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From the highest to the lowest scored:

1. Shepherd (20)
   
2. Faith (16)
   
3. Knowledge (16)
   
4. Prophecy (15)
   
5. Discerning of Spirits (15)
   
6. Exhortation (15)
   
7. Intercession (15)
   
8. Service (14)
   
9. Teaching (13)
   
10. Giving (13)
    
11. Administration (13)
    
12. Evangelism (11)
    
13. Hospitality (11)
    
14. Wisdom (11)
    
15. Tongues (11)
    
16. Missionary (11)
    
17. Leadership (10)
    
18. Mercy (10)
    
19. Helps (9)
    
20. Voluntary Poverty (8)
    
21. Apostle (7)
    
22. Healing (7)
    
23. Ekballism (5)
    
24. Miracles (3)
    
25. Interpretation of Tongues (0)

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I was on the bus on the way home from the last cellgroup session for the year as I played the song on loop over my player... and in the midst of it, He spoke, not audibly but in the stillness... and He went:

Galvin, it's only when you pursue me... then will I be able to reveal more of myself to you.

Perhaps I didn't pay attention to details in the past... but this time round, the fact that I was called by my name, it mattered... a whole lot. The fact that this came at this point of time... it mattered to me... a whole lot.

There're some students whom I've taught who give me labels such as holy teacher... one of them even linked to this site under "holy blog". Sounds funny I know... but having given it a little more thought, I'm starting to think that they may not have really understood. That I am no different from any one of them... or you, for that matter - no better, nor more deserving in any sense.

I'm a sinner just like anyone else.

The only difference I can think of is that I've tasted and seen... and I strive to do my best in living this life for Him for all that He's done... not that I'm infallable. No one can be perfect... and there are times when I feel hypocritical, times when I feel bad about myself.

And it was such the case yesterday night and this morning.

Till it came to a point I doubted if I could do bible study with one of my guys this morning.

He came... we looked through the chapters, we prayed...

God's grace.

Sometimes I ask if it's me... or perhaps it's just that boys usually don't share what's in their hearts... or they just don't know how to put it... or they're just not comfortable.

Sometimes you hope you can do more, to provide a listening ear, to do... and it's at these times you know you really have to pray and trust that God will reign sovereign in their lives and that they'll learn to lift their burdens, thoughts, worries... everything... to Him.

Some things don't change... like thinking too much. Haha.

Things that really meant a lot this year:

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Shillybala Omph!
Shillybala Ahh!
Shillybala shillybala omph bah bah!

Hahahaha....

That was totally nonsensical, frivolous and random. Hahaha...

:P

This is going to be a really random post... just thought I'll list all that's in my mind right now.

My spectacles broke the night before. Tried to use superglue to glue it back this morning... it kind of got worse. :| Went to make a new pair just now... and apparently I've stayed with my current pair for so long the shop didn't have my details in their database even though I'd gotten this pair from there as well. Oh well... but yeah. With the purchase of the new spectacles, I can forget about buying anything for myself in the coming months... and I must strive to wear it for as long as it lasts to make the money's worth.

Shillybala shillybala... hahahaha.

Serious stuff now.

I've been tasked to follow up on two boys who've left their particulars after attending one of the events / services in WEB. Was excited to see where they're from... and yet at the same time was a little downcast, because they did not indicate any interest to know more or to return.

And seriously... I don't know where to start. Yes... pray for them... ask Pa what to do next. It's not about protocol, asking them to come back for activities... but it is an invitation into a relationship. Ultimately, I know the choice's left to them... can't posssibly tell them that they don't know what they're missing out on since they won't understand at all.

Well. All's in the good hands of the Lord.

The shepherd's heart... it's not one that's easy to bear. Sometimes you ask yourself why all the trouble... you know that you'll face disrespect, rejection, people telling you half truths, people who don't understand, people lying to you, people running away...

But it's so true, that you'll grow to really appreciate what Christ has done for you personally as you serve in a shepherd's capacity.

And in the end... Pa, Thy will be done, Thy Kingdom come... for Thine is the power, glory and honor forever and ever.

Amen.

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This song... is a culmination of the things I saw, heard and felt today.

It's really hard to explain how amazing God is most of the times. He's left it to the individual to experience it for himself or herself... anything else doesn't suffice.

And the only way is to take that step of faith yourself.

And as Ps. Ed puts is aptly, should Christianity be fake and you believed, you would have lived life meaningfully without regrets and have lost nothing... and should Christianity be real and you choose not to be interested and not to believe, then you would have lost everything.

A genuine Christian walk is really hard to take... but also the most joyful... and this... is from experience.

IT'S ONLY IN YOU ALONE
26 December 2006

So many doubts I don't understand
So many things to comprehand
I don't even know what tomorrow may bring
Will I still be here to play this song and sing?

I didn't know what really matters most
I thought I'll find in everything but You
It's only by grace that You reached out again
Since then, life's never been the same

It's only in You alone
I find my peace and hope
So great is the measure of Your love for me
Take me into a closer walk
Standing firm upon the Rock
Let nothing else compares to knowing You, my Lord

When satan tries to distract my view
Come fill me up with more of You
Less I forget the sacrifice You gave
On the cross of Calvary to save

Come Jesus Christ, be my lamp, my guide
Come be my goal, my vision, my delight
This life Lord I lift unto You my King
In You forever I will sing

It's only in You alone
I find my peace and hope
So great is the measure of Your love for me
Take me into a closer walk
Standing firm upon the Rock
Let nothing else compares to knowing You, my Lord

Through all circumstances Lord, I trust Your heart
You give and take away, and still I will say
My God... blessed be Your Name

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Celebrated christmas for 18 years... now celebrating CHRISTmas for the 6th year... and looking for more years to come... till He comes again.

:)

Thank you...

Gpp: For the many prayers all the years... and the book, which came as an affirmation and encouragement. I don't know what caused you to choose the book... but it definitely was the very book I needed to read. :)

7: For the pencil and what's written in the card... the most personal note I've received this year. :)

Mich & Lisa: For the bottle of candies. :)

3 & Nicole: The chocolate cookie was good... digesting in my stomach already. Haha...

Char: You've done it... you've done it man. Oh man... Thank you... for going through all the trouble. Really made my day. :)

I must confess that my carnal self craves for words of affirmation and encouragement in the form of written notes, letters and cards from dear ones and people who really matter which usually don't come... haha. As much as I sounded as if I was joking to some, I guess I really let it show in some circumstances... with some unnecessary taunting thrown in... which is really quite unbecoming for someone who's turning a quater of a century old in a few months' time.

Then something came to mind almost immediately as I started to wallow... a Love Letter that spanned centuries in writing... from the Author of creation to His beloved.

And then I question how much the Letter really means to me... and how much the Author means to me.

It humbles me to know how "not there" I am.

Come Christmas 2007... let it be much more of You... so much more.

Not your typical Christmas post, I know.

Blessed Christmas! ;)

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DEEPER STILL
24 December 2006

You know me deep inside
You see this heart of mine
There were days I ran to You
and times I hid from view

I know I cannot hide
You're always by my side
The things I do to break Your heart
But still You hold me close

Amazing love, how can it be...
That my God would love and die for me

I want to be taken deeper still
In this love that's only found in You
Come captivate my heart each day
Take over my life in every way

Temptations abound in this fallen place
It's only by Your grace I can run this race
Teach me to let Your love embrace
That I be kept pure so that I may see Your face

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First off... TMNT is coming soon!!!!! Heroes in a hard shell... TURTLE POWER!!!! Hahaha... Okay so I've let you in with a little bit of my childhood... :P Seriously think it's a conditioned liking, since I was practically stuffed with TMNT cartoon video tapes (no vcds or dvds at that time) and toys and what nots... even had a giant sized Michelangelo as a birthday or christmas present before... Hahaha.

Anyways.

Had the first official mentoring group meeting this afternoon with the guys topped with a pot-luck Christmas lunch. Ended up with four boxes of twenty-piece nuggets amidst other foods. Haha... but yea, we had our fill... for sure.

Next came the meeting in which we went through the schedules for the next year... and in which I shared quite a bit of my heart.

Appreciated Abiboy's opening prayer a lot... because He has to be the one to chair the meeting. I realised I ended up sharing in bits and pieces and half stops and what nots again... hopefully the gists managed to swim across... and that He'd allowed those words to be fully comprehensible. Thank God I'm not called to be a preacher... hahaha. *wipes away sweat*

Next the two groups moved into group sharing with the Starfruits (informal name... as they've decided) going into my room to share and pray. We shared about our concerns and prayer requests...

They could have asked to pray for growth of the group, that God will bless the group...

They asked that God to be the focus... and for a closer walk with Him.

These coming from two fourteen year old lads...

As much as nothing's known as to what'll happen in the months to come, am reminded that it's truly a journey of faith... one which I'm heartened that they'd decided to take as well.

Then some of us went to play an hour's worth of badminton.

Then some of us stayed on for dinner and caught "A Night At The Museum".

Was reflecting a bit before I typed this... and realised that certain feelings I had throughout the day could have been attributed to the fact that I'm given the opportunity to witness their growth, not just in the age sense, but the changes and transformations that came along the way.

It's like remembering the time sitting in front of this boy who was scared of the dark at mos burger years ago and seeing how much he's grown now, remembering the time seeing this boy kneel at the corner of the hall in a youth camp years ago and seeing how much he's grown... even the most recent, remembering how he first hesitated with the invitation... how he sent the sms how "it must have been God" that his practice timings were changed so he could attend service... and how he's growing, lifting his hands in the midst of worship on his own accord...

Then I remembered about my dad and mom... how joyous (I hope? hahaha...) it must have been (hoping again? hahaha...) for them to see their children grow up.

Then I remembered all the times of disappointments and frustrations I had with the guys... then I remembered those times my parents might have had with my sister and I...

Then I remembered Pa.

And I can only say... thank You... for being so patient with me.

We Are The Reason
by Avalon

As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by
We learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung crying in the rain
All because of love, all because of love

I've finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him

He is my reason to live

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Old already... die. :( I was just thinking why on earth I'm feeling so physically worn out all of a sudden... then I realised I did quite a bit of jumping at the service. :|

Haha. Was at the back throughout the course of the service... and certain things I witnessed gave me reasons to rejoice. The mind (intellect) and the heart (experience)... both have to exist in balance as we worship in Spirit and in Truth.

And as King David danced undignified before his God... He did it not because of the form... but because He was truly rejoicing in the presence of his God... and from the many psalms which he wrote, we clearly see that personal relationship and closeness that he shares with his Almighty.

What's stopping us from having that kind of closeness?

As ironic as it seems... religion.

Cliche as it seems... and sometimes seen as a form of sales pitch for Christianity... but it really is about a relationship... a reconciliation... a renewal.

Are you afraid to let your heart stir?

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It's been a really long time since Choopoot and I caught up with each other. He's the brother who brought me through the sinner's prayer, followed up on me some six years ago, was my first cellgroup leader. Over the years we grew in age (duh)... he's since passed the baton and moved on to co-lead an adults cellgroup.

It was a great time of catching up over a meal... then moving over to a coffee place... then to a quiet spot to pray for each other.

We talked about many things... primarily pertaining to our lives, how God's been working in us and the people around us... and it just warms the heart to find God's faithfulness amidst all the trials.

:)

And I'm reminded... that it's only when we feel inadequate and insufficient... that Jesus will become our adequacy and sufficiency.

Do you know Jesus...?

Do you know Jesus... personally?

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JUST TO BE WITH YOU
19 December 2006

I didn't know what caused me to believe in You
I simply did without much doubts or struggles to go through
And though I didn't know how great this walk with You can be
You gently nudged me through the years
You took this walk with me

I want to thank You Jesus
For the way that You've found me
The years that I have with You Lord
are the ones that I will never come regret
You're my Savior, King, and Friend
Thank You Lord
I'm lookin' forward
To the many days, the months and years with You
Just to be with You

And as I grew, I realised how much a sinner am I
I finally knew the reason why You did the things You do
The cross, the nails, the crown of thorns
The suffering You bore
To reconcile whom You call beloved
To eternity with You

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I will be going for my very first ICT (In Camp Training) from 17 Jan (Wed) to 26 Jan (Fri) 2007. Mixed feelings... Hahaha.

And I'll miss mom's birthday... and a dear brother's birthday as well.

The first step's always the most difficult to take I reckon... Can still remember the very first day I stepped on the shores of pulau tekong when everything seemed to come to a standstill... going back to camp at the beginning of this year wasn't really daunting though - in fact I looked forward to it.

This one's a bit different... but I'm sure once next year's one's over, subsequent ones will be quite "enjoyable"... I hope. :P

Ah. But that means I got to get my hair cut. 8|

Oh wells! Haha...

Today... or rather, the past few days... or rather, the past few weeks... haven't been really good. The bombardment of feelings of inadequacy has been really bad... and it kind of intensified today.

Then I remembered... that there'll always be someone else who can do a better job, be it in the area of leading, discipling or shepherding... I know it's weird sounding, but I do struggle from the issue... to trust that God will use me... and that whatever five loaves and two fishes I can dish up, however puny and inadequate, God will multiply them and have twelve basketful of leftovers.

For Your glory.

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I'm writing this year's reflections eleven days before the turn of the new year.

2006 has been eventful... looking back, I really wouldn't be able to project the way things went. Tumultuous life still is... but out of everything, God's faithfulness prevails.

Some things to remember 2006 by:

Mom returning to stay at home after half a year at NUH / St Luke's Hospital last year, the short but really meaningful stint with Student Venture, heading down to bishan once in a few days to meet up with the Ruthy people, swimming at bishan swimming complex (Sigh... I wish that routine would have continued. Hahaha...), being attached with Char, the three brothers getting attached within the same month, the birthday surprises planned, taking up counselling psychology, all the after-lesson suppers with Gpp & Markudesu, the relief teaching stint back at HCI, 5's salvation and growth, 6's growth, 2's semi final win at the canoe championships, jj's salvation and growth, yf's salvation, TMS planning retreat, times spent during dg, reconnecting with both secondary and jc friends, being part of Oops! Asia...

Thank you:

To all of you who drop by from time to time to gather updates or simply to be around, thank you for being part of my life in 2006! :)

Short and sweet. Hahaha. :P

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Sunburnt. Haha...

It was a good trip.

A reminder of God's faithfulness.

There is no reason to give up.

On self... on others... on anyone.

Because in our unfaithfulness, He is forever faithful.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow...
Because He lives, all fear is gone...
Because I know, I know, He holds the future...
And live is worth the living,
just because He lives...

:)

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The past week hasn't really been all that good.

Just when I thought I should be better equipped to withstand whatever warfare that can be thrown, I was caught off guard quite a number of times.

Many hiccups with regards to the trip... and I must admit that I haven't been involving myself in it as much as I should and could.

Even the meetups this week... can't seem to carry them through - felt more like dragging time.

Was flipping through the song book to prepare quite a last minute worship... and one song stood out, not for the preparation, but for me personally.

When nothing seems to be... still, blessed be Your Name.

AND I THANK YOU LORD

And I thank You Lord
For the trials that come my way
In that way I can grow each day
As I let You lead
And I thank You Lord
For the patience those trials bring
In that process of growing
I can learn to care

But it goes against the way I am
To put my human nature down
And let the Spirit take control of all I do
For when those trials come
My human nature shouts the things to do
And God's soft prompting
Can be easily ignored

But I thank You Lord
With each trial I feel inside
That You're there to help lead and guide
Me away from wrong
For You promised Lord
That with every testing
That Your way of escaping's
Easier to bear

Yes, I thank You Lord
For the victory that growing brings
In surrender of everything
Life is so worthwhile
And I thank You Lord
That when everything's put in place
Out in front I can see Your face
And it's there You belong...

Till friday night, people. Appreciate your many prayers. :)

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And so... after going round and round, the "10 Random Things About Myself" finally hits my shores, courtesy of number 6.

I wonder who started it?? It's so... ... random. :|

Anyways.

1) I just finished some meetings at KAP.
2) Did a 40 min stroll at Cold Storage and decided to get pita bread to make the chicken bacon sandwich again... soon.
3) I'm going for a short community service trip from wed - fri.
4) I love my family, my extended family, TMS, friends... :)
5) I'm getting my new biometric passport on wednesday!
6) I play maple and audition sea (oops.)... but I don't think I will expand the repetoire beyond these two.
7) I am God's beloved. :P
8) I can't think of anything else anymore.
9) I have this intermittent cough that explodes from time to time ever since I brought my sister to the doc some weeks ago.
10) Done.

Haha... Hmmm. Anyone who wishes to do so just do yea. :)

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I was reading through last december's entries before I wrap up this year with my year end reflections... Char (who's now in sawatdika land... may His presence go before all of you dear. ;) ) was asking me a couple of days back how 2006 was different from previous years... Haha. Although certain things seem pretty obvious, the most obvious thing that hasn't changed a single bit is... God's faithfulness in the midst of my unfaithfulness.

But yeah, I'll leave that to an entry which I'll write later in the month, most probably called "Goodbye 2006", just as I'd written in the previous years. For now, I'm starting a new year-end post with shoutouts to the people that matter. And if you feel that it's something that you want to write about in your own site as well, by all means... do so. :)

Cause I know that I don't have to wait until someone passes on in this life before I talk about him or her... and it's weird, isn't it? That when people are alive we often don't have much positive things to say... well, I'm sure things can change. :)

First off... family shoutouts.

Dad: It really hasn't been easy... and I can really see God sustaining him through. He's still the cool, straight forward, reticent self, faithfully and quietly doing his best at work despite being the most oft than not under appreciated. He's recently back to his magical acts again (he used to be mad about it)... and though there was a time I was a little bit concerned over all the new books, equipment and stuff acquired, I soon realised that he really needed that - some interests to persue which he can enjoy doing. But I most appreciate the faithfulness that he gives of to mom - I marvel at how he's able to make mom laugh so beautifully with his cold jokes (:|), how he plays those magical acts to stimulate her mind and to keep her entertained (I must admit I wasn't... HAHAHAHAHA :X) Upon reflection, though there were times when I really wished that he could be more forthfront in taking up the spiritual leadership at home, I realised that his quiet and faithful service unto God has impacted me quite a bit. Thank you daddy... for allowing me to rub that faith off you. :)

Mom: It's really quite unimaginable that over a year and a half has passed since mom got warded. She's the dearest mama I can ever have... and looking back, I'm just thankful that I actually managed to start meeting up with her for one to one meals before everything happened so fast then. I always had the inkling that she's the intercessor for the family... and to date I think she still is. Though she isn't able to verbalise her thoughts and prayers for now, I know she has never stopped praying for us... and for others. She cried when I shared with her last week that Kel(Tan)'s mom came to know Christ... and if not for Kel, I wouldn't have known how mom had encouraged him in the past and asked him about his mom. Yeah... and all I can say is mama... I love you. And I know the day will come when I can finally hear your voice once again. Those times spent hanging around in your office, having meals together... well. I know that there's a great feast that awaits us... and we'll be there at the same table. :)

Dori: My sister who's six years younger... but whose maturity surpasses many of her age due to the things she's gone through in life. I know it really isn't easy to carry such a medical condition... but she has done it, by the grace of God. It's still amazing to think of how God has changed the way we interacted in the past, from how totally impossible it was for us to get together to the things we share with each other now... and yeah, it felt weird through the days she was away on a trip, when there's no one else in the living room at night... but the most stark realisation came in the form of a prank made on me, when I received a call that she'd fallen consciousness while walking. I was on the way to cellgroup when I received the call... I never had my heart sink so low in a very long time. Kor loves you even if I've always given the impression that you don't matter... I must admit that I can be more generous in giving you attention and encouragements... and I hope that He'll allow me to, in the year and years to come. Continue to run this race with perseverance... in His love. :)

Char: I am a boring boyfriend... understatement right. Hahaha... It really has been quite a journey. The night the letter was passed... the night the sms was received.... and now it's been eight months. It wasn't all sweet... there were many things to iron out... many. And through it all I've found a friend and companion like none other (here on earth). And frankly? I've never felt so loved so tangibly before... and though I know that the road ahead may not be smooth at all, I know He's going to see us through, both as individuals and as a couple... for His glory. Thank you dear for everything... and yes, I am willing to journey down this path... we have a God who's far greater than we can ever imagine. I love you. :)

Aunty Witwit: I really wonder how it'll be like if she isn't mom's caregiver. I find myself starting to wonder what will happen when her contract expires in 2008... Haha. She's more than a maid. We treat her like family... and one day I really hope that I'll meet her again as we partake of the great feast. :P I never have to worry that she would skive on her work... because I can see that it wasn't very much of a work mentality when she's taking care of mom. She would sit mom up on the wheelchair and wheel her out to watch tv programmes... or wheel her downstairs for a breather. Sometimes I wonder if the frustration of clearing up the mess left by mom due to her inability to control her bowels would cause aunty witwit to bear grudges or chalk up work dissatisfactions... but the genuineness she exudes everytime she plays and interacts with mom silences my doubts. Thank you for faithfully serving my family even though it's only been close to a year. :)

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I actually wanted to post an entry on this a couple of days back when I received an email from a sister with regards to the Hoyt family. I first learnt about this touching father-son story months ago when I attended a seminar on adolecence... then I saw the video in 7's blog some time back... One of my email devotionals today happened to speak of the same story again. And so... here goes.

Really hope it blesses you... my friend. :)

The Love of a Father
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
HomeWord Devotionals

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. — 1 John 3:1

There is a father-son combination that is like none I have ever heard of. In 1962, Dick and Judy Hoyt gave birth to their son Rick. When Rick was born, the umbilical cord was caught around his neck, cutting off air supply to his brain. The Hoyts were told Rick would be in a vegetative state for the rest of his life. Luckily, the Hoyts disagreed. In 1972, Rick was given a computer that would help him write out his thoughts, and three years later was admitted into public school. A few years later, Rick told his dad that he wanted to participate in a 5k race for a local athlete who was paralyzed in an accident. His father agreed to push his wheelchair in the race. Since then, Rick and Dick – known as Team Hoyt – have competed in over 900 events, including 64 marathons and over 200 triathlons.

So why does this father run, swim and ride with his disabled son through all these events? Because the day they finished their first 5k, his son said through his computer, ``Dad, when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore.'' Dick wasn’t a runner, a swimmer or a biker before those words were said. He was simply a father who loved his son unconditionally. He was a father who wanted his son to feel like he could fly. The love of this father is amazing!

We too have a Father who loves us unconditionally and calls us His children. All of us grow up with different situations with our earthly fathers. Some people have fathers who coach Little League. Some have never met their fathers. Some fathers are workaholics, while others are alcoholics. Some people view their fathers as heroes; others view their fathers as villains. But, our Father in heaven is perfect. He loves us unconditionally, cares for us, knows what’s best for us and gives without asking for anything in return. He walks alongside us every step of life’s journey, its joys and its trials, never leaving us alone. Your Father in heaven withholds no good thing from you. And, just like Rick, all you need to do is ask.

[Article From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly]

I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay for their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots.

But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.

Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling once a year look a little lame, right?

And what has Rick done for his father? Not much - except save his life!

This love story began in Winchester , Mass. , 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life" Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. "Put him in an Institution."

But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was
anything to help the boy communicate. "No way," Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain."

"Tell him a joke," Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain. Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? "Go Bruins!" [Boston's icehockey team]. And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the School organized a charity run for
him, Rick pecked out, "Dad, I want To do that."

Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described "porker" who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. "Then it was me who was handicapped," Dick says. "I was sore for two weeks."

That day changed Rick's life. "Dad," he typed, "when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!"

And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.

"No way," Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then they found a way to get into the race Officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the Qualifying time for Boston the following year.

Then somebody said, "Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?"

How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick tried.

Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii . It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you think?

Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? "No way," he says.

Dick does it purely for "the awesome feeling" he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.

This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time.

"No question about it," Rick types. "My dad is the Father of the Century."

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. "If you hadn't been in such great shape," One doctor told him, "you probably would've died 15 years ago." So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.

Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass. , always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.

"The thing I'd most like," Rick types, "is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once."

0

It was a long walk.

Got some mosquito bites along the way, to and fro... but it was well worth it.

It's been close to two years since I've been there... in fact, I never did visit the place again ever since the first time I was there.

Glad I did.

Sue's grandma passed away yesterday morning... and the wake's being held at the Garden of Remembrance off Old Chua Chu Kang road.

5 and I caught a ride together with Char from her parents... it's my first time there... beautiful and tranquil place. I wasn't very much joking when I commented that one day we would all be there... our bodily ashes and bones, that is. :)

I used to dread thinking about death... and I won't hide the fact that I still confront with some fears about the word, not in terms of life ceasing per se though... but more in terms of how I may pass on in the future.

But yeah. It's been a great journey living in the light of eternity. :) Many things that mattered suddenly didn't matter anymore... and many things that seemed insignificant in the past suddenly turned so precious... ask someone living as if this life has it all and someone living in the light of infinite days and you may catch a glimpse of the difference. :)

I didn't intend to stay on for the funeral service... but somehow I decided to. There was some free time before the service... so I took the opportunity to search around for my grandma. That resulted in the pretty long walk from the Garden of Remembrance to Chua Chu Kang Columbarium situated some roads away. And like I wrote... it was well worth the walk.

It's amazing how the memory stayed so fresh in mind - I was in a semi-auto pilot mode as I entered the place, my footsteps tracing the way to the correct block and level despite the two-year gap.

Stayed by grandma's niche for a couple of minutes just looking at her picture... said a little prayer to Pa... a prayer of assurance and trust. That grandma's waltzing with our Father in heaven... that He's sovereignly watching over every member in the family. Somehow thought about my mom, wondered if I'll ever hear her speak and walk again... and yet knowing that regardless, one day she will, whether if it's here or there. :')

Popped by to visit Blenheim, the young brother in Christ whom I've never really met on this side of eternity. Smiled as I looked at his picture... and yeah. I left after telling him "cya". :)

The walk back to the Garden of Remembrance... let's just say that I encountered Pa in a very special and meaningful way. What I didn't know, though, was how He intended to let that encounter continue through the time of funeral service.

It was tremendous. It's as if I've actually met Sue's grandma (affectionately called mama) in person and have known her for a really long time through the eulogies that her children and grandchildren delivered, how hip and loving a grandma she was... :)

And the only word that I can think of to sum up the entire evening...

Love.

How mama exemplified the love of Christ through the way she took care of her children and grandchildren... so evidently found through the way the family did up the service. All their sharings were so heartfelt... it was impossible not to let the tears flow in the midst of jovial sharing even. How the family bunched up together to present mama's favourite songs, how they shared about gathering in her room once a week...

She's left an everlasting love legacy which I know her family will carry on with. It's so hard to find such a large yet closely knitted family these days anymore... when they shared that it was her that held the family together with her love, I understood... and I felt.

And that love that was spoken of... it compels. It brought forth a new dimension the way I understand the meaning of the phrase "Christ's love compels". I asked myself why I'd want to attend the cremation service tomorrow in her final journey home tomorrow... and I can only have that as an answer.

I didn't know what went through 5's mind and heart (he stayed too) as the service went by... but personally, my takeaway was that it doesn't matter even if I'm starting with nothing, doesn't matter if circumstances aren't good at all... but with Christ in me, I'll be able to live a life that's worth the living, a given life that gives, a blessed life that blesses... till He calls me home.

Friend... Christmas is nearing again... and I pray that this time round it will be more than just a public holiday or a season of giving for you and your loved ones. The message of Christmas abounds in churches across the country... why not drop by one of the services and take a look for yourselves?

The greatest gift of all awaits.

Behold... He stands at the door of your heart... and knocks.

Incessantly.

As long as it'll take.

Only the happy ones will feel at home in the bright mansion where all sorrows end

Only the happy ones will wake
and run into the arms of a beloved friend

Only the happy ones who have gone their way
leaving a trail of love and laughter here;

They who have glorified the common day,
scattering gold of kindness and good cheer.

Only the happy ones who have shared their joys,
willingly sacrificed and gladly given,

They, only they could hear the smile of God
that shines on the faithful and the gate of heaven.

I asked God for strength that I might achieve, I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life,
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for,
but everything that I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men,
most richly blessed.

0

Spent the past couple of hours writing summary notes with regards to the things discussed during the planning retreat...

2007's going to be a really exciting year... and yet a part of me dreads it, not that I fear that things won't come to pass because I don't trust God... but more so is the fact that I don't trust myself.

I really have enough of sidestepping His plans and moving in accordance to my timing and desires in the past... and I don't want that to happen anymore.

Many things planned seem so dreadfully long to complete... there's always the temptation to speed things up and yet on the other hand, I wonder from time to time if it's still too packed for the guys.

I don't want to overtax them... because ultimately it lies in the being and not the doing.

Pa... give me wisdom.

All things... beautiful in my timing... my son.

Ah... that's quick. Yes... trust. :)

Rejoicing with the brother who received Jesus into his life today... and hey, I just want to say, it's really a matter of personal choice even after this decision for you to choose to know Him more and really trust what this new adventure in Christ can bring forth in your own life. You may not see it now... but as He is a faithful God, you'll realise soon enough the changes He's starting to make in you as you acknowledge Him as both Savior and most importantly... Lord. Jiayou xiao di! ;)

0

YOU WERE THERE

I wonder how it must have felt
When David stood to face Goliath on a hill
I imagine that he shook with all his might
Until You took his hand, and held on tight

'Cause You were there, You were there
In the midst of danger's snare
You were there, You were there always
You were there when the hardest fight
Seemed so out of reach
Oh, You were there, You were always there
You were always there

So there he stood upon that hill
Abraham with knife in hand was poised to kill
But God in all his sovereignty had bigger plans
And just in time, You brought a lamb

'Cause You were there,
You were there
In the midst of the unclear
You were there, you were there always
You were there when obedience
Seemed to not make sense
You were there, You were always there
You were always there

So haven't I learned that my ways
Aren't as high as
Yours are
And You alone keep the universe
From crumbling into dust
You are God and though we would
Not have understood You
There You were

Hanging blameless on a cross
You would rather die than leave us in the dark
Every moment, every planned coincidence
Just all makes sense
With Your last breath

You were there, You were there
During history's darkest hour
You were there, You were there always
You were the Victor and the King
You were the power in David's swing
You were the calm in Abraham
You are the God who understands
You are the strength when we have none
You are the living, Holy one
You were, You are and You will always be
the Risen Lamb of God

You were, You are and You will always be
The Risen Lamb of God

ORPHANS OF GOD

Who here among us has not been broken
Who here among us is without guilt or pain
So oft' abandoned by our transgressions
If such a thing as grace exists
Then grace was made for lives like this

There are no strangers
There are no outcasts
There are no orphans of God
So many fallen, but hallelujah
There are no orphans of God

Come ye unwanted and find affection
Come all ye weary, come and lay down your head
Come ye unworthy, you are my brother
If such a thing as grace exists
Then grace was made for lives like this

O blessed Father, look down upon us
We are Your children, we need Your love
We run before Your throne of mercy
And seek Your face to rise above