Tuesday, August 30, 2005
hiliarous 3B
Lesson at 3B was hiliarous today. Unintended though.
Was into the lesson for about 5 mins and suddenly one girl student, from 3B, ran in and asked me to help another girl as she was caught having short skirt. And I was dumb founded. Was 3B trying to delay my teaching since they had no mood for lesson? How am I going to help her? Get another skirt?
The she ran out to go back to ADM. 10 mins later, the 2 girls ran back and this time, they actually try to hide behind the teacher's table trying to escape from ADM. This is so illogical! How are they going to hide? It was so funny. And they were really hysterical! Of course, the 'rule' caught up with them but it was quite an 'unusual' thing to happen.
Schedule of teachers' day celebration:
8.15 - 9.30 concert @ hall
9.30 to 10.30 class party
Staff lunch.
This is for those of you coming back. :-)
tse horng blogged at 9:54 AM
Saturday, August 27, 2005
serve in church magazine
Some time ago, I had a chance to contribute a book review to church's magazine. Now they are asking me to join their team of writers. :S
I am surprised considering the I am a double C6 'scholar'. I got CA for O and A level! Probably they don't know my background. :P
I am still praying on it. Not sure if I am 'qualify'.
tse horng blogged at 3:50 AM
Friday, August 26, 2005
Daily verse: Proverbs 16:9 (Who is the director?)
"A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps."
Yesterday I went to MCYS building. 12 years ago, on 1st April, 1993, I reported there for my first formal, fulltime job as a CDO. Fresh as a graduate, I wanted to teach but unscuccessful on 2 counts, I settled for this job. I reasoned that God wanted to teach me to relate to people of all wards since the job requires me to rub shoulder with MPs, grassroot leaders and community. It was quite a new experience and a good learning journey.
I always thought that teaching was my calling and that since my motivation to teach was right, God would have grant me success. MOE then required teaching subjects to teach secondary schools, offered me primary schools. I turned down as I thought I would not fit well in the teaching primary school pupils and I knew my strength was in relating with youth. I was very disappointed to be turned down.
But as the verse explained, God way is higher than ours. Working in my new job then taught me important skills such as relating with people, protocol, administrative skill, writing letters etc. These skills proved to be important in my working experience in MOE and now as HOD. I am thankful to God. Most importantly, I got to know my girlfriend, and now my wife.
God is the director and He knows what is the best.
So when things seem to be against your will, perhaps, it is time to trust that God has the best for us.
Dear Lord, thank you that You are the ultimate Director. Amen
tse horng blogged at 9:09 AM
Video tape the Minister
Went to video tape the Minister who was invited to be the GOH of Official Opening. It was quite an experience to step into his office. He is one of those good looking on tat cause some woman to go ga ga over. Haha. So my colleague who went with me was quite thrill about it.
His PA and the officer I liaise with were very nice and friendly. Can't say the same about the other person. I am very impressed by the Minister though. He is very good at being video taped. Very much at home infront of the camera. He could rush in from a meeting and switch into the mode of being interview (short 5 mins), spoke passionately and smile, of course. Rush off to read some memo and prepare for some other meeting.
I was commenting that his office has one of the best view, and someone comment that too bad he is too busy to enjoy the view. But I am sure he does. I am sure he will pause to enjoy life and relationships etc.
But I also know there are people who worked very hard to stay in condo but have no time to enjoy the pool, gym or even to know there is a fountain there. How sad. Pursuing a dream where there is no time to enjoy it.
God remind us to be still and know He is God. I think, the point is, in the midst of chasing dreams, we may be forgetting the most important, to KNOW GOD.
tse horng blogged at 6:33 AM
Thursday, August 25, 2005
This is a mattress, not a bed
"This is a mattress, not a bed!" I son put forward his final statement of his arguement on why he should sleep with us and not by himself.
We tried to coerce him into sleeping by his own, not far from us, the mattress next to us, in the same room. I told him he could sleep with his animal. Mei mei, Isaiah (his friend, our neighbour) are sleeping by themselves.
Of course, he tried to say no. Finally, he explained it away as they have beds but his is only a mattress. Mattress is not meant to be slept on but to jump on. Hence, he will sleep on Pa Pa Ma Ma's bed.
Anyway, we broke off laughing when he argued with that.
Thank God for an intelligent son.
tse horng blogged at 12:04 AM
Monday, August 22, 2005
Perth crash - crashed fairy tale
Read today's headline. It was about a Singapoeran couple who got married last year, and wife was 5 month pregant, got their PR there, and planned to migrate to Australia but killed in a car accident at Perth. A sad story of how dreams are dashed. It must be a painful, very painful, time for the family.
It is also a reminder of what the verse in James said "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.."
Life is unpredictable. There is no way we can tell what will happen at the next hour. But we still got to work and plan and at the same time, mindful that God is the One holding the next moment. My Church is now planning Mission 06. One fo the slogan is "What is your purpose?". Very true, we dun live for ourselves, cos those plans could be dashed in a moment. But if we live for God, then the plans will have eternal impact. And even if we are called home, we know God in His plan, will continue it. God's redemptive story continues and thank God for that, we could be part of the Great Story.
What is your purpose? Hope you are on the right track. Otherwise, it could be heading for a accident.
Dear Lord, help me to be so heavenly minded that my thoughts are always on You and people around me. Amen.
tse horng blogged at 1:40 AM
Saturday, August 20, 2005
comp down
My computer was down for the last one week. Back finally. Hate the process of installing things back!
tse horng blogged at 3:45 AM
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Young theologian
Mum: God wants us to obey papa and mama.
Boy: Today, teacher (Sunday School teacher) never say that.
Mum: Yes, it is said in the Bible.
Boy: Have?
Later
Mum: Come, I show you in the Bible. Honour your parents....
Boy: *move off satisfied with the biblical discourse*
That was my wife and son having a theological discussion. I felt it was so amusing that at such a young age, he has learnt to question authority and refer to the Bible for moral standard.
My wife was wonderful in taking the opportunity to teach him to always refer to the Bible when in doubt.
If only more will seek the Bible as a reference for decision and actions.
Dear Lord, help me to always seek Your precepts as my reference point and to have a childlike obedience. Amen.
tse horng blogged at 5:51 PM
Monday, August 15, 2005
Not spontaneous
Today, someone asked me how I managed to complete my Master degree while working here. I smiles and replied that sometime I slept for 2 hours only.
I later realised that I missed a chance to thank God and to give God the honour for sustaining me. Am I less aware and sensitive to God?
Dear Lord, please help me to be sensitive to You, always. Amen
tse horng blogged at 4:51 PM
Friday, August 12, 2005
Daily verse: Psalm 84:10 Door keeper
"I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."
The lure of the world is powerful. On Sunday, one of the church's missioner shared about moving beyond security into the mode of eternity. When he shared how he decided, 25 years ago, to give up a possible successful career as an electronical engineer, to serve God fulltime, he was filled with emotion. He choked, even it was 25 years ago!
It must be a very difficult choice. He shared how his family and friends questions about his own future and even the prospect of marrying with the little pay he would recieve. But he chose to follow the verse here. To obey God and not to depart from His calling.
What if God is calling me to serve Him fulltime? Can I be like what the missioner?
Of course, the verse is not limted to fulltime ministry. It is about wanting to follow His path and way and not obeying the world. We can only serve one master.
Dear Lord, help me to obey You at all time. Amen
tse horng blogged at 5:37 PM
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Daily Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 What is in the future?
"I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
It is so assuring to know that the Lord God Almighty thought for us, you and me, who are in His family, is to give us a future and hope. When all seem dark and there seem to be no ending at the end of the tunnel, fear not! God has a plan, to give you a future and hope!
Dear Lord, I am just so thankful for the assurance. Amen
tse horng blogged at 3:51 PM
A prayer on the 40th National Day
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for leading Singapore to reach 40 years old. 40 is a special number in the History You have written in the Bible. Your Son was in the wilderness for 40 days before He started His ministry. He spent 40 days on earth before His ascension. Moses, your servant, was trained as a shepherd for 40 years before he leads the Jewish people. He led the people for 40 years.
As Singapore becomes 40 years old, I want to thank you for giving us more years of peace than pain. We have more years of prosperity than poverty. We have pure and clean governance, and not greedy and corrupted government. We have harmony and not hatred amongst the people. We had crisis but we went through it as one people. We are a little red dot but we are significant. Help us to be humble and remember that it is not by sheer human strength or luck but by your gracious provision that we have what we have today. Lest we get proud and fall like those nations you named in your Ancient Book.
I pray that as we face a world that is changing and more challenging, we will stand firm in our principle of being clean, pure and upholding of good virtues. Even as we sin against you by promoting greed in opening casino, we pray, in your mercy, limit the damages in our society and families. We pray that the church here will be your salt and light, to help people who are addicted and in bondage.
I remember the poor too. They are forgotten easily. I pray that we must never forget them. Help us to help them wisely. We will continue to remember too the aged one. They built the foundation we have today. We want to be grateful and to serve them back. Our children and youth will be tomorrow's leaders and workers. May we know how to guide them to live according to the right values. Help us to model a value-led lives so that they too may know how to when their turn comes.
I pray for the church here, that we be loyal to you calling, to pray for our leaders, that they may lead the country wisely. We will uphold your teaching and be salt and light. May we continues to remember that our country is our parish.
Lord, thank you for the 40 years. I commit the next 40 years into your hands. Amen
tse horng blogged at 3:10 AM
Good Break
Had a good break at Meritus Mandarin Hotel. My son loves to stay at hotel. So while on the way on cab, he was alrady asking are we there at Mandarin Hotel. Haha.
The hotel is old but the room is good. Spacious and newly renovated. And convenient too. When I was young, it was probably one of the tallest buildings in Singapore. I remember my parents would bring us to the resturant on top, Top the M, at 37 floor. It was too expensive to eat there. We could not afford it. So we just walk in and have a view of Orchard Road. It was then a very exciting excursion. My children are so much more fortunate.
We checked on on National Day. My son, as usual, sits on the counter and 'sweet-talk' to the receptionist. Not bad. I got a free bag. haha. Went down to get my free drinks before goign to Taka to have a small snack before heading back to swim. Had a fun time! But Karis shivered until when she was walking, she was shaking. It was funny but of course, we hugged her, wrapped her and dried her. Hanern discovered the side 'little fountains' were more fun. So the two of them had fun with it.
Had dinner at Chatterbox for the world famous Chicken Rice. It was part of the package. Hanern was very very hungry. He finished half the chicken rice, leaving me the other half. Went to Taka to get more food :P. Got fishball for Karis. Her favourite outside food. She din like the chicken rice. :-(
Next day was Killiney Road Kopitiam. Wrong choice! karis was in bad mood cos we din go to 'pool'. Hanern bad mood too cos he wanted to finished the pack of Nasi Lemak but too much chilli. He wanted to eat mee siam but got chilli. He wanted to "throw the chilli away". Shopped for a while and they one more 'ppol' time.
Shocked! Karis poo at the pool! Good thing was she was wearing whole suit so it was retained and she was wading at side pool. I was alone as wife was packing. So ran up to grab and plastic bad to 'catch' the you-know-what. haha.
We thank God for the good time. I enjoyed it. Will post pic when ready.
tse horng blogged at 2:27 AM
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Hymn: Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service
WE sang this hymn on Sunday. It was new to me. I like the music and words.
Lord, whose love through humble service bore the weight of human needs,
who upon the cross forsaken, offered mercy's perfect deeed:
we, your servants, bring the worship not of voice alone,
but heart, consecrating to your purpose every gift that you impart.
Still your children wander homeless; still the hungry cry for bread;
still the captives long for freedom; still in grief we morun our dead.
As, O Lord, your deep compassion healed the sick and freed the soul,
use the love your Spirit kindles still to save and make us whole.
As we worship, grant us vision, till your love's revealing light
in its height and depth and greatness dawns upon our qucikened sight,
making known the needs and burdens your compassion bids us bear,
stirring us to tireless striving your abundant life to share.
Called by worship to your service, forth in your dear name
we go to the child, the youth, the aged, love in living deeds to show;
hope and health, good will and comfort, counsel, aid and peace we give,
that your servants, Lord, in freedom may your mercy know, and have.
words by Albert F. Bayly
tse horng blogged at 6:26 AM
Friday, August 05, 2005
Karis in Chinatown
Took this in Chinatown. Classic look? The peranakan door and B&W and Karis look. It was like in the earlier days when children have not seen much of camera.
I can see more graduating students are more serious. But there are some who have the ability but not pushing themselves hard. More people are coming forward to ask me about Chem. But I ger more panic too. Some know so little. Will there be enough time?
Lord, please help them and help me to help them. Amen
tse horng blogged at 4:15 AM
Focus
Dear Lord, I want to focus on one thing - heaven. Amen
Dear Lord, I wait upon You as I ponder on the Message that is to be proclaimed.
It is easy to talk but harder to be silent. It is easy to be busy but harder to be still. God, teach me to be still when it is time to be still.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
unexpected ...
Got a sad news while I was at CCK bus terminal after collecting my photo. One of my ex sunday school student called to inform me that the father ofone of their cell group members, also my former students in my previous school, passed away this afternoon. He put up a brave fight against cancer for the past six months. The cancer started at lung and spreaded cruelly in his body.
This former student of mine, Kelvin, is one of those whom I am close to. There were time we watched movie after school, personal tuition, buy VCDs ... things that plain teacher-student will not do. I invited him to one church outreach and he prayed to invite Christ into his life. But he wasn't ready to attend church as his parents had set condition that he would have his freedom when he reaches 21. Still, he came to visit my Sunday School class then, once or twice. The amazing thing was that one of the Sunday School youth, Gavin invited hime back to join them. That was 2-3 years later. When they were in NS. His came before he reaches 21. I suppose he took the step of faith and obedience. I am gald to see that he has grown to be more serious with the Lord. He was helping in the recent youth camp! It is interesting how an act of obedience can lead to eternal difference. I acted in obedience to invite him to church and today he is actively influencing lives for God.
I heard that his dad came to know the Lord when he was struggling with the cancer. I think probable Kelvin would not have thot his dad would open his life to Christ back then in 1997. God is mysterious. He works in His manner. We dun box Him or define how He works.
I ask myself, what action I did today, or this year, that will have eternal impact? I spent time with Kelvin and along the way, others came to encourage him, and his and his dad eternity are different. Those actions I took were obedience to Christ. I knew my calling was to share His love with my students. I just followed. I didn't know what to expect. But God in His mercy, touched Kelvin's heart.
Will this little blog have eternal impact? Will my relationship with my current batch of students have eternal impact in their lives? I dunno. I just have to obey and trust Him. Sometime, there are so many distraction that I forget about eternity, which is far more important.
Dear Lord, I pray for your peace for Kelvin and family. May your Comforter comforts them. I also ask that You will turn my effort and folly into blessings for others. Amen.
tse horng blogged at 2:41 AM
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
not to carry other burden
I get stressed up recently. When I see the graduating students, those of them, who are not getting into the gear of revision, I get stressed up. I just dun want to see them lost and confused when the result is released next year. It is a horrible experience to talk about what to do when the options are so limited. GCE O level is not 'pray pray'. The questions are tough! And it is 13 weeks away.
I always tell people and myself not to carry another person's burden, esp during counselling. I must all the more tell myself that for my own sanity and health.
Anyhow, got to pray and trust God more.
tse horng blogged at 4:06 AM
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
thank God for ice-cream
Today is warm! We had family ice-cream time. Bought a box of mini-corneto and the children had their own ice cream cone for the first time. And Karis is really happy to finish up her ice-cream
This is the cropped one. Better?
Nothing great about this pic. Just tat I was fortunate to capture it in right time.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Daily verse: Isaiah 43:1 Fear and sense of belonging
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine."
I did a weekly revision time-table and when presented to 5B, so many told me they have not started their revision. I hope the presentation of the limited time they have will instill a sense of urgency in them. It certainly did for me. I was 'stricken by fear'.
Thank God this verse helps. I am reminded that no matter what happen, God is who I belong to. This sense of belonging tells me that no matter what happen, God is my refuge, my Abba Father.
The joy of being Christian is that God has redeemed me and I belong to Him. Whether I acheive or fail, my identity is resolved.
Dear Lord, my fear is put aside when I remember You. Amen
tse horng blogged at 2:28 PM
