1st of October 2008

Today is a rather special day. It is the People's Republic of China's National Day, as well as Hari Raya Puasa. Both holidays pertaining to the two major races of my country, yet not many local Chinese would know of Mao Zedong's declaration of PRC.

Anyway, today is also Children's Day and Isaac's birthday. What a coincidence.

This holiday season, I've probed many things, but among others, I found the value of leaving words unsaid, patience being more than just a virtue, and the realization that the first step to becoming someone you wish to become is to admit that you're not that someone yet.

Other than that, I've learnt the importance of not expecting to be treated differently. The reasoning behind that will be left for another day, but I'll still put this here just to remind myself should I come poring over these old archives!

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

27th September 2008

Ah, I wonder what I should spend my remaining holidays on? Let's see whether I can do something really productive...

0.o
o.0
???

7th August 2008

Wow wow wow! Everyone presented their own songs on Tuesday; it was breathtaking! Seriously, 1/3 of the songs played can be hit songs! But then, my song sucked because I sang it, but still got good grade because of mixing and recording techniques, ahaha...

The best song was by this super experienced classmate, who has got his own recording studio at home; and his song was epic! Classically trained choir voice for padding, excellent synthesizer comping, stellar violin played by a very talented guy, but okay piano, and super drums; the mix being so good with that sense of space expertly set, is was really great!

Can't wait for next year, where we get to learn on evenly spacing out mixes and such!

4th May August

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Just four more days to end of all the projects! Then one more slack week to one and a half months of holidays!

Hang in there!

===
Anyway, Festival of Praise was awesome! And to think that I thought Saturday was awesome, Sunday was totally beyond description! Me and Jonathan were very startled when we heard a tune that sounded like the intro of Swithcfoot's On Fire being played by Parachute Band as their first song. Then we went warm and fuzzy all over when they the song indeed is On Fire! And soon enough, we went totally "OMG!" when people all over the stadium joined in the song instantaneously after the first three words "I'm on fire" were sung. Like, so many people know this song!?

And then the sermon was earthshaking, as usual, and there was a finale that the previous days did not have; both the Parachute Band and Hillsong team joined in a super combo! Then there were like this crazy section at the beginning of the end, where both drummers caused the whole stadium to tremble for like 32 bars of fanfare; they passed the limelight between each other, with perfect synchronization! They even doubled the kick drum by having one play on the upbeat, with the other on the offbeat (which is actually quite difficult), and the combined kicks were so fast it sounded like a canon with a machine gun firing mechanism!

The finale started off with the phrase "Shine your light and let the whole world see; we're singing for the glory of the risen king!" and then the heart warming "Saviour, He can move the mountains; My God is mighty to save, Jesus; mighty to save". It was utterly indescribable how powerful it was. The gates were opened and people started running to the floor, and everywhere around the stadium, people jumped, and the platform we were in started to creak, but we did not mind that. The famous riff of "Salvation is Here" sparked the next movement, and there were instances where a guy from Hillsong held the chords of the guitar while another person from Parachute Band strummed the same guitar. It was hilarious, inspiring and heartwarming all in one! And lo and behold, "One Way" started, and it was really long, this one. I won't even bother to describe it. I'd say, if heaven was praising God like this for eternity, I can't wait to tell the world that Jesus lives!

14th July 2008

As usual, after school every Monday, I went for the lesson at my piano teacher's house. Everything seemed normal until when I went inside the bungalow and started to put down my bag, I spotted from the corner of my eye, a rectangular shape of fur running towards me. Inevitably, it bumped into my feet and recoiled a little from the sudden halt. Then it stood on its hind legs and started prodding its nose at my legs, and next my feet; even my bag could not escape its inescapable snout. From a whole day of school, as well as a recent 10 minutes walk under the sun, my socks were definitely admittedly smelly. Yet that wasn't deterrence enough for that tough little fella.

Cut a long story short, my piano teacher's family got themselves a papillon puppy! Standing at a proud 30 cm, with a long silky black and white coat, a bushy tail that curves over its back, and ears shaped like the wings of a butterfly, I met 3 months old Noah. Will upload pictures next week! My phone ran out of battery. -_-"

While I walked the gauntlet up to the teaching room at the second floor, that little pipsqueak tailed behind my legs, sometimes, to my horror sneaking in between my moving legs. If it could think like me, it would most probably be saying "olé!" to itself. Multiple puppy horror moments later, the maid promptly appeared and carried it away.

The same thing happened after the lesson when I was about to leave. It smelled me coming, raised its head from its prone position like all dogs do when they sense something approaching, got up to its legs and tiptoed towards my position. My evasive maneuvers were no match for its superior strafing skills, and I was soon assaulted by its olfactory organ once more. Don't ask me what that means, check dictionary.com! That's where I get all these cool but weird words from.

Today's event brought back a lot of memories, to more than twelve years ago, when I entered the very same house, mini umbrella in hand poised and ready to strike on any delinquent canine. I heard a high pitched bark, and distinguished those menacing butterfly ears. Soon after, little Mozart came charging out of the door, circled yours truly, who was trying my utmost best effort to defend myself from the cage of its white and black blur. Well, at least that was all I recall.

I might reminisce that truly, time motivates the unseen finger to turn the pages of my version of the world's story, and every now and then, a new chapter begins. Even though mine has only begun 18 years ago, many things have happened, that up to date, still continue to amaze and touch me.

I witnessed Mozart, another papillon puppy from an earlier age, grow to become the hero guardian of the house it was. It, too, observed me grow into the big bulk that I am now. Well not exactly now, because it passed away roughly two years ago.

I can't explain the emotion that I'm feeling right now. It isn't really grief, nor is it nostalgia, but it still gives me teary eyes. Though other than breed, they are not really related, but still, in Noah's eyes, I see Mozart's ghostly visage. The past comes floating through my mind; youthful exuberance, crazy fantasies and Friday nights; shattered dreams, wounded hearts and broken toys.

I wonder where do such faithful pets go after they die. Would I see Mozart, Noah, Iggy or even Teddy many years from now? Nevertheless, I trust God's perfect plan. Once again, somehow seemingly unrelated events cause me to stand in awe of God.

It rains because time passes by, never to be seen again. Yet the sun shines, as time has been God's tool in molding me into what I am. Thus, there is a rainbow in my heart.

For the first time; ShiningBlade, signing off. God bless.

2nd July 2008

Life is never easy. A lot of things to have to handle with, it's really taxing. Gotta juggle so many things, and sudden changes in our life are not easy to deal with. Indeed, as soon as I was born into this world; as soon as everyone is born into this world, hearts beat. It cannot stop for even a few minutes without putting lives in danger. This goes on and on, for years; maybe fifty, maybe sixty, maybe seventy. Could be much less, or much more. But as long as you live, your heart cannot rest, until the day you die; by then you would not even notice it stop. Life is never easy.

But then, God knew me before my heart started beating. Well, he knew me even before I was formed in my mother's womb. I dare admit that He knows me more than I know myself. He knows what I really need, not what I think I need. My life is changing everyday, every possible way. How God shapes me, it's just wonderful; indescribable. Even though I am still not perfect; I doubt I will ever be, it still inspires me how just one single classmate has changed so much and had been so willing to come to Christ. How humble he is, I must learn. So sincere and poor in spirit is he. Even though he has bad habits and must learn to be patient, and good-tempered I can see miracles happening everyday. Thank you God for such wonderful experiences.

Cranberries - Dreams
Oh my life is changing everyday
Every possible way
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems
Never quite as it seems

I know I felt like this before
But now I’m feeling it even more
Because it came from you

Then I open up and see
The person fumbling here is me
A different way to be

I want more, impossible to ignore
Impossible to ignore
They’ll come true, impossible not to do
Impossible not to do

Now I tell you openly
You have my heart so don’t hurt me
For what I couldn’t find

Talk to me amazing mind
So understanding and so kind
You’re everything to me

Oh my life is changing everyday
Every possible way
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems
’cause you’re a dream to me
Dream to me

You can download this song for free at http://www.paradise-engineering.com/quotation/dreams.html
It's really nice, recommend it.

21 June 2008

O Thou, the Breath, the Light of All,

Let this Light create a heart-shrine within.

And you Counsel rule 'til Oneness guides all'.

Your One desire then acts with ours, as in all light, so in all forms.

Grant what we need, each day, in bread and insight.

Loose the cords of mistakes binding us, as we release the strands we hold of other's faults.

Don't let surface things delude us.

But keep us from unripe acts.

To you belongs the ruling mind,

the life than can act and do,

the song that beautifies all,

from age to age it renews.

In faith, I will to be true.

This is a translation of the Lord's Prayer from Syriac Aramaic, which is possibly the closest existing version to the prayer that Jesus spoke, in contrast to the more common "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name" translation.

I remember that a few days ago, I visited Isaac's house, straight after piano lesson. Being the wuss that I am, I was very straightforward in declaring my state of hunger, since I hadn't eaten breakfast, and lunchtime was almost over. My polar opposite in terms of noisiness, he very promptly fried a bowl of ham and eggs for me. I was took over by surprise, both by his hospitality and his culinary skills (okay, as well as the overwhelming portion of oil... Just kidding!). All in all, I didn't manage to achieve much in terms of tutoring Isaac. I guess I make a better comedian, but then I wouldn't do very well with such a career choice anyway. Isaac, what you really need now, is to put effort in. Read aloud, and refrain from excessive internet surfing. More specifically, anime. I believe you'll have all the time in the world to watch afterwards. At least until the start of tertiary education. =)

I personally hoped that he would be able to join us for the retreat/camp on next Friday though. It really rocks to be able to have friends who stay true with you even after ending education. Close friends, with whom I can talk about, more than the best skills to use in DoTA or Company of Heroes, more than what to do or where to go after class or CCA, more than the chio bu sitting opposite the classroom (XD).

But of course, such a fellowship isn't always peaceful and smooth. True, our planet is prone to natural disasters, but in my opinion, EVERYTHING that is on this world is afflicted with "earth"-quakes and tsunamis. Electrical devices, schoolwork, politics, marriage, etc. So this is where prayer comes in.

My friends, I beseech you once more. Pray for me. I don't want to leave a bad influence on others. I don't want to be insincere. I don't want to be the cause of heated arguments. I want to be a better ambassador of Christ in my school, and that I would not feel pressurized and discouraged when pre-believers mock me. This vessel of mine wants to be a servant to the only person who sees clearly all the sides of me, not just the good, nor just the bad, but the wretched and broken side of me.

There are so many prayer meetings globally that many of us would know the power of prayer. That doesn't mean that when more people pray, there would be more favor/power/mana to ensure success of the prayer. What I'm convicted in, however, is that whenever I pray for others, whenever I join in such prayer meetings, my faith is strengthened. Praying for others does not set me apart from the rest; it keeps me humble, helps me feel significant, and influences me to rely more on Him. So, my brothers and sisters, would you pray with me?

My life may be shaken by storms, and the boat we travel in may be shaken by the devil, but I'm so glad I have Him in my life, and He uses weak people like me to be glorified and show his omnipotence in creating order from chaos. And I just wanted to remind you; you have God in your life too! With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm!

11th June 2008

I'm thinking of an idea to write a song for my assignment. But I am in a loss here. Maybe I need inspiration. So, I wanted to compose a song with the title of "Let the Healing Begin", but found out that the title was already taken up. So maybe I will name it "Let it Regenerate". Lyrics? I need help. Let's see...

Verse 1
I'll dwell no longer in this ward of mine
The bill's too high for my folks
It'll be his birthday 'fore the week is past
When I am gone, will he love me too

Verse 2
All he asked was a world without strife
He saw refugee camps, hostile guards and rats
An altar call to be a human bomb
The news reported, "Children killed in suicide attack"

Pre-chorus 1
Why, O Lord, do you stand far away
Why do you hide in our times of dismay

Chorus 1
Have we alienated from ourselves
Diverted one another
It's time to stop our running
Let it Regenerate

Bridge
The Being that can act and do
The Song that beautifies all things
The Hand that picks everyone off from the floor
And has the strength to carry all

Pre-chorus 2
What must I do, to renew our broken hearts
What can we do, to bring hope to this fallen land

Chorus 2
Have we alienated from ourselves
Diverted one another
It's time to face all our fears
Let it Regenerate
Hear my call, my brother
I need you here by my side
Hear my call, my sister
We're not in this alone

My first verse saw it's inspiration from a note left over by a married female who was 59 years of age. She stayed in hospital for more than two months and her condition was worsening despite of expensive treatment. She committed suicide days before his husband's birthday. (http://www.well.com/~art/suicidenotes.html)

My second verse was from from a poem I once read by Richard Macwilliam which talked about how the media always depicts terrorists as pure bad guys, but does not reveal their side of the story; of how the strong shows the weak no generosity other than in being more significant.

The first pre-chorus can be found in Psalms 10:1 by King David. He cries out because of all the wickedness and arrogance present in the world, yet understands that the time is not yet right for judgment to be passed.

The chorus was from a Crossroads meeting (part of my CCA) I went, and the speaker reasoned and logically deduced how we've alienated from nature, from one another, and ourselves.

The bridge was formed in awe and wonder of God, though his actions and "passivity" are beyond our understanding, never fails to deliver in the end.

The second pre-chorus was born from the need of so many people around the world, and the sudden realization of how insignificant I am.

The final part comes from a phrase I always keep inside my heart. "If He carried the weight of the world upon his shoulder, I know, my brother, that He will carry you; if He carried the weight
of the world upon his shoulder, I know, my sister, that He will carry you."

Argh. Hopefully this song can be accepted for the assignment. Argh. So long a song. Tune or comments, anyone?

9th June 2008

赐自由的灵啊，求你来
来到我的里面，来到我的生命
赶走生活中的愁烦
驱走我心中的不安
你的灵啊，在哪里
哪里就有自由
世界虽有劳苦重担
求你灵来赐我自由

4th June 2008

I listened to a story that talked about a guy operating a bridge over a river in Pennsylvania; whose job was to raise the bridge when a ship wanted to cross, and lower the bridge if a train was approaching to get to the other side. One day, he brought his grandson to his workplace, so that the little guy could observe his grandfather's workplace. However, unbeknownst to them, the last train scheduled for that day was to be late. As they waited for the train to approach, the grandson insisted on fishing from the superstructure of the bridge. After repeated requests, the grandfather finally allowed his son to go; provided that he stay within his sight. When the train finally came, the grandfather activated the mechanism to lower the bridge, but lost sight of the boy. Much later, he saw his grandson's baggy overalls caught in the gear assembly that elevated the bridge. By then, it was too late to stop the lowering bridge without causing the train to fall into the river. Left without a choice, he saw his grandson crushed to death before the train passed over the river. Back then, those people were not aware of the sacrifice the bridge operator had done to allow them to live.

The full story can be read in http://www.thesonsetrefuge.org/Newsletters/Newsletter%203.pdf
At the section; A God of Sacrifice.

For someone who sacrificed his own grandson to save the lives of people he didn't know; it isn't easy. It's touching, but ultimately it makes us think.

So, i just want to pray to God for all the things that I've been through.

Lord, we need your grace and mercy
We need to pray like never before
We need the power of your Holy Spirit
To open heaven's door

Lord, we humbly come before you
We don't deserve of you what we ask
But we yearn to see your glory
Restore this dying land

Spirit touch your church, stir the hearts of men
Revive us, Lord, with your passion once again
I want to care for others like Jesus cares for me
Let your rain fall upon me,
Let your rain fall upon me