From Bukit Batok To Pekan Nanas To JB

Aah... Mr Chinaman's first trip to Gelang Patah

Pls Q here to board bus

Tuas 2nd Link

Mr Chinaman arriving in Gelang Patah

Road trip to Pekan Nanas

ET a-drivin'

JO a-smilin'

Round the corner to Pekan Nanas

Rickety bus ride from Skudai to JB

Tengku Makhota Johor (heir to the throne of Johor)'s residence

Outside TMJ's residence

Yummy bryani rice at Taman Pelangi

Ooh la la cheesey naan!

My big bro & me

Pedestrian gantry to Woodlands checkpoint... spooky eh?

Abstract masterpiece (compliments of JO)

Give Wings To Your Dreams

Give wings to your dreams.

Looking at a plain caterpillar, who would have thought that it'd metamorphosize into a beautiful & elegant butterfly (had it not been taught in science class or read in encyclopedias or broadcasted on Discovery Channel?)

Give wings to your dreams. Just need to get that across to you as much as I can. Give wings to your dreams. If ugly duckling could transform into a beautiful swan, if a larva could transform into a caterpillar and further into an elegant butterfly, why not your baby dreams into mature reality?

Dream. Baby steps. One at a time.

"...first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head."

Impossibility ain't daunting. If my God lives in me, then impossible is nothing.

It's 2:58 a.m. right now. Time & tiredness wouldn't permit me to cite examples of men & women who defied the nay-sayers in pursuit of their dreams & made realities as well as histories out of them. But I will in a matter of days.
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What causes my heart to skip & tick? When I read a piece of literature well writen, inspiring or thought provoking. When human creativity marvel me.

What ignites me? Creativity found in the soul of music.

Life's greatest blessings - B&M. Books & Music.

Hiding Place

I find You in the secret place

I find You on the mountain

I find You in the early hours of my day

I find You when I'm waiting

I find You in Your Word

I find You when I'm talking to You when I pray

Create in me a clean heart

As I come away with You

Wash away all of my stains

And restore to me the joy I have in You

You are my hiding

You are my hiding place

- CCC

PK

As MM Lee Kuan Yew is to S'pore, so are you to me. :)

Memoirs Of A Geisha

Deeply moving. The characters are tastefully & intricately portrayed such that the viewer can easily be enchanted by the pain, melancholy, hopelessness, bitterness, resolution & determination of the characters which transcend beyond film to the culture & actual history upon which the film is based & inspired.

An extremely moving moment for me was Sayuri in the Baron's home; the Baron luring her there with the pretext of bestowing a lovely kimono to her, & undressing her against her will for a look at the beauty beneath her kimono. He was resolute to undress her, she was resolute to protect herself, & in such warring moments, even a seemingly harmless act of satisfying the lust of the eye for the Baron sliced through the innocence of a girl; leaving her exposed, cold & dishonored.

The gritting image of Sayuri is deeply imprinted in my mind. An act against the will introduces vulnerability.

Oh, one more thing... 15,000 yen to expose the dignity of a girl, just for a night. Sad.

Now, here's an excerpt from Wikipedia on a controversial issue from the book by Arthur Golden - Memoirs Of A Geisha:

After the novel was published, Arthur Golden was sued by the geisha Mineko Iwasakiwith whom he worked, for defamation and breach of contract. According to the plaintiff, the agreement was supposed to be total anonymity for the main character of his story. This was because there is a code of silence among the geisha community and breaking that code is a serious offense. Additionally, Iwasaki claims that Golden's fictional novel portrayed geisha as high class prostitutes. For example, in the novel Sayuri's virginity is auctioned off to the highest bidder, a concept that particularly offended Iwasaki. She stated that not only did this never happen to her, but that no such custom existed at all in Gion. By basing his character, Sayuri, on Iwasaki and implying that she herself was a prostitute, Iwasaki claims that Golden broke his agreement and caused great dishonor and shame to herself and the geisha world. After Iwasaki's name was printed in the book, she received numerous death threats and requests of censure for dishonoring her profession. In 2003, Iwasaki and Golden settled out of court for an undisclosed sum of money.

Obedience Preceeds Blessings

Spiritual exercise, though stretching, causes us to grow. Our words frame our world. When we speak, we release the creative power of the Holy Spirit.

BF. Lord I confess that financial provision can't help but to come my way because I obey.

Obedience preceeds blessings.

Hot truths

Truth for mental & spiritual consumption...

The problem in our lives is not the availability or inavailability of truth - it's the hypocrisy of our search. Truthfulness in the heart preceeds truth in the objective world, i.e. intent is prior to content.

If God could take chaos in this universe & bring out such beautiful design, can He not take trouble in turmoil in your life & bring some design out of it?

The only true peace you can find in the middle of pain & suffering is born out of a relationship with God Himself.

An-chua?!?

JO

You are blessed with incredible passion & pursuit for music, & open doors from God to bring your talents to greater heights.


"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo

Reflection

I was reading the Amplified Bible & was surprised to discover that “the land of Ham” is in fact referring to the land of Egypt. This is interesting because of the following observations…

Remember the 3 sons of Noah – Shem, Ham & Japheth?

One day our friend Ham was passing by his father Noah’s tent when he discovered Noah drunk & lying stark naked in his tent. The more prudent Shem & Japheth sought to protect the dignity & reputation of Noah, but undiscerning Ham chose to broadcast his father's shame. For his folly, Noah cursed Ham, saying he shall be a slave unto his brothers.

Now, Ham was cursed to be a slave. And as we know, Egypt was known as a land of slavery b'coz the Israelites were bound as slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt for 400 years.

Isn't it interesting to note then, that Ham was cursed to be a slave, and the land in which he lives is known as a land of slavery?

Therefore, the way we treat others is a reflection of how we’ve been treated. We perceive our surroundings from the eyes of our experiences.

21/01/06

Speak

What do you want to see happening in your life? Speak it. Prophesy to your world.

I am not afraid of the challenges of life. I am happy & contented; my foundation is in Christ.

I love what I do. I'm an excellent worker. I'm a multi-tasker.

Lord, I miss him. But everytime I do, let me love You more.

My battlefield is often not in my workplace or when I'm with people - it is often in my bedroom when I wrestle with God, pouring my grievances to Him, reasoning with Him, pleading with Him & prophesying to my situation. You are my all in all.

Don't call me a coward for wanting to run home when things turn messy & blurry. I've an appointment with my Master & Friend which I cannot miss. Just minutes of confiding in Him, and the deflated giant in me is strong & confident again, ready to take the world for all it's worth. Now you try.

Whatever you do, don't matter if you dislike it, don't matter if it's menial - do it with pride & excellence. For this is your lot - that in all things, do it as unto the Lord.

Woo Hoo!

Let all that has breath praise the Lord - and I say, rejoice! Praise the Lord!

Baby Steps

"Because God is a God of order, any movement toward order in your personal life will bring productivity and cause you to grow spiritually.

Even the simplest step toward order can make an enormous difference. For instance, the moment you refuse to leave your bedroom in the morning without first making your bed, you have taken a step toward a life that is defined by order." - Rev. Robb Thompson

Therefore...

How do we become disciplined individuals? One step at a time.

How do we change lives? One at a time.

Quotes Of Truth

How the human mind starves for truth & wisdom! I've been tremendously impacted & blessed by the ministry of Ravi Zacharias, apologist & teacher of the Word of God based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Below are astounding quotes from the man, which I leave with you:

With meaning, many things are bearable.

Your prejudices can easily distort your perceptions. If you have a prejudice against a certain individual, it'll distort how you perceive who he is and what he does.

Who Jesus was allowed Him to do what He did. The pharisees lost sight of who Jesus was (the Son of God); therefore they did not gain the legitimate impact of what He did (His healing ministry & redemptive works).

Where the glory of God dwells, there the voice of God is heard.

God is speaking; when we understand it, He reveals more.

Righteousness is internal, self aggrandizement is fatal, obedience is crucial and responsibility is personal.

Leader By Choice

"You are a leader by choice. You are not a leader because of how talented you are; you are a leader by choice because you make choices that propels you forward into leadership.

You make choices that makes you climb higher, run faster, pick yourself up faster when you fall - you make decisions." - Pst. Tan YP

Gracey

Gracey, you have no idea how much I love the book you gave me, how timely it was for me to be reading it, and how my perspective about where I'm heading is influenced by it.

Thank you for proving to me again and again, that love can spread simply by loving as our personalities lead us. I thank God always for you, and for the love, joy, laughter, silliness, thought provoking questions (you know what I mean! :p) that your friendship brings.

Bevan has no idea what a gem he's found in you.

Cheerios baybee. :)

Prophesy To The Dry Bones

Eze 37:1-6

The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones.

Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry.

And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" So I answered, "O Lord God, You know."

Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!

'Thus says the Lord God to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.

"I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord." ' "
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A prophecy from Eze 36:26-27 spoken on 231101:

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."

Wisdom Under The Sun

What makes one truly happy? When discipline & order are in place. - A.T.

Wisdom from Ecclesiates -

"Nothing is better for a man that that he should eat & drink, & that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This... was from the hand of God." - Ecc 2:24

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. And He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work God does from beginning to end." - Ecc 3:11

"I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, & nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear Him." - Ecc 3:14

Change

Man is created with the inbuilt capacity to chart the course of his destiny, the flexibility to adapt to his environment and make necessary changes to his surrounding to steer himself towards his destiny.

Change is inevitable in growth. Change & growth are inseparable.

The achievement of man is in the fulfilment of his responsibilities.

We contantly got to lose something coz that's when God steps in to fill the void. God is zealous for us. If He has to strip distractions from our lives in order to get to us, He will.

"Restore (me), O God; Cause Your face to shine, and (I) shall be saved!" - Psa 80:3

Believe

They said you wouldn't make it so far
And ever since they've said it it’s been hard
But never mind that night you had to cry
Cause you had never let it go inside
You worked real hard and you know exactly what you want and need so believe
And you can never give up
You can reach your goals
Just talk to your soul and say

I believe I can

I believe I will

I believe I know my dreams are real

I believe I can

I believe I will

I believe I hold it soon man

That is what I do believe

Your fools are just singing, your soul

And you know that your moves will let them show

You keep creating pictures in your mind

So just believe they will come true in time

It will be fine leave all of your cares and stress behind and

Just let it go

Let the music go inside again the pain

It just start to believe

At third my yet what people say

Hold your head high and turn away

With all my hopes and dreams I will believe

Even though it seems it's not for me

I won't give up,

I'll keep it up

Looking to the sky

I will achieve on my knees

I will always believe

-Yolanda Adams

Little things

Take a moment to enjoy life's little pleasures...

Thank You Lord

And I thank you Lord
For the trials that come my way
In that way I can grow each day
As I let You lead

And I thank you Lord
For the patience those trials bring
In the process of growing
I can learn to care

But it goes against the way I am
To put my human nature down
And let the Spirit take control of all I do
Coz when those trials come
My human nature shouts the things to do
And God’s soft prompting can be easily ignored

But I thank You Lord
With each trial I feel inside
That You’re there to help, lead and guide
My way from wrong

Coz You promised Lord
That with every testing
That Your way of escaping is easier to bear

Yes, I thank You Lord
For the victory that growing brings
In surrender of everything
Life is so worthwhile

And I thank You Lord
That when everything’s put in place
Out in front I can see Your face
And it’s there You belong

-Unknown

Sing

The fog has lifted... not by inches, but pretty substantially. How do I know? Coz the last time I sang was 2 months ago. And finally last night, I started to sing again. I mean really sing, from the inner well of my heart. Jesus, my Rock & Redeemer. He has lifted the veil from my eyes, and the fog from off my path.

A sound decision made opens the way to inner peace, bright path & bubbling joy. - A.T.

Joshua 1:2-9

Observe how many times God encouraged Joshua to be strong & courageous, and assured him of His presence with him.

Even as I face uncertainty about my studies and where I'll go from here, I'm encouraged by God's Word that He is with me where ever I go.

Ahh.. the wonder of praying and meditating on God's Word instead of worrying - He exchanges my ashes for His beauty and turns my mourning into dancing.

Carpe Diem - Seize The Day

The never-to-be-forgotten quote from the Dead Poets Society reminds us to seize each day and cherish them dearly. Every day, opportunities await us and we must decide whether to take the chance or play it safe. My friends, take the risks, for nothing is gained without them.

"He who is truly great, ventures forth, counting on the Lord to guide and prosper." - A.T.

Hanging By A Moment

desperate for changing starving for truth
closer to where I started
chasing after you
i'm falling even more in love with you
letting go of all i've held onto
i'm standing here until you make me move
i'm hanging by a moment here with you

forgetting all i'm lacking completely incomplete
i'll take your invitation you take all of me
i'm living for the only thing i know
i'm running and not quite sure where to go
i don't know what i'm diving into
i'm hanging by a moment here with you

Not-so-brief Movie Review

3 movies to recommend:

First up on the list: Elizabethtown

Drew Baylor (played by Orlando Bloom) is down & out with love lost, job lost & face lost as a result of his infamous shoe design which plunges his boss' company into millions of deficit. To add to his landslide of losses, he loses yet another - his father. Now the only man in the family, he represents his grief-stricken yet resolute mother (played by Susan Sarandon) & emotional sister to journey to little Elizabethtown with the task of attending to his late father's memorial & fulfilling his last wishes.

Heaped with major losses in a matter of days, he plunges into a "numb" mode. As he drives to Elizabethtown with his awfully bad road sense, he sets on a journey of discovery & soul searching - of love with a lively & quick-witted flight attendant, Claire (played by Kirsten Dunst), of compassion for his little town relatives, and of grief over his father's departure.

Claire portrays an amazing character in this movie who helps Drew navigate the rough waters ahead and proves that amazing things happen when you least expect them. This movie left me reflecting: "There is much to live for."

Home-run quote from Claire in the movie: "Sadness is easier because its surrender. I say make time to dance alone with one hand waving free."

A fantastic appeal to this movie are the fabulous, refreshing country rock songs featured all throughout the movie, which kinda gives you a glimpse of your dad & mom's courting days.

P/S: You can be sure I'll be hitting the record store for the soundtrack to this movie. Mama mia here I come!
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Did I say 3 movies? Ok, the other 2 coming right up. (2) In Her Shoes, & (3) Proof

Hang in there... for now, it's back to work. :)

Love & Hope

Love gives hope.

Knowing that someone loves you makes life worth living, the going easy and the bearing worthwhile.

My Calling

At a crossroad of making a major move in life, to pursue the education that I so deeply desire since I was little; I was browsing through my archives once again (as I do ever so often, b'coz I'm my own literature's biggest fan!), and saw my journal penned in April 2003 titled "My Calling".

As the world hangs on the brink of the latest news, and at this current moment, whether President George Bush will mark his word and bomb Iraq, and now that he has, this world-shaking event has sparked something deeper in my soul. I look deep inside my heart and can only safely say – I want to be a journalist. Never mind the low pay, never mind the incredulous hours, never mind the void of social life. This my life I live for my calling, to the fullest.

April 2003
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Yet another one penned on 15/07/03:

Lord I believe all dreams are possible. If I can bring my dreams to You, You can make them work for me. Amen!

Lord I wanna be a journalist. People tell me that the hours of a journalist are very irregular, robbing one of all social and private activities. Lord if being a journalist is gonna rob me of the time to serve You, I'd rather give it up. But I believe Lord that every seed of desire for a great dream is put in my heart by You. And if it was You who planted such a seed, surely You have already provided a way where You can help me fulfil that dream and yet serve You full on. Lord please do not let me be discouraged for once and attempt to give up on this dream. Everytime I watch Channelnewsasia on tv I tell myself someday I'm gonna be up there reporting the latest news. Lord revive my dream, prepare me for it and give me the faith to hang on till it comes true. Amen.

15/07/03

Lord, make a way for me I pray.

When I Look To The Sky

I love to look out & up to the sky. Because the vastness & beauty of nature manifests one thing - the beauty of creation, and in turn, the beauty of God Himself.

At times when I'm down and low, all I have to do is to look out & up to the sky, and beholding the beauty of the blue sky and His creation - it leaves me in complete awe & gratitude, as I take in a deep breath & whisper, "Thank you Lord, for everything."

To God & PK:

When it rains it pours and opens doors

And floods the floors we thought would always keep us safe and dry

And in the midst of sailing ships we sink our lips into the ones we love

That have to say goodbye

And as I float along this ocean

I can feel you like a notion that won't seem to let me go

Cause when I look to the sky

Something tells me you're here with me

And you make everything alright

And when I feel like I'm lost

Something tells me you're here with me

And I can always find my way when you are here

And every word I didn't say that caught up in some busy day

And every dance on the kitchen floor we didn't dance before

And every sunset that we'll miss I'll wrap them all up in a kiss

And pick you up in all of this when I sail away

Whether I am up or down or in or out or just plane overhead

Instead it just feels like it is impossible to fly

But with you I can spread my wings

to see me over everything that life may send me

When I am hoping it won't pass me by

And when I feel like there is no one that will ever know me

there you are to show me

-Train

Thank You

Phil 4:8

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble... whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."

With this in mind, my mind immediately sets on a couple of wonderful people I have to make mention of... (names & expressions of gratitude are not in alphabetical/chronological/"appreciatical" order):

Lenny - thank you for being such a loyal and faithful armor bearer, taking in my nonsense at times when I'm frustrated and cranky, and being the silent supporter that you always are. Your silent prayers are loud in answers that come my way. I'm thankful for your friendship and loyalty.

Allen - you're so sweet to Lenny! When I see how happy she is, I know you have played a big part in etching that smile across her lil' face. Don't worry about your NTU studies, because you're an overcomer, you'll overcome the usual lamentation & dread of the tough syllabus, and do everyone proud with your ace grades!

Faith - I'm glad that our friendship blossomed with us working in the same company, and you are such a honest, down-to-earth and real friend to have. Thank you for being so candid and sincere, and always so accepting and never despising me for my many faults.

Eva - my dearest friend, as I mentioned in my sms to you, despite the current strain, you remain a wonderful friend and the great girl that you are. Your self worth & confidence is evident in your ability to run to God when circumstances prick and hurt.

JO - you're amazing, & I'm lost for words... LLEOFALAWHOTJ. :)

Psalms 23:6

"Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me - not some, not most, not nearly all - but ALL the days of my life. I rest my case.

Contentment

Consider this...

What you have in your Shepherd is greater than what you don't have in life

What's Life Without Joy & Music?

Raffles Marina

Where tranquility & serenity meet...

On Love

When we love someone, we take the entire package. No picking and choosing. No large helpings on the good and passing on the bad. Love is a package deal.

PK I'll take 'em all. :)

Mocha Thoughts

Mocha With Max... that's a good read you can't miss. Read it on a wet, chilly nite after a warm shower, sitting on your bed or reclining in your favourite chair or comfy spot on the carpet in your room - have Max for company. Here are a couple of excerpts from "Mocha With Max" ( I don't wanna quote too many to get myself entangled with copyright issues!)
P/S: Comments in italics below are mine. :)

1. Your place in heaven was more important to Christ than His place in heaven, so He gave up His so you could have yours.

-could there be a greater expression of love & sacrifice than Christ's? None come close.When you don't feel loved or appreciated, here's when you need to remind yourself of your self worth in Christ. He did it all for you. You're definitely worth the shed blood.

2. Play hard, laugh hard & leave the worries to your Father.

-oh what a consolation! That we don't have to get all tensed up & fret over the many things that had and could and would go wrong. Chill it - play hard, laugh hard, & leave your worries, anxieties & problems to your Father who gladly receives them all.

3. One of God's cures for weak faith? A good, healthy struggle.

-I don't need to condemn myself at times when I feel my faith draining out & I'm hard-presed on every side. God is working His solution at that very moment. In short, don't get too depressed on your way down that you fail to see the rescue aid from above.

Crossroad

It's been months
And I'm still here
This crossroad wouldn't depart
And neither will I
Yet I stand strong
For my God walks with me
Through it all
The just shall live by faith

God Is

One night I was asked, "What do you think of God?" I was a little thrown back by the question - I mean I thought I could sum Him all up to one word - LOVE, but above that, I think no amount of words can express the infinity of our God. But to the best of my ability (& with the help of some friends), here's what God is to us...

God is...

Awesome
Beautiful
Creative
Detailed
Extravagant
Faith
Good
Holy
Infinite
Jehovah
King
Love
Majestic
Noble
Omniscient
Patient
Quality
Resolute
Supreme
Truth
Unique
Victorious
Wise
Xclusive
Yahweh
Zealous

Feel free to contribute your expressions of God. :)

On Friendship

I've a close friend who sent me this in May 2004, when our friendship first begun. Now a cut, a strain through this journey (of friendship), yet I believe in redemption, because God is in the business of redemption & reconciliation. To Eva.

A true friend never gets in your way
Unless you happen to be going down
The world is round so that friendship may encircle it

A friend in need is a friend indeed
A friend will joyfully sing with you
When you’re on the mountaintop
And silently walk beside you through the valley

True friendship is like sound health
The value of it is seldom known until it be lost
True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends
But in the worth and choice

Close your eyes to the fault of others
And watch the doors of friendship swing wide
Be cautious in choosing friends
And be even more cautious in changing them

A real friend warms you by his presence
Trusts you with his secrets
And remembers you in his prayers
A real friend will tell you when you have primacy stuck in your teeth

You will never have a friend
If you must have one without a fault
I keep my friends as misers do their treasure
Because of all the things granted us by wisdom
None is greater or better than friendship

We are on the wrong track when we think of friendship
As something to get rather than something to give
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others
Cannot hide it from themselves
All that us cherishing in this world begin in the heart

May 2004

From within

Searched my past archives & found these poems I penned in the gratitude of God's amazing grace & love. These I share with you, in the hope that you may be encouraged & comforted as I always am, as often as I read of 'em.


I woke up this morning
Seeing the sun is bright and the sky blue
A glimpse of You in mind
I know everything’s alright, I can sing
You take such good care I haven’t a clue
Lord one thing I ask – teach me to be kind

A.T. 21/09/04

I walk through the days in a daze
Not knowing who I am what I do
Yet I’m hanging on every Word You say
Because You’re the only One I know
Who keeps me sane and on my feet
Even if it’s all blurry ahead
This I know – the fog will lift
One day

From now till then
I may not be perfect
I may wallow dig and spurn
Yet all I ask is Your hand
Never to let go coz’ I’m not that strong
I’m still learning

Now I wake up and see
A glimpse of hope in the horizon
You’ve been around the whole time
I know now everything’s alright, I can sing
You take such good care I haven’t a clue
Oh one thing I ask – show me Your Way

A.T. 25/10/04

Always

Did You rise the sun for me?
Or paint a million stars that I might know Your majesty?
Is Your voice upon the wind?
Is everything I've known marked with my Maker's fingerprints?

Breathe on me
Let me see Your face
Ever I will seek You

'Cause all You are, is all I want, always
Draw me close in Your arms
Oh God, I wanna be with You

Can I feel You in the rain?
Abandon all I am to have You capture me again
Let the earth resound with praise
Can You hear as all creation lives to glorify One name?

-Hillsong United