Wednesday, October 24, 2007

True Forgiveness

"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his justice a the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. "
- Romans 3:22-26 -

Even for many times we have sinned, we are still given many chances to compensate for what we have done wrong. God doesn't want to put us into awkward situation to help us learn but it is human nature to take God's mercy for granted.

God's plan of salvation didn't come by a day and just for a while, it came by a perfectly designed plan which can truly gain us freedom for eternity. The atonement has declared us free from the guilt of sin as our sins have been nailed onto the cross together with Christ Jesus. This makes JUSTIFICATION for human complete, which aso leads to the REDEMPTION of mankind.

Forgiveness is an unconditional love God shares among his people. To forgive means to forget about the past sin or mistake one has committed and to continue loving and encouraging one to turn to path of righteousness. If God has the patience to wait for us to change from our old self and to forgive us from our past deeds, we ought to be patient like him to forgive the others. God is love and so are his creation. So let the love of God spread around us. Learn to forgive and you will learn to love.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Value of Circumcision

What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (Rom 3:1 NIV)

Being a Jew means living a life by means to glorify and amplify God's holy name. Circumcision signifies cleansing of body and soul by the power of the Holy Spirit.

People do not live by who they are called to be if sin is still the master over them. What God wants is more than just a name which serves nothing in His very own ministry. Judgment will still fall on those who are obstinate towards the word.

The true value of circumcision can only be shown when one truly hold onto the teaching of Christ. This happens when the Spirit is living in us. To be one with the Spirit, one requires perseverance. It is sometimes hard for one to turn from one old self to a new leaf. Circumcision not only mean that one is being cleansed by means of the Holy Spirit but also indicates the readiness of an individual in baring the his cross to follow our Lord, Christ Jesus. The circumcision will be viewed as failure if one is physically circumcised but not yet ready to lay down his life and total surrenderedness to Christ.

God sees the hearts of His own creation. He honours those who walk the path of righteousness. Circumcision is now a step of obedience in the act of doing what God requires. It does not matter any more if one is Jew or Gentile, so long as the intention is correct in the eyes of the Most High.

Praise the Lord for the opportunity and freedom given to be able to come close to Him for He is forever a refuge and a strong tower to defend and to deliver us from our enemies. Thank you Lord that we are cleansed in your holy name and I ask that Lord you will bring many of the lost to be born again Christians, like us. Will you use us as your tool of Salvation. Amen.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Life Story - Police Cadet Elite Corps

Ace Company, 3rd Platoon was first established in the late 70s. Emerged as one of the earliest platoon ever formed in the history of police cadet corps, 3rd Platoon has attained several distinguished decorations of honour in multiple competitions organised in both state and national level by the Home and Education Ministries. It does make me proud for once, being the member of the platoon…

Remember the first drill practice that I attended, it almost got me sun-dried! Taking direct orders from the platoon sergeant, I would have to be at-ease on the marching ground for an hour. That was the longest hour I have ever stood for the past 15 years, knowing that I was not physically fit enough to withstand the torture. My shirt was soaked in sweat as if I have just returned from a swim. I was called to go for 15 minutes break after an hour and there wasn’t any sign of pain reflected from my muscles. I thought I got over with the pain but that wasn't the end of the story yet. Past 15 minutes and I got back to my original position. Stood there for another hour and I was then dismissed. I can’t remember how it came, my muscles were arching and I could hardly move around. Even a cough would kill me as the muscles on my abs were inflammably painful due to the extreme movement of the diaphragm of the lungs. That lasted for a couple of days until it is finally cured on its own.


Armed Drill Practice - M16 Assault Rifle.
Dated: 01/2005


Guard of Honour Inspection done by line officers.
Dated: 05/2006

After about a month on the intensive training, I have actually decided to write a letter to tell my platoon sergeant that I was going to quit. But on that day itself, somebody unintentionally infuriated him and that ‘somebody’ was never seen again in the platoon. Yes, he was permanently dismissed by the platoon sergeant. With all the shouting and reprimanding demonstrated in front of me, it has some how held me back from passing my resignation letter to the platoon sergeant. The fear of getting barked by the platoon sergeant slowed down my adrenaline rush. I had no choice but to accept my fate and to remain in the platoon until the end of my service term.

Frankly speaking, I was disappointed for not ending that once and for all. And leading the point that how I am going to survive to the completion of my service term in 2 and a half years. It does require good survival skills. In the situation as such, it helps me to grow. I couldn’t imagine that I had a strong will to turn the pessimistic mindset on ‘how to run away from problems’ to ‘making the problems lessons to learn’. From the weakest cadet, I was transformed to a competent player in the platoon. Less than 14 months, I was nominated to attend a promotion interview and later on, was promoted to the rank of corporal followed by the levelling of my NCO position as a section leader. Another 5 months later, I presided the Supreme Council and that levelled up my position as a new platoon sergeant and as Commander-in-Chief of the Non-Commissioned Officer’s (NCO) Council.


North East District Foot Drill Meet.
Dated: 07/2005


Drill Formation.
Dated: 07/2005


Portray of my platoon. Taken during state level foot drill meet.
Dated: 06/08/2000


Supreme Council 1999/2000.
Dated: 07/2000

To me, it’s still unreal because I would never think that I would make it to the top but rather survive through this. I really appreciate those who have helped and assisted me during my service term. Even though there often times that we may have disagreement with each other but all really comes for our platoon interest. Troubles have drawn our friendship together and I will never forget the wonderful times we spent under the sun! Kudos to all the cadets who have made it!!! Continue to bring glory to 3rd Platoon. For all you have accomplisehed, I salute you.

Signed off,
Sgt. Cdt. Wayne T.W.Ng
Commander-in-Chief 99/00
3rd Platoon, Ace Company

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Puzzle

Productive week after a cold. Started to work on Thursday and it really drove me to insanity. Apparently my colleague Patrick has taken his leave for two weeks in the land of paradise - Spain. So that means I am the only full time chef left in the restaurant. Does it mean I get more pay for getting more working hours for these two weeks? Or thinking on the worse site of the case, I might have to work my lungs out, considering the shortage of staff working full time. This matter indirectly creates anxiety. It went on for the whole week and I am mentally tired of battling against it. Most of the time, people tend to look for solution regardless of what takes them, as long as the solution fits the missing pieces from the puzzle. But here is the question. Does life work like a jigsaw puzzle?

Imagine, as people spend all their lives looking for pieces to be filled in their personal puzzle board. The end product is supposed to be a nice picture. But how often people can accomplish this? Trouble comes and the pieces seem falling apart. We claim that we know ourselves best but how many people can be sure that they know which piece would fit the correct position? People lost their mind looking for a way out of their problems. To be too dependant on one's belief often causes a even deeper trouble into the existing problem. The only way is to seek God. God doesn't simply put us into trials without any reason. Jesus is the great plan God has set for us. Nobody would ever think of that, when Jesus was persecuted and crucified on the cross. He was there to break the power of sin so that we gain true freedom. The hidden plan is now revealed to all of us. The main solution is not how well we can fit the missing pieces but how we can lead things back to God, the Creator who knows us all.

Praise the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth. We can relate so much of ourselves to Him. He reveals the truth to us. His love surrounds us. His compassion drives us. His wisdom fills us. God is with us. Now, stop searching around for the missing pieces and start looking for the one who is going to complete the puzzle - God. He is the way, the truth and the life we are seeking for. Go ahead, receive this wonderful Savior, our everlasting Father.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Kamen Rider

The dream hero in my childhood period. Used to call it Dark Knight Rider.
It is really reminiscent. Thinking back again about the story line, it is a good one.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

How Could I Live

A song i sang during my first backup singing in LCCC Sunday worship. How beautiful the world that the Lord has blessed us and how beautiful we are to Him. Thank you Lord for choosing the cross for there will be no existance of human if it wasn't you who revived us through your body and your blood. God, let us sing a hymm of love and praise to you for your faithfulness. How can we possibly live without your great vision of creating human at the first place. So Lord God let us continue to dwell into Your presence and have us to share the intimacy that we have always wanted to with You, Lord.

How could i live
How could i live without You
How could i survive
Without Your love
Without Your touch
You're the One that heals me
And cleanses my heart
And sets me free

Now i come right before You
With my hands lifted up
With my heart humbly bowed
At Your work on the cross
As You hang there and die
You were paying the price
For my life, For my life

For Your love is higher than the heavens
Deeper than the seas
And all i want is You in my life
No one else can satisfy my soul
Can make me feel this way
Only You Lord, only You.

Break me and reassemble me

Valentine's day, an extraordinary day for God to speak through me about His teaching. Many people might think that i am fine in my life. But that's not the truth. I feel weak as i can't focus on what God has to say to me. My body and soul started to take over me. I was moving in despair and truly heart-broken.

God is faithful to me. I know it to myself that i am living in a life of arrogance. And this is the first time God has ever worked so deep in my heart that i nearly burst into tears. Arrogance has led me to disobey God's command. It was my body and soul which were leading me. But the stage of life i was going through was just broken by God. The pain comes in and finally i just discovered that i haven't really loved God much of this time eventhrough i have been showing to Him through my prayers. That might be the stage that most of the successful christians must go through.

So i really pray to God that He will teach me more on my daily prayer life. Give me something to pray of as the day goes by. And may the prayer be what the Lord has commanded.
Thank you Lord for breaking me and have me tasted this bitterness so that i can continue to be the man of integrity. Lord, i just want to give my life to you and surrender fully into your ministry. May the power of the Holy Spirit lead me through the darkest time i am facing now. And God, i pray that you will reassemble me once again and have my spirit renewed. Give me a new hope O Lord and help me to listen to and believe on what you want to say with me, so that i can march boldly like once the Israelites did in Egypt.

My prayer to God for His constant blessing, so that the hunger of the word of God in me continues to flow. There will be none like Valentine's day, where the presence of God has touched me so deep. And may Lord God help me to love Him more and may the reconciliation of the fellowship with God be eternal. Amen.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Welcome Evening

A marathon day for me, even though it looks quite short and fast the day passed. Why do I put it this way? Simply because this is the busiest and is one of the most important day in my life. This is the day which I need to prepare myself for the Welcome Evening Sketch and at the same time I need to attend my lectures, which was timed from 11am till 4pm. Frankly, I was not really well-prepared for the role of the sketch which I need to play. I was not really paying any attention to what the lecturers have been talking about through out the lectures. Well guess what, surprises are always within God. I really want to praise Lord for a thing that He has offered me – more time. My lecture was supposed to end 4pm. like I just said. But something happened to the laboratory assistant that caused the lab class to be cancelled straight for that afternoon. For this, I earned more than enough time for me to memorise the bits of sketch dialogue which I could hardly squeeze into my brain.

First part of the events was quite smooth. Ice-breakers have done a significant purpose to bring the unfamiliar faces together. Some of the new-comers were too into the games, until eventually when the hosts need to stop the games, they were still busily involved in the games. Or should I say, they are too focused. The games really put all the participants in a good laugh. Praise Lord for that.

Unexpected chaos moved in when we found out that people who were having the back seats were not really paying their attentions to the messages delivered, as the view was being blocked by the chapel door. Immediate changes were carried out to allow the direction of the chairs change from one direction to another. The stage was changed as well, from the chapel room to the centre room of the chaplaincy. Slight alterations have caused a huge trouble to the PA systems and projector’s allocation. Knowing that my electronic notebook needed to be connected to both the PA systems and projector to produce the visual and audio effects in the sketch, I had to force myself to troubleshoot for the best way to get both the video and audio systems to work at the same time. In the midst of confusion, I suddenly came out with a trick. In less than a minute, I copied the video file into a pen drive and sent it straight to Hao Ern’s computer for the play of the audio’s amplification. My electronic notebook will only serve as a medium to transfer the magnified visual signals on the projector slide. Thank God, it worked perfectly as it was premeditated. Although it was quite worrying for that particular moment, as we didn’t have much time to think of the solution towards the problem, but the Grace of God has saved us once more.

Left: My role in the sketch as theTalk Show Host, "Bruce Wayne". The show is named "Tonight Show". It is quite a challenging role and I like it so much. Thanks to Andrew Chong for giving me this chance to try out something that I have never done before, as a Talk Show Host.
"Ladies and fellow gentlemen, welcome to the Tonight Show. I am Bruce Wayne, your host for tonight..."
"...That's all for tonight. Join me next week for more exciting interviews. Till then I am Bruce Wayne, have a pleasent evening."

After sorting out the visual and audio systems problem, I thought everything was settled. I couldn’t believe my eyes that my electronic notebook malfunctions in an abrupt. This added worries that were previously in me. God has led me into a few spontaneous acts on the sketch. It is still incredible when I recall the scenario. I couldn’t have done that without the help of God. Jean experienced the same thing when Hao Ern’s computer which was supposed to play some themes, was stalled out of nothing. Although the sketch was not really that successful, but we did earn credits and support from the audience. Praise Lord again for that.

Seeing Lord bringing so many people to the Welcome Evening, I am touched. At least what we have done for the past 4 days is not wasted. With all the fun and wonderful moments spent with the stage crew to come out with the sketch and video (the first video produced by me), I want to extend my gratitude to all of those who have taken part for making this happened. One thing I realise that night is, God’s gift is never ending. Thank you Lord for giving me this talent and wisdom, allowing me to serve you, Lord. This night will be a memorable night for me as I truly experienced the true love of God, which has showered each and every one of us in the chaplaincy. And lastly, I want to pray to Father Lord that He will lead His own creation one by one, back to His heavenly kingdom. May the lost souls be saved and may sins committed be forgiven. Come and take hold of our lives, Lord and may your name be glorified. Amen!

Friday, September 30, 2005

Easy Day

At last, today is the day which I need not have to wake up to early to rush for lectures. At last, today is the day which I need not have to attend so many lectures like the past few days. At last, today is the day which I can relax compared to the other 4 days of never-ending torments. Even though it is an easy day for me but somehow I have pledged to make used of my future time in a constructive manner. Though it happened in the past before that I made the pledge but I did not really follow what I have set upon the commitment, but it comes to me this time like a huge force - a strange force which I can hardly describe or put it in a solid form for us to view. Quite sceptical about myself, I am towards the pledge, on how possible for me to be committed to what I have promised to do.

Mind control is the last thing people would ever think of doing. To control what other people is thinking is a tough job to be implemented. Worse comes to it when we have to seize control of our own brains. Knowing the consequences, but still many people committed sins in their lives. Although sometimes things like procrastinating might not be a crime but wasting time in life might lead to bigger issues like laziness. If you have tried it for the first time, you will tend to try for the second time. Once you are addicted or are used to this kind of lifestyle, future can be ruin in this way. The effect might not take us down immediately but as time passes, it will be shown on us.

At least, I can get some rest now. Better do it now then regret forever. Bah…who cares anyway?

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Heavy Duty MSc.

How many people would expect assignment or essay in their first week of lecture? Even a MSc. student does not deserve this kind of ‘treatment’. This question is still circling around me. The question about why the work load in the Master Training Programme that I have chosen requires me to work triple the load of what other masters students have to do. Or either it is because this programme is rather new to students from different backgrounds. Prior to this, I have forgotten to mention that students who have chosen to do this course are equipped with degrees of physics, chemistry, biology and engineering. Different people have different majors which causes this course hard to be conducted by the lecturers. Additional to this, each of us might think in a different perspective when a subject is being taught. Some of us might get the point and some of us might not. And this has sometimes led the whole lecture to chaos with the lecturer spending extra time to elaborate more on the topics, which are supposed to be taught in the given period of time in the initial time table listed.

After a big circle explaining about the problems of my class, we are back again with the work load. Yes, an essay of 5000 words is to be handed up in 3 weeks time. What a pleasure to have received this in the 3rd day of class, the first week of lecture. In the tutorial class, the Professor had us delighted with the “lucky draw” session. Guess how delightful we were, when we were drawing ourselves each a number of the topic in the list of essay given. I felt quite disturbed after knowing that my lucky number is 16 which entitle me to the topic: Discuss the concept of “lab on a chip”. Frankly, I have no idea of what the topic is about. But one thing for sure, it is something related to semiconductor fabrication or semiconductor technology. At least this is a basic idea of where I should start. Alright, this is it, an essay for a new start. A new start probably would lead me to a new hope, who knows.

Early stage of suffering has begun. What would it be for the coming few months to come? I definitely do not dare to ask myself this question. But what ever comes ahead of me, I have God to guide me. Everything is possible with the Grace of God present in vicinity. May the God’s favour be mine.

Monday, September 26, 2005

First Day As Post-Grad Student


Thinking about the first day of school, many people will have something excited in mind. Lot of fun here and there and some might be able to have new encounter of friends. A whole new studying atmosphere will definitely drive a lot of students to a rather cheerful mode. That happened to me on the first day just before I entered the lecture room for my first lecture on Generic Methodologies of Nanotechnology. Unaware of the calamity to come, I was still having some chilling moments with my fellow classmates.

Here comes the interesting part of the story. Nobody in the class would have guessed what was going to happen next on the first lecture itself. The ‘calamity’ I am referring to is the lecture notes given to us. Like a shockwave which causes a rapid spread of wave demolition to our brains, we were flabbergasted with what we just saw. A stack of note with a total of 23 slices of papers and 46 printed pages! Some people even got infected by the ‘Permanent Head Damage’ syndrome even before the lecture started. Scratching their heads, but they were still trying to move on, hoping that along the explanation given by Prof. Rik Brydson (module leader), they will reach a better scale of understanding. It is encouraging to see all my classmates to have shown such effort towards the course. Their ways or actions have brought me to think that success have to begin with loads of torments and hard work. The effort of never letting go of the initial goal set beforehand is, first and foremost, to be fulfilled for the circulation of hard work to be carried on towards the resolutions.

Left: The notes which were given to me on my first day of lecture. Nanobrain is needed to digest all these in one day.

Time passes so far that we didn’t even realize that we have come to an end of the period of lecture. Although I still can see the smiles on people’s faces but on the other side, I could hear the heavy beating of their hearts which shows how worry they were about the upcoming days of their master course. Would it be the same like what happened this morning? Scary pile of notes and the lecture which gives us a lot of questions in mind. To most people with common sense, they will know what to do next after such incident happened to them. Be realistic, let’s go back to square 1 and revise the whole chapters of notes which have been taught in the class which I think most of the people in my class are planning to do. It is a terrible ordeal that for the first time I have to lead such a hectic life.

Anyway, a lazy person like me requires similar training like this. So let everything goes back to the starting point and may the new life begins here.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Health Food - Chicken Fillet Salad

This is a new recipe of mine - Chicken Fillet Salad. It is healthy because there is no oil added. Salad which is highly fibred (cellulose) and good bacteria contained in the cheese will help cleaning up the digestive system in our bodies. The less but not the least, the salad dressing, Thousand Island contains vinegar that has low pH acid which help killing all the bacteria which are bad for our bodies. What is better than a Chicken Fillet Salad treat?

Ingredients:
1. One Red Pepper
2. Half a Cucumbers
3. Five Tomato Cherries
4. Few slices of Lettuce
5. Two Chicken Fillet
6. Five Chicken Meat Balls
7. Two Cheese Cubes
8. Thousand Island Dressing
















Health Food - Chicken Fillet Salad

Monday, July 11, 2005

York

Guess what, my second trip to York. A different experience and surely, it is going to be reminiscent. Laughter comes all the while even though sometimes, it is not the joke that is funny but the people who is telling it. The fun was upgraded to the next level when Peh Lin and Nelson came along. Could not believe my eyes that these two fellas can be so much than comedians to us. Both of them are civil engineering students. I can't really generalise this, but i do believe that civil engineers make good sense of humour. Pray hard that they don't really my blog. Just want to express my gratefulness to all of them for this "rocking" York trip. Thank you for the company and may the laughter be the sweetest memory to all of us.


Strawberry in Chocolate Dip Posted by Picasa
Here we go, a rather nice picture of the trio. The train was heading from York to Leeds and connecting from Leeds to Birmingham. We stopped at Leeds train station and left Nelson to continue his ride back to Brimingham that day.


Pehlin, Julee and Nelson in the train on the way back to Leeds. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Tiramisu - A Night To Remember

The D-Day is approaching and time is pushing me to to pack my stuff to move to Andrew's. It was a pleasent day. Sunshine covered most of the ground and left some of the spot on earth in dark as the cloud was insulating the ray from gleaming directly. The situation turned bad when the sun began to set.

None of us would love to live in dark. Night wouldn't be beautiful if there are no lamps to reflect the beauty of it. A Night wouldn't be that nice if there isn't any happening night activities going on. Right, but the problem is, i could hardly move any parts of my body. It was sour after a day of hard work packing. The only way to cheer my night was MOVIE! For those who have known me, yet another movie, sorry i just couldn't help myself *cheeky grin*. Well, guess what? It would be great if i come out with movie critics, just like what i did for Star Wars. Hoping that it will be a breakthrough for me as i haven't writen that much before. No one else knows me better than myself, surely writing isn't my cup of tea. But people are growing everyday and things around us need changes from time to time. To put it to a much profound form, we call this civilisation. And people need to improve themselves day by day accordingly to the current changes. Can't believe that i am actually writing? Believe it.

Oppss....i am a little bit out of the context. Alright, movie. I have been watching movie through out the night. I thought there will be nothing special happened that night but surprise from God always come when you are least expected. God has sent His two angels to bless me. Scratching my head in doubt, i was wondering why they rang me up suddenly. Could it be a sabotage from Ruth after the incident which occured during her Birthday? Frighten, i was not. Vengeance has to come and it is just the matter of time for it to arrive. But i couldn't believe it's going to happen right at that moment. Less than a minute, my door bell rang and i went towards my front door to accept my fate. Then these two angels (Ruth and Susana) right in front of the door, brought their steps forward to offer me a glass of Tiramisu. Gosh...how astonishing that moment was for me to know that it wasn't a sabotage to come, plus i have just received the most wonderful treat ever from Ruth and Susana. For that very moment, i was speechless. Of course, we did talk for a while and later after the talk, they showered me with prayer, just before they proceed to the next destination to bless other people. Happy, i was and i realised that there are so much we can do to bless others not only by just praying for them. There are many things we can do and every heart counts. Once our intention is there to serve, God will provide us the ideas. Praise Lord.

Thank you Lord for all your blessings that you have poured on me. Thanks for sending sister Ruth and sister Susana to bless me even i know that i am not worthy of it. I pray that Lord, you will continue to stay with them and may each day of theirs be a blessing day. Let us continue to dwell into your presence and worship you more as a ture God and a God of truth. Amen.

For those who don't know what is Tiramisu, here is the explanation i got from an encyclopedia. It would be great if you can have the taste rather than just reading on how it looks like.

Haha...my cup of Tiramisu. Lovely isn't it?

Tiramisu
Tiramisù is an Italian dessert typically made from Lady Fingers, espresso coffee, mascarpone cheese, eggs, cream, sugar, marsala wine, and cocoa. The name tiramisù means "pick-me-up", referring to the two caffeine-containing ingredients, espresso and cocoa.
The Lady Fingers are sprinkled with or briefly soaked in a mixture of the coffee, wine, and sugar. They are then embedded in a mixture of mascarpone cheese and a custard made from eggs, sugar, and cream known as zabaglione. Cocoa powder is then sprinkled on top. The dessert is a fairly modern invention, having come into existence in the mid 1980s.
The dessert has become one of the most popular types of dessert served in upscale restaurants of all types, not just Italian restaurants. The recipe has been adapted into cakes, puddings and other varieties of dessert made with coffee-flavoured custard.

History of Tiramisu
There is some debate regarding the history of tiramisu. Some believe it was actually first created during the First World War. Women in northern Italy made these desserts for the men to take with them as they were being sent off to war. Presumably to remind them of their love together; as the bitter-sweet taste of the dessert alludes to the perplexing feeling of love itself. Or more practically, they might have believed the high caffeine and energy content of these desserts will give their men more energy to fight and help bring them home safely.
Yet another story regarding tiramisu dates back even further. It is said that during the Renaissance periods, Venetian women made these to be shared with their men during the late hours because they believed it would give them the energy to make more vigorous love later.
Whatever the case may be with this romantic “pick me up” dessert, its ties to love are definitely unmistakable upon your first bite.

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Patience

Patience is a striking word. This noun denotes the capacity to endure hardship, difficulty, or inconvenience without complaint. Patience emphasizes calmness, self-control, and the willingness or ability to tolerate delay. Exactly to what extent a man can be patient? Beat me although through out these while I was really researching about the capacity of endurance a man could have. Purposely, I put myself into the test.

Surprisingly, the result that came into view has proven me to be easily irritated. Three years in the Royal Malaysia Police Cadet Corps actually made no changes in my effort of being patient. In retrospect, my attitude before I was enlisted to the corps was even worse than I can imagine. It could hardly be a possible thing for me to take orders from other people. Perhaps only one person I would listen to, that’s me, only me. Don’t even think of me getting reprimanded by other people. Because I know that when the emotion strikes, dispute will take place.

Expectation is always there when effort is applied to the work. Be patient was what I have expected to be. A spoilt child can not be easily twisted to the good side. Disagreed with this statement, I was. As I believe that opportunity of “rehabilitation” lies on the hand of every person. The decision of self-correction is, therefore, up to one’s personal view. Of course, I have accepted the challenge. I even promised myself for not being red when I was barked by my drill commander and his respective officers. Rome was not built in one day. Hard work, endurance, self control, none of these mentioned, are supposed to be disregarded, if one is to achieve the level of subconscious patience.

After these few years of training, I thought I was almost there to the final stage of success but to my shock, I find myself, still, a long way behind the stage of where I am supposed to be. This occurred to me when one of my female friends asked me to help my other guy friend with house keeping. Reluctant was I to help but eventually I did help him. Judging from this case, it can be seen that although I have done what I am supposed to do for him but still, patience does not seem to be with me as I have secretly cursing my other friend incessantly for being busy body. Things are easy to say than to do it. Just like the aim that I have promised myself to achieve, it can be vanished easily like smoke into the air.

In the Bible, I am enlightened with Genesis 29:20 which state “Jacob spent the next seven years working to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.” Jacob had worked so hard without knowing whether he would get what he wanted in the end, but he had fulfilled what he had been told to do. Of course, he was tricked by Laban in the end as Laban sent Leah to him instead of Rachel. After being tracked, he agreed to work for seven more years for Rachel. 1 The most important goals and desires are worth working and waiting for. Movies and television have created the illusion that people have to wit only about an hour to solve their problems or get what they want. Don’t be trapped into thinking the same in real life. Patience is hardest when we need it the most, but it is the key to achieving our goals. Indeed, patience will help you reach your goal.

Lack of patience can cause you to miss blessing. Like what stated in 2 Samuel 13:8-14, the love of Amnon for his half-sister has turned to hate after he slept with her. 2 Although he had claimed to be in love, he was actually overcome by lust. Love is patient; lust requires immediate sexual satisfaction. Love is kind; lust is harsh. Love does not demand its own way; lust does. Yes, love is always related to patience and vice versa. Blessing can only be found if the heart of patience is there.

Now I really want to abase before God and may Lord Father forgive me for not being serene. Praying that Lord, in the name of Jesus, will heal me from the inside and help me to grow in Christ. Hail to the Lord, God Almight.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Dirty Room Needs Clean Up

Thing has never been so bad until you come across the craziness when you have to clean up your room. The enduring forbearance to conduct the work can be easily disturbed especially working under a relatively hot weather. Worse than being caught under the rain, my shirt was soaked in sweat. My nose was being hit by the familiar smell I last sensed when I was in Penang - the smell of sweat. It has been a long time since I sweated and the weather in Leeds has never failed to bring the arctic atmosphere to the people here. Anyway, summer has to be like summer, so useless to complain.

My room needs to be cleaned up due to the disorder after a fierce “battle”. Incredibly increase of the things in my room has led me to brusque craziness. Hopping up and down, not because I was excited about getting my room cleaned up but I was agitated by the hard work that I was about to go through that time.

I seemed to have lost my sense of direction on where to start. Questions circling around my mind are always the same. And it will get more stupid as the questions are repeated continuously for several times. Yes, rubbish first. And so I cleared all the “unwanted”. The attention was diverted to the books after that and I have never thought of having so many books with me. In fact, I only brought two here and now I have got more than 13 of them. Course texts cover only 30%, the rest are novels and holistic concealed written works. Finally, when it came to clothes, I suddenly held myself from continuing, knowing that there is still a week or two before I leave my room for another place. Needless to get the clothes packed in an early stage like this, I might need to wear the clothes later within these days of my stay. And so the process of cleaning ended just like this. To be frank, I just hate cleanliness but the end of the work could be fruitful – yes, a tidy room you will get.

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Evermore

Another wonderful song from Hillsongs Music Australia. Differ from the style of songs made by them in their previous album, Hillsongs Music has proven to us again their magnificent wizardry in gospel music contribution. Kudos to Hillsongs and may God's presence continue to guide them in producing more pleasant music.

Evermore
With all my heart I'll say
I'm living for Your name
With all to give You praise
We're living forYour glory Lord

Lost for words with all to say
Lord you take my breath away
Still my soul, my soul cries out
You are Holy

And as I look upon Your name
Circumstances fade away
Now Your Glory steadls my heart
You are Holy
You are Holy Lord

Evermore my heart, my heart will say
Above all, I live for Your glory
Even if my world falls I will say
Above all, I live for Your glory

Freedom

"People often think they will be free if they can get away from God. Yet we all inevitably serve somebody or something, whether a human king , the wishes of friends, or our own selfish desires. Just as a fish is not free when it leaves the water and a tree is not free when it leaves the soil, we are not free when we leave the Lord. The one sure route to freedom is wholeheartedly serving God the Creator. He can set you free to be who he created you to be."

Psalm 2:2-3
The Kings of the earth prepare for battle;
the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one.
"Let us break their chains," they cry,
"and free ourselves from this slavery."

God's Power

"God is all powerful and He always acts at the right time. He is in control of every situation. God's power is shown as He reveals Himself in creation, history and Bible. His strength can overcome the despair of any pain or trial. We can always pray that He will deliver, protect and sustain. And He will answer." (Psalm 19, 21 and 78)