My Life
What is certain in life is that it's full of uncertainties. So I am gonna hide under His Wings. I don't wanna be found anywhere else.

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Sunday, February 27, 2005

family duty saturday

A not very exciting Sat, was just fulfilling the role of son-in-law. Went as a family to fetch mother-in-law to my mother place and then go home after that. Went to Thomson plaza for lunch as we were suppose to meet her there. How boring!

Felt very tired. Probably due to my sleeping at 3 am the night before. Anyway back home is better. When to buy dinner, while waiting for my hor fun, i drank a cup of tea. I suppose the caffiene helped. While doing things with son, he was singing bla bla black sheep... haha... he has really grown much. My dotta too, was dancing when she hears tunes she likes. These are the highlights of today. :-)

Soon.. so soon results will be out. This is a tough wait.

tse horng blogged at 2:30 AM



Saturday, February 26, 2005

one load off but another coming..

Finally the parenting workshop is over. one load off! 20 parents came. Speaker is my friend, a trained pyschologist and parents of 2 teenagers. Some of her stuff were pretty thot-provoking. The parents were good too. very spontaneous and responsive.

She asked wad if their children want tatoo. What would they do? She shared about her own dotta wanted to have her 5 and 6 ear holes and how both went through weeks of dicussion. Something interesting were things like personal time like father-son, father-dotta, mother-dotta and mother-son time, and sleeping with them once a while so that they can talk more about things.

Monday is the result. But I can't be at the hall, at least up to this moment. I had be at an interviewby MOE official in school. ARGH!!!! I want to be all taking results. I want to share the moments with them cos it is an important milestone for all of them. It is reasonable to want to be with your loved ones at their significant moments. Pray with me that I can be spared. Or perhaps meeting be changed or re-scheduled. Or even the interviwer on MC. Wadever, as long as I can at the hall.

Hey.. I am praying for all you, to have the peace and joy as you wait for the day. God gives you good result and leads you as u choose your future.

tse horng blogged at 12:41 AM



Friday, February 25, 2005




Excuse me, pls dun move so that I can paint your protrait
son in school

tse horng blogged at 2:46 AM







Little artist at work
son in school

tse horng blogged at 2:44 AM




Finally - revelation of results

FInally, we know the result will be out on Monday. 4 years of preparation and it just one day to tell how hard a person had studied. Sound scary rite? I think so.

Come to think of it, so is judgement day. The day we know how we stand before God. But there is a difference. God laid down His condition so clearly. We need to be sinless and righteous to enter an eternal relationship with Him. Sound impossible but He provides the solution - Jesus Christ. Enter a relationship with Him based on His work on the Cross and His promise of forgiving us, and that's it.

How to do that? Trust and tell Him you trust him.

Today, had some time with some teacher under my charge. I do hope it was a useful session for their development. Said a little prayer for them cos I dunno if I had helped them or stressed them.

tse horng blogged at 2:32 AM



Thursday, February 24, 2005

Daily verse: Proverbs 3:9

"Honour the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase."

Honour God is not lip service. It is in real practical way. Sometime it is so easy to be abstract in our religion. True spirituality is not some meditation but acting in ways that honour God. That includes our possession. Someone says that it is easy to tithe when it is just $10. But not so when it is $10000. It is true. I think my tithe would have sponsor me a trip to europe.

But honour God does involve some pain. Then it is meaningful.

Lord, thanks for accepting my underserving offerings to honour you. Amen

tse horng blogged at 5:50 PM




Busy time now and ahead

So many to be done but so little time. Din expect it will be so busy but it is really busy. the list of stuff to do: work review with teachers under me (about 7 hours), preparing for this friday parenting workshop, preparing for next week external validation, N level registration, getting parents to come for interview, looking for a part time paid parent coordinator, trying to finish my Reap marking and arrange for re-reap, .... i think i have been sleeping for arnd 4 hours these few days. Realise that I practically will running from one interview to another next week. And Os result.. when what how?

Anyway, finally decide to wtihdraw my son from his kindergarten. He really doesn't like the place. I had mentioned about his fear of this mask thingy. Cried whenever we try to persuade him to go. Now he says papa mama and mei mei are his best friends so no need to go school and play with his friends there. Drafted the letter and will fax today. We are not sure if we shd even try to llok for another school or let him rest totally until next year, K1.

tse horng blogged at 5:19 AM



Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Daily verse: Matthew 4:19

"Follow Me, and I will make you fisher of men."

To follow Christ is to follow Him in living out His two commandments; to love God and to love others as self and the Great Commission; to make disciples of all Nations.

The calling for us to follow Him will result in Christ making us to be fisher of men. We are called to be witness of God's love and redemption to everyone aound us. Someone once said, the Bible a non-Christian is going to be the Gospel according to you. Live the life of Christ and people will be attracted to Christ. I think if someone who knows me for many years and was shocked to discover that I am a Christian would tell much about how much of Christ I have in me. It would signal that I need to repent and ask God to help me to be true follower of Christ.

NS is a time when your character is being scutinised by others constantly. We practically lived together, slept together, snored together :P, ate together, trained together, and even bath together. Ha ha. We have to depend on each other. Many a time we are pressured and stressed. My section and platoon mates are able to see how I response to stress and temptation. I had to consciously ask the Lord to help me fight temptation like swearing and cursing. It is at times so easy to want to cos of the stress and almost everyone does it. Or the time when someone in front of me was browsing porno magazine. I was really tempted to look over. Other occassions were telling and joining in dirty jokes, drinking and drunk. Thank God that with help from the Holy Spirit, I manage to maintain my Christian witness. And because of that, when I told my friends while we were doing our guard duty patrolling in the middle of late night, about God's love, they listened. What I preached, I walked. When I was walking, I was preaching. I had earned my chance to share God's message of love.

I hope I am continuing in my witness for Christ. Only people around can tell me if I am.

Lord, help me to be a 'natural' fisher of men. Amen

tse horng blogged at 4:09 PM




Psalm 139

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. 2 I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 3 You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. 4 You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. 5 I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too - your reassuring presence, coming and going. 6 This is too much, too wonderful - I can't take it all in!
7 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? 8 If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there! 9 If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, 10 You'd find me in a minute - you're already there waiting! 11 Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!" 12 It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you. 13 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. 14 I thank you, High God - you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration - what a creation! 15 You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. 16 Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.

tse horng blogged at 1:36 AM




Must there be joy and sorrow? Can there be just joy?

While travelling down to NUH for my medical review of my back, I rec my ex-student sms that her dotta (Le Shane) will be on TV program's about Zoe preparation for baby tomorrow. She is so happy that I think she smsed to everyone in her HP contact list. Haha.. I think if I were in her position, I would too. Such joy and pride! Anyway Pauline was a playful but kind-hearted student of mine. Still remember her youthful smile. Sometime she sat right at the front during lesson. Now she is a mother of two!! Time flies!

While this mother celebrated, I know another mother cried. Remember some weeks ago I shared about my wife's friend from the mothers' group? Her baby girl was born without anus and had to be operated and she was suspected to have Down syndrome. Today, while i was still struggling with Reap, my wife opened her mail. Her friend called the doc to ask about the DNA analysis. The report showed that the baby has Down syndrome but they are not sure of the degree. The mother cried. She confessed she didn't know what to do next. She was lost. She didn't know if she should continue to pray for God's healing. At the end of her email, she quoted Psalm 139. Somehow, she will trust God to lead on. What great faith she has!! Anyway, please pray for the little baby girl (Le Ann) and the family.

Can there be just joy? Just good news? Yes!! The Day will come when Jesus will come to establish His Kingdom. He will wipe away our tears and give us smile on our face. The Day where lion and lamb can rest side by side. Till then, we know that at moments, Jesus is there to hold our hands and to wipe our tears and to carry us when we are too weak to walk.

One good news. My back dun have to be operated. Doc said my back has improved. He gave me a open appointment so tat anything I can call him directly.

tse horng blogged at 1:07 AM



Monday, February 21, 2005

Good Sunday

Today is quite a good day. Wifey taught the jolly creek (for children from 3 to 6 years old) today. Her second but first time for son and me to see cos the other time, we were all sick and had to stay home. she is good, involved the kids to role play as lions. The bible story was Daniel and how God protected him by keeping the lions' mouths closed. The key lesson was Loving God. When my wife ended with the question of who love God, my son immediately shouted me. Haha. First time see him more attentive to Bible teaching. I think he find amusing to see his ma ma teaching.

Pastor message is great. I was to tell us that our purpose in life is to worship God. And worship is "giving Attention to God", "expressing Adoration to God", and "using our Abilities to serve God". He said something that caused to me think much. He said it is possible to worship God at all moments. How? When we do the things we usually do but this time for Him. It is not what we do but who we do it for.

So if I teach Chemistry and do my best to honour God, I worship Him. If I counsel students in His name, I worship Him. If I do my housework cheerfully and for Him, I worship Him.

Remind me of Jesus saying that if we do to the least in His name, we have done it for Him. I find that liberating and revolutionising!!

tse horng blogged at 1:48 AM



Sunday, February 20, 2005

Sat... last weekend of CNY

We visited my wife ex-colleague. It was their gathering. All have kids of about same age. My son enjoyed playing with his friend so much that he almost broke into tears when we had to go off.

My dotta as usual, explored the place on her own. Then she turn and toss on their mattress. She enjoys that.

Today A number of ex-students turned friends wanted to come but sadly had to turn them down cosof packed programme. Reached home earlier than planned. I should have inform them cos they were in the vincinity. By the time I knew, it was too late. Sigh....

tse horng blogged at 2:11 AM




Thursday

So tired and busy that I din had energy to tok about last Thursday, my wife birthday. Shall not state her age here though. :P

Ordered a floral arrangement thru Prince Florist and suprised her when they delivered in the morning. Hee Hee. For dinner we went to Athen, a small resturant along Bt Timah, near 6th Ave. We have been there before, more than 3 yeas ago before our children came along. The food is nice. We like Greek food except for one dish, Mousaka, which involved egg plant and cheese, lots of cheese. The first time we tasted it was at Greece itself. That was our first trip together in 1994. Greece is a lovely and romantic place. I highly recommend you to go. Anyway, we were travelling up and down hill and with lots of bends and turns. So I was already feeling abit giddy. When I tasted Mousaka, I almost threw out. In the end I just drank the soup and ate the bread (free flow).

My son was very cute. When I stepped in, he immediately asked, "What smell?". Boy.. he was hungry and ate a lot. He loves lettuce and they served salad. He likes the chicken kebah and greek bread, i think it is called pita (something like tat). The aunty there found him so cute that she gave him chocolate. Of cos, my dotta asked for one too. Haha.

I think the visit to the resturant caused me to revisit the 1994 trip itself. Shall not bored with the past.

tse horng blogged at 1:45 AM



Saturday, February 19, 2005

Busy Friday and stressful next week

Friday is pack... always but today is worst.

I had only one free period but was used up to talk to one teacher with the principal come into staff to talk. So no free time.

When lesson ended at 12.40, I had to brief 4Ns form teachers on N level registration. After that had to rush back to science lab to talk to the lab tech cos of some rumours of conflict. Then rushed to HODs meeting with Principal at 1.45 pm. Followed by staff briefing at 4 pm and ended at a 6 pm when Principal came back from some meeting outside school. No time to sit or even check my emails today. Anyway, last min had to take over from Doris to brief staff cos she had sore throat. And P was telling us that he guessed result would be out somewhere next week. Amongst us, we were joking... prepare resignation letters. Stressful man... Soon I will meet my ex-students. I hope it will be joyful one..

Today, the staff welfare decorated the staff toilet and lounge with candles. They got members from the visually handicap to do head and should massage or foot relfexology. $10 for 20 min. Cool right. It gave them a means to be independant. Wanted to go for massage but no time... wasted. Sian!! Now still got tired shoulder from marking Reap!! Hope I can get to try it next round.

Son pont school again. He woke up after I gave him milk and said,"I dun want to go school, I want to sleep." Then sink his head back into the pillow. I think he really dun like the school and prefer to stay home. :S

I think for this week, one sad thing was that WS decide to leave school due to loss of interest. He worked hard to pass N level to come 5N and now he decides to stop. I wish he had talk to me first. Afterall, I have known him since he was Sec 1 and I really enjoyed having him in class, though sometime he is very sleepy. Along the passage of time, I have grown to love my students more, esp last yr Sec 4 and this yr Sec 5. It is sad to lose one beloved student this week.

Funny that when you are used to talking to someone and u dun get to talk to her for one day and you feel uneasy. Guess it means missing the person.

Oh 17 was oso PL birthday.. manage to sms her at arnd 0034 hr. Haha.

tse horng blogged at 2:20 AM



Friday, February 18, 2005

Daily Verse: Isaiah 11:9

"For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."

A day will come when the knowledge of God will fill the earth. Isaiah prohesised this when Israel was in deep trouble. At times it is so difficult to believe that the day will come. I think the faithful at that time would find it difficult. But faith is seeing the invisible.

For us too, when we hear about persecution of church or we think of the task of world evangelisation, we wonder if it is possible to reach the world. The verse reminds us that God promises it will come to pass.

Lord, may the Day come. Amen.

tse horng blogged at 6:11 PM







suprise my wife with this. odered and got them to send in the mornng. :-D nice floral?
son in school

tse horng blogged at 6:27 AM



Thursday, February 17, 2005

Daily verse: Psalm 3:5

"I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me."

When one's life is threatened and being pursued by enemies, to wake up alive is not to be taken for granted. David, the psalmist was being pursued by enemies. The amazing thing is that he could sleep. If I were in his position, I would probably be too nervous to sleep. Yet he placed his trust in God and know that the Lord will watch over him.

Faced with stressful situation? Look to God for a good sleep and rest in his arms.

He will protect and guide you through.

Lord, I turn to you for peace and protection. Amen

tse horng blogged at 2:30 PM



Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Daily verse: Matthew 4:16

"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."

This verse marks the begining of Jesus minstry after being tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. And Jesus minstry is about bringing light into the world of darkness. As His friends, we too are called to bring His light into the dark world of others so that they may see light in their lives.

How to bring light into their world? I think contact is the only way. Connect with people. Take time to build raport, to hear them, to know them and to love them. But we also need to be sure we are bearing His light. That'll mean constantly fellowship with Him and His people (Church) and to keep ourselves from sin. Sin will stain the vessel which bear the light.

Lord, help me not to be tired of minstering to people and at the same time, keep me holy so that my live is a testimony of your love and light. Amen.

tse horng blogged at 5:17 PM




How's your Valentine Day?

Quite a number of ppl asked me how I celebrated V. Day. I think they expected something special. Haha... used to be easier to plan. With 2 kids and my dotta behaving like cinderella (she sleeps early like 8 plus and will be cranky if she doesn't get her wish), it is almost impossible to have anything like dinner etc. But I know the day will come when it is possible to have nicely paced family V. Day dinner. And then, a time will come when my children will be happy to be left out so that they can have theirs too. :-) I dream too far leow. Ha ha.

Anyway, alumni was selling some roses. Since I was overseeing the group, I thot I would support them by buying some. Gave to special people in my live. I think giving gift should be given with a cheerful heart, not expecting returns. I also suprised the ladies under science department too. I think mrs c and ms o din expect. Haha.

Bought the roses on behalf of my children so that they can give to thier ma ma too. Held their hands to write the messages. I think my son like it. Of cos I showed her my msg on the New Paper too. Anyway, my wife birthday is 3 days after V. Day. So it has been years that we have dinner (short one for the enxt few years) on her birthday.

Over heard one man teacher comment on V. Day. I think there are ppl who use 'everyday is valentine' as an excuse for not doing anything on V. Day. It is true that every day ought to be, where we treat each other with love and appreciation, and suprise them with romantic gestures. But V. day is such an event that I am sure any ladies will appreciate that special effort. I mean, it is not nice to be left out.

It is like our relationship with God. Everyday ought to be filled with worship, praise, confession of sins, prayer etc. Does that means we can choose not got to church on Sunday? Oh no, I think going to Church on Sunday is to tell God that I am devoting this day even further. B'cos I treat each day holy, I am willing to go extra mile to live that out.

Ok.. just some thots on V. Day. Hope you had a good time expressing your love and appreciation to ppl you treasured.

tse horng blogged at 2:16 AM



Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Daily verse: Deutronomy 28:12

"The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season."

To be prosper is a common dream for many people. In the process of acquiring prosperity, ppl may at times forget God. In achieving prosperity, there is also the temptation of moving away from God. John Wesley very often warned against the danger of accumulating wealth on earth.

The verses that precede this verse were spoken to remind the people to obey God and in return, they will recieve His blessings. Similarly, we ought to obey Him and let Him decide how He is gonna reward us. It may not be tangible wealth but a rich soul and generous heart. One thing for sure, He rewards generously and we will not be lacking in the essential.

Lord, thank you that You are always ready to bless. Amen

tse horng blogged at 12:42 PM



Monday, February 14, 2005

Daily verse: Mark 8:34

"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."

Thomas Merton once said "To know the cross is not merely to know our own sufferings. For the cross is the sign of salvation, and no one is saved by his own sufferings. To know the cross is to know that we are saved by the sufferings of Christ; more, it is to know the love of Christ who underwent suffering and death in order to save us. It is, then, to know Christ. For to know his love is not merely to know the story of his love, but to experience in our spirit that we are loved by him, and that in his love the Father manifests his own love for us, through his Spirit poured forth into our hearts... "

Following Christ is not easy. To love people around us is a cross. We all know that people are not always easy to love. They betray our trust, take our kindness for granted, suck up our emotions etc. How can we go on to carry the cross. I think Merton has the answer for us. Fix our vision on Christ, His love and suffering. Then we can go on carrying the cross; loving others.

I do have ppl around me whom I find it difficult to love and i can't name them. They are the cross I got to carry. Once, God had to intervene. When I was serving my NS, there was this guy, a fellow christian whom I found hard to love, or even like. He loved to boast and readily put ppl down. God knew I love to hate him. So He intervened. On my training at Taiwan, I was put to buddy him, for 2 weeks!! Just 2 of us attached to some other unit's officer. I had to share with him the same landrover, cook together, look after his stuff and vice versa when we bath etc. God taught me that I can love him and care for him be will, even emotionally I dun feel like. He taught to love despite.

Lord, teach me to love ______ ____ ____ ______. Amen.

tse horng blogged at 5:20 PM




Karis first swim or rather first dip

Went to my cell group member, Cheng Kum and Cheng Hiok house at Bt timah, with the rest of the members. They are married couple not bro and sis though by sheer coindence, their name contain Cheng.

They have a small wading pool and so we brought along our swimming gear. For me, its been months I have not put on my swimming trunks! Consider that I used to swim weekly while I was teaching at Ghim Moh Sec. and swam everyday when I was waiting for my O level results (21 years ago). Haha.

It was fun! Karis first dip and Zuriel 3rd or 4th time. One of our friends got a float where kid can sit on it. Kairs was happily sitting on it while I push her along. She was a bit of worried initially but being the brave No. 2, she got over it in no time. Zuriel was more exicited. He was talking and talking about going to the pool even before he took his bath at home. When we stepped out of the house, he told the cleaner that he was going to the swimming pool. He was worried initially too. But when he saw the rest of his friends, Lucas and Linus, Owen and Sarah, Ruben and Ruth plus his mei mei enjoying, he forgot his fear. They played catching ball.. rather the adults were trying to catch the ball and pass to them. We had a good time. For me, it been a long time to be exposed to the sun and I think my back is red now. Wasted that I din take pic for Karis first dip.

Zuriel was so excited that back home he was still talking about going to swimming pool AGAIN. In fact, I had to persuade him to sleep. He cried, refusing to sleep. I had to bluff him that his animals (Lego) need to sleep so he need to sleep too. Tiring man.

Sigh.. tomorrow is Monday and I am on HOD duty. And I haven't got time to get my Valentine Day gifts!! :S

tse horng blogged at 12:08 AM



Sunday, February 13, 2005

Chinese-ness and Christianity

Today (Sat) newspaper Insight section have a few young journalists talk about being Chinese and Singaporean. They talk bout how their they define being chinese through their experiences and how they consider themselves Singaporean. This articles caused to reflect about being Chinese and beign Christian.

I recall how when I was young, I was pretty much against Christianity. I was then much influenced by Eldest Uncle, a Nantah grad., whom I respect much. He was much influenced by China history, communism and the idea of Chinese supremacy. So he gave me the idea that the westerners, along with their religion (Christianity), bullied Chinese. I bought the idea wholeheartedly.

When my parents and brother converted to Christianity, I was confronted with the issues again. Finally, I became a Christian. How did I finally change my heart? Next time then say.

Because of my background, I am always mindful that there are people who are like who I was. They have the misconception as I had. I know at least one student's father who think so. That's why I believe that Christians in Asia need to continue to show that Christians stil uphold tradition that are good. There need to have more interaction between Christianity and culture. I was very impressed when I was in a Roman Catholic church for my friend's wedding. The priest was wearing a stoke with the 'double happiness' printed on it. Wonderful interaction. Some churches have thanksgiving service on firs day of CNY. While for me, this year I finally got hold some chinese wordings to paste on my door frame. The words talk about God's love. I am glad to tell my neighbour that I can love God and yet very much a Chinese.

I will continue to read Chinese, listen to Chinese music and pray perhaps one day Chinese Orchestra/Instrumental from Church and for Church that play Christian music!! The indian christians could infuse their instruments and drum into their worship. Why not Chinese too?

tse horng blogged at 6:26 AM




Visitors

4th day of CNY for me is a day where friends come and visit. Students from Sec 4A came over: Janice, Charmaine, Shi Hui, Stella, Wan Ching, Sem, Jun Sheng, Xiang Jie, Jin Jie, Guo Wei, Shu Cheng. Jun Sheng was esp 'hardworking' as he was 'doing' Chemistry reap preparation at his Chemistry teacher house. He is forgiven since he carried my son over his head, which my son enjoyed it. :P

Ms Wee and Mr Lau came too. Nice to have them around too.

Chiobu Felicia came! Finally.... she visited me :-) Now only left Ngaip Yan. Feli, you noe wad I mean... haha. Must send me the foto le.. my son sure want to see one.

Two handsome came too, Jerome and Marvin came, pretty late but I am glad they came. Showed them the classic black and white cantonese movie, Lu Lai Sen Zhang (Buddha Palm). It was as popular and high tech as today's Kungfu hussle.

Strange, after so many years, I am never very at ease in entertaining guests. I can talk to friends , joke with them and laugh loudly. But once they are at my home, I am quite different. In fact, I feel quite awkward at times. Dun ask me why. I still have not figured it out yet. It is not just this occasion but many. Maybe it has to do with my reserved and shy nature? When I invite ppl into my private live (my home), I become reserve? Maybe I just dun have the gift of hospitality. Well, just guessing. If you have similar feeling or ways to overcome it, let me know.

Years ago, I actually thot of opening one room for travelling missioners to stay over for few days so they dun have to pay for hotel and get to eat home cooked food. But I realised that I would be too stressed up by that. It is a good think I din offer.

Nevertheless, I really happy to have them come over today. I esp hope that my ex-students and esp those whom I treasured, will come visit me every CNY. At least we get to catch up once a year. And years later, they will come with their children and I will be most happy to give them Angpao. First child will get the biggest! Haha.

tse horng blogged at 6:04 AM



Saturday, February 12, 2005

On Eagle's Wings.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31

On Eagle's Wings
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,

Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,
My Rock in Whom I trust."

Refrain
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear;
Under His Wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.

Refrain
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

You need not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day,
Though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come.

Refrain
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

For to His angels He's given a command,
To guard you in all of your ways,
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Refrain
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

fiona blogged at 5:59 PM




Daily Verse: Matthew 4:10

"You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve."

There is only one God. The statement often draws criticism from people who think Christians are being arrogant to claim that their God is the only true God. But can there be more than one God? If God is the first cause of all things, than logically speaking, there can only be One. All things got to start from that One source - God. Is God personal then or some impersonal cosmic force? Humaniity and animals all have their personality, able to communicate and relate. Can an impersonal force create personality? Not possible.

God created the world and continues to care for the world through the natural seasons and phenomena. God involved Himself with His Creation when He sent His prophets, and finallt His very own Son. He is not a far away God but a loving real Father of the creation.

Truly, worthy of our worship and service.

Lord, I worship you! Amen

tse horng blogged at 4:16 PM




Tired out

Dunno why I am so tried? Tried my best to be upbeat today in class but somehow I know I am not 100% energised. I slept through again instead of waking up to do house work.

Friday morning was quite funny. I was changing for work and my son had already woken up. He came over and told me that I dun have to work to 'buy' money because he had 'buy' 'many' money from the chinese new year. Ha ha. I gave him a big hug! :-) I suppose that was my son first attempt to ask me to retire! Haha.

My dotta can talk more. Today (Friday) she said 'hellO' to me over the phone! :-)

tse horng blogged at 6:58 AM



Friday, February 11, 2005

CNY can be tiring as well as meaningful

CNY is really draining. When we were just 2 of us, we could visit 4 places on the first day. Now that we have 2 kids, we cut it down to 2 places, our parents. But it was still so tiring. I usually will lay down with my son until he sleep and then I will carry on with my housework. But I was so tired out that I actually slept through till 5.30 am, without brushing my teeth. :P Got to admit, age is catching up.

Second day, we visit my grandparents, my children's great grandparents. My children are their first great grandchildren. My grandmother was so over-joyed when my son ran to greet her "Lau Ma" and wished her "xin nian kai le" and "kong xi kong xi". She likes him very much, maybe he looked like me, and reminded her of those days, some 30 plus years ago. I was afterall, her first grandchild and maybe still her favourite. Anyway, we travelled to my first uncle's place, at Queen condo, the tallest condo in sg, at least at the moment. My grandma wanted to hold my son while travelling there even though she needed a maid to support. I think that's why even though it is tiring, CNY is meaningful. It brings joy to old people and warm our hearts when we witness such human bondings . We watch Kongfu Hussle. My grandparents laughed all the ways and their eyes were almost closed. Should have bring along my camera and take those candid moments.

My children had a good time exploring the place, to touch rabbit and feeds the kois. My grandpa said my dotta is tigeress cos she can give a very fierce look. Haha. She can give you that stare when she is not happy. My first uncle commented that when she grows up, she will be an explorer and adventurer. Probably dashing through Daiy Farm area and bringing back durains she picks on the way. Why did he say that? Cos my dotta was walking in and out of all the rooms, exploring this and that, touching and taking this and that, including plucking fruits from his pots of plant. Ha ha.

My pastor, Rev Barnabus, told us there is something about No. 2 kids in the family. They are different from the other. If you are no. 2 at home, let me know if you feel you are different from the rest?

At night, we went to my wife eldest sis place. My son could hardly wake up from his afternoon nap to go out. I think he will pon school tomorrow. Ha ha.

So fast, a new year has dawn, and I am one year older.... got to make a progressive lens to read better leow. Haha.


tse horng blogged at 1:54 AM



Thursday, February 10, 2005

Daily Verse: Psalm 3:3

"But you, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head."

Everyday, we need God as our shield. The attack could be direct attack. I remember once I visited a missionary couple in a sensitive countries. They told us how they were attacked spiritually when they visited some places of worship. They felt the suffocation. I had funny dreams too over at that country and I know it is not my usual ones. Attack could be subtle like influencing of thinkings and worldview. As Christian, we ought to get our worldview from our Father, and that is true regular reading of Bible, corporate worship, prayer, reading of Christian literature, fellowship with other christians etc. But our exposure to the media, friends and even family members, and our interests may slowly move us away from God if we are not careful. My close friend shared with me how her mixing with a group of colleague influenced her to get less interested in God and become more negative on many things. But thank God that He intervened. When there were some misunderstanding between them, she was led back to be closer to God.

Indeed God is the best shield.

Lord, no where do I want to hide but behind your shield. Thanks be to God! Amen.

tse horng blogged at 4:18 PM



Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Morning and Night

Finally the school is celebrating CNY in our very own premise.

I think the concert is really good. The deco too. Kudos to the teachers and students. Took 40 photos. Experiment some techniques. But gonna take a while to develop it and scan it. Met some alumni. Showed Ken and Alfiq their Sec. 1 photos. They laughed. We laughed. They were really like small kids. Now, they are handsome young men. Time flies...

Was packing angpoas for tomorrow. At the end, realise I dun have enough to use for travelling and other purposes for tomorrow. So I had to go out to draw money from ATM, at 12 midnight. Turned out to be blessing in disguise. Why? The sky was very clear. I get the luxury of stopping to gaze at the stars. I have always enjoyed looking at stars but have been so busy and tired that I hardly notice the constellations nowaday. Saw Southern Cross and Orion. I felt my heavy heart lifted.

Thank God... Small blessing like this reminds me of God's goodness.

tse horng blogged at 1:46 AM



Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Daily Verse: Numbers 6:25-26

"The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace."

This verse holds a special place in my heart. It was used by my former pastor, Rev Kevin Lowe, during the Wesleyan Covenant Watchnight Service. The service is meant to be the last of the year and the first service of the new year. We have the service at midnight. The service provides time for us to reflect, confess and commit or re-commit. When he shared the message, it encouraged me alot as I was definitely uncertain of the year ahead. What kind of tribulation will I face? What defeat or failures will I experience? And the verse remind me that God is gracious. His grace is sufficient to sustain me and lead me onwards. When we look to His face, we recieve His peace, which the world cannot give.

It is worth mentioning that this blessing was told by God to Moses and Aaron. He told them to use these words to bless His people.

How apt is this verse on the eve of the Monkey Year. God will surely lead me onwards in the new year. I can rest assure that I will have His grace and peace to live through challenges. I hope all my relatives and friends share the same assurance.

Lord, I need your blessing, every moment, every day, every week, every month, every year.... throughout my life. Thank you for blessing me with grace and peace. Amen.

tse horng blogged at 10:35 AM




40 Days of Purpose: Day 2

Will be sharing my thots about 40 DOP here.

The key idea of today's reading is that we are not here by accident, even if our parent didn't plan for us. God has, before our birth, planned our being, our talents, our experiences etc.

The book quoted a poem by Russell Kelfer:

You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.
You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what he wanted to make.
The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matte how you may feel,
They were custom-desgined with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.
No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.
You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God!
My line: No matter what people say about me, or what happens to me; I am a worthy person because I am The Designer's product.
Hope you feel that way too.

tse horng blogged at 1:47 AM




Update on family

I thank God that all of us are of better health now.

Son still has block nose. So we decide to go back to the doc to review his ear infection. Thank God the ear is fine. Doc suspects his nose is allergic and given another type of anti-histamine to lower the reaction. He got my bad gene in this case. Sigh. On the way back, he could tell me that Jie Jie at school is going Malaysia and he wants to go too. :O

My son is really more able to articulate. I am glad. Real fun.

My dotta is equally fun. She is eating some rice! Yay! She loves Mother Goose video now. She could even pre-empt the next move and laughs before even before MG appears. SHe will follow their action during the various songs. She is enjoying 'busybodying' too. Was telling son to drink some water. On hearing that, she went to pick up her Kor Kor water bottle and wanted to pass it to him. When he walked away, she was 'running' to catch up. Haha.

tse horng blogged at 1:40 AM




Hair cut, Class deco, Year Book

After my cell group Bible Study, I went for a hair-cut. I figure that I will not have any other time slot to cut my hair before CNY and I need to shorten it. The heat and the thickness of hair is kiling my brain cell. So I surveyed a few shops at clementi (the group meeting was at clementi). Most of them have to wait except this Indian Barber shop. I decide to try them, sort of like re-living my childhood days. He was fast and efficient. My hair is really short. Today at school, many ppl commented that I cut my hair. I could sense that they were politely saying, 'You had a hair cut'. But their facial expression was like 'Wah!! So short!'. Mr Peter Soh was more direct, as his usual style, "the slope is too high, like the Hainan head, not nice." Well, at least the truth is out. Haha. Nevermind, I am married and have good self-esteem. I can handle the truth. haha.

Oh... today I sent my Valentine message to the sale person of SPH. Will be out on New Paper.

Went around as judge for CNY class deco competition. Some classes were really impressive. 2E laid table cloth and tied the tables together. 3A had lucky draw by bursting balloons. One class got carpet and cushion. The Sec. 1 classes were definitely inexperience. I happily posed for the AVA members as they were eager to take some photo of judges in action.

Today, some alumni were back to do the Year Book. Asked me to suggest what were the 10 things ppl will not forget about the school. I think I mentioned REAP, and others. Later, much later, I suggest one more, Art teacher who can't draw. :o Suggested they may one a list of "What we wanted but did not get it." Haha... This list should be easy..

Anyway, my voice is finally back to 80% volume. Science Pract was smooth going and pleasant. Thanks to 5A and B. 3B of course is always laughing. 4A was trying real hard. But the heat really knocked some of them down, plus my low coarse voice wasn't helping.


tse horng blogged at 1:22 AM



Monday, February 07, 2005

Daily verse: Isaiah 62:3

"You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God."

The promise given to Jerusalem when it was far from its prime day. Sometime when all things seem to go against what I would consider as being blessed, I know I need to hold on to God's promises. When Isaiah spoke these words, I am sure some of the people would doubt him. But the truth is one Day God will be back to reward His people. How much comfort can the people of God draw from this promise, especially for the church that is attacked, persecuted from all angles.

Hallelujah!

Lord, I am clinging on to your Promise. Give me strength to hang on and keep my eyes on the vision that Day. Amen



tse horng blogged at 4:03 PM



Sunday, February 06, 2005

Meet up and move around

Got to meet some of the graduated students... finally. Sadly, for a short while only. Wish I could stay longer but got to settle so many things to be ready for CNY. Everybody seem to be relax and happy. I am glad. My children definitely happy to meet many kor kor and zai zai.

We travelled around. Go to Thomson to my wife 'former home'. Went to Thomson plaza to buy some goodies then go to her mother place to collect ordered goodies and for us to give her oranges. Went to look for plants again. Got a few pots of orchid.

Son was so tired that he slept at 8 pm. Haha...

I enjoyed today. Thank God.

tse horng blogged at 1:42 AM



Saturday, February 05, 2005

Kick Off: 40 Days of purpose

Back from from church for the Kick Off of 40 Days of Purpose. There was a short skit on what is life purpose. Funny.. dunno who wrote the script. One of my youth group members was acting. So proud of her.

The Pastor led us through a time of silent meditation and prayer, asking us to seek God's will in these 40 days. One word came up strongly. Character. I am not sure yet what it mean. But I am asking God to shape my character so that I am aligned to His purpose. It was a good short message. Talked about the presence of God means the place is holy. Remind us that as we enter the 40 days, we are entering a holy place too. Actually these 40 days coincide with Lent. :-)

I am excited about how God will use these 40 days to work on me, my family and church as a whole. I think even the community will be impacted since if our lives are focussed on God, others will be blessed too.

Today, Mulan and Meiting bought me big breakfast. Pei sei.. but appreciate their care. Voice is still no good but slightly better. So is cough but wife is getting cough. Sigh.

tse horng blogged at 1:32 AM



Friday, February 04, 2005

Daily verse: Proverbs 2:6

"For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

To be wise is to show good judgement. Have you ever wonder how people judge in beauty contest or judge an art piece? We can't judge unless we know what is good or ideal. CS Lewis suggested that when we say something is incomplete or no good, we sub-consciously have an idea of what is good or complete.

But to really have an idea of what is good or perfect, we got to look to the One who is truly perfect and good. He is God. God is complete, perfect and good. His word gives wisdom. Search His word and know His will and we will truly know wisdom and judge correctly.

Lord, help me never to get tired in seeking your precepts and way so that I may be truly wise. Amen.

tse horng blogged at 1:30 PM




Of medicine and herbal tea

Went to see the doc again, the third for this stubborn cough and infected throat. Was given antibiotics, cough syrup, pills to remove phelgm and mouth wash to 'disinfect the throat'. Cough syrup taste nice.. I suspect this is the type where ppl get addicted too. MC too but I wanted to complete lessons so used it to go home earlier. I think the medication is better this time round. Cough at night is lesser and less intense compared to previous nights. Also, I think I disciplined myself to talk less in class. Must thanks the classes I taught today too, 3A, 3B and 5B. They were very cooperative.

Nurses were here to perform health check for us. I have lost 2 kg since school opens!!

Afternoon my sun nui visited me and gave me herbal tea (luo han guo) which is good for throat. Worth waiting. But even without the herbal tea, it is worth the wait :-) Helps to soothe my throat and bring back some 'balance' according to TCM. Nice to see Pei Luan and Riahanah too.

My son is enjoying conversing more and more. Haha.. very fun!! He is still haunted by the bully thingy. Poor thing. So both of us had to explain to him why and how he could react in the future. We assured him that the bus aunty will separate them 'far far' away. Today he tried to show us how to march... very funny sia. My dotta is getting more cheeky too. Whe will actually try to play hide and seek with us. She is learning very fast too. She is enjoying practicing feeding herself though we have to clean up the mess. Anyway, all of us are taking medication. Hopefully by CNY none of us have to.

Today is a good day.... thank God.





tse horng blogged at 2:54 AM



Thursday, February 03, 2005

Daily verse: Psalm 2:8

"Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, the the ends of the earth for Your possession."

God the Father speaking to His Son, promising Him the world as His inheritance. One day, all tongues will confess He is Lord and all kneels will bow before Him, whether they believe or not believe in Him now. So better believe in Him now. :-)

I look forward to that Day when I can come forward to the Lord, with my family and friends, to worship Him. Yet, I am also mindful that some of my relatives and friends have yet to acknowledge His Lordship.

Lord, for those who yet to acknowledge your Lordship, I pray that your light will illuminate them. Amen


tse horng blogged at 1:47 PM




visitor

Today my sun nui and her mother came and visit me and bought me a package of char siew rice. Later, Malcolm and Cheryl came too. They were here to collect money from the teachers for the mandarin oranges.

5B dropped a note on my desk. I am no longer angry. I dun harbour anger, rather I try and learn not to harbour anger. Still, I appreciate their efforts. I hope they will be more disciplined. Afterall, they got to think for their future.

Son learnt to sing Kong Xi Kong XI.. haha.. cute :p Anyway, he complained someone use water bottle to hit him in school bus. So wifey called the bus driver and ask them to keep an eye on the matter.

tse horng blogged at 1:14 AM



Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Daily verse: Matthew 4:4

It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

How important is the Word of God to me? It is so easy to wear it on the lips that God's word is important. But it is not really that easy when we seriously walk by His word. And it is every word, not preferred word. Many a time, we tend to raise certain God's commandment as higher than others and ignore other commandments. I need to take God's word seriously cos my life and eternity is dependent on it.

Lord, help me to love your word so dearly that I will live by it. Amen.



tse horng blogged at 3:06 PM



Tuesday, February 01, 2005

back from PsT fuming (edited)

I was angry.. really angry and disappointed.
Was at 5B for Personalised Tutoring. I had loss my voice, coughing and trying not to sleep due to the drowiness of medication, cancelled my NUH back exercise and delayed going home even though my wife is having fever again. Yet, I had people who just 'escape' from PsT and came back not doing the task I want them to do but doing other thing. Others were just sitting there not doing anything.
Dun they know they are not the only one tired? Teachers are equally exhausted.
Haven't they seen the tears their friends who didn't got promoted to Sec. 5? Or their friends who were loss when they were not sure about what should be the next step after N level result? I am just trying to prevent that to happen to them. Perhaps, it is their future they should be fighthing for. Not me fighting for them.
Sigh... even while my throat is sore, my heart hurts more.

I said before that every day has at least one highlight and we should think about them. There were some. One Sec 3 girl, Mei Sheng, was very nice. She bought a box of strepsils (spelt correctly?) for me. That not only soothed my throat but warmed my heart. Of cos, I had my ex-students who came along to encourage me too.

tse horng blogged at 3:58 PM




Daily Verse: Psalm 150:6

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!"

The most uplifting time in my lives are often during worship service. Sometime, it is not during corporate worship service but personal time with God, those time when I praise God in my own words.

I am never a good singer. I suspect I am either slightly tone death, or can't follow the beats or both. But I enjoy making new songs to God when i am by myself. I will use a familiar tune and put in my own words to praise God. They were uplifting.

In fact, it seem that my stress index and praise index go hand-in-hand. Moments like when I applied to enter NIE and was waiting for a long time for the reply, or those time when I was studying in NUS, being the last few to leave the library at 9.45 pm. I recall I sang many praises to God while I was walking to the bus stop.

There were the good time too. When I gazed at the beauties of sun set and sun rise, or with family and friends.

Or when I discovered Biblical truth and God's love.

God deserves our praise. He is worthy!!

Lord, thank you for the sun, rain and rainbow. Thank you for family and friends. Thank you for being Great and Love. Thank you. Amen.

tse horng blogged at 11:38 AM




Push forward

Had MC but I decide to go to school. Good thing that I manage to complete the Pract with 5A and B. After that my throat really sore. Wanted to stay on with 4A to complete their pract. But really cant. So had to go home and rest.

Managed to fetch my son today from his school bus. Can see he was pleasantly suprised. :-)
He was tired but very good appetide. Finished one big bowl of rice. haha.

Evening when back to the doc to review his ear infection. Much better but still got some redness. So another course of antibiotics to be sure that no bugs is alive. Sigh... Dotta is well. Yay!

But still thank God for the rest and that he is back to school and the infection is mostly cured.


tse horng blogged at 1:13 AM



Here I am waiting
Abide in me I pray
Here I am longing
For You
Hide me in Your love
Bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus
More and more

Come live in me
All my life
Take over
Come breathe in me
And I will rise
On eagle's wings
Eagle's Wings
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