Long break

After a long break from blogging, here I am. :) It has been an eventful 2 months for me since the last time I wrote something. The whole journey of leaving home and settling in Southampton.
Yet in these 2 months, God has been good! The best news I've heard thus far? Bagus, an Indonesian, coming to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Praise God for all who helped out in the English Extreme Expedition Camp in Malang, Indonesia.

Most frequently asked question? Have you setlled in alright? Well, yeah, I guess. :) Southampton is a really nice place I reckon. I don't know, but I love this place. It's not busy, not much traffic, pretty slow-paced, just the ideal place for me. It's like a western 'kelantan'! :) Really not much of a city person. I can live without happening night life, mega malls and etc. Peace and quiet, that's the way it should be. It is through peace and quiet that I find myself being more reflective of things around me, or things happening. With the busy life in KL, it's nothing but rushing here and there, traffic here and there.... Having the serenity around me really helps me to be more contemplative.

Lovely friends I have in Southampton. Not too serious, not too crazy. :) Really can't complain much about things here. I thank God that He has put me where He wants me to be. :)

"In God's green pastures feeding by the cool waters lie...... "

So'ton rocks!

Ambassador of trust

I’ve been thinking a lot about my visa ordeal..... as though I could otherwise, and many things were put into perspective. Being a youth leader, I often teach and encourage others about trust, specifically trusting in God. Yet when it comes to facing this visa ordeal, I seems to lack that which I often preach about, TRUST. It’s like hypocrisy, or maybe.... just reality. It’s easy to talk about trust but not until you are faced with a situation which really requires it, you may not be able to fully appreciate the true meaning of trust.

(TRUST - assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.)

Often times, I find myself worrying so much about my visa ordeal that it really affects my day and sometimes my mood. Yet, if I claim to have this trust in God, why should I worry? Or why should it bother me so much? Do I really have this assured reliance on the character, ability, strength and truth about God? Am I a good ambassador of trust, the truth of which I preach?
Does presence of worrying depict absence of trust? Logically speaking, if you worry, it basically means that you don’t trust and vice versa. So in a logical sense, I do not, at the moment, trust God regarding my visa appeal. Yet I believe with all my heart that I do trust God! And that’s the weirdest feeling.

One truth that is very glaring to me is that we often trust God when things go our way or at least, inclined to the way we would want it to be. Yet we fail to realise that God’s way is higher. He has a purpose and a plan for us. And even when things seem unlikely, impossible or difficult, we should trust in God’s way! I am glad that God had put me through this. Although at the moment I am still in the process of waiting, just thinking and adoring the character, ability, strength and truth about God, makes these petty things seem so unimportant. I am still in the wonderful process and journey in life finding joy in trusting in the Almighty God.

Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

The bible says that ‘ALL THINGS work together for GOOD to them that love God’ and not ‘ALL GOOD THINGS work together for them that love God’. This is really an encouraging verse for me to know that whatever the situation may be, trust God because He is God!

Stress!

Still no news about my visa..... Sigh... Just can't imagine how stressful this ordeal is making me. Waiting for their call, bugging them with my unattended calls....... More stressful than exams!!!!

3 weeks and counting down!

3 more weeks left befor I fly of the London on the 23rd of August, of course that is provided that the 'wonderful' British High Comm approves my visa appeal. :) Spending time with family members, Melody and then friends, are my priorities at the moment. I guess I will be enjoying myself travelling around to Singapore, Penang, Seremban and Kelantan to visit them and bid them a solemn farewell. I will miss Malaysia without a doubt, my family, my friends, my church and etc. Will miss my Seremban buddies too! Oh ya, not forgetting the FOOD! Char Koay Teow, Roti Canai, I will miss you so much.

Indonesian Trip

A long break from blogging have I taken. Well, its has been a very busy past 1 month. Busy yet edifiying. And of course the highlight of the month has to be the Indonesian trip on the 6th till the 16th of July. It really was a life-changing experience. To see the work there, to see the workers labouring endlessly for the Lord's work and to be able to come in contact with Indonesian varsity students.... It was simply an amazing trip. Really thank the Lord that I was able to go for this trip. I must admit, I used to have this negative perspective about Indonesians in general due to several events that took place in history. No doubt there are these 'specially classified' people in Indonesia and I believe its the same all around the world, but I suggest these 'people' have really paint an unfair picture to the general population. The Indonesian varsity students that I met during the English camp were so warm and friendly. And man do I miss them until this day. It really was a time of learning for me during this trip. Praise God for the 8 months of break I had from my studies. He really has been teaching me very valuable lessons and preparing me for life overseas. Glory to God on high!

Fried!

I got my new laptop!! :) Super happy la, its a cute little thing. Exploring here and there, trying Vista out, simply click here and there. Played with it almost till midnight the day I received it.
Then the next morning came and naturally, I continued fiddling with my laptop. Not long after meddling with it, I received a call from Gordon to watch Ocean 13 with him in Mid Valley. So without plugging out the phone line from my modem and the cable connecting my laptop to the modem, I shut down my laptop and went off for a movie.
When I came back, its was pouring heavily. Regretting that I didn't pull the plug out, I drove home and hoped for the best..........
And guess what, I managed to fry my 2 days old laptop!! Sigh..... And my modem and my printer.... All FRIED. Sigh...... Sigh...... Enough spoken.

Stress..................

I got my visa refused!! Sigh... Reason? They(British High Commission) don't think my parents have the financial capabilities to support me. :) I guess I only have myself to blame. I told my dad to give me his current bank statement, and that’s all he gave me. Amount unable to disclose. :P So they gave me a thick stack of letters regarding the refusal and told me to make my appeal. Sigh. Mafan! So now I have to go to banks to get other statements and FDs and what not. Well, I guess I ought to be more careful and detailed next time. Lesson No. 1 learnt.
Then the next day, I received a call from American House Insurance Company. They told me I have been offered a free 3 months cover for Accidental Death amounting to RM30,000 because I have purchased GoInSure from Air Asia. During the conversation, I was asked for my IC No. and although I struggled in me whether I should give her, I told her anyway. After putting down the call, unexplainable fears came upon me. Man, what if they use my IC to borrow loans, duplicate my credit card, involve in some crime............. etc....... I was totally freaking out. Seriously troubled. I was calling here and there frantically to ask about this promotion. After being passed from one person to another, I finally got to speak to the person-in-charge. I was given the assurance that it was in the company's practice to pick randomly, customers who purchase GoInSure to provide them with this policy and to call them to enquiry a few personal details. A BIG sigh of relief. I guess I shouldn't simply give my personal details to people whether through the net or phone. Lesson No.2 learnt.

3 Little Pigs!!!

The Greatest Pig Hits

1. Ben Xiao Hai (Mandrin) by 3 Little Pigs
2. Ai Pia Ca Eh Ia (Hokkien) by 3 Little Pigs
3. Bao Bei Dui Bu Qi (Mandrin) by 3 Little Pigs *Award Winning Song
4. Wen Bie (Mandrin) by Lefty Pig
5. Ai Ni Yi Wan Nian (Mandrin) by Center Pig

A shout out to Ding and Chun Peng for the magnificent performance and the memorable times spent practising and performing.

Pleasant Memories....

Well, it was just a usual family reunion dinner that we had just recently. So the motion began, with the few introductory talks with my cousins and uncles and aunties. Of course it was pretty meaningful for me since it would be my last reunion with them until I come back from my studies. And then the 8 course dinner began with the usual 4 season thingy. Not long after a few dishes, karoake session thus began. Persuaded by my father to sing as well, I began to search for songs to sing. After quite some time, I suddenly decided, "Why not sing Ben Xiao Hai". So I pick the song and eventually it was my turn to sing. Man did I sing my heart out. It was such a nice feeling singing the memorable song. Memorable because it reminded me of our performance with my 2 other buddies, Ding and Chun Peng. Oh man.... I could just imagine the stage, the dress-up, the fun that we had, the cheers...... And amazingly, the next song that was sung by an uncle of mine was entitled "Bao Bei Dui Bu Qi", another song from our performance. OH MAN....... How I wished we those 2 guys were here to reperform our feat. Sigh.... Pleasant memories...... Pleasant Indeed.......

Money Matter

Dad finally gave me a more definitive date as to when we will be leaving for UK. So August 23rd is going to be 'the day'. Well, with a few month's time left, I had to begin shopping for my necessities and the etc that I have to bring along with me to Southampton.
Being a non-shopper myself, bordering on an anti-shopper, shopping became pretty exciting. But I had a big problem, I don't exactly know the usual price of things. For example, I wouldn't know if RM50 for a pair of pants would be considered cheap or otherwise. However, a big thanks to Mel for 'temaning' me during my shopping spree. Going in and out of the fitting room trying various clothes was kinda fun. So I began shopping for the items that I had in mind. After 3 days of shopping, what struck me most was the amount that I managed to spend. Well although I can justify that those were really necessities, and I mean it! but still...... man.......
I walked into Sox World, with the intention of buying a few good pairs of socks to bring over there. I ended up walking out the shop with a RM71.00 bill. I was thinking to myself, "Just on socks???" Sigh.... things aren't cheap man. And thats only socks...
Frankly, the reality of my expenditure thus far has yet to sink in. And to think how much more my parents will have to spend on me for my 3 year education in UK........ I rather not think....

To prepare for the unknown

Recently, I had a very interesting discussion with you-know-who. It was about the uncertainty of the future and the desolateness(probably too harsh a word) of life at present. And naturally, such discussions will lead to the imminent question of, "Why do we prepare so hard for something that is unknown? Can't we live life to the fullest and let tommorow worry for itself?" ....... Food for thought.
It's really so tempting to agree with the latter question. Yet I think life constitutes more than it appears to present. May I suggest that purpose, accountability and responsibility be the grounds by which we begin to explore into the issues of life. What is my purpose here? Do I even have a purpose of living in this place called earth? Or am I just a product of coincidence as many would suggest. What are my responsibilities and to whom do I owe an accountability?
More food for thought............ :)

On a personal note, I have found my purpose in life! :) Praise God.

A weird feeling....

I was suppose to join my friends for a game of futsal recently. However I was unable to join them because I had to attend some one's funeral as well as prayer meeting afer that. The funny thing was that when I woke up the next day, I had an ankle injury as though I did join my friends for futsal. It wasn't a pyschosomatic sensation of pain but an actual 'ouch!!' kind of pain. Weird..... I guess I just miss futsal too much! :(

Convocation

So the convocation took place. I put on my best and drove my friends and myself to Sheraton Subang. I tried on the robes and fuiyoh...... very canggih. Looks good! (except that there is no mortar board. :( )We were busy taking photos of each other. It's such a nice moment. I mean, all the 2 and a half years of working hard and playing hard. :) So we are now half doctors. :P Yet it's so easy to sit back and retrospec to think that, hmm.... i'm good. I mean, I made it thus far, I can do it, it's my effort and hard work! Yet behind our effort, who was it that enabled us to this day? Our parents, brothers, sisters, friends..... All of them, and the most important of all, God! It is just so amazing to see the Lord's hands working in people's lives. "His strength is perfect when our strength is gone, He'll carry us when we can't carry on!"

Confusion..... but Hope!

Well, it took Melody to remind me that I'm only gonna be in Malaysia for roughly 3 more months. For the time being, I really have mixed feelings about going to Southampton. Ask me if I'm ecstatic about going overseas? ... Nah.... Too heavy-hearted to leave? ... Maybe.... The point is, I haven't really taken much time off to think about it yet. Thus, I'm really neither happy nor sad. As for now, I'm still going on day by day as though I'm gonna be here for a very long time. Good or bad? I really don't know. Nonetheless, it really has been a very edifying break that I have had from my medical studies. The opportunity to go to GLO, to work, to struggle with some difficulties in life, mission trip, camps and the list goes on..... I praise God for where He is leading and guiding me, the things that I face daily, both pleasant and unpleasant. Without the Lord in my life, where would I be and what would have become of me? While going thru this prepatory 8 months before going overseas, I thank God for His faithfulness and mercies towards me. Admist this mixed feelings, I'm so glad that I have this hope and certainty of the Lord's guidance in my life. 'The Lord is my shepherd I shall not be in want!'

Blur me....

I begin to wonder how my mind works. Just recently, my mum told me to book her a MAS ticket back to Kelantan on Saturday, 26th May. On the same date itself, was my IMU convocation. Having that 'little' information kept right at the back of my mind, I proceeded with the booking and even charged it to my credit card. Then a few days passed. When I finally brought up the issue about my convocation with my parents again during a regular chat, I suddenly realised.... Ooh ooo..... "Didn't I just book her a flight to Kelantan on the same day?"... Sigh.... I was just thinking to myself, how could I be so blur!

Would you die for a LIE?

"I'm sure Jesus never really rose from the dead!", "The resurrection is a total hoax!", "Come on, it’s just a legend, as good as Robin Hood or King Arthur, just an interesting story."
These are the various replies of many people around the world when confronted with the issue about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, of course not in exact words. :) Skeptics and cynics included.
From historical records and even from the bible, we know that the man, Jesus, indeed did walk on this earth. Lucian(180 a.d.), Josephus (100 a.d.), Tacitus (120 a.d.), these were some of the non-christian historians which recorded the existence of the man Jesus and His famous event of the crucifixion. So we all know that He died. Yet in the bible, we are also told that on the third day of His death, He resurrected!
Now, when confronted with the issue of a man rising from the dead, many people will be skeptical and doubtful about its truth. Likewise, this was the similar reaction by the Jewish leaders when they found the empty tomb of Jesus. The bible records that the tomb where Jesus' body was laid, were guarded by Roman soldiers and the stone which weighed about 2 tonnes sealed the entrance to the tomb.
Yet, on the third day, the stone was rolled away and Jesus' body was gone. All these happened under the watchful eyes of the Roman soldiers. This incident was then reported to the Jewish leaders. After much discussion, they came up with the most wonderful answer! "The disciples stole the body!" ........
Imagine, a group of fishermen, some tax collectors and a few ladies, rolling away a 2 tonne stone and stealingJesus' body under the watchful eyes of the Roman soldiers. Hmmm.... Sounds like a ninja's job. :)
Ok, now I'm getting right to my point. Assume, that the disciples really DID steal Jesus' body, let’s see whether the following events make sense. We know that after the death of Jesus Christ, the disciples began to teach and spread Jesus' teachings. Obviously they received much hostility from the public. They were heavily persecuted, many were killed. Some of the disciples were even beheaded! So great was the persecution. My question is this; would you die for a lie? In the incident of September 11, the Islamic martyrs proved that some will die for a false cause that they believe to be true. Yet to be a willing martyr for a known lie is insanity. Had the disciples stole the body of Jesus, and thus know that the resurrection of Jesus is a lie, would they then be willing to be persecuted, suffer and die for a LIE? Food for thought. A quote from Paul little, "Men will die for what they believe to be true, though it may actually be false. They do not however, die for what they know is a lie."
If the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a hoax, this myth or legend would have died off a long time ago. Yet until today, the gospel of Jesus Christ prevails and continues to spread to unreach areas, it indeed has impacted many lives! This can only further validate the fact that the resurrection on Jesus Christ is indeed a truth!
While I know that this is not the only way to prove that the resurrection of Jesus is real, I hope that it may serve as a view point to disprove certain arguments and false claims. Truth or falsehood? It’s up to you to decide.
Glory to God on high

Here I Am

Here I am. My first day of blogging. I think I really surprised myself to even have the thought of starting a blog. Owells, no harm trying. Quite a good habit to cultivate anyway. The next thing on my mind is, how long will this last. :) Thats for time to answer.
I'm kinda tongue-tied, or rather, finger-tied right now. Going off for another busy day in Secret Recipe! ... Sign off!

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!