Irritation: Someone calls at 2 am in the morning, and asks, "Hi, is Joe in?"
Aggravation: The same someone calls again at 3 am in the morning, and asks, "Hi, is Joe in?"
Frustration: Someone else calls in at 4 am and asks, "Hi, this is Joe. Did anyone call me?"
Cheerio
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004
Christ-mass
O holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear saviour's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
Till He appeared, and the soul felt it's worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night o holy night
O night o night divine
I don't know why, but I've always liked this song. It sort of captures the grand, excited, wanting feeling that we all should feel knowing about the birth of Christ.
Reminds me of a sermon a while back. It started, "What does Santa Claus, Log cakes and Christmas trees have in common? They have absolutely nothing to do with Christmas." What was the original Christmas story about? It was about the sacrifice of God, coming down as a child, knowing He would eventually die on a cross. It was about the Saviour's love for us, great beyond all measure. And we would do well to remember that, to not focus on the eating, and the giving, and the Hallmark bits of it.
Still, that does not mean I don't like the secular aspects of it. I really appreciate all the cards and stuff that I received over the weekend. It's just that we should know where our focus should lie.
Remember Christ our Lord. All hail the Prince of Peace.
Cheerio
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear saviour's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
Till He appeared, and the soul felt it's worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night o holy night
O night o night divine
I don't know why, but I've always liked this song. It sort of captures the grand, excited, wanting feeling that we all should feel knowing about the birth of Christ.
Reminds me of a sermon a while back. It started, "What does Santa Claus, Log cakes and Christmas trees have in common? They have absolutely nothing to do with Christmas." What was the original Christmas story about? It was about the sacrifice of God, coming down as a child, knowing He would eventually die on a cross. It was about the Saviour's love for us, great beyond all measure. And we would do well to remember that, to not focus on the eating, and the giving, and the Hallmark bits of it.
Still, that does not mean I don't like the secular aspects of it. I really appreciate all the cards and stuff that I received over the weekend. It's just that we should know where our focus should lie.
Remember Christ our Lord. All hail the Prince of Peace.
Cheerio
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Brother
Let me tell you about my brother. He's 3 years younger than me, and studying in SAJC. (At least, that's what he's supposed to be doing. But as everyone knows, you don't study in your first year at SAJC. Period) He's an excellent guitarist, and a bit too good at Halo 2 for my liking, but I make up for that by trashing him in Crimson Skies.
The other thing I want to say is that I'm proud of him. We have our differences, and there was a point of time when I was jealous of what he could do that I could not (not Halo 2. Something else) but I'm glad for him. I've seen him grow up from a small punk that threw a book at me, to the God-fearing leader that he is today. And what brother could not be prouder of that?
They say that some twins are so close they can almost think what the other is doing. I've got proof that brothers can be that close too. There are so many times when I can just do something, and he'll react in the way that I know, and he knows, he should react. (Especially during games like Halo 2, MechAssault, Captain's ball etc etc) All we have to do is look at each other, and we can know more or less what the other's going to do. Well, yes, of course that isn't always the case. But hey, for a pair of brothers, I think that's pretty good, hmm?
He has his drawbacks of course. But those are for him to reveal, not for me. Suffice to say that he is all a guy could need in a brother.
I must be getting old, getting all sentimental like that. Bummer.
Cheerio
The other thing I want to say is that I'm proud of him. We have our differences, and there was a point of time when I was jealous of what he could do that I could not (not Halo 2. Something else) but I'm glad for him. I've seen him grow up from a small punk that threw a book at me, to the God-fearing leader that he is today. And what brother could not be prouder of that?
They say that some twins are so close they can almost think what the other is doing. I've got proof that brothers can be that close too. There are so many times when I can just do something, and he'll react in the way that I know, and he knows, he should react. (Especially during games like Halo 2, MechAssault, Captain's ball etc etc) All we have to do is look at each other, and we can know more or less what the other's going to do. Well, yes, of course that isn't always the case. But hey, for a pair of brothers, I think that's pretty good, hmm?
He has his drawbacks of course. But those are for him to reveal, not for me. Suffice to say that he is all a guy could need in a brother.
I must be getting old, getting all sentimental like that. Bummer.
Cheerio
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Down
Today was the second time in a week I had this overwhelming sense of depression come over me. I don't know why it happened, but it just kept coming at me again and again.
Some of you may be surprised, since I appear happy almost all the time, or at the least, sort of lethargic. Well, just in case you don't know, expressionless does not equal emotionless. So though you may have only seen two of my expressions, I do go through the same range of feelings that you all do. Well, ok, most of them.
So I dunno why I felt so down today. I mean, the day started off SNAFU as usual. I was supposed to be able to take leave today, but the replacement guy didn't know he was on replacement etc etc. Then in the end, I just took half day off. Went over to Woodlands Mart to have lunch with Frankie and Emily and a few others, then went home after that.
It was after I got home I think. SMS a bit, then it started. This little voice telling me I was a fool. So I tried to drown my sorrows in Starcraft, but after that, when I had to go out, it came back, worst than ever. It bugged me all the way down to town, as I had to go buy some stuff, and every part of the way, it was just bugging me. A bit irritating, if you ask me.
On the way back also, the little voice at the back of my head going over and over again. Really felt depressed. Which is unusual, since I'm not the depressed kind of person. So anyway, it just sort of bothered me all the way back till now. Now that I'm actually doing something, and actually thinking (yes, even though I am in the army, my brain still functions quite normally thank you) the voice goes away. Hopefully, it will be for good.
Now this whole thing is a major problem that some people face. Especially since this thing can actually lead to a realyl bad case of self-pity, which I have had to fight with on more than one occasion. My advice to you is that if you ever hear a voice like that, you can be damn certain it's not from God. So shut it out. Start praying, or singing, like Aggie says, think positive thoughts. This thoughts that come are the kind that can lead to suicide, so please don't listen to them.
Hope my veterancy will be able to help someone out there. heh...
Cheerio
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.- 2 Tim 2:22
Some of you may be surprised, since I appear happy almost all the time, or at the least, sort of lethargic. Well, just in case you don't know, expressionless does not equal emotionless. So though you may have only seen two of my expressions, I do go through the same range of feelings that you all do. Well, ok, most of them.
So I dunno why I felt so down today. I mean, the day started off SNAFU as usual. I was supposed to be able to take leave today, but the replacement guy didn't know he was on replacement etc etc. Then in the end, I just took half day off. Went over to Woodlands Mart to have lunch with Frankie and Emily and a few others, then went home after that.
It was after I got home I think. SMS a bit, then it started. This little voice telling me I was a fool. So I tried to drown my sorrows in Starcraft, but after that, when I had to go out, it came back, worst than ever. It bugged me all the way down to town, as I had to go buy some stuff, and every part of the way, it was just bugging me. A bit irritating, if you ask me.
On the way back also, the little voice at the back of my head going over and over again. Really felt depressed. Which is unusual, since I'm not the depressed kind of person. So anyway, it just sort of bothered me all the way back till now. Now that I'm actually doing something, and actually thinking (yes, even though I am in the army, my brain still functions quite normally thank you) the voice goes away. Hopefully, it will be for good.
Now this whole thing is a major problem that some people face. Especially since this thing can actually lead to a realyl bad case of self-pity, which I have had to fight with on more than one occasion. My advice to you is that if you ever hear a voice like that, you can be damn certain it's not from God. So shut it out. Start praying, or singing, like Aggie says, think positive thoughts. This thoughts that come are the kind that can lead to suicide, so please don't listen to them.
Hope my veterancy will be able to help someone out there. heh...
Cheerio
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.- 2 Tim 2:22
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Tired
Youth camp is over, so now have to prep to go back to the normal mundane life in army... such a bother...
Anyway, this was the first time that youth camp seemed to pass so quickly. Maybe is cos I got too much practice watching time fly in camp. Maybe it's cos it was such a fun time that time flew. But whatever the case, it seemed exceedingly short. Ha... Maybe it's cos I'm getting old...
Anyway, we got to meet new friends, and got to know some of the other youths better a bit. And got nice food, and played fun games and had nice music and etc etc...
The whole camp was pretty fun, but I personally feel that the best bit was when Jun Yong agreed to pray to receive Christ with Sam and Jarrell. The next best bit was when Leon showed positive signs. heh... As for the camp in detail, here goes
First day: Reached church a bit late, got to know my group ppl, then went up to play games in Bethel. Wasn't too bad, just that my ppl in camp got some problems here and there, and I got disturbed. Anyway, after that we went to Sembawang Park for a spot of games, and we did fishing... which I might add, is rather relaxing, and I actually have a mind to go and do it again some time. At night, Brian managed to get himself 6 stitches... kaoz eh...
Second day: Early in the morning had a briefing about the "Amazing Race" that we were supposed to have. Quite sian, cannot bring wallet, I feel sian already. Anyway, we went to town, and did some stuff. After that, we went to Labrador Park for some other games, was raining, and they gave us the wrong address to go to. So we waited for a while for the rain to stop. Then we walked to Carpark B. The scenery was nice, and had a time to catch up with Jessica, Jie, Eunice and a few other ppl. Played boogie at night, damn near kena killed by mosquito... got back, and got to bathe before knocking out.
Third day: Morning had to rush through breakfast cos got practice for the worship. Then we headed to Wild Wild Wet. It wasn't a sunny day, actually rather cold if you asked me, but it wasn't too bad. Though the place was a little smaller than what I expected. Had quite a good time playing with friends. After that we went back and got ready for Omega Night. Forerunner came down courtesy of Sam, and they put up quite a good performance/worship, though I wish we could have done like a stupid comedy thingy like we always do...Jun Yong accepted Christ right about now. Anyway, as is customary, we slept very late (or technically, very early) and despite my original intentions of sleeping early, I ended up sleeping at 0430 hrs liddat. Had quite a good time with friends who stayed up, even though I dunno why but my group the three younger guys slept early. By right should have been me.
Last day: Had some more games in the morning, went to Fushan to play. I did something really stupid, and got a bruise for my troubles. Anyway, it was kinda fun, though the Milo Coffee Whipped Cream concoction smelled rather vile... Went back and had lunch and worship and finally went home after a few last pictures.
Now today, in themorning, I had to wake up real early, cos had to go to Sentosa for the ITI family day... still quite stoned out. But got to play beach volleyball with some of the guys, and managed to get a sunburn. And then had worship prac for service. And that's why I need to go sleep real soon cos I'm playing tmr.
Cheerio
Anyway, this was the first time that youth camp seemed to pass so quickly. Maybe is cos I got too much practice watching time fly in camp. Maybe it's cos it was such a fun time that time flew. But whatever the case, it seemed exceedingly short. Ha... Maybe it's cos I'm getting old...
Anyway, we got to meet new friends, and got to know some of the other youths better a bit. And got nice food, and played fun games and had nice music and etc etc...
The whole camp was pretty fun, but I personally feel that the best bit was when Jun Yong agreed to pray to receive Christ with Sam and Jarrell. The next best bit was when Leon showed positive signs. heh... As for the camp in detail, here goes
First day: Reached church a bit late, got to know my group ppl, then went up to play games in Bethel. Wasn't too bad, just that my ppl in camp got some problems here and there, and I got disturbed. Anyway, after that we went to Sembawang Park for a spot of games, and we did fishing... which I might add, is rather relaxing, and I actually have a mind to go and do it again some time. At night, Brian managed to get himself 6 stitches... kaoz eh...
Second day: Early in the morning had a briefing about the "Amazing Race" that we were supposed to have. Quite sian, cannot bring wallet, I feel sian already. Anyway, we went to town, and did some stuff. After that, we went to Labrador Park for some other games, was raining, and they gave us the wrong address to go to. So we waited for a while for the rain to stop. Then we walked to Carpark B. The scenery was nice, and had a time to catch up with Jessica, Jie, Eunice and a few other ppl. Played boogie at night, damn near kena killed by mosquito... got back, and got to bathe before knocking out.
Third day: Morning had to rush through breakfast cos got practice for the worship. Then we headed to Wild Wild Wet. It wasn't a sunny day, actually rather cold if you asked me, but it wasn't too bad. Though the place was a little smaller than what I expected. Had quite a good time playing with friends. After that we went back and got ready for Omega Night. Forerunner came down courtesy of Sam, and they put up quite a good performance/worship, though I wish we could have done like a stupid comedy thingy like we always do...Jun Yong accepted Christ right about now. Anyway, as is customary, we slept very late (or technically, very early) and despite my original intentions of sleeping early, I ended up sleeping at 0430 hrs liddat. Had quite a good time with friends who stayed up, even though I dunno why but my group the three younger guys slept early. By right should have been me.
Last day: Had some more games in the morning, went to Fushan to play. I did something really stupid, and got a bruise for my troubles. Anyway, it was kinda fun, though the Milo Coffee Whipped Cream concoction smelled rather vile... Went back and had lunch and worship and finally went home after a few last pictures.
Now today, in themorning, I had to wake up real early, cos had to go to Sentosa for the ITI family day... still quite stoned out. But got to play beach volleyball with some of the guys, and managed to get a sunburn. And then had worship prac for service. And that's why I need to go sleep real soon cos I'm playing tmr.
Cheerio
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Returning
After almost a week of not-writing, I finally get to write... heh... it was not procrastination... Monday was ok, Tuesday was ok, Wednesday was not so ok, but everything was resolved before I left for Kong Kong, so praise God.
Kong Kong is a pretty nice place. Quiet and all that. Went up with Cheryl and Mindy rather late in the morning (around 7.30 am like that) and we managed to get a cab to take us there... Almost fell asleep, but as a veh. comd., I'm not supposed to fall asleep, a restraint the two sleeping beauties sitting behind me certainly did not face...
Got to Kong Kong around 10 liddat. Went to join then and then got worship and BS. Then got lunch. P.J. really knows how to order seafood. So lunch was pretty uneventful, except that Nemo spilled coconut juice all over herself, then when I tried to help her, I managed to spill it on myself too. So my going home pants cannot use to go home...
Then went to play games, see the kelong etc etc... at night got BBQ, and can see that some of then really know how to pack away seafood... The fire they made also very good. The barbeque very hot, dunno how they did it lor... Then got BS again, and then as in any youth activity, the last night is meant for games and talking and fun etc etc. However, being the old man that I am, I fell asleep early at around 2.30 am.
After that we came back to Singapore, then said bye, and promptly met each other again at about 8.00 pm for JPM. And the camp t-shirts came in. They are very nice, dunno why Sulwyn said she thought the design a bit bold, but the words were sticky i.e. they stuck to my back. A bit irritating... haha...
So anyway after that can go home and sleep and this morning had to go to camp for a meeting in which I was involved for maybe 5 mins, but I had to sit in for about 3 hours... haha... army administration...
So just to tell the youth camp comm that the camp almost here, please continue to persevere, to make sure the thing is successful, and that His word may be spread to the unbelievers. Ha...
Cheerio
Kong Kong is a pretty nice place. Quiet and all that. Went up with Cheryl and Mindy rather late in the morning (around 7.30 am like that) and we managed to get a cab to take us there... Almost fell asleep, but as a veh. comd., I'm not supposed to fall asleep, a restraint the two sleeping beauties sitting behind me certainly did not face...
Got to Kong Kong around 10 liddat. Went to join then and then got worship and BS. Then got lunch. P.J. really knows how to order seafood. So lunch was pretty uneventful, except that Nemo spilled coconut juice all over herself, then when I tried to help her, I managed to spill it on myself too. So my going home pants cannot use to go home...
Then went to play games, see the kelong etc etc... at night got BBQ, and can see that some of then really know how to pack away seafood... The fire they made also very good. The barbeque very hot, dunno how they did it lor... Then got BS again, and then as in any youth activity, the last night is meant for games and talking and fun etc etc. However, being the old man that I am, I fell asleep early at around 2.30 am.
After that we came back to Singapore, then said bye, and promptly met each other again at about 8.00 pm for JPM. And the camp t-shirts came in. They are very nice, dunno why Sulwyn said she thought the design a bit bold, but the words were sticky i.e. they stuck to my back. A bit irritating... haha...
So anyway after that can go home and sleep and this morning had to go to camp for a meeting in which I was involved for maybe 5 mins, but I had to sit in for about 3 hours... haha... army administration...
So just to tell the youth camp comm that the camp almost here, please continue to persevere, to make sure the thing is successful, and that His word may be spread to the unbelievers. Ha...
Cheerio
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