What's Up?

What's up? Well, since it was quite awhile not updating. I shall update something then. So far I'm still teaching in the school. Replacing another teacher and it just gets tougher. One class really can get to my nerves. Sighs. Don't know how to describe about that really. Would be busy every weekend though. Drums training, seminars and so on. Phew... Hectic indeed. I was given the privilege to do a video for Youth Alive Malaysia. Which is quite a good "challenge" for me. So far, I haven't started anything on that project. *smirks*

Today was my first time entering exam hall, not as a student but as a teacher keeping a close eye on the students whether they got cheat or not. So far caught a pair. They scribbled something on the rubber and passed to her friend next to her. They're from the get-to-my-nerves class.

Good Friday and Easter services went well and great. Enjoyed the worship since I was playing for both of the services as well as the sermons. Much things to pop out as the days goes by. Many thoughts came here and there and everywhere. Hmm.... What more can I say? Only can say always trust in God in whatever I do. =)

Today.

Somehow or rather I didn't know how I fell sick few days ago. Guess it was some food problem. Had fever, diarrhoea. Not a pleasant feeling I have to say. At least now I'm back to normal.

Election result's out. Quite as hope-d that the result would be this way. And seems old samy is sort of "glued" to his chair and want to stay on in MIC. While remarks made by others do not make that much sense. More like having the view of building up malays which is not good. IT needs to be building up Malaysians. Without the other races, Malaysia I don't think may be that stable in terms of economy and so on. Let's see those who are voted, these coming years what are they going to do.

First time having the taste of the feeling of "dead boring". It's school holiday season. Which lasts a week. Today's only the first day, and I feel restless. Almost whole day been sitting in front of the computer. Watching some chinese series. Had a nap in the evening. Then now at night chatting with some friends. Wow, really dead bored this time. Think if want to be not that bored, have to go out. But then if want to go out, there's the need to use $$$. Oh well, what else to say. Hope tomorrow won't be that bad. Prayerfully.

All the best to those whose STPM & SPM results that are coming. No need to freak out or pee on your pants. Just try to calm down and may the peace of God be with you all.

Prayer For The Nation.

A call, an outcry for all who hears. To uphold the nation in prayer. It is time, where the nation will cast the vote. On who would be the leader of the nation. Frankly speaking, as I was told. People were told to vote for the opposition so that the main party (for sure you know who's that) would wake up from their slumber and treat everyone almost equally and not siding any sides. Problems may arise due to that, but the urgency of prayer is far more important than anything. Because it is only God who can do wonders and miracles. The minority may seem to be overruled by the majority but then, with God's help. Things may happen. No one knows.

As we approach nearer and nearer to the day for election. We have to gear up in our prayer. Prayer do move the hand of God. We hold fast to His promises. And that all voters would have the peace of mind when they are voting. And not to vote according to their feelings or emotions. Not leaving also to have the wisdom to vote accordingly. That leaders that God is going to place them at, to be wise and not corrupted. To lead the country with the fear of the Lord, with integrity. Fairness to the people and the minority to be treated evenly. It is time for us as the young generation to start to be aware of the political field. We may be slacking in our own world and not paying attention to politics. I guess it's time now to buck up. Or else we would regret when things change and that change do not benefit us at all.

Counting down the days, I hope that we'll always, pray for our nation in all ways, because our prayers won't go in to waste. As God listens to them. May the right party for the various states and areas be chosen and that everything would run smoothly and no untoward incidents that would occur. Amen.

The Encounter.

Reflecting on what took place from Friday night till Sunday morning. I have to say, not only me alone. For sure the others who where there for the "Cross Encounter Weekend" were indeed blessed, relieved, renewed, strengthened and also happy of what God has done in our lives within the span of 3 days and 2 nights. In case some of you who do not know what is a "Cross Encounter Weekend" is all about, basically it's a time where one can experience inner healing, transformation of life and to bring about forgiveness. Not only that, it is also a time where we confess and repent from accumulated acts and thoughts of sin and find continual cleansing for one's life. Yeah, that basically the idea of "Cross Encounter Weekend". And so, below is what went on from my side of view and experience from this encounter weekend.

Night one. Which was a Friday. I left school almost at 7pm. Having in mind that I would be late for the first session. Thought the road would be jammed up with cars due to the off office hours where everyone's going back home from their workplace. Surprisingly the road was clear. I even managed to go for Mcdonald's drive thru to buy my dinner. Arrived to the place on time. Thank God for that. So the session started off, talking about ~What is CROSS Encounter?~

Next day, another session was about confession. Went through the life of David where he committed adultery when he was on the roof of his palace. Seeing a woman bathing. Rest of the story I guess you all would know how it goes. This session focused on the cause and consequences of sins that we ourselves have and that in order to live a whole life before God. We need His grace and mercy and to do our part to confess our sins before Him. After that session was a short break and then on to the next session. It was about repentance- a Father's love. Not only was it talking our Heavenly Father's love for us but also our own earthly father. Meaning our own dad. The prodigal son's journey of returning back to his dad was an example we used. And in this session, we were exposed to how many people in our society today are lacking of the father figure at home. That is why various problem arises in our community. We were asked to write an appreciation letter to our own dad. For those who's dad had passed away, they still have to write and one day when they go to their dad's grave, they can read it out to them.

For the part to write an appreciation to my own dad, it seems quite easy to just write. I already have in mind of what to write but the struggle came when I was to write it on the piece of paper that I'm holding on. During that time, I just felt it was hard to write. Even when I was able to write a few words, to continue on writing, it was quite a hard feeling. I just wanted to break down and cry but I just held back. Some of you may think, "What's so emo of writing just an appreciation letter to your own dad?, it's just writing only..." To be as transparent as possible, the relationship between my dad and I is ok. Not those like cannot chat those sort. We do chat but then it's just surface talk only. No much into any in depth talk. As you all know my dad is a pastor, and he pastors a church which is now about 1k people. I grew up with it that the fact my dad's a pastor, and he has the church as well as the family to attend to. For his personality, he is more or less much of the quiet type. But then since he started full time, he got to get out of the "timid" shell. He's the youngest in the family. Now as for me, probably I'm like him having those sort of soft spoken, shy type person. And I like to just having time on my own and not communicate much with my dad as he needs time to manage his ministry and so on and this continued on to now before the breakthrough which was about to take place.

Back to the difficulty to continue writing, and so I just felt heavy handed to write but eventually managed by God's grace to continue writing on that time everyone was having their lunch. As I just said I'll be as transparent as possible, here's what exactly I wrote to my dad:
"Appreciating you, as a dad: Having you as a dad, as well as my pastor in church. I'm grateful indeed to have a dad like you. Without you, I don't think I would be what I am today. If I'm not known to be a PK (Pastor's Kid), I wouldn't be able to have the courage to make friends etc that easily due to the shy personality that I have. (Probably you were so when you were young). Anyway, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and love. Even a thank you wouldn't be sufficient to convey. For all you've done, from my younger days till now and also the future. To the upbringing of me, trials we've been though and so on..."
And then at the last line of it, with trembling hands, I could not withold back any longer. Tears began to roll down... After awhile I was okay and I continued writing the remaining sentence:- "Always remember that I would always be your son, and you will always be my dad." After that sentence, a sense of relieve just came upon me. Because as far as I can remember, I do not recall writing any cards to my dad before to express my feelings etc.

I was glad that the sense of relieve came upon me, and I can say indeed it was a breakthrough. As time pass on, I pray and hope that the bond between my dad and I would be stronger. Done writing, I proceeded for lunch. After lunch was the session about receiving the healing for the wounded soul. Life of king Saul who falled due to his various sins. And the steps we can take to to heal the past hurts that we may have. The trauma that sometimes unaware, would come and taunt us. At night, the last night. Which was the top of it all. Encountering the cross. Being obedient, the cross of Jesus. We were brought through the timeline before Jesus was hung onto the cross, we see the process that Jesus had went through, just for us. To bear the sins of the world ALL by Himself at the cross. This made us very aware that how great our God is, and how magnificent was His love for us. It came the time where all of us who where there, holding the stronghold on the list of paper we have, that the sins we had, ticked in the piece of paper. Coming before the foot of the cross, repenting and crying out to God for forgiveness. We do not feel worthy at all because of the sins that we've done. Most of us cried, I myself cried too because I do have secret sins. Well, I'm human too, and I do have sin.

When we were ready, after repenting and confessing our sins at the foot of the cross. Each of us tore the stronghold list. Some find it hard to tear it as it's like tearing themselves apart. But with God's grace and affirmation we managed to break the strongholds we have before God as a symbolic act by tearing the pieces of paper. Different words of encouragement and affirmation that were given to different ones who were there. Indeed, it was a night to remember. Where we encountered the cross. Next day, was the last session. We shared our testimonies of how we went through the night where we were at the foot of the cross. Various ones shared and it was equally impactful for us who were listening. Then we learn how to surrender- the Lordship of Jesus Christ. And the guidelines from A-D, on how we must renew our belief system through Christ in order that we may have the correct behaviour when we encounter a problem or perhaps temptation. We ended with communion together. Battle had already started, Spiritual Warfare is not just a one day thing, it happens almost everyday. What more could we say? BRING IT ON! For we know we are VICTORIOUS in Christ Jesus. AMEN.

This "Cross Encounter Weekend" was conducted by both Ps. Victor Wong and Kelly. Thanks a lot for conducting this encounter weekend with the youth leaders of Charis Christian Centre.

A Trip To The Hospital.

Yeah, I had a trip to the hospital. With my dad. But not to visit anyone but have a visit to the orthopedic department. Well, it's not a serious case as not everyone who goes to hospital for a check-up is a super big or serious case. More like seeking advice from the specialist. The orthopedic specialist's a Christian. Somehow my dad got to know him. So he brought me there. To Putrajaya Hospital.

So what was the problem? Basically I had this back pain for about 3 days or so. It occurred before past 3 weeks like that. 1st week I put the Chinese herb oil thingy and the pain was no more. Then on to 2nd week, the pain came back (it occurred while I was playing futsal). This time I did not put anything at let it be. Managed to go through the week. And then came to 3rd week, went futsal (the pain was still there but I still played on). After that, the pain was worse. Much painful compared to other times. It was bearable but annoying pain. Told my parents about it, 1st, 2nd, 3rd day tried putting the Chinese herb, then yoko-yoko. Pain did left a wee bit. At last resorted to go see the doctor. Just as a precaution to check if there was anything wrong with my bone or something.

And so had the doctor appointment the day before and went to the hospital today (Thurs). Reached there, did the procedures of registration etc, waited awhile for my turn. About the hospital, it looks new and quite equipped with various specialist departments. And high tech as well. Waited, then it was my turn to go see the doctor or should I say specialist. Oh yea, the way they use to notify the patient's turn is like going to the post office, get the number, and await your number to appear on the screen. That number is used when you are to collect your medication at the pharmacy as well to other depts if needed.

Alright, back to the doctor aka specialist. Went there, he asked me where was the pain, but somehow or rather is like before the specialist checked me, had conversation with my dad about how's the job, various cases of patients. Then how is the hospital, whether it's good or not, cater to who, the facilities and some of the problem faced by the hospital. Seems the hospital was not in the plan to be built. But due to safety precautions in case any of the ministers had any health complications, where to send them etc. After that only check-up is being carried on. Though of and on got stop and chat a bit. So the specialist then called me to go to the x-ray dept to get an x-ray. Which I did, walked there, went in to x-ray room. Got to change to some blue robe then lie on some sponge then the equipment for x-ray is on top of me. The attendant asked me to lie in two positions just for different view of the spine.

That would be my first time taking an x-ray. Funny thing was, before the specialist asked me to go for the x-ray. He said that come back after finishing the x-ray and no need to wait for anything. I did had in mind perhaps either someone going to deliver the x-ray images or there's something my high tech than that. So, did the x-ray and went back to the specialist's office. That time saw him already browsing through the x-ray images from his pc. Not bad eh. Seems that hospital's trying to have a paper-less sort of system. After looking at the images, the specialist. Pause... Think I'll use his name which is Dr. Tan instead of "The Specialist". And so Dr. Tan said my spine, in other words the Lumbar spine section is supposed to be a bit curve for a normal person. Mine was straight that is why it went against some nerves causing the pain. When he did the check-up on me he asked me whether got any numbness on my legs. Cause other patients have this sort of symptom is they have back pain. Mine was slightly different, I just felt the pain but no numbness on the legs. Meaning not the joint at the spine causing the problem but just a small part of the Lumbar thingy.

In the end, was given subscription for two medication. One is to ease the pain if I feel there's pain, the other is to make the muscle around the Lumbar area to be not tense so that the spine would be back to normal. Well, just need to lay off sports for awhile. Sadly to say that. Dr. Tan did asked whether I could come back to the hospital to do some physiotherapy. But the distance is going to be a problem. Ended up was given few guidelines on paper to sort of do it yourself physiotherapy. Lolz. Thank God it was not anything serious and at least can still go for the Cross Encounter Weekend. Phew..... (Note: The x-ray pic is not the real x-ray image that was taken on me.)

Down Memory Lane.

Down memory lane..... Where different thoughts came into mind. Of pass events, what I imagined myself I would be in future. Taking a glance back to my "good old days" of childhood. Where I was used to be a little bit more on the active side. Chose to play rather than doing homework. Remembered most of the time during prayer meeting at the old church building, I would be in the babies room, was given homework and being located at a not so noisy area where there was less toys or fun. While I was doing my homework I would easily get distracted by the noise made by other kids. And that made me wanna play with them as well... Though I was told by my parents to finish my homework or else I would be disciplined when I get home. Being as distracted as I can be I just took the risk of being punished and went to play. Come to think about it... Quite an astounding that I was so daring.

At least as time passes by I wasn't that playful. But still, studies is still not a total, fully concentration for me. Since I don't have those sort of "gift" or discipline to sit down and study for a few hours and can memorize everything that was studied. Till now you ask me to do that, the fact is that I can't do it. During primary school, then to secondary school. Didn't imagine myself that I would finish the school days then on to college, and now applying for university. What's next? I have no idea. Being a teacher now, and teaching students, brings back memories of when I was a student. At least I get to have a feel of it. Really didn't went through at all in my mind that I would be a teacher. Of all the other things... No teacher in mind.

Sometimes things just happen the way you didn't expect them to be. Perhaps it's more like a challenge to self to boost up my confidence and so on. As for other things like getting the chance to see snow, building a snow-man. Going overseas, like to the other part of the world. Experiencing what is life like in a western country. Sitting long hour flights. Going to different countries, eating all sorts of food. Having the chance to play percussions in an Asia Pacific youth conference overseas. Not bad it seems. Not that I envisioned myself doing them before.

I can say it's all God's provisions and blessings and also His perfect timing that all those things could take place. As for the future... No idea at all what am I going to be or going to be at. As time goes by, different stuff unfolds slowly one by one. Perhaps at times a few at once. Be it good or bad situations I will be grateful as I know who watches over me, over my plans and over my future. Which is Christ Himself. Because reflecting over the past, the good and bad that took place, am glad I'm alive and well serving Him. That His grace was, is and always there.

Love Is In the Air. (Valentine's Day)

Love is in the air, people are in despair, whether they can find their pair, or find someone to care? Well, Valentine's Day. Another pretty normal day for me. Since I'm still single and available. Hope next time there would be something different. Like a bachelors day out. Will be in church having music practice for this Sunday's main service. Not to say it sound pathetic but rather why not spend the time serving God during Valentine's Day to show my love for Him?

Basically everyone have their say, so it's a free for all topic. For us Christians we can take this time to reflect ourselves as a whole on how much is our love for God. How much we love Him. While others may either feel depressed seeing other having a partner, going out to have romantic dinner and so on. It does seem to be quite a difference as we compare what the secular world portray about Valentine, the flowers, love songs and son. And us as Christians, love not towards man alone but to God which is the utmost important. Hmm.... You be the judge.

Nothing much to say for today... So have a Blessed & Fruitful Valentine's Day and to couples out there, have a lovely evening and remember not to be over-in-love till forget the principles of respecting each other. JoeltheYap signing out.

CNY 2008.

Yet another time of family reunion, adding to that the annual festivity season is back here again. Chinese New Year is back and everyone's happy about it. Well, don't know if it's true as some need to dig DEEP into their pockets aka bank accounts etc to provide us singles or anyone they feel "led" to give to which is none other than the famously known for many generations and also generations to come which is Ang Pow. This time round I tried to keep track of the amount of the red packet I've been receiving, not that bad amount I have to say. But then can't get to keep it as it's a sort of "law" that got to give parents for safe keeping. Hope that law won't apply for me next year. I wish.... So I would try to sum everything up here of what went on here on my side during the period of CNY.

First time feeling the CNY happiness in a school environment since I'm a relieve teacher there. And the feeling is quite interesting. Because it had been some time ago since I last felt that during my secondary school days. Before CNY eve, the school had a CNY celebration, with lion dance performance done by the school wushu club, songs presentation. Overall it's not bad. Then it's off for a week of holidays. As usual, went for reunion dinner, visited relative's home during CNY, dinner, visitation to other people's house and more eating. More like CNY is a visitation + eating sort of festival. CNY without food is a no-no in any whatsoever vocabulary or dictionary at all.

I think I manage to sum up everything. Coz it's mostly all visitation, people coming over to visit, food, going other place to eat and so on. Exception that it does feels a bit fast. This time round CNY just passed by quite fast. Don't whether it's because of weekends or something. It just feels like it just zapped by. Anyway, soon to be back to school and another set of holidays coming around which is school holiday. Haha.... Not that bad afterall. That's all for now that I can think of about this time's CNY. Would take this time to Wish everyone whom I know or may have accidentally forgotten a Very Happy, Blessed & Joyous Chinese New Year!!

Teacher, teacher.

Out of my mind did I ever wondered that one day... One fine day in my life that I would be a secondary school teacher. At the most I had in mind was to be either a kindergarden or primary teacher or something like that. Well, seems that things don't turn out what you expect them to be. How did I became a teacher? The process or I would rather say, what really happened was that 27th January, at night, my mom out of the blue came to me and asked me whether wanna teach in a secondary school. Because one of our church member who had a surgery and at the same time she is a teacher in that school and told my mom that there would be vacancy for replacement teacher. Meaning to replace her place in short while she have a short recovery period.

So I just sort of didn't thought much about it. Was told the pay is to be about 50 bucks or so a day. Not that bad, at least it's way better pay compared to the company I used to work in. In the end I slept over it and the next morning only started thinking hard whether want to go for the interview or not. Resulted me of going. Went there, met the afternoon supervisor. And I wasn't being asked much question and the one question that stunned me was... "Can you start work today?" I was like... Speechless... I could say give me some time and I would reply you. Called, my parents and they said fine for me to start work straight away. Thought to myself, well, since I don't have anything to do at home besides lazing around. In the end I agreed to start work.

So the teaching taste begins! Can't imagine myself as a secondary school teacher. With church members who studies in that school in awed not believing that I teach. And the journey started on that day, with last minute preparation I started teaching. Not that at all bad. Just need to have some experience obtained as the days passes by. Overall it's not bad, just the fact some classes are good and some not that fun to teach in as the students doesn't give full cooperation also. Now, everywhere I go at the school compound, prefects or students that sees me gotta greet me. Though that was what I used to do some time ago. I hope my voicebox won't go into problem mode if not I would sound like an alien talking.

Now's the end of my first week of teaching. Things can be more hectic as much to be prepared. At the same time, perhaps can be fun teaching. Oh yeah, I'm teaching English and Geography. Started to mark books, give homework, semi-scold people. Haha. First time being a teacher. What other odd things awaits me? I wonder...

Tagged Again.

LIST OUT THE TOP 5 PRESENTS YOU WISH FOR:

1. Updated computer with good specs.

2. ipod- 80GB

3. SLR camera

4. New car

5. HD video camera

PERSON WHO TAGG-ED YOU IS:

Justin Yap

YOUR 5 IMPRESSIONS OF HIM/HER:

Justin:

1. Happy

2. Active

3. Sleepy head at times

4. Fun

5. Not into sports

MOST MEMORABLE THINGS HE/SHE HAS DONE FOR YOU:

Justin:

Took picture of me?

THE MOST MEMORABLE WORDS HE/SHE SAID TO YOU:

Justin:

I can't recall.

IF HE/SHE BECOMES YOUR LOVER, YOU WILL:

Justin:

Never will be, he's a guy and i'm a guy. So what's the point?

IF HE/SHE BECOMES YOUR ENEMY, THE REASON WILL BE:

He's too naughty?

PASS THE QUIZ TO 10 PEOPLE THAT YOU WISH TO KNOW HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT YOU:

1. Beatrice Ch'ng

2. Elizabeth Lim

3. Nick Ong

4. Wai Chi

5. Angeline Loh

6. Joash Wee

7. Joyce Tang

8. Jeremy Phua

9. Daniel Lim

10. Daniel Quah

WHO IS NO. 7 HAVING RELATIONSHIP WITH?

No idea. I think none at the moment.

WHO IS NO. 9 HAVING RELATIONSHIP WITH?

Information unavailable.

IF NO.9 AND NO.1 ARE TOGETHER, WILL IT BE A GOOD THING?

They are friends. From the same church.

WHAT ABOUT NO. 1 AND NO. 5?

They know each other, same as above- from the same church.

WHAT IS NO. 3 STUDYING?

College perhaps?

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU CHATTED WITH NO. 6?

Last day of YES?

DOES NO. 4 WORK?

Nope.

DOES NO. 8 HAS ANY COUSIN IN HIS/HER OWN SCHOOL?

Don't think so.

WILL YOU WOO NO. 8?

He's a guy. I won't do that.

HOW ABOUT NO. 5?

Won't. Don't know her that well.

DOES NO. 2 HAVE ANY SIBLINGS?

An older brother & sister.

HOW DID YOU GET TO KNOW ABOUT NO.3

From YES '08.

AND NO.4?

Also from YES '08.

WHERE DOES NO.1 LIVE AT?

Alam Damai, Cheras.

HOW DID YOU GET TO KNOW NO.2?

From church.

IS NO.5 THE SEXIEST PERSON IN THE WORLD?

Maybe, maybe not.