The Living Room

Of Malays, Chinese, Racism and Nasi Goreng

2011-04-28T13:21:00.008+08:00

Many years ago I taught part-time in a private foundation school. The students of the school was largely bumiputera populated until later in years Chinese and Indians were added to the equation. The teachers were a mixed of all races with some retired but well knowned teachers who were sought after. Needless to say that they were well paid for them to decide to continue teaching well after retirement. They were GOOD teachers. So education there was top-notched. The best teachers and the best students. The brightest students of the country were narrowed down, brought here to study and are fully funded at this school. Almost all of them were the under-previleged but potentially intelligent beyond their years. They are SMART. Real smart students.

Disclaimer: This was my perception. I don't know 100% about the school now since I left more than 10 years ago but if there are ex-students reading this post, well pardon me for any misquotes ya. :)

So, today I'm back at the school teaching part-time again. 10 years. New students. 1st month now. Pretty much the same surroundings. New teachers except for a familiar face. A faithful one there. :) New equipments and old equipments. Good memories.
Back to topic. I got to know some of the students of that time. They were nice kids. Although largely Malays, there weren't issues about the many Chinese teachers or of the other races, Race wasn't much of the issue. In fact, in most schools I think racism is not an issue at all (open for debate?). You see, kids are blind towards issues of race until they are taught about it. Some attitudes are formed and molded not by the students themselves, but by others. Adults, teachers, parents, religious bodies, etc... are responsible to teach the right attitudes and perception on these things. But somewhere along the line, something goes wrong. And these corrupted perceptions gets imprinted on the kids. They carry it for life if or until they are re-educated on what's right. By then, sad to say it's hard to learn 'new tricks'.

There was a student I knew (I can't remember his name now... sigh..). When he was in (Form 1), he was nice. Real nice kid. Good manners, the lot. Then in the following year, he changed. He started to be very bold (in a negative way). He would voice out his displeasure in the music dept's rules. He would stomp out of classes (not only music classes I heard), rallying other students in protest to whatever it is he's protesting in. Many of these protests were religious based. Classes were left because of 'prayers', religious studies, etc. He became a nightmare to teachers. Who made him this way? Insane.

The school had a standard of conduct. Every student wore uniforms. Very smart ones. The girls weren't allowed to wear headgears. Wait... what? Yup, they weren't allowed. The owner of this school is a Malay by the way. And the person in charge of education (let's call him the Education Minister :) ) at that time, was Malay too and he was the most feared man among all. He was no nonsense, education was is top most priority and he liked the Chinese teachers. He thought the Chinese were hard workers and in education, many of the sought after teachers were the Chinese. If he doesn't like you however, he'll sack you on the spot. There was a joke (a serious one?), when he was visiting the school, word will go around saying "God is coming". The school wanted to project a professional image. Well, my understanding is a 'secular one'. Not one 'ruled ' by religious or race sentiments/standards but one that puts education and professionalism as its priority. Better than any smart-school whatever-not. Excellence was it motivation. Its tagline was Center of Excellence. And it was true. It still is I believe. But 'tragedy' struck. Politicians, religuous factors, blah, blah, yada yada got in the way of things and bam! It started changing. Not all is lost but excellence came with conformity. Conformity to religion and race. The girls started using headgears. There were power struggles. The Education Minister was transfered. Principals were changed. Teachers were saying the school was going to become one of those asrama schools. The orchestra at one time started playing at low standard school events... err... like sports day kinda stuff? (these are not in-house events) The orchestra was originally targetted only at high profile functions where Menteris, Sultans, and VVIPs were going to be present. Well, I don't know the reasons for all of it. I know it happened. Don't blame me for my ignorance though. I'm just telling a story. :) These students were great kids. The were highly intelligent, fast learners, hard workers; and they were teenagers. They did dumb stuff too. They rebelled too. Punishment and 'lectures' were a norm. Suspension too. But they were good kids. No racism.

Who teaches anyone racism? I've had good Malay friends when I was young. Again, we were blind to racism. There were ocassions during my primary school years I clashed with some racists. An unkown malay boy said, "Oi Cina, balik China la". There was one time when we were playing football (school mates), a group of koochi-brat Malay boys came and confront us with a parang because earlier on we didn't let them join us to play (the field area we were using was too small - no more space). They ran when a Malay adult nearby started shouting at them. Morons.

I can't help but notice that somehow this racism issue comes a lot from the Malays. Pre-dominantly. Not all. And it is closely tied in with their religion. Don't understand why. For whatever the reason, the sentiment is "in the name of their religion". Or something like that. This is common news nowadays. Malay politicians are sprouting out major racist crap regarding the Chinese mostly. Its blatant and its in the media. The name calling is even somewhat shocking. You'd think that being adults, they'd know any better. You know, when I was in school, we called all our friends of different races names which today, if you use them, they'll curse you and want to kill you. Names like 'keling', 'melayu', 'cina-melayu', etc... well, they sound really bad but in school no ones gives a shit. There are also those that call each other with profanities. They go "oi f**k*r, what you doing" or "b**tard what you doing". It's daily conversation 101. Extreme... but no ones gives a crap. Teachers will go "B*bi tanah lu..." Then, everyone laughs out loud. These are really degrading and terrible. We know better now being adults and being much more educated in etiquette. We should be able to draw the line between being offensive and joking. But nope. Not with today's politicians.

Over the years of growing up, I did not for a very long time surround myself with Malay people and friends. And with news and media talking about how racism is starting to be a pain in our society it has somewhat marred my perception on Malays. I started not to like them for no apparent cause - no one did me any harm directly. Why should I not like them? This is called third party offense. Meaningless. I realise this, and now my perception is slowly changing back. I'm beginning to see some real good people around me. They don't give a rip about these racist stuff and they are genuinely nice people. I lived in a taman filled with Malays when I was 12 to 16 years of age. They are really nice people. Neighbours were kind; we played badminton together, rode our bicycles together, played ping-pong (at the surau yard). I even lent one neighbour my football boots one time. No issues. When I was about 11-12 years of age, I played with my Malay friends living in the Police Flats in the now Garden City everyday. We hanged out everyday without fail. I have Muslim relatives. My uncle is a nice man. His kids are great people. I don't see them as often as I should but I've always had a liking for my uncle. We rode in his souped up Mini one time when I was really young. He did a 'maut' corner at the Stadhuys bridge (going down to the now Jonker Walk) and the car tipped on one side for a moment. Super cool!! I don't know why I still remember that. Well, Malays make the best Nasi Goreng Kampung. I love it, Some makciks know I love it too. :) There are stalls that I frequent to and these makciks know what we like. These are really nice people. They are definitely not gonna tell me, "oi Cina, balik la". :)

Coming back to the school. That young Malay boy later changed... again. He became a gentleman. Yup. Nice, polite boy that we once knew. He did well with his instrument. I think he plated clarinet. Toured with us all the way till he finish Form 5. What changed him? I heard he was almost thrown out of the school if he didn't rehabilitate himself. He did. :) For whatever reason he taught he could do whatever he wants because of religion is madness. He became a good kid. He was to begin with. Got 'corrupted' along the way but found his way back.

Another kid. A Malay politician's kid. He was a rebel without a cause at first. Highly intelligent. Normal teenage angst in the early years but straigthen out by the time he was a senior. Very likeable, very polite, very well-mannered. He had good siblings and parents who taught him well enough to be a useful and good human being. I chatted up with him one time and he told me this. He couldn't decide what to do after his studies. I asked him if he'll go into politics like his dad. Then he said his sister (or was it brother?) told him to do what he feels happy doing and they will suport him 100%. But he must put in his best. His 100%. Even if wants to make roti canai, can. But he must be the best roti canai maker in the whole country. Very cool. I might have gotten the details wrong here (the cost of aging) but the story itself is true. He was delighted to know he has support from his family. Today, he's doing alright.. I don't know what he's doing exactly but he's alright.

Today, my new students are an interesting lot. I'm just getting to know them. I found out the concert master (or in plain terms, the head-person of the orchestra) is a chinese boy; a fellow student. Interesting in today's times. As usual, students have nick-names. Some of my students have funny ones. Some to which i think in today's times, can be considered racist. Although at present all Malays, I hear some nick-names like 'boon siew' (as in Honda), 'Iban', 'tank', 'mario', and some more which I'm looking forward to learn. :)
I'm thinking to myself, these fellas are good kids. I don't think they give a rip about racism. I'm chinese and they didn't start cursing me. It's now a multi-cultured school. Much more than before. What we see happening in the media is not reflected in these kids. Kids are innocent until they are 'taught' to be racists. Somewhere along the line they are being corrupted. Teach them today what is right so they will live rightly tomorrow. The adults today are shameless buggers. Major politicians today are shamless buggers. They accuse left right and center of everything under the sun and then when there's nothing else to shoot at, they use the race issue. Why have a race govern over another? It should be a Malaysian governing Malaysians. Malaysians are not Malays only. We are all humans created in the lightness of God Himself. None is superior to the other. What happened to multi cultural/racial Malaysia? I like wikipedia's explanation on our Rukunegara. Especially the first principlal. "Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan" - http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rukun_Negara We adults are actually responsible in teaching our kids what is truth and just concerning religion and race. We should not learn to TOLERATE, we should learn to LOVE and ACCEPT each other. Leave religion out of the equation. Even if you bring it in, don't twist it to fit your stupid opinions and selfish ambitions. There is a saying, "out of the abundance of your heart, the mouth speaks". Ignorance aside, its from the Bible. It's true isn't it? If there's shit in your heart (your inner desires), then your mouth will be full of it too.

I've not met other teachers. But the kids are getting on just fine. The hope is when they leave school and get into higher learning centers, the rat-race, or even politics, they don't get their mind and perception corrupted. If they can live with each other in school, they can certainly do it outside, right?

It's going to be an interesting ride this round.

I Have a Confession...

2011-02-17T15:08:00.010+08:00

Grace (God's unmerited favor; a direct definition to Jesus' sacrifice and all that's been atoned by it - salvation, blessing, healing, deliverance ) is like the electricity we have. It's already there, provided 24/7, and the only way to tap into it is to turn on the light switch. The light switch is Faith. Grace has been provided, Faith accepts and activates it. Who paid the bill? Jesus did, for unlimited lifetime, it's free with no terms and conditions.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast" Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV (emphasis added)

So, if I have been saved and forgiven, I'm also blessed, delivered, healed, successful, healthy.. the list goes on. This is something.

I have a confession.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. " Ephesians 1:3-6 KJV (emphasis added)

Every blessing (as promised to Abraham and Israel) is MINE through Jesus.
"That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Galatians 3:14 KJV
"That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" Ephesians 3:6 KJV (emphasis added)

So, if I'm a heir together with Israel, what's the "Promises/Blessings"? Check it out.
Deutronomy 28:2-14 NLT (emphasis added)
2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the LORD your God:
3 You will be blessed in your towns and in the country.
4 You will be blessed with many children and productive fields. You will be blessed with fertile herds and flocks.
5 You will be blessed with baskets overflowing with fruit, and with kneading bowls filled with bread.
6 You will be blessed wherever you go, both in coming and in going.
7 "The LORD will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven!
8 "The LORD will bless everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.
9 "If you obey the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways, the LORD will establish you as his holy people as he solemnly promised to do.
10 Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the LORD, and they will stand in awe of you.
11 "The LORD will give you an abundance of good things in the land he swore to give your ancestors -- many children, numerous livestock, and abundant crops.
12 The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens to bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.
13 If you listen to these commands of the LORD your God and carefully obey them, the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always have the upper hand.
14 You must not turn away from any of the commands I am giving you today to follow after other gods and worship them.

See what the curses are:
21 The LORD will send diseases among you until none of you are left in the land you are about to enter and occupy. 22 The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, fever, and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, and with blight and mildew. These devastations will pursue you until you die.
27 "The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt and with tumors, scurvy, and the itch, from which you cannot be cured. 28 The LORD will strike you with madness, blindness, and panic.

Doesn't some of these things sound familiar? Cancer, aids, growths, lung related diseases, etc. WE ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO HAVE THESE DISEASES!! The curses go a long way into the chapter. But we have been delivered because it is said -
"But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." Ephesians 3:13 NLT (emphasis added)

Awesomeness. What commandments is Deutronomy talking about? The 10 commandments - the old covenant. In Ephesians and Galatians, it says that through Jesus Christ, I inherit these blessings. In the book of Hebrews it says Jesus, the new blood covenant sacrifice, has superseded the old covenant. I am in a binding contract (covenant) with Jesus Christ. In this contract, it says I am defined as a child of God with unlimited resource, power and blessing. I am defined. John 1:12 says "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" I am a son of God.

I have a confession!

I am HEALED because Jesus took my sickness to the cross.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 KJV
In Matthew it's confirmed - "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." Matthew 8:17 KJV
In 2 Peter again it is said - "Who His own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." 1 Peter 2:24 KJV

I am a child of the Most High God. I am accepted in the Beloved - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I am extremely blessed. I am extremely healed. I am extremely mad.

This is my confession. Circumstance do not dictate my situation. Grace through Faith determines my destiny. Grace through Faith determines my future. Grace through Faith determines my health. Doctors do not dictate my state of health. The WORD of God does. The WORD says by His stripes, I WAS healed (1 Peter 2:24. The physical appearance DO NOT dictate what's in the Spirit, As the blessings are released in Spirit (Ephesians 1:3), it WILL manifest into the flesh. Until it does, it will not change the confession.

That's my confession. Here'e the kicker. It can be yours too. Every Christian who has accepted Christ and been baptized in the Holy Spirit has the same confession. Until we realize our true Christ-potential, this must be the confession. We have the same resurrection power of Jesus in us. The Word says:
"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT (emphasis added)
It also says we can do this - "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" Ephesians 3:20 KJV (emphasis added)

I am exceedingly challenged. I will not accept the norm. I'm tired of conforming to the natural. We are spiritual beings not conformed to this world as the WORD says. It's make it or break it.

Ready to take the challenge children of God? See you on the other side.

Peace.

"For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for his glory."
2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT (emphasis added)

Hello... Testing....

2011-02-15T12:58:00.000+08:00

Hello... testing.... it's ALLIIIIVEEE!!!

Season's Greetings

2009-12-22T13:42:00.004+08:00

click on image to see a larger view

Open for Business!

2009-12-01T11:53:00.001+08:00

The store is now open. Drop by and call us if you need some groove!

Peace.

I am SONOR

2009-10-29T18:02:00.003+08:00

Want one or need one? Call me. Muahahaha....

Vote for Our Band Name

2009-09-28T11:35:00.003+08:00

We're finally getting a name for the band. But we need your help to decide which one. We've narrowed down to 2 names and here's your chance to be a part of the selection. Get to the vote site and make your selection. We're very excited to see the outcome.

Vote now - http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/453610

God bless!

Chinese and Beef

2009-09-09T15:57:00.014+08:00

The cow is very much in the news these days. Here's a post not related to what we're reading in the media. Purely coincidental.

I've been asking myself whether it's true that the general Chinese people in Malaysia don't like beef. Where is this coming from? Well... on so many occasions when I go and pack that delicious oily and chilly-sauced-soaked burger daging from the regular pasar malam, I've been asked too often whether I take 'daging' or not. "Daging" means beef in the general Bahasa Melayu. Altho' it actually means "meat" translated directly but it has been used to commonly describe beef. So its like... "daging boleh?" or "makan daging ya?" or "...daging?? betul??"... and when I say "ya, daging"... the burger seller will look shock. They go like... "ohh.. biasanya orang Cina tak makan daging. Uncle tau makan daging ya..." So I'm wondering... really?? Chinese people don't eat beef?? You realize by now that the sellers or hawkers I'm referring to are Malays. Ok... you're thinkin about that "uncle" thing... drop it. It has also happened at Malay coffee shops... when I order the regular mee goreng or kuey teow, I'm asked whether beef can or not. Or if they don't have any other meat (in this case chicken) other than beef... the dish comes without meat. Vegetarian mee goreng?? apa lah...

Take a look... McDonald's have been around way long. Waaaay long before Malay youths liked the joint. When I was much younger... I noticed that the majority of the customers were Chinese youngsters and families of other races. At that time, also more higher income families. Now everybody seems higher income lah eventho' the prices of the burgers are skyrocketing... So... its like... ehh beef has been around for a long time lah and Chinese people alike have been whacking it! The other day I was in burger king. I ordered a Whopper Junior. I was asked... "daging boleh ya?"... For a moment I was stunned... ehh.. Burger King laa... of course la beef. The best beef burger in the world la....

This is not a racist post by the way. Its just an observation I did and based on first hand experiences. Next. What about that famous Beef Noodles? Chinese makes them lah. Taiwan Beef Noodles. Well... from Taiwan lah. Chinese again! Check out some pics I found online. All beef dishes that are whacked by Chinese. Some even travel countries and states just to whack them.

The much talked about Tangkak Beef Noodles. Haven't tried them yet... soon.

The also much talked about Taiwan Beef Noodles. ooo... It actually looks gross but I'm game to try. Soon...

Murtabak daging!! Phuuuhh! During puasa month... everywhere can find. BUT strangely... the stall in my taman only sells Murtabak ayam... like.... why lahh????

Beef Ball soup. oooo... nice! This is the Vietnamese version. I've tasted them as well as the Chinese version. Very nice.

The regular pasar malam Ramly Burger Daging Special. Sloppy but niiiice! hmm.... today got pasar malam....

Satay Daging! yayyyy....

Ahhh... the all familiar beef steak with black pepper sauce. This was common with Western Food outlets... non-halal ones for that matter (during my younger days). Now, these outlets are halal certified. See... Chinese were eating them looonng time aredi... Beef. Beef Steak. Some even eat them rare. ugghhh...

And the last of all... the best juicy beef meal of all. My all time favourite (sadly we eat this like a couple times a year only... note: for higher income families nowadays!)....

presenting you...

BURGER KING'S WHOPPER!!!!! FUUUYYOOOOOOO!!!!!

Nice tag line up there. Whopper is STRONGER!

I like beef! I like BEEEF! Yeah!!!! I EAT Beeeeef!!!! woohooo! and I'm Chinese.

Note: Sorry... no disrespect to any Hindu readers. This post is really for non-Hindu's only.

Cheers.

Now I want to eat beef... uhhh...

Shopping Center Randomness

2009-08-19T14:58:00.013+08:00

Saw some interesting game stuff for kids.. and for adults too? hahaaa...

This is cool. You build the toy.. then paint it.

This is like UNO. Except they give you this hammer with a sucker. You whack the cards you suppose to UNO and it sticks to the hammer. Cool rite?

These are like science projects... you build 'robots'.. oooo... see the price? uhhh.. what a rip off... maybe china can come up with some knock-offs.... hmm.....

BINGO! for kids! yayyyy... altho' i can't remember how to play bingo....

something for the girls... make your own handbag, purse or something... don't you think the packaging looks like some underwear of pad thingy? uhh....

This is a really nice jacket. It's from my favourite brand and it was on 50% off. So it's about RM25 after discount. Wanted to buy it for Sean but I think that he thinks it wasn't stylo enough. The boy is goin thru the whole gaya and not gaya phase. He thinks that people laugh at him if he wears something out of the ordinary, like a jacket... well... anyways... it's in Jusco. Sale till 31st August.

BOB THE BUILDER!! YAYYYYY... this wasn't on sale. hahaa... the kids love this.

Saw this one in Giant. Transformers underwear for kids. What a rip off... expensive just because of the logo...

They also have Transformers pyjamas... another rip off. But they are really NICE! That's size 10... not RM10. I think it's about RM29+ for a set (top and bottom). All these in Giant.

O'timus "Plime". hahaaa Nice!

OK... shopping center randomness stops here. Stay tuned for more.

Greetings! I'm bumble bee. No, I'm bumble bee... No, I'm bumble bee... you shuddup!!
...

peace.

Of Fridays and The Weekend...

2009-08-18T16:07:00.008+08:00

at JJ Melaka... ooo... Transformers... uhh... keychains?? what?

Had a short gig in KL.. then we headed for some refreshments... mmm....

SWEDISH MEATBALLSS!!! OOH LA LA!

mmm.... gotta have them meatballs... muahahahaaa

...err what is he eating? obviously i have a crappy camera...

MEATBALLSSS!!!!

more photos soon on KL....and the band! i hope....

Candid

2009-06-17T13:38:00.005+08:00

Prophetic Conference 2009

2009-06-04T15:57:00.003+08:00

click on image for larger format. click here for details.

Baby G

2009-05-28T17:55:00.001+08:00

Wish List.... no. 1?

2009-05-12T17:19:00.003+08:00

s.w.e.e.t.

so.... who's buying it for me? heheheh...

The New Resident

2009-05-11T12:13:00.003+08:00

Yeah.... sweet.

Transformers 2 Movie Footage

2009-04-21T12:13:00.003+08:00

Found this on a dude's blog. It is NICE!!! Get the movie clip here.

El Sanctuary

2009-04-09T11:31:00.003+08:00

I know of a place. It's real nice and quiet. Real calm. A good place to relax. A good place to have fun too. A good place for reflection. Lots of oxygen. Lots of trees. Nice hosts. A real sanctuary. To find out more about El Sanctuary, check out their site here. This place is really nice if you love nature. A good camp site for church retreats or training. Also a good place for corporate team building sessions or motivational camps. The site is excellent for groups. I have the opportunity to know the folks there personally. They're really nice people. Very hospitable and they are dear friends.

Chalets and Dormitories available

Fine dining

So call them now for bookings/reservations. Again... here's the website.

The Itinerant Christian

2009-04-07T12:17:00.008+08:00

Lately, or well years actually, I have been thinking of something... interesting. This I think will challenge us from today, what we actually think of ourselves when we say we are ministers of the gospel, or what we've been taught to think. Is there such a place in the church circle... here in Malaysia or anywhere for that matter... that we as Christians can function in FULL capacity of our calling, gifting and talent, serving God with all conviction and anointing, but in doing all that, not be confined to ONE church or congregation or group. What??? This has a lot to do with "a church without walls". Heard of that one?

Yeah, we do go to A church; we give our tithes, offerings, we serve, BUT... we should also be able to offer our ministry elsewhere too, believing that what God has given us is for everyone, everywhere and anytime. Not just ONE church or group. A little stretched, but picture this. We all know the familiar term Itinerant Minister/Pastor. We know that whenever there are camps, seminars, conventions, or even Sunday services, we have guest speakers... not only locals but as well as internationals. More often than not, these speakers say they have an itinerant ministry. They do belong to some church somewhere, but when called, they will be there to minister elsewhere. And this is part of the life calling apart from being a church pastor, etc. Apparently, this is ok for them and many regard very highly of these speakers as they minister with the full anointing of God.

So... question is, can this also happen for the 'common' Christian? So I'm seeing it here and there. But people don't generally acknowledge it as it is - itinerant in nature. Maybe they see the word 'itinerant' as more global... or more acceptable for pastors or those who are considered 'ministers'. I see members who are actively involved in NGOs or charitable organizations where they serve the people in areas of charity, the disabled, soup kitchens, etc. That's being a minister. I see people attending church events lending a hand at bazaars, food fair, donation drives, etc. I see musicians being rallied from various congregations to worship and minister. But most of the times, this also can only be seen in "JOINT-CHURCH" events which happens at the most twice a year. Twice a year?? Other than that, we are all busy serving the programs, visions, missions and directives of our own church. We have this meeting, that meeting, this and that training, bible studies, prayer meetings, healing meetings, camps, conventions, seminars.... all for the benefit (like 80% of the time) of our own congregation. It's happening. It's been happening. It'll probably continue to happen. I'm not even talking about the congregation I worship with. I'm talking about ALL congregations. ALL.

Check this out. How many churches are there in Malaysia? Think hard... Answer is--- ONE. It's the church of Jesus Christ. The church that Christ Himself started and commissioned. WE ARE THAT CHURCH. Note: I said WE. Not that building, or this denomination or that. We forget that. The buildings we worship in are really called 'congregations'. So, there is ONE church of Jesus Christ and there are many congregations. The reason we go to congregations is primarily for fellowship (exhorting one another, building each other up) and learning of the Word among other things. Check out the book of Acts which showed how the early Christians did this. Other than that, we should be out on the field doing God's work. Agreed? SO.... back to topic. Itinerant - ARE we supposed to be itinerant in the nature of our faith? Are we all suppose to be itinerant ministers taking the gospel to everywhere? Are we suppose to use whatever gift and talent and utilize our calling for all congregations with the hope that it benefits not ONE congregation but the entire church of Jesus Christ, since there is only ONE church? Or are we to be exclusive? What then? I'm a church musician. I have friends who are also church musicians. I often wondered that since it was really God's idea that the whole worship thing came about... how come we spend a lot of our time worshiping with only one congregation? How is it that since we are the church of Jesus Christ, and that there is only one, yet every week we spend time worshiping in a building with the same people. Years even. Ever wondered what our other brothers and sisters in Christ are doing? How do they worship God at their respective congregations? Or...ok more like... "man, I wish I can just go and check out the other congregations and worship together with them"... ahh... dangerous grounds here.... sensitive.... We say this a lot - the last combined church event we had was awesome! The atmosphere and the worship was like wow! God's presence was really felt. Do you realize why? duhh.... of course... its because God's people are united in worship and praise together! Simple. There is power in unity. A lot of things happen when God's people come together. And most often, when they DO come together, these are people from different congregations. It brings about a natural form of encouragement and nudge - hey we're all here together to worship the same God that we love and serve. It's an awesome sense of excitement! So back to the musician's thingy. So being church musicians also... we wonder what it would be like ministering alongside church musicians from other congregations. I have had many privileges of doing that. But we don't do it often enough. The beauty of doing so is this. There is so much diversity in worship and making music. Most of the times we learn more by playing and learning with others. It opens our eyes and understanding on how God works with different individuals and groups... and congregation in worship. We are exposed to different levels of worship. We see different things happen. We learn new skills and abilities when these things happen. We learn new expressions of worship that the Bible itself speaks of that we didn't know existed.

So... the itinerant Christian. Minister. Musician. Pastor. You put the name there. Is it for real? Can our calling, gift, ability, be available for all? Can it be available at just a phone call? Can it be available without it being a threat to our existing congregation? Sheep stealing? Come one... Can it be available just for any congregation? Here are some examples of what I mean:
- I have a regular congregation that I worship in. I give my tithes and offerings there. I serve in some ministries. This remains.
- Once in a while I visit other congregations and take part in some of their activities to maintain some form of good brotherly/sisterly fellowship and to make use of what God has imparted in me. This can be in stuff like, lending a helping hand in events, ministering in prayer, ministering music. This is not just one congregation but many and not confined to states.
- Once in a while I visit other congregations just because I want to. Makes life more interesting and unpredictable. This is sometimes strange 'cos when you walk into the congregation, the pastor looks more worried to see than excited cos... they somewhat worry that you're going to 'jump ship'.... uhh man... or some of them get really excited about it as well.. haahh...
- I start a separate ministry that I share with friends of other congregations with the same vision. We minister in worship. We avail ourselves to any congregation that we can be a blessing to. We start goin places.... mmm.. sounds awesome.
- I join mission trips of other congregations.
These are just some. Hope you get where I'm going.

Here's the thing. I spoke of this to a dear friend and also with my wife. They somewhat think I'm dreaming or trying to rally a cause for nothing. Or I'm just trying to make excuses to support this crazy idea I have. The irony is, my friend is already doing it and he doesn't seem to see it... yet. Haha.. well... you tell me. If there's even anyone reading my blog (I wonder all the time)... post in your thoughts on this. What do you think? Should we be itinerant in nature? Does it make sense? Do I make sense?

Tell me please...

Cheers.

EDITED:
Would just like to clarify on my wife's true thoughts on this issue. I have very poor memory nowadays and after much discussion and a little reflection, there needs to be proper statements made. :)
This whole idea has become what we, my wife and I, really think is ideal and to be true for today's church. No longer can there be churches (or congregations) with walls. It is no longer one congregation that can bring about change in our community. It is the entire Body of Christ (THE Church) that will make impact. We believe this in its entirety. I made an error in saying that she thought I was rallying a cause for nothing. That is inaccurate. What was meant is that we thinks... that rallying the cause would not receive any positive response from the pastors, which in turn, become futile. Why I say pastors? Because in the current times here, they are the ones who need to see this happening First, so that the congregation sees it just as well. Correct me if I'm wrong here. So, there it is. We both see and desire the same thing here. Can it happen? We don't know. But we will endure to pursue this somehow. May our children too learn to see how big the kingdom of Heaven (here on earth) is. And His kingdom is for all.

Well, enough said for now. Back to the readers.

One of those days...

2009-03-31T15:48:00.002+08:00

I parked my car in some taman behind the shoplots... free parking la. Walked towards the shoplots... walked up the steps and got into the bank. Took a number. Waited for about a minute. Ahh... my turn.

Me: Hi. I want to cancel my credit card.. can I do it here?
Counter Lady: No... you have to go to the Customer Service Counter...
Me: Oh... ok... do I have to take a number for that?
Counter Lady: Yes. Press button C.

Uhh.... duhh... ok ... so I went to take another number. Waited just for a few seconds and yeah... my turn.

Customer Service: Good morning...
Me: Hi good morning. I would like to cancel my credit cards... (taking out my cards)
Customer Service: Sorry sir... I can't cancel your cards... this is Ambank... we cannot cancel Public Bank Cards.
Me: ??????? (takes a look at my cards and realize what a dumb ass I was) Oh man... I'm sorry (smiling cutely)... right... Public Bank is just next door... Sorry sorry...

Walks out the door.... and like.... WHAT THE HECK LAHHHH!!!!!!

The Dream...

2009-03-26T11:21:00.004+08:00

A Sonor Force 3007 13" x 7" Special Edition Maple Snare. Sweet. Lord let this happen....

Teardrops on My Guitar...

2009-03-23T17:55:00.005+08:00

The Yamaha APX-6 with retro controls.

Meet my guitar. My gorgeous guitar. It's a Yamaha APX-6. To me this is one fine guitar. It has survived some rigorous playing and the body shows. Paint and lacquer is really chipping off. I really like its tone and I've managed to tweak the action to my liking. Really fits my fingers well and has good playability. I will not trade this guitar for any. This guitar was a gift from my dad. Now if only I can remember which birthday it was - still during my teenage years. It was a real surprise. He just started off his own car repair business again (after many years) and was really doing well. Bless the Lord for that. So one day he asked, "Jason do you want a guitar?"... well something like that. And he already spoke to my older bro Jim who was at that time in KL and made arrangements. I was already playing guitar in my church and youth group at that time. So the guitar was purchased and I did not know what to expect. When my bro came back with the guitar on my birthday, I was like whoooaaaa! so cun la the guitar!!! I am so grateful to my dad. It was an awesome gift.

Today the guitar still sounds sweet. But as with all things, nothing lasts forever. The electronics have since failed. Started less than 2 years ago (check my archives on a Mission Trip I took part in). It was repaired months ago (a blessing by a dear brother from church)... BUT... died again last week. Ughh... man the disappointment. But God is good. The guitar has played and will still play songs of gratitude and love to my Savior.

I use a gauge 11 set on my guitar. I especially like D'Addario's Phosphor Bronze Custom Light. They are excellent! If you cant afford those Elixir and whatever that'll cost you your underwear... then these babies will do! They will not fail you. After playing acoustic guitar for quite a while... I realized this.... NEVER use gauge 10s for acoutic guitars! They just suck and don't bring out the warmth of the acoustic body. I mean like... no guitar effect can save this. Check them out here.

This is an awesome guitar! I've tried other models... APX4, 5, 7... mine's still cooler and awesomer. YEah!!!!

Well... at least until I recently played a Larrivee.... ohhhh man!!!!!! Good bye Taylor and Yamaha!

Here's to my sweet guitar. No teardrops please. It'll rot the wood.

Hair...

2009-03-03T11:39:00.004+08:00

There's just something about long hair... it gives you a sense of coolness although it's not 'cooling' at all. Nope, not at all what with the crazy weather nowadays. I used to have long hair.. well not until like that. But long. One day I'll post those glorious days... hahaa.. I tell you maintaining good looking long hair is not as easy as it seems. Some people just let it grow and that's it. No grooming. You need to look good with it. Those days we talk about stuff like 'minyak bon'. It helps make your hair grow faster but it stinks. I've never tried it cos my hair kind of grew fast. But with age... hmm.... I wonder where it all went...

Anyway.... here's a tip. I saw this at a hair saloon when we got the kids hair cut.

Godlike Hair Color Lotion. Hahahaaaa... man this can be interesting.

Give it a shot for those looking for that ... err... look.

Random... err.... thoughts?

2009-02-27T17:02:00.003+08:00

This is McDonald's Sausage McMuffin... in my opinion... whoever invented this is A GENIUS!!!!
What can you do with a Sausage McMuffin?

Eat it of course! Arrhmmmm......

or you can pose with it.....

or you can let it pose for you.... eaten half way... oooo...

and then... eat this... oh yeah...

GENIUS!!!!!

Meanwhile.... my brain's still being random....

the world's best torch light... wahh...1 kilometer!!!!

GENIUS!!!! put a rubber band (or a few) around it... and bam! bam! GENIUS!!

Aidan drawing a truck. Notice the "little" tyres? I don't know why they are so little. Interestingly, he taught himself how to draw by watching Sean. Wife and I were really impressed at his progress. It took a long while for Sean to actually start drawing himself... oh but now he can't stop tho'.

before the truck above came into being... his drawings were like this... I can't remember his explanations but they were actually a bunch of different trucks... and probably a train somewhere there also.

Highly recommended! another work of genius.

oh yeah... asam pedas pari.... mmmm... damn soar throat.

ok... randomness has dried up. Stay tuned.

Perodua Kancil Free Rear Seatbelts

2008-12-06T12:20:00.002+08:00

The Kancil Limited Edition - Transforms into a BolehBot...

In case you didn't know.... and I only found out yesterday... uhhh... Perodua is giving free rear seatbelts for all Kancils ('94 models onwards). This happens 15 Dec 2008 onwards. Call your nearest Perodua service centres NOW for an appointment. It's free... really.... FREE! Cheers.

Ooo La La....

2008-11-13T18:15:00.003+08:00

just chillin'.... candid shot of Aidan watchin tele....

just chillin'.... hahaa...

just chillin'....

Chill....

Guitar Charity Night with Roger Wang

2008-11-13T16:44:00.002+08:00

Guitar fans! Roger Wang will be in town.

There will be a charity night concert and FINGERPICKING GUITAR WORKSHOP with Roger Wang this 22 Nov 2008. Details:

FINGERPICKING GUITAR WORKSHOP
Date: November 22, 2008
Venue: Huai Xuan Hall, Pay Fong High School, Melaka, Malaysia.
Time: 2:00 pm
Call organisers for tickets: (RM20)
David Liew (City Music) at tel:
019-6671208 / 06-2833062 / 06-2810062 or
Yong (Music Element) at tel:
012-6939931 / 017-6348210

GUITAR CHARITY NIGHT "Acoustic"
Date: November 22, 2008
Venue: Huai Xuan Hall, Pay Fong High School, Melaka, Malaysia.
Time: 7:30 pm
Call organisers for tickets: (RM30)
David Liew (City Music) at tel:
019-6671208 / 06-2833062 / 06-2810062 or
Yong (Music Element) at tel:
012-6939931 / 017-6348210

Go to www.rogerwang.net if you don't know who Roger Wang is.

Be There! ... I'll try... hehehh...

WINGS Melaka presents: High Winds in Concert

2008-10-13T15:31:00.005+08:00

Interested? Support them by buying a ticket.

High Winds is part of the Outreach group of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. This group is a Winds section group. What does that mean? It means that these are spanking good musicians. So, go and buy tickets la.

Call the person on the flyer.

See you there?

Edited: ABOUT WINGS MELAKA:
Wings Melaka is an Early Intervention Centre for children with learning disabilities. Wings Melaka had its early beginnings in October 1998 when it started its Early Childhood Intervention Programme. For the past 9 years, we have worked with more than 200 children and their families and are thankful for the continuing support and partnership from the community in helping us fulfill our mission of making a difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families. Besides our Early Childhood Intervention Programme (ECIP) and our School Age Programme (SAP), we have also continually engaged in the empowering of our parents, in the training of our teachers and in the networking of the community in Melaka and beyond.

Freaky Coincidence?

2008-09-26T15:20:00.003+08:00

I took some photos of a campsite recently. Then I noticed something in one of the photos. I thought well... could've been a light glare or something.... altho' it's still really weird looking. Today, I received an email from a friend with a Youtube link titled "Supernatural Pictures Caught on Camera". I thought... well, let's have a lookie. And one of the images caught my attention.... like hey... that looks familiar! So I checked my photo archive and what do you know.... IT'S THE SAME WEIRD THINGY!

So here it is....

I added in the image from Youtube into my photo. So do you see the resemblence?

So... what is it anyway? The Youtube video is supposedly showing images or reflections of angels manifested through the gathering of the saints... and here it is the same thing in a dorm... hmmm.... so sceptics... is it a light glare or something from my pocket camera? My photo is of course unedited... as if I have nothing else to do....

Glare? Supernatural? Do tell do tell....

p.s. anyone can guess where this photo was taken...? :) I am so gonna get pounded....

Ban of Imported Milk from China

2008-09-24T11:53:00.001+08:00

In case you haven't known, our Government has banned imported milk from china... and now it is extended to products containing milk from China as well. Here are some links that will help us "see" clearer what milk actually that's been banned... cos really... we don't know... everything seems to be 'tainted'.... even our water in some 'special training facilities' for school leavers.... ahemm ahehmm... you go figure...

NST: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20080922212125/Article
Here it says there's a ban... but does not specify what brands are banned... so.. it's still really clueless....

The Star: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/23/nation/2094296&sec=nation
Here again, there's a ban, but only some products are mentioned b'cos our neighbour banned it.

The Sun: http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=25931
This is better... got some clarity on what brands can be purchased. But still.... we're looking for a list here....

Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) Singapore: http://www.ava.gov.sg/
This is better also. There's a list of some banned food and other related bans in other countries.

Kemetrian Kesihatan Malaysia: http://www.moh.gov.my/MohPortal/index.jsp
Nothing. Does it surprise you? So all the talk about banning this and that in the media.. but they don't publish anything on their web .... like A LIST... hello? When lah?

Pediasure drinking kids: http://www.abbott.com.my/index_ancmt.asp
Prediasure is SAFE for consumption.

Mead Johnson (All Enfa-x, Sustagen, etc): http://www.meadjohnson.com/app/iwp/Content4.do?dm=mj&id=-10542&iwpst=B2C&ls=0&csred=1&r=3399591423
Safe. And I have a dear friend who works for them here in Malaysia and BETS his life on it! hahaaa.... i put the words right into his mouth....

So... in the end... there really isn't a proper list... just make sure it isn't a product of China... or made in China... y'know....

Let's pray that our children's food really don't get poisoned altogether... cos we really work hard to feed them... and milk is their priority diet.

Cheers.

Public Merdeka Worship Service

2008-08-28T12:43:00.003+08:00

Attention All.

Please be informed there will be a Public Worship Service at Mahkota Parade this Merdeka Sunday at 7pm onwards. Service will be conducted in 4 languages - English, Chinese, BM and Tamil. Let's all come and worship the Lord openly. May the Lord's presence draw all men unto Him. Amen.

Awesome.

Michael Guglielmucci is just a man

2008-08-25T12:03:00.002+08:00

"...Mr Guglielmucci (Mike's dad), who established Edge Church International, an Assemblies of God church in Adelaide, said Melbourne-based Michael had made a full confession to his family about his past, including revelations about the 16-year porn obsession and the lies over his supposed battle with terminal illness..."

Read the statement released by his dad here. Other related news here.

A shocker just recently announced all through Australia (and the whole world), this is the Big one. I was speechless. I was thinking hard about what to think. As I read the updates the following days, I realized one thing. He's just a man. A man with flaws like many other men. Many have judged him, criticized him. Much of what has been said (negatively) about him... well... we may think he deserves it... but I realized that anyone could have been him. Any pastor, any leader, any mentor, any evangelist... anyone. Maybe even me.

Across time, men of God fall for some primary reasons: sex, money, fraud, pride... the list goes on. The Bible has warned us all. Mike's situation is really complicated... his actions has caused a wave of hurts and confusion. And this may just be the beginning of this wave... but in all of this, we should remember that all man falls short of the glory of God. That's why Jesus is our only hope. And Jesus is Mike's only hope at this time. Pray for him. Although he is now surrounded by this "unforgiving scandal", he has seen the light. And he had the courage to confess. Had the courage to say he is flawed. The repurcissions are endless. Unforgivable at times maybe. Everyone thought highly of Michael Guglielmucci. I have. We all did. He was that guy from Planetshakers. He did that concert here in Melaka for the first ever HUGE Camp Malaysia. But he is just a man. God is God and no one amounts or equals Him. Man fails. Our pastors, leaders and mentors might fail. Maybe not in such a publicly humiliating way but as humans, we are somewhat doomed to failure at some point, for whatever reasons. Jesus is the one who deserves all glory, all power and all fame. I guess in spite of this, God is still in control. And perhaps at this point, we realize that He is the One that matters and not our devotion and attention to our "idols" that we make out from our Christian super heroes. This is nevertheless not an excuse for anyone. We are called to a path of holiness. We are expected to keep our lives in line with the Word of God. His Word is our life compass. We are accountable to Him that we may be worthy testimonies of His greatness, His salvation and His holiness.

Pray for the church. Pray for those in hurting as a result of this. Pray for the Guglielmuccis'. They are devastated. Even Mike is. Pray for all of us. Pray that our churches will not have to walk this path. What will become of Planetshakers or Hillsong in light of this? It depends on the Christians. It depends how forgiving and how far-sighted we all are. God is the focus, not men. In spite of mens failure, God still reigns.

Lord have mercy.

Lebuh AMJ... whatt???

2008-08-12T14:24:00.003+08:00

I live in Melaka. I am in my thirties now... Oh God!!!!... and as time has passed, there are many changes that have happened in Melaka. One of them is the many name changes of our roads. Road names that we knew when we were younger are no longer the same. Some roads however are new roads and therefore they get new names. One of which is this one below.

So what the heck is AMJ? This is the link road passing Tesco and Melaka Sentral. Can anyone enlighten me what does AMJ stand for? I can't figure it out. It's not like LDP - we know its Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong... AMJ??? what?? i can imagine this... if I have a friend from let's say, KL, and he gets lost in Melaka, and he calls me and says "hey. I'm now in Lebuh AMJ and I don't know how to get to Jambatan Hang Tuah". Let me just bet with you that if you ask anyone from the ages of 30 onwards, a large percentage of them might not know what the hell this guy is talking about although they have lived here all their lives. Is he talking about roads in Melaka? For the benefit of all... Jambatan Hang Tuah used to be known as Bailey's Bridge. Now its currently under renovation.

Some of the road names are unheard of. They have sultan and datuks names all over them. I don't see the significance. And I don't know why new Tamans have to end with Indah. You go look around every new taman. 90% of them ends with Indah. Wahh... so beautiful (Indah in BM means beautiful).

??

The Dog Formerly known as Diego

2008-08-12T14:09:00.003+08:00

Meet Jiego (pronounced "Gee-eh-go"), or sounds like Diego. Or... rather used to be know as Diego.

My neighbor owned this fine Labrador Retriever but because of work, was unable to care for the dog. So, the only thing to do was to hand him over to someone else to care for. And in came my brother in law. He loves dogs. So, now Diego lives in KL with him and the family. He loves it there. And he has a friend there as well named Jessie... as the name suggests, Jessie is female.... hmmm.... Party! Party! So, there are 2 dogs there in the house.

That's how he lies down. He's very playful and friendly but likes to bark at strangers. If you get near him he'll pounce on you and tries to lick your face.... ughh... disgusting.

Jiego - Why the name change? We wondered too.... so I asked my sister. She said well... because both her sons names begin with "J". Duhh.

The Messy Hairdo - The Origin

2008-08-12T14:01:00.003+08:00

Ever wondered how that messy hairdo style came about?

nice.

A Tragedy...

2008-05-26T17:46:00.002+08:00

Maria Sue Chapman has gone to be with the Lord. In a tragic accident that happened at their driveway, the grief is unimaginable. I cannot imaging losing a child. I refuse to.

See the news here : http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,357046,00.html

Here's a tribute page by the Chapmans to Maria: http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/inmemoryofmaria/

Do pray for them at this time of loss.

oh....more photos...

2008-05-08T16:17:00.000+08:00

The Fish....

The Bear...

and the clown...

oh... photos....

2008-05-07T18:00:00.000+08:00

The Builder

The Musician

A Ukelele and the Rainbow

2008-04-10T12:37:00.002+08:00

Yesterday we were watching American Idol and Jason Castro's version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow was absolutely cool. I never really liked the guy's performances but that performance was so cool.

So, then this led me to do some Youtube searching for the original version... the one with the Ukelele and the Hawaiian.

And here's the link to the Hawaiian with the ukelele. His name is Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

And then I stumbled upon Tommy Emmanuel's version.... here. You have to check out the thing with the harmonics... wahh...

peace.

Belly Buttons & Kyle

2008-03-14T17:54:00.002+08:00

I'm a fan of Kyle XY. The no belly button thingy is quite cool... well it's science fiction. But check this out, found this site and the image below. This image is from the same site as the 7 Deadly Sins post.

Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons? Hmm... now this will keep me awake at night... or I'll watch more Kyle XY....

....

....

7 Deadly Sins All Added Up

2008-03-14T17:40:00.003+08:00

Found this while browsing some blogs. Funny...

Irritating...

2008-03-14T16:07:00.005+08:00

Faith that we have sometimes just isn't enough. Isn't believing in the One true God enough? Apparently it isn't enough for a lot of Christians. More irritatingly... a lot more than we think. I just 'lost' a friend to church politics yesterday. Some part of it was politics, some was just plain ridiculous. Not really 'lost' as in he leaves his faith... but he leaves the church and ministry feeling really discouraged and 'disillusioned'. He's still strong with God tho' but he'll be leaving town. He thought serving was as easy as just availing ourselves to the ministry. Sometimes it isn't fair that when we give ourselves to the ministry... we aren't appreciated enough to know that we are doing something real important and meaningful. We all know its something to God... but to men... who knows if you don't tell sometimes? Then when its irritating already that you are not appreciated, you are also being used. Used for many things that does not even encompass 'ministry'. Used up to the point of being 'owned'. Suddenly the verse reminds me... ".. it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith through Christ Jesus.." and apparently some fellas kinda take advantage of that and bring it further.... that there's nothing in life more significant than serving the church... nothing else matters... not your thoughts, your passions, your desires, your dislikes, and even your free time. You are not allowed to have "free time" because you belong to the ministry. Imagine that. How irritating is that???

In our pursuit of God... its baffling sometimes that although having the same focus and goals... we lose friends, brothers, sisters, comrades along the way... BECAUSE of the pursuit itself sometimes.... its... sad. I thought I could get to know the guy more... but again... well... this isn't the first time.... now that's even more irritating... not the first time.

God help us all.

Guitar Chick

2008-01-18T13:58:00.000+08:00

Wahh....

The Party where God is

2008-01-11T17:51:00.000+08:00

I found this blog while searching for something on the net. I'm glad I found it. This is part of the article that's title Ten Minutes on The Trinity and Worship. Check the link below to the blog. This is towards the end of the article... the beginning talks a little about the Trinity and what it implies to the church. You have to read the start first... well its too long for here... click the link below for the full article.

The call to worship is therefore an invitation to join in with God's party. Worship is already underway - come and join in if you like. No need to DO anything - if you want to dance you can, but if you want to sit for a while and let it all wash over you and through you, you can do that too. Of course, at some point you will get drawn into the giving, communicating, adoring, loving activity - but there's no pressure, because God doesn't need your little mite of energy to drive the worship machine. But if you sit long enough in the presence of God, you'll stop being a wallflower and find that the dance is irresistible. This is a theology of worship that allows us to rest in God, that acknowledges that we are wanted, needed, invited in the right sense - but that the impetus, the initiative, is always God's.

Welcome to Trinitarian worship - the party where God is, and always was, and always will be, engaged in mutual adoration and praise, and where you can be drawn right into the centre of God until you can hardly spot the join. In the words of the old hymn writer, 'How can I keep from singing?'

Check out the blog

More Tommy Emmanuel

2007-12-18T16:26:00.000+08:00

This is suppose to be Classical Gas, but ended up with some comedy... **Classical Gas was kind of made popular by the violin-wielding chic Vanessa Mae some time ago...

This is the actual Classical Gas. Get ready to be blown away.

Fuuyoooo fuuyoooo

Tommy Emmanuel - Amazing Grace

2007-12-18T16:10:00.001+08:00

If you do not know who Mr. Emmanuel is.... now you know.

Fuuyooo.....

Lincoln Brewster's Let The Praises Ring

2007-12-18T15:41:00.000+08:00

This is a really good song. Check out the solo at then end of the video.

Kudos to guitarpraise.

Season's Greetings

2007-12-11T17:26:00.000+08:00

Have a good holiday. Cheers.

Pain....

2007-11-26T23:27:00.000+08:00

I fell off a ladder today. It was a shocking experience. Those who know, I have a back condition. I thought I had it man.... the first thing I checked was my back. Then my legs.... ok... all can move.... then I walked to the toilet, sat on the toilet bowl and took a quick look at the damage. Scrapes..... more scrapes... stings.... then my toe felt strange.... took a closer look.... crap... the nails broken. Owww......

The nail came off... as in separated from the flesh but still intact. It wasn't painful at first 'cos of the shock... but try now. It's crap pain man. All the time. Pressed it to let the blood out.... yup... blood came out with some juice... The scrapes in my right leg stung crazy when poured water on it. Like woohoooo....... Strange that the part where your shin is.... if you scrape it, it hurts like hell. More than any where else on your body. I wonder if it's because of the leg hair.... hmm... Later went to the doc and got it wrapped up.... Now it looks like this...

It was a good thing I didn't hurt my back. That would be the end. Strange that I landed on my left foot but didn't hurt the back.... somehow my left hand cushioned the whole fall cos it was grabbing the door but left a long abrasion under the arm. My right hand though... had some wounds. I don't really know how I got them. Check it out....

It feels worse than it looks... cos the wounds are at the "in-between" your fingers... the vulnerable and sensitive areas. Stim.....

This really sucks.

It's All The Same?? Cool....

2007-11-20T13:12:00.000+08:00

For all Hillsong fans - this is for you. If you're an electro-guitar dude(-ette)... check this out. This is my first time posting a youtube vid on my site. If it doesn't happen... well.... bummer.

This vid is called Transplanting Riffs.... we have 3 songs here (Evermore, Solution and The Time Has Come)... but they all use the same riffs. I think it's real neat.

Kudos to GuitarPraise

Cheers.

Tommy Emmanuel

2007-11-04T21:41:00.000+08:00

Watching Tommy Emmanuel's live concert at Sheldon Concert Hall. It's a 2 part VCD... to which I had only the 1st part... and not long ago a friend passed me the 2nd part.

So, it's like...... HOLY CRAPPP!!!!!!

Alien....

I wonder if King David played the harp like that in those days....

Totally Insane.

Monk and Neagle

2007-10-26T18:56:00.000+08:00

Sweet sweet sounds. You have got to check out Monk and Neagle. I'm just chillin' with their latest album now... wow..

This is their 2nd album and its so NICE! Check out their website at www.monkandneagle.com or I think you can just click the pic up there.

Nice nice nice.... lyrics and music are spot on... and.... errr..... nice?

Nice. Can't say enough....

My Favourit-est Stick

2007-10-22T02:15:00.000+08:00

These are my most favoured pair of sticks. The gorgeous Vater Studio. They are the best. They are the extension of my hands. The sound they make are so.... crispy.... so musical. And they are so so so light. But they are deteriorating. And worse... I can't find a replacement. NOOOO!!!!!!! NNOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

They are so hard to find. I've asked my regular supplier and he can't get them. Has anyone seen this in any store in Malaysia???!!!! Please help!!!!

If you found them.... let me know..... desperate.

Daddy's Biscuit...

2007-10-21T00:59:00.000+08:00

Suppose to be doing some work now... but in the end, just too damn lazy and it's really late to be using my brains. And also... I'm hungry. So, since I'm also lazy to cook me some maggi mee... it's biscuits la jo. And the only biscuits that could do the job well is none other than the world famous Julie's Peanut Butter sandwich! Mmmmmm.... yeah.

I found out from my wife that Sean referred to it as "Daddy's biscuit", when he sort of "came accross" it the next room.... hmm..... so much for hiding it... but yeah... he said... "Mummy... daddy's biscuit." Yup... it's daddy's biscuits alright. Better don't mess with them.

Okay... back to eating... mmmm....

Quik Newz

2007-10-11T14:17:00.000+08:00

Here's some quick updates.

A family friend just passed away. After a long battle with cancer she has succumbed to the deadly disease. She's now in a better place with the Lord. I last saw her about 2 weeks ago... was servicing her PC. She was also my brother tuition teacher once. How fragile life is. Well... hope that the entire family pulls through with the hope that one day they will meet again in Heaven.

On another note... yes... I do PC sales and service - freelance.

Next... we have moved church. We're now in a new phase of our lives. I'll be playing again soon.... with a new Yamaha Stage Custom...YESSSS!!!! And new Sabian AAX cymbals.... YESSSSS!!!!!! Muahahaha. Hopefully my wife will start singing soon too...

Raya is 2 days away... no I'm not celebrating Raya but will be away for a family vacation. Nice. Now hopefully it doesn't rain all day...

Now... I need new sticks... sigh... things are really expensive nowadays...

Well.... that's it....

Drums... Yeah!

2007-05-10T16:11:00.000+08:00

Somebody please give me a drum kit. I want this one. It must be a Yamaha.... in fact any Yamaha will do... but must be a Yamaha... they're hot.

The Hero and the Sidekick

2007-05-10T16:01:00.000+08:00

hmmm... do they look alike? I really can't tell.

There's A Bigger Picture...

2007-05-04T17:30:00.000+08:00

Just when you thought otherwise...

"When God looks at the center of the universe, he doesn’t look at you. When heaven’s stagehands direct the spotlight toward the star of the show, I need no sunglasses. No light falls on me."

"...Tapping the collective shoulder of humanity, He points to the Son – His Son – and says, “Behold the center of it all.”

"Perhaps our place is not the center of the universe. God does not exist to make a big deal out of us. We exist to make a deal out of him. It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s all about him."

Max Lucado

Washed Out

2007-03-09T12:16:00.000+08:00

After 'seven' years, it's now time to write. I feel washed out. Completely. ineffective, useless, unmotivated... you get the picture. Life's challenges and battles wears you down fast and easy. Wish things can be easier and smoother. I wish I can do more and do less at the same time... ?... well, now that's strange. Y'know blogging is a drag.... why did I ever do it anyway... what a whiner I turn out to be.... irritating. Haven't done much with my life since end of last year... or since I last blogged. The New Year wasn't particularly new. Can life get more interesting this year? I wonder. New opportunities? New challenges? New problems? New irritabilities? New skills? New downloads? :) I'm such a pirate...But as with all pirates... we wish for things to be cheaper and easily accessible. That's why pirates exist, don't they?

Over time, I have 'lost' some friends.... as in lost contact, not-contacted, or disconnected.... ?... or just lost. I'm really not a social person, which only means what a lonely person I can become. So, due to turn of events I did lose some and gained some in return. But these turn of events are really an ass and I wish it didn't have to happen. But it did. Boo-hoooo... But I gained some nice and good friends... not many..."lonely... I'm so lonely...I have nobody..." y'know that Akon guy is weird... and really quite perverted.... Smack YOU! Back to friends... aren't they a blessing. So, over time, they come and go... and over time, I also keep remembering friends back from school... all of which I never kept in contact... I wonder why... now I AM such an ass... but I remember them, as if God wanted me to... and lo and behold... I'll just happen to bump into them days later... man it's really weird. It has happened 90% of the time. My wife tells me I must pray for them whenever they pop into my mind... cos I'm gonna meet them in a few days time... weird.... There's this one guy tho' I have been thinking of for the longest time. He was my hockey mate in primary school... he intro'd me to the game and we made it to the school team. Nice chap. I have not bumped into him yet. I wonder why. All thru secondary school we hardly spoke cos we changed classes. He's Indian and he speaks fluent Mandarin... really cool. I'm really waiting to meet him. I will post an update when we finally do!

Ok... I'm done now. No mood already. That's all for my blog today.... I'm gonna continue feeling washed out for now... see you in seven years time! Muahahaha....

Music Anyone?

2006-12-12T17:50:00.000+08:00

I am totally checking out some albums... nice really nice... here's a list you can look out for...

- Starfield - Beauty In The Broken... their self-titled debut not too happening, I find Beauty a much more interesting ride.
- Leeland - Sound of Melodies... a little taste of Coldplay but better.
- Chris Tomlin - Not To Us.. and his latest See The Morning... great songwriter here...
(edited: sorry... wrong album. Didn't quite like "Not To Us"... the album after, "Arriving"... now that's a good one.)
- Brenton Brown - Everlasting God... not a thrilling ride but nice tunes to worship and relax with... good songwriting here too.. very Vineyard
- Monk & Neagle... this self-titled album is so cool. Their songs are all celebration about their love for their wife... groovy and catchy tunes... acoustic guitar driven

And for the holiday season...
- Holiday Jazz 2005 - Various Artiste.... this is very cool if you like jazz... big names here too... Sergio Mendes, Al Jarreau, Lee Ritenour... etc

and some other albums which I have yet to set my ears to..
- Steven Curtis Chapman - All I Really Want For Christmas
- Christina Aguilera - My Kind of Christmas... I stumbled on this... dunno when it was recorded but demo-ed it and it sounded cool
- Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas... a classic by Mariah when she was actually singing.... well you figure it out... good singing here good album.
- Jewel - Joy: A Holiday Collection.... haven't heard this yet but I really like her latest album "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland"... nicely done.

OK... later....

Mission Trip...?

2006-10-13T18:11:00.000+08:00

I went on a Mission Trip last weekend. It was an interesting experience. First of all, it wasn't an ulu place (as in remote...) It was a semi-town-village area with loads of Cantonese and Mandarin speaking people. I don't speak either language well... almost none actually. So, 'missionly' speaking, it was more of a ministry outreach more than a mission... Somehow my basic understanding of Mission implies that you go to a really remote place as in a unreached people group to spread Jesus' truth and salvation... better if it's to China... then it defines "Mission" 100% where you go to the villages and really dig into God so that you don't get caught... Know what i mean... I'm pretty messed up...

So, I learned a lot in this trip. I dunno... I guess the mission trip wasn't so much of a mission for the people there but more for myself... I met a man. What a man he was. God healed him of cancer. His life is now God's and what does he do? He gives up what he does and goes to this semi-town-village and starts a community center for the youth - the delinquent or those that just need some caring. So, he spends all his money on this place... turns it into a workshop-school of mechanics, music, english and God knows what more... Wow's the word. He gets certified teachers/lecturers to teach music and school lessons and he does the auto-mechanic workshop classes. He doesn't earn a single cent from it. Then, not enough. In the early morning, he goes to this special park in the Taman opposite his, and helps the senior community, those that have succumbed to stroke and need physio workout. He does some massaging for them (which he picked-up cos he did not know how to do it earlier), then not enough some more. He then builds them some more exercise devices that he puts at the park for them. So, now they have those gym-like bicycle exercise thingy, and a reflexology walk-path round the little field. Not enough... he builds a place to where the old ladies can leave their vegetables on so that they can have their exercises after they do their marketing. Everything's covered and more equipment is on the way. And all this on his expense. I've not met anyone who would unselfishly do this as a blessing and as a part of their lifestyle. His common words would be "..if you don't let me do this, you don't give me the opportunity to bless you.." What to say...? This man just has to bless you... and he did that with us... and here we are on a mission...

I met another man. Apparently before he was saved, he was a chief gangster. In that small town, he was the most feared man. As he said in his own words in Cantonese, no one comes and beat me, it is I who beat them up. So, there it is. Now he is saved. He is a changed man. His whole family testifies to it, though people in the area are still cautious of him. He owns a house to which he converts to a guest home. It is just opposite the house which he lives and operates his business (He's in the pork business). We've learned that the guest house is NEVER locked. He says no one will come and disturb because it is God's house. But actually we've also learned people are afraid to go in because it belongs to him... otherwise he'll beat you up! hahaa.. This guy is nice. He shared how much of his behavior changed when God came into his life. He would show how he gets angry and that his word at home is law. Whatever he says, you must do... or else. Now, he says, can negotiate already... haha. And the good thing, he never wants to do again what he did before becasue it's not worth it and God has made it possible.

The interesting thing is, when these 2 men speak, the first thing they speak of is about Jesus. At dinner, they were speaking of the sermon they heard just before and what it means to apply it to their lives. It's just natural for them to talk like that. How many times do we talk among friends about God's goodness, or a topic we heard at church, or the difficulty in applying the pronciples of God in our lives? Hardly...most of the time we gossip (yeah, even men gossip). It is very apparent that they are excited about their salvation.

At the free medical clinic that we also conducted, the Christians that came (the senior citizens), they were excited about their God too... they are definitely sure about their salvation. One lady was quoted saying in Cantonese, "if was not for Jesus, I would have died already"...

It was interesting to be among people who has much to say about His goodness, in spite of their situation; many are poor and go thru hard labor in the farms and fields to support their families. Especially the senior folks. They work really hard. Yet they are thankful for the simplest of things where to many of us, we complain of life being tough and too persistent.

So, what did I learn? I learned to be thankful. I couldn't do much at the clinic... I don't speak any Chinese and I'm not a med student... but I learned to serve... in whatever capacity. Before the trip, I made a conscious note to serve. And not to choose what to serve in. If there's a need just do it. I'm glad I was able to wash the urine bottles...(ooh man...gross..).. but I believe God would have been pleased. At the youth group performance, my guitar decided to fail me... but somehow it did not affect me one bit. I knew I was there to serve Him. I wish I wasn't dead tired though.... But there was just this peace... serving Him became easy.

So what mission was this? I think the mission was for me to see what God has done...and what He can do with those that fully trust and believe Him. Was the mission for the people there? Yeah. But it was for me too. I saw His goodness... and how can we be quiet about it when He is good. These people are not quiet about it. In the man's house (the Youth Center), he put up mini posters everywhere and these words were in most of them - "FAITH IN ACTION..." wow... how much of our faith is put to action? How much of my faith is actually put into action? I wish I could answer that... but that's the mission. A mission to know our potential in God. A mission to know what God can do with us if we say yes. A mission to put our faith in action. Was it succesful? For the people there, I guess it was succesful at this point. For me, the question remains. Whether faith will be put into action is more than just words. Faith is believing and believing in His Word. The problem is we don't always do what His Word says... so it's a lifetime of putting faith into action there... :)

Until then, let's keep pressing on towards the goal... the prize... Here's to the people in Sungai Ruan. God bless and keep you and expand the boundaries of His Kingdom.

It's All About You...

2006-09-22T02:02:00.000+08:00

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
It's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the things
I've made it
When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus

Listening to Matt Redman's Blessed Be The Name of The Lord album.... awesome stuff. What is worship anyway? The heart of worship... It's all about Jesus.... yeah.... but what? Worship is the expression of our faith, the expression of our love and affection, worship is surrender... worship is saying it's You Jesus, and not me.... it's You Jesus that matters, not what I do or did, not my career, not my ministry, not my talents and abilities, not my family, not money. Worship is saying You own everything and is everything. Worship is saying... do as You will with me. I worship you Jesus. I wanna come back to You because You are the life. You are my life. I praise You Jesus because You are worthy. Because you deserve it. Because You are the Son of the Living God. Because You are the only One who saves. Because it's all about You. It's all about You Jesus.

Will you worship Him too?

Steve Irwin

2006-09-11T11:09:00.000+08:00

When I heard the news that Steve Irwin passed on, I felt sad. A friend happened to call that night and one of the things we talked over the phone about was Steve's untimely death. We were both in shocked. The thing is, we don't really know who this guy is except that he chases crocodiles and does some absolutely insane stuff on tv. But one thing we knew is he's lovable and a great family man. Somehow at some point, we connected to that part of him... through tv. That itself is interesting... So, we were talking... my friend said that its sad that we can 'go' anytime. So I told him he should stop smoking and drinking otherwise he might just 'go' while doing that... with his reply followed by some light cursing and swearing... The sad part is leaving our family behind. Steve has 2 kids... one 8 year old and a 3 year old. We both have kids around that age and it felt painful. Man, I can't even imaging leaving my kids and wife like that. Thinking about how his family will miss him really saddens me. On top of all of this... being a Christian... I wondered if he ever believed in God. What if he didn't.... man that really sucks.... In the news, he has touched many all over the world just being himself. Yesterday Astro showed a Steve Irwin marathon program and I happened to watch the episode they did with his dog, Sui... it was where the dog died. Sui was his best pal. She went with him on many of his croc hunting adventures. She had some terminal sickness and passed on. I think it was the first time I saw Steve vulnerable... he cried when the dog died. He had slept together with Sui to just be with her.. she was really sick... she passed on in her sleep. It shows the more sensitive, emotional and humane part of him which you don't really see in the regular Croc Hunter shows where he's just all excited and running around.

Here's a tribute to him. For the many lives that he has touched thru his work, attitude and love for his family. May he find rest at a better place now. For his family, may God make this time of mourning and loss painless as possible, may they find peace in God's unfailing love; may they carry on with strength knowing Steve has truly indeed left a legacy for his children to follow and uphold. May they look forward with hope and strength for the future that lies ahead of them. May they find God to be their true father and companion in all that they do.

God bless and keep all of you. Amen.

Blogging?

2006-09-09T01:53:00.000+08:00

I'm not used to typing out thoughts. This is strange. Blogging is new to me but it looks like fun. I switched to blogspot so its easier to update my webbie. No scrambling on dreamweaver and such. Just type and it updates. Easy. Anyone looking will see lots of photos of my kids.... like this one...

wahlau... this site is boring man.

Sean talks a lot. It's a good thing. At 2, he feels a lot of things but can't seem to control how it should translate to proper speech or expression. Sometimes it comes out as crying, screaming, whining, sulking... which are normal at this age. Sometimes you can see it in his face. Sometimes you just pull your hair off.

But in all of it, he's a great boy and I'm proud of him. Tough time for him now though... but eventually he'll learn to understand what life is all about as he grows up.

This is Nemo. He's sitting on a tractor.... duhh

Nemo's going for a ride on Sean's tractor. Nemo's his best pal. Don't mess with the fish or you'll be in trouble. It's a strange thing how they got together. His teddy-bear was immediately ditched when the fish and him got together. Poor bear. He brings Nemo everywhere he goes.

Great clown fish.

Anatomy of THE Car

2006-09-08T17:57:00.000+08:00

This is Sean's ride. They always say that its not the car that makes the difference, its the driver. Sean's a driver alright. Check out his car.

Smooth ride.

This is Sean on his car.

Beware of the driver. He might run over your feet.

The Rising Tides

2006-08-24T18:00:00.000+08:00

Was going thru my photos in my pc and found this. It is the last youth camp my group had.

See larger image here - http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/kingja_lah/therisingtides.jpg

Things are different now... How the times have changed.

2006-08-24T17:33:00.000+08:00

Hello hello... now here am I at this blogger of thing... well, this is home now for all things Jason and his weird brain.

Check me out later...