Jesse is back home!

Jesse was warded into UMMC on 22 Nov 2005.

He had his surgery to remove the nasal polyps on Wednesday at around 0900. I wasn't allowed in the OT. At around 1048, he was out. He sleep all through 1730. Gradually, he regained his appetite. I was so happy to see him sleep without any sign of breathing problem nor snoring. God was in charge, He is and will be.

The ENT specialist originally estimated that Jesse was to stay there for 3 or more days. But Jesse recovered well and was discharged on Thursday. Now he is eating a LOT.

His voice is still not back to normal yet. But we are glad it is over. It is a test for us. Jesse passed with flying colours.

We want to thank you all for your prayers. Your care and concerns are much appreciated. God bless you.

All glory to Jesus.

In memory of Eddie Guerrero (09 Oct 1967 – 13 Nov 2005)

Eddie Guerrero is one of the biggest stars in WWE's Smackdown! brand ... if not the biggest. He passed away to an apparent heart failure at the age of 38.

You can read the messages his fans left at his official website.

Eddie Guerrero was a 2nd generation superstar. His blend of interview skills and technical ability is unmatched.

He came clean with his personal struggle with drugs and alcohols. He was sober for 4 years before his untimely death. His struggles were well documented in the DVD the Eddie Guerrero story: Cheating Death and Stealing Life. (Here's a review.)

Eddie Guerrero is known to his fellow wrestlers as a main of great faith. Fellow Christian wrestler Shawn Michaels was quoted saying Eddie did something no one else could - he got them all together in prayer.

He is survived by his wife Vickie and daughters Shaul, 14, Sherilyn, 9, and Kaylie Marie, 3.

Eddie's death is captured by mainstream media like MSNBC and Yahoo! News. It was featured on the main Yahoo! page.

My condolences and prayers go to his family.

Do you take care of your health?

Jesse (my son), Kathleen (my wife) and I spent almost a whole day in UMMC yesterday. Jesse has been experiencing coughs, flu and fever for more than a month. At the last visit to the family doctor, he noticed some growth in his throat. He suspected an enlarged adenoid.

That was before the week-long Deepavali and Hari Raya holiday. The ENT specialist in UMMC took a look and decided the growth is to big to be there. He immediately schedule Jesse for a surgery on 23 Nov 2005. He also made an appointment for Jesse to get a CT Scan on 10 Nov 2005. It could be adenoiditis or nasal polyps. The pathology will determine the cause. Please pray for him. He's only 11. He's sicked of taking medicine and is afraid of the surgery.

The daughter of my faithful prayer parther, Grace is cleared of dengue. Onn, a fulltime church worker is not. Onn is in the Selayang Hospital (website is under construction.) His father-in-law passed away on the previous Saturday (05 Nov 2005). Onn has arranged for the full moon celebration for his son on 12 Nov 2005. We pray that God will heal him and restore him in time.

I am one who doesn't really pay attention to my health. I eat all I want, work all I want and sleep as little as I want. It's not very healthy.

This month, the theme of the sermons in the church (CBCPJ) is based on the book of Job. It's about the sufferings we face and how to look for wisdom amidst all the sufferings.

Let's remember France in our prayers too.

Friends and neighbours took to streets in protest

Famiy members, friends and neighbours took to the streets in protest of Loong's attitude towards work.

Jesse Ngui, the only son of Loong, has repeatedly protested Loong's long hours of work outside the house AND inside the house. "I don't want you to go to the apartment, I don't care." Jesse was referring to the apartment the company rented to house some of Loong's colleagues.

Grace, Loong's faithful prayer partner thinks Loong is ALWAYS b c (SMS lingo for busy.) Work, church, family. Loong seems to be always working on something. Her constant prayer support has helped Loong through some tight spots.

SH, a "dry" sister thinks Loong is simply too serious in work and other things. She thinks Loong doesn't have to be so serious in everything. It remains to be seen if SH will influence Loong or the other way around.

H, the GM of Loong recognizes that Loong has inadvatently taken on more that his job requires of him. "He is now taking on the role of another colleague. Once she is back from maternity (which is about 10 months away), this responsibility can be given back to her." Loong has requested to take leave from his work so he can spend time helping his team mates.

Incidentally, Mrs. Ngui has not made any comments on this issue. She is also not seen among the protesters.

"I admit I am a busybody. That's my nature. I cannot rest until I am sure I have given all the help I could to the people around me . And even then, I will still worry and think about them," said a nonchalant Loong.

Loong cancelled his leave when he was moving house to do work. He is gradually turning into the workoholic he didn't expect himself to be.

We will give you more update on this situation when new information is made available.

No fear

Catch me on the 6th season of Fear Factor, Busybodies Special Edition.

Just kidding. You know I am kidding, don't you? You do? Thank you.

What depression?

Two pair of my shoes were stolen from my house. I have one pair left, the shiniest of the three. At least I still have one pair of shoes.

If two days ago I was moody, yesterday (despite losing 2 pairs of shoes) I rebounded. God, prayer supports and the appreciation by my teammates combined to lift me up.

I will spend more time with my mentee in the office. I want her to mature into a confident and capable consultants. She is moving to a place very near my house. Ha. Who's gonna stop us now? I am going to pour my life experiences and knowledge into her. She's going to pick it up. Cool.

Next two weeks are packed for the team. I hope to get a little break in Nov. I want to visit my sister and my little niece, Nicole in Sandakan.

I spoke to my elder (hey, if you are reading this, it's you. We met over breakfast. Do leave a comment if you read this.)

Point: People like to talk to me. Perhaps due to my willingness to listen. Perhaps it has to do to my busybody nature. As such, I have been given many opportunities to help (many times just lending my ears.)

So, I want so ensure this channel of communication is not broken, organization change or not. Well, if there is anyone who is anti-establishment, I could be one. Structure the organization anyway you want, I will still love and care for the people I love and care.

Can't wait for the NBA to start. I'd like to see if there are any changes.

In the English Premier League, I expect Chelsea to repeat their magnificent feat least year.

That's all for now.

I am a bad man

Perhaps one of the baddest around.

A few days ago, I wrote a 'nasty' mail to a leader in the church, questioning his motive in 'taking over my turf.' He requested to meet me to talk about it. I have yet to agree to his time and place. I have not been seeing my parents for a few days. This is abnormal.

In another unrelated incident, I proved myself to be a mean person.

A colleague made a mistake with an installation. We tried to solve the problem to no avail so we contacted our principal. We followed the suggestions given and the problem was not solved. I reported tihs. The support team repeated what was suggested and wanted to know if we really did what was told. I got a bit hot and started to respond 'professionally' (meaning, no mercy.) I changed my mind at the last minute and said something simple instead. I told the support team that we have tried all the suggestions and they didn't work. We would consider the case close even when the problem is not solved since there seemed to be no solution.

The support person (a young lady) called me from Shanghai and told me she felt bad for not being able to solve the problem. She offered to help us investigate the matter online. I have already asked my team to reinstall the product, so there was nothing to see. I feel bad that she felt bad.

Now that we have re-installed it, we got back the same problem!

I have reported this and hopefully we can find a solution.

I am so short tempered lately. My colleague said yesterday was hot. But they don't feel the heat in me. This is not holy fire burning with passion for God and for souls, this is unnecessary fury and anger.

I hope this will past real soon. I may explode on someone I love.

Depressed? Me?

If I am to get a report card for my life every quarter, I'd probably get something like this.

Relationship with God - C
Family - C-
Church - B-
Work - A-
Personal - C

This is obviously not a very balanced life.

I enjoy working with my team. I believe this is one of the best team I have ever worked with. The team has a good blend of professionalism, experience, knowledge, fun and most important of all, chemistry. I also like to stick my nose where it's not invited (but not necessarily unwelcomed.) I try to be pro-active with projects. I anticipate problems and try to prevent them or at least be prepared for them.

The family and church portion of my life is nothing to shout about. Neither is my relationship with God. If in the beginning of the quarter (3rd quarter) there was a fire burning in me - fire set by God and fanned by prayer support - now it's dying. What could have caused this? I don't know, it could have been a lot of things.

The church has been talking a lot about the importance of mentoring. I now have a good chance to mentor my own mentee in the work place. And I spend too much time doing 'my own' things that I have little time for my mentee. Granted, I cannot bear to see my teammates working on issues and / or problems on their own. That's just me. But by doing so, I have neglected my own apprentice. I guess time management has never been my strength.

While I think I have been able to contribute to the success of the team, I have not experienced the joy or sense of accomplishment that should come with it. Perhaps I recall the time towards end of last year where I almost lost my job. Yes, I have redeemed myself this year. But the pain and the shame linger on. During the 1st half of the year, I truly thought I have gone over that. But apparently I didn't because that memory came back to haunt me. The prospect of not being able to feed my family is not a very pleasant one.

We are to look forward and not to look back. I am looking back. I don't even dare to imagine what could have happened had I not been given another chance. God is a God of 2nd chance (see the story of Jonah.)

When will I ever get past this?

Keith Green

A sister asked me to check out songs by Keith Green. She told me his songs are very inspirational. After listening to Rushing Wind, You Put This Love in My Heart, He Is Risen and There Is Redeemer, I begin to understand why.

The piano is masterfully played. Another friend told me the late Keith Green is the pioneer of CCM (Contemporary Christian Music.)

Create in Me a Clean Heart has been a song I used very often in my quiet time and prayers.

Inspiring? You have got to be kidding. Of course it is.

Here's a quute by Keith Green, "I repent of ever having recorded one single song, and ever having performed one concert, if my music, and more importantly, my life has not provoked you into Godly jealousy or to sell out more completely to Jesus!" Now, that's something we can look up to.

Another CCM pioneer is Rich Mullins, of Awesome God fame . Wow. Music not only can sooth the savage beasts, it can also be an instrument to touch lives.

All glory to Jesus!

End of the month

I can't believe it's already the end of September 2005. How time flies!

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Q4. This is the time when everybody reviews their goals, plans, etc. and work extra hard to catch up.

This year, I moved house. That is something that takes a lot of my time. And I didn't get to spend a lot of time on this. I really need to spend more time at home.

There is also a change in my career path. Well, from almost losing a job to being a contributor, I'd say I've come a long way.

The church has started a youth work after a long time of planning and praying. These young people are fun and full of energy. I enjoy working with them. They will build the foundation this year and fly next year.

What about you? What happened to you this year? Are you achieving your goals?

Let the Fire Fall on Me

A dear sister in Christ told me about this song this morning. I dug it up. I download the music sheet and the MP3.

This is also my first post using Blogger for Word. It works fine. But I cannot use Word as my Outlook editor. :(

1. Lord, I would be wholly Thine,
I would do Thy will divine,
From the world and sin and self I would be free;
On the altar now I lie,
And with all my heart I cry,
Let the holy fire from heaven fall on me.

Refrain:
Let the fire fall on me,
Let the fire fall on me;
The fire of Pentecost,
Consuming sin and dross,
Let the holy fire from heaven fall on me.

2. I would have sufficient grace
Every foe to bravely face,
And an overcomer evermore to be;
That I well may fill my place,
And that I may win the race,
Let the holy fire from heaven fall on me.

3. Holy Spirit from above,
Fill my longing soul with love,
Till the Master’s image all in me may see;
Make me gentle, true, and kind,
Meek of heart, and humble mind,
Let the holy fire from heaven fall on me.

4. In the kingdom I would stay,
There to labor night and day,
Any way and anywhere Thy will may be;
But that I may do my best,
And that others may be blest,
Let the holy fire from heaven fall on me.

Passed a test

First, I'd like to thank God, who enables me and strengthens me. I am also in debt to all of you who has been faithfully upholding me in your prayers. I stand today because you lifted me up with your prayers.

This morning, I sat for the SAP Business One Consultant Certification exam. There were some technical issues that it didn't start at 0900 as scheduled. I was the first one to finished all 80 questions and I made myself looked through them one by one before I decided to go. I passed the exam (it is self-grading.) I should be getting my certificate in a few weeks time.

All glory to Jesus! He is the author and finisher of my faith.

I don't like to think I had pressure preparing for this exam. However, some of my colleagues did check to see if I was doing ok. I don't like to disappoint, especially when my peers look up to me. I cannot fail. Such is the burden I carry with me when I step into the exam hall (which is a training room.) But God is strenght of my heart. I breezed through the questions (hey, I had to pace myself, I was very eager to get it done.) Doubts clouded my mind before I press on the Finish Exam button. What if I get a score less than 80 (for 80 is the passing mark)? I quickly brushed it aside. I am not doing this for my personal vain glory. Whatever I do, I want to give glory to God. Now, I have another opportunity to do so.

You know, there is another added weight on my shoulder. My colleague, the GM has 'inadvertently' represented me as a certified consultant to a customer, who is also a Christian. Now I am a real one. Phew! What a relief. Sales people, tsk tsk tsk.

I am glad it is over. I don't necessary enjoy the adoration and respect of my colleagues. I always downplay it. I tell them anyone could have done it. With this nre status as a certified consultant, it will be the same. God forbid that I start getting all arrogant again.

I smacked Jesse this morning. This is partly due to the anxiety to get out of the house as early as possible. So much for reconcilation. It didn't last for a week. I still have lots to do. I have to dig up and re- read my Father Connection.

You have a good day!

Here come the Kingdom Soldiers!

That was a wonderful camp! If only I have internet access, I could have provided live coverage. :)

Everyone one had a great time. The children made pizza (deeelicious!) which I thought we bought from outside. They also painted their own T-shirts.

The new friends who joined us also enjoyed their time talking about a variety of topics.

The singing contest had overwhelming response. To quote the American / Malaysian Idol slogan, suddenly, everyone wants to be a singer! Haha.

The worship was exceptionally good in the sense that we were able to reach up to God and allow Him to touch us. Fantastic. If you know the preparation we have done (or not done), you would appreciate it more. I think it is safe to say that the worship was anointed. Kudos to the worship team who followed the leading of the Spirit.

It seems like all the leaders received a message from God. I had trepidation going out for prayer. I always do. Most of it due to pride, some of it due to face (which it also pride) and a bit of doubt.

What if the preacher said something 'common'? That would be a big bruise to my ego. Or what if the preacher said God wants me to go fulltime. NOW. Hehe.

Either way, he (or God) didn't tell me anything out of my expectation. Nothing I don't already know. So, that should serve as a confirmation. Good. Now, I just have to be careful not to let any of it get into my head.

Some may be skeptical. I am skeptical. I check what the preacher shared against what God has been telling me all the time. I am the Learner. I am learning from the Bereans.

During the ministry time on Sunday, I kept praying for God to fill, heal and cleanse. Jesse and I hugged and wept incessantly. It was a wonderful and beautiful time of reconciliation. I have not been a responsible father. No more. Until now, I voice is still croaked from all that crying. Thanks to the prayers of some of you, I think my voice has regained its normalcy. But to my ears, it still doesn't sound right.

Let's pray that the fire doesn't fizzle out in us so quickly. I just watched LoTR. I have only watched the Two Towers before. My son saw both The Fellowship of the Ring and the Two Towers. So, once we got back from the camp, we finished off the last few moments of the Fellowship of the Ring, skipped the Two Towers and watched the Return of the King.

Whan I saw Aragorn rallying his troops to face the enemy bravely, I think of ourselves. As Kingdom Soldiers, will we waver in face of our adversaries? Are we diligent? Are we disciplined? Are we in shape? (Ok, I know round is also a shape, but you get my drift.)

It begs some thinking.

I am surrounded by wonderful people

Had a meeting with my fellow worshippers in the worship team. It was a wonderful meeting filled with constructive ideas and fun!

Each one is comfortable to voice one's view. I really enjoy working with my fellow worshippers.

I am having a late night supper cum talk with two of them now. Food from William's is not bad.

Chemistry, what price art thou?

Getting ready for the Camp!

We are going to the Golden Sands, Port Dickson for a church camp from 26 Aug 2005 to 28 Aug 2005. The theme this year is Kingdom Soldier.

I am anticipating great things to happen. We have a youth program which we hope will kick start the youth work. We do away with the time-consuming drama contests. Making its debut is the American Idol-style singing contest.

As usual, I will be moving around. I will keep an eye on the children and this year, even the youths.

When I get back on Sunday, off I go to JB, in preparation for a meeting in Singapore on the next day.

How many ways can you spell the word BUSY?

Juggling time

I am still struggling to allocate time among family, work and church.

Just had a church leaders' meeting last night. It didn't drag and it was rather productive in the sense that a lot of plans were presented and decisions made.

Today I am going for an important presentation with a prospect. We will be given a test along with the other vendors in a staggered manner. We called in the calvary for this. We fly people over from the Philippines.

It's school holidays for my son, Jesse (11, standard 5). I will be able to find more time for him after tomorrow. (I have a packed day tomorrow too.)

Let's see if I can take time off to apply for myKad on Thursday.

Haze is not around, which is good.