B.S

I went for Bible Study tonight at Galistan tonight. It was pretty awesome. There wasn't anything "new", but I've not touch on the topic of Daniel's prophecy for a long that everything was like new to me. No, I am not chasing after prophecy like some who goes after them. But I am going after the giver of those prophecies. I am not talking about the prophets, but the God who delivered the vision to them. In the pages of the bible, I see God's faithfulness in His plan. Some of them are fulfilled, some are yet to be fulfilled. Oh what a mystery, what a wonder, what a plan and WHAT A GOD!!

Oh! This shout out is to the R-age Choir for singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness"! It's one of my favourite hymns. Yahooo!!!

Joey's Super Mum!

( Click on the picture to read the article)

This is a very touching article written by Joey about his mother. It's featured on "Motherhood" magazine. Peter Lim has an article there too. He encouraged Joey to share about his experience. It's pretty touching and I can affirm the fact. She is indeed a super mum!

Righteousness

I swear he is very comfortable despite that "bway gum wuan" face.

If u wanna know why I name my son Chia Ee. Click here for the explanation! I love the old school Chinese character for the word "righteousness". This is pretty awesome! It's also a tool for evangelism!!

Check out my eye-bags man! Yeah!! I earned it!!

Music to my ears

I only listen to BBC World Service whenever I turn on the radio at home or in the car. Lately on "Top of the Pops" they introduced a female singer named Sandi Thom who has a very cool song called "I wish I was a punk rocker (with flowers in my hair). U gotta go to her website to check her out. U can hear her song and watch the video of this song. Be sure to check her hair!

This year is also the 10th Anniversary of DC Talk's classic and ground-breaking "Jesus Freak" album. Gotee Records released a Jesus Freak tribute album called "Freaked!". If u are one of those people who are still filled with the same andrenalin from the CD 10 years ago, u'll love this one. The covers of "So help me God" and "Jesus Freak" were awesome! The latter will definitely freak some of u out. If u like extreme music, u'll sure rush into the moshing pit! If u don't have one, u'll just jump off your bed!

Manrongs Exhortation

This was written by Manrong (Sis Regina to many of you) to the Creative Arts Youth and I am so encouraged by her reminder about our attitude in serving the Lord. Emphasis are hers. I hope that u'll be blessed too!

…we can preserve our joy joy
joy in serving and giving to God by disciplining ourselves
to give without
complaining

…we can position our hearts to perceive what God has in store for the
community that He has placed us in

…after having persevered, we may be mature and complete, not lacking in
anything (James 1:4)

…we do not give the enemy any foothold to steal from us the joy in
serving God

Let’s keep our hearts well. May the joy and privilege of serving our Heavenly Father
who loves us unconditionally never depart from us.

Above all else,
guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Pr
4:23)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for
men, since you know that you will receive an
inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are
serving (Col 3:23-24)

What a timely reminder of how we should serve the Lord whether it's in a minstry, our schools, work places or our home.

I miss those days

Yeah! I was a rawk star once!! Though it was short-lived, I savoured every sweat that poured down my brow and into my eyes... OUCH!!

Yeah baby, yeah!

Will I return to it again? Yes, may be. But not until the more important things has been done. We only lived once, I will surely do it again. They say that youth is the sunshine of one's life. Dang, I am not even over the hill yet. The sun is barely in sight! Oh, I don't know what the future holds for me, but I am looking forward to feel the sunshine on my face again!

My Spiritual Growth

"We don't hear much about spiritual growth these days. Many Christians in our society have been diverted by various teachings that promoise power, spiritual energy, and soccess without the process of growth into spiritual maturity. THey look for dramatic experiences, climactic turning points, instant solutions to their spiritual problems; but real, lasting victory doesn't come through those means. God's design is that we be seasoned to maturity through a continual process of growth."

John MacArthur, in is introduction in "The Keys to Spiritual Growth"

I've not been taking care of my spiritual life lately and I felt the effect of the slump esp since the birth of Chia Ee. The tiredness should not be an excuse to put the bible and prayer time aside. As Ps Ronald said that God has given us 24 hours. There is sufficient time if we make much of the time that we've been given. Looking back, I've been very disappointed with the way I handled my life. It's times like these that I need more wisdom and more faith in the word of God. The way I've been living is not measuring up to the work of grace (that's why I need a saviour). Yesterday I prayed for strength and wisdom to do the right things. The things that glorifies God's name. My life is an open book that many sees. I cannot hide my true self no matter how hard I try. If I live a lie, u'll know that I've lied. Thus the only way to live is to live truthfully with integrity.

Therefore I resolve to get back to my reading of books, the bible and prayer. I really need You, Lord, to cover me, strengthen me and increase my faith!

So help me God!
Call it my addiction,
I can't get enough of u,
So help me God,
To put my faith in You!

Church

I went to church today after being absent for almost 5 weeks. As I walked to the gates, I was humming the old song "I love to be in Your presence" and I even thought of kissing the ground of the church once i stepped it. Aimin suggested that I might as well kiss all the way in. Good idea, but I didn't do any kissing.

I arrived in church around 11 and met Jeremiah and I had a great time fellowshipping with him, listening to his sharing about his spiritual growth. It was really encouraging. The youth service was pretty cool too. Joey led "It's all about You" (was that the title?) which I went nuts. It's still a pretty new song to most of the youths. Boss preached a great sermon too about living out our spiritual life. He preached on 1 Tim 4:12 for quite some time. I was defintely blessed by the sermon and I prayed at the end for wisdom and discipline to live my this new lease of life I've been given since the birth of Chia Ee.

After the church, I had a great but short time of fellowshipping with my friends. And I played on the Roland V-drums too though the power was turned off. But it was a great feeling to be playing drums again.

Leadership

"Knowing the truth of God and proclaiming it with authourity should be the passion of every leader because everything we teach affects the hearts and lives of those who hear us. It is an awesome responsibility. Any church leader who does not feel that burden of this duty ought to step down from leadership."

John MacArthur

I thought this was quite a serious and over zealous charge from one of my the most influential writers in my life. We all tend to be very forgiving by saying that there are different leaders who are called to fulfill different roles in the church. Yes, I believe that is true, however I also believe that the foundation and the passion where our service flows from comes from knowing God by spending time reading and studying HIs word.

This is the truth that liberates, yet many are being captured by their inability to live up to the standard. Take heart my friends! Our strength to overcome is progressional! We've been destined and we will slowly mirror ourselves into the image of Christ!

WOAH!

Dynamic Duo

"If u mess with me, u have to mess with the one behind me first!"

Thoughts about a party

I just returned from a shoot from Koh Samui on Monday. I was doing a travel show for HD trial for Mediacorp. At Koh Phangan (an island near Samui) we shot the "Full Moon Party) which occurs every month. At these parties, the beach can be filled with between 10,000 to 30,000 people, mostly caucasians. These people will just party, drink a lot of alcohol, get laid, get robbed and get high (on illegal drugs). I do not understand what kind of fulfilment comes out of letting your spirits fly that way. Such high are so temporal and it always leave the party goers wondering if anything can beat the previous experiences. In an interview with a couple who has been living there for 2 years, they shared that the party is an experience in itself, but the hedonism that happens there is pretty something. I can't help but think that they felt the way that I did. I personally will not want to party like that again (Though I was working and not partying").

I once heard a song about getting a "new high" in the midst the "hippie" era where people party, experiment with eastern spiritualism and drugs, practice "free love", etc. It was a cool song that talks about the meaninglessness in getting messed up with the practices of those days (late 60s and early 70s). Believe when I say that those days are back in our world today! We don't call them "hippies" today. Today's people are people like u and me. U simply can't tell one from the other. Both generations are looking for an experience that lasts. I hope they find it in Jesus.

Why don't u look in to Jesus (Larry Norman)

Sipping whiskey from a paper cup,
You drown your sorrows till you can't get up,
Take a look at what you've done to yourself,
Why don't you put the bottle back on she shelf,
Yellow fingers from your cigarettes,
Your hands are shaking while your body sweats,
Why don't you look into Jesus, He's got the answer.

Gonorrhea (HIV) on Valentines Day,
And you're still looking for the perfect lay,
You think rock and roll will set you free,
You'll be deaf before your thirty three,
Shooting junk till your half insane,
Broken needle in your purple vein,
Why don't you look into Jesus, he's got the answer.

You work all night, sleep all day,
You take your money, throw it all away,
You say you're going to be a superstar,
But you've never hung around enough to find out who you really are.

Think back to when you were a child,
Your soul was free, your heart ran wild,
Each day was different, and life was a thrill,
You knew tomorrow would be better still,
Things have changed you're much older now,
If you're unhappy and you don't know how,
Why don't you look into Jesus, He's got the answer

I came home to another shock when I receive an sms from a beloved friend who is experiencing a bitter break-up. After listening to him, I just felt like letting my mouth go to speak things like "I told u so", but thank God I didn't! I don't think he needed that now and I have decided to just care for him and his well-being and to remind him of the promises of God that he professes. I believe that his faith in Christ will see him through. As for the girl, I shall only pray that she'll come to her senses just as he has.

Father and Son

Chia Ee and Me

Another "I believe in you"

I'd like to spend some quet moments here with you
You're every movements tenes to sway my thoughts to you
How can I not be hurt by you?
When everyitng that you said is true
I tried to hide myself but found myself in you

I believe in you
Every word is true
You revealed the darkness in my soul

I'd like to be as candid as I can with you
No matter how hard I tried to hide the truth from you
How can I ever lie to you
Nothing I do is good

I believe in you
Every word is true
You revealed the secrets to my soul

From The Other Side of Glory

The Scrapbook

If every life was a scrapbook,

Started the moment we're born,

Its purpose was clear and intent

Even before the writing's begun.

And if every scrapbook had an owner,

And that owner had dreams, to scribble, paste pictures and draw,

We'd best allow that to fruition,

If we'd just open up our pages and absorb the ink that writes.

And how wonderful this scrapbook would be,

When the pages are turned

To reveal a carefully crafted life,

That exhibits the splendid creativity of the One who wrote in it.

But what would this scrapbook be,

If its pages didn't want to be written on?

What would this scrapbook be,

If it didn't capture moments, memories, choices, miracles and pain?

It would be empty, and blank

Nothing more than scraps of paper bound together.

Which looks pretty and new, on the outside,

But is blank and meaningless, on the inside.

But I know a fresh scrapbook

Who's pages are only beginning to fill.

And as his stories evolve,

Will bring smiles to all around- his maker and all who love reading him.

And as every drop of ink forms on those pages,

And every smear of gum to hold bits together,

And every picture, movie stub and sweet wrapper that goes in,

This scrapbook will be put together so tenderly.

So I pray, and hope and waiting to see,

What this little scrapbook will be.

Even as I continue to figure out what will be written in mine,

I wonder if we'd share a couple same pages, as I have with another as well.

Thanks for this poem, bro!

My HP Number

Hey all, esp those in R-age. I've disconnected my other line. Now I only have one handphone and it's the one in the R-age Weekly Bulletin.

Thanks!!

Will be away

I'll be going for my first overseas shoot from 11th to 17th July. I'll be going to Koh Samui to shoot the pilot of a travel log. If it's successful, then we might shoot 13 more eps, which means a possible 13 more trips for me! Yahoo!!!

Anyway, with all the effort put into caring for Chia Ee, it's not easy for me to go for that trip. But SW encouraged me to do it anyway coz no work, means no milk. So I will work for milk!! hahaha...

A slightly crossed-eye Chia Ee staring straight into the lens. This was taken by his San Yi.

Papa Jenno

It's the right time to resurrect this post. So apt. Now is the time to not just consider the questions but also to act upon it. I receive an open-letter thru Joel's blog. It's really a delightful letter to read. I am very touched by the encouragement. How can I not be? Thanks, bro!

Jenn, I've always wondered what you'll be like as a Dad. I've wondered if your kids would be embarrassed with your antics, screams, sudden and boisterous laughter and sometimes undirected energy. I've wondered if you'd scold them as passionately when they make mistakes as passionately as you'll love them every day of their lives. I've wondered if you'll be as brutally honest about their weaknesses as you are lavish with your encouragement. I've wondered if you'll reach a different level of experience in your worship by understanding the love of a father-child relationship. I've wondered if you'll trust God enough to let go and yet have enough wisdom to hold on when they're walking what we imagine to be the wrong path.

I'll bet you've imagined much more than I have.

But, you know what? You'll do fine, for one reason. I know you'll pray, I know you'll continue reminding yourself to be humble, and I know that if you ever lose sight of the treasures God has blessed you with, you'll come through... I also know that no matter how much you love them kids, it'll never surpass God's love for you, or for them, and that's a fact. How awesom and great is our God!!

So, Jenn, fatherhood is knocking at your door. Be the best Dad God made you to be, with the experience you hold behind you and the hopes and plans that stand in front of you. Because He knows the plans He has for you, to prosper you and not to harm, to give you hope and a future. Amen.

Love,
Jo

I'll be the richest man if...

Saying a little prayer to Jesus

If I get a penny for ever "Cute" I read in the comment boxes about Chia Ee or the tagboard, I'll be the richest man in the world!! wahahahha...

Song for Chia Ee

This is a Keith Green song written for his first-born, Josiah (Song for Josiah). Now I could sing along to someone at last. I'll call it Oh this is my prayer, and what a prayer it is indeed! Liang senses that some songs will be coming inspired by Chia Ee. haha... I already began to change the lyrics of one song I just finished. Now it's unfinished again.

I'd like to thank all my friens who sent their well-wishes and their prayers. SW and I are really blessed by your thoughts.

Oh my son, you were born in a world that hates you,
And I swear I will never forsake you.
But there was a father centuries ago,
Who watched his beloved son die. oh, die.

Oh my son, I am weak and I’m trembling,
For the lord I am always remembering.
Oh what a strong shepherd holds you in his arms.
He’ll break you and make you his own.
And then take you home.

Well if I could I would protect you from what you will see.
This world will promise love and beauty,
but it lied to me.
And I will show you, if you will listen.
And I will promise, to listen too.

Oh yes, there are some who love the lies,
they will kill you if they can.
Though you speak the truth in love,
they will hate you like the man,
Jesus, although he was God,
he allowed himself broken for you.

Well if I could I would protect you
from what you will see.
The world might seem so alive, but it’s dead to me.
And I will teach you, if you will hear me.
And I will promise, to hear you too.
yes I do.

Oh my son, I am only your brother.
For a sister, God gave me your mother.
But just like a mother, so long ago, had to watch her beloved son die,
Oh son, we will try, to let you go.

Pls put your hands together and welcome...

Chia Ee's arrival was via the scissors but unlike most C-section this one was not the "come-on-the-day-and-cut" kind of experience. SW was originally scheduled to have natural birth on Monday, however baby's head wouldn't set itself properly even after the doctors attempt to induce baby's birth. So the arrangement was made to do it with the knife the next morning.

After making this arrangement. I went home to rest, however SW called me to complained about severe boutst of contraction pain. I decided to go spend the night with her at the delivery suite at KK. What happened that night was something I didn't expect. SW had contraction pain in intervals. Whenever there is a contraction, there were grimace of agony that causes her body to convulse. I felt so helpless watching her in such a pain. This went on for the whole night from 12am to 7am. As a result we hardly slept. I was so tired that SW asked me to go home while she was pushed into the operating theatre. However the nurse asked me why I don't want to see the baby. She also told me that it would be fast and so I waited.

I bought a can of Red Bull and waited at the waiting area. Then I received a phone call from the midwife who directed me to another room. When I first set my eyes on this sweet little thing, my whole heart felt so serene. At first he looked nervous (Dang, the photo didn'tappear here!!). I could tell he was surveying the sight of this dark-skinned dude grinning like the Darlie man. Must be quite traumatising for a 10 minute old mind. Then I place him in my hands with his face facing me and I spoke to him, "Hello Chia Ee, it's great to see you at last!" Those were the exact words I told him and as I continued talking, I could see that he was responding to me. There was this exploratory gaze in his eyes that was he seems to be trying to remember. It was was a moment of pure magic!

The whole ordeal from the agonising 7 hours with SW at the delivery suite to the the first contact with the baby was a very spiritual one. The lesson that I learned was this: no reward is as sweetly savoured as the one that went through pain. SW and I went through that ordeal only to forgive baby for causing SW such pain. This brings to mind the old saying "no pain no gain". In our case it was not just a mere "gain" it was a precious gift of God!

Chia Ee*

*"Ee" means righteousness or intergrity. I love the way it's written in ancient Chinese characters where a "Lamb" covers over "me". To me, it means Christ righteousness covers over me. Together with my surname which means "Thankfulness", it means Thankful for the righteousness of Christ that covers over me.