Journey of a Dad

He ran to his son

2010-09-25T08:38:00.002+08:00

For countless times I have meditated on the passage about the Prodigal's son in John 15. It has always brought me to remember that repentance is a total change of the heart, and I that I was lost, then found.

This time round, I realised something different. If i have read the details, the focus seems to be on the son and his repentance, also on the reaction of the older brother. But when I took a few steps back and looked at the bigger picture, John actually put the focus not on the return of the son and his repentance, but on the Father. The story is actually more focused on the heart of the Father.

Verse 20 focuses on the reaction of the Father and blurs everything else in the story. A beautiful picture of the love of the Father, compassionate. He throws a party afterwards!

"he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." John 15:20

One Note 2010

2010-08-27T09:19:00.003+08:00

I had the opportunity to explore One Note 2010 and found it to be excitingly useful. Especially so when there are multiple pieces of information that drops by - emails, phonecalls, lunches (sometimes), etc. OneNote functions like a notebook that contains sections and pages. Pretty much old school, but yes, very useful. Nowadays I have too many folders and subfolders to manage. Gosh.

Here's some of the features i like:

- info, pictures and urls put in one place (In the past, i used notepad)

- Record audio, videos (via webcam) to capture information much better.

- Snipping tools (Win 7) to capture any part of screen

- Capture website screen shots and OneNote does OCR (for easier searches)

- Export directly to Skydrive (online) for sharing

Being in an institute of learning, I got the Office 2010 suite (Word, Excel, Ppt, Outlook, etc)! Pretty cool features to make the presentations and lectures more effective (hopefully it does distract them)

One Note 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdi67tnx6nA

A different outlook

2010-08-26T09:53:00.003+08:00

Reflections on Ecclesiastes 3-4:3

Aspect	Teacher’s view	My view
Time for things	There is sufficient time	There is insufficient time
Urgency of things	There is no need to rush	There is a need to rush
Best kind on life	Be happy and do good	Things in proper control
God’s gift	Eat, drink, find satisfaction in toil	Good sleep and peace

A different outlook was presented, something that similar on the surface, but drastically different within. I have been living with the idea that there is 'No Time'. Is there really no time for things, or have I not prioritised my life well?

A chapter in the Purpose Driven Life book set me thinking about 'simplifying your life'. Perhaps there's junk in my life, things that I need to throw out. Why the difficulty in simplifying my life? I realise that most of the junk are good things, good and beautiful in nature. Its like slaughtering the sacred cows (or cash cows) just to make sure that the herd is not starving. Paradox.

I read a book "Ten thoughts about time" by Bodil Jonsson some years ago and found it pretty insightful. She observes how in the Western world the arrival of measured, accurate timekeeping became first our tool, and then our master. True enough, time keeping and utility management tools have somehow found its way onto my throne.

Now, how do I get it off?

Source: 43Folders.com

Gen Z

2010-07-19T11:04:00.001+08:00

Generation Y (born in 1980s till 1995)

- Technology is part of life

- Family centric

- Structure and preparedness breeds security

- Achievement oriented

- Team oriented

- Seeking relational connections

- Bigger meaning to everything

- Need for trusted guidance

- One way communication and learning style

Generation Z (born in yrs 1995 till now)

- Performance driven more than ever

- Live much of their lives in digital world rather than physical world

- Spontaneity encouraged

- Technology is wired into life

- Process information at a much faster pace

- Loyalty and ethics based on benefits/outcome

- Individualism greatly encouraged over teamwork

- Dare to be different

- Visually stimulated

- Myraid styles of learning

PS: Started a new additonal 'blog' at johnxie.tumblr.com

Reflections & Rollin' good times

2010-06-15T12:49:00.004+08:00

While attending a seminar (IBLP), I learn some biblical principles and gain some insights to living, and parenting, money, etc. During one of the sessions, the speaker mentioned that in his experience in working with the youths, he realised that working with their Fathers is key to the success. True enough, there are researchers and youth ministers (e.g. Josh McDowell) who points to the Dad for many of the major psychological and sociological problems in youth nowadays. The absence / presence of a father can affect the child more significantly than we can ever imagine. On the contrary, dads who are more involved in the lives of their kids and intentionally build intimate relationships with them allows the kids to grow up in a healthy environment. In turn, they grow up emotionally stronger to face the issues of this world!

(Moms, don't be jealous, you just have a differing role!)

And, it just so happened that I took a few days off to spend time with my wife and candra, esp when I am about to transit to a new place at work! I had a few days of wonderful time with Candra, and I really enjoyed the time with her!

Why work? Hmmm

2010-06-11T08:11:00.003+08:00

For a near 3 years at KA, I kept asking myself why I have to work... for survival? To kill time? Its a norm? I just hung on to a verse in Proverbs 3:3-4 that goes,
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck,write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

I was kept alive haha...

The routine and lack of time (to watch movies, to shop, to hang around as much as I want) just bothers me, esp when I am in peak seasons. A marketplace seminar @ BGST in 2009 was especially helpful, and it sort of broaden my prespective on work!

"I work for the glory of God, because I was made in His Image and created to work. Using my abilities to the best, I strive to do good work that contributes & add value to my company, not forgetting to be an uninterrupted channel of peace, love and joy to others around me whoever I influence. Hence, I worship as I work, and I hope to honour God by being obedient at work too."

Random photos!

2009-10-29T23:07:00.001+08:00

Swimming at Sengkang!

Ready... Go!

I brought her for a swim!

2009-10-19T12:00:00.000+08:00

I woke up in the morning and was feeling delighted i was on leave! Wow, perhaps i should bring her for a swim early in the morning. And there she was, sitting down with her cute swim wear. She has no idea why she was in the tight fitting spaggeti strips. (The only time i allow her to wear such revealing clothes is this! =) All throughout the time from our house to the swimming pool, she was (as usual) trying to devour the stroller handle. My my, what's so tasty about the handle?

Her face brightened up instantly when she saw the swimming pool, well you can totally imagine her big-ger eyes! In no time, she was in the pool, seated in the floatie we bought 2nd hand for about 10 bucks. It was so enjoyable swimming with her and pulling her from point to point in the kids pool. She was so happy that she actaully screamed! I thought to myself, "does she have to make her presence known?" haha, she was kicking and flapping away ( i wish i could take vids but i might end up in tomorrow's headlines.)

It only takes 20 mins of soaking to get her feet like 'kiam-chai' (salted vegetables).. aiyoh! probably 15 mins is just enough for her small feet. She kept looking back at the swimming pool, stretching out her hands towards it and I could almost hear her saying, "daddy, can we come again later?" I carried her back and she was amazingly quiet, putting her head on my chest. I had absolutely no idea what happened, until i saw her reflection in the lift - she was sound asleep! If that's what annual leave is about, i wish i had 42 days of AL. I am thankful and grateful for such times with her, enjoying every moment with her. Well, i have to thank mummy for graciously trusting her with me. Yinhuan was so excited that she called me right after the swim to check on her, and i believe this blog tells it all. =)

More daddy and me time soon.

The 'No more' game

2009-09-17T22:13:00.000+08:00

The next 40 years

2009-09-15T15:02:00.000+08:00

I took leave for the past 2 days and felt I needed to spend some time reflecting... I was at Queenstown library enjoying the nice environment yesterday when i suddenly thought of how much time i was spend with my candra. So, i began doing my sums. TO my surprise, i foudn myself spending only 12 miserable hours per week with candra, and that's out of a long 168 hours per week. Gosh, i thought to myself, 'whatever happened to my time?' Well, i spent time working, going to church, sleeping.. and probably nothing else. Give me another 40 healthy, mobile years to live, how much time am I spending with my kid/s?

The answer shook me. real hard. I will only be spending 2.8 years of my life with my kids! Well, for consolation, i thought that there are public holidays, and maybe when she drop her naps, or maybe when she sleeps later, etc. Yet, there are other factors which may just shorten the time spent - schooling, CCAs, my OTs, etc. Well done, wenguang! You are going to spend about 3 yrs of your life with your daughter, and perhaps lesser when we have a few more (Haha, I am not sure how many more).

Just what am I going to do with the 3 years? I better start thinking.... =)
And to remind me, not to freak me out, I did a simple chart which i will paste on a prominent place at home..

Whatever time there is left, I better cherish and enjoy it.

Face.Face.Face.Face

2009-09-14T16:52:00.000+08:00

Let everthing that has breath praise the Lord!

2009-07-22T17:43:00.000+08:00

Happy family time!

2009-07-22T16:52:00.001+08:00

It has been a wonderful 3 months for us as a family, with me learning from scratch what it actually means to be a husband and a dad. I have not been a good husband though, esp when pressures of life. Through the advices and encouragements from my dear brothers, I took on a renewed perspective of being a husband and fatherhood. Its really a new and exciting journey despite the challenges. My wife has been very patient with me, understanding that I need time to adjust and never gave me up. Thanks dear! She has been a great mom and i witness the changes in her life from being a girl to a mom. Be it her disciplines, diet, lifestyles, etc, she has been making changes for the better of our baby. Of course, she is still the bears the unique personality she had when i fell in love with her 11 years ago. Its such a blessing to have her as my wife, and now, to enjoy quality family time together.

It is well with my soul

2009-07-11T09:40:00.000+08:00

I want to go to school...... !

2009-07-03T21:56:00.003+08:00

Wow... ! I wanna read those books.. interesting...

Done!

Sleep mode

2009-06-17T21:21:00.000+08:00

Charming? Beautiful?

2009-06-07T17:27:00.001+08:00

Added videos

Amazing Fiesty little girl

2009-06-07T17:16:00.000+08:00

The growing process...

2009-05-25T16:43:00.000+08:00

Added videos

Everyday is grace from God

2009-05-03T19:47:00.000+08:00

Carried in wings

2009-04-27T12:29:00.000+08:00

It has been quite a activities-filled few days sicne last friday, and having to get things sorted out when we arrive home.. my heart is filled with much thanksgiving. As i carry her in my arms, i felt a deep sense of gladness (since she has been safely delivered and healthy). And when she gazed at me with her beautiful eyes as i carried her, I melted. She seems to be saying, "i liked to be carried in your arms and be protected" Wow, its amazing ... i wonder how my Heavenly Father felt when He looks at me."... how I have carried you upon the wings of eagles, and have taken you to myself. " Exodus 19:4b

Little baby Candra

2009-04-25T23:57:00.006+08:00

It was a miracle.
730am - Delivery Suite
1230pm - 4cm dilation, water bag pierced (no pain)
5pm - full dilation
5.30pm - Baby's out!
No epidural!!
We are so glad to have Him & many supporting us through this smooth delivery.

Videos (pls click here)

Class of MSE at N's house

2009-04-20T12:17:00.000+08:00

Class of MSE at N's house

2009-04-20T12:13:00.000+08:00

CLass of MSE at N's house

2009-04-20T12:12:00.000+08:00

Because He loves us so

2009-04-10T11:59:00.001+08:00

The journey of pregnancy!

2009-04-05T18:01:00.000+08:00

Thank God for T & G for taking beautiful photos for us (the last one) and many many friends and bros and sis who share the joy with us!

Porche Commercial

2009-03-20T19:46:00.000+08:00

The Elmo song!

2009-01-31T08:52:00.001+08:00

Man Behind Elmo

2009-01-28T14:56:00.000+08:00

CNY 2009 - Fun & people filled!

2009-01-27T18:49:00.000+08:00

It was a really fun and exciting CNY for me, yh and the little bby CXYY. Up to JB for reunion dinner, down to Sengkang - Hougang - Bt Timah for many many bai nian. What's different this year is that we are giving away ang baos!!! (well, my wife commented that we gave last year.... opps). Never knew that giving angbaos is so fun! (less the $$). haha...

Chu er - went to swim with YW and wife and baby (thank God for a short 5 mins walk to the swimming pool! And sombody CRAVED for xin wang @ location = Anchorpoint! And there we are, quite nice food... TCC after that. I wanted to order Irish coffee liquor but too expensive, got a latte instead... wow. Had such a wonderful time with the 3 sisters and altogether there are 4 XIES!!!! So, it's Thank You, Thank You.

Your grace is sufficient

2009-01-09T23:27:00.001+08:00

Amazing mom, amazing wife

2009-01-07T22:59:00.000+08:00

Old School

2008-12-27T23:01:00.000+08:00

Teochew porridge

2008-11-17T22:22:00.000+08:00

We found this stall that sells marvellous teochew porridge within 5 mins walk from our home!
The porridge is such a delicacy - somewhat soupy, not too soft, defined rice 'beads' - my favourite type of porridge.
The 'taopok' was well cooked, and together with the 'mei2 chai4' it was fantastic.
Not to mention that 'cai po egg', wow. Just can't fully descibe the taste.
Well, my pregnant wife being so willing to dine in this stall with me makes the whole meal complete!
I am a fan of good teochew porridge, now you know.
I am a huge huge 'fan' of the Creator who created our taste buds and gives wisdom to those who can cook!
Thank God for the nice meal.

Things from above - Blessings!

2008-11-03T18:57:00.000+08:00

We are sooo very thankful that we managed to 'chance' upon a neighbour who is moving back home. Why? They were having a garage sale and the stuff there are just what we needed, when we needed! They were selling the baby stuff off at super bargain prices, like 10 dollars for a baby chair (with 3 adjustable heights and 3 angles to recline), and much more. We wooped up a bunch on them and at a really good price of less than 200 dollars. I think the cost of the stuff can easily go up above 400. We have a good God who knows our needs, and at the right time too! We just want to share the joy!

Surprized!

2008-10-29T12:14:00.000+08:00

Band of Brothers

2008-09-20T22:38:00.000+08:00

Baby in dreamland

2008-09-15T21:50:00.000+08:00

Bread & water

2008-08-21T23:27:00.000+08:00

Bread & water are the most basic elements of life. It is because of bread and water that we continue to live on. That states its importance - life giving.

But I get hungry after eating, i get thirsty after drinking. In fact, i get hungry every 4-5 hrs; thirsty every hour! As long as i want to live, i need to eat.

What if there is a kind of bread which I can eat, and never go hungry; a type of water that i can drink and never go thirsty? It completely satisfy my hunger, and thirst. Nver is there a need to eat or drink any other thing anymore.

You must think that I'm out of my mind to even dream of such a bread and water.

Am I?

Fifty cents Toilet

2008-08-18T22:00:00.000+08:00

This morning i was having breakfast and i felt the monday blues throughout the time with my fried bee-hoon until someone changed my name.

"wu mao (五毛), huan gei ni" (Fifty cents, return to you)

"What? I have a new name? Fifty cents?

=====================================================================

This evening my wifey and I went to vivo for dinner - and to celebrate her birthday. We had such a wonderful time as we shared, its just like our M-time. After the nice dinner, she babbled,

"toilet, *pause* qu na bian (去那边)" (Toilet, let's go there)

We burst out laughter after I toole her my new (combined) name.

18 Aug 08, Fifty Cents Toilet. That's me.
I consider myself a world class toilet since most toilets need charge 10 cents.

1st Anniversary

2008-08-09T15:17:00.000+08:00

Over the past 1 year of marriage, i am thankful that we enjoyed each other's company, support, friendship, concerns, love, encouragements, prayers and much more. For me, I am very thankful that through the marriage - the relationship, i am a little more authentic, and a more relational. These, to me were alien to me few years back. The many M-times did us real good, and through that - the disagreements, the discouragements, the disapprovals, but never disunited. We are still very thankful for T & A who helped us a lot during the initial years of courtship and it did build deep and into good habits especially in marriage. We are thankful for the resources (e.g.. Fit to be tied, 5 languages of love, seminars, etc) All these, because of God and we dare say that marriage is possible with God.

Earth Hour 2009 - Make a Difference

2008-07-30T22:36:00.000+08:00

Company Family Day @ Science Centre

2008-06-24T14:24:00.000+08:00

Our company organised the Family Day @ Singapore Science centre + Snow city and Durian session!It was amazingly cold at the snow city and I could almost feel my ear dropping out! So much fun ... and the durian was marvellous! A good time with colleagues and i got to know them a little more! Thank God.

Company Family Day 2008

2008-06-24T14:23:00.000+08:00

M-time this week

2008-06-14T09:06:00.000+08:00

We had a wonderful and enjoyable time of M-time this week, (M = marriage) and we had a very satisfying meal at a Thai restaurant @ Vivo. The pineapple rice was so good, we ordered another set! But can't finish haha. So wasteful huh?

We caught on a topic and just started sharing about our thoughts, views and why we think this way ,etc. FInancial issues, my ministry, the path ahead, the magic alphabet 'B', the busyness we faced, the working stuff, etc. It was not exactly smooth at first, but we did share about deep stuff, the real issues beneath, and that probably means understanding the value system and whay we had such differing opinions. Thank God, we did learn to embrace the differences, and learning more each other's background! (There are still a whole lot i didn't know about her childhood)

She is such a supportive and wonderful helper. Let me define helper in my own terms. A helper is a person who can be and is of help to the other person, stronger, wiser, better, yet humble enough to not fire at every flawed decision and views. She such a wonderful helper.

The time of talking and sharing was something that money can't buy, but perhaps Time can. It was a great thing that T&A introduced us to this concept by modelling it for us - M-time.

M-Time this week

2008-06-14T08:52:00.000+08:00

More Pics from Country C

2008-06-09T06:52:00.000+08:00

More pics tfrom Country C

2008-06-09T06:47:00.000+08:00

Why am I here on earth?

2008-05-19T11:20:00.000+08:00

"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you" (John 20:21)

... to IDENTIFYwith the grief and sorrows of others in this world.

Labour Day event with colleagues) at Secret Receipe

2008-05-07T23:54:00.000+08:00

The lamb stew was marvellous! Tender.....

This dept is very special, out of the 11 employees, we have 5 names starting with J, and 3 starting with A!

A relaxing and exciting trip to C

2008-05-07T23:42:00.000+08:00

A relaxing and exciting trip to C

2008-05-07T23:39:00.000+08:00

A relaxing and exciting trip to C

2008-05-07T23:38:00.000+08:00

Grieved

2008-04-25T22:21:00.000+08:00

I received an sms from my poly friend J and was shocked to find my SP classmate passed away.
It didn't set it until i read his friendster comments:

"My cousin B is currently in coma for 5 days and most probably suffering from severe brain damage. He has no prior symptoms except some headache at some point in time. He went into a coma and nobody knows what happened.

Doctors couldnt explain too.

After going into the ICU ward and praying strong for him yesterday,
his face and condition make me scare.. it is really serious and nothing less than a miracle can wake him up.

His in NUH ward .. bed .. level ..Visit hours 5pm to 8pm.
- 12 Apr 08"

Suddenly, scenes of the wonderful times we had during our CPT course in SP flashed back. The voice, the laughter, the interactions, etc. We met up again in Army and i heard that he signed on as an Inf offr. I was glad for him and remembered him as a very cheerful and vibrant person.

What more can I do, but to grieve for him? 27 years of age. I don't even know what happened?

I have to keep sharing the faith..

How great Thou Art - Sandi Patty

2008-04-21T22:29:00.000+08:00

BB Help out 19 Apr 08 - 2

2008-04-20T22:48:00.000+08:00

BB Help out 19 Apr 08

2008-04-20T22:47:00.000+08:00

Valentino Day 2008

2008-02-16T00:20:00.000+08:00

This is nice!

The refreshing and delicious salad!

THe spaghetti was a real blast! My wife cooked really good beef sauce!!!!

And we made this cards for each other .....
Our 1st valentino day... after marriage

CNY Celebrations 08

2008-02-08T23:16:00.001+08:00

The little cute and funny nephews! YY and YT. They refuse to let me see their eyes!

FInally, a shot of their cute faces

Here's another one

He still likes to see things from a new perspective! Another Xie!

2008-02-08T23:13:00.000+08:00

This is what I wrote. That's my surname! Looks up to standard right? =-)
(This statement stands if you have not looked at the next pictures below hee)

This is really neat! Great works of 5th uncle!

According to my 1st uncle, 'Bao3 Shu4" is equivalent to 'Xie4" which is my surname. Interesting huh?

2008-02-08T23:09:00.000+08:00

My wife attempting to write a few words... beside her? My 1st uncle

That's the best calligrapher i have ever seen - My 5th uncle! He learnt from Principal of SP!

Here's the improved version! Beside her? My niece

T3 - Sending Little sister off (1)

2008-01-29T19:59:00.000+08:00

We were at the airport sending little sister off and the view of T3 just caught my eyes, and it was really marvellous

T3 - Sending Little sister off (2)

2008-01-29T19:56:00.001+08:00

T3 - Sending Little sister off (3)

2008-01-29T19:56:00.000+08:00

T3 - Sending Little sister off (4)

2008-01-29T19:53:00.000+08:00

T3 - Sending Little sister off (5)

2008-01-29T19:52:00.000+08:00

T3 - Sending Little sister off (6)

2008-01-29T19:51:00.000+08:00

Encouraged too..

2007-12-14T23:52:00.000+08:00

I am pretty much encouraged, esp during the end of the year when i reflect..

1. I am encouraged by the YF leaders who strived for a whole year - loving their sheep, praying for them, never giving them up

2. I am encouraged by the worship team, (esp those in YF)! THis year has been a year of challenge, and improvements. I love playing with my team, with the YFers - the vocalists, the drummer, the keyboardist, the trianglist(once, gh)

3. I am encouraged by the band of brothers in YF who went into Army, and go through different training, meet different people, JM, SL, CS, WS, YH, EL, JT, etc.. Boys-to-men will be exact fit. What's more: I see brothers rising up to key leadership roles and leading teh whole YF. (Sisters have always been suportive)

Dating once again

2007-12-07T22:48:00.001+08:00

WE ARE into dating once again. YH and i met at city hall today and had dinner at FOOD REPUBLIC suntec - it was a really good, with good food. Most imnportantly, we enjoyed the time with each other. We talked, we joked, we shared good food... ha, we had a 炸鱼片汤, a roti prata, 雷茶 (wow, it is one of my favourites, being a HAKKA dish), delicious.

I am really thankful that once in a while we will have a great time together, and we ended up liking each other's company. I hope this will go one years to come =).

Weddings, weddings after weddings ! First was YJ&YY, then was ours, next will be HJ&MY, followed by few other couples! hahah, its such excitement and so good to see couples coming out of the dating phase into a new exciting phase! May God be glorifed!

One of my fav dishes:
The Benefits Of Thunder Tea Rice:

Green Tea: Powerful anti-oxidant, helps to lower cholesterol.

Basil & Mint: Anti-stress, for cooling & calming effect, aids relaxation, relieve colds.

Fuliksum: Remove body toxins and fluid wastes, strengthen immune system.

Chinese Parsley & Coriander: Ease digestion & gastric, combat flu & headache.

Ginger & Ngal: Expel body winds & gas.

Sesame: Maintain youth & enhance beauty.

Groundnuts: High in protein, good for stein.

It's all herbs & veg., high in fibre, rich in vitamins & herbs provide medicinal value. Lei Cha has excellent physical & pharmacological value. Frequent consumption of Lei Cha promotes good health. Physical value: Enhance slimming & body detoxification. Pharmacological value: Fatigue prevention, vitality promotion, physical improvement, improves body functions, ease digestion, ease chronic bronchitis, prevent hypertension & hardening of arteries, effective for chronic rheumatic and arthritic, inhibiting cancer cell growth, helps treat diabetes, enhance relaxation & improves good sleep.

Heart-melting

2007-12-04T21:18:00.000+08:00

Engaging the next generation

2007-12-01T12:38:00.000+08:00

I remembered when i boarded a bus and was lead to a small screen called Mobile TV. It was screening JUST FOR LAUGHS =0), really capturing , i must say. For the whole 15mins trip, my eyes were fixed on the TV and ears was listening attentively to what was being said. Success, because Mobile TV never failed to engage me.

Pastors, do you find it extremely challenging to engage the congregation? Christians, do you struggle to be engaged by the bible each day as you read it? I might have an answer for that:

1. IMAGES - The TV, the net, our mobiles, the newspaper, magazines, powerpoint presentations, gaming world, etc. They are filled with colour rich, picture intense videos and logos! They never fail to engage. All i have to do is 1 look, and 1 hour is gone.

2. IDEAS - Its everywhere: Articles, magazines, youth parks, adverts, etc. New, creative, mind-bogging, wild ideas are presented everyday as we travel to school, work, etc. These ideas stretches our imgaination. Terms like 'Blog', 'Emo,'Feeds ','Tags', 'Spam', etc fllod our dictionaries, there are new ways of making money too! People are much more creative these days, wow!

3. COMMUNICATION - Net, phones, pocket pcs, feeds, blogs, nspapers, mag, phamplets, etc. Effective communication is the key to propaganda.

4. CONTENT - Do not try counting the number of information that bombard us each day for we wouldn't have enough time before the next day comes! Information sharing is tremendously effective and there is basically everything on the NET! From science, to moral, regligion to nutrition, from entertainment to economics. Of course, there are a lot of junks online too.

Perhaps this is why we are not able to engage people of this generation., let alone present them the gospel and truth. The same truth, the same life-changing truth, the same God in a new generation;

1. IMAGES - There are much images in the bible; if only we study deep enough.

2. IDEAS - The bible is completely relevant to everything that we see, hear, perceive now. There are verses that talks about all the jobs that we do, the phenomenon we experience, as well as the issues we see now.

3. COMMS - Other than talking, and writing, we need to think of other ways and modes of presentation to effectively engage them. Jesus did it so well when He 'preach' the word in many different ways.

4. CONTENT - We need to preach the bible. THe bible is CONTENT rich. There is no match for the CONTENT of the bible. I guaruntee that. If only we dig deep and present effectively rather than scratching the surface.

Rethinking preaching

Do we have more time?

2007-11-26T23:42:00.000+08:00

I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work for bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, and jumped up off my knees.

My Christian duty was now done; My soul could rest at ease.
All day long I had no time to spread a word of cheer

No time to speak of Christ to friends; they'd laugh at me I'd fear.

No time, no time, too much to do, that was my constant cry,

No time to give to souls in need

A long date

2007-11-22T19:44:00.000+08:00

We agreed to spend time together on wednesdays and named it M-time. Well, we have been sticking to it an dfound the time really helpful adn enjoyable..... Just this wed we went out on a date and it was really enjoyable. WE caught a movie named THE GAME PLAN and itgot us talking after the show until we went to bed that night. I give it 4 stars! I mean the movie. As for our time together, it was 5/5!

http://www.apple.com/trailers/disney/thegameplan/

THE GAME PLAN tells the story of rugged superstar quarterback Joe Kingman (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), whose Boston-based team is chasing a championship. A "serial bachelor," Kingman is living the ultimate fantasy: he's rich, famous, and the life of the party. But this dream is suddenly sacked when he discovers the 7-year-old daughter (newcomer Madison Pettis) he never knew he had. Now, during the most important time in his career, he must figure out how to juggle his parties, practices, and dates with the newfound ballet classes, bedtime stories, and dolls that come with his daughter. Equally perplexed is his hard-edged mega-agent Stella (Kyra Sedgwick). Despite the often hilarious misadventures that come with being a new father, Joe discovers that there's more to life than money, endorsements, and thousands of adoring fans - the love and care of one very special small fan.

Gathering at Tanglin

2007-11-07T23:02:00.000+08:00

It was a nice evening to have so many long time friends from NTU and CG to eat at my house. coincidentally, there were quite a few who did not have to work and i got to see them after 1 year!

Arise

2007-10-27T22:30:00.000+08:00

One year

One need

One caregroup

One shepherd

One leader

One prayer

Arise

"They calls the qualified; He qualifies the called"

YH, i am so glad you responded not to our wants, but to His calling. I am so proud of you!

Dinner with an old friend

2007-10-21T21:34:00.000+08:00

We had dinner with junming and jasmine before junming fly off for exercise. Wow, we had a great time, esp the last dish (which i made) - Mango sherbert (i think it spells this way). We just loved their company!
See you guys again!

Imagine Perfection

2007-10-18T15:25:00.000+08:00

....its always good to read up the valuable experiences more....

"According to marriage research conducted by John Gottman, among the most important predictors of marriage success are:

- The man's ability to accept influence from his partner; and
- The woman's ability to moderate her approach to seeking influence.
In other words, marriages succeed when both partners give up some control."

http://www.stayhitched.com/control.htm

Fit to be Tied by Bill and Hybels

2007-10-18T15:23:00.001+08:00

Finally there is a book on marriage that combines sound, biblical advice with reality. Knowing from personal experience that marriage can have its ups and downs, Bill and Lynne Hybels avoid quick and easy answers. They write honestly about marriage from each of their own perspectives and give: - Ways to court spouses creatively - Checklists for singles - Frank illustrations - Information about family background and temperaments - Helps on Achilles' heels, unhealthy behaviors, and conflict.

Xie Look-alike meter

2007-10-15T21:09:00.000+08:00

Trip TO NYC (2)

2007-10-12T19:23:00.000+08:00

Trip to NYC

2007-10-12T19:20:00.000+08:00

The 3 musketeers

2007-10-08T21:55:00.000+08:00

Wenguang, Tim and Jeremiah. I am so glad to know these guys!

NYC

2007-09-28T17:47:00.000+08:00

Greetings from New York!

2007-09-12T20:59:00.000+08:00

Greeeeeetings from New York!

We thought we should put up some pictures for all of you to see.. =) We have been having a great time!

An interesting honeymoon we must say... it's not just the 2 of us.. haha..Tim, Ann and Ian have been great company... went to a church prayer meeting yesterday.. "Brooklyn Tabernacle"..SUPERB!!! AMAZING!! WONDERFUL!!! We all encountered our amazing God during the meeting.. hahah..got loads to share actually.. but that's it for now.. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

Heart warming photos

2007-07-20T18:25:00.000+08:00

Its been some time since i last updated. Now you know why. Ha.
Nevertheless, i always thank God for giving us this flat. We know He did.

Wedding prep gone crazy

2007-06-02T00:02:00.000+08:00

I just love them all!

2007-05-01T22:50:00.000+08:00

A good day of rest & reflection

2007-05-01T15:48:00.000+08:00

Diana was going away to china for a few days till sat night. I am pretty gald that she can put up this 'concert' together with other brothers and sisters who are waiting over there for her. I've always thought that these concerts are worth our time and effort since we can share the meaning of life!

Well, as for me, i am very thankful that I can spend the whole morning at the airport, enjoying the rest that i haven't had for months since i started work. I need these times to keep me human and to keep my soul and body in sync haha... I spent the few hours thinking about the ministries that kept me busy and i realised that it is almost to the brim. Now that i am planning to enter a new phase of life, i need to re-consider these ministries. Yet, in the midst of these, i really enjoy what i am doing - YF and leading worship. Yet, it seems almost impossible that i continue with both with the increasing number of relationships i have to take care of haha.

I listed all the things i am doing, and yes, work takes up most of the time!

I penned down the current state of my service in YF and worship team and whether i am bearing fruits or am i just being bogged down by the many things and activites that munch up my schedule!

I want to be focused because i know that Focus makes anything i do more effective.

My girlfriend says the last photo was sad.. SO i changed it!

2007-04-03T21:35:00.000+08:00

In SGH - During new year!

2007-03-01T22:45:00.000+08:00

I can spell DENGUE in every language!

2007-02-22T17:28:00.000+08:00

Chinese new year! - 6 days in the hospital haha.

I have been spending my last 6 days sleeping in SGH and celebrating my chinese new year on the bed! It's unexpected how i ended up lying there.. but it was one roller coaster ride for me.

I was diagnosed with viral fever and most probably dengue fever last saturday and was admitted right into SGH through the A&E. I didn't even know how and where i got the mosquito bite but i sure know i have high fever running since last tues for a week!

The experience was very unique as i had never stayed in the hospital before and didnt know how excruciating the pain can be when i was poked with the drip needle, ooouccch! The worst part of catching the virus wasn't just the staying in hospital, but the bloatedness and the lost of appetite, i couldn't eat or sleeep with these symtomps!

But I am very thankful that over the past 6 days, there were many people who dropped by to visit me - sent me fruits, greetings, jokes, ice-creams, fruit juices, many prayers, verses, companionship, their smiles, and other things. One of the most encouraging things that happened was that my parents and fiancee stayed with me a large portion of the time to take care of me, =0) And each time my church mates came, they would leave with prayers and their prayers really supported me throughout the stay.

Through this experience, I was enriched with a little more insight of afflications.

"...in faithfulness you have afflicted me..."(Ps 119:75)

Thank God i am home!

Who created time?

2007-02-08T23:17:00.000+08:00

The Big Day is what people envy,
the flowers are what people smell,
the ring is what people wear.

The marriage - what people imagine.

I have been imagining things, literally imagining things, ha, thats normal, i guess.
New phase, new journey, new challenges.

I also realised that the very thing that is most precious is the thing that i lack - Time.

For now:
Time for Him,
Time for her,
Time for my family,
Time for caregroup,
Time for my dear youths,
Time for friends,
Time for myself, very important ha
Time to read a book,
Time to sit by a coffeehouse,
Time to play my guitar, enjoying the bosa nova
Time for sleeping.
Time... not enough

Few more months:
Time for work, a big part woah!
Time for another familiy,
Time for chores, oh my my
Time for dishes,
Time for bills,
Time for dating,
Time for adjusting,
Time for whole lot of stuff i can't imagine now ha

I am very confident that i cannot handle things coming my way,
I am very sure that i will fall short of being a son, a boyfriend, a husband, a christian, a worker, unless i keep my time with Him in check.

I wonder how people handle these countless stuff and still have joy, peace and Love without Him? Impossible, at least based on my limited understanding, haha.

His ways are higher than mine,
His thoughts are higher than mine.

It's like a strong harbour in the midst of storms, i can rest well for the night, and many others!

its great to be a Chrisitan!

A comforting journey of job searching

2007-02-07T22:33:00.000+08:00

It's been over a month since i officially started looking for a job, and its sure has been an exciting journey! Over the past month, i have been to 4 interviews (HP, chartered, Ameron, Sumitomo) and each time i go for an interview, it is a new learning experiencing.

Actually, i like meeting people, different types of people gives me different challenges and different ways of talking to them. yet, i still don't think i like sales, haha. Some interviewers are fast paced people, they go straight to the point; others behave like a lawyer - cross examined a person on death roll; and yet another like a father, my really like a father talking to his son!

This journey of job searching is packed with different emotions like anxieties, tension, joy, shock, awe, etc. Yet i testify that throughout the job searching process, i am very much comforted by Him who speaks to me more an more clearly that He will provide! In His time, through His way, for my benefit. As for me, there is no need to be anxious, i just need to keep trusting and be diligent!

JYF camp 06 - More to Come!

2006-12-08T17:23:00.000+08:00

What's happening?

2006-11-09T16:47:00.001+08:00

Its funny why i love the youths so much - fun? Laughter? Vibrant? I guess not. I have a goal - to go to where they are and lead point them to somewhere higher.

In every youth's heart, there is a need to be fulfilled. They need to be cared for, to be loved, respected and to be protected. They need to feel a sense of identity and belonging, they need to be listened to and treated properly. Many times adults are right just because they say so. There was a father whom i know that smokes and tells her daughter that smoking is bad. Guess what? She started smoking shortly and became a heavy smoker. What can the father do then, but to set an example for her daughter? It sounds silly to do one thing and tell another person not to. Foolish.

We live in a society which streams the students, segregates the people, categories the abillities, etc. Its very enginnering. There are few hundred companies which engineers and manufactures sponges every year end and controls the quality very well such the the rejects drop out of the company. The manufacturing process takes on the form of a production line which comprises of 4 phases, usually.

Phase 1 - The sponge passes through 6 stages of tests and checks. Any sponge which fail any of the stage are required to re-enter the particular stage. At each stage the sponge is immersed into a container filled with various liquids (usually 4). During each test, the sponge will squeeze out all the contents and be left empty.

Phase 2 - The used sponge will go through the same testing except its 4 stages and at a faster pace.

Soon on and so forth, until all sponges are produced. Not to mention that there will be some which will get rejected by the company since they fail the tests.

Sponge and students are similar not just because of the alphabet "S" but also in the way they are enginnered. The sad thing about engineering the students is that the goal will most probably be Grades and not Knowledge. I have heard of numerous cases of mental breakdown, and suicides because of the intense stresses that are applied on the poor youths. I have also seen numerous cases of dropouts over the years mainlybecause they are rejected as unable to perform.' I also know of a friend who dislikes being with his group of friends because of the education level differences.

We need to redefine the purpose of studying.
We need to reflect on the way truth is taught
We need to re-examine the examples the parents are portraying
We need to re-think whether we want to allow the casino to flourish
We need to review the board of censorship

We need to reach out to those who are orphans
We need to care for those who belong to a single-parent family
We need to show them what's truth
We need to accept those who are rejected
We need to sow love where there is hatred
We need to help them to have a sense of belonging
We need to restore a warped world.

We need youth workers. Join me.

Last of my army dayz!

2006-11-09T16:11:00.000+08:00

The many wonderful friends i have made - near to 100
The many hours we have spent playing in the mud and the grass
The many AARs we have slept through during the cadet days
The many push ups we endured while in PTP phase
The 4 fire drills we had in the first 3 days of the BMT
The many sleepless nights we had while patrolling in the grasslands with Arms
The countless #&^$ words we have heard as recruits and cadets
The many stupid things we did in the camps
The numerous jokes we played on the instructions and mates
The life of soldier. Has ended, for now.

Its a wonderful feeling, and those who have been through it will agree with all their hearts! 24.08.01 - 25 .12.06 A recruit became an NSman. It was super long, of course, with few years of studies in between. 3 times i thought about signing on, i'll be rich, i thought. Thank God... haha. I am an NSman!

Leaving the full-time service of a soldier and entering into the society to work. I can't imagine what would it be like to step into the working life. Adult? Well, i still want to be young and stay with all the lovely youths in YF.

Alvin - all the best for your year ahead and please go start a garade, you'll love your job!
Junming - Too bad i didnt sign on, if not, we can lim kopi together. Congrats for your ROM!
Darren - YOu are a good buddy, and hope you enjoy your days in Army and get your MAJ soon haha
Victor - Hope that AMS is a nice place and go for your dreams. Be sure to live what you want and not let the world take over youru decision making. Some day join me in church lah ha
Sijie - Great to know you as a friend and i hope you'll enjoy your career there!
Chalvin - Brother, its always enjoyable to be around you! Hope you get employed soon
Khalai - Way to go Captain! Hope to see you when i come back reservice!
Tony - You are the power B.R.O. ah, continue to be kilat and strive for your best. Eh, your car nice already, don't waste money lah
Who else? Haha, i hope i don't forget anyone...

Clearing my leave leaves me smiling from ear to ear!
Now, to look for a job.... haha

My friend's wedding! 29 Oct 06

2006-11-03T23:07:00.000+08:00

Hockseng Wedding

2006-11-03T23:05:00.000+08:00

Hockseng Wedding 1

2006-11-03T23:03:00.000+08:00