In the beginning ...

Life is a highway, life is a rollercoaster, life is ... life.

It was not the best of starts, but it was not the worst of starts either. I think for most 2009 started rather shakily what with the economic crisis and all. I had felt (in 2008, if I remember correctly) that for me at least, 2009 was going to be a year of sanctification. With sanctification comes trials and of trials, the Bible says (in James 1:2-4):

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

My year paradoxically, has not started very well and yet in a way it has. I am grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ for the financial blessings I received (including the review contest I won today: third place, all glory to Jesus) and for the fact that I know God has something great for me this year. On the other hand, my rash recurred and my LLM assignment has been postponed on numerous occassions, the burden on my shoulders heavy, among other mishaps ... I think to myself every now and then, will I be able to stand after the trials, and am still holding on to the truth of the matter that is Jesus Himself will hold me up. It is not I that stand but that God holds me up in His omnipotent arms. Still the going has not been easy, not for me, not for most.

God gives and takes away. Who am I to complain? Job had the right attitude ...

'The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised. (Job 1: 21b)

Lord Jesus Christ, have Your way in me, with me.

May we all have a fruitful 2009, all for Jesus' glory.

Herald

Here's Kenny!

2009 is here. Another new year filled with fresh possibilities.

Even as I watched the displays of fireworks (and there were more than three of them from where I was), I could not help but wonder: are people unwittingly 'celebrating' bleaker, uncertain times to come?

Whatever it is (or will be), I am sure God has it all under control, as my God, Jesus, has all things in the palm of His Almighty Hand. He is Jehovah Jireh. :)

And I did not forget to finish my blogging (nor am I discontinuing it) of Hillsong 2008. I will summarise and bring it to an appropriate completion ... soon. :)

Jesus bless you.

Jesus be blessed.

Soaring up, down under: Pt 3

Day 5 8th July

The Conference had begun!

The winter mornings in Sydney are really cold and if you are tucked up nicely in a warm bed and the alarm bells ring at 630am, there is no where else better to be than to remain in bed ... oh the luxury. This would have been the case but for the fact that I came all the way to the largest island/smallest continent in the world to experience God, so at 645am (haha), I forced myself out of bed and shivered my way to the washroom.

Our hostess, the wonderful Beth, drove us in a heated car to the nearest station, Pennant Hills and it took us to Strathfield St and then to Lidcombe St, where we switched again to Olympic Park. We arrived at about 815am (the trains in Sydney are very punctual and predictable). By this time, the doors were already opened and people were literally flocking in the cold to enter the warmth of the indoor Acer Arena stadium.

That morning our speaker was Ps Brian Houston on 'Does my donkey offend you'? He spoke about the Palm Sunday story where our Lord Jesus rode on the donkey into Jerusalem amidst praise and adoration by those who would scream for His crificixion a week later. Basically the message was about things that God allows us to have to be used as vehicles for Him (ministry, gifts, etc) and we should never forget that it is not about those vehicles, but about Him. Jesus should always be upon whatever 'donkeys' we have. Amen.

Subsequently, Joel Houston shared his vision (I Heart) that God had given to him and what it meant to him and us as Christians ... to love God and love people with all our heart; God's commandments. It was not really prepared in the sense that you could see that he spoke from his heart. All glory to Jesus.

Our seats were just a stone's throw away from the stage where the Hillsong Team led the morning worship to Jesus.

Tim Costello (World Vision, Australia) also spoke on Freedom being the heart beat of God and about the fact that in today's world there are about 21 million people in literal slavery! We are agents of redemption, not just spiritual but also physical (social justice).

The congregation then broke off into our respective streams: Leadership, worship leadership or community. I had signed up under worship leadership and that morning the elective speaker was Mr Marcos Witt who runs the Lakewood Church Spanish service in the USA. He gave an interesting exposition about worship leadership based on Revelation 4 (the four Heavenly Creatures). It was nothing I have ever heard before and it seemed to make sense. :)

(the picture shows Darlene Zschech (pronounced something like 'Zhjec') introducing Marcos, pictured later in my blog)

Evening approached and by 430pm it was time for the first of two daily rallies. As I already stated, it is amazing worshipping Jesus with 25000 of my brothers and sisters in Christ. The Hillsong Team led again and the evening's speaker was Paul de Jong (of New Zealand). Paul is a good preacher and can be funny at times (if you look closely when he grins, he looks a little like Sean Connery, haha).

He spoke of faith and confidence (being attributes we are actually born with) and how to restore God centred confidence in times of trial. Powerful words.

730pm's rally (and it was getting colder) started again with worship to Jesus and this was followed by Mike Pilavachi (I think he started Soul Survivor ministries and is Matt Redman's pastor in UK). I loved his British humour and he was hilarious. Really funny guy, and with an inspiring message: the relationship between worship, evangelism and justice (worship is an expression of our love to God; evangelism is an overflow of that worship (if you love someone, you want the world to know that person) and justice is a consequence of that (helping the poor, widows, orphans, oppresed, etc). He also remarked something very interesting: Evangelism is a church without walls which doesn't preach the gospel but IS the Gospel.

(picture above: Israel and team, picture below: Mike Pilavachi)

Israel Houghton also led a short time of worship along with the Hillsong Team and for those who are wondering, he is a gifted and anointed worship leader and song writer with Lakewood Church in USA. His songs were really upbeat and lively (e.g. Let the Redeemed).

What a day. What a great start to the conference proper ...

... and there was more to come. :)

Jesus be blessed.

Soaring up, Down under Pt 2

DAY 4 7th July
(Day 1 of the Conference)

Pancake on the Rocks. :) That about summed up our morning. The gang met up at about 10am and made our way to The Rocks for a pancake brunch. To cut a long story short (it was not really that long anyway), here are the pictures of the pancakes. The bacon (for the savoury pancakes) and the 'original' pancakes were especially good (soaked in rich, golden, shimmering maple syrup).

We then visited the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) and before we entered, took this picture.

Let me say this without prejudice, art seems to be anything today. I mean anything. There was this exhibition where the object on display was a table with some tools on it. Also some pictures of people framed up ... So much for that experience. The picture above would also be an 'exhibit'.

A few hours later found us at the Acer Arena in Olympic Park for the opening rally of the Conference.

(Due to the fact that I have been told that I tend to write theses when blogging, these entries are short, sweet and picture packed. I took over 400 pictures and videos. Please visit my Multiply site for all of them by clicking on the link in the Links section).

The initial rally opened what eventually turned out to be an awesome experience for me personally. I worshipped Jesus like never before, some nights literally singing my heart and lungs out, crying and crying out to my God, Jesus. Proclaiming freedom, proclaiming the promises of Him who reigns forever. More pictures from the first rally (Hillsong Nights). The Hillsong Worship Team led the worship sessions (there are two rallies each day: 430pm and 730pm with different speakers). The first day we had Robert Barringer (I think this is correct) and Ps Judah Smith. The former's message was about being extraordinary in the world, and the latter's was a message about 'Embracing Grace' (Luke 15: 1-24) to which I responded to God in rededication. Amen. What a start to the week.

The fourth picture is Robert and the one below is Judah.



Ok that's all for now.

Jesus bless you and be blessed Lord Jesus.

Soaring up, down under

Picture this: 25,000 people from 69 countries all around the world, united in praising and worshipping Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour: all in one stadium ... wow, wow, wow.

That about sums up my soaring experience at this year's Hillsong Conference at Sydney's Acer Arena: 5 nights and 4 days of soaking/being in God's/Jesus' presence and learning from some of the most anointed preachers in the world; responding to several of God's calls for me personally and getting to know some of the locals.

Sign me up for the next one! Haha ... and it is done ...

Some highlights of the conference and my trip to Sydney.

DAY 1: Friday 4th July

We departed from KLIA (thanks to aunties Susan and Grace for kindly fetching us) at about 8pm to Singapore via SIA. Changi Airport is an impressive airport, but somehow I still prefer the marble (is it?) floors of KLIA to the carpeted ones of Changi. We had wait for a couple of hours ... and then we were off: Sydney here we come. I enjoy night flights as it enables people to sleep easier. As usual, I was excited about catching up on movies, etc and was even looking forward to the food. :) I managed to watch 21 and most of Alvin and the Chipmunks.

DAY 2: Saturday 5th July

We arrived at about 9am the next morning at Sydney Airport and surprisingly it did not take us long to clear customs. My uncle Charles met me at the airport and it was then off to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Yummy ... I am serious when I say this: I think these are the best doughnuts (that I have had) in the world.

Well shortly after that we went to have tim sum :)

This was followed (the rest of the day) by going shopping for food as uncle Yuichi had graciously agreed to cook dinner (ginger and capsicum pork Japanese style, etc) while uncle Charles baked some shortbread. (The last time I visited them, I put on weight like nobody's business ... haha. Thank God for my uncles).

DAY 3: Sunday 6th July

Morning dawned and I was supposed to meet up with the rest of the gang (Yoke Kheng, Soon Seng, Jean and Anne) for worship at Hillsong Hills Campus. Along the way my uncles took me to Ikea for breakfast (walau right? Makan ... makan) (see above for picture).

Finally the bus came to pick us up in front of Max Brenner Cafe and we were on our way to Hillsong. The church is a large one, very 'professional' looking outside and inside it was a mini stadium. Reuben Morgan led worship that day with the team and we had Pastor Judah Smith (see later) to speak to us. What a service. Praise Jesus.

Later, we went back to Paramatta and went around Sydney, meeting up with Mun Yee and shopping at Paddy's Market where I finally bought a hat (g'day mate), a platypus and an echidna. :)

(the Australian girl was a friend of the person who took our picture) :)

Soon we had to go our separate ways as YK and I were to head to Pennant Hills to meet our wonderful hosts: Peter and Beth Kirkgarde (I hope this is correct). They are some of the warmest hosts I ever have had the pleasure of staying with and I really thank Jesus my Lord for them. They arranged accommodation for us, fed us (yum), fetched us to and from the station to get to and back from Olympic Park and were just great examples of Jesus.

We got them some small gifts: for Beth a batik scarf and a pair of origami earrings (from Charmaine) and a sarong for Peter. Jesus bless them.

I shall stop here for the moment. Have to rush off to class at UM. Tomorrow's update: the start of a (in the words of Ps Bryan Houston) 'fantastic' conference, beginning with the evening rally.

Jesus bless you.

The Change

Hey all,

How do you like the new look of my blog? I find it modern, clean and bright.

Suddenly my interest in blogging has kicked in once again.

Tis a new season for me in life, spiritually in Christ and hopefully ... in love.

Jesus bless you all.

An 'Axe' to Grind

Hey there,

Time for another update.

The title for the post sounds serious, but in actual fact it has nothing to do with the proverb which means 'to express one's anger to another' ... rather it talks about my experience with my guitar aka 'axe' as taught to me by my guitar 'shifu' Ms Jia Ling.

I started lessons back in April 2008 and so far (after some postponements) we have come to week 6 already. What have I learnt and achieved?

I can play 5 chords (10 more basic ones to go).

I can play my first song: Keep Holding On (although practice is still needed).

I can play Rain Down (Planetshakers) ... woo hoo (although more practice is required).

I can play (almost) Happy birthday (but I think my version is different from the norm).

Okla, so I am cannot play like Reuben Morgan or John Mayer or Eric Clapton ... yet. But slowly and surely ...

Anyway, I want to do my best for my Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus bless you.

Passion

Dearly beloved,

Oh how the years go by ... eh, oh how the weeks go by (more appropriate here). My last post was a few weeks ago and quite a few things have happened since then. Here's to life (an exciting ride). Journey with me ... (we will walk very slowly as it was only a few weeks ago). :)

1) Hillsong United

May 28th marked the beginning of a series of events that I was looking forward to, so much so that it motivated me to do well in my exams (which ended in early May) so that I could figuratively throw myself into them without worrying about results (haha). If you know what I mean, please say 'amen'.

At that time (when I was revising for my papers), they seemed far away ...

Hillsong United visited Malaysia through Glad Tidings Church and for those not in the know (in that sense), Hillsong United is the 'youth arm' of Hillsong (a mega church in Australia and around the world; also the name of their worship ministry/group). Well suffice to say that the place was packed with young and not so young alike. We were all gathered there by 615pm (the worship concert was at 8pm) and as the time neared, the front hall got smaller and smaller with the crowd. The concert started on time (I think) and I managed to get a standing place in front with an expectant spirit. I was there to expect the unexpected ... to worship Jesus and to enjoy it. The evening started out swimmingly with The Time Has Come and progressed with lively worship songs (One Way, Tell the World, etc), which slowed down to more meditative and reflective songs (Hosanna, The Stand, etc) and finally ending with Saviour King, a powerful reminder of who we worship, Jesus Christ our Saviour King. Hillsong United worshipped with The Solution too as an encore and this song reminded me that no matter what the world is going through, political instability, financial roller coaster rides, wars and etc, God IS and will always be in control. Amen. Praise you Lord Jesus for the time of worship and rededication to you. May ALL your children arise to take their place/destinies in Malaysia and around the globe. Hosanna in the highest.

Wow I was thirsty after that ... and looking forward to ...


2) Antioch NetWork CommUnity's Family Camp: God's Love, Our Passion.

Morning dawned and I was like woo hoo camp! I totally believe in God's power to work through camps because I experienced my personal spiritual revival in a camp (about 5 years back in PD, Palm Springs). Thank you Lord Jesus. Soon, we were on our way to Gopeng, Harvest Haven. The journey was pleasant and uneventful, filled with songs and conversation. Oh a very interesting thing happened: our map was um ... inaccurate ... haha and I misdirected three cars, and we ended up travelling through cow dung littered roads (you see Harvest Haven is a secluded hideaway specially for church camps, nestled in an oil palm plantation filled with cows).

Highlights of camp: (i) the messages (Ps Aow and Ps Mei) were really anointed: about passion and purity, evangelism and personal holiness. The ministry was blessed and refreshing. God really worked in camp and there were breakthroughs. (Messages can be obtained through me (mp3) if any of you wish to listen). Also our sister Karen came to know the Lord. Praise Jesus. May Jesus bring her deeper into Him daily.

(ii) the worship team: a younger team (some inexperienced, in that sense) but the Lord Jesus used us powerfully. New songs which matched the theme of the camp, leadership anointing and even jumping during the worship. Lord Jesus take us further and deeper than we have even been.

(iii) fellowship: I made many new friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, from cards to swimming, from board games to caving to Twister, truly the joy of the LORD is our strength. How good it is when brothers/sisters come together in fellowship.

(iv) accommodation: was excellent, save for the too soft pillows (haha). Please feel free to access my Multiply site for the pictures.

(v) personal revelation: I had been asking the LORD about my direction in Campus Ministry and in the Campus Church Planting and so far I was just being stubborn. The signs were all there: a handful of college students were/had joined us in ANC through KDUCF, fellowship dinner(s) with other youth pastors from other churches, God's pastoral and apostolic anointing ... what was I waiting for? Well God spoke to me, through me :). I read a verse aloud during one of the messages: Deut 12.13 and almost immediately I realised that it was for me, and this was affirmed by the Ps later who spoke on ministry and God's calling based on that verse. Amen. My stand has been taken. Campus Ministry it is ... Jesus leads His people.

Another blessed camp, I can hardly wait for the next one. I hope to see all those who came this year (including my buddies Scott (haha), Jason, Johnathan and Han Jia) next year. My GG is planning it. Hopefully also those who could only make it for partial camp can come for the full one next year.


3) New car

New car, new car ... silver Myvi. Very nice indeed. I still have my trusted ol' Kancil though and still appreciate it. After all, they are all God's provision. Is God good or what? Haha.

I like the new car smell, the elevated feeling I get driving a 'taller' car, and it drives smoother too. I will have many good years with this: and may it ALL be for God's glory.


4) Good results

God is so good. He blessed me with good results too for my two papers. :) All glory to Jesus, the source of all blessings.


... and I am looking forward to ...

Passion conference, prayer retreat, Hillsong Conference in July, my holidays (with my ANC gang and my PoTs gang), etc.

Oh how the weeks will go by ...

And all glory to God Almighty, Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

Jesus bless you all.

The cattle on a thousand hills ...

How many cattle are there on a thousand hills?

Psalm 50:10 speaks of God being the owner of everything on Earth. He is after all the Creator of the universe and all in it and deserves all praise just for that.

... not only that, God is a good God too. A most generous Father.

Psalm 34: 8-10 states:

Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Fear the LORD, you his saints,

for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

How do we know someone or something is good? Why through experiences with them/it of course. The Psalm uses the sense of taste and says 'Taste and see that the LORD is GOOD'. Amen. When you have experienced God's goodness, you, like me and the rest of creation will also rise up to give Him praise.

Just a short testimony to share of God my Heavenly Father's amazing grace and providence:

As some of you may know I have already signed up for the 2008 Hillsong Worship Conference in Sydney this July and the flight ticket was a somewhat hefty RM2700. That plus the price of my passport renewal added up to RM3000. Now for some that may not be a lot of money, but for where I am now, it is :).

I had some money stashed away but not quite enough and so I was hoping my increment would be a good one this year. It was scheduled to come at the end of April and so I was praying for God's providence. If memory serves me properly, I asked for a specific sum (as I also remembered a testimony of my co adviser of the Christian Fellowship in KDU). The day came ... I received the envelope and said a prayer before opening it.

...

Praise Jesus ... truly I was surprised when I saw that the amount I received as an increment was actually more like an adjustment and it was the exact sum I prayed for. Is God good or what? Jehovah Jireh my provider. All praise and thanks to Him, who sits on the throne.

And it did not end there ... after paying for the ticket, I found myself short of cash for the rest of the month ... hmmm ... oh well, if God owned the cattle on a thousand hills, and He does, what is this to Him? I prayed (and complained a little) to God and told Him about my financial circumstances (which He already knew anyway ... God knows our every need even before we ask for anything). Lo and behold, when KDU celebrated its 25th anniversary, we were given 'ang pows' and when I opened mine, the sum was substantial ... so much more than I thought.

Is God good or what?

Also, a couple of times during the past few weeks, some people have paid me money that I had forgotten was forthcoming.

Is God good or what? And He got me through the month ... :)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1.17)

Delight yourself in the LORD ... and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37.4)

Matthew 6. 32-33 says that God knows that we need everyday necessities and He will provide them. We have to seek Him (His Kingdom) first and ALL these things He will provide. He knows best.

Is God good or what?

:)

P.S: My LLM exams have come and gone, and of course I know that God was behind me all the way ...

All praises and thanks be to my/our God and Lord Jesus.

Jesus bless you all.

Hey there 2008

Ahem ahem ...

Wow, this blog has not been updated for ages. I know, I know ... it is almost half a year into 2008 and this is my first post of the year. Well better late than never.

Some updates

What has happened so far in the year? Most recently, praise Jesus, I completed the second year of my LLM and am having the pleasure of relaxing after exams (last paper was yesterday, and it was a long time coming ... haha but I do appreciate God's wisdom in postponing the paper for one day). Thank you Father in Heaven. :)

So four subjects down, two more to go. If you are reading this (and I do not blame you if you are not from my neglect of my blog), please keep me in prayer: should I do two more to complete my masters in law or do a research project (that counts as two subjects) to complete and prepare me for my (future) PhD? (Dr Ken has a nice ring to it)

What else? Oh yes I attended the Youth Alpha seminar and a Planet Shakers concert (first time). I had a great time worshipping God and singing.

Mmm ... I am officially and comfortably at my new home in Pelangi Utama with my parents, which is a blessing.

I am taking guitar lessons (actually just started, but I am enjoying it). Pretty soon I will be able to play like some guys call Jack, John or even mmm Reuben? Hahah. I am taking it one step at a time. Jesus bless those guitar lessons and teachers.

I shaved my head (at the end of last year though) ... haha not for anything else other than an experiment to see how I would look like and it turned out OK. Funny thing is as the stylist started and shaved off a tuft (is this appropriate?) of hair, she asked me 'Is this ok?'. (Peluh).

I have attended some events for youth pastors and saw some friends off to different countries (how ya doin, Charis and Anna?).

2008 has been a blessing so far and I think it can only get better, with Jesus by my side.

I have several events to look forward to: Antioch's camp, Hillsong United, Hillsong Worship Conference in Sydney, holiday in Langkawi, among other things. My teaching hours are less this semester too. Whew.

Write more ... soon ... I hope.

Jesus bless you.

Tas-Mania Pt 2

The days in Tassie went by quite quickly, but that was because I was enjoying myself. There are so many things to relate, but I think I will just highlight them. The pictures that I took from my visit are on my Multiply site (phyeken.multiply.com), so please feel free to have a look:

University of Tasmania

I was finally able to see firsthand our twinning partner. UTas is one of the oldest and largest universities (so I understand) in Australia but the law school was anything but old. The campus is colossal and the law school is confined to a corner, bordering the residential areas of Sandy Bay, Hobart. As we arrived, we were greeted by Prof Margaret for a short discussion and then were ushered into Dr Gail's (one of my moderators) classes: Law of the Oceans. I received a warm welcome and an introduction in front of the lecture theatre (wow ... felt really nice). After that it was off to the cosy law faculty lounge where we were served morning tea and all sorts of biscuits, cakes and pie ... yummy. During my visit, this is what I remember: I had good chats and lunches and dinners with my moderators (Ken, Dr Lisa and Dr Gail) and other lecturers that I had met before (John and Michael), ate loads of great food and wine, visited Dr Gail's lovely home and had a great evening with her family (and superb seafood, food and wine), spent good times with my ex students, took a tour of the campus (courtesy of my ex boss: Patrick Foong), visited Salamanca market (an experience that can only be appreciated if you are there), tricked (haha) by my students to visit Zoo Doo (an um interactive zoo where the emus and osctriches and all sorts of towering animals 'assault' you for food), walked around Hobart city and had home cooked meals too (thanks all). I really praise Jesus for His grace and love and generousity. Also I visited Energizer Life Church.

P.S: hehe ... do pay attention to the food pictures I took. It's no wonder I gained about 3 kgs. Hahah ... and that was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as Sydney was also a gastronomical adventure in itself.

So please feel free to check out the pictures. Here are a few below. I think there are 400 plus at my Mulitply. :)

Jesus bless you all.

Tas-Mania (Pt 1)

I took over 1400 photographs while in Australia ...

O_O

Pre Australia: the situation looked grim ... I had about a 'gazillion' things on my plate and little time to enjoy any of them. My time with my God, Jesus; family; work; ministry and friends and studies was precious little. I felt as if I was running when I wanted to walk, burning out slowly but surely. I was grudgingly serving God and others and just needed a break. In the nick of time, God 'rescued' me from crashing and burning ... and gave me a much needed retreat in the form of a 10 day trip (almost fully sponsored) to Tasmania and Sydney. So on the 25th of September 2007, I boarded the MAS flight and made my way to Koalaland ... :)

Flight: I enjoyed my trip even before I arrived at my destination ... woo hoo. I admit I was slightly nervous about flying (after my experience flying back from Sarawak) but I prayed and put everything into God's hands. I enjoyed it so much ... I was actually trying hard to stay awake trying the movies, songs and video games ... hahah ... like a child in a candy store. Needless to say, even at that time, I was looking forward to my flight home also (walau). I managed to watch Mr Bean 2 and also listened to many songs and played some games. Food was good (I was hungry) and flight was smooth.

Melbourne: I last visited Melbourne when I was std 5. That was a good ... 20 years ago. This time however, I was just squatting, as it were, at the airport, waiting for my connecting flight to Tasmania. Melbourne is nice and cold and windy too (reminded me so much of ol England). The transit time was 5 hours and I must say, Australian customs mean business ... oh the number of mooncakes I saw being inspected ... hahah.

Tasmania: Finally ... Tassie land! Even as we circled to land, I was thinking how sparse the population was ... Tasmania is relatively, in that sense-lah, untouched in its pristine condition. Nature lovers will adore it. The airport was small (like Ipoh one) and it even had a Selamat Datang sign :). We (my friend and I from KDU) were greeted by a driver hired by the University of Tasmania to ferry us to the largest hotel in Hobart, the Grand Chancellor. The country side gave way to city sights and a huge bridge (which name I do not recall now) that connects one side of Hobart to the other. The hotel was elegant without being too expensive looking and guess what? we each got a double room! Talk about space ... Food was on the university and so was transport. Where else can you find such a business partner? Sigh ... :) God bless Utas.

Dinner day 1: Seafood, seafood ... we had (on UTas) a seafood dinner at Blue Skies restaurant. The raw oysters in Tasmania are the best that I have ever had. So fresh ... yummy. We ordered this huge seafood platter (besides three entrees and wine - the wines are delectable) which had pan fried and deep friend fish, octopus, calamari, prawns (fried and steamed), really fresh veggies, mussels and raw oysters with roe. Walau.

We had dinner we my ex boss, Patrick Foong, now pursuing his PhD at UTas. After dinner, we three went for a late evening walk around some parts of Hobart. The night was nice and cold ... like I like it. What a wonderful start to my trip ...

More to come ...

Jesus I bless You.

Jesus bless you all

Occupational 'hymns'

Hey all,

Another superfastsofastitisablur update (hahah). This one is from aunty Dolly and it is a good one. For those of us who grew up with hymns (although we sing mostly great contemporary songs, I still think hymns are majestic).

Here they are:

The Dentist's Hymn ... Crown Him With Many Crowns
The Weatherman's Hymn ... There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing
The Contractor's Hymn ... The Church's One Foundation
The Tailor's Hymn ... Holy, Holy, Holy
The Golfer's Hymn ... There Is A Green Hill Far Away
The Politician's Hymn ... Standing On The Promises
The Optometrist's Hymn ... Open My Eyes That I Might See

Heheh ... there's more:

The IRS Agent's Hymn ... I Surrender All
The Gossip's Hymn ... Pass It On
The Electrician's Hymn ... Send The Light
The Shopper's Hymn ... Sweet By And By
The Realtor's Hymn ... I've Got A Mansion Just Over The Hilltop
The Pilot's Hymn ... I'll Fly Away
The Paramedic's Hymn ... Revive Us Again
The Judge's Hymn ... Almost Persuaded
The Psychiatrist's Hymn ... Just A Little Talk With Jesus
The Architect's Hymn ... How Firm A Foundation
The Credit Card Telemarketer's Hymn ... A Charge To Keep I Have

And more:

The Postal Worker's Hymn ... So Send I You
The Waiter's Hymn ... Fill My Cup, Lord
The Gardener's Hymn ... Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
The Lifeguard's Hymn ... Rescue The Perishing
The Criminal's Hymn ... Search Me, O God
The Baker's Hymn ... When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder
The Shoe Repairer's Hymn ... It Is Well With My Soul
The Travel Agent's Hymn ... Anywhere With Jesus
The Geologist's Hymn ... Rock Of Ages
The Hematologist's Hymn ... Are You Washed In The Blood?
The Men’s Wear Clerk's Hymn ... Blest Be The Tie
The Umpire's Hymn ... I Need No Other Argument
The Librarian's Hymn ... Whispering Hope A Charge To Keep I Have
The Zookeeper's Hymn ... All Creatures Of Our God And King

More than Enough

Here we go again ...

I am back after a semi hiatus (hahah). Not an intentional one anyhow, was ill and very occupied with work and further studies.

The days and weeks do pass by very quickly. It's already August, and it has been more than a month since my last post (thinking out loud: actually, a post a month is reasonable, wouldn't you say?). Anyhow, here are some updates concerning me and my memorable few weeks.

(1) The Holiday/The assignment/The illness

It all started with the holiday ... one that we had been planning for months. Destination: Redang. I had not been to Redang before this and was looking forward to this: sun, sand, fellowship and fun (food, boardgames and etc.) It had been scheduled for 19th - 22nd July and all was going smoothly ... until the assignment was given.

Hmmm. I am ok with assignments, but not if they get in the way of health and relaxation. I was happily in my Trademarks Law class in UM, listening to the lecturer and thinking of my holiday that Thursday (it was a Monday) when suddenly the bomb was dropped. I was given the very first assignment of the year for the class - a presentation on the Law of Passing Off. Oh wow ... my heart sank and I was speechless for a few seconds (apparently the honour was all mine as I was a second year student in UM and the only one with an Intellectual Property Law background: yeah ok, hahah). However the worst thing was that my holiday would be ruined ... I thought fast and ended up saying this 'I am ok with going first, but would need an extension in the deadline as I will not be around from Thursday till Sunday' (hoping that the lecturer would pass the buck). She did not.

Groan ...

I had to start on my research immediately and so to the library I walked and got loads of cases copied for my research (I think I had to cover about 20 plus cases and explain them, lecture style), hundreds of pages literally and slowly began to pore through them.

Sigh ... (I guess that is why they say 'He is reading law' and not studying law)

Stress weighed heavy upon me and soon I fell sick. Fever one day before our trip. Very disappointed ... but I was determined to go for it, so I prayed about it. I was on MC that Wednesday. Thursday came and went and the trip went on, and I had a good time. I enjoyed the trip there, travelling early in the morning (by the way most of the pictures are on my Multiply site, so please feel free to look) and listening to praise and worship songs in Yoke Kheng's car. Some highlights of the trip: (1) frying eggs and luncheon meat on the balcony of the hotel with our portable stove ... hahah I was so fearful that they would blacklist us; (2) introduced Careers to the gang and they love it; (3) fellowship and seeing certain two people having verbal spars; (3) snorkeling in Redang: pretty corals and schools of fish, exotic and otherwise (even made a couple of new Japanese friends); (4) the food (that we broughtlah); (5) having fun with Sahaya and YK with quiz questions (hahah, inside joke).

(2) The flu saga

The holiday went, but the flu remained. My fever had broken but the cough arrived with a vengeance. I was coughing (almost) non stop for hours on end, so much so that I had to take another MC a few days after I returned. My presentation day came and after hours of preparation I delivered a lecture on the topic and managed to finish about 1.5 litres of water from 5.45pm to 7pm, to keep myself from coughing. Praise Jesus that all went well. My burden lifted ...

The assignment had passed, but still the stubborn cough remained, so much so that my voice was going as well (thankfully at that time my lectures had finished). I sounded different and was struggling to do things I used to take for granted like back up singing. The Lord Jesus taught me a valuable lesson at the time: I was depending too much on myself to do these things and was put to the test when I was to back YK up for the Church Philippines fundraising dinner. I really felt helpless (esp when singing higher notes), but God delivers ... Jesus delivers. Amen. May I truly and wholly depend upon God in all things.

The last straw broke (figuratively) when I pulled a muscle in my back coughing one night. It was painful when I lay down, got up and coughed. I visited the doctor for the third time in two weeks (I think) and got pain killers. Oh yes, and my rash came back also. It was a rather miserable time ... I really felt I was under immense testing or attack, but there was light at the end of the tunnel ...

(3) Today

I can talk almost normally again and can sing again (praise God) but still feel like coughing every now and then. My back is better, still hurts if I exert myself. I am learning to not say yes to everything that I am asked to do (most politely and after prayer), and I think I am making some progress. More time for God as well. I am reading A W Tozer's excellent 'The Pursuit of God' and already am impacted by it, just after two chapters.

(4) The book

A W Tozer is a well known writer and has been a blessing to Christendom. In the book he writes about how God has always been seeking a relationship with us and that we cannot take the credit when we come to Him as He initiates the relationship. Once that is done, it is then up to us to seek Him. He writes that while we are doing that, He is holding us in His hands (such an assurance). In the second chapter, he explains a wonderful truth about 'Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven'. The truth is plain but most of us do not see it: the less we covet of the world (it is in our nature, fallen as it is), the more room we have in our heart for Jesus Christ and the less challenged He is to rule in us. People who realise that and surrender their hold on earthly things are 'poor' in the sense of possessing nothing (earthly) but having everything in God. Such a wonderful truth. Each chapter ends with a prayer and I think that is very practical. I am looking forward to discovering more gems from this great teacher, and praying that I learn and experience more and more of Jesus in it.

So, there are some updates. You can clearly see how God, Jesus is more than enough for me. He upholds me. I have also just finished marking loads of scripts (woo hoo). Will blog again ... sometime ... soon. :)

Jesus bless you all for His glory.

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.