Standing On The Promises Of Christ My King

After talking to Mabel that night, a couple of things threw me off my feet. The year is coming to an end, but my journey with the Lord- not too great. I am still a little worried 'bout me studying here. I am not enjoying the course, and do so wish to run away from it now. I feel really very lost as to what I should do. But then, plenty of things start popping into my head after that conversation, and it never did stop! This hymn was one of them...yeah, I went a lil 'hymny'. Assuring...spirit-lifting...

Author:
Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928)
Composer:
Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928)

1. Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Chorus: Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

3. Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

4. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

5. Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List'ning every moment to the Spirit's call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Closing the Accounts

Time to balance the accounts and close it for the year! I am lost between feeling excited and worried as the new year approaches. *sigh* Indeed so much has taken place this year. Seems as if more has happened this year than the last's.

All that took place still seem so fresh in my mind. I can still remember that I was working in the skin specialist clinic in January (and now that clinic is closed down...they moved back to their main clinic in KL), spent the entire February and the beginning of March in Jeremiah School (an awesome time I had...met totally fantastic buddies & spent the craziest time watching stars, chatting til late night, having cup noodles comunion, & of course whacking ppl with my red slippers!), spent April and May working at TRAC and the church office, and from June onwards, it was a pain...ahahaha.

I L-O-V-E last year. Although there were so many painful experiences, oh, it was just G-Re-aT to go through all those!

What If His People Pray

I am lost in wonder. *stoned* I was talking to Mabes on the YM, and at that time, the SCIC was still bitting me. We came to this part, where she shared with me about prayer-- how one of the campers got into an accident and injured his toe SO badly that if it doesn't heal, the toes will be amputated. The rest of the campers prayed like they have never prayed before...just like in sackcloth and ashes. She also mentioned 'bout claiming the promises of the Lord, which was like a blow for me. I received my answers from the Lord alright. Yeah, through me dear fwen again. It is really farnee how God uses her to answer my prayers so many times, or in any case just to encourage me. Haha.

Although I was having a great mess of thoughts running in my mind at that time, and was deeply burdened by the thought provoking things that she mentioned, I am glad that He took that opportunity to get me back on track; to know that HE IS in control of things. *sigh* Indeed, we can have all the best things in life, but without a strong spriritual backup, all will fail.

This is my GOD. Oh, dear Lord, forgive me and lead me back to Your promises once again.

SCIC syndrome

SCIC: Self-confusion inner-confusion syndrome

Just too many things are running through my mind now. As the year closes its accounts, I am beginning to wonder once more, 'what am I doing here in Kuantan'. I know that this is one of the stupidest question to think about again, having gone through almost a year in this course.

Time flew by a little too fast, or perhaps my legs are just a little too short to carry me on such a quick pace. *sigh* I thought this crazy plan of leaving the uni won't pop up anymore, well, at least until I finish the entire 3 years of this course!

After more than 6 months being here, I find myself still not being able to grasp the fundamentals of Software Engineering and the other relevent subjects. Ask me what is software engineering, and expect from me a blank look on my face. Same goes for Database System 2. Ahaha...what have I gained from DB1? What do I understand? Hmm...very, very minimal stuff which any freshie would have known already!

I could never imagine myself graduating in this course, let alone be a software engineer or some system analyst, or whatever else related to this field of study. I have somewhat set my mind on finishing this degree, if I so have to do so, graduate, and get a job not related to software engineering. But then again, what is the whole point of spending 3 and a half years here, scraping my way through, 'digging holes to bury my sad-looking face', studying what I don't appreciate, and eating yucky food??? Bah...gah...like there is a point here!

I was telling my room mates my so-called plans during dinner time. True enough, one of them asked me that question, which went, *ke-doiiiiinnnggg*, at me. Ah, never really thought of it. I just wanted to get out of this field as soon as I can...ahaha.

I am also thinking of getting out of here and take up teaching, which I don't know if it is 'me' or not. Coming back to reality, I am still on the 'scholarship'. I can't just go away like that eventhough this 'scholarship' is not a bonded one. I can't let my sponsor down, can't let my parents down (although I think they would rather have me studying what I prefer and not complain so much while doing the course), and most importantly, I can't let God down! I am sure He has some plan when He put me here. Well, eventhough I do still wonder what that plan is, ah, I have to submit to it that I am not He, who is Wisdom and Knowledge.

Trust in the Lord. Hmm...trust His heart. Right. This mad SCIC will soon have to move out of my mind...

Learnt More New Things!

Ooooo..me SO excited!! Me learnt more new stuff on 'website enhancing'. It's really interesting, but time consuming too :( Ah, I wish I could spend more time on these things... Mid semester exams will be up soon! Study, study, study!

Say that "I love you"

It was really scary and sudden, but the reality of our lives being so precious and can be taken away any time just sunk into the many hearts of the people in this world. With all that is happening around Asia itself, it is just too clear that the 2nd coming of Christ is nearing! The tsunami which took so many lives around Asia, woke the people up to realise that our lives was NEVER in our control.

*sigh* My friend JO, whom I was chatting with yesterday, was pretty afraid that her life would be taken away the next minute. Same goes for myself. Reality--life is just TOO precious.

After the last class for the today, we went back to our hostel. I stay in a different block from 3 other friends. Another girl, HC, stays in the same block and she is my neighbour. When we came to the 1st block where JO and 2 other friends stay in, JO turned to us while we, HC & I, were walking towards our block already and said, "Just in case this is my last time seeing you all, I just want you to know that I love you!" Wow, that was a mega blow! I was really blown over! Thus I replied, "I love you too!" and we parted.

I haven't heard those 3 words for a number of weeks already, I reckon. Ah...I think I heard it last from Mabes. Rar. Fantastic. I can't believe that the Lord is really that gracious to me...and I am like such a 'shakey' Christian :( "Forgive me,O Lord, I pray" Amen.

More Opportunities!

Wow, I truly cannot understand how the Lord moves! But all I know is that His plans are REALLY exciting! I am excited once again *clap hands & dances around*

I was given the opportunity to share His word with my coursemate this time 'round! Like whoa...isn't it amazing?? I was really not prepared for it & everything I know just rushed out of the 'floodgates'.

I was on my was back from a really long and boring committe meeting yesterday. The meeting adjourned around 11.30 p.m. Man, I was terribly tired and 'exhausted' somehow, but as I was walking back to the hostel, I received a sms from JO stating that she needed help in understanding what the Bible says. We were suppose to complete an Islamic Civilization projectthis week and the research deals with any verses from our own religion's Word that tells about 'How to build a civilized person...etc'. It is a team work, consisting of 2 person in a team, and we have decided to use the Bible since it is in English. I'm glad *smiles*

This friend of mine is a Buddhist, but I reckon she is quite open to listen to anything from another religion. She is not a very strongBuddhist, & just believes in that religion perhaps because her family believes in it.

She asked me quite a number of things & I manage to chat with her face-to-face this time on the Word. We talked about Abraham to Jesus and His ministries. Basicallycovered everything from how to come to know Christ, the Trinity, the Last Supper (she was really interested in tis somehow), the cruxifiction, the ressurection, the ministries after that...etc. Oh boy, I had a GREAT time tellingher although I was really tired, & I can see that she was really interested to know. She toldme that she wouldn't know anything about Christianity if nobody have told her about it.

Now this is the case! If nobodytakes up the call to share the Word of God with those who have not heard about it, how will they know?? I am very much challenged to take up this call. Gah. I pray that the Lord will be able to use me as His instrument! Amen!

Still in the Christmas Mood

I just found out a website to put up music on websites. The site has kinda nice music, ranging from carols to the usual mtv kinda hits. The site, Background Music, was done up by Megan Katherine Sanders, who is only 14 years old!! Amazing work of art. I am really impressed by her site and hope to learn more about building a webpage; a nice & proper one.

Worst Natural Disaster in 40 Years

The disaster which took TOO many lives at one go arrived just 2 days ago. *sigh* It tells me that the world is coming to an end...like soon! Well, well, here are some pics to shock one into tears...gah. Affected countries: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia...and many, many more!!

This, I don't know where it is, but whoa...the current--mega strong


In Colombo...




Moving on to Thailand (mainly Phuket):

Mangled uprooted trees


At Kata Beach


Effects from Patong Beach


Evacuation in Aceh


Aceh Street...now you can see why the people were evacuated?


Ah...back to Malaysia:

In Penang (the worst hit state)


Tidal waves in Penang. Gorsh...I haven't seen this happening in Malaysia!


Even in Malaysia, many lives were claimed. *sob*




Recognise this street? Gurney drive...


At Tanjung Bungah...



For more on the 'disasterous' news: The Star Newspaper

There are more photos on the shocking news. Just check it out at: My Photos on The Disaster

O Holy Night

Caroling was great fun! This year is my 1st year going caroling in Kuantan. I was initialy disappointed as I won't be able to join the PJ Trin MYFers for caroling. Didn't like the whole idea of not being able to go back from uni for this occasion.

Well, the bonus is that the Kuantan MYFers did plan for caroling this year. Ah...I just joined them, not knowing if it will be just like PJ Trin or not. I expected this caroling to be not so 'fun'. Man, I was SO wrong! Yes, God is in control &He will provide the fun if we give all the glory to Him.

We had 11 houses in total (went caroling for one night only). This year's achievement was the greatest...ahahah...God does have His ways. The Ktn MYFers use to go to less than 7 houses a night, so this year's was like a wow! Almost double from 2 years ago. This group of youths were new to caroling. I reckon it is the 1st time for 70% of them, which means I am a veteran..elk. I don't like to be called that.

Anyway, we left church around 6.30pm and finished at about 12.45am the next day! Fantastic. I had a pretty good time *smiles with satisfaction* There were a few boo-boos, but as 1st timers, those youths did a good job! Praise the Lord!

Patience- I don't have it today

Ergh...I am really, really irritated with my English class lecturer today; I nearly argued with him. I just lost my patience & ended up too lazy to fight back/ retaliate. *sigh*Perhaps this is what happens when one wakes up late and can't spend time with the Word. Yeah,I woke up late today. Well, I wasn't late for class, but I just didn't have enough of time to sit down & focus on the Lord. All I could do today was just to say a quick prayer and off I went! *sigh* Thank God that He woke me up. I ALWAYS have to thank Him for being my 'alarm clock' although I do have an alarm clock. Waking up from sleep is one thing, pulling myself out of the bed and get on with the day properly is another. Ahaha.

Well, well, I had my share of discontent today & I pray that the Lord will forgive me for that. Seems like Ruth is not so pleasant a person after all...muahahah...

The 'BIG' day

Wow. It was just SO scary to have lunch with the auditors of the local universities in Malaysia. Being chosen as one of the 12, I finally realised that as ambassadors, we are really, really carrying the name of the university, or in any other cases, whatever affiliations we have.

Lunch wasn't the best that I've had in the university. Down to the truth, lunch was BAD. I didn't like it, whatmore the auditors. I was sitting in between 2 auditors. One of them is from the ministry of education, while the other, if I am not mistaken, is from UKM. My, the plate of rice was huge, and the dishes were yucky. It was just SO hard to finish up whatever's on my plate. Futhermore, I was sleepy, and that didn't help to make me look more 'cheerful' in front of the guests. Haha. Lesson learnt: Don't sleep so late due to staying online for chatting; even if Mabel or Fern is online. I just succumbed to the 'temptation', which was creeping into me when Mabel caught me on the online mode in the msn messenger. "Darling?" Whoa...that's it man! I just fell into the pool of love...ahahaha...and stayed up to chat until nearly 3 am! Heeheehee...

Back to the auditors, after lunch, the muslims went for their prayers before gathering once again for the tour around the campus. One word: tiring. I was in group 1, where we were to take them to the labs, lecturers' room, lecture halls, tutorial rooms, the computer centres, and also to the ICT centre and the faculty. IT was quite a walk for a zombie like me. Whatmore the sun was happily shining away. Argh. The chats we had with the auditors weren't too bad-lar. There were 4 auditors in our group: from UM, UKM, Microsoft, and one from the ministry of education.

After the entire tour, I was dead tired. There was just SO much on my mind, yet I have so little time to complete 'em all. I went bck and plopped unto the bed. Can't be bothered about anythng else. I still have homework and assignments, all up to the brim of me! There's programming, proposals, projects...etc. Ah well, that's the life of a student!

Learnt something new

I am SO excited that I learnt something new while surfing the internet! Hmm...I'm always excited these couple of days. But really, I learnt how to insert music into this blog site! Yay yay! *dances around*skips*jumps* I just happened to stumble upon one website which teaches a couple of these things! Wow...I've a long way to learn more...haha. I'm yet to look up for nicer songs than this one which I got from this guy's site: Bjorn Lynne. Interesting find-out, but his music aint the best...heeheehee... in future, I will try to learn more interesting stuff...;)

142 Pages!!

I had the longest meeting in my entire life in this uni! Those who were chosen to represent the faculty for the AQA event next week from Monday-Wednesday had to sit in for the meeting, which in total lasted for 6 hours.

We were asked to be there at 8.30 am and rupa-rupanya, breakfast was served. Okai...fried mee. *gulp* Not nice. Me no like. Anyway, the meeting started at 9 am and lasted to 1 pm! Argh! The agony I had to go through as one of the faculty's representatives. I was practically fishing; dozing off, at the meeting. Well, can't expect a lot as I only had 3 hours of sleep!

Lunch wa served after that. YumS! This, I have to admit, tastes pretty good! The nicest lunch besides the Hari Raya Open house in the uni. I SO had to sleep. I quickly ate my lunch, and went to jadi khinzir (be a pig). I had a very nice sleep--1 and a half hours++. Good enough.

The meeting resumed at 3 pm and ended at 5 pm. Ergh...I dunlike meetings. Not this kind where I just sit down & listen. Oh, well, a good exposure, I reckon. What can I say? The report that they were presenting amounted to 142 pages!!! ofcourse they did not read word by word...if not, I think you won't see me anymore...die of boredom...kakaka

Cyber ministry

Oh, I had the greatest opportunity ever to share the Word today! God is indeed AWESOME! You go, God! I met a new friend from the Zorpia site, who's an Italian. We were chating on the YM, when we came to the topic of Christmas. From there, I found out that he was interested to know more about Christianity! Amazing, Lord!

I know it ain't all that safe to just chat with a stranger, especially about religion. But this is like wow! He kept telling me that he wanted to be cleansed. Hmm...okai. He told me he reads the Bible and wants to be baptised. His dad is apparently a Catholic, while his mum ain't that religious. I am guessing that his parents are separated or divorced. I don't know how true are the things that he told me. Anyways...

We went on to talking about being cleansed by the blood of Jesus. I took him to 1 John 1:9 & John 3:16. From there we moved on to talking about imperfection and sin, then to temptation. I was terribly excited then. I did share with him about the event where Jesus was tempted and how He did not fall into temptation. We didn't finish chatting as he had to go for dinner while I had to sleep!!! At that time, it was nearly 4 am already! Record breaking. Very, very fun. 7 hours of time difference, yet the Word of God can still go through. I'm amazed at His plans...very much amazed.

Campus Life

I noticed that none of my friends except those from Kuantan, Pastorpher, Choy Quin & of course my family, have seen how my uni looks like. So, here is a glimpse of it...

This is the entrance of the university

The signboard displaying the name of the university at the entrance

The blocks right ahead are the girls' hostel

The block on the left is where my current 'office' is

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed. Indeed the Lord is too good, I cannot comprehend His ways. Painting, briefing, TC, BBQ chicken wings, french fries, grocery shopping at Giant, friends--I was blessed with all these just for a day!

I just got to know today (erm..technically yesterday) that I was one out of the 4 people chosen to represent the faculty for an important event in this uni. Some auditors will be coming to the uni to evaluate our course: Academic Quality Assurance team . They wil consist of one rep from UM, one from UKM, another from KUSTEM, while the 4th person from Microsoft!! That one is dasyat! I'm actually quite afraid...cos this is like my 1st time doing this, & I don't know why I got chosen by those lecturers. Perhaps it's because I talk a lot & that I am straight to the point, bold in speaking out...hmm...this has nothing to do with pride.. Apparently, we were told that we will be having lunch privately with the auditors on Monday. EeekkK! Takut! Really dunno what they will ask us..*sigh*Ah well, when the time comes, I will be able to see how the auditors are and know what they will ask us...ahaha.

I attended a briefing on that issue of the auditors' coming & later left early to go paint the Methodist Kindergarten's playground. That was my group's TITAS project: Painting the kindergarten. Oh, the 5 of us Chinese, coursemates, had great fun painting the playground equipment. Each took one colour & started painting. Abigail was there & oh, she was entertaining. I can't really describe the fun I've had, the chats we had, and the madness that took place. Ah, what a marvellous experience. It has been a long time since I got to get this close to my coursemates. I felt so good. God played a big role in this *smiles*

We had fried bee-hoon with petai for dinner after the painting activity and later bought BBQ chicken wings & went to the beach, TC, to enjoy the hot chicken wings! Oh, it was LOvelY! We had McD's french fries & nuggets too. It was a fantabulous time of chatting, eating andbonding. REALLY thank the Lord for this opportunity.

We headed to Giant after that to get some grocery...hehe..just like a bunch of si-lai only. Kakaka...we had to go-lar. Had to buy vege for diner the next few days also. WOnderful. All too good to be true!

We touched uni around 11pm! That was like my 1st time out with them and we came back SO late! ENjoyed. Glad. Me heart filed with joy. Ahhh....life is pleasing. God is good. Amen!

It was NEVER a dull day

Oh, and I thought today will be a dull day after all. With all the maximum level of fun I've had throughout the entire weekend, I didn't expect today to be a fun day. God proved it SO wrong! Oh, for I am but a sinner; doubting that the Lord will not give me fun in abundance!

I met Mabel & Fern online in the msn messenger this morning! I was estatic to meet them online at the same time! Coincidence? Nah! God's purposeful plans! Muahaha....Just awesome to chat with them. I was at my office at that time, & to get the internet connection was already a problem. Somehow the connection there ain't good. However, today was a bonus! I didn't just get the internet connection, I got the use of the msn too! Yay yay man! *dances around like a mad girl*

The conversation was quite a mad one. At first, there was no control 'cause all 3 of us were just too excited to meet each other online at the same time. A very, very rare thing. I am SO thankful that God made the connection so good on that day in the office, AND He held on to the line for almost an hour that the 3 of us may chat & catch up with each other! Love ya God!!

That was not the only thing to thank God for when it comes to the issue of friendship. I met David & Shawn online in the evening too! Wow! I didn't have a long chat with the both of them as the connection to the msn was not good, but I did feel really, really good when David told me that he has snail mailed me a letter which he claims was a long one!Yay! I'm SO very excited! I can't wait to receive the letter although he sent it to SEA Park. I hope to get it soon... Shawn said that he was going back to JB yesterday at 6pm. Woohoo! So lucky that he has hols now to go back. Well, I reckon he has not been home for quite some time now.

What else...? Hmm...oh, I didn't go jogging today. Was too lazy & a little tired to go, so I told Kelv that I ain't going when he smsed me. Heh. He's a good friend *smiles* Panja was pretty nice yesterday too. He really shocked me when we were talking 'bout the weather being very cold & that I don't like it when it is too cold. He said he could offer a hug! Erm...euww..or should I say wow..? I really didn't expect a person like him to say that. Haha. Anyway, friends...this is what I got, &I am indeed grateful to the Lord for these blessings.

Awesome...just awesome!

Wow. Last weekend was a blast! Awesome. Just awesome! I reckon it was the most eventful weekend ever for the 2nd half of this year!...I can't claim that it was the most eventful for the year. Nope, I can't, cos JS was even better! Haha! I'm really bonkers & very, very much excited, although I am pretty tired.
...Now, where should I start from..? Hmm... I'm too excited...I can't sit still now...rar...

Okai..calming down. *breathe* Class on Friday finishes at 12pm. I've bought the ticket back to KL already, & am much excited 'bout going back. However,I came to a point of having mad ideas in my mind a couple of days before Friday, that I decided to go to PD where YLDP was held. Right. That was a very crazy idea. Camp was to end on Saturday, and to go to PD means I'll only have ONE night there. Should I go? Or should I not go? I gathered some courage & asked Choy Quin if it would be alright to join the camp (since I didn't pay for it). She said it's ok, so I told her that I am going! That e-vil plan was to be kept between the both of us only. Haha. Wait til my sis & the rest see me!

I left for KL as planned since I bought the ticket already. As soon as I reached KL, I tried to scout around for a direct bus to PD, but there ain't any. So, what I learnt while at JS did help...hehe...I took a bus to Seremban from opposite of Pasar Seni! Well, that was the only place I know to get bus to Seremban. I reckon I'll be able to somehow find my way to PD if I get to Seremban. *sigh* I miss the time at JS where I got to travel back once from KL to STM, Seremban all by myself. Haha.

The trip to Seremban was quite nice. I felt a little uneasy though. The excitement of being able to go to PD suddenly died on the way to Seremban. I just felt uncertain whether I should go there to crash the camp or not. I was also a little fearful I wouldn't know how to get there. It's my 1st time going to PD alone...in a public bus!!

As soon as I got to Seremban, I went around asking for directions & busses to get to PD. Thank God that there were quite a number of busses to PD & I hopped into one of 'em. The journey took about 40 minutes. i really didn't know where I was heading. 'Courage the cowardly dog'...hmm that suddenly came to my mind..heh. When Choy Quin smsed me to ask if I was there already, I was even more afraid a I really dunno where I was at that time. Eeekkk.. but thanks be to God that I arrived safely at last. *phew* What an experience. I found my way to Choy Quin's car, and she took me to the PD Methodist Centre where the camp was held.
*I was excited once again*

I kept telling myself how thankful I was to be there. It was totally cool. Just great. To know that I have arrived at PD safely, & will be meeting up with muh bestest buddy, Mabel, was too exciting; I couldn't withhold the joy within me at that time! I arrived at the campsite a little after 7 pm. Oh, I couldn't sit still as soon as I arrived in front of the hall! Can't wait to see the looks on their faces!

I met David boy 1st & yup, he was quite surprised to see me. My church members were 'shocked' to see me & Shu was a lil bonkers when she saw me. I didn't see ML anywhere when I 1st arrived. Okai...I went for dinner & met Pastorpher & Rev Yew there & boy, I had a great big hug from Pastopher, who was really surprised to see me at the camp. Ah, I love being there. I had a good dinner. That was like the nicest sweet & sour chicken I have ever had in months!

I left for the hall after dinner for the Fun Night & boy, the presentations were hilarious. Nearly knocked me off the chair! They had it in the Malysian Idol style where the judges consist of Pastorpher, Uncle Herbie & Rhema. I had a great time wathing the youths in action. Mabel was the emcee for the day & she did a great job! Gold medal award for that! Haha. Oh, I couldn't forget the madness Jo Anne & Mabel taught the youths! Thse crazee songs Jo learnt in Spore...one was on some bang-ga-li (now how to u spell that?) with some chapatti, another mosquito song...etc. Good grief, I can't stop laughing! Chit Shen was quite tickled by those songs & the 2 funny girls up on stage too...heehee.

Aiyoh...so much to write...anyway...

The night itself, after the presentation and the closing night's worship session, I went to take a bath at the chalet & after that went out to buat kacau & do some catching up. I am really thankful that I was given a chance to talk to Shu under the blanket of stars. Aw, it was B-EAU-TIFUL! Wish Mabel could join us, but she was kinda busy. *sigh* But talking to Shu was amazing. It has been quite some time since I had a good talk with her.

I slept at about 2.15 am--couldn't sleep.Was a lil too excited somehow. I slept in the living room with Mabel & Mary Anne. Ah, it was good. I woke up early for QT & joined the reast for prayer at 7.30 am. Loved that moment! Indeed prayer rocks! God rocks! My prayer partner was Phoebe. I was really moved to pray for the youths in the Methodist churches. This burden has been long in my heart. *sigh* After that, I moved on to get Chit Shen & Ian to join me in praying for the youths of our church & MYF. *sigh* The burden--so great. Anyway...I had breakfast when the campers went for their group devotion & later went for worship before joining the Level 2 ppl for their final session on Holiness.

We had a time for ministry before we finally packed our bags to leave the camp site. Lunch was pretty good. My heart felt kinda heavy to leave that place. I was there for one night only! *sob sob* Didn't want to leave. But...but I know I had to. I had a wedding dinner to attend that night itself. With a heavy heart, I gave & received all the hugs I could give & receive, & left the premise in Uncle Herbie's car, along with Shawn at the back seat...he was too tired & slept the whole journey back to his place.

I couldn't let Mabel go; hugged her so long when I 1st saw her at camp, throughout the camp & when it was time to leave. *sigh* Love her. I am SO thankful for the JS friends whom I met at YLDP & the time I spent with Shu, Chit Shen & Ian. Of course I thank the Lord for the rest of the campers too, who without them ,the camp will not be the same! Oh, not to forget is Choy Quin, for helping me in this 'secret' plan!

*Thank You, Lord for giving me this opportunity to catch up with You & my friends*

Feels like Winter

The weather here is CRAZEEeee! For the 1st ever time in my life, I am experiencing rain & COOL wind for the past 3 days consecutively! I can't believe it that I am going through this! Brrrr...

More Refreshing Jogs...

It was such a nice day to just sleep in; a cool and cloudy day. Oh, I had my share of sleep in the afternoon. I woke up just in time to find out that the rain had stopped-- FINALLY-- and it was high time that I drag my lazy bum out of the bed and go for some much needed exercise.

I called Kelv & went jogging together. Oh, the cool wind was once again embracing me as I gazed at the beauty of the mountains right in front of my view, at the far horizon. Wow. I was so captured by the beauty of it all & really thanked God for the amazing opportunity to witness His art-piece. I was once again reminded of the time I spent in Cameron Highlands recently. The clouds were covering the mountain peaks like cotton candy, & the setting sun was gorgeous! Such a warm feeling in the cool environment; such contrast, only the Creator could design.

I am quite glad with my progress in jogging. Haha, at least I can jog without stopping from the starting point opposite the uni right up to the guardhouse outside. Hmm…that was like…erm…1km without stopping? An improvement indeed. J Shows too much how far my stamina actually stretches. Heeheehee…

Oh, I had a really, really nice time chatting with Kelv. I actually had the chance to know more about him & his spiritual disciplines; and I am amazed!!! He practically spends QT with God the entire day! He told me he would spend 4 times a day just to read & pray. Wow!!! I was kinda shy to mention that I do QT only once a day… He said he would do once before going to class, once after lunch, another after the day’s classes, and the last one at night! Wow, wow, wow! I am SO lost for words when he said that.

Although the both of us are from different denominations, He’s from AOG (Calvary), oh, we had a great deal to talk about. God at work? Definitely! How cool can it be? A prayer partner perhaps or just someone who can encourage you, to spur you, in your walk of faith!

We had a funny chat on the speaking in tongues topic, getting ‘slain-by-the-Spirit’ topic, and camps again. Ah, the beauty of having Christian friends. It was really funny when he shared his experience of getting ‘slain-by-the-Spirit’ during some rally thingy. The pressure placed by that pastor’s hands to knock him to the floor somehow failed. Hehe…but the pain got his legs shaking like crazy after that, that he can’t even stand properly. Hah, that’s the trouble with some pastors. They just use their ‘strength’ and claim all the glory for themselves. Bah.

At the end of the jog, (which lasted for about an hour with all the walking in between…haha…too tired to jog so many rounds without stopping) we went back to our hostel, tired & sticky ‘cause there wasn’t much sunlight & heat to get the sweat dripping from the body like raindrops. Kekeke.

Ah, it was fun & refreshing, although I do still miss not having to be in PD with the rest for YLDP.

A Refreshing Jog…spiritually refreshing too

I went jogging today, after that grand event of the Sultan’s visit. The rain had stopped & the weather was pretty cool for a jog. Yup, I am not one who loves jogging. Most of the time, I would be too lazy to make myself jog around the campus area. Quite a distance to jog leh.

Thankfully, this time I had company. Well, actually, if it wasn’t for that invitation, I may not even have gone. Well, not alone. What if anything bad happens? I will never know. With the majority of Malays here, anything can happen.

Kelvin, a fellow friend whom I met at church, who is also a student at this uni, asked if I was interested to go. Haha. Since both my room mates went out with some other Chinese for dinner & just for jalan-jalan, I was alone, & decided to get out of the cold, ‘lonesome’ environment of the room & go jogging with Kelv.

I don’t really know him. The first time I met him was when we went for the Gnung Ledang expedition. I didn’t really know that he is a Chinese. I thought he was some Sarawakian-Iban kind or something like that. Then, I met him in church! Wow. That was a real surprise for me. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a UTEC student in Wesley Methodist. After that, I rarely talk to him, except when I bump into him in church. Call it God’s grace & providence.

Jogging after the rain was like wow! It was like jogging in Fraser’s Hill! Sooooooo cold & windy!! The wind embraced me & that was a very, very refreshing experience. I had a good time chit-chatting with Kelv while jogging. We talked about church, studies & how we got into this uni, youth, God, & spiritual growth. Ahh…it has been quite some time since I did that. I never really did have a chance to chat ‘bout these things with my room mates & course mates.

I really thank God for giving me the opportunity to get to know Kelv better & to exchange camp experiences. It was good…it was so good. But the after effects on the muscles were not so nice eh? Hehe…both of our legs were aching the next day.

Soon To Be Forgotten

I haven’t been to the cafeteria for quite some time now. *sigh* There ain’t anything much there to shout about. Perhaps that is just the place where students hang out & catch up with their friends for the day. I could rarely settle in comfortably with the group of Chinese in this uni; can’t seem to hold a proper conversation with them. Talking about food, we would usually cook dinner in the room, & sometimes lunch too. If not, I will usually have bread or instant noodles. Thus, the cafeteria isn’t one of MY stops.

Recently, my room mate told me that she had a chat with some of the Chinese, & I happened to be one of the subjects. They were wondering about my existence in this uni. One of them commented, “If you had not mentioned her, I would have thought that she is non-existent in this place already!” Wow, I thought. Such truth-- pierced through me like a spear.

That made me wondered…again. (Yeah, I am ALWAYS wondering) “Why am I so transparent among them? Is it because I don’t like them? Or is it because I just am shying away from them?” This sounds kinda sad. But what can I do? I really don’t know, & somehow wish that I can run away from this biting reality.

The Royal Visit (cont.)

*I think I am from the time 2004 years ago; when Jesus was walking this earth…*

I was just wondering, the whole time at the ‘banquet’ & when I got back to the room, how the entire event reminded me SO much of the time where Jesus entered Jerusalem-- the entire journey from the palm procession to His crucifixion.

Can you imagine how the people reacted when they saw Christ? Even with just the Sultan, the ruler of the country, the people were so excited, each carrying out their duties to make the place inviting, presentable, & simply the best. How about the time where Christ entered Jerusalem? How will it look like when He returns in time to come?

When the time came for photo taking & shaking hands with the Sultan, everyone rushed towards him. Wow. I was amazed at their reaction. People cleared the way for the Sultan to pass-- people gathered around just to have a glimpse of His Majesty, just to feel a warm handshake. Wow.

I feel that the more I relate the current events in my life with those of the Bible, the more I feel that I am just here for a mission. Thus, when my mission is completed, I’ll be sent to another place where the Lord would want me to go. These flashbacks & all related events keep coming at me! It is really scary!! I see myself as one from the past, observing the cultures & the lifestyles of the present age. Eeekk! Just like some first hand observer… my, oh my.

The Royal Visit

Today is The Day. Everyone is kinda excited… well, except for myself, I reckon. The Sultan will land his foot on this uni grounds today. Hmm…like shouldn’t I be excited? Nope, not really-- ‘cause I don’t know him!

Now, that is SO real. If you don’t know the person, irregardless of how important he is, you wouldn’t be that excited to know that the person is coming to town! Reality & spirituality sinks in.

For the first ever time in my life, I had to wear a baju kurung. Some of my friends here can’t wait to see how I would look in one. Haha. Joke of the year: Ruth wears a baju kurung. I kinda looked yucky in it. Joey said that it’s because of the pattern of the garment, but I still think that for my kind of size & well, frame, I don’t really look nice in some kinda ‘labuh’ (big, loose & long) apparel. I was practically hidden by that clothing…haha. Nah, I’m just exaggerating. What else can I comment since I did not have to pay for that clothing? I borrowed it from a Kuantan Wesley church member.

Ah, I got ready by 2pm & headed towards the stage area where the entire banquet thingy was to be held. All these were in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebration. It was a very cloudy & moody looking day. However, that did not dampen the spirits of the excited community in the uni. *sigh*

We had a wide variety of food! The satay was huge & the roti jala was nice ;) We also had some lemang with beef rending. Oh, all the eating was fun, but the process of getting the food wasn’t easy. To rush to the food with hundreds of other students was like placing yourself through a stampede. Ahaha.. oh, joy.

After eating, we hung around and kononnya took some photos. The Chinese asked us to take a photo with them. Reluctantly, we went, just to find out that they were going to take a photo with the Sultan. We can’t get into the photo as we were standing way too far to the side. Bah. Cheap thrill. Say they wanted us to take along, but only the ‘main’ people got in. Double bah.

The few of us friends managed to take a konon class photo…like with a couple of classmates only. They wanted all the classmates, but somehow the other sheep were lost; wandering in other pastures which they claim are greener. Haha. We went back to the room after that.

I Am Consumed

The cold wind embraced me
As I return to my 'cage'
The mind wandered
The mind wondered
The Jonah in me made its comeback
I am consumed

The confusion within
Settles comfortably--taking its throne
Why am I here?
Why 'Nineveh'?
If only I could see
If only I could comprehend
Just a little
of His mysterious ways

"For My ways are not your ways"
This I put close to my heart
Is this where I belong?
Must I land my foot
At Nineveh?
At Nineveh??
I feel consumed

Where can I run from You?
Where can I hide my face from You?
Would You not hear my cry?
The bitterness in me
is slowly eating me up
Indeed, I am consumed

I am tired of running
But the will is still strong
I'll press on
Just hang in here
I'll do my best
No matter what it takes
'Though I am consumed
'Though I am consumed

By Faith

As I sat in front of the comp., surfing the net & just lazing around after a couple of hours of boring classes, I stumbled across a website. Oh, I used to go there to read up some articles. Used to enjoy it. But I haven't been to that site for quite some time now until today. *sigh* Somehow there will be something that would hit me hard on my head. http://graceatwork.org/

Called everyday. I don't think I have come to realise that we are called everyday. I mean, we wake up everyday, carry out the normal tasks, come back from classes, eat, do some work, & call it a day! Meaningless.

Reminders. God has to send us reminders EVERYDAY. Even on the simplest of things; His grace & mercies. My, we, His creation seem to give Him more headacheeach new day. But then again, He is God. Ah, He knows how to deal with us--perfectly.

Here's the article, which sent me flying...towards space. Haha. The hit was a real wake up call.

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." Hebrews 11:8 ESV

I know of many friends who heard God's voice speak to them from this verse, and its original reference in Genesis 12. Usually, it would be at key junctions in their lives where they faced major decisions about work, relationships and/or relocating to a far off land.

Recently, I have come to realize that there is a more universal application for this verse. I have come to see that everyday, we are called to go, not knowing where we are going.

For we live life forward, and everyday is a new day. Everyday we live is a day that we have not traversed before. When we wake up every morning we have absolutely no idea how that day will end. Waking up is an act of faith.

Last weekend I was back in Penang, my hometown. I wanted to spend some time with my mother. I especially wanted my boys to visit with their grandma. They had not seen her for some time.

While I was there, I received news that a good friend's father had passed away. (They are residing in Penang.) Both my friend and her husband are very dear friends. I have known her husband since I was 6.

Since I was in Penang I could be with them in their moment of loss. The dad had resisted the claims of Christ till close to the end. But had embraced Life before he died.

I had the privilege to share a short word at an impromptu wake service that first night. (My old dental training came in handy too as I had the privilege of putting on the deceased's upper denture. I failed to seat the lower denture though.)

I hope the word I shared was meaningful to those gathered. It was very meaningful to me. These friends are very, very dear to me. And I had lost my own dad not that long ago. It meant so much to me to be allowed to play a small part in the lives of my friends at that critical moment.

I shared a short word from 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and talked about the need to grief, and the reality of hope in the midst of tears. I invited those who did not share in this hope, to consider the claims of Christ.

When I set out on my short trip to Penang, I had no idea that the visit would be so eventful. And meaningful. My heart is still reverberating with the implications.

God has promised us abundant life (John 10:10). So everyday, when we wake up, and choose to go into the day, it is in response to that promise. We have found that abundant life this side of heaven includes moments of ecstatic joy, moments of incredible plain, and large chunks of ordinariness.

Nevertheless the details of how a day is to unfold are rarely given to us. All we have is the promise of abundant life. So when the alarm bell rings, we get up, go to the bathroom, brush our teeth, and enter another day---in faith. Getting up is an act of faith.

Most days I have no trouble stepping into the day. In my short sojourn into clinical depression I did flirt with thoughts of suicide. But I thought it would be Intolerably unfair to leave my two boys orphaned. And so I got up, even on days when I wanted to sleep...

When God first asked Abraham to leave the familiar and go to a far off land, He promised that if Abraham went, he would be blessed and many would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham responded and set into motion initiatives of blessing that continue to operate till today.

May we hear this Abrahamic call everyday. Over the sound of flushing toilets, as we smell the morning coffee, the Lord invites us into a new day. He invites us to go to a place we have never been before. He promises that if we obey we will be blessed. And we will a blessing to others.

May we respond to His call. Everyday. Until that day when He takes us a bit further than we expected. Like my friend's dad. But it's all about abundant life.

Your brother, Soo-Inn Tan

Civilization Class 2

How far does Darwin's Theory on evolution go? Monkeys have 48 cromosomes, while we humans, have 46. How then can we be of such an evolution case?

Ahah. We were having Islamic Civilization & Asian Civilization class today again. One of the things discussed was on the Darwin Theory & how Islam proves it not true. We talked about The Creation, & how Allah made the universe, plants, insects, animals, then man. Hmm...pretty similar to Christianity eh? How then can I do my part in sharing my God with my friends? Definately they will claim that we are no different form the Muslims.

I was kinda tempted to ask my friends whether they believe that this earth is created by a god or not. Some may actually put their faith in that Darwin's theory. Who knows? I am SO excited to go for this TITAS class. Somehow I think that my friends may start wondering & questioning the truth. Opportunity is at hand!

The lecturer asked us to list the difference between man & animals. Haha. The vast difference, I thought, was that man has a sound mind & a soul. God breathed life into man. That verse kept knocking at the door of my mind. Everyone started to wonder, " What are the difference?" Some wrote 'man wear clothes, but animals don't', 'man can communicate clearly, but animals can't', & the list goes on. Kinda shallow...haha...as if I am any smarter.

HC asked me the question given by the lecturer. Well, she was quite astonished with my answer somehow, & turned away towards JO after that. Perhaps they just can't understand how special man are.

Evolution vs Creation. Haha...the excitement within me is bubbling!