Bruce Tum - Journal of Faith

1 Cor 1:26 Who are you when you accepted God

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:47:00 +0000

1 Cor 1:26 "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth."

I was thinking and remembering who was I or what was I when I accepted God's message and was baptised. I was just 17 and a student. A student who was doing private study and did badly in school. No one will think highly of me or any student like myself. Yet I have more iniquities than I thought of myself at that time. I am awkward in many areas yet I try to hide it by acting and pretending. I don't want people to look down at me. I was very insecure. But God called me when I was so weak. And I'm thankful that I have this chance to know Him and that he accepted my weakness and use it to display his strength. No strength in the world is comparable with Him. Only a fool will think otherwise. Keep me humble, God, and help me to always remember what I was when you call me.

Woman's Defined by God - Book 1 - Part 1 - B

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:54:00 +0000

Part 2 of Chapter 1. By the way, the author Jane Chin is the full-time ministry woman leader in Hong Kong Church of Christ. You can find her on the website http://www.hongkongcoc.org

7. Scriptures on molding the thoughts

Job 42:2

Ps 139:2

Pro 4:23, 21:2, 22:11

Jer 4:14

Isa 11:5

Lk 6:45

Rom 12:3

Eph 4:17

Rev 3:2

8. Scriptures on Controlling Emotions

Pro 16:32

Rom 6:12

Jam 3:2

2Pe 1:5-9

Jer 35:6

Dan 1:8

1 Cor 9:27

9. God Provides Our Needs

Job 38:2-41

Ps 1:3, 23:5, 31:19, 78:20

Pro 6:8

Amos 9

Mal 3:10

Mk 6:25-33, 4:20

Eph 3:20

1King 17:6

2King 4:6

Phi 4:19

10. Strong Foundation Family

Gen 2:24

Deu 4:9

Pro 18:22

SS 8:7

Col 3:19

1Tim 3:4, 5:4

Titus 2:5

Heb 13:4

11. Dedicating Our Children to God

Ex 13:12

Num 3:13

Deu 21:17

1Sam 1:11

Neh 10:36

Lk 2:22

12. Parents' Love and Wisdom

Gen 18:19

Ex 2:3

1Sam 2:19

1Ki 2:1-4, 3:26

Woman's Defined by God - Book 1 - Part 1 - A

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:21:00 +0000

I'm translating a Chinese book written by Jane Chin, titled "Woman's Defined by God". As my wife can't read much Chinese, and this book is really good for Christian women of all life stages. There is a section which is particularly focus on stage of pregnancy which is what my wife is going through now. So this is just half of chapter 1.

Part 1: Scriptures for the Pregnant Sisters

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. - Psalm 139:13-16

1. Regarding God's Love

Deu 7:8

Jer 31:3

John 3:16, 13:1, 15:13, 16:27

Rom 5:8, 8:35

Eph 2:4-5

1John 3:1

2. Regarding Blessings of Children

Gen 33:5, 48:9

Jos 24:3

Ps 113:9, 127:3-5, 128:3

Pro 17:6

3. Regarding God's Doing During Pregnancy

Job 31:15

Ps 119:73, 139:13-16

Ecc 11:5

Isa 42:5, 43:7, 44:2-3, v21, v24, 45:11, 49:5

Zec 12:1

Acts 17:24-28

Col 1:16-17

Rev 4:11

4. Regarding Baby's Health

Deu 7:13-15, 28:1-11

Mal 4:2

5. Example of Confident and Fearless Women

Sarah – Gen 17:15, Heb 11:1, v11

Esther

Hannah – 1 Sam 1-2

6. God is Peace, Strength and Protection

Ps 28:6-8, 33:17-22, 34:18, 91:1-16

Pro 28:18

Isa 26:3, 40:31, 41:8-10, v13

John 10:10, 16:21

Phi 4:19

1 Tim 2:15

Jas 1:17

Your Labor Is Not In Vain – 1 Corinthains 15

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:36:00 +0000

In 1Cor 15 Apostle Paul is trying to reassure the disciples the faith in God. That God truly has resurrected Jesus, not in the form of spirit but in his real physical form. And it is because of this resurrection that we can now be cleansed of our sin. Without Jesus truly raising up, Christianity would be meaningless. Therefore, Paul urged the disciples to always hold on to the truth.

1Cor 15:58 “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Paul not just want to hold on to the truth but also stand firm, let nothing move us. There are many times when our faith will be tested. People of other faith can come to question you but also, there are times when troubles and worries of all sorts can wear out our faith. I feel that I need to constantly build on my faith. I need to study the bible more and study on how I can use the bible to people's and my own real life situations. Thus I know that no matter what I can trust God using the bible to help me in all situations.

As I study out the bible, I know sharing my faith is really the mission of all real disciples. That's how Jesus' ministry started. And I know I have to do the same thing, go share my faith. If you have done it, you know it's not that easy, giving your hearts out to people. And many times, I have certain perception if people respond positively or not. As I read, the disciples kept reaching out and do not think much about the results. I thought if they have, they would be too negative to evangelise, to share God's love. Yet we know, we have to trust God for things to work out. God just need us to work with Him. Thus we know our labor in the Lord is not vain. I will keep on persevering.

Love is the most important gift - 1 Corinthians 13

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:06:00 +0000

In 1 Cor 12, Paul concludes by saying he will now show us the most excellent way. And the whole of next chapter is dedicate to talking about love. I'm impressed that Apostle Paul, a single man, a church persecutor turned apostle described love in such details and truth. I think this chapter has been quoted so often, we can see it everywhere. Yet, I still think this passage on love is so well written compared to so many other description on love I have read.

I have no doubt that only God could inspire a single man to write this. God wants us to really understand love, His kind of love, the love that goes through in the church, the love that spreads outside the church, the strength, the perseverance, such patience, such kindness, such belief and trust. The faith it provides, the security which everyone wants. Such selflessness and servanthood. Love never fails! And definitely, God is love. It's truth that we have not seen anyone who loves like God except the son of God, Jesus Christ.

It's quite clear to understand that God is talking about love in the whole of chapter 13. Not about tongues of angels, it doesn't mean there's any. After talking about the spiritual gifts in chapter 12, Paul is trying to tell the christians don't focus on comparing the different gifts. We should desire greater gifts. And no matter what happens, love will always be here, even in afterlife, in heaven. I truly believes it's not always easy to love in all situations. Yet this is the challenge God wants us all to carry. To spread his love, to spread his gospels. Still I wonder has everyone in the world heard of God's love. I doubt so. Many times when I wanted to share my faith, I caught myself being distracted about my own problems or focusing on what could bring me more pleasures. And definitely sharing my faith does not come like my second nature. I need to work on this. I hope everyone will soon heard of God's love and share the love around. Everyone deserve to have a personal relationship with God.

Unimpressive Recipes - Anmum Milkshake

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:44:00 +0000

June is already in the 6th month of pregnancy and it's getting really exciting. She consistently needs a higher daily intake of supplement and minerals both for herself and the baby and thus I bought Anmum Materna. From http://www.anmum.com

"Anmum Materna™ is especially formulated for women who are pregnant or who are planning for pregnancy. Anmum Materna™ is high in Folate, which is important to maintain the growth and development of the foetus. Delicious tasting Anmum Materna™ also contains GA, SA, Calcium, Iron & other essential nutrients. It is an ideal supplement that will aid in maintaining the growth and brain development of your unborn baby."

BTW Anmum did not pay me to do this, they don't need to. There's no particular reason why we chose it. Probably because friends recommends it, it has a specific one for pregnant mums, and also it has chocolate flavor which June prefer over the original ones. It takes 5 scoops and half cup of water to make. Initially I used hot water, trying to stir hard for the milk powder to dissolve but no matter how long and how hard I stir, there would be some stubborn milk particles not dissolved. And June does not like those milk residue. At the same time, I realized June is not taking a separate calcium supplement that I bought for her. She don't like the taste.

And then it begins my unimpressive recipe again. I decided to make a Anmum milkshake, using just cold water or ice, with Anmum Materna, a spoon of Milo for better taste and the calcium powder supplement. Blend them with my cheap but poweful blender and wahlah my own Anmum milkshake! I poured it out but filter the foam. It looks rich and chocolate flavor taste great! The best thing is June loves it! And she is taking all the necessary nutrients happily and I'm happy too! You all can give it a try!

The Use of Spiritual GIft - 1Cointhians 12

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:12:00 +0000

To my understanding, the church in Corinth has many disciples who are converted from pagan religions. And some of this pagan religions are attractive because they offer some form of miracles. I believe many of this pagan religion believers would feel good about showing off their miracle powers and probably many believers would even try to imitate to have the same "power". Probably having this miracle power would enable them to have some authority in that pagan sect.

However Apostle Paul is teaching the Corinth church about gifts from God. Different people will have different gifts. As I read through this few chapters, I can see Paul is really taking some effort to explain about "gifts" here. I believe Paul feels that many members of the Corinth church has a misconception about gitfts and thus led to him explaining the basic in details. He says there are many different gifts and everyone will have different gifts. E.g. like having the word of wisdom, teaching the word, healing, speaking in tongues, interpreting the tongues. And all these effects came from the same spirit. I guess if according to what Paul has said, you would see a well balanced of people contributing in different areas in a bible based church.

I'm glad that since I was baptised, I have been learning to take on different roles. First of all, is learning to take care of little children on Sundays, teaching them, discipling them. Then I was taught to take care of new Christian in a one on one way, guiding and helping them. These are teenagers and students. Then took part in choir and christmas caroling. Few years later, I learnt to lead a group of working singles adults, working hand in hand with the women side too. Then learned to go on stage to pray, make annoucements, do short sharing from the Bible. I would never imagine a introvert like myself would take the leap and be transformed by spirit of God. I see all these responsibilities and roles are a manifestation of the Spirit. I don't think that the spirit would only manifest to heal by laying hands and speak in tongues. However, even now a days, many Christians desire these two gifts more than the others. Just like the Corinth church, they have misunderstood the purposes of these gifts.

I'm sure one would understand what Paul is drving at if one would continue to read on to the next few chapters. What are the purpose of these gifts? Is there one gift more important or more powerful than the other? What's the most important gift among all these gifts. I will talk more the next time, going on to the next chapter. As in v31, Paul urges us to earnestly desire the greater gifts and he will show you a still more excellent way in the next chapter.

Win this race for yourself! 1Corinthains 9

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:20:00 +0000

1Cor 9:24-25 Apostle Paul talks about running in a race. He says when you run in a race, run in such a way that you may win. Everyone wants to run a certain race to win a certain thing that they desire. However Paul urges us to win the race that will award us eternity. I think running in any sort of race, takes some if not, a lot of training and as what the Bible says, exercises some form of self-control in all things. And when you are in a race, be focus on what it takes and what are you aiming for. Don't run aimlessly.

I'm thinking of this race that Paul is talking about. The race to eternity, an everlasting place in heaven. Paul is very focus, he makes sure that everything he does, contributes to being able to go to heaven. Does that mean that it takes only works to reach God? I don't think so but he wants to make sure that he don't fall from this precious grace that God has given us through his son Jesus Christ. When we are baptised, we are saved, and it is then that God has prepared us much work to be done. Either to continue to work on our weakness, or preparing others for this race or simply to preach the word, share the good news. It's interesting that Paul at the end v27 says he have to discipline his body and make it his slave in order to really do the works of God. It sounds challenging yet in these days, hardly we heard anyone expecting much from themselves when it comes to serving God and others.

And that after Paul have preached to others, he make sure that he himself will not be disqualified for this race. I thought who has more credibility than any of these great apostles. Yet Paul don't see that preaching to others will automatically let him win this race, a ticket to heaven. He made sure he also don't fall from grace. An example we can see an apostle who has fallen from grace is Judas Iscariot. This is really reminding me that my salvation is just my relationship with God alone. No amount of preaching, evangelising, baptism will draw God closer to me, it is simply my daily quiet time with Him. How much time do I spend each day with God, praying to Him, reading the Bible? How personal am I with God? I hope you understand, on top of our quiet time, we still have to serve God and people, it work hand in hand.

Relate, love and serve selflessly - 1Corinthians 9

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:15:00 +0000

1Cor 9:19-23 Many great leaders, either of a country or a company, has made many great speeches and have won some followers. They potrayed as someone with great power and authority, and everyone looks up to them. However some may feel that these great leaders are not easy to approach. Yet in the eyes of these great leaders, how many people under them are they able to relate to, to reach out to?

Apostle Paul described himself here that in order to relate to people, he becomes like one of them. He's not necessary referring to the physical outlook nor doing the same thing, but rather the experience he's drawing upon, he's trying to empathize with the people. To a slave, he becomes like a slave. To someone weak, he becomes weak. He did his best to relate and empathize with these people. That doesn't mean he joins them in their mistakes or sin. He's always reaching out to people and hopefully he might win some over. Though it seems like a lot of effort but little result but many onlookers and followers are convicted and inspired by his Jesus-like attitude, and would choose to follow and do likewise. Thus many would benefit and would follow the ways of Christ.

However, how many church leaders would actually ask their members to join them, to humble themselves, stood lower, to reach out and serve more people around them. How many people are really inspired by the life of a servant. Even I felt difficult many times and I struggled greatly to love and serve selflessly. May God bear with my weakness yet prosper what I do in my service.

Unimpressive Recipes - Proton Saga Spaghetti

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:16:00 +0000

We had a long night of entertaining friends and of course there's lot's of food and thus some raw ingredients were left uncooked. As today is Sunday, we would love to go out and have a good meal. However I realise that our car is not starting up. It's starts to behave like an old car, coughing up but not starting. Weird, and so we are kind of stuck at home. Then June remembered that there's some left over ingredients where we can cook them for dinner. There's tomato carrot, celery and packet of spaghetti and few chunks of frozen fried chicken. And thus i begin to start up my creative mind. As lazy as I am, I decide to fried everything together. June told me to mix tomato paste with whip cream, this is a great idea. First I begin to chop up garlic, onion, celery and carrot. Next boil water to cook the spaghetti, remember to add olive oil and salt into the pot of boiling water. While the spaghetti is still cooking, heat up the wok, around 3 tablespoon of olive water. Once the oil is hot, throw in the chopped garlic and onion. Once the fragrance is out, throw in the chopped carrot and celery. After a minute, throw in a tablespoon of basil and oregano. The fragrance is getting stronger, after another 2 minutes, throw in half a can of tomato paste. Stir fry a while, then pour in a small cup of whip cream, until the color of the sauce turn orange. Start to add in salt to season until the taste is right. After 10 minutes, throw in the spaghetti and stir fry. Once the sauce is evenly stir fry on the spaghetti, it is ready to be served. I shall name this pasta, "Proton Saga Spaghetti". This umipressive receipe may serve you well when your car broke down. It sure taste delicious to us! Enjoy!

Love and respect the faithless - 1 Corinthians 8

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Here Paul talks about how some Christians converted from other faith, were still struggling in regards of those food being sacrificed to the idols. Of course in those days, God condems any form of idol worship, be it in Old Testament or New Testament. And any new converts will know well not to associate anything with the idols. So if the food was sacrificed to the idols before and seeing the Christians eating them, they are stumbled. Even though according to this chapter, idols are nothing, food sacrificed to idols are just normal food. But the new converts from those religions don't feel comfortable and felt stumbled. The older Christians know that the idols are nothing and the food is fine so they eat them without feeling much. However instead of rebuke the young Christians, Paul actually says the older Christians has wounded the young converts' weak conscience and have sinned against them. Paul says in such a situation when his strong faith has caused his brother to fall into sin, it's better for him to stop eating those meat.
I thought Paul probably wants the Christians to exercise love and caution when there's younger Christians around. We have to understand their weakness, background and put our shoes in them. We need to care and even take initiative to care and respect them, so that they can be open and even be educated of their new found faith. That's when they will learn and grow, their faith will be stronger.
I believe this is not just the case of Christianity but in other religions as well. I see some believers of other religions got stumbled, dumbfolded by other believers in the same religion. Within a same religion, if there's other practice or beliefs embraced by some but not all, seems like there's double standards. I wonder how long will this religion last. Even other than religions, even in the case of medicine, if one does not believe a certain medication works but the others do, that one person will be stumbled. But in the world today, who really cares of such details of another person. I'm amazed by the Bible, by how God cares of such details and make sure that our little faith do not get put out, but make sure that we all grow. This's just amazing!

Expel any sin in you! 1 Corinthians 5

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Apostle Paul was condeming any form of sexual immoral act especially within the church. He was really serious and expects the church to expel the brother. I believe expel means out of the church fellowship and defninitely out of church membership. It's possible that even in the church, someone who's baptised can also be sexual immoral. And probably at that time in the Corinth church, there are quite a few of such people. And this problem is getting a bit out of hand, probably may have affected the Christians in the church. I believed even in this 21st century, sexual immoral sin is still at large today, just that people are not open about it, till the consequences strike. There are husbands going for someone's wives, dating couples have pre-marital sex, homosexual act. Imagine all these can be going on in a church, just because there are hidden sin, people are not open about it. Just as verse 6 "a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough" Yeast is being used by Jesus as a symbol of sin. It shows sin can start really small and insignificant like a human though. Our thoughts can arouse lust and evil thoughts, our hearts are decitful according to the bible. Any secret and unopen thoughts can be snowballed into actions whose consequences cannot be repair or undo. The lack of openness and church discipline and discipling, leads to such consequences. I hope I can urge more churches not to take this lightly. And definitely I have to ensure that I expel any sinful thoughts in me, and bring it to light. I'm glad that I have people who not just can advise me but sincerely care and listen to me, and help me, of course. This is the true church family.

Servants of Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:56:00 +0000

I just finished reading the Bible, 1 Corinthians 4, that how Paul urged the Corinthians to imitate him, to be like a servant of Christ. The Corinth church is pretty much divided into groups following different leaders. Probably some are impressed by one's teaching or model attitude. Though the leaders have a good heart but they should not encourage division in church. I thought some of those unspiritual leaders even feel good that group of believers are supporting them! They felt good to be pleased, felt good to have people stand up for them. However, these are not the kind of attitude that any leader should have especially a church leader. Leaders according to the Bible are not here to gather people to please them or stand up for them, but they are here to serve. Paul continued to imitate Jesus to serve the people around him, and urged all of us to serve too. I am reminded once again that I'm here in Seremban not to have people to praise me or encourage me but to serve the people here. I must say it's really not an easy job. But I must continue to trust God for He knows best how things should be done and even in 1 Corinthians 1:25, the foolishness of God is wiser than men, I would not claim to know what's best for myself. Like Paul, I choose to serve, not here to gain any self-glorifying moments. It's tough, may God help us. I am the servant of Christ in Seremban, Malaysia!

The Most Compatible Undead Couple!

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:37:00 +0000

Don't we just look great! I thought we are the most compatible undead couple at the Halloween party. I thought the next most scary couple in place is probably ... hmm there's isn't, haha! It's just great that my wife has many undead sisters that night to accompany her. They have such a blast. While the party is on going, they are simply "floating" at the back to take their "horror" shots. Just attracted too much attention. For once we felt like some undead celebrity. Non-stop photo taking by different people. You guys just look through your facebook lah.

Suffering for Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 05:40:00 +0000

Now I'm trying for the second time using a gadget on iGoogle to post a blog. Quite cool but just that it may refreshes and clear away what you have written, so better save it in time.

Today I was reading 1 Peter 2, basically talking about suffering is part of Christian living but often many would like to take this out. When I was a young Christian, I did not give much thoughts about suffering for Christ. I thought life would be much better since now I am following a Godly set of "rules and regulations" - the Bible. But the Bible actually will challenges our faith and courage when we seriously put it into practice eg. loving one another. Many times I caught myself thinking, why do I have to disciple this person? I seems like I always get all the baddies in church, haha. A good test on how closely we are following Jesus is how loudly we complain when we are asked to do more or even sacrifice. I should thank God for the tough people in my life. They are the ones to make me stronger and prompt me to be closer to God. Tough people and situations take my spiritual life even higher that is if I go to God more for strength and wisdom.

Of course, I could take it with a lousy attitude, complaining, grumbling. Though it's easier this way but life won't get any better. People tend to stop sacrificing 'cos of pain and selfishness. They think more of themselves before giving to others. I think if no one would to give and sacrifice but rather fighting for our wants then this world is just going to end really soon or your life is just not going to be very "nice". Just what kind of example do you want to show to people around you. I thought of the "sufferings" I have as a Christian is really nothing compare to Jesus. Since Jesus suffered this way for us, we really have no excuses for not accepting any kind of discipling from God. I thought it's better to quickly repent from discipling from people rather than waiting for God's ulitmate discipling. Just pray and trust God for the lessons He's going to bring into your life. I leave us with this verse 1 Peter 2:23.

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

Looking around for a condo in Seremban, Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce Tum) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:22:00 +0000

As some of you might know, June and I have decided to do missionary work in Seremban, Malaysia. Probably for at least a year or two. I thought it's really good for us, no matter in our love for people, our spirituality, our family planning or even our current city-life-stress-intake, there's just pros for all (even to avoid the loud noises from our flat lift upgrading). Anyway, we were in Seremban trying to look for a condo to rent. The idea is that it must be safe, convenient, and has great facilities like a BBQ pit, function room, swimming pool and gym, will be really good. But sad to say, since Seremban is a small town, there's not a lot of condo, since it make more sense for them to utilize their big land and build houses. So the condo we saw was not really impressive, I would say it's a super humble condo. There's a security, a small condo office, a swimming pool which actually the size of a children pool. There's no function room, BBQ pit needed to be rent at RM$100, no gym, a table-tennis table that needs to be set up. The condo is not very well maintained both on inside and the outside. The only 2 lifts looked old and slight vandalised. When we saw the apartment that we supposed to rent, it's decent but the owner already have a confirmed tenant coming in unless we give him a better offer than RM$1100 per month. Hmm, I thought let's move on, beside I don't really have a good feel and vision of friends coming here enjoying the fellowship here. We moved on to see more condo but when we went around, we realised there's not a lot of condo for rent, mostly for sale. So with no choice, we went to look for houses. There are many houses there but I'm only impressed with the one in Green Stream Estate. It fulfilled some of the criteria, like it's secure, hourly guard patrol, near to S2 Jusco shopping mall. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 toilets, a small garden, really cool. I can imagine the Singapore Christians coming over to stay, nice. I especially like the small empty field just 5 steps beside the house. I can imagine doing BBQ, funtime on the field, nice. Hopefully the neighbors would not mind the crowd if it gets too excited! Please pray for us that we can get this house!

From Seremban 0908

The Beginning of Me

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:51:00 +0000

I think this is the picture of me when I'm around 1 year old. I also think this is the oldest picture I have of myself. It's funny 'cos I always think that I'm not my parents' biological child just because I do not have any baby photo of myself. It's only recently that I manage to find this picture. Once I looked that this picture, some nice memories (and bad memories) started to flow back. I remembered my old flat at Clementi. The texture of my sofa and that yellowish curtain. It's so retro and 'in' then. Of course, it's the 80's! I actually remembered that T-shirt I'm wearing and that striped pyjamas pants. I thought my father always like to buy me anything that has to do with heroes, not some kiddish spunch bob square pants like now. Probably my dad wants me to be some hero. There's actually another picture of me sitting in a bambo chair where I can properly have my meal, 'cos at the same time, I'm tied to the chair. I think I was really active when I'm that small but I thought who isn't!

June's Steamed Crabs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 02:51:00 +0000

Man, I can't believe the post that I saved under "Draft' was gone. What the heck! Now I don't feel like writing the whole story again. Well, pictures speak a thousand words, so I'll just put more pictures here. All I have to say about June's crab is, it just get better and better!

A Time to Cook

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 15:31:00 +0000

I'm quite happy today, partly because Liverpool won Chelsea 2-0, amazing. Anyway, I'm happy because I managed to cook something edible for June, ha! As promised, I managed to cook a pasta dish for her. It's strange 'cos yesterday my friends just made dumplings, both steamed and pan-fried and most important, they are quite nice. Thanks to David's simple recipe. I thought it's gonna be just put some minced pork into the pre-made dumpling skins. Probably too simple for us, David might have taught, so he decide to teach the guys or ShuHong taught the group how to make the skin from the dough and flour. I'm pretty impressed. The group is having fun, as if they are playing with play-dough, ha! Alicia's wallet size dumpling is real funny. Now I really appreciate dumpling to be small. Once all ready, put it to boil or pan fried. I thought the pan fried ones taste better but I guess its personal preference. But sad to say the pan fried process really create a lot of smoke and even make the whole place, floor really oily, that's what I hate. Anyway, most of us would care only the eating process. We had so much last night, too much bee hoon from Raymond. More carbo from Patsy then I bought the greens. So it's a quite balanced meal. So I believed all enjoyed themselves. Today I decided to cook Salmon with spaghetti with pesto sauce. Since reading so much of Dr Young's recipes, I decide to go for some different spaghetti, I bought the spaghetti made from whole meal. The color is much darker, looked like Chinese noodles after cooked. I thought it has a slight sweet taste. Anyway, I bought too much salmon, one big piece each for me and June. I marinated the salmon with lemon juice and garlic with a bit of salt, for 15 minutes. Then tried grill it but there's too much liquid 'cos of the lemon juice, I should dry the salmon before grilling it. So I took a longer time and they don't look grilled in the end but never mind, this lesson is for me to learn. I had fun and enjoyed myself. I'm also happy that I didn't use as much dished today so I don't have a great deal to clean up. I thought I'm much better at cutting garlic today, like a chef, ha! I think I like to cook Italian better than Chinese 'cos it's much simpler. Oh, another thing I did wrong is to take up the spaghetti too early while they are still boiling, think 5 minutes earlier than the instructions. They are still edible, just a bit hard. Still, I'm happy that June like my dish this time. I wonder what's she going to cook next...

Generous Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 09:08:00 +0000

TingHsin gave me Jay Chou's latest album for my Christmas. It's a bit late but I really appreciate it. Though I must say that I do not have much of a thing for his songs. And the only song of his I tried to sing was his "Fearless' soundtrack which in my opinion, I didn't sing too bad, ha! Anyway, still, I do like some of his songs like the second song "Listen to your mother' on this album, it's quite nice. Funny, he has a few songs all relating to mothers. Anyway, I do appreciate what TingHsin did for me, he's always so generous. I thank God that he put a few generous people in my life, like my dad, TingHsin, Pieter, and Jason. TingHsin always sponsored our meal and drinks, so is Jason. Jason always buy my drinks until some times, I just felt embarassed. He would also initiate to give people a treat as a reward to encourage people to improve in their running. Pieter would easily share whatever he have with people. Of course he share almost everything with Desmond. And he is always happy about it. Of course I benefitted greatly from their generousity but still I learnt that I too have to learn to be generous. You just make the person's day when you did something gernerous for that person. Of course, all men should learn to be generous. The ladies are all looking out for this very important point in a man. Not just about buying gift but also about being thoughtful. Well, Tang please take down notes here.

I wanted to be more generous but everytime when I want to give, I always think about what I have left or do not have. I hate being stingy or calculative. But being thrifty is a different thing. I need to know how to balance between thrifty and generous. But I always must remember to give is always a joy and a pleasure. After giving, seeing the smile on people's faces is also a joy and a pleasure.

Powerful Verses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:57:00 +0000

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." - Mat 19: 26

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." - Mat 21:22

Powerful Movies to Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 07:37:00 +0000

I just come up with a list of movies to watch, hopefully it will move and soften your hearts, inspire you and even empower you in year 2007!

Movie to watch:
Schindler's List
The Count of Monte Cristo 2002
Field of dreams
Life is Beautiful
Shine
Forrest Gump
Pay it Forward
Patch Adam
Shawshank Redemption
Its a Wonderful Life
Good Will Hunting
Chariotsof Fire
Remember the Titans
Powder

I believe there are more. You can reply to add to this list!

Misadventure

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 02:36:00 +0000

I thought I could do better by writing more frequently but I must say I was really tired everyday plus the super tight and acitivity packed weekend, I'm so drainned this few days. Plus working in this mashmallow man company, I couldn't use the internet much, totally not effective in communicating with people. Anyway, went to Seremban over the weekend for mission, it was awesome to be able to get away. I will try to have another page for this. Today is just to talk about the misadvaneture I had when we came back from Seremban. On the way back, we thought of having a different place for dinner instead of the usual City Square in JB. So then during the toilet break, the drivers (my beautiful wife, Jason, Justin, Victor) decided to go Batu Pahat, somewhere in Johor, even though none of us have been there before or heard what;s in there. Since I always hear people mentioning this name, so I thought it's going to be fun. But when we took the Yong Peng, Sagamat, Batu Pahat exit coming from North, it seems like we started a never-ending journey to no-where! After going into the exit, think we took at least 30 mintues before we can see a town-like area. Then we are lost, we don't know where to go, what to eat, ask some not very useful directions, in the end we gave up and settle with a open eating area that serves some "Singaporean food". I know Wandy, Millie and Victor had a super tiny kebah(turkish burger, wrong spelling), got conned, really pathetic. After that we drove in the rain and Victor's car went running out of battery, we were so afraid that his car will break down anytime on the highway and in the rain! Thank God that it wasn't in His plan. So we went so far, nothing much to see in this big town, and nothing much to eat, so poor thing. Well, it's not really true, it's just that we made a miscalculation and so a misadventure. I'm sure there are things to see and eat there, just that before that we need to do some homework. Amazingly I'm able to find some info on this place on the internet! So I won't tell people not to go there, I would just tell them to do their homework first before going anyway!

New changes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:40:00 +0000

I'm so encouraged to receive Yudai's email today, that really boost up my joy. After he left, I just met with different decision that I need to make. Now I'm attached to a customer's place for a month, just say that I'm working for this company who uses the big marshmallow man as their mascot. The atmosphere is quite strict, no msn as usual, have to surf discreetly. So much rules, I miss those days working in Sema and SLB, I have too much freedom, ha! Still I remember why I quited working for corporate because I don't like to march to work with a bunch of zombies in the morning, like you are being stuck in the rat race and not able to get out. Still I hope what I'm doing now will generate more result or more $$$ else I will consider going back. Anyway, just don't like working as a sub-contractor for the contractor under the main customer. It's like I have to be super careful what I do there, anyway working in so many different environment, I already master the art of adapting to new environment, ha, like the monitor lizard. Still have to pray that I don't have to come back here. Went home and realized that I need to do something radical about my finances in coming new year, need to provide more for my mum but main thing need to save up more if I'm planning to have a kid ...soon(2007-8). Anyway, good that I can reduce expenses and leverage on my savings. Make my money work for me. My wife and I decided to cut away the cable TV (inspired by Yudai) and reduce my internet. Man, it sounds really painful, no sports channel, no animal planet, discover, NG, Starworld, AXN, aiyoh! But I believed I can get over it. I know that I have better things to do, recently I wanted to do more things but realized I don't have much time a day. I'm glad I finally come out with a daily accountability list, not just include my prayer and bible reading, but also other areas. I'm glad I can start monitoring my improvement. Next I'm going to get my brothers to be on top of me. I need to prepare myself for 2007. It has to be much much better than 2006. And my marriage in 2007 has to be more loving than those days when we are dating, that's my convictions. Now I would advised the young single, when you are dating, don't put in too much effort else you have to do much more when you are married, ha! And ladies, don't easily fall for those who sweet talk all the way during your dating time, he may not do the same or more when you guys are married, be wise! Of course, I love my wife a lot, and I will make sure she is always happy. So even when there's changes in life, with her around, it's not that difficult! Guys, treasure those whom you love! Gambatte kudasai!

A Young Japanese in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 04:46:00 +0000

I had a great time just getting to know Yudai from the Tokyo church. It's amazing to see a young brother serving full time in the ministry. He is just one year my junior and he is going to be a father few months later. I'm even more amazed by his convictions to want to serve God's people in Japan. You know how hard it is there. People simply are distorted morally and spiritually there, thanks to the world and the weird culture, of course it's happening everywhere including Singapore, just read my previous post. Anyway, it's great that the

Singapore

church can do something to encourage them, I just did my part by just hosting him. It's like a student exchange program, ha! As what I shared the other time, that I would not bring a foreign friend to nice restaurant, serving international dishes. When you are in Singapore, the host should bring you to eat what the locals eat, experience the real thing. I think he really love the local dishes; fried carrot cake, fried kuay tiao, horlicks(ha!), tea agelia, ju kuay, peng kuay, assam stingray, fried chili sotong, Bedok bak chor mee, otak, aboling (dumpling soup), beef hor fun, fried rice, frog leg, venison(deer meat), baby kailan, ya kun kaya toast with butter. I thought he had alot of fun experiencing or experimenting so much different things. Yudai, if you are reading this, you probably can't associate these food name with the food you have eaten here, you have eaten so much, ha! One thing I have learnt is never bring a foreign friend to eat their local food out of their country. Yudai went to eat at Sake Sushi, (I did not bring him there) and he was humble not to strongly disgrace that restaurant, ha! Anyway he totally dislike the food there, can't even fight with the worst in Japan. Of course, Japanese food in

Japan

has one most important factor, it's super fresh, and the Japanese can taste the difference. I would love to eat fresh seafood everyday also but even though Singapore is surrounded by water, we don't have a lot of good seafood, just lots of jellyfish! The more he shared about Japan, the more I feel like going and even Alex told me flying to and fro Japan just $600 plus, wow! Now I just need to save up. It's like going to my childhood wonderland, the manga world! Of course, I did not stop thinking and praying for the people to be receptive to the word of God. I'm wondering how interesting it would be for me to evangelise there. Anyway, I hope he had a great time here in

Singapore

, he also played paintball here with the staff. I believed much unity have been forged within the Korean churches and great things are going to happen there. Of course, the

Japan

church is going to keep growing under Takeshi's leadership, keep praying. The last night in

Singapore

, we brought Yudai to eat the all time famous Bedok bak chor mee, the hawker centre at Bedok North Ave 4. He also tried all other BBQ seafood, hot and spicey, delicious! Few hours later, brought him to the airport to check in at 530am, so tired but hey, this is the family, it's pleasure to serve. Anyway, we had a good talk before he went in. I think we have build a great friendship 'cos of more similarities. We are both around the same age, wives same age and we are young! We both can do so much to help others, that's just remind me to keep my faith up, and do my very best. Brother, I will keep praying for you and your wife, all the best and God bless!