Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Obligation
The word 'Obligation' has been mentioned very much in the past few days, esp. during my conversation with a friend, whom I shall call Z. Was pretty upset yesterday after a so called debate with Z. Perhaps it's a misunderstanding, or what I've said doesn't hold. I gave the impression that I've been obliged to a group of people. Though I was frustrated explaining myself, but through it all, it made me think clearly of my motivation in the things that I do. Anyway, I do thank Z for that.
Are we obliged to our friends? This is another question that came out of the conversation. In life, we hold expectations. We expect 5 star hotels to provide excellent service. We expect the food from a well-known stall to be good. We expect someone to treat us the way we treat him or her. We expect our close friends to be there for us when we need them. I don't know how to deal with the friendship, all I know that it is tough. Tough because we hold different perspectives. Perhaps it may not be as close as before....But, I would not want to lose this friendship...
Are we obliged to our friends? This is another question that came out of the conversation. In life, we hold expectations. We expect 5 star hotels to provide excellent service. We expect the food from a well-known stall to be good. We expect someone to treat us the way we treat him or her. We expect our close friends to be there for us when we need them. I don't know how to deal with the friendship, all I know that it is tough. Tough because we hold different perspectives. Perhaps it may not be as close as before....But, I would not want to lose this friendship...
The Tea Party
After a tiring day of lessons and project meeting, I met Dorcas, Adrian, Simon and Yahui for dinner at Sixth Ave. After which we went to check out The Tea Party (located at Sixth Ave Centre), owned by Jan's cousin. I'm not exactly a tea person, but I'm really impressed by the list of teas offered at the cafe. The prices are pretty high, ranges from $7.90 per pot (about 4 cups) to about $10.90. A few of us love coffee, and to satisfy our cravings for coffee, we tried the MateChino. It's a fusion of black tea with cocoa bits, some herbs (think so), and I can't remember what else is in there. It smells really nice and tastes like coffee, but with a lighter taste. The Earl Grey La Creme with a tinge of vanilla won't go wrong with the masses, unlike the Vanilla Coke that's too artificial. Defintely a great place for tea lovers and for those who want to catch up with friends over a pot of fusion tea.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Be God Pleaser and not Man Pleaser
Reflecting on myself right now..Am I being superficial and outwardly religious? Am I a God Pleaser or a Man Pleaser? I've been reminded twice this week through faithful teaching of the Word. I guess it helps to constantly think about this, especially so when I'm busy with ministry. I've to admit that sometimes I lose my focus, thoughts of what others think of me and whether they approve of the things I do fill my mind. But I thank God for convicting me of my sins, that I may learn to fix my eyes on Christ, who has made me right with God. I'm just like the pagans if my heart is far from God. I think Rev Andrew Ong puts it appropriately, "Maximum Appearance, Minimum Obedience." May I learn what it means to tremble at God's Word and seek to be obedient to Christ always.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
A meeting of the intellects
I spent almost half of my Saturday stucked in a meeting of the intellects. It was actually a seminar I had to attend for my general elective. At first, I thought it will be quite relaxing and I could probably catch forty winks. Man, it turns out that it was held in a small conference room at the Chinese Heritage Centre in NTU, and there were the intellects from the Masters and PhD classes, with a significant number from China. I was fighting the Zzz monster and progressed to stoning after the Q&A session started. I was lost in their debates..for a start, I could not even fully comprehend their questions. Even my lecturer gave me the "This is really a cheem discussion, it's really heavy going" look. haha...Some interesting observations though..there was this sporty, tanned looking guy who looks more like a PE teacher, but his knowledge of Chinese history and literature, and his command of Mandarin was really good. Jaw dropped. A classic case of "looks can be deceiving".
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Be not ashamed of..the gospel.
I've been feeling less tired this week, probably because i'm getting used to sleeping less nowadays. And i think a good rest over the weekend helps a lot. :) Not forgetting coffee..haha.
It was great hearing Wai preached last night. I'm really thankful for his faithful teaching all these while, espcially when I first joined CF. His patience in explaining the Word to me, and correcting me in love has been really encouraging. In the book of Philippians, Apostle Paul instructed fellow Christians to imitate his way of life, his labour and love for the people and God. By God's grace, may my life also be an example to those around me.
During the talk last night, I've been challenged to think what it means to not be ashamed of the gospel, especially in seemingly unimportant situations that I deem. For example, the daily conversations I share with my classmates and friends may seem very casual. But one think that struck me was whether I do see these casual topics as even opportunities to share the gospel, and presenting the hard truth to them, that they are rebels against God and He is angry with them. I've to admit that sometimes I do take the easy way out and tell myself that there's going to be other opportunites in the future. Thank God for the reminder last night, and I pray that I may strive to live out the truth in my life, and remembering that the gospel is for all, and has the power to save and transform lives.
It was great hearing Wai preached last night. I'm really thankful for his faithful teaching all these while, espcially when I first joined CF. His patience in explaining the Word to me, and correcting me in love has been really encouraging. In the book of Philippians, Apostle Paul instructed fellow Christians to imitate his way of life, his labour and love for the people and God. By God's grace, may my life also be an example to those around me.
During the talk last night, I've been challenged to think what it means to not be ashamed of the gospel, especially in seemingly unimportant situations that I deem. For example, the daily conversations I share with my classmates and friends may seem very casual. But one think that struck me was whether I do see these casual topics as even opportunities to share the gospel, and presenting the hard truth to them, that they are rebels against God and He is angry with them. I've to admit that sometimes I do take the easy way out and tell myself that there's going to be other opportunites in the future. Thank God for the reminder last night, and I pray that I may strive to live out the truth in my life, and remembering that the gospel is for all, and has the power to save and transform lives.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
A picture speaks a thousand words
In the library now..super cold..but enjoying the broadband here..hee. It has been an enjoyable day thus far, probably due to the very fun lesson I had for my general elective Children's Literature. I never knew there's so much to observe and anaylse for children's big books..quite an eye-opener for me. :) Truly, a picture speaks a thousand words. Knowing more also means that I have to do a good job for my assignment, which is to design a big book for a kid. Still thinking about the storyline..no inspiration yet..haha..let me know if you have any great ideas. :)
I can be wise, if you teach me how
Preparing a good bible study is really not easy. Teaching others and structuring questions to lead them to the aim of the study is a challenging task...Thankfully, some of the teaching modules which I'm currently doing are really helpful for bible study too, skills like designing questions, summarising, reading in context, ways to organise a text..etc....haha..kill two birds with one stone. ;p Will share with anyone who's interested. :)
After studying Romans 1:18-32, I realised that there's so much more that I've not really understood. Have been really humbled in the process. Although I've been a Christian for 5 years, I did not grasp the aspect of God's wrath upon mankind till I was taught (still being taught) by faithful bible teachers. God has revealed Himself to mankind, but we choose to reject Him and think that we are wiser than God. In response, He gave us over to our sins...it is this aspect of the gospel that people are uncomfortable with, and even Christians sweep it under the carpet. Sadly, this is happening so much around us. Brothers and sisters, let's press on in presenting the true gospel!
After studying Romans 1:18-32, I realised that there's so much more that I've not really understood. Have been really humbled in the process. Although I've been a Christian for 5 years, I did not grasp the aspect of God's wrath upon mankind till I was taught (still being taught) by faithful bible teachers. God has revealed Himself to mankind, but we choose to reject Him and think that we are wiser than God. In response, He gave us over to our sins...it is this aspect of the gospel that people are uncomfortable with, and even Christians sweep it under the carpet. Sadly, this is happening so much around us. Brothers and sisters, let's press on in presenting the true gospel!
Friday, August 13, 2004
Making the most of every opportunity
The first session of the Lunchtime Talks in NIE went well. (CFers and friends - anyone beg to differ? ;p) Really thank God for the people who came. Though it is just a one hr session, it is an opportunity for God's Word to be shared. We should have done this earlier! :) Keep praying for my friend Geraldine..that as she seeks to know more about Christ, the Holy Spirit will convict her of the truth (Yes Ger, I know you are reading. ;p) May we make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel!
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Food and Family :)
Just came back from my sis-in-law's niece's one month old celebration..had a good time getting to know her extended family..and as usual, someone thought I'm in JC. heh..let's take a poll..do i really look young for my age? hee..but i know i definitely am short. ;p Ate a lot, seriously a lot tonight! The food was good, thanks to my sis-in-law's mum who is a peranakan. The kuah pie tie is yummy! :) Most importantly, it was a good time catching up with my brother and sis-in-law ever since they came back from the UK. Think my niece Abby has a huge appetite for her age, she eats non-stop..Serious. She's proud of her tummy. haha...;p
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Coffee and Crumpled Notes
As I was saying in my previous entry, I've been deprived of sleep recently. Coffee is the first thing I look forward to in school..haha..be it NIE Canteen's or Canteen A, i'm ok with anything, so long as it's coffee. Think I'm addicted to coffee already. Heh..but I limit myself to 2 cups a day. Sometimes I just wish that I stay in hall, so that I can have more rest and don't have to rush back after CF meetings. Aiyah, how come MOE don't pay me for my third and fourth year?? Anyway, I'll get used to it...
Been spending a lot on notes, and the Tang Poetry notes are real thick! After just half a day of walking around and travelling, the first and last page are really crumpled. Worst thing is the rubber band slipped out of the whole stack of notes while i was travelling back home..and it hit an uncle beside me. Oops..he went "Ouch!" Pai seh ah..Anyway, thanks to those who helped me carry my notes along the way. :)
Sorry if this entry is rather boring..well..just sharing bits of my life...;p esp to those whom I don't meet often.
Been spending a lot on notes, and the Tang Poetry notes are real thick! After just half a day of walking around and travelling, the first and last page are really crumpled. Worst thing is the rubber band slipped out of the whole stack of notes while i was travelling back home..and it hit an uncle beside me. Oops..he went "Ouch!" Pai seh ah..Anyway, thanks to those who helped me carry my notes along the way. :)
Sorry if this entry is rather boring..well..just sharing bits of my life...;p esp to those whom I don't meet often.
Friday, August 06, 2004
All Set!
Have been deprived of sleep for the past few days due to CGL Training and Welcome Tea, but it's all worth it. Had a good time talking to the freshies at CF Welcome Tea yesterday. In the midst of settling admin stuff, it was great meeting people and just encouraging each other refreshes me after a long day of classes. As for today, glad that I could meet up with 2 of my CF friends to discuss our Bible Study on Romans next week. It's really hard work as we work through the passage, and thinking how we should phrase the questions, etc. It's indeed a challenge for us to put across the message clearly and faithfully to our CG members. And we need to prepare for BS every week...it's going to be tough when we get busy during the term. Appreciate your prayers friends! Coming next week, Corporate Meetings and Lunchtime Talks will start too, and I'm really excited and praying that more people will hear the Word preached faithfully and be convicted of the truth. :)
Yawn..going to sleep now..hope to go for a jog in the morn before I head down to school...very unfit now..;p
Yawn..going to sleep now..hope to go for a jog in the morn before I head down to school...very unfit now..;p
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Be Good...
Not sure how many of us can still remember what we learnt in 'Hao Gong Ming" when we were in primary school. Did it really impact us? Hee..
I just had my first lesson on Teaching of Moral Education (I). Note: It's Part One. One more to come. MOE really think it HELPS the kids. But...looking at the kids now..I think we know the results.
I've always thought it's a waste of time. I've spent 2 modules on Moral Ed in Year One already. It's good in one sense..cos it's the most relaxing lesson, no need to think, just drink tea and listen to my tutor joke...then crap for reports. haha..
On a serious note, I'm still thinking how I can be teaching kids about morals and it's implications on the gospel. Sadly, our government knows that we have to keep on teaching kids to be good, upright, decent, filial, etc. so that they wil not be corrupted in their thinking, esp. in this age of globalization. The fact is Man is sinful, but this is in total contrast to what we have been teaching in school, that by default, Man is good. The challenge for me is to fulfill my job as a teacher, to teach what I'm required to and be wise to know when I can be bring in the gospel.
I just had my first lesson on Teaching of Moral Education (I). Note: It's Part One. One more to come. MOE really think it HELPS the kids. But...looking at the kids now..I think we know the results.
I've always thought it's a waste of time. I've spent 2 modules on Moral Ed in Year One already. It's good in one sense..cos it's the most relaxing lesson, no need to think, just drink tea and listen to my tutor joke...then crap for reports. haha..
On a serious note, I'm still thinking how I can be teaching kids about morals and it's implications on the gospel. Sadly, our government knows that we have to keep on teaching kids to be good, upright, decent, filial, etc. so that they wil not be corrupted in their thinking, esp. in this age of globalization. The fact is Man is sinful, but this is in total contrast to what we have been teaching in school, that by default, Man is good. The challenge for me is to fulfill my job as a teacher, to teach what I'm required to and be wise to know when I can be bring in the gospel.
Home Sweet Home
Welcome home brother and Su (my sis-in-law)! :) It's great to see them after one year.Time really flies man..and they are going to be parents soon! Very efficient..haha. Really happy for them. They were pretty tired after a long journey home, hope to catch up with them soon!
