Reaching Out To You

NEW ROUTINE

2010-10-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

HEY GUYS,

I didn't blog for the past months cuz we went through consecration period and lots of crazy things happened. It occupied me like crazy.

But as what my blog title says, I developed new routine everyday.

LESS FACEBOOK MORE TIME READING THE BIBLE/CHRISTIAN BOOKS.

Soon soon, I'll blog slowly on things I recently learnt ok. Will share with you guys.

Also I'm still trying to fit t in my things to do because now I also asked Aaron to disciple me so I'm focusing on learning as much as I can absorb. :)

Ciao people! LOVE YOU ALL

STAYING STRONG

2010-08-31T23:38:00.000-07:00

We went through tough and easy times. but we must not rely on our own strength cuz over and over we will just fail.

I learnt from the recent incident that we must not look to either left and right but straight to God. I also learnt that each and every moment that is passing, is precious and we must not waste. Life is too short for grudges and hates toward other people. Life isn't about hate and all but all about LOVE and FORGIVING one another.

Now I can say that you cannot love a person again if you don't know how to forgive first, well if ever they did something wrong to you. YES, broken trust isn't easy to repair, but why repair if you can make a better and stronger one.

They said TRUST is like a chocolate.. once melted, its hard to reshape it. Yes that's very true but you see, if you have God with you, you can FORGIVE and LOVE over and over again.

Imagine the pain that Jesus went through for us all. We're not even worthy of it you know, but He loves us all more than anything.

THER'S NO GREATER LOVE THAN DIEING FOR THE PERSON YOU LOVE

Discipline - One step closer to God.

2010-07-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, been quite some time. Well a week to be exact. Tonight, I'll be blogging about something abit serious, so no pictures.

Well anyways, I'm gonna talk about discipline.

Discipline is NOT, I repeat NOT limiting or restraining. *at some point it is but not all the time*

Discipline can also be liberating and enabling.

Life is a matter of freedom and bondage.
-> IF YOU CHOOSE ONE FREEDOM, YOU GET ONE CORRESPONDING BONDAGE.

-> IF YOU CHOOSE A BONDAGE, YOU GET A CORRESPONDING FREEDOM.

E.g.
If you place yourself in bondage to brushing your teeth everyday, you have the corresponding freedom from cavity.

If you exercise the freedom of not brushing your teeth, you have the corresponding bondage of cavities

If you indulge yourself in total freedom, you will never get any of the things you want out of life.
E.g.
I want to go college but I don't have enough money. So its either I start working hard to earn money or give up my desire for college.

In order to get something we desire the most, we must learn to sacrifice something. We must be willing to pay the price of that something we desire!

SEVERAL KEYS TO DEVELOPING GREATER DISCIPLINE:

1) COMMIT
--> begin by commiting our lives totally to the Lord and making the decision to be more disciplined!

2) PRAY
-->God answers prayer, and prayer for the fruit of the Spirit is prayer! God will be pleased to answer. But we must have PATIENCE

3) CHOOSE
--> decide what do you think God wants for your life. Don't worry if you're not sure about it(pray about it and see what God has to say). The key is to begin!

4) IDENTIFY
--> establish your core values.

5) PRIORITIZE
--> make sure you distinguish the non-negotiables in your life from those things that are merely strong desires.

What does the Bible teach about discipline?
--> the Bible teaches us that self-discipline is a virtue and a fruit of the Spirit we all ought to possess
* 1 Corinthians 9 : 24 - 27 *

How do we develop more discipline?
--> we develop ,ore discipline by being faithful in small things and gradually going onto bigger things.

Note: You will never be more disciplined until you gain more self-control, but you cannot gain more self-comtrol until you are more disciplined!

*when striving for greater discipline, start with one thing at a time.*
This takes me back when I first joined acts29. I always go home very late until my mom scolds and nags me cuz of it. But i really tried to say no and know my real priorities. Up until now, I cannot say that I'm completely fine with my time of being home, honestly, not completely. But atleast i'm doing something about it and I'm learning from my mistakes and thank God, I'm not being nagged by mom all the time. Cuz she can see even a lil change. Changes starts with you. If you really want to change, work hard for it!

Set goals! If you accomplised one, set a new one!

So yeah, that's what I've learnt about disciplined and I'm applying it to life. Don't worry it will definitely take time but surely, you'll be able to make it. I believe in you! I'm learning it myself! Good luck!

Birthday Celebrations 2010

2010-07-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'm blessed with awesome friends! First birthday celebration was with Uncle Chris, Aunty Kim, Jane, Naomi, Jon, Puilim, Sam Chin and then person who shares the same birthday as me, none other than OMEGA!

ESCAPADE LAGI AND ITS UNCLE CHRIS' TREAT!

We ate a lot but I only manage to take this.. Cuz we were all so hungry! MY GOSH!

MY SECOND CAKE BY THE YOUTHS! ACTS29 I LOVE YOU!

This cake isn't the end of it trust me!

Once again I repeat, I'm very blessed to have such awesome friends who turned my sad birthday to an awesome one. Probably the most memorable one. I wasn't expecting anything at all and to think they would bother to come all the way to my house at 10pm at night to surprise me? Man, I felt like crying. :')

To all, who came up with the plan to surprise me, thanks loads and I am seriously touched.

It didn't end there! I celebrated my birthday last saturday(a belated one) with my friends outside church and yeah, it was pretty much didn't go according to plan but it went pretty well

The third cake for my 2010 birthday!

I seriously was touched by these people. They went all through the trouble of buying me such a delicious cake and I was seriously shock!

Just knocking at my door, they gave me a shock! I don't want to post the picture here cuz so bida!

Well anyways, I hanged out with other people recently at the mall(10th of july)

Who said friends are not awesome? Remember! They are the greatest gift in life that you can have. Choose them carefully!

Once a Year.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2010-07-04T21:48:00.001-07:00

Hey, its been a while! I haven't got the chance to bloG for 2 months cuz things has been crazy. I've been through alot for the past 2 months but here I am, still standing up. Can't say that I'm completely ok but atleast I'm standing up once again.

Anyways, I'm turning 19 tomorrow and pretty much I still have no plans. Well I had one but cancelled. Anyway, I'm not expecting much physically but BY FAITH, I will be blessed abudantly as I enter my 19th year.

I cannot imagine how far have I gone, how fast I've grown and how much I've changed. For the past 18 years, I've gone through alot, I'm not saying all bad things have happened but there's more happy memories that were made.

There may be downs at times but not in a million years that will pull me down. You wanna know why? Because, firstly, God is with me! Secondly, God gave me awesome friends who He's using to pull me up in the times of trials, tribulances and hardships.. There's nothing, I repeat NOTHING can break the link between my friends and I because God is with us.

I learnt loads of things, for instance, I learnt that I CAN SMILE EVEN IT HURTS. I CAN SMILE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORMS(problems) -Aaron Lim-. And now, I'm really able to laugh about my problems for all I care. Cuz there's nothing too big for our God to handle. All I need to do is ask Him and lay it all down at His feet.

Another thing, why wear a mask while you can just be yourself? -Jerold Chen-. I won't be a hypocrite. I wore a mask, just to fit into the crowd that I wanna be in, but what good did it give me? Nothing, I just lost the real me and strayed away from God. Trust me, its not so good to stray away. Its dark and cold. The devil is just waiting for you to cross that line of protection from God. The moment you step out of it, you're letting the devil to get you anytime and minister to you.

Let me ask you this? Will you wear a mask and be a somebody to the devil or be yourself and be a somebody to Christ.

Let me tell you this, YOU ARE NOT A NOBODY.

As far as I remember, I was always feeling alone, and thought that I was a nobody because the people are making me feel that way. But the moment, I knew my true identity in Christ, I never felt that way anymore cuz I know I'm a son of God. I AM A PRINCE!

Well I can continue typing about the things I learnt for the past 18 years but if i don't put it to life, why bother typing it here? Don't get me wrong, I'm still learning. We all are.

As I turn 19, well I will still be myself but I must grow more mature intellectually.

As I also promised/pledged, I will strive and do my best to serve God. I will use and multiply the talents given to me and use it to glorify His name and for the expansion of His kingdom.

I will also devote myself to serve the Lord. Not try but DO

I should also continue to learn to not depend on SOMEONE but depend on God. Why? Because, that certain someone CANNOT always be there for me but God will. -PL Yong, Aaron Lim and Jerold Chen.

Ooops wasn't that too serious. Sorry I got carried away. Hehe. But seriously, what I stated up there, is all true. Up to you to read and apply.

As far as I'm concerned, don't depend on your own understanding but ask God for more.

Keep the fire burning in you! God bless!

Btw, later tonight, I'll be waiting for the race of people greeting me.. Ahaha. See you guys soon!

MEMORIES<3 *People from the past that made alot of difference!

.

MY ESTFRIEND WHO IS IN CANADA NOW! I MISS YOU NIKKI!

THE TWO GIRLS WHO ARE SO ANNOYING AT TIMES! AHAHA LIKE ME :p JOWKS!

SHE'S VAIN!

THE GROUP THAT IS SO FUN! INFORAMA!

THE SO NOT NEW PEOPLE IN MY LIFE!

i WANNA THANK ALL THIS PEOPLE WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE AND HEKPED ME CHANGE FOR THE BETTER! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS! LOVE YOU ALL!

Happy Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

Had so much fun today. Well I had to wake up early but I woke up at 7am which is still early but for a choir member, it's late as we have to be in the venue(Orchid Garden Hotel) by 8am. Well i was able to make it but 10 minutes late though. :D

Well we had pretty hard time singing since the microphone is not working well. So our only option was to make our voice louder. Hmmm my stomach hurt because of projecting our voices. Well atleast choir is back to its feet. I'm gonna miss choir for the rest of the month since I'm not singing this month due to my exams. Haiss.. Wish me luck.

Ok,I didn't blog to talk about exams. Well it was awesome today! Mother's Day celebration! Ahahahaha.

Every mother went front for the cake slicing. Well it was my first mother's day with AFC.:) choir was good! Hehe

CHOIR BEHIND THE SCENES

After I got home from service, I slept from 1pm till 5pm! I forgot to set my alarm so I forgot to cook for my mom. I'm suppose to cook something special for my mom but instead of cooking, I went to but her something else due to lack of time for cooking... i still cooked though. I bought my mom some office clothes and a purse. Thank God she loved it.

After some time, my mom suddenly had the mood to take pictures and was so vain. I wanted to join her so here!

There's more but lazy to post it up. After being vain, my mom and I were not really satisfied. She was lik, 'let's do something that we didn't do for a very long time'. That means, BOARDGAMES!!

Well pictures can say thousands of words. So I leave it like that. I can't explain much but we really played those games and I was so tired at the end of the day.

Pictionary was so funny that my mom keeps on drawing things out of this world and worst thing is that i couldn't guess a single one of her drawings!

I rule scrabble! Ahaha. Not really, It was a close match between me and my mom. score was 425 - 423. I won only by 2 points. Its very hard to challenge her. She can put letters in the least expected place on the board! I never even thought those word existed!!

Oh well... I gtg... Blog again soon!!

Jahna's birthday

2010-05-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I'm so bored... I'm pretty much lazy to study but I've got no choice. I want to get credits! I have to! :D

Well anyways, today is Jahna's birthday. We celebrated it yesterday. It was all good except for some rough parts when we got to mall.. All that aside, it was good to catch up with Eldrich! I haven't seen him for 2 years!! Man. It was fun..

And iron man 2 wasn't able to reach my expectations! It was good but it lack the 'woah' ahaha. Anyways, it was fun even my day was ruined. At the end of the day, around 12 midnight, jen, eldrich, lien and I went to pasar malam gadong to grab something to eat. And went home..

Btw, btw, I have a new twin! Beside Ivan gabriel, I have thoby as my twin now! He's a good friend of mine who's very concerned! He just met me but he is very concerned like an older brother but he is actually older than me by a year but he doesn't want to be called kuya! Ahaha.... Its ok.. Atleast we could talk in YM..

Also, i miss my bestfriend and brother jj... Huhu.. I wish him luck in his exams.. Goodluck Jj and also to all my friends.... :D

NEW FRIEND

2010-05-03T23:29:00.001-07:00

I met a new friend thanks to my old friends. Well, I'm chatting with him now, but he looks scary! Ahaha.. Kidding.. I should make him smile man

Anyways, later, gonna have to practice for choir vocalization.. Its gonna be fun again! Uncle Pete is gonna be there too.... Wonder why

busy day

2010-04-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

Gosh, another day has gone. Thank God fOr the day, despite, it was tiring and yeah. No complains

Towards the end of the day I watched this movie and yeah fell inlove with someone's voice... Oh gosh. It pushes me to go on developing my singing. Improving my talent at all cost.

Somehow, I'm feeling so insignificant nowadays. I'm feeling hurt but I seriously dunno why. Maybe its because my biological dad didn't accept my friend request in facebook.....

Well all that aside, I feel like I'm turning emo nowadays. I dunno why. I listened to a song and I really loved it. The chorus goes like:

I wish I could be your,
Someone to hold you tight,
Someone to make you feel alright.
Everyday and night I wish I was your someone

Someone to hold you when you're weak
Someone to make you feel complete.
Everyday and night I wish I was your someone

I felt something really different..... Somehow... Its unexplainable....

I just feel insignificant.

I also learnt something...

'sometimes there are things that only time could teach you. Like, how much you love a person. Most of the time, you'll only find out how much you love a person when he/she is gone and when you lose that person, you lose a part of yourself too..'

I'm so emotional now. Ok..... I'll see you guys soon.

28th April 2010

2010-04-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

Praise God for another wonderful day. I was just shocked myself, why? Because, i slept at 12 something last night, and i woke up at nearly 12noon today..... Hais, long story.

Anyways, my stomach still freaking hurts! I seriously need to get checked!

Anyways, I blogged because something caught my attention. People kept on doing stupid things in facebook. Tag people with very rude nicknames and I'm seriously not liking any of it. Man, what's wrong with just telling the people straight in their face!

One more thing, I ever warned people everywhere not to cross the line. Making my friends cry?? I'll get involve seriously! I'll let you know once more, make my friends cry, you'll have to answer me..

Anyways, tiring day! Ahhhhhh calling it a day. See you people soon

YOUTH CAMP 2010 - LOVE REVOLUTION CAMP!

2010-03-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, the last time i blogged was 25th january?? 2 months exactly from today! Ahaha. Oh well I'm gonna blog about the LOVE REVOLUTION CAMP! YOOOOOOOOHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Man, due to excitement last sunday night, I only slept for approximately 2 hours! I keep going on and offline chatting with fellow acts29-ers who are also very excited for camp! LOVE REVOLTION CAMP was my very first camp ever and I must say, my $50(early bird) was more than worth it! I had loads of fun, met new awesome friends, learnt a lot and more importantly, I saw many youths on fire for God!

I saw how God moved and changed young people's lives during this 3 days 2 nights camp.. I'm seriously amazed by how the holy spirit was present and send some of the youths falling and weeping. Even I was sent crying, fell to my knees and worshiped! Praise God!

Btw, pictures? Umm all is in facebook. I'll try to edit this blog ones I get hold of my phone's usb.

First, I'll start on what games we played. On the first day, we had the ice breaker called ummm wait i dunno what was the name of the game, let's just call it 'hunter, fire and earthquake' ahaha. It was fun. I wouldn't go to details. The second game was a game where you shoot other group and the group that you shoot will have to defend with gestures. Ahaha. Pretty funny game.

The games in the afternoon was 'the amzing race'. Yes, it was about getting clues from all over the hotel so we had to run with our groups. And yeah we were divided into 10 groups. I was under LOVE STRUCK which was being led by David. We run around the hotel premises and searched for clues! Man that was fun, we had to do sorts of things, we had to drink bitter gourd juice(eeeeky if you wanna know the taste), eat marshmallow with chocolate syrup on the ground( the marshmallow and the chocolate syrup was on a container ofcourse). It was so much fun to watch all the teams have their teamwork. Each time we are able to accomplish a task we are given the next clue! :D sooooooo fun!

The second day, we really got dirty! Ahaha.. Like seriously dirty! We went to pantai tungku! The place was HUGE! We had our games there. We played poster making in which 2 people in the group have to use a manila card, 1 poster paint and girl's hair as paint brush.. Ahaha. My team did an excellent job. Second game was, we have to make water balloons, guess what was the game? BALLOON WAR! YEAH! AHAHA. That time we got paint all over our shirts, too bad for those who are wearing white! Third game was butter bread race, that's what i call it anyways. The forth game was watermelon bowling. And i would call the 5th game the points hunt! Ahaha.

It was all so fun that all teams was competing for points! :D

Ok that's about it for games. I wanna talk about sessions now(services). First session's title was 'one word'

Keep this in mind:
*amazing things can happen when young people say YES to God!

Here are the 4 amzing things that can happen when you say YES to God.
1. You will be favoured by God
2. Your life will be marked by fruitfulness.
3. You will be fearless and empowered.
4. You will have an amazing future.

2nd session, we talked about what can happen when you touch God?

Another thing you keep in mind is that:
*the moment you touch God, you will never go unnoticed(you will no longer be a nobody).

4 things that can happen when you touch God:

1. You can receive from God what no one else can give you.
2. You will experience God's power in you personal life!
3. You will be commended and loved by God himself.
4. You can begin a new journey of peace and blessing.

3rd session we talked about saying goodbye to shame!

3 ways how to say goodbye to shame:

1. Understand with your heart and with your mind that Jesus Christ took the shame for you on the cross.
2. God never intended for us to live in shame.
3. You can experience the joy of the greatest exchange!

4th session was talking about honor.

5 things evry parent wants their teens to know.

1. We are not perfect.
2. We do not attempt to deliberately hurt, nag or sabotage you.
3. We are trying our best.
4. We desperately want you to succeed in all aspects of life.
5. We hardly ever say sorry even if we are wrong but by gifts that we give you, you will know that we are in a subtle way, apologizing because we really do love you.

Of course how can I forget, who was our guest speaker? PASTOR CHRIS LONG! He have brilliant jokes man! Seriously a funny man. He's really really a good teacher. I've learnt a lot from him.

And yeah i totally miss our camp, we want more! Ahah and yeah i miss all my new freinds, jason james, henry, barry, elly and lots more! Huhuh. Hope i see tham again some time soon!

Ok i'll stop here, i'll try to upload the pics asap. :p see you guys again soon!

Law of obedience - finding the fullness of joy

2010-01-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

*The shortest distance between you and the life you want is total obedience to Christ.

John 15:10-11,
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as i have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

*sin always has a price, and the price is in direct proportion to the sin.

Life is lived infront of a two-way mirror. God can see us, but we can't see Him.

What happens when we disobey God?
->you cannot break the laws of God. You can only break yourself against His laws when you ignore or violate them.

->Sin always has a price, and the price is in direct proportion to the sin. Some sins have a greater consequence than others.

What is the price of disobedience?
The price of disobedience comes in 2 forms.
(i) it comes in the natural cause-and-effect consequences of our actions.
(ii) divine dicipline, commensurate with the sin.

Why does God require obedience from us?
-> everything God asks of us, He does so because He wants to give something good to us and/or keep us from harm.

What is the result of obefience?
-> the Scripture promise joy for obedience.
->joy is the consequences of obedience.

OBEDIENCE IS NOT AS HARD IF WE BECOME PERSUADED THAT IT IS NOT ONLY FOR GOD'S GLORY BUT ALSO FOR OUR GOOD.

Great blessing come to the person who is scrupulously obedient to the Scriptures, who doesn't ask, 'how much can I get away with?', but rather, 'how obedient can I be?'.

If you believe obedience is the shortest way/distance between you and the life you want, you will obey. When you disobey, it is bwcause there has been a breakdown of your faith.

Sorry guys if I took so long. was kinda indulge with twitter, hehe. But I'm continueing my daily readin so I can share what I learn whenever I have time. See you all soon. Also pls pray for me. Results are coming out soon. :)

Chapter 2: Law of Holiness. The right way to live is to live right

2010-01-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

THE RIGHT WAY TO LIVE IS TO LIVE RIGHT.

*THE KEY TO HOLY LIVING IS "READY REPENTANCE" OF SIN*

1 Peter 1:15-16

As He who called you is holy,
You also be holy in all your conduct
Because it is written, "be holy for I am holy".

What is the biblical mandate for holiness?
->the mandate for holiness is found in 1 Peter 1:15-16

The holiness referred to here doesn't mean theoritically holiness that looks forward to our complete holiness in heaven. It means practical holiness.

God would be less than God if he called us to a lesser standard. But at the same time, knowing we cannot become sinlessly perfect while still on earth, He has provided a way for us to live holy - though imperfect - lives by cultivating a spirit of ready repentance.

What is the relationship between repentance and holiness?

*DEEP REPENTANCE PRODUCE DEEP FORGIVENESS, WHICH RESULTS IN DEEP MINISTRY WITH OTHERS.*

Practical holiness is rooted in repentance. When we are called to holy living, we fear that God expects us never to sin again. I'll tell you, its hopeless. God knows it as well. However, the blood of Christ cleanses His children from all sin.

PRACTICAL HOLINESS IS ROOTED IN REPENTANCE.

Holy living must be taken seriously, but we must also be ready to accept the grace of God when we sin. As we sharpen and cultivate our understanding of holiness of God, we gain a clearer sense of our own unholiness. This drives us to deeper and deeper repentance, which makes us more and more usable by the Lord.

What final lesson can be learned about holiness?
-> We must take holy living seriously, but we must also take seriously God's grace and forgiveness when we sin.

1) To repent means, literally to turn around.
2) God's agenda for the rest of our lives on earth is our growth into greater holiness.
3) We're not cleansed from the effects of our sin without pain.
4) The great task of holiness is grow up by growing down. Tricky I know. I shall explain. Christians become greater by getting smaller. Pride blows us up like balloons but grace punctures our conceit and let the hot, proud air out of our system.
5) We all fail living a holy life.
6) As we grow spiritually, we begin to see how short we fall of Jesus' character.
7) To grow weaker is to grow stronger.
-> To accept each days' trouble, pain and failure as evidence of our weakness, our need for God's strength is key to our daily cultivation of holiness.
8) When we sin, it doesn't mean our salvation is jeopardized, its just mean our fellowship with God is broken.

Woaaaahhhhhh. So much more to learn don't you guys think. I really want to thank miss pushpa for lending me this book. Man, I'm enjoying reading. Well imaprting too. Ahaha. Tomorrow I'll be reading up on the law of obedience and will be talking about the fullness of joy. I'm so excited! Well that's all for now, that's what I've learned today so see you guys soon.

Continuation

2010-01-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

How can we cultivate greater capacity for happiness?

*By being grateful for the things God has given us, rather than ungrateful for what He has not given us.

Once we laid foundation for happiness by putting God in the center of our lives, we gain daily happiness largely by taking pleasure out of little things in life rather than demanding a succession of big thingS. If only big things makes us happy, we won't have a very happy life.

*Remember: God is the only source of pure happiness and unconditional love.

Imagine what life would be like without food, clothing and shelter. Imagine you had to fear someone kicking the door in and finding you worshipping. Imagine if you lost the freedoms guaranteed in constitution. Imagin if you did not have anyone to love you or anyone to love. Imagine what life would be like if you didn't have little things to brighten your life.

We must learn to:
(i) be aware of the things we like.
(ii) be more appreciative of them

From there our capacity for happiness would increase.

Joy in the life depends on accepting the will of God in our lives and focusing on God's love, what He has done for us' is doing for us and will do for us. Joy depends on enjoying the salvation brought to us in Jesus and knowing all our ultimate needs in life have already been met, and God will see us through the hard times. Joy depends on serving Jesus, telling others about Him, knowing God has chosen to use our feeble efforts to advance His kingdom.

Happiness is a gift to those who follow God's truth.

Not all christians can know happiness. Clearly some non-Christian are happier than some Christians.

The surest road to happiness is living for God, placing our ultimate hope in the next world, and learning to be grateful for the small things that come our way in this world.

That's basically the summary of the first chapter. I'll blog about the 2nd chapter either later night or tomorrow morning :p see you guys soon.

Book: 21 unbreakable laws of life

2010-01-14T09:26:00.000-08:00

1. THE LAW OF HAPPINESS - AN UNEXPECTED GIFT.
*Happiness isn't found by pursuing it;
It is a by-product of pursuing God.*

- In Your presence is fulness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:11

What do most people want out of life?
- Most people wants to be happy.

People have different views as what would it take to make them happy while others persues happiness. Money makes some people happy while others are happy in poverty. Not that they are happy about their poorness but at least they have each other to support and get each other's back.

Blaise Pascal once said that,

'All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attending with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this objective. This is the motive of every man, even of those who hang themselves.'

As christians, we may be vaguely uncomfortable admitting happiness is a priority for us. It doesn't sound spiritual. Yet the bible doesn't seem to shy away from presenting happiness as a valid longing;

Psalms 42:1-2 says,
As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for You, o God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before Him?

Psalms 63:1 says,
O God, You are my God;
I earnestly search for You.
My soul thirst for You;
My whole body longs for You
In this parched and weary lands
Where there is no water.

Psalms 16:11 says,
You will show me the way of life,
Granting me the joy of Your presence
And the pleasure of living with You forever.

The verses above states of deep longings we have and implies that fulfillment of these longings, as well as joy and pleasure, are things God does not find objectionable in humanity. Rather, He seems to encourage it as long as our pursuit of happiness is centered in Him.

How can we be happy?
-> by pursuing God, and trusting Him for happiness.

According to Max Anders;

'if happiness for us comes only through maintaining a sufficient flow of favorable circumstances, life will be pretty hard on most of us. First, we cannot be happy merely withe pleasurable circumstances. Pleasurable circumstances make good frosting but not a good cake. Second, even if circumstances could make us happy, we cannot control them adequately enough to bring us consistent happiness.'

Ok I'll continue the part about pleasurable circumstances later today. Its getting really late(2am) ahaha. So yeah. I'll continue later. :)

When man ruled himself

2010-01-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

This one was supposedly to be shared back last year(28th December 09) but yeah, I have been busy and a lot of crazy things happened. Well anyway, moving on to my sharing.

'Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.
-Proverbs 16:5

Reading my bible is realy an awesome way to find out more about God. I read through about noah and his family and how obedient he was to the Lord.

After the flood, God has given Noah and his family 5 things to do. That is:

(i) replenish the Earth with people.
(ii) take dominion over all animals.
(iii) use animals for their food.
(iv) take green herbs for their food.
(v) obey God's law of a life for a life.

After the long confinement in the ark, what did Noah first do?

->His first act was to glorify God by erecting an altar and sacrificing burnt offerings upon it.

It was then that God made a covenant with Noah that He would never again destroy earth with a flood.

God is only pleased with those who worship Him in spirit and in truth. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' (john 14:6). If we love the Lord because He saved us, we know that nothing we can do with the works of our hands will gain access to heaven. We know that we must come to God in His way.

Ok. That's the first thing I wanna share. I will post another one for what I've read a while ago.

welcome 2010

2010-01-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Its been a while. Sorry if i wasn't able to blog for weeks. I was busy with party planning and other stuff! Oh well, I'll continue my reading soon.

Haha. Well, I don't have much mood to share anything today. I'm still thinking of what happened yesterday. Well we sent Aaron off yesterday. The first OLDER friend who I treated and loved like a real brother. Oh it is real btw. he's really a brother to me :).

I'll just start off sharing again tomorrow. So yeah. See you guys!!

CHRISTMAS 2009

2009-12-25T18:25:00.001-08:00

Hey guys, my christmas was awesome. :) partied from 7pm - 24th december till like 5am - 25th december.

I didn't really party until 5am. I slept at 3am cuz I still want to make it to our christmas service. :) It was really really awesome.

Got BORED

2009-12-22T18:39:00.001-08:00

Hey guys, i'll post the things i've learnt soon yeah. I haven't really read a lot cuz of christmas preparation. :)

Anyway, I got bored and I googled the meaning of my name and to my shock the meaning of my name is 'Ivan - GOD IS GRACIOUS'. I was really surprised.

I also googled some people's name and here are the results. Aaron means mountain of strength. Jerold means spear ruler. Michelle is the feminine of michael which means gift from God. Nikita means unconquered. :)

I never really thought that my name has biblical meanings cuz my name wasn't really mentioned in the bible if i'm not mistaken. Haha.

Oh well. I feel so blessed after what i've found out about my name. Haha. I thought my name was boring. But now. I'm happy that my name is Ivan.

Salvation

2009-12-19T09:53:00.001-08:00

Hey guys. Its been quite a while. Sorry yeah. Well to cut things short. Was busy. Ok? Up to todays topic! :)

All sins has its roots in and grows up out of unbelief. Humans are now self-centered instead of God-centered. Self is the heart of all sin, whether in Satan or in man.

*GOD IS THE CENTER OF TRUE LIFE AND SHOULD BE ITS BEGINNING AND END*

Sin is like a weed that spread through out the garden. It will choke out all the good in our lives if we allow it to grow.

In Romans 3:23, it says,
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

How can you assure that you are going to heaven?
By doing countless good deeds? NO!
By receiving Christ and accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour.

When a friend invited me to go to their church 6 years ago, first question I asked was 'what religion?'
Then I laughed when I heard born again. Why? Because i stupidly thought that I would have to literally go back to my mother's womb and be born again from there. How stupid right? I came to know that being born again means to a reborn in the spirit.

In order to be saved, we must be born of the spirit.

What does it mean to be a sinner?
Being a sinner means that you have failed to do what God requires to be in right relationship with Him. You have failed to do God's law.

Romans 3:10 - 18 says,
as the scriptures say,
"No one is righteous, not even one. No one is truly wise, no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one."
"Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies"
"Snake venoms drips from their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitternes,"
They rush to commit murder. Destruction and misery always follow then. They don't know where to find peace.
They have no fear of God at all.

Remember this, no amount of good deeds can send you to heaven or please God. Without Christ, it is impossible to please God no matter how hard you try. Because we sin, we were seperated from God and could not be a part of His kingdom.

When Ps. Peh Han asked me last thursday, 'what is the judgment for sin?' I answered death.
I was correct. Its not physical death but SPIRITUAL DEATH.

Notice in Genesis, God said to Adam and Eve that they were free to eat any fruits from the garden except for one for they will surely die.

They didn't die physically, but spiritually.

If you refuse to accept God's love and offer of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then you will remain in your sin and continue to be separated from God. If you die seperated from God, you are condemned to an eternity without God in what the bible calls hell.

Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states that we are saved by grace - favor of God gives you. It is undeserved, unearned and given freely. Grace comes through faith. Faith is being totally convinced that something is true.

This is what I've learnt for the past 3 days. Well mostly was from my Bible study with Peh Han last thursday. Hope you guys learn something too. :) I'm done for now. I'll impart whatever I learn next very soon. Thank you Peh Han for offering a bible study for me every Thursday! :)

sorry

2009-12-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys. haven't posted for quite some time. I haven't got the time to post the things I've learnt this past few days and been busy with christmas preparations.

Hopefully I'll blog later or tomorrow.. :)

BELIEVING

2009-12-15T07:05:00.001-08:00

An update for what I've learnt today! :)

Some people do not believe in God or the Bible. Why? Because they do not or cannot understand it all or simply they're just not yet ready.

I believe that if people do not open their hearts to God, they will never come to know or understand Him and His teachings. Each and everyone of us may not be able to understand him fully, but as christians, we must believe in Him.

The wisest and ablest people in the world are those who are ready to listen to what God tells them, to use what He has given them and to believe in Him and His love.

Unbelieving is the biggest sin according to the Bible.

How does sin comes to human heart?
It comes through temptation.

The devil takes delight in misinterpreting God. He tries to make us think that God is holding back on us. He tells us to pay no attention to God but just do what WE think is right.

Take the serpent in the Bible as am example.

The serpent put in Eve's heart the wicked, terrible thought that there are some other better plan than God's plan.

The devil makes promises but he never does it unlike our Almighty God. God always keep his promises and fulfills them.

I am assured that I won't get tempted to a certain extent that I, myself can't handle. Why? Because, God has promised, wherever there is a temptation, there is also a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, the temptations in your life are no different from what others experiences. And God is faithful. He will not allow temptation to be more than you can stand.

We are just humans, we tempt a lot. We cannot avoid it but God wouldn't let the temptation to cross a certain level where we cannot take it anymore.

NEVER DOUBT GOD. GOD ALWAYS DOES WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU. HE LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK. HE LOVES YOU UNCONDITIONALLY!

6 terrible results came upon the whole world when they chose to sin. (Adam and Eve)

1. The ground was cursed.
2. There would be suffering in childbirth.
3. Humans would now have to toil in order to live.
4. There would be physical and spiritual death.
5. There would be fear of God instead of fellowship with Him.
6. Humankind was expelled from the Garden.

Not only humans get tempted, Jesus WAS also tempted by Satan but Satan did not succeed and Jesus didn't fall for the temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11)

*it is important that we know the scriptures for us to resist the temptations of the devil.

What does sin do to us?
1. SINS TAKES AWAY OUR KINGDOM.
Ps. Peh Han have shared to us, '30 minutes of pleasure, can ruin 30 years of ministry'.

2. SINS TAKES AWAY YOUR FEAR OF GOD.
-->one act of compromise leads to action, then leads to habit then forms our character and character leads to destiny.

*whatever is not of faith is sin.

Why is sin terrible?
-->because God hates it. It seperates up from Him and keeps us from heaven. It brings forth death.

Who convicts up of sins?
THE HOLY SPIRIT.

God is a merciful God. He will forgive us if we come to him.

I question I always bear in mind - is what we're living for, Christ worth dying for??

Sorry for the very late blogging. I was doing some stuff but I have written this earlier today. Wasn't able to blog cuz was side tracked! Haha. Very sorry. I'll talk about who knows what tomorrow. Only God knows.

PRAYER AND FASTING

2009-12-14T00:29:00.000-08:00

Today, some of us are fasting, I took the opportunity to have a read on my book and learn some more about God. :)

From now onwards, I'll post all the things I learn from christian books and the Bible.

Today, I started out reading the Bible and my personal Praise and Worship. After that, I proceed reading the book 'God's Plan'.

Today, I've learnt about angels.

What are angels?
Angels were created by the Lord to do his bidding. In other words, Angels serve the Lord.

According to the Bible, angels are a distinct class mer beings who have never been human beings.
--> They are ministering spirits.

Hebrew 1:14 says that, 'therefore, angels are only servants - spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation'.

God has MUCH MORE for us humans. So if you want to be an angel, I'm afraid you won't make it. God doesn't want you to be an angel. You are one of God's children, and God's children are meant to reign with Him. Angels will serve Him.

Believers in Christ are called saints. They are not addressed as angels.

The word 'angel' which literally means 'messenger' is used in scriptures with reference to 3 distinct kinds of beings.
(1) It is used with reference to God himself, i.e. 'the angel of God'
(2) Also used in reference to men messengers.
(3) A host of spiritual creatures.

I also learnt that there are two classes of angels, namely:
(1) Those who serve God, and
(2) The fallen angels who followed Satan in his revolt against God.

Take note! Special work of an angel is to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation.

What are archangels?
The archangel defends the holiness of God and fight against Satan.

Besides angels, I also learnt how to resist the devil, by using the ARMOR OF GOD.

Everyday we must wear,
(1) THE BELT OF TRUTH - means that no place for deceit in our lives.

(2) THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS - as Christians we have the righteousness of Christ.

(3) THE SHOES OF PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE - that means we are always ready to tell the way of salvation wherever we are.

(4) SHIELD OF FAITH - by trusting Christ for strength, we can keep from the devils power.

(5) HELMET OF SALVATION - we must know that we are christians. We must know it because God tell us so in His Words, and His Spirit bears witness with up that we are His children.

(6) The only offensive weapon we have is the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT - which is the Word of God. Christ resisted Satan by quoting words from the scriptures.

In Psalms 119:11, it says, 'Your words I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You'.

Overall, what's missing from the Armor of God? Did you notice that nothing is covering our back? Or a defensive item to protect us? It's because as Christians, we do not retreat in Christian life. We always march as an offensive army.

I'm gonna continue reading. :) This is my very first fasting as a christian. It's really great! I don't even feel hungry for not eating. But I'm hungry for God! :) I'll continue to read and learn more. I'll blog more of what I learn on daily basis. :) I'll see you guys soon

funny videoz~

2009-12-10T00:17:00.000-08:00

TEAMWORK :)

2009-12-08T00:39:00.001-08:00

Hey guys, I just got home from having a heart to heart talk with Ps. Pei Han. We had lunch together in easyway. He's really a good man to talk with that much I can say.

It was really good. And yeah after lunch we went back to AFC and had a nice long chat with Jerold. :)

Ok ok. I didn't blog to talk about my lunch had a long chat with Jerold.

Ok, what is teamwork? Surely people have their own ways of explaining it right? Anyways, it is important. Especially when a group is doing something.

As what they always say, two heads are better than one. :)

Some might say that 'I work better alone and under pressure!'
Yeah, that may be true but, its always good to have someone to help us ok.

Well, nothing much to say. But seriously man, I'll share something soon. Let me see what I can get yeah. But for now I would say, don't own up all the work that you could share with other people.

I CAN'T HIDE

2009-12-07T00:19:00.001-08:00

Hey guys, lately I haven't been able to blog regularly. I know I promised I'll be blogging to keep you guys updated but things has been crazy around me and I can't think straight. Sorry about that.

Now, the title of my blog for today is 'I CAN'T HIDE'. Well you guys might not understand it now but surely you'll find out if you're fast enough in understanding things as you read through.

Smiling, but not meaning it. Saying 'i'm ok' but not really. Answering 'yeah' whenever they ask, everything ok? That's me lately.

The only time I can make a real smile is when I'm in church or our home group meetings. My friends has something in them that can really make me smile everytime I see them. They're totally turning my frown to a smile.

Well, I haven't really told anyone about this yet cuz I thought it was fixed long ago but turns out, no. I was trying to fix everything on my own.

I'm not an attention seeking person. That's what I can say. I'm not the kind of person to grab everyone's attention while their attention is elsewhere! Seriously, I'm not like that. I can be annoying, that one I will admit but will never be an attention seeking person, maybe a little bit but not like all the time.

I used to be the kind of person who like to broadcast stuff using facebook or I'll even msg everyone when something happened or I'm angry with someone and follow up with swearing.

So I won't broadcast any names here, but I know you're one of the regular readers of this blog. I would say this, My network of friends is wide. You can't go telling people what I'm not. Stop making stories about me man, so not manly of you. And if you think my REAL friends will turn against me, think again! You may have turned some people against me, but you can't get through me. I won't let it anymore man. I admit, I was down cuz I wasn't expecting it all to come from you.

You caught me off guard but will never happen again. Anyways, who am I to judge. I'm not God. So i'll just forgive and forget. Cuz if I continue being down or hold grudges, it'll just consume me. If God can forgive, I can too. I'll just have to pretend that none of this happened.

Hey guys, I know you keep saying that I've changed. But that doesn't give you the right to blame my church friends. You have no right to judge them cuz they didn't force me to change. It was my own will to change. So don't blame them. Plus if I changed, just accept the fact. There's no need to hate people. Ok? Stop blaming. :)

If you think you dunno me anymore then get to know me again. Seriously, i'm still me. Only some things changed. Not all ok? I'm still me. I just don't swear anymore. So stop making me go back to my old ways when something little happen I will say F... See, I've got my own ways now. Not only through that word ok? So chill, I'm still me.

Remember this, to everyone, THE ONLY CONSTANT THING IS CHANGE.
So can't avoid it.

RACHEL CHIN'S BIRTHDAY!

2009-12-04T22:01:00.001-08:00

Hey guys sorry for not blogging for quite some time. Busy with some stuff. To be specific, i'm busy practicing. :) singing that is.

2nd Dec 09 - Rachel had her birthday party at her house!! Man had a lot of fun!

It was so much fun. We went home very late. What did we do?? Hmmm how to start?

It all started out with the dinner! BARBECUE! Haha. Then we sang using the game singstar! :) we sang loads of songs! Haha

The pictionary was so intense! Aaron and the others were shouting! Yeah, till his voice broke! Haha.

3rd december 09 - worship practice! I loved it! Man singing with them was really really good! But i still need my training! :)

Nothing much new. I just can't wait for tomorrow which is Sunday! Haha. And the day my mom and I are gonna go shopping for christmas!!!

FRESH FIRE PART 2. LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES

2009-12-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

See how fun it was!! Haha. My very first FRESH FIRE CONFERENCE was really something! I really learned a lot! I wish it could be longer but unfortunately it had to come to an end. Next year, I will definitely go again, there's a lot more to learn...

Anyways, here's some of the things we did during our leisure time!

We swim!!! Wait till Angie uploads the other pictures by the pool and you will see how crazy it was for youths to play at the kid's slide! Ahaha

We went jalan jalan! HAHA. MICHELLE LOOKS SO BANGANG!!! :P
WE ALWAYS GO PARKSON FOR LUNCH!! AHAHA

Youths went to the coast to take pictures! Sunset was so cool!!! haha

Look at Jonathan. He's trying to say, "Angie! It's not too late to repent! You must seek deliverance!"
Everyone else in the background says, "YES ANGIE! WOOOOOOOOOOOOH!"

Ok that's lame haha..

If I'm not mistaken, this picture was taken right before the 4th session began. Haha. the taking pictures was my idea and everyone seemed to like it and joined in!

More pictures to come. most pictures are in facebook already so just go check there.Its really really one great moment to remember! :)

Part 3 will be about our journey going back to brunei! ahaha

=.= Can't think =.=

2009-12-01T16:29:00.000-08:00

Good morning guys. I didn't get to blog yesterday and some people kept on messaging me last night to 'please blog ivan! Please!'. Sorry guys but seriously my brain is somehow in a holiday mood. Plus, nothing has been going on around me except for me being extremely happy to be at church like usual.

I finally got the pictures from fresh fire. Visit my facebook profile. I'll blog again later ok? I'll blog for the part two a.k.a activities during leisure time. :)

I'm still sleepy. =.= Happy birthday to Rachel Chin, Cynthia Choo and Loo Kuoh Hou! :)

FRESH FIRE! Part 1

2009-11-29T18:44:00.001-08:00

Just got back from Miri yesterday around 7pm. That was 4 hours travel from Miri cuz the traffic was too long at the border! We spent an hour to get to the border! I slept in the car! Haha. Unlike when we were going there, we had an extra passenger, we had ANGIE! She slept at the back of the car then I slept in front of the car! SHOT GUN! I slept cuz the traffic was driving me crazy! I hoped that by the time I wake up, we'll be out of the border but NO! I slept for nearly an hour but we're still just ABOUT TO REACH THE BORDER! I found out that I woke up ANGIE cuz I snored in the car. Well I don't usually snore but I was tired. SORRY ANGIE!

Anyways, Thursday afternoon around 4.30pm, the movie 'NEW MOON' ended then we rushed out to drive so that we can reach miri before dark. Well we did reach Miri before dark, the Miri border that is. We were at Miri by 6.15pm. Haha. Fast right? Guess how fast Katherine Hii drove up to Miri? 160KM/HR!! We were so fast! We overtook every single car on the road! It was so cool!! Haha. Katherine showed me around Miri but I didn't really go to Curtin as what I've planned cuz I got too taken over by the time! Haha!

See how ironic this is, we arrived at Miri first but we checked in last among the youths. Haha. We ate dinner straight in BOULEVARD. KFC! CHEEZY WEDGES! Then turns out when we arrived at the hotel, everyone is out for dinner. They walked across the street. Some seafood restaurant. I WANT SEAFOOD! Haha. My room mates were Wee Hong, Jonathan, Yen and Sam. Aaron was supposedly in our room but since there as 6 of us there already, he moved to David's room by the main building so there's 5 of us left. :)

By the time I arrived, they're out. So I took my time to read my book. And yeah. I wasn't really able to sleep well that night as I have this thing about new places. I must get to know the place first then I will be able to sleep well. :) :)

Friday morning, Wee hong and I had to wake up early cuz we are ushering. :) Haha. First session was with Pastor Manohar. We learnt about hearing God. We should hear things in GOD's perspective. Ministry time was so intense! It was awesome!

By the second session I was also ushering. Well basically, I'm ushering for 5 sessions. :) I don't really mind. I'm serving God. By the second session, the topic was suffering of Jesus. Each and every session had their own ministry time. It was really intense where you can really feel God's presence there! God was definitely there! Its AWESOME!

Third session, which was Saturday morning, the msg was preached by Pastor Yang. The topic was about seeing God spiritually. During his ministry time, I really cried and fell onto my feet. I can really relate! My gosh. I feel that something was moving inside me. Ok goosebump right? But its true.

Fourth session was held Saturday night by Pastor Manohar once again. Topic was about DIVINE SETTING. Here are the 4 spheres where God worked to prepare everything for the coming of his Son Jesus Christ.
1. Politically - where God let the hedens to rule Israel because the jews and Israelis had to take responsibility of the death of Christ.

2. Religiously - where God let the people to be exceedingly zealous of the law.

3. Nationally - where God prepared Israel. Chosen Abraham.

And

4. Spiritually - the most beautiful work of God. :)

Remember this, God can grant you great visions as long as the spirit of meakness is present.

The 5th session was mainly about the distribution of the Fire! Which what I have been longing for to receive. We were there to receive. :)
My next blog will be about the things we did during our leisure time. Some of us went for a swim and some slept and some were studying cuz they have exams TODAY! GOOD LUCK DIANA AND JASMINE!! :) I'll try to blog about the things we did during our leisure time if I get hold of the pictures ok! See you guys soon for more updates! :)

FRESH FIRE IS HERE!

2009-11-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

WOW! Its seems that time goes by really fast. It seems that the registration for the fresh fire was just yesterday but it FINALLY CAME!

I was really really excited for this day. Who's not gonna be right? Plus, its my first time to Miri! Haha. Thank you Andy for warning me not to get mugged!

Not bringing down the name of Philippines but I think I'll be able to survive in Miri. Philippines, people are being mugged all the time but I haven't really got mugged before. THANK GOD!!

Well anyways, I didn't blog to talk about being mugged! Haha. Well, anyways, as what I've said, Fresh Fire is today. I really really prepared myself physically, emotionally and spiritually. I wanna go to this conference all prepared to absorb everything that i can learn. It was harder than what I thought to prepare myself spiritually. A lot of distractions occured and obstacles to face mentally.

No matter how hard it was. I focused on one goal. That is to clear distractions and to surrender and commit everything to God. I signed up for this conference not only to have fun, but also to learn more. To improve myself in every way I can. Especially to impart whatever there is to impart to others and teach them whatever there is to teach. :)

Now, hopefully I can say that I'm totally ready for anything. Fire from heavens will burn my soul and will able to learn everything I have to. By Faith, I wanna say, I will be improved. :) :)

I'll see you guys tonight. JEROLD, thanks for last night. Talking with you really was something!

Andy, Niks, Maria, Jasmine and Joel - My classmates.... James Lemque - my brother.

2009-11-25T01:17:00.000-08:00

I know I blogged this morning but I've been longing to blog about this people. Now I have the chance, I will do it. Andy, Niks, Maria, Jasmine, Joel and James this blog is dedicated to you guys.

I met Joel, Andy, Jasmine and Maria back when I was in form 1 and we we're classmates. Well I knew Niks too but we never talked. I came to know her in form 2, Niks was my co-prefect. I regret that I didn't make use of my time wisely back then. I could have hanged out more with them. Now we came to the point that we will barely see each other.

James, I've met you back when you we're in form 1 and I was in form 3. You were such a nice kid and you still are. Through the 3 years that we've been friends, I learnt how to love you as my real brother and you treated me as one too. Through the ups and downs you never leave me, you were there all the way to support me.

Enough introduction. Let's go to the first person:

Andy: HONESTLY, he's the very very very first person to talk to me in school. He brought me to sit with Joel. HAHA. You know one thing, knowing Andy now, he didn't want me to sit near jasmine cuz jasmine was sitting at the table behind me that day. I sat there only for two periods, I bet if there wasn't any teacher back then, they'll ask me to move earlier. Oh I still remember what class it was, it was HISTORY! Teacher Menchie! My favorite subject! Haha. Man my memory is really good!!! :)

Up until form 5, Andy and I were classmates. Now, he got accepted in taylor's university in Malaysia!! Come to think of it, I haven't congratulate him for that!!! CONGRATULATIONS Andy!

I don't really know if I made this guy laugh already but yeah. Andy, yous probably know me more than I'd expect. Well, I'm not really surprised, Teacher Eugene told you things about me right? Haha. Through that, I hope, it helped you in some ways.

Joel: The youngest among us. :) My very first seat mate too. Well I knew you were filipino the moment I sat with you. We've been classmates, by we I meant andy, you and me, from form 1 till form 5! I've been really arrogant some time back in form 3. Sorry if I was to harsh. You were the class monitor. I was asked by Teacher Priya to be strict specifically with you. I'm really sorry. I never really got that close to you but honestly, without you, the class will really really be quiet man! The class laughter won't be there. :)

Jasmine: The SINGAPOREAN! Well, seeing you reminds me of my old bestfriend Sujan. You do remember him right? Well ofcourse you do, you guys will argue ones he calls you marshmallow! Haha. And the Harry Magar thing with Chin Chi. Anyways. All this way till form 5, wow, I never knew that this friendship will last this long. You know, at times, you get into my nerves and yeah I know I do too. Duh! I'm the most annoying person in the class. I think? Haha

Maria: The smart one!!! Haha. I always copy homework from you back in form 3! Man, I passed maths for PMB taking all your advices! Thanks a lot! The next few sentences will be in tagalog cuz you'll need it in phils, my turn to help you out now. Kahit di tayo gaanung nagsasama sama, isa ka sa mga pinakamalapit sakin. Hirap magexplain pero alam mu naman siguro anu ibig kong sabihin db? Lahat ng ginawa mu, I really do appreciate it. Ok, I know that in tagalog but too long to write! Haha. Siguro minsan naaasar ka na kc alam mu naman na kahit ako ung pinaka matanda sa klase, ako rin ung pinaka isip bata. Haha. Salamat sa lahat ng tulong ah! Back to english! Really! I appreciate everything.

Niks: The person not to be forgotten. I mean, how can I forget her, she always 'steal' my friends from me. Like Jim for instance. Well not literally steal lah. She would know those good good people through me. And she calls me the lifesaver on one of our pictures back on my birthday though I dunno exactly why! Oh btw, Niks was the only classmate that stayed back during my birthday hang out in school among my classmates! She didn't care if there was H1N1! Wow! You should see how far we've gone! From enemies to what we are now. I'm really glad that I got close to you Niks! I don't regret anything. :) Now I'm so glad that I was able to bring you to AFC!

James: The first person that I loved as my brother. We never really had a misunderstanding until this year. I hope I was a good example to you to the past years. Now, although we don't talk, I still feel that someday, you will understand how I feel now. I was only jealous cuz seeing your siblings makes me feel really guilty for what I've said before. I told myself that I wanted to be the only child and now that I'm mature enough, I realized that I was so selfish. I know that I still have you James. The affection is still there. I can feel it.

To all the form 5s that I mentioned above. I won't forget the things we've all done together. Specially 1 October 2009 and 10 October 2009. I will miss you guys. We'll part ways for now or some of us will stay but will definitely remember you guys!

EXCITED MUCH!?? =P

2009-11-24T17:47:00.001-08:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!! I'll blog early today cuz I will be busy for the rest of the day. Busy of what? Haha. Good question, I'll be busy double checking my stuff to bring to Miri tomorrow. :)

Btw, I feel like I'm such a typo. I read through my previous blogs and wow, I made a lot of mistakes, sorry about that =P

Well, anyways, I'm like very excited for our Fresh Fire conference and I finished packing LAST NIGHT!!

Mei fong was like 'so fast! You should help me pack'.
I'd love to. Haha. I'm very pumped up for tomorrow. :)

I feel that this conference will be extremely awesome because God's fire will be there! I'm seriously excited.

I'm still thinking if I should bring my PS2 or not cuz we have quite a lot of leisure time... Should I? I wanna play DDR. Haha.

Yeah! Road trip tomorrow with katherine!! :) We'll have lunch together first then go watch 'new moon' then WE'RE OFF!

I might not be able to blog for 3 days and 3 nights. I'll be back anew and full with new learnings that I can apply with everyday life.

ANGIE is gonna buy me a new bible! ANGIE! THANK YOU SO MUCH! IT WILL HELP ME A LOT ON MY EVERYDAY READING! I LOVE YOU! :)

ANGIE will buy me a bible as a graduation present! Now I can learn more of God's teachings and words in English, finally. My tagalog is somewhat slowly fading. Well, not those tagalog I use everyday lah. But those in the tagalog Bible are somehow deep. I know I used to know those tagalog, but can't remember what they mean! Haha

AFC family, i'll see you there tomorrow night!! Yeah! I won't be able to sleep properly due to excitement! Haha

DEPENDING TOO MUCH??

2009-11-24T00:20:00.001-08:00

Hey guys! How's your day so far? Mine is going great.

I wanna share to you guys what I've learnt from my CG leaders Aaron and Jerold. Its about depending on other people so much. My blog today is dedicated to one of the regular readers of my blog who will go in msn like, 'IVAN! Why didn't blog today, I need your advice now!'

One thing i wanna tell you, I maybe able to help you NOW but what if the day that I'm not there comes? Who will you depend on? I'm not saying that I'm gonna die soon but at some point, I will not be there to help you guys out and blog for you to get some advice from.

I'm not saying that you guys should stop depending on me. I'm always glad to give out advices. But I'm telling you. I cannot solve every problem there is in this world. There's a certain limit for me to fine an answer for you guys. Yes, I'm glad that I created so much impact for you guys. I will be here to help but remember. There are problems that I don't want to 'campur tangan'.

One more thing, this part I've learnt from Aaron and Jerold. At some point, people will have to part ways and people are just people and at some point, they will fail you, leave you behind and can't help you. I'm NOT trying to tell you that ALL PEOPLE will fail you but at certain times they will, even me.

Don't get me wrong, I feel so glad and so trustworthy that you guys are sharing your problems with me, opening up with me and asking me for advices. I'm happy for that. Thank you for trusting me. :)

But as I said. There's a certain range of problems I can give you advices. Not all. One suggestion, open up to GOD! There is nothing He cannot do! He will be able to help you. Just talk to Him. He will never fail. Just surrender and commit everything in His hands.

I hate disappointing people ok. I don't feel right if I disappoint someone.

I don't want to be a hypocrite of some sort, I also use to do that. I also depend on people so much but I learn ok?? I learnt that you cannot always count on your friends for answers.. They don't have it all.

Now, I depend on God cuz I know this problems are just trials to make me even stronger. So I hope I'm able to impart some blessing to you guys. I'm glad I was able to become a blessing to this person who admitted that I'm always able to help out. You know who you are.

PRAISE GOD THAT I'M ABLE TO BE OF SOME BLESSING TO YOU. :)

Extraordinary Day

2009-11-22T17:07:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was my favourite day of the week! SUNDAY! Yeah. I wanted to greet Alisa a happy birthday greeting but unfortunately she wasn't there. Well I greeted her through facebook though at 2am in the morning! :)

Ok, on with the story. As what I've said. It was an extraordinarily great day. Not much people came to church due to their school's speech day. I miss Wan Shing! :( Ok, back to the story. I would say that we, the ushers did a better job than last week. GREAT JOB GUYS! Thanks to the efforts of ANGIE and our teamwork. The praise and worship session yesterday was awesome. With Aaron and Rachel leading us all, I could feel the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit among us. It was really awesome!

Oh, I also found out that the word awesome is not suppose to be used randomly. We must use it in a proper way.

The word 'awe' means fear. So basically, it will mean FEARSOME. So from now on, we must learn how use it in a proper context. :)
- learnt that from Ps. Benny Ho!

Back to yesterday's happenings. The ministry time was really overwhelming. The message yesterday can really talk to us youth as we sin everyday. I learnt that sin takes away our kingdom and it takes our fear of God away.

I was really really attentive yesterday. I listened very well. Aaron is really helping me to change my bad traits to a positive one. THANKS AARON. Now I'm slowly learning to listen well and not multi-task while other people are talking to me. I'll get there. :)

Yesterday after the service, we went straight to the cafeteria and we hanged out. I had a nice chat with katherine! I ended up following her to drive up to Miri on thursday!! Road trip baby! Haha!

I finally got the chance to meet up with an old friend Shan wee. Unfortunately, I didn't get to talk to him much. I didn't recognise him at first, his looks really changed a lot from last year! I'll get my chances on the fresh fire one! Yeah!

Sophia asked me to be in-charge at the cafeteria and to make sure that no one leaves the place cuz we still have CG. Although some of them left after the service cuz they really had to, the PLK center was still quite full with the remaining people. The games are really fun!!

The first game was something to do with partners sitting back to back hands locked tight together! Then you have to stand up together from your sitting position. How hard could that be right? It will depend on your strategy, physical strength and determination to get up. Cooperation and communication with your partner is really essential. First, we paired up with the people we are comfortable with. Since i was like sitting next to Katherine, I paired up with her. At first, she didn't know how to get up. So yeah, it was kinda hard for the both of us. Well i told her the technique.

Second game was kinda disturbing! Ahaha. check out Rachel Chin's facebook. I don't wan to go onto details! Haha.

Well got to go now! See you guys soon!

Always there for a friend

2009-11-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

'Ivan, why are you still helping your friends even after that, they'll leave you behind?'

A question that's always being asked. My answer will be, 'I'm always glad to help. I don't care if I benefit from it or not. Helping doesn't mean that you have to get something out of it!'

Am I right? Or are you the kind of person to do it for something in exchange?

As what I've told you guys, friendship is not like a toy, its not to be ignored. :) Helping friends is one of my natures. By now, something added up to your knowledge about me. Everyone, nearly everyone of my friends ask advices from me. I won't let them down. I don't care if I blow my head off just to find a solution to help them.

'Ivan, you don't have to solution to all the world's problem!'

That may be true but if I push myself, I'm able to come up with something to ease the pain or atleast to comfort a friend. Besides, if God has given me the talent to understand my friend's problems then why not use it to help them out. :) What's the point of having it if you're not gonna be able to use it for the benefit of others?

See now, I'm like that. Nothing can stop me from fixing a problem or helping out. :)

For now, that's all. I had a great laugh with Angie just now. :) Happy!

CHURCH DAY TODAY!! I LOVE SUNDAY!! WEEEEE! I'M SO EXCITED FOR FRESH FIRE!

GRADUATION!

2009-11-20T21:48:00.001-08:00

Ok today was the graduation and merit presentation. I might not be a merit receiver, I'm still happy. :) I'm proud of myself. I tried my very best to achieve what I achieved right now. :)

My gosh, today, I was so nervous for the presentation and all. :) I was like, very very nervous. But yeah, I made one mistake but yeah, who cares only us knows right? I didn't even know until we finished the presentation. :)

Maria said it was good. JM and I were moving at the same time. By that, steps were completely the same. We were in sync that's what Maria said. :)

I'm just glad that it turned out so well. I'm not really feeling so well. I'm having cold and yeah, somehow, I feel really sleepy. :(

Last night was a very fruitful and productive night. I seriously learnt a lot. :) I'm like so so focused on the topic last night. First time I really focused when something is being taught. :) i really loved it. :)

I think I'm going to rest for a bit. I'm gonna have worship practice later, so yeah. Must rest for a while.

ENCOURAGEMENT.

2009-11-19T01:56:00.000-08:00

My gosh! I NEVER MADE A LOT OF MISTAKES IN A SINGLE DANCE! Started off from the wrong entrance, then messed up steps! Seriously, teacher asked us to come out of the back stage even its not even our que yet! So we were ahead. The music is like so... Nvm! Atleast I managed to balance the glass on my forehead prosperly!!

Seriously, dancing is the only thing that I barely make mistakes. I mean, I can follow the steps really well but today, wow HANCUR! I never expected it to turn out that way today. GENERAL REHEARSALS AGAIN! Our practices were ok during our normal practices but today was totally ruined.

All that aside- I was playing with the lighter just now. Which means fire! Haha. Well I actually played with the flashlight on top of the lighter, you know those kind of flashlights right? Haha. Niks saw me, then I told Ella to say 'ah!'. I'm playing dentist ok! Haha. Then Niks borrowed it. She started to play 'optalmologist' then yeah. I took the lighter back then played with the fire. She borrowed it again to play with fire. Here goes Maria, she blew the lighter's fire like a birthday celebrant blowing her birthday candles. Well, I don't exactly know what happened but yeah, Niks suddenly shut her eyes. Then 4 of us had a good laugh. By 4 of us, I meant, Niks, Jasmine, maria and me. :) :) :)

Then this lame joke came me, I asked Maria, 'what if niks accidentally light the lighter instead of the flashlight? That will burn her brows!'
For some reason Maria laughed harder and yeah. I was like, ok this is getting random!!! Haha.

Again Maria ruined Niks' cowboy views. :) Niks told me, 'You look like a cowboy in that attire'
Maria immediately responded, 'yeee ha!'
Seriously. Maria is pretty hyper just now. :)

Ok ok, side tracked! For the topic of today! As I said last night, I'm gonna share something encouraging today!

First, Define the word friendship!

It is an affection, alliance, amity, attachment, camaraderie, relationship or attachment to another person.

You must understand that friendship is not built so easily. You need to gain a certain person's trust.

ANOTHER THING! FRIENDSHIPS MUST NOT BE THROWN AWAY! MUST NOT BE IGNORED!

Don't be so immature.

When someone did little wrong to you, don't go like, 'oh I don't friend you anymore!' VERY IMMATURE!

Before you say that, make sure that you have a very valid reason. But I won't accept any reason. For me, friendships must be cherished! Its not a toy that when you're done playing with it, you'll just leave it behind in one place or a toy thats when broken you'll just throw it away since its useless already. FRIENDSHIP IS MORE THAN THAT!

No one in this world doesn't have a friend. Everyone is meant to have someone that they can count on whenever they need comfort, hug and someone to talk with.

This topic came to me cuz one of my friends told me that her friend told me that she wants to break their friendship. I would say, that's just STUPID!

FRIENDSHIP IS NOT A TOY! I know its hard to gain back the trust lost after you guys had a misunderstanding. But work hard. Everything will pay off!

Only Aaron Lim knows this story. I think I should share so that you'll be encouraged.

I'm very sure that in your life, you came across with a person you treated and loved like a real brother or sister. I don't have any siblings so yeah. I became very close to this person and used my prefect position to keep him out of trouble and everything. We are very close!

He was getting jealous whenever I talk about people who are really nice to me. But that only shows that he cares ok. We've been through a lot, through the ups and downs, we kept each other strong. Now that's real friendship. Whenever he has problems, He'll talk to me online and I do the same. Or if possible, we'll talk personally. :)

And this day finally came. Our very first misunderstanding. It tore me apart after he told me to stay away and he doesn't want to see me anymore.

I didn't do what he wanted me to do. I still stayed. It was hard. But for some reason I still felt that the affection was there. He was still trying to get my attention, I found out that he still talks good things about me and defends me when someone is talking behind my back. But even he's doing that. He still insisted for to go away.

I still didn't. I worked so hard to put us back together! I picked up the pieces he threw away... I did succeed. All hard work was paid off.

Tell me, why did I even bother fixing it while he's driving me away?

Yes, it is part of me. But that's not the answer why. The real answer is that, if I just let it slip away out of my hands and let him go since he wanted me to go away, I WOULD FEEL SO MUCH PAIN! HE WILL TOO. Yes, it hurts fixing things, especially when the other party doesn't want to fix it. But its worth it ok.

Don't just throw it away like some kind of toy. Value your friendship. :)

Remember, THERE ARE GOLD SHIPS AND SILVER SHIPS BUT THE BEST SHIP IS FRIENDSHIP :)

This will be by shortest post.

2009-11-18T02:39:00.001-08:00

Ok. Last night's atmosphere in the prayer hall was definitely overwhelming. We all prayed for Paul and Sunny's needs in China. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit was so strong.

I also was my prayer last night was in a whole different level. :)

So after the prayer meeting, we had dinner as usual. :) it was great. Ella came! And yeah. After the dinner, my stomach hurt a lot for laughing so hard. Aaron sounds so weird speaking in chinese! And guess what, he tried to speak in tagalog and you know what he said? He said 'expensive fart!'

Seriously, thank you Aaron, PL and Katherine. I had a good laugh.

Anyways. Today is my biological dad's birthday. Happy birthday dad. I love you wherever you are now. Without you, I will not be born. Thank you. :)

I haven't gotten my sleep since last night. By that. I literally haven't slept. Waited for the meteor shower early today. And yeah, I just watched it. I was at my veranda with my blanket! Haha. It was cold.

Well, that's it for now. I'll share some encouraging things tomorrow. :)

-FAREWELL TO OUR HIGHSCHOOL YEAR- dedicated to all form 5s of SGS

2009-11-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Everything came to an official close yesterday. Form 5s ended their last exams yesterday. I'm so delighted that our suffering for studying and sleepless nights finally came to an end yet I'm desolated to know that we have to part ways.

Don't get me wrong, its not totally the end of our journey. Its just the start. Studies may have come to a complete halt for now, but after 3 months, here we go again.

I'd like to think that this is just a short weekend and we'll see each other again after a day or two, but we must all face the inevitable fact that in life, friends and people cannot always be together. At some point, people will leave, part ways with one another on pursuing their dreams and to see their brighter future. I had a difficult time to accept that as I'm very attached to all my friends.

HIGHSCHOOL as what our parents always say, it is the best part of our journey to where we are going.

You may ask why?
Try looking back to the things that happened for 5 years. Highschool is where we experience everything. Pain, happiness, joy, suffering, first true love and the glory of knowing your true friends.

Some people may say, how can be the 'downs' in my highschool life be the best?
Well, I know its not the best but through those obstacles that we've all been, we were brought up and trained to be tougher and we managed to strengthen our weaknesses. Through our downfalls we learn, through our mistakes we improve. We can't always be right. We are people and we are NOT PERFECT! We tend to make mistakes! Its inevitable!

We also had our good times, pictures and memories that we will never forget. Laughters we all had with our classmates, schoolmates and teachers, its so nostalgic to look back.

We were once immature. No need to deny it. For 5 years, we all grew together in the same school, same environment, same classroom and taught by the same teachers.

We may have thought that the school is somehow stupid for implementing some rules that doesn't make sense. For instance, only this year, the prohibited sgs student to wear jackets. Take not, our classroom are AIR-CONDITIONED! As I remembered, everyone in my school was against that but the only thing we can do is to abide the school rules and regulations. :)

Also bunch of homeworks were given to us but never really DONE AT HOME, always done in the morning before classes starts and copying from friends. :) ssssssshhhhh!

Honestly, how many times have you broken school rules?

I'm sure for the 5 years of highschool, everyone broke more than a dozen of school rules!! I admit, I broke the school rules approximately more than 50 times. Haha. Tucking in my shirt, eating in class, using mobile phone in class, solving my maths classwork on my table, paying my school fees on time, not passing up my homework in time(ok, if I do my HOMEwork at home, I tend to forget to bring it to school) and etc.

We complained a lot. But in the end, we came to know that whatever the teachers have taught us is also for our own good. We may have regret some stuff that we have done but what can we do, just do better next time and never make the very same mistakes again.

Now it came to the very last day of highschool, let's try to sit down all together, close our eyes, take a trip to our memory lane for the past 5 years. Laugh together at the things we've done stupidly, cry if there is something to cry about and best of all cherish and never forget the moments we've all shared together.

Now is the right time to forget all the fights that we had on our highschool years. Accept everyone's difference and learn from our flaws.

As for me, during my highschool years, there were more downs than ups. But I'm looking on the brighter side, the downs brought me up and made me even stronger to stand up for my friends and for myself. It might be the same for you. :)

I think that's all. But yeah. Leave a msg on my chatbox if you have read it. Tell me if I missed something and if there's something wrong with what I have shared.

2012

2009-11-16T07:57:00.001-08:00

I was so so so excited about today's movie with the youths of AFC. It was so awesome!

I left the house around 12.30pm. Waited for the bus for a while then yeah. I was listening to 'second chance' on the way to bandar. My head hurts a lot but that did not become an obstacle for my listening and thinking of God. I know it was weird to talk with God in the bus but there was like only 3 people including me and the driver. So yeah.

I opened my eyes and we were at bandar bus station already. I said thank you God for the safe journey. Then I heard noise then I was really really really dumbfounded! There was an old malay man who was bump by the bus that I was riding!!! I wanted to slap the driver for using the mobile phone! Instead, I went down hurriedly to see what exactly happened to the old man. He was thrown probably 10 meters away from the position of the bus! I wanted to rush to see what I can do to help. The man cried and yeah, the moment I saw blood, I froze. Yes, I'm scared of blood. And it was the VERY first accident I've seen. I mean like I'm in the scene! After that, I looked for a sit, waited for me to stop shaking and all. I shiver whenever I see blood and it takes a while. I sat and prayed. It took me 15 minutes to put myself together again...

After that I went back to my world and went back to my schedule. I head back to mall. I arrived an hour and a half early. I knew that I was gonna be there earlier than others.

While walking around, I bump into one of my long not seen friends. We hanged out and he met my some of my church friends. Well, unfortunately, he didn't get to join us for the movie. He had other plans. So he just hanged out with me while waiting for his friends to come...

Well anyways. We all watched the movie and it was awesome! And by us, I meant 30 people. We've got to hand it to Rachel Chin! Man! She really put this all up together! Haha thanks Rachel! :)

I'd rate the movie to be the best movie of year 2009! Haha. It was really really awesome!! I'll get a good night sleep now. See you guys very soon. I'll keep you guys updated.

BEST DAY OF THE WEEK IS ALWAYS SUNDAY!

2009-11-15T02:52:00.001-08:00

Had an awesome time at church. :) I'm so so overwhelmed by the message earlier. That's what made it so awesome. :)

I invited a friend and her cousins. Haha. :) I'm glad that they had fun! :)

My gosh! I think my throat is somehow damaged. That game Sophia and the others was really fun. :) Our team won!

My gosh Abi, your smile tadi! Haha. Really awesomely hilarious!! I meant for the last thing we had to do!! Haha. Its really funny! And Josh! Haha. Awesome baby acting!! :)

Now I feel like shouting 'quak quak quak!' Haha. The lump on my head grew bigger now. :( Sadly, it gave me terrible headache. Hearing and shouting at the same time gave my head feel like its gonna blow. Right now I'm suffering the pain. Terrible pain. But honestly, I had fun.

Worship means to sacrifice. :)

That's one of the things I heard plenty of times this week. I understood it the first time I heard it. Thanks to Jerold and Michelle! :)

Worship is also the key to blessings!! :)

4 things about worship:

1. Worship is on God's term.
2. Worship is willingness to go all the way with God.
3. Worship is about God, not about us.
4. Worship is divine exchange.

These are really true. I'm really really agreeing to the message today. I may not be able to explain it fully with my own words but within my heart I truly understand.

Right now, I'm all excited for tomorrow's movie with the other youths! :) Hmmm, I dunno but yeah, hopefully, me head will be fine very soon. Praying for it. :)

2012 - we'll watch you tomorrow! Haha. We'll see how awesome the movie really is! :)

I'm gonna take a nap. Will try to wake up later but prefered to sleep straight till tomorrow morning! :)

Quite little to share for today. But yeah. Its awesome overall! My head and throat is killing me. So yeah. I'll rest for now. Abi! The smile tadi is stuck on my head!

Purpose and some latest stuff

2009-11-14T02:14:00.001-08:00

Ok, I know I blogged this morning but someone asked me to blog again and this person just won't take no as an answer.

Ok here, I had lunch with Aaron earlier after we finished the decorations for Monday's graduation. Thanks Aaron! My treat next time! While Aaron was busy with his laptop. I was busy confirming with my friend if she's going with us on monday for a movie, 2012. Then another friend asked me, 'hey Ivan!! Can you give me the link to your blog?'
Then I did. Then another question popped up, 'IVAN! What's the purpose of your blog honestly?'

She didn't really asked me to answer straight away. She said to post it here. Then yeah. I had my answer the moment she asked me but yeah.

Purpose of my blog.... It's for me to encourage more people. I want to encourage and challenge people to do things and never give up. And I'm hoping that my blog could give some advice to people who needs them. :)

That should do the explaination part. Now for the latest things that are going on in my life.....

My holidays started last Wednesday and being well spent. Last Wednesday, I cleaned up my room..... I was so exhausted. Since my exams started, stuff are all over my room. Haha :) I'm just so glad that my stuff are cleaned up now.

Thursday, I helped Sonia mark her form 1 history papers and I found really hilarious answers! Also I went to our dance practice at school for the graduation of kg students in the afternoon.

Friday, I went to the school once again to practice and yeah. Those glass balancing are killing my neck. But should be fun. It's a challenge for me not to break that glass no matter how hot the glass was. Oh I forgot to mention. There's a candle INSIDE the glass. It burns my forehead whenever my partner put it on my forehead.

Also yesterday afternoon, I went to Mr. Jojo's house for some singing lesson. And thank you Jahna for teaching me! Haha. It really helped!! After that Rachel picked me up from school to go to my very first Worship team practice. I made two new friends! Haha. They're awesome. Had a great time singing with them plus I had a good laugh with them!!! :)

Today, I woke up quite late. I woke up and I was like, 'oh my gosh! I promised Aaron that I'll be helping out with the decoration!'
I immediately picked up my phone and msg Aaron. :)

I went there and kinda had a hard time to find where AFC office is. So yeah. Aaron had to call me to point where the place is. Haha. Oh well, moving on, I went there and Auntie Grace told me that Wendy hasn't arrived yet. So I was relieved. Auntie Grace gave me a tour in the office and WOW! Its big and VERY NICE!! After the tour, Aunthe Grace said I could use the pc. :) So I went google up some Bible story for kids. Hey, its fun to read ok. And that's what I do nowadays.

Moving on. So Aaron came and few minutes later Wendy came too! So we started cutting! Haha. :)

Then there came Abi! Haha. She helped out too. And Veivien was suppose to come but she wasn't able to cuz she has classes. :( It was fun. I mean its better for me to help out than staying at home and do nothing. Some people have loads of work and could need some of my help right?? :)

Oh oh! I read through a facebook survey I picked out few questions. Here they are:

Who are the 3 people in your age group do you respect and why?
1. Aaron Lim - he's a very good example of how brothers should treat their siblings. Plus he's always there when you need him. He will NEVER let you down. :)
2. Amir Najmi - he's my bestfriend and I love him as my younger brother. A bit immature but he's awesome!!
3. Michelle Chen - like Aaron, she's very very kind, understanding and caring. I love you michelle! :)

What is the best time of your life?
The moment I accepted Christ as my master and saviour.

I picked to share those questions. :)

I can't wait for tomorrow!! Haha. I'm bringing some friends! They're coming for the movie on monday too!

The cinema will be pretty much full with us. Watch out 2012, we'll make your cinema full with believers of God! Should I say, young warriors of God! Haha.

So yeah, I dunno but I really need to find the thing that I must do for the near future. I just feel like studying is not for me anymore. I have 3 months to decide. As what Aaron told me earlier, whatever I will do, I must love what I'm doing. Right now, I love what I'm doing, serving God. I'm seriously loving it. We'll see what God has stored for me in the future. But whatever it is, I'll continue serving him. Full time ministry or not. I'll continue serving him!!! He knows what's best for me.

Forgiving

2009-11-13T17:48:00.001-08:00

Here's a little story from the Bible. :)

Jonah and the Big Fish

Jonah was a prophet of God. He was commanded by God to go Nineveh, which was a very sinful city. But Jonah decided to disobey the Lord. Instead, he wanted to go to Tarshish. At last, he found a ship going to Tarshish.

Inside the ship, Jonah slept soundly. Suddenly, the wind blew. It became stronger... and stronger. The people inside the ship were afraid. In order to know the reason for the strong wind, somebody suggested that they would cast lots. So they cast lots and the lost fell on Jonah.

"Aha! You are the culprit," shouted the captain of the ship, "Get out of this ship!"

The people inside the ship threw Jonah. "Aaaaaaah, -Have pity on me!"

Poor Jonah... A big fish swallowed him. Inside the fish, it was dark and dirty. Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights. He remembered how he hardened his heart before the Lord.

He knelt down and cried, "Lord, forgive me. From now on, I will do whatever you command me to do. Salvation is yours!"

The big fish spew Jonah at the shore of Niniveh. He fearlessly proclaimed the Word of God to the people. "Repent of your shop. Do not serve other gods! Worship the Almighty God, the Creator of all things!"

So the people of Nineveh were revived including their king.
The Lord was so pleased with what Jonah did.

So why did I share this story?

We're people. Its really inevitable to sin. We all make mistakes. We are not perfect. Its human nature to make mistakes but what are we scared of? We're scared of talking to ask for forgiveness.

I made lots of mistakes, I wasn't able to avoid them even how hard I want to. One thing that I've learnt is that, our God is very forgiving. He's merciful! Why are we even scared to ask for forgiveness like what Jonah did? I'm still looking for the answer...

What am I trying to say here is that, if someone did something to you and you think its wrong, don't use vulgar words in FACEBOOK! I'm just concerned on how people are saying those vulgar words are growing in numbers. :(

Here's a new phrase for you, FORGIVE AND FORGET!

Don't get me wrong. I've been there. I was ONCE like that. I say vulgar words to a person when I was angry or they did something wrong. You're just about to go there and I'm already going back. It consumed me. I loved saying them before.

Some people knows Tyrone. He was one of my sworn enemy. I was really really angry. But now, God melt away my anger and taught me how to forgive.

If God can forgive, YOU can too.

LOVE THE UNLOVABLE.

Youth Adults Meeting! =)

2009-11-12T15:55:00.001-08:00

Last night was definitely a wonderful night. My first SG meeting at Michelle's awesome house! :) I was really really paranoid about going as I am new and as always. Turns out, it wasn't that scary. :)

Anyways, we looked back on the scripture that we had last sunday, Psalm 138:14-18 - father's love. I thought I would cry again but thank God, He gave me enough strength for that. I was able to share what I am not able to share to my friends outside the church. The feeling was so good when you know that there is someone or some people that are willing to listen to you. Not the kind of people that will say, 'oh I don't have time for your drama', imagine you're feeling really bad already and what are you gonna feel after hearing that from a friend?

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. Each one of us is unique. We have our own talents, own skills and our own characteristics. :) I know we look up to some people and we tend to copy or follow what or how they are. I'm not saying that its bad but, don't you think its nice to be original?? I mean to be your own self. The person you're trying to look up to has his or her own style and characteristics so why follow them? Creating something new always gives benefits to other people. Let's take some people I know for example shall we?

Let me start with myself. What am I good at? I know that I can draw, I know I can make animation... How do I learn? Sometimes, I learn from my teachers but most of the times I learn by myself. Then there's person B whose learning technique is learning from books. So do I have to follow what person B is doing? His method of learning? Not necessarily because I can improve and learn new things by myself :)

Another example. Let's take a friend of mine who is very good in photoshop, I am nowhere near good as her. Do I copy her style? No, cuz her style is unique and mine is unique. Besides, if I'm good at animation, I don't have to compete with her doing photoshop right? I mean, she is different, I am different. :) Yes Niks, this is you! :)

One more thing I have learnt last night. You never laugh at people's mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes ok. Nobody is perfect.

Laughing at one's flaws will discourage one's self. It's like what happened last night, I made a lot of mistakes and all but did Aaron and the people around me laugh? No, instead they encouraged me.

Discouragement leads to one's failure. So please don't discourage anyone. :)

Last night was really awesome. I'm looking forward for the next meeting!!! :)

Awesome Dad....

2009-11-11T20:52:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday's ministry time was awesome. I really cried my heart out to our dear Father. I was so overwhelmed by the message Pastor Peh Han shared. I haven't found the strength to share about my past until now. So I'm taking this chance to share a part of my past now.

Last Sunday, I wasn't crying because I haven't felt God's love. Trust me, I'm feeling it everyday of my life. I was crying cuz I remembered the past that I turned my back on. Tried to forget. I've forgiven my biological dad. But now, for some reason, I want to look for him to know if what his family members are saying is true or not. Does he have his new family now or not. Back then I was so immature and I don't understand what's going on. But when i came to age of 11, I started to understand little by little. Until now, my mom hasn't tell me everything behind their divorce.

I believe she will tell me in the near future.

Then there was a new man who came to our lives. My mom met my stepfather and in the end, they got married. They were together for 10 years. Sadly two years ago, they got divorce cuz of my dad's first family. Yes my stepfather is muslim. At first, they didn't bother of me converting to Islam but as the days go by, it's becoming an issue. I stood strong before my dad for I didn't want to leave christianity. He let me to go on for what I believe in but deep inside him, he was against it..

Now that my mom and stepfather are not together anymore, he's still persuading me to be muslim even its against my will. I know that God will make way for my stepfather to understand what I really want and what God has planned for me.

Last thing that my stepfather told me is that he regret that he adopted me. It's probably one of the reason why my mom and him got separated. It seriously broke me to pieces and I was so devastated. I didn't expect that. I was really down.

I forgive him for that. I was like if God can forgive I can too.

Now I know that I have a Father in heaven. The best dad that a man could ever have. I'm keeping my chin up for him. I surrendered my life to Him. He knows what's the best for me.
As for now, I'm living for what I believe in. I've got awesome friends by my side. I'm glad that they are there for me whenever I need them. For instance, Aaron Lim. I respect him a lot. He's one of the nicest person I've know in my 18 years of life. I look up to him as my brother and there are no words that can explain my gratitude to him. I love him as my real brother despite the fact that we're not related to blood but we're related through God. :)

For the very first time on my life, I feel that I belong somewhere. Even when I was back in Philippines, I didn't feel this way as I felt when I entered AFC.

I just asked myself this, 'why didn't i meet them earlier?' I believe God has made it this way on purpose. :)

I think now you guys know why I cried last Sunday. Not because I haven't felt God's love but for the reason i stated above. I'll come to close my blog for today. I hope you guys learn't something out of my past. I'll end with this cuz basically this post is a wall of text. No image for I didn't take pictures of my past. So yeah. Whatever people have done to you, learn how to forgive. :) love you guys

CLEANING UP AFTER EXAMS!

2009-11-11T01:37:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm... I spent my day cleaning my room and yeah, it was pretty tiring.
I woke up around 8.30am this morning. For some reason, I woke up early. YES 8.30 is still early for me. ITS HOLIDAYS! DUH!

AHAHA. Anyways, I didn't really get out of bed straight away, I tried to get some more sleep but yeah, can't. So I went to the kitchen and prepared breakfast. After breakfast, I listened to Praise and Worship songs for 5 straight hours. Believe me, I spent that 5 hours praying and talking to God.

After the 5 hours of listening to Praise and Worship song, I started to clean my room. That's after I ate lunch ofcorz. Its was pretty long time ago since I last cleaned up my room. I think that was like 2 months ago, before I started studying for my exams.

Here's the out come:

These are my CDs..... Well part of it

Here's some more

There's more believe me, but I'm lazy to take picture of all of them.

After cleaning my books, here's the outcome:

I made my bed earlier today so I might as well show it! :P

I wiped all the dust I can see..... ahahaha

I got hungry in the end so I went to the kitchen to get something to eat!!!

MY MOM WILL NAG ME IF I FINISH THAT CHOCOLATE ONLY BY TODAY AND TOMORROW! AHAHA. IT'S IVAN! WHAT CAN I SAY!? hehe

And my closet without my uniform in it doesn't look any different at all. It's still so full!!

And I remember that I took my examination sticker out of my table in the examination hall yesterday! Guess what is my index number??? IT'S BN603/0007! The new James Bond number :)

I was wondering what was inside the envelope that Auntie Grace gave me yesterday, ahaha, Guess what's inside

ITS MY BAPTISM CERTIFICATE!!! HAHA. :)

Today was definitely a very productive day. Now, after this, I'm off to look for some song lyrics. Got to learn them! And I must practice singing! Must be ready for the challenges ahead! BTW! Tomorrow is my very first SG meeting! It's at Michelle's place! Should be fun! With all the stories I'm hearing, I"m very much excited! Puilim will be picking me up tomorrow, so yeah, I don't want her to wait for so long for me, so I'll probably rest for the whole day tomorrow and be up all night! hahaha

I'll see you guys soon. For those who are from SGS I'll be helping Sonia tomorrow marking her papers. Since I'm free, might as well help some people! Besides, I'm very much free. So if you wanna hang out or something, be at school lah. I'll be there. SEE YOU AROUND!

FOOTPRINTS

2009-11-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scene of his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, You said that once i decided to follow You, You'd walk with me all the way. But i have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there's only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when i needed You most, You would leave me,"

The Lord replied, "My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see the only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

This is what I keep in my mind most of the times, specially through the downs of my life. One very important lesson in life I've learnt, we shouldn't doubt our God. Whatever is happening in our daily life, it is going according to His plans for us. He did not let it happen for no reason. With every single trial in our lives, He didn't let it happen cuz He wants to bring us down. I myself dunno His reasons but one thing that i'm keeping in mind, He loves every single one of us. :) :)

Sorry guys for there's no picture. I'm using mobile to blog for now. :) :)

Waiting for my exam to come

2009-11-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

Hmmmmm..... Here I am in the library and waiting for 3.30pm to come. I just can't wait for this last paper. So eager to shout out loud on top of my voice 'I'M FREEEEEEEEEEE'.

I'll be like so so hyper I bet. I'll be sleeping to pay up the sleepless nights of examinations. Right now, just listening to the noises and laughter that my economics classmates are making behind me.

For the first time in my life, I can't wait for the paper to come, usually I'll be wishing for the paper not to come anymore. If possible, get cancelled! But now, NO! I want to get over with it now. I can finally get back to my normal life, sleeping, watching tv for hours, gaming and all. I wouldn't say FACEBOOK cuz I'm always online even there's exams. Haha. I will be in fcabook until Michelle Chen sends me off to studying. Well, its for my own good.

For now, I dunno what else to do. People just asked me, ;Ivan why only blog now? School is coming to an end. Why not blog earlier? ' guess what I answered. Memories won't stop when school stop. Besides, even i didn't blog before, I can still share the memories that my friends and I had when it comes to mind. :)

I will be free for three months. I will probably work part time jobs during the holidays and will depends if my mom send me to a driving school. :) The thing is I want to sharpen my animation skills. I don't want to stop where I am now. I want to improve. I just can't sit in one corner and wait till someone teaches me how to sharpen my animation skills. So i'll be making animations during my free time. Just random ones. Haha.

Oh well, might as well read a little. I know that my last exam is just MCQ, it won't hurt to read a little. :)

Last day of school

2009-11-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is just how some of my classmates spend their last minutes of staying in Highschool. ENJOY THE FOOD ffrom the canteen. Well it makes sense anyways, some of us are not gonna get to taste the canteen's food.

Oh well, we can't stay highschool forever. With each pasasing day we grow older not grow younger. We'll have to face the fact that some day as today, we will have to part ways and go to our own paths that God has given us.

As for me, I choose to take more pictures foir me to look back at them. As what my teacher asked us back when we were in Form 3, 'If a house will be burnt and you can only bring one thing out of it, what is the onlything you would like

to take with you?' I stupidly answered 'myself" as i was so immature back then. My teacher explained his

answer, which is the photo album. It made a lot of sense to me.

He will bring his photo album cuz pictures holds very important memories that we can't bring back anymore. Since then, that message had an impact on my life.

Some of us feared this day. Last day of Highschool. Even i was so afraid for this day to come, but now, I can say that I'm ready. I finally understand that in some point of our lives, we'll have to part ways. It's not the end, it's just the beginning of something bigger of what God had plan for us. Besides, at this point, we'll know what can we do. Decide on what courses to take for our higher education, college that is.

I was really scared for a very long time. I kept on asking myself what course should i take. I'm good at this, I'm good at that but is eriously don't know what to take. about two months ago, I attended the church and Pastor Peter told me that I'm thinking too much. He said that God told him that I shouldn't think too much about the future and focus on what's here and now cuz God will tell me what should I be, where should I be, and when is the right time.Remember this, God has everything planned for you. :)

Now I'm gonna be ending my exams by 4.30p,m today, I'm really excited. I'm so excited for what's to come. We'll see how everything goes. I think that should do it for today. For my first post, this is kinda too long, I guess. :)

Here's something form last saturday haha: