Went to Sentosa today with the youths. J's brother, N, was also there. As I was feeling tired, and he was feeling shy to join the group, so we happen to sit together and had a nice chat. It was a nice chat we have but I forgot to tell him.
He is 19 years old and going to the army. Just 3months ago, he told me he was going to be married with his girlfriend in 2009. But found out today that they just broke up. His girlfriend cant accept him for who he is, he said.
Given his golden dyed hair, tattoo-ed body, and some other behaviors different from mine, it seems a little strange that he is talking to me about acceptance. He even said that he does not want his girlfriend to be a gang member, does not want her to smoke and drink, and go to pub. Perhaps everyone really desire to be normal and accepted.
He's a rather nice chap, tends to like to boast about his past misdeeds that all. But given the background and the people whom he mixes with, what else can he boast about other than his misdeeds? How else can he command the respect of others if not for the fact that he belongs to the presumably largest and therefore most powerful secret society in Singapore.
As I reflect about this, my heart aches for the young people. For survival, they have to cling on to anything they can find. If it means to be in a gang, then so be it.
Lord, your divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of you who called us by your own glory and goodness. (So give these youths and children a sense of your personal calling and a glimpse of your glory and goodness. There really can be more to life than this). Through them, you have given us your very great and precious promises, so that through them, we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desire. (Each of them need your help to escape the corruption in the world. Deliver them Lord...) 2 Peter 1:3-5
Monday, November 24, 2008
A box of ice-cream
Met this 16 years old at my corridor while I was on my way home. He was pushing a cool box and as I walked by him, he asked me if I wanted to buy a box of ice-cream from him. He said he is saving up for his polytechnic education. He claimed that a box of ice-cream was $12 and he is selling at $14.90 because he wants to earn a little.
Well, a side of me wanted to belive him, but the other side of me was a little skeptical. I needa little time to think so I showed him where I stayed and said perhaps he should go and ask my mother if she wanted the ice-cream. But as I stepped into the house, he didnt even have to say anything, I begin to dig out money from my wallet. I guess I decided that I want to risk believing in him.
I donno if I might have been cheated. Maybe he might be laughing at me and say what a fool I am.. But it does not matter. Wisdom and foolishness really depends on which side you stand on. Widsom to the world is foolishness to Christ, and the reverse is true.
For the sake of Christ, I am willing to be a fool.
Well, a side of me wanted to belive him, but the other side of me was a little skeptical. I needa little time to think so I showed him where I stayed and said perhaps he should go and ask my mother if she wanted the ice-cream. But as I stepped into the house, he didnt even have to say anything, I begin to dig out money from my wallet. I guess I decided that I want to risk believing in him.
I donno if I might have been cheated. Maybe he might be laughing at me and say what a fool I am.. But it does not matter. Wisdom and foolishness really depends on which side you stand on. Widsom to the world is foolishness to Christ, and the reverse is true.
For the sake of Christ, I am willing to be a fool.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Counseling..
While waiting for my appointment with Santi, I realised that I donno what to do. I could have prepared for camp, prepare for work, read etc etc.. But I dont have the materials I need at home. I wanted to go tJ but there is not enough time. So anyways, here I am typing my blog.
My sup asked me what counseling model I think I wanna go into more details and learn it. Different models suit different people. I wonder if I can go into christian counselling. Other than this kinda of counseling, I am not sure if I can make sense of wat the other counseling models are talking about. Or rather, I am nt sure if I can be convinced of wat the rest of the models tries to convince people.
I want to base my work upon the word of God. I need to check with her if it is possible to go into christian counseling in our centre. Anyway, if not, I really needa know what i can learn and apply already.
Learning and applying a particular model can really change a person's outlook and perspective. Its like a lens that you view the world from. If what I learn is not going to be sound biblically, I worry that what I say to people would nt be truth. But of course, saying this, even if some claimed to be christian counseling, i still need to evaluate it based on the word of God.
Love you so much, Jesus, Love you so much... How my soul longs for you, longs to worship you forever.. For you are my strength and shield...
My sup asked me what counseling model I think I wanna go into more details and learn it. Different models suit different people. I wonder if I can go into christian counselling. Other than this kinda of counseling, I am not sure if I can make sense of wat the other counseling models are talking about. Or rather, I am nt sure if I can be convinced of wat the rest of the models tries to convince people.
I want to base my work upon the word of God. I need to check with her if it is possible to go into christian counseling in our centre. Anyway, if not, I really needa know what i can learn and apply already.
Learning and applying a particular model can really change a person's outlook and perspective. Its like a lens that you view the world from. If what I learn is not going to be sound biblically, I worry that what I say to people would nt be truth. But of course, saying this, even if some claimed to be christian counseling, i still need to evaluate it based on the word of God.
Love you so much, Jesus, Love you so much... How my soul longs for you, longs to worship you forever.. For you are my strength and shield...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Smoothie Smoothie!
I want to give thanks to God for the program yesterday. Because D is on leave, so I am prety concerned that I will not be able to cope with the program! (You never know how emo the children can be sometimes!) anyway, so I thought I better have an engaging program that they will enjoy and that I dont need to deal with them running around becuase of boredom.
So we made Smoothie! heehee.. Well, perhaps personally I like to cook so I guess that makes things easier =) And before we made the smoothie, we had a Treasure Hunt where the kids have to find all their materials =) I am pretty excited as I combined these ideas from a book and it actually works! To see theory translating into reality is exciting =)
If you wonder how does making smoothie and treasure hunt benefit the children, let me tell you! haha! Other than having fun, it helps them to be willing to read. They may be unwilling to read in a textbook context, but giving them a recipe and treasure hunt clues certaintly motivates them to read =)
Anyway, though they were excited about making smoothie, they didnt actually like to drink it. I guess its a little sour with all the fruits together...They love the ice-cream that top the smoothie rather than their smoothie. But its ok, they dont have to like what I love =)
Thank God, Thank God, Thank God! Thank You Lord!
So we made Smoothie! heehee.. Well, perhaps personally I like to cook so I guess that makes things easier =) And before we made the smoothie, we had a Treasure Hunt where the kids have to find all their materials =) I am pretty excited as I combined these ideas from a book and it actually works! To see theory translating into reality is exciting =)
If you wonder how does making smoothie and treasure hunt benefit the children, let me tell you! haha! Other than having fun, it helps them to be willing to read. They may be unwilling to read in a textbook context, but giving them a recipe and treasure hunt clues certaintly motivates them to read =)
Anyway, though they were excited about making smoothie, they didnt actually like to drink it. I guess its a little sour with all the fruits together...They love the ice-cream that top the smoothie rather than their smoothie. But its ok, they dont have to like what I love =)
Thank God, Thank God, Thank God! Thank You Lord!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
简单
生活可以很简单，可是不要做个头脑简单的人．我发觉在简单的生活中, 只要你用心去看一个人，往往会认识一些不平凡的人。
我慢慢知道为什么辽阔的天空让我感到害怕。。。因为天空太辽阔，人就变得太渺小。我害怕变得渺小。。可是真正伟大的人并不是因为世界小所以他伟大。这样一来的话，我可以生活在蚂蚁群中。真正伟大的人是因为他超越了自己在辽阔世界中的极限， 伟大的人使再大的世界也变得渺小。。
我不要害怕辽阔的天。辽阔的天有我无限可能的发挥。我并没有想要超越天，可是我要超越一种人生的无奈。我的生命是丰盛的，因为我认识我主。
我要简单的过我的生活。不代表我的头脑简单。
我慢慢知道为什么辽阔的天空让我感到害怕。。。因为天空太辽阔，人就变得太渺小。我害怕变得渺小。。可是真正伟大的人并不是因为世界小所以他伟大。这样一来的话，我可以生活在蚂蚁群中。真正伟大的人是因为他超越了自己在辽阔世界中的极限， 伟大的人使再大的世界也变得渺小。。
我不要害怕辽阔的天。辽阔的天有我无限可能的发挥。我并没有想要超越天，可是我要超越一种人生的无奈。我的生命是丰盛的，因为我认识我主。
我要简单的过我的生活。不代表我的头脑简单。
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Lucas' picture
Lucas is so cute.. I am reluctant to say that he is a joker lest he get into the role of a joker. But he is really cute la.. =) Jus sharing my joy with you =)
Affirmed by God
Been reading Ajith Fernando's book. Its not that interesting or easy to read, but it has great value.
I have been taking some time to rest. This time to break away from work gives me time to think about work. Haha.. Its not an irony. Its a time for rest and reflection. I have been working hard. But I dont feel right. At times I question my motivation for doing so.
When I was full time in Navs, its easier to say that you are working for God. But right now, working with others in the office, and with a manager above me, I feel this need to perform. For the past few months perhaps, I have lost touch of how it feels to work for God and Him alone. When pressure comes, I lost sight of my dear Master to whom I should ultimately account to.
Coupled with this reason is also the need to prove my worth. I realise that I have been working so hard not because I so love my work. But its because I have tied my worth so closely to my job. I have focused my worth on the output of my job and my performance at work. No wonder I worked so hard. If my work crash, I would crash.
So so dangerous to anchor my worth on the outcome of my work. I feel so childish. And yet again, God is my Deliverer.
Peter said, "To whom shall I go? You have the word of eternal life." I am insane without God. I am praying for reliance on Him daily that I may follow Him closely and listen to Him intently.
I have been taking some time to rest. This time to break away from work gives me time to think about work. Haha.. Its not an irony. Its a time for rest and reflection. I have been working hard. But I dont feel right. At times I question my motivation for doing so.
When I was full time in Navs, its easier to say that you are working for God. But right now, working with others in the office, and with a manager above me, I feel this need to perform. For the past few months perhaps, I have lost touch of how it feels to work for God and Him alone. When pressure comes, I lost sight of my dear Master to whom I should ultimately account to.
Coupled with this reason is also the need to prove my worth. I realise that I have been working so hard not because I so love my work. But its because I have tied my worth so closely to my job. I have focused my worth on the output of my job and my performance at work. No wonder I worked so hard. If my work crash, I would crash.
So so dangerous to anchor my worth on the outcome of my work. I feel so childish. And yet again, God is my Deliverer.
Peter said, "To whom shall I go? You have the word of eternal life." I am insane without God. I am praying for reliance on Him daily that I may follow Him closely and listen to Him intently.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Good deeds
It is interesting to me how one good deed begets another good deeds.
Today I was really tired from work and I slept on the bus. When I woke up and was till feeling lerthagic, I saw THREE elderly walk up the bus. At first it was just 1 elderly, and I was still waiting.... (that means refusing to get up from my seat! ha!) Then when I saw another 2 slowly walking up, I knew I had to stand.
Well, there was just one seat and definitely, only 1 can sit. But after awhile, another man stood up and then after another short while, another man gave up his seat. Its beautiful to see 3 people giving up seats to 3 needy elderly.
Interestingly, I gave up my seat to an Indian elderly. An Indian man gave up his seat to a Chinese elderly and a China PRC gave up his seat to a Singaporean lady elderly =)
I guess one act of good triggered another to do good and then another. I donno, but I guess so.
Today I was really tired from work and I slept on the bus. When I woke up and was till feeling lerthagic, I saw THREE elderly walk up the bus. At first it was just 1 elderly, and I was still waiting.... (that means refusing to get up from my seat! ha!) Then when I saw another 2 slowly walking up, I knew I had to stand.
Well, there was just one seat and definitely, only 1 can sit. But after awhile, another man stood up and then after another short while, another man gave up his seat. Its beautiful to see 3 people giving up seats to 3 needy elderly.
Interestingly, I gave up my seat to an Indian elderly. An Indian man gave up his seat to a Chinese elderly and a China PRC gave up his seat to a Singaporean lady elderly =)
I guess one act of good triggered another to do good and then another. I donno, but I guess so.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
勇气
有死的勇气，为什么不要活着勇敢面对生活？听起来很俗气，可是我真的找不到还有什么好说的。
Recently there seems to have increasing cases of teens committing suicide being reported. I wonder if it’s a trend. Remember there was a Japanese movie on the theme of teen’s suicide. It’s as if it’s a fashion statement to commit suicide.
Fancy writing a 1000 word essay to her own mother before her jump. Asking for forgiveness and asking her mother not to be sad. Does she think that her mother has a choice when she made those requests? Seems noble ah. Asking your own mother not to be sad when you die. What crap!!!!! How can your own mother not be sad when you commit suicide???? How selfish of you to want your way in all that you do and hope that your mother will not be sad! No wonder you don’t have the brains to continue to live on.
If you got the guts to commit theft, sniff glue, rebel against your parents etc etc, then why don’t you have the guts to face the music? Maturity comes when you accept responsibility for your own actions. (I feel silly to sound like I am talking to a dead and I don’t even know her.)
Perhaps the only answer to my many “whys” is that evil is here to tarnish the image of God.
I feel helpless seeing the many teens being delivered into the hands of the evil one. Even if I am in social work, my efforts are limited because many still chooses to walk the opposite way from God.
It’s easy to say that you want to marry work and ministry or make work your ministry. But as I think about it, it’s really hard to have a good biblical foundation in your work. Usually, the foundational structures of secular work are founded upon secular values and principles. Even in Christian organizations, there seems to have Christ-like values but it’s also mixed with secular principles.
Lord, I pray that you build in my work your foundation- the foundation that is everlasting. Your foundation is truth, is love and life.
Father, I pray for the many teens and children in the world who are being held captive by the evil one. I pray that you deliver them from the evil one and have mercy on them.
Recently there seems to have increasing cases of teens committing suicide being reported. I wonder if it’s a trend. Remember there was a Japanese movie on the theme of teen’s suicide. It’s as if it’s a fashion statement to commit suicide.
Fancy writing a 1000 word essay to her own mother before her jump. Asking for forgiveness and asking her mother not to be sad. Does she think that her mother has a choice when she made those requests? Seems noble ah. Asking your own mother not to be sad when you die. What crap!!!!! How can your own mother not be sad when you commit suicide???? How selfish of you to want your way in all that you do and hope that your mother will not be sad! No wonder you don’t have the brains to continue to live on.
If you got the guts to commit theft, sniff glue, rebel against your parents etc etc, then why don’t you have the guts to face the music? Maturity comes when you accept responsibility for your own actions. (I feel silly to sound like I am talking to a dead and I don’t even know her.)
Perhaps the only answer to my many “whys” is that evil is here to tarnish the image of God.
I feel helpless seeing the many teens being delivered into the hands of the evil one. Even if I am in social work, my efforts are limited because many still chooses to walk the opposite way from God.
It’s easy to say that you want to marry work and ministry or make work your ministry. But as I think about it, it’s really hard to have a good biblical foundation in your work. Usually, the foundational structures of secular work are founded upon secular values and principles. Even in Christian organizations, there seems to have Christ-like values but it’s also mixed with secular principles.
Lord, I pray that you build in my work your foundation- the foundation that is everlasting. Your foundation is truth, is love and life.
Father, I pray for the many teens and children in the world who are being held captive by the evil one. I pray that you deliver them from the evil one and have mercy on them.
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