HOW'S DRAWOH? (האווארד)

Movie Galore!

2010-05-11T14:15:00.001+08:00

2011
Thor on May 6th
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on May 20
Hangover 2 and Mission Impossible 4 on May 26-27
X-Men: First Class on June 3 with Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom
Green Lantern on June 17
Cars 2 and Rise of the Apes, a prequel to Planet of the Apes on June 24
Transformers 3 on July 1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 on July 15
The First Avenger: Captain America on July 21
Cowboys and Aliens on July 29

2012
The Avengers on May 4
Men in Black 3D on May 25
Sequel to Star Trek on June 29
New reboot Spider-man on July 3
Sequel to The Dark Knight on July 2

When to move.

2010-04-05T00:27:00.002+08:00

To run when the ground shakes is instinctive. To stand firm when the ground shakes takes strength and character. (Jos 1:6) Loyalty.

What Friday?

2010-04-02T11:53:00.002+08:00

Only God is good. And this friday, it is God-Friday. Welcome to Good Friday. Go meet Good in a church near you. :)

Iron Man 2 Trailer

2009-12-17T10:55:00.001+08:00

Be Blown away...

Iron Man 2 US Official Poster

2009-12-02T12:05:00.001+08:00

Nice.

Exam Time-Table: Sem 1 09/10

2009-11-20T13:12:00.000+08:00

Date Time Subject Venue
23/11/09 1pm Intro to Computing SR1, SR6 (2h)
25/11/09 5pm SSA2204 Nation-Building in Singapore MPSH1-A.B (2h)
30/11/09 9am PS2236 European Politics AS1-0301 (2h)
01/12/09 9am PS3251 International and Regional Organisations TH (2h)
01/12/09 1pm GEK 1046 Intro to Cultural Studies MPSH2-B (2h)

Shortest but most Excited Blog post!!!

2009-05-08T13:09:00.001+08:00

Year 2 Sem 2 Exams has ended!

Nuff' said!

X-Men (1992) - Season 1, Episode 1

2009-05-05T01:33:00.002+08:00

For all you 80's kids, here's something to reminiscent about. I remember me and my friends rushing our homework and rushing home from CCA (ECA then) to catch the X-men. And whenever we were together as a group, we will assign characters to everyone to be as we go out. The cartoon that started it all...enjoy!

X-men Origins: Wolverine and a whole lot of videos!

2009-05-01T23:51:00.002+08:00

Gamers and comic lovers of the world unite!

2009-04-28T13:48:00.003+08:00

We have spoken and they have heard our cries! Yes!

The most anticipated and cried out game sequel of one of THE best console/arcade game of the last century is coming out this Summer! Store your 50 cents coins or get your PS3/Xbox 360 consoles because of this...

Jia you Marcus!!!

2009-04-24T00:48:00.008+08:00

It's been 2 years since SOT 2007, and Team 20 has always been on my

mind. How everyone is doing well...how everyone is progressing through life

after bible school...

Marcus, we're fighting with you! Jia you!

I want to go eat Steamboat with you again...

Mugging away on a long road to....

2009-04-23T12:36:00.003+08:00

I know what you're thinking most of the time when you're studying! Food!

Delicious fast food for that matter, that smell just swift through the air, in a little paper bag, with it's nice boxes full of amazing surprises! Wooo lahh!

Take a break and watch these guys order some fooda!

Easter Production 2009!!!

2009-04-08T18:23:00.002+08:00

	Singapore Expo Hall 8	Jurong West St 91
	English Service	English Service	Children's Church	Chinese Church	Dialect Church	JAMs Church	Tamil Church
5 April (Sun)
4 p.m.					+
9 April (Thu)
3 p.m.			+
10 April (Fri)
11 a.m.			+ (Expo)
1 p.m.		+
3.30 p.m.		+*
5.30 p.m.	+
8 p.m.	+*
11 April (Sat)
11 a.m.			+			+
3.30 p.m.		+*
5.30 p.m.	+*
7.30 p.m.
8 p.m.	+
12 April (Sun)
10 a.m.	+*			+
12.30 p.m.	+
3 p.m.						+
4.30 p.m.							+
+ Children’s Church services will be held concurrently with the English services at Singapore Expo and Jurong West. * These services will be simultaneously interpreted into Mandarin.

Sustainability...

2009-04-08T18:22:00.003+08:00

No matter how capable a person is, or how well organised and effective an organisation is, the risk of a burn-in is very real. Sustainability has to always be a key consideration...

As such, on a personal level, Howard will...

1) Commit to 2 meals a day minimum. No matter how busy or held up he is.

2) Exercise once a week. Whether gymming or jogging, or circuit training at home.

3) Clear all urgent back-log work daily so as to ensure peaceful sleep and mind.

The challenge is to maintain these even during exams and operationally stress periods.

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit...

Trust v.2

2009-04-05T21:50:00.005+08:00

Nobody will understand how you truly feel.

If someone ever comes up to you and say, "I understand how you feel", he's lying.

Only God truly understands.

There can be semblance, similarities in circumstances, but life is too multi-faceted for another to have exactly the same life experiences to understand how you feel.

But that shouldn't stop you from trying to understand and empathise.

But the fact remains, no one really understands...

Thoughts on Prayer and Giving...Revolution.

2009-04-04T13:18:00.008+08:00

At one point, I felt God ask me," Do you really love? If you really love, then you will be willing to give it away."

Had the 2ND week of morning prayer in the year and it was great to start the day of with God. Feel more attuned and encouraged that you start the day right and early. Amazing that motivation can cause people to be consistently discipline for a whole week to wake up early. We all need that motivation daily, and perhaps we can wake up at 5.30am everyday to pray.

Some thought about prayer;

You see people praying lightly, opening up their eyes, and lightly distracted. Yet others in intense concentration, in a focused state. What's the difference? Maybe this can explain:

Burden X Degree of Release = Depth of Prayer

Perhaps why some people don't pray as intently is because they don't, or don't want to, experience as much burdens. It's the same as when you feel everything is okay, praise and worship songs are less appealing, and is equated to secular songs with nice tunes. Yet when burdened, songs about God takes on a whole difference dimension and meaning to your situation. What's the difference? Burden.

Burden doesn't mean deep prayer. One has to have the motivation, love, or Degree of Release to see his or her burden lifted or situation changed. How much do you want what you want? Depth of prayer is a magnification of how much you want your burden's to be lifted and changed. "...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16) Burden in the heart (righteous man) X Degree of Release (fervent prayer) = lifting off of burdens (avails much)

The other permutations are congruent.

Burden = Depth of Prayer / Degree of Release

When one divides his depth of prayer among his degree of release, and is not focused. If we equate Depth of Prayer to time, taking into consideration that intent prayer takes time, then it can be seen that when time is divided into smaller chunks among your Degree of Release, it will increase your burden. But this increase does not equate to greater prayer life per se, it just increases the feeling of burden. To not pray is to not deal with burdens. To pray not equal to the degree of release increases the feeling of being burdened, because it is not adequately dealt with, as "hope deferred makes the heart sick."

Degree of Release = Depth of Prayer / Burden

To spread out and water your Depth of Prayer (Time, intensity etc.) on your burden(s) will cause a greater Degree of Release. This is evident on the surface level; by spending time and intent on praying over your burdens, you get your burdens lifted, because God answers our consistent prayers and "seeks to meet our every request". Yet on a deeper level, the more you lay your Depth of Prayer over your Burden(s), the more you will increase your motivation and love (Degree of Release, the relation has been established in point 1) to pray, and as one factor increases, you will see a proportionate increase in the line factors in the same equations; Depth of Prayer and interestingly, burden will also increase proportionately. Because as you "...give, and it shall be given back on to you..." and God will give His burden on those that can handle it.

" Do you really love? If you really love, then you will be willing to give it away." God never hordes, but He is a giver. As long as we say, "I can't do without this" other than God, then you don't really love it. To give away, is the greatest expression of love. We need to give our lives and time to pray and seek the only person we can't live or do without, that is God. That is truly loving our lives and time, because we make right use with it, giving. The hording and fear of lost of money brought us the recent financial crisis. To love time is not to keep it, but to give your time away. The way to healing, and true love, is all in the giving.

Let us bring a Giving Revolution! Give like you have never given before!

It is only right.

My first re-count blog post...try this style of writing...

2009-04-02T23:59:00.004+08:00

2nd of April 2009, Drawoh's Journal.

The sky was dark, with a looming break of sunlight. How queer. Was indoors praying while the Sun creeped up on the world. At least he is consistent. Going indoors, dark. Prayed. Open curtains. Sunlight. Walked out warm. Smile on face. Happy friends are at Jurong. Oh well. Found other happy friends to have breakfast with. Yvonne, Yen, Pauline and Boon Kiat with Mcdonalds. Sinful Hotcakes with sausage. I can afford it. 55 kg and still counting. 60.

Sat along AS1 studying with Amanda Faith. After talking, she seems happier. That made me happy. Serene surprised me with a can of my favourite drink. Smile. Lessons had Amanda soon. Serene re-appeared with waffles. Smiled but half. I don't eat waffles. They are my favourite. But I'm allergic to waffles, for now. Just like how I am semi-allergic to Pedro shoes. Long story. Ask the flying dragon. Decline but thanked her.

Invited my professor to Easter. Said he was the Anti-Christ. Not as The Person, but embodying the qualities of. Slaps head. Blows air out of puffed cheeks. Sat bus 151 with him. Talking about theology and comics. Fun. He writes and publishes papers on theology but does not think whether God really exist matters. Tough. Happy that the bus went nearer and nearer to my house. Alas! It missed my house and continued on to the horizon. Decided to be adventurous and moved on. Landed up at Hougang Ave 3. Why do I always end up at Hougang when I let fate lead me?

Favourite place in the world now.

At the back of the bus.

Own world.

Revelation.

Thinking.

Solitude.

Alone.

Another Personality Test

2009-04-02T11:12:00.002+08:00

Why the sudden interest in Personality Test? It isn't the test, it's the graphs and causal relationship that interest me. Hazards of statistics class, which I am surprisingly enjoying...(despite all the hair-pulling frustration...i only took E-maths...Sympathy lah....)

INFJ Sage

Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging

Your self perception

Quietly forceful, original, and sensitive. Tend to stick to things until they are done. Extremely intuitive about people, and concerned for their feelings. Well-developed value systems which they strictly adhere to. Well-respected for their perserverence in doing the right thing. Likely to be individualistic, rather than leading or following

Wisdom from Men

2009-04-01T17:13:00.003+08:00

Had talks with my two male mentors yesterday and got wisdom and insights about life and being a man; (in a highly paraphrased fashion)

"Be ruthless to self! If one cannot handle his own emotions, one cannot handle his life and definately not other people's."

"When you're hit left, right and center, the Devil must be very nervous. Breakthrough is coming, big time breakthrough."

Think Christ-mindset, not world sub-set

Year 2 Sem 2 Exam Schedule

2009-04-01T12:39:00.009+08:00

PS3260 POLITICS AND THE VISUAL 27/04/2009(Mon) 5:00pm

PS2237 INTRO TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 29/04/2009(Wed) 5:00pm

GEK1012 CONTEM' SOCIAL ISSUES IN S'PORE 02/05/2009(Sat) 1:00pm

PS3257 POLITICAL INQUIRY 06/05/2009(Wed) 9:00am

PS2249 GOVT AND POLITICS OF SINGAPORE 08/05/2009(Fri) 9:00am

Personality Type

2009-04-01T11:26:00.002+08:00

Howard Kuay,

Your personality is Melancholy Choleric.

Melancholy Strength:10 Weakness:10

50%

Phlegmatic Strength:4 Weakness:3

18%

Sanguine Strength:3 Weakness:1

10%

Choleric Strength:3 Weakness:6

23%

Pass the link on to your friends so you can learn about their personalities.
http://oneishy.com/personality

This test provided by Jehiah

So... which personality are you?

Looking for other personality tests? check out www.allthetests.com

Jesus Wept

2009-03-31T13:07:00.003+08:00

I use to be a rather emotionally shut-down person. Having the mindset that emotions get in the way of expediency. It seems to be more a guy-thing. Certains events in life caused me to unlock and realise my emotional self, and now I feel more complete, better able to express myself and see matters in a better perspective.
Many people I talk to suppress their emotions because they prefer not to be so "feeling". It is perhaps true, that by embracing and expressing your emotions, you are subjecting and opening up yourself to more heart-aches, disappointments, unmet expectations; but one also loses out on greater joy, happiness, celebration and reflection. There is a price to pay for everything. We tend to lose out on the good when we focus on the negative. God wants us to experience the full spectrum of live, and that includes our emotions.
Like knowledge and truth, we should be embracing and experiencing emotions fully within our lives, but be careful on how, and who we express it to. It is our responsibility to learn, and also to teach (show). Let us grow in the "fullness" of God.
Here's an entry from Pastor Kong's blog, that says it so well.

Jesus Wept

31 MAR 2009

Jesus wept. John 11:35

“Feelings aren’t important.” “Emotions get in the way.” “Don’t trust your feelings.” “Don’t feel sad.” “Real men don’t cry.” “Just trust God.” Have you ever heard such advice before? I suspect you have because many believers have a serious misunderstanding about the Christian life. They think Christians should live stoic lives and never express strong emotions. Yet, the Bible describes more than 20 different emotions that Jesus felt. If Christ is our model of perfect spiritual and emotional maturity, then we should take a look at a few of Jesus’ emotions:

(1) Compassion: Jesus fed the multitude because they hadn’t eaten for three days and He had “compassion on these people” (Matt. 15:32). He also healed the two blind men by the roadside out of compassion (20:34). As a compassionate person, Jesus was profoundly moved by the sufferings and troubles of those He encountered.

(2) Love: If compassion characterizes Jesus’ feelings toward the multitudes, then love epitomizes His relationships with those closest to Him. When Lazarus laid dying, Martha and Mary sent this word to Jesus: “Lord, he whom you love is sick.” Then John records, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (John 11:3-5). Jesus didn’t try to be less than human by shielding Himself from love and affection.

(3) Joy: One time, following Jesus’ prediction of His betrayal, He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (15:11).

(4) Grief and sorrow: John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible. It reveals a Savior who could feel pain for those He loved. Jesus didn’t try, as we sometimes do in times of sorrow, to be outwardly “strong” and hide or deny His feelings. Through His tears, Jesus showed He had the strength to care enough to weep.

(5) Anger: Perhaps the best-known expression of His anger was when He drove the moneychangers out of the temple. To those who sold doves, Jesus rebuked, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” (2:16). Like Christ, mature Christians will experience angry feelings. But those feelings must be stimulated by a love and concern for others and for righteousness, rather than by the frustration of our own desires.

(6) Peace: As Jesus prepared to leave His disciples in death, He told them, “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (16:32-33). Jesus displayed Spirit-controlled emotions freely. Take responsibility for your feelings. no one makes you feel any particular emotion—positive or negative. you choose to feel the way you feel. So, express those feelings constructively so that in every emotion, God is glorified.

Read Pastor's blog at www.konghee.com and be blessed!

Trust....

2009-03-29T07:28:00.004+08:00

Sunday, March 29.

I went out for a drive and a walk at 12.30 am.

I was thinking about stuff. A lot of stuff.

Began to say aloud all the promises of God my mind could remember.

I was in the middle of the open street. I didn't care.

I haven't cried openly for a very long time. Only in the dark. Only in Church.

Walking along, something in me broke. I cried.

I put on my iPod. Worthy from C3 band. Thought it would help.

It did. I cried even harder.

I didn't stop moving. The pace was the same. But my face was not.

My heart is not burdened. Just preparing itself for a long walk ahead.

Today, by C3 band. I cried for a really long time.

My heart is warm. My heart is beating steadily.

I wanna remember. I need to remember this feeling.

No one's at home. Took a cold shower. This feeling.

I didn't sleep. This feeling.

So help me God. This feeling.

I need to pray, more. This feeling.

Trust. Is believing even when you don't know.

7:44 am.

I need this feeling.

I am going to pray.

He told me...

2009-03-20T23:26:00.002+08:00

God empowers His people; He gave us the Holy Spirit while we were still unholy. If God would wait and only give His Spirit to those you are holy, most if not all of us will still be empty.

Jesus came to earth to be a change-maker; to give life to the dead, to give hope to the hopeless, to give acceptance to those rejected, to touch the untouchables, to hug the sad, to tell the poor that he can be rich, to tell the people your life will never be the same again.

Every inward realisation and revelation would be met by an equal outward physical reaction. Jesus, upon receiving the full revelation of His position as the Son of God, met it by immediately standing and washing His disciples feet. The full revelation of greatness would be met by the full position and demonstration of servant-hood.

He empowered His disciples, His people by showing the way, being an example, demonstrating, then teaching them how, then sending them out.

Jesus knew Judas had a problem with money, yet He made him face his problem by making Judas the treasurer.

That's trust. That's empowerment. That's change.

Marvel Movie Update: New Release Schedule!

2009-03-13T11:30:00.003+08:00

Marvel Studios Feature Film Pipeline
Film/Character	Prior Release Date	Current Release Date
IRON MAN 2	May 7, 2010	May 7, 2010
THOR	July 16, 2010	June 17, 2011
THE FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA	May 6, 2011	July 22, 2011
THE AVENGERS	July 15, 2011	May 4, 2012

Aren't you excited! 2010 and beyond will be fantastic!

In the mean time, here's something to tickle you, here is...

In this episode..."Mysterious World! The Man Lives to Fate." When a train suspiciously overturns, Takuya [Spider-Man] believes Professor Monster and the Iron Cross Army are responsible, while flashbacks reveal the tragic details surrounding Garia's arrival on Earth and the transfer of power to Takuya.

Avengers ASSEMBLE!

(Just so you know, Spider-man is an Avenger now...really.)

Tribute to the 2 gentlemen who died in NTU

2009-03-07T01:31:00.000+08:00

Here's a song in tribute to the 2 gentlemen who killed themselves in NTU. Nobody will truly know under what kind of circumstances did they die nor the situation they faced. I just feel sad no one tried to understand them to be able to make them value life.

Never take anything in life for granted, even life itself.

"New York Minute" - Eagles

Harry got up
Dressed all in black
Went down to the station
And he never came back
They found his clothing
Scattered somewhere down the track
And he won't be down on Wall Street
in the morning

He had a home
The love of a girl
But men get lost sometimes
As years unfurl
One day he crossed some line
And he was too much in this world
But I guess it doesn't matter anymore

In a New York Minute
Everything can change
In a New York Minute
Things can get pretty strange
In a New York Minute
Everything can change
In a New York Minute

Lying here in the darkness
I hear the sirens wail
Somebody going to emergency
Somebody's going to jail
If you find somebody to love in this world
You better hand on tooth and nail
The wolf is always at the door

In a New York Minute
Everything can change
In a New York Minute
Things can get a little strange
In a New York Minute
Everything can change
In a New York Minute

And in these days
When darkness falls early
And people rush home
To the ones they love
You better take a fool's advice
And take care of your own
One day they're here;
Next day they're gone

I pulled my coat around my shoulders
And took a walk down through the park
The leaves were falling around me
The groaning city in the gathering dark
On some solitary rock
A desperate lover left his mark,
"Baby, I've changed. Please come back."

What the head makes cloudy
The heart makes very clear
The days were so much brighter
In the time when she was here
But I know there's somebody somewhere
Make these dark clouds disappear
Until that day, I have to believe
I believe, I believe

In a New York Minute
Everything can change
In a New York Minute
You can get out of the rain
In a New York Minute
Everything can change
In a New York Minute

Japanese Spider-Man, Episode 1

2009-03-06T05:46:00.004+08:00

Take a break from your studying and work and watch this amazing piece of unknown google-box madness!

It's unbelivable! Its Toei produced! The synopsis reads, "
The first episode of the Toei-produced Japanese "Spider-Man" TV series sees motorcycle racer Takuya Yamashiro gain the powers of Spider-Man! With his new powers and the help of Marveller, he transforms into Leopardon in order to defeat Professor Monster and his evil Iron Cross Army."

I love the era, the cheesiness, the music and the lame superhero-ness that you just can't help but parody. The props and make-up! Makes you slap your head so hard it hurts!

It doesn't get any better than this!

"Spido! Ta da ta da!!!!!!"

Everyday...is just an Ordinary Miracle.

2009-03-05T03:23:00.002+08:00

It’s not that unusual
When everything is beautiful.
It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

The sky knows when its time to snow,
Don’t need to teach a seed to grow.
It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday;
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own.

Isn’t it remarkable?
Like every time a rain drop falls,
It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

Birds in winter have their fling
But always make it home by spring.
It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

When you wake up everyday
Please don’t throw your dreams away;
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we’re all a part
Of the ordinary miracle.
Ordinary miracle

Do you want to see a miracle?
ohh ohh ohh, ohhh ohh ohh...

It seems so exceptional
That things just work out after all.
It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

Sun comes up and shines so bright
And disappears again at night.
It’s just another ordinary miracle today.
ohh ohh ohh, ohh ohhh ohh...
It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

Jewel's Vblog

2009-03-03T13:32:00.003+08:00

Jewel

Jewel reveals that her new self-recorded, self-produced album will be called Lullaby, containing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, with new songs.

We need more mood-music CDs, rather than hand-banging, new music seeking to impress label producers. Really looking forward to it, hopefully able to get it off the shelves in Singapore; if not, Amazon is the way to go.

"Somewhere over the rainbow...Blue birds fly..."

Funny E-mail! You will like this!

2009-02-20T15:34:00.002+08:00

A child was asked to write a
book report on the entire Bible.

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 your neighbor'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.

Timing + Path Way

2009-02-12T23:40:00.008+08:00

In the last 4 days, 2 themes have constantly come up time and again in different people's conversations; on timing and the decisions, or paths, in which one decides to walk in.

Solomon in the bible says "there is a season to everything", and God says, as long as the world remains, seed-time and harvest will remain. Therefore if we are to live well, and I'm not talking about prospering, but just having a progressing life, we have to understand and appreciate this concept. In my observation, life is sequential in this order;

a) Actualisation (Revelation)

b) Preparation (Sowing)

c) Incubation (Waiting)

d) Realisation (Reaping)

What's the problem then? God made everything good in it's essence, and functionality and operationality comes naturally. Therefore actualisation stage, or the understanding that we have to do something, or things can be processed into workable products, comes fairly easy. Boy John grows up and realise that riding a bicycle would probably be fun and decides to learn how to ride a bicycle.

God made man to dream and receive visions. If there's one thing every man, regardless of social strata or locale can do, it is to dream and hope. Thus, man in his mind, would jump from step A, actualisation, to desiring in his heart, step D, realisation. Although not in reality, his or her heart, and soon his or her mind, would linger on step D, ignoring step B and C. It seems there is an in-built understanding on the difficulty and attempt on escaping step B and C. Every child, with little or no exposure to the "Social", would whine and fight against Work. John thinks about riding the bike but hates falling down.

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick." Here's lies the problem. Without a full understanding and appreciation of "seed-time" and "harvest", people falter and give up. "My people perish because of ignorance." This is so true. "Giving up", can also be called "compromise", "back-sliding" or "choosing the narrow path." In every race, visualising the ending line or goal is tantamount to not only finishing the race, but more importantly in this context, staying on the race. John is faced with a choice, continue trying and risk the hurt of falling, or deciding riding a bicycle "is just not his thing."

The longest step in "seed-time and harvest" would most definitely be C, incubation. What about B, preparation? Sometimes step B is as long as step C, yet because there is work involved in step B, it doesn't seem as long. Step C is a time where the "farmer", that's you and me, steps back and allow nature to take its course. Its a time where you know, nothing you do can improve its growth, you can only hinder. It takes faith! It takes trust. This is where people falter and give up. Take detours to the "wider" path. It's tough, no one can deny. "Why so long?", "I don't deserve this," "I can't take it anymore," "Maybe a easier path would be better for me," "I could do without this, its not worth fighting for."

Waiting builds character. It is God's way of training his people. No army goes head-on to battle. I'm reminded of my time in police. It takes 2 weeks to plan an operation, 1 week to prepare, 1 week to wait for the guy to turn up, and 3 seconds to arrest him. What??? A month in exchange for 3 seconds? Yes. Fruits are hard to bear.

A wise farmer would use the waiting time to build up; to get more Revelation and to prepare for Realisation. Whatever situation you are in, don't give up. Recession is the best time for training. Tired is the best time to praise. A low love-bank is the best time to give. What's so great about giving in excess? An empty store-house is positioning itself for harvest. Lack builds hunger, space allows fire to burn, waiting cultivates patience and value is realised in absence.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. - 1 Cor 9:24-25

Whatever situation you're in, I gotta be honest, no one on earth can and will ever fully understand. We can only empathise. But God understands. Don't give up! Don't give in!

Does John ride a bicycle?

Dino! the Dashing Dachshund!

2009-02-06T17:25:00.006+08:00

Here's the new addition to the family! Dino is Dashingly Cute and Brave! He's a Dachshund, or what's commonly known as a "sausage dog"! He arrived home on the 5th of Febuary at about 7pm. I was away at a meeting and only got home at 11am to see him and the little boy took my breathe away!

See what I mean! How do you ignore that look?!

He's a young 4 months old puppy, small and all ready to go!

He barks when he needs but most of the time he whines...So cute right?!

“If it wasn't for dogs, some people would never go for a walk.”

Mathematical metasomatism

2009-02-04T16:58:00.012+08:00

PS3257 POLITICAL INQUIRY : AN INTRODUCTION is a
Statistics class in disguise!

Graphs, area under graph, standard deviation, co-efficients,
intercepts, standard error, contingency table...the nightmare
is coming back!

(Why did you take a Statistics class???!!! Are you mad?)

Well, I hope I am not. Apparently the above module
is a requirement to be a Political Science major,
the other being the introductory module.

Electoral behaviour, policy implementation,
succession acceptance, polls,
death,births, rate and locale of war, frequency of war and
civil wars etc. etc. tend to be presented in charts and graphs.

(So what do we do now?)

Rekindle my friendship with "Calculator" and "graph-paper",
buy a longer rule and dig out curve-rule.

and Endure!

“We shall match your capacity to inflict suffering with our capacity to endure suffering. Do to us what you will and we shall continue to love you.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

“You never know what God has instore for you, if you hide behind the friendship...sometimes it takes risking that friendship to find a love that will endure all things.”

.yadrutas doog a evah s'teL

2009-01-31T18:57:00.000+08:00

Lets start this post right-side back.

I'm now sitting in the living room of my auntie's (mama's younger sister, grandma's youngest daughter) beautiful single storey home, waiting for second aunt (grandma's 2nd daughter, 4th child), with mama sitting next to me watching Taiwanese Variety show; first aunt (grandma's 1st daughter, 3rd child) standing, with mama's younger brother, my 3rd uncle (grandma's 3rd son, 6th child) on a foldable chair....phew...that took some thinking!

Only got to know about this gathering from mama early in the morning, and initially I didn't wanna come, but I'm grateful i did. Haven't had such a gathering in 2 years, and I haven't seen 3rd uncle in almost 4 years. (Why? Long story, ask me personally if you really wanna know...) My family is kinda small and the past 2 years, I had spent my Chinese New Year overseas. Decided that from next year onwards, this shouldn't be a reason, no more travelling overseas over CNY. I reckon, one, two years not seeing extended family, they would probably forget me!

Hopefully today compensates for my absence during the first and second day of the lunar new year. We're gonna have a scrupulous home-cook meal together later at 7. Haven't had a home cook meal with this many people in years... I feel void of family life at times, always on the run outside most of the time. Will build up a strong family culture next time for my own!

Haven't met Dad's side of the family yet. We do meet up here and there though for kid's birthday. Tried organising a get together last year for the younger generation, but it's tough coordinating and wonder how's the reception. Hopefully we will meet somehow in the next week or two.

This morning I had my first Scout meeting with the new Sec 1 boys. All 24 of them. They all looked excited and that's the most important thing. Simply means they were eager to learn. Young boys being young boys, they were roundy and noisy, all over the place. Disciplined them, fixed them up to stand at attention and listen to verbal commands. I was impressed how quickly they learnt! In one hour, they could stand at a collective attention. Malleable and young. I love it. Ask them to run, they really run for dear life! Young mouldable lives, beautiful sight. After that we played Chariot-race and dodge-ball. It's a brand new beginning for the Scout troop, and these new sec 1s are the future.

Wooo! 2nd uncle and auntie with 2nd aunt is here! 2nd uncle brought old pictures of them when they were young and some of me! Sniff sniff...dinner is ready!

Family is the basic unit of society...

Interesting/humourous things I saw...

2009-01-30T18:02:00.005+08:00

Dad came back mumbling to himself and sighing at a hamper on the floor.

Howard: "What's wrong with the hamper?"

Dad: " My relief driver lah, kaypo!"

Howard: "He gave you this hamper? So nice?"

Dad: "Aiya! Kaypo lah he!"

Howard: "He's nice what, why is he kaypo?"

Dad: "He's a little extreme. Why must give hamper? Now I have to give him ang pao right?"

Howard: "It's just one ang pao isn't it? This hamper should cost at least S$50."

Dad: "Don't know lah! What one ang pao? He has Seven children!"

Howard: "...."

_____________________________________________________

The days before and during the Chiang Mai trip, I gain a total of 4 kg! Bulk of activities was meeting people for meals and I ate a lot during the trip. Looks like one of my goal is coming to pass sooner than expected!

_____________________________________________________

2009 is going to be a 80's revival in the cinemas. With a remake of Friday the 13th (Feb), Watchmen (March), Terminator Salvation (May), Transformers 2 (June), G.I Joe (August), and The Fantastic Mr. Fox (Nov), almost a major release every month!

Marvel in Review 2008

2009-01-29T11:21:00.003+08:00

Top Teams of 2008

Top Fights of 2008

Top Villians of 2008

Top Heroes of 2008

My name is Max Eisenhardt. I've been a Sonderkommando at Auschwitz for almost two years. I watched thousands of men, women, and children walk to their deaths. I pulled their bodies from the gas chambers. I dug out their teeth so the Germans could take their gold. And I carried them to the ovens, where I learned how to combine a child's body with an old man's to make them burn better. I saw my fellow workers buried alive under an avalanche of rotting corpses. I saw thousands of murdered people burning in giant outdoor pits. I have seen at least a quarter million dead human beings with my own eyes...and I couldn't save a single one...

--Max Eisenhardt (Earth-616)

Out of town.

2009-01-24T04:15:00.006+08:00

Howard will be out of town from the 24th to 27th of Jan.

He will still be contactable via e-mail and handphone, should you need to get him urgently.

Flight details as follows;

24 Jan (Sat) Thai Airways TG 402, Singapore to Bangkok, Departure: 0810 Arrival: 0930

Internal Transfer TG 104, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Departure: 1030 Arrival: 1140

27 Jan (Tue) Thai Airways Internal Transfer TG111, Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Departure: 1455 Arrival: 1605

Bangkok to Singapore TG401: Departure: 1925, Arrival: 2245

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone, and see you back in town on Tuesday!

HUAT AH!

NUS U.N.I.T.E.D on CityNews

2009-01-22T17:15:00.001+08:00

NUS U.N.I.T.E.D

21 January 2009, 5:11 pm by contributor

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Contributed by Howard Kuay

Life in the university, void of structured classes and time-tables, can get lonely and daunting at times. Shuttling back and forth between lectures and tutorials, one can easily be lost among the crowd and absorbed into the work-load, neglecting the importance of forming meaningful friendships and enjoying the process of getting an education.

With this need and concern in mind, a group of NUS students came together to form NUS U.N.I.T.E.D., a social outreach for friendship and moral support. As the 3 to 4-year study duration would pass by in a flash, NUS U.N.I.T.E.D. serves as a great platform for NUS students to get to know more friends within the campus.

On 17 Nov 2008, 17 NUS U.N.I.T.E.D members embarked on their first social event, Lunch-Out. With semester examinations just a week away, study groups could be seen all over the Central Forum of the campus. NUS U.N.I.T.E.D gave out invitations to the study groups to join in for a Lunch-Out at the Central Forum. On the day of the event, NUS U.N.I.T.E.D showed up with packets of Nasi Lemak and handed them out to the study groups that showed up. With benches all lined together, everyone took a break from their studying and sat down together for a hearty meal. It was a time of fun, throwing out of jokes, getting to know one another, and leaving exam woes at the back of the heads.

PHOTOS: Peter Choong and Liu Yuantai

It was evident in the faces of the 36 friends that came that they were truly touched by the gesture of the group buying them a meal and organizing such a get-together. Everyone had their barriers down and were mingling among each other like old friends. Peter Choong, a 1st year NUS Student and part of NUS U.N.I.T.E.D shares that, “[it is] a truly heartening sight to see our new friends happy and blessed by our efforts.”

Right after the examinations, NUS U.N.I.T.E.D followed up with another event known as Gastrono-athlon!!! —a night cycling event on 14 Dec 2008. The aim was to cycle along a 65km route using bicycles, with pit stops at famous eateries along the East and Central of Singapore.

16 members of NUS U.N.I.T.E.D and 17 new friends took on this arduous journey, beginning from East Coast Parkway at 9 pm, cycling along the park connectors, arriving at their first check-point,Changi Village. After having a scrumptious meal, they then proceeded towards Singapore Expo Foyer 3 and then to Simpang Bedok for local desserts. After which, they proceeded to the city to see the Christmas lights and decorations along Orchard road. Going past Lau Pa Sat, they had another round of Satay before cycling to the Singapore Indoor Stadium, then proceeding back to East Coast at 5.30 am.

Despite the light drizzle throughout the entire journey, it was a good experience for every participant, taking in the night scene of popular spots in Singapore and conquering the distance on bicycles. The important thing was that everyone had fun and got to build friendships across faculty and groups. Yang Changhan, one of the organizers of Gastrono-athlon!!!, puts it succinctly, “The event was really fun and enjoyable. It was a wonderful opportunity for [us] to get to know one another and do something like this for a change, especially with people outside our own faculty whom we seldom interact with during school hours.”

Year 2 Sem 2

2009-01-16T05:18:00.000+08:00

GEK1012 Contemporary Social Issues in Singapore

PS2237 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

PS2249/GEK2003/SSA2209 GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF SINGAPORE

PS3257 POLITICAL INQUIRY : AN INTRODUCTION

PS3260 POLITICS AND THE VISUAL

Was thinking of pursuing a 6th module, but considered the work-load, especially with reading intensive 3260 and 2237 which are Political Theory Based (Think arcane Machiavellian old English, Athenian Greek with a touch of insanity), the adage of "quality over quantity" came to mind.

Political Inquiry is a tad scary, a method of study on the how-to utilise empirical date to translate to graphs and chart electoral behavior, voting statistics and what-have-you. (I'm just not a math person and the first lecture I saw a formula for mean, median and differentiation.)

Politics and the visual is the most interesting module so far. (or it seems to be) Looking at Visual Culture and how it is utilized to the Political. Think pictures, posters, propaganda, censorship, interpretation, theory of the visual, perception, manipulation of the viewer...oh yeah! Plus the lecturer is British with a hard tongue for humor, "At sometime in my lecture I'm going to trip on this wire and you're not suppose to laugh", "You see this red dot? (its a laser pointer), If I see that you're not paying attention and it lands on you, someone is going to come in and pick up bodies I tell you."

Lovely.

Perhaps less is more...

1st breakthrough of 2009.

2009-01-14T18:01:00.006+08:00

I never thought this day would come. 7 years ago, it was a complicated time and I left Manjusri Secondary unsure of the future, unsure of myself, dropped everything and spent a year recollecting myself. One dear thing I dropped was Scouting. Entirely.

Fast forward to August 2008, was invited back to their bi-annual campfire. Felt a stirring to come back to it and lo and beyond, one of the boys who I helped train is now the Scout leader. Considering that he has to enroll into National Service this year, they were looking for someone who can take over the reins. The Scout troop was sustainable, with good people, yet something tells you they are not maximizing their full potential. Facing with a dwindling attendance issue and morale, I thought this would be a good challenge. 2 things in mind; have a good CCA recruitment drive this year. My time from 1997 to 2001, we averaged 12 -15 new Secondary 1 intake per year. From 2002 to 2007, it averaged 5 to 8 per year. Secondly, trained the boys in morals and character.

Over Christmas, it was a shock to hear that the school had placed the CCA orientation/recruitment day on the 1st day of the new school term, giving the leaders and boys little time to plan, prepare and execute. We planned, I prayed, honestly with no expectations, except to try our best.

Setting up the show area in the new school hall

Toh Wee, my boy 7 years ago with relics (Me included, lol!)

The whole gang!

Today I got a SMS from the teacher-in-charge, "Get ready for this. 2 dozen new scouts." We broke history, never been achieved before, 24 new Sec 1 recruits in a single recruitment drive. New recruits now number more than the whole troop! Thank God. Thanks to all the Ventures, Toh wee and the boys who put in all the hard work. They deserve every credit.

Its funny how when we look back in time, we realise why things happen. Every setback has a reason, if we look at it in the right perspective. How time flies, oh man, has it been 7 years since I took on the Scout troop?

Now for other breakthroughs in every area.

To Him who allows all these to happen, good or bad, only You truly understand...Now the work begins...

I want...

2009-01-04T01:34:00.002+08:00

I have a brown belt in two different martial arts......but does it mean I join in every fight?

I have a mouth......but do I criticize everything I do not like?

I am a highly opinionated person......but does it mean I have to express it all the time?

I only say truth......but must the truth be said all the time without regarding tact?

I am who I am......but must I judge people for who they are?

I make mistakes......but do I allow people to make their mistakes?

I expect grace......but am I gracious to people?

I want to have fun......but am I making people's lives more fun to be?

I want to celebrate......but do I celebrate the people around me?

I want to be loved......but do I allow people to love me?

I want to love......but do I love enough?

I want to be who I am called to be......I am called to be the one that wants to be.

I want...

"God, help me to have self control. I understand that what I need may not come in the package that I want. Give me the faith to see that which You have in store. And even if I don't see or understrand, I pray for the strength to trust You, with all of my heart, with all of my mind, and with all of my strength. Amen."

First purchases of 2009.

2009-01-02T02:31:00.003+08:00

After waking up from recuperating from this morning's lack of sleep, went out with Dad to roam the city. Decided to visit River Island as I have heard people wanting clothes and vouchers from there as presents but never had the chance to browse through its clothes myself. Randomly took some shirts to try and to my surprise, they fit me gingerly! (fitting clothes are hard to come by, considering my small frame) Taken by the Brit fashion, decor and music playing in the store, (now don't go suggest it's the colonial itch in me, but I do prefer the British touch), I went on to buy 3 shirts. Never happened before, buying more than 2 articles of clothing in any one purchase, but hey, it's 2009, first time for everything...

Now for the exciting part. I have been searching for Jewel's new album since I heard her new single, "Stronger Women" last year, but to no avail. (The album, called "Perfectly Clear", has been released since June 2008) Apparently, she has been dropped by her label Arista and hence, was void of an international release of any future albums. She has since signed on with "The Valory Music Company" (never heard of them? My point exactly.), and received only domestic circulation. Hearing that a local music store brought in U.S imports, I couldn't resist and went to get it.
It cost S$27.95, more expensive than normal CDs in town. But its the same Jewel Kilcher with her husky voice, beautiful looks (hey, it's a bonus to like the looks of your favourite singer), and classy poetic lyrical. Hearing it through for the first time, its a CD totally in the country western style. The lyrics are more straight forward and relaxed, as compared to her previous CD, "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland," and centers around love songs, romance and introspective thoughts. Jewel has not laxed in her tune-to-lyrics dynamics and maintains an edge, in my opinion, rare in today's secular pop/country singers. "Perfectly Clear" alludes back, in its style and personality, to Jewel's first album, "Pieces of you." I'm totally bias, and I would rate this album 4 and a half stars out of five. Not for everyone and the casual listeners I would agree, sounding unattractive largely. But to a fan, this is a breathe of fresh air and comfort knowing that Jewel has kept to her roots as a roaming, experiential, guitar toting country singer at heart.

It's quite apt for Jewel to be the first CD of 2009. ("Pieces of you" was my first CD ever, when I was Primary 6, 1997) I feel that this year, I wanna go back to basics; build myself up, do the things that makes Howard Howard and Howard enjoys. Going to read from Genesis again. Going to set aside at least one day a month to take long walks and think about life. Going to spend hours wandering book stores, enjoying the smell and thrill. Going to continue to cycle and never neglect this passion again. New thing with an old twist, going to take "George" out for more night drives, discovering places of Singapore less travelled. Going to mentor my Scouts from boys to men. Going to love God more each day, and love people more in every way. Going to give to others, what my leaders gave to me when I was growing up as a student in church. Going to give more hugs this year.

We can be so busy with work that we neglect the person doing the work. We can be so focused on the problem, that we neglect the person going through the problem. This year, I am going to be singularly focused on the person. Personal development, mind, body and spirit; and seeing and dealing with the world, one person at a time. It may mean that I disciple less people, or work with lesser groups, but its a price to pay. Jesus changed the world with 12 men. Quality for 2009, quantity after. I want to be the best I can be. 2009 will be a training, moulding year, setting a firm foundation. I want to be the best person, Son, child to my parents, Leader, co-worker, fighter, friend, encourager, example, catalyst, help that I can be, providing myself for the benefit of others, and in future, be the best boyfriend, companion, provider, husband, father, Leader, Friend, council, confidant and example I can ever be. It is going to be a life-long journey, and it gets serious in 2009. No more fooling around, no more wasting time, no more low quality, no more running wild. God got me big time in 2008, showing me grace when I do not deserve any, giving me chances when I could have been disqualified off the mission. (I feel like Benny many times over...God has a weird sense of humor.)

Let's lay it right, and the right will lay itself.

My core verse -

"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Cor 12:9

My life-mission verse -

"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." - 2 Tim 2:2

This year's theme verse -

"5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you areGod’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." - 1 Cor 3:5-17

Erlinglingjiu.

2009-01-01T11:39:00.003+08:00

Crossed over to 2009, counting down with YK leader's at NUSS guild house at Suntec. It was "Back to School" and it was simply hillarious! Everyone dressed in school, cheer-leader uniforms and even the adults were in full gear! Special mention to Ryan the school librarian and Vincent back-to-JC! (Gotta find a picture to post!) Every sub-zone put up a performance and our Principal, Mr. Goh, was uber-cool!

After the event, Quanhan and myself decided to hunt for some food and the whole Marina area was buzzing with people. Landed in Macdonalds at Bugis Junction. Two guys sitting in the middle of Macs in school uniform, everyone was looking at us like we're aliens! Sat there eating with our sheepish smiles...

Talked about our lives, how we were in the past, how we have changed, reviewed the years, what are our hopes, expectations and aspirations in the new year. Good way to start the year; with good company, and bringing life into perspective once-again. We couldn't help but thank God, seeing in retrospect, how God had kept our lives strong, and how His plan unfolds. Many times when we go through challenges and events, we see it in isolation and question its reasons. Only after time and in retrospect, can we see events and challenges as a whole, as a string of events that brings relevance to each other, to derive a desired result. Desired result of a changed, moulded person. Such events and challenges tends to always deal with issues in our lives, such as self-identity issues, esteem, security issues and when we lean on God, we learn and get over these issues to be better people. Our lives are all that matters to God. Circumstances and events are in flux based on perspective, therefore when we as individuals have the right perspective, we then can deal with challenges and events right.

Right......where did that whole chunk come from...

I'm not entirely excited about 2009. I mean, I am, but in a rather restrained way. Its the thought that its a whole new year, full of unknowns. I only know that it will definately be eventful, full of challenges, victories and certainly failures. Trusting in God for the unknown, believing that I will do my best in all ways, looking forward to more experiences and adventures.

2 main things I learnt last year, focus and patience.

New year, new goals, new vision. (Need to pray more this year.)

So here's to the new year, the best year yet for all of us!

Howard

is going to rest for 2 weeks, then run for 50 weeks.

What I learnt in 2008...

2008-12-31T15:47:00.005+08:00

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." - Proverbs 13:12

We're all people in waiting. We wait for the promises to come. We wait for breakthrough. We believe and wait for change. We wait for the full revelation of God. We wait for Christ to come back.

2008 has been the toughest year for me yet. I have been faced with every fear, insecurity, demon, weakness, strength that I have ever known in my life this year. This year has been interesting, it could be marked into two zones, before the NUS "The Happening" Camp and after. Many of the impactful things that happened, and things I'm gonna write about, happened after. Here are some things to be grateful for and some observations;

- Many foundational plans were set into motion this year, and in my mind I know how it would end, at times God shows me vision and dreams. The desire is strong but patience and time is needed to see fruition. Certain things only time can cure and unveil. The plans for NUS, people's lives, extent of CityCare, personal wants and desires. Its hard to wait, and I learnt that time is the greatest test of character and strength. Anyone can bash through a wall, no matter how thick. It takes a certain type of people to constantly watch for the right time to move. Both Joseph and Serene gave me this verse, thanks guys, it helped me alot.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." - James 1:2-4

- We shouldn't ask "God, why me?" The root of this statement is blame towards God, reflecting a lack of trust. We should be asking, "God, what do you want me to do?" We should count it all joy when we are made to wait with a vision and desire. Too many people messed up by rushing things. I have only heard of people getting into trouble by moving too fast, rarely moving too slow. Takes things easy. Ai Zai.

- It's perfectly normal to want to be alone to collect oneself. Many time, especially guys, think that have to be strong (or perceived to be) and push down their emotions. When Jesus heard about the be-heading of John, He took a moment away from his disciples and the people to mourn and cry. When Jeremiah was confronted by Jezebel, he took time alone in the mountains. It is healthy to our soul, mental and emotional health to have times of isolation. Just don't stay there forever. Collect and move on.

- We have to understand that we serve a wounded Savior. It is through the wounds that the full revelation and love of God is revealed, that God is reconciled to His people, because He understands our pain and got out of it. When we were young, we were faced with right or wrong decisions. But as we grow older and wiser, it is facades of grey; all seems to be great and right! It's what is the right, good and perfect will of God that we need to be careful in choosing. Faced with all the good, which is the best? Prayer and fasting equals to waiting.

- All things are possible with God. God hardly works alone. Most of the time he works with people. Therefore; all things are possible with godly and loving people. I never really had friends, true friends. You know what I mean. After "The Happening" camp, i got touched by people who genuinely cared and crazy enough to ask me out for supper in the wee hours of the morning. Thanks to Changhan who is truly a brother, my long lost twin Quanhan, my essay buddy JingXuan, Geraldine and Berri, my sister in crime Liwei, Diwei, Yuantai, Joseph that injected spontaneity in my life, pats Serene, Jaydee, Joyce Seek, Amanda Faith, Myrna, Cecilia Koh See Su Um ah!!!, Yun Rui, and my fellow leaders, Shan Shan, Angeline and Lichuan, Marc, Sutiean, Annie, Veron; thanks to Johnson and your advice, Simon Peter and your encouragement, Joshua Ming Koon for the brotherly love, Dwayne for the Avengers, Chew yan for the Chewing, Sheryl for giving me the best shock in 2008 ...and many many many more.... At the end of the day, when everything dies down, friendship is what that matters. Friendship and relationship is what we bring up to heaven. Fight for it with your life.

- It brings security and peace to know someone knows you in and out. Besides my parents, there's Veron who could look at me and say "I know what you're thinking and feeling..." Amazing. Obviously you have been praying a lot for me. Thank you so much and please continue praying for me. It makes me a better man.

- God restores beyond what we can think and imagine. Many people don't know that I struggled a lot with the NUS ministry. I was Meridian JC first school IC and failed miserably, didn't do anything significant. Told myself better not lead any thing beside CG. When the vision for NUS came, first words out of my mouth was, "Great idea God, now who is going to do it?" Special thanks to all the people in NUS-CHC, especially the faculty i/cs and Bro Darren for believing in me.

- Passion and love is when you're faced with a circumstance, and you drop all pretense and social expectations. You become your true self, all gittery, nervous and in awe. After it, you will think back and wonder, why was I nervous. Remember the first time your teacher ask you to stand infront of the class; first time you won in a game, first time you received a present? The time your efforts paid off? Never lose that feeling, that passion. It is the core of life, the joy of living.

Something in me tells me 2009 is just going to be great. My emotions seems to be pegged to the economy, its currently in a recession after all the challenges of 2008. 2008 is monumental and it set the stage for many things in my life, which would take years ahead to resolve. I'm believing for great things, that all things will work out for the good for those who love God.

Looking at the staging of the world, a new American president, China finally opening up, ASEAN strengthening, and the world economy at a new point of dynamics, I can only say, "God, lets go on an adventure. 2009, whatever happens, whatever is thrown at me, I'm standing by You no matter what. Come what may."

And all of God's people say....

CityCare made me love kids...

2008-12-31T13:02:00.006+08:00

This year has been both challenging and eventful. There are events and occurrences that are simply one-time memory, and some that would make a deep impact and change in your life

For the longest time, I was really irritable around children and did not feel comfortable dealing, playing with kids. I felt I was too boring and the kids would not enjoy my company...but CityCare made me love kids!

It is one thing to tolerate, one thing to love. Was asked to help assist in the teaching of the New S.I.N.G.A.P.O.R.E.A.N curriculum early this year. Was told to lead games and boy, did i failed miserably the first few times. But gradually, with the encouragement and tips from Veron and Yuzhen, felt more comfortable and grasp the way to hold children's attention and interest.

After a while, had the privileged to teach a few lessons. One wouldn't know how one is being received until the recipient feed backs. Towards to end of the curriculum, while walking into the school, the kids started to shout "Mr.Kuay!" It took sometime to sink in, but you realise that these kids actually like you, and misses you! Bizarre! Astounded and flabbergasted. You could see a bunch of naughty kids slowly sitting down and listening to you talk, able to reply your questions, giving you a sense of respect and expecting fun from you. It does something to your soul. It unlocks a certain unformed aspect in your inner core as a person. Now looking at kids playing along the streets, walking around, stirs that inner aspect in my life. Never thought I would find it, but I love to carry babies, walk children, play catch and bringing kids to the toilet. What happened? Love came into my life.

I should really thank CityCare. People ask me why I fight hard for this non-profit organisation. Because I see the bigger picture, they are really changing lives, one at a time; and its worthwhile. I never expected to be recognized as the Caretayst of the Year and rewarded with an iPod Classic. We don't serve to be recognized, but thanks guys!

Next post: What I learnt in 2008.

Sarah McLachlan sings John Lennon's Happy Christmas (War is Over)

2008-12-27T12:36:00.003+08:00

A rather appropriate Christmas Song for the now...

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over over
If you want it
War is over
Now...

Dear reader(s)...

2008-12-23T22:59:00.003+08:00

Dear Reader(s),

How are you doing? I would like to be a responsible blogger and make known to you that I have tons of blog entries I would like to enter. But December being a hectic month, I have frequently got home past 12 in the morning, turning on my computer thinking of blogging, but to my extend, lying down on my bed has proved detrimental to this affair. Do NOT ask whether I had bathe at times, such unsightly mannerism, which I am due guilty of.

To keep things in line, I shall list out some mattters of which I would like to jot down in this splendid blog that you, or all of you, could, at your own pleasure, delight yourself in reading.

- What I have learnt this year...

- Passion

- George

- Sun is back!

Alternatively, you may find reprieve in my Facebook account, as I would upload pictures of my exploits on the road, as my phone allows. That would be swell for you to see.

So tally forth, and here's a cup of tea and biscuits, wishing you a jolly good Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ta ta for now.

In his Majesty's service,

Howard

A war is brewing...

2008-12-22T10:58:00.004+08:00

First it was Secret Invasion...

Now Dark Reign has begun...

And soon...War of Kings.

Civil War to Secret Invasion drew battle lines apart. Alliances are re-drawn. Status quo has changes. 2009 is gonna be interesting.

Why I still need my laptop...

2008-12-18T21:51:00.001+08:00

Trying to enter a post with my Blackberry phone. Realised that it's better for short texting. Your brain automatically string short sentences with it. Not for long texting it seems. Waiting for Alex, Kern, Ping Ying, victor and Annie to show up. Happy birthday Alex! It's going to be a good one!

The end of a war is always felt on the bed...

2008-12-15T18:40:00.004+08:00

Just got back home not long ago. After Sunday service and prayer meeting, went off to set up and run our inaugural NUS "Gastrono-athlon!!!" 2008 Night cycling event! Overall I think it went ok, with lots to learn and improve on, but good effort on first try. Will blog in greater detail about this.

Right after the event, and a Macdonalds meal later, returned the bicyles to shop and went straight off for 2 work meetings at FXT. I don't know what was holding me up, was struggling to keep awake; thankfully able to perform and not look too bad infront of the organisation. After which went over to Suntec to pick up some accesories for my phone then home to bed. Felt weird trying to sleep, mentally knowing that you're tired, yet restless cause its only 6 plus.

Got a meeting tomorrow at 9! Gotta sleep, where's the sheep, need to count, not to hound!

Thanks a lot to Kynneth, Donn, Jay Dee, Chang Han, Joseph, Yuan Tai, Quanhan, and Geraldine who really went beyond themselves to help and make the above event come to past.

Photos are up! View them at <http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52438&l=c0eb1&id=751532403> and <http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52457&l=b8927&id=751532403>

"Gastrono-athlon!!!" Recee trip

2008-12-11T13:53:00.002+08:00

Just got back this morning from a run-through of the Night Cycling "Gastro-athlon!!!" route. The route is gonna be fun, with tons of visual surprises and promises that you will experience Singapore in a different "light!"

We're looking at a low intensity route of 65 km and it took me 8 hours and 15 mins to finish, at an average speed of 12km/h, a leisure pace that we will be traveling along.

Here's some highlights of the route;

Starting at East Coast Park, we will be going along the back hangar/landing grounds of Changi Airport;

-> Rest point #1: Changi Village

->Rest point #2: ??? (Surprise!)

-> Rest Point #3: Simpang Bedok

-> Towards the City!

->Rest Point #4: Lau Pa Sat

-> Back to East Coast park

Every rest point is "edible" in a sense.

Its going to be a scenic route, hitting the roads at times, but very manageable terrain. Tons of fun elements, going through landmarks of Singapore that you will not forget!

So come for it and invite your friends!

If you drive and don't wanna cycle, do inform and I can tell you road-by-road in which we will be traveling on and you can drive along with us.

See you this Sunday!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NUS-SMU (CHC) will be organizing our first night cycling outreach on the 14 of Dec 2008 (Sunday).

Name: Gastrono-athlon!!!

Description: Join us for a gastronomical time of food hunting through the night, blazing through the Singapore night trail on bicycle as we clear each turn and bent advancing routes in search of good food that opens at night! Your legs will be sore, but your stomach will roar!

Style: Night Cycling + Food Trail

Starting point + ending Point: East Coast Parkway

Cost: About S$15 (Bicycle rental)+ Own food expenses

Meeting Point: 5 pm East Coast Park Macdonalds (behind)

Flag off timing: Starting with a picnic at East Coast Park, will flag off at 5.30pm, 14 Dec 2008 (Tentative)

End time: 6.00 am, 15 Dec 2008 (Monday) (Tentative, Approximate)

My ride for the night

Long and winding East Coast Park Connectors

Changi Coast Rd (Backend of Changi Airport Run-way)

Changi Village

Towards the City!

Lau Pa Sat

The Sky at 6am

The Sky at 7 am

Sun-Rise at 7.10 am. Beautiful. Worth-it!

p.s In reference to my previous blog-post, thanks to Amanda Faith being the first caller to me at 1:19 am and Peter Choong second at 2:07 am. I also have an unknown person called Bee SMSed me using Singtel SMS chat, telling me he/she has read my blog and is just checking on me but I don't know who he/she is. Thanks peeps! You really made the night alone more fun!

Going out soon...

2008-12-10T19:07:00.003+08:00

Heading out soon to recee for Sunday's Night Cycling Event, "Gastro-athlon!!!" Will be taking a bike out alone to go through the route and plan for best and worse case scenarios.

If you're reading this and today is the 10th Dec night or 11th Morning (12 am - 6 am), feel free to give me a call at <96257947> and ask where on earth in Singapore I am. Will give you a "live" update and maybe tell you a joke...

I have about 3 blog entries "swimming" in my mind...will blog them down when I'm free.

"Up, up and away!" - Superman

Night out with "Nelly" the Bicycle

2008-12-07T03:10:00.006+08:00

Was feeling a little under-the-weather and needed some time alone. Needed to do something different. Something I love yet have not done for a long time. Relive some old passion to insert some happiness into my life.

Memories of an old friend I haven't talked to for a long time flooded my head. An old passion I put aside for years because I was "too busy," and "didn't have time for." Decided to go to mom's place to pick up Nelly the bicycle. Yes, I name everything that is dear to me, brings another level of closeness doesn't it?

I have a deep passion for cycling. It's one of those rare sports that I can do for hours, long distance, and my heart will race everytime I see a bicycle traveling along the road. No road tax, no ERP, no insurance, just pure leg power, man and machine having a great time.

Took Nelly out for a night trip while praying. Great combination.

Meet Nelly the bicycle. A Cannondale SuperV1000 FR. Sexy.

Started off at 12.40 am from Geylang Lor 34

Going along Nicoll Highway

Reached City Hall at 12.50 am

Orchard Road at 1.05 am. Look! Christmasy lights!

Blasting Christmas Songs and Charols even at past 1 am through these speakers. Bizzare.

1.15 am. Head of Tanglin Road. Turn-about point.

Sitting at Tangs. Cornetto Chocolate McFlurry taste best at 1.30 in the morning.

Nelly posing at the Singapore Art Museum

At one of my fav Mee Goreng place. (Although the standard has dropped dramatically.)

Nelly happy to be home.

Isolation.

2008-12-04T00:14:00.003+08:00

I like being alone. Being alone helps me to think, allows me to see events and happenings clearer and it gives me a sense of peace and calm.

In this exam period, after Asia Conference, I have been meeting friends and going out less. Felt that I have reverted to the introverted person I was a few years ago. In between studying, been slotting in things I like to do; spending time alone in a big bookshop; taking long walks, thinking, talking to myself, praying; eating alone.

I understand, its easiest to get lost in between the crowd. You feel no one is watching you, no one is thinking who you are, but once in a while, you stop in the midst of all the busyness and you look around, observing, what everyone is doing, where everyone is going to.

Keeping absolutely quiet in one's soul, in the middle of all the sounds and noise; in that region, you pick up things, learn things, realise things. You're open, and not distracted, focused yet peaceful, your mind floats while your feet is grounded.

You close your eyes, and images comes into your mind. Pure feelings and events flood your heart. Like a non-linear movie flashing through your mind. You pick up some and try to piece them together; some comes together, some don't. Some makes perfect sense and possibility, some just doesn't. Names, faces comes into your mind, one by one, accompanied by a picture, a scene. Sometimes I know what to do, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I act, sometimes its clear I have to wait. Somethings its so clear, sometimes its murky.

This keeps me sane. Thank God.

Liberation...soon...

2008-12-03T01:34:00.003+08:00

One more paper on Thursday, then its ho-hum-wee-to-the-li-li-liberated!

"International Politics of Southeast Asia", fascinating subject. Because the region is constantly changing and there's nothing that can sum up or fully describe the history and balance-of-power this region survives and strives on. Ever changing. Ever confrontational. Ever avoiding. The nexus and dynamics, when every country screams for economic liberation, while terrorist are lurking in our back-yards. ASEAN believes it can be more intrusive, yet maintaining non-interference in member states. Only in this region can you find such a dynamic, contradicting, conflicting, confusing yet geo-strategically promising region filled with farmers, economic giants, terrorist, fundamentalist, the willing, the crazy, the power-mongers and the fiercest mafia one can ever find.

Fascinating.

Went to see my professor for consultation, and it turned into a pep-talk on how I can do better, how my marks should be reflective and indicative of how I perform in class. He drew examples of his honours students and I thought, "I'm not sure if I can or would do honours year." He was hard on me, and walking out of his office, it made me think. All the time in his class he had only been nice to me, and here he is, challenging me, showing a different side of himself to me in private. The no-nonsense, man to man harsh encouragement.

I cannot let him down. I gotta try my best to score well in this exams.

Been thinking a lot these few days, taking long walks, pondering...There's really so much we can do in life, and also so much we don't know. The differential can be either fear or faith. Profit or lost. An economic chart on profit or lost looks the same on first glance, the space in between the arcs are the same, whether declared profit or lost. The only different is, which point demarks profit and lost.

God's grace is amazing. He allows us to declare whether that space in our lives are profit or lost to us. Faith or fear, we decide. That space could be the crippling factor, or the reason for trying new things. God allows us to move the axis, rename points and regardless how big the space in between our two arcs, God draws His unitary demand and supply within it and we're always progressive.

Everything in life is a variable, only God and our lives are the only constant.

Scams Part 1 - More to come!

2008-11-28T13:14:00.009+08:00

Central Bank of Nigeria

to me

show details 20 Nov (7 days ago)

Attention:

I am Prof Charles Soludo.Governor Central Bank of Nigeria; my office
monitorsand controls the affairs of all other banks and financial
institutions in Nigeria. I am the final signatory to any transfer or
remittance of huge funds moving within banks both on the local and
international levels. I have before me list of funds, which could not be
transferred to some nominated accounts as these accounts have been identified
either as ghost accounts, unclaimed deposits and over-invoiced sum etc.

I will add your name among the people expecting their funds to be
transferredinto their account, on this note; I wish to have a deal with you as
regards to this funds. As it is my duty to recommend the transfer of these
surplus funds to the Federal Government Treasury and Reserve Accounts as
unclaimed deposits,I have the opportunity to write you based on the intructions
Ireceived two days ago from the Senate Committee on Contract Payments Foreign
Debts to submit the List of payment reports expenditures and audited reportsof
revenues. Among several others, I have decided to remit this contract sum
following my idea that we have a deal agreement and I am going to do this
legally.

MY CONDITIONS ARE:

1.The sum of USD$5.1 Million.only will paid into an account I will
provide you after you have confirmed the $10.2 million total amount
transferred into your account by telegraphic Transfer (T/T), confirmable in 3
working days.

2.This deal must be kept secret forever, and all correspondence will be
strictly by email / telephone, for security purposes.

3.There should be no third parties as most problem associated with your
fundrelease are caused by your agents or representative.

If you agree with my conditions, l advise you on what to do immediately and the
transfer will commence without delay as I will proceed to fix your name onthe
Payment schedule instantly to meet the three days mandate.I hope you don't
reject this offer and have your funds transferred.I anticipate hearing from you.

Best Regards
Prof Charles Soludo
Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This e-mail is presented in its original form and has not been altered or edited in anyway.

Unbelievable. I looked at it and laughed. Here's the thing, if you, in your most logical mind, would like to con people of their money, wouldn't you formulate a plan and lure people to be attracted at the very least? I have seen really good scam-jobs in my life-time, as a civilian and as a Police-man; but the above is a joke. USD$5.1 Million for $10.2 Million. Hello? Anybody home?

1) Is this email compelling with a story-plot and furnished with enough details?: No.

2) Is there a slight hint of credibilty?: Are you kidding?

3) Who has USD$5.1 million liquid cash in this day and age? Even so, it's probably held in assets, property or in some cash fund now.

4) Even if I do have such an amount of money, where do I transfer it to?: Write back to him and become pen-pals?

Dear Prof Charles Soludo, I am amazed that the Nigerian Government would be so willing to inject such a random economic stimulus package to nice random folks like me to boost the world economy. What a fair ideal, to seek to trinkle with your funds and trickle it into my fairer hands. Perhaps we could purchase a PAR product or pursue a free-hold and live happily ever after?

Unbelievable.

Qns: Who are the fastest runners in the world? Ans: Con-man

"There are 2 constants in the world; Change and stupidity." - Drawoh

Nvidia Featuring Mythbusters - Art, Science and GPUs, Explain Parallel Processing

2008-11-25T00:10:00.002+08:00

From Nvision Convention 2008

One more shot for Youtube Live!

Post Asia Conference Joy!

2008-11-24T17:19:00.003+08:00

A day after Asia Conference..utterly Amazing! Life transforming, mind blowing and agenda setting!

Still experiencing the post-joy and excitement, sitting here in the NUS business library studying for my exams. I have a paper on the 25th of Nov, 27th Nov, 1 Dec and last one on the 4th of Dec.

Will write about Asia Conference soon.

Let's all be like super-heroes, with costumes and all, trained in the "Danger-Room" to insulate, and suited up in the black-bird to penetrate!

"Time to make nice with the public, eh, Summers?" - Logan, Wolverine

"We have to do more than that Logan... We have to astonish them." - Scott Summers, Cyclops

~ Astonishing X-men #1 (2005)

An ode to Grace: our lives are all that matters

2008-11-18T23:25:00.004+08:00

Relinquish my power, I give to You,

That is, my all, it all belongs to You.

How futile man's thoughts, when it all comes from You,

a flicker of a wick, when fire was through.

In a singular direction the ship steers, its bow moves with a rage,

"What is before us so, I can't say;

but I trust that we will be whole when we reach home."

A kept secret in the captain's mind,

while his ship shivers down the spine.

Parts of us are broken everyday,

the stern and sail gets hit and torn all the same.

"What hold the vessel when the inner vessels worn?"

Nothing, absolutely nothing, it seems to show.

When the storm cease and the rocking stops,

when the bough breaks, this cradle will drop;

all is lost, the ship is gone.

But our lives are all but on the shore.

ASIA CONFERENCE 2008 IN 2 DAYS!!!

2008-11-16T23:42:00.004+08:00

Excited is too little a word in the limited english vocabulary to express how I feel about Asia Conference 2008!

If only we can appreciate the full magnitude of what God is about to do through our church, through Asia Conference, to touch Asia and transform the world!

Let us pray and believe we can stretch the minds of the Christian World, remove all religious mindsets, release Christians to their fullest potential, enlarge the possibilities of what we can do as a body and give the Devil a heaven of a time on earth!

Affirmation

Be encouraging

Considerate

Dress Sharply

Exuberance

Fervency

Graciousness

Hospitality

Initiative

Jot it down

Kindness

Life transformation

Mutual Respect

Non-reservation of seats

Observing regulations

Politeness

Quest for Excellence

Reverence

Spiritual Hunger

Total Involvement

Unity

Vigilance

Wisdom

X-factor

"Yes & Amen"

Zeal

<http://www.asiaconference.org.sg/index.php>

~Lets go through the veil, to a time that is now~

Rounded the bandits up and banished them...for now!

2008-11-14T02:02:00.009+08:00

This week has been a super hectic week...3 essays, 15 books for research, and tons of citations down; I'm drained but joyful...overjoyed in fact!!! I'm done with readings and essays for a while...until they come back.

Perhaps Newton's first Law of motion stands true in humans lives, that "A body continues to maintain its state of rest or of uniform motion unless acted upon by an external

unbalanced force." This is the law of inertia. Starting on the essay, and formulating

a flow of argument was always the hardest part. I would pace up and down the house, flip through the books countless times, lie on the bed for 5 min's (which sometimes becomes 5

hours), have countless restless nights with mental burden and internal debates on what would be the best angle to tackle the question. But once I start writing the first sentence, everything would seem to fall into place. Its starting that's always the toughest...

I would like to thank Joseph for the last essay. Being a physics essay, he offered to bring me into his physics lab, to be with physicists, with all the physics apparatus, with my physics books to

finish the physics essay!

My work station for the day.

Howard: SO this is the time I turn into The Hulk and start running through the lab walls?

Joseph: Yeah...woo...the computer is blinking green...

Howard: Whoo...the heatsink is turning green...How much does it cost? *Looks suspiciously*

Joseph: $170...the most expensive heatsink...and its a quad-core processor...

Howard: Aw....beautiful...green thing...

Joseph: *Smiles* Um........................................................................ah!!!

Joseph's school bag that's actually a Travelling bag!

And Joseph showed me...Firstly, a vacuum that could simulate space-like conditions!

-79 Degrees! Now I wanna fridge like this for Christmas! "Take out the roast!"..."I can't my hand is stuck to the wall?!"

Super-duper microscope machine thingy!

Howard: "Whoa!"

Notice the sign above...We study the superhumans...Heroes such as you.

Coming soon to NUS...

Parting words?

Um.....................................ah!

Exams are an examinable exemption to life: My Life in NUS and NUS in my life

2008-11-12T17:26:00.003+08:00

Received an SMS from a friend yesterday in the midst of studying in the library:

Congratulations!

Good News for all NUS students, FINAL EXAM have been cancelled in this semester.

To confirm, kindly log on to

Brings out the Rar! in you!

Lol!

When reviewing your notes before an exam, the most important will be illegible.

***The more studying you did for the exam, the less sure you are as to which answer they want.

***80% of the final exam will be based on the one lecture you missed and the one book you didn't read.

***Every instructor assumes that you have nothing else to do except study for that instructor's course.

***Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality.

From http://www.basicjokes.com/dquotes.php?cid=24

Measure for Measure - Act 2 Scene 2

2008-11-09T03:36:00.005+08:00

ISABELLA

    'Save your honour!

    Exeunt ISABELLA, LUCIO, and Provost

ANGELO

    From thee, even from thy virtue!
    What's this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine?
    The tempter or the tempted, who sins most?
    Ha!
    Not she: nor doth she tempt: but it is I
    That, lying by the violet in the sun,
    Do as the carrion does, not as the flower,
    Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be
    That modesty may more betray our sense
    Than woman's lightness? Having waste ground enough,
    Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary
    And pitch our evils there? O, fie, fie, fie!
    What dost thou, or what art thou, Angelo?
    Dost thou desire her foully for those things
    That make her good? O, let her brother live!
    Thieves for their robbery have authority
    When judges steal themselves. What, do I love her,
    That I desire to hear her speak again,
    And feast upon her eyes? What is't I dream on?
    O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint,
    With saints dost bait thy hook! Most dangerous
    Is that temptation that doth goad us on
    To sin in loving virtue: never could the strumpet,
    With all her double vigour, art and nature,
    Once stir my temper; but this virtuous maid
    Subdues me quite. Even till now,
    When men were fond, I smiled and wonder'd how.

NUS Prayer Meeting 3rd Nov 2008

2008-11-04T15:04:00.004+08:00

‘ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the LORD of hosts. - Zec 4:6

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.” - Acts 1:8

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

- Acts 2:1-2

But as it is written:

      “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
      Nor have entered into the heart of man
      The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” - 1 Cor 2:9

“ Listen to Me, O Jacob,
      And Israel, My called:
      I am He, I am the First,
      I am also the Last.
       Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth,
      And My right hand has stretched out the heavens;
      When I call to them,
      They stand up together.
       “ All of you, assemble yourselves, and hear!
      Who among them has declared these things?
      The LORD loves him;
      He shall do His pleasure on Babylon,
      And His arm shall be against the Chaldeans.
       I, even I, have spoken;
      Yes, I have called him,
      I have brought him, and his way will prosper.  - Isa 48:12-15

A new season I bring you into...

Increase in creativity, capability and ability...

I will provide for this new season of your life...

Faith and strength to come into your heart...

Daughter of grace...

“Every thinking man, when he thinks, realizes that the teachings of the Bible are so interwoven and entwined with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally impossible for us to figure ourselves what that life would be if these standards were removed. We would lose almost all the standards by which we now judge both public and private morals; all the standards which we, with more or less resolution, strive to raise ourselves.”

- Theodore Roosevelt (American 26th US President (1901-09), 1858-1919)

This is for you.

2008-11-03T13:45:00.001+08:00

Isaiah 54 (The Message)

Spread Out! Think Big!

1-6 "Sing, barren woman, who has never had a baby.
   Fill the air with song, you who've never experienced childbirth!
You're ending up with far more children
   than all those childbearing women." God says so!
"Clear lots of ground for your tents!
   Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big!
Use plenty of rope,
   drive the tent pegs deep.
You're going to need lots of elbow room
   for your growing family.
You're going to take over whole nations;
   you're going to resettle abandoned cities.
Don't be afraid—you're not going to be embarrassed.
   Don't hold back—you're not going to come up short.
You'll forget all about the humiliations of your youth,
   and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory.
For your Maker is your bridegroom,
   his name, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!
Your Redeemer is The Holy of Israel,
   known as God of the whole earth.
You were like an abandoned wife, devastated with grief,
   and God welcomed you back,
Like a woman married young
   and then left," says your God.

7-8Your Redeemer God says:

   "I left you, but only for a moment.
   Now, with enormous compassion, I'm bringing you back.
In an outburst of anger I turned my back on you—
   but only for a moment.
It's with lasting love
   that I'm tenderly caring for you.

9-10"This exile is just like the days of Noah for me:
   I promised then that the waters of Noah
   would never again flood the earth.
I'm promising now no more anger,
   no more dressing you down.
For even if the mountains walk away
   and the hills fall to pieces,
My love won't walk away from you,
   my covenant commitment of peace won't fall apart."
   The God who has compassion on you says so.

11-17"Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied:
   I'm about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
Lay your foundations with sapphires,
   construct your towers with rubies,
Your gates with jewels,
   and all your walls with precious stones.
All your children will have God for their teacher—
   what a mentor for your children!
You'll be built solid, grounded in righteousness,
   far from any trouble—nothing to fear!
   far from terror—it won't even come close!
If anyone attacks you,
   don't for a moment suppose that I sent them,
And if any should attack,
   nothing will come of it.
I create the blacksmith
   who fires up his forge
   and makes a weapon designed to kill.
I also create the destroyer—
   but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged.
Any accuser who takes you to court
   will be dismissed as a liar.
This is what God's servants can expect.
   I'll see to it that everything works out for the best."
         God's Decree.

KIDNAPPED!

2008-10-30T21:19:00.006+08:00

Howard has been kidnapped by 2 bandits called "Readings" and "Essays".

They are tall and lengthy in height, with a square jaw. They appear to be of various size to different people. Some people claim that they are not 2 entities, but rather two separate gangs working independently, but at times as accomplices.

We hope to release more information, but this case is currently undergoing investigation.

If you have any info, eye-witness accounts, or have been approached by similar said figures before, or have heard dealings of such "Readings" and "Essays" gang, please do not hesitant to contact the Police Constable in-charge at <96257947>.

Your identity will be kept strictly confidential and any information will be dealt with the strictest confidentiality and much appreciated.

"Always be my baby" after 12 years!

2008-10-21T11:53:00.003+08:00

I heard this song being played while setting up for Angeline's wedding and it just stuck in my head. I thought it was a new song. Then I realised that the version I heard was sang by David Cook of American Idol fame. Then I further realised that the original version was published in 1996 by Mariah Carey!!!

What a difference! Both of them are nice, chart-topping hits! But what an evolution!

So here it is, David Cook's version, sang "during the April 15, 2008 episode, in which Carey mentored the contestants on her songs. His version received high praise from all three judges, and even Carey herself. Cook's version charted and peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 67."

And here, the legend. The original. Mariah Carey. ""Always Be My Baby" was solicited to radio on March 26, 1996 in North America, and it became Carey's eleventh number-one single on the U.S. Hot 100...the most-played single in the U.S. in 1996 and appeared at number-one on the year-end Hot 100 Airplay chart" Shout out...

Book review triple-bill!

2008-10-17T10:00:00.005+08:00

Let's do a book review on the last 3 books which I have read, and which I feel has helped me a significant bit in my understanding of people;

What's the main idea behind "His Needs Her Needs"?

- That everyone has a love-bank. In every social interaction, and we're not just talking about love relationships here but every form of communication, we deposit and take away certain amount of love-points. This is based on our likes, dislikes, priority, mood, character traits, needs etc. Hence, if we meet someone that keeps consistently depositing love-points into our bank, we associate him or her with a good feeling. Hence we are more likely to form a positive relationship with that somebody. Also, it draws on the responsibility we have to deposit love-points to those that we are committed to love, whether they be a spouse, family or friends. This is not to be brought to a deliberate point of servitude, but rather knowing that relationships needs to be maintain and not left alone to "weed-out". Knowing this concepts would then help the reader to address needs in the other person's life, because you know that we cannot insist on our needs, but we have to consider others; underlying, people's needs are all different from our own. When we fail to meet these needs, the fact is these needs are still left bare, and hence the person is left to fill the needs somewhere else. This is the cause of marital affairs. A rather technical but surprisingly easy to read book, that brings out facts that are so common-place, you would think "Why didn't I think of it that way?"

Then what's the main idea behind "I Kissed Dating Goodbye"?

- Personally, I feel that the whole book is an extended expounding on a single principle, that "The joy of intimacy is the reward of commitment." It offers an adequate framework for someone to follow, to have a godly, sanctified view about relationships. It expounds on the fact that firstly, one has to evaluate the different aspects of his or her life, and to consider the gravity of responsibility in going into a relationship. Not just the joy of the act of getting into one, but the work and sacrifice one has to put in in providing. It also advocates that in getting into a relationship, one has to have the end in mind, and not just the means. That is, one should only get into a relationship if one has and is ready for marriage, and not just to "test water". The advocacy of "Courtship", is to have the end, which is marriage, in mind within the means (courtship), and not a means to an end. The world's idea of "Trail and error" is marred, while biblical "get yourself ready as an individual for God to present you tested and proven to the world" is held up. Single hood is a gift and season for the greatest personal development one has in life.

What about "boy meets girl"?

- This book builds and expands on the framework offered by "I Kissed Dating Goodbye", through examples, case-studies, offering a more practical and doable approach. This approach is packaged in what is called "Courtship". It proposes that the world's understanding of dating has been severely perverted, that we need to return to the somewhat old-fashion, but full of wisdom stance of courtship. In its essence, courtship is trying out for marriage in two ready persons; and even if it doesn't work out well, it can be still considered a successful courtship if the couple is able to look back and be glad that they tried, God is pleased, and everything within the courtship is done to the best ability to serve and protect the other person. No one has the right to claim exclusivity of other person, whether it be time, emotions, sacrifice, until after marriage. It preaches a safe, progressive, accountable, step-by-step, move towards marriage. Underlying principle, everything done in a relationship has to be done with a purpose and end in mind. If it doesn't help, don't do it or say it. Guard your heart and the other person's by not speaking about the future, because it is uncertain, only about getting to know the person better in the now. Purpose driven courtship; pray and evaluate self, seek wisdom and consent from parents, church leaders and friends, pray more, get into it with guidelines and set out boundaries, and only move into more intimacy when you're ready to match with equal commitment, ultimately leading to marriage.

Aren't these stance a little too methodological?

- In a way yes. But considering how frail and easily tempted men and women are to progress beyond what is healthy, plus the influence we are having through the media on what, how and when relationships should happen (which is too fast and unrestrained, lack of wisdom), these methods on boundary setting, accountability and safe prodding would only serve us good in the long run.

Some people choose not to pick up "boy meets girl", thinking that they should only read it when they are ready, on the terms of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye".(IKDG) What do you think?

- I think one should read "boy meets girl" immediately after reading IKDG. IKDG provides a framework, but "boy meets girl" provides the flesh. In fact, I felt reading IKDG, that it was rather juvenile, and lacks depth. It leaves you hanging with more questions than answers. Yet, considering that IKDG was written by Joshua Harris when he was only 21, then one can appreciate the boldness and wisdom exercised by him. IKDG was sparked by his disappointment of self and his friend's views on dating. At best, it is a reflectionary work based on a present problem. "Boy meet girl" on the other hand, was sparked by his own marriage to his wife, Shannon. It is retrospective and prescriptive. What I really liked about "boy meets girl", was that it gives you a wholesome feeling after reading it, underlying the book, is this; Our love for God is our total reliance, and out of that love, will flow love from and to other people. IKDG provided the charge, "boy meets girl" made it real.

Who should read these books?

- These books are definately worth buying and keeping. I recommend it to everyone. One should read through them once when you're single. This would help you have a strategy and most importantly, self-control in the matter, and not have nagging hope or unfound expectations. Read "boy meets girl" together when you're attached to realign your self and "His Needs Her Needs" many times after when you're married to keep it strong.

So after reading these books, do you think you're ready for a relationship?

- Nope. The ironic thing about knowledge is that, the more you know, the more you realise you don't know.

Pray: Against wrong doctrine

2008-10-14T06:32:00.000+08:00

Hi Readers;

It has come to our attention that there have been groups of people conducting innocent Surveys along the walk ways of NUS and in the hostels. These people are well-dressed, operate in pairs, and they are presumed to be Koreans. Their survey opens with very broad Christian ideas such as, "What is your present religious belief?", "Do you know who Jesus is?", "Do you know the significance of the number 666?"

After which, they will dwell into a conversation that states that they belong to the only true church of God in the world, that God is a mother, and that they have the "right" practices. inviting you to join them in their small group gatherings thereafter.

Lets pray against this spread of wrong doctrines and protect the minds of our friends and our sheep. Such "evangelism" have never been so active in NUS before. It only proves that as we Raise the Standard, the enemy is trying to come against us like a Flood.

Knowledge is power, and we must protect the next generation of leaders in Singapore. If these people are targeting NUS, I don't see why they are not doing the same in NTU and SMU. If you have friends in the other universities, drop them a line to inform them, so that we can stand against this in Unity.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"""World Mission Society: Church of God". Watch this group that is going around handing out their pamphlets in MRT stations and bus stops. This people believe that their church is the only true church on earth. "Our church is the only true church which God has established on this earth (Acts 20:28). Through all ages and histories, there has constantly been good and evil and the two have been opposed to each other?truth has always hated falsehood, and falsehood truth" (Rev Joo Cheol Kim).

They also believe that their founder is Jesus Christ: This sect was founded by Ahnsahnghong in 1964, when he left the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church believes that he (referred to by his followers as Christ Ahnsahnghong) is the second coming of Jesus. Ahnsahnghong died in 1985, three years before his prediction of the second coming of Christ. Today the leader of the church is Zahng Gil Jah, known to followers as the Heavenly Mother, and the General Pastor is Kim Joo-cheol. Zahng Gil Jah usually appears in public wearing a traditional Korean hanbok. Over 70 percent of followers are women and Korean Americans are increasingly found among the new adherents. Its main office is located in Bundang, Sungnam City, Kyunggi Province, roughly an hour away from Seoul.

The church believes that Korean resident Gil-Jah Zahng is "God the Mother" (who they believe is referred to in the Bible as the New Jerusalem Mother) as well as that Ahnsahnghong is God the Father. The church regards that the earthly family system is a copy and shadow of the heavenly family system, consisting of a Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, and the spiritual brothers and sisters (humans). Members believe that as physical life is given by a physical mother, spiritual life (eternal life) is given by a Heavenly Mother.

The two fundamental beliefs held by the church are their claim that Ahnsahnghong was the second coming of Jesus, and that only those who keep the Passover will be saved. The church believes that Ahnsahnghong is the one who has restored the new covenant in accordance with the prophecies in the Bible.

Sabbath
The church believes that the Sabbath day was established by God to be Saturday and that it is a day set apart to commemorate God as Creator. They argue that Jesus kept the sabbath and established "the Sabbath of Jesus" (Matt. 12:8; Luke 6:5) as the completion of "the Sabbath of Jehovah" (Ex. 31:13; Ezek. 20:12) and that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday by the emperor Constantine and the influence of Roman sun-god worshipers

Soul
Ahnsahnghong taught that "all men are angels who have come to the earth after sinning in heaven." The Church believes that the Spirit was revealed through the creation of human beings. They draw these beliefs from their interpretation of Genesis 2:7, and Ecclesiastes 12:7. They believe that the body is the temporal home of the Spirit, or the soul.

Baptism
The World Mission Society Church of God holds that baptism is the first step toward salvation. They believe that baptism is a law of the new covenant and that it cleanses the soul and atones for the believer's sin. Followers are baptized in the name of Ahnsanghong, and the church believes that salvation cannot be obtained without baptism. According to the church, wisdom to recognize God cannot be given without the forgiveness of sin preceding it. Therefore, they believe that a person should be baptized before beginning religious study.

The World Mission Society Church of God is widely believed to be a cult, by those outside of the organization due its deviation from mainstream Christian beliefs. The Christian Council of Korea, which represents Protestant churches in the country, has declared the Church of God "heresy".""

Busy to the lack of blogging...

2008-10-13T17:11:00.003+08:00

Been really busy and held up in things...

1) Have to meet my clients to assure them in the mids of the economic situation

2) Angeline's wedding is this Saturday

3) Essays and readings piling up as the exams near

4) Planning NUS-CHC prayer meeting and events in DEC

5) Meeting new clients and closing cases to end the financial year well

6) Meeting new prospects/friends to grow the CG to end the growth year well

7) Giving Bible study and sermons to members and small group of friends, grow connect groups

8) Planning CG events for Nov and Dec

9) Planning NUS events for Nov, Dec and for 2009

10) Manjusri is moving to UBI. Moving all our equipment over before 30th October

11) Planning activities for the Scout Troop

12) Having various meetings with OSA over the "Caretalyst" club

13) Miscellaneous ad-hoc events and things-to-do...

Plus!

14) Some nonsense people have to come to NUS this week to do survey and spread false doctrines about their false cult.

Why this week? Can't you nonsense people come next week? Or don't come at all? Shoo! Jesus take them away and never come back!

Everything has to be done by end of NOV!

Tons to do. All needs to be done. Well. For God, not for anyone.

"God, give me greater capacity and efficiency!"

Things I wanna blog about. Look forward to these!;

a) US Presidential Election: Revolution and Mores beyond 2008

b) Book review triple-bill on relationships!

c) Scouts cycling trip along East Coast Beach

d) CityCare made me love kids!

I feel like I have a writing dateline to fulfil! Haha...

"Pia lah! If you don't pia, how to be Singaporean?" - Ah Beng friend from Geylang Lor 14

Stronger - Delirious?

2008-10-10T04:39:00.006+08:00

Stronger

We're getting stronger everyday,
We're getting braver in every way,
Hallelujah here we come.

We're getting stronger everyday,
Push through the rains that fall our way,
Hallelujah here we come.

We're much stronger when we're one,
Hallelujah here we come.

Oh, I love You from the depths of my heart,
And nothing here will tear us apart.
Everything's beautiful with You,
Everything's beautiful, when You invade my life.
And I'm living just to say that 'I love You'.

We're getting closer everyday,
Chasing the dreams that heaven gave,
Hallelujah here we come.

We're getting closer everyday,
Into Your arms I'm here to stay.
We're much stronger when we're one,
Hallelujah here we come.

Written by Delirious? ©2005 Curious? Music UK

______________________________________________________

My favourite Delirious? Song now. I like the British pop sounding of it; rather quant, but not dated.

Available for listening on my Jukebox. Knock yourself out.

“It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more 'manhood' to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind.” - Alex Karras

In 49 days...

2008-10-01T09:43:00.003+08:00

Zzzz

2008-09-30T06:31:00.003+08:00

Sleep and rest is the most sought after commodity. It has a unitary demand curve with an increasing affixed value. It is the only commodity that exist in Ultimate Trade Surplus, being entirely exported but none can be imported, with no future investment value. It is more volatile than oil and scare goods.

Provoked to bag by Jingxuan!

2008-09-29T13:08:00.004+08:00

I shall not be called "Uncle!"

After seeing her reply on my tag board, went out to buy a shoe bag...

So here we go. New shoes with a new bag to travel in. Shoes were happy about this. They tapped away in joy...yes they did.

On the topic of bags, Sister bought me a bag from Australia. Greatness! Really like it because it look only looks good, but is practical and pockets are at the right place. Morever, it fits my files and laptop to a T! Practicality is the way to go.

Realised I don't like shopping for my own things, but don't mind and love shopping for others. Most of the things I have are given or blessed by people.

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Luke 6:38

An old love revisted

2008-09-28T01:22:00.004+08:00

Wanted to have some "me-time" and visited the National Museum. NUS students have complimentary entry to all state museums and that's just great! I would always remember that my dad use to bring my sister and myself to the museum at least once or twice a year. It was really good memories and I treasured those times. I use to visit it once a year during Chinese New year but stopped since 2001.

This was the first time I have been back since they renovated...

The familiar front porch of Colonial/European design...

But the inside is a totally different place! Its a pseudo "Harry Potter" experience, where you seem to have entered a different place just by going through a door. It was exceptional use of space and it seems mind-boggling how they could have fit such wide spaces into the old constrains of the Colonial construction.

The Singapore Stone, the earliest writings found in Singapore!

Portrait of Frank Swettenham.

Old British flag and the fall of Singapore.

Swinging Chandeliers along the bridge and pathway.

Looks like a horror story. Its a room where you can sit down and view old photographs on the table.

The famous spiral staircase everyone knows about, but can never climb!

The is the link or bridge between the 2 buildings, called the glass passage. We use to walk across this passage to go to the Art galleries. Amazing architecture, to incorporate a sun-roof. Brings the whole place into a brand new light. (no pun intended)

Old Wayang Props.

The Glass Rotunda and spiral staircase that leads you into the History of Singapore exhibits.

The underside of the old Rotunda.

Roof-top view of the landscape with the old Rotunda.

Have you been to the National Museum of Singapore yet? You should, its a beautiful place! Going back brought back memories and many surprises! Never did I imagine the new Museum to look this good! The architecture and space brings about little discoveries if you would care to look. Interactive installations and it just pure fun and discovery!

Should bring my scouts and encourage friends to the museum soon....

- Rudolf Bing (Austrian Opera Administrator, 1902-1997)

A thousand miles...

2008-09-27T23:49:00.005+08:00

If there are anything that makes me immediately smile and chirpy, it would be warm socks, new underwear and good shoes.

Had to retire and say goodbye to a couple of good friends.

Brown Timberland was my walking shoes. Had it since 2002, and have been with me to many countries and places. Sewed it up 2 times, most comfortable and useful shoes I ever had. Blue Brooks were my running shoes since 2003. Did many NAFA and IPPTs with it. Its sole pieces were falling off bit by bit since a month ago. Been good memories, but had to let them go.

Got me some new soles...

Meet new Brown Timberland Spitsbergen Oxford Taupe Oiled Full Grain and Adidas Breeze.

Lets go on more adventures...

"Creativity often consists of merely turning up what is already there. Did you know that right and left shoes were thought up only a little more than a century ago?” - Bernice Fitz-Gibbon

My Favourite Singer - Jewel Kilcher

2008-09-26T10:37:00.007+08:00

Some people had asked, who's my favorite singer. I kinda grew up listening to Jewel. 1996, while in Primary 6, I picked up her first album, "Pieces of you" at Tower Records at Scotts Rd. 13 years, 6 albums, 1 poetry book, 1 live concert and a DVD later, she still gives me a smile and calming effect every time I hear her music. Her style and depth of lyrics have changed greatly in maturity. (contrast the "everyday" live pub feel of "Pieces of you", with the studio chic of "0304" with the ranch warmth and deep inferences of "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland". *Psst*...Plus she's such a babe!)

In every season of my life, her music speaks to me, as if its the soundtrack to my life. Her new album is out in the US, "Perfectly Clear", but haven't seen it in stores here.

So check her out! Read her lyrics. Embrace her mood and heart in her music.

Presenting in my opinion, the best, Alaskan Folk trained Singer in today's pop/country scene, seen best in Live performances, my personal favourite...

Jewel.

Truth

2008-09-24T10:59:00.004+08:00

Tough times. Extreme pressures. Testing faith. Stretching ability. Not enough time. Over piling work. Overwhelming feelings. Failure. Tripping. Unbelief. Jolting. Shaking. Tearing. Headache. Heart-ache. Torn-in-the-flesh. Insurmountable circumstances. Valleys. Enemies like a flood.

I love these times! Renew our minds. God will only put us through situations we can handle. It's all a test, training. He loves us so much to construct such situations to show us "with God, all things are possible."

What is the reality?

With God and His grace; We are invincible. We cannot die. Nothing in the universe can command our death. We are highly loved and protected in everything and everywhere that we go. Instruction, favor, provision, grace, strength, boldness, faith, love, hope, truth, power is constantly flowing to us, through us. Everything that we need has already been given on the Cross. So its not God, He has done everything that needs to be done. Its us.

If we die, we can only die in Christ. When we fall, we can only fall in Christ. When we fail, we fail into Jesus' arms. Everything that we go through, is first screened through His perfect love.

Because we are Jesus' people!

Believe it. Your life depends on it.

When facing tough times, always know the truth;

"God is watching, the devil is fighting, and breakthrough is coming."

Lets Raise the Standard!

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you. - 2 Cor 4: 7-12

Lack of Vitamin Blog.

2008-09-18T23:13:00.002+08:00

Hey Dudes and Duchesses,

Haven't been on the regular train with blogging lately because 2 of my friends came to visit me for the week. First it was "Readings" that came on Sunday, then "Essays" came to join the party. They brought their distant cousin, "Presentation" this time round. Thankfully, all of them are leaving tomorrow at about 2 in the afternoon. They are a hard group to entertain. Don't tell them I said this.

Today went with Dad to walk about 3 plus km, and did static exercise -> 100 push-ups, 100 dips, 50 sit ups and 100 over-head "Buddha" claps. Sense of achievement. Need to be constant. Alternating my exercise regime. Monday gym, Tuesday rest, Wednesday static, Thursday rest, Friday Gym/Static.

Came home and saw 2 guys high on drugs along my stairway. Went into "police" mode and got rid of them. Guy kept saying "Life is horrible. Like is tough." Poor chap.

Some random thoughts;

1) I guess it will be OK not to attend the module called "Human Rights" stating you're tired and have your rights?

2) Prof Singh said, "In terrorism, the person you kill is not the target. The people witnessing the act or the people knowing it after is. A directed kill is an assassination. Terrorism strive on the notion of randomness, senseless violence to bring across a message."

Praying at the beach...

2008-09-17T22:26:00.003+08:00

One day my boss walked out of his office and said, "Howard, stop working. Lets go and pray." I was in my tie and business attire, obviously shocked. Not a word, packed up, got into his car and there we were at east coast beach.

Walking along he said, "Go find a corner. Now is 2 o'clock, see you at 5." 3 hours. Never prayed 3 hours before. I was really noisy in approaching God, speaking in tougues and all. I sense a weird sleepiness come upon me, and I sat down and backed up. I kept backing up until my back was on a tree trunk, and I slept.

Woke up exactly 15 mins later and the atmosphere was different. Opening my eyes, there was something different, like a cloud around me. And I said, "Hi God...," and God spoke to me about so many things, visions for ministry and school, for life and people...

Pst Phil says it best...

"2 years" Forward!

2008-09-09T15:26:00.004+08:00

When PST Alex Abraham was in service sharing and when he prophesied the transfer and impartation, the time of 2 years kept standing out in my mind.

These 2 years will be significant; within these 2 years, we will get our land in the Marketplace, we will be positioned for greater breakthrough and revival; the time will act as a springboard for greater things ahead, and I believe more of our spirituality will manifest in the natural, in terms of land space, buildings, territories, influence, authority, wealth, social landscape, social impact, social transformation...

Hence, we got to gear ourselves and get ready for the impending revival; prepare our lives so that we can play a larger part in it!

2 years, these are what I personally hope to achieve by then;

In 2 years time, I hope to;

a) Lead 2 Cell Groups. One Young Adult and one Youth Cell group.

b) Be able to pray at least 2 hours a day. One hour in the morning, and 1 at night.

c) Be financially strong, earning at least S$2500 a month.

d) Bulk up and maintain minimal weight at 60kg.

e) Have a long term relationship with at least 2 committees to actively change society.

f) Have a good education.

What am I doing about it now?;

a1: My CG in 2 years time will inevitable be a Young Adult CG. Have planned persona; vision for every member and working with them to achieve their maximum potential. Targeting the young, such as those in Secondary schools as priority to form the next generation.

b1: I pray one hour a day, either in the morning or night. Now I need to take double the effort and cover both. Will try to pray "one time day one time night" once a week from today onwards to built up the habit.

c1: I currently have a job now as a Financial Consultant although I'm still an undergrad. Working on my presentation skills and currently building rapport and expanding my clientele. This part is tough, because it is hard to balance and properly segment time to balance both work and study. At this point, I like this job, but I always wanted to work as a diplomat under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Will share more about this next time...

d1: Doubling my meal and protein intake since Sunday. Going to gym at least once a week. Mr. Lau Quanhan was nice to follow and teach me how he works out yesterday. Was super good. Why? Cause I can feel my upper body, back and arms ache all over now as I type. Going keep physically fit...revival is going to be busy busy....

e1: Working with NUS-CHC group and CityCare now. Helping to establish a brand new CityCare society in NUS. Hope these 2 groups will have sustainability and effectiveness.

f1: In 2 years time, I would either have just graduated or am pursuing my honours year. I wanna graduate with at least a Bachelors Degree with Merit. Some of my friends have really inspired me to try to go for honours. Need to study hard and up my CAP from this sem...from today!

Onwards!

“The only conquests which are permanent and leave no regrets are our conquests over ourselves.” -Napoleon Bonaparte (French General, Politician and Emperor (1804-14).

Chris Tomlin - Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

2008-09-08T04:31:00.000+08:00

Lets have the weekend in one post!

2008-09-08T02:23:00.007+08:00

Saturday was Mama day. Woke up early, spend the morning helping her to do her order chits (in Mandarin! Always have a headache doing it because my Mandarin ain't good. Mother does Funeral Services, if you didn't know...) After, went to her room to talk and she felt like going to Parkway Parade. Met Auntie there with her boyfriend and spent the longest time shopping (test my long-suffering...) While walking, mama suddenly said, "Eh, wanna go Ikea or not?" I almost flipped! Cause my legs hurt, didn't felt like being out so long, but then out of nowhere I replied, "Ok loh, I follow you," and auntie nodded. Realised Mama can be quite random, wanting Ikea suddenly. Walked till 9 plus then went home. Pray and sleep.

Sunday was great! Pastor Tan preached such a good message! He's my favourite teacher. Really spoke to me to have greater faith not only in God, but in myself. After svc spoke to my CG. Wanna be real, totally myself, open and honest to them. Anointing flows through relationships. Build it. Have great visions and dreams for everyone of my members. Longing to see them rise up and serve God at a higher level and capacity! (If you're my member: "I believe in you!") After which met the people from various CGs to give make-up CG at Angeline's place. Preached about "How to "possess" your future". It is really encouraging when after the CG, the people come and talk to you about the sermon, how God spoke to them and SMS you questions. Humbled and glad that the Word of God and make-up Cg ministered to the people. After went to VivoCity to return Angeline house key (Thanks for allowing me to use your house sister!) but she was watching a movie! Spend time alone at Pageone bookshop. Loved it! Then met the NUS people plus Debra for Starbucks and dinner and came home.

2 days alone at home, God been speaking to me about relationships and friendships. Angeline said this as a joke but it stuck to my heart (in paraphrase); At the end of the day, it is relationships that stays and is most important. Whatever we do, whatever happens, we should strife to keep the friendships we have committed to and value, strong. People don't understand what we go through inside, and we cannot expect them to know. So don't expect friends to be understanding all the time! People are imperfect, and most of all, people are their own person! People do what they need to do, we do what we need to do; but it is people that tries to understand, help and try to make what they do cross what we do that are Friends!

To young people like myself: Sometimes our parents need to be our friends. They are older and more set in their ways. We are younger and more flexible to change. Part of honoring is suiting our parents needs and way of doing things. My dad doesn't know how to sweet talk and many times the things he says sounds like he is wanting to fight. Younger I get into a lot of arguments over his tone! (how silly!) He doesn't give presents and rarely initiates things. Last few years I pray for God to put filters in my ears, to hear his good intentions and not his harsh tone. I make it a point to go out or at least spend time with him and not to argue. Our relationship has got much much better. My mom is another story, but that is for another blog post... They need us as much as we need them.

At this point I would like to thank 2 very special group of people;

Firstly the NUS people!

Thanks for rallying behind the vision! When I received the vision, I had a lot of doubts in my heart. Not in the vision but in myself. In 2 weeks we became such close friends! Only God could have done that. Your hard work everyday gives me faith to press on, to believe for greater things and truly, for the largest revival ever experienced in NUS! Your friendship and presence and joy gives me faith and makes NUS a brighter, better place to study in!

Next, my beloved CG E435!

I'm still a relatively new cell group leader and have lots to learn. Thanks for rallying behind me, and serving God together with me. Thanks for the Awesome Teacher's Day gifts! I was really surprised! You guys were so organised in signing the book! It really encourages me and spurs me on to serve you guys even better! So blessed to be your leader!

Finally; if you can, could you pray for me in these aspects?;

1) I feel a great burden these days for the members and NUS-NTU people. Yes, we have successes and the people are all united and excited. The devil cannot attack the vision, but it can attack people. People has been sharing with me their struggles and spiritual attacks. Can we pray that our people are protected and minds to be set on Christ no matter what?

2) Lately I have been feeling this tightness across my chest. Maybe its stress or lack of rest. Breathless at times also. Going to be discipline over my exercise regime, need more stamina and capacity...not soon; now.

Friends are friends forever, when the Lord is the Lord of them...

Time alone...with God...

2008-09-06T01:28:00.006+08:00

I'm now sitting alone in my room, with a singular table lamp turned on to my right, facing my monitor with Hillsong's "This is our God" at volume 9 on my mini hi-fi to my left. The whole house is dark and quiet...just the way I like it...

My Sister...yes, that's my adorable sister on the right, has headed back to Australia for her MBA graduation ceremony with Dad in tow and Boyfriend and friends graduating together!~

CONGRATULATIONS SISTER! (Spoil market..first to get MBA! LOL!)

Off they go to enjoy themselves in Perth. Glad that Dad went. Hardly gets to travel to any western countries. He deserves a holiday.

9 days. Alone at home. Gonna live like its a bachelor's pad. Rare opportunity; I plan to move out all my things from my room so as to re-organise my living space; take the solitude to pray and re-organise my personal life; take the peace and quiet to sit alone in my big chair to think about life and be grateful for all that I have; maybe try to cook some meals; have personal encounters with God, waiting on Him until He visits me...who's there to stop or disturb me? Have overnight prayer meetings with my friends; mini-hifi, neglected guitar pal, soft-toy cow and pillow....

Its gonna be a little lonely at nights...but I think good experience. Time to clear what I need to do at home since I'm alone.

And one of these things is blogging. I have decided to blog more regularly (being inspired by my friends and encouraged (or pushed!) by my members to blog more about my personal life and thoughts... its just that I'm a stark perfectionist in my writing that blogging takes a lot out of me and I have a lot in my mind to blog about. Should learn how to relax...

So come by often, will blog minimally once a day.

Call me if I don't!

Howard Kuay

has a CG to grow, people to love, school to change and a life to live.

"How to be your best when you feel your worst"

2008-09-05T14:44:00.005+08:00

A friend of mine recommended that I get the book "How to be Your Best when you Feel Your Worst" by Pastor Casey Treat, saying that it would really speak to me. I have read about 1.5 chapters and here are little excerpts and paraphrases from the book;

"There are times and seasons in every person's life that are challenging and difficult...We all experience "stuff." "Stuff happens"...

The devil is relentless and bad things to happen to good people, "Just about the time you get your bills paid, you have a teenager who goes crazy on you. Just about the same time your family is flowing together and everyone is doing pretty well, you get fired from your job. Just about the time you get your company going or you get your job where you want it to be, someone gets into a car accident...It's one thing after another! We tend to ask God questions such as, "Why did You let this happen? What are You trying to say? Why me, God?"

The problem with such questions is that we "actually blaming God, accusing Him of evil! But God is for us, not against us";

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Rom 8:31-32

Key Principle: God is not in control

God is all powerful, King over all the earth, yet God did not cause a tsunami to kill 250,000 guitless people, the massive spread of the AIDS virus. We are tempted every day yet God has no part to play in temptation!

"God certainly use everything that happens, but He doesn't necessarily cause it." Therefore all of us has dangerous mindfields to walk through in this lifetime to become better people!

Whether it is because of our own fault or circumstantial; when problems arise, "God uses everything at His disposal, both the good and the bad, to help us and to encourage us and to cause us to grow...God loves us so much, He can use even those negatives things for our ultimate good, "And we know that in all things God works for the good to those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" - Romans 8:28 NIV

I'm glad I got this book, and if the first chapter and a half is this good, I can't wait to finish this book up!

I guess in retrospect, when we're young, bad things consume and cripple us. We need faith to overcome and rise up again. It is when we're more mature and have responsibilities on our shoulders that despite having crippling bad things happen, we still have to stand strong and do what we have to do. That takes immense FAITH! Things don't happen in isolation anymore; we can have breakthroughs in one area of our lives, yet a nagging pain in another.

I never could understand phrases such as the "violence of life", "ravages of spirits", "silent screams", until recently. Its like how most of the Psalms by David were written when he was alone in his cave, alone under the quiet star-light of the sky...we make the most amazing decisions and feel the most tumultuous when we're alone on our beds, staring in the ceiling, rocking ourselves to sleep...wondering of the possibilities..pondering...

Faith. Above all, God is with us, always for us; everything we need on this earth has already been given to us on the cross. What more can we ask? It is us that needs to be moulded. Do we, lying on our beds in turmoil, decide to hide and run in our hearts, or do we cry out to God even if we don't hear Him? I like David...

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
       and there are no grapes on the vines,
       though the olive crop fails
       and the fields produce no food,
       though there are no sheep in the pen
       and no cattle in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
       he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
       he enables me to go on the heights.
       For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. - Habakkuk 3:17-19

An ode to my friends...you understand...

Asia Conference Bus!

2008-09-05T00:06:00.004+08:00

Walking out of my home 2 days ago, this was what I saw. I stopped at my tracks, and I had to take pictures. (For the uninitiated, I have a mini-bus interchange just under where i life. Services only one bus, Bus no. 64)

Bus 64 starts at Sims Drive, goes to Queensway, and back through Little India. Rather extensive, much like a heritage bus tour if you ask me.

But hey! Didn't know we had an Asia Conference bus didn't you!? Neither did I!

How cool is this???