Personal Blather!

I haven't blogged about my Christmas so here's a little something.

I must say it was quite nice spending it with the family. I don't really see them all that much, so I think it's very nice that I could spend some time with them. Christmas was a simple occasion for us. We went for service, which was actually really good, and then had a simple lunch, in preparation for a heavy dinner. The turkey was humongous, and we couldn't even finish half of it.

I learned that my sister and brother in law cook quite well. I also learned that the things they cook were very simple and didn't require as much preparations as the usual Chinese cuisine my mother is used to making. It's amazing what a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar can do to make cooking so easy. I guess I should learn a bit more. Bad thing about staying in hostels is that you never actually get a full kitchen to experiment.

In any case, although I didn't get any presents, which I'm actually perfectly fine with, it was a really swell Christmas for me. Let's not forget that Christmas isn't just about celebrating, drinking, christmas trees and lights, but always about loving, giving and sharing!

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Sometimes you just feel like going and doing something seemingly outrageous!

At first, it seemed absolutely brilliant! I really wanted to get it done. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I COULDN'T due to some reasons.

Still, it was a somewhat good idea I think... and it could've been great if I'd got it done...

I would at least be happy that I did it...

But now I'd never know...

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As a follow up on the previous post, I did an X-ray and the doctor said there are no bone fractures so it should be fine.

I was a bit curious as to whether this was a common thing, and if I could find out more about it. Googling it revealed some neat information.

Mallet Finger

So that's the name of the injury... "Mallet Finger"

Anyway, I guess the splint will be on the next few weeks at least.

Christmas is coming. One more week. I'm not one for Christmas shopping, or shopping of any kind... but I guess I've learned that it's nice to give someone a gift... especially on Christmas...

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Injured my finger. According to the doctor it's a torn ligament.

Surprisingly it doesn't hurt.

Going for an X-ray tomorrow.

More updates then...

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Met with Patrick. Talked about some stuff.

Short story: Focus on ministry now, everything else is secondary.

Long story: Apparently finding my place in ministry is different. I was taught that one has to try out a ministry before one can know if that's where they're called. Apparently for me that's not the case. I ought to already KNOW where I want to serve and what God's call is in my life and focus on it FIRST. I never thought about music ministry until he brought it up. It had some interesting possibilities, but I needed to know where God's calling for my life was first. In any case, that's what I'll be looking to do in the next month.

I've grown over the past year, and although it's not in great leaps and bounds, I'm quite happy that I've managed to grow spiritually these past few months. Apparently, it's not enough, but I'm still going spend more time with God. This month will be a time where I seriously ask Him to reveal to me a few things.

1) A vision and/or calling for my life.
2) How to walk closer to Him.
3) How to grow even more spiritually, faster by having more breakthroughs.

These aren't easy to come by, and I need it. It's not like I don't KNOW that I need these, I KNOW! I just don't know how to go about finding it, and how to distinguish that which is from God and that which isn't. There has to be a conviction on top of the decision, and I've made many decisions, and tried following them up with convictions, only to be told they were wrong in the first place. Where can you draw the line between conviction and stubbornness? It's a difficult question to answer really...

In any case, I really pray for God's wisdom and direction. I'm trying my best to seek Him, to learn what He has to say to me... and I pray that I'll find what I'm looking for these few weeks.

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I try to listen to Your voice, doing what I hear and believing in Your word.

Why then does it seem that I am yet again, wrong? Why does it seem that I'm doing this on my own, and not together with You?

Help me...

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I can't help but post this as I was doing my quiet time.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. Psalm 138:8

The Lord has promised that in all things regarding you, He has made perfect. This is not to say that we are perfect, or that all our circumstances are perfect, but that God has planned everything perfectly for us. It is a constant, ongoing process and we know we are walking in His will when we look back and see how we have matured over time, through His grace. Praise the Lord!

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I've been waking up everyday with a song in my head these past few days, and sometimes even when I'm just walking. Perhaps it's a side effect of having thought about what songs we could do for Phoenix. It's pretty great though that the songs that DO stay are really nice songs. I wake up pretty often with worship songs going on and on in my head. It makes it really easy to get into God's presence every day. I wake up feeling more alive and energetic than I've ever been before!

Worship songs aside, some really nice songs have been running through my head too. One of them particularly, has managed to capture my attention, so much so that I've been singing and obsessing over this song for the past two days. I found the link to the mp3, but I don't think I'll post it up here. I DO have a Youtube link though.

Empty Decorations

I'm not embedding it because the video doesn't feature me.

If you don't know it already, it's the theme song for the Malaysian sitcom, Kopitiam that used to air some years back. It's a really catchy tune and the lyrics are really meaningful, especially because it really reflects how things are going right now. This song together with The Calling's Our Lives are really suitable for us as final years in Raffles Hall.

I'm really looking forward to an interesting week ahead. The future can be uncertain I guess, but if you walk close to God, He can make everything seem so bright. There's really a feeling that everything is going to be great!

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While I certainly do not know the results of my papers so far, I am very grateful as I have a very good feeling about them. I worked hard and it seems to have finally paid off. After all, it IS the semester where I have only 3 modules.

There's still one more paper to go and I don't really know how it's going to go, but I'll work for it.

In all this, I must give thanks to God because He really saw me through this period. I've been closer to Him now and I've been spending so much time with Him that I find a lot of assurance in the things I do, simply because I rely on Him really. It seems like an easy statement to make, but it is actually that simple if you actually stop to think about it and DECIDE to practice it.

Anyway, Heroes Season 2 will be concluding soon, which is not to say that I'm very happy with that. The story seems lacking really, although the past few episodes have been, admittedly, exciting. It somehow didn't give me as good a feel as the previous season. I guess too much time were wasted on lousy plots which have little to do with the main story. Hopefully, things turn out better in the next season.

Got paid today. Banking it in tomorrow. Happy me!

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26/11 CS3212 5:00 PM
27/11 GEK1002 9:00 AM
05/12 MNO1001 1:00 PM

There you have it. Do remember to pray for me.

Gerald

Clickey

Really cool. I'd like to be able to do something like that...

But then again, I'd much rather get my hands on a Full-Burst MG Strike Freedom first... *sigh*

Then back to work!

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Although my blog's been around for some time, I've finally reached a landmark of having been read 10000 times! Considering that the counter came only much later after I started blogging, there should relatively be more visits than that. Still, if I consider from the point I installed the counter, I'd say reaching 5 digits is pretty decent.

My blog isn't about some niche interest, or specific to any one issue or genre. It's a mixture of many different types of things, and since it's a PERSONAL blog, not to be narcissistic or anything, it's obviously about... me! It's a potpourri of issues and things which matter to me, or sometimes DON'T matter to me. It's about my ups and downs in life. It's about my likes and dislikes. My 'journalism' is far from perfect, and I'm ashamed to admit, even downright pathetic. Still one does ones best. I'm quite proud of this little place on the web I've carved for myself. It gives me a small sense of achievement.

In any case, it's still reading week. It's still exam time and there are things to study / do. Complacency would be the killer for me, so I better buck up. A short celebration in the form of a post is hardly wrong I guess, but one shouldn't take things too far no?

Back to work!

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Sometimes, it's difficult trying to live a life that pleases God. If you stop to think about it, what kind of a life is that? My mindset has changed and is different now, but there are still remnants of the old mindset which are a little harder to change. Some of my more 'traditional' thinking isn't quite as relevant now, but perhaps some of the newer, more 'liberal' thinking has gone overboard.

The key I suppose is balance. I'm trying hard to live the kind of life that is still pleasing to God, that would bring glory to His name, but yet be relevant to society. The principle seems to be "be identifiable but not blindly indulgent" in contemporary culture. Still I sometimes question the kind of thinking I have.

In any case, I don't want to go into an extended debate on this issue. Let's just say that as I mature more and more in Christ, I hope to be able to arrive at a place where my thinking is totally conformed to the mind of Christ, or at least to a very great extent.

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As I read His word, I come across this verse which really encourages me.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold, From those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11

Is THIS a good thing? What would it take for it to happen? I really don't know, but if I treat this as every other area, then I think...

After all, God desires for us to have the good things in life...

"Do everything humanly possible, and leave the impossible to Him."

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Exams coming again.

This time I'm not too worried. I need to buck up even more, but having not much of a heavy exam timetable is not helping.

Some things have been happening lately that makes me a bit unsure of what to do. I could very well just sit back and do nothing, but perhaps I really shouldn't. I don't know. I really wished there were SOME help on what I ought to do... if anything. Being unsure is really irritating.

Anyway, I think tomorrow's service will be exciting. Will try to get more rest for it tonight.

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Yes, if you're wondering about the lack of updates, it's largely because I'm swamped by work. I have many deadlines to meet and I've been doing what I can to complete the projects and assignments before the deadline. Thankfully, I've actually managed to progress quite a bit and hence I can afford a short hiatus to just put down a few thoughts.

I've been thinking lately about my future, what I want to do and all that. It's pretty exciting yet depressing at the same time, knowing that I'll be leaving studying for good in a couple of months and venture out into the working world. I'm all for progress, but it can be a little daunting to take such a big leap. Transitions are never easy, especially if you want to ensure that you take all the good positive things you've learned with you and try to leave all the bad behind. It's all in the process of growing up, I guess, but just because you know it happens to everyone doesn't make it any easier to face.

In any case, here's an interesting article I found. It's really insightful and definitely worth the read. Clickey. I'm definitely going to try to apply this as often as possible. Passion is a really good motivator.

The final years in hall have come together again to put up a little event to make hall life a little more exciting. ΤaλaΝΤο (Pronounced Ta-lan-tou) has been ongoing for a while and the preliminaries are over. The grand finale will take place this coming Monday. *shrug* The six grand finalists will be performing as will some of the final years. That means I have to finish all my work by this weekend, and THAT'S why I'm so busy... with so many things to submit.

Here's to a productive weekend and a great week ahead!

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I'm guessing everyone's expecting some comments about concert since it's over. I don't really know or bother much with the opinions of others, but here's my 2 cents.

Acting
Since it's a musical, acting should logically come first. Admittedly, the cast were not perfect, and I'm guessing there are many criticisms from different parties. I personally believe that the acting was pretty good. I might be biased because I DID see how abysmally they performed at the initial stages of preparation, but I won't deny them the credit due to them. It was a job well done, and no matter what anyone else says, I truly think their acting was acceptable. Not perfect, but good nonetheless.

Singing
Who can deny the strength in this year's cast's ability to sing? Compared to ANY OTHER YEAR, I'd say this year the singing was as close to perfection as we can get. The music itself was pretty amazing, and the fact that the leads were really talented made it come out that much better. I'd give them a 9/10 minus one because of projection issues. Still, I can't get so many songs out of my head! Soundtrack please!

Dancing
I don't think there was all that much dancing this year. What little they had though, was pretty astounding, although I'm unsure whether that was because of the costumes. Sad to say, I cannot help but feel this is the one area which could've been much much better. It was more than acceptable, we had the talent! It's just sad that we didn't manage to really capitalize on that. Still, this isn't a dance production, so we can't be having too high an expectation can we?

Script
It was short and sweet. True, it's not perfect, and there were a few 'loopholes', but it was done not by a theatre major, or an experienced writer, but an ordinary student struggling with his ideals, ALONE. It might've been lacking in some areas, but it managed to carry the main theme across very well, and the writer's message was communicated clearly enough. That in itself is testimony of its strength.

Music
Like singing, music was exceptional this year. We really did a good job in this department this year. 'Nuff said!

Sets
The sets were worryingly simple, but somehow managed to pull through with the help of very good lighting effects. It conveyed the correct setting where necessary, and that's all that really matters actually. Past sets teams might complain of the lack of quality, but I think the final effect was adequate if not acceptable.

Costumes
When they were first revealed during Comm Hall runs, I was worried as it seemed utterly plain and dull. True, clothes at that setting were probably a dull white/gray/brown combination, but following that would've been disastrous. Thankfully, there were many different bright shades at the final show, which really spiced things up. I wouldn't say it was superb, but the costumes were certainly not shabby.

Conclusion
While it may seem that I approve of everything, it must be noted that there were MANY areas which could've been improved on. Projection was only one of them, something which were told to all cast members from the very beginning. Most of the things mentioned above are actually only at the 'acceptable' or 'barely adequate' level, and failed to really impress. The lack of a really STRONG scene was also a minus point, as people came away not really having any part of the show making a very lasting impression. Overall, I'd say it didn't turn out bad, but IMHO, it still wasn't the best that could've been achieved based on the talent we had. For this reason, I'd have to give it an above average rating.

Of course, these are just my opinions and thoughts about the concert, from my perspective.

Technorati Tags: Raffles Hall, Filodoksia, Concert

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The past weekend was very exciting, with a lot of things being shared about the church vision. I think it's pretty amazing the amount of things that are being done in church. The various efforts by the different ministries in church are truly astounding. It's not just about the amount of money we use to help the community and all the people around, it's also the amount of EFFORT put in by the various members which really got me thinking.

Today's combine CG was really good, and pastor really shared his heart out. I was just thinking about this issue when he brought it up in his sharing. He didn't say anything about finances, which is what I guess we were expecting to hear with building fund around the corner. Instead, he talked about making a decision to serve and to be a participant in God's purpose for the church and for ourselves. It was short but very powerful.

I really felt that I was starting to be too comfortable where I am. I really ought to start considering doing more. It's not that I'm looking for things to 'fill up my time', but more of I really want to do more for God and to be in His service in any way possible.

I'm not really sure how yet, but I DO believe in doing whatever I can, whenever I can.

Hopefully, I'll start walking more and more towards the purpose He's called me to.

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Comm Hall week is over. A lot of things happened. At this point, I guess I'm looking forward to seeing how everything will turn out. As mentioned in my past two posts, It's been pretty much up and down for concert, with a very interesting climax last Friday. Apparently the first run was disastrous. Again, after much rebuking and encouragement, they managed to put up a spectacular second run. A lot of drama was involved, and I'm not sure if it's suitable to be shown here. Do ask if you want to know what happened exactly.

In any case, it's finally UCC week. There are many things which should happen and it's going to be a busy, tiring week for everyone. Still, I don't see why I can't look forward to an exciting show this weekend. I've seen what these bunch of people can do, and I have every faith in them that they can put up a good show. No one can deny that they've put in a lot of sweat and blood, and if nothing else, I believe in them.

Here's to a great show this weekend!

PS: Cast people, please do get rest so that you can be focussed this weekend.

Technorati Tags: Raffles Hall, Concert

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After posting last night, I went down again to take a look see at how the Comm Hall run was going to be progressing. My initial fears were coming true... and I was worried... really worried...

The first run was horrible to say the least. I didn't even need to be watching them to know they did possibly one of their worst performances. There was absolutely no energy or projection and not a soul was remotely interested to watch. People who came for supper never once looked up to find out what was happening... it was THAT DEAD...

The run ended at about 12... and we were contemplating just going off. Things were NOT working out... and both me and JJ decided to talk to some people. Obviously, the stage manager was not happy. Apart from the dismal performance, sets had literally no sense of urgency in their sets changes. There would have to be another run, starting at approximately 1215 am.

As usual, we made the cast see how disappointed we all were. It wouldn't have been very appropriate to be pissed, but I really felt that they needed to wake up... Their director was absolutely devastated at the incredibly sub-par performance. He gave all of them his 2 cents and told them to do a better job this time.

And then they all drew together and did a 'cast whoosh'.

So the act began again, with some seniors watching from the front waiting to see how it would turn out. I had the intention of leaving if they didn't put up something decent.

Fortunately, I didn't have to. SOMEHOW they managed to pull together and really spike up the energy level. The whole act became alive and interesting, with many scenes done to the best I've ever seen ANY of them perform. They managed to build on each other's reactions and the result was something short of a miracle. I'd almost given up hope on them.

In any case, at the end of the run, the director was almost reduced to tears and we could see that they KNEW IT! They KNEW it was a good run, and I certainly hope they keep maintaining this level of energy and acting, because...

IT'S ABOUT BLOODY TIME!

What this shows, is that they DO have the talent and ability to perform well. Now all that's left is to see if they can improve on the minor stuff and capitalize on this experience to continue performing at this level, or at an even HIGHER level. I'm pretty sure they could, if they ALL really wanted it and worked for it. All that remains to be seen is whether they can actually sustain their performance.

Concert is next weekend, things are finally looking up...

Technorati Tags: Raffles Hall, Concert

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