Presenting Dr Teo of Disted-Stamford College

Managed to unearth this jewel from the depths of Youtube.

It would be cool to embed this video on Disted's website! ^_^

5 C.S. for God's guidance

A summary of what brother Simon shared on the 1st of January 2008 under the mild morning sun and breeze of Batu Ferringhi beach. Yes, I know a lot of you were not paying full attention that's why it's reviewed here:

General question: I have prayed for God's guidance, how do I know what he wants me to do?

Answer: In looking for God's guidance here are the suggested 5 C.S.~

1. Commanding Scripture - God will not lead us to do anything contrary to Scripture where His general will is revealed. Of all the "5 C.S." this is to be prioritised before we look into the other 4 since the Scripture is the final authority. That's is why it is important for us to know our Bible.
2. Compelling Spirit - Jesus said His sheep hear His voice and know it…thoughts, strong impressions, desires to act or feelings that need to be tested…is it loving, is it strengthening, encouraging, and comforting, does it bring the peace of God? But under this category is also prophecy, dreams, visions, angels and yes, audible voice.
3. Common Sense - God’s promises of guidance were not given to save us the problem of thinking. Some things can be decided in using our God given sense.
4. Counsel of the Saints - Making decisions are our responsibility, but it is good to consult godly others in our lives, chosen on the basis of their spiritual authority.
   
5. Circumstantial Signs - sometimes God opens doors, other times He closes them, watch the circumstances but don’t put too much weight on them. Sometimes we are asked to persevere in spite of all the circumstances.

Finally, I got to wear a mortar board ;-)

I've finally get to wear a graduating gown at a Disted College ceremony after graduated from Disted more than 10 years ago!! Not a big deal, but still I've finally got the chance to officially wear a mortar board. Not as a graduating student tho' :D.

Among the graduates

A-K-E-E-L-A-H and the B-E-E

I love this film. There are some clichés but it is without a doubt one of the best uplifting family film I have watched. With nearly all non-Caucasian casts, this is also the first film to be co-distributed by Starbucks. The lead who's played by Keke Palmer is someone to watch out for. A must see for all!

P-U-L-C-H-R-I-T-U-D-E -- Pulchritude

Macbook Air (as thin as thin air?)

Wow! That is thin! No need to buy a carrying case, just need a thick envelop :)

Me Gandalf

Can't believe I came up as Gandalf, me wanna be Aragorn the true King! Well, Gandalf is good too, very wise and resisits the temptation of Sauron unlike Saruman. Known also as Mithrandir, I notice a difference between when he is the Grey and when he is the White.

Which LOTR character are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Gandalf You are Gandalf! This wise, old mage is loyal and brave. He is known for his counsel and advice to his friends and allies during tough times. "All you have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to you." Gandalf 81% Eowyn 69% Samwise 63% Aragorn 50% Frodo 38% Arwen 31% Pippin 25% Gollum 19% Faramir 6%

Are you lagging behind?

Today I virtually spend the whole day facing my PC monitor in the office since my classes are having a break and I have plenty things to do that needs my loyal PC's help. Of course, while I am working the emails, IM chats etc keep coming and going. And I find myself "googling" and "wikiing" once in a while to get some info.

Google, wikipedia, emails, MSN, sms, mobile phones (or cell phones, or hand phones, what ever you call them), iPods, digital photos, P2P, broadband, LAN, youtube... etc. Most of these words never existed 10 years ago. Now it is integrated into our everyday lives. It has slowly become a necessity in life just like electric light, telephone, TV, the fridge, washing machine.

The advancement of technology is at an exponential speed of growth that would overwhelm us if we are not careful. We are called to be the steward of God's creation on Earth. We have to learn to use these technology efficiently, ethically, to the benefit of mankind and God pleasing way.

What a Godly Man Should Look Like

Whoasai, hard to measure up to! I don't personally feels that what is said here is universal but you can apply the principles.

What a Godly Man Should Look Like

by Kathy Gruben

“I would use these words to describe this wonderful man of virtue….

Noble, chivalrous, courageous, fun, true, wise, loyal, passionate, protector, gentle, humble, strong, self-sacrificial, adventurous, patient, loving, kind, serving, intelligent, polite, family centered, lover of truth, steeped in the Word of God, prayerful and hospitable.

These are not the kind of guys that you always notice first in a crowd. But they are the ones that you admire most once you do notice them. They are the ones who go to the person sitting on the side of the church looking left out, and shake hands with a smile. They are the ones that you will find at home instead of in youth group. You will see them sitting with their folks rather than passing notes in the back of church with their friends. You will find them helping in the kitchen or taking out the trash, walking the ladies to their cars and carrying diaper bags even if they don’t belong to them.

You’ll find them with other guys, in deep discussions about theology, worldview philosophies, politics, and books rather than just talking about the latest football games, computer games and girls. Yet, they can converse on these topics too when needed. :) These are the guys who walk on the outside of the sidewalk to protect the lady whom they might be with, and are always watching for ways to take care of her as a sister. When looking for a mate, they want the one who is at home (or wants to be) and “hangs out” with her mom and siblings more than her buddies.

They love a good time, but it usually entails sword fighting, ultimate Frisbee, board games, hiking, touch football, night tag, water balloon fights and G rated movies rather than sports teams, dancing at the bar or movies with violence and sex-who cares if they are in their 20’s! A big night on the town includes taking the siblings to the grocery store, the library or out for miniature golf. They are passionate about the things of God and they do not bend on their convictions, no matter what others may say or do. They don’t care that some might see them as “goody-goody” or strange for not dating or for spending so much time with their family–they are proud of it!

You might see them on the road at 6:30am rushing to get to a 7:00am catechism class, even though no one is making him go. You will find them in family worship, singing or playing the piano, teaching God’s word to his family or sitting at his fathers feet. They write marvelous heart felt letters of encouragement when needed and yet might not say too much by way of personal stuff to many. They keep confidences. You might easily see him with a crowd of little ones about him as he helps to teach them something or play with them. He will watch an old movie and play cards with his siblings or parents, even when he would rather be playing “Stronghold Crusader” on his laptop.

He would give up his very life for his savior, his ideals and his family. He makes ice cream floats of all kinds - even strange concoctions - and gives his mom tea in bed. He bakes birthday cakes for his friends with his sister’s recipes. He learns to follow a recipe and make things in the crock-pot because he wants to be able to at least take care of his wife when the baby comes. You are likely to find him under a car, on top of a roof, mowing a lawn, mending the fence, writing a book, working the night shift to help the family - anywhere that will require hard work, initiative and drive - but not for his own sake.

They are so admired and dearly loved by their families because they are an indispensable source of joy and encouragement, strength of character and servitude. They are never truly independent, because they have come to that wonderful place in the Christian life where they realize, that they must be dependent on God alone in His sovereignty, and the people that He has placed in his life.

Therefore, he is a true man’s man. A giant. One to look up to. A hero. A leader among his peers. Strong, steady, dependable and one that you could place your life and the lives of your children into his capable and loving hands - with no regrets or fears.”

~ by Kathy Gruben, 2006

Poor time management!!

My job appraisal was mostly good: able to get the job done, have good rapport with students, get along well with colleagues, good teamwork etc... but with one big black spot. My Achilles heel is time management. Sigh... nothing new here. Made a promise that I will make good on this with black and white to prove!!

Dear Lord,
Teach me to manage my time for time is an asset more precious than money, time give rise to opportunities, time is life. Teach me not to waste my life on meaningless stuff but use my time to glorify your name. Amen.

Amazing Grace with Bass

Corrine May Live!

Corrinne May singing live! Found on Youtube.

In The Bleak Midwinter - at Peets Coffee & Tea, her favorite tea store

Same Side of the Moon - in Chicago

Wish I could attend one of her concerts some day...

A message to the youths

Dear young ones,

Shalom,

Another school week nearly finish and I hope by now, you have shifted your "gear" from "holiday" to "studying" (For some of you, your gear might still having some problems shifting :) )

Some are freshers in high school just starting to get a grip on high school life, you still have so much ahead of you. Cherish every moment as you would not go through this phase of life a second time.

Some are starting their "SPM" phase, transiting from Form 3 to Form 4. Honeymoon year is a myth, don't let it fool you! PMR is kacang compare to SPM. Start building your foundation as soon as possible.

There'll be some that are either facing PMR, SPM or *shivers* STPM. You still have at least 9 months. (that's correct I hope?) A lot will depend on what do you do with these 9 months. Plan wisely and I wish you all the best.

For those who have entered college (yay, no more school uniform or restricting hair cut) . Don't get too carried away, remember you are koko and jiejie, and one step closer to become a contributing member of the society. Learn to be more independent in all areas, however in certain areas independence is not given but has to be earned.

Let us all strive to be shining example at school, at college and no matter where we are. There's no need to be timid and being fearful how the others see us as our Lord has blessed us with His word to show us true freedom in Him. Let's be the salt and light of the world, starting from our little own corner!

~EeKeat KoKo

Corrinne May

Having heard her first two albums, Fly Away and Safe in a Crazy World, I am really excited to finally get to listened to her 4th creative effort Beautiful Seed.

I will follow-up on this album when I have more time to go through the songs. As a fan of her previous studio releases, which includes a Christmas album - The Gift, I do have high expectations on her soothing but solid voice sharing stories that touches our hearts and lifting them.

To mom

Why Women Cry

Author unknown

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will." Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?" "All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said:

"When I made the woman she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

Tragic tale of blood brothers

Watched The Warlords yesterday. A tragic tale that touches on the topics such as sworn brotherhood, loyalty, ambition, desire and war politics. I like it for the fact that it is essentially a film that deals with matters of the heart despite having the look of a war movie. To me, Jet Li's performance was a pleasant surprise although all 4 principals did their job well. I highly recommend this film, not for kids tho', plus it's depiction of the fairer sex might raised some questions although in the context of the film it worked.

Ouch! That's my foot you're stabbing!

BRGH YP 2008

A snapshot of Burmah Road Gospel Hall Chinese Assembly Youth Fellowship 2008, taken on the first fellowship meeting of the year.

We are family!

Start of with a BANG!

Marking papers, finalising graduation booklet, tidy up labs, preparing classes, teaching songs, music arrangements etc... these are but some of the tasks i must do in the first month of 2008. Must sleep well, eat well and exercise well (spiritually and physically) to keep up!

The Power of Love

A long time ago in China , a girl named Li-Li got married & went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn't get along mother-in-law at all. Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law's habits. In addition, she criticized Li-Li constantly.

Days passed, and weeks passed. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing Li-Li's poor husband great distress.

Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law's bad temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it! Li-Li went to see her father's good friend, Mr. Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all.

Mr. Huang thought for a while, and finally said, "Li-Li, I will help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you."

Li-Li said, "Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do."Mr. Huang went into the back room, and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs. He told Li-Li, "You can't use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that would cause people to become suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspect you, when she dies, you must be very careful to actively friendly towards her. "Don't argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen." Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to start her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.

Weeks went by, and months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served the specially treated food to her Mother-in-law. She remembered what Mr. Huang had said about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother.

After six months had passed, the whole household had changed. Li-Li had practiced controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset. She hadn't had an argument with her mother-in-law in six months because she now seemed much kinder and easier to get along with.

The mother-in-law's attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-in-law one could ever find. Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now treating each other like a real mother and daughter. Li-Li's husband was very happy to see what was happening.

One day, Li-Li came to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help again She said, "Dear Mr. Huang, please help me to keep the poison from killing my mother-in-law. She's changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her."

Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head. "Li-Li, there's nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her."

There is a wise Chinese saying: "The person who loves others will also be loved in return." God might be trying to work in another person's life through you.

I am a Universal Genius?!?

Spent some lunch hour time doing some online IQ test and ended up with this...

Does this mean I'm smarter than Mr Einstein?

Prince Caspian Trailer

Watch the trailer

Man, the underground scenes do make me miss London...

The beginning of something new... / welcome home

Today, mom and dad returned from their "vacation" in Miri. They shared how both girls have grown, Cheryl started to attend Kindergarten and Charlotte exhibits the ability to "identify" music pieces among other books.

Cheryl: Do I look as cool as Ah Kong and Ah Mah?

Charlotte does not want to be left out

she ain't heavy, she's my sister

I'm a cowgirl with good teeth!