do la.
I am so going to miss them. Probably hasn't sunk in yet, but next week, the youth and the church as a whole will be feeling the ache and pain of losing some fine members (to quote Uncle Kian Boon in his message today). We'll probably be seeing CK some time in the future (an expressive *wink* to we-know-who), Mun Yee will be coming back to get baptized in MGC, and Rebecca will come back some time soon too to see Mark (^_^). But MGC will feel the loss nevertheless. Especially since I'm quite sure Stephen wouldn't be visiting very often.
Quite mean of me to say this, but I'm glad Mark was kept back =P If you're reading this, don't marah me eh ^^; Oh ya, that reminds me. Mark gave me the Manga Messiah today. It's the Jap comic version of the story of Jesus. It's really nice! And it's also really nice of Mark to give me something that I like so much. It really touched me when I asked him what was the occasion for giving me the book, and he answered simply: "No occasion. Just knew you like comics." Awwwwww~ Maybe Rebecca made the right choice after all =P
I still remember - about 2 years ago - the time when CK bluffed me about the MMU-ians graduating that year. It made me really sad cuz I'd just gotten used to them. Then after I'd moaned and groaned and sulked, he laughingly said (over MSN) that he'd been joking. He then proceeded to laugh at me and say that Stephen would be so psyched to know about my super big reaction =( After that I told him that I wouldn't be sad anymore when they really left. Well, true enough, I'm not as sad as I was then. Perhaps it's also partly due to the fact that they haven't really been joining us in our activities in their final year. But I'm sure I'll feel really empty and lonely next week haha...
I'll miss...
- ...Stephen's kata-kata ganda berima --> touching-menouching, syabas-shimabas sampai terbabas, and other such stuff
- ...CK's crazy stunts and straight-forward comments
- ...Rebecca's nice and sweet and funny jokes and comments, and...
- ..Mun Yee's crazy laugh, her helpfulness and her discipline and zeal in seeking God
But it's not like we wouldn't meet again right? How glad it is for every Christian to know that we never really have to say goodbye. There's always that final place where we'll see each other again. I pray that you will all grow strong and stay strong in the Lord. May our God lead you safely to heaven! See you there!
The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green
I actually posted some very long stuff about this yesterday, but some glitch occurred and now it's gone. Hmmph. Anyway, to do Pei Ling justice, I shall repost this topic (public: awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww another long postttttt).
Pei Ling gave me this book as a belated birthday present cuz she knew I was looking for it. The weird thing is she found it in One Utama, the very place I'd combed through to find it. Sabotage! Hmmph.
Anyway, this book really isn't what I expected. Not that it's a bad thing. See, I've been reading The Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle, and I must say that the two versions are truly different.
Why the many versions, you ask?
I was wondering the same thing. Well, I read the introduction (yes, I read introductions) by Roger, and it seems that Robin Hood's tales actually either consisted of ke le fair or rather supporting roles in other great legends and myths (e.g. Maid Marian, Ivanhoe), or some grave recitation of his death and downfall. Being a re-teller of legends and a great fan of classics, Roger (people usually use his last name but I'm using his first name like he lives next door) pieced together poems, plays and other "fantastic" literature to come up with his own rendition of the legend of Robin Hood.
Howard (there I go again) focuses a lot on Robin himself, a.k.a. Robert Fitzooth, son of the Sherwood Forest Ranger and Caretaker of the King's Deer (forgot his dad's name). Roger, on the other hand, spreads the focus to include a wide range of characters and their backgrounds that were formerly rather neglected (my opinion only, do not kill me, Howard fans) in Howard's version. Also, Roger's version makes Robin and Marian's wedding (which was rudely interrupted by a Sir Guy of Gisborne, who was never even mentioned in Howard's version) its real introduction (the story of his birth all that is like pshaw only la), whereas Howard focuses on Robin's childhood and how his father's death built him into the hooded protector of yeomen.
And in Howard's story, Marian is like this really gentle and puteri lilin-ic girl whose main role is just to stand around and look pretty. In Roger's version, Marian can fight as well as Robin with a quarter staff and shoot as well as his men with a long bow. I know this Marian was portrayed in another show la - Sinbad or something? Always wondered how she got there though. Hmm.
However, I have to agree with one reviewer's view that Roger lacks life in retelling the tale. It really almost seems as if he's writing the words from another script and just recopying it all. At times, the battle scenes are intriguing, but at other times, the narration and dialogue exchanges are rather bland.
Anyway, although I haven't quite made it past half of the book since I only read it in my um special place, I can confidently say that this book will make for quite a good read and I'm glad Pei Ling got it for me.
I'll get you something for your errr... belated birthday gift! Wait for it!
Sunday, 27 May 2007
Friday, 18 May 2007
Light Saber Duel
Star Wars itself may not be that good... but its "supporting merchandise" make for good penggalak jualan. Haha~
Oh ya. Announcement eh. I've just rediscovered my WordPress blog. I'll be posting there more often, I guess. The features are a tad nicer =P
Sunday, 29 April 2007
DMSJ Is Over
Yup. And we got into the Top 3 list. Yeah!
I'm trying too hard to be like Ah Zheng. That is so not what I would say.
I would say something like: ...
And then I would ask how the participants are taking it, what's going on over there in Johor (I couldn't go because I had my MUET exam on the day of the quiz), how much the difference in score was, and other such things.
Today Auntie Tina and Auntie Jennifer were expressing their views about this latest major thing in our church. They obviously didn't have much faith in MGC's standing in the quiz. Or maybe they were just expressing such indifference because they were trying to cover up their disappointment that is of course actually due to the fact that they actually hoped we could get more than the last placing in the quiz. I mean, that's what I do anyway.
Auntie Tina had never witnessed the days when we still had the fight in us (she wasn't around for the first few quizzes). So I suppose her lack of faith is quite justified. But Auntie Jennifer has been around for quite some time. Except she didn't exactly turn up for all the quizzes la. So her lack of faith is probably due to the fact that she usually watched from the sidelines while we struggled up there. News of our defeat or victory was just news to her, I guess. Even if she was there, like the time we won in our hometown, I think it was just a quiz victory to her. I'm thinking something crazy right now, which is that this kind of represents what goes on in the Christian world, if such a term may be used. We never quite work hard as labourers in the harvest field until we experience God for ourselves. Not just through hearing about Him in sermons or remembering the many bad things happening in the world and in our own lives. Those who've witnessed for themselves and who've supported us with their whole heart and soul every second of the quiz would continue to hope in the strength of the team, no matter how many times the team loses. They shout for joy and groan with the team throughout the quiz and when defeat is in sight, they sigh with the team, but go down fighting with the team. They whoop sincerely when victory is in sight. Every moment of suspense is passed with pounding hearts. But to those who are only there to watch, more is said than felt whether the team wins or loses.
Long-winded, I know. This is my superb strategy to get whatever few readers I have to shy away from my blog. Muahaha. And I'm hoping most of you have already moved on to another blog or website and are not reading this part right now cuz it would mean 2 things: that my efforts have failed, and that you now know my strategy. Oh bah!
Alright, now that the number of readers has been reduced quite significantly (I hope), I can actually get down to the main dish for today.
I spent most of the week feeling irritated and trying not to feel irritated.
I am seriously odd. Not as in a serious person and odd at the same time, but as in very odd.
Well, anyway, since most of the youth went down to Johor yesterday for the quiz, the remnants of the youth (and 2 young adults muahaha), namely me, Yik How, Adrian, Ah Zheng and Mel helped out in the Children's Hour. Ah Zheng came back just in time to be chosen =P as the songleader for the day. Adrian did the game; I played the piano; Yik How, Mel and I took the Mandarin class. Do I hear "Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"s? Nah, I probably hear "harrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr"s more. Well, your response is well justified and well received! After yesterday, the little me in my brain is probably thinking that Mel's Mandarin is better than mine. I sincerely thank God for moving Yik How and Mel to help me yesterday. I'm ok with teaching a crowd of children, but I am so not ok with teaching one-on-one or one-on-two (?). It's like Dad also. He speaks super nicely and eloquently in English, but when he speaks in Mandarin it's just so weird and like sebiji-sebiji wan (although he's now preaching in Mandarin). I mean, not really berketul-ketul like mine la, but not as nice lor. Recently, my classmates have been asking me about God, Christianity, and the Bible. I do pretty well explaining everything to my friends who can speak English sufficiently well, but I have serious trouble talking about Christ to my Chinese-ed friends. It's like haiyoh... there's this guy who asked me to bring a form for him to fill so that he could become a Christian. I told him that that ain't how it works, and tried to tell him the Gospel (what better chance than that huh) but my Mandarin was just too koyak for that. I mean, my basics are ok la. But stuff like salvation, repent, sin, accept, Saviour, eternal life... they require more than just reading Chinese Class textbooks! If God's trying to tell me I'm going to be involved in some way or other in the Chinese ministry, I think He's thrown enough hints man. I hear You loud and clear, Father~
I was feeling so tired after staying up doing the quiz questions and taking my MUET exam with a dizzy head that I went for the Children's Hour with an equally dong-dong head (Shaun had even helped me set the questions twice cuz I was simply too tired). After the mandarin class thing, I felt even more down cuz I felt I hadn't done my part well. Nicole (the little girl I was teaching - Yik How helped me teach Chai Ho) wasn't responding very well. She kept shaking her head and saying she didn't know anything after I'd explained the story of Jonah to her with all my might and strength (and with the aid of pictures! Not I draw wan la of course. She lagi tak faham). She seemed to respond more enthusiastically to Mel (who is, by the way, an Eurasian). I felt so totally helpless and useless. Sigh. The reason I felt even worse was probably because I hadn't thought that I would do that badly. I had too much confidence (actually not much, but it's relatively much). Yes, God, thanks for the lesson ~
But after that, Ah Zheng messaged me and said that he'd really enjoyed the whole thing yesterday cuz it cheered him up after spending most of his days studying and home-aloning at home. Yeah, that odd term has his copyright footnote stamped on it. That really encouraged me (the message, not the odd term). I think Adrian and Mel enjoyed themselves too. Auntie Yu Ming definitely did. She's been so bogged down by the weight of this ministry. I'm sure it gave her great encouragement to see that there are people who actually care about this ministry too. Yik How finally has a reason to come to church and not play those ball games in school on Saturdays. After his message, I saw that the reasons for me to be happy should far outweigh the reasons for me to be down. Auntie Kiat Tin's been saying that Ah Zheng's stressed out with his course, but I've never been able to do anything about it (cuz he wouldn't talk much about it except some touch and go stuff tsk) but yesterday I felt like I helped him a little bit. And having so few people in church made it much easier for me to talk with the remnants of the youth. So I guess it really was worth it.
Oh ya, I went out with the class for Pey Yein's (monitor) birthday on Thursday. I went to Amigo and The Wings Cafe for the first time! (I was like the only one dot dot dot) Wan Ting and I had to sit with the guys at the far end of the 4 tables joined together cuz we were late. Wan Ting had to go to the doctor's, and I was too buta jalan to get to Amigo myself. I was actually in Melaka Raya before that and even saw the sign leading to Amigo cuz I went to Adrian and Ah Zheng's houses first but couldn't go to Amigo myself cuz well, I decided I'd save a little more getting-lost petrol that day. Eating with the guys was fun. As usual, Aaron was playing the gossip-bug with his latest news and updates on the "troubles" in class (to give him a little more credit, Wan Ting asked him first la). I've noticed for quite some time that Aaron and some of the other girls make crude remarks about Doreen whenever anything that has to do about her is brought up. And it's also quite noticeable that they bring up something about her even when she's not there, as if on purpose, for the aim of gossiping about her. When Aaron denied disliking Doreen, I remarked that he talks bad about her a lot. He denied that too, but moved on to talking about his quarrels with her. And he ended with the statement: "Actually our class no problems wan. Seems like got problems but actually don't have."
I fail to understand how a long speech about why he doesn’t want to have anything to do with Doreen supports that last statement. Hmm.
As usual, Ming Suan passed a remark about how the class wouldn't have any problems with him around, and Derrick threw some friendly insults at him, Wai Kee laughed his head off (like tikus, seriously), Kian Tiong laughed that kuai chai laugh, and Aaron just "hehehehehehe"-ed. Benny was of course at the other end of the table with his dear Jennifer, and Han Sern was somewhere being quiet. The guys taught me how to cut my chicken chop (-_-) and had a firsthand experience of my disgusting play-with-my-food habit.
Eating with the girls... well, it's not like they aren't fun too or that I dislike them or anything. But they tend to gossip a lot about Doreen when they're together. And whenever something is said in her defense, they just dismiss it and change the topic. Next thing you know, they're at it again in another outing. I'm not saying the guys are free from all this gossip and bad thoughts stuff, but at least when they come together, and if they're asked, they tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Ok, perhaps it ain't quite that much truth, but at least they speak their mind and listen when we tell them to think of the case in another light. Like Aaron was telling us he understood why Doreen was so childish (-_-) = it was cuz she's a single child and she has no freedom to do much of anything, just like him when he was younger. So Wan Ting and I told him that if he really understood how she felt, he was the best person to begin treating her nice. He protested at first, but after that he kept a little quieter and thought about it. Don't think he'll start treating her nice, though, but at least he didn't do that whole smile-and-agree-politely-but-actually-don't-agree-wan thing. And it's really odd to say this, but the guys have more depth than the girls. The girls don't seem to want to get below surface talk and I always get the feeling that they're avoiding certain things. When someone manages to get below their psychology iceberg, they start feeling uncomfortable. The only time they talk about their feelings is when they're really ranting about it. That's when I can gauge the real cause beneath that behavioural part of their iceberg.
Maybe I'm being paranoid again la. But... sigh. So far only Shih Chui has talked to me about deeper things than just school. At least she really expresses what she feels about things. But then again, she's always been a blunt person.
Or maybe it's just me being so unapproachable. I've heard them rant a lot to some of the girls, but they've never ranted to me or Yee Ying. And when I see Yee Ying, I know why they don't rant to her. Maybe when they see me, that's what they feel too. Gotta lose the English-ed aura!
Shaun's back. I'm gonna go act like a reporter and bombard him with questions.
Congrats again to those who made it this far.
I'm trying too hard to be like Ah Zheng. That is so not what I would say.
I would say something like: ...
And then I would ask how the participants are taking it, what's going on over there in Johor (I couldn't go because I had my MUET exam on the day of the quiz), how much the difference in score was, and other such things.
Today Auntie Tina and Auntie Jennifer were expressing their views about this latest major thing in our church. They obviously didn't have much faith in MGC's standing in the quiz. Or maybe they were just expressing such indifference because they were trying to cover up their disappointment that is of course actually due to the fact that they actually hoped we could get more than the last placing in the quiz. I mean, that's what I do anyway.
Auntie Tina had never witnessed the days when we still had the fight in us (she wasn't around for the first few quizzes). So I suppose her lack of faith is quite justified. But Auntie Jennifer has been around for quite some time. Except she didn't exactly turn up for all the quizzes la. So her lack of faith is probably due to the fact that she usually watched from the sidelines while we struggled up there. News of our defeat or victory was just news to her, I guess. Even if she was there, like the time we won in our hometown, I think it was just a quiz victory to her. I'm thinking something crazy right now, which is that this kind of represents what goes on in the Christian world, if such a term may be used. We never quite work hard as labourers in the harvest field until we experience God for ourselves. Not just through hearing about Him in sermons or remembering the many bad things happening in the world and in our own lives. Those who've witnessed for themselves and who've supported us with their whole heart and soul every second of the quiz would continue to hope in the strength of the team, no matter how many times the team loses. They shout for joy and groan with the team throughout the quiz and when defeat is in sight, they sigh with the team, but go down fighting with the team. They whoop sincerely when victory is in sight. Every moment of suspense is passed with pounding hearts. But to those who are only there to watch, more is said than felt whether the team wins or loses.
Long-winded, I know. This is my superb strategy to get whatever few readers I have to shy away from my blog. Muahaha. And I'm hoping most of you have already moved on to another blog or website and are not reading this part right now cuz it would mean 2 things: that my efforts have failed, and that you now know my strategy. Oh bah!
Alright, now that the number of readers has been reduced quite significantly (I hope), I can actually get down to the main dish for today.
I spent most of the week feeling irritated and trying not to feel irritated.
- I was very irritated while preparing questions for the quiz.
- I was and am very irritated with the fact that although fewer people are reading my blog right now, I know that I still can't blog everything about the quiz here.
- I was irritated when people assumed that I am a totally free person with nothing to do and with nothing much to study cuz I get better grades.
- I was totally irritated with the tap and shower in my room which would suddenly reduce significantly their capacity to provide me with the water I need to bathe and brush my teeth.
- I was irritated because I knew that there are people who go through more than all that with joyful hearts and thankful souls.
- I am so irritated by the fact that I got irritated.
- I am irritated because this list seems to be a round thing that doesn't end. Bah!
I am seriously odd. Not as in a serious person and odd at the same time, but as in very odd.
Well, anyway, since most of the youth went down to Johor yesterday for the quiz, the remnants of the youth (and 2 young adults muahaha), namely me, Yik How, Adrian, Ah Zheng and Mel helped out in the Children's Hour. Ah Zheng came back just in time to be chosen =P as the songleader for the day. Adrian did the game; I played the piano; Yik How, Mel and I took the Mandarin class. Do I hear "Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"s? Nah, I probably hear "harrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr"s more. Well, your response is well justified and well received! After yesterday, the little me in my brain is probably thinking that Mel's Mandarin is better than mine. I sincerely thank God for moving Yik How and Mel to help me yesterday. I'm ok with teaching a crowd of children, but I am so not ok with teaching one-on-one or one-on-two (?). It's like Dad also. He speaks super nicely and eloquently in English, but when he speaks in Mandarin it's just so weird and like sebiji-sebiji wan (although he's now preaching in Mandarin). I mean, not really berketul-ketul like mine la, but not as nice lor. Recently, my classmates have been asking me about God, Christianity, and the Bible. I do pretty well explaining everything to my friends who can speak English sufficiently well, but I have serious trouble talking about Christ to my Chinese-ed friends. It's like haiyoh... there's this guy who asked me to bring a form for him to fill so that he could become a Christian. I told him that that ain't how it works, and tried to tell him the Gospel (what better chance than that huh) but my Mandarin was just too koyak for that. I mean, my basics are ok la. But stuff like salvation, repent, sin, accept, Saviour, eternal life... they require more than just reading Chinese Class textbooks! If God's trying to tell me I'm going to be involved in some way or other in the Chinese ministry, I think He's thrown enough hints man. I hear You loud and clear, Father~
I was feeling so tired after staying up doing the quiz questions and taking my MUET exam with a dizzy head that I went for the Children's Hour with an equally dong-dong head (Shaun had even helped me set the questions twice cuz I was simply too tired). After the mandarin class thing, I felt even more down cuz I felt I hadn't done my part well. Nicole (the little girl I was teaching - Yik How helped me teach Chai Ho) wasn't responding very well. She kept shaking her head and saying she didn't know anything after I'd explained the story of Jonah to her with all my might and strength (and with the aid of pictures! Not I draw wan la of course. She lagi tak faham). She seemed to respond more enthusiastically to Mel (who is, by the way, an Eurasian). I felt so totally helpless and useless. Sigh. The reason I felt even worse was probably because I hadn't thought that I would do that badly. I had too much confidence (actually not much, but it's relatively much). Yes, God, thanks for the lesson ~
But after that, Ah Zheng messaged me and said that he'd really enjoyed the whole thing yesterday cuz it cheered him up after spending most of his days studying and home-aloning at home. Yeah, that odd term has his copyright footnote stamped on it. That really encouraged me (the message, not the odd term). I think Adrian and Mel enjoyed themselves too. Auntie Yu Ming definitely did. She's been so bogged down by the weight of this ministry. I'm sure it gave her great encouragement to see that there are people who actually care about this ministry too. Yik How finally has a reason to come to church and not play those ball games in school on Saturdays. After his message, I saw that the reasons for me to be happy should far outweigh the reasons for me to be down. Auntie Kiat Tin's been saying that Ah Zheng's stressed out with his course, but I've never been able to do anything about it (cuz he wouldn't talk much about it except some touch and go stuff tsk) but yesterday I felt like I helped him a little bit. And having so few people in church made it much easier for me to talk with the remnants of the youth. So I guess it really was worth it.
Oh ya, I went out with the class for Pey Yein's (monitor) birthday on Thursday. I went to Amigo and The Wings Cafe for the first time! (I was like the only one dot dot dot) Wan Ting and I had to sit with the guys at the far end of the 4 tables joined together cuz we were late. Wan Ting had to go to the doctor's, and I was too buta jalan to get to Amigo myself. I was actually in Melaka Raya before that and even saw the sign leading to Amigo cuz I went to Adrian and Ah Zheng's houses first but couldn't go to Amigo myself cuz well, I decided I'd save a little more getting-lost petrol that day. Eating with the guys was fun. As usual, Aaron was playing the gossip-bug with his latest news and updates on the "troubles" in class (to give him a little more credit, Wan Ting asked him first la). I've noticed for quite some time that Aaron and some of the other girls make crude remarks about Doreen whenever anything that has to do about her is brought up. And it's also quite noticeable that they bring up something about her even when she's not there, as if on purpose, for the aim of gossiping about her. When Aaron denied disliking Doreen, I remarked that he talks bad about her a lot. He denied that too, but moved on to talking about his quarrels with her. And he ended with the statement: "Actually our class no problems wan. Seems like got problems but actually don't have."
I fail to understand how a long speech about why he doesn’t want to have anything to do with Doreen supports that last statement. Hmm.
As usual, Ming Suan passed a remark about how the class wouldn't have any problems with him around, and Derrick threw some friendly insults at him, Wai Kee laughed his head off (like tikus, seriously), Kian Tiong laughed that kuai chai laugh, and Aaron just "hehehehehehe"-ed. Benny was of course at the other end of the table with his dear Jennifer, and Han Sern was somewhere being quiet. The guys taught me how to cut my chicken chop (-_-) and had a firsthand experience of my disgusting play-with-my-food habit.
Eating with the girls... well, it's not like they aren't fun too or that I dislike them or anything. But they tend to gossip a lot about Doreen when they're together. And whenever something is said in her defense, they just dismiss it and change the topic. Next thing you know, they're at it again in another outing. I'm not saying the guys are free from all this gossip and bad thoughts stuff, but at least when they come together, and if they're asked, they tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Ok, perhaps it ain't quite that much truth, but at least they speak their mind and listen when we tell them to think of the case in another light. Like Aaron was telling us he understood why Doreen was so childish (-_-) = it was cuz she's a single child and she has no freedom to do much of anything, just like him when he was younger. So Wan Ting and I told him that if he really understood how she felt, he was the best person to begin treating her nice. He protested at first, but after that he kept a little quieter and thought about it. Don't think he'll start treating her nice, though, but at least he didn't do that whole smile-and-agree-politely-but-actually-don't-agree-wan thing. And it's really odd to say this, but the guys have more depth than the girls. The girls don't seem to want to get below surface talk and I always get the feeling that they're avoiding certain things. When someone manages to get below their psychology iceberg, they start feeling uncomfortable. The only time they talk about their feelings is when they're really ranting about it. That's when I can gauge the real cause beneath that behavioural part of their iceberg.
Maybe I'm being paranoid again la. But... sigh. So far only Shih Chui has talked to me about deeper things than just school. At least she really expresses what she feels about things. But then again, she's always been a blunt person.
Or maybe it's just me being so unapproachable. I've heard them rant a lot to some of the girls, but they've never ranted to me or Yee Ying. And when I see Yee Ying, I know why they don't rant to her. Maybe when they see me, that's what they feel too. Gotta lose the English-ed aura!
Shaun's back. I'm gonna go act like a reporter and bombard him with questions.
Congrats again to those who made it this far.
Friday, 6 April 2007
A Little More Updates
I didn't go plop on my bed after all. I felt I should update a little more after deserting this blog for so long.
Anyway, life in U6A3 is improving much much.
The PA quiz last week was ok la. I mean, we didn't get into the finals (cuz of our super cacat-ed Bahagian C), but Shiek Ching, Ming Suan, and I are closer already. Formerly, Shiek Ching would just nod and chuckle politely whenever I talked to her, and I really felt like there was a barrier between us that I couldn't quite break through. And I couldn't get to know her more on the class trip to EOM cuz I hung out with Sin Yee, Siew Huay, Ming Zhu, Shih Chui, Ying Chiah, Mei Ting, and Mei Fong - a totally different group (Shiek Ching usually hangs out with the more outspoken girls). Ming Suan lei, well, Ming Suan was just one of the noisy boys at the back (a row behind me only actually) who teased the rest of the girls except me and Yee Ying (another English-ed) and occasionally said "hi" in an odd, and super (sometimes like over already) polite way in the morning and at the end of the day.
Now Shiek Ching and I cari each other when we have problems in math and econs, and she's so much more energetic and open when we talk. As for Ming Suan, our friendship has now proceeded to another level; specifically, the one where he raps my table, *dush-dush*-es my bag at the end of the day and says more than "hi" to me (and more frequently than just in the morning and at the end of the day).
My desk is located at a totally strategic place in class, which is, directly under the fan. My place is never hot, even when every other place is causing its "inhabitants" to drip with sweat. Hence, the girls, and some of the guys (most would be sleeping... that's one thing that hasn't changed) would kumpul at my place to read the papers and to poke fun at each other (U6A3 is famous for poking fun at each other and other people).
I think I came on too strong while arguing about evolution and creationism with Aaron today though. Partly due to the fact that I was walking quickly to the CF meeting place (super far from my class) and he was talking super fast too. No la, don't blame other things. I get super excited when I talk about certain things, and sometimes I just suffocate people with my opinions. I'd really have to apologize to him on Monday!
Chen Li, Ju, and Jie came back last week!
It's been a long time since I saw Chen Li and Ju (I think~ 2 days is long to me so I guess the word 'long' is kinda relative). Nice to have them back! Didn't really get to talk to Ju though. I feel so bad every Saturday and Sunday. It's like I neglect almost everyone in church cuz I either have to do other stuff or go back early (Sat). I wonder how Geng Yi could go about his duties in church (a lot, lemme tell you) and still talk to every one in church. Jie came back for her laptop. Although she told me to say that she came back for my birthday. =_= Or was it the other way round? Hmm.
Lin messaged and said she was stressed out with so much assignments and exams and presentations. She has to do American Culture Study and C++ and other such odd stuff. I'm so proud of how strong she's being, all alone in KL and all. If it weren't for what Sin Yee and Shih Chui said about a similiar situation, I guess I'd still be opposing her for going for the JPA scholarship. There was a point of time when Wan Ting was always absent for class, and she skipped Business to do a Physics practical elsewhere. She had permission la, but the teacher dissed her anyway (behind her back). Shih Chui was totally against Wan Ting's actions, but Sin Yee (always the more benevolent one) said that she felt we should support Wan Ting in her time of need (she was and still is very stressed out - taking 5 subjects inc Physics). Shih Chui said I should advise her and lecture her about what she was doing and how much she was sacrificing for her ambition to be an architect. She then said that because she'd registered for her STPM papers, it was impossible to tell her to turn back now. But I had to advise her against improperly delegating her time. The second sentence not so important la. But the first one struck me lor. I'd been against Lin's decision for so long that she probably felt that she couldn't tell me anything about her problems in UiTM. So I took Shih Chui's advice, and now I feel so much better supporting Lin in her daily struggles. I find myself asking myself how I could have been so cruel so as to abandon her in her time of need in the first place.
Had fever yesterday. At first it was just nausea, so I went for PA tuition anyway. But then the air-con in the room made my mild fever worse, and so I drove home in a feverish state. I took a panadol and studied econs till 12.06 am then went to sleep. Woke up this morning with almost-panda-ic eyes and a nose with one side stuck and a hurting knee (yes, I have knee problems; runs in the family). Oh ya, I've been having these little red spots on the lower part of my arms recently, and when I told mum about them and my fever, she said with a totally straight face: "Dengue lor"
O_o
"Then must go see doctor!"
"No need la."
Wut?????
I went to school and told my friends. Sinn Ting came over with "Tse Hwei! Ni you dengue ar?" cuz I messaged her about it yesterday. They told me mum was kidding. Ceh.
Dunno wanna kena how many times =_+ The last time was "TB lor" when I coughed for one month. And the one before that was "Oooo got tumour" when I had headaches.
Mum has a really neat sense of humour.
Ooook. Thanks for listening. Congratulations to all who made it to this last sentence without skipping the middle part.
Now I shall officially plop on the sofa and drift off to sleep (probably without brushing my teeth... do I hear some *ewwwwwww*s?)
Buh-bye.
Anyway, life in U6A3 is improving much much.
The PA quiz last week was ok la. I mean, we didn't get into the finals (cuz of our super cacat-ed Bahagian C), but Shiek Ching, Ming Suan, and I are closer already. Formerly, Shiek Ching would just nod and chuckle politely whenever I talked to her, and I really felt like there was a barrier between us that I couldn't quite break through. And I couldn't get to know her more on the class trip to EOM cuz I hung out with Sin Yee, Siew Huay, Ming Zhu, Shih Chui, Ying Chiah, Mei Ting, and Mei Fong - a totally different group (Shiek Ching usually hangs out with the more outspoken girls). Ming Suan lei, well, Ming Suan was just one of the noisy boys at the back (a row behind me only actually) who teased the rest of the girls except me and Yee Ying (another English-ed) and occasionally said "hi" in an odd, and super (sometimes like over already) polite way in the morning and at the end of the day.
Now Shiek Ching and I cari each other when we have problems in math and econs, and she's so much more energetic and open when we talk. As for Ming Suan, our friendship has now proceeded to another level; specifically, the one where he raps my table, *dush-dush*-es my bag at the end of the day and says more than "hi" to me (and more frequently than just in the morning and at the end of the day).
My desk is located at a totally strategic place in class, which is, directly under the fan. My place is never hot, even when every other place is causing its "inhabitants" to drip with sweat. Hence, the girls, and some of the guys (most would be sleeping... that's one thing that hasn't changed) would kumpul at my place to read the papers and to poke fun at each other (U6A3 is famous for poking fun at each other and other people).
I think I came on too strong while arguing about evolution and creationism with Aaron today though. Partly due to the fact that I was walking quickly to the CF meeting place (super far from my class) and he was talking super fast too. No la, don't blame other things. I get super excited when I talk about certain things, and sometimes I just suffocate people with my opinions. I'd really have to apologize to him on Monday!
Chen Li, Ju, and Jie came back last week!
It's been a long time since I saw Chen Li and Ju (I think~ 2 days is long to me so I guess the word 'long' is kinda relative). Nice to have them back! Didn't really get to talk to Ju though. I feel so bad every Saturday and Sunday. It's like I neglect almost everyone in church cuz I either have to do other stuff or go back early (Sat). I wonder how Geng Yi could go about his duties in church (a lot, lemme tell you) and still talk to every one in church. Jie came back for her laptop. Although she told me to say that she came back for my birthday. =_= Or was it the other way round? Hmm.
Lin messaged and said she was stressed out with so much assignments and exams and presentations. She has to do American Culture Study and C++ and other such odd stuff. I'm so proud of how strong she's being, all alone in KL and all. If it weren't for what Sin Yee and Shih Chui said about a similiar situation, I guess I'd still be opposing her for going for the JPA scholarship. There was a point of time when Wan Ting was always absent for class, and she skipped Business to do a Physics practical elsewhere. She had permission la, but the teacher dissed her anyway (behind her back). Shih Chui was totally against Wan Ting's actions, but Sin Yee (always the more benevolent one) said that she felt we should support Wan Ting in her time of need (she was and still is very stressed out - taking 5 subjects inc Physics). Shih Chui said I should advise her and lecture her about what she was doing and how much she was sacrificing for her ambition to be an architect. She then said that because she'd registered for her STPM papers, it was impossible to tell her to turn back now. But I had to advise her against improperly delegating her time. The second sentence not so important la. But the first one struck me lor. I'd been against Lin's decision for so long that she probably felt that she couldn't tell me anything about her problems in UiTM. So I took Shih Chui's advice, and now I feel so much better supporting Lin in her daily struggles. I find myself asking myself how I could have been so cruel so as to abandon her in her time of need in the first place.
Had fever yesterday. At first it was just nausea, so I went for PA tuition anyway. But then the air-con in the room made my mild fever worse, and so I drove home in a feverish state. I took a panadol and studied econs till 12.06 am then went to sleep. Woke up this morning with almost-panda-ic eyes and a nose with one side stuck and a hurting knee (yes, I have knee problems; runs in the family). Oh ya, I've been having these little red spots on the lower part of my arms recently, and when I told mum about them and my fever, she said with a totally straight face: "Dengue lor"
O_o
"Then must go see doctor!"
"No need la."
Wut?????
I went to school and told my friends. Sinn Ting came over with "Tse Hwei! Ni you dengue ar?" cuz I messaged her about it yesterday. They told me mum was kidding. Ceh.
Dunno wanna kena how many times =_+ The last time was "TB lor" when I coughed for one month. And the one before that was "Oooo got tumour" when I had headaches.
Mum has a really neat sense of humour.
Ooook. Thanks for listening. Congratulations to all who made it to this last sentence without skipping the middle part.
Now I shall officially plop on the sofa and drift off to sleep (probably without brushing my teeth... do I hear some *ewwwwwww*s?)
Buh-bye.
I Can't Find Robin Hood
I went to look for Robin Hood today.
Wonder how many bookstores I have to go to before I find it. Sigh.
On the bright side, I saw a book by John Grisham (I was going to borrow his books in the MGSS library after Jeffrey Archer's but tak sempat T_T) entitled, "The Street Lawyer". It's about Michael Brock, a high-priced antitrust lawyer at the fictional law firm of Drake & Sweeney. One day, a homeless man holds dunno how many lawyers hostage in the firm and bloodshed ensues. This incident changes his life and mindset, and he begins to reevaluate his priorities as a lawyer and in life. He takes to the streets and gets acquainted with life on the streets. He now takes on the task of upholding justice for the homeless, even if it means going against his old firm. A lot of his former colleagues and friends get angry with him la, and then got a lot of conflict lor.
John Grisham writes a lot about mysteries and suspense thrillers involving the legal system. Jeffrey Archer tends towards the political side. I like both!!!! But somehow I can't bring myself to buy the books I liked in Popular and MPH. I keep thinking that those kind of books are more worth borrowing than buying.
Even Enid Blyton's Children Stories T_T
Had fun moonwalking and matrix-ing with Doreen in MP today though.
Now I'm gonna plop onto the bed and sleep my mild fever away.
Buh-bye.
Wonder how many bookstores I have to go to before I find it. Sigh.
On the bright side, I saw a book by John Grisham (I was going to borrow his books in the MGSS library after Jeffrey Archer's but tak sempat T_T) entitled, "The Street Lawyer". It's about Michael Brock, a high-priced antitrust lawyer at the fictional law firm of Drake & Sweeney. One day, a homeless man holds dunno how many lawyers hostage in the firm and bloodshed ensues. This incident changes his life and mindset, and he begins to reevaluate his priorities as a lawyer and in life. He takes to the streets and gets acquainted with life on the streets. He now takes on the task of upholding justice for the homeless, even if it means going against his old firm. A lot of his former colleagues and friends get angry with him la, and then got a lot of conflict lor.
John Grisham writes a lot about mysteries and suspense thrillers involving the legal system. Jeffrey Archer tends towards the political side. I like both!!!! But somehow I can't bring myself to buy the books I liked in Popular and MPH. I keep thinking that those kind of books are more worth borrowing than buying.
Even Enid Blyton's Children Stories T_T
Had fun moonwalking and matrix-ing with Doreen in MP today though.
Now I'm gonna plop onto the bed and sleep my mild fever away.
Buh-bye.
Sunday, 25 March 2007
I'm A Jualan Pro Now =.=
Had to go for the Red Crescent campfire yesterday after youth. First time wearing the PBSM shirt. I didn't know they had such a normal, un-PBSM-looking shirt.
Anyway, this is like the second time I ter-become the person selling stuff and the person handling the money. I was supposed to be in the security team (weird, I know. Just read on first). It's not like the guys' team where they take a stick everywhere (for decoration only, actually) and pretend they're doing something fantastic. Mine isn't that fantastic either la. I was supposed to be one of 5 girls in charge of - guess what - escorting girls to the toilet.
Well, in the end, no one turned up for the toilet trips. I suppose it was partly due to the fact that the emcee failed to announce that the crowd actually had to come to the five of us for the toilet trips. -_-
So I ended up looking for something to do and since I really didn't want to dance around like ants (they formed this really long line and hopped about), I ended up selling drinks with the remnant (the refreshments people cabut-ed to who knows where) of the refreshments team (one person).
Oh ya, I recall posting something about not having anything to post on this blog. Recently, I've been jotting down everything that happens in class (believe me, mannyyyyy things happen everyday) and my thoughts when I'm tuning out in class, in my post-it notes. Ever since I started doing that, I've realized that I have more things to blog about than I can handle. Many apologies for posting that totally untrue post last year (don't know who I'm apologizing to but sometimes we just talk to no one in particular, ya know?).
Anyway, I can't blog much these days. I've got to go do my homework and study for the PA Quiz next week which my class monitor generously volunteered me for. =_= And maybe later (if I'm really blessed), the connection will hold long enough for me to complete my Wawasan 2020 research.
Buh-bye everyone.
Anyway, this is like the second time I ter-become the person selling stuff and the person handling the money. I was supposed to be in the security team (weird, I know. Just read on first). It's not like the guys' team where they take a stick everywhere (for decoration only, actually) and pretend they're doing something fantastic. Mine isn't that fantastic either la. I was supposed to be one of 5 girls in charge of - guess what - escorting girls to the toilet.
Well, in the end, no one turned up for the toilet trips. I suppose it was partly due to the fact that the emcee failed to announce that the crowd actually had to come to the five of us for the toilet trips. -_-
So I ended up looking for something to do and since I really didn't want to dance around like ants (they formed this really long line and hopped about), I ended up selling drinks with the remnant (the refreshments people cabut-ed to who knows where) of the refreshments team (one person).
Oh ya, I recall posting something about not having anything to post on this blog. Recently, I've been jotting down everything that happens in class (believe me, mannyyyyy things happen everyday) and my thoughts when I'm tuning out in class, in my post-it notes. Ever since I started doing that, I've realized that I have more things to blog about than I can handle. Many apologies for posting that totally untrue post last year (don't know who I'm apologizing to but sometimes we just talk to no one in particular, ya know?).
Anyway, I can't blog much these days. I've got to go do my homework and study for the PA Quiz next week which my class monitor generously volunteered me for. =_= And maybe later (if I'm really blessed), the connection will hold long enough for me to complete my Wawasan 2020 research.
Buh-bye everyone.
Sunday, 11 March 2007
Rebuking Non-Believers
Verse
Num 9:14 And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
Summary
For a stranger (orang asing) to keep the Passover, he must follow the rites of the Passover, the most important and essential one being circumcision. The others would be sanctification and cleansing etc. The LORD was saying that even for strangers of the land, the Passover must be observed in the way that He commanded (not merely wanted).
It has always been carved into our minds that the Israelites were to be a holy people separated for God. They were supposed to be different from the rest of the peoples around them. And that was all.
Or so we thought. I thought so anyway.
This verse gives us a glance at what God really wanted. He didn't just want a holy people in the midst of a bunch of evildoers, or a speck of white in a whole swarm of black. He wanted this holy people to set the standard for those other peoples, and for this swarm of black to eventually turn white. The Israelites were never meant to just be secluded on one side while the others rot in sin. They were supposed to show and tell the others how to live the way God wanted.
SC
I don't really rebuke non-Christians for the wrong that they do; wrongs that I would normally chew Christians out for doing. No la, not really. Nowadays I don't scold Christians anymore cuz past experiences with them has led me to become too careful with what I do and say around them.
Because of my constant quarrels with Seoks over matters which she deemed "Christian" and which I deemed universal, I've become quite tawar hati about rebuking non-Christians. I always think that I should just put in a word or two to tell them that I think what they're doing / saying is wrong, and then just leave it at that if they don't agree. If they agree, then I'll cautiously explain why it's wrong. I thought that as non-Christians, they won't agree with me anyway since they don't have the Holy Spirit in them. Frankly, I was also afraid they'll say I'm this holy holy goody two shoes super Christian freak la. Which has happened before.
This verse seemed to tell me that I shouldn't let them get away with sin. I should rebuke them for it, not just say that it's bad and then keep mum about it. I'm here in this world not just to be a decorative light, I'm supposed to use that light to lead them to the Light of the World, which means that some action is required, not just some good testimony or example. I was still a little confused about it, so I put a question mark beside that verse in my spiritual diary, and did something on Joshua instead. I wasn't sure if that verse only applied cuz the Israelites were in power at the time, like a huge portion of the Islamic law.
The very next day, God threw a situation at me. I have a friend who sometimes draws what she calls art, and what I call pornographic material =_= In the past, I just let her go with a just two tiny words: "Yer, porn!" Perhaps even without the exclamation mark. That day, I said the same thing: "Yer, porn!" But I suddenly felt as if I should say something more, like there was something else I was supposed to do. She answered: "No, this is art."
Now this wasn't an instance where I "said something before I could stop myself" or "suddenly blurted out something", it was like I was actually faced with two options: To rebuke or to keep quiet. The verse from the day before flashed in my mind, and although I still was a bit confused about it, I felt that I should go ahead and say something.
C
I know it doesn't always work like that, that I can't always be so straightforward and so panjang lebar with non-Christians (and sometimes, actually most of the time, Christians), but that day I really felt that God was prompting me to put into practice what He'd shown me the day before.
How odd. God always seems to wait a little while (like till I forget I learned it) before testing me on things I've written under the SC and C sections. It's like He wants to really test me about it after some time to see if I still have it on my mind. But with things that puzzle me and which I'm not quite sure about, He throws a situation that relates exactly to those things the next day, or when they're still fresh on my mind, as if to help confirm what I read and to show me what He really means.
How awesome to know that He actually cares about giving me the best 'education'! Just like a Father, isn't He? ^^
Anyway, changes I must make: Stop condoning the things non-Christians do which are obviously wrong, like saying the F word and misusing God's Name. And of course drawing porn. Also, mustn't be afraid to tell Christians they're doing something wrong if they are.
And God's confirmed what He's been telling me over the years: Always act on the Spirit's prompting. At once! Never delay or hesitate! If I'd hesitated at that moment, I would've never told her all those stuff. I would've regretted it for a super long time, and probably hesitate even more the next time He sent a situation like that again.
I learned something from a book I never intended to take on for my QT! At least not till I finish Joshua and Judges la.
Num 9:14 And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
Summary
For a stranger (orang asing) to keep the Passover, he must follow the rites of the Passover, the most important and essential one being circumcision. The others would be sanctification and cleansing etc. The LORD was saying that even for strangers of the land, the Passover must be observed in the way that He commanded (not merely wanted).
It has always been carved into our minds that the Israelites were to be a holy people separated for God. They were supposed to be different from the rest of the peoples around them. And that was all.
Or so we thought. I thought so anyway.
This verse gives us a glance at what God really wanted. He didn't just want a holy people in the midst of a bunch of evildoers, or a speck of white in a whole swarm of black. He wanted this holy people to set the standard for those other peoples, and for this swarm of black to eventually turn white. The Israelites were never meant to just be secluded on one side while the others rot in sin. They were supposed to show and tell the others how to live the way God wanted.
SC
I don't really rebuke non-Christians for the wrong that they do; wrongs that I would normally chew Christians out for doing. No la, not really. Nowadays I don't scold Christians anymore cuz past experiences with them has led me to become too careful with what I do and say around them.
Because of my constant quarrels with Seoks over matters which she deemed "Christian" and which I deemed universal, I've become quite tawar hati about rebuking non-Christians. I always think that I should just put in a word or two to tell them that I think what they're doing / saying is wrong, and then just leave it at that if they don't agree. If they agree, then I'll cautiously explain why it's wrong. I thought that as non-Christians, they won't agree with me anyway since they don't have the Holy Spirit in them. Frankly, I was also afraid they'll say I'm this holy holy goody two shoes super Christian freak la. Which has happened before.
This verse seemed to tell me that I shouldn't let them get away with sin. I should rebuke them for it, not just say that it's bad and then keep mum about it. I'm here in this world not just to be a decorative light, I'm supposed to use that light to lead them to the Light of the World, which means that some action is required, not just some good testimony or example. I was still a little confused about it, so I put a question mark beside that verse in my spiritual diary, and did something on Joshua instead. I wasn't sure if that verse only applied cuz the Israelites were in power at the time, like a huge portion of the Islamic law.
The very next day, God threw a situation at me. I have a friend who sometimes draws what she calls art, and what I call pornographic material =_= In the past, I just let her go with a just two tiny words: "Yer, porn!" Perhaps even without the exclamation mark. That day, I said the same thing: "Yer, porn!" But I suddenly felt as if I should say something more, like there was something else I was supposed to do. She answered: "No, this is art."
Now this wasn't an instance where I "said something before I could stop myself" or "suddenly blurted out something", it was like I was actually faced with two options: To rebuke or to keep quiet. The verse from the day before flashed in my mind, and although I still was a bit confused about it, I felt that I should go ahead and say something.
"Do you know that a lot of pornographic sites label themselves as artistic sites, and that most people who're addicted to porn call it art?"I could tell she was a little ruffled, cuz I usually don't go on so far, but she said:
"In the West, there're a lot of portraits of naked people, and they're all very famous works of art."
"Ya, and have you ever asked why those kind of paintings are mostly done by Westerners, and not Asians? It's because we Asians have a higher moral sense, and a greater sensitivity for religion and God. In other words, we know that such paintings are wrong."The next thing she said made me quite angry.
"But when study art overseas, they really give you one naked model to draw wan noe? It's even in the study of art!"
"Note the word 'overseas'. Again, you don't really get that kind of 'education' in Malaysia, do you?"
"It's ok wat. The original people (Adam etc.) also naked wat."Aargh! I know she took in from the Doraemon comic series because I read it before but I still got dreadfully upset cuz I really hate it when people blatantly misquote the Bible and the truths in it. If it wasn't for the fact that I was totally reminded of my quarrels with Seoks and the fact that my PA teacher was still teaching, I would've done something dumb like raise my voice and turn red or something.
"Whoaa-a, don't quote that out of context. Firstly, there were only two of them unclothed humans at that time, and they were husband and wife, ok? Secondly, they were naked for a reason, and it was because they still hadn't eaten the fruit, and they were still pure in mind and heart, and simply would not have the kind of thoughts we would have today. People today just draw and watch those stuff to satisfy their lust and desire k? Last time it was because they didn't have the thought about satisfying lust by looking at nakedness. So it's totally irrelevant."After that, the teacher suddenly decided to talk more loudly for some reason (hmm) and we went back to staring blankly at him. She was more than a little upset, I know, but somehow I didn't regret telling her what I did, unlike how I would normally feel.
C
I know it doesn't always work like that, that I can't always be so straightforward and so panjang lebar with non-Christians (and sometimes, actually most of the time, Christians), but that day I really felt that God was prompting me to put into practice what He'd shown me the day before.
How odd. God always seems to wait a little while (like till I forget I learned it) before testing me on things I've written under the SC and C sections. It's like He wants to really test me about it after some time to see if I still have it on my mind. But with things that puzzle me and which I'm not quite sure about, He throws a situation that relates exactly to those things the next day, or when they're still fresh on my mind, as if to help confirm what I read and to show me what He really means.
How awesome to know that He actually cares about giving me the best 'education'! Just like a Father, isn't He? ^^
Anyway, changes I must make: Stop condoning the things non-Christians do which are obviously wrong, like saying the F word and misusing God's Name. And of course drawing porn. Also, mustn't be afraid to tell Christians they're doing something wrong if they are.
And God's confirmed what He's been telling me over the years: Always act on the Spirit's prompting. At once! Never delay or hesitate! If I'd hesitated at that moment, I would've never told her all those stuff. I would've regretted it for a super long time, and probably hesitate even more the next time He sent a situation like that again.
I learned something from a book I never intended to take on for my QT! At least not till I finish Joshua and Judges la.
Sunday, 4 March 2007
Dad's 2 Samuel
Ken ken wants to use the computer already so I'll make this short.
Believe me, it's short.
Yesterday Dad spoke on 2 Sam for Youth. At one point he talked about how David organized the priests into 24 priestly courses systematically.
I remember reading that, about the gatekeepers, the musicians, and all. It was really systematic and orderly, that's all I can say. Everything was planned out properly and carefully.
At that point, I was wondering: Since there are priests to keep the temple clean and all, do they really keep it clean and spotless all the time?
Do they get tired of cleaning up or take a few seconds' worth of slacking off or leave a tiny area dusty for one day? I mean, when I mop the floor (when school's off and on Fridays for Bible Study), most of the time I make sure I cover every spot in the area upstairs. But sometimes when I'm feeling tired or just not in the mood, I miss out the sharp corners of the wall and under the portable cupboard. Just for that moment.
Then I realized I'd asked a totally illogical and irrelevant question.
Of course they cover every spot la.
No way a nation that's so cautious about writing down God's Name and preserving His laws can slack in keeping the temple clean, especially when it was still the Davidic Period. The temple was really God's house to them! Not only cuz God really dwelt between the cherubim la.
Then another thought came to my mind. Would I do that for church?
Again, I realized I'd asked a rather rhetorical question.
Of course... not...
I mean, I pick up rubbish on the floor when I see them, and try to save on electricity by turning on as little electrical components as possible, but I wouldn't go out of my way to make sure the floor is spotless or at least clean.
We always criticize the Israelites for disobeying God and all. How ironic to think that we overlook utterly simple things like keeping His house clean. How shameful it is that we even forget that the church is His house most of the time!
At least THEY had some basic cleanliness sense.
All that big talk about obeying God and praising Him and revering Him and following His will etc seems lost in light of the fact that we can't even provide a better place for Him to have His weekly Supper in.
Must buck up!
Ok. Maybe it wasn't that short.
Shorter than usual anyway.
Believe me, it's short.
Yesterday Dad spoke on 2 Sam for Youth. At one point he talked about how David organized the priests into 24 priestly courses systematically.
I remember reading that, about the gatekeepers, the musicians, and all. It was really systematic and orderly, that's all I can say. Everything was planned out properly and carefully.
At that point, I was wondering: Since there are priests to keep the temple clean and all, do they really keep it clean and spotless all the time?
Do they get tired of cleaning up or take a few seconds' worth of slacking off or leave a tiny area dusty for one day? I mean, when I mop the floor (when school's off and on Fridays for Bible Study), most of the time I make sure I cover every spot in the area upstairs. But sometimes when I'm feeling tired or just not in the mood, I miss out the sharp corners of the wall and under the portable cupboard. Just for that moment.
Then I realized I'd asked a totally illogical and irrelevant question.
Of course they cover every spot la.
No way a nation that's so cautious about writing down God's Name and preserving His laws can slack in keeping the temple clean, especially when it was still the Davidic Period. The temple was really God's house to them! Not only cuz God really dwelt between the cherubim la.
Then another thought came to my mind. Would I do that for church?
Again, I realized I'd asked a rather rhetorical question.
Of course... not...
I mean, I pick up rubbish on the floor when I see them, and try to save on electricity by turning on as little electrical components as possible, but I wouldn't go out of my way to make sure the floor is spotless or at least clean.
We always criticize the Israelites for disobeying God and all. How ironic to think that we overlook utterly simple things like keeping His house clean. How shameful it is that we even forget that the church is His house most of the time!
At least THEY had some basic cleanliness sense.
All that big talk about obeying God and praising Him and revering Him and following His will etc seems lost in light of the fact that we can't even provide a better place for Him to have His weekly Supper in.
Must buck up!
Ok. Maybe it wasn't that short.
Shorter than usual anyway.
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
Star Wars Saga Begins American Pie parody by Weird Al
He looks like Uncle Philip Lee (left) ^^;
I know this was in 1999 and I'm quite outdated, but I still think it's funny..
Lyrics of the parody:
A long long time ago
In a galaxy far away
Naboo was under an attack
And I thought me and Qui Gon Jinn
Could talk the federation into maybe cutting them a little Slack
But their response, it didn't thrill us
They locked the doors and tried to kill us
We escaped from that gas
And met Jar-Jar and Boss Nas
We took a bongo from the scene
And went to Theed to see the Queen
We all wound up on Tatooine
That's where we found this boy
Oh my, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
Did you know this junkyard slave
Isn't even old enough to shave?
But he can use the force they say
Ah, do you see him hitting on the Queen?
Though he's just nine
And she's fourteen
Yeah, he's probably going to marry her some day
Well I know he built C-3PO
And I've heard how fast his pod can go
And we were broke, it's true
So we made a wager or two
He was a pre-pubescent flying ace
And the minute Jabba started off that race
Well, I knew who would win first place
Oh yes, it was our boy
We started singing:
My, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
Now we finally got to Coruscant
The Jedi council we knew would want
To see how good the boy could be
So we took him there and we told the tale
How his midichloreans readings were off the scale
And he might fulfill that prophecy
Oh the council was impressed of course
'Could he bring balance to the force?'
They interviewed the kid
Oh training they forbid
Because Yoda sensed in him much fear
And Qui Gon said "Now listen here
Just stick it in your pointy ear
I still will teach this boy"
He was singing:
My, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
We caught a ride back to Naboo
'Cause Queen Amadala wanted to
I frankly would have liked to stay
We all fought in that epic war
And it wasn't long at all before
Little hotshot flew his plane
And saved the day
And in the end some gunguns died
Some ships blew up
And some pilots fried
A lot of folks were croakin'
The battle droids were broken
And the Jedi I admire most
Met up with Darth Maul
And now he's toast
I'm still here and he's a ghost
I guess I'll train this boy
And I was singin':
My, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
We were singing:
My, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
In a galaxy far away
Naboo was under an attack
And I thought me and Qui Gon Jinn
Could talk the federation into maybe cutting them a little Slack
But their response, it didn't thrill us
They locked the doors and tried to kill us
We escaped from that gas
And met Jar-Jar and Boss Nas
We took a bongo from the scene
And went to Theed to see the Queen
We all wound up on Tatooine
That's where we found this boy
Oh my, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
Did you know this junkyard slave
Isn't even old enough to shave?
But he can use the force they say
Ah, do you see him hitting on the Queen?
Though he's just nine
And she's fourteen
Yeah, he's probably going to marry her some day
Well I know he built C-3PO
And I've heard how fast his pod can go
And we were broke, it's true
So we made a wager or two
He was a pre-pubescent flying ace
And the minute Jabba started off that race
Well, I knew who would win first place
Oh yes, it was our boy
We started singing:
My, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
Now we finally got to Coruscant
The Jedi council we knew would want
To see how good the boy could be
So we took him there and we told the tale
How his midichloreans readings were off the scale
And he might fulfill that prophecy
Oh the council was impressed of course
'Could he bring balance to the force?'
They interviewed the kid
Oh training they forbid
Because Yoda sensed in him much fear
And Qui Gon said "Now listen here
Just stick it in your pointy ear
I still will teach this boy"
He was singing:
My, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
We caught a ride back to Naboo
'Cause Queen Amadala wanted to
I frankly would have liked to stay
We all fought in that epic war
And it wasn't long at all before
Little hotshot flew his plane
And saved the day
And in the end some gunguns died
Some ships blew up
And some pilots fried
A lot of folks were croakin'
The battle droids were broken
And the Jedi I admire most
Met up with Darth Maul
And now he's toast
I'm still here and he's a ghost
I guess I'll train this boy
And I was singin':
My, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
We were singing:
My, my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later
Now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Saying "Soon, I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
RBS
Um, I'm now the MGC representative for the keeping in touch with the RBS programme. Cuz I have the green book (guestbook) plus I have internet connection. And I actually use my email. Muahaha.
Anyway, I know most of the MGC people have inactive email accounts that are most probably deactivated already, so I'll leave the RBS students' email addresses and other details here.
Anyway, I know most of the MGC people have inactive email accounts that are most probably deactivated already, so I'll leave the RBS students' email addresses and other details here.
Brian Phuah
Email: han1089@hotmail.com
Mobile: 016 - 362 7983
Birthday: 10 September 1989
Address: 6, Lintang Besi, Off Jalan Melawis, 41000 Klang
Teh Eu Gin
Email: eugin_teh@hotmail.com
Friendster/MSN: eugin_teh@hotmail.com
Mobile: 016 - 318 2725
Birthday: 10 OCtober 1989
Address: 30, Jln Dagang 6/3, Tmn Dagang, 68000 Selangor
Woon Juen Neen
Email: bluemuffino@yahoo.com
MSN: juenneen@hotmail.com
Mobile: 012 - 242 2589
Birthday: 8 December 1989
Address: 23, Jln 19/144Am Tmn Bkt Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Chai Tze Yuen
Email: chai_tzeyuen@yahoo.com
Mobile: 017-286 5113
Birthday: 6 July 1990
Address: 17, Jln SS22/30, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Loh Zhe Yuen
Email: panthera.sapiens@gmail.com
Friendster: l4zyt1g3r@gmail.com
Birthday: 20 February 1987
Address: No fixed address (I still don’t understand why)
Michael Loo Yeong Huei
Email: michael_aka_sticky@yahoo.com
Friendster: michael_aka_sticky@yahoo.com (but it’s um… go see for yourself)
Mobile: 012-269 0166
Birthday: 30 December 1987
Address: Nu 2, SS20/21,
Yvonne
Email: nikerocks_89@hotmail.com
MSN: nikerocks_89@hotmail.com
Birthday: 8 December 1989
Address: No. 15, Lintang Tepi Sungai 2, Tmn Kota Jaya, 41100 Klang
Sunday, 11 February 2007
Dreams are for rookies
If only I dared to hope.
Then maybe something could happen.
But the could in that thought keeps that hope a dream.
And dreams are for rookies
Let me end with a heart-felt aargh.
Aargh.
Then maybe something could happen.
But the could in that thought keeps that hope a dream.
And dreams are for rookies
Let me end with a heart-felt aargh.
Aargh.
Friday, 9 February 2007
This Week's Friday
Mdm Chah announced that today's extra class would be cancelled.
Hooray!
I gave a mini-quiz to the CF to prepare them for the postal quiz. The results are --> ^^; and that's all I can type.
Hooray?
Anyway, I was reading my Collection of Fairytales book (after pounding it with my fists back and front to kill any bookworms in there) in the bathroom as usual, and it struck me that fairytales have three things in common:
E.g.
Hooray!
I gave a mini-quiz to the CF to prepare them for the postal quiz. The results are --> ^^; and that's all I can type.
Hooray?
Anyway, I was reading my Collection of Fairytales book (after pounding it with my fists back and front to kill any bookworms in there) in the bathroom as usual, and it struck me that fairytales have three things in common:
- Miserable self-pity
- Selfishness
- Eventual happiness and self-satisfaction
E.g.
- "Puss in Boots" Saves his master from poverty just so he wouldn't be skinned and eaten. I missed that part when I last read it and thought the cat was being nice and loyal. The cat killed an ogre (tricked 'em into turning into a mouse, then pounced on it and ate it) and lied to the king (like dunno how many times about his master's 'property')
- "Beauty and the Beast" The "evil" fairy turns the "handsome prince with a kind heart" into the Beast. The "good" fairy turns Beauty's two "bad sisters" into stone statues who would stand on her stairs and do nothing but witness her happiness. Is it surprising that the good fairy's spell is condoned?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)