Merry Christmas!

Oohh!! I love Christmas! It's a season of love and giving, and I looove giving! It is always a joy for me when I have reason to bust a hole in my pocket to give presents to my friends! [to Banting people: sorry cannot send through post lahh...]

Quote from Daniel:
[Pointing to a big plastic bag of goodies] "Is that the presents your are giving people? What is up with you..." [shakes head]


But of course, who doesn't love getting presents? Thanks everyone for your presents if you gave me any, and thanks for the presents you WILL be giving if you haven't... hehe! But I always believe it's better to give than to receive, right?

Some pics...


My sister and I were brought by her friend to St. Joseph to see their Christmas mass or whatever it was last night/this morning. It would have been very nice and beautiful, only that it was at MIDNIGHT, I was so freaking TIRED and HOT. Then it rained, but I was still hot, sweaty and almost asleep by the time it finished. Oh and the service almost literally bored me to death...


Whoo!! I wonder who this is... hehehe! My church, EBC, had our Christmas service at a reasonable hour in the morning at Crown Square. Our youth performed a song, "Sanctuary". It was horrendous, but it's the thought that counts, yes?




Ben, me and Jason. Poor guy on the left has to lose all his precious long hair because of NS... THANK GOD I didn't kena NS!! XD




Me, Darren (uninvited lar...) and Frederick


Awww so sweet right? Aiyoh, what am I saying... such a naughty boy I am!! Xo


Me with two hot girls: Priscilla and Ivy! Does anyone think the girl on the right (she's an air stewardess) looks like Anne Hathaway?


Why am I the one to become the baby for Christmas? Caleb Tan is this super-muscular guy who won't let me forget that very fact...


Of course, what's Christmas without my siblings?

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Addiction

I’ve been addicted to many things before, most of which was harmless, I hope.

During my lower secondary years between Form 1 to Form 3, I was addicted to an online pet site called Neopets. I tell you, every day I came home from school I would turn on the computer, with dial-up connection, and play Neopets until my eyes stung and my mom came home from work. Every time I had nothing to do in school I would take out a paper and plan how I would organize my pets and how I would earn more NeoPoints. Every year would earn millions of NeoPoints, then I would quit and give everything away after the end-of-year youth camp, only to start again the next year, because I just couldn’t let go. But somewhere at the beginning of Form 4 I began to get bored, so I just let my multiple accounts die off. The end of Neopets for me. Come to think of it, it was a horrible waste of my time. The only things I learnt were a bit of money management skills, investments, patience while waiting for games to load (dial-up connection okay!) and the word “dessicate” which eventually came out in English for Science and Technology during SPM.

I was also addicted to Pokemon games at some time in my younger days. During primary school years I loved to play Pokemon Blue and Yellow. Then I would play Pokemon Gold in primary 6. Then I started Pokemon Crystal for a long time. Then Pokemon FireRed. Finally, Pokemon Sapphire last year. However, this was not as severe as Neopets, because I just played because I was constantly bored.

I was once addicted to writing. I don’t think I realized it at that time, but now that I think about it, between Form 1 and beginning of Form 5, I was addicted to writing in my diaries. (Yes, I keep diaries. Is there a problem?!!) I was always uncomfortable and restless as long as I haven’t wrote in my diary for that day. I would always “report” to my diary for daily events and happenings. But during Form 5, I got too busy to write, and blogging became the in-thing, so I only write in my diary for big occasions that I don’t want to forget later in life.

I’ve also been slightly addicted to sour plum flavoured ice cream in primary school. I also ate so much gummy bears and worms that I got so sick many years ago, but I still love gummy things anyway [*hint hint*]. I think I got slightly addicted to tennis last year because I was fidgeting all the time and thinking about playing or watching tennis. How about blogging? Am I getting too attached? I hope not.

But now everything seems a bore and a chore when I come to think of my new addiction. When you’re hungry, you don’t think about other things. What you run to defines you. I’m running to God. Now, I’m addicted to the presence of God.

My First Day Behind The Wheel

*screams*

I want to drive some more!!!!!!!!

*jumps up and down in glee*

I just came back from my first driving lesson, and it was SOOOOOOOO fun!!! At about 4:30 pm I first had to listen to a long lecture from the instructor about following the rules and all, but after that I started driving to a large space to turn around and around in a figure of 8. Then it was off to the main road... it was so exhilirating!!

*Note I had never ever driven illegally before unlike some people...*

I overtook quite a number of slower cars, I went to gear 5 like so many times (my mom freaked out when she heard that), I turned gracefully at junctions... it was so so enjoyable!! Why didn't I start learning sooner??!! But I had a problem of changing to gear 3, because I kept accidentally going to 5 instead; I have to adjust myself to the gear positions I guess.

Meanwhile, the driving instructor, Mr. Chai, is supposedly "one of the best in Malaysia"; I have no reason to doubt it. I can't wait for the next lesson on Friday, and then to drive on my own!!! Yeaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!

*faints with a smile on my face*

The House Burnt Down

There was once a sailor called Jim. One day a freak storm wrecked his ship in middle of the sea and he was the sole survivor. He was washed unto an island with trees and animals but no other human. So he survived on his own with fruits and hunting animals, a bit like the story of Robinson Crusoe.

After about a year, he had made a nice wooden house on the island and decided to go fishing. But when he came home at night, he found his house was on fire!! He was so upset and went to the beach to sleep. In the morning, he saw a ship coming towards the island. He was so excited and forgot all about his house that burnt down. The captain of the ship rescued Jim and got him on his way home.

Jim asked the captain, "Why is it that you knew to come straight towards the island to save me?"

The captain replied, "Oh, easy! We saw your smoke signal!"

[End of story]

It's all about your attitude!! I heard this story during camp from Pastor David Kuek. Life has twists and turns but God uses it all for His plans and purposes!! Be thankful!

D' Encounter 08

Hello, I just came back yesterday from d' Encounter 08 camp (17 – 20 December) at Santubong Resort. I hereby declare with all my heart and soul that I don't regret missing the No Limits camp at Banting, because the EmBaCY [Emmanuel Baptist Youth] camp was so awesome and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!!

This camp is very different from other camps. It's not just about fun and games, although I'm sure we had enough of it. It's much more than making new friends although I had my fair share. It was more than good food though the food we got was superb! It was quite a bit more than just learning more about The Word of God but meeting The God of The Word!

It had been so long, too long, that I really poured my heart out to God. The tangible presence of God was amazing. I felt so free, like the extra baggage and stress of the whole year lifted off my shoulders. During the third morning, I prayed for people for the first time, together with the other leaders in the youth!! Words were like coming out of my mouth from nowhere, it was amazing! Then came the third night where the fire of God just fell mightily. All music just had to stop.

I feel that this camp is different for me than for the younger kids who were experiencing God in a new way, because I am at this point in life where I have to make a decision. I just finished SPM, obviously, so I do not know where I’ll go or what I’ll do with my life. During the third night, Pastor Daniel Chua from Singapore preached about Elisha giving everything up and following Elijah. I decided that yes, I will give everything to God. Besides I don’t know what I’m going to do with my life, so why not give to God because only He knows my future and He has a perfect plan and call upon my life, so is there any better thing to do than to let Him guide me and lead me through? But there is a demand, a price to pay – what was once common becomes sacred. I am willing.

Pastor Daniel Chua from Cornerstone is such a lively and exuberant pastor! He reminded me a bit of Ryner without the pimples. He looks so young I might have thought he was younger than I if he didn’t tell us he was 32 years old and have 3 children with another one more on the way. But the way he preached was so enjoyable, so interactive that the excitement is contagious! Everything he said seemed to hit me in a new way.

One super cool thing was that my cousin Kiun Teck (we call him Xiao Jing) joined the camp too! He had lots of fun, made friends and saw for himself what God was like! After the camp he told his mother he wanted to be a Christian! That is amazing. Praise the Lord!! But I have to continue to pray for him and his family because his father is very much against Xiao Jing being a Christian.

I also made many new friends and got to know some others better, like Benjamin Chia and Darren Wong (who was my roommate together with my cousin and Nick Ho). I had fun organizing the games together with several others, and watching the campers make a fool of themselves! Although it was raining most of the time, it didn’t dampen our spirits! (pun not intended) I feel it was a sign of God’s rain pouring upon us! It was also great serving as a pianist, especially because there was Mark Song who is improving so much! I have marked Mark (again, no pun intended) as my successor!

Of course no camp is without new knowledge and understanding. I have learnt a lot of things throughout the camp especially about the things of God. Some of important things I must remember is:

- Your focus determines your reality. How you feel is not determined by your circumstances but by your focus.

-You are either a complainer or a worshiper. Some people complain and find the worst in the best of situations; some people are grateful and find the best in the worst of situations!

- We ALL have a personal call and purpose, whether in ministry or in the marketplace. When you have a vision and purpose, life takes on a different meaning.

- To be called has its demands. What was once common is now sacred. To be called by God is dangerous. What was once a broad way is now a narrow way.

- Matthew 6:33 – Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.

- The touch of God demands total surrender.

- Whether you run after God or earthly things, you still get earthly things! Because delight in the Lord and He will grant you the desires of your heart!

- The Christian faith is not difficult. But we must be reduced to one thing: to love God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your might!!

19th December 08 – I crossed the line of no return. I killed the oxen – things in my life that can hold me back. I am running after God with all my life. Even things like writing and music – I give it all up to serve the One who made me, loved me and gave His life for me!!

Here are some pictures from the camp. I was rather lazy to take pictures, so here goes...

During one of the games, "Murderer" at Santubong.


My sister, Hosanna, in the middle, enthusiastically leading her group.


Benjamin Chia, as "Chef Wan"!


Priscilla Tan, as "Mrs. X", my wife in the game... (I was Dr. X the evil scientist! Muahahaha...)


Jason Tan, as "Jesse McTan"...



My roommates!!

Nick Vujicic

Wow. Today I, my family, and probably half or more of Kuching went to hear a man by the name of Nicholas James Vujicic speak of his testimony and experiences in life. But what's so special about him? Besides the odd last name and handsome face, why the throng of crowds pushing their way into the ACS building??



I tell you what, he has no arms and no legs. He has only a toe or two (or so he called, his "chicken drumstick") that seems to have developed exceptional speed and agility. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!



But wait, he's not just some freak show that people came to see just for curiosity. He's also a super amazing motivational speaker who travels accross the world to speak not just in Christian evangelical meetings like today's but also in the business and corporate world.



Even after years of hearing the amazing message of God's love, plan and salvation I still am mesmerized by Nick Vujicic and what he declared. He was also really, really funny. He made jokes and seemed to be poking fun about his own disability, and told stories of how he pulled pranks on people. But it really was all about how amazing God is in each and every life. Nick found his miracle not in healing of his body but his heart - and he became a miracle to people around him and beyond. Are we any different? We're all imperfect, sinners so unworthy, yet God decided to love us, save us, bring us into His amazing family. I can't imagine a life without it.

Nick was also encouraging young people not to give up, because God really has a plan for your life. He was on the verge of committing suicide at some point of his teenage life, but he found hope! Life without hope is not worth living. He realized that there was a purpose to his circumstance - cos there is one thing greater than going to heaven, and that's bringing someone with you!!

God bless!

Driving Law

Somehow the lack of wireless internet in my house makes good news seem so dull.

I passed my driving law test yesterday!! I got 48 out of 50. I was so worried that I would fail, but in the end it was quite simple, more or less all the questions were from the 500-question book. Anyway, I'm this close to touching the steering wheel! This Saturday I will be doing the bengkel thing, then after that I will get my L license, then after that I will start learning the real thing, then after that... Oohh I can't wait!!

Meanwhile, yesterday my friend from Banting, Matthew Lee and his family flew to Kuching for a one-week holiday. So my family will be bringing them around in our big but warm green van that can fit as much as 12 people in one sitting, like how some of the EmBaCY folks found out on Sunday. But the kids are bored - no Astro, no wireless Internet. Nothing but fruit trees and insects to keep us company. *sob*

Bolt

I watched Bolt yesterday with 10 people from EmBaCY. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen, but it's been so darned long I haven't seen a movie since Mamma Mia!







*spoiler alert*

I thought the beginning was weird until it was found that the beginning was not the beginning at all and the beginning was just beginning when the beginning ended.

I have no idea what I'm saying.

Anyway, my favourite character was Mittens. Street-smart and cunning, yet she valued Bolt's friendship and knew how to twist things around. The hamster was annoying. Bolt the dog was cute but seemed really dumb and retarded. There were not a real antagonist, which is weird.

Not really a must-watch from me. But cute...

KUCHING!!!

[I only managed to find Internet after 4 days in Kuching…]

Just when I thought study was all over for me, suddenly I have to start turning on my brain again – this time what I have to learn will actually be marginally important for the rest of my life!!

Yesterday I began my quest for a little bit more convenience, mobility and independence by registering for a 5-hour long lecture on driving and safety and traffic laws. Then we were given a book to memorize for the law test. I thought I would let my tired brain hibernate for a few months, but study will never end to haunt me…

Anyhow I can’t wait to start driving. I have never tried driving illegally because my parents would pulverize me if I ever did. So, I’m not sure if it would be difficult or I would be quick to learn how to coordinate my limbs. What if I kena accident? In the lecture yesterday we watched videos of accidents everywhere and anywhere. It seems like any small mistake or wrong turn or lack of concentration for a few seconds may cost you your life.

Do I really want to drive that much? Of course.

By the way I love Kuching!! I didn’t realize actually how much I missed it. It feels quaint, a far cry from the busy-ness of KL. Banting may be small but it is teeming with lorries and big buses, which makes it quite noisy and dusty. Kuching is also so much cleaner.

But besides that, there’s just something about Kuching that I feel right to call my home. Although right now I don’t have some conveniences like wireless internet, Astro or my comfy comforter, but this is my home. I spent about 8 years of my life in Kuching, from 8 years old until 16 years old, which is when life really begins for any kid. This was where I really grew up, made true friendships, had my first crushes and made my first and biggest blunders. This was where I found my identity in myself as well as in my Friend and Father.

[Note note note this was typed on Sunday but only Monday boleh post... *sob*]

Fishing Trip

Yesterday, the folks of GFS Banting went for a fishing trip at a lake at Banting Baru. I went with my parents and a Kuching friend, Gary Buja, who is studying at Mara College Banting. I was actually intending to just go around taking pictures and not fishing, but I was helping my dad hold a fishing rod while he reloaded my mom's bait, but suddenly the float pulled in, and then I was holding up my first catch, and so I was hooked! Pun not intended.

It was my first time fishing for many, many years. I think the last time I went fishing was in Form 1 or 2 in my kampung, but since then the river was drained away so cannot fish already. I really had fun yesterday, although at the end of the day my feet were so incredibly painful after standing around for so long waiting for the little fishies to bite. I managed to pull in 10 fishies including one pretty big fish that was announced as the biggest fish. My whole family got a total for 35 fish, which won us a first-place hamper!! The Long family got second with 20 fish, and third was the Siva family with 16.

Unfortunately, but fortunately for the fishies, we threw all the fish back into the water, because we very kesian the fish. Hopefully they will survive and the hook marks in their faces will be healed.

Pictures:

The weather and scenery was beautiful. No rain, not too sunny - perfect!


Daniel and Rayhel Choon


Rev Victor and Uncle Sundaram


Pushing the hook into the worm's interstitial organs...
*ouch*


My dad chose a nice shady spot for us to fish




One of the first unlucky fish to get hooked






One of my first catches


My mom's a fisherwoman!


Mr. Gary Buja


Matthew Lee fishing and looking emo...
I think this picture is nice, you think?


Nathanael Long was using just a string and a hook!
No rod, no bait... still boleh catch you know! Not bad, not bad...


Long family fish


Lis family fish


That, ladies and gentlemen, was the biggest fish,
caught by none other than yours truly!




The winning family...


Second place goes to the Long family!
But not after a bit of protest from Mrs. Long... haha!