You scored as Bumblebee, Your match is Bumblebee! People around you appreciate your positive outlook and feel that they can rely on you. Putting others first is important to you, often at your own sacrifice. Your determination is something to be proud of. Optimus Prime 75% Bumblebee 75% Soundwave 69% Kup 69% Galvatron 50% Hotrod 38% Starscream 38% Omega Supreme 38% Which Transformers character Are You? created with QuizFarm.com

Hehe ... the link was given to me by Annie. A toss up between Optimus and Bumblebee is not bad ... although my probable favorite is, if I remember, Perceptor (the microscope?). Hahah.

Jesus bless you all.

Kid's Humour

Hey,

This is a cool article, well actually a short collection of subscribers' funny stories, that I got from Christianity Today.com .

Sigh :) ... the humour and innocence of children ...

Have a read and brighten your day.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2007/003/11.7.html

Jesus bless you.

'Last minute' blessing

Odd title for a topic.

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending a worship workshop and concert thereafter by Hillsong Australia. It was at KL Baptist church in Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang. Needless to say I was blessed.

I first heard about it through Yoke Kheng when I was passing to her some papers for a meeting that I could not attend (college ministry) and just before the rather protective (or impatient?) guard ushered her off, she asked me whether I would like to go for a Hillsong worship workshop. I think before that she may have smsed me about it but I am not sure now (30lah, what to do?). Anyway, I thought about it and soon smsed my confirmation to attend. I was looking forward to it.

I have attended two Hillsong concerts in the past: Hillsong United (SIB KL) and also a Reuben Morgan concert (PJEFC) and enjoyed both a lot.

The day came finally and we were on our way to a place called Changkat Bukit Bintang. Thanks to God's grace, wisdom and mercy, Seng Chor's direction and some brilliant directing skills (and driving skills from YK) from yours truly (haha swt) we found the place with little difficulty. As we arrived we parked at the Radius Hotel just opposite the road and made our way to the church. The small entourage comprised members of BUC and KDU CF.

There were a few workshops offered: keyboard, bass and guitar, drums, vocals, media and planning. So there we were all signed up for the sessions and entered what I think was the main sanctuary. It was a new looking building with a spacious sanctuary, well furnished and modern. What caught my eye were three throne-like looking chairs on the stage. I presumed they were for God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) during the services. :) God be praised.

The team from Hillsong comprised some 'veterans' like Miriam Webster and Raymond Badham. The rest were relatively new volunteers serving in different Hillsong churches around Australia ... but they played and sang like they have been doing it for ages. The morning service started out awesomely. We sang and sang newer as well as songs from later albums and it was just a great atmosphere. Truly God was glorified. I particularly took an almost instant liking to a new song that is covered on the latest Hillsong United effort called 'Hosanna', which I hope will also be in the new Hillsong album later. Our morning worship session was powerful.

Later Ray, who I found out from his sharing was leading the team, shared a short message (a refreshing one) and introduced the team to us (if I remember correctly). Then we broke up into the different workshops. I went for the vocals led by Miriam and Elisa (another member, a pretty lady). Miriam basically gave us some pointers on preparing yourself (physically) for worship leading. Here are some tips I remember:

(i) drink lots of water as your throat is the last place that gets water,

(ii) avoid dairy products before a worship session as it causes muccus build up;

(iii) warm up (throat and voice) and warm down before and after;

(iv) know your lyrics so that you can move freely;

(v) and perhaps the 'newest discovery' for me, when you sing, you will know you are singing the proper way if you feel two muscles at your lower back tense up (basically do not sing from your throat).

The workshop ended with a Q and A session with the whole team (their testimonies were very encouraging) and they were a joyful bunch of people.

The concert

The concert started almost 730pm sharp that evening and by God's grace (and Pei Lu and Jia Yein's help) we got front row seats (I hope we did not cause people to fume at us ...). It started off very memorably with Pei Lu running up the stage and getting an autographed Mighty To Save CD (woo hoo) and the evening progressed beautifully and energetically with some of the latest and later songs. Wow, I sang and jumped and jumped and jumped some more. It was awesome to be in God's presence, in rededication and worship to Jesus. The concert paused with an evangelistic message and sharing (praise God our Father for those who responded) and ended with One Way (twice) and King of Majesty (yayy). My legs and foot (that I had earlier suffered a torn muscle) and throat were put to the test. It was wow. God be praised. To God be all glory.

All in all it was a great feeling to worship Jesus so freely and passionately. I only hope we can use what we learned and with God's anointing, bring my local church, BUC, to higher planes of worship to Jesus.

God blessed the day truly, although .. hehe ... it was a 'last minute' blessing in the sense that I only got to know about it last minute.

All glory to Jesus.

Some of us and Miriam Webster.

Post exam stress ... can it be true?

I'm back ... but I am tired ... (so what is new?)

First of all, sorry, sorry and more sorries that I have not been blogging. I guess it is just like going to the gym or something. The longer you stay away from it, the less interesting it becomes. Oh well ... Hahah, that and the fact that my tag board has become somewhat of a community board, haunted and all with faux phantoms and of all people Josh (the opera singer) (swt).

My exams are over for this round. As some of you may know, I took Copyright Law and Employment Law for my masters in Law (LLM) in University Malaya. Whew ... I have to say upfront that God is GOOD. Who would have thought that I could have kept my hectic schedule and all and study at that? God is GOOD.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 100.5)

Oddly enough, the euphoria of having finished exams went like the proverbial wind. Work called again and now I am in up to my chin in work and exams and marking papers ... hehe. Oh for the days of student-hood (haha) where the final minute of exam signalled the liberty bell.

Let's see what updates I have (in a deep breath) summer is here and so are the movies that flow along with it: Spidey 3 was cool and I am looking forward to Pirates and Shrek 3, etc; footie season was, as is getting too usual, a disappointment: I can only hope that Sammy will bring solid and exciting football into St James' Park and quality players (so much for iron fists, sexy football and the like); BUC church camp is just around the corner (woo hoo, some rest and relaxation and spiritual refreshing); my sister is home after many years in the UK, so that is excellent; my new home is almost ready (Pelangi Utama) and now for furnishing and all; the new semester has begun and that brings along a new subject (Legal Systems: Australia); my family has finally relocated to PJ/KL: Praise God for that; things are shaping up well in Bandar Utama Chapel: college ministry, men's discipleship group and fresh worship leading anointing (amen), KDU Christian Fellowship is starting to pick up, etc, etc, etc.

Well, so what has not been happening? Hahah.

Ok, I think I will end here for now, as I have a mountain (oklah, a hobbit's mountain) of papers to mark.

Jesus bless you all.

Real life dramedy

The following story is based on a real life event. The real names and identities of the characters have been altered for confidentiality purposes.

Maid in Kepong story (swt)

A late night out

It had been a good evening, a successful and lively Christian concert followed by a late night tea drinking session with some of the gang. God had come through for us (as usual, Praise Jesus) and a harvest had been reaped (all glory to Jesus).

The clock struck about ... hmmm ... 11 plus?

A few from the organising team had celebrated the completion of the event by having Hawaiian bread and other tea drinking shop ... um drinks (haha). Soon it was time to go. One half of the gang followed Eugene, the other half, Kent (please take note that some of these characters are from the Cake Massacre story a few months back).

The principal characters in Kent's car, a 1995 silver Mousedeer, were Cassandra, Geoff and Eron. Along the amost empty highway did the mousedeer run and eventually approached the gates of Cassandra manor. She alighted and said her goodbyes and then proceeded to the great iron door that stood in her way. She paused ...

From within the Mousedeer, the three gentlemen waited patiently, heavy with drowsiness and eager to get home to their soft, comfortable beds.

Cassandra stood at the door staring and eventually returned to her friends.

'Um, I can see the keys on the floor just in reach, but the wooden door is locked'. (swt 1)

'Huh? How come you do not have a set of keys?' Kent asked. His hands gripped the steering wheel. Eron let out a laugh.

'Why don't you wake somebody in the house up?' Geoff asked after while.

'Ok, I will try that.' Casssandra answered. She flipped open her hand phone and began to dial.

No one answered (swt 2).

Again ... no one asnwered.

'Ring the doorbell then,' Kent suggested. He was really tired after the day's events and had to wake up with the sun the next morning to send his Mousedeer for servicing.

'But I may wake everybody up,' Cassandra said 'Maybe I can go behind my house and wake my maid in the back room,'

'Good idea,' Kent replied 'Eron, why don't you follow her,'

'Sure,' Eron stated and together they disappeared behind the huge communal garden and behind the houses.

During the ensuing minutes, Kent and Geoff began to talk about other matters such as church and work. They waited for a good 15 minutes or so ...

The return

Cassandra and Eron eventually reemerged from the shadows and approached Kent and Geoff. No maid appeared at the door.

Eron had a hand upon his forehead and Cassandra looked a little stunned.

'Well?' Kent asked.

'You know ...' Cassandra started 'we were calling my maid ... and then a most peculiar thing happened'

The rest waited in silence.

'Some stranger came to her window and asked "Who are you"?'

Eron started laughing 'It was the WRONG house,'

(swt)

Cassandra had identified the wrong house and awoken her neighbour's maid instead. Oh the irony, oh the tragedy, of the comedy ...

After a few minutes they went back to try the RIGHT house this time. Kent and Geoff were laughing in their absence for a good 15 minutes, almost non stop.

Finally, Cassandra called her parents and thankfully her mother woke up and opened the door.

Whattanevening.

swt

swt

swt

and more swt ...

The End

Sands of Time

The hourglass is a fascinating object. There is something mesmerising about watching the sand slowly trickle to the bottom, settling into a small mountain like formation.

They say age is but a number ... and for me that number is 30.

30 ... oh wow.

You know, when I was in my twenties, early or mid, I used to think that 30 was an age away. Well now that it has arrived, 'how do (you) feel about it?' you may ask. Actually ... I guess I am OK.

What is so bad about turning 30? Well let's see. You're nearer to 40 ... hahah. Oh well, 10 years is a long time (or is it?).

What is so good about turning 30? Well, let's see. It is proof of God's grace. I have made it this far ... 30 years on Earth upheld by Jesus' wonderful grace and mercy. Yes, I give thanks for this 30th year on earth, another year to do God's will, to please Him and to grow deeper into Jesus. What an opportunity!

I bless you Lord Jesus for these 30 years of being always on Your mind and now in Your Hands ... always.

More things to be grateful for this year:

1) God is actively at work in me;

2) I am finally well into my LLM (masters in law) programme (something I have wanted to do for the longest time) ... and it is one year nearer to completion;

3) I still look (hahah) like I am in my 20s;

4) I am surrounded by awesome family and friends;

5) I have more than enough.

Happy birthday all those who are also turning 30 this year, and you know who you are. :)

30 ... it is OK.

Jesus bless you all.

Belated greetings to ... my blog.

Happy birthday to my blog ... but belated birthday ...

I have been blogging for a year ... how time flies.

Jesus bless you all.

Dearly beloved ... :)

Humankind has universally declared today (14th February) 'the day of love', Valentine's Day. Love may mean different things to different people, and there are many kinds of love relationships: Creator (God) - creation (us), parent - child, siblings, friends, family, male - female.

Whatever your perception or understanding of love is, here is the Biblical view of love:

1 Corinthians 13

Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Jesus loves you so very much. It is up to us to reciprocate. Make the right choice today.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3.16-17).

Oh ... and have a blessed Valentine's day.

Love and blessings in Christ,

Ken.

The sky's the limit

Cobwebs, cobwebs ...

It has been some time since I blogged and I have recently been hounded. Hahah. The thing is, as a matter of practice (thought not necessarily a hard and fast rule), I only blog when inspired to do so. Witness the return ... hahah.

My devotion this morning reminded me of something I had known for sometime, but perhaps taken some time to internalise: God is faithful.

'Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.' Psalm 36:5

Amen. Father keep my eyes always upon You, O Lord in Heaven, in my heart.

A few updates on what has happened this past one month plus into the new year:

(i) I had a refreshing family holiday (which I enjoyed more than I expected) in Langkawi;

(ii) Prospects of an exciting new ministry in BUC;

(iii) Christian Fellowship in KDU has really taken flight;

(iv) Loved ones are safe and all accounted for;

(v) Presentation and assignment for my LLM at UM went well;

(vi) Made a fresh resolution this year: to truly go deeper into Jesus and to come to know Him more intimately, just to understand and appreciate what it is to BE His child, and just to BE;

(vii) Attended a seminar on how to deliver sermons/messages, which I shall put into practice ... in future, some where, some time ...

Yes, God is so faithful!

Recently, the lyrics and positive message of Josh Groban's latest offering, You are loved, has started to grow on me. Powerful lyrics, beautiful melody and a strong voice ...

You are loved (Don’t give up)

Don't give up

It's just the weight of the world

When your heart's heavy

I, I will lift it for you

Don't give up

Because you want to be heard

If silence keeps you

I, I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood

Well I can hear you

Everybody wants to be loved

Don't give up

Because you are loved

Don't give up

It's just the hurt that you hide

When you're lost inside

I, I'll be there to find you

Don't give up

Because you want to burn bright

If darkness blinds you

I, I will shine to guide you

Don't give up

It's just the weight of the world

Don't give up

Everyone needs to be heard

You are loved

I can imagine that would be something our beloved Jesus would sing to us.

All praise and glory to You Lord, because You deserve all that and so much more glory.

You are loved too, Lord Jesus. :)

Truly God's faithfulness reaches to the skies. Oh what a deep statement!

God bless you all.

Oh how the years go by ...

2006 is fast coming to its end. A new year is almost upon us. I wonder what 2007 holds for us, for me ...

Come what may, I trust that all things are in our Heavenly Father's omnipotent Hand.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". Romans 8:28

Just to round up a year that has been filled with love, fellowship, joy, laughter, passion, tears, anguish, disappointments, fear and all other sorts of emotions (haha, yes I can be quite emotional), here is my list of thanksgiving:

To my God Almighty (my Father in Heaven, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit) all glory be to You for Your gift of life, unconditional love and salvation, mercy and all other joys, blessings, trials and tribulations (as they are for my growth). To You be all the honour and blessings. Amen. I love you Lord. Bring me nearer, deeper into You Father ...

For my parents, all of God's blessings and love be upon them for their continual love and endless support and encouragement. Thanks for being there for me through it all, for bearing with me through my griefs and being joyful with me through my joys. God bless you both always. I love you both.

To my family (Phye Aun, Val and my favourite little boy, Ryan), thanks for being there for me and putting up with me too. Hahah ... it is not always easy living under one roof, but I love you all all the same. To Ann and Mark, come home soon to visit and catch up. Love you guys too.

To my GG, oh the heartache, oh the joy ... haha (notice how I put heartache first, haha, kidding), its been quite an adventure serving and fellowshipping with you guys. To uncle Hok Seng and Aunty Chooi Kuan (and the Ho kids :) ), thanks for being my encouragement and inspiration. To Kevin, bro, I just want to say that even though I may say harsh things (hahah ... sometimeslah) I do appreciate your leading with me ... iron sharpens iron right? To Sahaya, Ernie, Annie, Tracy and the rest ... God bless you all. Continue to grow and continue to desire the things of God. You guys have great potential to lead too. And thanks for your service, fellowship and love ...

To the BBC team, it has been an honour serving with you and serving you as well. To our fearless leader, Yoke Kheng and my fellow servants and good friends: Christine, Yung Ling and Sahaya, thank you for making the year an adventure and a blessing.

To the church (BUC) (1): my elders and their wives (uncle Christopher, aunty Luan, uncle Wing Cheong, aunty Sue Ling and uncle Hok Seng and aunty Chooi Kuan) and all the full timers (aunty Dolly (and uncle David), John and Yoke Kheng) thanks for being my encouragement and for stirring up my desire to grow in Jesus. Your leadership is so, so much appreciated. To my ministry leaders (YK, Yoke Teen), God bless you guys in whatever you do ... I am growing in the places God put me, and you have helped me to grow :).

To BUC (2): To my 'gang' (peers, gaming and otherwise) in BUC :) - Seng Chor, Christine, Yung Ling, Sahaya, Kevin, Yoke Kheng, Adrian, Florence, John, Wan Yi, Pei Lu, David, Raymond, Tracy, Michele (hehe from Life Chapel), Nai Kyn, Yoke Teen, Charmaine and Aaron Yong ... thanks for your love and fellowship. Iron definitely sharpens iron here. Let's continue to give our all for Christ. Thanks for inspiring me to grow further. God bless you all (p.s to Adrian: Delirious rocks, but Hillsong rocks more hahah).

To BUC (3): All leaders (aunty Helen, Seng Chor, aunty Dolly and other ministry leaders), etc- I know how it feels like too, the joy, the disappointment, the fatigue (haha), but thanks for serving side by side with me. Together for Jesus' glory.

To the church: I remember aunty Luan saying to me once, before I was regular in BUC: "Come and join us, we will take care of you" ... amen, thanks for all the fellowship and joys. It has been such a journey ... we will continue to journey till Jesus comes back for us. Oh happy day ... Love you all.

To my CF (2006): oh brother ... what can I say? I love you guys. The Aarons, Daniel, Mun Yee, Fleur ... opps Cassandra, opps Xi Ying, Li Yan, Michell, Jia Hsien, Glennie, Joanne, Carissa, Kah Jun, Seng and Jean, Angela, Fish, Eu Jin, Clement, Humphrey, Lik Ee (future advisor?), Yong Ling and all the rest (if I missed anyone, please, please forgive me and include yourself :) ... you guys are so weird ... haha but a real joy to serve with and to watch over. Keep growing guys. Jesus loves you so much. Ms Angeline, JK (haha) and Ming Han, thank you, thank you so much too.

To all my other friends (Ernest and Lila: thanks for your love and friendship - 'Bestests' of buddies; Nic and Sim: hehe love is in the air, Jo: God bless you and keep you bro) and colleagues: God bless you all.

2006, woo hoo ....

2007, bring it on ...

God, I bless you.

God bless you all and have a blessed new year.

C Day

Battle time ... (hehe) figuratively that is.


1st December 2006


C Day aka Carolling day descended upon the KDU CF like torrential rains. The day came sooner than expected. And boy did it rain that day, not physically, but I am sure we sang God's blessings into the college. All praise to the Lord Jesus for His marvellous gift of song and His blessed birth.



The day before ...

30 November 2006 was a day that, I think, our conductress shall always remember. It was during the late hours of the evening (ok, not so late, about 5.30pm, just trying to dramatise things) that we commenced our last practice (which was to become second last practice). Making our way down to the concourse area where we were scheduled to sing, the carollers took their positions and open their mouths ...

'FL-at!'

Our conductress was clearly gripped with anxiety and despair as we attempted carol after carol, without success. The agony, the irony … and we were doing so well in the earlier practices. Somehow, the guitars and the singers were not in harmony. And not all had memorised their lyrics well either. The guitars were playing in one key and the carollers, singing in another. Oh … and the clock was ticking too.

Pray, pray … trust.


Last practice

Friday, 1st December, 11.30am

One hour before the actual carolling … and we had not started final practice yet (gasp). Some members (they shall remain a mystery … ho hum, haha) did not wake up on time, some could not come, due to exams, etc. Carissa was half crying, half growling. The musicians were not (really) in uniform and the rest were in a nervous buzz. On the brighter side, the lot of us looked smart: the ladies were in bright red and the gents were in black with coloured ties (see pictures below).

When finally everyone arrived, we managed to squeeze in a few of the more difficult songs and finally, at 12.34pm (or thereabouts) we started to make our way to the concourse (already half filled with lunch goers), in a train-like formation, chiming ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’ as we went.


The rest, as they say, is history …

We carolled and carolled, lifting, or trying our utmost best to lift, our voices in unison and harmony, all eyes fixed on Carissa and all ears on the guitarists. We gave it our all, and did what we could with the acoustics of the open hall against us and the cacophony of the lunchtime crowd threatening to drown us out … but we prevailed and managed to catch the attention of all and sundry there. People walked into the concourse to watch, people cheered, people applauded (although we were out of key for a song ... or two). Overall, nerve wrecking as it was, we made it through … believing that at all times, the Lord was holding us.

Mark 9.23 (Jesus said) … Everything is possible for him who believes.

Amen Lord Jesus.

And … I made it through my speaking part (for When a Child is born), which I almost forgot when we started singing the carol … whew. All glory to Jesus.

These are the carols we sang: We wish you a merry Christmas, Have yourself a merry little Christmas, When a Child is born, Mary's boy child, Jingle bell rock, Away in a manger, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels sing, O Come all ye faithful, O Holy Night, Joy to the world, Angels we have heard on high (my favourite) and (our group's favourite) Feliz Navidad.


C Day

Truly, madly, deeply (haha) it was an experience, singing as a choir, singing in parts for a large audience … the wonders of how things come together for the good of God’s Children who love Him.

We took a lot of pictures after that, in relief, in joy, clicking like there was no tomorrow (haha).

God bless you CF-ers.

We bless you Father in Heaven, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit.

God bless you all.


… and have yourselves … a merry little (or grand) Christmas, now …

A candid one

The ladies: (Sopranos) Ying Hui, Michell, Mun Yee, Li Yan, Glennie

(Altos) Xi Ying, Angela, Joanne, Fish

(Conductress: Carissa)

The gents: (Tenors) Daniel, Kah Jun, Kenny

(Basses) Aaron T, Jia Hsien, Soon Seng, In Ming

(Guitarists) Aaron P, Eu Jin, Clement

Hill top experience

Yesterday, 7.30pm

Hillsong United in Malaysia.

The venue was SIB KL in a tightly packed sanctuary. The atmosphere was alive with excitement and expectation as thousands (a literally full and perhaps almost overflowing sanctuary: the area in front of the stage was packed, much less the seats) waited for the concert to begin.

There I was, with a few of the KDU CF students and friends, right smack in the front of the stage area. Above, full; behind, full; left, full; right, full. It was an evening that will for always echo in the corridors of my memory ...

A 45 minute wait

We (about 10 of us) arrived at SIB KL at 6.30 pm plus. Wanting to quickly make our way to the fifth floor where the concert was to be held, we waited for elevators. We were told subsequently that the elevators may be too slow and that we'd have a better chance of arriving 'earlier' if we took the stairs.

Huh? 5 floors up?

Walked and walked, up and up. I was slightly out of breath at the 4th floor (and the concert had not started yet ... haha).

Upon our arrival at the 5th floor, we were greeted by an already full waiting area outside the main sanctuary. Wow ... we took our places in line and waited and waited. All around us were people, young and the not so young (I think I was in a middle category, hahah). Time passed and still people were coming in. I had heard that the tickets were sold out, so it was not surprising. People even had to line up in the stairwells.

Eventually they let us in at about 7.30pm.

The Hills are alive ... with the sound of (praise and worship) music

Officially the concert started after 8pm. We were there to see the group live but more importantly, we were there, whether we were aware of it or not, to meet with God.

The concert opened with huge songs, including 'One Way' (yes, it may be an older song of theirs, but to me, one of the best that evening. Guys ... I am still waiting for the reward ... ahem hehe). People began to sing their lungs out and jumped and jumped. You will not see as much dancing in clubs, I think, and the floor was literally moving.

This old-er guy, all of 29 years, gave it my all too as I jumped and jumped with the throng of worshippers, raising our voices to defeaning levels to praise and worship our Lord Jesus. Songs came and went, but the crowds matched the group on stage with levels of sky high enthusiam. I have not jumped so much ... I am still reeling from the exertion (hahah), but it was worth it ... every single moment.

Worshipping Jesus 'From the inside out'

The majority of the songs were new-er to me as I am much more of a Hillsong listener rather than a Hillsong United listener. Still that did not stop me singing and praising God. Wow, the experience was so fresh and exciting. I literally shouted praises and prayers to Jesus and my Heavenly Father. Among the 'highlights' (songs that I enjoyed singing most) were One Way, King of Majesty (I really sang and sang to this), Take it all and the (almost sure to be) anthemic From the Inside Out (see my earlier post on the CF camp, it was one of the highlighted songs).

Thank You Lord Jesus for helping me to truly praise You.

Also we sang powerfully to snippets of classics like Our God reigns and also the newer Chris Tomlin favourite worship song 'How great is our God'. And we shouted God's victory through so many other songs ... I am sure the spiritual realms were shaken and probably God's angels sang with us too. :)

All in all, this old-er guy had a spectacular time in worshipping and in rededication to Jesus.

Truly 'All the Heavens shout Your praise ... beautiful is our God, the universe will sing, Hallelujah to You our King'.

What's next?

Lord Jesus, please help me to build on what You have and are doing in me and through me that truly ALL praise and honour will go to You, to be faithful to You and to love You and others as much as You love me. Amen.

Ok, who is coming to bless Malaysia next? Heheh ...

I bless You God.

God bless you all.

Singing Christmas into the college: Gloria in Excelsis Deo

It is almost that time of year again, a time of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. A time of great joy, a time of singing and praise, worshipping our Heavenly Father, God Almighty and His glorious plan of Salvation.

Glo o o o o o ria ... in Excelsis Deo ... (Glory to God in the Highest).

Carol of the bells

This year, we at KDU CF are going to sing Christmas into the college, and hopefully into the lives of its students. :) It's carolling time! We plan to do it in the concourse area where we are sure to get maximum exposure ... which is a good thing ... but that would mean we would have to be extra prepared ... which is a ... um ... good thing also ... I think. :)

Oh yes, we are also singing 12 - 13 songs. Haha. All by memory.

We are singing ... in parts!

Oh the days ...

We have all four groups between us, the 'high flying' sopranos, the 'courageous' altos, the 'elevated' tenors (hehe, I am one of them) and the 'booming' basses.

Our torture maiden ... opps ... conductress, Ms Carissa (oklah, she is nicelah ... :) ), has the herculean task of drilling ... opps ... training us (and our voices) into tip top shape, and I think she is doing a great job of it. Little did I realise that we can s-i-n-g. Haha. Woo Hoo. All glory and praise to God for the gift of song, and unity.

So far, we have practiced (and for one or two, almost perfected) about 8 songs including Angels we have heard on high, Silent Night and Joy to the world. Some of the times, there is a cacophony of parts (haha), but there are those times when the group surprises even me. Boy oh boy, it is during those times that we rock! But hopefully more rocking than sinking lah ...

And the practices keep on coming ...

We have been practicising for some weeks now, usually twice a week, and are getting there. Carissa told us that quite a few of the parts sung in parts have been modified to suit us or taken away to simplify the song, to also suit us.

We are grateful ...

How great is our God, SING with me ....

So to those involved, let us truly strive to come together and sing our hearts to the Lord Jesus, and celebrate His birth, His coming into the world.

So ...

Let soprano voices ring high and clear, while altos weave their song to complement and support, let the men of bass anchor the songs with foundations so firm and tenors soar in harmony and symphony ... to create a most pleasing sound as a sacrifice of worship and praise to our God, our Father in Heaven and to embed the true message of Christmas in men.

Glo o o o o ria in Excelsis Deo.

God bless you all.

Pray with us and for us, ok? :)

Surprise, surprise ...

Today's post (after what seemed to be ages) is inspired by the quiz on John (The Wallah)'s blog. I did it and the results are ...

Surprise, surprise

Have a look.

I did the quiz twice and twice I was challenged with the same tie breaker question: English or Education? I love English (language, culture, footie!). I also love education (although not necessarily the law, hehe). Anyway, scores for both my #1 and #2 are same.

You scored as Education/Counseling. You should strongly consider majoring in Education, or related majors (e.g. American Sign Language, Child Development, P.E./Physical Education). Teaching others takes compassion, dedication, patience, an open mind, and a certain type of intelligence for the field you teach. It is possible that the best major for you is your 2nd, 3rd, or even 5th listed category, so be sure to consider ALL majors in your OTHER high scoring categories (below). You may score high in a category you didnt think you would--it is possible that a great major for you is something you once dismissed as not for you. The right major for you will be something 1) you love and enjoy and 2) are really great at it. Consider adding a minor or double majoring to make yourself standout and to combine your interests. Please post your results in your myspace/blog/journal. English/Journalism/Comm 81% Education/Counseling 81% Religion/Theology 69% HR/BusinessManagement 63% French/German/Spanish 50% Visual&PerformingArts 50% Psychology/Sociology 44% PoliticalScience/Philosophy 38% History/Anthropology/LiberalArts 38% Physics/Engineering 31% Biology/Chemistry/Geology 31% Accounting/Finance/Marketing 25% Nursing/AthleticTraining 19% Mathematics/Statistics 6% WHAT MAJOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU? created with QuizFarm.com

All glory to my Lord Jesus for the love of teaching and English. May I use these for Your glory, Jesus.

God bless you.

'The Midautumn Cake Massacre'

See that cake? Looks good? Probably tastes just as good. But cake can be more than just cake ...

This is based on a true life event.

It was an evening in October. It was warm, humid and bright. A blanket of haze hung over the ground, blurring vision and veiling the people that passed by. It was a prelude to an evening that started out innocent enough - a gathering of friends, for a midautumn celebration ... or so it seemed ...

11 people, and a cake, with 'murder' on their minds ...

The Dinner

Our story began some weeks before the event. The principal character, the organiser, Mr Leeky (names in the story have been changed to protect the identities of those involved), had arranged a celebration dinner, a pot bless, and invited his friends to also celebrate some of their birthdays and have a 'lantern walk'. The festivities started slightly behind time, 7.30pm, and by that time, the sun had set and the last of them entered the house. The sky was ablaze with streaks of crimson and amber ... shades of a day coming to an end. Dinner began with the usual happenings, the welcome speech, the conventional ice breaker and then a short prayer before dinner. Dinner was then served ...

As the evening wore on, the 'murder weapon', the seemingly innocent cake, was still sitting dormant in its red box.

What followed was the lantern walk. Festivities subsided and many guests left by the time the clock chimed 10pm.

And then there were 11

The final eleven made themselves comfortable after dinner with small talk and the usual rounds of jesting. Among them were: Messrs Leeky Ow, Jerome Lu, Eron Pwah, Eron Tame, Vanessa Young, Lea Yan, Ham Woo, Kent Chu, Jeah Hseen, You Gene and Angelica Ang.

Now Leeky had organised the dinner in full knowledge (and courage, I may add) that some of his guests may exact 'retribution' on certain attempted or succesfull pranks he had masterminded in the past. Taking his ostensible leave to send a friend home, he exited the scene, unaware of what events would take place in his absence.

A conspiracy

Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive ...

Messrs Lu, Pwah, Chu and You Gene came together to hatch a plot to 'get at' Leeky, on the occassion of his birthday (which actually was months away). The weapons? An almost empty bowl of 'Hokkien mee' and the cake. White and creamy, it was the perfect foil to the brown mee. The three waited outside, ostensibly to ambush the unwary Leeky. You Gene lagged behind carrying the punch bowl almost full of orange drink.

The wait lasted a few minutes ... oh poor Leeky ... but wait. It was not Leeky that would taste food (um, feel foodlah) first, but the unsuspecting Kent. During a conversation, Kent was distracted and Jerome struck ... it was over in a flash ... big splashes of brown sauce and mee fell to the ground. The source? Kent's head. Triumphant in turning the tables (the turncoats) Jerome and Eron laughed and laughed, Eron running into the house. To add salt to his wounds, You Gene approached the 'wounded' Kent with the punch bowl, turning back for a moment to call for reinforcements (the bowl was heavylah).

'It's either you or me' thought Kent, and before he knew it, You Gene was drenched with the very orange juice that he intended to pour on Kent. The hunted had become the hunter ...

Kent made his way into the house, to be greeted by laughter from Eron and Jerome, and headed straight for the cake and then to Jerome - it was done - cream fell on Jerome's hair ... a small struggle ensued ...

Leeky returns to a gambit

Leeky, blissfully ignorant of what had just occured, aproached the house and saw fruit pieces on the porch's floor. He warily entered the house. Everything and everyone seemed as normal, chatting, eating ... but aha ... Jerome's and Kent's hair were freshly washed.

'Hmmm' ...

What followed was typical of a game of chess. Everytime anyone of the original four moved, Leeky would counter move. Like a pawn moving amongst the rooks, bishops and knights. His way of escape closed, Leeky then had no choice but to sit amongst the hunters ... a pigeon amongst cats (haha).

Kent went to the porch to clean up the mess.

Inside, after a while, Jerome lured Leeky into a sense of security ... laughing ... Eron crept up behind Leeky, Leeky turned ... too late ...

Eron, made his retreat to the porch, his hands full of cream, having done their work. He passed Kent and bent over to wash his hands at the garden tap ... a mistake?

The opportunity was too good to miss ... a surge of cold water from the punch bowl fell on Eron's back ... it was now Kent's turn to laugh.

Pax ... or was it?

Pax means peace. Declarations of peace filled the living room.

Jerome, in a flash, dipped his hand in to the cake and Angelica was a next victim.

Kent from the kitchen, could afterwards hear screams from the living room ... uhoh ... what was happening? Lea and Vanessa then burst into the kitchen and ran straight for the washroom ... it seems someone else had made them victims of the cake. You Gene followed, also with cake cream on his clothes, and in the washroom, a water fight began ... it was not pleasant ...

And then there were 3

The remaining: Eron Tame, Jeah Hseen and Ham Woo.

'You are among the only ones still clean. Are you afraid?' Eron Tame was asked. He was brave ...

Soon, a hand swept into the cake and Eron became a statistic.

Eron Pwah signalled to Jerome that Jeah Hseen should be next. After all wasn't it Jeah Hseen who stated earlier that he had extra clean clothing and even generously offered it to Kent upon the Hokkien mee disaster? Jeah Hseen joined Eron Tame too ... smeared on his hair and shirt.

One more. Kent conspired with Eron Pwah:

'Our host ...'

Eron understood ... walked cooly pass the cream cake and patted some cream on Ham. Eron, ran outside the house laughing.

Ham, then took some cake and made for Eron, but as it turned out, his hand landed squarely on Kent. Aahhhh ... he knew ...

The 'cake' bath

The events of the evening spared no one, not even the house. Oh the tragedy, oh the agony ... of cleaning up.

One mop, 11 people.

Well, eventually the house was cleaned ... hiding all traces of the 'massacre' that just took place.

Leeky's words

'There is always a next year' Leeky grinned ...

'Yes Leeky, we can always start fresh, all over again' Lea Yan spoke ...

'Always next year ...'

Oh what a night ...

Hahahahaha ..... I hope you enjoyed my recollection of the evening's events. Not everything is accurate though, just what I remember. Wow, truly what a night. We all went home, smelling of cream and looking 'fairer'. Most of us had cleaned up though ... but the memories will still be with us.

God bless you Lik Ee for organising the potbless.

We had fun.

I only hope no one harbours any ill feelings ... sorry once again Humphrey for messing up the house ... we did clean it well hoh?

:)

God bless you all.

Smiling at the storm

Storms are awesome natural phenomena. Chaotic and powerful, destructive yet strangely beautiful, storms can inspire fear.

Does your life look as if it is in the middle of a storm now?

Are there flashes of lightning around you and does the noise of rolling thunder deafen you?

Do you feel tossed and battered?

At the moment, on my journey with the Lord Jesus, I feel buffeted by strong winds and can almost feel the streaks of lightning descend upon me. Yes, the storm is raging around me, it can be imposing, overwhelming even ... but ...

I remember this Sunday School song. The Lord Jesus Himself reminded me:

With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm,

Smile at the storm, smile at the storm,

With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm,

As we go sailing home ...

The event of storms in a Christian's life are the norm. Our Lord Jesus Himself stated in John 16:33 that we, His children will go through troubles, trials, temptations, etc ... However, He finishes by saying 'But take heart! I have overcome the world'. Truly, with Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm.

Our Lord controls all things, there is nothing He cannot do. As Jesus calmed the storm in Matthew 8:23-27, so He can calm the storms in our lives.

Remember, our Lord Jesus allows things to happen for His reasons, and His reasons are always perfect.

I am comforted and encouraged.

To the storms of this world, I say 'Bring it on. The Lord Jesus is on my side. I will smile, laugh, sleep, rejoice in the storms', for I know who travels with me right through the storm. Jesus ...

The sunday school song ends with ...

Sailing, sailing home,

Sailing, sailing home,

With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm,

As we go sailing home.

Are you in the midst of a gale?

Do not fear, fret or wail,

Remember who travels with you,

Our Lord Jesus, faithful and true.

- Ken -

To Jesus, our Lord be all glory and honour and praise.

Encouragement

According to Dayspring.com, it is Ministry Appreciation month :)

God, all wise, has placed ministers, pastors, elders, etc in all of His churches and we are all the better for it. We all need good, godly leaders after all, and we all look to Jesus ultimately.

Let us continue to appreciate and encourage our leaders.

Encouragement, after all, can be the difference between giving up and going on ...

This link will take you to a good and refreshing read:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/9r5/9r5035.html

Even shepherds need to be fed.

God bless you.

Everlasting - Your light will shine where all else fades

I recently learned a couple of new songs (new to me that is) that really is very inspirational, both from my KDU CF camp.

The first one being How great is our God originally by Chris Tomlin from his 'Arriving' album.

This song is really inspirational to me. When I sing it with a congregation of His saints, I really feel like the world is singing as one to Jesus. Amen. Truly how great is our God. The song paints such an awesome picture. Jesus reigns! I am thinking of teaching it the next time I lead worship in BUC. Here are the lyrics:

The splendor of the King,

Clothed in majesty

Let all the earth rejoice,

All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in light,

And darkness tries to hide

And trembles at his voice,

And trembles at his voice

How great is our God, Sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, How great is our God

Age to age he stands

And time is in His Hands

Beginning and the End,

Beginning and the End

The Godhead, Three in one

Father, Spirit, Son

The Lion and the Lamb,

The Lion and the Lamb

BRIDGE

Name above all names

Worthy of our praise

My heart will sing how great

Is our God

The second song is from the Hillsong United 'United we stand' album: Inside out. The words of the (either) pre chorus or chorus, 'Everlasting ... Your light will shine when all else fades' really touches me, as I get a beautiful picture of God's unfailing love and light. Like a precious, powerful ray of light breaking through through the confusion around me. Such precious, relevant words that mirror the condition of my walk at this time. I love You Lord Jesus always.


A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace

Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise

Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out

Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame

And the cry of my heart
Is to bring You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out

The Lord God, Our Heavenly Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit be glorified.

God bless us all.

My journey of discovery ...

It has been some time since I posted.

...

I have just returned from KDU's Christian Fellowship camp over the weekend, Friday (29th September) to Sunday (1st October) in Golden Sands Baptist Centre, Port Dickson. The camp was not too big (numerically). There were only 25 of us, and from that, only 22 attended the camp right to the end. It was a time of refreshing, fellowship and discovery ...

The message I remember the most as being the most inspiring was the message that our speaker, Pastor Gurmit of Kuantan, shared on the last day (Sunday). It was from Daniel 3, about the stand Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego made for the Lord when they refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's idol. As we know, the king sentenced the three young men to death by burning in a super heated furnace (it was so hot that the guards who brought the three young men to the furnace also died (v 22) and they were thrown into the furnace.

Miraculously, they were saved by The Lord, God: (in v 25)

[Nebuchadnezzar] said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

And again later in the passage: (at v 27)

They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

God will not let down those who actively make a stand for Him, who remain faithful to Him.

The miracle is amazing, but the most eye opening thing about the lesson was in how the three young men responded to the king: (vv 16-18)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Wow ...

Something to truly chew on.

Lord Jesus, please give me the faith that You gave your three humble servants, that no matter what, I will always stand up for You. Amen.


Besides that, during the camp, I was continuously pondering over several issues (pertaining to the gifts of the Holy Spirit). I think I am on a journey of discovery and I pray for The Lord Jesus' wisdom and the inspiration of His Holy Spirit to bring me through this.

Lord Jesus, give me Your wisdom, discernment and strength. Reveal to Your servant, Your child the deep things of God. I entrust to You this journey of spiritual discovery. Let Your Word speak to me personally and convict me of Your truth Lord. Amen.

May I bring glory to the Lord Jesus.

I bless the Lord.
God bless you all.

Children and 'lurve' ...

I was wondering what to post and I received this email. For your reading (and considering) pleasure.

Touching words from the mouth of babes.

What does Love mean? A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?". The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca- aged 8

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - aged 4

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." Karl - aged 5

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - aged 6

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - aged 4

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - aged 7

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" Emily - aged 8

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - aged 7 (Wow!)

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." Nikka - aged 6 (Wow, wow)

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - aged 7

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - aged 6

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." Cindy - aged 8

"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." Clare - aged 6

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine-aged 5

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - aged 7

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you'd left him alone all day." Mary Ann - aged 4

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." Lauren - aged 4

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." Karen - aged 7

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it is gross." Mark - aged 6

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - aged 8

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry".

God bless you guys.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30 - 31