On the 4th day of Chinese New Year ...

Today is the 4th day of Chinese New Year.

I have with me the cough that had been bugging me since 1 week before Chinese New Year. I will go see Dr. Chau (my own doctor) if necessary. The panel clinic doesn't work for me.

I am very thankful for the following:

• Son, Jesse is doing his A-levels in the Methodist College Kuala Lumpur. I hope he gets back his motivation. He can be unstoppable when he is in form. He got 7 As in his UPSR. Perhaps too much success to early. I never really recovered from my 8 A1s in SRP. I got arrogant. I hope he doesn't.
• My dad is free from tube and urine bag. The medicine worked well. He could pass urine just fine. To quote Wei Lymn, the new standard is no long being able to eat and sleep, but also to be able to take in and discharge.
• SOL 1 and SOL 2. Jesse and Kathleen both finished their SOL 1 and they are waiting for me. Due to a mistake in my schedule, I missed out one class for SOL 1 last year. I am going to take it on 11/02/2012 and I can graduate together with them. We have a few group studies to do for SOL 2. All in good time.
• Family - we love and care for one another. Being the eldest, I should go home more often. I will do just that.
• The wonderful people God put in my life. I have said it once, and I will say it again (plagiarized from Eric Bischoff from one episode of Monday Nitro) - you people put a smile on my face and a teas in my eye. Thank you for the hugs too. Wife thinks physical touch is my language of love.

During the few days away, I have been constantly praying for 2 friends in particular. I have regular people I pray for but I pray for these 2 in particular. One has cancer. One has a delayed dust mite allergy.

I am looking forward to a year of promotion as Pastor Daniel said. No, not just in terms of position but in terms of responsibilities. If we are faithful with the little things, God will give us bigger things. At this age, I am really learning to come back to God and no longer think I am very clever. I have been 'clever' for many years and the last few years of 'doing nothing' has humbled me a lot.

I am glad we are in DUMC. I think my dreams will come alive. And my shattered dreams will live again. With so many brothers and sisters to look after me, I will make it. I am counting the blessings of God everyday and I am looking forward to the end of 2012 when I will look back at a great year.

All glory to Jesus.

Torn ... in many directions

Tomorrow, I am accompanying my dad to see a specialist for his prostrate issue. The appointment is scheduled to be very early to make it for the appointment in Klang. It's 0730! What kind of doctor is so hardworking? A urologist no less. He's a classmate of my sister. That's how. I hope we can find out how to fix it and my dad can be at ease again.

Due to time clash, I cannot accompany Jesse to his first day in college. The first two days will be orientation but still ... I wanted to much to go with him.

At another front, Kathleen has hated me more because I think helping her in her assignment is cheating. I think she is right. If others (read 'other female friends') ask me to help them with their school assignments, would I decline? Even Jesse think I should help.

The one that really tugs at my heart is the year end closing in the company. For the record, my colleagues are more than capable of doing their work on their own - even without me standing by and cheering them on. I was in the office on Saturday and today. But I won't be there on the first official working day of the year with my COMrades. I wonder how many will miss me. I know one may. The others I don't know. To make up for it, I have done what I could. I churned up some data when I came home from dinner plus last minute shopping for Jesse. The lunch arrangement today was a disaster. We have to each went our own way because one particular sandwich joint did not get our order ready and did not remember to call us to tell us.

In DUMC, we are told 2011 was a BETTER year. and 2012 is a year of PROMOTION. I don't care about the title I am given at work. I think I am being promoted to do more. I wish I can do just as much as I was doing 1 decade ago. I don't want to think I am already pass my prime or over the hill.

The best is yet to come! I am a work in progress.

2012

I just got back from the Watch Night Service at the Dream Centre. This is what I posted on Facebook.

"Just came back from the Watch Night Celebration. It was good. It sent a clear message how everyone can get involved in discipleship, CG and missions. I felt that God reminded me to trust in Him, to count on Him, to live by faith and not by sight. And that's something I want to do in 2012."

It was Søren Kierkegard who said that life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. I have heard this during sermons in DUMC at least twice. Once by Pastor Daniel on Boxing Day, 2010.

In this season to be jolly ...

... I am missing the ass-kicking days.

I guess it's only natural for a man to get emo when he is spending Christmas alone on an annual basis. Not putting any blame to anyone though.

I have attended and helped out in many wake services. I sometimes ponder what will people say about me. What kind of legacy will I leave behind?

Father’s Day Special

Pastor Chris Kam, 20/06/2010
Ian Kam (Pastor Chris’ eldest son) is on stage. He is 20. Teens today have mobile phones, and not ordinary phones. Pastor Chris did not give him (Ian) a phone. He got a walkie talkie for communicating with his dad after tuition.
Pastor Chris is a hero to Ian. When Ian was 5 he had a list of heroes. Pastor Chris was no. 2. The Father in heaven was no. 1. Even since he was 3, Pastor Chris would bring him to a restaurant on every Monday. Ian got to know his dad better and wanted to grow up to be like him.
His dad was also his friend. They were really close. They talk about anything. He enjoys being with his dad. He has an accident a few months after he got his license. A week prior to the accident, his dad warned him about the perils on the road. When he reached home, his dad told him he told him so and laughed. He told Ian to move on. That gave Ian peace.

Family Seminar by Pastor Chen Luan Qing, DUMC

DUMC, 25/09/2009 (Fri) 8:30 p.m.

The Biblical Family Hierarchy
Wife is to be a helper / helpmate to the husband, who is the head of the household.

帮助=替他做；扶持=鼓励、支持
To help = to do for him. To support = to encourage.

God put the wife in the family to help the husband to be the leader God intends him to be. Children are given to us so we can help them grow up to be what God wants them to be – not what we want them to be or to realize our unrealized dreams.

An attempted break in

When we got up this morning, we found the shower not working. We thought it's an interruption to the water supply and didn't think too much. We had to leave early.

When we reached home after dinner around 7 PM, I noticed the water tap in the porch disconnected from the pipe and laying on the floor. Jesse wondered why no water flowed from the open pipe.

I checked the water meter and found that the water supply was locked.

We looked at the crime scene a bit more and deduced that someone climbed in and while he was on his way out, stepped on the tap for leverage. But he / she was too heavy and she broke the tap. Flowing water would be a telltale sign someone came in, so he / she turned off the water supply and that explained why we didn't get any water in the morning.

So, it must have happened between the time we went to sleep and the time we got up. I knew I should not have slept so early.

Last year, something similar happened. After sending Jesse to tuition, I came home to find the water tap turned on. I turned it off.

A few days later, someone broke into our house and stole 2 notebooks (the computer type, not the paper type), a printer and cash.

Worrying for the safety of the family, I called 999. I was asked to go to the Kelana Jaya station to make a report. I did. I met Sgn Nizam who spoke to me. He advised me to get the RA to work with the police. He promised to arrange more frequent patrol in our area.

Earlier, I called my dad to tell him what happened and see it he could get us a plumber. The plumber would come at 9 in the morning.

You see, if we turned on the water supply, water will all flow out from the open pipe (sans the tap.) None will get to the shower and other places. If we turned it off, we also could not get any water.

I took a shower from the wastage of the RO machine and filled 4 pails of water for Jesse and Kathleen tomorrow morning. I may stay home to wait for the plumber.

I will keep an eye outside the house these few days - sleep will have to take a backseat.

Christian family fighting adoption of children by gay couple

See this.

Accident

I left on time today, oops, I mean yesterday (it's now 0033, Tuesday.)

I finished off a last minute request by a colleague and joined K. She let me drive. K dropped Jesse for his tuition class in Uptown. So, I went there for dinner.

We then picked up Jesse. I came out from the Uptown area passing by OCBC and 7-Eleven. Kathleen commented that OCBC was still open. I was moving to the right lane (the one before the ramp) to prepare for a U-turn towards Damansara Jaya when we heard a long and loud honk (beep) from a motorcycle. The rider beeped all the way passed me from my right and then rammed into a 4WD in front of me.

Jesse speculated he was giving me warning so I would not hit it. However, he did not look at the stalled traffic in front. I moved out and proceeded home.

I have half a hear to get down even though it was really not needed. K remarked how God protected us.

Praise God!

I should do this more often

Kathleen and I went to install the backseat safety belts in the Perodua service centre in Section 19. I got to mee Liyana whom I have spoken on the phone on several occasions, including making appointment and then requesting to move it to school holidays. Liyana has been very helpful. It tooks about 30 minutes. I am impressed with their professionalism, efficiency and courtesy.

We then rushed to the Bandar Utama Hall (near Puay Chay 2) to see what we could get with the coupon we bought to help the cause of the United Voice. By now you should notice Jesse was not with us. He wanted to spend his time playing computer games, even though his recent exam showed a drop in marks. We met Crystal and Danny. We also saw a hardworking pastor intern doing her part in clearing up the place.

We proceeded to 1 Utama. We had three GSC movie vouchers courtesy of Michael and Jamie. I intepreted their wedding service. We were trying to decide among Slumdog Millionaire, Watchmen and Race to Witch Mountain (that's our first choice because Jesse said he wanted to watch it.) We decided on the last one.

Kathleen called my mom to pick Jesse up for the weekly shopping with my sister and my little niece. We didn't want him to be alone at home for so long.

We walked around and then had some food and coffee in Starbucks. Of course we went online.

The movie was enjoyable. I am partial to Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson. He was one of my favourite "superstar" in WWE. And as an actor, he is still one of my favourites. I told Kathleen he would win an Oscar someday. She didn't believe it.

We also bought a pair of shoes for me. Kathleen reminded me that she listened and remembered what I said.

I got to spend time alone with Kathleen. I thank God for it. I need to spend more time with her and Jesse.

Come what may, I think I am ready to face the challenges. I am not alone.

Giving up? No way!

I shared with two sisters that it's been a long long while since I last felt unhappy.

This is not a big issue. It's supposed to work that way. If I am really thinking about the good of the whole group, I should be a good soldier and do my part. If I am going to be relegated to a drone that hardly adds value to the community, so be it ... unless I want to try another community.

This is definitely not a good time to look around let alone move around.

I should really learn to count my blessings. Let's see.

1. After the Thailand trip, I have a sort of a "change of heart" and I have been trying hard to "be good" to my family and loved ones.
2. I have started practicing "flash prayers" and I find it a wonderful thing to do.
3. After the 2-day Coaching and Mentoring workshop which I utterly enjoy, great speaker, practicing haka and all (not to mentioned getting to know her better), I look at my colleagues in a different light. This is not so much due to the workshop but the time I spent with my colleagues. I can genuinely try to love everyone now, yes, even those few.
4. She has overcome her problems. She has made her decision. I thank God for that. We have established a good friendship that is filled with fun and joy. I had a celebration lunch with her today.

So, why am I not happy? I will likely not be turned into a drone. I will still be contributing in ways that will tap into my intelligence, experience and analytical skills. I will still be as busybody as ever. That's not going to change. I will still have wonderful time with my colleagues. I can still learn to love what I do.

So, don't fret. It's a long way to heaven, don't sweat the small stuff.

Let's see how long I can remain sunny.

... sometimes it helps to have someone to shine on.

Old Year Musings

It's the last day of the year. In less than 15 hours (I started this around 0915), people will be counting down everywhere to usher in a new year. I originally worked on a sermon on looking back the old year last Sunday. I didn't get to use it. It's ok.

Let me list things that were the year 2008 for me, in no particular order.

TV shows I like: Pushing Daisies.

This has got to be the best blend of death and comedy in a long while.

TV shows I like:  Burn Notice.

Best TV show in the year for me. It’s so funny.

Longtime desire achieved:

I finally got Christmas Shoes DVD in the video shop near the church. I always wanted to get this. I remember one Sunday afternoon when I watched this at home alone. I cried and cried and cried. I must share this with my family and friends.

Things I don’t like: Becoming a McD addict.

In the beginning, it was amusing when colleagues teased me for getting “McDonald’s again?” Then I dug up information on Supersize Me and decided if I wanted to be healthy, I should cut down on unhealthy food. Translating some MOH (Ministry of Health) materials exposed me to certain undesirable gejala-gejala. I could do without them. For the sake of my loved ones and myself, I want to stay healthy.

Things started in (the last few days of) 2008:

Low carb diet. Exercise. Don’t take too much food.

Things still happening in 2008: Misuse of credit card.

It seems like not a year went by without us fixing this. The fact that the former company didn’t pay salary for 2 months (they paid me back one month with one month notice after I left) didn’t help. The Biblical Studies on Financial Freedom helped.

Things stopped happening in 2008:

Preaching in Chinese service. Uncles, aunties, I cannot answer you why I don’t preach to you anymore. I don’t make the schedule.

Survived in 2008: BMCS (the Bahasa Malaysia Celebration Service)

Not that there was any doubt it would not. And it achieved its goal of 20 members. Now, if it could get on its feet and start walking …

Things done first time in 2008: 3-month prayer journey

That was good in so many levels. The family (and other families) prayed together. Brothers and sisters got a chance to pray for one another. We focus on the same prayer pointers and were set free in many ways. Kudos to Pastor Reynold. God bless him.

Things done first time in 2008: Project Timothy

This is good stuff. We had two semesters of learning together. Caleb is not a Jew. Boaz and Ruth did not have sex on the threshing floor that night. Imprecatory / cursing psalms are good for you. Watch out for parallelism in Psalms. Look for verses which repeat or reinforce the same thing, or contrast each other. Spot the pattern in the Psalmists’ writings. Someone told me someone told him if your faith is not strong, it will crack when you join PT. Now, where did that come from?

What a rush. We missed some key area in our testing. It’s ok. We will be more careful next time.

Things that have not happened for a long time: Bonus and Increment.

Those are good stuff. This company is here to stay. So is this employee.

There could be more  after this ...

“Building an Authentic Family”

When Others Cared for You (1 Thess 2 & 3)

Pastor Reynold Lim, 28/12/2008

Illustration:

A mother was expecting. Michael the son was expecting a brother or a sister. He talked to the baby everyday and built a relationship with the baby. There was complication and the newborn baby girl was placed in the ICU. A new room was prepared for the arrival of the new baby. However, the doctor asked them to prepare for the worst. Michael wanted to see his sister but young children were not allowed in ICU. The mother brought him there despite the protests from the nurse. Michael sang to the baby. Michael sang with the simple heart of a 3-year old. He sang You are my Sunshine. The parents encouraged him. Tears came over the parents and the nurses. The doctors called it the miracle of a loving brother. The parents called it the miracle of God.

The morale of the story is to never give up.

Where Do I Start?

… by responding with the Right Attitude

When we get up every day, we can choose to be in good mood or in bad mood. It is our choice. Life is about making choices.

There are three attitudes we need to build an authentic family: (1 Thess 2:17-20)

1Th 2:17-20 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, (18) because we wanted to come to you--I, Paul, again and again--but Satan hindered us. (19) For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? (20) For you are our glory and joy.

• An Eager Expectation in spite of Separation (1 Thess 2:17 cf Act 17:5-10)
  

  Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica. NKJV uses "taken away", NIV "torn away" (literally "orphaned." Paul used very strong language to describe his emotions towards the Thessalonians. Paul was in distress when he left Thessalonica. He hope to be reunited with them soon.
  

• A Steadfast Endurance amidst satanic opposition (1 Thess 2:18)
  

  It could be a person influence by Satan, the thorn in the flesh, an illness. We don't know but Paul was hindered from coming to Thessalonica. Paul reminded us that it is appointed for Christians to suffer. 1 Thess 16 tells us that God has set a limit of sins that can be committed against us.
  

• A Joyful Hope Undiminished by Problems (1 Thess 2:19-20)
  

  Paul's rhetorical question pointed out the Thessalonians being in the presence of the Lord as his joy. He wanted them to reflect on his reply. He wanted them to think about the coming of Jesus via 3 terms:
  

  • Paul's Hope
    
  • Paul's Joy – he was rejoicing that their faithfulness to Christ proved his own ministry is successful.
    
  • Paul's Crown, a Greek term – a victorious athlete's wreath.
    

  Paul explicitly used a present tense verb: "You currently are already these things to me." ( 1 Thess 2:20). The pronoun you is emphatic: "You, even you" or "you yourselves."
  
  

  Application
  

  When we become so intense in fighting our battles that we become grim, we lose 3 things:
  

  • Hope – we come to believe that we will never make it through the struggle, we begin to feel we are already defeated
    
  • Lost hunger for God's Word – As our joy decreases, our desire to read, study and believe His truth diminishes
    
  • Sense of Humour – We begin to take ourselves too seriously and fail to take God seriously enough
    

How Do I Do It?

1Th 3:1-8 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, (2) and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, (3) that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. (4) For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. (5) For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. (6) But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you-- (7) for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. (8) For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.

Timothy was a brother and a deacon (i.e. someone who serves God.)

… by making a Firm Commitment to

1. Show Relational Concern (1 Thess 3:1-2, 5)
   

   Paul ministered amongst the Thessalonians amid much conflict (v2)
   

   A storm of suffering fell upon the Thessalonians whom he had established in the faith (1 Thess 2:14) when he was torn away (1 Thess 2:17)
   

   Paul was genuinely concerned about their faith. Timothy was sent "to establish" ("to shore up, to buttress") and "to encourage" ("comfort", "standing alongside another person to put courage into them.")
   

2. Embrace a Theological Perspective (1 Thess 3:4; Phil 1:29)
   

   Paul didn't want the Thessalonians to be shaken, that is, agitated bu these undeserved trials and tribulations. Why? (Php 1:29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake)
   

   We are appointed for suffering and we are forewarned that suffering will come. Suffering is part of our Christian living. It is God's training. It includes hardship with intention to smoothen our rough edges.
   

3. Make a Personal Response (1 Thess 3:6-8)
   

   Three reactions if we have lost hope:
   

   1. Harbour resentment
      
   2. Insolate themselves from Christian friends
      
   3. Doubt and grow indifference towards God's Word
      

   Paul mentioned the following:
   

   1. They refused to blame a former authority for their suffering (v6)
      
   2. They desired to maintain close ties with Paul and his associates in ministry
      
   3. They maintained a firm commitment to a spiritual truth (v7-8)
      

What Do I Begin To Do

1Th 3:9-13 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, (10) as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? (11) Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, (12) and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, (13) so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

… by re-discovering the true meaning of living:

1. Joyful in Gratitude (v8 cf 1 Thess 2:17-18; 3:7)
   

   Paul has a sense of deep appreciate for what the Thessalonians had done for him. When we praise God, worship God and give thanks to God, it builds our spiritual life. Thanksgiving is a direct command from the Bible.
   

2. Earnest in Prayer (v10)
   
   1. "night and day praying" – Paul and his fellow workers were fervent and consistent in their petitions.
      
   2. Specific in their prayers:
      
      1. Given the opportunity to see the Thessalonians again
         

      ii. Given the opportunity to complete what was lacking in the faith of the Thessalonian believers.
      

3. Abounding in Love (v11-12)
   

   The source of love : god who is love (1 Jn 4:8). Love is not a natural part of our lives. We need spiritual formation via devotion.
   

   The recipients of love: "overflow forward one another and to all"
   

   "for" – "getting down deep into something"
   

   L – Listen – we respect and accept people enough to graciously hear what they have to say
   

   O – Overlook - we are quick to pass over and forgive the minor and unpleasant flaws
   

   V – Value – do not discredit them with words
   

   E – Express – Love is demonstrated by doing what is in the best interest of others. WE don't just feel love or say loving things.
   

4. Established in Holiness (v13)
   

   The end result of joyful gratitude, earnest prayer, abounding love is a life characterized by holiness – not by our own will power or by our own standard.
   

   The standard of our purity – "established in holiness before God …" (cf 1 Pet 1:15-16)
   

   How long are we to strive in God's power for this standard of holiness?
   

   Only when we are in heaven we are truly free from sin. Only then we need not strive anymore.
   

A Beautiful Christmas (not the sermon)

Christmas Eve 1230
We had a Christmas lunch in the office. I had fun with my colleagues. The recent training with some of them helped to build bridges. I am always happy with be with my own division. In the gift exchange, I got a 300ml bottle of Molten Brown Invigorating Suma Ginseng Bath and Shower. It's about RM90. Hmm ... I will let Jesse and Kathleen and Jesse try it.

I received gifts (individual and groups) from my colleagues. The cake is still in the fridge. I want K and Jesse to see the complete thing before we start eating it together. The other gifts are on the table. I want to open them together with K and Jesse when they come back. If you think you spot a recurring theme, you are right. I missed them. Now, if they can come back with a little bit less noise ...

Christmas Even 1845
I reached church. Yek called and needed me to switch on the PA system. I turned it on. The PC could not be switched on. I called Ps David to tell him. There could be more friction and I think I don't care anymore. We had a good practice. Jamie was mulling a chord at the 2nd last bar of Silent Night. I sought help from Khiam Su but I could not get him. I then asked Jun Hua and he gave me F#m and that did the trick. We had a good dinner. I texted K and told her how much a louse I thought I was for didn't think of inviting some of our friends. They were there. Pastor Reynold must have invited them. Bad bad Loong. Worship was good. I used my notebook to project the PowerPoint. Then I moved it back to the PA area to plug in the USB device to record the sermon. Ps Ong was passionate as usual. I then moved the notebook to the front to show PowerPoint during ministry time again. Ministry time took a bit of time. Pastor Ong prayed for many people. Whenever I see a person (from a couple) getting prayed for, I'd pull the spouse / fiancee forward so they could be prayed for together. Pastor Reynold said he'd help to lock up. I got a ride from Suzie.

Christmas Day 0630
Way Mun was to pick me up at 0715. Even thought I slept late last night, I got up early. But I simply didn't want to leave the bed. I laid there, snoozing the alarm again and again until 0650. I cleaned up and changed. Way Mun called and said he'd be late. While I waited outside, the sister who cleans our house passed by on the way to do her morning walk in the field. We chatted a bit. Then Way Mun came.

Christmas Day 0750
We reached the River of Christ church before the service started at 0800. After worship, Pastor Alexa talked about the significance of the incarnation. She challenged us to go out there not as a duty but as a response to God's love. Pastor Monica in her closing prayer also made similar challenge. Go get them was the message.

Christmas Day (around 0915?)
I got a ride from Jeremy. I was at Kompleks Muhibbah for the first time. It was a large area. Some of us were there as early as 0430 to clean up the place and set it up. Praise God for them. I checked out the games stalls.

Christmas Day (around 1015)
I went through the program with Judy, my co-host. We quickly decided some stage games. There were lots of presents to be given away. There was a HUGE crowd. Most of them have been coming back to the carnival year after year. The organizing churches are truly working very hard to connect to the residents. Visitors got free good, RM1 coupon to play games and to get lucky draws. It was something many of them look forward to each year.

We had presentations by each of the five churches. Burn (of Akademi Fantasia fame) also made an appearance. He was not shy to declare his faith.

Mr Yew (my former principal and current vendor) brought his family. I am glad I invited him. He and his family enjoyed themselves. His 2nd daughter won 2nd prize in the colouring contest for the 10 to 12 category.

The was a cottage sale. Clothes, toys are other things were going for RM1 per bag (take all you can!) At 1445, we announced that it was going to take all you can for FREE. Have you ever seen throng of people moving in one direction? Oh, many of them mistook the gift redemtion counter as the place for the cottage sale. I quickly pointed them to the correct place. After the main prizes were given out (the two grand prizes were Samsung mobile phones.)

I really admire the brothers and sisters who worked to hard. If they are not doing it out of love of God and the people, there is no way they are going to do it year after year. These people shine with the love of God.

Brother Andrew gave me a lift to my parent's place where I had a meal (the first of the day. I don't eat when I need to do things. I don't have to go to the toilet. So I was tired and hungry.) After the meal, Jason, the boyfriend of my sister Peng gave me a lift home. I was so tired. I turned on some Christmas music, took a shower and waited until I was not so full before I had salad for dinner.

Epilogue

With K and Jesse away, I was slightly uncomfortable of doing this MC thing. I was alone (at home) and I needed transport. But as I expected, I'd come home feeling glad I was part of it. I did feel glad. This always happened to me. I am becoming more predictable to myself.

Well, K and Jesse are to reach home either after lunch or in the evening tomorrow. 1 more day before I go back to reality. End of dream. :)

Wardrobe Malfunction

It was about 1230. I went to the washroom before I went out to get lunch. The zip stopped working. The slider came off from one side. I struggled for a while to get it back. But I didn't trust it anymore. Not with a training going on at 1400.

I went to pick up the my house keys. Then I went out to get a taxi. No luck. I walked further. Same. I went back to the office to try to call one. Jane who was on duty gave me a number to call. No answer. Her attempt on another taxi company was met with an engaged tone.

I called my Fatt, my brother. No answer. I tried once more to think if there is a place nearby to get a new pair of pants. Nope. Didn't think so. Fatt called back. I told him my predicament. He said he had a meeting in Cheras at 1430 but he had time.

So, he sent me home to change. When I got back to the office, lunch time was almost over. I decided not to eat and just prepared for the training.

The training was wonderful. Truly interactive and productive. It was fun too. I am most glad that my colleagues were serious in learning up the system.

I am now in front of the idiot box (the one who watches it is not necessarily an idiot, mind you.) It's Monday night! It's TV-marathon with America's Got Talent, Burn Notice and Criminal Minds. Normally I would fall asleep halfway through Criminal Minds. I remember when we got 3 CSIs back to back on Monday nights. Those were the days!

p.s. The LG Cookie could prove to be an even bigger temptation to be than McDonald's. Each TV commercial I see gets my heart pumping faster. Phew. It's tough resisting the temptation to get one. iPhone is one thing with the price. LG Cookie? Hmm ...

从路得记探讨人伦

邵遵澜牧师 – 家庭的破碎和重建 (DUMC, 19/11/2008)

Jdg 21:25
那时，以色列中没有王，各人任意而行。

路得在一个败坏的环境中保持她的美德，堪称黑夜的明星。我们靠着耶稣得胜，如保罗所说，我们靠着耶稣加添我们的力量，凡事都能做。每个人都可以靠着耶稣的力量成为黑暗的明星。

以利米勒("神作王")在饥荒中带领一家人到摩押地，一个受咒诅的地方。结果他和两个儿子都死了。圣经告诉我们如果顺服神，将会蒙福，反之将受到咒诅。以利米勒这位家长带领他的家走错路线。父母如果没有树立好榜样，那么上梁不正下梁歪，孩子们耳染目濡之下学坏。尽管父母可能信主改变，但是孩子们可能已近泥足深陷。

Rom 8:6
体贴肉体的，就是死；体贴圣灵的，乃是生命、平安。

我们的神是信实和公义的神。

以利米勒死了。他没敬畏神，带领家庭走上死亡之路。但是，拿俄米却带领不肯离开的媳妇回到伯利恒。妈妈作了一个对的决定，向后转。认罪悔改正是要这样。路得跟随她。

张随海牧师(音译)见证

父亲被日本兵打死。母亲带着三个孩子改嫁以为中国人。后父没有善待他们，他们关系不好，诅咒他。结果真的死了。他犯了法被判无期徒刑。在牢里信了主。坐牢十年被释放，身上穿这十年前的衣服，身上只有RM1.70,拖鞋也破了。他祷告要娶妻，买车，买房子和有孩子。一年内认识现任妻子。但是她不愿信主。邓炳升牧师和他一起祷告。女朋友跟他去布道会，第三天信主。他出狱时四十二岁。四十三岁结婚，四十四岁生第一个孩子，三年升三个。妻子是Polo的supervisor，让他穿名贵衣服。妻子也有银行存款和公积金，买了屋子。

三个女儿各有发展。大女儿在新加坡念书。二女儿成绩也很好，得到国防部奖学金到英国深造。小女儿有心要读神学来事奉。

张牧师现在是东岛使命团在新加坡的负责人。

Rth 1:15-18
拿俄米说：「看哪，你嫂子已经回他本国和他所拜的神那里去了，你也跟著你嫂子回去吧！」
(16)
路得说：「不要催我回去不跟随你。你往那里去，我也往那里去；你在那里住宿，我也在那里住宿；你的国就是我的国，你的神就是我的神。
(17)
你在那里死，我也在那里死，也葬在那里。除非死能使你我相离！不然，愿耶和华重重的降罚与我。」
(18)
拿俄米见路得定意要跟随自己去，就不再劝他了。

圣经告诉我们，信心如果没有行为是死的。

死心塌地，坚持到底。

邵遵澜牧师 – 三股的绳子不易断 (DUMC, 20/11/2008)

路得记是圣经里的伦理学。伦理学即人伦道理，热与人之间如何相处。长辈觉得年轻一辈不听话、晚辈则觉得长辈顽固。婚姻更是如此，几经辛苦结成连理，但是结了婚就昏了。

圣经讲神和人的关系，也讲人和人的关系，包括父母与孩子，主人和仆人等。

路得记有三个主要人物-男主角波阿斯、女主角路得、配角兼导演拿俄米。

Ecc 4:9-12
两个人总比一个人好，因为二人劳碌同得美好的果效。
(10)
若是跌倒，这人可以扶起他的同伴；若是孤身跌倒，没有别人扶起他来，这人就有祸了。
(11)
再者，二人同睡就都暖和，一人独睡怎能暖和呢？
(12)
有人攻胜孤身一人，若有二人便能敌挡他；三股合成的绳子不容易折断。

这很明显是指夫妻。除非上帝给与特别恩赐，否则就男大当婚、女大当嫁。二人也可以指长辈和晚辈、主人和仆人。这段经文一直说二人，最后却变成三。两人比一人好，但是三人总比两人好。这是说明了耶稣基督的职分。

路得的三股是波阿斯、路得以及穿针引线的拿俄米。

家婆一般认为孩子是她的，妻子却认为丈夫是她的，所以会有权利的纠纷。拿俄米很有爱心。她的丈夫和两个儿子都死了。这个家庭变成两代三个寡妇。家里的男人都死光了，家婆就取代了家长的地位。她做的第一件事情就是向后转。悔改也是这样。以前跟神背道而驰，悔改是就转向神。两个媳妇只有路得跟她回到伯利恒。

从这里开始就演出了三个人精彩的戏。路得不敢因为年纪轻想改嫁，但是拿俄米帮她促成了成功和美满的第二春。拿俄米不需要媳妇开口就帮她安排一切。

邵牧师在菲律宾牧会，一间三年，另一间两年。有一郭姓家庭有六个儿子。三儿子到南部跟回教徒做生意时被害死了，身上多处香烟炙伤。三媳妇蔡氏当时有一个孩子，成为了年轻的寡妇。郭家家风古板，没有意思让这位年轻的媳妇再婚。寡妇孤单一个人过日子，生活痛苦，不快乐。华人的传统思想不符合圣经。

拿俄米为路得物色一位弟兄波阿斯。他们生了孩子，一代传一代，到了第四代生了大卫王。

邵牧师有一位张姓同学年轻去世，留下一位年轻的德国寡妇。这位同学谅解她的处境，让她再婚。

拿俄米是如何促成路得的第二春呢？她们回到伯利恒时正值割大麦的时候。她们很穷。摩西留下律法规定，收割时掉下的麦穗要留给穷人。拿俄米因为年纪大，叫路得去捡麦穗。路得很听话，到波阿斯的地方去捡麦。拿俄米知道路得到波阿斯的田地拾稻穗，就心里有数，吩咐路得只到波阿斯的田里去捡。波阿斯见到路得，嘱咐他的仆人善待路得。

有一天，拿俄米叫路得在半夜去睡在波阿斯脚下。她打听清楚波阿斯的为人。路得在下半夜看准了波阿斯在那里睡，就把波阿斯脚上的被掀开，盖在自己身上。波阿斯半夜醒来看见路得，没有沾她便宜。波阿斯让路得用外衣盛大麦回去。

经过这件事情，波阿斯就对路得另眼相看，有了感觉。同时路得也认同拿俄米的眼光，知道波阿斯是个好人。

现在的父母可能对孩子的结婚对象比较随便。拿俄米却很负责任。路得是个很顺服的女孩子，对已经不算是家婆的拿俄米千依百顺。她把自己的前途交在长辈的手中，相信她的安排。

波阿斯这个人怎样？他对路得说她不贪念年轻小伙子，愿意跟随他，他就会把该办的事情办妥。根据以色列的律例，丈夫死了，寡妇要嫁给最亲的亲戚。波阿斯不是至亲，路得要改嫁还轮不到他。

波阿斯是个大地主，是有头有脸的人。他就依照惯例，到城门去。见到了那位至亲，就问他要不要娶路得这位摩押女子和买以利米勒这块地。至亲不要，就脱了鞋给波阿斯，定了协议。于是，波阿斯就宣布要买下以利米勒的地，同时要娶他的媳妇。波阿斯做事有条有理，合情、合理、合法。事情就很圆满的完成了。

路得为波阿斯生了儿子，外婆拿俄米疼外孙疼得不得了，为媳妇照顾孩子。身边的人见了就说她有这么好的媳妇，比七个儿子更好。

这里有三股绳子-拿俄米、波阿斯和路得。

拿俄米可以代表圣灵，在凡事上教导我们。

波阿斯代表主耶稣。他住在伯利恒，大有权势、大有爱心。

路得代表教会，特别是外邦人的教会。

教会有一个最好的丈夫，就是主耶稣。圣灵扮演着穿针引线的角色。

今天还有教会对看不见的圣灵带着惧怕。

拿俄米还有一个媳妇叫俄珥巴。拿俄米要回家乡时，两个媳妇都舍不得。拿俄米劝她们回自己的家乡。俄珥巴就回到自己的家乡。但是，路得却愿意跟随拿俄米到底。于是她们就到了以色列蒙神祝福的流奶和蜜之地。我们要坚持到底才能蒙福。旧的家庭破碎了，新的家庭就建立起来了。

坚持到底的人蒙福，半途而废的不能蒙福。

Heb 3:14
我们若将起初确实的信心坚持到底，就在基督里有分了。

我们不能轻轻松松的，马马虎虎的。

Saturdays

Let me count my blessings.

I have Saturdays off - from work, from church. I have Saturdays only for myself and my family (especially my little nephews and niece).

But recently, I had to give up the privileges of carrying my niece and nephews on Saturdays.

I helped with a sports carnival in Kota Damansara. Well, I got to spend time with Jesse.

Then last week, Kathleen arranged for Jesse and I to attend a special children program by a Taiwanese team in Kota Damansara (KD is just a co-incidence.) As my experiences tell me, listening to Kathleen is always good because they almost always bring positive and good resuilts.

I was glad I was there. The young people in the team were led by two teachers. They came from broken families. Some have both parents as drug addicts. Some have gone in and out of juvenile dentention centre and the centre gave up on them. Some are mentally challenged. But the teachers have this burden to work with the children together with a native (native as in orang asli) pastor. They worked together to entertain the children while helping the teachers to educate them. Their strategy is to let the children learn while having fun. Fun we had.

I later learned that they worked and saved for 1 year before they could make this trip. Now, tell me that's not love.

Despite tremendous challenge and obstables, they made it (here, to share the message of Jesus.) There were many children in attendance who didn't know Jesus. They sat through the whole time. That's no mean feat.

Well, truth be told, some of the answers to the IQ questions were wrong. But that's the fault of the teachers. :) As for the young people who were dressed in yellow t-shirt, they each did their part as a team and they engaged the children. I have great respect for them. They found a purpose in their lives. I can only pray they will continue to find fulfilment in serving Him.

How many of us who come from affluent families, have good education, are bright, are healthy, are strong and yet did so little or nothing? I am once again humbled but my fellow brethens.

On 07 Sep 2008, I will once again take the mic for a community event. Not only will I miss spending time with my family - actually all it not lost as I could still JIP (join in progress) the shopping and lunch and get a chance to talk to my little chubby niece - I also will miss two lecures by Ron.

I know, once I put my hands on the plough I should not look back. I should have counter the cost before I carry the Cross. I am not making excuses. I am weak. I have wants and needs. I want to rest (and play computer games). I need to be with my families. But I also crave to do what I can for God. This last sentence may sound boastful and reeks of pride. But to me, there is nothing to it. I make no secret that I like to do that (doing things for Him.) And I am very wary and cold towards any praise or credits given to me. (That has something to do with a past experience but I am not going to talk about it now.) Giving me an opportunity to serve Him together is already reward enough for me.

So, I work from Mondays to Fridays. Sometimes I work late. On Sundays, I go to church service in the mornings and the evenings. I am only slightly more relaxed on Saturdays. But that is also the day we hold events from time to time.

Before I know it, there are already plans for mid-autumn festival and Christmas.

So, what do I do? I shall stay in the furnace a while longer. I will remain there as long as I can.

Fun Saturday

Saturday (16/08/2008) was a fun day for Jesse and me.

Kathleen dropped Jesse and me to the SMK Seksyen 10 Kota Damansara at around 0645. She then went home to prepare to attend her class. Jesse and I checked out the place. The basketball court, the registration counters, etc.

We kick started it about 45 late due to a delay in registration. We had a demonstration of how the Brazil Soccer Centre (based in Subang) train players. If was fascinating to see how much can be done with a simple rope ladder lying on the floor, a rope, a soccer ball, a mini seesaw and a parachute! Perhaps next time we will provide translation into Malay.

I still could not find anything on tsuokball. But the demonstration was interesting. Jason who was in charge told Jesse and me they came from Malacca. The sports was invented by a doctor in Swiss (hey, that's where my dear sister Mandy stays) who treated sports injury. He wanted to create a sport with minimal physical contact and fair, i.e. no physical advantage for bigger or taller people.

Then the games began. Many watched soccer. Jesse preferred basketball. After the first two matches, he already predicted who would be champions and runners-up. And his prediction was right on the money. There were four teams from KD 4 all donnning uniforms. Unfortunately, their skills were lacking. This is obvious when one of the teams played Reapers (who would emerge champions later.) The Reapers gave so much space and opportunity to the KD 4 in green. People love the underdogs. So, whenever the green teams (KD 4) scored a basket, people clapped and cheered.

My stomach was acting up and I went to the toilet a few times. I was praying hard and got my prayer partners to pray for me. God helped me through the day.

Don Kawa belted three songs with his wonderful voice much to the delight of the paricipants.

I think MANY were surprised when the speaker for the closing speech started with Puji Tuhan! Wow. So much for all the enciks and puans.

After the closing, I called my mom and found out they were in Tesco. We didn't want to bother anyone so we started walking, hoping to catch a cab on the way. We paused and took a picture of the paya on the way. Jesse wanted it as his wallpaper. An Unser stopped by. Brother John who was driving brother David to get his car in the River of Christ church offered to give us a lift. However, they were not going to Tesco. So, we alighted near the church. There was no taxis. We walked 32 minutes to the juction to the school. And it took us almost equally long before we reached the place near KD CBC. All the while, we felt rain drops falling on our head. It didn't rain though. But we were travelling on foot with no shelter in sight. Heh.

(As I am writing this now, I could hear the rain outside. Pastor Christopher noted the clear weather on that day we had the sports carnival. Thank God!)

Either way, Jesse and I got a taxi and we were on our way. By that time, mom and my sister (and my dear little chubby niece with a smile to brighten my day and many facial expressions) had finished their shopping. We met them at Pizza Hut. (Note, the service here is a LOT better than those in Giant Kelana Jaya. Tsk, tsk, tsk.)

We got a ride home. Phew. Long day with a long walk.

24

It's 1600 on 03 Aug 2008. I am at home waiting for the taxi to pick me up to send me to LCCT. It's a friend of my sister. Mr. Goh is coming to my house at 1630.

I am recounting the events of the previous day.

02 Aug 2008 (Fri). The day started on a relaxed note. We arrived at Sunway Pyramid around 1030. We (I) queued for tickets for 3D Journey to the Centre of the Earth. We got the tickets at around 1050. The show was to start at 1100. Before the show started, my boss sent me a text message telling me to watch out in Thailand and not to go anywhere unless necessary. I told her I would cut down on the demonstration. I didn't get any reply from her. We thoroughly enjoyed the 3D viewing experience. I wondered if we could get this in DVD.

1430. I went to my parents'. Dad had been suffering from diarrhoea and fever. He was recovering. I spent time with my little niece, Jia Yee.

1745. I was half asleep at home and I called James. I wanted to get back my set of the church keys from Ben who borrowed it on Thu but forgot to bring to church on Fri. I didn't have Ben's number. I told him I'd be there to get the keys at 1815.

1820. Jesse went down to take the keys while I sent Kathleen to pay fees to the caterer. Jesse could not wait and ran to us. He was grinning happily and said he was fortunate the few dogs didn't decide to race him.

1835. We were late to the church by 5 minutes. I went down to open the church. Ps Reynold realized I didn't make arrangement to pick up Yek's family and went to fetch them.

1840. We started to go through the songs.

1900. Yek's family came. He rested at home. We had a few round of practice and touch up on the standing positions.

1925. Fatt (my youngest brother, no. 8) called and told me I better go home. He said dad was not feeling well, I told him I would come as soon as I finished practice .

1927. Peng (my younger sister, no. 7) called and told me to go home. She was on the brink of crying.

All kinds of fear tried to crept into my mind. I asked the BMCS members to pray for me. Ps Reynold said a prayer before we left.

1945. We reached my parents'. Dad was not responding to us verbally. He'd look at us. We had never seen him like this. No wonder my siblings panicked. We feared stroke. Fatt said he could control his fingers so it wasn't. I hugged my dad and said a prayer for him.

2000. Cheong (my sister, no. 5) brought the doctor. He checked my dad and suspected dehydration and low sugar level. My dad is a diabetic. Low sugar level could do that to him. I remembered Ps Michael shared about this. The doctor recommended we gave him glucose. We gave Ribena. After taking 1 cup and a half. He was better.

The doctor recommended my dad to get IV glocose drips to stablise his blood glucose level. Cheong took him back to get a letter.

2020. We went to UMMC. I expected a long wait. It was.

2045. My dad got a BP check.

2100+ (I forgot the time.) A female Malay patient's family member entered the consutlation hall and came back with a blanket for her. Dad was shivering even with a sports coat on. Cheong went. She came back empty handed. The nurse said they don't have 'tuala' (towel.) We told her to try 'selimut' (blanket.) She tried again. She came back emtpy handed again. The nurse said there were no more blanket. Are you kidding me? A big hospital like the UMMC was out of blanket? I told my family we might have better luck if we ask the Tok Haji sitting at the corner to get the blanket for us. Either way, we didn't try.

2100+ (I forgot the time) A doctor checked my dad. He tried to insert an IV needle and had to try a few times.

(It's now 1727. I have checked in. I am at the departure hall. There's more than an hour to go before I board the plane. I have Xpress Check In. Ha. And I don't check in any bags. Talk about fast exit!)

The doctor said dad's vein was hard to detect. He had to tried another time. I hugged dad so that he didn't have to see the needle entering his vein. He wanted to look. But I didn't think it made him happy. I think it made him feel the pain.

2200. Dad was in the observation ward. He was getting his IV drip. He could not really sleep. Cheong, Peng, Fatt took Jesse back to my parents' place. Kathlen and I stayed.

2300+ (I forgot the time.) Dad wanted to go to toilet. I help him get off the bed and move the pole for him. He was not steady. Kathleen and I went to the cafetaria for some food.

0000+ (I forgot the time. 03 Aug 2008). Kathleen and I walked out because we were cold. I bought a pack of black current juice with aloe vera bits. K didn't want any. I finished it myself (not at one go.)

0100+. Dad asked when he could go home. He was not shivering that bad already. I looked for the doctor. He was attending to a patient. I waited and check with him when he was free. He said the blood test result was not out yet.

0130. I went back to the observation ward and the nurse told me the doctor came and ordered another pack (500 ml) of glucose because dad's blood glucose lever was still low. The doctor also took another blood sample and that meant at least another 2 hours for the results.

0145. The nurse bid me to go to her. I went. Oh. It was a Chinese auntie who could not speak English nor Malay. The doctor and the nurse wanted me to translate. I did it. The doctor found out more about the patient and explained what was the next step. All three thanked me. The doctor said my translation was excellent. (How did he know?) I briefly thought about how I could help in this area (translating in the hospital) but then I thought, they would be able to find a nurse or a doctor who spoke Chinese. BTW, the doctor who attended to my dad was a Chinese.

0200. Cheong, Peng and Fatt were on the day. I told them the doctor wanted to see my dad's diabetic pills. They turned back to get it.

0230. The doctor came again and told us dad could go home after the 2nd bottle was done. Dad wanted the dripping speed to be higher so he could go home earlier. I told him to let it be. We agreed that Kathleen and I would go home.

0245. I parked at level 2A because the autopay stations were in level 2B abd I could not drive there without a paid ticket. I also realize I had dad's wallet with me. I passed the wallet to Fatt and paid the ticket and drove Cheong's car to my parent's. My Rusa was there. That was the first time in my life I drove a car with automatic transmission.

0305. I passed Cheong's keys to mom (thereby waking her up from her slumber.) We picked Jesse home.

0315. Kathleen and Jesse almost immediately went to sleep. I did my packing for the Bangkok trip. I took a shower and slept around 0400. I was a bit worried if I slept, I would be late for the anniversary celebration. I took DOM.

0530 I woke up at around and went back to sleep.

0730. I woked up again worrying we were late. I was glad to find that we were not. I washed up and waited for my queen and price to take their time doing the same.

0805. We started the journey. I somehow loss ALL the maps I had. I picked up one from KD. I just went ahead.

0825. I stopped at a BHP station to ask for direction to Chee Wen or Zhi Wen. The cashier were not sure. But she told me if I were to pass Summit and turn left and just went ahead, I'd get a school. She was so friendly she told me when I got into a housing area, I didn't have to panic. As I was making the left turn after Summit, I saw the sign that said Chee Wen 2 km. God was in charged all the time.

0830. We reached Chee Wen. I walked about talking to people.

0845. Ps Richard ordered the Korean King's Kids performances to be moved to the beginning because we were not sure of their time. I informed the BMCS group of the change.

0905. Ps Richard ordered the Myanmar performance to be moved together with the collection of offering and his presentation. The BMCS performace became the sole performance after Ps Malcolm's installation. I informed the BMCS group of the change.

0930. Things are falling into places.

1010. We started the service. And if you were there, you know what happened.

1230. Ministry time.

1245. Walked about. Talked with people including Joe and Carol and their daughter Alison. Joe and Carol were from Gereja Dunamis where we went before. They went to DUMC before going to CBC Puchong. They attend Chris' cell group. Jesse and I checked out the basketball court. Jesse could touch the net. I could touch the rim. The old man still got some jumping in him.

1300. We left Chee Web and move to Thong Kee in Paramount for lunch.

1320. Had sumptuos lunch. Can you say full? :)

1400+ (I forgot the time.) We reached home. I lied on the bed for awhile before Kathleen sounded the alarm. I told her the cab was coming at 1630, not 1600. Either way, I did not have time to sleep. Took a shower, washed away the gel (which I have not used for the longest time) and dressed up and started this blog post.

1615. Cab came early. The post was interrupted.

1715. Reached LCCT. Checked in. Resumed this post.

1756. Finished this post.

The intention of relaying the events is not to boast of my ability or performance despite lack of sleep. I just want to confirm that an encounter with the Holy Spirit enables us. You better believe it!

Days with my Father - Philip Toledano

Please take a look at this.

Use your mouse wheel to scroll down or press the down arrow. Wait for the text to appear on the left hand side. Read them before you move on.

Do you know that much about your loved ones? Granted, we don't need to compete to see who knows more details about their loved ones. But doesn't loving and caring about someone entails knowing them?

Do you know your dad's favourite good? How about your mom's idea of an outing? What is your spouse' greatest desire? Why makes your children proud / happy?

Dr Doug Carter who spoke during the 11th Malaysian Cell Church Conference revealed that Dr. John Maxwell could immediately find out the 5 things that mattered to a person he just met - including what makes them happy / sad, what do they aspire to do, etc.

I think this is not such much a skill / ability as a will / desire. Do you want to know more about the person praying beside you? Will you listen to his / her story?

Everyone has 24 hours in a day. We can choose to invest it on others or not.