rendezvous@isaac's

How do we respond?

2010-01-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

The headlines read, ‘A sad day for Malaysia’, and some even called it ‘Black Friday’. The attacks on the church buildings in Malaysia have sparked uproar all over the country. I got up to a few text messages when words like ‘chaos’ and ‘riots’ were used. Facebook had the coverage of reactions by disappointed citizens of all ages expressing their disgust and some even venting their anger over the social network. As I opened my email, there were already quite a number emails being circulated calling for prayer, petition and calmness. I spent the entire morning reading through the news reports online, numerous chats broke off through msn and gmail over what had happened. I also sent out an email to my non-Malaysian friends to call for prayer. I was troubled, many different things rushed through my head and then it suddenly dawned on me. It was only 3 church buildings.

I felt sad, and disappointed, yes. I don’t mean to disrespect the loss of property for the 3 congregations. No lives were lost and we thank God for His protection over our lives. But again, it was 3 church buildings. I quote some politicians saying, ‘it is against Islam that the place of worship of others should be destroyed’. The government has also said that they will allocate money to help rebuild the place of worship of the Christians. That’s the perception and mindset of the church buildings because of their own understanding of mosques and temples. I rejoice in this because the church building is merely a place for the gathering of saints, a location for fellowship and activities and yes, also to worship our Lord. But, worship isn’t restricted by walls for the scripture says that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our very actions in everyday life, our lifestyle, our very being are forms of worship to our God. I rejoice because our place of worship can never be taken away from us. Whether it is at the peak of the highest mountain or the filthy floor of the lowest dungeon we still can worship our God. So do not be confused with words, a few church buildings are have been burned and crumbled but the CHURCH of Malaysia still stands strong.

‘I’ve told you all this so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.’ John 16:33

This was the verse that God comforted me with. Jesus already had forewarned us about the things to come. Something we can also call, the storms of life.

1. Storms of life come to everyone at some point in our lives

We might also call this persecution. Upon receiving Christ into our lives as our personal Lord and saviour, we natural made an instant enemy Satan and his legions. 1 Peter 4:12 writes, ‘… do not be surprised at finding that that scorching flame of persecution is raging among you to put you to the test as though some surprising thing were accidentally happening to you.’

2. We cannot prevent the storms of life from coming, but we can determine its outcome

How do we respond to the storm? Are we any different from the unsaved if we criticise, curse and finger point during this time of adversity. We are actually worse than them, because we know what is right and they don’t know any better. Let’s not roll around in defeat but instead stand up to claim the pending victory. In Acts 27:25, Paul was on a ship at storm in sea but he declared: ‘Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer for I believe God that it shall be even as it was told me. ‘ Christ has overcome!

3.The storms of life will reveal the real us

We are sometimes legends in our own minds. We think we are stronger than we really are. We have been praying for revival and transformation in our country, change has to come. Yes, persecution might have started but barely. Are we prepared for what might follow in the future? Proverbs 24:10 says: ‘If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.’ Let’s pray for ourselves, the Malaysian church.

Our God is sovereign. On the very same day, half way round the world in Africa the Togo national football team was gunned down on the way to the African Nations Tournament. 3 were killed and 10 were injured. God knows whether the 3 even knew Christ. How does that compare to burnt buildings now? Well, I will say after all that we still got it easy. The Lord’s hand of protection was upon us and still is. I urge you not to go around blabbering about things we don’t fully understand for our fight is not merely against flesh and blood but powers and principalities. The culprits ought to be brought to justice but out of love. Let this be a time and opportunity to show God’s love to all. Pray for a shift in the church and a turnaround in the country. Like one of my friends said:’ This is excellent PR for the church’ Four church buildings might have been burnt, but the CHURCH of Malaysia still stands strong. Sejahtera Malaysia!

Hanging on to Hope..

Christmas is a time to Love

2009-12-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

Friend: 'Isaac, I come visit you on Christmas day ok? Very bored la here..'

Isaac:' Sure sure, come come. You can come with me to spend Christmas day with my pastors at their house.'

Friend: 'So how to get to your place ah?'

Isaac: *pauses* 'Alamak! Christmas day got no public transport!'

Friend: 'Taxi le? I don't mind paying.'

Isaac: 'I don't even think you will get a taxi la, Its Christmas Day!'

Christmas is the biggest holiday season for the majority of the western world. It is estimated that UK consumers spend about £20billion in gifts during that short 1 month spending spree. People will save up an entire year to be able to buy presents for their family and friends. For most retail businesses, it's a time to cash in on the habitual spending season. For children, its a time to play, get new toys, eat chocolates and sweets all day. Boys look forward to their favourite football jersey or the latest games console. Girls wish for their favourite dress or heels or even the latest fashion set. Men the latest technology or gadgets, women have an never ending list that I won't even attempt to list out.

Another interesting fact is that on Christmas morning, the church, chapel or cathedral is packed to the brim for the first time in 365 days. They some times call it ending the year with a bang! Attending Christmas service has become some sort of a pilgrimage or ritual for many. For many of these so called 'Christmas service goers', they might be able to recite Matthew 1 and Luke 2 by heart so the good thing is that at least they're memorising scripture.

A sight that is rarely seen in Malaysia is empty high streets. I first experienced this in Buenos Aires, Argentina when i was there over Christmas a few years ago. We were staying in a hotel right in the middle of their busiest shopping street. I remember coming down on Christmas morning and it was dead, you could even hear the pin dropping even before it touched the ground. It is likewise in London. Christmas eve is swarming with people doing last minute shopping, Christmas day is as empty as my stomach now and the people pack the streets again on Boxing day for the sales. The contrasts is enormous especially when it is only in a space of 3 days.

Some Christians have also gone to the extreme of condemning Christmas as merely a pagan ritual that promotes imprudent spending. A very small minority don't even celebrate Christmas as an act of protest against Santa, reindeers, mistletoe and even presents. Claiming that historically, Jesus wasn't even born on the 25th day of the 12th month. I agree that many of us have been brought up with an expectation of things like presents, roast turkey and singing carols which has certainly become more of a ritual than many of us realise.

In the past decade or so, preachers have been coming with quotes like 'Christ is the reason for this Christmas season' and my very own 'Christmas without Christ is just Mas'. Putting the focus back to Jesus is great and absolutely necessary reminder for us all. I know many churches that put up great performances, bonanzas and events as an opportunity to share the good news of Christ during this season. But, imagine Christmas without presents? or fasting during the Christmas week? Can do? So much for Christmas is all about Christ huh..

Christmas has an unusual feel that unites and bonds people of all faiths and races. Even those who do not practice the faith of Christianity spend Christmas with their family over this holiday season- at least in the UK. The nation is at a virtual standstill for a full 48 hours or so. Silent night does actually exist if you are on a deserted university campus, high street or cottage in the countryside. There seems to be a special feeling around and about the place. I call it Love.

The song 'Christmas is a time to Love' is one of my favourite caroling songs. Christmas for me is ultimately about 3 things.

1. Christ

Jesus' birthday speaks not only the birth of our Lord and saviour but faithfulness of the Father to his sons and daughters on earth.

2. Love

Presents, food, chocolates are all acts of love that many might not know how to express. It is a form of love that is most recognised by the majority.

3. Family

An incredible bond in the family happens during Christmas. I have heard many stories of reconciliation among family members so that everybody can celebrate a happy Christmas.

Families come together, literally putting a stop to their busy lives to be with loved ones. Culture here is that people do not and will not work over time for money. They will rather spend time with family and take the few days off. Something that might be quite different from Asian cultures.

So why all these blabber?

Its my third year in a row not celebrating Christmas with family. I have always been very close to my family and even the outer family is a very closely knitted group. Do i miss them? Yes of course i do. Its not that only now that i have realised about the importance of family, rather I'm actually an advocate for family values to be instilled back into society. Just that in the UK where this country has been founded on biblical values, it is one of those values that still appears to be embedded within her citizens. I have never experienced such a big scale 'family holiday' before and it is indeed weird to find a virtual standstill in one of the most developed countries on earth.

To wrap this off, this post was inspired by Steven Curtis Chapman's song 'All i really want for Christmas'. Its a beautiful song that i hope you will be blessed and reminder of God's goodness to us. There are many out there who just long to be loved and a family to spend time with. As i was always taught since young, family comes after God in our list of priorities.

All I Really Want

Well, I don't know if you remember me or not,

I'm one of the kids they brought in from the home,

I was the red-haired boy in an old, green flannel shirt,

You may not have seen me, I was standing off alone

I didn't come and talk to you ' cause that's never worked before,

And you'll probably never see this letter, anyway,

But just in case there's something you can do to help me out

I'll ask you one more time

Chorus:

All i really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in,

A shoulder to cry on if i lose, shoulders to ride on if i win,

There's so much I could ask for, but there's just one thing I need

All i really want for Christmas is a family

Well, I guess I should go ahead and tell you now,

If it's really true about that list you have,

Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight,

But I'm really trying hard not to be bad

But maybe if I had a brother of a dad to wrestle with,

Maybe they could teach me how to get along,

and from everything I've heard, it sounds like the greatest gift on earth

Would be a mom

All i want for Christmas is someone who'll be here

To sing me happy birthday for the next 100 years,

And it's okay if they're not perfect or even if they're a little broken,

That's alright, 'Cause so am I

Well, I guess I should go, it's almost time for bed,

Maybe next time I write you'll be at home

Another dimension of Love..

2009-11-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

Its been a hectic few weeks for me. Final year of university isn't easy at all. Church ministries have been piling up with even more responsibilities to be taken, but its been exciting. My other involvements in ministries both in Malaysia and outside have been pouring in. I thank God for those opportunities, but its been a tremendous challenge. Keeping a daily routine hasn't been as easy as it was with random things cropping up most of the time. Yet it seems that time hasn't gone by as fast as i thought it will. Or at least i had hoped...

I had an assignment due today and finished it in double quick time, to my delight. I didn't want anything to interfere with what many called as my 'big' day. I wanted a day where i can just relax and chill out. So, after a long thought i decided to get Dominoes pizza and watch a movie for the night. The movie i picked out from the pastor's house was 'Fireproof'.

I somehow missed out watching that movie quite a few times, and many people raved about it. But somehow on numerous occasions, i just didn't manage to watch that movie. Now i know why, because it maybe wasn't time yet. God told me on my flight back to London in early October. He said that He had a final piece of the puzzle for me for this season. He only said one word, Love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13 are verses that describe Love. I have heard numerous messages on love. I know that God loves me and many other people whom i care about. I know that it was love that put Christ on the cross and all that. I know that we will never achieve perfect love. I know that each day we learn lessons to love our neighbour, enemy, irritating person etc. It wasn't until I watched 'Fireproof' that it all just suddenly clicked.

The covenant love of marriage. The love of Christ with the church as the bride. I don't really know how to describe, but its as if i have been just hit with a brick. Its as if I am in another dimension of Love that I have never been nor encountered before. Ever since the beginning of this year, I seem to be on this journey which leads to what many call 'a relationship' or 'marriage' if you're talking about the end product. I have come across so many movies talking about love. I've had books on marriage and relationships given to me. I've had God open my eyes to possibilities out there. I have had opportunities that put love to the test. I have been learning about covenant. It all seems to be piecing together.

Is it just the age to be exposed to this stuff? Or is God just preparing me for it?

Well, I guess I just got my answer today. The day i turned 22. I was reluctant to turn 22 because 21 just seems like such a nice number. I think God chose this day to reveal to me His plan and His preparation for my new journey of Love. I am ready, and eager to learn all there is to learn. The responsibility of a man seems tremendous (as i have also been studying and learning about manhood) according to biblical standards. I knew it was important but after my recent studies, goodness no wonder they needed two separate words to describe males.

All i can say is, that it's going to be an exciting year ahead!

Lord, i thank you for giving me this experience. Thank you for speaking to me about this new journey that we are embarking together. Help me throw away my childish ways and grow with maturity in You. Lord, i want to be the Man that you purposed me to be. The father to the generations, like you have been the Father to the generation before. I pray God for your mercy and grace. For Your Name's sake, Amen.

Coming soon..

2009-11-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

Its been a hectic and crazy few weeks for me. A lot has happened, but just haven't got to sitting down to pen it down. A new post is coming soon though.

*deep voice* COMING SOON! *music fades in the background*

Blessings,
Isaac

Not home yet..

2009-10-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

'Welcome home, Isaac!', a church friend exclaimed as she jumped off her chair to give me a hug.

'Errmm yes, I'm back..', i duly replied.

I have been able to build incredible bonds of friendships here in the UK. My active involvement in my church Majesty Christian Centre in London has only been slightly over a year in total. Its only by God's grace where i am at with my pastors and leaders in terms of our relationship. The pastors have really been like my parents over here. I can go over to their house anytime, make myself at home, sleep on the couch, raid their fridge, call on them anytime and they'll be there for me. Some of the church leaders have been some of my best friends. The rest of the congregation at large has truly been like a little family or community. A rather closely knitted one too. I'm absolutely comfortable with this place which i have been for more than 2 years now. I have accustomed to the surroundings and its ins and outs. To top it all, everybody said that they missed me, literally (that's what they said).

But, why cant i seem to be able to acknowledge and call this my 'home'? Aren't all the above characteristics of a 'home'? Why do i find it hard to agree with my church friend?

To tell you the truth, i don't really know. Its a weird feeling. Even when my pastor asked me 'Isn't it good to be back Isaac?'. I answered 'Yes, it is.' But not with the usual vigour and optimism that you would expect from me. Well, there is one thing i learnt though. There is a time and season for everything. I know that God still has a final piece of the puzzle to teach me during this season of training in the UK. What yet, I'm not exactly sure. But i shall wait with anticipation.

The UK is a place God has chosen to plant me for this season of time. There is a purpose for me here, and its process is not complete yet. Therefore, for the next 10 months. This will be my home.

Give me life on earth till my work is done; give me work on earth till my life is done.

Until the Father comes and takes us, ultimately we are Not Home Yet.

UK address:

Flat 50, Room 2, Fleming Hall,

Topping Lane

UB8 2TR Uxbridge

Middlesex

United Kingdom

UK hp number: +447512407692

email: isaac.rendezvous@gmail.com

msn: isaac_rendezvous@hotmail.com

facebook: Isaac Lee Xing Wei

The challenge of - INTEGRITY

2009-04-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

When people think of politicians, they think corrupt. When people think of businessmen, they think greedy. When people think of government, they think self centred and untrustworthy (in which the sentence might most likely end with a nasty swear word). Of course this is just generalising and stereotyping the above. When people think Christian, what would they say about us?

I would not be surprised if people actually think that we are all of the above. I recently read a book called 'They like Jesus but not the church' by Dan Kimball. Especially in this country (UK), when people here the word Christian, they cringe. I have realised that there is a tremendous mental block (more like a mountain actually) towards Christianity. How do you share the gospel in a country that were one of the major instruments in actually spreading the gospel to all the world for the past hundreds of years. Christianity is no new thing, but has been seen as more of a nuisance than contributing to society. The majority of the British population call themselves Christians, but that will only be true if being a Christian is to just celebrate Christmas and having a public holiday on Easter Monday.

So what has happened? Aren't we supposed to be salt and light? Well, we are in the world and yet show reflections of the world instead of the Kingdom of God. We have achieved the first part of integration with the world, but don't really know how to get out of it. This is because there is little difference between so called ‘Christians’ and ‘the world’. That is why people come out with terms such as ‘ungodly Christian’, ‘nominal Christian’ or ‘unholy Christian’. If that is true, then we should have terms such as ‘godly hindus’ or ‘holy atheist’. The more I think of it, the more ridiculous it seems. The term ‘Christian’ means ‘Christ-liked’. So by calling someone an ‘ungodly Christian’ in reality is actually like calling ‘ungodly Christ’. Its an oxymoron, both are contradicting each other and cannot coexist.

The reason for all these confusion is because the term Christian has been taken too likely. In the book of Acts, when the term ‘Christians’ was used, they were described as fanatically Jesus followers. That was one of the reasons the gospel spread like wild fire. They didn’t just leave their jobs to share the gospel. In fact, they shared the gospel through their work, business, school, farm etc. Their lives were totally transformed, and their fellow colleagues, workers and friends had ‘no choice’ but to be influenced by them totally and converted into Christianity.

So what’s wrong with us now? What has deteriorated the most ever since?
It is Character and Integrity.

‘In the destiny of every moral being there is an object more worthy of God than happiness- it is character.’ Austin Phelps

In these days of deception and duplicity many are crying out for integrity. Even our now former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Abdullah Badawi had to be nicknamed ‘Mr Clean’. So does that mean the others are all ‘dirty’? Integrity in relationship is rated highly among people surveyed; in fact it is considered more important in their friendship than any other trait. As we see in Job, God Himself considers integrity the highest priority. He even boasts about Job’s integrity to Satan.

A simple and famous explanation of ‘integrity’ is ‘what you do when no one is watching’ or ‘what you do behind closed doors’. Upon examining the dictionary, this nine letter word ‘integrity’ seems to be loaded with meaning. It is derived from a Latin word which means ‘wholeness or soundness’. It also means adherence to a code of values, utter sincerity, honesty and candor. Comprehensive as the dictionary is, ‘salt and light’ Christianity goes much further.

An even more interesting fact which I found fascinating was that the root word of ‘integrity’ was ‘integer’ now a mathematical term which means untouched, whole and entire. A closer examination of the root word ‘integer’ means whole numbers like one, two, four, eight and even zero. Fractions and mixed numbers like one and a half (1.5), or one fifth are not integers. This gives a revelational fact into Christian living. One cannot be a half Christian, one third Christian or even a 99% Christian, and possess integrity. We have to be 100% Christ’s to find wholeness, completeness, and fulfilment. As integrity forms an integral part of being a Christian, such is the standard of living out as a ‘Christ-liked’ one. Nothing lesser than full fledged integrity shall suffice the privilege of being affiliated with our saviour, king and master. Even if water is clear, that doesn’t mean it is pure. A drop of poison can destroy its purity, if not its clarity. So our purity – integrity – has to be complete.

It is certainly a tall order but an extremely necessary one! Lord, may we live a life of relevance without compromise for the sake of your Name.

‘Character is like a tree and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.’ Abraham Lincoln

Shaking hands with Eternity..

2009-04-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

'Walt Disney was sitting on a bench one day, staring into space. Someone who passed by asked him, 'How are you sir?' Without looking at the man, he said:' Fine', and kept on staring. So the man said:' Sir, what are you doing?' 'I'm looking at my mountain and my world.' he answered. Walt told his architects about the Space mountain that he wanted to include in Disney World and they begun drawing up plans. Walt Disney died before Space Mountain was built, so he never saw it constructed. When Space Mountain was dedicated, the mayor and governors were all present as was Walt's widow. One of the young men stood up to introduce her, and said:' It's a pity that Mr Walt Disney isn't here today to see this mountain and magnificent park. But we are glad that his wife is here.' Mrs.Disney walked up to the podium, looked at the crowd, and said, in effect, 'I must correct this young man. Walt already saw the mountain. It is you who are just seeing it now.'

What a powerful story of Vision. Proverbs 29:18 states, 'Where there is no vision, the people perish'. It may sound harsh, but it is absolutely true. The full essence of this statement implies that where there is no revelation of the future, people throw off self-control and personal discipline. Where there is no destination, any path will do.

Vision is fueled by a purpose. Purpose is determined by the creator. Therefore, God the creator of man has purposed each and everyone of us for something special because uniqueness is part of God's creation. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it reads 'He has also set eternity in the hearts of men.' There is something within us that is being called by eternity. The vision God has put in our hearts is 'a piece of eternity' that He gave us to deliver on earth in the form of time and space. Therefore, God has done something awesome. He lives in eternity, yet He has specifically placed us in time so that others on earth will be able to see a piece of eternity that is in Him. Therefore, a God given vision is not only fueled by a God given purpose for us to manifest on earth but, it has also been completed in eternity.

'I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.' Isaiah 46:9-10

In this passage, God mentions two things that He does.

Firstly, He establishes the end before the beginning. This means that He finishes things first in the spiritual realm, and then HE goes back and starts them up in the physical realm which is bounded by time.

Secondly, He reveals the end result of something when it is just the beginning.

This is what it means when God says I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. When God starts something, He has already completed it in eternity.

Just as a builder has an idea in his head. He visualises and pictures the house. He then draws it out exactly the way he wants it to be. The landscape, the color scheme, the windows, the doors, the garden etc. A detailed picture of what the completed house would look like is drawn. That picture is then placed to a board which is then placed at the building site with a big sign above it reading 'Coming soon'. The house was not built yet but, by showing the completed picture of the house it was revealing the end of its purpose. The builder had a vision for that building, because it saw the finished product before construction had even started. God essentially completed us before He created us.

Everything was already finished in God's mind before He laid the foundation of the world. God had already imagined and planned how He wanted everything to be, then He initiated the beginning by creating the heavens before working on project earth.

It can be defined that 'Vision is foresight with insight based on hindsight.' We have insight into God's purpose for us based on what we know God has already accomplished in eternity. Vision is a glimpse of our future that God has purposed. We might not know all the details of how our purposes will unfold, but we see the 'ends' because God reveals them to us in the vision He gives us.

Lastly, so if God had already imagined the entire history of mankind. He already planned everything as He pleases. Everything was already completed in the spiritual yet not manifested in the physical yet. And God is indeed the beginning and the end. Then, when Adam who was the first man on earth walked with God in the cool of the Garden of Eden. When he shook hands with God, he was actually shaking hands with everything which was, which is and is to come. He shook hands with eternity.

Judas Asparagus!

2009-03-26T04:47:00.000-07:00

Its been a really busy month for me and i haven't got to sitting myself properly to blog. Things have been piling up with uni, church, The Ambassadors and others. I will try to put some of my thoughts down soon. In the mean time, enjoy this article which found me laughing, crying, rolling, smiling, jumping all at the same time. Reminds me once again why Jesus cherished them so much and even commanded us to have faith like a child!

A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible. This is what one of them wrote. Enjoy and be blessed!

The Children's Bible in a Nutshell:
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.....Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet yourneighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot.. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.
There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.
Jesus also had twelve opossums.
The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.

But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

The renewing of our mind..

2009-02-28T07:16:00.000-08:00

This is a follow-up to the previous post on my conversation with God where He used the analogy of the computer to teach me lessons. A couple of days later after that conversation, God had a part 2. He started to explain to me about the different parts and functions in a computer and how it related to Him and my life.

1. Hardware

The hardware of the computer is the physical components onto which can be loaded into a multitude of software that enables the computer to perform functions. Hardware is liken to the Word of God. The Word is the foundation of all we can do. It provides our core values and belief systems. It is the basis of whatever we do and determines our actions and words.

2. Software

Computer software is a general term which sums up all the programs that perform some tasks on a computer system. Software is liken to our understanding, our mind or our intellect.

(a) Anti Virus

Anti Virus is like our defense system against the evil one. We are constantly in warfare and need to be updated with the latest and most efficient tools. No use defending with a wooden shield when others have missiles. We need to be aware of the enemies viruses that seek to corrupt our mind and most importantly know how to defend ourselves or counter attack.

(b)Programs

Programs are like new artillery. New programs enables us to carry out tasks in a more efficient way. Imagine still entering numbered codes to type out a letter. We need to have innovative ways to carry out the assignment that God has given us. We need to keep up with times and constantly update ourselves to keep up with our surroundings. We should actually be the ones coming out with the new programs with Godly and kingdom principles. We should be the trend setters, not trend followers!

3. Warranty (Authorized Dealer)

All products have a warranty and the company will only honour the work of an authorized dealer in regard to repairs, and any violation of this agreement would result in the cancelation of the warranty. God (Manufacturer) created us (Product) humans to be placed on earth for a purpose. Since Adam violated the warranty, God sent His one and only Authorized Dealer, Jesus Christ to repair our damaged relationship with the Manufacturer. Therefore, our relationships with God can only be restored through Christ.

4. Source of Power

With all the hardwares and softwares in place, it will not power up without the source of electricity or power. Therefore, the Authorized Dealer (Jesus) came to restore the Spirit of the Creator to our lives. We are now able to connect to our Power source. God is our only source of power and we cannot do anything without Him.

As the old chinese saying goes, 'As we live to a ripe old age, so we will learn to a ripe old age'. The hardwares need to be changed over time as we grow in maturity. The hard disk needs to be upgraded to have larger space to accomodate the things that we have learnt. The softwares need to be up to date with the newest technology available to be relevant to the world and aligned with God's new move and plan. We must always rely on our only Authorized dealer, Jesus and not violate the warranty. Finally, our power comes from the ultimate source of all, God our heavenly Father.

The mental transformation in this computer analogy would be the downloading or updating of new software. It is a process that will take time and it will involve the changing of ingrained perceptions, thoughts and habits. It involves the passing of the old and installation of the new. This is the process of the renewing of our mind.

'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.' Romans 12:2

Time to upgrade!

2009-02-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

I was feeling down but not knowing the reason. I was feeling moody which was totally unlike me at all. I didn't know what was going on with me. Others realised it, and asked me how they can pray for me. I didn't know how to answer them because i genuinely do not know why. I just felt it. I cried out to God. It was a strange feeling because i didn't know what i was crying out about. But the following was my conversation with God.

God:' Isaac, why are you still using windows 95?'

*Wah, this hit me like a brick. I knew what it meant straight away. I have been living on my past. I have not been growing enough. I thought i was accomplished enough. I was in the mindset of mediocrity. I did stuff just enough to get by. One specific area i knew He was refering to me was in the studying of His Word.*

God:' Isaac, i want to teach you how to use Windows 2011. Ok?'

Isaac: *very excited* 'Yes, of course i want to learn. Teach me now!'

God:' Ok then, i will install it for you.'

*after a short pause*

God:' Sorry, i couldn't install because there wasn't enough memory. Too much junk. And you really need to update your anti-virus software.'

*I was speechless. This was a follow-up to His recent directions in asking me to FOCUS. I had too many things on my plate and needed to focus and prioritise on the things that matters most. I needed to clear out lots of the rubbish that i have been having. I need to free up memory for the new software.*

I think this is God's way of telling me that i need a renewing of my mind!

Every few years, we get a new handphone. Why? Because our old one broke or most of the time we felt the need to upgrade. There are new technologies and we want to keep up with times. Every few years, we get a new laptop or computer. Why? Because the old version is too slow. New softwares, hardwares and systems are available.

How often do we upgrade our spiritual system? Are we constantly updating our spiritual softwares? Are we keeping up with the spiritual times? Do we have the latest spiritual anti-virus software to protect our system?

Like everything else, we need to keep up to date with times. We need to constantly study the Word of God. We need to be up to date with God's move in His church locally, nationally and internationally. Renewing our mind. Changing from the old to new wineskin. Constantly listening to Him day by day, not get a word and feed on it for the next 1 year. We need a fresh Word from God every single day.

Lord, may my mind be renewed every single day or my life. May i be broken before you everyday. That i will be constantly aligned with Your will and purpose. That i may not stray from Your plan and Word. That my eyes will always be fixed and focus on You! This i pray Lord, Amen.

Being still in the midst of the storm..

2009-02-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

I recently attended a business conference by a well known American Christian business man. It was very interesting, and a first such conference of its kind for me. One of the principles that he spoke about was ‘Focus’. It’s a simple principle but one that few master. He was explaining about our productivity rate. Most people operate at a 20-30% rate of productivity when carrying out a particular task.

The reason: We are often distracted by our surroundings.

Our mobile phones are usually the biggest distractions. An incredible piece of technology that has revolutionised our lives has become more of a nuisance than an asset of convenience. A loud beep like thunder announces the arrival of a text message into the inbox. Fancy music rings into the air of an already sound polluted environment. It has become a habit for most that we must attend to the beeping of a text message or a ringing of a call, immediately. Our minds cannot refocus until we reply that message or see whose call we actually missed. Sound familiar? An average manager is being interfered by their mobile phone every 7 minutes.

There was a study that was done by the University of Michigan. A particular guy was able to operate at an 80% level of productivity when on a particular task. What they did was to place another project file on his desk for his next task even before he had completed the first task. At that point of time, his productivity immediately dropped from 80% to 50%. When yet another file was place on his desk his productivity dropped yet again to about 20%. Therefore, a crowded or in most cases a messy work table, results in a low productivity rate. Some people might beg to differ.

I have actually personally experimented this and I found it to be true. I’m naturally quite tidy and can’t work with a messy table. But I will usually place my assignments or tasks that are to be done stacked orderly on the side. But when my eyes appear to catch that piece of work on the table, my mind immediately wanders about those projects. So now, I put them away under the table or in a drawer. And I realise that I get the job done quicker. Not only quicker but at a standard of higher quality. I never thought about it before, but it trains my mind to be focus.

According to research, it is said that students usually only have an attention span of 20 minutes. Sermons have to be cut short because the congregation has a short attention span. Conferences now have multiple tea breaks for just a morning session. These are all just excuses of indiscipline. What has happened? Man has allowed too many distractions into our lives that we have lost the ability to be focussed.

In the same way, it is similar to hearing the voice of God. The famous quote from the Bible, ‘Be still and know, that I am God’. How often are we still before God? Can we focus on God? When we are in church listening to the sermon, are we actually hearing from God or thinking about what we will be having for lunch later. When we are doing our quiet time, are we actually focussed on God or thinking about which route will allow us to avoid the jam to school. When we are worshiping, are we actually worshipping or thinking about making new friends with that new girl.

Have you ever thought why we close our eyes to pray? Who came out with this bright idea? Did Jesus pray with his eyes closed? I don’t think so. The Jews pray with their eyes open. They still do. Somewhere along in history, someone started to pray with their eyes closed to help focus on God better. That is usually the explanation given. Why? It was because the surrounding was a distraction. I am not trying to open a debate about open and closing of eyes, but merely pointing it out as a thought to think about.

I realise that as we practice concentrating our focus on the Lord. Focus on tuning our frequency to the Lord’s. Shutting off all possible distractions when we come before Him. And just being STILL before the KING. It is a special moment of reverence before our creator. When all things around us do not matter. The storm, the wind and the snow fade in the background. Our eyes are fixed with total FOCUS on Jesus! It is then that we truly experience the awesomeness of God!

Do not ask God to still the storm, instead that we may be still in the midst of the storm!

Love through a child's eyes..

2009-01-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

LOVE.. Many people try to complicate this word. The most powerful word cannot be fully explained in mere words but through expressions through the works of our hands. I came across an email recently about a research that was done among children ages 4-8years old on the meaning of love. I was really touched and nearly put me to tears after reading their findings.

In Matthew 18, Jesus said:' Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes a humble place—becoming like this child—is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.'

There is so much we can learn from these little ones. Their understanding is truly out of this world, heavenly. Be Blessed!

WHAT LOVE MEANS TO 4-8 YEAR OLD

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.

'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- age 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 - age 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 - age 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 - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.' Terri - age 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 - age 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 - age 8

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

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.' Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.' Noelle - age 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 - age 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 - age 8

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

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.' Elaine-age 5

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt.' Chris - age 7

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

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image)Karen - age 7

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.' Mark - age 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 - age 8

And the final one ...

The best of all 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'

Embrace the dawn of hope

2009-01-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

When was the last time the headlines of the newspaper was about something good? Nowadays, the majority of front page newspapers are often bombarded with tragedies, wars, credit crunch etc. One of the main sources of media that we all excess to feeds our eye and ear gates with all kinds of rubbish and depressing news. It has a psychological effect on the people, therefore we succumb ourselves to unnecessary panic, blame the government for everything under the sun (to the point that the government pays those who don’t work), rumours and gossip or better known as coffee shop talk. The world is being painted to be a picture of turmoil and suffering with a never ending chain of problems. The media seems to give the impression of, ‘If you can’t stop it, live with it’ attitude. Steps are taken to try and curb the problem or seemingly taking a course of action to help the public. Often things need to be politically correct and manipulation seeps in.

What has become of our world? End of times? Is there still hope?

As Elron, Lord of the Elves once said: ‘As the darkness grows in the east, the fate of man lies in the balance, but all hope is not lost yet.’

2009 is a year to be hopeful for. This is going to be a year of acceleration. A year of consecration of God’s people.

The number 2 speaks of division and separation.

The number 9 speaks of judgement.

3+6=9
The number 3 represents God.
The number 6 represents Man.

There is going to be conflict between God and Man. It will either be God’s way or Man’s way. We will have to choose. No more lukewarm-ness. No more grey areas. No more ‘just sit and wait’. God is looking for the nation changers and people willing to answer His call. Its time for us to wake up and press in.

2008 may have been a good or bad year for some. Whatever it is, 2009 is a new year!

Memories of yesterday, Challenges today and Anticipation for tomorrow.

Analogy of the Farmer:
'The farmer had a bad year of harvest. There was not enough rain, the seeds were not planted properly and there were prowlers who damaged the crop. He does not curse the gods for not providing enough rain. He does not fault the ground for being infertile. Neither does he blame the prowlers for being the spoil spot.

Yet, he picks up his tools and puts his hands to the plough once again. He gathers the failed crop not to throw them away, but to bury them. He turns the failed crop under the soil and plants the new seeds on top of it. The failed crop is used as fertiliser for the new harvest. He works hard, not knowing what season lies ahead. The ecosystem is messed up and he cannot predict anymore.

Nevertheless, when the rain comes, the farmer and his field will be ready. He is putting himself in preparation for the abundance.'

The farmer let the failed crops be the compose for tomorrow’s harvest!

Barack Obama, the new American president was lauded for his campaign slogan of ‘CHANGE we can believe in’. In his victory speech, he reiterated his stand and stated: ‘Today, Americans can HOPE once again’.

Joshua chapter 5 speaks of the Israelites preparing and strategizing to conquer Jericho. Jericho seemed too strong a fortress to subdue. Joshua is then confronted with a Man whom is the commander of the Lord’s army. The Man draws his sword against Joshua, not to engage but to challenge him to HOPE for the task ahead. The Lord will fight the battle on behalf of us, but we must do our part. Joshua laid his HOPE in the Lord for He has promised. He then goes back to his generals, scraps and CHANGES all the plans and applies God’s strategy. The Israelites did what seemed absolutely ridiculous by marching round Jericho city. I’m sure there was certain moaning and doubt of such an insane plan as they marched for 6 days. The Jericho-ites must have been laughing at the Israelites of what looked like a little ‘merry-go-round’. But on the 7th day, Jericho fell. Joshua was fixed on the dream and goal of taking down Jericho.

Don’t worry about the 6 days of marching, fix our eyes on the 7th day of triumphing!

God is our hope. Hope is the assurance for the future. Hope is the glimmer of possibility in the wake of uncertainty.

Let us bury our failures, prepare ourselves for the harvest and fix our eyes on the goal!

'Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 3:12-14

A home or merely a house for the Holy Spirit?

2008-12-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

As far as my still able memory serves me, in my just over 2 decades of life do i not remember a holiday period that i felt bored. But i always remember and still get people telling me about how bored they are during their holidays. Not that they don't like it, but they just do not know what to do with it. So all they usually do is stay at home watch tv, play computer games, go out yamcha with friends, sleep for 18 hours a day, laze around like a bum etc. After 2 months (normal break), 6 months (SPM and STPMers) or for some 9 months of holidays. They look back not knowing what they have actually done. How sad..

On the other hand, i have been hearing about how busy some people are after their exams. They got a long list of things that they want to do. So many that many have told me that they feel more stress and busier than during exam periods. How nice for a change..

I have been more like the latter. I had a plan of a whole list of things that needs to be done. The very moment i handed in my last assignment for the semester i only had a moment for a sigh of relief. I had crossed the finished line, but now the real work begins.

One of my very first tasks was to attend a very much dreaded 'makeover' session which i was duped into on a recommendation by a friend. I shan't go into much detail but it was like torture to me. One of my friends even tried to encourage me by saying:' Maybe, it is a necessary grooming session.' Ah well, what comfort. But, it was an experience i would never forget for a lesson had to be learnt. Maybe not quite the grooming i had expected.

I was astonished at the magnitude of deteoriorating moral in the society that we all live in. Outward appearance has been place on such a high emphasis that we have somehow embarrassingly allowed ourselves to be influenced by it. Our judgemental mindsets eventhough never truly spoken in words (because Christians are supposed to love one another) has created a division of worlds, and people are trying to be someone else they are not. Forced to use phrases like 'Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder' to comfort themselves that someone out there, some where actually loves them. Then they spend all their time trying to emulate and copy models, celebrities or even popular classmates. I was also a judgemental person. I shamefully admit to the times even by a flicker of a second, sometimes unintentionally judging people based on appearance and using the standards of the world as a bencemark. Such is the impact of media and what we allow into our ear and eye gates.

Later, i read a section of the book, Prayer by Philip Yancey. A heart piercing reminder and follow up to my recent experience and conviction. And this is what was written.

'In the Last Supper conversation in which Jesus dequeathed his peace, he also promised a far greater gift; the presence of God, who would live not in some faraway heaven but inside us, in our very souls. He promised us the Holy Spirit, and the title he chose, the Counsellor, itself indicates one of the Spirit's main roles. The 'sense' of God's presence may come and go. Yet, the believer can have confidence that God is already present, living inside, and need not be simmoned from afar.

I have seen the evidence of God's presence in the most unexpected places. During our trip to Nepal, a physical therapist gave my wife and me a tour of the Green Pastures hospital, which specialises in leprosy rehabilitation. As we walked along the outdoor corridor, I noticed in a courtyard one of the ugliest human beings i have ever seen. Her hands were bandaged in gauze, she had deformed stumps where most people have feet, and her face showed the worst ravages of that cruel disease. Her nose had shrunk away so that, looking at her, I could see into her sinus cavity. Her eyes, mottled and covered with callus, let in no light; she was totally blind. Scars covered patches of skin on her arms.

We toured a unit of the hospital and returned along the same corridor. In the meantime this creaure had crawled across the courtyard to the very edge of the walkway, pulling herself along the ground by planting her elbows and drgging her body like a wounded animal. I'm ashamed to say that my first thought was:' She's a beggar. She wants money.' My wife, who has worked among the down-and-out, had a much more holy reaction. The old woman rested her head against Janet's (Philip Yancey's wife) shoulder and began singing a song in Nepali, a tune that we all instantly recognised:' Jesus loves me, this i know, for the Bible tells me so.'

'Danmaya is one of the most devoted church members,' the physical therapist later told us. 'Most of our patients are Hindus, but we have a little Christian chapel here, and Danmaya comes every time the door opens. She's a prayer warrior. She loves to greet and welcome every visitor who comes to Green Pastures, and no doubt she heard us talking as we walked along the corridor.'

A few months later we heard tha Danmaya had died. Close to my desk I keep a photo that I snapped just as she was singing to Janet. Whenever I feel polluted by the beauty-obsessed celebrity culture I live in, i pull out that photo. I see two beautiful women: my wife, smiling sweetly, holding in her arms an old crone who would flunk any beauty test ever devised except the one that matters most. One of that deformed, hollow shell of a body, the light of God's presence shines out. The Holy Spirit found a home.'

Oh Lord, I pray for the times that i have shamed your name with my thoughts and have allowed myself to succumb to the world. Forgive me. Give me the strength and wisdom for my days ahead. That my life would shine the light of Your awesome presence. Being the true light among the darkness. Amen

The Pit

2008-12-13T15:32:00.000-08:00

This is quite an interesting read. Simple but strong message on how man has complicated society when life is sometimes actually quite straightforward.

A man fell into a pit. These were the reactions of the people:

A Subjectivist type of person said, 'I feel for you down there' But did nothing.
An Objective person wandered by next, and said, 'It's logical that someone would fall down there.'

A Pharisee said, 'Only bad people fall into a pit,' and put his nose in the air and kept walking.
Then, a mathematician calculated how he fell into the pit.

A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on his pit, but was too busy interviewing everyone in sight to help.

A fanatic fundamentalist shouted, 'You deserve your pit!'
Then a government tax-man asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.

A self-pitying person then whined, 'You haven't seen anything until you've seen MY pit!'
Then a Christian Scientist came by, and said, 'Just believe that you're not in a pit.'

An optimist said, 'Things could be worse!'
But the pessimist disagreed, and said, 'Things -will- get worse!'

A New Ager jumped into the pit to share the experience.
A conspiracist rubbed his hands together in glee, and said,'-They- threw you into the pit! I -knew- it!'

A Jew said, 'Why are we -always- in a pit?'
A Communist shouted 'Why are you in the People's Pit without permission?'
An Alcoholic muttered to himself, 'It's not -my- fault you're in the pit.....'

A Liberal said, 'Those Conservatives must have dug this pit!'
A Conservative said, 'See where Liberalism has gotten you?'

A TV Evangelist came by and promptly took up a collection from the bystanders.
A television news commentator shouted, 'Man in a pit! Why is the government responsible?'"

But then, a Good Samaritan came along, looked at the man in the pit and at all the others standing around pursuing their own agendas,and said, quietly, 'Here are two shovels. Let's get you out of the pit.'

Taking a short break.. but i will be back!

2008-12-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

I will be taking a short break from blogging. Too many things on my hands now. Priorities! Coursework due next week and also the week after. Assessment day and interview for my placement job next year. Getting started on John Maxwell's materials to prepare for leadership training for next year. And a whole list of things that if i continue to list out, it will become another long blog post. haha.. Will start blogging again on the 17th of December, which is when my last assignment is due and my holiday starts. Woohoo.. till then brothers and sisters..

Blessings
Isaac

Ask and you shall receive.. but what do we ask for?

2008-11-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

People have been congratulating and reminding me about how old i am because of my birthday. 21st birthdays are usually really big, because of a few things.

1. You are official legal (therefore, all under 21s are illegal)

2. You are eligible to vote

3. You can do practically anything you want without any legal objection from anybody

4. You can drink(alcohol) and watch(PG and X rated) stuff without risks of being arrested

The 4th one is usually the most popular.

Another question people have been asking is what did i wish for my birthday? I don't know who came out with the wishing thingy during birthday cakes. If you wish for something before you blow the candles, you will get whatever you wished for. To me that is total nonsense, it is just a myth to give hope to the hopeless. If that were really true, why would there be poverty? or sick people? So it is either untrue or people have been making stupid wishes.

I know my God promised in Luke 11:9 'So i say to you, ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.' I don't need to wish for things only on my birthdays, i can ask my God anything, anytime. Even the word 'wish' seems uncertain and not confident of actually getting something. But i am going to ask and believe that i am going to get what i asked for.

So, what do we ask for then? Will we get anything and everything that we asked for? Or do we only get what is in God's will? Let's take a look at Numbers 22: 5-21

'And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. 5 Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: “Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! 6 Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak. 8 And he said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. 9 Then God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” 10 So Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, 11 ‘Look, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth. Come now, curse them for me; perhaps I shall be able to overpower them and drive them out.’” 12 And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” 13 So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, “Go back to your land, for the LORD has refused to give me permission to go with you.”

14 And the princes of Moab rose and went to Balak, and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.” 15 Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more honorable than they. 16 And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me; 17 for I will certainly honor you greatly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Therefore please come, curse this people for me.’” 18 Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. 19 Now therefore, please, you also stay here tonight, that I may know what more the LORD will say to me.” 20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do.” 21 So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

Balaam was a prophet of the Lord judging by the statement from the king that 'whoever he bless is blessed and whoever he curse is cursed'. But, he had a weakness, which was greed for wealth.

1. Israel was God's chosen people

Balaam knew that Israel was God's chosen people and God would never allow His people to be cursed by their enemies. But Balaam ignored that because he was enticed by the amount of wealth he would get from just a few spoken words. He chose to ask God just to confirm. Alright, fair play to him.

2. God said NO! but hear Balaam's excuses

Balaam told the Moabites in vs13,'... the Lord has REFUSED to give me permission to go with you.' Using the exact words that he has just said, he is trying to act holy by telling the Moabites that the only reason he can't go with them is because God said so. Well, at least he got that right by obeying God. But i am pretty sure that it was eating him on the inside. The work 'REFUSED' shows reluctance and only because of authority, he resisted. The sentencing shows that he didn't really believe it himself. Balaam's reply suggests that he was hesitant and unwillingly complied.

The Moabites now returned with even more wealth and people with even higher status to deliver the offer. And this starts to get interesting. Instead of denying the offer straight away, Balaam chose to ask God again. Ridiculous!

3. Do you think God will change His mind because of more wealth?

That was a total insult to God. Who does Balaam think God is? He doesn't need wealth nor praises of man, He is the Kings of kings. But because Balaam was blinded by his own greedy desires and still wanted to seem 'obedient' unto to God. He nagged God.

4. God said Yes.

Incredibly, God gave in to Balaam's nagging. He allowed the desires of Balaam's heart.

Ask and you shall receive. Balaam asked and he received. He received the desires of his heart. In Ecclesiates 8:11 it says:'...therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.' That is the difference between God's perfect will and His permissible will. We still have our free will but unless we ask of what is in His heart, we are going down the wrong path because the hearts of men are evil.

Sometimes we are just exactly like Balaam. We don't want to disobey God because we fear Him. But we desire and are tempted by certain things that we know God clearly disapproves. We still try it anyway, in case He changes His mind. We still stubbornly nag Him about it so that we get the satisfaction without claiming responsibility for it. Then, when things turn out badly we just blame God and claim that we were just following His 'will'.

We need to constantly ask of God for wisdom. Be careful of what we ask, for it shall be given as promised. Guard our hearts and always ask for His heart. Don't try and act smart and question God. When He says 'Do it', just do it. When He says 'Don't do it', don't do it. Period.

Change has come! But is it for the better?

2008-11-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

The American people yesterday demonstrated their unique capacity for self-renewal by electing the first black man as head of state, not that many years after the country’s African-Americans were accorded full civil rights.

In electing Barack Obama president by a solid margin, accompanied by a congress with the biggest Democratic majority since the 1970s, Americans have signalled a dramatic change in the direction of the world’s sole superpower.

Two years ago, Barack Obama identified that the overwhelming sentiment in this presidential election would be a desire for change. His election campaign was based on the motto of 'Change we can believe in'. Throughout the campaign, he emphasised the urgency of this desire. The fact that he was a candidate with less experience in national office than any of his opponents in either the Democratic primary or in the general election, was turned from a potential liability into an asset that worked in his favour. The colour of his skin, regarded by many as an impossible obstacle to his ambitions, in the end served as the principal guarantee that he was a different kind of leader for a nation in crisis.

America’s yearning for change focused most closely on dissatisfaction with the economy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. With their historic decision yesterday, the American people should certainly get change. Two questions however hover over the new president elect and his team.

The first is whether the new president will choose to rein back the economical and social agenda of the large Democratic majority in congress. Though they threw out the Republican party yesterday it is not at all clear that the American people endorsed a Democratic party policy that is committed to big tax increases on wealthier Americans and corporations, restrictions on free trade, renewed empowerment of trade unions and the appointment of judges likely to rule in favour of more liberal laws on abortion and gay marriage.
The second challenge is simply the massive task of restoring America’s stature and the country’s economic power and global political standing.

The country faces challenges on a scale no incoming president has had to tackle in a very long time. The economy is in a recession likely to be as deep as the deepest in the last 50 years.
President elect Obama’s first task will be to do whatever the government can do to lift the US and with it the global economy out of its slump. A programme of reform will be necessary to begin to restore trust in the institutions of American leadership.

Americans made history yesterday. Some may argue that it was on grounds of pure desperation or smart tactical campaigning on the side of the Democrats. Nevertheless, it was the 'right' man at the right time and an opportunity well taken. What type of change will be instigated in the coming months? Will it be for the better? Well, lets pray that it will be. God bless us all!

Link to Barack Obama's victory speech:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/06/us-elections-barack-obama-lincoln

Courage my son, courage!

2008-11-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

I have finally gotten my internet connection. I know its no excuse for not updating my blog, but it played a big part though. I have been really getting extra exercise with the 20 minute walks to university even though I don’t have lectures on that day. I go to university just to use the internet.

I have been struggling with quite a lot of things for the past few weeks. It’s basically about the path ahead. I am a planner, I plan things. If bits and pieces are lying around, I will put them together so that they don’t go wasted. The habit of planning has been heavily influenced by my dad, who used to get us to plan for the year ahead every year. First I have a master plan, which consist of major events blocked out throughout the year. The 2nd stage is the weekly planning, where I usually get my daily routine in place and I know what I have to do for the days of the week. The 3rd part is the planning, where I plan out nearly every single thing I would do for the day to the minute. It sounds crazy, but it can be done and I never waste time.

So what happens to people like us when we can’t plan? Or when we don’t even know what to plan?
We get stressed out. We panic. We go bonkers.

Unfortunately, that’s what I had to learn. God told me to do something, He gave me the confirmation to do it and I acted on it. I planned it all out, in the ideal sense at least. BUT, everything started to collapse. One by one, it all fell like dominos. It didn’t progress like I expected, not even a little. I know that the world is far from ideal, but still… I had the most difficult 3 weeks in my life that I could remember. Nothing seemed to be going right. So when the grand plan fails, all the added potholes show up in front of you, plus the Big guy up there stays worryingly quiet, I was totally LOST.

I started to lose confidence in myself. I lost faith. Did I hear God wrongly? After all that was said and done, maybe im not the right guy for the job after all. I doubted and questioned many things. I feared because everything seems to be in a mess. That’s where the evil one has triumph.
It was very emotionally draining as I struggled and tried to pull myself out of it. I shared with a couple of people where they encouraged me but it was still lingering around. That was until I went for CG yesterday night. It was a teaching on ‘Hearing the voice of God’. It was really a good session, but I was a little distracted. Then the leader led us into a practical session.

The 1st part was to pray and then be silent to hear from God. I have done this many times but it felt a little different this time round. I got the word JOSHUA. I had no idea what it meant so I flipped my Bible to Joshua 1:1. This is what it read:
"After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good COURAGE, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and VERY COURAGEOUS, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of GOOD COURAGE; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

I was astounded. The words where hitting my face. But, I still sat in the room emotionless and trying to just let everything sink in. Nobody in the room had any idea what was going on with me, at least that was what I thought.

The 2nd part of the exercise was to continue. We prayed and ask of the Lord for words of encouragement for others in the room. When it was time to share, one of the said: ‘Isaac, I have something for you. The Lord wants you to have BOLDNESS and be COURAGEOUS for the things He has in stored for you.’

I was stunt and completely speechless.

The 3rd was to be continued as we paired up to pray for each other. As we prayed, my partner said:’ Isaac, be COURAGEOUS. For the Lord is with you wherever you go. Do not worry about the things ahead but stay strong and be COURAGEOUS!’

The 4th part, we switched partners and continued the exercise praying for each other. The 1st words that came out of his mouth were:’ Isaac, I have 2 words for you. FAITH and COURAGE.’

I WAS DUMBFOLDED. The word ‘COURAGE’ was directed at me 7 times in one night by different people. I repented and slapped myself right and left. It was pure foolishness to doubt God.

We serve an awesome God. He is our comforter and friend. He is our fortress and our strong tower. NEVER ever doubt Him. For He is with us, all the days of our lives. Amen.

The journey back

2008-10-09T07:23:00.001-07:00

It's Alive Again!! Well, it's never easy to revive a blog again after such a long lay off. Im so sorry but i really didn't have the time to sit down and pen things down. Many have encouraged me to share about my summer experience, but there is too much that i cant even begin to recollect. I could literally write a book entitled 'My Summer Experience' which could possibly be a best seller too. Not because of my writing skills, but purely the things that had taken place. As i reflect on my 4 months back home i should be coming out with a couple of posts along the way. For now, lets talk about the present and the future.

I had a terribly mixed feeling about coming back to the UK. So many things had happened and many more promised for the future. My relationship with my family grew to new heights, the rapport among my cousins tighten and the friendship with my friends strengthen. The goodbyes were hard to make and the Lord was gracious enough to allow my Visa to be delayed for 2 weeks so that i could prepare and compose myself. As i said my final goodbyes to my family as i walked towards the boarding gate, a sudden feeling of loneliness fell upon me. I had never felt anything like that in a long long time. I plugged on my ipod hoping to distract myself from the feeling and the 1st song that came up on the screen was 'Not alone' by BarlowGirl. At that moment, i felt as if God was sitting next to me and giving me a pat on the back. What followed was a great flight to London which i slept most of the way.

I touched down on Sunday the 5th of October. My friend Claris was kind enough to pick me up from the airport or i would end up lugging my 4 bags on the bus and back to Uxbridge. As i stepped out of the airport i was welcomed with the typical rainy and depressing English weather. What fun... I went straight for church after leaving my bags at my new rented house. I was greeted warmly by church members and friends. Apparently, the whole church has been praying for me to get my Visa. Not so that i could come back, but that they weren't protecting an illegal immigrant. hehe.. It was a nice gesture though. Worship service that day was awesome and it was good to be back on British soil. After the usual setting down of church, we adjourned to the pastor's house for lunch. It was a great time just to catch up with some friends. One of the leaders, Vijay and Pastor also discussed about my involvement in the church for the next year. It was an opening that i have been praying about for the past year. Praise the Lord! It looks like an exciting year ahead.

Dear Lord, I just wanna thank you for your graciousness and patience. Thank you for your awesome hand at work. I pray that I will continue to work in Your ways only as i look forward to the year ahead. Thank You so much. Amen.

My contact details:

Email: isaacmufan87@yahoo.com

msn: isaac_rendezvous@hotmail.com

blog: http://rendezvous-isaac.blogspot.com/

Address: 19, Mill Avenue UB8 2QL Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom

What lies inside?

2008-05-29T00:55:00.003-07:00

The last time i posted i was still on British ground but now.. I'm back in Malaysia!! Woohoo.. Its been great to be back home again. Like Dorothy said:' There is no place like home..' From the very moment i touched down, i have been extremely busy with the organising of the Malaysian Youth Prayer Gathering 2008. During the little times of leisure that i have, i catch up with the movies that have been on screen. One movie that truly stood out for me was IRON MAN.

Tony Stark is seen as one of the most famous man on earth. He is rich, smart and handsome. He has the American government at his feet because his company supplies weapons for the USA army. He has his own jet. He gets any woman he wants. He is every girl's dream. He is blunt with words, talks straight to the point and is described as the Da Vinci that never paints. He is confident, proud, classy and commands respect from all. On the outside he seems like a heartless freak that cares no less for others than himself. Even after his escape from the terrorist, Tony Stark portrays himself to the world as Iron Man. With all his charisma, confidence and ego, the armor of steel that he wears further enhances the person that he is. Someone who is indestructible and always saves the day. To the world, Iron Man is a hero. Tony Stark is the superstar. There is nothing he cant do.

Interestingly, there is another side that surfaces about Tony Stark. To the world, he is the Man. Nothing can stand in his way. But, at the end of the day, Tony Stark aka Iron Man is still human. There are not many people who knows and see this other side of Tony Stark. The only person who truly sees him for who he really is is Pepper Potts his beautiful assistant. Pepper was the only person that Tony revealed to about his new identity as Iron Man. When Pepper helps him remove the old 'arc reactor' at his heart, she does something really meaningful. She uses that old 'arc reactor' and makes a trophy with the inscription 'This is prove that Tony Stark has a heart.' Pepper is the only person that truly understand the heart of Tony. Many people don't even believe that he has a heart. Tony Stark seems indestructible on his heroics as Iron Man but what people don't see is the wounds and injuries that he gets after those exploits. It is only in the comfort of his home that all his vulnerabilities are surfaced. Further proof that he is still a human with a heart.

There are certain people that we often view as invincible. They are great and can do no wrong. Nothing is impossible with them. Everything they touch turns to gold. But one wrong move, and we criticise them to their grave. We often forget that these people are still humans. They are not perfect and will still make mistakes. I can confidently say that they are usually a different person in the confines of their home. A place they can just be themselves. These people have such a big heart for others to the stage that people even doubt the existence of their heart. They often portray themselves as emotionless beings for the sake of others. To be the source of hope and encouragement to those around.

Iron Man is made of steel. But what lies inside is still human. Just like everyone of us.

Mothers

2008-05-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is the one of the most celebrated events of the year. Price for flowers hike, chocolates are cleared off the shelfs, restaurants are fully booked and for some mothers it is the only time of the year that they get hugs from their children. Well, i hug my mum all the time but lets just say that she'll get a special one on Mother's Day. So this year, i'll like to add in a spot of fun for my mum and all the other mums..

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.“If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.“You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”

3. My mother taught me LOGIC.“Because I said so, that’s why.”

4. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.“If you fall out of that swing and break your neck,

you’re not going to the store with me.”

5. My mother taught me IRONY.“Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.”

6. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.“Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”

7. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.“Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”

8. My mother taught me about STAMINA.“You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”

9. My mother taught me about WEATHER.“This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”

10. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!”

11. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”

12. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.“Stop acting like your father!”

13. My mother taught me about ENVY.“There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”

14. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.“Just wait until we get home.”

15. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .“You are going to get it when you get home!”

16. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE .“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.”

17. My mother taught me ESP.“Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”

18. My mother taught me HUMOR.“When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

19. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”

20. My mother taught me GENETICS.“You’re just like your father.”

21. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.“Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”

22. My mother taught me about WISDOM.“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”

And my favorite:

23. My mother taught me about JUSTICE .“One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.”

Of course my mum is not like that but quite the exact opposite for most of them. Some of them are true as well. As we look back we certainly have heard some familiar quotes. This post is a dedication to my mum and all mothers!!

May God grant you extra patience to deal with us children.. God bless!!

A total turn around..

2008-05-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Im back!! Its been some time since i wrote. Sorry for the absence because i was really busy with exams and house hunting. Why house hunting? Well, i was told as international students we would quite definitely get a place to stay on campus next year. But on Monday last week, i got a sms informing me that i won't be getting a place on campus. I was devastated. Real disappointed. I was houseless for next term. I panicked and sort to go out and find a house. Finding a house is not as straight forward cos thousands of other students are looking for houses as well. This news was all the more accompanied with extreme bad timing as i was in the midst of preparing for my exams. I was struggling with my revision too. What am i to do? God had other plans.

God miraculously provided a house for me and my friends. It is literally one in a hundred that you can get a house at this time of year that starts the lease in September. I actually had given up much hope of finding a house for September. I was even ready to pay 1 or 2 months of wasted rent. When we believe God always provides. We put down the deposit for the house on Wednesday. It sort of fits us perfectly as we will only be back in September and the agents have offered to negotiate an unlikely 10 month deal for us (most houses have a non negotiable 12 month contract). The house is also walking distance from University.

Exams also went more smoothly than expected. God really sustained me to be able to get through this period. I was able to focus and push on for the final exams. I have finished now. I still cant believe that i have finished 1st year of University.

But.. i think the thing that made my week was that Manchester United beat Barcelona to qualify for Champions League Final in Moscow!! woohooo... A fantastic game. When Scholes scored the goal, we were all screaming and celebrating for a good 2 minutes in a jam packed pub on campus. The feeling was indescribable. Only real football fans will be able to understand. At the final whistle, we were hugging, jumping and singing with each other in jubilation. We were congratulating each other with hugs n brother handshakes even though we din know each other. But we had one thing in common, we support Manchester United!! Come on now..

The amazing things is that God never ever short changes us and He even allows us to have some joy from things that we love. In this case, FOOTBALL!! Take a look at this

Last week i was..
1. Houseless
2. struggling with revision
3. Man Utd lost to Chelsea to lose a 3 point lead

This week i..
1. got a house
2. got pass exams quite smoothly
3. Man Utd beat Barcelona to reach final

How cool is that? God is truly faithful. I look back and i wonder why i ever worried about all this. Where was my faith? God has certainly brought me through this period yet again. God cares every single bit for us. Look to Him and trust him always.

Thank You Lord. Amen.

Look to Him..

2008-04-19T04:28:00.000-07:00

I came across this the other day and i think is is fantastic. This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have heard...

A man went to a barber shop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: 'I don't believe that God exists.' 'Why do you say that?' asked the customer.

'Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.'

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barber shop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkept.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: 'You know what? Barbers do not exist.' 'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber. 'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!' 'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.'

'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.' 'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.'

WOW!!!

Tag!! You're IT!!

2008-04-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

The rules are:

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post the player than tags 5 people and posts their names, than go to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they done got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog.
4. Rules are meant to be broken.. teehee..
5. Who comes up with these games anyway? I’m surprised I got sucked into all this.

What was I doing ten years ago (1998 in general)?

1. Schooling in Sekolah Rendah Chong Eng
2. Busy making the school proud (Badminton, Ping Pong, Spelling bee, Story Telling, Music Band)
3. Bossy school prefect
4. The No.1 David Beckham fan (after that superb free kick against Colombia in the World Cup)
5. Daily football match with the wall in the garden

5 things on my to-do list today:

1. Get up early to help set up in church
2. Watch Manchester United whoop Arsenal yet again
3. Attend Birthday Party
4. Finish watching Heroes season 1
5. Organize my study notes

5 snacks I enjoy (I think this is a trick question. Just 5?!?):

1. Doritos (The best by a mile... chilli heatwave… drools..)
2. Fries (Thick British fries, not the silly French ones)
3. Err… food?
4. Fruits? It’s counted right?
5. I don’t really snack… really… seriously… I’m not joking… come on… you believe me right…

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:

1. Move Eden Community Services into a world class facility
2. Build a stadium so that churches in Kluang can worship together monthly
3. Support people who want to go to Bible College
4. Support people who have the heart to become teachers (better quality teachers in schools)
5. Buy over Manchester United

5 of my bad habits (Oooooh...):

1. Procrastination
2. Thinking too much
3. Lazing around
4. Lack of trust in others
5. Complacency

5 places I have lived:

1. Mother’s womb
2. House in between Revertex factory and jungle infested with snakes
3. Jalan Maju, Taman Kerjasama, Kluang
4. Kilmorey Hall, Brunel University, London
5. Short and long stints in many other places

5 jobs I've had:

1. Paper mixer, Calendar tear-er and glue-er at Boon Hwa Printers
2. Drinks maker and chef at Barneys Restaurant
3. Waiter at Roc Cottage Restaurant (London)
4. Volunteer at various places (Eden, Agape, STK, LIBT etc)
5. Renowned World Class food connoisseur… hehe… (still am)

6 people I tag:

1. Gideon (To post stuff more than 2 lines!)
2. Joyce (To post stuff other than pictures of herself.)
3. Wei Shin (To help him out with his monthly post.. keke)
4. Lisa (To give you something to share other than donuts and blaming the world… haha)
5. Seem Yee (Since she likes this tag thingy so much. TAG!!)
6. Kris (My new found typing pal!! )

As white as snow..

2008-04-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

On an early Sunday morning, i got up to a pleasant suprise when i drew the curtains in my room. I was awestrucked to see the ground and buildings totally white and fluffy white falling from the sky. It was snowing!! It wasn't my first time, but i was still quite excited as most equater-ians would be. I was actually more shock then then excited because it had been a rather warm week and its APRIL! It should be mid spring by now.. I also dreaded the thought of walking 20 minutes to church with the snow blowing into my face. The walk to church was uneventful but at 8am the university was unusually filled with people taking pictures, making snowmans and having snow fights. Football training in the afternoon was quite an experience as it started to snow again while we were in the midst of a game.

As i told people back home about the snow fall, i would get responses like 'Wow, thats so cool', 'I want also', 'Bring some back for me?' etc. People are fascinated by snow. All first timers are. Even people who have experienced snow their entire life still do. Some people just enjoy gazing out their window as the snow covers the ground like a white sheet. But why are people so fascinated by this white thingy falling from the sky? If black stuff falls from the sky like rain, would it be appreciate as much?

Snow is white. White is the combination of all the colours of the visible light spectrum. White is technically achromatic and not a colour. White represents purity. White sooths the eye. White represents cleanliness. White portrays the symbol of a new beginning.

Have you ever thought why most walls are painted white? Why is paper white? Why is wearing a white shirt considered formal wear? Why does white have superiority over other colours? It was customary among Jews to wear white garments as a symbol of purity. Angels are believed to have no other clothes other than white garments, thats even if you believe they need any clothes. Holy Spirit is symbolised by a dove which is white in colour. When Jesus appeared to the disciples after the resurrection, his clothes were as white as snow.

So why are people fascinated by snow? As snow covers everything like a white sheet over it. It somehow gives people the hope of a new beginning. The once dirty and ugly looking ground or roof is seem to be renewed. Snow serves as a reminder to all of us that our sins have been forgiven in Christ. We are cleanse and are pure again. As White as snow.

'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.' Isaiah 1:18

Thank you Lord for the reminder!!

A tribute to a brother..

2008-03-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

Goodbyes are never easy. Personally, I really dislike it but it is a part of life that we must get used to and learn how to deal with. I have been reading this book 'The Way of the Wild Heart' by John Eldredge about a Boy to a Man's journey. It's a fantastic book. I would share about some of it another time but what the author rightly mentions is that in order for a boy to become a man, he would have to go through certain stages in life. He would have to face challenges and overcome them as part of a learning process. Of course there is no way to measure, but this process is evident. I am in that stage now since leaving home in September and now a great friend and brother of mine is taking that step now.

He is none other than Ryan. We knew each other since young from church and CBC. I wouldn't go to the extent to say that we grew up together because we weren't exactly playing buddies when we were kids. One memory I had about was during CBC camp at Padang Hijau many years ago. For those who have been, you will remember that we have such a thing called camp court to report those who broke camp rules. Ryan was THE ultimate rascal, he would be shouting 'CAMP COURT!!' for every single thing. I think if we had a title for 'Mr Irritating' he would definitely have won it hands down. No question. We also used to do a lot of acting together in church for CBC. Though he stated before than he disliked me for some reason but i think i was too hard not to love. haha..

Ryan has been a fantastic friend to me and i am sure to all of us who know him. We have grown closer as friends this past few years and even more so last year. We went for mission trips together. It's when you live with a person over a period of time that you really get to know them inside out. With Ryan around, there is never short of entertainment. Period. We worked together on the church opening event which was great. The best of all were the eating sessions we had together. He never thought someone would travel so far in the middle of nowhere to have mee soto right? haha.. On top of all that, Ryan miraculously was here in the UK in September which we did spend some time together.

This is a tribute to my great friend Ryan Nair. A man true to his word, uplifting to those around him and a heart of gold. A pure bred joker, a clown within and a fool for Christ nonetheless. A perfectionist at heart, a one word description of Ryan as i agree with Yosh would be 'Quality' in all he does. A class act in his specific field. Even though our partnership ends here temporarily, God willing our paths will cross again in the future.

God Bless you my dear Brother!!

Easter weekend

2008-03-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

It has been a great weekend for me. Many people call it Holy Week and in some sense it is. Its a good time to reflect what Christ has done for us but a celebration as well. I had passover meal with my cell group on Friday. On Saturday, i spent the whole dayhelping out in church to prapare for the evangelistic event in the night. While i was helping out, one of the leaders Vijay asked me:' Isaac do you mind doing the game show later?' This was 45 minutes before i had to do it. I agreed to help out and he asked me to throw in some jokes as well. I went up and did 'Inspector Muniandy'. The whole church nearly fell down with the laughter. It was really good and everything turned out well. Now, everybody speaks to me with an Indian accent. haha...

Celebrated Alice's birthday at an italian restaurant. Had one of my best italian meals whilst im here. The folded pizza was simply superb. I should be visiting there again soon.. haha..

While in church on Easter Sunday, Ps. Jennie invited me for dinner at their house after church. I was a bit reluctant at first because i was supposed to go watch ManU trash Liverpool with my friend after church. But i of course accpeted the offer. It was nice hanging out in pastor's house with both pastors while the others had their meeting. After dinner, we watch a movie called 'Gridiron Gang' with lead actor being Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. An inspirational true story that i would recommend all to watch. Got back to my room at about 1am.

For me, it was a fantastic weekend. I thank God for the church that He has provided me with. I thank God for the fellowship of His people. Friends in university that i can count on. Most importantly, showing me yet another window of apportunity. He indeed has Risen!!

An experience to remember..

2008-03-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

The 2 weeks of utter busyness is finally over. Assignments, presentation, training and work. I can finally take a breather. It is something that i have been looking forward to for so long. Time seems to just fly by. It feels funny some times, because the fact that i have overcomed the 2 weeks alive i seem to miss the busy times i had. Weird kind of feeling, but it happens. Don't know why, but this sort of feelings just cant be expained. Anyway, i handed in my last assignment on Thursday and had badminton training in the evening. We were gearing up for the finals in Sheffield on Saturday. We left campus on Friday afternoon in our mini bus. To be absolutely honest, i didn't really know about any arrangements for our trip. The only think i knew was our final opponents were from Univesity of Leeds. I thought University of Sheffield was the venue and we were goin to stay in their hostel for the night. But, this is what it turned out to be.

We were actually playing at the National British University Championships. A total of 20 sports were participating at the largest sports complex in the UK for 4 days. All the semi final and final events were played during that weekend. The complex was massive. It even had an indoor 400 metre running track. Sports like Badminton, Basketball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Boxing, Judo, Atheletics etc were going on simultaneously. Camera crews, newsmen and photographers were swarming the place. It was really a proper sports event. We were given special tags as participants so that we will be able to pass security. I was thinking to myself:' This is totally cool man!' To top it up, we were put up in a real nice hotel for the night. Apparently, Brunel University booked a hotel for all its atheletes in this £90 a night hotel. Totally totally unexpected.

We had to wake up real early for our match the next morning. There was a relatively big crowd that turned up to watch the match. But it was a proper badminton hall with proper auditorium style seatings for spectators. University of Leeds were much better and beat us in the final. Anyhow, we still got a silver medal. It was actually our first loss of the season as we had also won our 1st division league unbeaten. Nevertheless, it was a very good season for us indeed. I'm actually all excited to play in the premiership next year, but i really need to improve. After the price giving ceremony, we watched the badminton premiership cup finals. Boy, were they good! We watched a couple of other events like Basketball and Atheletics which Brunel were also competing before we headed back.

My experience in Sheffield was definitely one to behold. I really want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be able to compete. I was actually a reserve and only selected by default because the Jordanian guy could not play. Thank God for this experience that He has given through playing for the university that has enabled me to travel around the UK.

'Thank You Lord for your bountiful blessings that overflows even beyond what we expect and sometimes handle. I lift Your name up high. Amen.'

STPM!! SPM!! and the best of all YF camp!!

2008-03-07T02:25:00.000-08:00

Its been by far my busiest 2 weeks in University so far. I have 3 assignments and a presentation which are all due next week. Badminton training as we gear up for the finals next weekend, football training for our match against University of Hertfordshire in April. Not to mention the 2 nights of work at the chinese restaurant. Time is of the essence. On the other hand, i am really enjoying myself to the fullest. Opportunities like this don't come everyday and yet some of this opportunities have to be earned. I still have 1 more assignment to complete and the satisfaction of seeing a piece of work well done is certainly something special to behold. It is something that motivates me to work hard and give my very best.
Just thought i would drop a few words of encouragements to my dear brothers and sisters back in motherland.

YF camp!! woopeeee.. i think the last time we had YF camp was when i was in F2. That's an awful loooong tmie ago. I have always treasured the times we had at YF camp. The camp we had with AOG back then in Melaka, i still have wonderful fond memories and remains one of THE camps that totally changed my life. Back then i was the room mate of a certain clown whom you all might still know by the name of Ryan. Haha.. The bonding as a YF family that we had in that camp was excellent. Foundations of friendships and on the Word of God were made which still last till today. I challenge all of you to grab this opportunity to make this camp a milestone in your life. Be challenged, be refreshed, BE transformed by the Glory of our God. Lastly, make the camp a blast and enjoy yourselves.

STPM!! SPM!! argh..... yeah yeah.. i know the feeling. For some it feels that you just want the world to stop. For some it's:' Can't you just give me the results now? it's torturous i cant wait!!' Its a feeling that cant really be explained until you are actually in that situation. It's torture, nail-biting, hair raising, stomach twisting, brain squeezing and toe tickling but.. it is worth it in the end. In my experience and im sure you all have also experienced it is when people always say things like ' Dont worry la', 'Sure straight As wan la, u soo smart', 'aiyah.. as long as you have done your best'. As u might also agree, it doesnt help a single bit to our 'rojak' feeling. In some cases in might even make you feel worse because it brings back memories of the missed questions or the chapters that you skipped but ended up in the exam. hehe.. its hard to do even for me but i'll say it anyway.. RELAX!! It's just an exam.. You have your whole life ahead of you. Come on Now. It's only an exam, a ticket towards your university or college. The sky wont fall if you get a bad result. Whats a bad result anyway? It is tangible. Take this as a learning process in life. A stage that all of us will have to go thru in life. In University we face this every semester and im sure in the corporate world maybe even every single day. So.. Get Used To It!! Well.. just take it easy ok.. whatever it is you get, give Praise to the Lord!!

I really don't want Malaysia to flood again ok.. hehe.. All the BEST you guys and gals!! God bless!!

My British badminton experience...

2008-02-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have been having 3 days of full fledged badminton for the last 1 month. Our coach has been stepping up during training sessions which means we now train at least 7 hours a week. It has been tiring but good. Let's go back a couple of months back to September.

A confident Malaysian flew across half the world to take on the English in Badminton. Well that was not my main purpose but it was definitely on the agenda. I really wanted to test my standard in a different country. I must say i was pretty confident when i got here. I took a visit at the sports centre on my 2nd day here and saw people knocking about in the court. I walked up to tell the coach i was interested in joining the team and he told me to come for badminton sessions. It was not until i attended badminton sessions the week later that i realise how lousy i was. Well, at least i underestimated the english badminton players. I was even fortunate enough to get into the University team of 10. The Brunel Badminton team consist of a Sri Lankan, a Jordanian, an Indian, 6 English and a Malaysian. I realised that the Jordanian guy has played in international circuits before which includes the Asian Games. Out of the 10 in the team, 5 of them are basically National standard players. They were mostly former Junior National Players who didn't make the Senior Team. So basically it was the other 5 of us fighting for one place because only 6 get to play every week. So i was basically a back up player. The coach would also rotate us around when some of the first team players couldnt make the games. So i did get to play a couple of games. I also got to travel to other places like Reading, Imperial College and Royal Holloway for the away matches. It was a great experience.

Brunel were demoted last year from the premiership badminton university league. Because of the wealth of good players that have just came in this year, we easily won our 1st division league. We were basically champions even with 6 more games to go. As champions of our division, we qualified for the knock out tournament to be crowned champions of the UK. For the knockout stages, i travelled to University of Cardiff(Mum's uni) for our pre-quarter finals which we duely beat them 6-2. I was then dropped for the quarter finals because one of the first team players returned. I actually expected it but still continued to attend training to improve myself for next year. It was while i was training yesterday afternoon that the coach suddenly called me over. He said:' Isaac, i see you have been improving recently. So i have decided to let you play tomorrow but promise me you will play like hell tomorrow ok?' I nodded my head with excitement. The coach dropped one the first team players to let me play. Wow.. Therefore we played University of Leicester in our Semi Finals today. I play 2nd doubles and played extremely badly in our first match which we lost in 3 sets to the our opposition 2nd pair. We were tied on matches with Leicester and didn't give ourselves(my partner and i) much hope against their 1st pair. I told myself that i had to make less mistakes, focus and just do my very best for the team. We both played our hearts out against the top pair and our efforts were paid off when we beat them in straight sets against all odds to send Brunel University into the final. The feeling was just magnificient as the whole hall raptured into cheers as we congratulated and embraced each other on our fantastic victory. It was as if we won the tournament, but nothing was going to stop us from celebrating a fantastic victory and more so a ticket to the final in Sheffield.

For all those who think only the Chinese and Malaysians can play badminton, think again. Or at least the guys in my university are really good. I have learnt so much ever since getting into the team. We have a wonderful coach who volunteered to coach us as his job is to coach the England National Juniors as they also use Brunel facilities.

'I just want to Thank God for giving me this opportunity to play for the Badminton team. I want to use this gift that God has given me to glorify His name.'

Come on Brunel!! Let's be champions!!

Is it that urgent?

2008-02-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

I was at work in the Chinese restaurant on Saturday night. It was really busy and i was constantly walking up, down and around the restaurant for a full 5 hours non stop. I was quite an experience and i certainly learnt a lot from it. But that was not it. A rather amusing thing happened as the night was nearing to an end. There was this family of about 13 people seated at the main table of the restaurant. I think they were celebrating the birthday of their father/grandfather/father in law who must be approximately 75 years of age. They were all having a good time and i still remember that old man downing a couple pines of beer. As everybody was waiting for their desserts suddenly, the old man started to fall forward with eyes closed. I was a mere 1 metre away from their table. I watched in a bit of shock while nearly every single person at the table stood up. Some just burst out crying, some quickly attended to the old man and the others turned to me and shouted:'Call the ambulance!!'. The chief waiteress quickly grabbed the phone and called for the ambulance. It must have been about 10-15 seconds when the family members kept asking me to call the ambulance. The worst thing was they kept asking me how long it will take for the ambulance to come. All i could answer was 'they are calling now' and 'ambulance should come soon'. They all suspected a heart attack. This all happened so fast and because of the amount of people crowded around the old man i couldn't really see what was happening.

Suddenly i saw the old man lift up his head and open his eyes. I think it was because of the bad odour from everybody that woke him. He explained that he was tired and opted for a 20 winks. hahaha.. i really couldn't believe it and nearly burst out laughing. Strains of laughter broke out among the family members themselves but some of the crying grew worse for some reason. Maybe that proves that tears for joy usually produce more tears than sadness. In the end, the ambulance still came shortly after. They still took the old man in a wheel chair and brought him to hospital just as a precaution. I also over heard the doctor asking the old man while wheeling him out saying:'Sir, you mean the food over here is that dodgy until you fainted?' Hahaha.. It wasn't the most pleasant thing to experience while i was there but how it all turned out, i found it rather amusing.

Another thing that happened during the week was a family friend that passed away. Uncle Ron was dad's former boss years ago in kluang. He watched me grow up and constantly came over to my house to play with me. I do not have any recollection of him and his wife, Aunty Damaris because they left kluang when i was still quite young. The amazing thing was that every single year after they left, they never failed to send us Christmas presents. They were close to my parents and treated us as their own children as they had none. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit them in November with mom and dad. I remembered that time while we were having dinner. I was truly amazed at the way he presented himself as a person. The knowledge he had of things was astounding as well and it must definitely be the amount of books he reads. When dad texted me on thursday to tell me about his passing, i was speechless. Thoughts ran through my mind wildly. A man that i have only met once a couple of months ago somehow has made quite an impact in my life. The promise that i made to him that i would visit him again soon to play chess can now never be done. The thing that breaks my heart is the fact that he hasn't received salvation. At least not to my knowledge. God have mercy on him, please.

Sigh.. I have been feeling really tired for the past week. Not only physically but more so mentally. Issues to deal with, assignments yet to complete, badminton and football training doesn't exactly help much. This 2 things that has happened made me think about life. It made me think about how unpredictable life can sometimes be. In church today, the speaker mentioned that according to scientist our world will totally poison itself in about 15 years time. Not 50, not 20 but 15 years. As i thought about it, there was a sudden urgency inside that leap in me. It seems so foreseeable. So near, so soon. The speaker then further pointed out the closeness of Chirst's return which relates to earth's self destruction . It's always the case of time is short but so much still to do.

We constantly hear this cliche 'Live everyday as if Chirst will be returning tomorrow.'

Are we that urgent for the Lord's cause? Is the return of Chirst important to us? Is it important to me personally?

The thing is that important will lead to urgent if nothing is done. But i think whether we like it or not it is entering the urgent stage already.

Lord, help us to realise the urgency of your return. Let us be ready and not regret. Amen

Alast.. the long wait ends..

2008-02-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

It's been more than a week since i posted anything. Why? Simply because the last week has been the most busy week in my time here in UK. Last week, i actually spent more time outside London than in it.

Monday and Tuesday: Lectures at University. First day of work in restaurant on Tuesday.
Wednesday: Travelled to University of Cardiff(Mum's university) in Wales to represent Brunel in Badminton Knock-out Competition.

Thursday: Valentines Day! Brought Alice and Serena to visit Windsor Castle.

Friday: Day off from lectures but second day of work.

Saturday and Sunday: MANCHESTER here i come!!!

I went to Machester with my friends Joan, Serena, Alice and Rex. We left London in the wee hours of Saturday morning and the incredibly long bus ride resulted in us reaching Manchester with half day already gone. WE spent Saturday having a little tour around city of Manchester. We went to Europe's biggest shopping complex, took loads of pictures and played bowling. But the high point of Saturday was none other than Manchester United whooping Arsenal 4-0 in the FA cup. I was unable to get a ticket to the match but i am pretty sure that my presence in Manchester definitely spurred them on. Woopeeee!!

We had a lazy Sunday as usual but finally got out of the house to make my 11.20 booking of the Old Trafford museum and stadium tour. After all the patient years of waiting, the many dreams i have dreamt, the times i pictures myself running out the tunnel and finally the wait was over. I was standing in the Theatre Of Dreams, home of The Greatest football club on earth, MANCHESTER UNITED!! The museum and tour was great. The tour guide took us around the stadium which was absolutely magnificient. I could imagine in my mind the sort of noise and atmosphere during a match day. We got to go to the dug-out and run out the tunnel. I sat on Sir Alex Ferguson's seat at the dug-out.The best thing was actually being able to enter the players dressing room. The very jerseys that they wore for the game against Arsenal were all hung up on the wall. We got to take pictures with their jerseys and sat at their places. What an experience... We spent a good 3 hours at Old Trafford before we left to pack our bags for the trip home.

We had a quick lunch at Burger King before we hit the road with our 4.30pm coach ride back to London. It was there that our 27hour visit of Manchester ended. As i pondered on my short yet exhilirating experience in Manchester, i wondered why we even contemplated such a short and tiring trip. It is one of those crazy ideas that was decided at the spur of the moment. Something that is unexplainable and all achievable at a certain age. All in all, the most important element was ever present which was Fun. Even though it was tiring and not recovered from it yet, we all enjoyed a weekend out. During our tube ride back to Uxbridge from the Coach Station, we were actually discussing about our next trip. haha..

'Thank you Lord for granting us a wonderful time together. Thank You for keeping us safe. Thank You for the wonderful weather that u had provided as well. Bless You Lord. Amen.'

Friends in need become a family indeed

2008-02-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year has always been one of the biggest festivals of th year for me. As i come from big families, it is usually a crowded period. I always remember that it will literally be only standing space in my grandfather's house on the 1st day of new year. What Great Fun!! New Year also feels like a few days in the land overflowing with ba kua and pineapple tarts. Instead of 10 glasses of water a day, its 10 cans of soft drinks a day. Casino has come not only to the door step but into the house. There is no such thing as sleep and it is when everyone seems to be contributing to your annual pocket money. What better day in the year than Chinese New year?

Unfortunately, it was not the case over here in the UK. There was still lectures on New Year's day. I had to work on New year's eve and the festive atmosphere over here was at an all time high of zero. The life of a student is definitely one of improvision because of the limited resources that are available. I had a simple New Year's eve dinner with my 'family' over here. Worked on New year's eve night at a restaurant. Spend 1st and 2nd day of New Year busy sorting my part time job and necessary paper work. Think about it.. isn't it sad? While you all back home are busy enjoying the gourmet food, soaking yourself in beer and working your liver triple hard with all the access sugar and salt. Here i am working my butt off and living on bread and water.

On Friday the 2nd the day of New year, my 'family' and i decided we should make the most of our time here in the UK. Enjoy ourselves, the pride of being a chinese must live on. We played cards, mahjong and all sorts of games thru the night into the wee hours of the next morning. The following day, we had our official Chinese New year dinner. Rex, Joan, Alice, Serena and i managed to cook up a menu of 8 dishes that night for dinner. I was quite astonished yet proud of our feat. After dinner we played games again, tell weird jokes, further stuff ourselves with junk food and ended up all lying on the floor near motionless so that we would digest better.

As i come to think about it. We are a bunch of 'homeless' people in a foreign country who come together as a family to support each other. We share everything together. We know each other inside out. We accomodate and help each other when in times of difficulties. We mourn and celebrate together. It is something i feel is unique. My friends and i have come together to be a family because of something we all have in common. The fact that we are away from home and are international students. Because of the common element it has drawn us closer to each other and it therefores makes us stronger. It is similar in the Family of God. The most amazing thing i realise is that whenever i meet another Christian, i meet the person for the first time in my life and might never even meet again but all we need is a couple of minutes of conversation and we seem like best friends. Why? It is because we have a common element in Christ that draws us closer to each other. It is a fantastic feeling to have. I think this can fully explain the famous proverb: 'A friend in need is a friend indeed.'

But i think for my case it will be more like:' Friends in need become a family indeed.'

A day i will look back on..

2008-02-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of my most enjoyable days in my time over here in the UK. It was nothing special or spectacular, in fact it was just a day out with my friends Alice, Serena, Joan and Rex. The weather in England is said to be one of the worst in the world. Malaysian will never really fully understand because it is always hot. Other countries have the 4 seasons of Spring, Autumn, Winter and Summer in a year. The English joke that they have the 4 seasons in a day. Sunny at one moment, raining the next. Temperatures can drop as much as 10C in a couple of hours. It doesn't usually rain heavily but it drizzles. The worst thing is that it can drizzle continuosly for more than a day with a gloom above our head. That's English weather for you.

Praise the Lord that He gave us wonderful weather yesterday. The sun was out, sky was clear, a perfect day to be outside. My friends and I decided to go out for a picnic. We didn't really plan anything, but we just wanted to go out, have fun and spend time together. We took a nice slow walk to Uxbridge. Went to tesco to buy some food for our picnic. Pita beard with salsa, McCoy's chips, egg sandwich and chocolate chip muffins were the several choices on our impromptu picnic menu. We marched our way to a nearby park and laid out our sheets right in the centre of the park. We were the only souls in the entire park and we knew the reason why the minute we sat down. IT WAS COLD!! We hadn't really realised it when we were walking but the wind was blowing and it must have been definitely less than 10C. There was a moment when an old couple were walking their dog. They had a good long stare at us. They were in full winter clothing and must be thinking :' What on earth are these 5 crazy chinese doing here out in the cold?'. We decided we will just stay and enjoy our picnic under the sun. Our picnic didn't last very long but we did cross the half hour mark and were on our feet once again. With numb feet and hands the walk back to town was unusually long and i walked into the first shop i saw just to 'defrost'. It was funny, because we all walked in to this grocery store with no intention of buying anything, stayed there for a good 10minutes and back out again. We were in Uxbridge town centre for the rest of the afternoon doing some shopping and enjoying the little children's carnival that was going on as well.

After dinner later that night, we played some card games. Rex would pop a lame chinese joke once in awhile, Joan would be busy multi-tasking, Serena would entertain us with her funny expressions and Alice would be busy blaming me for beating her in our card game. We just hanged out, relax and spent time with each other. Everything was just simple, straight forward and most importantly fun with company that you enjoy. As i reflect on the day we just had, i realise it is something that we will only do at our age. One day i would certainly look back at this day and think, yeah.. with a smile on my face. Thanks to you my dear friends for a great day out.

glancing back, looking forward

2008-01-29T04:49:00.000-08:00

Holidays have ended, Lectures have started again. It seemed so long ago since i had lectures. I had my first lecture yesterday and it was as if it was first week all over again. Our new lecturer got to know all the students in class, going through introduction of module, discussed assignments and all the other stuff. Felt a bit weird having to begin something new again.

As i looked back at my pass 2 weeks of holidays, i feel a leap of joy deep down in my heart. The goodness of God is just unexplainable. If you had read my post before 'I'm free!! so what's next??', i had big plans for my holidays. What turned out was that events were altered quite drastically and i practically didn't follow my plan at all. Why? Because God had other plans.. Can't stop Him can we? Look at Jonah.. He was in the fish's belly for 3 days with all that stink.. God was kinder to me.. I was in my room for 3 days with an injured ankle..

My holiday turned out to be:
1. Injured my ankle, sat in my room for 3 days
2. Read 3 books
3. Mentoring Programme and Orientation for new students
4. Visited Herman and met up with cousin
5. Brain scan
6. Watch my first rugby game in a stadium

All in all, it was a fruitful 2 weeks. Kept me real busy and rather productive. As i look back, I don't think my holidays could have gone any better. I thank God for the lessons he has taught me. The experiences i had in the MRI machine. To top it all, the amazing atmosphere watching rugby in a stadium. As my new semester begins, I want to dedicate it to the Lord. I look forward to the rest of my first year in university. That all the things i do may glorify His name. Amen.

Life is like a box of chocolates

2008-01-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

Time seems to fly so fast. Just 2 weeks i was wondering how i am going to survive my boring holidays. But my holidays were exciting, busy and of course nearly nothing went according to as i had plan. I have been involved in a Mentoring Programme and orientation for students who come in now. I has been fun, bringing them around and helping them get settled. I really am enjoying myself even though it's tiring and out of my way. I have also been planning with my friends about what we will be having for Chinese New Year Eve dinner. Hmph.. we will trying to make the most out of CNY over here. Keep up the tradition. Will be going to Chinatown to get some of those Chinese food these weekend.

I will also be going to have my brain scanned tomorrow. Why? Because one of the professor in university found out that I'm a genius. They want to run some test on me for further research. He said my potential is tremendous and might even surpass Einstein. (stares...) OK la.. Im going for a brain scan.Yes, that part is true. They are doing research on badminton players.They want to study how our brain functions that gives us the ability to anticipate where the shuttle goes even before it is hit. It's quite an interesting study so i accepted the offer.

Secondly, i have been invited by a family friend to go watch a Rugby Match in Watford. He is the director of English Rugby Premiership side Saracens. I bet it would be quite an experience. First time in a stadium and will be sitting in the box as well. Can't wait. hehe.. Since i came here, i have grown to love the game of Rugby even more. My biggest regret is actually not being able to play back in malaysia as it is not popular.

My new semester will also be starting on Monday. Classes will be quite different this semester as well. The time slots are more spread out, so it will be interesting. All in all, it certainly has been an interesting break. Full of suprises and unexpected turn of events. God certainly makes life exciting. Don't ever said that life is bored. Remember what Forrest Gump said.

'Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get.' Forrest Gump

All of us only has one life to live. We can choose however we want to live it. Let's make the most out of it.

Back to reality

2008-01-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

I left University yesterday for Central London. I came to stay with Herman for the weekend. I was quite a long journey because of the tube delays. A normal and straight forward 1 hour plus journey turned into a nearly 2 and half hour journey. I was quite content in my seat with earphones on listening to music and a book in my hand reading. I anticipated the long journey and sometimes really cherish this times alone where nobody will bother me with not much distractions. It's as if I was in a world of my own. The feeling is kind of like in the movies when everything around is muffled. People moving about, getting on and off the tube. All I see is people's mouth moving and all I hear is the music from my ipod and the thoughts in my head. Ahh... my own little world. how nice...

Just before the stop i was suppose to get off everybody in the tube got off. I pulled out my earphones, put down my book and i was back into reality again. The operator urged everyone to get off because there were some problems. Firstly, there was an assault in one of the trains. Secondly, one of Heathrow Airport's terminals were closed. I got off and just waited for the next train. There was a long delay but i got to my destination anyway. I told Herman about it and he looked suprised but i didn't put much thought about it. To me, it was just some hiccups on the london tube which was quite normal, nothing to worry about. However, while we were watching the news after dinner there was news of a plane that just crash landed. Heathrow Airport is very near my University and apparently it nearly crashed into a town next to Uxbridge but thankfully the pilot was able to land the plane inside airport grounds. Then it suddenly hit me. Thats why the airport terminal was closed and caused the tube delays. Then i remembered on Tuesday when i heard a loud blast while i was walking on campus. I seriously thought it was a bomb blast but it wasn't on the news. It is not very often that i have experienced front page news that are happening around me. Places that are in quite close proximity. It sort of reminds me of life on earth.

As Christians we are quite a distinct people. We just want to mind our own business and don't really want to mix with others. I realise in many churches, the leadership bombards their members with so many activities that they are rarely outside church boundaries. The mentality of many are to keep as many people in the church. The people on the other hand are also quite happy to be kept in as the famous cliche 'comfort zone' goes. Many are just so comfortable in the church that they see no need to go out and many a times don't really know what the real world really is like out there. Many churches today are like in the world of their own. They think that their church is ideal. They think just because they are Christians everything will be perfect. God will always shower them with bountiful blessings. I would like to liken this scenario to that of me being on the tube. I was listen to my music and reading my book, in my own little world. But in reality there was a plane that just crashed not far from where i was. Im sure people were talking about it on the train but of course i couldn't hear them.

I often hear speakers and read books that say 'move out of your comfort zone'. This has become so much of a cliche that everybody is using it. I myself use to like it very much too. But as i think about it, why do we have comfort zones anyway? Why are we getting comfortable when there is so much work to be done. As Christians we should be on our toes all the time, preparing for the mission that God has put us on earth for. As a reminder let's look at a couple of passages that Jesus gave us while He was on earth.

Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Jesus very specifically said the word 'GO'. He didn't say 'stay in the church'. WE are supppose to be out there, make disciples and teach. WE are supposed to be in the world among the people and not be caught up with only church activities.

Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Jesus commanded us to be witnesses to the world. For me it could quite simply be put :'... and you shall be witnesses to Me in Kluang, and in all Johor and Malaysia, and to the end of the earth.' In that context, looks like indeed we have lots to do.

Our life on earth is not going to be a walk in the park. There is a lot of work still to do but little time left. What are we going to do about it? Stop enjoying our own little world, pull out the earphones and get back into reality.

Do you seek ME for what I can do or do you seek ME for who I Am?

2008-01-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have been spending a lot more time reading this pass few days. And through His Word and books written by His servants, God has been dealing with me personally. I now understand why until now i haven't even gotten a reply for a part time job, i don't think it's a coincidence. God wants to use this time to draw me back into perspective and nearer to Him. I was reading the book 'Drawing Near' by John Bevere and for the first time in some time, i heard God speaking to me ever so clearly.

'Do you seek me for what I can do or do you seek me for who I Am?'

I was awestrucked and immediately repented before God. God had let surfaced what was actually in my heart. I did not heed his pat on my back. I was constantly praying for God to provide me a job. But was that what God wanted me to be doing? The prolonged time that i was in my room because of my ankle injury was an opportunity for me to draw near to God once again. Let me share with you what God had taught me.

What is our motivation as a Christian? What should be our primary motivation?
Obedience is better than sacrifice. That would mean that if God says don't go to Africa as a missionary or don't start the 'feed the poor' ministry. Don't do it. We will always try to reason that these are for good causes but if God has made it clear, just listen. We often also need to examine our motives.

What type of Christians are we?
There are 2 types:
1. Those who seek God for what He can do.
2. Those who seek God for who He is.

Lets examine this with a familiar story in the Bible. In Exodus, there is a clear contrast between Moses and the children of Israel.
The Israelites can be compared to those who seek God for only what He can do. People who follow God but only for the salvation and blessings. They acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and saviour and look to Him for deliverance and provision but their heart is revealed by personal desires and actions. They still want to take control of their lives and think that they know what is best for themselves. The Israelites were like that. They cried to God for deliverance for hundreds of years and God answered them with Moses. They rejoiced and bowed their heads to worship. But suddenly everything changes when Pharoah rejects Moses' delivering word from God and adds the workloads of the Israelites. They were all so angry that they called judgement on Moses. But when Pharoah finally let's them go after the plagues they have a change in attitude again and were praising God once again and they were confident in Moses once again. When they get to the Red Sea and see the Egyptian army hot on thei heels. Once again they turn to Moses and curse him for bringing them out here to die. (Remember Moses was God's prophet so if they opposed Moses they were opposing God.) Then God intervenes once again by spliting the Red sea. When the Egyptian army was consumed, once again their hearts are changed and worship and praise the Lord once again. This happens again and again during 40 years in the desert with examples like the manna and the golden calf. Why didn't the Israelites ever learn their lesson? Because they were seeking their own desires and only cared for their own comfort. They are happy as long as God is doing what they wanted and unhappy whenever God wasn't doing what they wanted. They have placed their desires over His heart or presence.

Moses was different. He seeked God for who He was. The cycle of the Israelites were repeated many times and God was fed up with it and He told Moses in Exodus 33:1-3. He had promised the Israelites through the patriachs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob the promise land. He was fed up with the stubborn Israelites and didn't want to go with them but instead send an angel to help them drive out the rebels to take the land. It sounds like a good deal right? which i think the Israelites would have taken it.
But Moses responded in Exodus 33:15. 'If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.'
Moses said that he would rather suffer in the desert than go into the land of milk and honey without God's Presence. What was Moses' heart's cry? GOD'S PRESENCE. He desired the Lord Himself more than His promised blessings. Moses had put seeking God above everything else.

Where do we stand? Which one are we? I admit that i was only seeking God's blessings. I seeked only the world but not the creator. If we looked back at the exodus story. There has been a misconception that God brought the Israelites out of Egypt to the promise land. God brought them out so that they could go to Mount Sinai. Remember what Moses said to Pharoah on God's behalf :' Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the desert.' He didn't say 'Let my people go so that they can go inherit a land.' God gives us the opportunities and longs for us to draw near to Him. He usually gives us hints which we need to identify and respond. I believe if He comes directly to us like He did to Paul on the road to Damascus, many of us will die of fright. God is calling us to Him constantly, that is His heart's desire. He wants to know us, He wants to be our best friend. Shouldn't our heart's desire be to seek Him as well?

Listen...

2008-01-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

Many a times we think we have planned everything out. Everything seems to be going your way, it all looks perfect. You are enjoying yourself and carefully anticipating all the wonderful things you have been waiting to do. You have worked hard to get to this stage. You feel strongly that you somehow deserve it. You have been looking forward to this moment of enjoyment. Ever had that feeling?

Suddenly, some little innocent thing happens and your entire plan shatters to pieces instantly. The first thing that comes to your mind is :' Why God? Can't you just let me have this moment of perfectness?' Familiar? I have had many moments like that before and this is my latest episode.

My exams just finished yesterday. As you might have noticed in my last post. I had a plan like i always do. I had a target. A goal to achieve. Everything planned out nicely in my head. All it needed was execution. I was walking to Uxbridge to hand in my application form for a part time job. I have walked on that uneven pavement many times before, but this time i slipped. Just a little tweek... there goes.. I SPRAINED my ankle..

I felt like screaming at the stupid pavement :'Why were you(pavement) uneven?'

I felt like blaming God :'Why God... Why?'

I felt like slapping the next person that walked by.

I felt like sitting down right at that spot and cry.

I felt like standing there and wait for the next person to fall so that i will have a partner.

I felt like squeezing air out of the air.

This were all feelings all in that split second. But the only person i could blame was myself. I wasn't careful. Thats all. Simple.I was only a couple of metres away from the place i was applying a job for. Man.. My first impression to the manager is a limp? Goodness.. What happen to my wonderful plan? It's gone.

It was a lesson that i knew God was teaching me. It's either i haven't learnt my lesson before or He just wants to strengthen His point.

Reminder: God is THE Planner, i am just the assistant

I have planned out everything. It all seems perfect, but God might have other plans. We often crowd ourselves with our plans and aspirations. Sometimes we just have to be quiet and ask God for His aspirations of us. I recently watched the movie 'I am Legend' which Will Smith acted in. I thought it was a quite fantastic movie. It was short, cost me a bomb for the ticket but absolutely worth it(thanks wei shin for the recommendation). There was something that struck me. This is the conversation.

Will Smith: How do you know there are many other survivors?

Lady: Err.. God told me.

Will Smith: God? You mean THE God told you?

Lady: Yeeesss.. Yes.. He told me.

Will Smith: You must be crazy lady.

Lady: Listen, the world is quieter now. If we Listen, we can hear God's plan. You just got to listen. He wants to talk to us.

I feel this is absolutely true. Sometimes we crowd our lives we activities and noise. We want to go out there and do something. It's not wrong but there's a time to listen.

Martha was busy preparing a meal for Jesus. Was it wrong? No.. It was sensible and respectful. When Martha complained, Jesus said:' Martha, Martha. Mary has chosen the better.' Mary was sitting at Jesus feet, listening to Him.

I feel sometimes even things as small as spraining my ankle draws me back to perpective again. A little wake up call from God. A pat on the back from God saying:' Hey son, listen here. Do you want to hear MY plan for you?'

When we are so busy with things in this world. Pause. Take a deep breath. Listen. You will be suprised.

Im Free!! So wats next?

2008-01-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

Alast, i finally finished my exams. Overall it was good apart from accounts which was tough, but i think it should have done ok. I am actually quite happy with myself because i think i did study quite hard for this exam. Overall i am very proud of myself with this pass semester. I don't think i ever worked so hard for a consistent period of time before. My reward is that i feel good about it. Ahh...
Im free!! So whats next? Now i have nearly 3 weeks of holiday to deal with. For the fist time it is a bit of a problem to have a holiday. haha.. sounds crazy right.. but yeah.. i have to figure out what i am going to be doing for these couple of weeks. I want to do something productive. These are my tentative plans.
1. Get a part time job
2. Finish reading one book ('Drawing Near' by John Bevere)
3. Visit some family friends
4. Prepare for next semester
5. Drum sessions with church drummer

I was just thinking about it and i realise that in a couple of months time i will be going back home. Yoohooooo.. im so excited. I can actually count the number of months with one hand. haha... I am already looking forward to the journey back home. For now, it's back to reality. Continue to work hard to earn my trip back home. Yeehaaaa...

Exams..

2008-01-04T13:58:00.001-08:00

Many of you all will be just starting the New year of school. Maybe you will get straight into classes or for the Form 1 & 4 you will be in your orientation week. As for me, I will be starting my new year with the ending of a semester. Weird.. yeah.. quite.. frustrating as well.. I will be having my end of Semester exams on Monday(7th) to Wednesday(9th).. And guess what.. i will then have another holiday which will last for about 20 days.. good? hmmm.. let's jus say i prefer them to be together then splited up.. anyway.. please pray for me.. God bless..

HAPPY reNEWed YEAR!!

2008-01-02T14:37:00.001-08:00

It's the New Year. Welcome 2008!! New year celebration have never been big back in Malaysia. It is usually a quiet affair. Maybe because we come from so many different kind of races and we have our own new years to celebrate. Chinese New Year has always been the 'Big one' for us. Anyway, people always talk about new year resolutions. I'm not a particular fan of resolutions because i believe that resolutions should to be done every single day. Why wait till the new year? I think people use the new year as an excuse to make resolutions and changes in their lives so that they can procrastinate. Isn't it true? hmmm.... haha...

On the other hand, new year's are good as well. Sometimes we may think that we have done it so many times before so there is no big deal. But i believe the most special thing about new year is the changing of the numbers. 2007 to 2008. It is a change that has to take place in our lives whether we like it or not. It is special to me in some ways. Many people gasp and say:' Wah.. one year pass so fast.' Yes indeed it does. It makes me think, so what have i been doing this pass year? Have i used it to the fullest? How can i improve the next year? It's good that it makes most people think about life for a second and ponder. It's a chance for us to be renewed.It's a chance to give thanks to God as well for His ever faithfulness to us.

If you haven't pondered about the past year, please take a moment. It's worthwhile.

If we are to be renewed, change has to take place in our lives. We have to change our actions as well. As dad always tells me:' Only a dumb man will expect change to take place while doing the same thing.'

Let us be Renewed, Refreshed, Restregthen, Revitalised, Refocused in Christ!

Dear God,

Thank you for the wonderful year of 2007. Thank you for your providence, love and patience. Thank you opening the door of opportunity for me. Thank you for the lessons that you have taught me. I pray Lord that this new year will be another step of change for me. I prayed that i will have renewed strength and wisdom in You to continue this journey. Love You Lord. I Bless you. Amen.

Attention All PMRians and others as well..

2007-12-28T05:59:00.000-08:00

Wow.. i have been hearing wonderful news back home.. Just wanted to Congratulate all PMRians for the wonderful results each and everyone of you got.. continue to shine for the Lord..

As you all move on to Form 4, you might get a little shock in the beginning but you will get used to it. The fact that you might find out that things are maybe much more difficult shows that you are progressing into a whole new level of learning. Take it as a challege and a form of increasing maturity on your part. Hope that you all will enjoy this new stage of your education.

Before i forget, please consider taking Bible Knowledge as a subject. God has called us to be students but that doesn't mean that we only study science, maths etc. We should be constantly study His Word as well. Studying God's Word is even more important. Since the Malaysian government has given us this wonderful opportunity to take Bible Knowledge as a subject, shouldn't we as Christians take it? I don't know the statistics, but i know that many Christians do not take Bible Knowledge because they might complain:

1.they have too many subjects already

2.Bible Knowledge is too hard.

3.I might do badly and it will not look nice on my certificate

What utter nonsense....

Are we saying that taking other subjects are more important than the WOrd of God?

What would the Government think about us Christians when we only claim but don't take the opportunity to take the subject?

Doesn't it show how much we regard studying God's Word?

Anyway.. all i am saying is please consider this carefully. I can confidently say that most of us do not study the Word of God. Quiet time is not counted. So, i say take this oppotunity to kick start your Bible study habit. It will 'force' you to do it. It gave me an extra incentive and motivation then to study because i was a lazy bum. You will only study 2 books, Luke and Acts which are the basics of Christianity. Don't think you already know it. The Word of God is LIFE.

No place like home...

2007-12-24T05:28:00.000-08:00

It's the time of the year that you just want to enjoy yourself and nothing else. As far as i can remember, Christmas period has always been a very busy time for me. While i was a child, it was always the time we look forward to as we will get to buy our own presents for Christmas. Christmas Eve's dinner at grandma's house with all the cousins was definitely a time that we enjoyed. All the delicious food that will be made, and of course the opening of presents on the stroke of midnight. As i became a teenager, it was activities all the way. I remember dancing to the song 'Best Friend' for a Christmas party by the pool for church. Carroling was an annual affair but we have significantly grown from 1 bus load to 2 bus loads. Come to think about it. Christmas has always been busy and plenty of people around. That was home.

Spending my first ever Christmas away from my family is weird. It's not easy either. Am currently at a family friends house in south London. But its never the same even when you have friends around. Christmas is not only the celebration of Chirst's birth but a time for family to get together to celebrate. The world has changed so much that families no longer sit down together at a table to eat everyday. Children often can't wait to get out of their houses and complain about the incompetencies of their parents. Christmas is now usually the only time that a family has an excuse to get together to dine. Thats is maybe one of the best things that have come out of this commonly celebrated occasion.

Christmas makes me think of Family. My wonderful family with all my relatives as well. It is a time of celebration of God's goodness and blessing to our family. And of course my Family of God that i treasure so much. So spending Christmas with some family friends in a different country will certainly be a difference experience. But it can never replace wat is back home.Lets just say that there is no place like home...

The lonely turkey

2007-12-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

HALLELUYAH!!! I just finish my last lecture today and its the end of the semester. I have been here for 3 full months.Wow.. how did i survive it? i don't know.. but i did.. Off for Christmas break now but will have to be back for exams in January. Thats the only down part. But hey, i deserve a reward after 3 months of hard work. Come on.. don't i deserve it? haha..

People have been asking me about what i will be doin for Christmas. I have been telling some people this story.

The myth: sitting all alone in my room. Roast my own turkey and have it on my own for Christmas eve dinner. Add some entertainment in, maybe watch a movie while eating. Leave the other half of the turkey for Christmas day lunch. All in all, it will be an interesting Christmas with some peace and quiet. But of course a lonely one as well. Because i have no where else to go.

Some people didn't believe a word i said before i could even finish telling my sad plan. But some very good friends of mine(winks at Ryan) actually bought the story and sympathized with me. I wanna thank them for their utter loyalty and faith in me. Haha.. ( i know im goin to get it from them now)

The truth: I will be leaving tomorrow to a family friend's house in Guildford, south of London. I will be spending my entire Chirstmas and New year over there. Of course in the process of enjoying myself i would make sure that i put some study in for my exams as well..(hopefully.. hehe)

Well i am sure you all will be hearing from me again very soon. I have a early Christmas dinner with my friends to go to. So, thats it for now. God bless everyone.

Somebody gonna get a hurt real bad

2007-12-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy this pass week. It's end of semester so that means assignments to hand in. Have been writing an essay on Corporal Punishment which some of you have seen. I seriously didn't know that corporal punishment is banned in the UK and all over Europe under EU law until Ryan's cousin aunty told me whne I first got here. It means that the government bans parents from using physical punishment on children. Schools are not allowed to punish either. That's like the stupidest thing i ever heard. How are children goin to learn anyway? By reasoning with them?
Dad:' Please Tom put that knife down. It's dangerous.'
Tom:'Papa.. papa.. nanana... ahhh...'
Tom is 2 years old and you expect him to understand a single word you say. goodness. I think thats why there is a major moral decay over here in the UK. You hear of students in school swearing at teachers and stomping out of the class. Children making police reports about their parents. Teenagers suing their parents in court. What has the world turn into? Parents don't even have the right to discipline their children anymore? I think precautions like this was taken because of several abuse cases that happen. But taking parents authority is like taking away their birth right if i may put it that way. When i have handed in my essay maybe i will post my essay here to see whether you all agree with my arguments and solutions.
On a lighter note, here is a video from Youtube by Russell Peters. He is an indian comedian from Canada and the 2nd best comedian on earth(im the 1st). He is simply hilarious. Go watch this clip, it's only a couple of minutes. He has a swearing problem like all americans but apart from that everything is simply SUPERB!! enjoy... you won't regret..

note: to understand the title you will have to watch the video

If the video is not buffering very well you can go to this link..

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3926685424170083906&q=russell+peters&total=1127&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1

30 Things To Do In An Exam When You Know You're Going To Fail It Anyways!

2007-12-11T02:35:00.000-08:00

This is something i got on facebook from my friend. Most of you all have fonished exams so maybe you can try it next year.. haha.. i might try it.. hehe.. just for fun.. totally pointless..but let me know which are the ones you like best.. have fun..

1. Get a copy of the exam, run out screaming "Andre, Andre, I've got the secret documents!!"

2. Talk the entire way through the exam. Read questions aloud, debate your answers with yourself out loud. If asked to stop, yell out, "I'm SOOO sure that you can hear me thinking." Then start talking about what a jerk the instructor is.

3. Bring a Game Boy. Play with the volume at max level.

4. On the answer sheet find a new, interesting way to refuse to answer every question. For example: I refuse to answer this question on the grounds that it conflicts with my religious beliefs. Be creative.

5. Run into the exam room looking about frantically. Breathe a sigh of relief. Go to the instructor, say "They've found me, I have to leave the country" and run off.

6. 15 min. into the exam, stand up, rip up all the papers into very small pieces, throw them into the air and yell out "Merry Christmas." If you're really daring, ask for another copy of the exam. Say you lost the first one. Repeat this process every 15 min.

7. Come into the exam wearing slippers, a bathrobe, a towel on your head, and nothing else.

8. Come down with a BAD case of Tourette's Syndrome during the exam. Be as vulgar as possible.

9. Bring things to throw at the instructor when s/he's not looking. Blame it on the person nearest to you.

10. As soon as the instructor hands you the exam, eat it.

11. Every 5 min. stand up, collect all your things, move to another seat, continue with the exam.

12. Turn in the exam approx. 30 min. into it. As you walk out, start commenting on how easy it was.

13. Get the exam. 20 min into it, throw your papers down violently, scream out "Darn it!" and walk out triumphantly.

14. Arrange a protest before the exam starts (ie. Threaten the instructor that whether or not everyone's done, they are all leaving after one hour to go drink.)

15. Show up completely drunk (completely drunk means at some point during the exam, you should start crying for mommy).

16. Comment on how sexy the instructor is looking that day.

17. Come to the exam wearing a black cloak. After about 30 min, put on a white mask and start yelling "I'm here, the phantom of the opera" until they drag you away.

18. If the exam is math/sciences related, make up the longest proofs you could possible think of. Get pi and imaginary numbers into most equations. If it is a written exam, relate everything to your own life story.

19. Try to get people in the room to do a wave.

20. Bring some large, cumbersome, ugly idol. Put it right next to you. Pray to it often. Consider a small sacrifice.

21. During the exam, take apart everything around you. Desks, chairs, anything you can reach. 22. Puke into your exam booklet. Hand it in. Leave.

23. Take 6 packages of rice cakes to the exam. Stuff at least 2 rice cakes into your mouth at once. Chew, then cough. Repeat if necessary.

24. Ask to go to the toilet, and then sound the fire alarm

25. Walk in, get the exam, sit down. About 5 min into it, loudly say to the instructor, "I don't understand ANY of this. I've been to every lecture all semester long! What's the deal? And who the hell are you? Where's the regular guy?"

26. Do the entire exam in another language. If you don't know one, make one up!

27. Bring a black marker. Return the exam with all questions and answers completely blacked out.

28. Every now and then, clap twice rapidly. If the instructor asks why, tell him/her in a very derogatory tone, "the light bulb that goes on above my head when I get an idea is hooked up to a clapper. DUH!"

29. From the moment the exam begins, hum the tune Amazing Grace. Ignore the instructor's requests for you to stop. When they finally get you to leave one way or another, begin whistling the theme to the Walls are falling down.

30. After you get the exam, call the instructor over, point to any question, ask for the answer. Try to work it out of him/her.

Thank You!!

2007-11-30T03:17:00.000-08:00

I have finally gotten my laptop back
and it has restored my communication with the world again.. haha... Well it has been busy weeks for me.. parents were here for 3 weeks and spent 5 days in Germany and went on a visiting spree of family friends around England(literally).. was tiring at times but it was great to have mum and dad over here..

Thank you all again for all the Birthday wishes and especially those who even sent me an sms, Thank you... The day before I left for Germany my friends Serena, Alice, Joan and Mabel gave me a surprise birthday party of sorts.. it was unexpected... they bought some champagne, a cheese cake and a truffle. Mum was also present as she was giving them some 'cooking' classes while she was staying with me for a couple of days.. We left Uni on Friday after class to join dad in Harlow, North East of London where he was working.. We took the flight from Stansted Airport the next morning at 7am to Karlsruhe, Germany.

We landed in Karlsruhe and with the help of a chinese hot dog lady made our way to Heidelberg where we were staying.. It's was quite an unusual experience because everything was in German and surprisingly not many people could communicate in English.. or at least understand what we were asking them.. It was really funny especially when mum was ordering her food because half the time the waitress wouldn't understand a word that we said.. had i known earlier that i would be coming to Germany i would have taken a couple of lessons from Chirs... haha.. the only word i knew was 'Danke' which means thank you.. Heidelberg was a really nice place.. We went up to one of the oldest castles in Germany which was on a mountain and it was snowing there.. the view of Heidelberg city from up there was exceptional.. simply beautiful.. Heidelberg has nearly 1000 years of history and happens to have the biggest wine barrel in the world.. The wine barrel was really interesting as it was used to tax people in the olden times.

We were in Heidelberg for 3 days and then we moved on to a small town called Speyer where dad had a meeting.. I 'celebrated' my Birthday on our last day in Heidelberg and got a series of sms wishes right through the night before because of the time difference... Speyer is an even older town with more than 1000years of history.. It is home to the 3rd oldest Cathedral in the World after St.Peter's and St.Paul's.. The Cathedral was just a stone's throw away from our hotel and it looks spooky.. It still contains the tombs of the kings of Germany but also has some beautiful paintings on the ceilings and walls.. While we were walking around in the Cathedral, there was this pianist who played the most iry sounding music on the pipe organs.. Imagine walking in this hundreds of years old building with tombs, dim light and echos whenever you speak.. and you get this joker playing the pipe organs.. shivers man.. Pipe organs don't exactly produce the nicest sound.. it makes you feel sad and guilty in some way.. maybe that's why so many people go for confession.. haha.. We went back to Karlsruhe on our last day to stay for a night.. We visited this Media and Film Museum which was really interesting.. Never seen anything like that before.. It had equipment that were first used by movie producers years ago to the latest used by people like Spielberg.. I'm sure Ryan would love it.. It had equipment that could manipulate sound and images.. the great thing was that we were able to do it first hand on our own..

One thing that impressed me most about Germany was their efficiency, it was just quite incredible. The transport system is excellent and with the combination of trams, trains and buses are able to take you to nearly anywhere in the city. The trams run straight into the town centres and its track act as the divider for the cars on the road.. All public transports are very frequent and has a timetable for it which nearly never changes. BUT, the Most Amazing thing i encountered is the punctuality of all public transport. If the timetable states that the next tram is at 5.43, be sure you be there before at 5.42(literally) because the tram would arrive at 5:42:30 and leave at 5:43.. its just incredible.. i timed it for the first few times and it never failed me.. These goes as well to buses who are nearly uncontrollable when on roads.. It just blows my mind on how they do it.. In Malaysia we indicate time using quarters(every 15mins), that's how bad we are.. when we were there dad and i were indicating time by the minutes and seconds because we had to or we will just simply miss our transport..

One of my main goals when i went to Germany was to try their famous Franks(sausages).. At the end of the trip i counted that we(3 of us) had a total of about 25 franks in 5 days.. The franks a just simply delicious and come in all shapes and sizes.. The mustard they use on their franks are also superb which i would attribute my new found love for mustard.. The Germans eat a lot of pork and meat and i must admit that i was so busy trying out different German delicacies that i got a bit sick of it on our last day. Mum also got to try her favourite Swine-Hacks(pigs trotters).. If you are a meat lover, Germany is definitely the place to visit for you.

Over all, it was just a great time that i got to spend with my parents. Travelling in a foreign country especially of a language we don't understand was certainly an interesting experience and would certainly not be the last for me..

I would just like to Thank Mum and Dad for giving being here this last 3 weeks here with me. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to experience life in a different country and culture. Hope that i would be able to make you proud.. Love you both..

I want to Thank our Heavenly Father once again for providing the open door for me to be here.. Lord, may You continue to lead and mould me more and more according to your plan for me..

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Wait...

2007-11-23T04:17:00.000-08:00

next post coming soon.. my laptop is in the hospital... more stories on Germany too.. haha.. God bless!!

All the Best!!

2007-11-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

In a few weeks time you will be like the man in the above picture.. hang in there.. Just want to wish all SPM and STPM candidates all the best in their exams.May our gracious God be with you always.. May God give you wisdom, composure and peace as you take your papers.. May God grant you strength and focus as you last through this hectic duration of weeks.. May God lay beside you to grant you rest in Him to be fresh for the next day.. All the Best and God bless!!

Our God is an awesome God.. He reigns forever more.. Amen

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Murphy's Law

2007-11-13T02:02:00.000-08:00

What is Murphy's Law? Is it good or bad? There's a whole list of murphy's law which i have no idea how it came about.. Let me tell you.. most of us have experienced this before just that we don't realise it.. It's a law that we all have to abide even unconsciously..

Murphy's Law:" If anything is likely to go wrong, it will go wrong at the worst possible time. The time we least expected and in the worst possible fashion."

MY LAPTOP JUST KONK OUT ON ME!!! Arghhh.... at the worst possible moment too.. Dad had asked me to find out which is the best way to get to Harlow(north east of London) because he has a conference there.. Lo and Behold,i pressed the start button and all i get is a black screen.. ??? What happen??? i really panicked... 2 of my assignments are due on Monday Friday respectively... Not now.... i couldn't sleep well that night.. smart me though.. i had saved my work on my thumb drive.. but how could i be sure? I have totally lost confidence in this IT stuff...

The next morning(Sunday), I went over to my friends flat to use her laptop.. I breathed a sigh of relief and laid back on the chair when i saw my 2500 word essay appear on the screen.. goodness... Thank God... my other assignment was also in place.. but i was still worried about my laptop.. With Dad, mum, Uncle and Grandma we went to visit the historical city of Oxford.. Even the fascinating historical tour that we took could not take my mind of the laptop...

Aren't we a bit too dependable on technology? Has it been a good thing for us or has it just spoilt us? I read in the papers yesterday that there is a bar in London that u can order your beer via sms/text... ??? How big can the bar be?? It means people are too lazy to just get their bums of the seats to walk to the bar to get a beer.. What type of world has this become? i think the future will be that we dun even need to get out of our beds and everything is done for us...
The entire age of civilisation is an enormous cycle.. hundreds of years ago people craved for the technology we have now to make their lives easier and more comfortable.. but now... people want to go back to the old ways.. living in cottages.. going for holidays in the mountains.. living in the countryside away from all the concrete and skyscrapers... humans.. aren't we a really special but highly mysterious breed of homosapiens...

As the saying goes :"The grass on the other side is always greener". Technology has definitely made our lives easier and more comfortable. In which age could you speak to someone thousands of miles away face to face with no charge? but admit it.. a lot of us just wish to have a quiet place.. no traffic jams... no noise but the singing of crickets... ahh.. the life... If God would appear right in front of us now and tell us that he will grant us the gift of choosing which generation we would want to live in, won't it be a dilemma?

anyway.. i have handed in my first assignment yesterday and will get my laptop checked out soon.. am currently in a family friends house using their computer... but remember my dear friends.. Murphy's Law can be a good thing to us as it teaches us to be more cautious and plan better.. although sometimes things just cant be helped but this is life... Like my wise old(but still young) Taikache says:" Never call your child by the name Murphy!!" haha...

p/s taikache, its a more immediate reminder for you than me... haha...

Looking forward to the break

2007-11-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

Ok.. don't worry that's not me.. i haven't lost that much weight ok.. i have lost a couple but i'm getting there(winks at jem).. Yeah its been some time since i wrote.. I have just been so so busy this pass week.. 2 assignments are due next week and with many to follow still.. Have to prepare for a presentation in 3 weeks time and its not that long a period based on the amount of research that needs to be done which i haven't started.. yeah.. so it's quite a full load for me recently..

The plus point is that my parents have landed!! woohoo!! My uncle and grandma also tagged along because they have to visit some friends over here.. anyway.. i went to the airport to meet them.. just got back from a superb north indian dinner with them.. ahh.. the taste of curry and spicy stuff is simply delightful... This british land has no chili whatsoever.. you cant even get chili if u go to Mcdonalds.. can you believe that? How do these people eat here? Chili is the toast of all food which brings out the full flavour in all the food we eat.. Chili.. one of God's many amazing creations.. don't you think?

Alright.. enough of my sermon on why people should eat chili.. that was just the introduction.. maybe i should write about it sometime... anyway... so since parents are here.. i gotta rush all my work and try to finish them during the weekdays so that i can go galavanting with them during the weekends... yay... so i must work hard so that i can say that i truly deserve the break during the weekends... haha.. ok.. now.. back to work isaac!!

Meaningless?? or not...

2007-11-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

It was Halloween yesterday but it is a day that is nearly never celebrated in Malaysia. A day that we only see on TV shows or movies. What on earth is halloween? this is just a brief history of halloween.

Halloween, or the Hallow E'en as they call it in Ireland , means All Hallows Eve, or the night before the 'All Hallows', also called 'All Hallowmas', or 'All Saints', or 'All Souls' Day, observed on November 1. In old English the word 'Hallow' meant 'sanctify'. Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherians used to observe All Hallows Day to honor all Saints in heaven, known or unknown. They used to consider it with all solemnity as one of the most significant observances of the Church year. And Catholics, all and sundry, was obliged to attend Mass.

Through the years and even generations it has evolved into some what of a day of excuse. An excuse to get sweets, wearing something stupid and not be laughed at, having a bad hair day and getting commended for it, partying all night long etc. We usually watch on TV seeing children dressed in costumes going to each home to get sweets and the house owner is obliged to give out candies. It actually reminds me of the hungry ghost festival that we often witness back in Malaysia. It sounds similar, just that the ghost around here has a sweet tooth.... haha...

Anyway.. i went with my friends yesterday to the pub nearby to experience my first halloween.. not that i celebrate or care about it but just to see what people do.. It was a funny experience seeing people dressed up running around.. most of them already half drunk.. the worst thing is as i was walking, for every 20m i would count about 5 splatters of vomit.. absolutely disgusting.. and im doing a presentation on Alcohol consumption on Friday... anyway... it was fun at the pub.. people dancing and drinking away... These poor misguided people got no where to go and the highlight of their day is drinking and clubbing in the night.. was talking to one of my classmates and she told me that drinking and clubbing is her life.. she has nothing to do if she stops clubbing... i was saying to myself "what a sad life". So have i finally understood the word meaninglessness?

This really reminds me of the times i read the book of Ecclesiastes where the wisest man that ever lived on this earth, King Solomon laments about meaninglessness on this earth. His famous tag line in that book is "everything under the Sun is meaningless". The man who had everything in this world, power, wealth, women, kingdom, castle etc. and he says everything is meaningless. what sense does it make? So what then is our purpose on earth? Are we just extra dough that God miscalculated? NO.. God has a purpose for all of us.. That's why He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to redeem us from sin. We have a mission. Solomon goes on to say that life without God is meaningless. We have a call. Those people need Jesus and there are many more out there who need Him too. I really hope that i would never have to understand or experience meaninglessness in my life. I have Jesus.. Halleluyah!!

Put a smile on God's face

2007-10-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

I got this story from an email from my dad and found it really meaningful and would like to share with you all.

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around.We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said,

"This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer and are received."I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed "How is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked."So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments ""How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked. "Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord." "What blessings should we acknowledge?" I asked. The angel replied:

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. "
"If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy ."
"And if you read this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
Also ......" If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive to see this day ."
"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world."
"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest,torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world "
"If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare .."
"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair."

Just take a moment to think now. Aren't we truly blessed? Often we take things for granted and expect God to answer all of our prayers. How many times do we actually thank Him once He has answered them? We usually get on with our life and IF we remember we say a short prayer of thanks. Lets make it a habit to thank God not only for the things he has granted us but the fact that we are even alive, Praise and Thanks to our God the maker of the heavens and the earth. Let's put a smile on God's face.

ATTN:Acknowledge Dept.: "Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with."

Bring the light of each day to the next and leave the darkness behind

2007-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

pic from left:Alice, Serena, Joan and Mabel

Argh... i didn't realise that i have not posted for nearly 2 weeks.. well thats bad and i apologise.. i gotta make this sort of a habit and keep it going.. anyway.. i have been having a real busy weeks.. preparing for assignments, presentation, research, reading etc. When lectures start, work do pile up. I did my first group presentation on monday for my study skills module and suprisingly it went quite well. There were some positive responds from the class and i think our group has set some sort of standard as we were he first group.. hehe.. It's good to get one out of the way though.. that presentation was like part of our exam so hopefully the lecturer was kind..

I now realise that every single thing my dad said about university was true. READING and RESEARCH. There's just so much reading to do in preparation for class as well as after class. For the first time in my life i'm actually making good use of the library. The libraries here are huge and is updated every year with new books. This is what i call a REAL library not like those we have back home or at least in kluang. For my information and technology module, we have to design a webpage as one of our assignments. We tried it that day in the computer lab and it's just so cool. It's quite time consuming using that html stuff but it was great fun. I'm just wondering how my webpage will look like as i have not real thought about it. Any ideas?

There was also a major development in my self nourishment career here too. A few of us friends of the same course decided to cook together for dinner everyday and i happened to be the only guy among 4 girls. Strangely enough they have generously elected me as chief chef as i continue to develop my hidden talent of cooking.. hehe.. according to certain experts and researches my talent has some funny mechanismes and can only function in this country of England and not back in Malaysia. They said that the heat of Malaysian weather prevents the mechanismes in my body from functioning. Sadly, that means my beloved brothers and sisters in my homeland would not be able to taste my cooking. BUT... there is one way.. Get a plane ticket, fly here and taste the famous cooking of chef isaac!!(silence.... pin drops...) ok never mind..

On Saturday, the 4 girls and i went to central London for some sight seeing. Let me introduce you to this 4 lovely ladies. They are Serena and Mabel from Hong Kong, Joan and Alice from China and of course me. We went to visit Buckingham Palace and witnessed the royal march and band along with thousands of people who were crowding the entire gateway. I just cant bring myself to imagine the amount of people if the Queen was actually there. The crowd was just incredibly massive. We also went to the National Gallery at Trafalgar square. To many, visiting the National Gallery in London is a social and cultural obligation when visiting England. It was real fun as i got to see actual paintings of famous artist like Leonardo Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Monet, Raphael, Michelangelo etc. The oldest painting i saw was dated in the region of 1250 by some italian artist. These were paintings and artist that i have only heard of and seeing them with my own eyes were great. We had to make our way back to campus a little earlier to catch the rugby World Cup final which amazingly the girls with no prior knowledge of the game decided to tag along. As the match went on, i had to be the live commentator for them. All in all, i think they enjoyed the atmosphere at the bar more than anything. Watching at the bar is a total different experience which i really enjoyed. Let's just say that the day would have been perfect had England won.. sigh..

In this world, nothing's perfect. If it's perfect we wouldn't need God anymore. Many a times, we often look at the negatives in everything. The scenario:

Mum: How did exam go today?

Son: I didn't know how to do 5 questions, i tikam them all.

Familiar conversation? Have you said it before? I have.. The son could have said that he knew how to do the other 45 questions. Wouldn't it be more encouraging? We should look at the positives. Look on the bright side, appreciate the things that God has provided for us. We are not failures but victorious in Christ.

"Bring the light of each day to the next and leave the darkness behind." isaac

Journey begins but am i ready?

2007-10-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

Classes have started for the pass one week. Sorry for not posting the pass week. Have been really busy preparing for my presentation on Monday. It certainly has been a really interesting time for me. Having course mates from all parts of the world is cool. My course mates come from countries such as Pakistan, India, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Russia, Albania, Iran, Nigeria, UK, Turkey etc. It's exciting and even though i have only been with them for a week you start to see some enormous contrast in areas like value systems, culture, mindset etc. All the things i use to say about standing up for what i believe has really come to the test. Some lectures which involves a lot discussion sessions are my favourite because i get to know people better and find out what is actually going on in their head. I sort of expect some of the things that come out of their mouth but i have certainly been shocked a couple of times too. This is not to scare anybody about University life ok.. hehe.. It's just that it doesn't help but to make me think sometimes how sheltered we can be. Humbly i would say that i have had more exposure than most people but it's not any easier. Everything that has been taught for 19 years has finally been put to the test. I was confident that my fortress was strong but, is it?

Will it be able to take the wind? maybe yes, anyway it should.

What about the wave? I think it can

What about the coming tsunami? Err...

When I start to see,think and imagine what could happen there's a sudden doubt and fear. What if i fail? What if i fall? God help me..

God will always be willing to help because he is our Father and He loves us.
But am i willing to be helped? Am i doing my part?
That is the question that i am wrestling with at the moment. Will i be ready when faced with extreme adversary?

"Now therefore, listen to me My children. For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear my instructions and be wise, and not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to Me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the post of my doors.For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord." Proverbs 8:32-35

Be faithful with Simple Daily Chores. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

The Sheperd always takes care of his sheep

2007-10-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

This past few days were great. Ryan came over to the University to stay with me for a couple of days during my orientation week. It was really fun to have a friend from home to be with you. Sometimes without even realising it, it actually helps you settle into a new environment much easier. Then on Friday we left for Ryan's aunt's house in Lewes. Lewes is a small town in the South of London which took us a good 2 hours to get there. Aunty Am(unc.Ven's sister) and Uncle Ian her husband were such lovely people. They certainly stuffed the both of us with such nice home cooked food. We spent the rest of the night watching this stupid but hilarious show caled Monty Python. It really felt like home.

The next day, we had lunch at a really nice restaurant called Bill's which serves one of the most delicious cake i have ever eaten. It's a bit like the chocolate banana cake you get at secret recipe but just imagine 10 times better. haha... mouth watering le... anyway.. the toast of the day was the rugby world cup match England vs Australia. The best thing is that England against all odds BEAT Australia 12-10. yoohoo... to top it up.. Manchester United also demolished Wigan 4-0 that very Saturday afternoon. ah.... What joy and excitement... In the evening we also enjoyed a delightful walk along the country side and witnessed some quite spectacular views.

It was certainly a weekend well spent with friends and 'family'. This was certainly my very last 'vacation' of sorts as classes start on Monday. As i reflect, God has truly been gracious to me for providing such friends. I find it quite incredible with God's timing of things. Of all times, Ryan was able to make the trip to the UK at about the same time as i would be coming. And because of his many relatives here, i am really blessed to have been able to meet them. These are gestures that can never be measured. With no relatives in the UK with the exception of one, i am suddenly somehow acquaited with the Nair family. With unc.Ven and A.Sze's flattering words i have miraculously being invited back to their houses in the near future. All my life i have been brought up in an environment that puts utmost priority in FAMILY. This was one of my greatest fear when not having a 'family' around. Lo and behold, God has provided one in the form of the Nair family where i truly felt at home. One thing I do know is that God has brought me to this country for a purpose-TO MOULD ME into His likeness. As a mother to her child, He leads me with such gentle kindness and doesn't throw me into the deep end all of a sudden. I recently read on Joyce's Blog. LET GO, LET GOD. If we don't let go of our worries and troubles how can we expect God to help us?

I cast all my cares upon You,
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet,
And many times i don't know what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You

This was a song that i heard since i was a child(ask paulus if you want the tune). God has brought me back to the basics once again. God doesn't short change us, but it's often that we do not trust Him enough.

"Lord, i would like to thank You once again for giving me this opportunity to be here. Thank You for providing for my needs when i sometimes fail to even realise. Thank You for being there for me always. I pray that I will continue to learn the Art of letting go and letting You. Thank You Lord. I Love You my Father. Amen."

Tour of London

2007-10-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend with Herman in London last week. On Saturday he brought me on a tour of London. We went to Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Downing Street(prime minister's office), Covent Garden, Chinatown, St.Paul's cathedral, Westminster Abbey(the Church)top, Big Ben(the clock) and some other places too. It was a great fun just walking in London. These are places that i have heard of since i was young. Some places like Leicester Square, i first heard about it while playing monopoly(winks at wei ling).. haha... So i really had so much fun just walking around. Thank God for the good weather, a nice sunny day. Central London was also swarming with people. Because it was such a nice day everybody was just taking a walk in the streets. We also went to Regent Street which is like the Orchard Road of London. Shopping shopping shopping everywhere. Im sure people like Kar mun and Joyce would absolutely love Regent Street. haha.... The pick of the day for me was actually at Covent Garden. It's quite a popular touristy place where you can enjoy some old buildings and a nice cup of coffee. The wonderful thing there was the Street Performances. People just put up a performance to entertain people who visit that place and they do not get paid. Performing on the streets is their livelihood and they survive on people's contribution after each show. I utterly enjoyed the performance. The great thing is that people here are also very sporting and responsive. They actually answer questions and support the performer. In all my experiences in MC-ing believe me, us Malaysians are just so hard get going even in Youth camps. Anyway, we Malaysians really have a thing or two to learn from the English especially in the area of politeness. Shame on us... haha... Thats it for now.. more to come when i get back to campus tomoro.. see ya... top:London eye

CAUGHT at the London tube

2007-09-29T00:39:00.000-07:00

Finally im back to some sort of civilisation.. am at Herman's(Colin's younger brother) house in London. Came here on thursday after meeting up with Ryan. We certainly had a great time catching up and spending time at his cousin aunty's place. It's always really nice to meet someone from your own town in another country.
Anyway, on Wednesday we were suppose to meet at Victoria ticket station. I was waiting at the tube(like lrt or mrt) ticket station while Ryan was waiting at the train ticket station. I was carry my bag pack and a hand carry while waiting at the counter. I also wore a black cap and was looking out for Ryan. Suddenly, 3 policemen walked up to me and pulled me to a corner. Here's the conversation. p-policeman, i-isaac

p: excuse sir could u pls tell me why are u standing here?
i: im actually waiting for a fren, we are suppose to meet here
p: can i have your ID pls and pls put your bags at that corner thank you
i: (puts bags down n smiles)
p: This is no offence sir but we are part of the anti-terrorism body and we will like to check your bag. Is there anything inside that will hurt me if i open it?
i: Errr... no
p:(checks bag while the other policeman calls some embassy or something to check my name)
p:Alright, pls fill in this form for me and all your particulars. dun worry no record will be kept.
i:(???? then why do i need to fill in my particulars)
p:Thank you for your patience, hope you enjoy London
i:Thank you

Well, i kept a copy of that particulars sheet cos it says British Police or something. Quite an interesting thing to happen on your first time on the London tube. Well, Ryan n i had a good laugh bout it.(Ryan has a 2nd part of the story i will let him tell that.. hehe..)
It's been really cold in London this few days. It rained the whole of yesterday so i had to stay home for the whole of yesterday. But it was rally nice to catch up with some ppl. Had a chat with a couple of my aunts back home. did a very onteresting conference call with mich, tien n ly. Mich was so excited bout the conference call cos we were all in 3 different countries. I think skype is just simply incredible.
Anyway, will be going to visit London today and going to Chinatown on sunday b4 heading back to Uni. Orientation will start on Monday and hopefully i can get everything into place as quickly as possible. Well miss u all back home.. i think yf is starting now... love ya

Unexpected turn of events

2007-09-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

Checked into campus yesterday and realised that my orietation only starts next week instead of today.. sigh.. some serious communication problem.. the worst thing is that u practically cant do anything until u have enrolled and get your student ID and everything.. so no internet, no joining the sports club.. no nothing.. real frustrating.. sigh..
But i mean everything might turn out just well as i have some time to get used to the place here... am currently in the Library in Uxbridge town.. bout 20 minutes walk from my campus... might be meeting Ryan tomoro and will go stay in another frens house for the weekend.. orientation starts only on Monday fro the whole week.. Classes start only on the 8th of October... so i hope i can get some internet lines around... We live in a world that is so dependant on technology.. well.. have been thinking bout how ppl actually live without it last time.. anyway... since we already have it.. just make use of it la.. haha... till then everybody... im well here... hope u are too..

Arriving in London

2007-09-23T02:16:00.000-07:00

Just arrived in London. The flight took about 13 hours and it was not pleasant. Sitting with 2 huge Aussies in the pathetically small SIA airplane was definitely not enjoyable. I thank God that at least i could sleep for a couple of hours to take away some agony.
Anyway, my cousins gave me an unexpected surprise yesterday at the airport. Really did not expect them to come because wei wey kept saying that she was busy and stuff.. haha.. really thank you all for coming it meant a lot... Friends from singapore and Kluang made the trip too.. it was really nice to see them at the airport..
Well, am now at a friends house now.. Very tired but am actually getting ready to go to church in a while.. some Evangelical Church of some sort.. will certainly be interesting to see how the churches here are like... anyway... will only be going over to the University tomorrow... till then..

The time has come

2007-09-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

well.. the time has come.. i love the song from the UNITED live album UNITED WE STAND... as the the Word of God says:"A man has to leave his father and mother to be with his wife..." dun worry im not getting married yet.. it kind of feels that way.. "A boy has to leave his father and mother to learn to be a man". At this point of time, first and foremost I would say i will have to learn to be a MAN after God's own heart first. Well, im sure this journey forward is just another step and challenge God is taking me.
Jit had to give me a little lesson on packing yesterday too.. i think if not for him i would stillbe in Kluang right now(am in singapore now). some ral last minute packing doesn't help at all. I always do so many other things first, esp meeting other people. sigh... sad that will have to leave everything and that life that i have known for the full 20 years of my life.. Thanks for all your wishes and encouragement. I hope i have left something with you all back in Kluang, my friends in Malaysia and other parts of the world. I hope that i have left something that has encouraged and motivated you to run towards the Crown of righteousness. I pray for God's bountiful blessings to be on all of you.
THANKS you guys n gals for being a blessing to me. LOVE you all.. God bless...
p/s prepare the tear tsunami is coming to malaysia n singapore... haha..
Flight SQ322 11.20pm departure from singapore

Welcome people of the earth

2007-09-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

tralala....

oh hi.. sorry for this terrible picture because i am not a person who likes taking pictures(wink moon & potato) of myself so this is the best i can get. It was actually between this and my baby photo.. Well lets just say that i grew quite a bit... haha... anyway.. i have a blog at last.. i use to give people lectures on why sometimes blogs are the biggest waste of time.. yeah... so why am i doing it now? WEll.. it's bcos i love u people and i know that you all will be concerned about whether im commiting any crime out there or not..haha...

Well for all those who are yet to know, the 2nd biggest guy in town(2nd only to jit) is leaving this little but vibrant town of Kluang. Some people are soffucating so i need to sacrifice myself to free up some air.. hehe.. Am actually going to study in the UK... Brunel University, Uxbridge West London. So this is the best way to keep communication, update and ensure you people that i am behaving myself. -to the next -to the next