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
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
We win!
DANIEL CELEBRATES NEWCASTLE'S FIRST WIN UNDER SHEARER~!!
* dances like a twaalala *
more serious updates coming soon.. :)
* dances like a twaalala *
more serious updates coming soon.. :)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Working for Jesus
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
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
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Today's Lesson #3
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. :)
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
*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*
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*
Monday, February 09, 2009
Arms of The Angel
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
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
Friday, January 16, 2009
Plane ditches in New York river, all aboard are safe
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.)
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.)
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