Monday Musings: 6 June 2011

The magic of Magic

Well, in the last 10 years I've had varied hobbies. In NUS, music was a big part of that life, but yesterday at a wedding rehearsal, I realized just how rusty and neglected my musical skill has been. As a teacher, I returned to my roots, as a gamer, not much of a computer gamer but games that really make you think too much. It started when I saw my colleagues playing Saboteur, and I decided to get a set myself. I ended up buying Citadels at the same time.

Rest is history, in the past 4 years I've collected quite an interesting array of games, Great Wall of China, Starcraft the Boardgame, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Navegador and of course the improved versions of some Hasbro games like Monopoly Deal, Cluedo Suspect, Monopoly Junior and Risk. However, at the end of the day, you have to realise that most of the games above all have some mechanic taken from what I think is one of the best games of all times, Magic, The Gathering.

I've already talked about that game once, somewhere in my archives and why I really enjoyed playing that game when I was still a secondary school student and how it shaped what I am doing today.

So, in recent times I have spent some time getting back up to speed with what has been happening in the MtG world, and I have to say the environment has completely changed. Gone are the controversial themes that made it a target for conservative groups; in are ideas that the game can be used for educational purposes. In the recent expansion block, the game felt more science fiction than fantasy, with the bad guys resembling the Zerg of Starcraft rather than the dragons of the Old Mountain.

Indeed, the whole demograph of the players has changed, no more school kids dominating the scene, but serious post-NS professional players who now have some spending power. The game itself still has it's old charm, and the game play has become a highly evolved exercise in mathematical precision, and that's what I've always liked about it.

And it's good to see that the educational value in the game has been seen by Hasbro who has incorporated it's mechanics into more mainstream games like Monopoly Deal and Cluedo Suspect, I actually encourage people to play these games to exercise their brains a little more, maybe that is what is missing in today's mathematics education spectrum, the outlet to play real games. Maybe that's why NS guys play the game a lot more, an opportunity to use their brains!

Well, it's been ten years since I left the game, it's good in some way to be back. But no, my main gripe with the game still exists and in fact is now worse, that of cost. It is a rich man's game and there is no way on earth I can afford playing that game again, except in a limited fashion. So well, it's been fun dabbling back into the old the past few weeks, but no, won't be playing it in a serious manner anytime.

Now that I'm going back to NUS, I will have to focus back on my studies a lot more. Who knows, maybe I will do a PhD in Mathematics Education and focus on games; hopefully something I can contribute to the way mathematics is taught here in Singapore.

Thursday Thoughts: 2 June 2010

As I am writing this, I am also finishing up my sermon for the week. So I thought I give anyone who is reading this a small preview.

At FIFA 2010 Camp, I was supposed to speak on "Roots". What that was about, only the camp planning team knew. As it happened, I didn't conduct that workshop as there wasn't enough time. Well, the notes and preparation work was all done and good to go what was missing was an occasion to conduct the workshop.

In March this year, I was rostered to speak at YMPACT service this coming Sunday and was given a free topic, basically I could speak on anything I wanted. Since I had all my notes done up I decided that it was time to speak about this but redo it in a way that is more appropriate for the current time frame.

So, my topic this Sunday will be on the "Voyage of the Gospel", and this is in tandem with PMC's Year of Missions. Just to let everyone know that we are in Pasir Ris today as a result of missions work in the years gone by.

Here's a video that I will be showing at the start to get everyone thinking.

Monday Musing: 30 May 2011

It's been years since I've updated this blog, or at least posting something substantive. Reading through my blog archives can be quite an experience, even for myself.

I don't know why I'm resurrecting this blog, perhaps I've got a lot more thoughts in my head that I would like to get out now that I'm no longer teaching. So, I will try post a little more regularly, twice a week for a start and see how that goes.

Monday musings: Just some thoughts about things that I like doing, playing games, cycling, eating, playing the guitar etc.

Thursday thoughts: These posts will be more Christian themed and hopefully will recreate the original / old purpose of this blog. I'm now older, and have very different perspectives on a lot things, so here's where they will go.

Happy Birthday, my friend

Don't worry about that extra line
That's creeping up upon your face
It's just a part of nature's way
To say you've grown a little more
Trees have rings and thicker branches
Kids' shoes get a little tighter
Every year we're getting closer
To who we're gonna be
It's time to celebrate the story of
How you've come to be

Happy Birthday, my friend
Here's to all the times
We've shared together
All the fun we've had
You're such a blessing
Such a joy in my life
May the good Lord bless you
And may all your dreams come true

So light a candle on your cake
For every smile you've help create
For every heart and every soul
You've help to grow a little more
A few more pounds, a little more greys
Don't count the years, just count the ways
It takes a little time to go
From water into wine
Don't ever lose the wonder
Of the child within your eyes

Happy Birthday, my friend
Here's to all the times
We've shared together
All the fun we've had
You're such a blessing
Such a joy in my life
May the good Lord bless you
And may all your dreams come true

Off-loading this blog

Yeah... kept this blog for a good 5 years now. Started off as a One Voice blog and then slowly evolved into a personal blog. Guess it's time for another major upgrade... sort of?!

Will be using this blog for major, important long posts. If you wish to track me on a daily basis then follow my Twitter and Tumblr:

Twitter

Tumblr

Effectively decided to make my Tumblr look exactly like this Blog.

Romanesco Broccoli

Believe it or not, the thing below is edible! Happened to stumble upon it as I was reading up on recreational mathematics. It's an example of a naturally occurring fractal.

Time just disappears

I think this will be my first proper post in a long time.

I've really got nothing much to say nowadays. Maybe it's because I don't have the time to sit down and muse about life and write it all down. A lot of my thoughts just pass through my head and sadly I don't get a chance to write it all down.

Gone are my undergrad days when I wrote LONG posts. I guess that is the reason I miss those days. Well, I hope post-grad days would be similar, if not, more focused. Am aiming for a 2011 admission though 2012 is fine as well. However, who knows if I may delay that again.

I guess this is the first time I am writing about this in public. Twice before have I wanted to go into full time ministry in some way. First, at the end of my NS days before going to NUS. Back then the Lord said wait. The second towards the end of my NUS days, before I applied to NIE. Once again the Lord said wait.

So I waited. I have enjoyed the last 3 years very much and I know I have at least one more of this to go. After that, well, I still am waiting. That is one of my options.

Then again, who knows what may happen and I may just stay on in AHS indefinitely. That is certainly a big option.

God has been faitful and true to the promises right from the start. I guess this morning sermon was a reminder to listen to the Master Of Everything again. Need to remember that's what MOE really stands for.

Testing

Not really updated much recently. I guess it's due to Twitter. Anyway, decided to activate the mail2blogger feature. Hopefully that will see more frequent updates. 

Rather disappointing...

Sometimes if I were the one is that incompetent! Read my twitter for more info!

NumberKey

This has got to be one of the more productive iPhone apps around. Connects to the Mac via wifi and then becomes a number pad. Really great when you have to enter a huge amount of numerical data. 

The beginning of August

Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. - Ecclesiastes 5:7

Was reading my archives the other day and found a lot my old reflective posts. Those days feel so long ago yet at times they feel like yesterday. Hard to imagine I had so much time to write back then, practically everyday. I guess that what's the non-studying life does to you; you think a lot but you don't have time to put it down into writing. 

Those words are actually full of meaning; sometimes we just complicate things. Better to submit all the words and dreams back to God and stand in awe of Him. 

I have plans, plans to move on from where I am right now and to return back to school. I miss studying, really want to go back to studying. However, it will be at least the end of next year before such plans become visible so in the meantime, still wait upon the Lord.

Only God knows if that is the best course of action. 

Real cute huh?

I feel the pain...

This made the news a few days ago, in the Life! section. Yeah... I feel the pain! This guy talks about his guitar being damaged. I've had the same anxious feeling before! 

But the best part is that Taylor Guitars responded! A master-stroke if you asked me!

Anyway, it's painful as I'm a fellow Taylor guitar user. Trying to downsize my collection though, so I accept cash, paypal or a PRS / X3 live. Here's my Taylor guitar collection. Albeit with my Cornerstone in the mix. Of course the 2nd from the right isn't mine anymore. 

This would be really interesting

If it were true...

Hmph!

A look at my Statcounter indicates that someone out there, who is very bored, has been reading my archives! Of all years, my 2005 archives! Admittedly that was the worst year of my life in recent memory! Yet, thing were set in motion after that year for something much greater!

Anyway, to the person who is that bored, have fun peeking into my life while I was still a student! Reading back on those post really brought back some crazy memories! Can't believe I wrote all that then! But I shan't delete it, it's a reminder of where I once was.

6 degrees to many...

This is going to be one cynical post. Not a nice way to start the week. The last few weeks have actually messed my mind up a fair bit. All thanks to HQ/Cluster - level activities. It's not the organisation, but the people whom I had to meet during those events. It brought back strings of a past I am trying to sever. 

This is my second post on the "6 degrees" phenomenon. The first one is here.

Sigma Omicron Phi Iota Alpha, gosh... don't believe it's actually in that post... there certainly was a huge lack of it back then. 

4 long years and that post comes back to haunt me. Met someone today who was once the subject of my prayers. I even recall mentioning it somewhere in my archives. Finally met the person and totally not what I expected but in a nice way. 

It's just a small world and your mind is really messed up as a result. Met too many people in the past few weeks that I've been trying to forget and I wonder why. Is it just the 6 degrees at work? Or God answering a prayer?

Dear God, help me stop this spinning and grant me sight. 

E-learning week!?!!??

So, e-learning week has kind of ended. I did some e-learning myself. I watched youtube videos and learnt how to fold some interesting things. That's e-learning right?

Anyway, in between watching FIBA33 matches, reading news reports assignments, troubleshooting the whole moodle system, marking and replying to students' queries I was folding these:

My first attempt at a paper hydralisk. Not bad, it could actually stand. 

My second attempt at a paper hydralisk. It's tail looked a lot better, more reticulated, but it couldn't really stand. Something to note: in origami, use thin paper. The orange paper was high quality paper; too thick to fold properly. 

Another attempt, using the left over paper to make a minute hydralisk. Very cute actually!

This is a Star Destroyer, really easy to make actually. Looks good eh? The ruler is there for scale. The small hydralisk is actually the same size as the Star Destroyer. 

This one was a pain to fold. Took me and hour and had to watch the video almost 30 times. The outcome is pretty impressive! This is a Terran Wraith. 

Thing to note: If I can fold these just by watching videos, I'm sure one can learn partial fractions and the modulus function by watching Heymath animations / lessons! 

Anyway, this is a picture of a fois gras dish I cooked up. (Yes, I cook. For those who have been following this blog for some time, they will know that it was once upon a time a food blog.) This is my interpretation of the dish I ate at Regent hotel about a month back. And yes, the fois gras was on BIG offer. 

It's been 2 years!

Two years ago, I began my teaching as a full fledge teacher. It's just been too fast. One more year of my bond remaining. After that, well, I can only pray. But what do I pray for? That is the real question to ask. 

Three years ago, I stood ready to enter Temasek Secondary School as a real greenhorn. Fresh out of NUS, and not knowing if it was the right thing to do. But as God promised, the road has been made straight, even though I made so many funny mistakes, the road was prepared and somehow things always worked out. 

Now, the next few days will really be something. 

The Singapore Sling

Took the following picture a few weeks ago. Was on a heritage trail and I had to chaperone my class leaders. The picture doesn't look like much, but it is actually one of the trickiest and demanding corners in Formula One, the Singapore Sling. 

This is where Kimi Raikonnen crashed last year, that just goes to show how tight it is. Anyway, looking at the markings on the groud, it is hard to imagine how a car can negotiate that corner at 100km/h, you have to really salute the F1 drivers. 

It's quite one thing to be able to stand in the middle of one of F1's tightest corners, the feeling is quite crazy. Anyway, I wasn't jaywalking, I took that picture at the temporary pedestrain crossing that was put up right at the double apex of the corner. However, true to Singaporean standards, even the temporary crossing looked quite permanent. 

They've already begun reinstalling the floodlights. I will probably want to watch this year's Grand Prix live. Not sure if it will be the same next year!

Good food!

It's been a while since a food post made it to the blog. Not been cooking much, need to find new recipes again. Over the weekend had a lot of family functions; on Saturday had my uncle's birthday and on Sunday my parents' anniversary. Well here's selection of the food!

Shark's fin, intersting presentation

Fois Gras... UNLIMITED!

Crazy offering of food!

Chocolate overload!

It's been that long...

Since graduating from NUS. 3 years! Time has passed so quickly, I am entering my 2nd year as a full fledged teacher already.

It's nice to meet up with the BCE guys to jam again, even though we hardly play with each other, I really enjoy playing with them. Strange though, we are always playing at weddings, but we are all unattached.

Listening to the updates about the VCF also brings some sadness to my heart. One standing com after another being closed. Like we always discussed, student ministry is only one generation away from extinction.

Today is exactly 2 years since my bond took effect. One more year and my bond would end, but I will stay on longer of course; though the desire to return to the books is there. 

What a find!

The school library has nearly the whole collection of Lone Wolf gamebooks! Including the the first 7 (out of 8) of the ultra-rare New Kai Order series. I thought none of those books made it into Singapore, but I was wrong! Each of those books are worth (a year ago at least) over a hundred euros! Much less now with the reprints.

Amazing, these books were what I used to read way back in Primary 6 and Secondary 1. But like the New Jedi Order, I stopped at the New Kai Order as it just wasn't faithful to the original series. Yet, the discovery of these books was a real shock! Nice to see them in good condition, hopefully the school chooses not to condemn them anytime soon!

Interesting!

The number of visitors to my blog suddenly jumped yesterday. Checked my statcounter and found that majority were looking for my PH1101E posts. Posted way back in 2005... during a rather dark and gloomy chapter of my life.

Reading those post really make me think "what on earth were you doing back then?!". My mind is certainly not as agile anymore.

Been a while...

... since I updated. 

Been extremely tired. For what reason, I do not know. It's been hot lately, and it's not been enjoyable as you perspire way too much. Body is somehow dehydrating, been waking up to serious nose bleeds!

Changed my morning routing a little. Now I cycle to school in more appropriate attire. That way can actually cycle the longer route home; need to exercise more. 

250309

Verses Read: Matthew 28:1-15, Psalm 66

Been a while since I posted my readings. Been extremely pressed for time, and for what reason, I do not know. This season of Lent seems a lot more sober, still wondering why. Powerpoint this weekend, it will be back to where we started; back to the basics. That's what I need to show.

Have been studying lately. Relearning all that I forgot from my University days. I just cannot imagine that those topics were once bread and butter for me and that I could roll definitions of my tongue without difficulty. Now, just reading those books are a headache! Well, have to be serious if I want to further my studies soon.

Testing - Slides

Testing to see how I can publish PowerPoint presentations onto blogger. More for my English and Mathematics blog. That one would really be interesting. 

10227 days

Ten thousand, two hundred and twenty seven days. 28 years, one full calendar cycle. The weight of age never gets heavier than today, it's the same every year since I started keeping count 4 years ago. 

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of widsom" - Psalm 90:12

Trust a mathematician to take that verse literally. 

Wisdom. Been a while since I thought about it carefully. It is a word that has a lot of double meaning for me. Time cannot be reversed, will just have to move on till the time is right.

040309

Verses read: Matthew 22:14-33, Psalm 48

The gift of wisdom, these passages are a demonstration of Jesus' gift of wisdom. Twice He was asked trick questions and twice His replies left the crowds amazed. The proverbs tell us to desire wisdom, precisely what seems to be lacking nowadays. 

030309

Verses Read: Matthew 22:1-14, Psalm 47

This is one passage where I have little clue on how to intepret it. If you were to think deeper, it is really scary. That many are invited but few are chosen. One thing I've yet to look at is the context and it's parallel. End of the day, one of those passages that really made me sit up and think. 

It's already March, going to be 28 soon. Not something I like to think about, but it's the truth. I wonder how long I can keep up or stay where I am. It's easy to burn out. Going to be a long week, have to juggle between so many administrative duties and yet I have to leave school early everyday for external duties. Going crazy trying to juggle everything. 

Paradox

As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain;
and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality - Albert Einstein

Makes a lot of sense. Especially from this side of the classroom.

It's a paradox. The syllabus has been cut by almost 50% since 10 years ago. Yet I am unable to finish it on time. There is so much less to cover, yet it seems people are finding it more difficult. Gone are topics like, APGP, a whole lot of trigonometry, implicit differentiation, functions and vectors.

Time. That's other interesting paradox. It used to be 2 sessions of school. So no possibility of remedials in the afternoons. In other words, we have more time nowadays. Yet the above situation exists.

Why is this so? I am still trying to find out.

250209

Verses read: Matthew 21:1-11, Psalm 42

Glad I read that Psalm! It is my turn to pray for the school tomorrow morning, and I have found what I need to say to everyone. A real Word in season. 

It's Ash Wednesday, not that we commemorate it. However, the passage from Matthew is closely related to the season of Lent. Just goes to show that those who thought of the Bible reading plan, planned it very well. 

180209

Matthew 17:14-27, Psalm 37

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

A Psalm of great comfort to me. Be patient that is what it says, for the Lord will deliver in His time. I remember being SMSed this verse a few years ago out of the blue by a friend. She would pray every night and simply SMS verses out to friends whom she is led to do so. Amazing, for out of the blue, the verse came and reminded me of what to do and what not to do.

140209

Matthew 15:21-39, Psalm 34

Not been a good week at all. People are usually happy when they see money. However, in the last few days the issue of money just makes me upset. Not because there is too little, but because there is just too much; to collect. 

Checks and balances that just do not speak of efficiency on any level. That just makes me upset. Very upset. Takes away the issue of trust and faith, replacing it with a paper trail and "accountability". Pretty robotic if you asked me. 

14 Feb. Doesn't help that the week ends like this. I wonder what would have been different if things didn't go downhill 3.5 years ago. Would I be happier? Would I be married or perhaps preparing for it? I wouldn't know. The fact is that isn't happening now. I guess I've gotten back into that state of mind where I'm disillusioned with that whole institution. Will thing pass? Or will I simply end up bitter like some out there?

Time, it heals wounds. In His time. 

Testing

Posted a lot of pictures from my phone which did not appear on the blog. Wondering why.

Cycling trip

About to leave for a cycling trip with my Boys. Might update with pictures. Spotting the AQ route today, and the crazy Tampines Bike Trail. 

090209

Verses read: Matthew 13:24-43, Psalm 31

The question has always been why is there evil in this world. To me, that passage in Matthew does answer that question. It's here to stay, till the end of time. I guess it's a matter of being patient and among ourselves, a matter of inner healing sometimes.

Running out of marker pens. Not funny. Well, I guess this means I have to dig into my bag of tricks, a bag I've not opened since practicum. I guess there is some good out of this operation, forces me to think creatively once again. Or, as in practicum, create out of desperation.

030209

Verses read: Matthew 11:20-30, Psalm 26

"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Yeah, it's a different burden this year. Somehow the weariness of last year was easier to bear. This year it's has been grinding. Somehow, I lack the motivation to do things that I was very enthusiastic about last year. A complete reversal. This verse really jumped out at me today. God's way of answering all the questions in my head. 

Finally rained today, after a long dry spell. More rain to come hopefully, Singapore has suddenly turned into the brown city with all the drying and dying grass. Humidity has been very low recently, guess that's why I've not been perspiring much in class. 

Hopefully that will all change soon. Cooler weather is always nicer. 

010209

Verses read: Matthew 10:22-42, Psalm 24

I realise that when I start on a 25 day reading plan, sure it is less intimidating, but you end up with a lot less discipline. Back onto the main reading, and going to shift it back to the mornings! 

On another note, it is already February. The NIE trainees are going to come in soon. It was TWO full years ago when I was in their shoes. How I miss practicum, that was when I felt I was most effective as a teacher. Since turning full fledge, that seems to have diminished greatly. So strange, yet a trend that is so real and bizarre. 

I guess I have this blog to remind myself of the call. To remind myself to be that point of difference. TWO years, doesn't seem all that long ago. 

270109

Verses Read: Proverbs 10:4

Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. 

I am on a 25 day per month Bible reading plan, so I have a couple of extra days in a month. Will be using these days to develop a set of devotions for the Boys Brigade based on the book of proverbs. Hence today's reading. 

The long weekend has come to an end, but there are no lessons tomorrow. Honestly, a wise move and a very pleasant surprise. Things this year are indeed very much better. Going to ride to Siglap after school to get my bicycle serviced. Chain is starting to make noise. 

260109

Verses read: Matthew 10:1-20, Psalm 23

It's interesting to read that verse, that the words to say would be given at the needed time. And then to read Psalm 23 to be comforted with the knowledge that almost the same thing. Something to reflect on. 

220109

Verses read: MAtthew 9:1-13, Psalm 21

I remember a dear friend who once messaged me verses from a chapter that was similar to the content of Psalm 21. It was an unexpected SMS but one that really served to encourage me in a very trying time. That really worked wonders during that period of my life and it is good to read such verses again just before I sleep. 

200109

Verses read: Matthew 8:1-13, Psalm 19

Jesus as healer. You think about the song and how all of a sudden it isn't getting any play time on my iTune and you wonder if the story does have something to do with it. Yet, there is truth in that song. And to stop playing it would be a mistake. 

Well, today, I saw the look of horror during Amaths class. Wasn't fun for sure! I think I am going to print the laws of indices and logarithms on huge A3 sheets of paper and display them somewhere in the classrooms. Would make things slightly easier. 

190109

Verses read: Matthew 7:15:29, Psalm 18:26-50

This is one of the longer Psalms in the book. The reading actually broke it into 2 halves. So I read the first half last night and the second this morning. The Matthew reading has been one that has been on my mind for a while now. It's all about foundation, a simple lesson to graphs but one that is not easy to master. That's the paradox of it, simple but not easy.

The weekend was pretty mundane, spent most of the time at home, recovering and resting. Thankfully my cough is almost cleared up to the point where I can start morning cycles.

150109

Verses read: Matthew 6:16-24, Psalm 15

Well, I shan't post a long reflection today. It's been 2 weeks since the start of the year. Things are better this year, but it is a different burden and somehow I am not really enjoying things as I should. Everything is really touch and go this year. I guess that is why I feel this way, the lack of depth. 

Best job in the world?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090113/od_afp/lifestyleaustraliatourismoffbeat_20090113032028

140109

Verses read: Matthew 6:1-15, Psalm 14

You can give, but you just cannot out give God. When I think back on the time I spent in Nepal, we gave, but we gave out of wealth. But the Nepalese gave as well, and they gave us much more than we could give. Truly they gave out of what they did not have and in turn we were more blessed than them.

My cough is finally starting to clear up. Hopefully it would have cleared up to the point where I can start morning cycles next week. There are so many things to do, things that I'd rather give up. But like how I started the year, just be faithful in the little things.

130109

Verses read: Matthew 5:33-48, Psalm 13

Psalm 13, it is a psalm that has appeared on my blog before, but written in prose. It was psalm of comfort to me at a very aweful time in my life. When I was seeking freedom from pain, I guess reading this Psalm today helped for I had a short chat with someone today. Someone who in some way was the source of that pain. 

Finally started my cycling to school. Need to up the ante a little and start cycling in the mornings. Once this cough clears. 

120109

Verses read: Matthew 5:21-32, Psalm 12

When you are older, you read Matthew 5:30 in a very different light. Considering the context, it now makes total sense. I've read the verse so many times, never saw the significance till now!

Was on retail therapy today. Short day for me, left school record early. Therapy, because after today, things are certainly going to revert to last year. Bought the Prince Caspian DVD, it really has so many undertones and lessons that you can draw from just watching it. Even the added battle scene has Biblical roots. 

110109

Verses Read: Matthew 5:13-20, Psalm 11

I missed this morning's prayer meeting; needed some extra rest. Have been sick the whole week, my voice is almost gone, my nose has been bleeding, my throat is sore and my cough isn't exactly recovering. Had the Missioner's Fellowship after service, presented the video that I spent last night doing. Honestly not a very big effort on my part, just getting used to iMovie took some time. 

My nose started bleeding again suddenly just now. Have to be careful not to rub it too hard tomorrow, will be in Day Dress, which is pure white. My toilet resembled a murder scene for a while. Quite scary, just a small nose bleed and there was so much blood, how much more a larger injury!

100109

Verses Read: Matthew 5:1-12, Psalm 10

The Beatitudes. I actually memorised them once. Now, my memory fails me. 

Been a long 2 days, hence the missed update yesterday. I'm a little tanned from standing in the hot sun, but it was a good weather. Better than rain anyway. Cough is starting to clear up, but still irritatingly painful to the point my head actually hurts. 

080109

Verses read: Matthew 4:12-25, Psalm 8

I am doing my readings in school. Somehow couldn't get out of bed to do it this morning. Perhaps there is some reason behind it. As I read this in school, I remembered that I once did a reflection on this verse many years ago and wrote it down. Indeed, it was in my journal, my first journal, the one that I kept in school! So I opened it up and read what I wrote. While it wasn't a reflection on that passage directly, it was a reflection on the corresponding message in Mark. This was what I wrote, way back in December 2008.

"When the disciples gave up their nets, it was their livelihood. But they did not hesitate to give up their nets. But they knew Jesus was all they needed. And hence they have up everything for him."

I actually wrote that 10 years ago. It's hard to imagine the scene, hardened fisherman simply leaving their nets and following Jesus. We always imagine Jesus as being quite meek, but I feel that this passage shows that Jesus had some presence in order to command such a group.

Anyway, my cough is far from clearing up and to make things worse, my nose is bleeding. It actually bled in class yesterday. That was certainly a first. I think it must have bled sometime during the night as well for I woke up with my throat completely choked with dried blood. Spent a good 5 minutes in the shower clearing it all up. I need to drink more water; the weather has been punishing the last few days.

070109

Verses read: Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 7

The temptation of Jesus. Well known passage. Well, I was tempted not to come to school this morning. I am actually terribly sick, my cough has not gotten any better and I am developing a very sore throat.

It actually reminds me of the first few months of 2005, that year I was sick from the start of the year till way past Chinese New year. That was an El Nino year and there were plenty of forest fires. I cannot remember how I survived that really dark and gloomy year but it was the year I started reading the Bible consistently. All things do come around after a while and here I am posting my daily readings again.

060109

Verses read: Matthew 3:13 - 17, Psalm 6

A lament and a Psalm of David. I guess he wrote this while he was being pursued by his enemies and was hiding on some cave. What would I be thinking if I were in that situation?

Today is a short day, at least that is the plan. I do not know what other stuff I will get after school! I finally got down to clearing out parts of my room, got rid of the shelf that was in my way and threw away all my old cards. Only kept those that still had some value. Going to try rearrange the furniture soon, but will need a place for my guitars. Got to downsize the collection!

050109

Verses read: Matthew 3:1-12, Psalm 5

When I read this passage, the thing that strikes me is that John the Baptist is actually portrayed as a person who lives in the wild. Almost barbaric in nature. YET, the crowds followed him; there had to be something that attracted these people to him.

Didn't post yesterday as it was a Sunday, but of course I still continued my readings. My teaching load for the day has already ended thanks to the dedication and installation service. My throat is feeling really sore, and I need more sleep!

Been invited to play at another wedding and another reunion with the BCE band. Nice. Fitting since this couple got together at that event. Hard to imagine it was FOUR years ago that we were cooped up at Temasek Hall writing songs and music for Falling Spinning. Yet in some way it is a reminder of "what it could have been for me". Like I wrote so long ago, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.

030109

Verses read: Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 3

This passage recounts the visit of the magi. It has always been depicted that the magi visited Jesus on the night He was born. However a deeper reading to that passage does suggest that the magi visited only 2 years after Jesus was born. Yet again, I was watching the nativity story and they actually took this into consideration and presented the possibility that the magi could have indeed visited on the night Jesus was born. Yet, it is just a small detail, the key is that this passage proclaims God's gift to man.

I'm exhausted, and I have done nothing much today. The orientation day camp has concluded, it's definitely more low key than previous years. I do feel it has served to achieve it's purpose, I have been able to do a lot more administrative preparation due to the orientation being put into term time. Lose a little time in the beginning to save time later on, that's what a wise teacher once told me.

020109

Verses read: Matthew 1:17-25, Psalm 2

The birth of Jesus and in Psalm 2 it is a psalm that talks about Jesus. The Psalm, according to my study Bible, could have possibly been used during the coronation of Israel's kings and it is a call to be a subject of God and even the Son of God. Seems that the ones who printed this material put in a lot of thought into the whole thing.

1st day of school. I'm losing my voice, a pretty standard first day problem. Lots of coughing going on within the staff room, seems like an occupational hazard. Going to be an interesting year, and I pray that it will be a good one.

010109

Verses read: Matthew 1:1-17, Psalm 1

The genealogy of Jesus. One would hardly take much notice of it. But when you inspect it deeper, you find many scandals. Tamar and Judah; David and Bathsheeba for instance. Yet, it was through this line that Jesus came. Something to ponder about actually.

It's a new year and a new push. Last year I was passive, this year it's no hold barred. A part of me is looking forward to the new school year. The other part of me isn't of course! And another part is simply wondering why the term has to start on a Friday.

Well, the return of such posts to my blog herald a new push. The last time such a post appeared was just before practicum, slightly under 2 years ago. They are back to help with a new Bible reading programme that I've decided to spearhead in YMPACT. So, for how long will these posts last? Only God knows.

2009, here it comes!

3C

3D

3F

3G

1 Responsibility(Form class)

That is my deployment next year. Reading the namelist of those classes, I see many familiar names. Nice to be teaching them again. 

There is a common thing about all my class deployments. Next year will be the 3rd year I will be teaching 3F. Albeit, 3F 2009 is a triple science class. 

Sad though, I won't be teaching 3F 2008 next year. It was a long year, but it was certainly one where I learnt a lot. I will be leaving with the knowledge that someone much much better will be taking over. 

So to the Sec 3F 2008 students reading this, I leave you with a piece of advice. 

"He who listens to a life giving rebuke will be home among the wise" - Proverbs 15:31

Listen to teachers when they scold you and take their advice to heart. That way, you will increase in wisdom. Especially so the advice and rebuke of your new form teacher for he is a very wise teacher. 

for my

Miss you in a heartbeat
I believe, that there's something deep inside
That shouldn't be from time to time
I sure found out, thought love was such a crime
The more you care the more you fall

No need to worry, no need to turn away
Cos it dont matter, anyway, Baby

Ooh, I'd miss you in a heartbeat
Ooh, I'd miss you right away
Ooh, I'd miss you in a heartbeat
Cos it ain't love if you don't feel that way

When we touch, I just loose my self-control
A sad sensation I can't hide
To love is easy, it ain't easy to walk away
i keep the faith and there's a reason why

I ain't big on promises,
I'll be true to you
I'd do about anyting
For someone like
Baby for you

By Def Leppard

Happy Birthday day Min Yin, doubt you will ever read this, but happy birthday anyway! Known you for a long time, and I wish I knew you better. I pray that one day you will come to know the Lord Jesus, and that we can meet again someday after this life is over.

Leaving soon...

Will be going off for a mission trip to Nepal in little under 10 hours. It is actually my first mission trip; strange that it has come so late. 

Will be using this blog to update everyone about the trip. 

Time really just flies. A year ago I was in USA, I was at the Taylor factory if I am not wrong! And a year ago was Solid Rock Cafe. Hard to imagine how fast 2008 has just whizzed by. 2009 is upon us, but somehow I am looking forward to it. Even with all the timetable changes and all, I really pray it would be good year for me. 2008 was a dry one and I pray that this trip to Nepal would be refreshing. 

Good game!

Starcraft the board game with a full complement of 6 players. But in a 3v3 game. Still took 2 hours to play. 

Starcraft: The Board Game

Obviously only geeks would appreciate this. The board game version of Starcraft, it's not bad to be honest! Just take a while to play though!

Unboxing!

Loads of mini figurines!

Cards all sleeved up. 

Broken battlecruiser! :(

Anyway, the blog has a slightly updated layout. Hopefully it won't take me another 1.5 years to make such an update!

This is guy is good!

This was the stuff I used to play when I was in primary school! Megaman 2! Back then on the NES. This guy is good... he has a video of the entire walkthrough of the game! He did it under 50 minutes! VERY IMPRESSIVE!

BUT THESE GUYS ARE EVEN BETTER!

They are a Megaman Cover Band, The Megas! They basically took the soundtrack of the game; rearranged the songs for a fullband. Great guitar licks and basslines! AWESOME STUFF! 

What a year...

Hard to believe that it is already October! Within the blink of an eye the year is almost at it's end. A year ago I was invigilating the O Levels at Temasek, but this year, sadly, none of that. Will have to continue with 3 extra weeks of lessons. 

Hard to believe that 10 months have just disappeared. Feels like I've not done much this year. In actual fact, it has been a long winding one. As things settle into the usual December rush, will be taking time off to go to Nepal for a Mission trip, to rest and to recharge. 

Yet it is amazing how suddenly, out of the blue, someone whom I worked with 2 years ago is being posted into ASC. Quite interesting! This is God telling me to put into action the idea I have and He is also telling me that I have not been forsaken, help has arrived. 

Praise looks good on You

This is a re-post from August 2004:

Praise Looks Good on You

When you lift your hands up high
And you sing a song of priase to Me
It brings me great delight
Such a lovely sight
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on You

Morning night and noon
Your praise ascends to heaven
Like the smell of sweet purfume
Filling every room
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on You

You bring your sacrifices
And you offer up your praise
You lift your voice with singing
But your heart seems far away
More than a sacrifice
I am looking for your life
Holy and acceptable
And pleasing in My sight

So offer up your life
Holy and acceptable
A willing sacrifice
Precious in my sight
But in all that you do
Remember all I want is you

So lift your hands up high
And worship Him before the altar
Consecrate your life
A willing sacrifice
But in all that you do
Remember all He wants is you
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on you

(C) 1990 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
Words and Music: Don Moen

Posted in August 2004: Seems like every time I think about BGR issue in my life, or rather the lack of it, this song comes to my mind. Suffered a devastating blow today, maybe God is really giving me the gift of celibacy. Not something I really want, but if that is best for me, then so be it.

Posted in March 2006: What a difference one and a half years can make in your life. Everytime I think of this; this song just comes back to comfort me. She's home, but whether close of far; the distance feels the same. There is more to worship than mere music or words; words must be followed by the actions. And maybe for a little while last year, I finally understood why our Praises to God are like garments, beautiful garments that make us look good, even though we may actually look dishevelled all the time. Yes it is true, praise does looks good on us. Even though no one on earth may admire it; the Heavenly Father does, and He will do so for eternity, what more can we ask of Him?

October 2007: This post only makes sense in the context the two above. Have had a strange feeling in my heart the last few days, one that I've not felt in a long time. They say all you need is frequency and intensity; there sure is intensity and the frequency is increasing. Need to thread carefully, for this time things are really different. Very different indeed. Dear Lord, help us help us stop our spinning, and grant us sight.

October 2008: When the ringing tells you a big story, you know you need to concentrate on the things that matter and remember that it will be a while more before things reveal themselves.

It's arrived!

Watched something on Godtube a few weeks ago and told myself I had to get this set of videos for PowerPoint. It's arrived, from Amazon, couldn't find it in Singapore, many days early. 

It's surreal and definately more fireworks than science. But quite amazing nonetheless. Of course, laminin isn't the only vital protein in the body, all are! But yeah... the wikipedia entry on it does say that those lacking in laminin will suffer pretty greatly. 

West Coast Park

Taking a break from school today; on course. At least in the morning; going back to school in the afternoon. Anyway, left home early to escape the ECP jam.

Was early as a result, so I decided to go to West Coast Park Macdonalds for breakfast. The place looks very different from the time I went there a few years back. The above picture is a result. I now have a very wild idea for an adventure race.

ShoZu Testing

Testing yet another app. This is really fun.

Testing

This is a test for an iPhone app.

Yup, my latest toy! A real great device plus it was virtually free.

Posted with LifeCast

Happy Teachers' Day 2008

The second year I'm actually celebrating Teachers' Day as a full fledge teacher. It's been a long year for me, a very tiring one as well. If there is one major thing that I have learnt, it is learning that I still belong to the youth ministry. That was clear in the camp. 

This post, I dedicate to all the teachers who teach my form class. They've put up with a lot and they've helped me a lot. I sometimes feel like I have 10 co-form teachers. They've really worked as a team and the term3 report was really very encouraging. 

shattering...

Well, the internet is abuzz with Mike Gugliemucci's confession that his illness was faked. Sad. Very sad. I myself was at the bad end of the news, watch the video many times and the song has one of highest play counts on my iTunes. However, I shan't spend another blog post talking about this, there are already so many online. 

I shall just talk about the personal lessons I have drawn from this. This whole affair has only shown me how weak human flesh really is. That anyone can fall, easily. The only thing we can fully put our trust in is God. 

Tomorrow will sing a differnt tune. I shan't say anymore,  my thoughts have been poured out to One Voice and G4C. 

I need to...

... update this blog a little more often. Been challenged by August to do something, so I will start again. Daily refelctions and meditations. 

This is good...

From the perspective of an English Language teacher, I think this is a must see show!

40 Day fast and prayer, Week 3

Been coerced by someone to post today. So here it is. Anyway, it's not that I've not been posting, I've been writing a bit but to the SGLs via email. So I shall just copy the latest email I sent out to them. I think it's an appropriate message considering Youth Sunday just ended.

We are entering week 3 of the 40 day fast and prayer. Once again, I had my breakfast early, one bowl of cereal... it's been about 2 hours since I had breakfast and I am feeling hungry. And it's only 9am in the morning! :(

Would like to share a short personal reflection on Youth Sunday.

When the euphoria is gone, when the people are gone, when the lights and music has faded, what are we left with? Lonliness? Sadness? Or do we still have the joy of the Lord?

One thing that really struck me in the sermon by Dr Jon Ng yesterday was his story of the American Indian in New York of how he was able to pick out the sound of the criket amidst the urban jungle of New York City. Having been to NYC, I can tell you that that place is noisy at every hour of the day. There are traffic jams at 1am in the morning!!!!

What he was trying to get across to us was this idea of an undivided heart. A heart so attuned to hearing God that we can hear God's still small voice amidst the hussle and bussle of work / school / army / everything!

For me personally, it takes time to cultivate such undivided attention to God. But I feel that the key lies in this simple Sunday School song that we've been singing since we were young:

Read your Bible pray everyday
Pray everyday, pray everyday
Read your Bible pray everyday
And you'll grow, grow, grow!

And it's true. If we read our Bibles and pray everyday, we will eventually (and hopefully) become used to listening and reading to God's voice and really have that undivided heart. Then we will see God.

So I urge you to continue reading the daily devotions, continue to share your testimonies and continue to read your Bible and pray EVERYDAY even after this 40 days are over and let's GROW together as a community of faith!

RAW Challenge Day 16

Mark 16

The last chapter of this Gospel and the last day of the RAW Challenge. The resurrection. The crucifiction is important, but more importantly is the resurrection. For without it, the basis of our faith is useless. 

The RAW Challenge has come to an end, but there is still the 40 day prayer and fast. Won't be bloggin every single day, but will try to fast like I did last year. Not easy at all! 

On Tuesday, the 2nd half of the year begins. Too fast!!!!

RAW Challenge Day 15

Mark 15

The penultimate day and the penultimate chapter. The cruxifiction. One of the most important parts of the Gospel. The cross was in those days regarded as a symbol of death and fear. But it was this act that turned the cross into a symbol of life and love. It is impossible to comprehend this love that the Father has for us. 

RAW Challenge Day 14

Mark 14

Intense chapter! It starts of with what has been described by a few worship leaders as "an exravagant act of worship". It's more than a song, but a posture of the heart. 

This story is about the Passion of Christ. The sufferings of the Saviour, this and the next chapter. It is just too much to comprehend. I remember a few years ago I was looking for a video of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, so I skimmed through my copy of "The Passion of Christ". When it came to the whipping scenes, I just couldn't watch them anymore. 

I think those who went through Peter's walk would have a different perspective when they read this passage. It's one thing to read it... it's another to have it come to life. 

RAW Challenge Day 13

Mark 13

Sign of the end times! My other area of interest besides worship. I've even shared on this chapter during service before. My take is always this, those who read the Bible and try to look for signs of the end times are missing the point. The point is at the end of the chapter, to be watchful!

We see wars, famine and declining morality, but that is all routine history. It has been that way for 2000 years. No one knows the hour or the time. We simply think we are the last generation. But we don't know. 

But yeah... those who think that prophecies about the end times can be found in the book of Revelations aren't exactly looking very hard. Revelations is simply "The End". Signs of the end can be found elsewhere. Like the Gospels and the Pauline Epistles. 

RAW Challenge Day 12

Mark 12

This chapter has a lot of parables and teachings of Jesus. Not all are easy to understand. Someone could probably write an entire PhD thesis on just one of these passages. 

The main point for me of course is when Jesus was asked to give the greatest commandment. He gave two. Because they come together. The top line and the bottom line. One day, someone should talk about the top line and the bottom line. It will inspire. 

RAW Challenge Day 11

Mark 11

A house of prayer? Or a den of robbers? That is something that I struggle with sometimes when I come to church. Have we over comercialised or over done some things that it has become a den of robbers? 

I guess the key is prayer. That is supposed to set things apart.

RAW Challenge Day 10

Mark 10

Strange how people misunderstood Jesus. James and John wanted glory and wanted to sit at Jesus' right hand when He was glorified. What they thought was that He would become a King in the literal fashion and that they would be officials in His court. Thier fellow disciples were jealous as they wanted their place too!

But that's not what Jesus meant. And the disciples got as they wished. Every one, except John, would be matyred in very painful ways. But by that time, they understood what it meant to be glorified. 

It is a picture of leadership. Not to be served, but to serve. To descend into greatness and not rise to it. That is the mystery of it all. 

RAW Challenge Day 9

Mark 9

Many images of Jesus in this chapter. Firstly the transfiguration. I wonder how the disciples must have felt when they saw Jesus suddenly transfigured, it would be quite scary to suddenly see some turn white and shine! 

Another imagery I get when I read this chapter is that Jesus was surrounded by little children as He preached and healed. It's just a beatiful image. It is interesting that Jesus had said some of the harshest things to His disciples when He was around these children. That's the heart of the Father, always on us, His children. 

Pastor showed this video this morning. Something I can use when I develop the new CE syllabus. 

RAW Challenge Day 8

Mark 8

This is the chapter about Peter's confession of the Christ. Doesn't seem like much, but it is a significant point in the Bible. When read from Peter's perspective, he is one of the first people to realise who Jesus is. Yet, he failed to recognise Jesus' purpose. 

Interestingly, this event wasn't in Peter's walk, but it was a really significant event. 

RAW Challenge Day 7

Mark 7

The thing that strikes me most in this passage is this quotation from the Book of Isaiah.

The Lord says

"These people will honour me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by  men." - Isaiah 29:13

I've read many stories of the song "Heart of Worship". Watched interviews with Matt Redman and Mike Pilavachi regarding the story surrounding the song and interestingly, I've never heard them mention this verse because it speaks about the story so well!

Indeed, sometimes our worship, though it may be heartfelt and passionate may end up being "rules taught by men". You jump, I jump kind of situation. If the hearts are far from God, or if their hearts are more focused on the song or the method and not on the one being worshipped, I think we are not honouring God. 

That's a big thought for me. 

RAW Challenge Day 6

Mark 6

This chapter is a long narrative portion of Jesus' ministry. Doesn't seem to start of well but later as things go, His ministry begins to prosper even amidst set back and rejection. I realise that even though Jesus performed miracles, people were sceptical. How true even in today's context. We don't see the miracles of old but we do see small miracles but yet we fail to recognise them. Sometimes we want a big huge booming voice to call out from the sky before we sit up and believe, but we seldom want to quiet ourselves to hear the still small voice. 

I've had my big miracle before, in NUS. Was dreaming of getting an honours degree but I did not qualify. So I told God that if I did qualify I would serve Him in the VCF. Naturally I thought that my grades would improve, but no. What happened was that NUS policy changed and reduced the criteria for honours and I was able to qualify. It was a lesson on God's power and it showed that my honours degree was no work of my own, but God's providence. 

At the camp, many were asked to write their spiritual timeline. I did mine many years ago and continue to extend it using this blog. When I look back I realise it was the small things along the way that made the biggest difference to my life. The small miracles of providence along the way that I failed to see then, but see clearly now. It has shown me that we serve a very faithful God. 

Being able to read the Bible everyday for the last 3 years. Now that's a miracle. 

RAW Challenge - Day 5

Mark 5

I remember acting out this chapter before. The part about the man and legion. I was acting as Jesus, but some people said I looked more like Saddam Hussien. Oh well... how sad. 

Anyway, this is a very interesting chapter, when Jesus casts out the demons, He tells the man not tell everyone about Him. But He does the opposite when He heals the woman. I wonder why. 

But the most important thing is that Jesus has supernatural power and He heals. The demon possessed, the long suffering and the dead. 

RAW Challenge - Day 4

Mark 4

Well, the Bible reading and reflection portion of this challenge isn't really a challenge for me since I am supposed to be championing Bible reading in YMPACT. So the challenge for me is really to make sure that everyone lives the challenge! My hope is that we go beyond 15 days!

This chapter has a wealth of lessons to draw from. Purpose. The purpose of a candle or a lamp stand is to illuminate the room, it is pointless to keep it lighted then hide it under a bowl. I guess this is a call discover one's purpose in life and to live that purpose and not run. Or as I told a friend today, God will send a big fish after you. 

Power. We sometimes forget that we serve a powerful God who can command crashing waves to stop at His will. I guess it has to do with many of the songs that we sing that deal with God's love that we've lost the wonder of our God. There has been a call in the last few years to write "big picture" songs, to restore this glorious image of our Lord and I am glad many of the modern writers have responded! 

RAW Challenge - Day 3

RAW is over, I'm still feeling a little raw from the whole experience. Very tired and not in the right frame of mind for school but that will have to change soon!

Anyway, was challenged by Ps Aaron to read the Bible and commit to a discipleship programme. Have been on a Bible reading programme for a while now but I've stop putting all my posts online. About high time I did so again. So, I will be blogging about my reading once again. Today is day 3 and we are supposed to have read till Mark 3. So here are my readings for the previous days.

Day 1 - Mark 1

If there is anything that I can learn from this passage is that Jesus would wake up early to pray. This is one of the things that is recorded in all 4 Gospels, and that is quite rare! Not even the Lord's Supper is recorded in all 4 Gospels.

I'm not a morning person although I am an early riser due to the nature of my profession. But I am not fully alert in the morning, especially the first period. This semester's timetable is very interesting, I have to teach during the first period 3 times a week.

I've often wondered what would be a good way to start the morning, but really, there is no better way than to start it with prayer. So I pray that I would be able to spend my early morning cycles in communion with God from now on. Especially in this week 0, since there is no human traffic on the roads.

Day 2 - Mark 2

This was the passage Ps Aaron preached from on Sunday. The crux of what he wanted to tell us is that there is no screw up that we've made that God cannot forgive. I've often wondered if I could have the chance of going back in time to live my life again but with the benefit of hindsight. I would often think of what I would have done differently, but I know that that chance will never come.

On the other hand, what we need is to realise that we all need is really to ask for forgiveness to live life anew from that point. There isn't really any restarting afresh, just moving forward redeemed.

Day 3 - Mark 3

A rare insight into Jesus' family; it is from this passage that we know that Jesus had siblings, earthly siblings. Two of whom are believed to have penned 2 books in the New Testament, James and Jude.

This is also where we get the idea of being brothers and sisters in Christ. Short and very interesting.

all my bags are packed...

This is a repost from a different era in my life, the dark year for me, 2005. Anyway, all my bags are indeed packed, for moving house and for church camp. I think from now on I will add on to this post everytime there is camp!

Here the original post, posted on 9 December 2005. 

Yup, my bags are packed for the long camp tomorrow onwards! 6 day camp, not had a camp that long in a long while; and even longer since I went to camp (fulltime) and was not involved in planning or ministering to others. This one is for me to relax, recharge and ask God for the direction in my life.

This camp is a step out of my comfort zone, not because it is in Malaysia, but because of something else. At Go Forth, was challenged to step out of my comfort zonel; God told me to go for AnnTiC (Annual Teach In Camp). At first, it really didn't seem like a challenge. Then, I realised what I was in for. God immediately told me to SMS Amy and Kelvin (Tan) what the dates of the LTC and AnnTiC was. And guess what, it was a clash!

That was a step out of my comfort zone, because for the first time in a long time, I am playing a very different role at a camp. It's easy for me to stand in front of a lot of youth and give them a lesson on how to lead songs. But very difficult for me to just be contented staying in the background and "feeding" but not giving out.

But God has a way of planning my timetable. Emotionally, I'm burnt out, that's what pastor said to me today. (And if you thought you say me crying during YM today, you weren't imagining things.) I need a rest from ministry; and so, while I planned to go for this camp months ago, the reason is only apparent now. That's how God works. If I had chosen the LTC instead, I think I wouldn't have been in the right frame to teach or lead. Well, that's God's timing.

More than just missing the LTC, this is the first Youth Camp I will be missing since Fresh Encounter 1996. Yup, if I am not mistaken, the only other person with such a track record is Amy. But anyway, here were the camps I attended, for memories...

1996 (December) Fresh Encounter
This was a camp that changed my life. To many of you, you had a touch from the Holy Spirit during Changed for Real or MAD for GOD 2003, well, this was when I experienced mine. This camp was at the Presbyterian Girls Hostel at Telok Kurau. I will never forget this camp; it was one of the first few times I cried during worship. I remember the last night of camp, there was this sharing session, I was asked to share, but I chickened out, didn't know what to say. (I was sec 3.) Well, if I had the chance to say something now; I would say that Fresh Encounter was the start of a long journey for me. The other thing I will never forget in this camp was the last night; sabo session. I was saboed bad... really bad. Won't elaborate, but that was the last camp in which the sabo-ing was really fierce!

1997 (December) Adventure Camp
O Levels just ended for me. This was a camp to mark the end of 4 years inscondary school! It was held at Pasir Ris PA Campsite (near Alvin's place.) It was fun, we went canoeing, did street bandy and abselling. It wasn't a super serious type of camp, it was a fun camp; not had one of these type of camps in a long while. Soon hopefully!

1998 (June or September) MAD Camp
This was the first of the camps with the acronym MAD in it. MAD is of course Making a Difference. Anyway, the reason why all the LTCs are called MAD is because this camp was my LTC. Nothing has changed much from the current LTCs, but this one was more catered to the old ISS format. Worship, games and evaluation. Something like that. This was where Ryan led worship, his one and only one experience! HAHA!

1998 (December) BAD Camp
Don't ask me where these acronyms come from! BAD is Being a Disciple. It had not 1 but 4 theme verses, one for everyday of the camp and we had to recite each one each day before every meal! It was at the BB/GB campsite, BOFORE the renovations! That means, the toilets were in containers! Disgisting! On the second last day, we went canoeing, and we had no choice but to bathe when we returned right? So we got fed up of bathing in the containers, a lot of us just took a shower in the open (in our swimming attire). This camp was where we were given the WWJD wrist bands. I still have mine, it's on my bag; it's red in colour.

Another thing about this camp was that we were given journals. I journaled a few times, I still keep the journal, and the things I wrote on the first day was about a vision God gave me. And now, 7 years later, that vision is being fulfilled. Won't elaborate. Another thing I wrote in my journal was how "envious" I was of the another church's YM; Charis Methodist Church. We shared the camp with them, we numbered about 3o-40 campers, they were like 100. And their YM was so alive! I told myself that that was the standard I wanted our YM to reach. We've since surpassed that; but unfortuantely, we are on the downswing rather than the up. My prayer is that we regain that momentum when we start the Youth Service next year.

1999 (June) Making a Kingdom Difference
This camp was about Acts of Kindness. That is passing out free tissue, drinks etc on the streets. Washing cars, doing community service etc. This was a great camp, refreshing, definately not the usual camp, but very tiring. I remember I had to go for my SAF medical check up on one of the days of this camp. I thought I would be able to return back to camp after the chckup, little did I know that the check up lasted from 8am to 4pm!

1999 (September) Eagle's Wings Worship Camp
This camp set the direction of my ministry in the Youth. It taught me a lot on what worship was all about. It was also a time for me to find peace amidst the A levels and my impending enlistment. I was hurting a lot from my back; I was diagnosed with a slip disk just 6 months prior. But that camp, something so wonderful happened (those who were there would know); and the pain in my back disappeared, and I didn't feel it again until the first 4 hours of NS!

2000 (December) King and I
Was held at NACLI. This was a camp in which I was not really involved, I had my back operation just barely 2 weeks prior to this camp and was still walking around the campsite with a walking stick. But I thank God that I was able to attend! Indeed it was a miracle that I could even walk! I don't remember much of this camp except that a few days after this camp; on 10 December 2000, One Voice was formed.

2001 (December) Body Building Camp
First time I sat in the camp committee. It was a good camp; I believe many of you were touched by this camp! Well, I was the worship coordinator for this camp; but I was running the show literally on my own power. But overall it was an experience to remember! I really wish we could go back to camp christine for the next camp! But they are like fully booked till like 2007 or something!

2002 (December) Changed for Real
This was a long camp! But held in church so that logistics wouldn't be so jia lat! I wasn't in the camp committee due to my commitments in the Jesus is the Rock Sunday School camp. But anyway, was pulled in to handle the worship again. Before the start of the camp, I told the camp committee that this was going to the "fresh encounter" for many of our youths. And yes, it was! I remember Augustine telling me on the 2nd day, "Tomorrow, altar call!" I was like, "HUH?!". I went home that night, to pray about it, and yeah, God also told me, "Altar Call." Nothing could hav prepared me for what happened the next night, and every night after that!

It was one of the most amzing sights I've seen happen in the YM. We were in the sanctuary, August led, I played, and it looked like there was a wave moving, the front row, people started to cry, then it just kept moving, row after row, youths began to break down and cry. I had never seen anything like that before! And the last night, 5 people separetly confirmed that something was going to happen. And what happened? Well, vesper lasted from 12midnight to 4am. I'm sure many of you will remember that. I slept a total of about 5 hours that week. I was truly tired but really refreshed at the end of that camp!

2003 (June) God Factor
This camp, everything ran like clockwork. And I was Camp Commandant. But what you all didn't know was that this camp was planned in 8 weeks flat! A lot of help came from what is now called the "administrative instructions" document; or the monster. I'm sure those in the TOFU Team would know or will know soon what this document is! Anyway, this camp was the biggest YM camp held to date. And the name God Factor was almost reused for GAP. In fact, a God Factor 2 logo was even designed but never used.

2003 (December) MAD for God?
Another LTC. And from now on, all LTCs will be called MAD or something like that. Anyway, I had just gone for the J21 conference, and was super fired up for this camp. I threw everything I had to offer into this camp! And now, besides the "AI" document, we had another one called the "Alignment" document, and that one made a huge difference to how we ran the camp! Well, this year's LTC is the same name, but difference is, it's going to be a huge drain on resources. But God will provide!

2004 (June) GAP Camp
We never gave GAP and official acronym, the whole idea was to leave it up to all of you! Anyway, the highlight of this camp was certainly the IPC Youth Rally. Yet, there were some who had problems with this camp. Hurts and pain still linger in some people. But well, God will make a way; He always will. One thing I did not like about this camp was it's location. And, the report to the next camp committee (whoever they were) was NEVER to us the GB HQ again. Guess what happened?! Read on...

2005 (June) One Purpose Camp
The very next camp, the camp committee had to use the GB HQ AGAIN!!! ARGH! And I was in that committee! How ironic! Actually, I was volunteered myself into this committee after going through a huge personal crisis. And, Ber was KOed in Japan. Anyway, in my opinion, form now on, camps should have the spirit of this camp in mind, and that purpose is outreach. This is the call given to all of us; and that should be the focus of our camps from now on.

13 camps in a row. Some of you must be wondering how I remember so much detail! Well, simple, I kept all my campfiles! Including the campfile with oranges on it's front cover! :)

Well, MAD for GOD 2005 will be the first camp I will be missing in a long time, but it's a break I need. To seek God and ask Him for answers to the past 2 months. And if the answers don't come, for direction in the next 6 months.

This post is post-dated, so it will stay on top while I am away at AnnTiC and my blog will be unupdated till I return. Original posting time: 4 December 2005, 11:36pm.

Here's are the add ons, 9 June 2008. 

2006 (Dec) Absolute Truth Camp

This was a camp held after the renovations to church were completed. This was the biggest camp to date with close to 90 participants. This was also the first time there was a dedicated worship team for the camp. The last time something like that was tried was at Changed for Real 2002, but it didn't turn out very well. This time it worked very well! The highlight of this camp was the Omega activity, something which was years in the making. 

2007 (June) Ignition

This camp had no name for long time. The name was based on the Ignite conference. Other tentative names included "explosion" or words to that effect. This was the camp where I was given a task, "make facedown worship happen". Yup, I had no idea how to go about doing that, but somehow, it happened, not by my might, but by the Spirit of God. I posted about Ignition a year ago, it was a start of a new life for me, in AHS. It was a good 6 months, since then things have gone downhill. But I digress. Back to Ignition, this was a camp where the comparisons to ATC where a little obvious, same camp com, same style, slightly different outcomes. 

2007 (Dec) MAD for God 2007

Leadership Training camp once again. This time is was far toned down as there were too many participants! Well, hopefully this was a first for many. Learning from the BB, I have come to realise that as the number of participants grow, Leadership Training Camps tend to become more like Management Training camps. Topics covered are vastly different. I feel its time to bring back shock and awe tactics. 

Well, RAW Camp 2008 is going to be very different from the previous 3 camps. A lot tougher, a lot more brainless and a lot youthier. We'll see what happens! 

Prince Caspian!

Just got home from watching the movie! Fantastic! It is worth a second viewing; which I will get during camp. Great thing is that the 3rd movie will be out in 2 years as production is already in progress!

One thing about having to teach Film Appreciation is that you are automatically a lot more heightened to all the subtle things the director does. Quite interestingly, for the first half of the movie the actors all wear the same attire as they did at the end of the previous movie. Hard to get that one unless you watched Lion Witch and the Wardrobe in recent times, which I did. 

The film doesn't quite follow the book as closely as the first one did though, including one whole segment that wasn't in the book at all. Plus, key dialogue was rearranged, which diminished the religious aspect of the film greatly. That's the only thing that I didn't like about it. 

Other than that, the feel of the show was quite close to that of the book, which IS quite dark. The battle scenes were good, but well, resembled Lord of the Rings very much. 

So, the first movie laid a lot of ground for this one. This movie was the big battle scene. The next one would be much more different than this I'm sure.