- DäN - Life's like the bittersweet äromä of coffee, ä fixätion

Changes Changes Changes

2009-08-27T12:13:00.002+08:00

Thought I'll drop an update after 3.5months of perceived silence on this blog! No, not that I'm very free. In fact, I'm super busy. Not even sure how I can drop this update as quickly as I can. Just need to get my mind cleared off pressing timelines, and work during this lunch hour I guess! :)

"Changes are inevitable"
"The only constant in this world is change"

Indeed, so much has changed over these 3.5months in my life. Firstly, Newcastle had been relegated!! Old news, I know. But only happened 3 months ago. Would you believe how quickly time had passed? My first ICT had also passed. June retreat also over. Perth trip is all but a memory now. Super Sunday missed cos of quarantine. Oh! Quarantined for 7days. Free leave much thanks to Isaiah. Fell in love! :DDDDDDD. Changed role at work. Birthday passed, also first time celebrating with my angel. :)))))))) AND many more things that can't be penned down quickly enough. At least not before I get too hungry during lunch hour and drop dead. Basically, a whiz of a 3.5months! Can't thank God ever enough.

Despite the challenges of all these changes, I thank God for being ever so present as a source of comfort, strength, wisdom and peace. I'm constantly reminded each new morning of His grace, and how my life needs (and will be) built upon the Rock of the universe, the bright and morning Star, Father of the heavenly lights, the great I AM.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:17

"You are my God, and I will give You thanks; You are my God, and I will exalt You." - Psalm 118:28

Thank you Lord.

Yours gratefully,
Dan

We win!

2009-05-12T13:44:00.001+08:00

DANIEL CELEBRATES NEWCASTLE'S FIRST WIN UNDER SHEARER~!!

* dances like a twaalala *

more serious updates coming soon.. :)

Working for Jesus

2009-03-31T18:13:00.002+08:00

I found the excerpt below from Max Lucado's "Cure for the Common Life" very insightful and inspiring. Please allow me to share :)

Michaelangelo was born to sculpt. He once commented that he could taste the tools of a stonecutter in the milk of his wet nurse. He'd sculpted a mature work by the age of twenty-one. By the age of thirty he had produced the still-stunning masterpieces Pieta and David.

When Michaelangelo was in his early thirties, the pope invited him to Rome to complete a special project. Pope Julius II initially asked him to sculpt a papal tomb but then changed his plans and invited him to paint a dozen figures on the ceiling of a Vatican chapel. The sculptor was tempted to refuse. Painting was not his first passion, and a small chapel was not his idea of a great venue. But the pope urged him to accept, so he did. Some historians suspect a setup. Jealous contemporaries convinced the pope to issue the invitation, certain the sculptor would decline and fall into the disfavor of the pontiff.

Michaelangelo didn't decline. He began the work. And as he painted, his enthusiasm mounted. Four years, four hundred figures, and nine scenes later, Michaelangelo had changed more than the chapel; he'd changed the direction of art. His bold frescoes rerouted the style of European painting...

What happened? What had changed him? What turned hs work of obligation into an act of inspiration? The answer might lie in a response he gave to a question. An observer wondered why he focused such attention on the details of the corners of the chapel. "No one will ever see them," he suggested.

Michaelangelo's reply? "God will."

The artist must have known this passage: "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people" (Eph 6:7 NLT).

God's cure for the common life includes a change in our reporting lines... We have two bosses: One that signs our checks and one who saves our souls. The second has keen interest in our workaday world. What if everyone worked with God in mind? Suppose no one worked to satisfy self or please the bottom line but everyone worked to please God.

Many occupations would instantly cease: drug trafficking, thievery, prostitution, night club and casino management. Certain careers, by their nature, cannot please God. These would cease.

Certain behaviours would as well. If I'm repairing a car for God, I'm not going to overcharge his children. If I'm painting a wall for God, you think I'm going to use paint thinner?

Imagine if everyone worked for the audience of One. Every nurse, thoughtful. Every officer, careful. Every professor, insightful. Every salesperson, delightful. Every teacher, hopeful. Every lawyer, skillful.

Every corner of every chapel, glistening.

Impossible? Not entirely. All we need is someone to start a worldwide revolution. Might as well be us. Might as well be me*.

* added by Daniel Yan

Today's Lesson #3

2009-03-03T00:48:00.001+08:00

Between 2 girls, the conversation will take past 3am.
Between 3 girls, the conversation will take past 5am.
Between 4 girls, it's anyone's guess... :D

Hoho.. Ok, lesson ends. :)

Of durians and stomachaches

2009-03-03T00:35:00.004+08:00

*daniel pauses his activity*

brief soliloquy begins

"It just makes me wonder how durian has strange magical powers over me. That despite risking aggravating an already disatisfied stomach, my hands are mysteriously compelled to opening one half of that rich creamy orange durian shortly before popping a few mouthfuls in. :D

For crying out loud, for the love of durian lovers, can someone please shed some light on the benefits of eating durians so durian lovers around the world can enjoy durians after durians without bearing the guilt of their compulsion? Tsk tsk.. Where have all the durian intellects of the world gone? :)"

end of brief soliloquy

*goes back to eating a rich creamy orange durian*

Arms of The Angel

2009-02-09T12:07:00.005+08:00

I realize that nowadays, when I'm up, I talk and when I'm down, I type. Seeing the slow evolution of this dilapidated blog space yet? :)

This beautiful song from "City of Angels" had been ringing in my head since I woke up this morning. Having mournday blues .. :(

I thought I had better check again, and I got my lyrics wrong! Heehee. XD

Sarah McLachlan - Angel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDkcJ-62uuY

Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it OK
There's always some reason to feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction or a beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
Let me be empty and weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of the Angel fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the Angel; may you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees

In the arms of the Angel fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of the Angel; may you find some comfort here

You're in the arms of your Angel; may you find some comfort here

Plane ditches in New York river, all aboard are safe

2009-01-16T10:03:00.003+08:00

I found some relief in the reading the below article today, when in recent times, all I read everyday are news of war, death, killings and terrorism.

I felt strangely moved by the simple miracle reported below. Having also been to the Hudson river, it brings this incident closer to my heart. :)

Plane ditches in New York river, all aboard are safe
Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:20pm EST

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A US Airways jet with 155 people on board ditched in the frigid Hudson River off Manhattan after apparently hitting a flock of geese on Thursday and officials said everyone was rescued.

"We've had a miracle on the Hudson," New York Gov. David Paterson told a news conference, calling the pilot a hero for landing the Airbus A320 plane in the fast-moving river.

"The pilot somehow, without any engines, was able to land this plane ... without any serious injuries," Paterson said.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg lauded the pilot for ensuring all those on board, including a baby, were safe.

"The pilot did a masterful job of landing the plane in the river and then making sure that everybody got out," Bloomberg said, noting that the pilot was calm enough to walk through the plane twice after landing to ensure everyone was out.

The pilot of Flight 1549 was Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger of Danville, California, according to his wife who was reached by telephone by Reuters. Sullenberger is a former Air Force fighter pilot with 40 years flying experience, according to the website of a safety company he founded.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was investigating reports the plane hit a flock of birds after taking off from New York's LaGuardia airport.

Witnesses saw the plane glide in low for an emergency landing, kicking up a cloud of spray in the river, which runs to the west of Manhattan island.

US Airways said 150 passengers and five crew were aboard the Airbus A320, headed for Charlotte, North Carolina.

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot radioed flight controllers that he had hit birds, law enforcement sources said.

Mark Wilkinson, a commercial pilot waiting for takeoff at LaGuardia shortly after the crash, said the ground controller told him the plane had sucked a bird into an engine after takeoff. He told Reuters in an e-mail that there were many geese near the runways.

A passenger told Reuters that a few minutes after takeoff he heard what sounded like and explosion. "The engine blew. There was fire everywhere and it smelled like gas," said Jeff Kolodjay, from Norwalk, Connecticut.

He said the pilot told passengers to brace for impact. After the aircraft ditched, he said, "People were bleeding all over. We hit the water pretty hard. It was scary."

"You gotta give it to the pilot, he made a hell of a landing," said a visibly shaken Kolodjay, who climbed onto a life raft with other passengers and was rescued from there.

FERRIES, TAXIS HELP RESCUE

As many as eight ferries and water taxis rushed to rescue passengers, some of whom lined up on the half-submerged plane's wings wearing yellow life vests, before police boats arrived.

Bloomberg said most passengers were plucked directly from the plane and very few were completed soaked. Police divers pulled people out of the water and searched the plane, which remained afloat and was eventually towed to shore.

"We saw the plane halfway submerged," said Detective Michael Delaney. "One woman was just holding onto the side of a ferry boat, trying to get onto the ferry, but was unable to make it. We pulled the woman up on the boat."

Aviation experts said that landing a commercial jet on water without the plane breaking apart was extraordinary.

"A water landing is typically even more destructive than a ground landing. It is amazing an Airbus jet was able to land in the river without breaking up," said Max Vermij, an air accident investigator with Accident Cause Analysis of Ottawa, Canada.

He speculated that the plane would have hit the water at a speed of about 140 knots. "Typically the wings and engines would break off on impact, water would plow into the jet and tear apart the fuselage."

At St. Luke's Roosevelt hospital in Manhattan, some passengers arrived with one elderly couple still wearing their life preservers.

Bank of America Corp said 23 of its staff were on the plane and all were safe and accounted for.

Thomson Reuters employee Alex Whittaker, who was on the 22nd floor of the company's Times Square building, said "I saw the plane coming in very low but under control, it splashed down in the water. Once it cleared it was still floating on its belly.

"The doors opened and we could see life rafts and we could just about see a few people climbing out onto the water."

Nick Prisco was driving on the highway by the river when he saw the incident. Having lived through the September 11 attacks, the sight of a plane flying so low revived memories of the 2001 assault on the World Trade Center by hijacked airliners.

"It was bizarre, it was surreal. I thought it was a terrorist attack," he told Reuters.

A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman said there was no indication this incident was linked to terrorism.

The FAA says bird and other wildlife strikes to aircraft annually cause well over $600 million in damage to U.S. civil and military aviation and over 219 people have been killed worldwide as a result of wildlife strikes since 1988.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash and should be able to determine the cause, through inspection of the jet's engines and analysis of cockpit voice and data recorder information.

(Writing by Mark Egan, reporting by Claudia Parsons, Ellen Wulfhorst, Daniel Trotta, Christian Wiessner, Scott DiSavino, Janet McGurty, Timothy Gardner, Joshua Schneyer, Joan Gralla, Nancy Waitz and Brendan McDermid; Editing by Chris Wilson.)

Joker, the Winner

2009-01-12T11:35:00.002+08:00

Deservingly, Heath Ledger wins a posthumous Golden Globe award for best supporting actor for his role as the Joker in "Dark Knight"!!! :)

Quote Chris Nolan (director): "he will be eternally missed, but he will never be forgotten."

Jesus was a marketplace minister

2009-01-08T17:28:00.002+08:00

Jesus Was A Workplace Minister
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Thursday, January 08 2009

"Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him (Mark 6:3).
In 2005, a movie entitled The Passion was released that chronicled the last twenty-four hours of Jesus' life. During a flashback scene, Jesus was seen in his carpentry shop making a table with his mother standing by playfully observing. It was a very beautiful scene that reminds us that Jesus was a carpenter for most of his adult life. In fact, Jesus was more qualified to be a carpenter than the Son of God in the eyes of the people because that is the history they knew of this young working class man from Nazareth.

Consider that in the New Testament of Jesus' 132 public appearances, 122 were in the marketplace. Of 52 parables Jesus told, 45 had a workplace context. Of 40 miracles in the book of Acts, 39 were in the marketplace. Jesus spent his adult life as a carpenter until age 30 before he went into a preaching ministry in the workplace. And, 54% of Jesus' reported teaching ministry arose out of issues posed by others in the scope of daily life experience. Saint Bonaventure said, "His doing nothing 'wonderful' (his first 30-years) was in itself a kind of wonder."

Work, in its different forms, is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible -more than all the words used to express worship, music, praise, and singing combined. God created work and He is a worker. "My father is always at his work to this very day, and I too, am working" (John 5:17).

So, the next time you are tempted to minimize your daily work as anything less than a holy calling, remember that Jesus was a workplace minister as a carpenter in his community. He has called you and I to reflect His glory in our work.

The devotion above is actually very simple and yet profound. Don't belittle your time spent on education, the tough times during army, or your current position in your workplace. God works in us, and through us in every situation. :)

Jesus did not despise His time spent learning carpentry, but He knew God was using and preparing Him even through those seemingly mundane years. Those prepatory years were years of revelation. How else do you think Jesus could...

Show a profound understanding of sawdusts and planks - Matthew 7
Truly understand what's key in building a house - Luke 6
Speak about yokes, which are used only by animals - Matthew 11:30
Value the importance of counting the costs before building anything - Luke 14

In the same way, don't despise what you're doing NOW. God had a plan for Jesus, and He has a plan for you all the same (Jeremiah 29:11). To serve God isn't some faraway thing that will happen in the obscure future; the reality is, it has already started. :)

1 Cor 1

2009-01-08T14:47:00.002+08:00

Today's reading.. :)

1 Corinthians 1 (New King James Version)

Greeting

1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Gifts at Corinth

4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sectarianism Is Sin

10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:

“ I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Glory Only in the Lord

26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

Praise the Lord, oh my soul, praise His holy name. :)

Today's Lesson #2

2009-01-08T04:03:00.001+08:00

When a girl says "No", she really means "Yes". :D

Hehe.. Ok, lesson ends. :)

Today's Lesson #1

2009-01-08T00:40:00.002+08:00

When a girl asks for 1 min, you give her 2!! :D
Haha.. Ok, lesson ends. :)

1 Peter 3

2009-01-07T09:28:00.002+08:00

Today's reading. :)

1 Peter 3 (New King James Version)

Submission to Husbands

1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

A Word to Husbands

7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Called to Blessing

8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For

“ He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”

Suffering for Right and Wrong

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Christ’s Suffering and Ours

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

Thank you God for today.

Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart.
Anger is only one letter short of danger.
If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.
He who loses money, loses much;
He, who loses a friend, loses much more;
He, who loses faith, loses all.
Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
Friends, you and me....
You brought another friend....
And then there were 3....
We started our group....
Our circle of friends....
And like that circle....
There is no beginning or end....
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
That is why it is called the present.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Isaiah 40

2009-01-06T15:58:00.002+08:00

Isaiah 40 (New King James Version)

God’s People Are Comforted

1 “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!”
Says your God.
2 “ Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her,
That her warfare is ended,
That her iniquity is pardoned;
For she has received from the LORD’s hand
Double for all her sins.”
3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

“ Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make straight in the desert[a]
A highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be exalted
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough places smooth;
5 The glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
And all flesh shall see it together;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
6 The voice said, “Cry out!”
And he said, “What shall I cry?”

“ All flesh is grass,
And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.”
9 O Zion,
You who bring good tidings,
Get up into the high mountain;
O Jerusalem,
You who bring good tidings,
Lift up your voice with strength,
Lift it up, be not afraid;
Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”
10 Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand,
And His arm shall rule for Him;
Behold, His reward is with Him,
And His work before Him.
11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,
Measured heaven with a span
And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure?
Weighed the mountains in scales
And the hills in a balance?
13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD,
Or as His counselor has taught Him?
14 With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him,
And taught Him in the path of justice?
Who taught Him knowledge,
And showed Him the way of understanding?
15 Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket,
And are counted as the small dust on the scales;
Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.
16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn,
Nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering.
17 All nations before Him are as nothing,
And they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.
18 To whom then will you liken God?
Or what likeness will you compare to Him?
19 The workman molds an image,
The goldsmith overspreads it with gold,
And the silversmith casts silver chains.
20 Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution
Chooses a tree that will not rot;
He seeks for himself a skillful workman
To prepare a carved image that will not totter.
21 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, *boing boing*
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
23 He brings the princes to nothing;
He makes the judges of the earth useless.
24 Scarcely shall they be planted,
Scarcely shall they be sown,
Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth,
When He will also blow on them,
And they will wither,
And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.
25 “ To whom then will you liken Me,
Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high,
And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number;
He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might
And the strength of His power;
Not one is missing.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
And speak, O Israel:

“ My way is hidden from the LORD,
And my just claim is passed over by my God”?
28 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

And let His name be praised, both now and forever more. :)

Romans 12

2009-01-06T15:38:00.002+08:00

Romans 12 (New King James Version)

Living Sacrifices to God

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Serve God with Spiritual Gifts

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Behave Like a Christian

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”[a] says the Lord. 20 Therefore

“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”[b]

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

God is good. :)

Pensive :D

2009-01-06T14:49:00.002+08:00

Melancholy:

–noun
1. a gloomy state of mind, esp. when habitual or prolonged; depression.
2. sober thoughtfulness; pensiveness.
3. Archaic.

the condition of having too much black bile, considered in ancient and medieval medicine to cause gloominess and depression.
black bile.

–adjective
4. affected with, characterized by, or showing melancholy; mournful; depressed: a melancholy mood.
5. causing melancholy or sadness; saddening: a melancholy occasion.
6. soberly thoughtful; pensive.

It's almost funny, how melancholic these days have been for me. Not the sad type of melancholic, but the pensive type. Should have seen this coming, having already grown accustomed to this for most new years.

As Philip Yancey had written, when you have hit rock bottom the only way to go is up. So yes, I'm thankful. And even if only for a brief moment this year, I now remember, I'm counting on God. :)

Pls bear with me in the meantime.

Dan

New York - Day 13

2008-08-01T08:38:00.004+08:00

It's my last night at New York tonight, and time has past by so fast! Sounds very cliche, but it's so so true. Looking back I feel really really blessed. Might be normal for people in my office, but to me, it's really the grace of God. My first time to New York, and there's really no better way to do it but the way God had allowed me to. Having the company kindly pay for all my accommodations, flight, laundry and food. Not just that but being so generous to this young bum (who also works very hard in return la) and paying him enough to grow so fat in a matter of 2 weeks. I've had the life of my lifetime these 2 weeks and I will look forward to coming back. But I don't think I will ever afford this level of high-class touristy lifestyle on my own. Even if I can some many years later, I don't think I will, because chances are I'll have to pay for a lot my mouths than my own. So, I feel really really blessed. Thank you Lord! (:

Have half a day of work tomorrow to close off as much as I can before I head back. And also show my utmost gratitude to the kind ppl who've been so gracious in making me feel a part of them despite having never seen me before I came over. Then hopefully I can have some rest time in the afternoon before I rush off to JFK for a long flight back. This is my journal for Day 13, and so Day 14-16 will effectively be largely spent on the plane before I pen my journal back at home.

Today. Paramdeep kindly offered me lunch at Olive Garden at 19th Street and it was gooooood. Also gave me a lot of insights on working in New York and his own experiences with the team. After work, we headed off to do some shopping! Cos we happened to be talking about the Wii and he said it costs USD250 over here for the bundle. That's SGD380 where it would cost SGD650 in Singapore!! So I got all excited and we headed to a nearby video game store to check it out. The lady had stock but she only accepts cash, so that was a bit nono for me. We walked up to GameStop at 34th Street and they had no stock. In the end I walked south to 14th street to another GameStop store and found one! I bought it!! The only thing now is that I must buy an adapter/transformer before it can play in SG, but so worth it! Praise God! (:

Ended off the day at Union Square Cafe, on 16th street, where I had my eyes on for a long time. Turns out the place was cool and food was awesome, at a reasonable price too.

Olive Garden. Not a good photo, but for the memories.

Short part of the bar counter where I sat at Union Square Cafe.

The absolutely heavenly flourless Chocolate Cake!

The Flatiron building. Truly beautiful. With the Sunset in the back.

View up at Credit Suisse office (next to the clock) from Madison Square Park. Will miss it.

Sun setting in the West along 23rd Street.

Going to test out my Wii now. Hope it works (:

God bless
Dan

New York - Day 12

2008-07-31T08:06:00.003+08:00

Hmm, I can smell the end of my trip drawing close. Everyone's talking to me about me going home soon and asking if I had enjoyed the trip, or if I wanted to come back (or some even if I wanted to stay). I've had a good time, but I'm missing my folks and mates back in sunny Singapore! So all in all, glad to be here, glad to go home soon, grateful for having been here. (:

Work is starting to crank up, and I don't see good times ahead even when I return to SG. Think it'll be a very challenging period when I return, until late August to say the least. Multi-projects and I'm hearing more projects requesting for my involvement. Not too good, I've been pretty stressed and stretched before, and I can see the tides coming again.

Anyway, tomorrow will be my last full day working in Credit Suisse New York office. Will bring my trusty camera along to take as many pics as I can, with all the nice ppl ard. Hope can have time to do that though, otherwise Friday will be a mad rush. Wake, work, run ard, pack, cab, fly.

Had dinner tonight at Barbounia, which is supposed to be one of the better Greek, Mediterranean restaurants. The food was a bit weird for my liking. Very sourish, so tastes a bit pukey. So no pics from me for that one. The Greek manager was quite funky though, and he gave a loaf of cheesebread on the house saying,"This goes well with the fish. Try it!" So cool!

Haha, ok updated with some pics at Madison Square Park I took. (:

Look how ppl relax in the park! Live jazz. (:

There's so many of 'em. Like all don't have to work.

Back of the jazz band. Quote them,"Please buy our CDs, cos we're quite poor."

God bless
Dan

New York - Day 11

2008-07-30T10:20:00.003+08:00

Longest day of work today from 8am-8.30pm. I think might haven broken record for the New York project team. Or maybe not. But I think i might have been the last person to leave the office on the level. That will not be possible in SG unless I leave at 12.30am on a non-monthed period.

Anyway, looks like work is piling up, just as I am about to leave. That's not good news, cos that means it'll be likely to spill over to when I return back to SG and means long nights for me. Not to mention the fact that I still have my Asian project to pick up again once I go back. Not looking forward to next few weeks at all. :(

My desk with very old workhorses which have probably served many generations before me.

I'm starting to feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to come over, eat like a pig and sleep like a frog prince. Probably not my ideal thing to stay long in New York, so this short trip has really been very very good for me. The people here are great too! Which makes it all the better. Tonight's dinner will be my 3rd last dinner here and starting to miss New York already, especially the food. I have confirm plus chop put on a few pounds here. Ok, honestly, much more than a few. :(

Anyway tried a recommended Italian restaurant today. Hmm.. only so-so for the expensive price. But still good nonetheless. :)

Typical starters - bread with melted goat cheese.

First Serving - Pork Sausages!

Second Serving - Veal in pasta (meat inside the pasta)

Dessert - Tiramisu!

Praise God!
Dan

New York - Day 10

2008-07-29T08:14:00.004+08:00

I can start counting down the days I've left in New York. Good and bad thing. Think I will miss New York when I go home, the place, the lifestyle and the food. I like this lifestyle actually (:

Anyway finally met up with Bradley for lunch today, and so happy for him. He's really a fast-tracker in terms of career development, having gotten his Vice-Presidency at 28 is really really almost impossible for anyone. Nonetheless, he's so down to earth and brilliant. Nice to hear about his experiences in Raleigh and New York since leaving Singapore.

Ended the day with a visit to Tabla, the mixed American-Indian cuisine on the ground floor of the office. Most expensive place I've been yet, but also quite the best. It's 10/10 for ambience, setting and decor. The food is quite remarkable as well. I was full by the time the main course came along, but I was so tempted by the dessert I continued eating. Not very good, but very satisfying and went home a very very happy man. (:

Just one of the many decoration pieces. Very nice touch.

Imagine this view over Madison Square Park in autumn or snowing winter. And you're sipping the cool wine with your someone special on Christmas eve! Wow!!

With Samsung, it's not that hard to imagine..

Starters - Braised Duck Samosa and Onion nan! Wow shiok

Mains - Beef Ribs, Hanger Steak and Perfectly baked potatoes!

Dessert - Vanilla ice cream with Choc bar and caramel sauce.
This one is one to die for.. Really!! I would come again just for this.

Thank God!
Dan

New York - Day 9

2008-07-28T08:42:00.003+08:00

The last 24 hrs have been pretty crazy.. Something bad happened to auntie Lei San, and ppl back in Singapore are still trying to ascertain the facts. So pls continue to pray for Rachel and family.

Didn't do much today as thunderstorms over Northeast of the US were expected for much of the day. I spent the entire day glued to the weather channel. Hailstones, heavy downpour and 60mph winds were running through the northeastern states (including New York). Tornadoes and all that too. But I didn't see any. Nonetheless, I chose to can the plans for visiting Wall Street and Liberty island and leaving them to another time instead. So I stayed in the room for most of the day and watched movies off my lappie instead - Hellboy and Little Miss Sunshine. Both were very good indeed.

Topped the day off with a visit to one of the top American Barbeque restaurants and it was indeed fantastic. Will post the pics up tomorrow instead as much rest needed now from the lack of it. (:

Starters - BBQ bacon on toast. This is amazing, but so sinful!

Main Course - Smoked Beef Ribs. I know it looks like "sai" but this is pretty good stuff too!

Dessert - Fudge Brownie with Peanut Butter ice cream and peanuts. This is superb!!

See how gloomy the day was.. Thunderstorm. Sigh..

God bless
Dan

New York - Day 8

2008-07-27T08:18:00.005+08:00

Today was a good and bad day. But feels like overall bad. ):

Firstly, I headed off today for brunch at SoHo - Balthazar. The fluffy Norwegian Eggs and Thick Capuccino was absolutely lovely. It was a great start to the day. Then I started prancing the streets of SoHo, the arty farty and shopping district. Calamity happened when my hand brushed the hand of an afro-american guy, the quite burly kind. His glasses fell to the floor and I prompty apologised before heading my way. Ten seconds later he run up beind me and showed me his glasses, with one cracked lens, before demanding me to pay for his glasses. He didn't really seem the dishonest type but he was very bent on his demands for payment (I guess it's a US thing as well). After a long 20min discussion, with a few calls to opticians on the price of getting lenses fixed, I had to pay him USD $150. To be honest, I felt quite intimidated throughout the episode but I kept praying. In the end as I was finding change for him, I felt a more peace. So I bought him a drink for the troubles and chatted a bit before blessing him. But so much for that, a rather traumatic experience, for the intimidation and cost of it. ):

Most excellent brunch! (:

Nice car.. Suddenly miss my Colt Plus. Haha. (:

No matter, that just means less shopping for me. But I checked out the SoHo Kate Spade for Matz and I bought gifts for some people, new trousers and belt for myself. Saw some nice stuff but no size, cos sale items were quite well sold. Then I headed off to Little Italy and Chinatown. Took some pictures, and surprise surprise, I met Bradley, GF and family at, of all places, Chinatown! (:

Little Italy, nothing much for me.

Durians!! Must be a novelty here. (:

Home!! Well, not quite.

My walkaround ended early at 3pm and I decided to head to Quality Meats again to try the recommended aged bone-in sirloin, so I went uptown to TimeSquare again. I chanced upon Madamme Tussaud New York and decided to go (my first time to any Madamme Tussaud). It was great fun, and all the figures were amazing life-like. I ended off the tour with a 4-D cinematic experience. Nothing compared to the Japanese ones I must say. The Universal Studios and Disney ones in Japan are so much more 1337 (elite)! Bought some souvenirs again.

Welcomed by the Hulk himself. How hospitable.

Two greats of Hollywood. Very realistic!

Especialy for Roche. Hehe

Ahh.. rendezvous with my brightest student.

Rev. Billy Graham in Madamme Tussaud!! Haha

Especially for Joey Lau.

My biggest fan! Creator of some of my all time favourites.

The kid is real. Haha, funny capture.

Moved up from West 42nd Street and found a Ben & Jerrys! After a long tiring and eventful day, choc ice cream should do some cheering. And it did, the combination of One Cheesecake Brownie and Chocolate Fudge Brownie that is.. But I think the tubbed ones are much better though. Maybe it's just the warm summer air that took its toll on the ice cream. Took a long trip up north along 6th Avenue and Rockefeller Complex to Quality Meats where I had my dinner. The meat was really quality, but the service and ambience, much better. (:

Ben & Jerry's with NYC background. How apt. (:

Haha, pic doesn't quite do justice. But proof to LiBin that I ate it!

For all it's worth, today has been a very costly day for me. I'm back early at 7.40pm to relax, then worship the Lord and feel safe, that everything is in His arms, again. Jesus I need you, I've been reminded today and I love You.

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

Love
Dan

New York - Day 7

2008-07-26T07:30:00.004+08:00

Thank God it's Friday! Really!! Couldn't wait and now it's finally here. Have some plans, but nothing concrete. Colleagues gave me some fanciful ideas like going to Niagra falls, DC, Woodbury and such. But I think I will take the time to relax and check out the rest of Manhattan. Most imptly the food. I'm almost here on a food parade. Haha, I realize I've been missing out on the shopping. (:

Speaking of food, today has been a fantastic food day. Breakfast today has been one of my happiest breakfasts in office yet. Why? Cos it's sweet succulent fresh donuts with Starbucks coffee!! Wa, so happy!! (:

Donuts and Starbucks. Dream breakfast! (:

Boston Kreme donut. Look at all the good stuff oozing out! (:

I skipped lunch cos I was very busy today. Sigh, but more than made up for it during dinner. Very very fresh Codfish with Riesling and Cheese puffs. Excellent stuff, the fish was fantastic!

Mmmmmm.. *heart pounds faster*

Anyway, zoom zoom weekend already. Will try to have more fun for you guys, just so the blog will be more interesting. Pls pray for my safety and stay tuned to next update.

God bless,
Dan

New York - Day 6

2008-07-25T08:00:00.004+08:00

My oh my.. Most boring day of work so far. Just waiting for ppl to reply emails, get busy for an hour or so, then wait for emails again! Arrgghh.

Oh well, ended the day off at one of the better Mexican diners in Manhattan - Dos Caminos! It was great food man. I had guacamole, ribeye steak on skewers and magaritas. All recommended and good!

In case some are wondering, no i didn't manage to finish it (not even half)

Friday's coming real soon (for me, it's already here for you guys). (:

Good night!
Dan

New York - Day 5

2008-07-24T11:13:00.004+08:00

My entries are getting so boring, i wonder who's reading. Anyway, it's a short one today.

I made myself sleep at more realistic timings in order to force my body to adhere to New York hours. I was watching Alexander, which was uber boring, and I kept falling asleep. But I forced myself to stay up until then end of the show, about 11pm, before I let myself sleep. Ended sleeping til 6.20am, and felt sleepy, which was way more realistic than 9-10pm sleeps and 4.30am wake times. More meetings today, and was a bit stressful, but I think all-in-all went pretty well. Highlight of the day was my adventure to Shea Stadium, in Queens for a live Mets vs. Phillies baseball game!! My first baseball game and it was quite cool, especially since I ventured out of Manhattan by myself in Queens to catch the game. Tickets sponsored by the Sports committee from Credit Suisse New York. (:

28th Street Subway just ard my office. Notice the train arriving?

Shea Stadium, home of the Mets. Will be torn down after this season!

View of Northern Queens. This is probably 1/20 of the carpark space they have.

It's a hit!! New York Mets are black and they're home.

Paramdeep and I. Very nice guy, and passionate about baseball.

The game onging. Think the Mets are down 2-3 at this time.
But they finished 6-3 up.

Good fun today. And I got to met Bradley, at the Mets game, whom you would recall was in my Jan-Mar 2006 entries. He was in Singapore Credit Suisse by came over to the US in July 2006, and has been here since. Was suppose to surprise him as part of my New York trip but he found me first tonight. Shucks! Hope we can catch up soon.

Left the game early, didnt want to be caught with the crowd on subway.
So grabbed my late dinner (10.15pm) at a cafe near my hotel.

It's Chinese for Dinner! Quite ok la, and relatively cheap.
Costs less than 1/2 price of what I've been eating. (:

Loves
Dan

New York - Day 4

2008-07-23T07:49:00.004+08:00

Hey all! Zoom zoom and it's day 4 already, time flies in NY. Really! Sorry about the scanty updates during workdays, unless anyone is interested to hear my daily project status.

View at 7am, outside my study window.
The buildings in New York are so typically meticulously sculpted on the outside.

Anyway, New York office is so so different from Singapore's. Before anyone thinks I'm just repeating my monologue from yesterday, more details to follow! Singapore culture feels very groupy compared to here. Lunch back at home is often spent with friends/colleagues but it's never the case here. Lunch is a quick take away from the cafeteria in basement (oh btw, they call basements 2B, 3B instead of B2, B3, etc), or it's a quick pack from outside the building. Never a long affair. I love Singapore man! (: Nonetheless, the cafeteria setup feels very confusing, and no cash is paid out. It's all via a cashcard system linked to your employee pass. Quite normal, but amazingly efficient. Hardly have to queue here, despite almost the entire building being filled with Credit Suisse employees.

Large cafeteria. The food section is on the other side, where the spread is tremendous.

One of the many self-help sections to pick ur sauce/sugar/straws/cups/napkins/others.

After work, I decided to be adventurous and headed off to a peruvian/japanese restaurant about 5 streets down Park Ave - SushiSamba. Oh man, it was marvellous!! Almost same price as the italian cafe I went to yesterday, but way more happening and crowded! I was quietly listening to two young chaps at the next table while savouring my sumptuous fried Snapper, and I started to understand why medieval taverns were primespots for picking up info and news. Especially if you're the lone traveller having a bite or cooling over a jug of beer. Overheard much of their interesting conversation, but most interesting, a deranged Christian Bale beating his mom and sis up! Oh man, dark dark knight indeed.

Fried snapper with coconut rice and sweet spicy sauce. Wow!

Reminds me, I need to watch Dark Knight. Think I'll catch it back home, if anyone hasn't watched it then. (:

Hmm.. Which way out of the toilet?

Prayerfully
Dan

New York - Day 3

2008-07-22T07:49:00.003+08:00

It was my first day of work in NY today! I was anxious, and worried about many things but it all turned out pretty well today. Credit Suisse New York is so much more different than the Credit Suisse Singapore I've come to known. The lifestyle, the building, everything!! It's pretty cool. The building is very colonial, unlike our rented ORQ. The tables and decor speaks of heritage, i.e. very old! It's all marbles, large columns and sculpted steel here. So very New Yorkian. And work life here is so much more.. relaxing compared to Singapore. The office is very much empty by 6.30pm, which was the time I left. Firstly, I hardly get to leave ORQ this early in the middle of a project phase. Secondly, if I had left at 6.30pm, I would have been scorned upon and stared at by the majority! Two very different life styles indeed. Had a short but good chat with Irina, who works in SPC Credit Suisse (same dept as me in NYC), and Singaporean lifestyle is just so so different!

Credit Suisse New York has it's own cafeteria!! And it's huge! (:
Most imptly, they sell Starbucks, and it's cheap - $1.95 for this huge load of cold coffee.

This is my own little space on 11th floor on Eleven Madison Ave. (:
Check out the "ancient" furniture and desk items!

Small portion of the lift lobby. Super posh.
There's a lot more outside the guard area, believe me.

This is my hotel, just <5mins walk away from office.
My suite is the extreme left 2 windows on the 4th floor. (:

Was a fun day. Had a good time, surprisingly. Met lots of ppl, 95% higher up than me. But it was cool. Best, ended off the day with a great italian steak dinner with great wine. Thank you God!

Excellent slightly crusty, medium rare prime steak.
Expensive, but excellent. Better yet with some beer and cabernet! (:

Feeling a bit tipsy from remaining jet lag, lack of sleep and a bit of alcohol. Going to sleep early tonight!

God bless
Dan

New York - Day 2

2008-07-21T08:23:00.005+08:00

I guess I didn't fully understand the full definition of jet lag when I wrote the previous entry. I couldn't sleep the entire night, ended up tossing and turning, thinking about things. But time zipped really fast as I found myself going to and fro the laptop looking for ppl to chat with. Ended chatting from 4.30am til 7am thereabouts and tried to go back to sleep. Unfortunately, it was back to the cycle of tossing and turning and thinking til 8.30am before I could finally enter teletubbie land. Woke up at 11.30am, feeling lethargic, and almost ready to give up the day plans to Time Square. But finally decided at 12.30pm to go ahead with it, by the grace and strength of God! Haha, had to commit the day to the Lord!

So packed with my large Nikon DSLR and not-so-compact Fuji Finepix, I was already to venture Midtown New York, to seek out Time Square towards the North! But first, a quick trip South (200m only la) to the Credit Suisse building. Too curious, so can't help it. Took a quick pic and headed to the subway up north. LiBin, my colleague who stayed in New York, recommended a couple of food stops and I had systematically categorized them according to districts. Today's trip to Time Square could accommodate two of these food joints. Quality Meats was one of them, but when I got there I found out they are closed on Sundays!! Norma was another one and I got there they had just stopped taking names for waitlist (i.e. they're closing)!! So no quality foood today, so sad. Ended eating at Starbucks. But the frappuccino was marvellous (mint mocha chip) but the turkey sandwich was so-so. Nonetheless I got to see a bit of Central Park, walk A LOT along 5, 6, 7th ave. There was this funky annual 3rd Sunday of July closure of part of 7th ave for street sales. It was cool and I had some extra food and lemonade there. The weather was killing me! Next stop, Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA)..

Busy streets of 5th Ave

Bazaar along 7th Ave. Time square is, by now, not too far in front.

I didn't know nuts about this place, all I knew was YiLin Yoshimura-san had recommended this place, so I had better go. Haha. It costs $20 for adults to enter, so I queued obediently at the ticketing booth. Suddenly, a young lady walked up to me and asked if I was queueing for a ticket. I said "yes" and she handed me a free ticket, cos her company handed out staff tickets and she had extra!! I said thank you to her and also a big thank you to God for reminding me that He's looking out for me. So I spent 2.30-4.30pm viewing ALL the exhibits in the entire building. Some were sooooo goooooood, and amazing. Some were like "huh, like that also can ah?". Well it's art, so it's subjective. Haha. Anyway, after that, I travelled down 7th ave further until I hit Time Square at last!

My free ticket!

One of the many artistic exhibits in MoMA.

Central MoMA (interior)

Took a few photos at Time Square and was thinking to myself,"Hmm, that's about it eh?" Really nothing much to see unless you're into theatres or musicals I guess. But I saw some interesting things.. M&M's specialty shop and Hershey/Reeses shops!! Bought a few souvenirs there, not for myself of cos. (:

Time Square at last!!

Finally get to see Time Square. Haha.

M&M! They've so much merchandise in there. Monopoly, playing cards, frisbee, etc.

Hershey's and Reeses. Unfortunately, didn't go in cos I was carrying an M&M bag. Haha

Final stop of the day was an impromptu stop at Empire State Building. Hadn't planned to go there actually, but since I didn't feel like waiting for Time Square to get dark, I decided to stop over at Empire State Building to see what I could do there. It wasn't long before I queued up (again) for tickets to go up to the 86th floor observatory deck. Whilst I was walking towards the elevator on the 2nd floor, I decided to pick up the audio guide (kinda like a little portable speaker where a voice will introduce different views when you're up there). The audio, with the visual map costs $12. Or $8 for just the audio. I had actually just wanted the audio, but the kind man at the counter decided to give me the visual map souvenir free cos it was my first time to New York! Another gift from heaven! (: The view at the top was nice, a pity I couldnt wait out for sun set. It was about 7pm then, and it's about 9pm now at the time of writing and the sun has just completely set! The wind was strong, but much needed cos the weather is so hot here. I can't imagine doing this in winter, cos ppl can literally freeze with the winds up there.

South Manhattan. Can you see the green park in the middle? Just left of that, the shortest building, is Credit Suisse. And my hotel is just slightly below the park, towards us.

After all the day's excitement, and walking, finally decided to head back to the hotel. Decided to stop by a convenient store to store up some water for the week, some fruit bars and mint gum. Not hungry, probably cos of the remaining jet lag, but will pop some bars if I am! It's been a great day, but I'm anxious about tomorrow. It's going to be a packed week and I expect high stress this week.

God be with me. Still missing everyone.

Dan

New York - Day 1

2008-07-20T13:09:00.003+08:00

Hi folks, it's 1:10am here in New York on Sunday morning. Think the lovelies in church should be just done for service. I'm already feeling like I'm missing lots. (:

Anyway, I've got a long way to go before I can head home to see you folks again. Lots of work to be done, and lots of food to taste (hope I get a chance to). Think I will need to slowly plan out my itinerary. Lazy me hasn't started planning anything yet. Think I will do Timesquare later today. (:

Not much of jet lag though, the business class in SQ really rox! Oh wait, before I get to the good part, I must detail the painful part. I was at T3 from 8.30am for my 10:50 flight. Part of the reason why I wanted to go so early was to check out T3, and also the exclusive Kris Lounge. Guess what? My flight was delayed twice, once to 1400, another to 1530! So now I'm really quite familiar with the inside of T3 cos I was pacing back and forth, in and out of everywhere, including the Silver Kris Lounge. Quite zzzz, cos that's 5.5hrs of precious weekend time in New York gone from silly engineering faults in the plane. Anyhow, back to the good part. The business really rox! I slept like a pig for 10 consecutive hours on the flat bed seat. And I got to watch a couple of cool movies - Spiderwick Chronicles, Rabbit without Ears (european), Ah Long Pte Ltd, 21. All goood. Not to mention the food was way better than what I've had in economy. God rox! (:

Taken from a quiet corner of the Silver Kris Lounge

Lunch appetizer on board flight - Lobster!

So here I am, finally, in my comfy hotel - The Carlton on Madison Ave. My home away from home for the next 13 nights. They upgraded me to a suite by the way, God rox again! (:

24 hrs later, can barely manage a smile

Other half of the suite.

Missing everyone lots! Love you all.

Dan

Fly fly away

2008-07-18T22:56:00.002+08:00

Hey mates! For those who haven't been informed (with last minute info), I'll be flying off to New York on business trip tomorrow! Will be away in NY from 19-July, back on 3-Aug. :)

Yes, strictly business.. but will take time off to enjoy myself, so stay tuned to this blog space for Dan's NY business travel adventures. :)

Btw, dun think i'll bother to visit the old lady up there. See how lah!

High & Invincible, Weak & Ever-reliant

2008-07-09T09:38:00.003+08:00

I prayed.

Sweeeeet.

Thanks.

(:

Wow Wow Weekend

2008-06-22T23:48:00.002+08:00

It's been a most unbelievable weekend for me, and I'm feeling so so happy. :))

1) Sat morning, woke up early to prepare for Phin and Su Linn's wedding. Afternoon, the wedding itself. My first time co-leading worship for a wedding. WEDDING! A couple's most memorable day in their lifetimes, how impt is that? Hence, a slight element of stress there but thank God it was great. The wedding was great! The couple was awesome. I was momentarily blinded there. They were so cute can? What a pair, and what a sweet sweet matrimony. Congrats my mates!

2) Sat night, karaoke with church folks for first time. Was majorly expensive, but I think everyone was high on the wedding so no matter. Fun fun fun. The song selection was mayhem, and the people singing went berserk. Isaiah for one, was mad on his ING song. Vanessa was bouncing on the sofa with Matz. Shalom was.. just being Shalom. Let's do it again!

3) Sun morning, prepared sermon notes and slides til 4am. Woke up early in the morning and zipped to service to pray. First time preaching in the English service, and I thank God His message was heard clearly by the congregation. Hopefully, it wasn't just an "entertaining" sermon as some described, but truly something life-changing for those who needed it. Another checkpoint in the race we run for Jesus through this lifetime ya?

4) Sun afternoon, relaxed after a somewhat sapping weekend with card games and chilling with chilled out ppl. Having a few laughs, just missing the kopi (or some smooth ice-cream). Best part came when we visited Wong Yilin Yoshimura-san at Mt. Alvernia. Thank God mother and son, Jayden Shoichi Yoshimura, are healthy! My first childhood friend-turned-mother! And the baby is sooooooo cute and active! Looks a bit like Danny so far, whom I think will make a cool dad. Pastor Ruhanna from Medan dropped by and shared some words of wisdom with Yilin and Danny, and prayed for the baby. Learned a lot of things just by being there, so blest!

5) Sun evening, chill-out part two at J8 with churchies for dinner, coffee bean and movie at Yishun 10. Watched 9pm ZOHAN show. Almost fell asleep halfway, lame jokes a plenty. Warning, not recommended by yours truly. Spend your cash on kungfu panda. Or shaolin girl, which I suspect is nice. :)

All in all, a most blessed weekend. And a lot of FIRSTS for me. Happy to be here. Happy to be loved. :)

Thank you Lord.

Kung Fu Panda - "Who! Hai ya!"

2008-06-14T23:32:00.002+08:00

Just came back from a long day in church, teaching Foundational Class, and hanging out with the guys for Kung Fu Panda. It's super hilarious! I was at one point with my mouth open wide, laughing so hard but no sound was coming out cos I was laughing til I became breathless. The show is so super cute and funny. Highly recommended. :))

Lord, here's one for You

2008-06-02T20:29:00.005+08:00

Hmm.. can I give thanks to God for something special today?

Think not many of you know, but the last few weeks had been some of the hardest work weeks for me due to multiple high profile projects being tasked to me. Not just from the contribution of long work hours, but multi-directional pressure and an ever-compressed timeline for deliverables. Yet, at the same time, I had ministries in church to serve in. Worship, Zone and Cell, they never stop moving. Weekends literally filled with schedules over different ministries. Weekday nights spent on careful planning for Zone, Cell and even Secell Leaders meetings. Long hours seeking inspiration on the next teaching material or preaching session. It's unbelievable. Think studying is a grueling task? It pales in comparison when contrasted against commitments of a lay worker. However, at the same time, these last months had been constantly punctuated with amazing moments of encounters with God and deeper revelations of His love. By the grace of God, I was able to draw my strength through His word from many quiet moments, wherever I was - my room, trains, walkways, lifts and all. I really drew closer to the Lord these months and it's been a tremendously wonderful time.

My big boss dropped me a pleasant surprise today when I was presented with my department's "Spartan Award". It is a new initiative across my department in Credit Suisse where the firm recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals. I must say that I'm honoured to be the first recipient, especially since the award is only periodically presented to a single person from each dept! I remember Psalm 28:7 declares, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." and Psalm 105:4 suggests, "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." The psalmist doesn't for a moment suggest that the Lord dispenses strength, but he clearly belts that the Lord IS strength. Having understood this, I begin my mornings inviting the Lord into my life and declaring my trust in Him and seeking His face. All glory to God! :)

Lord, this award is a reminder to me of Your faithfulness and nothing less. Now Lord, I ask that what you've done for me, may You do for all my leaders and the young ones as well.

The Square Root of Three

2008-05-09T11:55:00.003+08:00

Caught Harold and Kumar with the guys (and gals) at the theatres last night. Not a very family friendly show, but it's pretty hilarious. I like the poem from the movie though -

The Square Root Of Three

I fear that I will always be
A lonely number like root three
A three is all that's good and right,
Why must my three keep out of sight

Beneath a vicious square root sign,
I wish instead I were a nine
For nine could thwart this evil trick,
with just some quick arithmetic

I know I'll never see the sun,
As 1.7321
Such is my reality,
a sad irrationality

When hark! What is this I see,
Another square root of a three
Has quietly come waltzing by,
Together now we multiply
To form a number we prefer,
Rejoicing as an integer

We break free from our mortal bonds
And with a wave of magic wands
Our square root signs become unglued
And love for me has been renewed.

Higher Higher!

2008-04-22T22:39:00.004+08:00

God calls us higher! Higher I say!

Psalm 61:2
"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock (prophesied of Christ) that is higher than I."

But tsk tsk, speaking of "higher". The songs sung in church services are getting averagely higher and higher over time. I imagine that every worshipper who gives their guts for God's glory weekly, in singing, should attain a singing range about 1/2 an octave higher in 10 years' time. Awesome exchange I would say. :)))

So give your highest jump, widest clap, loudest shout, and greatest outburst of singing to God! After all, who wants to lose to proud lofty mountains and ugly moulding treants? :))

Isaiah 55:12
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

Quotable quotes

2008-04-07T22:19:00.004+08:00

"This is the true joy in life - that being used for a purposed recognized by yourself as a mighty one. That being a force of nature, instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up wen I die. For the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It's a sort of splendid torch which I've got to hold up for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

- George Bernard Shaw

"Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth."

- N. Eldon Tanner

"And the whole world will know that there is a God in Daniel Yan."

- Daniel Yan, adapted from

Chronicles of 1 Samuel 17:46b

This is brilliant

2008-03-12T19:33:00.002+08:00

What a great read the below message is. What a difference a sad event in someone's life makes. GEORGE CARLIN, famous comedian of the 70's / 80's, shortly after his wife died...

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

- George Carlin

Camp Recuperation

2008-03-11T22:57:00.003+08:00

Returned from Secell Camp 2008 a few hours ago (since 5pm to be exact). It was really really great fun!

Maybe I'll elaborate with details when I do have time, but it was quite tiring. Of bad dreams and sleepless nights, I had only managed 2 hrs of proper sleep each for Sun and Mon night. And even so, Sun night was punctuated with a bout of bad dreams on the cold hard floor. But thank God, the joy of the Lord really is my strength and though slightly sleepy throughout, we all had the strength to enjoy every bit of it.

At the end of it all, Karen, Mac, Nat, Sam Fung, Jesse and I headed to Funland @ Bishan for daytona. The fun never seems to end when you're spending time with your second family! Unfortunately, Nat's wallet got missing somehow. Not sure if it was stolen or misplaced and then kept by some dishonest person. Hope you'll get all your impt stuff back Nat!

For now, camp recuperation in progress so I can have another wild time in Krabi 13-17 March. And perhaps Steamboat organised by TayLeb Kay tmr night. It's all good. :)

Good night all.

Small Church, Big Voices

2008-02-24T22:43:00.003+08:00

Since this weekend's been somewhat extraordinary, I reckon that renders a post on some random thoughts.

Firstly, my first song "performance" for church. Purely song performance that is. First time! Although I've been singing in church for 9 years. Haha! And it was somewhat.. refreshing. :)

Strange sense of achievement, which I think was derived more from being proud of the performers than my own performances. They did great! I wont disagree f you're thinking it can be better, but it was a tremendous job given the tight timelines and most of all.. inexperience. I hope the precious experience will be but one of the many stepping stones that God will lay so each of them will grow from strength to strength.

Most of all, like I've been emphasizing it time after time after time (almost like a broken jukebox), you have what you have because God gave. Don't break His heart by appreciating the gift but not the Giver. :)

PS: One a sidenote, I hope to be able to share my heart on a story of worship sometime. Will be soon I hope.

PPS: Pics coming soon when i do get them sometime.

oh man

2008-02-05T21:51:00.000+08:00

CLS

start afresh.

Quotes of the day

2008-01-30T23:25:00.000+08:00

"We are in the significant business of collecting treasures for eternity. What we do and say for Christ in this world, no matter how insignificant it seems, will last forever."

"Walking by faith is simply choosing to believe what God says is true and to live accordingly by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Reminder of the day

2008-01-28T23:25:00.000+08:00

"Disappointments - His appointment,"
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho it may come in disguise,
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.

"Disappointments - His appointment,"
No good will He withhold,
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of love untold.
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust,
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.

"Disappointments - His appointment,"
Lord, I take it, then, as such,
Like clay in the hands of a potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
My life's plan is Thy moulding;
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, unrepining -
"Father, not my will, but Thine."

A reminder from the past..

2008-01-24T23:12:00.000+08:00

The moon and the stars are just so... beautiful

T h a n k y o u G o d . :))

Quotes from my brain this week

2008-01-24T20:09:00.000+08:00

"The whole world decided to gatecrash my train-ride back home today."

"True art is revolutionary. True artists are not revolutionists - they entertain."

"Wah. Uncle, you need a shower."

"I want.. ice-cream, ice-cream, ice-cream, ice-cream, ice-cream, ice-cre.."

"多想要向过去告别.."

"How much faith you have is dependent on how well you know the Object of your faith."

Strength

2008-01-05T23:01:00.000+08:00

Joey Lau's grandma is currently unconscious in hospital. Please pray for her and the family.

And this song has been ringing in my head.

You Are My Strength

G
You are my strength
C
Strength like no other
G/B D
Strength like no other
G
Reaches to me
G
You are my hope
C
Hope like no other
G/B
Hope like no other
D G
Reaches to me

C
In the fullness of your grace
Em
In the power of your name
D G
You lift me up
C D
You lift me up

G
Unfailing love
C
Stronger than mountains
G/B
Deeper than oceans
D G
Reaches to me

C G D
Your love oh lord
Em C G D Em
Reaches to the heavens
C G D
Your faithfulness
Em C G D
Reaches to the sky

Time

2008-01-05T21:26:00.000+08:00

Year 2002..

Secell 2002 Christmas.

Secell 2002 Tsidkenu game - Silly Monkey

Youth Camp 2002 - Mr Lonely.

Year 2003

I really miss them.

My impromptu 21st birthday celebration at Chancery.

Secell 2003 - Prata supper. Still lovin it.

Secell 2003 - Night Safari

Year 2004

Secell 2004 - SCC

Secell 2004 - Bible Camp

SeTT 2004 - Night Cycling

Me 2004 - New Zealand with Philip

Year 2005

2005 - Bible Camp

Youth Camp 2005 - To me, the best.

Secell 2005 - Chinese New Year

Secell 2005 - Sentosa fun

Sydney 2005 - Hillsong Church

Year 2006

Secell 2006 - Yishun Swamp

Church 2006 - Church moves

Youth 2006 - Joy Praise Team Korea

Youth Camp 2006 - Me talking

Secell 2006 - Christmas

Me 2006 - Up Mt. Kinabalu

Phuket/Krabi 2006 - 4WD sunset

Year 2007

Me 2007 - Diya contingent

Me 2007 - SCC declared success

Year 2008

Youth 2008 - Year End Party 2007

I am feeling, the older I get, the less significant I am.
For some reason, how I wish I could just turn back the clock. :)

Relearning Christmas

2007-12-24T00:55:00.001+08:00

Tonight, during the Christmas Service, God spoke to me again. Well, the history goes simply like this.. I do not really like Christmas. Why? Cos I'm a scrooge. And also cos there's no one to go out with during Christmas seasons. For this reasons, I've been anything but joyful over past many years. But as God spoke to me tonight, I was relearning Christmas and what it was about all over again. Christmas in it's empirical form, is a commemoration of Jesus' birth, God's giving of His Son for us. As I rediscover the meaning of Christmas again, I found the reason for the joy that should abound this season - Jesus Christ. It's true, He is the reason for the season. And no one can ever take that joy off me.

I repented for my selfishness. For all the times I justified my own pity party with my relative inadequacies. And for the joy of having Christ in my life, I give thanks. Thus will be my song and eternal hope. I'm relearning the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you God for slapping Dan round with a large trout again.

Life Management

2007-12-19T21:21:00.000+08:00

It's coming to that time of the year again. Christmas.. It's the time that gets me thinking about everything.

Recently, I've been reading a few books on analysing financial markets and one of the common topics is technical analysis. For just about everything there is to trade in the markets, there'll always be a technical way of analysing the probability of future success, and ultimately hoping to lead to the right decision. If only trend of life would adhere to the world of probability and statistics, making decisions and sticking by them would be so much easier won't it? Knowing A+B = Success in one situation doesn't always mean the model works for another.

I'm finding decisions extremely hard to manage, and there's no clear model to overlay my decision making process. No one to blame, I think that's part of the experience and integrates into my personal learning curve. Somewhere in the middle of it all, I need to relocate where I had left God out of the equations. As real as a trader's haunch, there God will be in navigating the way to the north. The never ending way up.

I've made so many bad decisions. I can't undo them. I can't unwind time. But I sincerely pray, God will guide the damage control process that needs to follow. And restore the collateral damage that had ensued. I apologise if I had not seemed to be the godly person most would expect me to be. Carnality has eaten a large portion of my persona. If spiritual cellular regeneration were possible, I would like to attain that at the speediest instant. Still, I conclude with this. The journey of life is about evolution, never about revolution.

I hope I do not have an unhappy Christmas. But I wish all the more for you all.
Happy holidays. Happy birthday Jesus (presumably).

Stay

2007-12-13T23:27:00.000+08:00

"You know what? Forget it.. This is not the first time anyway. I've no time to waste on stupid things like these."

My own lines keep ringing in my head. Perhaps, I feel like saying this for real.

Youth Camp 2007 photos

2007-12-10T21:19:00.000+08:00

Remember to take ur vitamins!

Self-shot with fat camera. Not too bad i say.

Very sweet.. and too bad rochi couldn't go.

Prayer walk.

Meditation.

Mascot swallowing competition. One of our many crazy antics.

Oversized legs in undersized flip flops!

Don't worry, they'll be back in time for supper.

Guess who.

4 x Men vs 1 x resolute Tree.

Some cranes landed on our chairs.

Serious.

Mad.

Respect.

Adriel, our champion spitter.

Elaine, not to be outdone.

Squeeze 'em lemons dry.

Beware of the flying papaya.

Squid attack!

New cake recipe requiring 2 x legs.

Spit or Suck?

Kevin, our champion vomitter.

Centurions in pool.

Trekkers in pool.

Happy birthday Dec babies!

Le Royals.

Ave Centurions.

One-A-Meh-Meh Shepherds.

And many many more.

Tough-going Trekkers.

Secret love revealed. Seems one-sided though.

Our group leaders need a break.

The lack of breakfast = hallucination of durian on giant waffle.

Bye bye campers!

Thurs night campfire.

Now that campers are all gone, it's time for...
Winning Eleven on large screen!

No one goes hungry. Not even our resident pet lizard Lisa.

The Pastor and his son

2007-10-15T22:11:00.000+08:00

Got this in an email from a wonderful 17 year old Christian I whom i was blest to meet back in Aug.

The Pastor and his son

A good reminder of God's Love.

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts.

This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, 'OK, dad, I'm ready.'

His Pastor dad asked, 'Ready for what?'

'Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out.' Dad responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain.'

The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?'

Dad answers, 'Son, I am not going out in this weather.' Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go? Please?'

His father hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son.'

'Thanks
Dad!'

And with that, he was off and out into the rain. his eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.

After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet
and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.

Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer.

Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch! He rang again and this time the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, 'What can I do for you, son?' With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU* and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE.'

With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. 'Thank you, son! And God Bless You!'

Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, 'Does anybody have any testimony or want to say anything?'

Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, 'No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.

So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, 'I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.' I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and
more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly. I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me.' I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.

When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU.' Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.

As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.

You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just
in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell.'

There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated.

He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honor for his son... Except for One.

Our Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and honor to The King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named.

Blessed are your eyes for reading this message.

Don't let this message die, read it again and pass it to others. Heaven is for His people!
Remember,
God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you.

Please share this wonderful message...

'Faith is the affirmation and the act that bids eternal truth be present fact.'
Coleridge

Just 3 Words

Three things
in life that, once gone, never come back -

1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person -

1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose-

1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable -

1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

Three
things in life that are never certain -

1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things that make a person -

1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

Three things that are truly constant -

Father - Son - Holy Spirit

I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today;
to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way.
God's love is always with you, God's promises are true.
And when you give God all your cares,
you know God will see you through.

Pass this along to People you want God to Bless - I just did!

Conviction

2007-09-09T22:33:00.000+08:00

Just thought I would like to share another valuable lesson I learnt today. Today I learnt that another key factor of leading successful worship is CONVICTION. I guess it's the same whether one plays on an instrument or sings with the voice, the element of conviction is key to both personal worship and leading worship from the stage. With that in mind, I've always chosen songs I feel strongly convicted for. Although singing them from the stage with equal conviction all the time is altogether a different story.

An attentive audience will share the same unnerving anxiety with the nervous emcee, yet conversely feel at home with the witty humour from a host at ease. The situations are different, yet the principles are the same. The audience are listening.

Today if you are in a band, or hope to be in one, are your songs prayers played out from the depths of your conviction or simply musical masterpieces from the latest Christian hits? On the stage, are you preoccupied with getting those rifts right and high notes pitch perfect, rather than knowing its your heart that God sole desires, and delights in? Technical perfection aside, conviction leaves room open for God's intervention and divine power which even the most perfect play cannot bring about. For in the eyes of God, your symphonic perfection is always less than your simple conviction.

Another one.

2007-09-06T23:38:00.000+08:00

COMPLETE THESE SENTENCES.
THE 20 SENTENCE MEME!
Tag 3 people to do the meme when completed. Oh. And NO tags backs.

Here it goes..

1. Love is: probably the most elusive thing I'll ever know.

2. I will always: be thankful I can wake up each morning.

3. Forever: doesn't last long enough for good times.

4. I never want to: with broken bones in my body.

5. My cell phone is: a Panasonic V2 but that'll change real soon.

6. When I wake in the morning: I'll always have a brief memory of the dreams that took place the previous night. But those fragments of thoughts disappear into oblivion in the next 10seconds.

7. I get annoyed at: inconsiderate people, people with no manners, people who disturb me when I'm working, people who speak too loudly, inconsiderate people, people with no manners, people who disturb me when I'm working, people who like to repeat themselves over and over and over and over and over and over again. Tsk tsk! Oh and when the weather gets too hot.

8. Parties are: expensive. Always.

9. My dog is: something I can look forward to when I do start my own family.

10. Kisses are the worst when: they don't end up on me. Kidding!

11. Today I am: thinking how much more time I'll spend on this.

12. Tonight I will: probably regret spending excessive time on this.

13. Tomorrow I will: be feeling the after effects of not sleeping early.

14. I really want: the weekend to come faster.

15. When I looked at myself in the mirror today: I get another short lived burst of motivation to lose weight.

16. I will drive my car: when COE becomes virtually free.

17. A word that rhymes with “PARK” is: Shark. Magnificent creatures. Even exotic cars are shaped after them.

18. Bright or Dark Room?: Bright room for Studying and Working. Dark room for leisure and sleeping.

19. If I’m alone in a room with two beds, I: combine the beds and maximise usage of space!

20. The last thing I said to someone was: "do all our emails bother u".. Haha :)

No victims chosen this time round. Have fun!

Thank You's

2007-08-12T00:04:00.000+08:00

It certainly has been one of the sweetest birthdays this year round. Lots of thoughtful friends who wished me well one way or another. :)

Just in case I forgot to thank those who bought cakes/food for me, please let me thank the following ppl:

First birthday "cake" apple crumble at Marina Roof Terrace
- Dawn
- Jon
- Kevin
- Joey
- Eliz
- Nat
- Sam Choo

Second Pandan Coconut Cake in office
- Betty
- Kris
- May
- Emily
- Siang Tiong
- Chris
- York
- Ram

Dinner at Crystal Jade Plaza Sing
- Yilin
- Jon
- Jesse
- Isaac
- Caleb

Third fantabulous durian cake at my house
- Karen
- Dawn
- OCX
- Jon
- Jesse
- Kevin

Thank you all for your sweeties and foodies. I really appreciate everything! :)

Nat's mission

2007-08-05T21:49:00.000+08:00

Rules of the game: Each player of this game starts off with ten weird things or habits or little known facts about yourself. People who get tagged must write in a blog of their own ten weird things or habits or little known facts as well as state this rule clearly. At the end, you must choose six people to be tagged and list their names. No tagbacks.

1) I have been using gatsby for all my hair needs over the last 8 years. Different types of gels, sprays, clays, waxes.. haven't tried rubber yet though. But I reckon they should consider my loyalty and let me do a commercial with Kimura (the handsome japanese gatsby model).

2) I tend to get the second best in things, but find myself being more blessed than the first most of the time. Like I was in contention for best trainee during army, but ended up being second and got great close friends cos I was posted to another platoon instead. Got 249 for PSLE, just 1 point away from my school of choice Rivervalley but ended up at the super ACS(I) that changed my life instead. I got 7 points for O levels, 1 point away from perfect 6. Now I've 2nd class upper honours degree, but managed to get a good job anyway. Thank God really!! :)

3) I've always imagined i've got a pair of wings behind me and they spread out when i worship God. ^||^

4) If i am very quiet, it just means i'm super tired or super angry. Not applicable during movies.

5) My childhood ambition was to be an actor, a host or a DJ.

6) Sometimes when ppl say "shit happens", i concur. Cos i've shitted in my pants once. Ooops XD

7) I've some talents that have been hidden from public for some time now. Painting, drawing, acting, mimicking, pottery, solving puzzles, computer games, team games, cheating during games, winning through cheating, monopoly.. etc

8) Getting my driving license was a dream come true since young. No explanation for it.

9) I have had 15 major crushes on girls throughout my life. Each lasting 6 months - 7 years. Yet haven't had my first girlfriend yet! Yippeee!

10) I have a soft spot for some of the weirdest things. Macdonald Chocolate milkshake, sporty adventurous girls, huge stuff toys, hammock at the beach, cocktail liquor with a night view, open top convertible cars, coffee and newspaper on a lazy sunny morning, camping in a forest void of mosquitoes, getting lost with close pals, talking on the phone for hours just before i sleep.

Now for the 6 person, i choose to continue this quiz.
Unlike nat, i shall attempt to choose with purpose:
Christine, Joey, Shalom, Eliz, Wei2, Mel.. 1 more can? Felix (if you're reading this.. remember to return me my CDs when you're done hehe)

God's Delays

2007-07-29T20:54:00.000+08:00

Adapted from Our Daily Bread - July 29, 2007
Thanks to Helena for the link!

God’s Delays

READ: Habakkuk 1:12–2:3

I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me. —Habakkuk 2:1

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

Waiting is hard for me. I want answers now. Postponements perplex me; deferrals daunt me. I’m baffled by God’s delays, wondering why and when. “How long, O Lord?”

The prophet Habakkuk wanted answers as well, but God chose to take His time. “I will stand my watch . . . to see what [God] will say to me,” Habakkuk wrote (2:1). “The vision is yet for an appointed time,” God replied. “Wait for it; because it will surely come” (v.3).

Faith never gives up. It knows that despite appearances, all is well. It can wait without signs or significant indications that God is at work, because it is sure of Him. “Each delay is perfectly fine, for we are within the safe hands of God,” said Madame Guyon (1648–1717).

We too must learn to view each delay as if it were “perfectly fine.” Postponements are reasons to pray rather than grow anxious, impatient, and annoyed. They’re opportunities for God to build those imperishable but hard-to-acquire qualities of humility, patience, serenity, and strength. God never says, “Wait awhile,” unless He is planning to do something in our situation—or in us. He waits to be gracious.

So take heart! If God’s answer tarries, “Wait for it; because it will surely come.”

Soon shall the morning gild
The dark horizon rim,
Thy heart’s desire shall be fulfilled—
“Wait patiently for Him.” —Havergal

God stretches our patience to enlarge our soul.

Let this be the last, Lord

2007-07-28T23:02:00.000+08:00

TRUST in the Lord with all your heart

and LEAN NOT on your own understanding;

in all your ways ACKNOWLEDGE Him,

and He will make your paths STRAIGHT.

- Proverbs 3: 5-6

TRUST and OBEY, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to TRUST and OBEY.

Daniel is feeling...

2007-07-26T23:07:00.000+08:00

Stupid.

I guess it's one of those times you feel like you're not needed. The whole world can do without you and everyone will keep smiling. Haha. Oh well. :)

Birthday Celebrations

2007-07-15T23:03:00.000+08:00

Just returned from an impromptu birthday dinner celebration for Joey, Shalom and Cheryl. Almost didn't want to go cos I had wanted to rest at home after church. But I went anyway and it was well worth the trip.

Fish & Co. glasshouse! The food is not fantastic but at least they've got an interesting Birthday Rap going. Joey Shalom and Manna were made to stand on their chairs. :)

At the end of the dinner, someone sabo'ed me by submitting my name to the waitress to sing a song on stage. Of cos i refused. Where got ppl perform without practice one? But the performers on stage called out for my name anyway.

SO there it is, my first public debut without practice. In fact I didn't even know the lyrics. Thankfully the performers were good, and they helped me out with the entry and lyrics. But it was fun nonetheless! Hoho

All in all, I'm home late again. And I need to rest. Thanks to eliz for the vids. And before i sleep, once again Happy Birthday Joey, Shalomie and Manna! :))

Yoyo!!

2007-07-02T21:37:00.001+08:00

Went to see Jo (my manager's) baby girl Shih Ann on Sat morning! Hmm another "Ann", I realized. So cute! But so small and fragile looking. We were all given turns to carry the baby, and it's my first time carrying a 20 day old infant. But I'm proud to say she slept the soundest in my arms, haha. I ended up carrying her for such a long time, that I didn't even know when my arms had cramped.

Junie, Jo, Me, May, Emily and Gary.
With, of cos, baby Shih Ann.

The team without the boss!

Think carry infant and smile for camera so easy?

On a sadder note, we sent Frances off to Hong Kong on Sun after church. Brought the whole gang over and that helped to make up the 40 odd farewell party'ers.

Bye Frances and have fun!

Its strange, but work is therapeutic.

"State of enlightenment" eh?

It Of Out Snap

2007-07-01T19:49:00.000+08:00

Its funny how trying to be nice can turn back to bite you on the backside sometimes. Nonetheless, that helped to clear my thoughts over the last 1 month a bit. The Chalet was fun though. Didnt eat much, 2 x hotdog, 1 x otah, 2 x satay, 1 x fishball, 1/4 x plate of potato salad, 1 x plate of beehoon with super spicy curry. Thanks to the organisers! The overnighters played Singapore version Taboo at 11.30pm whilst waiting for OCX, Karen and Gail to return. I got over-excited once and laughed quite loudly. And I got sore throat after that. 1 hour later, we kinda got bored and started chatting. Well, actually only Lebby and Wei2 were chatting and Isaiah was part timing the conversation. The light was off and very soon, everyone started to fall asleep. Except Leb and Wei2. In my semi-conscious state I could hear the conversation la, and was awoken by Leb's super loud laughter and Wei2's super high pitch shriek.

When OCX, Karen and Gail returned it was 2.45am already! And Leb and Wei2 were still chatting! So we tiredly made our way to Soyabean place anyway. It was fun and we slept about 4plus. Had to wake up for church at 7.30am.

Whilst waiting for the food

Woooooorrrr..

This is good cos it' s long brown and.. it floats on water. Hehe :))

Now back home, tired and all. Hadn't caught any extra sleep but I should think I'll be sleeping early tonight for work tmr! 5 days of work again! Weeee..

Oh, it seems I've got some affinity with tortoises lately. I got some gifts recently and they're all tortoises (stuffed toys). Thanks though! Really appreciate 'em.

First Day

2007-06-25T22:07:00.000+08:00

Its kinda a few first days today. My first day of work!! But not much la, cos I was induced to join the induction session lasting 3 days for NINETY new hires today. My name wasn't on the list due to some mess ups, but in the end I had to sit through the entire day of lectures. Most of which I had heard before 1.5 yrs ago, with a little updates of cos. What made it worse was the fact that I had a flu and headache the whole day. My nose was a runny tap the whole morning. Interestingly, I met a new hire who would be joining me in the same team as well. And I didn't even know there was another hire in the same team prior to meeting him, so when I found out we had the same manager, I was like "What the..". Cool though! Also, I met a "Cain" early this morning, and the next person I introduced myself to was an "Abel". Interesting haha :)

Anyway, I'll be at my desk tomorrow at last. The induction will continue next Tues. Thank God! But I'm going to have an early nights rest to recover as much as I can before tomorrow.

Another first day would be a first day at my new house in Khatib. I've finally moved back to the north!! "Yippeeee.." as Algene would exclaim with me. I left my house for work from Jurong this morning and headed straight for Khatib for the return train in the evening. A pity I couldn't help my parents with the move, but thank God the movers from Breakthrough Ministry were quite efficient, or so I heard. I've been trying to help put everything back in place and enduring the dusts, so I reckon my condition has worsened quite a fair bit. Another lament would be, my DIY'ed workstation table has turned into my parent's coffee table in the living room because they thought it was nice! Right.. Now I need to get another one. That table costed me 1 blister on my right middle finger anyway.

Need to shower and sleep now. Another long day again tmr.
Special thanks to those who wished me well for today! :)))

2007-06-23T00:56:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I had an unhappy post. :)
So here's one.

Recently, I've been really upset with myself. For many reasons such as not being strong, resilient, determined enough. Not being disciplined to do what i REALLY need to do. Making all the wrong choices one after another, and doing so poorly in my various areas of service. I need to make it right again, but I need time. And I pray that God have mercy on me, cos I'm really sorry for having willingly chosen to enter this pit. Indeed it's true, I am weak. I thought I was different, that I was stronger, but I'm just a helpless lad. :(

Anyway I need to get myself back to normal. 2 weeks. Anti-brood Daniel reborn :)

Oh and Joey, Rachel and Eliz bought me some gifts today to cheer me up though! Thanks! Just let me say "I'm sorry" here and now, just in case I pass my broodism to anyone in my current state.

Berakit Mission Trip 13-16 June

2007-06-19T20:34:00.000+08:00

Berakit Mission Trip photos! Gonna be quite internet traffic intensive, so please be patient. And do click on the photos for better view on them :)

Day 1

Whole team gathering at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal early morning.

Wow loaded with cards..

90min boat trip!

Took the chance to "eat air" at the back of the Ferry.

Monkey Face 1. While waiting for travel agent settlements upon arrival at Tg Pinung.

Monkey Face 2. Samuel joins in.

In high spirits despite the initial waiting time.

Even had time to do some tidbit, ice cream shopping.

Thereafter proceeded to Pelangi Hotel for lunch enroute Palong village.

Hungry.. but the food was seriously not bad.

Ok, stomachs filled. Time to move out to Palong village.

2 hrs later in the village. But everyone feels a bit lost in translation at first.

First, we had to clear up the church which was to be our shelter for the 3 days.

Cleared up and now to be cleaned up.

Oooh the church window view towards the open sea.

Oooh, Sam Fung's glamour shot with priceless background.

Our neighbour's houses.

The initial part of the long bridge leading to the church (while was built over water).

Time to check out the area which we had to build the new shelter.

Veron and village headman, as he gives his instructions.

Time to start work!! Clear the ground and level it first.

We need to draw and carry water from the well to drink and bathe. Tough work man.

Thats me .. 苦中作乐

Yep.. 苦中作乐 again.

真的好苦啊!!

Back at the church, our neighbour loaned us his sampan for leisure.

OCX and I, enjoying the sunset.

Day 2

The boys smelling the early morning breeze.

That's breakfast. Excessive egg diet. Made us develop serious egg phobia after that.

Start work again. OCX knocking the planks in to hold the concrete in place later.

Needed more sand, so Algene, Nat and Sam Fung took a sampan out to grab more.

Concrete mixing time! Our first time doing that.

We were a bit slow at the first round, but subsequently got quite adept at it.

Juz doing my share of the mixing.

The kids playing on a pile of sand. Laid back lifestyle.

The simplest of things could be their toys for the entire day.

Sam Fung's award winning shot.

The headman leads by example. The villagers were seriously amazing skillful at their crafts.

One of the few charcoal producing dome ovens in the village.

Laying and leveling the concrete.

Yes, they love us!

Subsequent concrete mixes were much prettier and faster. Much thanks to the villagers.

At the end of the day, we were rewarded with a nice relaxing sampan ride back to the church.

Some guys took the liberty to take a dip in the water.

Uncle David trying hard to save the sampan after some nifty boat-rocking action by Dan Fung.

To no avail though. Haha!!

Quite bath and enjoying the sunset soon after.

Day 2 debrief!

Day 3

Another self made morning breakfast using purely charcoal heat.

Our pig sty.

Braving the extreme sun and heat to start work.

Finally the concrete is done in the morning. But someone ran over it!

Time to make the benches and tables after lunch. Our own carpentry work.

Our masterpiece. Which needed further improvements but not bad for first timers :)

Its not all work. We took time to interact with the kids. Such as swings and soccer!

Joel found his favourite kid.

Just a few of the people who worked on the shelter! Mission complete for now.

Day 4

On our way back to Singapore at the pier. What a fantastic experience. Notice the new tan?

June Retreat 07

2007-06-10T21:56:00.000+08:00

Wasn't the most memorable camp for me but very fruitful nonetheless! :)

We had to change our ultra-mini-van to a quite-mini-van. Hence this stopover.

See? Not very big. But no dampened spirits! :)

This shot was meant for cyrus and elaine. Oops

Lookalikes? Hmm.

Whole Church queueing to go thru a small gate to see disgusting unripe strawberries.

Nat's sense of timing at blocking photos are impeccable.

Does it again! See?

Christian and Nanaho!

Disgusting white strawberries. Looks like aphid infestation.

OCX bluffing small children.

Mmmm.. tasty!

Shalomie and heavy weight Zareth! :)

Nice purple-flowers-whose-name-i-cant-remember

Bees squeezing to enter the colony

Big fat sunflowers! Taken by SamFungster

aiSHAY!

Nicky Ho, my fellow Naruto fan! :)

Sweeeeeeeet flowers. Who wants?

The ladies favourite. :(

Oooh, my sexy roomate hahaha. Taken by Nat

Dialect's skit. Quite amazing and realistic.

Wei2 vs. Uncle Raymond

Sealing off a deal.

Secellites at Camp!

Remnants of Polar bear night!! 3.30am

Another Camp over. What's next I wonder?

Japan first impressions

2007-05-21T08:48:00.000+08:00

My first impression of Japan (Osaka)? Its the land of pachinkos! Those small metal ball machines where you roll the metal balls from the top of the machines to the bottom? Yeah, they are ALL OVER THE PLACE. More than toilets?! What the..

Its been fun so far, went to Universal Studios Japan yesterday with Jess and OCX. Quite fun and although it was a Sunday, it wasnt too crowded. Ooops, checking out time now. Gotta go. Catch a train to Kyoto and maybe, just maybe can find some place to upload some photos. Bai bai! テンプレート

Missing in Action

2007-05-17T23:59:00.000+08:00

That's kinda how I feel at the moment. I recall a few weeks before my exams had started I was all looking forward to my Japan trip, but now I think I'll miss everyone back home. And for one I certainly feel like I'll be missing in action, for runs, badminton, Secell, services, church and the very frequent coffee sessions! :)

So it is, I'll be flying off 5.15pm tomorrow on 18th and back at 7.30pm thereabouts on 29th May. Very soon, will have to travel again for Church camp from 4-8th June and a mission trip 13-15th June. Quite a fair bit of passport stamps in a single month. I think will have one more for Bintan with Uni lads somewhere in between the free days. Haha!

Alright, it's all set. Oh wait, I havent started packing.. Hmm I think I'll do it tomorrow. Everyone is asleep now anyway, and my things are strewn all over my temp house at the moment. First up, I need to find my luggage - tomorrow. Will continue to update this blog in Japan so everyone knows we're safe! Hope I come back in one piece :)

Love ya all,
Dan

Sorry

2007-05-08T21:18:00.000+08:00

Sorry because of the terribly infrequent updates! Does that fact that I was in the midst of examinations justify anything? Hmm, I guess not. My Final Year Project presentation is due tomorrow. Final trip to school as a student. Finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I'll miss it. Terribly..

I remember some 12 years, I was walking into ACS(I) through the backgate, from the AYE, as every other morning. It was the first day of the 2nd term of the academic year. I was in Secondary 1. I remember doing the math while walking alone into school, counting the number of terms I will have to go through to finish Secondary school. 1 down, only 15 more to go!! I couldn't wait to graduate from ACS. But when the end of it all came, I really didn't wanna go. It's the same now, I know it'll all be dearly missed, this beautiful varsity life.

Silly Joel Chin posted some ultra unglam photos from our forgotten past in his blog. That's me in one of the photos, when I was 15! It didn't seem that long ago really, but that meant it has been almost 10 years now. Now, that's a long time. Things were a lot simpler back then :) But never in my wildest imagination would I have guessed how these 10 years actually turned out. Considering just how my last 5 years had turned out now, I'll put my money on the fact that the next 5 will only be as (if not more) tipsy turvy as its predecessor. Yet, I know it'll be nonetheless fruitful and enriching. Thank God!!

Starry night

2007-04-22T22:11:00.000+08:00

Its a beautiful bright and clear starry night tonight. Somehow starry nights always bring back memories. Some memories I had in Thailand, some in Cameron Highlands during Bible Camp, and the many times I just laid on my back looking at the night sky.

It's marvellous really, when the clouds clear up like they do tonight. Everyone should just stop to look, even for a glance.

Mr. No Musical Talent

2007-03-27T23:18:00.000+08:00

I had a thought this morning as I was brushing my teeth in the toilet at Hostel. It all began when I was pondering over what songs to lead for this Sunday's worship. In my life, I haven't really got many regrets but up to a few years ago, I concluded that I had 2 major regrets in my life:

I hadn't had the diligence to stay in a single CCA throughout my 4 years in Sec school
I hadn't learn to play any music instruments when I was young

The second one was the more painful one, cos on most occasions I would imagine myself leading worship with a guitar hung over the shoulder, or a keyboard rested in front of me but it is just not to be. Not that I didn't try to pick them up, I did try but I just can't play either of them well enough. Odd? This is clearly a case of no musical talents.

I do somewhat envy those who can though. Don't neglect your piano lessons and despise your grade exams!! I wished I had the time and chance when I was young. Perhaps some time soon, I can purpose some spare time to a proper learn class. But til then, I'll just have to try my best in what I have now, to lead worship with a voice and nothing more. Or would anyone be kind enough to teach me?

And many little things

2007-02-25T18:08:00.000+08:00

Another chinese new year passes, too fast almost. I'm almost ready to join Singapore's aging population. Silver hairs appearing on top of my head too. Well ok, no count cos I've starting having them since secondary school. But the reality is time really passes very fast. The past week especially, went by like a short breath.

I thought the message today was pretty thought provoking. It's of course not the first time a message challenging our priorities was preached, but I guess it gave me an opportunity to put myself on the surgeon's table again and closely examine my priorities. In all honesty, my priorities since the start of the year seemed to be to graduate with a good honours and get a good job thereafter, finding security in life. A lot of subtle streams of thoughts converged to this delta, little priorities I should start to consider at this age. Things like monetary stability, being financially independent enough to be able to start a relationship which may lead to a lifelong one, repaying my parents, having the finance to also further my studies and even my interests. And lots of tiny tiny ideals that this little ambitious duckling wants to have as he starts to learn how to fly.

I guess God really has a certain way to take us back on track sometimes. For one, I'm certainly not sure if I can graduate this June. My grades have been pretty alright up til now and I should think the final exams in April ought to be ok. It's just my Final Year Project that hasn't been going on well at all. People around me are finishing their projects and ready to touch on their final reports due on 19 March, whereas I can't even get my project WORKING. I've no results to show for and it's somewhat depressing and stressful at the same time. I need to pass this project to graduate and it would be a terrible shame if I have done well in exams up til now only to fail this final project in my final semester. I really don't know how to do this. Can complain all I want but it's not going to help. My heavenward pleas also don't seem to be going through. Almost like "what's going on?" sometimes. *breathe*

That aside, weekends are still busy times for me. Easter is a big project which I, at the moment, don't really know if I can commit to. I would love to be a part of this, yet realistically speaking I don't wish to return after each practice coming back to an uphill task of trying to meet my project deadlines or piles of revision for my exams in April. In the movie "Click", Adam Sandler had a universal remote that was literally "universal". Sometimes don't we all wish we could just forward time and space so we could "move on" to bigger, brighter times? Yet, ironically it's through trying, darker times that makes us who we are more than those happy moments. So coming back to having God be my number 1 priority, I shall firmly believe that no matter how my graduation turns out, it's all good - having tried my best and committing my efforts to my loving God.

It's no wonder then that the bible states in James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

On the bus ride back home today, the Holy Spirit just brought this verses to mind and He suddenly emphasized on the words "the testing of your faith". It never occurred to me it was the "testing" of our faith that develops perseverance, and not "having faith develops perseverance". So each time our faith is tested, rejoice as it's God at work in us. Well, God is interested IN US. And the mighty thing is, we WILL become mature through this testing process as we persevere, and then not lack anything. We get more mature, older budweiser* :)

Here's a question that popped up in my mind during sermon today for those interested. The bible says God honours those who honours Him, and those who despise Him He will disdain. If we ought all to be like God. Do we treat people the same way? Aren't we called to love all instead? Food for thought. Do leave ur comments below cos I'm figuring this out too. Comments are preferred over tagboard, as tagboard messages are limited in characters. Ciaoz!!

* pun alert

Happy Blog Anniversary

2007-02-12T22:01:00.000+08:00

Within the blink of an eye, 2 quick years have past and it's my blog's 3rd year in running! Pardon the cheesy intro, sounds like something off a model essay compilation. Looking back at how I started this blog and why I did, I really want to have a good laugh at myself. I said I had wanted this blog to be like a photoblog where I would showcase my photos and experiences; well, I lied. Haha.

Anyway, in the good spirit of bloglihood Here's a toast to a good year of experiences and blogging them down in retrospect! *TOAST* That inadvertently means a toast to the author's year too. So thanks y'all :)

Somehow I look fat in this pic.
Caught some sleepers in action during lecture today :P

Happy Valentines (Day - 3)!!

2007-02-11T22:08:00.000+08:00

It's 3 days from Valentines' Day! Weeee!! But what does it mean for me? Probably nothing much. Haha.

Valentines' Day had always been one of those days on the calendar I'm pretty much apprehensive about. Having been single for every V-day always made me think a lot about the future and the many times of "oh, how i wished..". Years have gone by and a lot of me has changed. Matured maybe? Time grows a person where a trial grooms. Everything thick and thin we are put through makes us stronger. To be honest, that's always what I had believed all this life - what does not kill me makes me stronger. And I do think that to a large extent that's very true. That's really the grace of God in action. He tips our jars so we mature and become a better person, Christlikeness.

No plans as usual this Valentines. I won't be brooding like past years for sure. Things have changed, I have changed. Somehow the subtle turning of the wheel of time has aligned my priorities to a different direction. For a large part of my life up til now, I had always wanted to have that special someone "to hold and to cherish" but that never really came about. I had always imagined Valentines Day to be the epitome of romance for me, but never quite the case. We just had a Secell V-day special this afternoon and it was.. different. I remember lying down on my bed last night and thinking,"You know God, I may just be the most inappropriate person to teach this." With a muffled chuckle, I soon realized my priorities have changed and I no longer feel that deep innate longing to have that someone special. "But You know Lord, having realized this now.. I don't really mind if You were to drop a surprise on me somehow," I soon qualified.

It's all good anyway. Everytime we do fall in relationships or pre-relationships, we get to know ourselves better. And that's really a blessing if we can all view this lifelong journey as one of self-exploration and betterment. In recent months, I've come to realize that I've still got a long long way to go in terms of maturity. And it shows in many ways like my behaviour and speech. Sometimes there can be a stark lack of maturity in the way I present myself, hence it can be hard to take my words seriously sometimes. It's not the numbers ticking down my timeline called "age" that counts, it's simply my level of maturity. I'm not there yet. I've got a long way to go. And maybe, just maybe, I need more jar tippers. :)

Happy Valentines Day y'all sweeties. And may all sweethearts having a most loving one!

Signing off,

An obligatory update

2007-01-31T21:49:00.000+08:00

I aptly titled this entry "an obligatory update" cos I realized my personal blog has shifted focus, towards what I am doing in church, as opposed to rambling about my own life. So since I have just updated the Secell blog, I should update my own blog somewhat.

I think apart from my Final Year Project, the start of the year has had a lot of bright hopes pointing towards a great year. Seems like I started the new year with a new fervour for my studies. No fair reason why, I think it's probably cos I realized I had only 3 months of studies left so I might had as well try my best. Now I need to ignite that same fervour to spending time with God. In all honesty, I haven't even come close to trying my best where drawing close to God goes. 我真的亏欠神了. But I'm going home now! Repentance is always the first step!

I was watching the Church Christmas DVD to help improve my stage presence and I must say that night was really quite challenging in terms of the programme. Everything went wrong!! Oh well, nonetheless it was fun albeit scary.

Oh well, my tutorials are done now. Probably time to end my obligatory entry. Hope I can put in another one soon. By the way, who still reads this blog ah? Haha. Maybe I can tune my "programme" to my viewers.

Shocking

2007-01-14T18:34:00.000+08:00

I am going to tell you all something very shocking.

It's not easy being a youth leader, anyone in that position will tell you likewise. Some will justify the experience with the fact that they find youth leadership most fulfilling, others love the difference they are making in the lives of their members. There's no doubt about the joy of seeing lives changed and having a part to play in that transformation but what if the memory of having ever achieved such a noble aspiration has become so distant and long forgotten?

Honestly, I don't believe in no-return investments. Having put so much time and effort into numerous young peoples' lives, my hope is that they would aspire and grow to be like Christ. Even if one cannot attain that seemingly lofty goal in this lifetime, at least endeavour for it. Lend an ear to hear, the one who teaches is less greater than one with teachability. Or should leaders turn their teaching to pleas before one should embrace their words?

Change is fundamental to any growth. To realize growth, first embrace change.

There's a lot of taboo implicitly applied to youth leaders. A lot of rules and restrictions less mentioned beneath the breath of a whisper. Lest we abuse that trust bestowed upon us, some lines are better off not crossed. Nonetheless, the reality of humanity is beyond one's basic self control. Who by thoughts, words or actions can dictate the weaving threads of intertwined emotions? Not easy.

Nevertheless, it's not my battle to fight. I'm trying my best.

Shocking right?

More pics

2007-01-12T11:40:00.000+08:00

Felix and Philip followed me to support Diya! Hoho

First Sunday of the year, and it's time for Masterlife!

The guy's table. Alamak, Joel sleeping!

Girls table. OCX & Kevin bodyguards.

Wa..

I say!!

Camper pro

Fooooooooo!!

Last minute revision helps

Not quite in full force though

"I know I know!!"

Kevin showing Rae-Ann his hot pants

Our Quizmaster, James

Round of applause please..

Zone 2 Speedmasters

Zone 1 Speedmasters

Our best Masterlifer #1 - Huijun!

Our best Masterlife #2 - Eliz!

Nat's style of slicing his cake

"..."

The last frame of Jere and Josiah's production

Rae-Ann's "monkey face" taught by Rachel

Christmas Reminiscence

2007-01-11T11:23:00.000+08:00

Here's a quick look back at the wonderful Christmas I had last year!

Old friends but still fresh faces.
It has been an indescribable blessing growing up with you all.

As Josiah puts it "Finger Puppets.. Finger.. Puppets.. Fin.. ger.. Pup.. pets"
I think this picture very sweet leh.

Algene has made up his mind and decides to take the initiative.

"1.. 2.. 3.. turn around and pose!!"

The making of the most expensive Umbrella in the world.

Spelling my name with sparklers. My handwriting not too bad ya? :)

Here's the bunch that stayed up for countdown at Lee Family's house.

Joy invited Secell for the party but I think we ended up swarming it.
Was fun though, thanks the for invite.

Yes, this brolly belongs to meee! Shooo off Mary Poppins.

Oh scandalous shot with Wei2 at Gail's house.

Erm.. the violent side of me

This is proof that no one went home empty handed

Waa Ereen!

Share Ereen!! Share!!

Ephesians 5:18
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."

Welcome 2007

2007-01-03T18:51:00.000+08:00

Got this from my very sweet roomate. Haha! So here's from me wishing everyone else a fantabulous 2007 ahead too! :)

Lifestory

2006-12-31T03:02:00.000+08:00

I give up. I really do. All the nonsensical things I allow myself to go through.
It wasn't too hard to see what was coming but it's really hard to help it.
This is Dan, this is me. Countless repetition of the same old lifestory.

It's the end of 2006 in just a few hours and it's a shame a tremendous year of blessings end in a whimsical mixture of low emotions. It wasn't suppose to turn out this way. I should probably just stay at home and usher in the new year in a little solitude to realign my focus, but I can't. I've got a countdown programme to attend. I'll probably end up brooding more there but I guess I'll just hafta pray whenever no one is looking.

Nonetheless 2007 promises to be a year full of opportunities and potential. There's a lot in the ministry which God can change and that leaves me with plenty of opportunities to pray. It's hard being a leader but it's not hard to see so. So in your busy moments of praying for yourselves, do pray for your leaders too. Especially those who're hurting. Haha :)

Photo Special

2006-12-29T03:08:00.000+08:00

Today, photo special!

Project Superstar special - Diya Semifinal 1 Result Show *

Here we are at Mediacorp studio for SUperstar.. and guess who are we supporting?

Quick take one before they make us delete!

Our very obliging Superstar!! Weeeee~

Youth Camp 2006 - Never Seen Before Rare Footage

Kids, do not try this at home!

Err.. so which is my leader?

Unidentified "mongster" scaring innoncent public

Garang soldier. You're the best, Sgt (NS) Ong!!

Little Guilin, on the verge of rainclouds

Gilgal - kung fu stance!

Shalom's "Special ice block melting technique" - aka using poot!

The highlight is not Jon's fall, but the spectators' expressions! Hah!

"Waaaah.. song song!"

Camp Speaker sleeps right past breakfast

What's with that smirk!! :) Haha

Cheers to another successful camp!

* special thanks to melanie wong for superstar pics

And now Christmas is over

2006-12-27T15:44:00.000+08:00

A fair bit of things have happened since the last update (duhh). Oh I got my new macbook which I'm now working on.

Youth Camp 2006 was a blast. All the late nights this time round but thank God somehow the organisers still managed to pull through. Also it's a brand new campsite this year and the feedback thus far seems to be quite positive. As such, we're making plans to use it again for some other camp. Hehehe :) Oh camp photos on my online album.
Then came the "Season of Blessing" Christmas service which I got to emcee and sing for. Also the Secell band did pretty well i thought. Maybe I do up some production notes to show everyone how they progressed. Haha :) Will try to beg for some pics to entertain you readers later.
Christmas party @ Joy/Josiah/Jere's place was really fun. I didn't get to win any prizes though, cos i was hosting the games. :( Nonetheless it was quite interesting and I got a special brolly which I'll treasure for life. Really really thanks to Secell for this special brolly. Especially Shalom for your creativity and the effort you had put in for it. Also must add that without Karen, OCX, Jon, Jesse, Dawn & Kevin, there'll be no Secell either. *Round of Applause*.. Plus I'll have more pics to beg for from that night.
Christmas party @ Gail's house was also great. I ate more than the previous night cos (ah-chem) the party costed more.. And of cos more great pics to beg for.

I think that's about what had happened over the last 2 weeks or so with lots of time spent preparing and rehearsing for the Christmas events. That leaves me for dead where my fyp goes. That's why I'm back in school today to TRY to conjure some miracle. Sigh

Kuro MacBook

2006-12-08T12:05:00.000+08:00

My laptop had died once in September and by some chance, I got it resurrected again. Unfortunately it re-died during my exams in November and now it's forever dead. *mourn*

As such, I've found a new toy :)

Good Old Memories

2006-11-29T21:36:00.000+08:00

I love my Pri School classmates!! Really, everyone of them. I've got some great memories with them, I only wish I could meet them more often.. :(

Answered

2006-11-28T15:33:00.000+08:00

Firstly, God is a good God. Really. And amazing, somehow He's found some interest in me.

Last Thursday night, I had a chat with a couple of friends about what our future might be. It left me with a deep sadness and somewhat confused. I carried on with the confusion and prayed a lot bout it on Saturday night and wanted to speak with my youth leader about my thoughts. Through some twist of events we had to delay our meeting but before we got to meet in the end, my Senior Pastor called me into his office for a talk which dispelled my confusion and doubt.

In the end, it's all good really. And somehow this amazing God is interested enough to answer my prayers. Now I know the way to go. :)

Thanks also to Anon and Joey.

A Breakaway

2006-11-24T21:25:00.000+08:00

It's a friday and it's been 2 exam papers with 3 more to go. Still working on it, still rummaging through the pile of books, notes and solving endless problems over and over again. It's the feeling of being cooped up in a lonely cell doing something I don't particularly enjoy, and yet having a certain nothing else to look forward that's twirling about my mind at the moment. I feel quite icky yucky.

Nonetheless, it's a friday after all and lest we forget weekends are suppose to be breakaways from the hassle of stressful weekdays. Whilst holiday season lingers on lip edge, a nominated bunch of slaves to education still struggle willingly for the hope of joining the majority on the starting line at race day. Naturally, of course, there are some who work harder for that few inches headstart. In work, you're paid to work your butt off but it seems in education you pay to work your butt off. It's absolutely bias and a complete misrepresentation, but just let me stand by this opinion for the moment. It's the system, no one leaves the matrix.

Food for thought.

Would you give up monetary gain for a somewhat noble ideal? What if the very nobility you had endeavoured rejects you? What then shall we imagine you be left with?

A once foolish ideal and nothing else perhaps. A foolish look frowned upon with scorn and hidden giggles.

I can't honestly say I haven't been disappointed by the way somethings have turned out. I've made some huge decisions and have had my share of sacrifices, which incidentally are not small. I may never have them back again. Stoutness of heart I need now. Please be kind.

Super Sunday VII

2006-11-20T14:16:00.000+08:00

Exams in less than 48 hrs time. Very stressed. Here's my timetable, please pray:

22 Nov, 9am-11am
24 Nov, 2pm-4pm
28 Nov, 9am-11am
30 Nov, 9am-11am
1 Dec, 2pm-4pm

Had a recce for Youth Camp 2006 campsite. Quite cool, but will keep venue facilities secret. :)

Illegal climbers

Queries and more queries

Discussing on camp matters

On the way back

Masterlife dinner at Jon's house

Surfing and playing around with the pictures

Everyone finds something to do

Secell Indoor Games day on 19 Nov. A couple of games played simultaneously. Fun. :)

A quick brief to set everyone going

Dawn and our VIP Ying^2

Halli Galli. Mad fruit game

Oh ho.. press wrongly

Briefing for twister

David's unstable tower

Daniel gets the duck walk forfeit

Guys doing the twist

Girls' turn

Special recognition to Geraldine who's super at twister larrr

Yeah, the game that got my leg crampy

Super Sunday VI

2006-11-12T19:09:00.000+08:00

What? It's been 7 weeks since we've been at Amtech. Time flies, especially when you're older. Happy for Jon Wong, cos he's gonna find a wife from Africa then go mission some time. Hahahaha (sorry insider joke). That's one for all the abuse I had yesterday.

Ah yes, a team of youth workers from Kampong Kapor/Kolam Methodist visited us on Saturday to "exchange" pointers on how to run good ministries. Quite interesting. :)

Jon Wong (from COSB)

Sally (Victor's wife)

Victor (from CCIS)

Shufen (Janelle's Mother)

The whole group minus me

Eliza (Yr1 NUS)

Kar Keat (David's friend)

Gabriel (long way to ORD)

Dunno who they laughing at/with

David : "Eh sit down leh"

Sunday is coming to a close too. The next 3 weeks will be quite sad for me cos I'll have to cut down on my time spent lingering around in Church apart from ministry time. Exam coming!! Arghhh.. Eliz says God can do it, though I'm not really sure if I can. Haha. Any ways, it's all in God's hand (as always).

Didn't do too well serving in both worship and Secell today. Nonetheless I think God did what He wanted despite my failures. So it's all good on that end! Oh, and we visited Jason who was sick at home. That's the focus of this Sunday's pics. :)

Visiting Jason's who had fever (but was well when we arrived). Yes we good.
And that's Shalom's water bottle.

Thirsty Hippo, I mean Jonno.

"I wanted but you.."

Sick Jason. Looks pale hor.

Family portrait. Nice :)

Babynap!!!

Baby looks nice here but I look quite retarded

Quite intense, Bollywood films. Haha

Baby Janelle!! Nice nice? :)

Super Sunday V

2006-11-06T11:29:00.000+08:00

Been sickly over the whole week and I sprained my neck on Fri morning. Still, thank God I managed to be in church, on both Sat and Sun. Quite amazing.

We had a surprise Airport attack on Saturday for Masterlife goers on Sat evening. We surprised Jere at the airport and wished him bon voyage for his 13 days in India. It was fun! And dun forget the popeye chicky too. Oh and we met Daphne and Keith too.

With the sun setting in the sky, we're off to find Jere to say goodbye.

We found him!! Poor shalom was sniffing whole night.

Jere's last few moments in Singapore with us.

The troopers going to India.

Wah this is what was left of Popeye's after our raid.

WEEEEEEEE!!

Attempt at artistic shot. Notice the Tower thru the glass? Also find Nat's head. -_-"

Anything wrong with this pic?

Orchid.. Orcherd.. Orchid.. Ah Wadeva larr

Oasis at the Oasis. Nice manmade mini-garden

Can't be bothered. We just wanna go home!

And so it was we would go on to another Sunday to kick start the month of November. Incidentally, it has been 5 sunday since we've moved to Amtech. 16 more days to my exams! Weeee.. gotta go study now.

Where's my foooooooooooood? Nat: "Eh gimme camera."

Bak Chor Meeeeee specialty store

Tap Tap. Poke Poke. Tumble Tumble

See?

Huh?

Need a blue three, I think this one will do

Wa, that looks mighty shakey

Standard David pose

Super Sunday IV

2006-10-29T23:22:00.000+08:00

It's the fourth series of Super Sunday, and this time Super Sunday takes us to MacRitchie Reservoir where Secell takes on the Kayaks from Paddle Lodge! Gotta keep it short, have a test on Monday. Leave it to the Secellites to give a narration of today's stories in their blogs. Perhaps as a reward for my diligent photo uploading, you could pray for my test? Hehe. Oh to add, also Chinese O' level exams for Rochelle, Shalom, Rachel & Apple (I think). As usual, complete series on my photo album linked on right side. Enjoy!

Here's one from the recce on Saturday!

Wowz! It's Darlene Zschech at Masterlife! :)

Yeah, ALL bags from le coq are nice. ALL.. -_-

Ah.. Chai Chee Bak Chor Mee table.

And this.. Ja Pa Lang table.

Oooh.. Duck Noodle table

Ultra Chicken Rice table.

Yong Tau Fu + Chai Chee + Congee table.

Joey skipping to the van. (Her legs are in the air)

Err.. Wrong way..

The long walk to the loo

X-traordinary

Now you know where the "hole" on the bank comes from. (Check out Shalom's hair! Woo)

Looks like models advertising the Kayaks! CooL

And erm, the models for the Oars.

Now, can't forget the lifevests can we?

Pink towel assasins. Special weapon = wet towels.

This one is really really candid!! Looks posed but its not.
Someone shouted squirrel and *SNAP*!!

Group pic. A bit blur. I think uncle who took this for us ran too hard.

Who says girls can't eat? *puke*

Super Sunday III

2006-10-24T02:37:00.000+08:00

Super Sunday III photo series!

It's been yet another busy weekend having spent the entire Sat and Sun in church. Started sneezing non-stop when I woke up on Sat morning and carried it with me until Sunday. Masterlife groups are progressing pretty well, although I must stress again that doing the daily QT & attending the session are both of utmost importance to fully benefit from it! :)

Not sure if anyone noticed but I had a floating pitch in the last song on Sun. Gwah! Won't do it again. Nonetheless the service was awesome and the presence of God was powerfully ministering to the people. My pray is that every service on Sunday will always be like that. Secell Zone Equipping session was a cracker. A super duper simple message made interesting by the wonderful ppl who had helped to make it possible (thanks Josiah, Jon, Karen, Kevin, Jesse, Dawn, Samuel and Cheryl who couldn't join us). Almost the whole bunch of ppl came over to my place to have a good laugh at old-time chinese vampire shows, some went swimming instead. If my house was always empty, I could have u guys over anytime again. Anycase remember I said I was sneezing and wheezing? Well, I was too dead tired on Sun night. Fell fast asleep watching soccer on the couch. -_-"

Now, have to hit the books again. Weekend come fast. Kayaking wooooooo..

Jason and I. And erm, Chun Xiang as backdrop again.

The cast of E.T. II

Eve putting the "fruit" back into the tree. Ooops. Haha

Spot the pink lipstick marks on "selected" faces!
Apple, Rochelle, Rachel, Cheryl, Dana, Chrissy, Huijun & Geri we missed you!

Wah, I really dunno how this came about. V(>,<)V Today's Seasame street was brought to you by the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!!

=D x 2

Nice smiles!! Must open eyes big big to go with them. O_O

I think the girls were more worried about the slipper there.

I can't figure out if the focus was Josiah, the lamp or his hair

"BOMB HAS BEEN PLANTED!!!"

This is cute. Haha! Yes, eyes open big big. Thats it!!

Jere caught strutting his stuff again

My humble abode and the troopers that stormed it on Sun

** Pic of the Week **

This is a good one for the memories! :)

Super Sunday II

2006-10-16T15:47:00.000+08:00

Second super sunday in a row with the inaugaration of English Service and inaugaration of Secell @ Amtech. A point to note for Secell, we probably could fill the room up with another 10 ppl or so before the room is full. Let's overflow the room and look forward to moving out to the Studios by next year! >_O

Mini-Announcement: Powerpoint Slides from Sunday's Zone Equipping lesson is up on the Secell blog prototype.

Not sure about you, but I'm already looking forward to the coming Sunday!

Never failing to attract the attention of curious onlookers

Classic talk-to-the-hand Pose

Yes, everyone is welcomed!

"Hey.. you in there.. I can see youuuuuu.."

Happy Birthday Josiah!

Happy Birthday Jere!

Happy Birthday soon Eliz!

Happy Birthday not-so-soon Dawn!

Not much space left, as you can see

Ah we caught Jere when he's awake. Haha

Nice, almost no agne Jesse

The afternoon informal chats are priceless

Just a game man.. no need so serious

I realized this photo looks a lot like the artist's impression hor

Jason strikes a post. Nice nice!

The prelude to Nat's fall. Ouch

Unperturbed.. We upped the challenge

Check out the look on Jere's face man. Woooo

Our anonymous one-hand-stander Part I

Anonymous one-hand-stander Part II

Nice! This pic can use for modelling advert.
Tip: remove the blower and open eyes bigger! O_O

** Now for our Pics of the Week **

Clearly the winner. Can you feel the love? <3

In close second is our "Gyro Head 5".
Special recognition to Daniel who turned headless just for this one.

Super Sunday

2006-10-11T21:54:00.000+08:00

I think I'll consider bringing my camera every week now for some fun! Haha.. Check out the pics taken this sunday just for kicks. Credits go to our PRO photographers Shalom, Darren, Samuel, Keith, Jon Wong, Chun Xiang and yours truly.

The "before-I-make-my-long-way-somewhere-to-study" look. >_<"

Jere, trying to tell us the murtabak wasn't very appetizing.

Rochelle is a very thoughtful girl and here's the prove. Haha

KAre bear grabs Geri!

And she strikes again! Of cos Dawn won't mind anyways.

Movie Poster: Starring the 4 leads, the calafare's and chun xiang as the backdrop.

When Jon doesn't take photos, he makes them. Haha.. -_-"

We waited for green man ok? For a long long long long time.

"Shalom coming, quick press door close!!!"

Yes, we do have lots of space! Every friend is invited!

Doesn't matter that it's blur. It's still a nice photo to me!

Hmm.. erm.. err???

Yes dear parents, contrary to popular belief, we do study.

I kinda think this one turned out quite nice. Good job Sammy!

Haha, yeah. I think this one turned out rather nice too!

Can't say much about this one. Doesnt seem right, not right at all.. >.<

** Now for this week's Rae-Ann special!! **

"If you think you can smile better, wait til you try it when you're teething.."

"Ladies and gentlemen, a moment of silence for Steve Irwin please.."

"Gwaaaa.. step by step.. I can do it! I walk.. by faith.."

"Ahhhhhh.. I gib up. My faith still not big enough."

More to come this weekend!! Stay tuned :)