Here we go. Part 3 of the saga. =) haha...
Well... Arrived at school at *gasp* 0615 hrs! Man, early. =) Ended up dozing off at my table till 0710hrs. Met up with my Primary 2C *again* ... and they were like ... *huh? Mr. Chan again?*. And I'm certain they did that for fun.. (as in, they pretended to be surprised for fun) because I clearly remember telling them that I will be teaching them till Thurs. Those naughty imps =) . So anyway, I was really really expecting a chill time ..with a 2hr break.. But *horror of horrors* I received a new timetable from the 'Schedule master' and realised that I have to teach additional classes. I had to cover extra duties! *Relief Teacher ma* So I ended up having only 2 periods (1 hour) free. Thought it was going to be tiring, but thank God, I had a great time!
There was this really interesting incident during the last period of school though. I was taking Primary 4H for Maths and I had nothing for them. So they were--as usual--making a lot of noise and all that.. And since it was the last period of school, I thought it wouldn't matter. Just let them enjoy. Unfortunately, their terror-menera principal was on the prowl! Thank God that I did actually catch her at the corner of my eye! I switched my 'fierce mode' on immediately and started blasting them, yelling for silence. Well, they initially didn't bother but they did once they themselves noticed the principal looking in on them! Of course, I was praying real hard that she would leave as soon as possible as well *pressure sial!*Well.. I managed to really keep them under control and she left (Praise Him :D). She came in one more time though and I thought she was really going to tell me off. But thankfully, no! =) haha... Well, I guess she understands. Put a class of pesky kids + a hot, young male relief teacher = noise and more noise! haha..*kidding* But glory to God ya? =) haha!
Yup ..so after school I met up with Trish again. Had lunch! And she said I was like a celebrity in school cos we could here chants of "Mr. Chaaaaan!" all around when we walked around the school compound. It's funny how they drag the "Chaaaaaan!!!". Still trying to get used to being called by my surname. Helped her a bit with maths and stayed around till her grandmum came to pick her up. Met up with Jem too.. He dropped by from Fairfield Methodist Secondary. Can you believe it? God's so gracious and God's prospering us!=) He got the job just the day before. Yup. Jem will be teaching tmw followed my Monday to Wednesday the week after. Hurray! =)
Oh and we were sitting outside RGPS (Me, Jem and Trish) helping Trish with her maths while waiting for her grandmum. Danielle, Tessa and Fadillah, these 3 girls from my class were hanging outside school as well after ballet lessons and they started like giving me 'flowers' (actually rotting flower buds that have fallen from the tree) and funny dried up pods. haha..it was really hilarious. =) And they were pretty fascinated with Jem. Managed to cook up a story about keeping a pet kangaroo in my Mambo bag. Like cos my mambo bag was so 'hawaiian'...I told them it was from Australia. And Danielle was like "So it's a 'kangaroo' bag". And i was like "That's right! I keep a kangaroo inside!" . Haha and so the story went.
Oh and met Roy and his gf outside school too. And Roy was like "Smooooth!!" to me. =) hahaha... man.
Alright, looking forward to tomorrow. Last day! Supposedly. The teacher-in-charge will tell me if I have to be back on Friday as well. =) I think I should take some pictures of the girls, keep some memories. Though they give me headaches every day. Look out for part 4 of the RGPS saga...
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
On love
Ripped this off a friend's blog... =)
***
here I am sitting in front of my beloved iMac (17" G5) . Went to NUH in the morning for radiotherapy. I was listening to pastor's cd 'God has made the way for restoration, claim it!' in april 2004. I had been plagued by doubts about my healing the past few days, but, as it turns out, there's NO CAUSE for worry! Jesus has died and has risen for my justification, and God has declared me righteous, and punished for my wholeness! I have been healed, and eagerly await the doctor's report.I was musing about the nature of love this morning as I was waiting to see my doctor. It's just so amazing that the greatest enjoyment one can have (to give and receive love) is so freely given. All the other pleasures of life have to be bought, and usually, the strength of the pleasure is proportional to the price paid (think heroin. alcohol. LAN. not that they are without side effects, which might cause the net pleasure enjoyed to drop, but that's another article altogether) but love is priceless. What's price do we pay for love? The price is that we love the person first, as Christ loved us and gave His life for us.
One amazing thing is, we actually enjoy the act of loving. Think BGR. We feel pleasure when we give pleasure. We love to see our loved ones smile. 'Your smile makes me feel like a million bucks'. That's something I believe all couples can attest to. Where else can we find joy in paying the price for the pleasure itself?Then there's the receiving of the love of another, or, in legalese, the consideration given in return for the consideration you provide. To know that someone (You too, Lord) loves you and desires you for who you are just brings a thrill to your heart. It does to mine, anyway.Of course, there're different types of love.
First, Eros, or sexual love, the force of physical attraction between a man and a woman. (and, increasingly, between man and man or woman and woman, but again, this subject should be reserved for another article altogether) This is the love that gives pleasure to a touch and a kiss, and finds its highest expression in the act of sexual intercourse, ordained by God to be the greatest act of pleasure, to be enjoyed in the covenant of marriage.
Next, Phileo, the love between siblings (does that include friends too? I think it should, but my Greek is highly circumscribed) is the 'normal' type of love that we experience in most of our relationships with friends.
Finally, Agape, the love God has for us, and, as Romans 5:5 says, the love that has been shed in our hearts. (those of us who are saved through His name, through faith in His name) This sort of love is self sacrificial, tolerant, etc. etc. (oh I can't describe it better than Paul did, in 1 Cor 13) There is no better example than the BBQ on Friday. Kaix (bless you brother, who art in Taiwan) remarked in passing that in our CG, the guys always seem to 'ta' (that's bear, as in bear responsibility) everything, like sending the girls back after supper, preparing the food (for the bbq), cooking, etc. I really feel that's an exemplary instance of Agape, and it's this sort of 'training' that puts us in good stead for marriage.
On a seperate note, the heart of service also stems from the heart filled to the overflow with the Agape of God. (again, that's another article altogether) I really thank God that the men in my CG (that's JC West A, and yes, we're men, not boys.) are so filled with the haseth (that's lovingkindness, or grace) of God. It's just so amazing, the fellowship and sense of destiny that we all have. It can only be due to the undeserved favour of Jesus. We're all works in progress, shaped by the Master Potter's hands day by day. And this I prophesy: We will all be the boyfriends and then husbands of the ones God has ordained for us. And we will be numbered amongst the best. All because of the sozo power that daily saves us.
***
I thought this was really from the heart. =) Thanks brother... Glory to God.
***
here I am sitting in front of my beloved iMac (17" G5) . Went to NUH in the morning for radiotherapy. I was listening to pastor's cd 'God has made the way for restoration, claim it!' in april 2004. I had been plagued by doubts about my healing the past few days, but, as it turns out, there's NO CAUSE for worry! Jesus has died and has risen for my justification, and God has declared me righteous, and punished for my wholeness! I have been healed, and eagerly await the doctor's report.I was musing about the nature of love this morning as I was waiting to see my doctor. It's just so amazing that the greatest enjoyment one can have (to give and receive love) is so freely given. All the other pleasures of life have to be bought, and usually, the strength of the pleasure is proportional to the price paid (think heroin. alcohol. LAN. not that they are without side effects, which might cause the net pleasure enjoyed to drop, but that's another article altogether) but love is priceless. What's price do we pay for love? The price is that we love the person first, as Christ loved us and gave His life for us.
One amazing thing is, we actually enjoy the act of loving. Think BGR. We feel pleasure when we give pleasure. We love to see our loved ones smile. 'Your smile makes me feel like a million bucks'. That's something I believe all couples can attest to. Where else can we find joy in paying the price for the pleasure itself?Then there's the receiving of the love of another, or, in legalese, the consideration given in return for the consideration you provide. To know that someone (You too, Lord) loves you and desires you for who you are just brings a thrill to your heart. It does to mine, anyway.Of course, there're different types of love.
First, Eros, or sexual love, the force of physical attraction between a man and a woman. (and, increasingly, between man and man or woman and woman, but again, this subject should be reserved for another article altogether) This is the love that gives pleasure to a touch and a kiss, and finds its highest expression in the act of sexual intercourse, ordained by God to be the greatest act of pleasure, to be enjoyed in the covenant of marriage.
Next, Phileo, the love between siblings (does that include friends too? I think it should, but my Greek is highly circumscribed) is the 'normal' type of love that we experience in most of our relationships with friends.
Finally, Agape, the love God has for us, and, as Romans 5:5 says, the love that has been shed in our hearts. (those of us who are saved through His name, through faith in His name) This sort of love is self sacrificial, tolerant, etc. etc. (oh I can't describe it better than Paul did, in 1 Cor 13) There is no better example than the BBQ on Friday. Kaix (bless you brother, who art in Taiwan) remarked in passing that in our CG, the guys always seem to 'ta' (that's bear, as in bear responsibility) everything, like sending the girls back after supper, preparing the food (for the bbq), cooking, etc. I really feel that's an exemplary instance of Agape, and it's this sort of 'training' that puts us in good stead for marriage.
On a seperate note, the heart of service also stems from the heart filled to the overflow with the Agape of God. (again, that's another article altogether) I really thank God that the men in my CG (that's JC West A, and yes, we're men, not boys.) are so filled with the haseth (that's lovingkindness, or grace) of God. It's just so amazing, the fellowship and sense of destiny that we all have. It can only be due to the undeserved favour of Jesus. We're all works in progress, shaped by the Master Potter's hands day by day. And this I prophesy: We will all be the boyfriends and then husbands of the ones God has ordained for us. And we will be numbered amongst the best. All because of the sozo power that daily saves us.
***
I thought this was really from the heart. =) Thanks brother... Glory to God.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Pesky Primary 2s
=) My second day with them. And boy were they pesky. Thank God that time just flew by because I actually had things for them to do. haha.. man. *wipes sweat of forehead* And thank God that tmw, I've only 2 periods with them. I mean like, can you imagine! haha...but i'd have to whack them with assessments on Thursday. and maybe Friday if their teacher's still not back. But... oh my goodness, they really don't give 2 hoots to male teachers. *bleah* well... guys rule. haha.
Anyway, yeah..was conducting this maths test for them and they totally disregarded me! I was okay with them disregarding me. But not the test! So I yelled at them and threatened to give them zeroes. And I made a mention of Danielle's misbehaviour on her test sheet and she sat down and cried. Hmpfh. Well, consequences girls, consequences. *grIN* Gotta live with it. But what the heck man... I got a headache at the end of school. *UGH*
Had lunch with Trish after school. She's bored with school and life. Hmm... Well... God has so much for you sis! =) You just have to find out more.. about your eternal inheritance haha! So there! Well, you can gimme a ring if there's anything you wanna talk about. Nice lunch ya! Though you refused to let me know what CCA you're in. heh. Lunch tmw ok! And you've gotta eat something more than Pocky Sticks!
Anyway, yeah..was conducting this maths test for them and they totally disregarded me! I was okay with them disregarding me. But not the test! So I yelled at them and threatened to give them zeroes. And I made a mention of Danielle's misbehaviour on her test sheet and she sat down and cried. Hmpfh. Well, consequences girls, consequences. *grIN* Gotta live with it. But what the heck man... I got a headache at the end of school. *UGH*
Had lunch with Trish after school. She's bored with school and life. Hmm... Well... God has so much for you sis! =) You just have to find out more.. about your eternal inheritance haha! So there! Well, you can gimme a ring if there's anything you wanna talk about. Nice lunch ya! Though you refused to let me know what CCA you're in. heh. Lunch tmw ok! And you've gotta eat something more than Pocky Sticks!
Pesky Primary 2s
=) My second day with them. And boy were they pesky. Thank God that time just flew by because I actually had things for them to do. haha.. man. *wipes sweat of forehead* And thank God that tmw, I've only 2 periods with them. I mean like, can you imagine! haha...but i'd have to whack them with assessments on Thursday. and maybe Friday if their teacher's still not back. But... oh my goodness, they really don't give 2 hoots to male teachers. *bleah* well... guys rule. haha.
Anyway, yeah..was conducting this maths test for them and they totally disregarded me! I was okay with them disregarding me. But not the test! So I yelled at them and threatened to give them zeroes. And I made a mention of Danielle's misbehaviour on her test sheet and she sat down and cried. Hmpfh. Well, consequences girls, consequences. *grIN* Gotta live with it. But what the heck man... I got a headache at the end of school. *UGH*
Had lunch with Trish after school. She's bored with school and life. Hmm... Well... God has so much for you sis! =) You just have to find out more.. about your eternal inheritance haha! So there! Well, you can gimme a ring if there's anything you wanna talk about. Nice lunch ya! Though you refused to let me know what CCA you're in. heh. Lunch tmw ok! And you've gotta eat something more than Pocky Sticks!
Anyway, yeah..was conducting this maths test for them and they totally disregarded me! I was okay with them disregarding me. But not the test! So I yelled at them and threatened to give them zeroes. And I made a mention of Danielle's misbehaviour on her test sheet and she sat down and cried. Hmpfh. Well, consequences girls, consequences. *grIN* Gotta live with it. But what the heck man... I got a headache at the end of school. *UGH*
Had lunch with Trish after school. She's bored with school and life. Hmm... Well... God has so much for you sis! =) You just have to find out more.. about your eternal inheritance haha! So there! Well, you can gimme a ring if there's anything you wanna talk about. Nice lunch ya! Though you refused to let me know what CCA you're in. heh. Lunch tmw ok! And you've gotta eat something more than Pocky Sticks!
Monday, March 28, 2005
Relief Teaching!
Again. =) I received a call from RGPS this morning at 7am. and guess what? I'm up for relief for another 4 days! =) What a blessing! And I was still wondering what I should do for the coming week. Provision from the Saviour!=) I was just thinking about it: He has just provided for my camp in effect! hee... praise to Him. wonderful.. =) Got to wake up early everyday to go there though. haha.
Got scolded by the RGPS principal today for not being able to control my class. =) Well, they're really really really naughty, primary 2C. But getting used to them already. The scolding was really embarrassing though. The principal's presence just shut them all up. haha... and she spoke to me outside the class room.
"You will be here for another 4 days? Take control of your class!"
haha... man. I was like "yes ma'm sorry ma'm" all the while thinking 'what the heck man... so embarrassing. just out of army y'know!' haha... it was pretty hilarious. With greater resolve, I sought to be stricter. Grace grace!
Met up with Kai Jac and Lyd after work at Coffee Club and had a fantastic lunch! Lydia was so funny, she was on diet. and couldn't stop taking her eyes off the Muddy Mud Pie I ordered. =) kinda reminded me of someone back in my jc days. *grIN* we went over to Marks and Spencer at Centrepoint after that to *guess what* eat some more! haha...and Lydia let it slip that she thought that I was kinda horizontally challenged in the past.. haha... man. cos of the baggy jeans I wore during carolling. Hmm.. haha ...well her opinion of me changed during night cycling. haha... so there! =) haha... good body ok...haha!
Overslept on the bus home. Missed my bus stop and had to walk 3 bus stops back! *groan* but I did anyway, and I had a good chat with a friend on the way back. =) haha... alrighty... watch out for updates on the RGPS saga!
Got scolded by the RGPS principal today for not being able to control my class. =) Well, they're really really really naughty, primary 2C. But getting used to them already. The scolding was really embarrassing though. The principal's presence just shut them all up. haha... and she spoke to me outside the class room.
"You will be here for another 4 days? Take control of your class!"
haha... man. I was like "yes ma'm sorry ma'm" all the while thinking 'what the heck man... so embarrassing. just out of army y'know!' haha... it was pretty hilarious. With greater resolve, I sought to be stricter. Grace grace!
Met up with Kai Jac and Lyd after work at Coffee Club and had a fantastic lunch! Lydia was so funny, she was on diet. and couldn't stop taking her eyes off the Muddy Mud Pie I ordered. =) kinda reminded me of someone back in my jc days. *grIN* we went over to Marks and Spencer at Centrepoint after that to *guess what* eat some more! haha...and Lydia let it slip that she thought that I was kinda horizontally challenged in the past.. haha... man. cos of the baggy jeans I wore during carolling. Hmm.. haha ...well her opinion of me changed during night cycling. haha... so there! =) haha... good body ok...haha!
Overslept on the bus home. Missed my bus stop and had to walk 3 bus stops back! *groan* but I did anyway, and I had a good chat with a friend on the way back. =) haha... alrighty... watch out for updates on the RGPS saga!
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Happy Easter
Happy Easter to all. =)
Had a great time in church today. Had so many things to get off my chest. Just worshipping the Lord was so refreshing. Glad He's there for me always. The past few days was just a helluva time full of anxiety and doubt...
anyway, here's a double portion verse for you:
11But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
The mention of the Triune God, twice.
*Soccer in the morning was a little lacklustre. Probably cos of floorball for 2 days in a row. haha.. Oh well.
Had a great time in church today. Had so many things to get off my chest. Just worshipping the Lord was so refreshing. Glad He's there for me always. The past few days was just a helluva time full of anxiety and doubt...
anyway, here's a double portion verse for you:
11But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
The mention of the Triune God, twice.
*Soccer in the morning was a little lacklustre. Probably cos of floorball for 2 days in a row. haha.. Oh well.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Floorball
Whoa. It's the second consecutive day playing floorball...and there's still soccer in the morning tmw! :D tired... came back this afternoon and slept through out. About to go for Zhongyi's bday bash soon. Siglap.
Had a long chat over the phone with a friend after coming back from a drink with Kai after the cg bbq. Long chat. = Can't believe that all that happened, happened. Will take time to sink in i guess. But don't worry about me, I have God as my shield and strength.
Well... gotta run now. Till later.
Had a long chat over the phone with a friend after coming back from a drink with Kai after the cg bbq. Long chat. = Can't believe that all that happened, happened. Will take time to sink in i guess. But don't worry about me, I have God as my shield and strength.
Well... gotta run now. Till later.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Good ol' days
It was RGPS once again, in the morning. Took 8 periods. 7 periods of the same class. i bet those girls were bored of me=) haha..but it was fun. Hmmm ...but they were really noisy. and 6 girls cried, in total. And there was a catfight. whoa man. haha... didnt know pri sch girls could be this... wilful. oh well.
Met up with Khairil for lunch. and man... watched the lame Spongebob Squarepants movie *what the?? * haha...then met up with kai and we all went down to RJ together. Was really good! Always like being back. =) Though we were stopped by the new OM-he wanted to make sure we were old boys haha. Ended up checking out the girls bball game and the stadium sights. Met Mr. O, and he told me about the airrifle situation. Hmm...sounds bad.. and the captain seems to be not really doing his job? Well, who am i to judge. It's his team...so I guess, i'll let this pass :)
Hmmm had been a good day. Just a slight headache now. and had a good chat with a friend. Thanks. For your trust in me. and in Him.
Met up with Khairil for lunch. and man... watched the lame Spongebob Squarepants movie *what the?? * haha...then met up with kai and we all went down to RJ together. Was really good! Always like being back. =) Though we were stopped by the new OM-he wanted to make sure we were old boys haha. Ended up checking out the girls bball game and the stadium sights. Met Mr. O, and he told me about the airrifle situation. Hmm...sounds bad.. and the captain seems to be not really doing his job? Well, who am i to judge. It's his team...so I guess, i'll let this pass :)
Hmmm had been a good day. Just a slight headache now. and had a good chat with a friend. Thanks. For your trust in me. and in Him.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Musings
Is it that easy to fall in love? To be attracted to someone?
yes I guess. Hmm... The 'qarah'. Being at the right place at the right time would help, i reckon. But it really is that easy huh? Just being there for that someone when she's really down in the dumps, when she's really under stress. Just being there for that someone when she needs someone to talk to. And I guess it is easy to be swept away, to be 'confused'. To be wonderfully embraced by the care given by that someone. Only to find out in the near future that these feelings were opportune, they weren't true. The 'eros' or 'phileo' kind of love. Not the 'agape' kind, that Christ had for us.
Then again, how guarded are we supposed to be? If we're always afraid of making the wrong choices, we would never step out; we would never be adventurous. So many 'what if's. So many 'if only's.
That is why there is only one thing we should take note of. That is to 'seek first the kingdom of God'. To 'take no thought' and trust that He will provide your soulmate. Rather than be distracted with our circumstances, it is much better to look up upon the brazen serpent and be saved doncha think? And be led in the Spirit in the making of your choices. Following that life that flows out of you. The rivers of living water.
yes I guess. Hmm... The 'qarah'. Being at the right place at the right time would help, i reckon. But it really is that easy huh? Just being there for that someone when she's really down in the dumps, when she's really under stress. Just being there for that someone when she needs someone to talk to. And I guess it is easy to be swept away, to be 'confused'. To be wonderfully embraced by the care given by that someone. Only to find out in the near future that these feelings were opportune, they weren't true. The 'eros' or 'phileo' kind of love. Not the 'agape' kind, that Christ had for us.
Then again, how guarded are we supposed to be? If we're always afraid of making the wrong choices, we would never step out; we would never be adventurous. So many 'what if's. So many 'if only's.
That is why there is only one thing we should take note of. That is to 'seek first the kingdom of God'. To 'take no thought' and trust that He will provide your soulmate. Rather than be distracted with our circumstances, it is much better to look up upon the brazen serpent and be saved doncha think? And be led in the Spirit in the making of your choices. Following that life that flows out of you. The rivers of living water.
*back to school*
=) Invigilation @ RJ yesterday, and a last minute relief teaching assignment @ *gasp-gasp* RGPS this morning. Will be relief teaching over there tmw as well! Oh man... those irritating kids... Had my hands full just trying to look fierce. Wasn't smiling all the time unlike the previous time. Primary 2 and a class of Primary 4 at the end.
Jerald's my name and handling pesky children's my game. *err* actually. not. hahaha... well I'm learning. Those buggers I taught were really hyperactive. *hmmm come to think of it, I guess it's cos they were kids ugh!* haha... I guess I shouldn't have told them that there was no work, and they could do their own things. They ended up like playing the whole time. With each other. With the whiteboard. With the broom. With the duster. : Which really got me pissed cos one of them accidentally dusted my nose. And they were so darn fascinated with a new MALE relief teacher that they started asking me so many qsns. About my "girlfriend" (they couldn't believe I am single). *shakes head* oh well, primary school kids for you.
I much preferred the invigilation experience I had the day before. Met so many of my sec ones! It was kinda nostalgic. =) Though boring. But really, really glad to see familiar sec ones. i had one running up to the front of the stage to ask jeremy whether he was 'jerald'. =) Sorry Yun Tee, I forgot your name=) And Chun Long too. haha..had to ask Derrick. And I was transported back to the days I had in jc. =) Common test. haha... Struggling with the qsns and all. I saw that now in a different perspective. And the things the students wore and the way they walked etc. Projecting the image of "cool" that we so wanted to back in jc. hahaha. =) Different persepective.
Oh well, and pretty glad that zhou quan replied to my email, wasn't sure if he was still using it. He'll be back for a few weeks in summer, so hoping to meet up. Trying to contact Ian as well. =) So we can all have a nice catch up session before I go abroad. Alright, another busy day at RGP tmw. =) Will be missing floorball though. *bleah*
Jerald's my name and handling pesky children's my game. *err* actually. not. hahaha... well I'm learning. Those buggers I taught were really hyperactive. *hmmm come to think of it, I guess it's cos they were kids ugh!* haha... I guess I shouldn't have told them that there was no work, and they could do their own things. They ended up like playing the whole time. With each other. With the whiteboard. With the broom. With the duster. : Which really got me pissed cos one of them accidentally dusted my nose. And they were so darn fascinated with a new MALE relief teacher that they started asking me so many qsns. About my "girlfriend" (they couldn't believe I am single). *shakes head* oh well, primary school kids for you.
I much preferred the invigilation experience I had the day before. Met so many of my sec ones! It was kinda nostalgic. =) Though boring. But really, really glad to see familiar sec ones. i had one running up to the front of the stage to ask jeremy whether he was 'jerald'. =) Sorry Yun Tee, I forgot your name=) And Chun Long too. haha..had to ask Derrick. And I was transported back to the days I had in jc. =) Common test. haha... Struggling with the qsns and all. I saw that now in a different perspective. And the things the students wore and the way they walked etc. Projecting the image of "cool" that we so wanted to back in jc. hahaha. =) Different persepective.
Oh well, and pretty glad that zhou quan replied to my email, wasn't sure if he was still using it. He'll be back for a few weeks in summer, so hoping to meet up. Trying to contact Ian as well. =) So we can all have a nice catch up session before I go abroad. Alright, another busy day at RGP tmw. =) Will be missing floorball though. *bleah*
Monday, March 21, 2005
Saturday, March 19, 2005
A late night with a lady taxi driver
Ok a wonderful post by Zheng Jye. *hehe*
Have a good read. (though it's a bit long)
***
A late night with a lady taxi driver
Posted on Mar 18, '05 3:13 PM ET for everyone
So I left the beloved and got in the cab. The driver was friendly, and chatty. Perhaps it was the hour, perhaps I just needed to talk off some of the nervousness - but we had a broad conversation. We didn't go very deep, but we covered quite a bit, from parents, to how graduates sometimes reject "low-paying" jobs, to the current prices of a pool game, to interests. That's when things got more interesting. (for me, at least) She's not a believer, so the advice she offered was just practical good sense - like just informing your parents when you'll be late, because at least they won't stay awake wondering where you are.I don't know why I was a little twitchy tonight - fearful expectation of judgment, perhaps? Heh. So I'm praying quietly in tongues throughout the night when there's opportunity, yes, even during the conversation with the driver. When you need help, you need help. A starving man doesn't care if food's coming every 5 minutes or every hour - he just wants food. No starving man looks at food and says, "Oh, that's too little, I'll wait until there's more food until I eat." The hungry man just eats. So I was in that sort of strait.Anyway, the conversation got interesting. She asked me whether I go dancing (clubbing, but she put it as dancing. We were conversing in Chinese.). I said no, gave her the natural reasons why - costly (especially when you live in Sembawang) and unhealthy (ridiculous hours). Then she asked whether I played pool often, and I said no. She went on about some of her own interests, like traveling - it broadened her mind; and besides, she never knew when she was going to die, so it was best to get all the experiences she could. She was going to Hokkaido and probably Taiwan too. There was a silence in the taxi for a while.And I couldn't help myself, and I said, "But I'm different. I'm a Christian, and things are different. Things don't interest me like how they used to." So we talked a bit about religion. Nothing theological, no preaching, no scripture - just me saying things like, "Once you know Him, things are different." "He really changed my life." "He's not like the other gods." "I see things really differently." "It's a beautiful change." - that sort of thing... And I realized somewhat dimly I was getting refreshed, which was unusual. Normally I associate refreshing with serious sharing, you know? Bible passage and verse, Greek and Hebrew, types and shadows, a receptive audience.But there in that cab... It was just a man talking about his friend, to someone who didn't know his friend yet.The cab stopped at my place, and as she was giving me my change, she just commented, "You're quite good-looking." I smiled, thanked her and left. I wish I had told her, "It's the glory." or something spiritual like that, but I think God had made His point. Perhaps someday in a desperate time, she will remember this conversation, with a young man and his God who was different, who changed his life, who was a real person to another human being just like her.I thought witnessing was something difficult, you know? Having to persuade people, tell them of God's forgiveness, what Jesus did on the Cross - of course, the finished work is the best thing you can ever tell anyone. But tonight, I learned it's much simpler. I only spoke what I knew, what my Father and friend was to me, and that my life had changed. I was refreshed. Perhaps she was. Anyway, I learned my lesson. =)You know, the one of the first recorded incidences of someone bringing someone else to Christ is in John 1. It's very simple. Only 3 words - "Come and see." It was spoken by Philip to Nathanael. Jesus said the same words the day before - "Come and see." The Samaritan woman at the well said the same thing to those who would hear her - "Come and see." I thought that I needed to be some sort of exemplar, to say such a thing, so that people would want to hear me, to find out what made me a success. But tonight, I am corrected. Philip had just been called by Jesus when he spoke to Nathanael. The woman at the well had only spoken to Jesus once. Examples of success, that the world envied? Hardly. One a commoner of whom little is spoken of later, the other a woman who had known many men, looking for love in all the wrong places. A great and vast knowledge of Scripture? Hardly. One a day-old convert, the other only knowing of one conversation. What did they have in common? They recognized Jesus as a savior. In the case of the woman, not even a certain recognition, for she said, "Could this be the Messiah?"What was the result? "And many more believed." Why? "Because of His own word." Jesus will explain Himself, don't you worry. No extensive knowledge or explanation on your part is required. Not because of His miracles, not because of His behavior, not because of His moral fiber, not because of His holiness, but because of His word - they will believe. We only have to say what we know - "This man changed me, saved me. Come and see."Jesus makes the difference. So little shared, yet I was refreshed. Little to me, but a seed looks that way, doesn't it? We've been well-taught to bring Jesus into our trials, problems and challenges. We claim promises, and that is good. We listen to sermons, and that is good. We worship and praise, and that is good. We pray in tongues, and that is good. We complain to God, and that is good. We talk to Him about it, and that is good.But it's really much simpler. Even when we don't have the faith to believe God hears, even when we really can't praise Him, even when tongues seems like a nonsensical work, even when not a single promise seems true, even when we can't fight the good fight of faith - His love, and His finished work at the Cross doesn't change. Jesus Christ did a perfect work, and a strong work. Whether I think so, whether I feel so. A work stronger than my weakness, a victory greater than my unbelief. And when knowledge vanishes away, tongues cease and prophecies fail, that which we heard from the beginning still stands - Jesus is Saviour. Jesus is Saviour.He saves.He delivers.He heals.That's His business.Jesus is Saviour - the first work we all did, when we were unbelievers, dead in our sins and enemies of God, without any faith to speak of. Just a simple recognition - Jesus is Saviour.Got a problem today? Jesus is Saviour. He will help you.Grace is with you, beloved. I love you.
Have a good read. (though it's a bit long)
***
A late night with a lady taxi driver
Posted on Mar 18, '05 3:13 PM ET for everyone
So I left the beloved and got in the cab. The driver was friendly, and chatty. Perhaps it was the hour, perhaps I just needed to talk off some of the nervousness - but we had a broad conversation. We didn't go very deep, but we covered quite a bit, from parents, to how graduates sometimes reject "low-paying" jobs, to the current prices of a pool game, to interests. That's when things got more interesting. (for me, at least) She's not a believer, so the advice she offered was just practical good sense - like just informing your parents when you'll be late, because at least they won't stay awake wondering where you are.I don't know why I was a little twitchy tonight - fearful expectation of judgment, perhaps? Heh. So I'm praying quietly in tongues throughout the night when there's opportunity, yes, even during the conversation with the driver. When you need help, you need help. A starving man doesn't care if food's coming every 5 minutes or every hour - he just wants food. No starving man looks at food and says, "Oh, that's too little, I'll wait until there's more food until I eat." The hungry man just eats. So I was in that sort of strait.Anyway, the conversation got interesting. She asked me whether I go dancing (clubbing, but she put it as dancing. We were conversing in Chinese.). I said no, gave her the natural reasons why - costly (especially when you live in Sembawang) and unhealthy (ridiculous hours). Then she asked whether I played pool often, and I said no. She went on about some of her own interests, like traveling - it broadened her mind; and besides, she never knew when she was going to die, so it was best to get all the experiences she could. She was going to Hokkaido and probably Taiwan too. There was a silence in the taxi for a while.And I couldn't help myself, and I said, "But I'm different. I'm a Christian, and things are different. Things don't interest me like how they used to." So we talked a bit about religion. Nothing theological, no preaching, no scripture - just me saying things like, "Once you know Him, things are different." "He really changed my life." "He's not like the other gods." "I see things really differently." "It's a beautiful change." - that sort of thing... And I realized somewhat dimly I was getting refreshed, which was unusual. Normally I associate refreshing with serious sharing, you know? Bible passage and verse, Greek and Hebrew, types and shadows, a receptive audience.But there in that cab... It was just a man talking about his friend, to someone who didn't know his friend yet.The cab stopped at my place, and as she was giving me my change, she just commented, "You're quite good-looking." I smiled, thanked her and left. I wish I had told her, "It's the glory." or something spiritual like that, but I think God had made His point. Perhaps someday in a desperate time, she will remember this conversation, with a young man and his God who was different, who changed his life, who was a real person to another human being just like her.I thought witnessing was something difficult, you know? Having to persuade people, tell them of God's forgiveness, what Jesus did on the Cross - of course, the finished work is the best thing you can ever tell anyone. But tonight, I learned it's much simpler. I only spoke what I knew, what my Father and friend was to me, and that my life had changed. I was refreshed. Perhaps she was. Anyway, I learned my lesson. =)You know, the one of the first recorded incidences of someone bringing someone else to Christ is in John 1. It's very simple. Only 3 words - "Come and see." It was spoken by Philip to Nathanael. Jesus said the same words the day before - "Come and see." The Samaritan woman at the well said the same thing to those who would hear her - "Come and see." I thought that I needed to be some sort of exemplar, to say such a thing, so that people would want to hear me, to find out what made me a success. But tonight, I am corrected. Philip had just been called by Jesus when he spoke to Nathanael. The woman at the well had only spoken to Jesus once. Examples of success, that the world envied? Hardly. One a commoner of whom little is spoken of later, the other a woman who had known many men, looking for love in all the wrong places. A great and vast knowledge of Scripture? Hardly. One a day-old convert, the other only knowing of one conversation. What did they have in common? They recognized Jesus as a savior. In the case of the woman, not even a certain recognition, for she said, "Could this be the Messiah?"What was the result? "And many more believed." Why? "Because of His own word." Jesus will explain Himself, don't you worry. No extensive knowledge or explanation on your part is required. Not because of His miracles, not because of His behavior, not because of His moral fiber, not because of His holiness, but because of His word - they will believe. We only have to say what we know - "This man changed me, saved me. Come and see."Jesus makes the difference. So little shared, yet I was refreshed. Little to me, but a seed looks that way, doesn't it? We've been well-taught to bring Jesus into our trials, problems and challenges. We claim promises, and that is good. We listen to sermons, and that is good. We worship and praise, and that is good. We pray in tongues, and that is good. We complain to God, and that is good. We talk to Him about it, and that is good.But it's really much simpler. Even when we don't have the faith to believe God hears, even when we really can't praise Him, even when tongues seems like a nonsensical work, even when not a single promise seems true, even when we can't fight the good fight of faith - His love, and His finished work at the Cross doesn't change. Jesus Christ did a perfect work, and a strong work. Whether I think so, whether I feel so. A work stronger than my weakness, a victory greater than my unbelief. And when knowledge vanishes away, tongues cease and prophecies fail, that which we heard from the beginning still stands - Jesus is Saviour. Jesus is Saviour.He saves.He delivers.He heals.That's His business.Jesus is Saviour - the first work we all did, when we were unbelievers, dead in our sins and enemies of God, without any faith to speak of. Just a simple recognition - Jesus is Saviour.Got a problem today? Jesus is Saviour. He will help you.Grace is with you, beloved. I love you.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Stand still
My friend's kinda in turmoil right now, her emotions are spinning out of control *grin* well... all i wanna say is that you did fine. and that nothing can change the fact that everything will work out for good. And no matter what happens, and what you're feeling and what's happening around you, look up to the cross and live. Stand still, and see your salvation. (something I have to learn as well, tsk)
What's the big problem?
Just back. From shopping at Tangs with mum and dad. was quite good. Just didnt understand why things had to be so uptight when we reached home. Is the place claustrophobic or what? Too cluttered or what? what the fish. Wish everyone would just chill, and be cool about everything, everytime. Thought we had a good outing.
Ok. feeling much better now. =) not going to give any care. If there's anyone who can change things, it's Him. I guess i'm being hypocritical as well. Cos I do experience such adverse emotions at times. And I guess it's one of those times. The times you feel irritated, and you feel that there's no one who'd understand you. The times you feel just f-ing pissed off at everyone, everything. Just glad that i'm being washed whiter than snow continually. and that comforts me, cos I stay righteous. And you can't touch me devil. Just f off from my life, and my family's cos we're covered by the blood of the Lamb. Thanks. =)
PS: Thanks for the new electric shavers mum & dad! Love ya guys very much! Forgive me if I've been bad. haha! Cheerios!
Ok. feeling much better now. =) not going to give any care. If there's anyone who can change things, it's Him. I guess i'm being hypocritical as well. Cos I do experience such adverse emotions at times. And I guess it's one of those times. The times you feel irritated, and you feel that there's no one who'd understand you. The times you feel just f-ing pissed off at everyone, everything. Just glad that i'm being washed whiter than snow continually. and that comforts me, cos I stay righteous. And you can't touch me devil. Just f off from my life, and my family's cos we're covered by the blood of the Lamb. Thanks. =)
PS: Thanks for the new electric shavers mum & dad! Love ya guys very much! Forgive me if I've been bad. haha! Cheerios!
Monday, March 14, 2005
Have ya got the Spirit?
There. The memories. =) Shelved this off for a long time cos of my stolen bike issue. But here it is! You guys should read Kai Lynn's blog entry on it. =) www.aprilynne.blogspot.com In the meantime, wait for my update!
Love lots everyone!
Have ya got the Spirit??!?!!!!? *yeah yeah*!
Can ya show the Spirit?!??!?!? *yeah yeah*!
one for all! *all for one*
R-A-F-F-L-E-S RAFFLES!
Love lots everyone!
Have ya got the Spirit??!?!!!!? *yeah yeah*!
Can ya show the Spirit?!??!?!? *yeah yeah*!
one for all! *all for one*
R-A-F-F-L-E-S RAFFLES!
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