A busy week, plus the accumulated tiredness from watching over my children during their bouts of fever, I didn't have time to blog.

'Busyness' has the ability to cause temporary memory loss. While I am sitting here trying to recall what is worth writing about, I realise that it is actually not easy. I can't rememberif there were events or incidents worth mentioning. I suppose it is a reflection of the lack of time to reflect of the days' happenings.

Anyway, SWI is going well. 60+ ppl signed up and elimination is going on well. I am glad.

One unhappy incident was while I was trying to help a colleague but that she behaved so unreasonably that I don't know how I can help her to maintain a professional image. She has become defensive, uncooperative and unprofessional. She even told me she would do what I have told her to do. Can't she see that I was trying to help her... spoilt my friday.

Anyway, had a farewell lunch for the 6 trainee teachers. Nice group of ppl but the tyranny of 'busyness' has prevented me to know them more... sigh.

I hardly had time to chat with my usually msn buddies (you know who you are). Really miss you and chat time.

Ohh yea.. sponsored my wife to go for "Sound of Music" as Mother day gift. Also, a timeout for her. Sat will me and children at home.

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God."

This verse is very significant to me. For those of you who are older, you probably know that there is a song that uses this verse and it was very popular in the mid 80s. While serving National Service, I was assigned to Taiwan for my overseas training. It was my first overseas training and I was definitely fearful. And it was a tiring assignment. We were on shifts to man our radio sets.

I knew it could be quite free too, as there would be time I just have to sit around and 'look after' the radio sets since there would be no activities. So I bought along a mini-cassette player. Could not afford a Walkman then.

We were station at a very high mountain and my landrover was just quite near the edge. One morning, very early, around 5 am, I was doing my shift, my little sound making machine was playing Worship 8, and the song was "As a dear..". And I was praying and reading the Bible. I decide to unroll my sde canopy to look out. It was dark and then I was the first ray of sun, touching the mountain top of the neighboring mountain. It was one of the most beautiful picture. The beauty of creation reminds of the beauty of the Creator. There was this thirst and love for my Creator. No wonder cathedral are build in a magnificence way. It was meant to invoke awe of the Creator.

Whenever, I sing this song or read this verse, I am transported back to time, to that moment of awe. I was then so tired after many days of training. But at that moment, I was so refreshed. I am reminded of God is real, then and now.

Are you in a dry patch in your walk with God. Maybe what you need is to look at the creation. Hear the rolling thunder or look at the purple head mountain (Carl Boberg, who wrote 'How great Thou art). Let His creation invoke in you awe and wonder!

Lord, I want to know you more, Creator of all things, visible and invisible. Amen

Back from class and then my colleague told me Mr P. Soh collaspe. He is 50 plus and hads heart disease. So while walking there... i was still thinking it should not be too bad.. those self-protect thinking to prevent myself from over panic.

Went up to the 3rd, 4th and 5th level but could not find him. FOund him later at ground floor. He was pale and sitting on the floor breathing slowly but deeply. Will it be the last time? Said a short prayer for him. Thank God ambulance came in 5 mins time.. last heard was he wanted to rest.. so no visitor till then.

Our next breath is God's gift... Amen!

Weekend is spent measuring temperature of children and feeding them medicing using a syringe.

Son fever gone up to as high as39.4 degree. 4 medicine to feed each time... antibiotic, paracetamol, syrup for cough and anti-histamine.... sometime easy, sometime struggle.

We were suppose to attend my grandparents' birthday and my brother's dotta 1st birthday. But .... can't. sigh..

Praying they get fully well soon. Dotta is too light already.

Work is still busy.. very busy

But the reward is my children are still as cute as ever!! Yay!

"I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is my right had I shall not be moved."

Obeying God seem to be with the minority. I salute those who stood fast and speak against social ill. Example, MP who spoke against Casino or resisting bride when in a society where bribery is such a common practice. Or going against peer pressure just to obey God's command.

But when you think of you, when we decide the obey God, we are standing with God. And that is The Majority! For those who are facing the pressure when sticking to God, may the Lord strengthen you.

Lord, I pray for my many brothers and sisters who stoodfast in the face of opposing tides that they may know that they are unmoveable. Amen

"Let everyhting that has breath praise the Lord!"

An expression of awe, and joy! God is awesome. Sometime there is a need to pause and be dazzled by His splendour. Pause to look at the sunset and sunrise; the lightning and thunder; the volcanoes and tonado; and complexity of DNA and snow flakes; the unique properties of water; the beauty of holding a baby in your arms; the warm arms that hug you; a wrinkled face but still smiling; and the list goes on. God is indeed worthy of the praise from all living things.

Somehow the image of prophet Elijah meeting God came to my mind. In 1 King 19:11-13, Elijah was distressed and God met him. He was told to stand at the mountain. The there was a strong wind , so strong that rocks were torn apart. After that earthquake rocked the place. But God wasn't in there. Instead He came in a soft whisper, encouraging and instructing Elijah. Sometime, it is to be still and listen to the whisper and you will be awed by His love and gentleness. These whispers may be a piece of chocolate bar from someone significant or a cup of water from a stranger or a verse from the Bible in the moments you least expected.

Lord, I am thankful that is easy to spot a reason to praise You. I pray for friends who are struggling to thankful that You will come in a whisper to comfort them. May they do find a reason to praise You. Amen.

Funny to have your student's child playing with your own son. That's what I experienced today. While attending my friend's wedding (ex sunday school student turned fellow co-labourer turned missioner with BB), my ex sunday school student came to our place and her daugher played with my son. The age difference is about 2 years old. Of course, my son is delighted to have her's company to brake the boring (in his perspective) solemnisation. He called her mei mei and friend freely. I thot it is cool. Now our topic is longer, 'so how are you with God' but 'I am looking for that for my childrem, where did u get that?'.

I enjoyed it. I enjoyed seeing my ex-students growing and progressing. I am glad that i had a chance to be with them in the teenagers phase, where they ask about their own identity, their future and my emotional ups and downs. No longer a confused and direction searching teens, they are now either helping other teens or hellping their own toddlers. :-) It is a gift from God to be able to witness the growing up of someone and a even greater gift to be somehow support that growing.

Today, I had wonderful personal time with my son since my daughter is still having fever from her booster jab. We went to Teck Whye market for breakfast and marketing (whay else) and then to the wedding in the late afternoon. He enjoyed it. When he woken up from his afternoon nap, he was smiling. Asked why, he told me he was happy cos he went shopping with pa pa in the morning. He slept easily tonight too, sign of a tired and satisfied child. :-)

When we left for the wedding, both kids were about to tear cos they din want to be separate... I am happy that they love each other.

A good sat break with no long outing. I need the time to rest at home too.

sorry gramps steal ur advertising space.

http://www.m5concept.com/VIRUSMagazine/vote.html

vote karen neo!! =P

if she wins, she'll give a treat!! LOL.

Attended the promotion ceremony today. Can you believe it? They expected us to register between 2 to 2.40 and the actual ceremony begins at 3.30 pm. We were sitting there for like more than 1 hour.. why? Typical kiasu!!

Anyway, it was raining so heavily that the umbrella was not effectively keeping me dry.

Got to meet some old friends there. Saw my former Principal. She was promoted to Superscale H. Wah! Saw another whom I got to know when I was in MOE. He was there as Project officer while I was there as guidance officer. Around my age and he is a Principal. :O One of those scholar on the fast track.

When it came to my turn to rec. the letter from Minister of State, I was a bit shy, so din wait for the cameraman to shoot (he took so long....), that the MOS asked to re-pose.. Never like those former shoot of one hand holding something and the other holding the presenter hand.

When I see some of the people whom I know, esp my peers, gotten promotion faster than me, I sort of doubted my ability. But putting things in proper perspective, I am not too bad, afterall I am the youngest HOD amongst those in my school. More importantly, when I consider how I coleague collapsed in school (she is fine now, thank God) and another in Intensive Care Unit, there are important in life than status, money etc. There things like relationship with God, famil, friends, beign a blessing to others, being holy etc that are of far more importance.

So... I thank God today... that I have Him, family, friends and myself. :-)

Karis fever gone up to as high as 39oC.. got to monitor during the night.

IFD was hiliarious. The stage performance was a fair mix of funny interpretation of IFD and talents. Some were hidden talented, so well covered that I had difficulty spotting the talent. Anyway 3 cheers for all went up, for being courageuous and making the programme fun.

I thot I would relax through but I ended being arrowed to be one of the 3 judges. B'cos of this role, I paid attention throughout.

Some classes really put in a lot effort. I appreciate it. Teacher too went up to help. Ms Chua played the guitar for her class. That was nice. At one part, when 5AB send their models up, Karen gave me flying kiss and I caught it. Funny sia... Hafiz did that too, but I had to pretend and told Mrs Ang it was for her.... haha. They are brave.

Was expecting Felicia to come but last minute she was busy. Look forward to her coming next week.

Night, Karis went to have her booster for MMR vaccination. Ended with fever at 1 am. It was expected and we fed paracetamol and she threw out. Poor thing. Anyway, when we reached the clinic earlier in the evening, the staff were using Detol to clean the toy and the doc came out holding a pair of shoe with tissue to pass to a father. Gave us a fright thinking if some infectious disease found there... immediately we took the kids out and wait outside.... scary.... pray we are all ok...

"Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!"

While I was studying my final year - honours year for my B.Sc, I was really tired. So much to remember and to integrate that I often return home exhausted.

But as I walk towards the bus-stop at 10 pm, I would sing praises and prayer to Him, softly if there are people around and louder when I crossed the overhead bridge over Ayer Rajah Expressway. By the time I reached home, I felt so refreshed by the Lord. I will recall His word and past faithfulness.

Are you tired and heavy-ladened? Spend some time praying and singing to God. Read His word and remember He cares.

Lord, I pray for those who read my blog that if they tired because of the demands and pressure, may they find strength in You and ever more. Amen

Today I attended workshop organised by Girl's Bridage on Servant-leadership. It was 'invented' by this guy called Robert Greenleaf.

Isn't is a paradox? Most ppl have the concept that leader are the one being serve. I mean, the CEO enter the board room, who bring the drink? Who arrange the stationary etc for a meeting? Of course not the Chairman of the board. It will be someone else. The idea of leader who has all the authority and power simply doesn't match the idea of leader is a servant.

Being a servant-leader doesn't diminish one's authority to lead but actually gives credibility to lead. Jesus was one such person who is the perfect role-model of servant-leader. He washed His disciple feet, He fed the people, He served as their priest and finally as the sacrificial lamb. Yet, no one questioned His authority. He didn't have to use lightning to strike ppl who din accept Him. In fact, He continued to be Himself, serving ppl, and not for the sake of being accepted as leader, but simply to serve and save. Another person that come to mind is Moses. God actually came in the establish Moses' authority. It wasn't Mosese request. Moses serving out his leadership. Mother Theresa is another one nearer to our post-modern history. She served and yet commanded so much respect that leaders of nation meet her and honour her.

I dun think she or Moses setout to serve so that they get honoured. They served because they saw the need. The rest came naturally as God leads them into leadership so that they can serve more.

As a leader, I ought to be reflective of my motive and manner in leading. May my Saviour and Lord be truly my Lord in my sphere as leader in school and home.

Oh.. I met one ACJC teacher. Upon talking, we found out that we were from the same cohort (1984-85)! Haha.. and they are organising a gathering to mark 20th anniverary since we graduate.... wow... so fast 20 years leow. Anyway he mentioned that he saw some of our ex-students and also ACJC did very well this time round. :-)

Sat with SAJC Principal during lunch too. Got to hear about how teaching is like in JC.

Today is quite a free day since 3A and B are out at SP. Met a guy from this company where they have this device to teach about air pressure. Pretty neat. The 'toy' could demo how water can boil under 100C when air pressure is low or inflation of balloon. Going to buy a set for physics teachers to demo.

Manage to complete preparing a test... phew.

Karis is down with flu... sad. Woke up a few time since she slept till now. Sigh. Pray that Zuriel will not catch it. Tomorrow will be at Orchard Hotel for a whole day course. Shopping time? Nay.. probably no time.

"Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually "The Lord be magnified!"

The link between us and God is closely knitted. As we rejoice and recieve His salvation, we seek for Him to be magnified. Our salvation should lead us to focus on Him and not on us. Think of the moment when we first turn to Him in repentance, we were desperate and concern about our own destiny. And rightly so when we realise the path to eternal damnation. But we we progress, we are longer just limited to weather I will cross over the side of heaven. The Psalmist said that God's people will begin to seek to glorify God. Indeed, we will move towards where we want to know God more and to see Him lifted high. The focus should move beyond eternal survival to eternal glory of God.

Lord, help me to focus more on You and to see You magnified. Amen

Aranda majulah!

Planned to go eat at casurina prata then walk at peirce reserviour before visiting my old friend. But as usual, left home late so ended with breakfast and visit my friend. The prata is not as great as we have heard about.

It was great to meet up with Tee Chiou and his family. He has grown, just as me, in a horizontal manner. More white hairs but i think still have lots of, while my hairline is receding. Haha. Good for him la. It has been 3 years since we last met, when he came over to congrat us on the arrival of son. Our friendship goes back to NUS day when we were in the study group, buddy for microbiology, bible study group mate, and fellow compere when we organised an Christmas outreach for the biochem/microbio. Both of us were funny, jokers during that night. Wow.. so long ago, 1998 to 1992.

On my wedding day, he was my assistant (aka Best man). Stayed with me whole day and even missed eating during the dinner so as to help me organised people to get ready for photo shoots. Truly a best friend to me. I felt so priviledge when he asked me to help him on his wedding day 2 years later. Friendship is not about quantity but essence. After so long, I still appreciate him. Though topic of conversation has changed, now we talk about children, about home-schooling etc, but I still feel so comfortable, even comfortable to be quiet. Sometime, we worry if the person is bored so we try to cook up some conversation. But with a truly good friend, you know you don't have to 'entertain' him. Such is mark of friendship.

He has a beautiful home, well designed. His 3 children are angels! Cute and sweet and friendly. Angie bakes well too. Enjoyed her cake and muffin. We have not planned for anything in future. Certainly hope to meet him again and others too. I suspect as you age, you want to ensure you still remember.

After that went to parents-in-law place for lunch and then went to Salvation Army second-and store. Waste of time! Bee Leng had to jam break at a junction and poor Karis knocked into the car seat. She cried and cried... poor thing.

We went to Madai orchid again and bouth Aranda majulah. :-) The flower can be seen in the Orchid series dollar note ($10,000).

Gave a test to 3A and I must said I am very pleased with most of them. They could do the formulae test and a number of them got full marks. Effort not wasted.

I did the pencil lead and salt solution electrolysis with them. I am happy that a number of them could related what they had learnt in theory to what they had observed. Think I shd try harder to infuse such activities.

Lab with 5A was foto session. Got to try using reflector and B&W film. They were sporting enough to be my models. Enjoyed being reversed to be model too... think I am getting vain. Anyway experimented in staff room taking a pic of myself from another cubicle .. hope will get the effect I wanted.

The evening was spent going to Aik Hoe birthday cum bbq. He and his father very cute.. haha. Anyway, it was nice just sitting down with them. Time like this are precious.

Today is Pope John Paul II funeral. 18 Apr will have new Pope and also gov will announce about Casino.

Wanted to pen something on it.. but not enough brain power today to write sersiou stuff. So I am targetting to pen it before next week...

Sport meet falls on a hot day. I didn't know it was so hot until I was back home and wife commented that I had slight sun burn. I suppose my walking from school to the stadium with Prakash aggregrave it. It was a nice walk though. Walked pass the railway track and then beside the canal where we used to have our Sat run.

Good to see many former students and catching up with them. I am glad that they all look happy and cheerful. :-) Took some foto as usual. Tried black and white film using green and yellow filter. Must say that I am still weak when it comes to B&W film. It doesn't project the emotion or texture I hope to achieve. Prob is developing B&W is expensive. Otherwise, it is worth trying it more. Still, it is relaxing and fun. Sat with the Sec. 5s this time. Think I am gonna miss them next year sport day... so tried to spend more time with them.

Oh.. my t-shrt/jersey. I had printed mr cool and chose 7 for my number. 7 because my B'day falls on 7th. Haha... kinda regretted using mr cool... like so thick-skinned. haha.. but.. just for fun.. so 'take it easy'. Anyway, attracted some attention and I dun mind haha.... for the fun of it. Nice of the 5AB to invite me to join in.

Since it is God's command to forgive, there must be a way to forgive when it is difficult.

I like to share what I have heard more than 15 years ago from Rev Seaward, invited guest preacher during Aldersgate Service. He peached well, otherwise I won't be able to remember after so many years.

1. Recognise that you had been hurt and that you need to forgive. Don't brush is aside or pretend you are fine with it.
2. Since it is God's command, forgiving is an act of will and not an emotional state. So the first thing to do is to decide to forgive.
3. Pray to God that you had decided to forgive the person. Admit to Him that it is difficult and that you need His grace to forgive the person. Ask God to change your feeling towards the person. Forgiving the person has taken place, even without any emotional change.
4. Allow God to work at His timing to change your emotion. At the same time, work on it.
5. Thank God for His grace.

On Sunday, I heard my friend Cynthia preached and she said, "Motion leads to Emotion". How true. Act towards the person as you would have forgiven and you would later feel that you have forgiven the person. There is no longer any bitterness.

Let me know what do you think or if this is helpful. :-)

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also fogive you."

Forgiving another person is never easy if the hurt is deep. Had it been easy, our Father will not have commanded us to do it. Letting the emotion to lead, forgiving will most likely not be the destination. Hence, God intervened by telling us that He expects us to forgive just as He had forgiven us. If we expect Him to forgive, we too must forgive.

I think we miss the point when turn this into a question of whether God's forgiveness is dependent on our forgiving of others. God's forgiveness is dependent on the completed work of Christ on the Cross. And the verse tell us that He is our heavenly Father, hence, relationship is sealed.

What we ought to worry is whether we have forgiven others. Cos, then we can experience His forgiveness. God has commanded us to forgive because of His pastoral care for us. It is so easy to mask our unforgiveness by hidding it with excuses or temporal amnesia.

God's command comes with His assurance that the Holy Spirit will surely help us to reach that. Turn to Him as we struggle to forgive. His Son is the perfect example for us to follow.

Lord, than you for forgiving me. Help to forgive when it is hard to. Amen

"In that day the Lord of hosts will be For a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty. To the remnant of His people."

While at the recent staff lunch cum Karaoke, someone mentioned that it was also Leslie Cheung's death anniversary (1st April). For those of you familiar with the late cantopop star, you probable know that he commited suicide on the 1st April. I had always enjoyed his acting and songs. And he was very popular during my teenager's year. So when I learnt of his death, I was sad and disappointed. As usual, the press would report of various versions of reasons his last decision. What seem to be quite clear was that he was suffering from depression. Depression needs preofessional help. Hence, I am not going to imply that it is easily resolved.

I think while there are medical help to lift one's from depression, for us who are not suffering in such medical condition, there is the final hope to give reason to hang on even whenthe tough get going. The hope is that finally our Lord is going to come full glory. We want to press on in our walk and not give in to the trials and temptations in live. That Hope motivates us to press on.

Lord, I want to see the Day when You come in glory. Amen

1st Apr is an important day, though it is also April Fool's day. It is suppose to be a day where we make fun of others. Yet, 1st April is also a day of a number of important 'milestones', not just for me but many. Anyway, financial year begins on 1st April.

1st April 1993, I reported to the then MCD for my first job as Community Development Officer. It was my first full-time job! And you wonder if the government's letter was a April Fool's joke. Ha ha. I still remember, i was 'nervious'. Afterall, my first job. The Dy director briefed us and then I was told to report to Bt Batok. Then check on map and read wrongly. I should take MRT to Bt Gombak. Instead I went to Bt Batok. Blur me.. reach there hours later. Anyway, my Head then is now still working with me. He now sells books and supply books. So every few month, he contact me to display books in school. Ha ha.

1st April 2001, I was promoted from GEO1A1 to GEO 1A2. 1st April 2005, I am promoted to SEO1. And until it happened, I was wondering if the Principal was playing April Fool joke on me. So I am promoted to the salary scale a HOD can and suppose to get. :-)... dun ask me how much increment. I dunno... never really keep track. I suppose it is more of recognition of hard work than money that matters more. I mean, I will be upset if someone else who work less and get the promotion.

Today we had lunch and karaoke at NUSS Suntec City. Lunch is not bad and then I am entertained by teachers. I chose the chinese songs room and some teachers can really sing and enjoy singing. Ms Jasmine Chua and Ms Chong Peo Yi. Vincent the new teacher, very cute, sang until got facial expression. haha. For me, I just relax and listen until the 'bell ring'.

Went to Pasar Malam. Bought a train set for children. Hanern was so excited that he kept talking and making story of it that he slept very late today. 11 pm. On the bed, he was tired but could not stop talking about train going up and then down, then tunnel and bridge, lrt, bus, car and animals. haha.... Karis wanted us to buy ball. haha.

The usual stuff teachers do is teaching, marking and preparing lessons. This week additions are preparing a new porject I am handling, School Family Education. Planning the 100 hours programme, writing letters to parents to inform them and to get volunteers to go for course, thinking of how to plan the centre layout, etc. Fortunately got sun nui to help me think of a name of the centre, FLY@west spring, (FLY = Family Life and You).

Then I am also planning for Australia Exchange programme. I am hoping for not too big a group so that easier for me to plan.

Continuing from last year project, Innovation and Enterprise, I am looking for companies to visit as learning journey for teachers. Next week, we meet a vendor to conduct training for I&E Champion (students).

Another chunk of time was meeting with science teachers to discuss about how to make sure science grades will be better next year. Action plan blah blah. At least, no teachers are using excuses but are looking at the problem more objectively.

Got one pcs of good news but not ready to share until when certain date are cross. One highlight for the week! :-) Another highlight was finally I am gonna meet up with at least one NUS friend. TC and I were in the same subj comb in nus, buddy for microbiology practical, both have fair share of contaminating culture/agar, missing steps in experiments, in the same study group, and disciple group (under Campus Crusade for Christ).... we shared many experiences. Glad to meet him soon, 9 Apr. Really look forward to the catching up time. Also, for our children to have new friends! And gonna check whose waistline has progressed more.. haha... and whose forehead higher... HAHA.

Homefront is great! Hanern is more comfortable now with Chinese, though he still tok like angmo. Can't imagine how I let this happen, consider I am more Chinese than english educated. I listent to 933, only know more chinese singers / actors / actresses than their enlglish counterpart but my son chinese pronounciation is like angmo! :S Hanern is more talkative. Certain nights, he is like talking into sleep. He will usually tok and tok while lyng beside me. Then I will fall asleep and I dunno when he slept... but i know he was still toking.. haha. But we are making progress. :-) Karis is getting more playful and i am enjoying it. :-)

OK.. Friday we have stff lunch at NUSS (Suntec). Yay... can shop after tat or swim at their roof top. Whichever, a good change. haha