Friday, April 21, 2006

a reprise [about] a year later

You created nothing
That gives me more pleasure than You
You won't give me something
That gives me more pleasure than You

Who is like the Lord our God
Who dwelleth on high?

*****

The same thoughts a year ago, brought to mind
Lessons to a wayward student, thought already learnt
The Teacher presses on, "You can do this"
The perennial struggle between what we want, what we need
Begs this pupil's attention, facing ancient demons.

Monday, April 17, 2006

showing us Your grace and favour

The past 2 months or so have been a flurry of activities and events. Some ranging from the routine, to other experiences which were a little bit more "different". With so much happening in so short a time, I sometimes felt that God had put my life on fastforward mode in letting me go through this mad rollercoaster ride of experiences and emotions. Well, I guess that kind of explains the lack of regular updates on the blog as well =p

Still, I feel that the frenzy of events could also have been God's way of waking me up from my slumber, to really sit back and evaluate several areas of my life. In doing so, I think I have allowed God to speak to me and teach me the lessons that He had wanted me to learn.

I can't say that the learning process has been all that rosy. Well actually, at times the learning curve just seemed too steep to overcome. Often, God had to mete out discipline to keep me level-headed. Nevertheless, it was a time I felt God close to me. And I guess that gave me real perspective to drawing "comfort" from His "rod" and "staff".

Today, one day after Easter, I can't say that I've fully learnt all the lessons that God wants me to learn. I may never overcome some of my struggles in this lifetime even. But today, one day after Easter, I want to claim the promises of Christ on the cross, that "it [truly] is finished!" The message of the cross and the resurrection, while already being familiar to us Christians, has spoken to me with such clarity this year in light of the events that have unfolded recently.

It is a message of HOPE, as I shared with my YF class on Saturday. It is a message that tells us that there is still light, though faint sometimes, when all around us seems like choking darkness. It is a message that tells us that while we cannot run away from the disappointments of life, or even from death, we can still hold on to the one assurance that there is a Man who conquered even death. His resurrection gives us hope...hope for abundant life...hope for a better tomorrow.

*****

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

- Ephesians 3:20-21

Monday, March 27, 2006

announcing the arrival of...



The 3 little Kong cuties!


Everyone altogether now, "Awwwwwwww!!" =)

To the proud new parents, and to the 3 little ones...congratulations! I'm so so happy for you!

Thursday, March 23, 2006

one direction


(White gum trees on a backdrop of clear blue skies. Taken at the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, December 2005)

I'm caught up with this mission
A singular vision
Firm direction
My one aspiration

I get mixed signals
The path is uncertain
Standing on a rickety bridge
Situation precarious
Doubts plague
Heartache

Still, I'm caught up with this mission
A singular vision
Firm direction
My one aspiration

To follow Him
My hand in His hand

Friday, March 17, 2006

this wayward heart

Convinced of my deception
I've always been a fool
It lurks within the shadows
It consumes me a whole
Naked I to Thy fountain fly
To Thy throne of grace draw nigh
Surrendering my all, not in part
I ask...

Is there grace for a wayward heart?

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

the heart of worship

It doesn't mean much
Doesn't mean anything at all
The life I've left behind me
Is a cold room

Are you an angel?
Am I already that gone?
I only hope that I won't
Disappoint you

When I'm down here
On my knees
Sweet surrender
Is all I have to give

Thursday, March 02, 2006

butterflies and birds

Can someone tell me what the symptoms of bird flu are?

I've been feeling feverish and nauseous, and having tummy troubles over the last 2 days. It's really horrible, especially when there are so many things that need to be done and I can't (or rather DON'T WANT?) to do them 'cos I feel my body's aching and all.

*sigh*

Oh well, I'll be leading worship again this Sunday. A nerve-racking experience really. I don't know how I manage it. Everytime that thought comes to mind, the butterflies in my stomach start to flutter.

Have a practice tonight with the musicians and singers. I guess it's gonna be another busy day...

Friday, February 17, 2006

food to DIE for

I spy with my little eye...

a strangely familiar name...

Jogoya!!

Yayaya!!! =)

Once confined to renegade island province Taiwan, this mega Japanese buffet gastroparadiso is now open in Starhill Gallery! (cue sultry female voiceover: "A gallery of rich experiences...")



Took this picture when I was in one of the Jogoya outlets in Taiwan. I have to stress that it's not an optical illusion or a play with camera angles. Those oysters are huge!! One can easily choke and die eating that giant...thing!

At ONLY RM78 for dinner (so-called "promotional rate"), anyone up to buying me a meal sometime?

Friday, February 03, 2006

of "one lup" and cows in a deck

Xin nian kuai le!

It's the Chinese New Year season again and it's also the season for ang pows, CNY cookies, over-eating, more ang pows, gambling, noisy relatives, and even more ang pows! ;) Well, it turns out that I had a pretty decent red packet haul this year, therefore proving my initial estimations wrong. Aside from that however, CNY seems to have lost its shine on me.

I remember the times we would take the 4-hour drive back to Kuala Lipis, through the winding trunk roads, puke maybe twice along the way, past the "King-Kong" bridge, dodge steaming cow pies, to finally arrive at the half-wooden shophouse by the river.

There we (i.e. the kids) would eat Mamee and Twisties and suck on ice lollies to our hearts content.

There we would walk down to the bamboo raft by the river with our fishing nets, trying to bring in the day's catch.

There we would rather suffer from constipation than use the bathrooms which were in a creepy, dark corner of the house.

There we would raid the drawers of the cupboard in front of the medicine shelf in search of Moon Travellers to assault the village kids across the river.

There we would be constantly amused by the family magpie that could say "Apa mau tauke?" and "Miaow miaow MIAOWMIAOW!"

There I would stare at the sagging ceilings at night before going to bed, always thinking in my mind that they reminded me of pregnant women.

CNY today is just a mad frenzy of activities with so much of that old excitement abated. I wish I could bring back the old times.

Friday, January 20, 2006

the sacred and the profane

Think about His love
Think about His goodness
Think about His grace
That's brought us through
For as high as the heavens above
So great is the measure of our Father's love.

How could I forget His love?
And how could I forget His mercy?
HE satisfies my desires.

***

I lay in bed realising that all the vain things that charm me most are but dross in the light of knowing Christ and Him crucified. His is a treasure that neither moth nor rust can destroy.

Matt 6:19-20

Friday, January 13, 2006

imitating everything you say

My first allegiance is not to a flag, a country or a man
My first allegiance is not to democracy, or blood
It's to a King and a Kingdom

Derek Webb, King and a Kingdom




Derek's back! And he's more edgy than ever this time around!

This was the first song that I heard from his new album entitled "Mockingbird" and from the few songs that I have already listened, it sets the tone, musically and lyrically, for the rest of the album.

Echoing what many critics have already mentioned, "Mockingbird" prods, provokes and digs deep into the very core of what many consider to be Christian spirituality, sometimes toeing the line of controversy. Interestingly, Brian McLaren and Donald Miller have lauded his work.


I think I will like it =)

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

from Sydney with lurve

I type in this blog post from Sydney, this being my last day here, and also *sob* the last day of our holidays! Boo hoo... =(

I've only got a few hours left here before we take off to the airport and I'll probably be spending that time...
(1) playing our table tennis grand final with my cousins
(2) taking a swim at the pool
(3) pack my bags
(4) take a shower
(5) have our final dinner here
(6) watching Star Wars: Villains (it's a freebie that came with the Saturday Daily Telegraph!)

Well, it sure has been a great break and I'm not sure I'm ready to get back to work. I might call in late or something...heheh

Lala: Unfortunately, I didn't get to do yum cha at Market City, but I had loads of good food here...had escargot last night too! =)

Fie: Unfortunately, I didn't get to try the black sesame gelati either...really disappointed about that actually. As a consolation, I did drop by Dolce Freddo when I was at Lygon St a couple of days back. Had strawberry, mango, green tea, roche, and DURIAN! YUMMM!! =)

Okay, my little cousins are beckoning me over for a swim (did I forget to mention there are EIGHT siblings altogether?!) Well, gotta go now. Next post will be from back in Kay-el.

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

my long break

I have been surrounded by a whirlwind of activities for the past few days, as I draw closer to my 2 week break! =) There's just been so much to do...flight bookings, car rentals, arranging accommodation, wrapping up work in the office, delegating tasks accordingly...I'm swamped!

Yes, I will be officially on leave tomorrow, all the way to the 21st of this month. I'll be joining the YF kids at their Bukit Tinggi camp from the 7th to the 11th, following which I will be flying off to Australia, where I will be travelling (frantically!) with family from Sydney, to Adelaide, to Melbourne and back to Sydney again.

I'm sooo really looking forward to the break, which I am hoping it will turn out to be. Would appreciate your prayers as I travel with friends and family over the next 2 weeks.

I'll be back! =)

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

recipes galore


Too many uneaten dead animals in the freezer! Some fish fried after seasoning with salt and turmeric, on a bed of potatoes and chives.


A pasta dish that I fixed for C&S Group potluck not long ago. Farfalle with roasted back bacon, roasted red peppers, tomatoes and chives (again!), and seasoned with salt, pepper, chopped basil and lemon juice.


Was in the mood to experiment one Sunday evening and that yielded pretty fruitful results =) Fried chicken patties (made from chicken, mashed hard-boiled egg, flour, salt and oregano) served with pasta, long beans, and this purplish-green vege that I found in the supermarket. Nice!


By now, you should have figured that I had quite a large stock of chives to finish off! =p Dory fillet poached in some milk, with some canned button mushrooms and chives thrown in for flavour and colour. Served on a bed of spaghetti and that green-purple vegetable again.


I returned from my little trip to Bukit Tinggi on Sunday afternoon with 3 packs of REALLY fresh vegetables. Here, I get to sample the fresh brown mushrooms that I bought, and some purplish-green leafs (not the same as the abovementioned) that I was curious about.

I also had some tiger prawns in the freezer that mom had bought for me some time back. It was a splendid opportunity to experiment again! What you see is a simple mushroom and prawn pasta dish with a tomato-based sauce, thickened with some milk, and flavoured with some basil, salt and pepper. Served with spaghetti and blanched leafy greens.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

go away

Thanks, but no thanks
I was enjoying my life, why
I was having a pretty good time
I don't need you to return
And Haunt me

Bye, yes good riddance
I shall walk away and
I shall leave you, for
I don't need you to return
And Haunt me

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

hopping from rock to scummy rock

I have yielded to the incessant calls for a blog update. Nevertheless, this will be just a quick note to let the world know that I am still very much alive but...

... busy BUSY BUSY!!!

Thursday, October 27, 2005

of fish, turtles, chicks and a cookbook...

25 October 2005

It was a rainy night, but our celebratory spirits were not dampened. And so the celebrations continued! This time, it's the MEGA birthday bash for Anderson, Benny and I =) Za had suggested this restaurant in Sea Park, which supposedly has good assam fish.


She was right!


For the birthday subjects


Subject #1


Subject #2


Subject #3


First, we cut the cake...


...but we didn't stop there =p


Michaelangelo becomes turtle soup *slurp!!*



To everyone who was there that night, thank youuuu so much for great time of fellowship, the cutesy "birthday chick" card, and of course, the Jamie Oliver cookbook!!

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

i'm alive!

22 October 2005

The memories are faint now. It might have been the effects of the drugs that they gave me, or simply the trauma of going through the whole experience.

I was kidnapped.

It happened after choir practice on Friday night. I was caught unaware while chatting with some friends outside the church. They approached me and bundled me into a car together with all my belongings. I was helpless against the four ruthless accomplices.

We drove for what seemed to be hours. The minutes passsed by slowly. My attempts to solicit an answer as to where they were taking me yielded nary a response.

Soon, we left the bustling highways and ended up driving on a lonely trunk road. Dark trees loomed all around us. I noticed several signs of civilisation from time to time. That provided a glimmer of hope in the event I should succeed in escaping my captors.

And then, at the stroke of 12 midnight...








...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU...

=)


Now being held captive in a lonely shack in Bagan Lalang, Marie attempts another surprise with me catching her in the act =p


Happy birthday to meeee!!


Darth Tater rules!!! Thanx Keith! Thanx Marie! =)


Supper by the beach...fried squid. Not quite Jamie Oliver but still pretty good stuff =P~~~


Then it's time to head to the river for some stream-trotting! =)


Sleepyheads


Would you like some cheese cake and champagne, luv?


Breakfast in bed! =p


Keith is errr...drunk?


Ber-posing outside the chalet


And then we head to the Bagan Lalang beach to pick seashells and whatever we can find


BIG CRAB...small crab


Meet Billy the lobster/crayfish! =)


We graciously sent Billy back to sea with a word of advice to eat more, and to grow bigger and juicier! *smacking my lips* ;)


But Billy didn't wanna leave and came back to shore...


...so Billy ended up as lunch =)


Little white shadows sparkle and glisten...part of a system, a plan


Marie, that's a bat, not a dove! =p


Doo-dooing with Doodolls at our YF class ;)



To Keith, Marie, Gabe and Wenz...thanx a bunch for really making my day special. You guys rock! =)

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Richard's 18th

15 October 2005

Richard's belated birthday bash @ Zoe's.


Cher Ru working hard on the taters


AHA!! Now we have proof of Gadiy laying his hands on the satay before we said grace!


Eu Bing flashes a sheepish smile


The Playstation enthusiasts


Danny, Bing, Marie and I


Poor Lauren!


Richard looking ummm...surprised?


If you're planning a birthday party at Zoe's, do plan to get wet ;)


Richard the merman


Desperately trying to keep dry


Baywatch best buds...Pamela and David

long overdue birthday pictures...Keith's 26th

16 September 2005

The gang gathers and attempts an early surprise birthday do under the pretense of playing lanterns with Missa (haha!) =p These "surprises" don't work that well anymore these days...


Keith plays the piano and sings his own birthday song!


Snuffing out those candles with the double barrel


Decisions, decisions!


The group pressie which yielded...


...Star Wars trilogy comics!!


After then it's time for that crazy game, Cranium...arrgghhh!



18 September 2005

It's the actual day, so Marie and I bring Keith out for dinner. Since it's a smaller group, we decide to be a little more adventurous and head towards KL, ending up at Tengkat Tong Shin, a row of really cool refurbished prewar shophouses that now house some really chic restaurants and funky bars...


Dinner stop...some Vietnamese restaurant called Sao Nam


An appetizer that we shared...it was err, Vietnamese pancake? =p


This is how it looks like all assembled on my plate...yum!!


Bright posters all around the restaurant...


...that carried equally bright messages! =)


Ze tandas ;)


Being part of the nation's gejala lepak outside La Bodega


Don't ask what I was doing =p


Sweet desserts @ Sweet Talk


It's to DIE for (talk about alternative suicide methods, PB...haha)


Wenz and Marie


Me, Keith and Gabriel