Reflecting 2009, Welcome 2010.

Finally, some time to breath in and breath out and get back my much needed breath back after a long hectic month with pretty a lot of programmes, appointments and events to attend to. At this time 2009 is coming to an end and here comes 2010. Much to do ahead, no idea how much is that going to be but I have the feeling that it may be a challenge. Looking back at 2009 which seemed like just a flash through year, on how I had a gruelling time during a semester with the heap load of assignments then with those happenings around the globe. I'm still thankful for God's grace that still is upon us all if not worse can happen. As few more days where five fingers can just be used to do the countdown to 2010, what is lying ahead? As far as I know I'll be in my last year in university, first quarter of the year having industrial training and then the much awaited World Cup game in the middle of the year. Can be said is interesting but then in terms of what kind of "incidents- disasters" are coming I'm not so sure how is it going to be. Be in a severe one or not, it's in God's hands as well as the prayers of the saints.

Finally having the time to do some reflection, primary issue to think of is that unity of the Church is vital as the years passes by. If there's no unity in the Church, there's no light that can shine forth in the community which will result in the community to be living in darkness. Even in the various departments of the Church also must have mutual understanding and be connected to the Church's goal and vision and not on one's agenda or thought. Well, much still needs to be done within the Church, and manpower is definitely needed. I can say in my part that 2009 for me have its ups and down which is normal of course, at the same time those weak points can be improved on and excel in it. Much to anticipate for in 2010 and I hope it will be for the bettter.

Back On Track.

I know, I know. This blog has been forsaken for quite some time. Nonetheless is back in action, I do hope I will have the discipline to re-blog again. Anyway, I know the mission trip as I mentioned in my previous post and didn't have any updates about it, I will try to have an article or at the most a post about it. Along one I target it to be. Anyway, primary reason now that stirred me to blog is that certain issues are needed to be addressed, stated, forewarned and also like a let go of my thoughts which can be a little disturbing to myself. Lately for the pass few weeks, there's been the talk of end of the world. Be it at home, in uni or elsewhere. Probably this is due to the movie flick but at the same time due to the earth's surroundings. Those things that are happening around the globe be it physically or spiritually. I sense it can be a bit disturbing at times when people keep mentioning it is the end of the world. Does gives some goosebumps too I'd say. Coming back to my point, ignore the movie flick and see with own rational eyes. Is there something wrong going on around us be it in our own country in terms of everything such as environment, politics and so on? Are we being caught up with super busy-ness that we can't seem to slow down time?

Maybe some of us may feel that way while some don't. The point I'm trying to state or convey is that the clock continues to tick forward and not backwards. Whatever is going to happen in the future, or nearest, the next day , worst, next hour or minute is totally unpredictable. Totally got zero idea of what lies ahead. Now I wonder would I ever have the time frame to even be an elderly person. It do struck on my mind that one thing's for sure, more undesirable things will happen as per mentioned in the Bible. One question for us as Christians: Are we living a right or a wrong way? People used to say that ignorance is a bliss but now at this juncture, ignorance can no longer be a bliss, it would be dangerous and disastrous if it is so. The fact that Christ is coming again cannot be ignored with the current events happening. Rumours of what is coming by doesn't sound any good. Some may have the fear while others may be life as usual till something came shaking by or knocking by be it soft or hard. If hard, I wouldn't dare to imagine how bad can that be.

Are we living a life which is pleasing to God? Our spiritual life is fully rooted in God's word and Prayer? I mean heaps of prayer and not just meal time sort of prayer. Now the second coming of Christ and end times is beginning to be emphasized greatly. Can that be like an alarm clock ringing for those who are still asleep to be awaken from their slumber-ness? Are we going to continue to be ignorant? Or be awaken and know that it is THE time? Now I can say that everyday we live by is from God's grace that we still are alive and well. With the chance as well to repair what we did wrong with our own life. Which I bet most of us do have some insignificant things that are not pleasing in the eyes of God. Articles i have read about people who have the chance to see what's heaven and hell like. Sound a little bit overload but I think I will cancel out that doubts it is highly possible that it is true. As for hell, I think I wouldn't want to mention much as it is scary enough to state it. In short, it is a terrible place to be in. And I would want to avoid there at all costs.

Even as we pray we are being disturbed by those those bad ones. As it is a spiritual battle. It may seem normal as we pray but at times we do feel there's something odd or something that happen be it our thoughts or something else which may deem normal but the fact is that it's more like a distraction and a negative one. So all the more we need to pray against it and beef up in prayer. Anyways, this may be quite a blur post but after what I've been reading, seeing and listening through. I have no doubt that we are living in a difficult, dark world where the light if it's not shining brightly will be deadly to all be it Christians or not. So let us as believers to be the lighthouse wherever we go. In speech, in actions and in thoughts to live a life that is worthy, righteous and glorified before God and as an example to others.

Away

Sorry for the dusty blog, pretty busy lately with assignments and now mission trip to Chiang Rai, Thailand. So I will be off there tomorrow 3rd Oct till 11th Oct 2009. Do pray for the team that everything will run smoothly from checking in to airplane to programmes held there and coming back. Till then will I revive this blog again =)

A Tribute to Gary Robert (18th August 1987 - 2nd August 2009)

In conjunction with the late Gary Leon Robert's birthday, here's a tribute for him.

It was indeed heart wrenching when the news spread all over that Gary passed away. Those who got the news find it unbelievable and the condition he was in when the police found him in the stadium. I myself was pretty much saddened by the news. Everyone who knew him have a good impression of him and were impacted by him somehow or rather. Be it by his smile, hand shake, encouraging words, his superb ability in sports as well as academics, the achievements his has and the list just goes on.

Knowing him since we were in the same cg in youth group when we were about 15 years old, found him quite friendly though not really close with him as in best of friends. Reflecting back, from the youth camps that we went as a youth group, not leaving the conferences. It was indeed fun being with him as i remembered one of the Huge camp in Penang. Think it was already lights off and some of us sort of have an "illegal" gathering and when Gary spotted the person who was in charge of security who was having checks he told everyone at the gathering to run for cover and he ran quietly and sneaked back to his room.

I'm very sure there are many moments that we spent together as friends, having a game of futsal with him. Fascinated by his skills in that sport and brought good encouragement as a team-mate. Not scoring all the time but encouraging others to score by opening the chance for them to do so. It was encouraging to see that during Gary's wake service, the flocks of people who attended, different races, different generations. Both young and old alike. Church congregation or uni friends, childhood friends or those who heard his name or just seen him before once and so on where present. 22 years, one life, impacted many lives and hearts. A role model, a good example. Though very short the lifespan, through it all as God had already said to him, Gary: "Well done, my good and faithful servant" the talents Gary had, he multiplied it to a hundred fold. If it can be calculated, probably he excelled 200% in his lifetime. An achievement which hold the record that every few can break.

Now is the third week since Gary's passing. Many who are still lingering around in their hearts. Occasionally remembering the best of times they had with Gary. Or anyone who has the name Gary, it would remind them of the other Gary they knew who impacted them and brought joy, laughs in their life. We know Gary Robert is with the Lord Almighty, though it may seem very hard for us to let go of the fact that we have to move on with the life we have on earth without the presence of Gary Robert, we have hope and a future in Christ alone. Many may seek other ways to vanquish the sadness, it may be workable but it will just be temporary. On God alone can bring us through all the problems, like how God brought Gary through in his 22 years of living on earth, a faithful servant of God and a God fearing man. May God's peace, comfort and everlasting love be unto his family members, relatives and also to us all.

Assignments assignments and more assignments.

Now is into week 5 already in my 14 weeks long semester. And I can sense a bit of the fatigue-ness that is not so nice sort of feeling. With six subjects in the semester and about two assignments for each subject, I can say it's like a heavy load of weight just came *Whump*. Flat I am with the assignment load. I wonder whether the lecturers got discuss with each other on the assignments and sort of have a control on the amount thing. Cause I find it quite taxing to produce so much stuff in just a little tiny, puny time frame. Meaning I've got to work my bones out to finish them and I think rest is going to be secondary for now. I can await is just after finals then holiday season for just 3 weeks.

Busy mode is expected for the next one or two months so I do hope can still update this blog once in a while. Worst case scenario is going to be once in a blue moon. Just finished an assignment which is to do a tv filler. Did the shooting in Royal Selangor Pewter which was cool to see its history and artistic works. A pride of Malaysia definitely. Now left the editing work to do. Tv drama incoming and that is sure going to be the killer of all assignments. Oh well... By God's grace i can make it through!!

Back To Uni.

Reflecting back on school life, there's a period of long school holiday which followed by school re-opens where almost everyone with a blur looking face in the classroom suffering from post-school holiday syndrome. Apparently I'm still not out of that syndrome sort of thingy because today was my first day back to uni after a three week break. It was rather a very short holiday. Three weeks just passed by like that. Too fast to not enjoy the holiday itself. Anyway my timetable this semester's a little awkward as there'll be classes on Saturday from 10-12pm and from Tuesday till Friday classes starts 8am. And that is going to last me for about four months. Though it's quite a dread but I've got no choice but to wake up early in the morning. Sad case one indeed.

Nothing much has changed in uni except the cafeteria which apparently changed ownership and the food served is very few in choice and portion quite unsatisfying. There goes the large selection of food that the cafeteria USED to have. Classmates are still the same except one or two changed hairstyle. Challenges incoming in terms of assignments and I foresee that it's not going to be a smooth sailing one. Pray that God will give me the wisdom and strength to do it. At least this week is still quite relaxing because tutorial classes doesn't start till next week, as for the lectures which were pretty short for today due to being an introduction class and lessons so called "officially" starts next week.

Just a minor side-track a bit, I just noticed in the newspaper as well as the news very surprisingly and astounding is that the "Ah Long" case where about three men who owed the loan sharks money and was locked up in a flat in Seri Kembangan. Looking at the photos posted in the newspaper, it seems that a face looks pretty similar but wasn't sure who was it. Then during the advertisement time and there was news highlights and saw the name posted below the picture, which confirmed what I saw was true. That is one of the loan sharks who is now on the police's wanted list is none other than (of course not me) but my ex-secondary classmate. To think back during secondary school days, my classmate was not to say a totally perfect student, though he did looked like a bully to me but not that I expected it would end up to be like this. Which is towards the wrong side of the law. What I can only do is just to pray that he will have the courage to surrender and turn over to be a new leaf and start all over again afresh. 23 years of age is just too young to be wasted. I do hope I am wrong of the photo-fit and the name of that person and it's someone else instead than my ex-classmate. But then, who knows?

Surprising Indeed.

Guess this time can't wait to blog about it. Final exam for the semester came and gone. And season of lecturers marking the papers also came and gone. And the results are out and about. So how did I fared? I fared pretty okay. Because as far as I remember I usually do not get a CGPA that is 3.0 and above. It's lower than that. But this time around surprisingly it's 3.0905. Lifetime achievement. Broke my own personal record. No doubt I'm quite happy about it. Though I do need to admit that the method I used to study before the papers were way too not good. Plus thought the killer papers would swallow up all the cgpa but it didn't.

Next round need some buck up a bit since subjects are not going to be that easy anymore. It's like level up in a certain game. Anyway, next week is back to class. 3 weeks of holidays just went off like that. It's like the feeling of never had any holiday at all... Hope it won't be that hectic of a semester ahead or else probably I would be more than half dead. And most classes starts at 8am. After the day's classes I think I would be half dead by then.

All in all I Thank God for that nice, surprising exam result =)

Strange One.

Actually this is a delayed post which supposed to be posted probably last month or the month before. Anyway here's the post.

It started out like a mosquito bite which eventually it grew bigger in size and the sight of it isn't pretty. And it does itch a lot. I mean REALLY itchy. Due to me who can't stand the itch resulted me to scratch it and partially the cause that it grew bigger. Somehow which I don't know how, it went to the other leg and this time it's the amount it has. Though the size wasn't relatively big but it still itch. That lasted me probably about a week or two. Went to the government clinic (for my first time because usually go to private clinic), off topic awhile, the government clinic which wasn't that far away from my house and I just need to pay RM1 for registration fee then got to wait for my turn to see the doctor. Medicine does not need any payment. Pretty cool one.

The doctor said it was fungus then the other time I went to see, which was another doctor could not really rectify what are those spots because they are pretty similar which can be fungus, insect bite or something else. Before I went to the clinic, had a few opinions on how to tackle the problem. Bought a cream from the pharmacy to apply on which is for insect bites, after went to the clinic had to put a different type of cream which is for fungus then the other time I went, another set of cream. Thank God that my leg did not had side effects from the different types of cream I put. Or else I could not think how worse the red spots on my legs can be. (Worst case scenario I can imagine is that my skin peel off and make it to be a wound instead?) Who knows...

After days of putting the cream for about maybe 1-2 weeks in total gradually the spot grew smaller and less red and eventually subsided for good. What an ordeal in was. Though not a nice one to remember. And it's really mysterious as I still do not know how and where I got those spots from anyway. Weird and odd.

21 Days of Rest.

Finished my last paper yesterday and it was that sense of relieve that came by after agonizing weeks of studying and waiting for the last paper to arrive. Now is to chill out and regain back composure before the new semester arrives and I wonder how hectic will the schedule be and the assignment load.... I'd leave that thought aside for now and start to think on what to do and where to go if not sure it's back to square one that is rotting at home. Probably will watch movies from my computer since there's still quite a number of them I haven't watched as yet. Oh yeah, so how was the exam some may ask. Exam was quite okay. Last two papers gave me some chills because there was lots to memorize. The second last paper which was Communication theory, I thought how bad it would be but then when open the question paper was relieved to see that the questions is not that difficult to answer as I expected it to be.

Watched Star Trek yesterday in the afternoon after my last paper and it was an awesome movie. Just wished if the future was that cool and high-tech. I watched some of the series before when Patrick Stewart was the captain of the Enterprise. Now with computer graphics and so on, it added on spice to the movie. Probably I watched the movie with my mouth opened in awe. But to me after some thought, the weapon of the Enterprise was just too simple. Some laser beams shooting out from some pods. Maybe next time they should have some weapon upgrade. Some torpedo or missile kind of weapon. There are more movies releasing this week such as Angels & Demons, Terminator Salvation. Can't wait to watch them. Just feels like there are just too many nice movies this year. And now is just the month of May. What's next? No idea about that. So now going to be back in relaxing mode. No worries, this site will be active and not half-dead.

El-Nino?

*Pants pants* Weather's been very unforgiving-ly hot these few days, my room probably can be like a sauna or some oven. Perhaps one cup of water can evaporate in just 2-4 days perhaps? If it is being located in my room. Didn't go much outdoors due to exam preparation which is going to come to an end (at last!!) this coming Monday, but at the moment just have to be stuck at home and be a good boy. I wonder when is this so called "phenomenon" will come to an end, at least it did rain a couple of times but the heat just came back in a jiffy. Quite fast I'd say. Probably global warming played a part in this case or some sort of El-Nino effect came along to pay a visit... Oh well, that one I've got no idea. From heat to flu pandemic, what's next? Only God knows. And I pray nothing worse would happen.

So now as what most people would say is to drinks loads of water, be hydrated, not a good time for a sun tan unless they would want their skin to go "haywire". At least there's air conditioning but at the same time for those who are environmental friendly ones would advice not to on too much due to gas emissions etc from the air conditioning system. Don't think can do much of that due to the intense heat. Just remembered that hopefully and prayerfully there will not be water rationing if this situation continues. In short, conserve water. Think it's time for me to on the air-con now though, can't stand the heat already. After bathing awhile then feel like sweating. Not nice feeling indeed. Papers say that this would continue till September, I pray it won't happen.

Think I better get back to studying mode. Killer papers won't finish till the last 2 papers. So much to read and understand and with fingers crossed and prayers said hope the questions would be easy to answer. Much to update when I'm on my holidays and hopefully laziness to blog won't start to kick in. Just nudge me a little in case this blog's a little stagnant. (Nudge me when I finish my exam after next Monday).

March & April

Not to worry, I still love my blog. And the hard effort spent in typing out the various blog posts. I do not have the heart to close down this blog anyway. Unless blogspot crashed till everything just went missing in net space. In addition, just a day delay on my promise to update. Well, mind me for that. On towards this post which mention what I did during the span from March till now, assignments were the major things that I got to do. Busy assignments one of it that required lots of time was doing the music video. Had some hiccups here and there. Main actor left quarter way and had to re-shoot most of the shots with one our group member and he (my group member) midway had food poisoning and had delays in doing the shooting. Not forgetting the weather which was very much unpredictable since that time it rained pretty often. At least the end result of that isn't that bad though my group leader insisted it was bad. It's our first time doing music video and I can say it's no easy task as much needs to be prepared. Good experience I obtained from that assignment.

Besides that assignment, another one was making a website for Women's Aid Organization using Adobe Dreamweaver. I was completely a dummy of that programme and my first time using it. In classes where the lecturer thought on how to use the programme. What was thought went in the brain, though some did leaked out somehow. To process and digest on that was another headache because how complicated it can be. A week or so before the deadline for the assignment, yes I know it was very last minute but what to do as classes about that programme did not end till like the week before the deadline. So I can say it was a very last minute work to do. Resulted to go Daniel Lim's house to learn and gain assistance, only then I can work out a website itself. Website supposed to be a group work but relatively did by myself in constructing the website while my other two members went to find pictures for the site. That was so because if I were to divide the work, probably it would be pretty messy in putting things back together when each finishes their part, not leaving the lack of time. Overall in turned out to be alright and received some positive comments from the lecturer.

As of now, all syllabus for the semester are done with and assignments, finished, some marked and marks were satisfactory. Now left approximately one week or so to study as the finals are drawing near, one last push then it will be a 3 week holiday and church camp approaching. And that would be half the year gone with about six more months to go. And probably an even more busy semester ahead. Not much special events except birthday of my sis and dad's. few days more would be my mom and E's. More movies are approaching some which are a must watch. More to be updated soon, I did thought of some topics which i may type it out when I have the time, not to say it the span of another month's time or so but down to a few days time hopefully.

Ps: Learnt my lesson not to simply make promises.

JoeltheYap Back in Action.

Guess it's quite some time ago I last blogged. Sorry for the "dead-ness" awhile. At least now I have some time to blog as last month or two was my first time from studies week 1 to 14 back-to-back busy like anything due to the assignments and so on. And the assignments are not just one per subject. But that one assignment has many sub tasks to do which I find it pretty not so happy to do them. Amount of that is just a lot to add in all together. I'm glad it's all over and done with for now. Hopefully next semester won't be that hectic and busy and this coming semester break going to have a nice, proper break to recharge for the next semester.

So far I'm doing fine here, still healthy. Exam's coming along next weekend which is my first paper out of about six I guess. Good Friday and Easter service was great but then the weather was cranky. Think it's like monsoon all year round for now. Saw major buildings switched off its lights during Earth Hour. Now aware that the Twin Towers switches off its lights probably at 10pm or so. Probably Earth Hour that time only realized that switching off its lights would save huge cost. At least it's not too late to do so anyway

Will update more very soon. Lolz. So do stay tuned. Thanks.

February

Not to worry folks, this blog definitely won't be deleted or led unwanted for years or that sort. Just having those usual blocks on the head on what to blog about and of course the L factor which contributed to the freeze or block is none other than factor Lazy. Sometimes being lazy to blog and to have the urge to blog back again may be quite a hard task to do. At least i managed to pull it through. Maybe I may blog monthly (which would be like the worst case scenario) or perhaps few times month. Depending wheather factor L comes again or another factor which is factor A= Assignments comes in the way. Anyway February is here, 2 more week comes March. Soon after 4 weeks comes April... Times do pass by quickly that everyday is just zooming by in front of my eyes.

And so February which was the post of Chinese New Year and of course calculating the amount of red packets received and thankfully this year I can keep what I obtained. Amount was of course pleasant and quite tempting for me to go and buy a new handphone. But resulted not to after much thoughts. Perhaps I will buy one next year. If finance permits of course. Overall Chinese New Year was fun going to visit other and being visited as well. Not quite of that fun really as I had to keep in mind of doing my proposal work (which eventually didn't bear fruit in terms of being chosen by the lecturer) for the music video assignment. Sort of wasted my effort and brain-juice to think of all sorts of aspects to get the proposal right. Too bad it didn't worked out.

After one to two weeks then came V-day. Quite an interesting one. Had Korean bbq buffet which cost only 20 bucks per person. Of course with that sort of price you get those meat which are not marinated and its slice is pretty thin. At the most you can call as much servings as you wish and I think I tried nearly all there is to choose from the buffet food list. Which came with a price which was a stomach that had the feeling of going to explode anytime. Not a good feeling really....

There were also serious times where I've got to finish up my assignments which were near to the due date. And results were quite unexpected. As for the presentation about two journals that my group had to study it and summarize everything with examples. To give the effect and critic the journal. Though I was worried that the pints given was not that relevant, but it was the opposite and very positive remarks by my lecturer. At least it took away that worry. So incoming towards March and also various friend's birthdays to celebrate and more due dates coming in and the stack of assignments to finish up. What's ahead can be said are challenging indeed but by God's strength and wisdom. Certainly I can finish up those assignment and not forge ting to pass my finals. (which doesn't have any supplementary paper anymore if I do fail in a paper which result to repeat that subject all over again)

Much are ahead, but I'm looking forward to see what unfolds before me. It's exciting and yet mysterious at the same time =)

January

No worries, this blog is still alive (kinda) and well. Just that the owner was on a period of resting. Perhaps a sabbatical leave? Anyway just a brief outline on what happened for the last about 2 months since the last post for 2008 (which was on November) December was a really busy till my brains want to pop out kind of situation. Every week there is something to do, at times it was back to back stuff. Which was preparation for youth camp, went to Huge camp, caroling practice, Christmas musical for the church, meal appointments and so on. So first 1-2 weeks of January was like my off day from the hectic December. Nothing much to say, as of today I'm back to Uni starting my 2nd year, 1st semester. I think there's loads of people who blogged about how was their experiences in the various functions they went. Pictures also were uploaded as well. Oh yea, my pc is finally repaired due to the motherboard failure which ended up can't do much.

For me youth camp was great as I get to be one of the committee and it was quite an experience to attend and encounter the various plannings that were done. As for the camp I can see how God moved in various hearts and lives. To see bond going back together. Unity was strengthened once again. Fun to see everyone participating in games and also being naughty by dunking some to the sea or making them up etc.

Caroling was good, except that too many places to go and sing. Nothing much was provided by the hotel (host). But everyone had fun singing and having the fellowship together.

2009's here, age up one more year. Much to do and fulfill and everything is under God's hands and control. Oh yea, I do thank God for His protection as I almost got robbed just beside Church after I chat with my friend. At least I had the alertness to notice the motorcycle nearby, quickly went to my car and locked the door. The motorcycle stopped next to my car, back sit guy went to open my door but can't since I locked it, not satisfied went to use his fist to punch the window (at least it didn't break) after that I just zoom off. Quite a harrowing experience indeed.

Just stay tuned fpr more updates will try to update more when I can. Cheers to everyone and an early Blessed Chinese New Year =D