Christmas again...

Ridiculous Crazy Sale

While I was browsing through the internet to look for any year end sales on sports attires, I stumbled upon a Kenny Sia’s blog posting which I think worth to be posted in my blog to ridicule mankind’s absurdity and ability to act without ethics.

.

.

I guess things would go out of hand if they decided to go for the "Buy ONE free One" strategy.

Click here for Kenny Sia's post.

B.B

Although The Boys Brigade in Malaysia is a ministry I involve since young, there were no recorded posting about it in my blog ever before. Therefore, I think it’s about time that I write about it. The timing, somehow felt like a mix feeling – right and wrong at the same time.
.
.
I’m with the Boys Brigade (BB) in Malaysia, holding the rank of Warrant Officer. Climb up the ladder of rank and file from an innocent recruit to the highest rank of Staff Sergeant. After reaching the maximum age as a member, the Officer council decided to promote me to the rank of Warrant Officer until now. I was in the BB since I was in standard 3. I was 9 years old then. Now I’m already 24 years old.
.
.
15 years is a long time. Now here comes the bomb:
.
I’m sick of it. I’m freaking tired. Whenever somebody came to me and talked to me about BB, I felt this uncertainty, this burden, this feeling of trouble and this annoying headache which later leads to confusion and anger. There are times when I thought to myself why I’m doing this.
.
.
It was not like this all the time. There was a sense of direction at first, at least personally. But seriously, serving for 10 years, at my age, in my environment, in such globalize and fast moving world. My joy of serving had now vanished. I’ve lost it. Maybe what I’m trying to say here is that there are too many things happening – too many disappointments. And it somehow constantly repeating itself annually. 10 years of endurance is too much I guess.
.
.
When I got my acceptance to do my Master in UKM, I was very glad actually. Despite all my complains about the new place I’m studying and living, I’m actually quite happy. I like it here. I never thought going into an “exile” felt that way.(which one of my church member who prayed for me mention that my ‘going away’ to study in UKM is like going into exile and when return, will return with wisdom).
.
.
So, the other day, I bump into one of my BB member. We talked, and he tells me about the internal problems and the future plans of our company*. He also mention about how he wished that I would be back soon to be involve again in the company and how I can greatly contribute to the company. He also said how the company needs people like me. I felt ashamed and disappointed – I felt that he shouldn’t say things like that to me. I know his intention was to encourage me. But it didn’t. It scares the crap out of me.
.
.
The timing was right because I got time to think and finally got my words right to write about it. While for the wrong timing – well, it just never felt right to rant my dissatisfaction to which anytime at all about such matter. It basically sums up the reason why I don’t write or talk about BB in the cyber space or in my personal space even though it revolves around my life. It felt somehow as if I’m relieving myself from BB, to put it more bluntly – escaping from BB. Yes, it is a form of escapism.
.
.
This is Andrew’s soul vomiting. Finally.
.
.

.
*”company” refers to the subdivision of a battalion. Boys’ Brigade uses such framework to group its member around Malaysia.

Human Rights dilemma

People were clapping and cheering. Some even stand up to cheer and clap. The lady beside me was drying up the tears in her eyes with tissue paper.

It's very disturbing to see people championing the rights of the homosexuals.

But seriously, if you were at the Freedom film Festival when they were showing the 30minutes documentary entitled ‘Pecah Lobang’ by Poh Si teng; I bet you will be giving the show a standing ovation as well if you watch it.

It was well arranged and recorded to portray the hardship of the “Mak Nyah”. You can’t help but to pity them instantly.

Being a Christian and a human rights believer is a mind suicidal attempt. Brain explodes.

I’m not against them (homosexuals). I personally believe that they can be help.


But, how about the transexuals or transvertites? Is that a case of no turning back or forgiveness? What if the transexuals or transvertites realize their wrongs and becomes christian or even muslim? How to attach that ‘thing’ back?!?! You think can grow back meh?

The ADUN from Hulu Kelang, Saari bin Sungib (PAS) was there. I admit that during the screening and the discussion, I constantly peeped to see his facial expression. I wanted to know what he thinks about it.

It's worrying, disturbing, confusing, saddening and pening. I'm worried that one day my child will come to me and say "Hey Dad, I'm a homosexual and i'm proud of it... HIDUP HUMAN RIGHT!"

Pastor Tan Har Yong

The passing of Pastor Tan Har Yong is shocking and sad.

Whenever there's a man like him; ( a faithful servant of God, being look upon as an example and a mentor by others in church and a vibrant teacher) died unexpectedly... the only question that lingers in the mind of many people is "WHY".

The notion of "Death" with the question of "Why" does not make any sense in times like this. All we need to do now is not to seek answers from God. But to seek comfort from Him.

Lord I pray for Aunty Kheng Hong, Wei Hsin and Wei Yen. Give them strength and comfort. Amen.

picture taken from http://www.wesleypenang.org/photos-baptism05.htm

Carpe Diem

They whisper slowly in the dark,

telling all of us the same,

pledge the motto of thy lark,

living carpe diem by the name.

Eat and drink for tomorrow we die,

live towards the epistemic delight,

trusting thy guard as we all lie,

forever carpe diem I will might.

Hear and see those glistering hope,

taste and feel that dividing soul,

it guides away the rising slope,

as you carpe diem till the day we extol.

Let the poor say I am rich.

I got this interesting fact from George's blog.

Remember the song "Give Thanks"? The chorus of this worship song mention this:

"And now let the weak say i am strong
let the poor say i am rich
because of what the Lord has done
for us..."

Well, it had confirmed itself to be a prophetic proclaimation. Poor people (like myself) who can only put 1cent coin into their 'piggy bank' might wanna shout "AMEN, HALELUJAH!" all the way to the the kedai besi or to any wire manufacturer.

Here's what George had to say:

1 cent coin is 1.75g
so, 1kg = 572 pieces = RM 5.72
1kg copper on market worth RM 27.25

Will the poor say "I am Rich"? Yes of course! But I dare to bet that not only the poor will say "I am Rich"...

Pencuri / thieves will also say "Amen, Hallelujah" too, for the wrong reason. Here's a video i found about a man stealing copper wire from a van:

24

I'm 24 today. And i can hear Switchfoot singing this song to me...


Happy Birthday Andrew.

God, Forgive me...

If one day i snap. God, will you understand?
A123.com - 4500+ Free Games


A123.com - 4500+ Free Games

Christmas for the wrong reason.

I'm reposting this blog.

When the clock struck 12 midnight, the people outside at Gurney Drive Scream and shout "MERRY CHRISTMAS" and spray artificial white snow everywhere. The party people in the night club count down to Christmas too. They hug and drink till they cannot stand still. All of them are so happy! They are celebrating Christmas - for the wrong reason.

Do they know the meaning and the story of Christmas? Business people are commercializing Christmas. They are doing it so well that the true meaning of Christmas is overshadowed by Booze and party! Why don't they commercialize Wesak Day? Hari Raya Haji? Deepavali? Muhammad's Birthday?

Imagine This for a night club promotion:

Happy Wesak Hour!

RM 30.00 One Jug

Haji Nite Special

10% discount for all HAJIs

Muhammad's Ladies' Nite

One Man 4 ladies (must be married to the man)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to those who knows the true meaning of christmas.

As party crazy people drinks till the alcohols drool out from their ears and as they dance and shake their Bon Bon out of their life, I hope that you will spend this meaningful celebration of peace, hope and joy with your love ones in reflection upon the greatest gift of all given to us.

My Favorite Christmas Carol this year is God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. This Christian hymn played by Brad Sondahl on fingerstyle acoustic guitar:


Apart from the traditional christmas carol, I too like the more secular ones. This was introduced by Joshua Hooi. Bloody funny:

Christians and Politics

What is the church effort in educating the congregation about politics? Let me be more precise here. The election is coming. Besides praying about it. What must we Christian do?

By the way, must we seek advise from the church before we vote? or is this the ultimate freedom we have to vote whoever we want? Who must we vote? Is voting a Muslim representative against the law of God. Is it wrong to even vote. Is it wrong to vote?

What political ideology must we stand for? is it Capitalism? Communism? Nationalism? A Socialist direction? or Democratic? In that case must we vote for DAP? Is the Barisan Nasional's ideology in conflict with the Bible? if yes, how must we react? If no, can we still vote for oppositions?

My church is doing little about this (in fact, nothing at all) in edifying us about this matter. Maybe we should be given informations such as a names of Christian Politicians in Malaysia as well as their manifesto. The church could also inform us if there are any christian candidates who are participating in the election in the church district or our residential district. Inviting Christian politician to Sunday Service to give a sermon or a sharing will be good even though it seems wrong.

I'm excited about the coming election for this is my first time voting. Feeling prepared and confident mentally but spiritually unprepared.

A Failed Christian

Today, one of my Schoolmate died. Same age with me. So young. Just graduated from USM. Just like me, he got the whole world in front of him to take on. And death took it all away from him.

I haven't met him for a long time already. Right after we ended our Form Six, we went to the same University but never really met and chat. After graduation, i did not see him at all but did heard about what he is doing from friends.

But lately, I've bumped into him a few times. I saw him near Northam Hotel, last week. Both of us just gave a quick wave to acknowledge each other's presence and went back to what we're doing.

Lay Hoon and me saw him in PC Fair. He was working there. Lay Hoon asked me whether i wanted to go to his counter and say "Hi". I said "No", He is busy anyway. And that was the last time me and Lay Hoon saw him... He died 5 days later.

According to my friend, he complained of stomachache. After that vomit. Went into a seizure. Then died. It was a sudden death. There's nothing anybody can do about it.

I was on the phone with Kean Chai just now. I told him, somehow, i felt a pinch of responsibility upon his death.

I said to Kean Chai... "I've failed my role as a christian since i'm a friend to someone who do not know the Salvation of God".

Perhaps GOD, was giving opportunities for me. 2 weeks before his death, i got 2 chances to speak to him about God's only son, about after life, about forgiveness and about Hell. Now that he's dead, there's nothing else to tell.

I got this feeling of not attending church this Sunday. Like a son who had brought shame to his father and family... I just cannot face God for a moment.

Dark Blue Uniform

Dark blue uniform
With white stripe on
You march humbly into the dorm
To seek our welcome’s warm

Dark blue uniform
With badges adorn
Can’t be seen, smeared with loam
Covered by ashes since born

Dark blue uniform
With black boots shine
No one knows where you’re from
Never will and never mind

Dark blue uniform
Do fasten your Lace
To flee out like a worm
You, with no name, with no face

Dark blue uniform
No one knows you
So, run away into the storm
Cause no one need you

(Note: Definitely not about the police... incase you thought)

Remembering Death

My cousins from Kuala Lumpur came back to Kulim with their parents. I was surprised, knowing that school was still on. I was excited because I know when they are around; the house will be filled with joyous laughter and endless play time. I was only 6 years old.

Their arrival this time was extremely different, my aunty step out of the car and I can see tears were going to burst out anytime, and she did, tears burst out when she embraced my grandmother. Suddenly, like a chain reaction, everyone started to cry. My grandmother, my mother, my uncles, my other aunties and even the neighbours cried and gave a long but soft wailing. This came to me as a shock. I cannot understand. I nearly cried. But I could not. But I wanted to.

How to save a life

PKA (Persatuan Kristian Agape) organized a Blood Donation Drive on the 1st March 2007. I was the third person to donate on that day (partly because i want to get a half day Medical Leave so that i can skip classes and take my afternoon nap...), infact it was the first thing i did when i woke up that morning.

I was also the usher from10am - 2pm. And i realized that it's hard to convince people to donate blood. Let me rephrase it: It's hard to ask people to save a life.

Just like how 'The Fray' the band who sings the famous 'How to Save a Life' song - people will just give you that worried look and walk past you when you approach them with things like this.

Step one you say we need to talk

He walks you say sit down it's just a talk - the first two lines of "How to save a Life" by The Fray

Yar... just walk away, pretend i'm not there or assume that i'm an insane fella who is so obsessive of blood and i want yours. Betul-lah my fren say: nowdays Malaysia people where got civic minded - they take care of diri sendiri only. They don't feel that helping the needy is the society duites, it's the government punya tanggunjawab. They will only do charity if there's reward - example: give them MC if they donate blood (i terasa already, guilty....because i also take MC)

At the end of the day - the blood donation drive manage to get more than a 100 bags of blood. Not bad-lah, SYABAS to USM - a University of over 5000 students (i mean this sarcastically).

23

Last month 17th February 2007 - i've turned 23. Beckham's 23.

It's a very grand celebration... considering every chinese in Malaysia went back to their Kampung to have a dinner together because it was my 23rd Birthday! (well, i choose to believe that) Anyway, it was good because i celebrated it with my family in Ipoh. Simple... but meaningful - just because it's with my family.

That's a 23 year old face...

Read my LIFE!

Every one of us is a book; fill with many stories which may inspire us as well as to teach us. Characters in our story may be our families, friends, enemies and even strangers. All exist not by our own choice but are there to make the story full of life. Their existence builds up a very well balance structure to satisfy the truth, the real thing, to become something acceptable and beautiful to the people who appreciate life.

Flood

Nowdays, Penang is so freaking hot while other states get more rain than they wanted till it floods. The other day, just right after the first flood hit Johor, My friends told me that the news forecast a huge storm coming towards the north, espeacially Penang. And it may drown Penang. "Wow" I thought to myself. "STATE ERMENGENCY - CLASS CANCELLED" i ammused myself. And all of the sudden, the RELA and PERTAHANAN AWAM were all getting reading their boats and stuff like that. As predicted, it did rain... but it took about 1 hold day for the sky to squeeze the rain out from the sky. It's as if the sky is having Constipation. PUSH! PUSH PUSH! COME ON! It rained finally. The rain went on for a long time and then it stop.... It stop.... It stop... and that's it. I can imagine God up in Heaven Laughing... "Hahahaha YOU GOT PUNK'd!!!" That was a good one Lord... Now let's stop joking around and pour down the rain. But No rain... He wasn't joking, i guess.

I guess He Wasn't joking too when he decided to pour down one week of rain to Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. He's not joking also when he decided to push a little more by flooding Johor for the second time. And Lastly, He was damn not Joking when he told Moses (did i just said "Moses"??? It's Noah. I'm always confuse about both of them... Thanks Vic for the correction.)that He is going to pour water to earth for 40 days and flood it. God is always serious when He involves mother nature in His Business. We are infact, a Terrestrial being and very vulnerable to water. People always say "Don't play with Fire", now we may say "Don't play with water" also.

"Aiya..." Jack my room-mate expressed himself. "Manusia selalu Salahkan Tuhan." hmmm.. he's right. "Dunia dah nak kiamat. Panas panas kat Penang dan Banjir kat Johor semua pasal Global Warming..." he continue saying that One day, the ocean might swallow up Penang and sink it forever - who knows, it might as well be possible.

Flood... i prefer flooding than the Sun sinking into Penang and burn me alive. One reason i prefer extreme hard rain and flooding is because i can swim... hehehhe. selfish me.

Christmas for the wrong reason.

When the clock struck 12 midnight, the people outside at Gurney Drive Scream and shout "MERRY CHRISTMAS" and spray artificial white snow everywhere. The party people in the night club count down to Christmas too. They hug and drink till they cannot stand still. All of them are so happy! They are celebrating Christmas - for the wrong reason.

Do they know the meaning and the story of Christmas? Business people are commercializing Christmas. They are doing it so well that the true meaning of Christmas is overshadowed by Booze and party! Why don't they commercialize Wesak Day? Hari Raya Haji? Deepavali? Muhammad's Birthday?

Imagine This for a night club promotion:

Happy Wesak Hour!

RM 30.00 One Jug

Haji Nite Special

10% discount for all HAJIs

Muhammad's Ladies' Nite

One Man 4 ladies (must be married to the man)