The Dart Test
written at Tuesday, September 29, 2009A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith . She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.
One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day.
On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.
Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.
The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith , because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.
Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.
Dr. Smith said only these words....'The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’'
Matthew 25:40.
No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.
Queen's English
written at Sunday, September 27, 2009Of all the love stories that have defined the British monarchy, none tugs the heartstrings quite like Victoria and Prince Albert.
There is something about Queen's English that exudes that charming quality. Maybe I should learn! I was watching the movie "The Young Victoria" which is a period film featuring Queen Victoria in her younger days and how she met Prince Albert.
Okay do not think guys don't watch this genre of movies, we do enjoy the occasional treat of being brought back in time and experiencing the lifestyle of that age. From the movie I can definitely see being a monarch isn't as easy as it seems, yes the status is there, the power is there, the grandeur is there, but with great power comes great responsibility, sounds familiar eh...
I think this movie is a must watch in my list, very well scripted and the dresses and decorations and the attention to detail in the movie were amazing!
Prince Albert: Then you had better master the rules of the game until you play it better than they can.
Princess Victoria: You don't recommend I find a husband to play it for me?
Prince Albert: I should find one to play it with you, not for you.
What I Want
written at Saturday, September 26, 2009Psalm 37:3-5
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
James 4:1-3
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
I was reading through these 2 verses, and I think there is a clear connection here. Well I have to admit I am guilty of what is mentioned in James 4:1-3. It is really clear here that Psalm 37:3-5 can easily be taken out of context. The thing is, if we claim to delighting ourselves in the Lord and desire worldly pleasures do we truly delight in the Lord or do we only take delight in ourselves?
The Lord's Glory And Man's Dignity
written at Thursday, September 24, 2009O LORD, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth,
Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength
Because of Your adversaries,
To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen,
And also the beasts of the field,
The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
Was reading through Psalms 8, immediately a feeling surged through me at an instant. Whatever that was on my mind, the distractions that were around me somehow immediately faded away even from the back of my mind. As I read and contemplate through the magnitude of His glory, His majesty, all the little problems that we face each day somehow just seems like a drop of water in a vast ocean. I am reminded through this Psalm that He is Lord.
Finally, Things Are Settling Down
written at Wednesday, September 23, 2009It's been a couple of days since I blogged, tests for this week are finally over, things are finally starting to settle down a little bit, giving me room to breathe. I haven't had any time for anyone or any event at the moment, most of my time has been consumed by University.
Now I need to catch up on the recent lecture notes and revise them, I have been studying for my tests so much that I ran the risk of totally neglecting my day to day lecture materials. Need to maintain a balance.
Hopefully, I will have time to catch up with everyone at OCF this Friday! I have been blessed by many friends who have been praying for me and my studies. Just want to let you guys know that I shall return the same support too :)
The Coming Week
written at Sunday, September 20, 2009Today was the start of an intense 5 week training process by the end of which would hone and refine our business acumen. For the next 5 weeks, we will be burning weekends to prepare business cases and strategies, working with our team with present the cases. Despite the intensity, I believe that I will have a lot to gain from this, a lot to learn from this experience and I am indeed blessed for being offered a placing for this.
I am not a genius, I have have an average intelligence. But I still remember the very first day I entered University, in the car on the way there. My dad mentioned something very insightful and refreshing, "You know mum and I do not expect you to get the best grades ever, we all have different abilities and talents. If we get disappointed, are we telling God that we are not satisfied the way He created us? Therefore what we expect of you isn't the grades, but for you to have a good attitude, and to just simply do your best, and I'm sure that's what God expects of you too."
In a time like this, when the examinations and the assignment deadlines start creeping in, the uncertainty and the tendency to be discouraged upon getting an unexpected grade, I am grateful that the Lord has created me to be who I am today.
It has been a tough few days this week for me, the next week is going to be even tougher. But I should stay the course, I shouldn't falter, I shouldn't give up easily. No road is a smooth one, no matter where you go, no matter where you head towards you will always be facing difficulties.
To my team (Apparently we named ourselves Team Voldemort, don't ask why), let's stay the course and don't give up, let's encourage each other and head along together for the few challenging weeks we have ahead of us. It's been great fun knowing you guys and looking forward to the many interactions we have together in the future!
One may be wondering how you can live a life of worship to the Lord. I guess, putting aside the big things and just looking at the little things, we can still definitely honor Him and glorify Him with what we have as well.
You Are Strong In The Weak Man
written at Saturday, September 19, 2009Jesus, give me Your heart
Let there be a death in me
I'm making room for all that You are
Give me Your heart
Jesus, give me Your heart
Break me down, build me up
Let who I was keep falling apart
Give me Your heart
My Creator, oh my Creator
May, low so You're made higher
And I'll be weak for You are strong
Weak for You are strong in the weak man
Was listening to the song "Weak Man" sung by Leeland. As I read through the lyrics, again I am reminded of what Paul was mentioning in Corinthians, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
How so? We often think that without human strength we are destined to fail and without personal courage we are bound to falter. Yet good as these are, such qualities tend to push us to self-sufficiency and away from God-dependency. Samson was superlatively endowed with strength, but in the end this very strength brought about his destruction (Judg 15:16; 16:18-30). Human strength is like the flower of the field that has its day in the sun but then shrivels up and dies. Enduring strength lies in God alone.
Crazy Week
written at Friday, September 18, 2009The next few days and the coming week will be the most hectic of all yet. Well, by Singaporean standards I am not sure how it will compare but by my standards it's going to be one crazy period. Got to be at University from 9am-6pm on Sunday for tutorials, there's an Accounting test on Monday which I need to study at the same time over the weekend, after which there is a Microeconomics test on Wednesday which also requires a lot of attention, there is an essay that I need to hand in by Thursday and a presentation which I have to do by Friday.
And my fellow Singaporean friends in Singapore will be going, "Elliot that's nothing, look at my schedule." Am I right?
Lecture? What Lecture?
written at Wednesday, September 16, 2009It was my first lecture for the day, sat down, got my books out and prepared for the lecture. It was the first lecture on Information Systems ever since I got back from my study break. There were about 400 students in the lecture theatre.
The lecturer, who was only teaching us for one module (lasting 3 weeks), was the kind of lecturer who demanded absolute respect during the lecture period, talking was to be kept to an absolute minimum, and you were not allowed to leave the lecture theatre. In his eyes, you either attended the full lecture period or you do not attend at all. There were numerous occasions where he had to pause the lecture and give the unfortunate student a public scolding along the lines of, "It is an insult to me, it is rude to leave the lecture while I am teaching." Today however, just went totally overboard...
So as I was saying, it was only 5minutes into the lecture. Till this small asian girl left her seat and starting pacing her way out of the lecture room, the lecturer's brain alarm went off and he chased the poor girl, stopping her, and giving her a full on scolding in front of everyone. The event lasted another 5minutes, people were getting agitated because he was simply wasting time and he would not let the poor asian girl go.
In protest, 3-4 more people left the lecture room. Some people saying, "This is ridiculous" or "Why am I wasting my time here." So the lecturer noticed that people were leaving and he gave a reply which totally did it for all of us, "ALRIGHT GUYS! Since people are leaving, I am going to leave too, no point of having a lecture, see you on Friday."
WHAT!? Why on earth did he cancel the lecture, the other 395 other students were just sitting there with their jaws wide open, unable to believe what they had just heard. I was personally very irritated. So a couple of us headed to the department head and lodged a complaint. Goodness me, how can something like this happen?
1. We students have the right to listen to the lecture. We aren't just students but paying customers who pay school fees to attend these lessons.
2. Give the poor girl a break, you might not even know the reason why she had to leave! Maybe it was for an emergency?
3. If people leave your lecture, so be it! At least they got something out of the lecture! Better than nothing! Rather than disrupting the whole lecture.
I think it is time this lecturer gave a public apology to all of us, who were hanging around the quad idle for 45minutes without anything to do.
Okay Betty Crocker Brownies Is A No No
written at Monday, September 14, 2009Alright I was pigging out on some Betty Crocker Brownies with Vanilla Ice cream and I just happened to be bored so I posted this on Facebook. 5 minutes later after my lovely cousin in-law comes and makes a comment.
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (dark chocolate)
1 cup butter
1 cup caster sugar
1 cup raw dark sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups plain flour
1 tsp salt
Optional:
1 tbsp instant espresso powder
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
Melt the butter and chocolate together (and coffee if using), cool slightly. Add all the sugar and mix well. Add beaten egg and vanilla. Sift in flour and salt (and cinnamon is using) fold until thoroughly mixed. The batter won't be super smooth. Stir in the nuts.
Pour the whole thing into a 8 inch pan and bake in a 180 C oven for 25-30 mins. The tester should not be super clean. Do not cut until cooled.
What will I do without you Jeremy. You and Shu better be creating a great recipe book soon! Be sure to reserve an autographed one for me :)
University Thus Resumes
written at Sunday, September 13, 2009The 2 week study break is finally over, now to complete the final half of the semester! Thank goodness the study break came along, it was a good break of rest, relaxation and of course the revision.
Until I finish this first semester I will never know what it is like so I will not be taking chances. The next 6 weeks is going to be quite intense as the assignments and the exams creep up.
Well work hard and play hard, after this is over I will have the time to relax and go for what I like to do :)
Look How Much Has Changed
written at Saturday, September 12, 2009If not for my 2 years in the army, if I still stayed here after college, if I still continued on to university and only going back to serve after it's over, what kind of person will I be like today?
If I didn't have that posting, if I couldn't book out during the week nights, if I didn't have such a wonderful group of friends to support me during the last 2 years, what kind of person will I be like today?
And coming back to New Zealand, everything just looks different, my perspective just changes, things which just seemed "normal" and "usual" now stands on a totally different scale on my judgement and my conscience.
Those formative years were definitely preparing me for something here. Again I am reminded of the verse from Matthew 25, that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, may my life, from what seems to be the tiniest of words that comes out of my mouth, to the tiniest of actions, I realise that every moment should be for Him. What is my conduct here? How am I conducting myself? In my actions, in my words and in my interactions with the people around me? I must not turn a blind eye and pretend that temptations and afflictions won't come my way, I must seek His ways above all the things that this world can possibly offer me.
Even to the most trivial thing as sitting next to someone and having a short conversation with him/her. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
More Than Enough
written at Thursday, September 10, 2009Was recalling the previous post I made a few months ago on Livejournal. It's good to reflect and recap what you have mentioned on your blog in the past as it really does bring back a lot of memories of what your journey has been like. So this post was made on the 3rd of March 2009 on my old Livejournal account.
I am blessed. I ever knew what it was like to be growing up in an atheist family. I am still unfamiliar with some aspects of how an atheist would think, not primarily in his/her views towards the question of whether or not God exists, but rather the personality and the moral standpoints as a result of that primary belief.
I was taking the bus back home today, staring out the window in quiet contemplation.
I realised how hard it is to grasp and agree with atheism. Here is just one little point.
If we were to look around us, and notice the little processes and systems going around in society today, we would then notice that we are surrounded by labels. The moment we are born, we have a birth certificate number, we are tagged and our specifications are next entered into a computer system to be stored for further updating in the future, only to be deleted with a push of a button once our time has come.
How far you progress in this world only matters because your "label" has been decked out with what seems to be impressive information and achievements. The more you have these the more expensive you become, the more your "worth" increases.
There has to be more than just this robotic and mindless adherence which leads to NO WHERE. Are the atheists just waiting? And what are they waiting for? Whether it be subconscious or not, their time on earth will soon end, like the rest of us. Do they ever consider where they'll go after this life?
Surely not floating around as little gnomes in deep empty space right?
What is the ultimate consequence?
I know there is a truth, a truth which will set all of us free. In it's all-sufficiency, it's eternal satisfaction, a truth which nourishes.
The following verse means so much more to me now.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
What do all of these labels and price tags matter? When you have already been bought by His blood.
Tamar Kaprelian
written at Wednesday, September 9, 2009Okay I have never really blogged about this before but this really stood out for me. I was just going about my usual Youtube rounds and I came across some One Republic "Apologize" covers. I then stumbled across their cover competition in which the winning entry was one which was posted by this individual named Tamar Kaprelian (sounds armenian in origin to me). But anyway, I previewed some of her videos and I instantly fell in love with her voice!
I then decided to do more research on her and realised that she's a budding singer and songwriter who has already made a few songs of her own, and has a couple of music videos. They only have just over a hundred thousand views which made me very puzzled because she does have a lot of potential star-power! She has a beautiful voice, her eyes are oh-my-goodness-so-amazingly-gorgeous, she has that down-to-earth kind of look you know?
Anyway I posted a music video up of her singing her own song "Purify" up on Facebook so do check it out. 
Job 29 - Happy Father's Day
written at Sunday, September 6, 2009Alright I noticed that the dates are different according to each country on when Father's day actually is. In New Zealand it is 6th September where the whole country celebrates fatherhood. But as much as the celebration is going on, there is something even deeper to be thought about here.
Amongst all of the happiness and the joys that fatherhood can bring in this world, one of the things which is severely lacking in this present day is the fact that fatherhood as lost its sense of purpose. A purpose of which could be the only one which ultimately matters for all eternity, the God-given responsibility to bringing His kingdom to the household.
Deuteronomy 1:29-31
Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place."
I was reflecting Job 29, as Job contrasts his former prosperity with his present misery. Looking at his past made me think a lot about what kind of father he was, what kind of person he was, the life that he led, and this made me draw a lot of qualities of what a father's role is. It will be a bit too big to paste the entire chapter here, but I encourage you guys to share in this little read up with me :)
These are the qualities of a God-fearing father.
1. Job had a deep and strong relationship with God. His children were around him. Verses 1-5 talks God being the lamp which shone over his head and that by His light he walked through the darkness.
2. Verses 12-17 tells me that Job gave to the poor, helped the orphans, he comforted the widow's heart, he was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame, he was father to the needy. At the same time he stood for justice, he "broke the jaws of the wicked" and his "justice was like a robe and a turban", he was clothed with righteousness. From these few verses, I kind of questioned if I will be able to follow that kind of example as well!
3. Verses 21-23 tells me that the words of fathers really matter in the household, it really serves as a lasting impact, what seems to be the slightest thing. "To me they listened and waited and kept silent for my counsel. After my words they did not speak again, and my speech dropped on them. They waited for me as for the rain and opened their mouth as for the spring rain." Job mentored his children, his people, they looked to him for counsel.
Gosh, seems like a lot of responsibilities. Well besides the chores at home, we have this to think about!? When all seems to weigh down on you, the worries of fatherhood, the feelings of not being an adequate father, be encouraged from this verse. God is the greatest Father of all.
Deuteronomy 1:29-31
Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place."
Happy Father's Day Dad! Just want to let you know, you've done a great job raising us to be who we are today. Happy Father's Day to all the other Dad's out there in this world, one of them being Gladwin :) I still remember the funny quote about fatherhood that we laughed over at the book sale. A bit weird for a 20 year old to be blogging about this, but it just came to me. After all, I can't be single and children-less for long right? Anyhow, may this post serve as an encouragement to all the Dads and the Dad-to-be's out there!
For me, I still have a lot to learn, a lot to experience, a lot to draw from His word with regards to the qualities of fatherhood. It's not like I'm getting married soon! But this is applicable and relevant, the learning starts now and it will last till the day I drop.
Once again, Happy Father's Day.
Tale Of The Two Curries
written at Saturday, September 5, 2009Elliot cut up pieces of chicken thighs, sauteed them in the pot and added the curry paste and some water and left it to simmer, after creating a thick gravy he added cream which added depth to the flavour. Viola, North Indian butter chicken!
Shoichi cut up pieces of beef, chopped up some onion, carrots and potatoes and added them into the pot. He then added a few curry cubes inside the mix and grated an apple into the pot which added to the sweetness. Viola, Japanese beef curry!
So one day the two curries met and they tasted well together. The End.
So a few of us from OCF went to the mini-cookout for the little experiment. Turned out to be a success! Thanks Shoichi for opening your place for us. So this is the tale of the 2 curries, yes my story telling isn't really good but trust me, it tasted good.
Sea Kayaking
written at Thursday, September 3, 2009Went out with a couple of the OCF'ers to go Kayaking today. The weather was great, 17 degrees, sunny with moderate winds, perfect for a walk out by the harbour. Set out to meet them at 10am before heading down to Okahu Bay for some sea kayak action.
Jumped into our lifevests and kayak gear and jumped into our individual pods. The design of a seak kayak is very different from the everyday kayak that you see. It has a rudder which is connected to pedals situated at feet area making steering much easier compared to using the oars to turn the kayak around.
We headed off from Okahu Bay to Mission Bay which was about 1.5km one way, so we had to go for 3km to get back to the kayak house. Goodness me it was the biggest arm workout I have ever had for a long time, 3km seems like a short distance but when you are going against the wind and when the waves are crash around you going to the destination seems to take forever. Not to mention the wind can turn your kayak to the side of the wave, increasing your chances of capsizing. By the time we had finished the whole trip, I couldn't feel my hands, my shoulder, back and arm muscles were exhausted. If you asked me to carry your baby child during this time, it would be incredibly risky because I simply would not have the strength to, my muscles are aching. Badly.
Settled down and had fish n chips by the water front. Fish n chips has never tasted so good.
Headaches & More Headaches
written at Wednesday, September 2, 2009It was around 3am in the morning when I woke up having an throbbing sensation at the back of my head, everytime I moved it just seemed to get worse. Not sure if it was the way I slept? But that particular headache was probably one of the most annoying ones I have ever had. Had a long day the day before and the annoying headache monster just had to show up. They really do come at the right time don't they?
Took some paracetamol after which managed to elimate the problem, it's amazing how a tiny little pill could help your night.
Nothing much to do now, broadband is being throttled down because I went over my monthly data cap so I can't sign in or do much on the internet. So I just decided to search up more about headaches.
"Headaches have a wide variety of causes, ranging from eyestrain to inflammation of the sinus cavities to life-threatening conditions such as encephalitis, brain cancer, and cerebral aneurysms. When the headache occurs in conjunction with a head injury the cause is usually quite evident; however, many causes of headaches are more elusive.The most common type of headache is a tension headache. Some people experience headaches when they are hungry or dehydrated."
Alright I certainly hope I do not have encephalitis or brain cancer.
On another note my recent posts have been somewhat dry. Been having many interesting conversations with Mum over the past few days on Exodus and Moses. I really need to erase those childhood memories of the movie "The 10 Commandments" from my brain, because it really doesn't adhere to what the Bible is teaching. Sigh Hollywood.
