Fasting

With the recent spat about intolerance to those who are fasting in the fasting month, I am quite determined to revive my blog and dribble something here.

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV) -

Fasting is supposed to allow us to spend more time praying and less time indulging to our nafsu for food. At the same time, it is time to deny our physical body's needs to gain our spiritual food. Those who fast are supposed to be tested, so that, when we pass the test, we can rely on God's strength to lift us up, God's wisdom to conquer temptation, God's spirit to allow us to be patient, and God's charity to love and help others who are really in need.

If you ask whether a Catholic does fast, throw a stone out of the window, and you will hit a FEW who DOES fast. Do we complain when we fast and others tempt us with food? No, because we know man does not live on bread alone!

If you ask whether any Christian does 72 hour fast (and, that is at least 5 times longer than the hours between 'sahur' and 'buka puasa'). Yes! Even within the community that I know, I can tell you there is more than a handful. Do they complain? No, because we are supposed to be in prayer and have our hearts purified through the denial of our flesh.

Why do people even complain that people are intolerant when they eat in front of those who fast? Perhaps they forgot that it is what God sees in our heart that matters. They forgot that showing sour faces to others means they already had their reward. That, for them, the fasting month is nothing other than showing off that they could fast and make others like him. Or, simply, misery loves company (yes, I am actually saying that fasting is equivalent to misery to some).

Wake up, and be a more charitable person and less hypocrite. Otherwise, the "Maaf Zahir Batin" greeting would mean nothing after all.

Driving On Snow/Icy Road

Tips on driving on snow, based on my experience:

1. Drive slow (20mph or less).

2. Always give a few hundred yards of anticipation before stopping a car. Means, when you see a red light few hundred yards ahead, begin to slow down the car.

3. To slow down car, use lower gear, and then brake (ABS). Brake is just to help drivers behind know you're stopping. Non-ABS brake will cause car to skid.

4. Never ever rely on hand brakes. It will cause the car to skid for sure.

5. Never ever engage hand brakes while parking. It will be frozen and stuck at wheel.

6. Use chains to help the tire grip onto the snow.

7. If chain links are broken, stop at emergency lane, and find something to cut off / keep the dangling chain links from swinging free. It will damage the axle / mudguard / crucial parts to the live wheels (like, brake fluid cable).

8. Keep one or two spare chains.

9. Never ever park a compact car on a free lot before checking on the heap of ice left on that parking lot. If it is solid ice (normally left by a SUV or truck), it will freeze the compact car to the ground. You will need other vehicles to pull your car free.

10. Automobile Association membership will come in handy.

11. Be alert, vigilant, and calm.

12. Pray.

A Bid Of Farewell To My Super Senior

It was indeed a shock to me when I get to know that my Super Senior in al-Terror, EC Lim, was resigning, about two months ago. At that moment, my mind scanned through various moments, which I am going to share here.

March 27, 2001
Yep, that was my first day in al-Terror. I still remembered meeting CP, Boon Hoe, Wei Hun, and Lay Kuan in my first ever conference call with San Jose (with Eugene Gomez and Giao Pham on the other side of the line). Okay, this is the team that I would work with closely. Or so I thought - until I heard an unfamiliar name - EC - throughout the conversation. And, after the meeting, as I opened my Outlook mailbox for the first time - voila, this guy Eng Chui Lim (EC lar) sent tons of email, even 3 weeks before I was officially hired (trust me, I still have those emails)! Later did I find out that he was attending some sort of training in Singapore. And, I also learnt that he was our FLEX big brother.

A week later, I got to meet this guy. Man, he was serious and stern looking! Well, as I knew that he is the Super Senior leading a group of Advanced and Junior Engineers, I would expect that sternness. Words like, "have you checked the failure across conditions", "please dispose the lot", "please talk to planner on this and that", etc became routine official conversation. And, being the only family guy in my team (family guy as in having wife and kid), I guess he was a man not easy to befriend with. Or so I guess.

Sometime in September 2001
Al-Terror was going to have a company-wide annual dinner on October 26. One of the events during the annual dinner was the Karaoke competition. I was kinda surprised that one of the participants is - guess who - EC lar... He picked a Mandarin song called "Go Go Cat", and recruited me (together with other 7 colleagues) as backup dancer. We had so much fun! And, that's when I started realize that EC is a person who works hard and yet plays hard too, And so, I began to treat EC as a friend rather than a stern senior. And, of course, on the annual dinner night, we did have fun - with the "Go Go Cat" dance (that got cut off due to technical error), with the cheers for EC, and with beer and dance in Rozel's. (Got hangover, so no more comments)

Some time in early 2006
Through the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality assessment, I found out that I am an ESFP person (in layman terms, it means "Let's Make Work Fun"). As I poked my nose around, I found out a few other ESFP. Guess what, EC is one of them! Yeah man! Let's together make work fun!

Some time in mid 2006
I was caught with one of FLEX issue, while EC was moved out of the FLEX team into the Hardcopy II rollout team. I still remembered that, the issue was so big that additional manpower was being pulled in. And, guess what, EC was back into the FLEX team supporting the debug! In the midst of towering stress, my other fellow colleagues and I were jokingly saying that it is hard for EC to fling FLEX.

Some other memorable moments also slowly popped up in my mind, like:
- Karaoke session
- Day trip to Serdang
- Water polo in one of the quarterly events
- All the todi-drinking trip (nah... I didn't have chance to go for any of them)

Well, all these memories are dug out of my sub-conscious memory for a purpose - to hide the fact that I am gonna miss the person whom I gained the most knowledge from throughout my 9 years working life. Although he has led me in the FLEX team for merely 4 years, his leadership in the team did leave a permanent mark to the existing FLEX team as well as the upcoming teams spawned. At least, he does leave a mark in my life.

I am not going to elaborate much here, or else Google will ban me for using up too much space for a single blog post. My personal message to EC:

"I re-activated my blog site just because of you. You better pay for my air fare if I come to visit you in Melbourne! Just kidding. Do take care, and may God bless you in wherever you and your family go. We are definitely gonna miss you."

Tanging Yaman - Lyrics and YouTube Video

TANGING YAMAN
Performed by Carol Banawa (with Bukas Palad)



Tagalog:

CHORUS
Ikaw ang aking, tanging yaman
Na di lubusang masumpungan
Ang nilikha mong kariktan
Sulyap ng 'yong kagandahan

VERSE 1
Ika'y hanap sa t’wina
Nitong pusong
Ikaw lamang ang saya
Sa ganda ng umaga
Nangungulila sa 'yo sinta

CHORUS

VERSE 2
Ika’y hanap sa t'wina,
Sa kapwa ko kita’y laging nadarama
Sa iyong mga likha,
Hangad pa ring masdan
Ang yong mukha

CHORUS


English Translation:

CHORUS
You are my only treasure
Which I cannot fully comprehend
The loveliness of Your creation
is but a glimpse of Your beauty

VERSE 1
My heart longs for You
You are my only joy
In the beauty of the morning
I long of You

VERSE 2
I always search for You
You are mine, I always feel You
With Your creation
I still long to see Your face

You Are My God - Lyrics and YouTube Video

YOU ARE MY GOD
Written by Mark Anderson
Performed by Paradise Community Church Band



VERSE 1
You're my God
I found life in You
You're the only one Who came eternally
To set me free

VERSE 2
You're my God
My life changed when Your victory came to earth
So I forevermore
Will be Yours

PRE-CHORUS
I run to You
'Cause You are the only one
I run to You

CHORUS
Your love has lifted me higher
Higher than the cares of this world
When I'm with You
Your love has set me on fire
And I will lift my voice and praise You
'Cause I love You

TAG
You are my God
Yea-eh-eh...
You are my God
2x

BRIDGE
You reign above
Every knee will bow before You
You reign above
Every tongue confess that You are Lord
3x

TAG
You are my God
Yea-eh-eh...
You are my God
2x

CHORUS
Your love has lifted me higher
Higher than the cares of this world
When I'm with You
Your love has set me on fire
And I will lift my voice and praise You
'Cause I love You

TAG
You are my God
Yea-eh-eh...
You are my God
4x

Voice of Truth - Lyrics and YouTube Video

VOICE OF TRUTH
Performed by Casting Crowns
From "Facing The Giants" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Based on Matthew 14:23-33, 1 Samuel 17



VERSE 1
Oh, what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand
But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win, you'll never win."

CHORUS
But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

VERSE 2
Oh, what I would do to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me time and time again
"Boy you'll never win, you'll never win."

CHORUS
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

BRIDGE
But the stone was just the right size to put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus singing over me

FINAL CHORUS
And the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

END
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus You are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to You, oh You are...


Compiled from the movie "Facing the Giant"

A Quick Silverish Snippet

1. A quick message to Madam Hee: "What a joke! Suddenly hotel key, suddenly thumb drive, suddenly pepper spray canister. Suddenly yours and suddenly not yours! Hey, Madam Hee, who are you trying to fool now?"

TOO INTERESTING NOT TO SHARE:
DemonsBane00 Blog

2. Another message to Mr bin A.R.: "You will solve the problem. So, are you saying that the court's decision is a problem? Who are you to question the supremacy of a judicial decision? And, how will you 'solve the problem'? By all means?"

3. Another message to Mr Z.: "Nelson Mandela and Gandhi are revered politician who fights for people's rights. What have you fought for? What are you going to fight for? Our rights? And, what do you mean by upholding the truth? Is it not the High Court's ruling a ruling of truth?"

TOO INTERESTING NOT TO SHARE:
Mob's Crib Blog

The Champion by CHS JY

It was merely one week before the April 25 JY Gathering, when the team decided to adopt the skit based on Carman's The Champion. With only 4 hours of practice, this was what the team came out. Pretty good. Better still - the JY Gathering attendees were in awe over how Jesus' triumph over evil could be depicted in a boxing match.

View video here (courtesy of 5xmom).

Cast (in order of appearance)
Angel 1... Jaslyn DeWitt
Angel 2... Carina Rebecca Oyog
Angel 3... Michael Loh Yet Mao
Demon 1... John Isaiah Stanley
Demon 2... Adele Khor Li Ying
Demon 3... Mark Joel Stanley
Satan... Benjamin Han
Jesus... Brian John Dorai
God the Father... William Baptist

Slides Prepared by
David Chan Yew Mun

Slide Handler
Kenneth Tan Siew Kheng

"The Champion"
Written and Performed by Carman

Cameramen
Chan Lilian
Felicia Wong Yi Jin

Lighting
Clarence Jude Stanley
Kenneth Tan Siew Kheng

Choreographer
Andre Ong Lay Siang

Directed by
Andre Ong Lay Siang

Produced by
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Junior Youth

Based on Salvation History written by GOD


Pictures captured during the practice...

The Champion - Lyrics and YouTube Video

THE CHAMPION
Written and performed by Carman



In the vast expanse of a timeless place,
Where silence ruled the outer space,
Ominously, towering it stood,
The symbol of a spirit war
Between the one name Lucifer,
And the Morning Star, the Ultimate of good.

Enveloped by a trillion planets,
Clean as lightning and hard as granite,
A cosmic coliseum would host the end
Of the war between the lord of sin and death,
And the Omnipotent Creator of man's first breath,
Who will decide who forever will be the Champion.

The audience for the 'Fight of the Ages' was assembled and in place.
The angels came in splendor from a star.
The saints that had gone before were there: Jeremiah, Enoch, Job.
They were singing the "Song of Zion" on David's harp.

The demons arrived, offensive and vile,
Cursing and blaspheming God.
Followed by their 'trophies' dead and gone.
Hitler, Napoleon, Pharaoh, Capone,
Tormented and vexed and grieved.
Waiting for their judgment from the Throne.

Then a chill swept through the mammoth crowd
And the demons squealed with glee,
As a sordid, vulgar, repulsive essence was felt.
Arrogantly prancing, hands held high, draped in a sparkling shroud
Trolled by demons, Satan ascended from Hell.

Then Satan cringed, the sinners groaned!
The demons reeled in pain
As a swell of power like silent thunder rolled
With a surge of light beyond intense, illuminating the universe,
In resplendent glory appeared the Son of God.

Then a Persona, yes, Extraordinaire appeared in center ring.
God the Father will oversee the duel.
Opening the Book of Life, each grandstand hushed in awe
As majestically He said, "Now here's the rules.

"He'll be wounded for their transgressions, bruised for iniquities."
When He said, "By His stripes they're healed," the devil shook!
He screamed, "Sickness is my specialty. I hate that healing junk!"
God said, "You shut your face, I wrote the book!"

Then the Father looked at His only Son and said,
"You know the rules.
Your blood will cleanse their sins and calm their fears."
Then He pointed His finger at Satan and said,
"And I know you know the rules.
You've been twisting them to deceive My people for years."

Satan cried, "I'll kill you Christ! You'll never win this fight!"
The demons wheezed, "That's right, there ain't no way."
Satan jeered, "You're dead meat, Jesus, I'm gonna bust you up tonight!"
Jesus said, "Go ahead, make my day!"

The bell rang, the crowd cheered, the fight was on,
And the devil leaped in fury.
With all his evil tricks became undone.
He threw his jabs of hate and lust.
A stab of pride and envy
But the hand that knew no sin blocked every one.

Forty days and nights they fought,
And Satan couldn't touch Him.
Now the final blow saved for the final round.
Prophetically Christ's hands came down
And Satan struck in vengeance!
The blow of death felled Jesus to the ground.

The devils roared in victory!
The saints shocked and perplexed as wounds appeared upon His hands and feet.
Then Satan kicked Him in His side, and blood and water flowed.
And they waited for the 10 count of defeat.

God the Father turned His head,
His tears announcing Christ was dead!
The 10 count would proclaim the battle's end.
Then Satan trembled through his sweat in unexpected horror, yet...
As God started to count by saying,

"...10..."
"Hey wait a minute, God..."
"...9..."
"Stop! You're counting wrong..."
"...8..."
"His eyes are moving..."
"...7..."
"His fingers are twitching..."
"...6..."
"Where's all this Light coming from?"
"...5..."
"He's alive!"
"...4..."
"Oh - Nooooo!!!"
"...3..."
Oh... Yessssss!!!
"...2..."
He has...
"...1..." (won!!!)

He has won!
He's alive forevermore!
He is risen!
He is Lord!

He has won!
He has won!
He's alive forevermore!
He is risen!
He is Lord!

Proclaim the news in every tongue,
Through endless ages and beyond
Let it be voiced from mountains loud and strong
Captivity has been set free, salvation bought for you and me
'Cause Satan is defeated,
And Jesus is...

THE CHAMPION!!!

'Au Revoir': To our Super Admin

Today is our Super Admin's last day of working in al-Terror. Super Admin - yes, indeed - as she is the Administrative Assistant to our Penang big boss. She used to handle all the company-wide administrative works. Her name is Liza.


Liza and I, taken in Altera ICE room
My first impression of her was that, she's quite a fierce- and strict-looking lady. I thought, of course ler. Working under Chris (Vice President and Managing Director of Penang Research Facility) would not be easy; must show superiority one. Indeed yes, she is the second employee of Altera Penang, after Chris. What freaked me more was that I heard she had reprimanded some department admins until they cried.

However, when I got the opportunity to travel to San Jose, I dealt with her more often, mostly related to the trip procedures. From Visa application, to flight booking, and even to credit card limit boost, I relied very much on her. After dealing with her, I found that she's a nice and friendly person to talk with - not forgetting being very helpful as well. I still remembered that she taught me to sneak out (of course in a legal way) to Hong Kong during my flight transit from Kuala Lumpur to San Francisco! I heard that it was possible, but I did not expect her to actually encourage me to do so! If she were really strict, she would have barked at my idea first before doing anything else.

I still remembered that, somehow, one personal comment from her struck me. When I decided to have a more committed life towards Christ, particularly in Shalom Youth, she asked me if I were to become a missionary. Well, to answer her question, that was not quite true - but from what happened towards my private life 2 years ago, it brought some resemblance. Could that be a prophecy, or could there be someone else gossiping... Ahh, never mind.

She is indeed a very capable admin. As her boss our MD said: she was a one-lady band wearing many different hats... [having] nurtured our young organization as we took our first small baby steps.

I'm gonna miss Liza, and I'm sure loads of terrorists in the al-Terror compound would miss her too. I am only in Altera for 8 years, and she's been here for almost 15 years. I am sure she has left tons of memorable footprints within Altera Penang. I don't know what else to say already.

All the best, Liza.
May God bless you in everything you do and every way you go.
Till we meet again.
Au revoir.
后会有期.

BLR Avalanche - Aftermath

Following my previous blogpost: BLR Avalanche, I realized that the financial institution (the one that belonged to the tycoon with the same first name as one of our famous badminton player in the 90s) is not that stupid after all. In order to re-extend my loan term back to 30 years, they reduced my monthly payment amount to RM592. After the readjustment, the graph looks like below. Which means, I still have to pay for 30 years.



DUH!!! On one hand they want us to spend so as to boost the economy, and hence lower down all interest rates (FD, BLR, etc...). On the other hand they reduce our spending by reducing the monthly payment amount. Please la... MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!

Tsk! Screw it! I'm gonna make more partial payments. Hahaha!!!

On a positive note, I can save up additional RM102 per month for other 'investment'!

P.S. In case you all are still guessing which bank I borrowed money from, know that the smasher is called Rashid Sidek. :-P

"I Love You This Much"

This phrase is a bit old (I heard it for the first time in the 90s, it could be older), but this reminds us that, the span of Jesus' arms represent eternity - the beginning and the end - and His own Paschal sacrifice spans across humankind. Polytheists, monotheists, atheists. Christians and non-Christians. Jews and Gentiles. All of us. Each one of us. The one step He is looking forward from us is our acknowledgement of Him being our Lord and Savior.



I once asked God how much He loves me. He replied, "This much." And He stretched open His arms and died on the cross.

His passion and death brings redemption to each and every one of us. He draws all men to Himself through His suffering on the cross. Tonight, we celebrate His ultimate promise - the Salvation of mankind through His Resurrection.



Wish you all a Blessed Easter!

Special wishes to my friends and relatives who have just been received into the Catholic Church:
- VIRGINIA Tang Ngan Yung
- MARK Ng Ting Kim
- JACK Ong Hock Soon

And a friend who has just been empowered by the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation:
- Dylan TITUS Yeoh Tshen

4-1

That was the score when Liverpool won Manchester United in the March 14 game.

Today, the score is still the same. 4-1... for Pakatan Rakyat vs Barisan Nasional. The score chart for post March 8, 2008 by-elections by far. What a coincidence... or, is it expected?

Chronology of by-elections after March 8 political tsunami in Malaysia:

August 26, 2008: Permatang Pauh - Anwar Ibrahim (PR-PKR)
January 17, 2009: Kuala Terengganu - Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut (PR-PAS)
April 7, 2009: Bukit Gantang - Nizar Jamaluddin (PR-PAS)
April 7, 2009: Bukit Selembau - S Manikumar (PR-PKR)
April 7, 2009: Batang Ai - Malcolm Mussem Lamoh (BN-PRS)

As usual, I would expect statements resulting from state of denial, and we shall see. *UPDATE* Actually, they already did. Click here for one of their darndest statements of "vote of confidence". My comment - confidence my foot!











(Pictures are courtesy of Malaysiakini)

Sick of McD?

About two months ago, McDonald's Malaysia launched McValue Lunch™, where all the McValue Meal sets will be priced at RM5.95++ per set, everyday, between 12noon to 3pm. When I first heard of it, I was like - WOW! For lunch, I could now pay RM5.95++ (comes up to RM6.25 la) Double Cheeseburger set rather than pay RM9.45++ (that's RM9.90). After much thought, I started to recall my college era, where Big Mac McValue Medium set used to cost only RM6.20++ (that's RM6.51 - that time 1 sen still counts). Hmm... a case of economic inflation. For lunch, it's deflation! :-D

Anyway, after about a week after it was first launched, I went out with my colleagues for lunch at McD. We arrived at McD Sunshine at 11:55am. So, we went to the counter, and the cashier told me this, "Lima minit lagi." Cool! She allowed us to wait by the counter, since we were the first customers there. And, later on, as we were waiting, people started rolling in. At noon sharp, we placed our first order of McValues, and that time the restaurant was full! It was so crowded - thank God we were early!

Today, I went to Tesco to buy some stuff. After failing to buy what I want, I decided to have McValue Lunch inside Tesco building. I reached the NcD outlet, and, guess what - almost like no customers! I thought the offer was over, but then, I noticed that the McValue Lunch offer was still posted up! Well...

Dah dua bulan makan kat McD tiap-tiap hari, mestilah jelak!

LOL!

BLR Avalanche

When I first came to aware of the term Base Lending Rate (BLR), it was at 6.00%, which was way back in year 2004. I was oblivious of the fact that 6.00% was the lowest BLR at all times 5 years ago, and that the BLR used to be as high as 10.50%.

I bought an apartment in Mewah Court in June last year, when the BLR was at 6.75%. Details as follows:

Price: RM145,000
Loan financing: RM130,500 (up to 90%) for 30 years from RHB Bank
MRTA: RM959
Interest rate: BLR - 1.90% (equivalent to 4.85% that time)
Monthly repayment: RM694

Although having two separate lawyer firms handing my Sale & Purchase Agreement and Loan Agreement (which I would advise against, for it caused me much delay, inconvenience, and of course double-charged legal fees), I am quite happy with the home loan plan. I was actually looking forward to top up at least RM1,000 every month for partial payment to speed up the reduction of the outstanding loan every month, so that I could shorten my term by a few years.

And, as we all know, it happen that the time for my first loan repayment (November 2008) coincide with the dawn of the coming great recession. Still, RM694 does not cost much damage since I have no dependents :-)

On the other hand, the recession caused the BLR to gradually plunge in the following manner:

November 7, 2008: 6.75%
December 1, 2008: 6.50%
February 5, 2009: 5.95%
March 3, 2009: 5.55%

Now, my effective interest rate is 3.65% p.a.! With the reduced BLR and fixed monthly repayment, Bank Negara Malaysia has helped me reduce my term to 23 years! Yahoo!!



I could only wish either the BLR is maintained at its current level for a longer time, or the BLR is reduced some more. :-)

For information:

Latest Malaysia BLR

History of Malaysia BLR (1989 - Jan 2009)

A Day Of Ups And Downs

Saturday, March 29, 2009

It had been a series of low-stamina-high-fatigue for me. I have had an average of 5 hours sleep every night for 2 weeks, and Saturday became one of my moodiest day. Well, moodiest in terms of mood swing, from euphoric to dejected.

I went out for a bread-and-half-boiled-egg breakfast with BK at 8:45am in the morning. Nothing much other than fellowshiping with BK and filling my stomach. Knowing that I need to get back to the office to get some stuff done and to collect something, I went back home and get prepared to head to office. However, looking at the bright sunlight, I changed my mind to have my laundry settled first, hence delaying my trip back to office. While waiting for my washing to complete, I dozed off, and by the time I woke up, it is already half past 11! Darn, I'll be late!

So, in a rushing mood, I hung my laundry, and quickly drove off to office. By the time I settled everything, it was already 1pm. And, as I promised earlier, I went from Bayan Lepas to Farlim to fetch a friend, and rushed to church for the Shalom Psalmistry Musicians meeting at 2pm. I hit right into the jam at Green Lane and Batu Lanchang Highway, delaying my trip by 15 minutes. Duh!

Due to the Psalmistry meeting, I had to skip the Junior Youth meeting (sorry guys!). I was nevertheless enthusiastic to learn to play a new song (Your Grace Is Enough) with other musicians. I was doing well when I started playing on the church's Clavinova. However, soon enough I realized that I was actually banging my fingers so hard until I eventually felt a slight cramp on my left wrist. And, as a result, all my timings went haywire (I was bad at timing, but the wrist-fatigue made it worse)! I was a bit frustrated and also disappointed at myself for causing so much mistake and at the same time screwing up other musicians' practice session. Sigh...

Then, I had to leave the session early (4:15pm) in order to prepare for the Form 2 Catechism in the classroom where they have the JY meeting. By the time I reached there, they were cleaning up stuff, and I found my usual space to setup the projector and laptop.

In the next classroom, all the Form 1 through 3 students were gathered for a short Praise session led by Pedro. When I eventually get my setup ready and joined them in the Praise session, what made me appalled was when some of the girls within my vicinity were oblivious of what's going on (c'mon, it has been 4 times we had such Praise session). While the guys on the other side of the room were jumping and praising God, those girls were doing nothing. So, I tried to lead them by jumping and yelling at them "Let us praise our Almighty God!!!". Guess what... still no response! I was like - praising God and screaming at their indifference at the same time! What a rojak feeling I had.

The Catechism went well. As usual, I liked Andre's session of having one or some of the students involved in the story telling (this time, is the story of God calling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac - Genesis 22).


Andre as Abraham. Bryan as Isaac. Hahaha!!
And then, after the class, I was like super tired, thinking of just drop on the floor and doze off. Anyways, I got to get something to be printed in the church office. Thus, after loitering around in the classroom, I went to the office. There, I told Andre that I felt bad during the practice, and Andre simply just said, "You are just not used to it yet." I don't know why, but it was so much consoling, and of course, at much peace. So much peace that I was not really feeling angry when I was told of a mis-behavior of one of the youth.

And, soon enough, it was 8pm. Andre, Boris, Kevin, and I rushed to Sing Kah Poh for a quick dinner, so that Andre and I would be back to church for Shalom Psalmistry official meeting at 8:30pm. Well, at 8:30pm we were still in Sing Kah Poh, because we were watching live telecast of the Earth Hour event in KL. 8:30pm - all lights off! That was on the TV screen. The restaurant was still filled with light! Anyway, I understood - they need to continue their business what...

The church was almost dark, except for a few flourescent lights still being switched on. As for our Psalmistry meeting, we were having a short worship session with candlelight - with 6 pieces of white tiles arranged to the shape of a cross, with candles lit on them. Beautiful.


Christ be our Light, amid the darkness lurking around during Earth Hour. :-)
Later that night, I went to participate the Keep Hope Alive Street Walk, where we are supposed to give the homeless food and drinks. We were briefed by Fr Fabian not to judge at a person's outlook or physique in order to justify whether we should give or not. So, we went out and reached Prangin Mall at 11:30pm. Although it was raining a bit, it was okay, considering the rain was nothing to me compared to the suffering of the homeless.

While I was serving the street-bound loiterers, something struck me - the words of Fr Fabian. I truly understood what it means by "judge not".

1. Not all homeless wanted food. Catherine shared to me, that, instead of having the food, they were also considerate to look at the needs of others who did really need the food.

2. Trishaw riders are homeless. Most of the time, I tend to overlook them, until that night. Rather, I never thought that they were I would see trishaw riders in a different way now, not as a nuisance of someone blocking my way while driving, but someone who's striving for two meals (and not even a place to stay).

3. They are honest people. When they already have food given to them, they would refuse additional food instead of having us give them more. There was also one old lady who at first refused additional food, but when I asked her if she wants more, she nodded. She only accepted when I was willing to offer. That was touching!

4. They are also like us, craving for junk food. Most of the time, the people who received a pack of rice, a bottle of water, and a packet of junk food, will first rip open the packet of junk food first. That is quite funny yet poignant.

Such an experience had indeed uplifted my mood for the day. After all, whatever I experienced throughout the day was nothing compared to those who strive so hard and yet ending their day on the streets.

While I was participating in the street walk, the rest who went for Psalmistry meeting and did not participate in the walk were already having supper in McDonald's Green Lane. When I was done with the street walk, it was already 1:30am. So, after reaching McDonald's to join the Psalmistry gang (who was already done with their food), I went to order one burger. As I sat down, the gang pretended that they were leaving the place. Although I was slightly shocked, I didn't bother much, partially because I was slightly aware of their tricks, and partially because I was too famished and struck with emotional ups and downs to respond. So I just said, "Don't be like that la...".

No offense - I did enjoy my day. Rather, I decided to enjoy my day!

P.S. I have effectively taken only 2 photos amongst all that happened in a day. Too bad, no mood to take. Also, it is not nice to take pictures during the street walk. We are instead supposed to help.

Hilarious Comment for the Dentist

I was reading a Malaysiakini news titled "Khir blames Pakatan for his defeat". The best comment I could give Khir Toyo is "sour grape". A blame game that is NOT. A forced connection (牵强) that ends up causing himself a laughing stock throughout the world. Indeed a case of sour grape that becomes hilarious.

Today, I happened to browse through Malaysiakini's Vox Populi page, and I truly ROTFLMHO! This is how Mooshie Mooshie put:

"So, now Mohd Khir Toyo is blaming Pakatan for his losing his Umno election?

As the Chinese saying goes 'When one cannot pass motion, one blames the ground that is too hard'.

On Khir's complaint that the Pakatan governments are blacklisting BN contractors, he should not complain because during his time he also blacklisted contractors in favour of his cronnies.

So, what's new?"

Hahahahahahaha!!!
屙屎唔出赖地硬!!!
Hahahahahahaha!!!

Malaysiakini Not Friendly

A title extracted from an official report from Malaysiakini website. You can read for more details in the hyperlink above.

Guess what that implicates. It means, these fellas do not like this media, hence they would boot them out from giving official reports on their general assembly. It also means, they only want pleasing words to reach out to the people through 'friendly media'. Well, it can also mean something else. Very simple - to the millions of people that do NOT cast their vote for these fellas, you will be booted out.

These fellas just don't get it. It is perfectly fine and perfectly legal for a person to hate another person. And furthermore, it is perfectly fine for a people to hate someone that they did not vote for. And, guess what? There are millions of them.

Is this what we want these fellas to rule and take control of your life? Fellas that do not care of the minority? Fellas that only hail words of praise? Fellas that make so much fuss about God's Name and then rob due praise from God? Fellas that never listens to criticisms and hence yearn to seek for improvement? What is the use of a group of people who does not want check and balance, who does not listen to both sides of the story, who does not want even though what it does is wrong?

Liberation

Just found out one crucial information today, an information related to one of my deepest corner of my senses. And, of course this information is very personal (means, DON'T ASK ME WHAT IT IS!).

I felt liberated. Truly liberated.

And, praise God for having inspired and strengthen me in making tough decision. Although the decision might lead to severe consequences and damage, those many years of doubts and worries were eventually answered. Today, a real breakthrough has happened.

Amen!

:,-)

Peace Maker - Lyrics and YouTube Video

PEACE MAKER
By Greg Ferguson



VERSE 1
Peacemaker, Fear Taker
Soul Soother, Storm Smoother
Light Shiner, Lost Finder
Cloud Lifter, Deliverer
Heart Toucher, Truth Lover
Who other could be?
Fear Taker, Peacemaker to me

VERSE 2
Mind Clearer, Sigh Hearer
Hand Holder, Consoler
Wound Binder, Tear Dryer
Strength Giver, Provider
Heart Healer, Kind Father
Who other could be?
My Saviour, Peacemaker to me

CHORUS
Let Your peace rule in my heart
Let Your kindness fill my thoughts
Let Your strength secure my soul
Let Your peace take hold of me
Let Your wisdom guide my will
Your compassion fill this place
Let my anxious thoughts be still
Let Your peace rule in my heart

I need You (Let Your peace rule in my heart)
I need You (Let Your kindness fill my thoughts)
I need You (Let Your strength secure my soul)
In my life, Lord (Let Your peace take hold of me)
I trust You (Let Your wisdom guide my will)
Believe You (Your compassion fill this place)
I need You (Let my anxious thoughts be still)
In my life I know (Let Your peace rule in my heart)

END
Heart Toucher, Truth Lover
Who other could be?
Fear Taker, Peacemaker to me