"In the begining was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God."

This is one of the most profound verses. The word Word used here is Logos in Greek. It means the WORD of God. God's word when spoken wil not return viod. Hence, Logos is translated into Chinese as Tao (The Way). Jesus Christ is the Tao that governs the way of the world.

God is love. And since the begining, God is a community of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, loving each other. We, made in His image, therefore lives in community and ought to love each other too. No one is an island. The way to live in community is to follow our Creator, to love each other.

Lord, You are truly the Way of the World. Help me to live by your Way. Teach me to love and see other in your image too. Amen

Went to see doc again. He gave me 2 medicines for cough, and lozenges for the sore throat. Plus MC for Monday. The night before, my sleep was really bad.. could not sleep until about 3 am. Had to drink warm water to relief the itch in the throat.
Thank God I manage to catch a nap in the noon. That helps.
Not sure if I will use the MC. Missed quite a fair bit of lessons. So little time. I need more time to prepare 4A and 5AB for their Os. Hope to go school to teach tomorrow.... sigh.

Wife went to church alone today. Next week my church is starting the 40 Days of Purpose. This is exciting! Friday night is the service to kick off. I hope to attend!

The usual Sat. morning will see me going to market as early as I could and buy breakfast along with the veggie and meats. But son kept saying he wants to go Mac. So we decide to have breakfast there. He sure had good appetite. Finished one hot cake and 1/3 of the muffin sausage with eggs. Dotta too enjoyed and ate quite a lot. Haha.. of course, both of them got a balloon each.

My cough is getting worst. Coughed until tears out and affected my sleep. Hope it will be ok by Monday. Got many lessons that day.

Today went for a briefing on N and O level registration. So soon, it is registration again! Stress man. Another round of paper work, keying info etc. Sianz

Briefing ended before 5 pm so decided to walk from Bt Merah Central to Alexander market to buy the well know soon kueh. Din noe it was so humid, perspire so much. Anyway, walked pass this shop that sells exotic wild orchids. Some of them are really unique. So tempted to buy but I know the only time I will see the flower is when I bought it. After that I can't it flower. I dun have green fingers, a proven fact. Haha.

Got home, and played a mini ball game with son and wife while dotta was sleeping at our corridor. He was hysterically chasing the ball. Haha.

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

No doubt about it, it is a command to be thankful. Why such a command? God's commandment is meant for two purposes. To provide us in the sense we are guided to live a life meaningfully and righteously. If provides freedom from guilt, and freedom to feel good in doing the right things. It protects us from the suffering from consequences.

How to give thanks when it is tough. I suppose if it is a command, then I can 'will' myself to act in thanksgiving. I can start by thanking God that He is God of the creation, of my family, of me, of those suffering. I can start thanking that inspite of the circumstances, He is with me and He is listening to my pain, hurt or worries. I can start thanking that the circumstance had 'forced' me to turn to Him, thus drawing me to Him.

Well, it easy to say and it will not be easy to do. It is not 'natural' but 'supernatural' or spiritual. That's why it is a command.

Lord, help me always to give thanks, no matter what the circumstances are. Amen

Left school at 6.25pm today. Look like the trend is to end school late. Excuse is it is 5 days week now. But come to think of it, we hardly held any meetings on Sat in the past too.

Today I dun have Personalise Tutoring but I decide to walk one round to the graduating classes to see how I can help those who are not clear. Sadly, they rather talk than to ask. Some excused that they dun have textbook so can't ask. Only 2 to 3 asked me... my only consolation. Sigh.

Dun they know I could hide in my air-con cubicle listen to music and finish my marking?

Anyway, I was students before... so... sometime it is too much to expect. Maybe I shd ask the alumni to come and talk some sense into them?

Children are better but not fully well. I am happy. :-) Zuriel was hysterical.. was playing and dancing when playing hide and seek his toy with my wife. Haha..

"Let your light so shine before man, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

We are all little lights of God in this world of darkness. I suppose we are to represent God in bringing a sense of righteousness and truth in this world that is often filled with falsehood and evil. When we act in kindness and goodness, we glorify God. We bring His presence into the community.

Just a side thot, Methodist Church in Singapore donated more than $500,000 to the Tsunami relief and sent a few groups of volunteers out. That's not too bad consider we have only 30,000 members. I am sure there are many churches which had acted generously too. Yet, I suppose most of the public do not know this. And there are other groups which were even featured on TV. I wonder if we Christians should be bold to tell others of our good deeds, not to boast, but to let others know that we acted in God's name, thus glorfying Him.... what do you think?

Lord, in my actions and words, I pray that I am your little light. Help me not to be careless so that I will not dim the light or even darken the world. Lead me to someone who needs to see your light so that his/her life can be brightened with your glory. Amen

I think everyday has at least one highlight or high point. And looking at this high point is uplifting to the soul.
Today high point is my family came and visit me at school!! SInce morning he wanted to come to my school. So his mon put him on phone to talk to me. Unfortunately I had lessons in the morning. Anyway, after his bath, he was lying on mattress watching sesame street and while watching, he fell asleep.
When he woke up, he pestered my wife to bring him to my school... finally at 4 plus they came. The first thing he said was "pa pa school so big"... then at canteen "hanern hungry, want to eat"
While getting drinks, we met Chong and he gave him the cake. He finished 3/4 of it! Record-breaking cos he doesn't like cake.. like me. On our way out one teacher asked him if he sayang mei mei... and he said ya. Then he mumbled something "I dun like monster".... which keep me wondering why?
He was sad, holding back not to cry, when he had to go off while I have to stay back for meeting. Heart-breaking...
Anyway today assembly was a preformance by Ten Finger on Kindness. At one part, it was quite touching. I think my eyes experienced an increase in sodium chloride solution. Dare not look around... hee... I think i am getting more emotional ...

"And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

I remember I first read this verse was when I was in JC. At that time, my tutorial group formed a prayer group which we met after lessons. We were each assigned a verse and to share from the verse. I can't remember what I shared. I was then a young believer and I know that at the time I didn't know that I have to look at the context.

The Hope here is that one day we will be like Christ, when the day we all gather in heaven to worship Him. What are we to do now? To work towards to be like Him with the purifying power of the Holy Spirit.

If our aim is to be like Him, we truly will be purify. Our hearts, our actions, our speeches, our attitudes will be like Him. Isn't that Pure? :-)

I think WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelet is kinda of useful then.

Lord, help me to be pure so by aiming to be like You. Amen

Finally, I got the bug too. Downed with fever and sore throat. I think the clinic over here shd consider family package. Ha ha.

Children are better in the sense that the phelgm is not so disturbing as it was nights ago. But still far from fully well.

Thank God we managed through the day. Cooked simple teochew porridge with one dish that was given by my parent 2 days ago. God knew we need it. Dinner buy back.. too tired to cook.

The day is well spent. Had chance to 'play' with kids and I video taped Zuriel singing ABC, give me oil in my lamp and bob the builder! Haha.

Will sleep early tonight.

Thanks for praying. God is good all the time.

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His word will still remain
He will do something new today

He will give you strength and make a way for you.
Take care & God bless. ((:

Went to clinic twice (the one at rail mall) today! Morning bought Karis there. Evening Zuriel. Why? Can't manage 2 at one go.
Both need antibiotics, which mean infection is bad. Doc usually prefer not to give antibiotics to infant and young children. Karis blocked nose is esp bad, with thick phlegm at throat. She coughed and vomited all over me this afternoon while having nap. Zuriel had ear infection. Doc told me that it usually take nursery kids 6 mths to get use to school. :S
In between cooked, washed clothing, folded clothing etc. Wifey had fever too and went to see doc too. But she still helped...
Now I am having sore throat and feel chilly...
One verse of a song came to mind..

"God will made a way when there seem no other way".... AMEN!

Really getting old. Wanted to post this together with the family post but forgot... tsk tsk.
Found some old photos of my trip to Kukut and Cambodia mission trip in 1998 while clearing store room. I was really in better shape... tanned, more hair and I dun have a tummy! Shall scan and post here when i have done it.
Whatever have happened to me? Haiz.. the result for being too lazy to exercise...

My son is better, in fact he was in such a good mood that he was talking and talking after dinner. When we could not be his audience, he would talk to himself... haha.
Dotta has got lots of phlegm in her throat until her voice is coarse and she is not sleeping well due to the stuffy nose. Poor girl.
My wife is down with fever and sore throat. sigh...
I got to hang on.

Lord, pls heal them... Amen

This Sunday sermon was quite interesting. The speaker was Rev Dr Rick Warren, author of Purpose Driven Life, sold over 20 million copies, and founding pastor of Saddleback Church! Hang on... in video and not in person. Haha.

This is to prepare for my church's 40Days of Pupose (40DOP) starting in Feb, coincide with the Lental Season. We are praying that God will turn all of us to fully follow Him and live for the purpose He intends us to lead. That's right, a revival! We already sent out invitation to the surrounding estates. I am praying for some colleagues to join my cell group. Perhaps I may even form a group of students, past and present, to lead. Afterall, most people at one point or another will ask "What am I here on earth?". Want to join me?

The part of the message that hit me most was his relating of his dying father, who was small church pastor. In his last weeks under the tyranny of cancer, he was sort of in his dream land. Warren senior would be talking sub-consciously about things he used to do. One evening, he suddenly tried to get up. Rick Warren and wife tried to stop him but he still wanted to get up. When they asked him what did he want to do. He just said, "Got to save one more for Jesus." Rick concluded with the message that if we dun tell, we are missing the chance to be the living bible where other can read about God's love and that if we dun, we are telling people to go to hell. Isn't it true that if I do not tell my friends about Jesus, I am actually telling him/her "Go to Hell!". I am sending them to eternity without Christ.....

I really dunno how to end this entry... just feel my heart is heavy with these serious implications.

This week Saturday was spent on home stuff. Did my usual weekly marketing and then fried yong tua fu as main dish. Experimented some idea and quite happy with the result. Innovation in cooking!

Children are better but still sick. Affect appetite. Was gaining weight now they are sliming down. Sigh...

Today we spring cleaned the store room, rather my wife and I assisted. Hate to pack and spring clean. Finally there are more space in store room.. Thanks to wifey. The process is tough but the reward cancelled the tough work. Threw away lots of stuff. I think Spring Cleaning is not just necessary for house but soul. No wonder the early church fathers wisely innovated the calendar with Lent and Advent as a time spring clean our inner being. Our Lord's prayer included confession time. Indeed how necessary for daily confession.

Writing this in between taking care of daughter. Her sleep is disturbed by blocked nose. Sigh...

The day started with excitement as my wife bookded a car under the car-sharing. We went to collect a bike, those for children with a +2 wheels, from c church friend. He has a spare one. My son was thrilled by it.
We then went farmart and both of them got to see goats. Will post pic once I develop the pic.
Went to buy some new year plant too. Got some Hoya. There are basically 3 type of plants I like, orchid, thillandsia and hoya.
Came home around 3 plus. Son got cranky and claimed he had stomachache. Got very sticky to me. I suspect it was more of wind and insecure. He wants our full attention. A side effect from schooling. I wonder if he is too young and not ready for school. Sigh.
Then dotta got fever gain! Thot she recovered but now fever again. At one point it was as high as 39oC!!
That's life.. it is a whole package. Another tiring night but I am praying that God will comfort them and us.

Wah!! What a siong nite! (Hokkein word for tough). My son woke up a few time crying and complaining first toes pain, later transfer to ear pain then to 'something inside the ear'. I even wanted to bring him to those 24 hr clinic but realised that the nearest closed after 12 midnite. THe last straw was to go A&E. LAst minute decide to pretend call the doc and pretend tat the doc instructed me to blow 3 times into his ear. :P
He wasn't fully convinced though. Anyway after long hours of tarrying, he slept.

My dotta wasn't easy too. Woke up and cried a few time. Wanted milk and wanted to be carried. My wife ended up sleeping in her room.

Tired sia.....

"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward."

A child was bullied at school. He wanted to approach his father for help but lack the confidence. He was afraid that his dad had not forgiven his last disobedience. He was afraid that instead of being helped, he would be reproached by his father.

However, if he knew that his sin has been forgiven, he would be able to approach his father with confidence. How assuring! I suspect many of us have similar experience, perhaps not just with our father but with our siblings and friends.

This is the same in our relationship with our heavenly Father. The confidence in this verse is related to a earlier verse (v19) "Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,". To know that I have been forgiven is essential in re-establishing my relationship with God and with any other persons.

This confidence gained through forgiveness is not cheap. The blood of Jesus was the cost. As we cling on this confidence and constantly abide in Him, the Day will come when our faithfulness will be rewarded.

It is a comfort and a challenge to keep this confidence.

Lord Jesus, thank you for agreeing to be lifted up on the Cross where you bled for me. May I treasure this confidence and never abuse or take if for granted. Amen

Thank God that my daughter has fully recovered from her fever and rash. My son running nose has stopped 'running' but the cough is still there, but better.

Got to catch up with ex-sunday school students (now friend). Happy to hear his is actively serving God. God works in His timing.

Can u believe it? I was at NTUC about to buy stuff at around 5 pm and school office called me to go back for urgent meeting at 5.15pm!! :S

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

To be wise. That was King Solomon request when God asked him what he would like to have. I suppose people want to be wise so that they dun made foolish mistakes. And those occasions when I made foolish mistakes, they were the time when I tried to solve problems or made decisions without consulting God and His book of Wisdom. The Bible tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. To fear God is to fear sinning against Him. I think to ask Him for Wisdom is not just pray and then expect the next decision or judgement is wise discernment. It is to pray and then search His word to know what pleases Him and to search my own heart to see if there are foolish ideas or motivation. It is to be still and wait for His timing too.

Lord, I want to be wise so that I can be live constantly in fear of Your Holiness. May I not be foolish to follow the ways of the world or self. Amen.

Disaster!! I actually accidentally did something which I didn't know how I did it. Ya I know what you are thinking... BLUR! But I deleted my template! Anyway, my sun nui rescued me and resuscitate the blog. Really pai sei and appreciative.

This morning after seeing off my son to his school bus, I walked to work. What was nice was just before I cross over to the school, his school bus passed by and he waved at me. :-)

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

There are many trials and temptations that will distract from living a life that honours our Lord. How can one stay in the narrow path? I think the key is to trust in Him who is able to keep us and stop trusting that I am able to stay on path on my own power. Salvation does not stop at the moment we confess our sins and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. It is a continuous process and we are moving towards more like our Creator and Redeemer. It will only complete when we share His glory in His Kingdom.

That's great assurance it to know that Jesus will see us through so that we will be made holy and ready for the Day.

Lord, keep me and lead me to be holy so that I will not move away from You. Amen

"And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers."

Interestingly, this is the last verse of the Old Testament. The verse before is talking about God sending prophet Elijah to prepare people for the Day of the Lord. Elijah was supposed to help people to repent so that they are ready to face God.

And this verse probably reflect if a person is truly repented. Heart is important. Repentance must come from the heart. But a transformed and sanctified heart will result in changed and sanctified behaviour. And the best to know a person is to know how a person is like at home. It is at home where we are most relax and where we are really a true self. There is no need to 'wear mask'. So a true changed will be seen in how a person relate to his/her family. Very often, it will be how father and child relate. Hudson Taylor, missioner to China, who donned the Chinese Kua, once said that a candle tat doesn't shine on the dinning table at home is not ready to shine outside.

I wonder, if base on my behaviour at home, how will my heart measure up to God's standart.

Lord, cleanse my heart and remove anythings tat are not pleasing and may it result in a changed behaviour at home and outside. Amen

Weekend was tiring... spent most of the time looking after children. My dotta develop rash as predicted by the doc and son running nose got worst, with cough and phlegm. Now his voice is coarse but it hasn't deter him from talking, shouting and singing. :-) Anyhow, both are irritated either the rash or running nose. So had to take care of them more. really knocked out. My poor wife now has to hold the fort alone while I am working....

Anyway.. they will get well.. pray that it will be asap!

"Because your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You."

"What is the best part about life?" That was a quasi-philosophical question raised by my platoon mate. Almost 20 years ago, we were then sitting in a field in Taiwan since we were on overseas training. Next to us was a air-strip and the early spring sun was shining brightly, with wind blowing away the heat. We had just finished our night shift duty and we were enjoying our warm cup of tea. I had just completed my A level a year earlier and was excited about going to university after my NS. Life was good, carefree and full of aspirations then.

"Life itself, without it, there will not be chances to enjoy whatever it brings, and opportunities that come in the future." That was my reply. This verse strangely causes me to recall that little attempt of philosophical discourse by two young men who had yet really seen much in life.

Somehow as I get to see and hear more, I am more aware that living is a challenge. Living meaningfully and joyfully is even more challenging. Tsunami, friends died of cancer, friend with baby born defected etc. But yet life is also peppered with joyous moment like holding the hands of loved ones, sharing food with someone you love, being helped and lifted up when down, or just getting to witness the splendour of a sunset.

But as I ponder more, life is live-able because of God's lovingkindness. This kindness is not restricted to Christian but to all. God's rainbow after a storm is for all to see and admire. God's rain to chase away the heat and God's sun to dry lands destroyed by flood are meant for all. God's love is meant for all. But only when I acknowledge His love and gift, can I then experience it and know as the Psalmist, that His lovingkindness is really better than life cos, life without His lovingkindness, is like hell.

Lord, thanks for giving life so that i can know your lovingkindess. May that lovingkindness be fuel for me to live life that exudes your love. Amen.

This morning tried to wake up my son up for school but he was so tired that he went back to sleep. He had stuffy nose last night and could not sleep till 12. Hence, vert tired today.
My dotta is better now with temperature below 38 C. Thank God.

Both wife and myself are really tired out by them....

Look forward to the coming weekend. Long live 5-days-week!!

"Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy."

Sometime, I wonder where will I see the fruits of my labour. God is the one who causes the growth. My part is the sowing, watering, tending etc. It is hard work.

I remember one of my former Sunday School students. A potential leader but his commitment was always intermediate. Somehow we managed to establish very good rapport. I would go to his house after working and give him tuition for science up to 12 midnight. His mother used to go to temple to ask for 'holy water' and bring in for him to drink while we were having tuition session and he would throw it away when mother left the room.

When i moved on to lead another Sunday Class, I had to spend more time with the new students, which mean I had less time with him. As time goes on, we stopped meeting up.

Years later, I recieved a call from him. He was inviting me to his wedding and his whole family became Christians. What a joy to hear that he remains in the Lord and that his family members are all Christians!

I can think of other who laboured even longer. Morrison, the first protestant missioner who went to China. His whole life ministry saw one convert but he translated the whole Bible into Chinese. Todays, there are so many Chinese Christians.

For those of us who feel discouraged, God is keeper of His promise.

Lord, help me to press on and to trust you when I don't think I can continue. Amen

My dotta is down with 'false measle' . :( Fever has be cyclic. Up and down. Took time off today (Wed) to bring her to see GP. But the paracetamol given didn't seem to work. So rush off from work to home to send her see her usual doc . Tiring... but most of all, worry of her fever. Look likeI am gonna take shift with my wife to monitor her temperature through the night. I hate it when my children catch fever.

My son has running nose too. So he miss school today. Didn't hurt him though.

He has learnt quite a few songs. It is so fun to listen him singing. He now can sing A, B, c, from A to G and the rest will be just the tune. He is able to sing the whole happy birthday song. He just learnt to sing Give me Oil.. got the words but not the tune.. he sang flat... haha.. but I love listening to him singing. It is not perfect but I feel so proud of him

My dotta is now more accurate in her pronunciation. She is able to say yes and no clearer. She is more playful too. Yay!! Clever ger of mine.

Having children is always joy mingled with worries, pain etc... it is a 'total package' but it is worth it! I will not exchange it for any other thing.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."

What is the sign of a Christian? Someone who is led by the Spirit of God. One who is attuned to Him through disciplined reading and searching of His word, regular prayer corporate worship, Holy Communion. I am often tempted to leave out these important disciplines. But these are the ways to be truly sons of God.

Lord, help me to be disciplined so that I am freely follow your Spirit. Amen

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceedingly joy."

This is part of the ending doxology of Jude. Indeed, it lifts my heart towards God knowing that He is able to keep me from stumbling and preserve me as I abide in Him. The reward is to see His glory and to receive the joy that is beyond description. Live may be tough and full of trials and temptations. But God is able to keep us. Fix our eyes on Him.

Doxology is short praise direct to God made of 2 Greek words, [doxa] meaning glory, and [logos], meaning to speak. And as we speak of God's glory, our faith is strengthened. When down or discouraged, it made sense to praise Him

Lord, thank you that we can find peace and strength in praising you. Amen

"I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

This verse came about after Abram bravely led 318 trained man to fight against kings who had captured his nephew Lot. He also bravely turned down reward offered by King of Sodom. The reason was that he did not want King of Sodom to think that it was him who made Abram rich. I suspect Abram wanted to acknowledge that only God is his provider and only God made him rich.

True enough, he recieved God's blessing when God declared that his true and bestest reward ifs God Himself and God will protect him.

God's promise and rewards often come after struggle of faith. It may be time of trials which did not cause cause us to be bitter but better; that we did not drift but deepen our relationship with Him. It is when we resist temptation but drink the cup He wants us to drink.

Dear Lord, thasnk you that you are the ultimate reward and protection. Keep me in you. Amen

I have reasons to feel down on Sunday. Actually, you dunn need many, one can be bad enough. But my inner conversation stopped me from feeling down.

First, I had running nose. Being easily allergic, my running nose resulted in high decibel sneezes. Popped an anti-histamine pill, and my nose is better controlled. I was really sleepy. Amazingly I didn't fall asleep during sermon. But I was 30% awake during cell group meeting. Was knocked out when I came home. Woken up by my wife at 6 pm to buy dinner. As I was half awake, I thot she meant 6 am and pulzzed why get dinner in the morning!

Pastor shared on vision 2005 and two of the exciting points were a Sat evening service and 40 Days of Purpose (40DOP) Campaign.

What got me down were 2 pieces of news. Learnt in church that my wife's friend (from her Mother Support Group) gave birth to a baby yesterday. But baby girl has no anus and may have down syndrome. The bay is now in ICU and doctors have to look at the X-ray to see where the rectum is and then decide how to operate. They have to made a small opening for her to pass motion at the moment. It is painful to hear this. As a father, I can imagine the pain the parents feel when seeing their baby in the ICU box and not able to hold their child. A newborn baby needs lots of cuddle and tlc, and this baby is not able to rec. it at the moment. And for her, the recovery and operation is not only life-threatening but difficult. I felt down when I heard this news. Then I saw this family who sat infront of me in church and I was reminded that their mother is still suffering from breast cancer.

Sometime, bad news like these and tsunami, stripped the conditions to be happy to minimal. Tsunami reminds me that to be happy is to have family and friends whom I love to be around me and well. The morning bad news remind me that being healthy is a reason to be happy. I think we human tend to crowd out basic reasons to be happy with many frills. We want the latest gadget, handphone, sound system, fashion, newer cars, bigger house, bank account, good food, visit exotic places etc. But they are really frills!

But to have loved one well and around and to have good health are no guarantees. Can one still be happy should this bare minimal be removed? The mother of the baby girl is a strong woman. She knew from the scan early in her pregnancy that the baby may have heart problem and other possible problem. But she trusted God that He will help her to be able to manage it and love her baby as she would with her other 2 children.

I think, the most basic reason for joy is that in midst of all pains, God is there to hold your hand, and may be, when need be, carry you through it. My inner conversation had God inside. I was prevented from being down.

"Even though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I I feel no evil, for Thou art with me, for Thy Rod and Thy staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

By now it is quite obvious that the trend is I will be writing about yesterday. Reason being I have to wait till my children a sleeping to have the time and peace to do this.

Passed 2 bags of old and new clothing to my friend and church staff so that he can bring it down to church since he drives. My church is helping the indonesians to raise funds and relief. Feel good but actually it is really a drop of water in the sea. Still sea is made of many drops of water.

My son has his once in 4 mths haircut today. Why once in 4 mths? Not because I am trying to save money but he hates haircut, esp the electrical shaver. But he loves it when it is complete. We have been telling him that he will be more handsome after hair cut. So later of the day, when he boarded a cab, he told the uncle he is handsome and when he looked into the rear mirror ,he declared himself handsome again. Very confident and good self-esteem. Haha... Actually all of us were like. It is only when we are older tat we begin to doubt our self-worth.

Celebrated my mother b'day at Boon Lay Raja over at JE. Decent good lunch. Then I have to babysit while my wife met up with some old pals. Good for her. I think meeting old pals is a good thing. I made you appreciate what have been given. Afterall, those precious moments with old pals are really priceless. They are worth 'reminiscing' and like wad we have on our screen press 'the refresh button'.

Today is super long at work. So I was home sick. Really... miss playing with my children. Didn't even manage to carry my daughter for more than 15 mins! That's harmful to my health! Only manage to bath son, read to him and pray with him and of course fell asleep while tucking him in.

We had CCA Recruitment today which I could enjoy myself playing around since I dun have to be stressed of getting enough members. Why ? Not in any CCA. Rushed home for lunch and bath between 1 plus to 2 plus. Back for workshop from 3 to 5 pm followed by North Indian Dinner, which is quite nice esp the sour green sauce. The it is dialogue with parents. This year parents are more vocal and asked more questions. They were like the first patch of parents. Which is good.

The bright spark is fio and rio (it ryhme!) came by. No wonder I was smiling at that time. Miss the former students. Got a bottle of sweets. :-)... tat'll kill my sleepiness while working. ;-) Esp there were some ginseng sweets.

'Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."

Christians are supposed to be free. Unlike what is commonly thot, that there are lots of restriction as Christian, Christians are supposed to be free. Free from bondage of sin and to do good.

We tend to see liberty as being free to pursue sensual needs or other needs. In fact, once we 'freed' ourselves to follow our selfish desire, we ended up being trapped and could not free ourselves.

What good can I do today?

Lord, help me to stay free cos it is so easy to be bonded again. Free to be bold in loving and serving others. Amen

Finally, meeting of teachers who taught 4E to 4H got to meet the Principal to review the result. The meeting was not too bad, better than we expect. Anyway, got the bad news, if school alarm sound, I will be called down .. sian!!!!

Today i managed to run home slightly realy and went to fly kite with family!! Love it! Though the kite did not achieve even 4m above ground we had lots of fun. It was a tiring day but to see my son laugh so hilarously when trying to touch the kite, i felt refreshed.

"Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

I think we forget easily. That's why Paul had to remind Timothy. In fact, often the Bible is about reminding. The Old Testament contains many Psalms that are meant to remind us. The last addresses by Moses and Joshua were meant to remind the people of God's goodness. Rainbow was meant to remind us of Gog's covenant. It is a good think we have importance date like Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and Holy Communion to remind us of God's active redemption plan and how we are all part of it.

God gives us gift to bless others. Some time, fear cripples us from exercising the gift to bless others. For the fear of rejection or fear of failure or even fear of suffering. BUt God's spirit is of power, of love and sound mind. It is to be ex with intelligence, motivated by love and driven by His power, where only our faith will limit His miracles.

Who do I need to bless with God's gift today?

Dear God, pls let me remember the gift given to me to bless others. Help me to hear your prompting to know who to bless and give me the intelligence to know how to do it. May I do it our of love for the person and You and not for myself. And pls multiply the impact with your power. Amen

Thot I will drop a few lines while waiting for washing machine to complete its last task of the day.

Today is kinda tiring. Taught continuously for 5 periods. And I was hungry! And I just can't teach with low decibel, so I was using lots of energy to teach, and hopefully some of the bugs amongst the trees next to the school could feel the sound wave too. It really used quite a certain amount of energy.

My backache is back again, due to the standing. But I think better controlled. :-) Thanks to the back exercise class.

The day at work is wrapped with a long meeting from 3 pm to 6pm... Gonna sleep early...

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy ot be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us"

Living for Christ and with Christ is like a bed of roses. The frangance of rose and the beautiful colours along with the torns. The suffering in present time is so real. The tsunami is a recent example. How can one go on trusting and walking in Him? It is so tempting to give up. The romans then were not facing good time either, esp followers of Christ were not popular, but hated. It is so easy to give up. There were time I felt like giving up if not for Him and His presence.

Somehow birth pain comes to mind when I read the verse. The joy of emracing your child very much overshadow the pain. To put it in another way, it brings healing to the pain. Well, God's glory will heal all the scars of the pain, just as Christ was resurrected, and reases the sting of death, so it shall be.

There is hope. There is the energiser to keep me going, even when it is so tiring. God to keep hiding under His wings.

so sian.. when can i go home
son in school

playing game
son in school

My son classroom
son in school

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time"

The verse before speaks about God resists the proud. I think one key motivation of staying humble is to please God. Fear and love for God are best way to keep us from being in the wrond state of over-estimating ourselves.

How can I stay humble? I remember CS Lewis once said that a proud man could not look up to God cos he is busy looking down at others. Like wise, if i keep my vision up towards God, i can't look down at others. I think knowing the place of God and our own position will help.

having milo break
son in school

Thanksgiving. My son did not cry when he board the school bus or even at the school!
In fact he enjoyed the school, and the to of course. It is such a joy to see him enjoying. Kinda of feeling that he has grown up and more mature. haha. It is a milestone. God answers prayer.
The first time is always special. So I video taped it and took a couple of photos. NO wonder in Revelation, the Bible warned about losing the first love.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. Pro 9:9

On the first day of school , this verse is apt in reminding that I need to identify those interested in learning to give them the best. This is so true to those whose hearts are ready for God's word. Is my own heart ready for Him? I suspect the moment I harbour pride in me, I will not be able to be wiser.

Lord, check my heart.... amen.

3 Jan will be exciting. My son is going to nursery. His first day! I just imagine how it would be. Will he cry? Or happily wave back? Prayed with him tonight and tok to him about what to expect. Showed him his school bag. Didn't know if can be so exciting for me as father. Somehow this over-shadow my own emotion of starting the academic year in the new campus.

Today's sermon by Pastor Lynette is most apt. A timely reminder that of being rooted in God's presence and words. Look like my 'sun nui' gift of table daily verse will come in useful.

Have Holy Communion. Happy that my son is able to articulate the meaning of Holy Communion and the attitude in approaching the Table. Thank God. :-)

The first day of 2005 is plain. Stayed home to look after the kids while wife had her personal time out. She deserves it. It is no joke beng a homemaker. Fulltime job, literally. Bath them, cooked and fed them, iron clothing cos the humidity prevents it from drying, then finally played with them.
Plain is a blessing. It allows me to enjoy simple acts and simple fun. Being with people I love and just spending time with them. We need more plain days in a fast pace society so that we can enjoy our routine.

6 hours into 2005 and I am now peering back into 2004.
What a year! Good times and bad times mingled together. It was like a terrain, with mountain tops and valleys. And there were the flat terrain which were most appreciated.

Some quick recap:
The joyous moments...
My dotta called me pa pa and walked!
Celebrated my children birthday. They are now 3 and 1!
My son speaks clearer and able to string a longer and complete statement. He can now count 1, 2 and 3 and recognise some letters and numbers.
Went to KL! Not that KL is great but the time out of Singapore is great!
Got to know my students, some of them, much better.
My MEd convocation. A fruit after 5 years of hard labour and burning mid-night oil.
Prom night.. seeing them growing my boys and girls into gentlmen and laides. Yet, a tinge of sadness knowing that I am going to miss them badly.
Finally I can walk to school!


The harder parts..
Had to made the difficult decision to take leave from youth ministry. After 16 long years of serving there. It is hard to part, even though it is temporary. Miss the gals and guys in The Net Generations
Sending my maid back... tough to made the difficult decision.
Prom night.. cos it finally sealed the known, my 4 years batch of students are finally leaving
The shock of tsunami. Why must it happen at all? So many lives....
When my family members are sick.
When N level result were out.
The move of schools. I have packing and unpacking and packing and deciding where and what to put blah blah...

Well.. God is good all the time. Whether the moments were bright or dark. God as there....
Hence, the name Under His Wings.. I know 2005 will be safe, Under His Wing.

Yes!!