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Something I read in my course notes struck a huge chord in my heart... because I know it's going to be something that I have to go through again... and again... and again.

"I consider myself a relationship-oriented counselor, at least when there is enough time allocated for us to get to know one another. I feel closer to some of the people I see than some of my friends, and I'm a little embarrassed to admit that. But as much as I value the power of a helping relationship to offer support and grounding to a client, I know that sometimes it is not enough. There's a teenager I'm seeing now and we have this fabulous relationship. He confides in me, and tells me everything going on in his life. He trusts me implicitly. He likes me, and I like him as well. Unfortunately, he is still doing the same stupid, crazy things in his life that he was when he first came to me. I keep pleading with his parents to let me keep working with him, and so far they are giving me a little more time, but I know that soon that they are going to yank him out of the sessions. It'll be a shame, but I have to admit that while we do relate well together, I still haven't been able to help him change his destructive patterns."

I must learn the skills well.

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I really thought I set my alarm clock to ring at 6am. :( :( :(

Sigh.

But I went to school in the end since I gave my word to attend 2G's potluck party... and yeah. Really honored to be invited since I haven't been teaching them since last year. :P Really glad to see how the class has gelled up over the past two years... I'm sure they have their fair share of cliques and what nots... but can sense that they're pretty united as a class. Not bad guys. ;)

So yeah. Thanks 2G for the invitation... and Qifan who invited on behalf of the class! :) Shoutout to Sean of 1E for the box of rochers, 1D for the very very prophetic gift of a SPIDERman photo frame (Haha... as to why prophetic... lalala. Hahaha.) TIMTAM THANK YOU FOR THE HOMEBAKED COOKIES. Hahaha... and to everyone else who wished. Some students mentioned they wrote notes and pasted them on the glass panels outside the staffroom... guess they either got taken off or were blown off. But in any case, thanks! You guys sure know how to makes teachers feel appreciated!

Going back to meet Ms. Tan, my primary six form teacher, when the new term starts. Was thinking along the way to school... think I'm going to start a new series of bookmark designs called LegacyLeavers... especially for those who've left a huge mark in my life. :P

Alright. Catching "Hairspray" with my sister in the afternoon. Tata!

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Took 1C for their very last lesson today... showed them a local production called "Sorry, Teacher", a tear jerker movie depicting a teacher who gave herself literally for her students who didn't know how to cherish their till it's too late. Boys are boys after all yeah... making noises here and there throughout the movie, brushing aside the emotional parts, etc.

Have to trust that they've learnt something deep inside, even though they didn't really show it. BOYS. Hahaha....

Thanks Yibin for the box of rochers... Much appreciated! That's like the first Teacher's Day gift I've ever received. :)

Then there's the Teacher's Day appreciation lunch organised by 1A. Quite cool eh... totally unexpected - the noisiest class suddenly turned so angelic! Enjoyed the time taking photos, viewing the presentation they did... and OH, THANKS FOR THE VANGUARD SHEET. Got me right there on my love language of words of affirmation... Haha.

If only I get to interact with them on a more permanent level over an extended period of time. Oh well... however short the time might have been... thank God for the times. The same goes for the rest of the five classes. :)

Shall be attending my first ever Teacher's Day celebrations later on as a teacher... yay. Hahahahahaha.

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One of my students writes love poems (okay, there are two, to my knowledge)... so one day I asked a pretty stupid question over msn which garnered a "duh" answer. I asked him if he's in a relationship. Here came a simple reply:

"if there's anyone who can write love poems without inspiration i wanna noe that person lol"

Hahaha... Him being in a relationship at such a tender age is one thing to contend with... and after spending some years working with youths, it's not so much of me looking on with signs of disapproval... but I sincerely hope that something good comes out of it in the end. :)

I look at my own life and the collection of songs He's (God) inspired me to write... 150 plus within a span of 5 years.

If I've been believing in a lie, I guess this lie's pretty powerful to have inspired me to write so many songs yeah. ;)

No one refutes the fact that Jesus Christ existed as a human being; it's accounted for in both religious and secular history.

He claimed to be God in his very own words. Fully God, fully man.

To shorten the trilemma in the most condensed form, if Jesus' claims were false, he's either the world's biggest Liar or Lunatic.

A liar if he knew his claims are false, that he's not God and yet he continued to claim that he is.

A lunatic if he didn't know that he's not God... and probably suffering from messiah complex.

Either way, Christians will be the world's most deluded or craziest bunch of people.

However, if His claims to Godship is true... there leaves only an option.

It's either acceptance... or rejection.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6

Even as a liar or lunatic, dying on the cross, the most brutal form of execution in roman times, would have been too high a price to pay. Perhaps the bible couldn't be trusted, which recorded his last words before he breathed his very last:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." - Luke 23:34

He didn't die out of fear.

He died forgiving.

But that's not all.

The entire crux of the Christian faith lies in what happened three days after.

"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." - 1 Corinthians 15:14-22

Having written all these, I know there'll be people out there who'll say that anyone can write passionately about anything (poems, lyrics) as long as they believe in it.

Well.

Let me propose to you that this personal relationship with God is something everybody can have. And no - it's not a relationship that is "cooked up" to to fill whatever void there may be in anyone's life. On the contrary, it is through this one relationship that you will really learn how to cherish and grow the other relationships that are given you - family, friends, schoolmates, colleagues, etc.

If you're one of those who've managed to read through everything and you've yet to have a personal relationship with Him... I hope that you'll at least start thinking about it... and perhaps be opened to opportunities given you to know more, through the Christian friends around you, the services you can attend at the various churches across the country... and yeah, I definitely won't mind some correspondence. :)

No... I'm not paid to advertise for Jesus Christ. Haha... but I do stand to gain.

I stand to gain another brother or sister whom I'll get to see in heaven when the day comes.

:)

Here's a clip from a fellow deluded soul or crazy maniac or a genuine follower of Christ... whichever way you want to see it. ;)

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Not bad. After so many years.... I've finally reached my 2222nd post. It'll take two more years or so perhaps to reach my 3333rd post I guess... Hahaha. Interesting isn't it, that man takes interests in patterns and repetitions, as if the 2221st or the 2223rd posts aren't as significant. ;)

I like reading the notes from the recent requests over at Project FriendMarked. :)

I've been tagged by Max, one of my students whom I've come to know better over the past weeks... so yeah, might as well use this entry to reply. HELLO MAX! Hahaa. X)

List out your top 5 birthday presents that you wish for:
1. That mom can stand and speak again.
2. That Dori can be completely cured of her condition.
3. That loved ones around me will come to know Him.
4. Constant discipline
5. New pair of Converse / Nike / Adiddas sneakers (huur huur huur)

Answer the following questions :
1. The person who tag you is? Max
2. Your relationship with him/her is? teacher-student / friend
3. Your 5 impressions of him/her? sincere, team player, courteous, encouraging, zealous
4. The most memorable thing he/she had done for you? he greeted me at the bus stop before boarding his bus before we really started chatting. X)
5. The most memorable words he/she had said to you? XD
6. If he/she becomes your lover, you will? wrong gender wrong age. Hahahaha...
7. If he/she becomes your lover, things he/she has to improve on will be? not relevant
8. If he/she becomes your enemy, you will? try my best to reconcile. Haha...
9. If he/she becomes your enemy, the reason will be? must be me. Haha...
10. The most desire thing you want to do for him/her now is? be his laladui. lol.
11.Your overall impression of him/her is? very very enthusiastic volleyballer. :)
12.How you think people around you will feel about you? lame. boring. makes the simple complicated. HAHAHAHAHAHA....
13.The character you love of yourself are? Not of myself, but the love that God's given me to others
14.On the contrary, the characters you hate of yourself are? I can afford to be less introverted
15.The most ideal person you want to be is? none other. God made me me.
16.Pass this quiz to 10 persons.

1) Syahir
2) Zephy
3) Joash
4) Shaojie
5) Sam Tay
6) GPP!
7) Eunice
8) Zeb
9) Justin
10) Yangxi

17.Who is no.6[GPP!] having relationship with? Hmmmmm... Gpp ah Gpp ah... :)
18.Is no.9[Justin] a male or female? Male
19.If no.7[Eunice] and 10[Yangxi] are together, will it be a good thing? Ah. I don't think my meimei will like younger boys. :|
20.How about no.8[Zeb] and 5[Sam Tay]? Impossible. Worrying if possible.
21.What is no.2[Zephy] studying about? for his year 5 promos.
22.When was the last time you had a chat with no.3[Joash]? A long time man. Sigh.
23.What kind of music band does no.8[Zeb] like? that's a good question to ask him.
24.Does no.1[Syahir] has any siblings? 2 brothers and a sister.
25.Will you woo no.3[Joash]? O_o"
26.Is no.4 single[Shaojie]? Should be.
27.What's the surname of no.5[Sam Tay]? Err. Tay. Hahaha.
28.What's the hobby of no.4[Shaojie]? spacing out... listening to music? ;)
29.Do no.5[Sam Tay] and 9[Justin] get along well? I will think so.
30.Where is no.2[Zephy] studying at? ACS(I).
31.Talk something casually about no.1[Syahir]? Wonderful brother. :)
32.Have you try developing feelings for no.8[Zeb]? .........
33.Where does no.9[Justin] live at? Pasir Ris! Hahaha...
34.What color does no.4[Shaojie] like? Let's see... black?
35.Are no.5[Sam Tay] and 1[Syahir] best friends? They don't know each other... yet. Hahaha.
36.Does no.7[Eunice] likes no.2[Zephy]? Hmmmm I don't think so. Haha...
37.How do you get to know no.2[Zephy]? It's a long long story... to where we are right now, dear brothers. :)
38.Does no.1[Syahir] have any pets? Yah... pet rock.
39.Is no.7[Eunice] the sexiest person in the world? LOL!!! Mei mei what say you?? :)

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One Of Those Days...
(not a song... haha)

It's one of those days
When things just don't feel the same
No, not that it's entirely bad
But that nonchalance...
pins you down somehow

It's one of those days
When time simply drags on
Not that there's nothing to do
But that pair of eyes...
simply spaces out

It's one of those days
When you feel so out of place
When you feel cold when it's hot
And warm when it is not

It's just one of those days
When you hope that it'll end

Soon.

- end -

Haha... It's been a highly unproductive day work wise. But yeah. There're still things to be thankful of. Writing the chinese lyrics... chatting with some of my students online.

But that also means that I have a lot of things to work on still. :|

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听我说声我爱你
26 August 2007

是怎么样的爱才会
将这如此冻结的冰退
看见心里百万份污秽
依旧说不会累

是怎么样的爱能让
一个人重新寻找希望
抛开过去悲痛的以往
踏出新的方向

是你给了我
如此无比的力量
给我信心再奋斗
立下誓言陪我一起走

我愿意一切归于你
我愿意永远跟着你
我知道无论我有多爱你
还是无法跟你比
你的爱胜过天与地
无论晴天还是雨滴
就让我每天唱首歌给你
听我说声我爱你

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YAY!!!! SHAWN WON CAMPUS SUPERSTAR 2!!!

Hahaha... My friend thought I'm his dad for being so enthusiastic about his win... Hahaha.

Camped at Char's place and finished up the latest batch of FriendMarks - the collection has doubled since last month - thanks to the increased publicity. Do pop by and have a look! :)

It's been a rather interesting week. I must say it wasn't fun having to contend with the many trips to the toilet due to the food poisoning I had since last Monday. Thank God the stools are finally solid!!! :D Haha... Had a haircut, gave a presentation... vocal lesson at LWSSOM was great! The way the lessons go, I get musical notation training one week, vocal and style training the next... this week's one happened to be vocal and style training... things taught that I previously didn't know. Looking forward to future lessons! :)

Then I had my first recording session for the upcoming album on Friday... Yeah :) Dear brothers from Oops! Asia... they are sponsoring the production of the album, to help raise funds for my family in part. It's gratitude and thanksgiving that I can never simply put into words, that He's allowed a full length album to be produced. :) The process isn't going to be that simple though - six and a half hours in the studio singing and recording wasn't exactly easy... it was rather draining actually. Targetted to finish vocal recordings for four songs - ended up finishing up only three. But yeah... only one word here. Thankful. :)

Alright it's getting late... time to pack up and go home for now.

Thank You... for loving me for who I am. Because I know when all is stripped away, my vocals, my design skills, my crappiness, my lameness, the love You've given me for Your people, youths especially... I know You'll still love me for who I am. Not to mention that You've given me someone who's striving to match that on this side of eternity... Hur hur hur *blush*. Haha... thank You for bringing me back to the cross today at youth service while ministering to the youths during response time... that I'll remember that this life that I'm living... it's for You and You alone.

When imperfect lives choose to walk with a perfect God and live exchanged lives... no, they don't become perfect.

They have someone perfect to look unto and walk towards.

And yes. There'll come a day when they'll finally be made perfect.

That day will come.

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I've been glued to a book that I've recently purchased... it talks about the habits of a learner, and as a teacher, how the process of teaching and the eventual results of your students determine your effectiveness.

It's been a journey with some of the teams that I've coached since last September... none of them won in the actual competition, but I don't see this current set of results as purely a consolation. No doubt they've worked... and as teams taking part for the very first time in an international competition, I must say they've really given their efforts. And as a first year coach, I was in a sense warming up to the process and worming my way around to see what's required of the competition.

2 A*'s, an A and a B for the four teams in the school's internal project's day competition... not that bad after all eh. :P

The engines have revved up this year round.

Let's go guys. :)

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GALVIN SNG's
PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

The significance of a life is not measured by its length but by its legacy. Thus, in order To LIVE, To LEARN, To LOVE and To LEAVE A MEANINGFUL LEGACY, I, GALVIN SNG will –

1. LIVE A Joyful and Contented Life in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:12-13). Through life's ups or downs, happy or sad moments, I seek to live in the light of God's mercy and grace that He has lavished on me. Especially in times when I simply cannot see His plans, I will remember once again the love that He has give me, demonstrated on the cross of Calvary through His Son Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins. Whether I am living in plenty or in want, in spite of circumstances, I seek to live contented in what He has blessed me with. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

2. YIELD myself to the plan and calling that God has given in my life (Luke 9:23). In my public world, God has called me to three areas, of which I exercise the talents given me interchangeably amongst them: Youth Ministry (teaching, discipleship, encouragement), Design (web design, desktop publishing) and Songwriting (lyrics, melodies), all of which are to be used in the process of witnessing, disciplemaking and fulfilling the Great Commission. In my private world, I am called to strive on in this journey of sanctification, to nurture a consistent devotion towards Christ and let that overflow towards others, relying on His strength to see me through everything, especially when tempted at my weakest points. In my inner world, I seek to know God more each day and arrive at the point where I can consider everything 'rubbish' compared to the surpassing knowledge of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8).

3. SERVE others in love as Christ has loved, to be a salt and light unto the world (Matthew 5:13-14,16). I choose to respond rather than react to people and situations. Be it in thought, speech and action, regardless of rank and status, I seek to put others before me, just as Christ has for His children. I humbly acknowledge that I am unable to love and care for others by my own strength; I can only do so in Him.

4. SPUR one another on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:4-5), towards fostering the deeply satisfying relationship one can have with God. I believe that in life’s circumstances and uncertainties, living a life that is rooted in Christ is akin to a vessel firmly anchored in the midst of storms. However God leads, I seek to spur and encourage others towards establishing that same personal relationship everyone is able to have with God, be it through living, writing, singing, and any other forms that He calls me to employ.
   

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Galvin has not been sick for a long time. Today... He fell sick.

He did not have a good sleep due to some erratic dream that kept plaguing him through the night. He kept thinking that he had some important appointment today, spent time rationalizing in his dream (yes, in his dream) and whiled the entire early morning away half awake, half asleep. When he finally woke up, his first stop to the toilet. It was there where he realised that something was terribly wrong.

The stools came out in watery spurts (okay sorry for the graphic imagery) instead of the normal ones. Galvin suddenly felt very nauseated... he went to the kitchen and found a pack of unopened carbon pills, so he decided to take two and see if the situation would be alleviated.

As soon as he downed the two pills and half a cup of water, he felt this sudden rush of the pills and water travelling up instead of down the stomach. Not wanting to make a mess, he rushed to the nearest toilet and prepared for the worst, though he really did not want to vomit. The sensations came - his mouth started to produce saliva from beneath the tongue. He tried his best to swallow them down and suppress the vomiting while asking God no please no please...

Hahaha.

Yeah.

Didn't vomit in the end. There were altogether two instances when I rushed to the toilet... but thank God, no mess. Haha. Didn't dare to eat because of the nauseated feeling, so worked two hours on the computer in the morning, downed another two pills and went back to sleep for two hours.

Thank God things got better. Started to venture into eating biscuits... which stayed in the stomach. My hands got really cold in the course of the day though... could feel a fever coming, even now as I type. Guess I'll sleep early later.

Thank God that the day was still productive - did quite a bit of work in between the periods of rest. And hur ya... thank you dear for cooking the herbal chicken and bringing it over for dinner... my stomach was well enough for that at night. =) Well, at least I'm still okay for now. :P

I have a feeling that it's the food from the new hongkong style eatery which I patronized with Dori the night before. The century egg and chicken porridge was nice though... but if it's the food that's causing so much trouble today... OH WELL.

But yeah... my resolve is not to visit the docs for this... unless it gets worse I guess. From the looks of it, healthy food, lots of water and rest seem to do the trick.

Thanks to everyone who sent get-well-soon messages! :)

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My life verse reads:

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

There're many things that are happening around me that can pass off as morale anti-boosters... for someone who yearns to live a simple life in this complicated world, I have arrived at a point where I know that it's virtually impossible for me to detach myself from the many issues, even though I am not the cause for them, at least not directly.

Just thankful that He's placed that verse in my life as my life guiding verse... and in case I give the wrong impression that I seem to sound so happy all the time on my entries because life is carefree and joyous most of the time, it's really very much on the contrary. I'm not trying to fake happiness and sweep all the dust under the bed... I'm just thankful that in spite of all that's happening, I'm able to have that joy still - that joy of knowing that He's with me, of feeling that comfort over me.

(:

"How r ya? U should know who I am by now, eh? Nvr mnd. I'm the "boy who moves around and throws things around." haha... brings back good memories... Anyway, -- wants u to cum back to HCI on Teach's ay celeb... we wanna giv u something... to remember u lah... ok gtg. bb!"

Haha... Pa sure knows how to cheer me up. :) Then there's the phone call from a dear brother who says he wants to return to church for good and start getting serious again after one year plus of absence and running around... Then the bomb came in the form of a verse that Gpp posted on my multiply site:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

眼睛不知为何湿湿的...哈哈。

It's one of those days where you just want to have a good sleep at the end of a very straining day.

Thank God that each day is new every morning... new every morning... great is Thy faithfulness. :)

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Yay attending my first graduation convocation since my A level days. Hopefully more to come two years from now and perhaps another four years? Hahaha...

Each time I look back the past year... I give thanks. It really wouldn't have been possible without my heavenly Pa. :)

And then there's the guest performance in the evening. Feeling the jitters already. I'm not a stage person. :| But yeah, I'll just let my heart sing... and Him do the talking. :)

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Hahahahahaha.

Yeah. Laughing alongside a student who's very much into laughing this week. Hahaha aye...

I hope I didn't sound all that "emo"ish in my previous post... because I'm not. Emo-ism is founded in this generation, not in mine. Haha... I'll write about that in due time - it's worth an entry, or many entries, for that matter.

Char messaged me with regards to my previous post about that comment made by the student... and reminded me that that really isn't the entire sentiment he may be having.

Which I know it's true. Haha... and certain things really can't be denied, like how their faces brightened up and how they let out those shouts of joy everytime I walked into the room halfway before I reached my terminal. Everytime... every class... without fail. And I must confess... it's a really uplifting feeling - you can literally feel the shouts of joy lift your feet above those floor tiles. Haha...

I find myself rationalizing out everything in the end, questioning if it's because of my leniency, that they can "do whatever they want", that they found it better for me to be there than to have someone else.

Well. I guess sometimes I just think too much eh.

But I'm thankful for a special kind of bonding I have with some classes and individuals this time round... something I never had with the last batch somehow.

The class which gave the worst impression in the beginning turned out to be the class I'll love to teach the most. Then there are some individuals who somehow left greater impressions than the general population, not because they're good in their work or what - we somehow manage to communicate of sorts.

What surprised me yesterday was when a student msned me and "thought that he'll like to say thanks". That was a really meaningful moment for me... because that's one "thanks" that I would have never expected. And in case he drops by... Just like you to know that it's very much appreciated. :)

The new competition year for ThinkQuest is here again... new journeys with new teams, new experiences, new things to anticipate. Hopefully will get to see teams that'll last the long haul. :)

Today's readings from the Bible yields an all familiar theme.

That the WHOLE EARTH is filled with His steadfast love.

That God is good... all the time.

:)

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This is really a tangible sign of a busier life.

I've never dozed off on the bus so easily in the past before.

Now I hardly stay awake when I'm on the bus by myself.

Woo. I shall have an early night today. :)

(so this is the reason...)

"When --- really comes back can't copy codes from people anymore."

Just read this off one of their blogs.

If that is the reason for their euphoria upon seeing me taking them for lessons, then I guess I must be quite a goon.

Oh well.

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Mmmmm... I know it's a tad late now to advertise this event, but I just got confirmation of my involvement in it not too long ago. So... yes. If you're interested in hearing the marvelous compositions of those who made it into the finals of this annual Geyao songwriting competition organised by Hwa Chong Institution (College section), then hesitate no more - contact one of the ticketing personnels, their info appended below.

I will be guest performing two songs which I've written... one of which should not be unfamiliar with the current batch of Hwa Chong students. So... yep. Don't mind if you're coming to see me too (as if anyone will do that). Hahahaha...

If you want to go and don't want to go alone, then help spread this piece of news. Come in pairs... in a group... as a class? Hmmm I think it'll be quite scary seeing a throng of people I know though. :| Haha... See you at Geyao 2007. :)

COME JOIN US AT 歌谣2007：实线梦想！

Who is it organized by?
HCI (College Section) CHINESE SOCIETY! :D

Hmm…what is that event?
It is a Chinese songwriting competition organized for students across JCs and Polytechnics in Singapore. The event itself will witness the finalists who will present their songs and be critiqued by our honoroable judges, namely:
Anson Tan (Touch Music Publishing), Peng Chi Sheng (Harbridge Music and Media), Peter Tan (Music Clinic, Project Superstar Judge) and Lester Low (VI Music).

This competition encourages students to let their creative juices flow and compose songs (melody/lyrics) of any genre. After the event, you might also be inspired to venture into song-writing too :D

Okay... but why should I go? Date? Time? Venue? And how much does it cost?
Well you should go because you are paying for a good cause! :D Your presence endorses their efforts to continue composing, what’s the use of having composed a really (insert words of praise!) song but without any audience to perform to?
And who knows, you might witness the debut of a future-superstar! :D

It will be held on the 18th August 2007 (Saturday), 7pm in Hwa Chong Institution (College Section) Cheng Yi Auditorium. And it costs O-N-L-Y $8.00 (NOTE: INclusive of GST!).

Well alright, I need a little more persuasion…so what can I expect?
Gosh my dear, you can expect a lot! :D There will be song performances altogether from students across Singapore. We have gotten a professional emcee who's guaranteed to be lively and entertaining! :) Prominent amongst the judges is Peter Tan, Music Clinic & Project Superstar judge. Are we going to witness another round of tongue-lashing comments/criticisms? Who knows. You have to come down personally to find out! AND…THAT'S NOT ALL. Guest performances will be put up by singers from Ai Qing Hai Music School etc (guest performaners' identities will be revealed one by one as the date draws nearer...)

Alright, I want to go! But one last thing, where will the profits go to? (though NKF scandal has blown over, it’s still wise to be more cautious about whether I’m really supporting a worthy cause…)
Oh come on, the profits will go to the Chinese Society CCA Fund. The Fund is used to support many other events e.g. Drama Camp for secondary school students and An Evening Of Drama 2008 [huangcheng 2008] production.

HOW TO PLACE YOUR ORDERS:

Approach anyone from the Ticketing Committee: Minzhe (97565075, 07S66), Yingjie (94880289, 07S7C), Weelic (81876510, 07S7E) or Choon Yen (91261090, 07A14). Alternatively, approach any member from Chinese Society (Huang Cheng, Ge Fang) to get them to relay the order to the Ticketing Committee.

SEE YOU THERE. AND THANK YOU! =D

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Tried a fast run this morning (which to many may just be a fast jog I guess... haha)and shaved 5 seconds off the target timing. Walked a bit... then did a slow jog covering the same amount of distance before I reach back home again.

Soon I'll not be able to have such times when I start work proper. Hmm.. maybe I should eventually check out if I can use the track in school and even the gym. Hahaha...

I was jogging down a part of upper bukit timah road when it dawned on me how things have changed. I've been travelling up and down that stretch of road for the past 13 years at least... by bus. Haha. 7 years ago, I wouldn't have imagined that one day I would actually enjoy jogging such long distances... of course not right, with that extra 20 kilos of weight. HAHAHAHA...

But there's so much more than that.

7 years ago, I wouldn't have imagined that I would eventually become a Christian and live a life of adventure and contentment that I wouldn't want to exchange for anything now.

7 years ago, I wouldn't have imagined that my heart would be touched and opened to serve other people in light of having the "what's in it for me" attitude that most typical teenagers would have had.

7 years ago, I wouldn't have imagined that I'd be blessed with a bunch of dear brothers and sisters, young and old, whom I can count on to journey on together in this everlasting road of uncovering more of His love, grace and mercy each day.

7 years ago, all I thought I had were my grades and achievements to determine my worth in this world... and if I hadn't realised that it's not for what I've done but simply for who I am that I'm loved and approved, I might have just forced myself to finish a course that I had no passion in, excel in it and end up blending into the work-for-living-and-money culture.

7 years ago, I wouldn't have thought that I'll be blessed with such a wonderful girlfriend who loves me so much, who's not afraid to speak up for my benefit and growth. And as I look back to when we first met and how it all developed with the time gap and all... and knowing that it is absolutely impossible to remove God out of this entire equation, it's just... amazing. :)

7 years ago, I wouldn't have imagined that I would be back at my alma mater being involved in lives of whom I was one of those lives. It was very much an innocent prayer a few years ago, a prayer of little faith, a prayer that faded off memory soon after it was prayed. I can still remember the struggle when I was first approached to cover lessons a year ago - all of these would not have happened if I had turned down the offer because of my inadequacies in speaking in front of large crowds... my involvement in youth ministry over the past years... now I see how He's been sovereignly preparing me to step out of comfort zones again and again.

And yeah. 7 years ago... I wouldn't have imagined that my online journals - turned blog - would have lasted so long and that He's used it to bless many... and that I'm in turn blessed by the many comments and encouragements that came in from time to time.

To the many years to come... however uncertain, however tough, however sweet, however bitter, however joyful, however hurtful... I'll trust.

That it's all in His mighty hands.

That all things work for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

That He'll make all paths straight.

That His love will never cease.

Because I've tasted of His goodness... and I'll continue to taste and taste. (Aye. poor sentence structure I know. Haha.)

Hallelujah... Praise the Lord. :)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

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Today is a really amusing and amazing day.

I wish I can just put a full stop here without elaborating. Hahaha...

About a week ago, I'd requested from my dean a more permanent place in school where I can perhaps finally call my little "niche"... but it happened so that all the cubicles in the staff room were taken up. Not knowing when the time will come for me to have one of my own (it's either a space becomes vacant again or the school procure new tables? But then, the staff room doesn't seem to have anymore space for new tables... HMMMMM.), my dean proposed that I be given a room in the library for the time being.

Today's the first time I used the room... it's the first time I'd seen the room as well.

It has a sofa, some stools, shelves of books, a tissue box...

Hahaha... I guess some of you have figured out already. It definitely looks like a room that's not unfamiliar to my current course of study!!! :D

Imagine how happy I was!!! Then as I looked through the shelves, I found a section that contains a handful of Pa's Word.

Nothing short of amazing. There's more I wish I can share... but let's just say, everything there's really so custom-made for a purpose only He knows. :)

But I still hope that eventually there'll be a cubicle in the staffroom... then i can bring all the photos to paste on the corkboard! Hahahaha...

I know. Sounds really childish coming from the mind of someone who's past the quarter century mark... but who says we can't retain the childlikness in us as we grow up????? Hur hur.

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Yeah. My junior college class keeps a self created online journal that's active till now. Just the day ago the friend who created the programming base provided the link to the very first page where it all started (for this version at least) - 07 August 1999.

Eight years. Ho ho ho... :)

Reading through them sure brings back memories. Shall post some of my contributions...

07 Aug 99 (on the journal) Stayed at home all day to do ThinkQuest ah.... SO SAD HOR... Oh well. This is so cool!

08 Aug 99
As usual lah.... Do ThinkQuest until siao siao... Few hours only can manage to edit a few pages... No time to write my own journal yesterday also... Did until 4am... so sianz.. and then today woke up at 10am and continued till now... Aiyoh how how how... few more days then deadline liao... must PIAHZ!!!

As usual, me tokking crap lah. But doing ThinkQuest can be really sianz esp when you're editting the content sections... Have to source everywhere for images and then must ask permission some more... then have to anticipate their replies... Haiz haiz haiz... Hope can do more by tonite. Byebye. *MUAK*

09 Aug 99 (when everyone else went for class outing during national day)
MAMAMIYAAAAAAAAAA...! Me want to do to class outing!!!! SOB SOB... You all must take lotsa photos and put on the journal kay??? Have a fun time pple... haiz... I'm still rotting away in front of moi comp doing ThinkQuest... But then after 16th then everything okay liao, so me keeping an optimistic outlook! =) HAVE FUN!

10 Aug 99 (still whining)
Sobz Sobz...
Haiz... See lah... You pple had sooooooo much fun today while I rot away at home slogging... and I STILL HAVE A LOOOOOOOONG WAY TO GOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Haiz... How how how how how how how how how...

28 Aug 99 (hahaha...)
To clarify myself, I oso watch Transformers a lot when I was small... I still have one of the annuals I bought back in primary school! hehehe. But then very vague liao... I only remembered the silvery back guy! Aiyoh dunno why oso. Ah then i think i remembered the red red good guy oso... Hee Hee... and then Yuntian ah the one you tokking about.. the shoot bullet one.. I think i remember oso. Is it got one green suit, one blue suit and one yellow suit (got A LOT of holes one) har and they can combine into something??? Reminds of power rangers hehee but I think they all are adult. I forgot the name of the cartoon liaoz.... and how can forget Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlessss??? aiyohhhh hehehe I think I was addicted to it ah! Last time auntie from Malaysia come to Singapore always buy Ninja Turtles video! ehhehehe... Come to think of it, i don't really watch Mickey Mouse oso... dunno why. But then I remembered they kept showing so I have no choice but to watch! hahahaha. Then got Captain Planet lah... TOM AND JERRY! Aiyoh how can forget heheh and then the recent (not so recent) Tom and Jerry Kids oso very farnie... then got the snoopy and dropy... and then Scooby Doo! =) heehhe Aiyoh I think the list goes on forever lah. Oh yah and there's this cartoon with all the characters racing one. I loved that one! hehehe... Okay lah guess I'll stop here for cartoons... Carebears countdown 5 4 3 2 1! (correct or not ah? forgot liao...)

FOOD AH? You want me to talk about FOOD ah? Heee heee.. wah I think I can fill the whole page hor wait the page take too long to load ah! hahaahhaahha.... oh well. Actually I dunno lah, only remember eating Hotcakes Happy Meal every other week. Last time only know how to eat hotcakes lah, dunno the burgers ahahahaha.... Then I remembered eating Long John Silvers when I was very very small..... then suddenly the chain like wiped out like that... dissapeared from Singapore... and then dunno how suddenly sprang out from all neighbourhood shopping centres again! YAY! So nice... next time eat Long John Silvers remember to call for EXTRA CRUMBS! hehehehe... And then there's this Do Re Me Self service food court style restaurant in Plaza Singapura last time... always like to eat there... but then dunno why no more liao... so sad. Well, that's about it actually, guess I encounter too much food to talk about them! AHHAHAHAHAHA

(later on... gosh.)

The time is 6:00pm... and still no one else write the journal! But of course lah... all the journal freaks all enjoying The Ring at GV Tiong Bahru now... didn't even ask me to tag along... Haiz... don't care... Must return me my one dollar telephone booking fee!!!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! So sad lah, like me the only one rotting away at home in front of moi terminal... today seems so dead... and then today my meals super irregular... don't even have marnie to eat lunch! ARGH! How can Galv Galv be deprived of food??! ARGHGHGHG.... Haiz... How I wish I'm munching on popcorn in GV Tiong Bahru now.... I want to watch The Ring!!!!!!! Hmmm... are we still watching The Runaway Bride on Tuesday har??? Me want to watch leh! And Slim hor... Monday after school we go BPP NTUC to buy the potato chips lah and other snacks hor... Hee Hor Hee Hor (like a donkey haahahahha) Someone write something soon! Me so bored!

Oh man. No comments. Hahaha... Those days. Hahahaha...

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This is the second year running we had a national day couples cook-in (photos and write up in time to come) - we had it at Char's grandma's place - Mark, Sue, Jason, 3sa, Calvin, Faith, Char and myself - eight of us. Each of us contributed a dish or two to what ended up as quite a good feast. Had a good time of fellowship, playing games, watching the national day parade...

I must confess that there's a gradual fading of the fervor I used to have as a child for such an occasion like this. No, it's not that the patriotic feeling's gone and all... it's more of not getting so caught up in the festive hype but knowing deep inside what it all means.

And Faith mentioned a song which I used to like so much - one of the those national songs that we used to sing as students in school. And the thing is... as a grown up, you can fully appreciate the lyrics so much more - to know that these words can stand the test of time. National songs a propaganda? Well... having travelled a little bit here and there and seeing how the nation's being governed... not forgetting the short but rich history of transformation from a fishing village to a modern city today, I must say that it's a blessing to be a Singaporean albeit the stresses.

Happy Birthday my Singapore... my home. :)

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS
Over the years,
I've grown to be a part of you
You've cared for me and opened the way
to a happy and beautiful life
You make me feel warm and safe
and give me hope for brighter days

Chorus:
It's the little things that we share,
the love and joy that's in the air
The children's laughter everywhere,
and all our favourite things

Over the years,
I've grown accustomed to your ways
And no matter where I'll be,
it warms my heart to know that
You're always here for me

( Repeat Chorus )

Over the years,
I've learnt we share a destiny
And no matter how good others may be
No one cares like you care for me
Cause deep down inside
I feel you're a part of me
My Singapore, the place that I call my Home

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I'm at home now sitting in front of the laptop gobbling down a packet of fried bee hoon for lunch meant for breakfast... one of the ways of saving money. Heh heh.

Thought I'll jot an entry before I start work on some projects that are overdue.

This area of my life has always been a struggle... a struggle not to procrastinate, a struggle not to be a bad testimony in front of clients. And weirdly so, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Which is one of the reasons why I know that design can never be the area that I'm called to full time... I realised that I cannot put my heart and soul into the product of others somehow. This is no excuse though for all the time extensions... and for that, I apologize to all my past and present clients for all the inconveniences caused. And haha... to Ryan my design partner, sorry for all the headaches I've caused - I'm really not sure how things will move on from here, but for all the projects that we'll be involved in together, I hope I'll buck up. Hee.

I don't find that when it comes to teaching in school. Funnily enough as an introvert, though it's much easier to hide in front of the computer monitor all day to work than to stand in front of classes and fight the fear of communicating to large crowds, I find that there is greater satisfaction in doing the latter... and I must say, once you get to know the crowd it's a different feeling altogether. :)

Thankful for the individuals that I've come to know a little bit more from each of the classes... Hahaha. Just thought of a rather nonsensical analogy... but I guess it'll convey the message:

Level 1: A KFC counter waiter takes your orders and serves you your chicken, just like he'll serve every other single customer. The same way.

Level 2: He notices your preference as a regular customer and suggests new items on the menu, even teaches you how to eat your chicken in the best possible way.

Level 3: He takes time off the counter and sits beside you to have a chat to know you while you eat your chicken.

(lovingly corrected by a dear brother heh)
Level 3: He sits beside you after work and have a chat to know you while you eat your chicken.

Hahaha... Gosh I'm amused by myself.

One of them mentioned that I'm a good man.

I told him that I have a good God.

Who, as God of the universe, has shown His love to me as an individual, demonstrated on the cross of Calvary, washing away my stains, making me whole, so that I may present myself pleasing to Him and to others, covering my sins past, present, future, exchanging my life for His, that I may live this life not out of my own strength but by His empowerment and sustenance.

"For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." - 1 Corinthians 1:17

And I'll trust that He has His time for each one.

希望有一天。:)

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A couple more days and it concludes this season of teaching before I enter as a full time staff come September.

I must say... experience does count. The rapport built with this batch seems promising to be more lasting... Haha. Having said that, I really hope I can take some photos of my previous batch who're in secondary two now... Shall bring my camera for national day celebrations. :)

To any student who may be dropping by... thankful for the past 5 to 6 weeks or so. :)

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I've been challenged time and again these few days to do just that. The first half of my last lesson with the sports class was excruciating... but I guess none of them would have spared a thought. Haha... Well.

Their class average for assignments and projects dipped into the sub pass region... an indication that more than half the class did not hand in their work.

The excuses of competition periods have long become invalid ever since competitions ended one to two weeks ago. What's being communicated through their inaction is simply an attitude of apathy... but I supressed all the scolding in the end, because it will be unfair to those individual few who actually paid attention.

But you know those times you really felt so pent up you wanted to let out a few tears? Haha... nearly did. Somehow I'm reminded that there are those who're still listening... and so I taught on, contemplating if I should go on with the phototaking in the end.

Finished with the class photo taking... on to the individual shots. Haha yeah. Decided to take individual shots this year... as to what I'll do with those shots, I'm still deciding. One thing's for sure - at least now I'll get the chance to tag names to their faces. It's in the phototakings that I remembered hey... you take those issues aside, they're pretty much a good bunch of guys. And as I walked back to the staff room, it dawned on me that I've always been exposed to their kind for the past few years back in WEB. Haha... I told them if I were to be able to take a form class out of the seven, I would have chosen their class. Not because I want to die... but looking at track records of how people do change... I think it would have been a worthwhile time spent with them.

This journey with God... not knowing what comes next but trusting that He has everything in His sovereign hands till heaven comes... shall do just that. :)

(an afterthought)

If God counts the issues (sin) in my life and makes it part of an entire person's evaluation, I doubt that I can pass off as being lovable.

Yet the Bible says He loves me with an everlasting love. He says that He loves me much to die for me so that I may be saved from eternal damnation in hell when the day comes. The breadth and depth of God's love for each of us... it's something that no one can ever fathom fully. It's so easy to run away from problematic people - I myself have done so so many times - avoiding those who've caused hurt to me, distancing myself from those who tend to step on my feet.

God ran too...

He ran to us.

He ran to me,
He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face,
wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
"Son do you know I still love you?"
He caught me by surprise when God ran...

WHEN GOD RAN
by Phillips, Craig & Dean

Almighty God,
the great I am
Immovable rock,
omnipotent, powerful,
awesome Lord
Victorious warrior,
commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror,
and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run

CHORUS:
Was when He ran to me,
He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face,
wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
"Son do you know I still love you?"
He caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home
I knew I'd broken His heart
And I wondered then if
things could ever be the same
Then one night
I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road
ahead I could see
It was the only time -
it was the only time I ever saw Him run

And then He ran to me,
He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face,
wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
"Son do you know I still love you?"
He caught me by surprise
as He brought me to my knees
When God ran - I saw Him run to me

BRIDGE:
I was so ashamed,
all alone and so far away
But now I know
He's been waiting for this day

I saw Him run to me,
He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face,
wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
I felt His love for me again

He ran to me,
He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest,
said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face,
wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
"Son", He called me Son
He said,
"Son do you know I still love you?"
He ran to me and
then I ran to Him
When God ran