The News Stan(d)

Worth more than a Honda!

2011-09-09T13:53:00.007+08:00

It feels like 37 years ago that I last posted on my blog...maybe it's because that number means something significant today. So long ago I even had a few gos at figuring out my username and password just to access Blogger again! Infrequent logins and the aging process surely don't go well together. ;oP

So as I mark what's called a 'birthday' (an annual occurence often taken for granted; a celebration when young and despairing when older), I question what birth is. I logged onto dictionary.com and to my surprise, no where do I find 'life' in any of the definitions listed, even though birth has a symbiotic relationship with life.

Life has been largely 'plain sailing' in all manner of expression. Can't say I've hit extremely choppy waters where life and death hung in the balance. Haven't been lowered to the darkest depths of sorrow, the dire straits of poverty nor the loneliness of being despised and isolated.

You could say I've been living well, but what is 'well' and could my life be lived better? By better, can my life be more effectively lived, more impactful, more for beyond-the-now?

For someone in mid-life (althought I still feel 26!), is life about:
- getting a job and slogging it out to keep it secure?
- being drawn into a routine so everything kinda goes auto-pilot?
- needing refreshment and planning the next holiday for a time-out everytime you get exhausted or when a long weekend bumbles down the calendar to be taken advantage of?
- finding pleasures and comforts of life and investing in them like they'd last for eternity?
- moving on from one stage of life (as a natural expectation of human life and relationships) to another?

You'd think you'd have less questions the older you get, but it may well be working in reverse for me.

You see, it wasn't until a week ago at a Christian conference that I was provoked to get some urgent realignment done. Even cars get more regular servicing than I do and I suspect I'm worth more than my Honda! I am convinced that my life needed some sort of a jumpstart, that some parts may require replacement, some areas fixed. In essence, I think my spiritual spark plugs need changing.

After today, I hope to run like a brand new car. You'll still recognise me 'cos I'll still have those small little dents (what some call 'five cents' and 'ten cents' on the outside), but at least I know I'm all good on the inside, and my GPS is functioning perfectly!

Friends, come with me for a ride beyond this journey, because the destination is worth it! If you want a wash-&-polish to a shine, happy to pass you the contact.

My name is George! George Mueller!

2010-02-24T11:47:00.034+08:00

I am still making sense of where the last five months have gone. At 10.30pm last Sunday night, it all ended. A 5-month epic journey since October last year that took me to Prussia, Bristol, singlehood through marriage and parenthood, from a dishonourable son to a convicted sinner that finally culminated to becoming a man of great faith who answered God's call to rescue street kids orphaned in Bristol.

Borrowing the adjectives George uttered to Beta after being convicted of his seeking state and wanting position of a Saviour, it was "incredible", it was "overwhelming"! I give God praise at how Mueller: A Walk of Faith was born, how it grew in mass, the mobilisation of hearts and hands and momentum.

I've contemplated writing a testimony for publication in the church bulletin, but it would be impossible to write one that would do justice in serving as a complete and comprehensive account of how this mega project has impacted and touched me. Impossible in the sense that it wouldn't be just a paragraph, a page nor even a chapter, but an entire book, to lay my soul bare, reminisce and marvel how the journey's positively scarred me.

It all comes down to the 'F's when all's said, done and staged and when the audiences, cast and crew return to their individual lives. The project was most evidently about faith. Faith not in something, not in self nor someone else, but in God alone. Truly a man may plan his course but the Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9), apparent in the life of George Frederick Mueller. With a man whose faith casts a huge shadow over mine, there is much for me to pursue and to aspire to.

My family has been most dear to me, praying for me, encouraging me, enquiring about my welfare in preparation for the show. Oftentimes unseen, unheard and sometimes unnoticed, but always there to support me in the very intense and demanding role of George. It warms my heart to also have an 'instant' family on stage.

I haven't forgotten the many friendships that have either formed or strengthened through the hothousing. Friends are precious and they help you fit in, they lift you up when you're down, they've proven to be immediate first-aid when you're dealt a blow. I know the friendships that cut across the demographic groups will last long into the future.

I of the Tiger

2010-02-13T18:10:00.007+08:00

So on the eve of the third cycle of my year - the Year of the Tiger, I sit and reflect, with the reflection of the sun off the neighbouring block and on my face. The glare causes me to squint yet warms my skin. Could this be a reflection and a promise of God's grace and favour come what He's pre-arranged for me in the new lunar year? I chose to believe so for I know His ways and will are perfect as He's reassured in Romans 12:2.

A tune comes to mind and below is an excerpt from three stanzas that fill me with confidence that He's going to be there once I leap into the new lunar year tomorrow, just like He has always been:

Lord, let Your light
Light of Your face shine on us
Lord, let Your grace
Grace from Your hand fall on us
Lord, let Your love
Love with no end come over us
That we may be saved
That we may have life
To find our way in the darkest night
Let Your light shine on us

How wonderful and what peace to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ as we, to borrow the lyrics of the song 'What is Faith' taken from the upcoming Mueller musical, 'leap forth into the unknown (where) hopes and fears mingle in our souls'.

A Walk of Faith

2009-12-26T10:20:00.009+08:00

Such a walk can be the hardest thing to claim to be doing when all around, you feel a nudge and a push to throw you off the course of needful dependency on the Lord. These past months have seen me being robbed of time for 'extra curricular' activities like blogging. I love every opportunity to pen my thoughts and share perspectives but time has been a luxury. And to have to wait till today, Boxing Day, to post my next entry is almost unforgiveable! But only forgiving friends find their way to hearing me out via this blog. So thanks!

Why the subject title 'A Walk of Faith'? It's essentially the title of a church musical Dorcas & I are involved in. She's been tasked to oversee the musical elements of the production while I take on a leading role on stage. It's been tough; rehearsals have been thrice weekly. The pressure is on. Friends have enquired how I'm coping, to which I respond that I haven't yet pushed the panic button. I hope never too. The panic button never gets depressed when there is faith!

To understand the character I play better, ie. George Muller, I got under his skin through digesting the book Release The Power of Prayer the last month - a book my father-in-law had recommended. It challenged my faith and inspired me to exercise it (ie. faith) even more in recent weeks. George had in the book testified that he knew of at least 50,000 specific answers to his prayers! From a reckless past, the man turned to Christ and was able to provide for over 10,000 orphans without ever asking anyone but God to supply their needs! An amazing journey for a man full of faith! Imagine the number of lives he made in a difference in and countless more his walk of faith inspired.

Last weekend was the perfect occasion to test my faith. It was to be Agapella's big Christmas gig at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was sprawling picnic grounds in front of the stage, separated by a moat. The Friday before our first of two scheduled performances that weekend, the newspaper reported a very strong likelihood of moderate to heavy rains across the weekend and even warned of possible flooding in low-lying areas. It was a literal dampener on what Agapella hoped would be fair skies and dry conditions. No one would lay out a pinic mat and basket under other circumstances. But I found peace as I slept on Friday night. I was reassured by a voice in my mind telling me that God who'd earmarked that weekend for Agapella's performance would have it come to past, that it wouldn't be a wasted opportunity and that carols would be sung to the gathering of people in the lovely gardens.

On both days, the clouds rolled in and released their cargo. Saturday's clouds gathered around midday. Prayers were uttered by both performers and the many who knew our God and our plans. The clouds were done with their deed by about 4pm but the lawn was soaked. A member in our group was almost resigned to the fact that the performance would be cancelled and that at best, we'd use the opportunity as a warm-up for Sunday. The show however went on despite the cloud cover remainning serving only to treat the audience to a cool evening of carols. I asked the liaison person what he thought of the turnout of a few hundred people. He replied that it was pretty good despite the wet weather we'd experienced. Praise the Lord!

God tested our faith even more on the second day. The rain's came later, the clouds never dispersed and the showers were intermittent all afternoon. We prayed with even more fervour and ferocity and I took God at His Word that he wouldn't let the opportunity be a washout. Right until 6pm when we sang our first song, it was drizzling. Those who had gathered to soak in the carols were also at risk of being soaked to the skin if the showers got heavier. Umbrellas lined the lawn like molehills. But God in His mercy and in answer to our prayer caused the drizzle to cease after our first song and the umbrellas were closed and tucked away. The evening air was cool and blended with the refreshing perfume of the fir trees that had been planted on the lawns. Snow notwithstanding, this was the closest one can get to the feel of a Christmas evening in the northern hemisphere!

A walk of faith isn't just a single step, it isn't a standalone episode, it's a journey that followers of Christ must take. It's a life that we must lead.

A Two-Year-Old!

2009-08-18T21:49:00.010+08:00

We're proud to announce we've got a two-year old (marital relationship)! It's been anything but plain sailing. All around, people say that the first year or so is the 'honeymoon' year, where all is lovey-dovey wide-eyed wonderment. I've been wide-eyed and in wonderment why it didn't happen to me. I'll have you know that the ride gets worse from when you say "I do" before it gets better. There is hope though.

Time isn't the source of hope, though getting to know each other's idiosyncracies and inner motivations become more familiar. It's really going beyond knowing the likes and dislikes into the 'Who are you really?'. You might find this amusing but while courting my then girlfriend, I never did make it officialese that we were an item. I just thought we were and expected the fairer half to know that. But before we started moving towards formalising plans to wed, she sat me down one evening and asked, "So what is THIS?" She meant the status of our friendship. She wanted an answer. She wanted to know where we were.

Since our vows exactly two years ago, I want to say, "I know where God is". And that's most pivotal, because I can creak, crack and crease but our Heavenly Father who initiated our relationship has been a rock solid anchor Who will not slumber, slip or have a shut-eye. It is this God Whom I must base my relationship on.

My wife gave me a card tonight. In it, she recapped how we'd had to make adjustments over the past two years to be where we are today - interlocked and entwined in marriage. Truly without adjustments, without each of us losing a bit of our former selves to find that groove where we both fit into this wheel called 'marriage', there'd have been major breakdowns. It is our common faith in Christ, our abiding in Him that allows Him to keep this wheel well-oiled and running. I admit I've sometimes go off course and have had to be shaken up, all for the purpose of getting me back on track.

Marriage isn't about the first and last letters, it's about the emphasis and elevation of the other person. Being the self-serving being that I am, I continue to work in abasing myself even as Christ gave Himself for His church.

May the Lord find my wife and I faithful in marriage through to a ripe old 'age'.

And about the subject heading, in His time. :o)

Under Pressure

2009-07-20T21:29:00.010+08:00

Call me paranoid, but it's all precautionary really and for peace of mind. Incidentally, peace of mind wasn't quite the outcome after attending today's health screening at workplace.

Why did I go for it? Simple. When you hear of people in the prime of their lives coming down with one disease or dropping dead when they have no previously known medical condition, I thought a health screening would be a good stocktake on how your body's holding out.

It was prompted by my company bringing a service provider into the premises to offer their services at a subsidised rate, and so I signed up for an Executive Package.

The results of the blood and urine tests will be known later on, but on site, I was bewildered by my high blood pressure reading. It was 144/88 when normal healthy readings would be 130/80. Not good. Not good at all! It could have been because I'd rushed down for my 1pm appointment. I also confessed to the young lady manning the station that I'd just come from giving a security personnel a piece of my mind. So maybe my blood was still on the boil and I needed to simmer. I was then instructed to make my way to the other stations before coming back for a second reading. I did. No difference to the first.

I'd always felt fit and have been healthy. I exercise at least once a week, which I thought was sufficient. But apparently not. Was I under stress? Not anymore than would the average person I believe.

Have I been eating foods rich in sodium? Not deliberately. In fact, I think my threshold for salty foods is very low. Nor am I big on dried or preserved food. So what could be the cause?

I did an online search and read that in most cases, it is inexplicable why one has high blood pressure. My mum suspects genes play a part. Now that's something you can't change or alter. You inherit both the good and the bad.

Those with high blood pressure are at risk of suffering a stroke and heart attack among other complications, and I'd surely like to steer clear of these.

What can I do? Make small deliberate decisions to exercise more regularly, be more selective in what I eat, learn to live and let live and pray for His watch over my blood pressure. I feel the pressure and pleasure to pray for His mercy over my health.

Death & Life is Black & White

2009-06-26T21:40:00.008+08:00

Behind me, I hear one of the two glass doors open. He saunters into the office, his feet heavier than most mornings. I could hear the drag. Still waiting for my PC to load up, I turn around and in typical fashion, bid him "Good Morning". With a quizzical look on his face, Justin asks, "You know Michael Jackson's died right?" "Yeah, I heard it in the news on my way in", I replied.

It wasn't the kind of reaction he'd expected. To make sure I knew just who has passed on, he added, almost as if delivering an eulogy, "Michael Jackson's a legend man." I tilt my head, shrug my shoulders and under a sigh to convey at least some hint of empathy, breathed "And he's human too. We all have to go one day."

My nonchalance to the news of the death of someone whom the world touts as 'The King of Pop' could have been interpreted as being utterly disrespectful. Should I be in greater distress on news of his death? I can say I know of him but I can't claim to know him enough to care, to grieve, nor care to grieve.

He had some trend-setting dance moves, hundreds of stunning mega concerts, participated in charity projects and set up funds and foundations. I'll not take that away from him. He had hopes to 'heal the world' and 'make it a better place'. He had Neverland Ranch for a time and had his time in court. I suspect he felt prejudices about being black and being white, to which he rationalised that it really ought not to matter in one of his songs. Michael has been a man whose life has been a spectacular thriller for millions around the world.

Should I grieve? No. Do I feel anything at his passing? No. Will I pay tribute to the man? Only as much as I have in the paragraph above and not a word more.

Life on earth isn't forever - that we know. The brevity of life is recognised. There's so much truth in how life is described in a book I read every evening - like a flower, like water spilt on the ground, like grass, like a shadow, like a mist or vapor, like the wind, like a sigh. That's for the here and now.

What next? Is life the 'be all' and death the 'end all'? While the world celebrates the life of Michael Joseph Jackson and perhaps reminds itself that life on earth is but for a time, let's also seriously ask ourselves if life on earth is the only life we're prepared to live, because life doesn't stop here. And because it doesn't, where we go once in and through death's door would be essential to know - as essential as your very next breath.

More thoughts soon...for while I have breath in my nostrils.

AGAPELLA presents...SEVEN @ 8

2009-05-25T22:09:00.005+08:00

Agapella's Youtube video of its rendition of Pachelbel's Canon in D has been viewed more than 20,000 times and has attracted rave reviews from around the world for its smooth blend of harmonies. Yet the home grown contemporary a cappella group has never performed the song in public... until now. Be among the first to hear them perform this song and many other contemporary numbers spanning a plethora of genres, all this in a two-night only musical fiesta on 10th & 11th July 2009!

In celebration of their 7th anniversary, Agapella presents their biggest concert yet, Seven @ 8. The group will serve up fan favourites like "I Will Follow Him" (popularised by the movie, Sister Act) and "Testify To Love", on top of brand new arrangements. Among the new numbers, don't miss the re-written lyrics to the tune of the classic "Good 'Ol A Cappella". The concert will be a delight for the entire family with Agapella's own unique brand of music and tight harmonies, together with a zany dash of theatre for a toe-tappin' good time!

Agapella's debut album, "Follow That Star" was released in 2007 to much acclaim. The album will be made available for sale at the concert. Don't forget to stick around for the post-concert refreshments (included in the ticket price) and hang out with the members of Singapore's coolest vocal band!

Agapella presents... Seven @ 8: the birthday concert
10th & 11th July 2009 (Fri & Sat), 8pm
NAFA Lee Foundation Theatre
NAFA Campus 3
151, Bencoolen Street
Tickets at * $7 (excluding ticketing fee), on sale now at all SISTIC ticketing outlets, online at http://www.sistic.com/ or call the ticketing hotline at 6348-5555.
* Every 5 tickets purchased in a single receipt will entitle you to a complimentary copy of the album, “Follow That Star”. Please present receipt at the door on the evening of the performance for redemption.

Torn Between A Love & A Lover

2009-04-04T16:21:00.003+08:00

It was one of things. It's like you have your right feet and hand shackled one way and your left side clamped and pulling in the opposite direction. What a position to be stuck in, but it was in my stupidity that I put myself there.

You know that Bible verse that talks about what you're supposed to do, yet that is the same thing you wouldn't. And what you're not supposed to do, that is precisely what you do? It was a near miss for me.

It involved my colleagues who are my fellow team players for a tennis tournament that begins this Monday, 6th April. Already a lean team with the bare minimum of players required to face off with those of other companies/government ministries, I was getting excited, physically and mentally prepared for the matches ahead. BUT.....

I have cut and paste (almost wholesale) the email I sent to my team members, so I save myself from retelling the whole story. Read on.

"Like you, I’ve been waiting so long for the STAR Games to come around. I’d been practising and doubling my court time by hitting with residents in The Florida. And the 6th of April was etched in my mind after Stella sent out the fixtures! The 6th of April it was.

And then I was brought to the realisation about ‘the importance of being earnest’ in keeping a diary/PDA and jotting/entering my appointments in it. So it goes two nights ago and minutes to drifting into slumberland, I tell the wife how we were all excited about starting the tournament next Monday.

She suddenly sits up. Silence. With forced composition, she mutters, “Dear, that’s the same night as our gig.” Silence. I sit up and slump my head into my hands. What had I just done?!

I’d committed to the gig on behalf of my a cappella group last year and now, the clash! The clash bothered me most of the night; I took some time to overcome my tortured mind like a ship buffeted by the storm in the open sea. Twas only yesterday when I texted two members of my a cappella group, finding ways and means to see how someone could cover my vocal parts. You see, I have solo pieces to be sung that night that didn’t have an understudy. And so I shocked two members with my suggestion of them covering me while I pulled out of the gig and swung wildly at fluorescent yellow balls.

I still wasn’t at peace. The wife last night wasn’t either and she made it clear. I bear no grudges she did, because she set it straight that it wasn’t the right thing to pull out of a committed gig we’d planned and rehearsed for these many months. I weighed in the matter. She looked at me and wasn’t thrilled to be in my position. She knew I’d been looking forward to the tournament and she knew I had obligations to the gig. She said whichever way I chose, I’d ‘make enemies’ because I’d disappoint one group.

The gig comes only once, but next Monday’s game won’t be the only match the team will be playing. I’d committed to the gig long before the fixtures were released. And I know you guys will understand it’s not an easy decision, seeing how I love the game like you do.

The bottomline is – I wish you guys a winning streak on Mon evening and know you can give the singles a walkover.

I’ve made my decision with a heavy heart, but I know I can bless many more with my songs in the lead-up to Good Friday and Easter."

I thank God no less than four of my fellow team members understood my predicament and replied with blessings to sing my heart out!

But the choice ought to have been obvious to a believer right at the on set. Apart from taking into account which activity had been confirmed earlier, one was obviously a ministry I was called to be part of and it was God on High whom I was serving and testifying of. The other was a pale excuse for competitive recreation, with nothing more than self-glorification to be sought.

It's Passion Week and a most timely reminder to re-evaluate where my passions lie, and the depth of passion that drove Him to send His Son for me.

Man on a Mission

2009-03-03T22:48:00.010+08:00

But what? Where? Why?

Last Thursday, I boarded a plane at Changi bound for Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport, where I caught a connecting flight to Vientiane, Laos. It was a work trip primarily to interview an 'in-field' Singaporean volunteer who was serving a one year stint teaching English to government officials in an institute there that's equivalent to our Civil Service College here.

The secondary school teacher in his early thirties had chosen to veer off a comfortable secure career he'd held for six years in the education sector to do something radically different. As if taking a pay cut and going on no-pay leave was a harsh enough trade-off that would deter most from contemplating becoming a volunteer teacher, the young man must now also serve out a two-year bond thereafter with the Ministry of Education.

A travelling companion asked me on the trip if I'd be interested in becoming an in-field volunteer for a time like the young man. After a moment's reflection, I said, "I would, but not for a humanitarian mission like this". It wasn't that the work wasn't good enough for me or that I felt there's no room for going beyond oneself to help others in practical ways. Were I still a swinging single with less financial obligations to meet, it would have been a different story and the option would be there - but that's the rational side of me speaking.

But the well of purpose that stirs from deep within would have me contemplate a mission and serve as a volunteer only on the premise that it's soul-focused. However I am not ruling out the possibility that souls can be led and won to the Kingdom through practical demonstration of love and help. But if it were strictly on the premise of a humanitarian mission for a medium to long term, I'd pass.

Will I heed when God calls me to be where He wants me to be when He wants me to go?

May I never turn a deaf ear to His prompting if He wants to send this man on a mission.

OXymoronic (Happy?) New Year

2009-01-31T18:09:00.019+08:00

Since Monday, Chinese around the world have been bidding each other a new year of prosperity, abundance, wealth, longevity and happiness. The Ox has booted out the Rat but no one it seems is hitting the bull's eye and charging towards those things. Despite the well-wishes, this year's fancies seem to drift like cotton in the wind. Don't they know an 'economic tsunami' has hit and more wicked aftershocks threaten to cause even greater destruction?

No wonder people dread reading the newspapers, it's bad news cover to cover. Yesterday's papers reported how an African-American man took the lives of his family of seven after he and his wife lost their jobs. The pressure was just too much to handle. Seems like they'd rather be spared the shame and guilt of being unable to provide for the family. The incident may be isolated and further investigation into the killings is underway. Regardless of the motivation for the murder, 'prosperity', 'abundance', 'longevity' and 'happiness' remain deeply buried and elusive for this family and millions of others around the world.

As I read the news on air this morning, the number of workers being made redundant continues to climb steadily. The unemployment rate is rising as sharply as losses incurred by banks and businesses. Governments are making calls for their economies to make more concerted effort to pull the world economy out of the doldrums and to get the markets moving (in the right direction) again. The effects on the macro scale has finally been felt by the man in the street, whose impact will stretch for a long time to come.

Almost overnight, the things that people held on to for security and as strategic pieces to grow their money - their shares, their life savings, investments and property, took a beating. Your possession may remain intact but numbers count for nothing when they lose their value. When values are drastically slashed, the wrist for some will be next on the edge.

Happy New Year? Hardly. If money, investments, savings, property and assests have been motivations for us, the phenomenon currently gripping the world clearly proves nothing physical and tangible in this life is worth holding on to. Nothing is secure.

God's Word tells us in 1 Timothy 4:17

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant
nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain,
but to put their hope in God,
who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Where is your hope in a world where the only thing of value is your soul and your destiny?

Organisations that rely heavily on charitable donors to help meet many social needs they're striving to provide for the beneficiaries they serve are bracing for tough times. They fear the giving will stop. What then lies ahead for the people whose basic needs have yet to be met? The verse that follows in Chapter 4 of 1 Timothy reads,

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share.

It's the new year and it may be time again to do a stock take. Where is our hope? What matters to us? And how can we bless others with what God's blessed us with in these challenging times?

Remember the story of the wise man (who built his house on the rock) and the foolish man (who decided the sand was to be his home's foundation)?

Well the floods came and only one house stood firm.

Which house on the left is befitting of yours?

Deepening FB leads to Rising FB activity

2009-01-17T11:48:00.011+08:00

Have you felt the FB (financial brunt) of the economic crisis that looks to be worsening by the day? The economists have been hard at work and seem to chorus that things are going to get much worse before it gets better. But the growing revelation of just how bad this recession will be may have some payoff on FB (Facebook) activity.

With more time on your hands, less work in your In Tray, and less money in your pocket, the economist in me predicts a steady rise in online activity on the popular, free-access social networking website Facebook. Will it see a tapering of? Not anytime soon.

With layoffs expect to climb especially after the Lunar New Year, times are bad. Consequently, I predict more action on FB for these reasons:
- there'll be more postings of people's status expressing victimisation of the global downturn
- there'll be more interest in finding out how your friends are coping and if they're in the pool of the latest round of company layoffs
- there'll be a rise in the number of notes being written in reflection of the sweeping effect of the recession
- there'll be a hike in messages, wall scribbles and the sending of virtual gifts as friends rally to lend moral support and encouragement to those deeply affected
- moods will increasingly swing from :o) to :o(

Facebook keeps people in touch and is a wonderful tool for friends and family to band together to ride out the turbulence together.

Disclaimer: This blogger isn't being paid by Facebook for the indiscreet promotion of the networking site.

Slumped by the Slump? No...

2009-01-11T16:13:00.005+08:00

The economic crisis which until last Thursday was something 'out there', 'remote' and 'distant' hit home and heart on Friday. This recession will be the second slump I'll be experiencing since the SARs episode of 2002/2003. Just like previously, only God can keep me secure and protect me against a complete fall-out from the turbulence gripping the world.

My colleagues (more than 2,500 of them) and I were told of the company's new measures to cut operationg costs. We'll be compelled to work four-day weeks every fortnight from April (which marks the beginning of a new financial year) and to go on enforced leave for up to three days a month. While work days will be scaled back, the workload won't be lessening.

As the tough times get tougher, I see the blessing in being able to take a couple more days off each month to rest, to retreat, to recharge and to realise than I can still rejoice given the circumstances.

Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!"

Into The First Day of Twenty-O-Nine

2009-01-01T20:27:00.006+08:00

I wouldn't have realised we were into the new year had my dad not nudged me from the right. I had my head bowed in contemplation, waiting for the wine to be served to those seated on my pew. That was when my father leaned over during the Holy Communion and elbowed me, half gesturing to the front. I raised my head and read "2009!" projected on the retractable screen. Almost at that second, the church bells chimed with gusto to usher in a brand new year!

There was a reassuring sense of calm; I felt at ease being in the Lord's house in the final moments of 2008 and entering the new year with Him by my side. Wanton parties and relvery may whisk us away for those moments, but sooner or later, we've got to face up to what the new year may throw at us.

What comfort to know that I have committed 2009 to my loving Father in Heaven and He will watch over me for even His eye is on the sparrow!

May your hope this new year be in Christ...and Christ alone!

It's A Wrap

2008-12-31T18:45:00.011+08:00

I hadn't planned to recap my life over the last 365 in a single blog entry and note significant moments and events of highs and lows, but after hearing my cousin-in-law Wayne publicly share how he and his family had been walking through life with God beside them, both on the easy flats and the rocky paths, I was moved to reflection. Could my God who's guided and led me through the past year not receive a single tribute of praise? Have my successes not been His doing? Have the many pits I've fallen into and climbed out of this year not been because of His grace?

The past year has admitedly been anything BUT smooth. Lots of adjustments in all quarters - married life, work life, church life, health and friendships. My response to many of these adjustments ate into me, consequently, my mood suffered. I grew to be less even tempered, easily irritable and basically not a guy whom you'd just want to walk up to and say 'hi' without risking a harsh word for a reply. I have become abrasive...yes, think sandpaper. The only difference is that I wasn't smoothening out people around me but giving them grief and hurting them. To my wife who's been bearing so patiently and silently with my moodiness, I'm sorry for being less than pleasant to be with through our first full year as husband and wife. May I wise up and draw from God's well of joy and be overflowing with it in 2009 rather than let circumstances around me mould the person I am.

2008 also made me sit up and recognise my good health is but by the grace of God. I suffered a nagging ache in my right wrist for most of the third quarter of the year. Gradually, simple acts of turning a door knob, blowing dry your hair and having your hands on the steering wheel became painful. A shot at TCM to rid the problem made me realise it was going to be a long term treatment if the physician was to be believed. A splinter moulded to the shape of my wrist and lower arm was made but wearing it didn't make the pain go away. So I received a cortisone jab into the area and it was the most numbing pain I'd experienced in recent memory. Thank God for bringing to remembrance that youth (I'm kidding myself, I know I'm supposed to be older than that) isn't a guarantee to health, nor is regular fitness and exercise.

Thank God for meaningful employment. Despite helming the talkshow since 2002, the joy and fulfilment of knowing I am in this job because He intended it so, has been strong motivation to enjoy it. I saw how God answered my prayer for a co-host and producer who shared a common faith, values and the same love of wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of listeners. I recognise those to be extremely crucial in making a partnership on air work and God's answered my prayer right down to the detail. Thanks God - you're amazing!

Church life this past year has been so-so. Still loving the worship style and sermons at YCKC and learning how the church functions. I raised my hand to serve as one of four Youth Overseers - almost like mentors but not too far removed in terms of age and generation from the teens. But I've been less than my best. It's a lousy feeling knowing you're like the sleeping partner in the quartet. Lots of reasons (maybe excuses would be more accurate) why I haven't been pulling my weight in the ministry, but with a re-energised spirit and renewed dedication, I will change all that in the new year.

Agapella continued to remain high on my list of what/where I channeled my energies and resources to this year. It's been an fantastic ride since joining the group in 2003 and I haven't run out of voice. I doubt I ever will till I run out of breath. Putting on my economist hat and looking into my astronomist telescope, the year ahead for Agapella looks hazy. Regardless, I'll let God manage the reins of the work He started. Our Lord God Almighty reigns!

Friendships with some colleagues whom I thought were fantastic did an about turn in the third quarter. Almost overnight, I was wallowing in self pity and dreaded meeting them. My faith in friends floundered in the third quarter. I felt that those I'd considered buddies were suddenly making me an outcast. I was an emotional wreck and questioned why this had to happen. I prayed and cried about such friendships that had soured so badly. Again God intervened and allowed my friends and I to meet and present 'each other's case'. It all boiled down to my expectations of them and their suppositions of mine. It was complicated but in the end, it all worked out and we're now buddies again, hanging out and deepening our friendship.

Before 2008 slips away and is archived in history books, I know God won't be slipping away as He takes me by the hand and leads me into the new year. More God-led chapters of life ahead for me...and for you. What assurance to speed into 2009, belted up and secure!

God bless & keep you in the new year!

Unravelling The Travel

2008-12-20T10:56:00.035+08:00

There's never ever been a year where I've travelled as much as I have this year. I travelled for a whole host of reasons - retreat, holiday, sports, missions and business. So after a year of being here, there and everywhere, I thought I'd blog a summary of my tavels.

It started early in the year when I put my SUV (a Hyundai Tucson) to the test by driving up to Malaysia's Cameron Highlands. The car proved it had grit despite being overweight and struggling just a bit to keep up with a Nissan Cefiro and a Subaru Legacy when we made our ascent. On the highways, my wheels kept pace. Despite having safety in numbers in our four-vehicle convoy, we also did cheeky leap-frogging on the straight, taking turns to take the lead. I have an appetite for speed and exhiliration as would most men my age, but you're never able to feed it on roads at home.

I never expected to dig up comments by former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad to support my point, but I thought his remarks, albeit cutting, drove (pardon the pun) home the point:

In Singapore, there are roads but when shifting into fourth gear, you fall into the sea because it (the country) is not big....It (Singapore) is only 18 miles from Keppel harbour to the Causeway. Not even time to change into fourth gear. You buy a Ferrari you can't change into fourth gear, there is no use. So we want to give them the opportunity to change into fourth gear on our roads.

In the first quarter of the year, I set foot on Hong Kong for a company retreat. I found the Chinese territory somewhat disappointing on these two counts - customer service and the PSI (pollutant standards index) of the island. I'd heard much about the delicious food (especially its dim sum) and was largely satisfied with the quality of meals I had. I was however almost scalded when a waiter half flung a bowl of steaming hot noodle dumpling soup onto the table. Despite their lack of quality service, the wait staff also failed to demonstrate patience while we chose items from their menu. It didn't help that the menu was in Chinese. Would I return to the territory? Yes. With thicker skin and more grace. If not for friends of my wife and me living and working there, there'd be every reason to give the former British colony a miss. To confirm my impressions, I've been asking interviewees whom I've hosted on my programme through the course of the year about how they'd rate Hong Kong in relation to Singapore in terms of living standards. The results tipped in favour of the Lion city. Enough said.

Then came May and I was off on a fully-sponsored business trip to Sydney, Australia, thanks to promotional efforts by Tourism New South Wales to market Sydney and its coastal and hinterland attractions as places to visit. It was their second time buying a Mother's Day Package on my station and I was heartened they came back for a second run after a successful campaign with us two years ago. It was great having my own mum come along on this trip.

Then for two weeks of August this year, like in 2005 and 2006, I was helping to (spiritually) plow the fields in rural villages in Kenya. My wife and I were part of a church mission team that visited a mission station headed by Pastor Richard Musyoki and his Singaporean wife Jenny. My third trip this time left me a fresh impression of Kenya after we visited a safari. It confirmed what the wildlife documentaries on tv had screened were all for real!

Last month, I travelled for the sole purpose of my sporting passion - tennis! Together with two colleagues who are even more hardcore tennis fans than I am, we packed our luggage (and tennis rackets) and jetted off to China to catch the season-ending ATP Masters Cup in Shanghai. I absolutely enjoyed the early chills of winter in the air, but even more, seeing real-life action on court at the Qi Zhong Stadium and all the big guns of tennis - Federer, Djokovic, Roddick, Davydenko, the Bryan brothers and a host more. The food was fabulous and if that's not good enough reason to get me back to Shanghai, how about tailoring at a steal of just S$20 for a long-sleeved business shirt?! Twas also great catching up with Juliana on the trip.

My last drop-in of 2008 found me on Cambodian soil earlier this month. Sponsored by the Singapore International Foundation, it was to lend coverage to one of their Singapore Volunteers Overseas porgrammes. Got to meet and speak with fellow countrymen driven there to make a difference and be a catalyst of positive change in the rural communitites of Phnom Penh. I managed to schedule other interviews with locals there so I could bring part of Cambodia home and share it on air.

Where next? Well, maybe a trip back to Hong Kong in the early part of 2009 for a short getaway and to catch up with friends and family there for Dorcas & I. We're also setting our sights on the UK around mid-year, but that's still tentative.

Meantime, here's wishing you a Blessed Christmas season and keep safe in your holiday travels!

Another Baby!

2008-11-06T21:22:00.000+08:00

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His Words, my words

2008-10-21T21:17:00.001+08:00

"...Words are all I have to take your heart away". Yes, even the Bee Gees recognised the impact of words. Words are so powerful. I remember just being a few feet high and the family receiving loads of Christmas cards before e-cards surfaced and ruled. It was just so meaningful to know that people had painstakingly written a loving message in it with your name right on the top left corner of the card and then signing off diagonally across from 'Dear'. The fact that it's handwritten makes it so precious. Typed messages over the keyboard lose not so much the meaning as the character and tone of the conveyor.

I know you have the choice of fonts from the staid Times New Roman to the stoic and unfriendly Trebuchet, and you can choose however tiny or gi-normous you want your font size to be, but that's beside the point.

But words being words, they're largely all the same. For ease and speed of message transference, it's all down to typing. If you make a startling discovery today that there are more people with poor handwriting today than 20 years ago, you know technology and the keyboard are to blame for the lack of practice (and the carpel tunnel syndrome!).

I always knew I loved writing and had a knack for it (if I can say so myself without gloating). My boss even made me the unofficial PR representative to reply emails that would require firm tact and subtle cordiality. I first knew I never had much of a problem with words when I frequently exceeded the word limit of essays at school. No wonder mum sometimes teased me in Cantonese as being 'lor-sor' or long-winded. But can you imagine if I weren't? How'd I even do half as well in my job that doesn't allow a moment of silence? Herein lies the purpose of this email, I hadn't realised just how much I'd missed the 'written' word until my colleague Pam and I set up a work blog to tie in with our show! The excitement surrounding that new blog was one reason why I'd neglected posting an entry here these last few weeks, but rest assured, I won't be forsaking this, my personal blog.

Words have also been demanded of me the last couple of weeks. I'd been invited to contribute an article to a Christian publication, VantagePoint, for their Nov/Dec issue. They'd requested I share about what it means to be a Christian in the Media industry and the impact of broadcast media. The topic was close to my heart and I have been blessed with instances where Christ's name was lifted high on air! Writing that article made me recount how privileged a position I am in. Not every job allows you to impact so many people on a daily basis and it made me reflect on my responsibility to my audience in the eyes of the Lord.

Words written or spoken, let it come from on high through you and me!

RELAUNCHED! The New Look of The NewsStan(d)

2008-10-01T17:07:00.002+08:00

Time to pull the poppers!!! We turn 3!!!

This blog was born 3 years and 3 days ago and as with everything, changes are inevitable, if not, necessary. If not for deliberate cause for refreshment, then succumbing to the normalcy of change and its grip on life and all in its path.

I am one blogger who's surprised he's continued to keep at the art of blogging while many who've launched their blogs in big and exciting ways (loud hailer and all) have since hung up the keyboard.

There are three primary thrusts why this blog continues to live on, as long as I do (God's at the check-out counter) - self-expression through journaling, reporting and informing from my small aperture of the world, and to encourage and bless readers like you who make stopovers on this site.

Please come by soon again for the next issue from THIS newsstan(d).

~ The celebrating Editor

Stanley is NO LONGER listed as 'SINGLE'

2008-09-29T20:52:00.003+08:00

You know how friends sometimes update their status on Facebook - some go from being 'single' to 'in a relationship', you can sense the pain when someone types in his or her status going the reverse. Yet others go from 'in a relationship' to 'married'. Today, my relationship status changed. I've gone from 'single' to 'double'.

I've been 'Han Solo' for just over 2 months and this period has ranked among the tougher times of my career. Being the only voice, face, hands and feet of the show is draining. You're paid a person's salary to bear the workload of two. If not for the transient help of Evelyn, Phoebe, Nicole, Keith (our interns) and my boss, the show would not have gone on the way it has. God's been good, enabling me to keep up with the day-to-day production and presentation these many months. My days of singlehood ceased today! There have been a few false alarms from my bosses about having found someone suitable to co-produce and host the show with, but like I said, they were false alarms. It looked like it would take forever for someone to be found. It didn't quite take forever. It just took the closure for four magazines to move the missing piece in place.

This Living Room was too roomy for one to play host to guests, but it couldn't be just anyone. It was my prayer that it would be someone with whom I could connect with as a friend, not just a colleague. It would be someone with whom I'd share many common values and drives, not just a programme and time on air.

God answered my prayer today. Before setting off from home today, I silently prayed that I'd set off on the right footing with this new colleague I was going to meet. We did, in more ways than one! Upon meeting her in the office (it being her first day with our station), we were both wearing F1 Grand Prix lanyards! Who would have thought?!

We even shared our first joke. I teased her at the speed at which she pounded away at her keyboard, almost like the way Alonso whizzed around the street circuit of Singapore last night - unapologetically quick with no time to lose. I said in jest that at the rate she typed, one could tell she was formerly working for a magazine! She's earned her first nickname from me (I promise to limit name-giving since I'm not baptising her or anything) - Keyboard Killer!

It looks like we're off to a good start and I can't wait to do some exhilirating laps with my new partner 'in crime'. The world's inaugural night race may have ended, but for us and as the Carpenters would sing it - We've only just begun....

Kenya 2008 (Part 4)

2008-08-30T20:41:00.012+08:00

Watching documentaries of free spirited animals roaming in the vast open lands can leave you in awe at their beauty, stature, grace of movement and nonchalant manner. Wild, unsubdued and poised for a kill or to be another's dinner. The safari. We were there in Amboseli National Park!

The reserve is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants and we truly weren't disappointed. The park, over more than 39,000 hectares in size, spans Kenya and Tanzania. The semi-gravel semi-dirt track into the safari (within which was our accommodation - Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge) was long, winding and bumpy. It was akin to having a full-body massage while seated. Our bus took to the rough and windy track like cheese over a grater.

It seemed forever and the land stretched beyond what the eye can see. There was no landmark aside from mountains (including Mount Kilimanjaro) way in the distance. Almost suddenly, the bus turns into a driveway. It almost seemed like an oasis after travelling hours in the dessert, but this stunning hotel wasn't a figment of our imagination.

The local people are largely Maasai - a semi-nomadic indigenous ethnic group. Their brightly-coloured (mostly red) dressing consists drape-overs, accessories, a stick and the sporting of a huge hole in their earlobes.

Increasingly, this group is being exposed to trade and do not survive merely on the simple crops they plant, nor their cattle produce. In fact, a Maasai was scrubbing the floor at the resort while we were tucking into our breakfast. Looks like they can be found in the hospitality and tourism sectors too nowadays!

Back to the animals, they were aplenty and looked content grazing. The zebras, the wildebeest, antelopes were the most numerous animals we saw.

We spotted ostriches that reminded me of can-can girls showing off their long legs. We caught a 'hurray' of hippos basking in the sun and a herd of buffalos staring us down.

Then there were the prowlers and those that tagged along to feed on the spoils. That's Lion King, Dr 'Jackal' and Mr 'Hyena'.

Kenya 2008 (Part 3)

2008-08-25T21:19:00.024+08:00

(left: Josephine and Samson)

One of the joys this trip was to once again be found in the fellowship of friends I'd made during my previous two visits. There was Samuel and Samson at Kavingoni; I was glad to still see familiar faces amongst the youth there. The youth were predominantly those I'd interacted with on my previous trips.

(left: Samuel & James)

And what a joy to see Patrick at Ngoleni. He'd travelled up just to meet the team although he works in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa.

What a joy also to see Benjamin there. Just a day before departing Kavingoni for Ngoleni, his mother and sister had told me that Ben won't be meeting us this time around.

(top: Samuel, Myriam and Patrick)
(top right: Ben)

I guess he wanted to surprise us by turning up unannounced. I won't forget the sacrifice he made just to spend half a day with us after travelling a few hours from Nairobi where he's pursuing his undergrad studies in Commerce. That brother even had an exam paper to sit for the following morning yet made the effort to visit us at the highland village. Thank God He's been keeping all these friends well for the time we've been apart.

Another encouragement was Peter, who's in his final months of completing his theological studies. Thereafter, he'll go where the Lord leads Him to serve. With two new churches now at Mwisa and Ngoleni, Pastor Richard could do with more help in the vast fields to sow seeds for the Kingdom.

This trip, I also got a chance to meet newer members of the church in Kavingoni like James. I also got to know another Peter better too; he'd been a new member to the church on my previous trip.

(left: Shadrach & Bernard)

Then there was Josephine, Mutuko, Shadrach, Bernard and another Patrick, and brothers Paul and Able. Then there were Michael who was helping to build the boarding school's kitchen block and heading the project was Justus from Kitui.

Among the boarders at Aunty Jenny's school (Chosen Christian School) who were just such bright kids were Naomi and younger sister, Mercy. Then there was Lydia and Derrck - the quieter two of the four. By the way, we double-checked if Derrck had an 'i' in his name but he was sure of the spelling of his name, so we didn't push it.

(left: Naomi, Derrck, Lydia & Mercy)

The kids have also grown up and what a joy to see those same bright smiling faces gleam in the sun. Mbovi was in the place of younger brother Charlo on my last visit (i.e. on the back of big sister Esther) and now, he's making up his own games to play! A boy of little words but ingenious! Then there were the two bright girls, Naomi and Rachel, who two years ago, were helping to intepret English to Ki Kamba for the younger ones at Sunday School. It was great to see them doing well too.

We also got to meet one-month-old baby, Alvinson. (Al)ex,Ke(vin),Nel(son) must be so honoured and thrilled to have a baby named after them when they visited the village last month. God also added to their number during our visit this month.

I also won't forget the ladies, including Beatrice's (Samuel, Patrick and Myriam's mother) invitation to her house the next time I visit. The older women folk were also such a joy and although we couldn't quite converse, just the greeting and gesticulation was enough to send us in a roar of laughter. But each time they greeted us younger members with "Wacha", all we needed to utter was 'Ah'. It's similar to how we ask, "How are you?" and the reply you'd typically get would be "I'm fine". In their culture, the younger person waits for the senior to acknowledge his presence before he greets them.

Kenya 2008 (Part 2)

2008-08-22T23:55:00.007+08:00

You settle in quicker when you've walked the land on foreign soil and so it was for me. Ours was to have been an early Thursday morning flight out of Changi on Qatar Airways, ETD 3.20am. A send-off party of some 20-odd family and friends (including my parents and in-laws) made for merry company before we checked in our luggage at the counter.

Anyone in a vocation that's got to do with transport in the military will know what FPT is (i.e. First Parade Task). It's when you inspect your vehicle (visual inspection of external body of vehicle, including hands-on checks of oil levels, tyre pressure and all lights and lighting panel) before driving off. We operated in similar fashion, commiting the trip and each day and event in prayer right from before we departed. We knew we weren't going to be effective in the mission field if we didn't do a thorough check of ourselves, our teaching material and what else we packed. In relation to the trip, I'd prefer to see FPT as the acronym for Faith, Pray, Trust. And we had numerous occasions for these. Let me share them with you.

We didn't have to wait very long for our first FPT moment.

FPT#1 - While doing a group check-in of our luggage, our bags were found to have exceeded the permissible limit we'd be given by some 40kgs despite being carefully conservative when we packed. Thank God for giving us wisdom to list what items had gone into each bag which had been numbered. This allowed us to leave behind two bags that contained less important contents.

FPT#2 - Upon checking in, we were told our flight would be delayed by an hour. One hour turned into two hours. Not till more than three hours later did we board our plane, but we surrendered to God's purposes for the delay without getting flustered. We were however concerned about having to miss our connecting flight from Doha to Nairobi, which had initially been just about an hour apart upon arrival in Qatar had we departed on schedule. We prayed.

FPT#3 - We arrive in Qatar and were promptly whisked through the terminal and out to a waiting Emirates plane bound for Dubai. This detour was to be the next quickest passage to our final destination - Nairobi. After arriving in Dubai and about a couple of hours later, we were on a plane bound for the East African nation. Thank God for securing us seats on our final leg! It truly felt like I was competing in The Amazing Race! But with God on your team, you can't lose.

FPT#4 -Upon arrival in Nairobi, it is common practice for the team to head straight for a Nakumatt supermarket branch near the airport to buy bottles of drinking water, fruits and vegetables and other bites for the team's consumption and treats for the villagers. But seeing how we'd been set back by about 6 hours and arriving at nightfall instead of early afternoon, there'd be no way to get the items. Praise God He led Pastor Richard and auntie Jenny to buy the items during their time of waiting. No time was wasted.

FPT#5 - I'd been tasked to bring some vehicular parts (about 5kg) to a Singaporean lady who overseas the running of an ophanage in Nairobi. She attends my church. I'd initially declined to be their courier for fear of being stopped at the customs and questioned. I was also fearful of stalling the Galilee team with whom I was travelling with. Plus the parts cost more than S$2000 and what if they had wanted to tax me. But in preparation of the Bible lessons I'd be teaching on the trip, God's Word reminded me from the life of Abraham about the importance of faith. I was ashamed of my lack of it and how I wasn't living mine out. I repented and entrusted the metal components to the Lord for a safe passage across and through the customs officers. It worked!The parts in my checked-in luggage were never called into questioned! God heard my prayer and those of hundreds who prayed for these pieces to be carefully delivered to the lady who needed it urgently to get her car running again. There was a likelihood that the parts would never be received by her had they been delivered by the regular postal service.

Kenya 2008 (Part 1)

2008-08-22T23:40:00.006+08:00

While the world set its sights on Beijing 2008, mine (together with 7 other pairs) were fixated on three villages, Kavingoni, Mwisa and Ngoleni. Tucked away to the southeast of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the villagers enjoyed but the bare essentials of life. Modest living standards doesn't even seem a suitable adjective, what with no electricity and running water.

We showered with water (scoop & pail) drawn from the well carted in jerry cans by asses. {left: 5-year-old Nathaniel having his bath in the bigger pail} Dinner was prepared over lit firewood. And we depended heavily on torchlights attached to lanyards that hung around our necks. Whenever we had light not from our battery-operated torches, it emanated from the moon, the galaxy of stars, or renewable energy (thanks to solar panels transported over and hooked up by a mission team that went before mine just last month). There was also the diesel-driven generator that generated not only a lot of carbon monoxide, but noise.

It wasn't a culture shock for this urbanite. I had set foot in Kavingoni and Mwsia twice before (in 2005 & 2006) with the mission teams of my then home church Galilee Bible-Presbyterian Church. But this was a whole new experience for my wife whom I'm proud of, for putting aside her apprehension and 'roughing it out' in conditions some older team members say were reminiscent of Singapore in the 50s.

Our Mission:

1) To rejoice with Ebenezer BP Church (Kavingoni) on their 13th Anniversary
2) To conduct and witness the Dedication Service of the church in Mwisa
3) To celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the church at Ngoleni
4) To encourage our brethren there and teach God's Word
5) To be witnesses of the truth of the Gospel

Kickstarter #10 - Missions, Humanitarian Work & Volunteerism

2008-08-01T08:19:00.002+08:00

Life can be so comfortable, so secure. The irony is that self-sufficiency can draw us into a sense of self-contentment and consequently, a sense of dissatisfaction. Being contented with oneself and one’s achievement is not a bad thing in itself. It shows you’ve worked hard to get where you are and that the effort and sacrifices you’ve made have paid off. But do you then surround yourself with these creature comforts and ‘trophies’ to show for and say, “I’ve done it all”? Then just sit back, kick your feet up and idle the days away, leaving your possessions to rot, rust and waste away?

Life isn’t an activity meant to be lived by one. If you’re feeling that life is no longer exciting because you’ve fulfilled all your personal needs, think about going beyond yourself. What are the needs of those around you? Who is worse off that you can reach out to? Which person in your office department, in your block, your community could benefit from your outstretched hand?

Don’t have the idea that handouts are the sole responsibility of governments. For humanity’s sake, it is our moral and rightful obligation to help meet the basic needs of those who struggle day to day.When was the last time you dropped a few coins into the can in exchange for a sticker? And when you did it, was it with the idea that that sticker would effectively ward off other volunteers canvassing down the road? I’ve been guilty of that, and it takes just a little change in perspective. Perhaps we can determine we’d give ten dollars for the cause and challenge ourselves to seek out five volunteers through whom we’d support with two dollars each.

Beyond money and material possessions that we donate through projects like BB’s Sharity Gift Box and organisations like The Salvation Army, we can make ourselves available. We can serve others with the time, skills and strengths that we have. The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre will embrace a willing committed person with open arms because there are just so many needs to be met. More hands on the plow make light work.

By and large, we are an economically prosperous society with all our basic needs met and an unquenchable hunger of wants. Things works like clockwork here. Turn on the tap and there’s water. Flip the switch and there’s light. With a roof over your head and the comforts of life, this would be a dream for many beyond our shores.

If you’re sitting there wallowing in self-pity because you’ve literally got so much to brood over, start giving them away. Give yourself away to meet the simple needs of others.

Volunteer for a cause. Be a voice against poverty, join a team that helps build homes for poor villagers, sign up for a medical or disaster relief mission – there’s almost no end to what you can do, where you can render yourself and channel your resources.

Life isn’t just about you. Life is about humanity. Life is meant to be led collectively, not singly.

If life is getting you down, how about picking someone else up on the way?

PS: The author & wife jet off to Kenya for a church mission trip from 6th - 21st Aug. We ask for your coverage in prayer.

Kickstarter #9 - Photos & Diaries

2008-07-31T08:22:00.001+08:00

When waking up to a new day doesn’t excite you anymore, you are like an artist with a palate whose paint has dried up. When the canvas of life was once splashed full of colour and sprayed with fancy designs, you now you’re your life’s inadequate and bland. You wouldn’t even be able to put a colour pencil to good use. What’s gone wrong and how can life be like it was before?

The sad truth is - life can never be like it was before. The consolation is, if you’ve got records to show for it, it would be like holding up a kaleidoscope to the light and seeing the beautiful forms and colours all over again. We all know the value of photographs. Photographs are valuable possessions in every family, land and kingdom. They are visual records of a time past.

Here’s a tip - Dust off old photographs you’ve kept tucked away all these years and share a plough-through-the-album hour with a loved one. You’d be amazed how the old photos evoke so much memories and nostalgia – the happy times, the days when you were young, the holidays, the kids – ah look how tiny they were then, the head full of hair, your trim figure then. Flipping through a photo album is like opening the sluice gates of a time past, that flood our minds with memories – akin to discovering a treasure trove. You sit back, heave a sigh and mumble to yourselves, ‘Those were the days.”

Much to be thankful for don’t you think? Allow yourself to be brought back to that time. Close your eyes if it helps, and let those static photographs morph into a show reel that runs, projecting moving images and sound. Let the movie begin…and be prepared for LOL & T – or, lots of laughter and tears!

Memory jolters can also come in the form of diaries. Many school teachers encourage their students to journal. It crystallises the innermost thoughts and feelings, and charts all that happens during the day. If you keep a diary, refer to it for old times’ sake. It will help you see what you were and where you are presently in relation to your former circumstances. Reflect and count your many blessings. For the moments that seemed insurmountable before, look at how you’ve pulled through, how you’ve overcome what seemed impossible then.

When life loses a bit of momentum, don’t neglect the clicks and the flips - whip out old photographs and the yellowing diary for a nostalgic journey back in time. Aside from the blessings, consciously look out for unfulfilled aspirations, the promises that have been given but yet to be met, and make these your targets moving forward. Life will be so much more focused and purpose-driven when you know what remains to be done.

Kickstarter #8 - Realisation of Finality

2008-07-31T08:06:00.000+08:00

Life is punctuated with commas. A chapter of life may close, then a new one unfolds. The story goes on. The question is - How many more commas do we have ahead of us?

We will never know would be? Look at the recent natural calamities in Myanmar and China? Lives snuffed out just like that. It wasn’t just a fullstop for the many lives lost in these two disasters, it was an exclamation mark. Accidents are accented because there’s no telling when. Sometimes, there’s very little or no reason. About a year back, the pre-mature departure of five young dragonboaters in the prime of life. It’s less harsh with illness and old age, but regardless of how our life winds down, there is much pain and grief for those who continue living.

The underlining factor is ‘finality’. If you see life on earth as long drawn suffering, full of heartaches, discomforts and pain, it’s but for a time. Just as foods have their expiry dates, our lives have them too. It seems ironic that I’m talking about the end of our days in our Kickstarter for Life series. But just this realisation that there will come a time when life on earth comes to a complete stop, should make you sit up and wonder what life and this lifetime is really about.

It’s good to live for the here and now, when we’re embracing all of what life has in store for us. But what’s even better is when you know that your life on earth has been led to the fullest and most worthwhile when your time is up. I was at the wake of an aunt last weekend and was encouraged by her husband's testimony of how fully she'd led her life, especially in the closing years of her life while battling cancer. Isn't that wonderful?

Have you conquered your fears? Can you say, "I've been there, done that"? Or are you crippled with fear of everything that's unfamiliar? How then can you say you've lived life to the fullest? It's like scraping the cream of a slice of cake, eating it, and saying you've had your cake and eaten it. What about honing your skills to the best of your ability? Have you served others and attended to their needs? Have you prepared for the next journey where time is no longer an issue?

Just the recognition of the brevity of life ought to be impetus for you to determine what really matters in life, and to pursue those matters decisively and wholeheartedly.

I propose a toast that you live your life wisely and selflessly and invest in the things that matter beyond the here and now.

Kickstarter #7 - Retreats

2008-07-29T08:36:00.001+08:00

The word ‘retreat’ has several meanings. It can refer to (a) a withdrawal, (b) a place of refuge or one that offers peace and quiet or (c) simply to treat again.You’re probably aware of corporate retreats maybe having gone on a couple before - where staff take a day or a few days out of the office to refresh and renew themselves. Some organisations use such occasions to build teamwork, some intend it as a reward for a job well done, while others regard it as a chance to rethink and relook departmental and organisational goals, and how to achieve them.

Then there are spiritual retreats. Church camps for instance allow members of the Christian faith to withdraw to a place of quiet for prayer, study and meditation. It’s a time of contemplation, conversation, feeding and offers rest and renewal.

Unlike a holiday which is typically filled with activities, where the itinerary affords no or little personal time, a retreat allows you time and space to call a ‘time-out’ on life. What’s the point of a time-out? Well let’s look at world of sports. A ‘time-out’ in sports refers to a stoppage in the match for a short amount of time. This allows for the coach to communicate with the player or team, with the purpose of either determining strategy or inspiring morale. Time-outs are usually called at strategically important points in a match. Time-outs aren’t just for sportsmen to catch their breath and gulp some water, as you can see, its value is far more precious.

What about you? Have you called for a ‘time-out’ in the hectic life you lead? Life isn’t meant to be lived at full throttle with the challenge to see how far we go before we konk out. Rather, life should be led with the periodic recharge. Just like our mobile phones and camera batteries need to be plugged in every few days for revival, we need to do the same. Set aside time for a personal retreat and if you’re not comfortable travelling alone, invite a friend along - a friend just as weary and worn-out on life’s journey. It needn’t be a faraway place or at the most expensive resort, you can retreat to a chalet right here in our own backyard.

Retreats help you take stock on life. It gives you a chance to be still and to plan your route again and see if you’ve gone off course. The quietness of retreats is the perfect bedrock for unhurried contemplation and much needed rest. If retreats are the pre-cursors for advances in life, shouldn’t they be called ‘advances’ instead? Here’s leaving you something to think about till tomorrow.

Kickstarter #6 - Friends

2008-07-28T09:50:00.001+08:00

I want us today to consider our bounty of friends. Friends who’ve stayed by our side, and if not physically, who have stayed in touch through the passing of time. Through the passage of time, we have lost many friends along the way. Phases of life disconnect us. Work takes them away and sometimes ourselves. Interests grow apart.

It is a sad fact that your circle of friends dwindles as you grow older, but the friends who continue to remain in close quarters become even more precious to you. I recently caught up with a friend I’d made while in primary school on a social networking site and he told me I was the only one from that phase in life he’s still in contact with. So I asked him if he knew the secret formula to how our friendship had stood the test of time. His reply was, ‘When you’re able to pick up from where you left off’. Our friendship had remarkably weathered the passing of time though we’d lost contact for half our lives. It had been well-shielded from eroding pressures of time because of the solid foundations we’d built a long time ago.

About a month ago, I arranged to have dinner with a classmate from secondary school. We’ve been close buddies and he’s relocating to London to work in a week’s time. He shared how having to uproot and to leave his friends and family behind was getting to him and that he didn’t want anyone sending him off because it wouldn’t be a dry-eyed affair. I respected his request. While friends may come and go in our lives, we are blessed with friends who’ll always be in contact with us no matter how physically distant they are to us and however long that period will be.

Our friends have the power to stir up fond memories of chapters of our lives, of moments of sweetness, to the sour and bitter. They bring us back to the ‘once-upon-a-time’ for us, and because they’re able to do that, we’re able to see how far we’ve come, how much headway we’ve made in life and be thankful.

Friends are also an antidote for being self-absorbed. They allow us to reach out to them with our hands and hearts when we partake in their frustrations, hurts and regrets. Friends remind us that we can be there for them and that the favour is mutually returnable. If the circumstances in your life are crippling you, look to your friends to cheer you upwards and onwards. Just like marathoners feed on the support of bystanders who cheer them from the sides of the long run, our friends can do the same for us and we for them.

Kickstarter #5 - Sports & Exercise

2008-07-25T08:45:00.002+08:00

I have over the last four days been sharing with you ways we can pick ourselves up when life loses a bit of its sheen. We’ve looked at the effervescent effect of being spontaneous, the charm that children can have in our lives and the therapeutic properties of nature for when we are forlorn. So what else can jumpstart our life?

Well we’re on the eve of a weekend and what more suitable to suggest than sports and exercise. Sports is a word that signifies outdoor recreation, the athletic work as contrasted with the serious intellectual occupation. It encapsulates play, amusement, entertainment and recreation. Now can someone not like any of these terms? If you do and you’re not a competitive couch potato, time to get off those buns and get toasty in the sun.

We’ve heard is said that physical activity is good for our wellbeing. Wellbeing not limited to just our physical strength and endurance, but extending to mental and emotional development. Michael Jordon had this to say, “When I step onto the court, I don't have to think about anything. If I have a problem off the court, I find that after I play, my mind is clearer and I can come up with a better solution. It's like therapy. It relaxes me and allows me to solve problems.”
Japan recognizes the inter-play and dependency of health and sports, which led it to initiate a Health and Sports Day called ,Taiiku no hi in 1966. This day is held annually on the second Monday in October and is declared a national holiday. How about that?!

Physical activity needn’t be competitive sport. It can be a social game, or a recreational activity. If you live near a park or a park connector, let your legs take you there. If a jog or run outdoors isn’t convenient, a treadmill could be your pathway to fitness.

Sports and fitness takes your mind from the everyday grind and grime. It gets your heart beating, blood circulating and those andorphins do wonders to your mood. Inject some action into your life today and see those daily blues fade away.

Kickstarter #4 - Kids

2008-07-24T08:26:00.002+08:00

When life seems to have dulled a little, when it’s lost its vibrancy, have you tried surrounding yourself with children?

Just being with children can be therapeutic, because they let us into their care-free world where all is simple and springing up flowers. Where joys are magnified and worries belittled. It’s like there’s always a rainbow regardless how severe the storm just past.

If you have a child or have had the opportunity of frolicking with them and frizzing their hair up, you know how fun that can be. How are you celebrating them? Pocket money and freedom to do as they like isn’t the way to go, because giving of your substance and allowing them free rein doesn’t exactly cut it. Engaging our children by being physically with them, and connectedness at an emotional level through open communication channels goes farther.

A couple of months back, I had the chance to baby sit my friends’ five-year-old son Nathaniel. I’d last met the kid two years ago when he was just three but the child expressed no memory of me. But the way he quickly opened up to me when we met seemed to suggest otherwise. I felt as if he’d known me all his 5-year-old life! Within minutes of our meeting, he was climbing all over me, I was tossing him in the air, flinging him by one arm and flipping him over, giving him piggyback rides in a manmade pool atop a shopping centre and having a water fight. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun with a child. The child taught me to roll up my pants, let down my guard and marvel at the simple pleasures of life and laughter. Children bring out the child in adults.

Kids can teach adults so many things, and they are the ones who lead you by the hand to teach you how life can and should be celebrated. It’s unfortunate we don’t credit them enough for being life’s little ambassadors!

If you’ve got kids, I say ‘What a privilege!’ In fact, a passage from the Bible out of the book of Psalm had this to say about children – that they are a heritage from God, that offspring are His reward to us and how blessed a man is when his household is full of them.

Life in an adult world isn’t easy. It’s punctuated with politics, pain, and selfish pursuits and they cast a cloud over how we can find joy and meaning in life.

If caffeine jump starts your day, imagine what children can do for your life?

Photo credits: John and son, Conrad

Kickstarter #3 - Food

2008-07-24T08:02:00.001+08:00

It’s often said that you are what you eat. But apart from how you look, what you eat also has the power to impact how you feel. A survey of 200 people by the Food & Mood Project in the UK found that 88% of them reported that their mental health improved significantly when they changed their diet. It was established that cutting down on certain foods or what are termed "stressors", and increasing the amount of what are called "supporters", had a beneficial effect on their mood. What then are good foods to keep our spirits up and our energy levels high?

Dr. Jean Carper's book, “Food — Your Miracle Medicine” points us directions. Protein-rich foods are recommended, like low-fat seafood, non-fat milk, low-fat or non-fat yogurt, nuts, legumes, broccoli and easy-to-buy fruits like apples, pears, peaches, grapes. Pretty healthy stuff! Protein breaks down into amino acids when you digest it, increasing the production of neurotransmitters, and hence the rise in energy and alertness. To fight depression, feed yourself foods like beans, pasta, vegetables, cereal, bread and crackers. Foods that contain folic acid like spinach and other dark leafy greens also get the thumbs up. There’s another category of food that contains selenium. It’s been found that those with low selenium levels show a greater incidence of depression. That being the case, you might want to stock up on brazil nuts, canned light tuna, cooked oysters, sunflower seeds, clams and garlic .

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that food IS the answer to life’s problems. It isn’t. Your spirits aren’t going to be uplifted just by digging into a lavish buffet spread. If anything, you’d have to be lifted out of the restaurant if you over eat. Foods have their different properties, some are beneficial and good for your health and well-being, while others can work against you.

When you choose your next meal, snack or beverage, stop to think about how you’d like to feel straight after. The food-mood response is short-term. But if you need a pick-me-up right here right now, how about whipping up a linguini dish with garlic and clams, or snack on peaches and pears in non-fat yoghurt? Of course, you need no reminding what chocolates can do for you!

Kickstarter #2 - Nature

2008-07-22T08:27:00.002+08:00

Just like cars sometimes need a cable to jumpstart their engines, you and I could do with a reminder of two how we can kickstart our life when we’re feeling a little flat. With modern day amenities, gadgets, appliances and devices, we’re all a click and a switch away to making things work for us. Pushing a button gets you from ground floor to the 20th. Flip over the cover and you are connected to the world. Swipe your credit card and half the world is yours to purchase. The power is ours to further our personal interests and ambitions and to add to our ever-growing list of assets in today’s material world.

I’m not suggesting that having such means and capabilities is a bad thing. It’s great to be connected and be in sync with how the world operates in this day and age.But when we talk about connectedness, being connected isn’t always a good thing. You’re just a Blackberry away from your boss. You’re just a click away from a scandalous rumour about you on someone’s blog. You’re just a view away from a voyeur across the street.

You see connectedness, gadgets and gizmos have their way of intruding into our lives, to rob us of our privacy and security. If connectedness has worn you out and made you wary and weary, how about plugging in to nature?

Nature is God’s masterpiece you didn’t have to lift a finger to create, but to appreciate. The magnificent mountains that tower over the deepest valley, the clearest lake to the mysterious deep seas, the variety of species in the animal kingdom to the endless hues and forms of ferns, flowers and forests. Truly a breathtaking sight to marvel that’s around you. I was in awe when I looked up into the skies above Kenya. It was an extraordinary feeling of being thrust into a galaxy of stars in all its dazzling splendour. I’d never known stars shine so bright in the night sky till I was in a remote village in the mountains. Nature has an amazing way of refreshing us. It has a way of settling us, of numbing our worries, of putting things in their place and shifting our perspectives about how we see ourselves against the backdrop of nature.

Transport yourself to a place where nature abounds, where nature runs wild, where nature is undisturbed. Dare yourself to behold the beauty of nature in all its creativity - unpretentious and honest. Let it not just appeal to your eyes, but all your other senses. Let it wash over you; feel the different sensations on your skin. Tune your ears to the chorus of animal calls and tree branches that dance in the wind. How about the rolling streams of the river or the thunderous roar of cascading waterfalls? Don’t shut out the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of nature. Retreating to them evokes a sense of refreshment like no other can. Swim with the sharks, have breakfast with an orangutan, go bushwalking or nature treks.

Rough it out when you’ve been roughed up in the grind of life and you’ll come out ready to take on the world fresh and renewed.

Kickstarter #1 - Spontaneity

2008-07-19T11:21:00.001+08:00

All of this week and next, let me introduce you to 10 simple measures you could put in place and practice right where you are in your very corner of life. Some of these aspects may be downright straightforward and familiar, but we all could do with a little reminding. Some may be things we’re considering for the first time and have never quite considered them as being capable of injecting some life back into your life. Well are you one of many who complain about living from one day to the next with hardly a chance to do anything pleasurable?

The bottomline is that life can be dull and boring. We all fall into a routine in our 7-day 24-hour cycle. Everything is structured. There is a sequence to how things unfold in your day and how your typical week will pan out. Does this reflect your schedule? How about today? Did the alarm go off at 7am? You chow down your breakfast with a quick flip of the newspapers and you’re out the door by 8am. You join the traffic crawl to this place called ‘The Office’ and you wave hi to the security guard at the foot of your office tower minutes to 9 o’clock, before greeting your company receptionist on the 6th floor. You know what’s ahead and it’s a day-in-day-out set course. You can do it with your eyes closed.

How unexciting! Can anything change? Can life be less predictable? Sure it can! And you have the power to inject some pizzazz into the seemingly mundane ho-hum of your workday and week. So what can you do? Hmmm…have you tried surprising yourself? It’s a curative formula that throws all plans out the window and is all about impulse and instincts? It’s called Spontaneity.Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary defines Spontaneity as being “the quality or state of being spontaneous, or acting from native feeling, proneness, or temperament, without constraint or external force”.

Someone’s said that "spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well-organised routine, a bit of unscheduled plea". You have the power to break the cycles in your life. Instead of getting up at 7, why not sleep in an extra half hour, catch that direct bus to work on those fuss-free bus lanes and call for a breakfast meeting with the secretary empowered to buy her favourite breakfast for the department and you paying for it of course. Oh and how about walking up to your 6th floor office just to get the blood circulating for the day ahead? You don’t have to do things today the way you’ve always done them before.

You don’t think about being spontaneous, you just do it. It comes from within you to do what you like, how you like it and when you want it. It just happens – unplanned, unstructured and best of all, unexpected but still within your power to shape it.

Try something today that’s outside of your regular motion and you’d find life so much more fulfilling and exciting with those sparks of spontaneity.

Rattled, Frazzled & All Shook Up

2008-07-19T11:01:00.002+08:00

Of late, I’ve been:
- physically worn out,
- snowed in with work,
- hardly with it in my other commitments,
- recipient of news of the passing of dear ones of four close friends,
- nagged by suspected tendonitis,
- moodier than usual, and
- 'oesophagally' in pain. The doctor said I have a pretty bad case of throat infection and it’s not gotten better despite having been on medication the last couple of days. I think it’s just got to do with rest, of which I grossly lack and cannot find time for, especially so when my job requires the intense utility of it. But the throat is just one of many parts of me (and you) that determines my (your) overall well-being.

So feeling all beat down like a tree felled by a vicious storm, I thought I’d remind myself and share with you (if you're in similar waters) how we can get back up on my feet again. From Monday and the next two weeks, allow me to suggest ways in which we can kickstart our life and refresh ourselves in ways so simple we never thought could work. Check back on Monday for the first Kickstarter to Life distributed exclusively by The NewsStan(d).

Sleeping The Blues Away

2008-07-14T22:47:00.000+08:00

Life can be utterly exhausting. It can be energy sapping, emotionally draining and headache inducing. It's sort of like mice who run on the plastic wheel in the cage with no end in sight. The wheel of life keeps spinning and sometimes, you lose your bearing and footing and find yourself spinning out of control, panting and dazed like you were inebriated. Mondays can especially be horrendously dreadful to wake up to. I know it's pure ordeal; I speak from experience, so take comfort you're not alone.

But over the weekend just past, I treated myself to a generous serving of sleep. It was a slightly later rousing on Saturday and a 3-hour nap (i know most wouldn't call anything longer than an hour a nap) on Sunday! It's awesome what sleep can do to your senses and sense of well-being! Do you, like me, look at sleep as a waste of time when you could be out doing something? We're just such a restless generation that keeping still and being tucked under the covers is the last thing many want to do. But try it for yourself to understand the value of sleep in 'a restless world like this is' (lyrics used without permission from 'A Whole New World').

Life doesn't have to be long drawn if you punctuate it with enough sleep. Check back soon as I let you in on some things you can introduce to your life that work as excellent kickstarters when life loses a bit of its colour.

'Thorn' in the Flesh

2008-06-23T16:36:00.001+08:00

Life has just been so exhausting. I do get notes from friends (you know who you are) about when we're next meeting and how it's been some time since we last caught up for old times's sake. You know I love reunions so I'm not finding excuses to keep you at bay. I often wish life weren't as packed with activities and demands that require your time and attention.

However, I admit to being a restless creature. Sitting still, staying home, or even the idea of taking leave and not going away somewhere to do something has never quite been what I'd call a 'time out'. Give me 'free' time and I'm be blazing the bowling lanes, doing laps in the pool, hitting the gym to bulk up or slugging it out on the tennis court. I'm the restless sort. Maybe God knew I was tiring myself out lately and decided to slow me down with some pain. Not that He's cruel, but if nothing will get me to take a breather and learn to rest, then maybe immobilising me to some degree would work.

As I type, I'm mindful of a needle that's about a centimetre long embedded under my flesh in my right wrist (I boldly went where I've never been before - to a TCM practitioner!). I've been suffering from a nagging soreness the last month and it wasn't getting better. I first felt the pain coming on after doing some one arm lifting of a 4-year-old boy off the ground. Not too long later, I thought I'd suffered a sprain. Thinking that it'd go away, I continued with my sporting routine and believed the ache would go away. But not only did it not, it worsened and I felt the pain intensifying in my wrist at certain angles. Even at night in my tossing in bed, I'd sometimes have pain shoot up my arm - what acted like a premature alarm clock.

The TCM practitioner who was a former interviewee on my show advised against movement, i.e. no more sports for the time-being. I've got to see him three days later and we'd have another needle with electric current pierced through my the inner skin of my right wrist. It's a warm throbbing sensation followed by electro-magnetic pulsating beats on another small machine. Some good old traditional Chinese remedy and compulsory rest should help. *sigh* Thankfully, God didn't have to use anything more drastic to prove to me I'm no robot with a battery life that runs flat.

The First Dinner

2008-06-04T08:21:00.001+08:00

Dinners are an everyday affair and they usually don't command special attention unless they're a celebration or a reunion. Neither happened last evening but it was our first home-cooked (yes, Dorcas & I prepared the meal; more so my wife) so I thought it was a Canon moment.

Every dinner hereafter won't be the first dinner where you tempered with getting the fire going at the stove, where you get the cooker hood turned on and put your virgin ladle, tong and spatula to work. Even our dining set had never sat on the new placemats we'd bought from Isetan until last night. I'm sure the utensils had as much fun having a night out as Dorcas and I did having a night in!

If you thought our angelhair pasta with bolognaise sauce, minced beef, diced onions, sliced capsicums, tomatoes and mushrooms was a lot of work, tomorrow will be a Chinese home-cooked dinner we're hosting for my folks. Wish us luck with more elaborate dishes being served up!

With each meal we prepare, I'm sure we can only get better. So who shall we serve next? Take a number. The bigger your number, the more assured you are of Michelin-starred food grilled, stir-fried, steamed and toasted to perfection, and served with the highest standards of service. Ma ma mia!

Mum's The Word in May!

2008-05-19T22:52:00.000+08:00

Never has there been a more tiring Mothers' Day than this year's, but just as it has been one whirlwind energy-sapping sleep-deprived season, it's also been one of the most special. This was the first time I'd taken my mum away for Mothers' Day. Destination: Sydney and the outskirts, comprising the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Port Stephens. Duration: 9 days (8th - 16th May)

Thanks to the trip sponsors' blessings, my mum got to come along, but not without me forking out just a bit to cover the flight expenses. Here are some mum-son shots on the trip. Mum, you're uber cool and I love you with or without the Harley Davidson helmet and leather jacket! ;o)

A Tribute to Deborah de Souza

2008-05-07T08:22:00.001+08:00

Deborah de Souza bade farewell to the world yesterday after being stricken with cancer. She was first diagnosed with stomach cancer right at the start of the year, and the last time I saw her was at the end of last year in the office. It came as quite a shock when we first heard of her diagnosis and since then, I'd been in fervent prayer for a recovery or for God's all-sufficient grace for her to go through this journey.

My memory of her goes back to 2001 when she was joining the station (back then known as NewsRadio 93.8FM) as a presenter after a break from radio. Then, I was transiting from my position as a news editor to a presenter. My first impression of her was that of her down-to-earth nature, no airs, plain sweet person anyone would love to befriend and call a friend. She was pretty much a private person, only opening up to those closer to her at work, for instance, those whom she had the opportunity to co-host with.

She had an infectious laughter and a good sense of humour which doesn't strike you at the outset. But when it does, it's a side of Deb only the 'inner circle' gets to witness.

Before her assigned pigeon hole in the office is given up to the next person, I decided to snap a photo while the sticker bearing her name remains attached. Among the visible contents of her pigeon hole is an autographed CD album "Travelling Under The Light of The Full Moon" by local singer/composer Mark Chan. He writes on the cover, 'To Deborah de Souza, Some quiet days & quiet nights... Mark Chan". It will surely be quieter hereon for her loved ones and us in the office.

I will not get another chance to buy Deb her deep fried chicken wings from the Malay stall in the canteen. But I thank God for the chance to have been blessed to have known Deb through my course of work. Her absence in the office and on air will surely be sorely missed by all. Till we meet on the golden shores Deb...

Lovingly Dedicated to My Wife

2008-04-04T08:42:00.004+08:00

Let Me Be Your Mirror

Let me be your mirror
in a world where judgment runs amok
I shall reflect a certain beauty,
she stands in front of me.

The very things I loved about you
from the very start of ‘us’
I recognise your simple gifts
that won my heart, that’s made this last.

A true projection, a praise extension
loving you for who you are
The glare of your glow
Is all that I’ll show
Let me be your mirror.

Cast aside the shadows,
cutting words and splintering criticism
No fault shall I seek to find
what worth is it for us to mind?

I am but gloved like a diamond valuer
with a handsome price tag in my hand.
Seeing you for your priceless worth
As a piece of art, like a work of class.

For what we share is fragile and precious.
“Handle with care”, “This side up!”
Careful inside, a piece of glass
Put in the furnace, kilned strong and certain,
Tried and tested, created to last.

Love,

Your Mirror

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The self-composed poem above is dedicated to my wife. It drew inspiration from a recent interview I'd conducted with Bill & Pam Farrel, reputed marriage counsellors, international authors and famed best-selling authors of "Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti". While relating a certain event in their marriage, Bill coined the phrase 'let me be your mirror' while conversing with Pam. That phrase stood out for me and inspired me to write a poem. It would have been a song were I able to put a tune to the words. I am open to the idea of working with a songwriter. Please leave me a note in my comment box if you'd like to take up this musical challenge. Thanks!

Cities of Authority

2008-03-29T11:30:00.002+08:00

In the Gospel of Matthew, the author writes in Chapter 5, verse 14, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (NIV). Every believer and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ is a city. Cities can be described as ‘large or important towns’. It’s where all the buzz happens; cities are known for the life they possess and the light they emit. Cities are often the starting point or launching pad of a traveller’s holiday to towns, villages and the farther reaches of the countries they’re sited in. They are often the point of reference for direction and distance to your intended destination.

What about hills? What do we know about them? Who could miss a hill unless the moles made them? Hills rise from plains, some steep, others with gentle gradients. Regardless of the angle and form, they stretch to the skies towering over man and land. A hill cannot be hidden. You can’t cover it with a huge blanket and say it’s not there. Even if you did attempt to weave the world’s largest blanket to keep a hill literally ‘under wraps’, its form will still show. There’s no hiding. Being on a hill is always to be in an advantageous position. Battles won are often fought from the lofty heights of hills and cliffs.

A city on a hill is keenly watched by many. How can it avoid being taken noticed of?

In relation to man, God has called many of His own to be such cities on hills. Christians can be huge sprawling cities sitting on rolling hills extending beyond what the eye can see. Some cities also sit perched on a hillock, but aren’t of lesser magnificence. Cities vary in size, just like the hills they’re found on.

If your faith is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, you are that city on a hill. Are you investing your position of leadership and influence to illuminate the places (people) around you? Cities are aplenty in Singapore. I gladly report this as I meet many ‘cities’ in my course of work. The chief town planner has not called only a few of His own to positions of authority.

Surely you and I can shine flaming bright, offering comfort, hope and direction to others, being a city on a hill.

A Page Out of Style Weddings

2008-03-19T17:54:00.001+08:00

When Sickness Strikes

2008-03-01T11:04:00.003+08:00

At seemingly the 'prime' of my life, sickness is something that's far from mind. Perhaps you're like me - confident, strong, mobile and fearless. The doctors always advise a regular exercise routine, eat wisely and to go for regular health screenings as the way to stave off diseases. So just do all three and consider yourself a recipient of absolute immunity?

Though sickness and disease in recent times have not been a personal encounter, I have however been in months past burdened in seeing how it's brought down the healthiest of friends and members of the family. A cousin's wife has been in coma since September last year. She happens to be my pageboy's mother. It started with the diagnosis of a benign tumour in the brain which was removed successfully. The happiness however was shortlived; a haemorrhage ensued and it's kept her asleep since. The doctors have done all that can be done. Five months on, it's been a rollercoaster ride. Fever, infection and recurrences are regular expectations. But is asking a miracle from God a regular expectation? Why shouldn't it be? For if a God can part seas (Exodus 14:21, 22) and I have mountain-moving faith (1 Corinthians 13:2), He can surely work a modern day miracle for her.

She's not roused though slight movements have more recently been seen. For all the slightest improvements, I give God all the glory for taking care of her all this while and I look forward to the day He brings about a re-awakening for her.

Rats! A Year of 'Em!

2008-02-12T15:41:00.001+08:00

And so they scamper, released by the zodiac calendar. Disney's Mickey finds the perfect excuse to scuttle onto any sort of packaging, apparel and memorabilia for this new lunar year.

You could say I have been doing the same (i.e. scampering) since my last entry (embarrassingly posted last year). It was a Christmas season like no other, but I'm not complaining. It was so fulfilling, CD launch, gigs a plenty and just carolling like crazy.

Then came the helter skelter to vacate our temporary abode at Braddell View last month (where we've been putting up since Sept 2007) and head back to my in-law's (where we'll be living till April/May 2008). Last month, we bought an apartment in an opposition ward. The paper work, legal stuff and what-not will be completed by the end of next month. Then it's another thing to start furnishing and fitting the nest before moving again. Your housewarming invitation will arrive in due course. :o)

Most recently, I was in 3 countries (HK, China & M'sia) over 2 consecutive weekends for a company retreat and Agapella's retreat to Cameron Highlands. Had never driven beyond Ipoh, so it was my farthest and fastest drive yet. Thank God for safety in travel.

Happy Lunar New Year...my nephews and nieces got richer this year since we joined fellow 'uncles' and 'aunties' in handing out angpows. Albeit a poorer new year, it's been a refreshing blessing to give than receive after all these years.

Will try to be more disciplined and regular in providing updates on this blog. I guess it doesn't help that I don't have/use a computer where I'm staying. But you bet I'll be connected to the Internet and Cable TV when I move in to the new place.

Christmas 2007

2007-12-28T17:38:00.000+08:00

This has been a mega year for Agapella. Is it then any surprise that Christmas 2007 has been one of my more meaningful and well-spent Christmases ever? Although our carolling season started in November, we never had it as intense as 5 consecutive days/nights of gigs that happened from 20th to 24th Dec. It was two nights at the Esplanade Concourse (our 3rd Christmas there), an afternoon at Square 2 shopping mall, a Sunday morning at Fairfield Methodist Church's two worship services and Church of Singapore's evening evangelistic service.

Enjoy the photos that marked our time at the Esplanade this Christmas.

(left: Before our Esplanade gig, Simone puts on some finishing touches; they say the eyes speak loudest.)

(below right: Yu Hsien decided he'd let the gals do the work for him. "Alright Averil, you do my face and Shih Huei, you get my cuffs.")

(below: Jameson with a female fan!)

(Below left: Shih Huei chatting at our CD booth.)
(Above right: Appreciative Indian fans who were blown away by the percussive sounds of Jameson!)

A Crazy CHRISTmas!

2007-12-19T14:03:00.000+08:00

Crazy for all the right reasons! It's ok to be crazy, and even more ok to feel overwhelmingly amazed and amazingly overwhelmed. That's life for me this period.

Soon it's Christmas day and already I can't help but feel overwhelmed by Someone who loves me every bit, the way I am, my insecurities, my inconsistencies, my disloyalties. You don't earn the love, you just receive it. Nothing I could do could make Him love me more. Conversely, nothing in my power could make Him love me less. That's the reason for the Christ of Christmas.

Never had I a busier Christmas season than this, no thanks to Agapella. I did think about the possibility of suffering from Christmas blues and burn-out even before Christmas. What with the CD recording of Agapella's Christmas album that spanned March to September. After seven months of 'carolling' in a studio, you'd expect heartburn thereafter. But if there's any burning sensation, it is the sensation that God's love is mighty powerful and warmer than the warmest sunshine!

I invite you to revist the CHRIST of CHRISTmas.
I invite you to let Agapella share the CHRIST of CHRISTmas with you through music.
I invite you to come to know this CHRIST of CHRISTmas this CHRISTmas.
I invite you to consider CHRIST this CHRISTmas.

That is my CHRISTmas wish and prayer for you...that you 'follow that star' that leads to Him this season.

A 3-Star Album!

2007-11-20T16:16:00.000+08:00

The Straits Times LIFE accorded Agapella's debut album titled, Follow That Star three stars out of a maximum five. Not too bad for a homegrown amateur a cappella group formed in 2002. Incidentally, the Spice Girls also bagged three stars on the same page of CD reviews.

Enough of stars. What's more worthy of attention would be the source of a star's dazzling brilliance. Stars afterall do not emit their own light, but purposefully radiate and reflect the magnicent glow of the sun. Agapella, the a cappella group I sing with had always sought to do that, i.e. reflect the radiance of our Heavenly Father. And it's out in the music stores! Have you got your copy?

Don't forget to also come by our many gigs lined up this month and next, including two evenings at the Esplanade (20th & 21st Dec) and one evening outdoors outside Paragon the shopping mall (16th Dec). To find out when, where and what time Agapella will be carolling next, please visit Agapella's official website and click on 'gigs'. See you soon!

Face-off with Facebook

2007-10-13T10:37:00.000+08:00

So the FB Addictometer measured and reports I'm "19% addicted to Facebook". So does that mean I'm 81% non-addicted? People love numbers for numerology sake, but they otherwise don't tell you very much.

I've always been a slow adopter of technology, what with online social networking sites. I thought Facebook would be just like F....ster when my wife first brought it up in a conversation. I discounted it as just 'another one of those', but I was wrong. It's riveting! The word 'rivet' sounds about right; clamping secure the person who signs up with two heads at both ends that there's almost no way to get out of it.

I hate to admit but I start and end most days of labour with the site. Don't even go anywhere near asking me about the frequency of re-visits inbetween. In under two weeks, I've tracked down friends from near and far, friends that number two shy of a hundred. There's Donald & Benjamin whom I'd lost contact with since secondary school. Then there's my best friend for most of my ten years of compulsory education Jonathan. I also got re-aquainted with my uni mate Katherine. Suddenly all your long lost friends are found, some needing more searching than others. Facebook has proven I'll make an excellent PI.

The Facts of Facebook Addiction and why YOU...
- Absolutely want to know who's doing what, what they're doing, how they're doing, where they're doing it why they're doing what they're doing
- Believe that there's a race to see who hits adding three million friends in three weeks and the prize is free bonus friends addition of another 3 million random characters
- Check the mood of other so you know if you're feeling better or worse than them
- Deliver gifts (a scorpion?!)and kicks below the belt (ouch!) Can't you be nicer to friends?
- Engage others in violent battles which you know you'd get arrested for on the streets
- F
- G
- Hatch eggs (ah-hah! your harboured ambition is realised) in just four days without having to 'sit' on it any longer
- Invite friends who don't want to be invited onto Facebook. Maybe they really DON'T want to be re-aquainted with you. C'mon! Why can't you let bygones be bygones?
- J
- K
- Look through the friends of your friends to see who else you haven't added into your list. Remember there's that contest to hit 3 million?!
- Make people simplify the complex and dynamic individual that you are into a few measely words to define you.
- Network with others of the same drive, cause and purpose
- O
- Poke others and hope to get poked back. I don't see the thrill in this.
- Question others on the most trivial matters when you could have just done a Google search
- Resort to retreating to the virtual world with friends who're having happy hours at all times of the day
- Sink your teeth into others evn though you're going for steak tonight
- Tweak your profile so
- Update your status to tell people your present state of mind and emotions
- Volunteer to sign up for some obscure cause in a far fetched community
- Work hard at seeing more and more gifts, growing gifts and hatching eggs so you get upgraded to the next level. It never ends you know
- X-out and click 'Ignore' the people who want you to add them as friends, but you don't feel you'd like the same treatment from them
- Y
- Z

Since Facebook is such an interactive platform, Blogspot cannot be outdone. Please offer your suggestions for the remaining 7 letters I've left blank in the Comment Box, I promise to give you credit on your entry the next time you check back here. Tell you what...I'll even go one step further by sending you 'Today's New Item' in Facebook!

The Married Life...8 Weeks On

2007-10-13T10:10:00.000+08:00

The ring sits snuggly on my finger exactly 8 weeks on. I haven't lost weight nor put on, at least not around the fourth finger on the left hand. Elsewhere? You've got to ask my wife who keeps telling me I'm skinny. For the umpteenth time to all who mis-used this word, I am NOT skinny. There's a world of a difference between skinny and lean. I am of the latter; 'lean' only has positive associations. Try as I might, high metabolism and good genes keeps me from growing to gargantuan proportions.

Back to the ring on the finger, it's the good work of the goldsmith that makes the fit perfect. To have a snug fit in marriage, the relation-smith is God. It's been weeks of settling in married life. The gives-and-takes, finding the balance, learning how to complement each other, learning what makes the other tick and ticked-off (haha). We've begun cooking meals at home despite poor economic reason to seeing how it's cheaper to eat out or buy back. Plus eliminating the need to spend time preparing a meal and washing up after. But there is some kind of satisfaction that it's a home-base activity you can share and also prove you aren't completely hopeless in the kitchen. Our cooked rice is still soggy, but you should have been around when we first put the rice to cook and when it was ready, I was looking at a staple more porridge-like. Things can only get better and soon, we'll open a restaurant. Any sponsors out there? You can relegate me to being a service staff - I always had ambitions to being one and serving up excellent Aussie service with the food.

For more photos of what my colleague has described as 'The Wedding of The Year' (mine's probably the only one she's been and will be invited to this year. Hahahah), they've been uploaded at http://www.flickr.com/photos/12391952@N03

Piece Of Cake!

2007-09-15T11:06:00.000+08:00

Isn't she lovely? She was as yummy as she looked. My wife and I felt that having a real tiered wedding cake to cut and take a photo with would be delightful, so through a contact of Chris (from Agapella), we found a lady who baked wedding cakes on the sides and even baked her own! Can you imagine a bride-to-be spending hours to get all the ingredients together, set it and then labour over how to make it look pretty? She was amazing and so was our cake! Sorry there wasn't enough to go around, but here's the picture so you're not missing anything other than to sink your teeth into this baby!

I've heard of couples who keep a part of their wedding cake for a year and then unwrap it and consume it at their first anniversary. This photo of our cake will stay across all our anniversaries!

Wedding Vows & Wows!

2007-09-01T08:23:00.000+08:00

We tied the knot taut two weeks ago and we thank God everything turned out excellent. Apart from salvation, my latest gain is to have a Missus. The missus is still mulling over whether her new status would also mean taking on a new surname or be just an 'add-on'. But I think that's the least of our worries. That's not to say we have any worries on our minds at this point. In fact, the converse is true.

After counting our blessings and reflecting on the past fourteen days, we have run out of space on our thanksgiving list to jot down more. The days, weeks and months leading up to the 18th/19th Aug weekend have come and gone. Despite coming fresh off a wedding, still freshly etched in my mind was the night of the proposal last December. It was a rainy night and plans to propose under the stars was substituted with going on my knees in a cellar. It worked out well since we celebrated her agreement with champagne!

Incidentally, the skies parted for more showers to rain down on us as we sought cover and God's blessings in the sanctuary, cooling the heat of a morning that was warming up outside. Thanks to all who braved the downpour and arrived, albeit drenched, to witness the solemnisation ceremony. (I want to single out our carpark attendant-friends who had soggy sleeves & soaked shoes & thank them for their chivalry) Everything went according to plan; both Mrs Leong and myself thoroughly soaked in every moment of the occasion as we stood in front of the congegation to commit ourselves to each other in the eyes of the One who matched us. We were delighted to have Agapella open the solemnisation service with "We Will Glorify", followed by Pachebel's Canon in D, with which the bride walked down the aisle. I dare say this is the best rendition of Canon in D I've ever heard being sung by Agapella. Don't tell me it's because I'm sitting out this time!

To every helper (you know who you are), we are genuinely indebted by your love and practical help that day. The rains continued into the afternoon and hopes for an outdoor photoshoot didn't materialise, but there was always the Singapore Art Museum enroute to the hotel.

It was another damp night (but not a dampener) the next night as friends and family made their way to our celebration banquet. We have been blessed by the presence of so many dear ones who represented and reminded us of different chapters of our lives. For me, I give thanks for family who've always been there for me, friends from childhood, church, primary school to pre-university, my buddies from Tengah Air Base, the two universities I attended in Brisbane, Unicell and colleagues and ex-colleagues.

While many would pair their food with wine, we paired ours with 5 'courses' of music, discounting the one my love and I sang for our second march-in and the surprise piece I shocked my wife with on stage. Why so much music? Well, music has been close to our hearts.

We sing, we perform and we love the power that music and songs can bring. Hence, our purpose to to fill the ballroom with music at our dinner. If you were there, we hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did.

It was an incredible honour to have all who matter to us at the banquet. To our incredibly reliable, skilled and talented family & friends who helped manage and contribute to the smooth-running of the evening's programme, we can't thank you enough! You truly made that evening a magical night for us to cherish and for every guest a memorable celebration!
Special mention: Sherm (for being precision time-keeper, commander-in-chief & key ally in the surprise item), Aaron & Namiko (for stringing the night & that wonderful toast), Adrian (PowerPoint extraordinaire), Chris (for shooting us), Linda (for helping me pick a Chinese song to serenade with; couldn't have sprung it without your help)

This Is The Day...

2007-08-18T08:53:00.000+08:00

...that the Lord hath made, and I will rejoice in it! This is the day we say our vows, we pledge our commitment, we begin a journey. This is the day we seek the Lord's blessing upon our marriage. Truly, this day is God's provision and the person God's precious blessing.

"Going to the chapel and we're gonna get married!"

L-O-V-E

2007-08-09T00:37:00.000+08:00

Nat King Cole could have been Singaporean, the fact that he loved acronyms and decided to give more meaning to the word 'LOVE'. I'm however strongly against how love is referred to in the song as a 'game for two'. How belittling to call it that. Should we not take love more seriously, with more ardent commitment than a mere game that in the end, separates the winners from the losers. In love, there should always be winners! But love is indeed more than just the inter-weaving of two people's hearts and lives. For my soon-to-be-bride and I, love is a triangular affair. There is a third party - our Heavenly Father or God. God is the integral third party Who's brought us together and He'll be the One from Whom we'll continue to learn more about how to love as He first loved us.

L-O-V-E......here's my own composition dedicated to dearest Dorcas, whose hand I will take in holy matrimony very soon:

L is for the Lord who gave you me.
O is for the One He planned for me.
V is for each Verse through which He speaks forth to me.
E is for the Everlasting blessings He'll provide for us in...

Love is all that He has shown to us.
Love is built on Christ, on faith, on trust.
Three in love can make it
when God is master of it
Love - God willed for me and you.

Tribute to A Union

2007-07-25T23:37:00.000+08:00

It never quite occurred to me that a union of one kind could break up a union of another. I'm still reeling from the sting abandonment brings, which was why I couldn't post this entry sooner. It's like a a papercut, but one that goes much deeper and threatens more serious complications that a mere superficial wound. It took three odd years to build up the chemistry that we have, and two days ago, it counts but numbered days. Time is ticking; sands are shifting. Life must go on. Soothsayers say, "Enjoy it while it lasts". Can't enjoyment be mine to enjoy for longer?

I am sentimental, expressively but rationally sentimental. Can an impending separation not affect me? Even the tin man in the Wizard of Oz felt emotions. How unfortunate that oftentimes, we only begin to treasure what we have when we know it will be taken from us. I wonder how many couples shared solidarity the way we did; we were united in bringing only the best of ourselves and our work to the hundreds and thousands who listened to us. Soothsayers reinforce, "All good things must come to an end". Can't the 'end' come later?

She laboured, she created, she crafted. Yet the 'little princess' understood humility and diplomacy through her delicate and polished manner with people. Her names means 'Queen'; she lived up to it. Her mother must have had great foresight to have bestowed on her such a title. The Queen's reign in this kingdom is about expiring. Soothsayers quip, "A new lady can be found". But I retort, "To find another like her is as the prince who sought far and wide and encountered many possibilities before he found Cinderella whose feet the slipper fit".

This entry is to honour Mahesha Thenabadu - my colleague, my co-host, my lunch partner, my friend. Bidding you adieu and Godspeed. Wishing for you a union that will bring much joy.

Before you leave, make sure to pack drawerfuls of memories containing our foul-ups on air, the "Happy Stupid Days" we had, the corny jokes we shared, and for just allowing each other the space and opportunity to be ourselves, to let our guard down and be who we are on air and off. I'll miss you when you head Down Under, but don't worry about me. Many will rally us on because they say that behind every dark cloud is a silver lining. May that lining never end for you. I won't know if there'll ever be a Cinderella like you, but even if there was one, she'd never be a size 6, love hot chocolate, end her meals half-eaten, have a knack for tiger rolls and know how to sew her own clothes. Thanks for being you, 'Mashabadu'!

It's A Bad Word.

2007-07-14T18:20:00.001+08:00

It begins with the letter 'p' and ends with an 'm'. Patriotism is a bad word! It's so bad you wouldn't want to admit it for fear of being mocked at, or as being a supporter of the ruling party. Despite a generally honest and scandal-free government, it seems an unpopular choice to admit we love our government and nation. That is my hypothesis following my recent visit to soak in "The History of Singapore" by the Dim Sum Dollies. There was flag-waving, vernacular tunes and nation-building strains of old. Natural-Lee, there was also a lot of satire that surprising-LEE made it past the MDA. But honest-Lee, it was a bag of fun with the poke and puns performed so splendid-Lee.

Following the show, I texted my brother telling him how much I'd enjoyed the performance, and at some places, driven to feeling warm (not my bum from sitting too long) and patriotic. His reply was in the form of a question - "You know it's satire don't you?"

That prompted me to try to draw a distinction between what makes the fourth day of the seventh month of every year a day of pomp, pageantry and pride for all Americans, and if the ninth of August had the same level of appeal and heart-stoking connection with our very own. Thanks to Fredrik Idestam (NOKIA founder), I conducted a zippy straw poll with a sample size of 18 which I plucked out of my mobile phone. They received this text message from me, the amateur spammer:

Straw Poll! Spontaneous response pls! A, B or C?
(A) I wear patriotism on my sleeve.
(B) I'm proud of my nation but generally silent abt expressing it.
(C) I'm indifferent & besides, isn't 'patriotism' a bad word?

Of the 15 responses received within 101 minutes of the poll being sent out (as you can tell, 'spontaneity' is subjective with the first response flying back in under 2 minutes! Tks UCN - the NSF who designed the stunning floating stage for this year's NDP!), here were the results:
Option A = 6 votes, Option B = 7 votes, Option C = 1 vote
- The vote of the lone respondent who picked Option C was disqualified because investigations revealed he is a citizen of the north. In no way am I saying his answer wasn't an honest one, but incorporating his response would have skewed the findings since the survey was towards unravelling Singaporean sentiments.
- One forward-looking respondent said his nation was the 'Kingdom of God', to which I replied asking him for his response in relation to THIS earth-LEE kingdom, the here and now.
- There was another who was presumably undecided and picked a fictitious option. In local elections, it's called a Spoilt Vote.

Ahead of the nation's party, I'm comforted the results don't paint an embarrassing revelation I'd been expecting.

So where will I be on National Day 2007? I might just be enjoying VIP viewing from a friend's office fronting Marina Bay where all the live action is to take place, with a plasma tv beside for close-ups. Bring out the food, pop the champagne and let the celebrations begin!!! There....can 'patriotism' actually be such a bad word? I think it's a blessing to say one's patriotic because it's a recognition and an acknowledgement that God's blessed our land and has done great things for us, whereof we are glad!

070707 Re-scheduled

2007-07-07T17:18:00.000+08:00

To get married on this very day had crossed my mind. Just as I've told friends I'd throw a birthday celebration (which isn't an annual event) on '090909' where I'd be at the prime of life or smack at mid-life, getting hitched and walking down the aisle would be wonderful with a magical perfect-sounding string of numbers like '070707'. Had I followed my head, I'd have been the 773rd solemnisation to have taken place today all across this tiny island.

Got home not very long ago from Jacob's wedding at church. Simple and sweet. The early morning rains surely brought down the temperature for what would be sweat-inducing affairs around midday. But it turned out well for the handsome couple, Jacob & Rebekah. And may the Lord bless their union richly hereon forth.

Torn between their wedding banquet and another childhood friend's invitiation to his, I chose the latter as I'd missed Kam Wai's (aka David) solemnisation at the Armenian Church - the same pretty premises Cheryl & Thomas had made their vows and released colourful balloons filled with messages into the air. Thanks to overhanging tree branches, my balloon never made it further than two storeys! Perhaps my written wish should've been for balloons to have unobstructured passage to the sky! But it's a joy seeing baby Claire growing up well. She sometimes comes to church with her grandparents.

Tomorrow, Dorcas and I sling our bags over our shoulders and play the role of postman. The cards will begin to find their way to their rightful owners whose names we've written on the envelopes. Names of people who've blessed us, whom God has brought into our lives to enrich it with meaningful relationships. People whom we'd love to celebrate with on the impending joyous day.

Ahead of the day the bells ring, the petals thrown and the vows taken, Chris from Agapella offered to snap pre-wedding shots of us in casuals since we weren't taking bridal photos before the day. Interestingly, Chris' fulltime occupation (pre-ocupation?) is with food. He prepares them, minces them, fries and bakes them, kneads and knots them and also snaps them. Am I to assume he thought we looked delicious enough for a photoshoot? Appetite-aside, Chris is truly a wizard of a shutterbug. His amazing work with Junyan's (former Agapella member) Lord of The Rings-themed wedding photos were incredible.

With this entry are 2 samples of shots he took of Dorcas & I recently at our shoot that covered four locations in four hours. We can't wait to see the rest on '190807'! Thanks Chris!

Ink on Ivory

2007-06-26T19:59:00.000+08:00

In under two months, a bride will march down the aisle, dressed in a beautiful white dress, her arm tucked under her father's. She saunters down to a waiting groom standing in eager anticipation at receiving the lovely gift God's given.

The countdown's begun; things are falling in place. Late next week, I envision dear Dorcas and I hunched over tables with nibs of pens tirelessly scratching on ivory cards. To write every single name of every friend that God has introduced into our lives will be a long drawn affair because He's given us so many! But the joy is ours to recognise and pen down so many who have been rich sources of blessing to us through school, through childhood, to adolescence, through university, through recreation, through church, through Christian fellowship and in shared ministries.

Just these past two weeks, I've been sending email after email, SMS after SMS to friends requesting for their postal addresses. You could have been one of them because I'd love for you to be at one of the biggest celebrations God's ever mooted for me. From Theresa & Nona in the US, to Ove in Norway, to auntie Molly, Kevin, Joan & 'Inky' in Australia, it's just been awesome hooking up again.

Jasmine, Wee Kiat & Jonathan, thanks in advance for putting aside work and studies to fly over to celebrate with us our special day! Nona, we know you'll be trying hard. Jul & MN, hope you catch a flight out of Shanghai in August!

But while we may not all reunite in August, I pray we shall sometime again, some day, home or away.

And with friends, we don't have to have ink on ivory before we meet. Because with friends, you don't need an excuse.

Poems from (Army) Camp

2007-06-14T19:42:00.000+08:00

It's about the halfway mark before I discard my 'green' skin to be in my own as a civilian once more. I'm NOT reptilian. You see I'm back at the air base doing my time as a corporal for 3 weeks. Welcome back to my annual in-camp training stint (still largely referred to as 'reservist'), where ranks rule in this highly regimented environment. Contrary to popular belief, not all NSMen charge up hills and get two skin tones darker because of their time put in under the scorching sun. I do get my fair share of tan and lots of dust in my face, but otherwise, it's pretty decent and in some odd way, you could call it a 'holiday camp' especially if you're highly stressed at the office. While there's plenty of time to idle and steal twenty winks, I deliberately made time to put words to recycled paper the Private manning the Ops Room had passed me at my request. I was on a mission to rekindle my affinity with poetry having been inspired just last Friday evening by Aaron (from Agapella) who'd launched his 2nd collection of poems titled "Five Right Angles". Congrats bro! Hope you can support him with a copy or two. I last wrote decent poetry in Literature class at secondary school, or maybe for my fiance. Regardless, it's not an everyday artistic encounter. Disclaimer: The following 3 poems may turn you off poetry completely, or make you reminisce your time at national service.

GREEN
Primed for life, the vigour of youth
Yet enthusiasm blends with obligation
A path most would not so choose

Green in camouflage, green they arrive
Black hair cropped, boots shiny black
Fatigued in fatigues
The wait for instructions torturous

Twenty-four months, this camp to call home
Green no more at the point of release.

SKEWERED STRIKERS
Pierced as on skewers
Right arm through to left
Shoulder to shoulder mere centimetres
Bound legs like mermaids
Fling stiffly in unison
A goal on the horizon

Faces affixed to polar ends
Glum and dimmed eyed
Like fish exiting freshness
Yet releasing no odour
Albeit flashy side steps at sickening pace
Much less back-breaking flips
Capable of flinging dust to the swirling fan

Tiny persons ruling the table
Carving goals, conceding goals
Striking misses, missing strikers
Glory is not for them
But the people on the handle
Big grown men

WAIT
A lifetime, a split second
Eternity, an instant
Time ticks, time ends

"How long?", some ask
Results, outcomes, benedictions

Burying patience
Enlightenment dawns
The wait is over
No...wait.

A Stadium Full of His Glory

2007-06-11T17:00:00.001+08:00

It's been a while since I'd experienced the magnificence of God's glory and His awesome power when His people come together. At one of the last few events staged at the soon-to-be imploded National Stadium, Agapella was given the honour of supporting homegrown singer-believer & worship leader Clement Chow at the recent Global Day of Prayer proceedings. Think black gospel group in gowns with arms raised to heaven who sway when they sing and clap their hands - that was our role. Ok, clarification - we weren't in gowns, we could have swayed more and being a more restrained traditionalist (not necessarily a bad thing for all my more 'liberal' friends reading this), my hands were no where near being raised though my spirit was.

The energy was electrifying, The spotlights from the towers shone down on us, but God's glory outshone all! As we sang, the winds blew strongly in our faces, refreshing faces and souls. The majestic build-up of clouds towering way up yonder far beyond the stadium's oval parametres were awesome. They resembled pillars ushering you into the grandest of courts where the mightiest sits on a throne. To our left, a contingent of pastors, preachers, missionary leaders and fellow brethren sat with beaming faces. We were one with them and those who had gathered for this event to remember ourselves and the world in prayer.

UPS and downs

2007-05-03T17:46:00.000+08:00

I didn't get it. I was hoping to land it. It seemed a wonderful company to work for earning accolades that put it up there amongst the best employers. The MD is a wonderful lady and she'd referred me to her colleagues for the position. The interview went well, but alas it was not my piece of cake to consume. (I have abstained from using the 'dealing-of-cards' analogy as it goes against my values to promote wanton chance-taking and gambling.)

My fiance asked if I was disappointed earlier today. I asked myself that question and the answer was "yes". Was I not supposed to be because I had placed this matter into Sovereign Hands and to yield to His will? Some may argue that there should be no disappointment because it shows I have submitted myself fully to Higher Hands and an Omnipotent God Who sees the big picture. I asked myself what I was disappointed with and the answer was clear. I felt slightly let down that my expectations to be a new member of this corporation didn't materialise. I wasn't disappointed with God, rather, the chance to strike out at something new, refreshingly different and from the outside, an organisation that looked pleasant to work at.

But it's amusing how I was granted season parking at my workplace only yesterday, and perhaps it's one of God's ways of telling me, "Hey! Here you go! I've made it more convenient for you to hang on a while longer before I move you along to some other place at a later date."

My fiance encouraged to keep my chin up and wait for His leading, to which I shall heed. It makes sense when you keep your chin up, for then will you be looking to God on high for direction and purpose. My Saviour will lead His dear children along...I know.

Right up there...Somewhere

2007-04-25T18:11:00.000+08:00

I apologise that this newssstand hasn't been churning out more regular posts at greater frequency than most others. However I'm most encouraged that you check back every now and again to figure out what's been up with me. If no new post surfaces for some time, you can safely assume I'm (pre)occupied with something/s and will get down to blogging the first chance I get or when my conscience pricks me that there are people like you who care to know how I'm doing. So if not for the thunderstorm beyond my window pane, I would be whacking balls with my colleagues on the tennis court. Wednesday nights are almost exclusively reserved for my weekly game. So the fact that it's raining, here I am blogging.

I flew into Perth last month to witness Dorcas' convocation ceremony at UWA. It was a happy occasion but I was somewhat under the weather for most of the four days. I've seen healthier times Down Under. But this last trip allowed me to catch up with Jonathan (my brudder) who's now at ECU. He's doing well and fitting in nicely. So till we meet again in August bro! (Jon's in pink...groovy)

The last couple of weeks have been crazy. I was sneezing and heaving alot thanks to the move from Holland to way up north in Sembawang. Had to pack everything into boxes which really got the dust excited and dancing. Then the lugging and hoisting of boxes of belongings and some furniture to their new home. Having gotten used to the centrality of Holland, travelling to and from my new home (albeit till Sept) has made me wonder if it's more convenient to work and shop in JB! Sembawang's way too far up north and I'm glad post-wedding, I'll come down south and make Braddell my next temporary community. Thereafter, who knows where we'll go.

Had a most blessed time over Easter. Had been a while since I attended the combined churches' Sunrise Service at MacRitchie reservoir and this year, I was blessed to have my fiance with me for this victorious event that fully sets my faith apart from all others. Who can boast of a God who died and resurrected rather than to die, remain dead and just leave behind a legacy or wise words? Nothing beats a God who is very much alive and real!

Wedding preps are slowing taking shape again after a lull the last few months, but before we get caught by the fleeting of time, we've gotten underway in padding down some matters. If you want to volunteer to help out in some way, we're all ears as it's going to be a mega affair. Weddings are very likely a couple's biggest project ever that they'll ever have to jointly spearhead and conceptualise. Ok, maybe next to parenting!

Follow That....

2007-03-30T16:51:00.000+08:00

Who wouldn't be excited about getting the recording underway? All of us were...Agapella was of one mind, one heart and one purpose. The target's one song per recording - that would be ideal. So after AGAPELLA's first recording at Loft Studio, it seemed mangeable. Not the easiest at first because singing for the purpose of producing a CD album is in stark contrast to singing and jigging at a gig. Being one of three (sometimes four) basses, you hear far fewer voices and only one part when you sing your part in the recording. So all the awkward silence is made most deafening and every single sound you make gets recorded and stands out most prominently. You can imagine how definite and to the exact note and precision timing we all had to be.

At our second recording last Sunday, all started well, but after about 7 hours, I was exhausted. Exhausted from all that waiting till when your part is asked to record and just tired from a full day out. I never expected to work my tear ducts (hadn't had a need for them) till my solo bit. It had all of THREE words. How tough could it be? But I just couldn't sing them without going into vibrato (was told to cut it out), running out of breath or keeping an inconsistent volume throughout. Those three words were to be the last few words to the song 'Follow That Star' and try as I could, none of the numerous takes made the cut that night. My ego went splat, my voice was hoarse, my spirit was broken, my confidence shattered. I felt so very low, the pits! The rest of Agapella were tired. Who wasn't as we all waited our turn. I wasn't intending to waste everyone's time doing re-take after re-take, but I did. But by the end of the night, those three words remain unsung and unmixed. It was true I was still on the tail end of a bout of cold and the phelgm didn't help.

But looking back, Zech 4:6 reminded me that it's not by might (not the volume I can produce), nor by power (now my breath control) but by His Spirit. Did I commit everything to Him? Did I tell God, "Use it for your glory Lord! Use all of me!" Did I rely on my strength instead of His?

It helped that Agapella didn't leave me alone to wallow in my misery. How comforting it was when I received text message after text message of encouragement, expressions of camaraderie, empathy and indetification. One member even said a prayer for me over the phone. How precious to have such companionship. I'd never seen this very personal and special side of each one in Agapella before - so real, so genuine, so loving. There never had been a lower point for me in Agapella than that. Truly, we're way more than a group that sings, we're a body of believers that spurs each another on from the deepest darkest valley through to the most maginificent peak.

To read more about how God made the recording possible for Agapella, please visit www.agapella.blogspot.com

One, Two, Three, Four...

2007-03-28T17:45:00.000+08:00

You can't imagine how much has happened between now and the last entry. I now own a precious piece of accessory, get around on all fours, paid my third visit to the most islated city in the world and most importantly, acquired a fiancee. It's amazing how much can happen in a single month! But if I can borrow a slogan from a certain insurer - Life is Great!

God's been great! We all live daily under His grace and to be able to live, breathe and experience Him is the basis of thanksgiving. So why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows fall? It's hard to feel anxious when you've tried and proven God's faithfulness. Have you?

Next month, I change 'shells' and move into a new unit farther up north of the island. There are just so many changes currently happening in my life and with every new development, it's exciting but will require some fitting in. But God fits us perfectly into this puzzle called 'LIFE' and has it all make sense if we live our lives according to His plans.

Song in mind as I type away is Count Your Blessings....Name them one by one. Count your blessings. See what God has done. Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count you MANY blessings see what God has done! I think it'll be quicker counting them seven by seven 'cos they're just so many and it'll save me time!

A Great Great-Grandma

2007-03-01T17:52:00.000+08:00

She was "Cheong Ah Hoe" and she married a certain "Leong Kit", hence my carrying on the surname. It's liberating and such an eye-opening experience to come to know of your lineage apart from the many chapters that document and trace the ancestry of important kings and the King in the Bible. And this new realisation of my great grandma's name, and that she was a Godly Christina woman was such comfort to my heart.

I had casually proposed how useful a family tree would be at the hospital last Sunday. I was at the death bed of my grand uncle Philip (my dad's late father's young brother) and while we waited for the next-of-kin to arrive (my grand aunt), I struck up a conversation with a stranger who had also rushed down to the ward upon being notified grand uncle Philip had drawn his last breath and had gone to be with the Lord. He had been well on the road to making a promising recovery right after a spinal surgery the day before. On Sunday, relatives had even visited him and all indications proved he was doing well post-surgery. Things took a turn for the worst, negating family expectations and the doctor's about mid afternoon when he succumbed to a massive heartache. Efforts by the medical staff to revive him and keep a check on his blood pressure failed. He had gone to a far better land than ours.

We remain and so the family tree took root after I struck up a conversation with my cousin-in-law Dave, whom I'd met for the first time. He married my cousin Doreen (whom I also met for the first time by the death bed). Two days later, the two surviving grand aunts together with their children and grand children and those of their late siblings' two surviving generations came together after grand uncle Philip's cremation to contribute names and relations that would finally make up a family tree. From 14 'known' cousins, I was greeted with the astounding fact that my cousins numbered 40!

More important was the fact that the faith of my great grandmother, Cheong Ah Hoe, had endured the generations. I am told she prayed daily for an hour for her family. Looking back, my God has honoured her faith, preserving the generations between her and mine. Dave researched and recorded that some members of the family had drifted away from the faith in the interim but have since returned to Christ.

Dave, in his email to all his 'known' and newly-encountered relatives recorded God's faithfulness. He quoted God's promises as given in Exodus 20:6, "But showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love Me and keep My commandments".

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised for a great grandmother who's faith was steadfast and whom I only just came to know.

In the RED

2007-02-24T12:07:00.000+08:00

So it's my last year receiving red packets this lunar new year. The ironic thing is that it's been one of my best financial hauls this year of the pig. Given the economy's all powered up to thrust ahead, but I suppose it's because my family has you could say, doubled. While not officially family yet, Dorcas' side of the family had a part to play in the bonus, coupled with the fact that some relatives are rejoicing early with me about our marriage. But it's a good start to opening a joint account I suppose - praise God from Whom all blessings flow! No more packets for me till the little Leongs I suppose. ;p

That Alf-looking creature you see sits on my PC at work and I thought my sunnies looked cool on him (gee! didn't know our head sizes were that close). There he sits holding out red packets and ready to give it away to any passer by. I guess I'll be in his position this time next year! But God willing, I won't be just sitting around looking cool but still purposefully employed.

Our engagement ceremony in the Caribbean happens a week from now and we're naturally excited. It'll be a milestone as we make a public commitment to each other in love in front of our family and relatives! I'm sure either/both of us will update you about our engagement thereafter. Watch this space and the pressed leaf.

Blessed Lunar New Year to you!

Now for Later

2007-02-08T17:30:00.000+08:00

Had an opportunity to meet my financial adviser (who happens to be a friend) earlier this week, and among the matters we spoke about after dinner were the premiums everyone pays now for the benefits and payouts they are entitled to receive later. What finances you commit to now is for a future disbursement. He went through my financial portfolio, taking into account both insurance and investment policies. Essentially, what you sow today is what you reap the morrow.

How true it is of our relationships - How kind or curt we are toward people will begat similar expression and reaction. As much as believers are told to turn the other cheek, retaliation and giving a 'taste-of-your-own-medicine' is a gross disgrace of human tendencies. But returning to the issue of insurance (which one major MNC has chosen to reflect as 'assurance' rather than 'insurance' in its name), it's that done deal of security now that stretches down the years, offering you peace of mind knowing that all's provided for. It's all covered. Nothing more to pay. This induces that state of peace-of-mind. I relate it to a faith that's unmovable, where everything's been done, sealed and guaranteed. The price is paid, the work is done and the deal is closed. Is your faith all of that?

Last week, an interviewee I hosted on air last year emailed to inform that her teenage son Sam had suffered a relapse of a cancerous tumour and was due for a major surgery. This followed the release of her book last year "Sam - A Mother's Journey of Faith" charting her rollercoaster ride of emotions when Sam was first diagnosed in Secondary 3 with Hodgkin's disease. It was a trying time and this latest piece of news was a second serving of the same bitter taste. But the sweetness came out of the fact that her faith and her son's were firmly placed, secured and well-assured. She wrote in her email to me that "he (Sam) is clear this is his journey of faith, just as the last was very much mine". Now that IS assurance! The balm of a promise in Jeremiah 29:11 that says "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Let's examine if our trust is placed on the Rock, misplaced or displaced? What gives you your sense of security? And just how solid and resistant is it to the storms of life?

As for Sam, join me in uttering a prayer of physical healing for Sam and that this will be another precious faith-booster for mother, son, you and me.

Writing It As It Is

2007-01-23T18:24:00.000+08:00

I remember bidding last year farewell and while the next (365-22) 343 days stands before us, I'm not forgetting my pleasantries, so here's wishing you and yours a blessed new year! I decided I'd do well to refresh the way I expressed my thoughts by departing from the format I'd taken all this while in all the postings I've uploaded. It's far less tedious writing in first person perspective, so here I am...writing as I hear it, see it, do it, say it and live it.

It's just been a whirlwind of a time since she said "YES!" to my proposal. Things haven't been the same since. We've been tied down with all the discussions and planning since, and we know it'll go on for just over six more months. Yet amidst the pressing concerns and pace at which decisions have to be made, we remind ourselves that we're not going to be consumed by the planning. It's planning for a day, but really, we ought to remember it's the marriage that makes a wedding worthwhile.

Where was I on new year's day? Was with the young people of YCK Chapel at their retreat at Sebana Cove. It was a quiet and meaningful crossover from one year to another. It was refreshing being by myself and prayerfully committing the year to His hands and sovereign direction. To be able to say, "Here Abba Father, here I am (your created) and here's my life before me (your breath of life to me). Take it and use it for Your glory however it pleases You." Whenever you let go and let God, a sense of abandonment overtakes and eclipses all your cares and concerns and the assurance that a higher hand is leading you proves real.

Over this past weekend, I've also enjoyed true Christian fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Agapella. We called Bintan home for 3 days and 2 nights and oh what uplifting fellowship that was --- a foretaste of what eternity in Heaven would be. Don't worry, I'm not pining for table tennis in a land where streets are paved in gold. This group has taught me to worship at a higher and more intimate level and what exaltation and adoration through prayer and praise is really about. My prayer and commitment to Christ is along the lines of the hymnwriter who wrote" Oh Jesus I have promised to the serve Thee to the end!"

Another Year Is Dawning

2006-12-29T13:41:00.000+08:00

My adoption of a hymn writer's prayer at the close of 2006 and the unfolding of 2007:

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Wrappin' Up O-Six

2006-12-26T14:22:00.000+08:00

Thursday, 28th December 2006, Singapore - Three hundred and sixty-one days came and went; no more to be relived and retrieved. Only memories of what’s been accomplished and what’s been left unfinished. O-six has presented spectacular top-of-the-world breathtaking heights across the year’s undulating terrain, notwithstanding the damp lonely valleys where only ONE person can and will hear my cry, I give thanks to Him on high.

This year’s largely been a sunny one; ending on a most promising note. Three letters can cap the year and thrust you into an exciting and adrenalin-pulsating freefall into the next three sixty-five of days. They are “Y”, “E” and “S”. If God sees fit, chimes will ring loudly for my fiancee and I as we solidify our love and publicly take our vows in the second half of the new year – a day I was committed our courtship would lead to right from when God first brought us together last year. I have been honoured by God to receive this blessing of a most lovely, patient, gracious, meek and prayerful young lady whom I look forward to taking her hand in marriage next year.

This year saw Dorcas’ completion of her studies and return to Singapore. Even before the year ends, she’s already received a job offer. How timely and good out God is. This Christmas has been my second with the Yaps. The family and its extension have been a blessing to me. By this time next year, I look forward to being part of the family. The family’s theme song continues to resound at every family gathering and truly, if not for the “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”, all this will be naught.

Where my family’s concerned, my parents have been well although dad hasn’t been too well, especially since his eye infection acted up since mid year. He’s showed signs of noticeable aging (on his crown and at the middle), but his antics and sense of humour haven’t waned. Mom’s alright. I continue to have to raise my voice slightly when speaking with her amidst other noise-emitting appliances like the TV. They are otherwise in generally good health. I’ve had less contact with my brother and we only meet on occasions. It saddens me that others know more about his whereabouts and the going-ons in his life than I do. I resolve to bridge this ‘sibling separation’ in the new year, though given personal convictions, it’s easier said than acted upon. With the strength and grace of our Heavenly Father, may I reflect these to a brother, with whom relations have regretfully cooled over the years.

As it may already occur to you based on my writings, my faith is a huge aspect of my life. The true and living God continues to mould me - the way I think, talk and live. I pray I can be a blessing to you and all I come into contact with in my personal capacity as a friend or in my professional capacity at the station. I’ve committed myself in 2007 to serving at church in worship leading and as a Sunday School teacher. Outside of church, I am also most privileged and blessed to be praising Him in Agapella. The group seeks to record and produce our debut album in the new year – a big musical project we covet your prayers for.

Work-wise, there’s still much fulfilment to be found in the show I host on air. I cannot forget the many good relations I’ve forged and strengthened with the many contacts in the course of my interviews and look forward to growing these many. The job’s been very satisfying, with the realisation that what you say, what discussions you conduct and who you speak with can impact so many at a deep level. Colleagues and bosses have been a joy to work with and I dare say this is one job that doesn’t feel like a ‘job’, no wonder I haven’t felt the itch despite entering my seventh year of service with the company in 2007.

God’s been good to me this year and I trust He’s shown Himself real and truly reliable like none other to you as well.

Your Invitation to Hear AGAPELLA this Christmas!

2006-12-12T15:32:00.000+08:00

Agapella Dis Christmas!

2006-12-04T16:49:00.000+08:00

Need I say YOU'RE INVITED to our public gigs this Christmas!

Mollification of a Mall

2006-11-27T21:40:00.000+08:00

27th November 2006, Singapore - It's the next BIG thing; it truly is. It's 'egantically ginormous' and swallows you up whole. We heard that the way to appease our belly was to get way down there, but it was all stuffy, filled with fumes and metallic boxy objects with black round rubber bottoms. We plodded through a bit before giving up, deciding we might be better off heading to the top for fresh air. So it went there was indeed another lunchtime crowd-puller on the third floor. VivoCity would be THE perfect venue for 'The Amazing Race Asia (Mall)' I tell you. After navigating our way out of the box office area of GV where the mainly teeny-bopper queue snaked some metres, my colleagues and I battled the heat out in the landscaped roof garden to get to the food court. [The architects would do well to have the parameters awninged, lending shelter to visitors come rain or shine.] Leg-stretching exercises commenced after chow-down, this was afterall the island's largest mall boasting a million square feet of retail space.

In a bizarre way, the proportions of this mega mall allows me to draw parallelism with abundant treasures in Christ! We have here a God Who's so so mighty & powerful. He created all things; ordained all things; ruleth over all things. A song aptly sums God up as our 'You Are My All in All". But the fact of the matter is, can we really put God in a box and say we know Him inside out? You could say that for Vivo's tenants given a tour and a test, but not God's riches.

The mall's packed full with wonderful things that we need (and sometimes want). God's packed for us a destiny full of hope and everything that we need to get to that final destination.

I look at God and think, "This great and awesome God who's beyond me, before me, behind, below me and looking over me has got me covered!" Apart from the physical blessings (of which are many luxuries I could go without), He's reminded me from His Word that I've got His attention and I'm one happy beneficiary of His blessings. Blessings I didn't twice about receiving, yet wasn't deserving of them. And even if I deserved them, I'd never have been able to attain them. Ephesians 1:3-8 tells me He's blessed me with 'every spiritual blessing', He chose me before time began, chosen to be holy and blameless, adopting me through Christ Jesus, redeeming me through His blood and forgiving me. Amazing grace! Is that not enough?

Christmas comes by in under a month, and though the ultimate present's been given, our Heavenly Father continues to shower blessing upon blessing on His own. If you think deep and long about it, it's tremendous how much He's blessed you and I. The riches in Abba Father mollifies any mall's enticements and offerings.

Christmas Gigs R On Us!

2006-11-22T14:52:00.000+08:00

24th November 2006, Singapore - Festive street lights in late October, piped-in carols in malls in November and Christmas goodies have started pouring into the office! It's beginning to look, sound and taste alot like Christmas.

Let Agapella further add to your Christmas cheer this December!

Come enjoy Agapella's brand of carols at these times and places:
- Fri, 15th Dec, 7pm - 8pm, Library@Orchard
- Wed, 20th Dec, 6.45pm - 8.30pm, Esplanade Concourse

Separately, I've been invited to contribute to the publication VantagePoint. The theme was "Using People, Loving Things". Read the online version here.

Much A-BOOK About EVERYthing

2006-10-30T19:09:00.000+08:00

30th October 2006, Singapore - What do you do with the Word? And if you haven't heard, the Word is how Christians refer to the Bible. A book that isn't quite like any other book 'cos this historical record is a finely-woven piece of literature (poetry & song!) that also entails geographical layouts, architectural nitty-gritty, war strategies, climatic disasters and a shudder-inducing charting of what's to come. Just a book? Nah!

When it's said to be God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16), you can count on it being inspired directly by God Himself and no other. Yet it can remain simply a book, just like the many on your coffee table or on the library shelves. What makes it come alive is when it takes root in our hearts, not just our minds. It's odd how some people literally swallow the words but burning pages of books and drinking their ash. That isn't it, but surely ash can't be too tasty not a comfort food.

Comfort comes from knowing God's Word at our finger tips. Reciting them off the cuff, having them on the tip of our tongues and being readily armed to share it. It was a recital of verses for our Sunday School senior department yesterday as the church commemorated Reformation Sunday - the day Martin Luther pinned the 95 theses up, protesting the teachings and beliefs of the Roman Catholic church.

To stand our ground, we need to have and hide God's Word in our hearts. To keep those verses in the book isn't of any good. What good is a dispensary that disptaches medicine when the patient who brings them home doesn't apply it or consume it? That Sunday morning recital has reminded me of where God's Word should really be --- out of the book, in my heart and on my lips!

Using the Present

2006-10-14T12:39:00.000+08:00

14th October 2006, Singapore - And so it goes...Time and tide waits for no man. It feels like a trillion years between now and when I last signed into Blogger. Time like the wind just passes us by. I was on the issue on Time Management on air yesterday and I suppose it was reflective on an inner desire within me to apportion my time better, not just so I can blog more frequently (a penchant of wordsmiths; though I hope you appreciate shorter time lapses between each entry where I record my thoughts). But more so, that I will never have to belt that oft' heard excuse, "Sorry, I don't have the time". Be it time to catch up for tea (the long-lost), time to offer help (the needy), time to clear up my room (the mother), time to serve Abba Father (thru ministry).

I confess to having a get-up-and-go spirit, restless and having to do something all the time, but ironically, that doesn't make me immune to idling and flushing away precious hours, minutes and seconds. The tricky bit is how one differentiates between idling and resting.

I've only just come up with my thoughts on TIME, stripping away each letter and voila! A home-made prayer along the lines of a rhyme:

The vault once opened, never to be closed, fleeting and flying, making hay or holes
Innocuate me Lord, less idleness and wanton waste
Make me the poorer of the 'present' that's prone to pass in haste,
Ever to give to others and self more value of 24-hour days.

Little Vintages

2006-09-30T08:25:00.000+08:00

30th September 2005, Singapore - In dedication to all tiny people this Children's Day and the people who brought them into this world.

Little people with great ambitions
Stake or stove we their aspirations?
The ceiling to juvenile pursuits is as glass
To breakthrough, to conquer, to surpass
Potential, vigor - the essence of youth
plausibly unstoppable in the search for truth
Should zest fizzle, when ladders to dreams turn brittle
What then is childhood with all but to brood?

As arrows in hand, they'll fly where you show
To the stars or the ground, don't break the bow
Incubate your little ones, prepare them for the day
When fiery darts and testing comes
To stand their ground unfazed
Envelope them in wise teachings
Withhold not your love and listening
Children are God's gift to us,
mature them as wines, characteristically vintage.

When The Twain Shall Meet

2006-09-19T16:46:00.000+08:00

19th September 2006, Singapore - The Editor turned paparazzi for a day on 26th August, and discreetly captured some brilliant shots of two lovely friends out on a photoshoot.

The subjects of love & in love are Benedict & Lynda, close friends of the editor.

Photos found here are posted with the blessings of the couple and cannot be reproduced without permission from the management of The NewsStan(d).

May the Lord bless them richly in their union and for all others whom God have provided someone to share their lives with.

Karibu! (Kenya Report Pt.3)

2006-09-12T17:25:00.000+08:00

12th September 2006, Singapore - Border security has been tightened at all entry points of the Southeast Asian city state ahead of the IMF-World Bank meetings which officially begin tomorrow. If this were Kenya, they'd say "Karibu!" to all 16,000 delegates arriving for this high profile event.

While Singapore is thrust into the spotlight, this publication has decided to go against the grain and continue its special pictorial spread on the Southeast African nation of Kenya. The editor who was on location last month filed these pictures.

Beyond (Kenya Report Pt.2)

2006-09-01T09:04:00.000+08:00

1st September 2006, Singapore - Kenya has narrowly edged out Australia. And it's not in the prestigious world athletics championships. Sure! The Kenyans would out-run and out-last the Aussies but that wouldn't be by a narrow margin would it? So what has Kenya pipped Australia to? It overthrew Oz as THE nation the editor would most like to revisit. August 2007? Only God knows when it'll happen for him.

Beyond the dry, parched land, the outpouring of love & hospitality shown by the brethren was refreshing.
Beyond the subsistence living and what little they had, their abundance was found in the assurance of God's love and care.
Beyond the uncertainty of the next rainfall, their faith that their Heavenly Father would provide in His time was steadfast.
Beyond the seemingly 'needful' engine-driven modes of transportation, they never murmured about long walks on dusty tracks to church.
Beyond the isolation, distanced from the world, there was quiet trust and fellowship with Christ.
Beyond esteemed educational systems, they lived the way they knew how.
Beyond the manuals and menus, they knew how to 'drive' the ass and cattle to the waters and wells.
Beyond the sea, they're just like you and me.
Beyond ourselves, how far do we see?
Beyond ourselves, how much do we share?
Beyond ourselves, how great is our God.
Beyond ourselves, let us see that we share our God to those beyond our land.

Worlds Apart, Faith Impart (Kenya Report Pt.1)

2006-08-18T17:43:00.000+08:00

TRAVEL SUPPLEMENT (KENYA)

19th August 2006, Singapore - A second morning dawns with the snarl of motorvehicles in a morning rush like a Calvarian melee. Twas only two days earlier when a rooster raised the alarm and consequently, his eyelids. The editor stirs and stretches to greet the dawning of a new day. The scene was familiar, yet worlds apart from the scenery that had greeted him for 13 days. "Welcome to Changi International Airport....Thank you for flying Emirates. We look forward to seeing you soon." I look forward to seeing you soon too, Kenya! The trip had ended for the editor as quickly as he had packed his duffel bag pre-trip.

Place
The village of Kavingoni in Kenya (about 5 hours drive from the capital, Nairobi) almost on the equator. Nearest satellite town: Machakos (64 kilometres southeast of the capital)

People
- Ethnicity: Kamba; Official Languages: English & Kiswahili

Terrain & Climate
Slight modulation and of relative elevation from sea level. Largely arid and dry with balmy days and cool nights. Short and sometimes fierce wet season from Jan to April. Dry riverbeds most parts of the year. No electricity or running water nor Internet connection.

Mission
- To witness the installation of Pastor Richard Musyoki
- To celebrate the 11th anniversary of Ebenezer Church
- To encourage believers in the church, further equip them in the faith, and spur them on in the pursuit of Godliness
- To bear witness of our faith to unbelievers at the open-air marketplaces and a school
- To bless them as God has richly blessed us

Apply Generously

2006-07-29T06:19:00.000+08:00

29th July 2006, Singapore - Things took an extraordinary turn for the better overnight after the last report in The Newsstan(d). The runs came to a halt. Investigations are underway to locate those suspected of uttering prayers.

Prayers when applied and exercised generously in accordance to guidelines by the Manufacturer and duty of the Distributor have the power to move even mountains.

Application of "Prayer"
- This product is safe for both external application and ingestion.
- For external application, apply in huge sweeping motions, but targetting specific areas of soreness is strongly advised.
- For ingestion, chew on it without ceasing for maximum effect and fastest resolution.
- Adults: Unlimited dose. No restriction for children.
- Non-allergenic. Non-toxic.
- Extra strength and easy to absorb.
- Many positive side effects expected.

The Runs & The Run

2006-07-22T16:50:00.000+08:00

22nd July, Singapore - The editor has been unwell since returning to the island city. His current state? Shrivelled and wrinkled like a dried up prune or a sun-dried tomato void of its luscious red sheen...well, at least that's how he sees it.

But don't start sending him text messages to check on his condition. He suggests you save the pennies and radiation and focus on intercession. "Prayers work wonders even though medicine may not", he says. He slides back in his seat looking uncomfortable but catches my questioning look as he raises his eyes to catch mine. "You must be thinking I'm itching or aching with my shifting from side to side. Well neither. I'm sore from a non-stop bout of diarhoea since midnight on Tues. Have you ever used up a roll of paper in 24 hours?" he asks as with an uncanny sense of accomplishment.

The NewsStan(d) understands the editor obtained medication like lomotil from his family doctor at midweek but that hasn't stopped the irregular and overactive bowel activity. It's understood he's also downed two tiny bottles of a repulsive bitter-pungent forumla produced in Macau which his mother believes will stop the runs, but this may be the first case of diarrhoea that continues to persist. We can only suspect the editor's mom to be upset the product has failed her son.

"I'm currently on charcoal pills. Decided I'd give it a try and dropped by a pharmacy to pick a box up yesterday. I think it's still too early to tell if it's working, but I hope to spend more time being productive than just sitting on the throne. It's indeed a sor(e)-ry state I'd like to get out of soon," joked the editor.

There were also unconfirmed reports that the editor had taken part in a race this morning at the Botanic Gardens, to which he said he was thankful to God for enabling him to complete the 2.2 kilometre run that pit his organisation against others in the annual Corporate Community Games.

"I want to keep on running, but I sure wouldn't mind the runs stopping!"

The West Australian Times edition

2006-07-16T19:51:00.000+08:00

16th July, Perth, Western Australia � Today�s weekend edition of The NewsStan(d) is published in the thick of a dry winter Down Under, with farmers praying for rains that will quench this season's thirsty crops. With overnight temperatures the past week dipping to 3�C, even the editor wasn�t having it easy. Where�s a leather jacket when you need it most?!

It�s otherwise been largely glorious blue skies with slight cloud cover, with a couple of bleak wet periods. Even as God refreshes the earth, He generously bestoweth on us His grace. �G-R-A-C-E� as defined by today�s preacher at Subiaco Church was �God�s Riches At Christ�s Expense!� Indeed, that is the ultimate grace He�s lavished upon us.

Thank God for His daily grace even these past few days. Dorcas is well and counting down her days to graduation. She�s well on track to wearing the �mortar board� and realising her desire and love to help children with learning difficulties. The week�s been � hmm� the editor hardly ever falls short of words. How should he say it? Ok�it�s been rejuvenating-ly slow. Rejuvenating in the sense that it�s been a great week off away from the day-to-day manic of work and rejuvenating in the sense of making up for lost time or rather, the time we�ve lived �separate� lives. But here, time seems to come to a standstill. No hurry, no rush, no urgency to do anything. Maybe it�s just the paralysing cold of winter. But yes, I thank God for not only every remembrance of the ones I love, but even more for the moments you can physically spend with them.

Even as I type, I know that tomorrow I�ll leave behind (once more) Dorcas whom I know God will be ever faithful to attend to and care for, and ten stalks of orange tulips that I know Dorcas will faithfully tend to (till they wither).

Strikes, Spares & Prayers

2006-07-10T10:50:00.000+08:00

10th July 2006, Singapore - MediaCorp's men's team emerged victorious at the weekend's Corporate Community Games after a dismal performance at last year's finals. Unleashing just enough strikes and spares, the team of three spinners and a hook bowler rose to the challenge, edging out their nearest rival by a mere 4 pins.

The team's bowling convenor who was absent at the finals, spoke to The NewsStan(d) following the award-presentation ceremony at The Chevrons. "It was a blast to have our team top the qualifiers and roll off in the finals. I knew they had lots to prove following lat year's crash out in the finals. Must have been nerves but they didn't show that this year and it was all about mental mettle".

Citing the need to be at church, the born-again Christian said he'd toyed with the idea of skipping worship service at church to be with his team in the thick of battle. But after careful consideration of his priorities, he felt more at ease to stick to his regular Sunday morning plans and just say a prayer for his bowlers.

"I uttered a silent prayer that our bowlers go out there and do their best and they did. No doubt, divine intervention helped!" He said he was pleased with the news though not totally surprised. "It may have seemed an inconsequential prayer, like so what if God allowed our team to win and so what if He didn't? What honour does it bring Him? Well, the fact that my God answers seemingly trivial requests reassures me He's all the more willing to seriously answer petitions for life's bigger issues. God gets the glory for the win!"

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Sunrise, Sunset

2006-06-17T12:23:00.000+08:00

17th June 2006, Singapore - Eye specialists repeatedly warn us never to look at the sun. But do we listen? No! We look. In fact we don't just look, we stare. And then we take out our trusty gadget (chances are it's a Japanese make) and try to take the picture-perfect postcard shot to share with the world. Dorcas and I would like to share a sunrise and sunset with you. My sunrise (above) via a Canon and her sunset through the lens of a Kyocera. Enjoy the glorious beauty of a sunrise at Salamander Bay at Port Stephens in NSW and the magnificent sunset (below) from Busselton Jetty in Western Australia.

Fei ah fei...

2006-06-14T17:58:00.000+08:00

14th June 2006, Singapore - Some see 'stars'. Some talk to them. Some get the opportunity to do both and then, take a photo. Recognise the guy?

All I ask of YOU

2006-06-13T18:09:00.000+08:00

13th June 2006, Singapore - At any one time, everyone has a unique need. From a desperate cry of relief to the discomfort of unfamiliarity and apprehension. What's your unique need right now? "Now" needn't necessarily be this very instant, but a period, a phase, a particular time frame.

Today, I remember:
- Tabby - as she puts up with the drooling and goes on in the Lord's strength to assist the kids with learning difficulties coupled with physical challenges
- Gill - safety and security in Christ since having her home in Brissie burgled twice in under a week (and Boon as he starts life anew with her there)
- Aaron & Nam - as they make their way home from the States
- Tong Hwee - for recovery for her dad who underwent a heart bypass yesterday
- Nelson & David sowing seeds in Tokyo
- Donna - as she is thrust into fulltime motherhood since her maid woes
- Yeen Chin & Karin - as they prepare for their wedding next Friday
- Ben & Lynda - as they likewise make preparation for their big day next month
- U. David - as he spends time in faraway Equador
- U. Kim - as he does humanitarian work in Central Java

Every day is fragile; everyday, everyone has a need that could do with much remembrance and prayer. If you're not having a need, why not 'meet' one today.

As Jeremiah 33:3 says

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

S(t)an Dunes, Stan & Jill & Stanley in Wonderland

2006-05-25T13:29:00.001+08:00

25th May 2006, Singapore - The editor has decided to treat you with some brilliant photos he took while on his recent trip to Sydney and the surrounding regions. This is in place of his regular longwinded columns. (Why do I hear heaves of sighs all round?) His cold is giving him a major congestion and santence construxion iz oso impeeded. It musk haf travilled up to hiss blain. The handful of photos here were taken at Golden Century seafood restaurant in Sydney, the beautiful beaches at Bondi, the magnificent Sand Dunes at Port Stephens and the colourful Storybook Garden at Hunter Valley Gardens.

<<< Left: The king crab you see weighs a hefty 8.4kg and will cost you A$700 if it ends up on your table!

Below Right: The saltwater pools at Bondi beach; a choice of the open sea and the pool!

Below: The editor tumbles down the hill with Jill while fetching a pail of water.

Below: The editor goofs off in "Wonderful" (Alice didn't want to be photographed).

<<< Left: Getting down and sandy at the dunes.

When Names Speak

2006-05-22T19:04:00.000+08:00

22nd May 2006, Singapore - Names connote so much. The country of origin of this blog is Singapore. "Singapore" conjurs images of its founding father, you think of Michael Fay, the society that imposes severe penalties on drug traffickers, its stringent checks on chewing gum, its swanking malls and spanking clean streets. How about Sydney? Yes, the often-mistaken capital city of Australia. The imposing structure of the Harbour Bridge or the shell-clad Opera House. (The editor reserves the right to use this text as the perfect excuse to upload some accompanying photos he took from a seaplane 1,500 feet up while on his recent trip to Sydney.)

Names make suggestions and forge associations. I checked the meaning of mine. Promise you won't laugh? (Make your vow to keep a straight face here!) So you did laugh! I know it's no where near chilvarous or profound, but I'm not blaming my brother. When he was little, he named me after a kite called Flat Stanley, and looking at the way I am today, it's no wonder the fattest I am or can ever be is: LEAN!

Synopsis:
It's a humorous tale of a boy who becomes "flat" when his bulletin board falls on him. Stanley realizes that there are several advantages to being flat, such as the ability to slide under doors, through bars, and yes, being mailed in an envelope for long trips. Stanley's older brother becomes jealous of him, and Stanley offers himself to his brother as a kite. The best part of Stanley's "flat" period is when he is able to catch some thieves in the local museum. People eventually begin to make fun of Stanley, and he tires of being flat. A solution is found by his brother. His brother uses a bicycle pump to make Stanley round again.

Etymology is an interesting field of study. What does your name mean? More importantly, what, who and where do you allow people to associate you with?

So it doesn't matter if your name means 'gazelle', 'blessed', 'beautiful' or 'Yahweh has given', your life and choices weigh so much more.

Names speak about you only to a certain degree,
but it's your life that leaves a legacy.

Overnight

2006-05-02T19:24:00.000+08:00

2nd May 2006, Singapore - Overnight from the 6th to the 7th of May, the General Elections of this city state will be known. Overnight, we will know the number of candidates from the ruling party who will be returned to power and by what margin. History is written and the future set Overnight.

Overnight last week, between Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, an acquaintance was called home to Christ. All of 29 years old, in the prime of his life, just two months into a new job, he was found dead in his office by a colleague. His time was up Overnight.

Overnight, a good working relationship with a trusted and respected contact I had came to an abrupt end. The agreement is off but the show must go on. A premature call-off with no offer to resolve the issue. The deal was called off Overnight.

Circumstances like these hint at the transient state of government, the fragility of life and the unpredictability of characters. It can be all fine and dandy one day, and cold and bitter the next.

Things may change overnight, yet I have certainty and hope. I find comfort and encouragement knowing these:
- That my Lord Jesus Christ is "He is the same yesterday, today and forever". (Hebrews 13:8)
- That when the waves swirl, He is my anchor. (Hebrews 6:19)
- When the wind blows and the arrows fly, He fits me in the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:22)
- When troubles come, when all seems helpless, He is my "refuge, strength and a present help". (Psalm 46:1)

Come what may overnight, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Indeed "the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

A Matter of People

2006-04-21T17:43:00.000+08:00

21st April 2006, Singapore - People and places. People at places. People in places. People = Places.

We generally associate the places we love as being places we spend a lot of time at/in, the places we frequent, the places we're familiar with, places we know every nook and cranny of. But is it really the physical surrounding that makes us fall in love with places? Look beyond the furniture, the smell, the layout, amenities, architecture, landmarks, terrain, historical significance and climate and you'll come to realise that what gives places special meaning in our hearts are the people who were there.

People are the ones that make up the best memories we have in various spaces at different places. When you think of your office, your closest colleagues whom you lunch or work come to mind. When it's school, you look to the ones you've formed a clique with.

Recently, I spoke with an interviewee whom I learnt was a Monash graduate. He said he missed the place dearly when he completed his studies and returned home. (It sounded like my own experience.) So he returned to visit Melbourne a few years later - a place he'd grown fond of and missed. (Just like, me, I returned to Brisbane only two years after graduating.) But while both cities held good memories for both of us, we realised the places were no longer special or all that winsome.

When I revisited Brissie, I arrived with the same mental image and emotional imprint as I'd left with only a couple of years before. I made conscious effort to revisit the journalism department at university, Coffee Club in Toowong that served up magnificent delights of choice cakes and coffees, the mall in Indooroopilly I visited every weekend to do my grocery shopping. They were all places I'd spent many hours, days and months but the warm fuzzy feeling of reminisence was no where to be felt.

Why? Because the Journalism department meant Professor John Henningham and my course mates. The cafe was where we all congregated after Unicell meetings. The mall was where my flatmates visited every Saturday morning to stock up on food and other home essentials. They were good times then, but this around, these places were as cold as when I'd first set foot into them. The people then were no longer there now.

People make places matter to us and we make places matter to people. What's the matter? People.

May you love and enjoy the people in the different compartments, spaces and places of your life today. Because it can be very different tomorrow.

How Are You Measured?

2006-04-09T04:00:00.000+08:00

8th April 2006, Singapore - You needn't put your ears to the ground to know that the people of the land are gearing up for the big GE. The fever is in the air. The notable intensity at which new candidates are introduced every other day; the jabs and stabs that come with the representatives of both the ruling and opposition parties come as no surprise. How will you vote? What will it be based on?

Hoards of newspaper columnists have already made their oxymoronic 'calculated guesses' on what basis the city state's citizens will vote. There have been eager calls not to vote for the opposition for the sake of wanting opposing voices in government; the converse is also heard. What makes a candidate worth one precious vote from every individual in a single ward or GRC?

Observe all news reports and bio data released on every newly-unveiled contesting candidate and you'd be greeted with information on what high profile positions they held previously, their educational background, the highly-appraised good work via humanitarian/charitable/grassroots work and other vote-winning points. If contesting candidates of political parties are measured this way, what about you? How are you measured? By your position/designation at work, the good deeds or volunteer work you engage in, the mission trips you've made, or what your highest educational qualification is?

Pray no. There are too many conditions to live up to and too many faults to begin with. If not for grace (God's grace) with with which we live under from one day to the next, we all fall short of the expectations and standards set upon us by man, by institutions, by the world.

What is the measure of a man if he gains the world or the world's vote and favour, but loses his own soul?

Quarterly MEport

2006-03-31T18:18:00.000+08:00

31st March 2006, Singapore - Barely hours into the second quarter of 2006, a self-imposed deadline befalls the editor of The NewsStan(d). The deadline demands a quarterly report of all transactions and transpirations for the 3-month period beginning 1st January 2006.

Agapella - We're bigger (hello to Amanda, Shi Huei, Yu Hsien & Colin), better and begging to do our first big gig on Good Friday on 14th April.
Bowling - Achieved my highest ever pinfall of 231 on 19th March.
Coffee - I have maintained my caffeine fixes by downing about one cup daily.
Dance - It remains a quiet hope within to one day put on my dancing shoes and pick up more steps (at least this time, I needn't worry about a dance partner).
Eating - No new food allergies detected in the last ninty days, neither has there been a quick-fix formula to gaining weight.
Friends - No shortage of fabulous ones, it's just the time that seems insufficient. (Take a number if you're reading this!)
GOD - He's not gone anywhere; if He's distant, I've strayed a little off track but have got the compass in hand.
Health - No sick leave in the last 3 months. Certified clean bill of health but excused IPPT because of PES C2 status.
Ichabod - Nope! Don't want it taken away from me.
Jorryn - Added to Singapore's population by one on 7th March! Congrats to cousin Joe & Marina!
Kids - None of mine (yet), but thank God for Glen, Samuel & Justin doing well in SS.
Lovely - An apt adjective to describe the first quarter.
Muffin - You haven't tried muffins till you've sunk your teeth into those of Chocolat 'N Spice. Ain't no mountain high enough to keep me away from the humble stall at Shunfu hawker centre. For exact address, email the editor.
Norway - A dream destination just waiting to happen.
O - The second half of "Kopi" when you want it strong.
Parents - I fight for attention now that they have hundreds of kids between them. (Disclaimer: Last we checked, the editor's parents are humans, not rabbits)
Quantity - Something you have been wanting more of on this site in the last few months, but the supply of blog entries were left wanting. The editor takes full responsibility for the the meagre entries and vows to increase his articles.
Rose - A flower you don't buy (ever!) on Valentine's Day. Someone once said, "Save the money and buy me roses four times a year!"
alt. meaning - My boss 3 levels up.
Sydney - Where WM & Wen are and where the editor may be posted to in May. *fingers crossed*
Tucson - We traded in our Subaru Legacy for a Hyundai in Jan.
Uncle - A title the editor still finds hard to accept from his peers' children. "Why won't they call him kor-kor?!"
Voice - Without which the editor loses his job.
Wassup - Everyone wants to know.
X-men - Ok, so I got stuck with 'x'. Now you know I'm not an Invincible wordsmith. :P
Yesterday - When deadlines happen and you miss it, but the editor vouches innocence and all charges of responsibilities were dutifully carried out in good order and delivery from Jan to March 2006.
Zzz - Sleep patterns remain constant. Typical eye-shut time: 11.30pm. Typical eye-opening time: 7.15am. Times do not take into account weekend sleep-ins.

The above report is deemed accurate at the time of publishing and due to the merciful acts of God. The editor is not held accountable for anything that may change for the second quarter of 2006.

Miss#ng

2006-03-06T19:04:00.000+08:00

Da Tby,

I nw hs itdy ad oe lt, bt ol yu eiv ad cet y xue ht lv srthn clbain? Wy hud itdy b cnie t js oe ieal dy?!

O tuh o te ea i snig hs hog ws eas I'e ut a a ey uy ek o o b h ps fie.

Rgrls, yu nw lv yu n ddt ut ogt o o or pca dy.

hnig o o o n ryn ta yu'l id i al ufcet n vr apc o ie n h nw er.

a rmne o te yn " , Fr Coe Wk Wt Te". My t e or ryr n mn.

My u od od le yu.

ap etne brha!!!

oe,

tn

Papparazzi Picking

2006-01-16T18:44:00.000+08:00

16th January 2006, Singapore - Citing personal preoccupations and a very hectic year-end transition at work, the editor of The NewsStan(d) was unable to add new entires to the blog any sooner. But seeing how a picture paints a thousand words and has the ability to garner forgiveness from subscribers of this site for the online lull, he is sure you will like this one. The photo may not have made the cover page of People Magazine, Readers Digest or 8 Days, but the left half definitely caught the editor's attention and devotion. That's good enough for me!

Source: The Unknown Stuntman

Vulnerability & Friends

2005-12-28T09:03:00.000+08:00

28th December 2005, Singapore - The attributes or what we look for in good friends has been called into question. For the longest time, friends are supposed to be pillars of strength, good role models, inspiring and excellent company. But allow me to suggest that the level of friendship also be based on the level of vulnerability between friends.

I feel a sense of liberation at precious occasions with friends where I've been able to be transparent, to share my struggles, to raise questions, to come across as uncertain and lost --- to feel vulnerable. Have you felt vulnerable? Vulnerability is a perfect indicator of the depth of friendship. The deeper and dearer a friend is to you whom you trust, the more comfortable you'd be feeling vulnerable. I've been on both sides of the friendship axis, and I appreciate those who trust me enough to be transparent. Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? But I thank God for friends with whom I feel no shame or embarrassment when I make my thoughts and feelings open for picking and prying. To those who know who you are, thank you for your confidence and that I can entrust matters to you in confidence.

At the close of this year, I give thanks for YOU! Yes, you reading The NewsStan(d). You who have been pillars of strength, good role models, inspiring and excellent company, and who have my best at heart at my most vulnerable. Thanks for being a blessing this year. May we be blessed to be a blessing.

Here's to stronger friendships in the new year. God bless you richly!

"Friendship is a priceless gift
It can never be bought or sold
But in the time of trouble
No good thing will it withhold"
~ Unknown

Poetry @ Christmas ~ Singapore Style

2005-12-21T17:56:00.000+08:00

21st December 2005, Singapore - With 4 days to Christmas, editor of The NewsStan(d) turns poet and pokes fun at the season of merriment and glee. Oh what fun it is to write!

(To be sung to the tune of "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night")
While people throng the malls by night,
all crowded down in town,
the traffic jams they cause on roads,
Cause detours all around,
Cause detours all around.

And when you find a parking lot,
Thinking that you've had it sort.
A car from nowhere vrooms right in.
And you slam your breaks and snort.
To think you had a plot!

You're in the mall, "Where's the lift?!" you yell.
When it finally finds your floor,
The doors they open and what a boar
It's stuffed with shoppers lor.
It's stuffed with shoppers lor.

When you've found your gifts, sheer delight it is,
But there's much much more than this.
You have got to swipe or key your pin
But to do that, queue first please.
To pay you've to queue first please.

When you join the queue with both hands full,
And it's snaking all around.
Not only is there elbow room,
It's nudging all around,
"Stop poking me!", you growl.

... To be continued....

Hark Now Hear The Durians Sing!

2005-12-06T18:21:00.000+08:00

6th December 2005, Singapore - The Esplanade resounds with carols this December. What's been fondly called the "Durian" by locals, the pungence of the King of Fruits will be cancelled out with the perfume of thirteen special ingredients blended together in vocal harmony.

Agapella takes the stage at the Esplanade Concourse for a FREE one-night only public performance on Thurs, 15th December. Showtimes are 7.30pm - 8pm and 8.30pm to 9pm.

The Christian contemporary a cappella group of young professionals are fresh from a gig in Johor Bahru where they carolled at a Boys Brigade event last Sunday. Agapella was also the highlight at World Vision's Christmas celebration held at the YWCA here last Saturday.

Don't miss their only public Christmas gig this Christmas at the Esplanade!

Your Comment Please?

2005-11-19T12:00:00.000+08:00

18th November 2005, Singapore - I'm in no mood to blog. Sorry, I'm just not in one of those 'moments' where words come freely. So for a change, let me solicit your views on what you do when you're at a lost for words, with your back against the wall, feeling frustrated, beaten, sapped of energy and with a spinning headache? Did I have a bad day? Yes. Cheer me up. Any encouragement and word of inspiration would help me out of a lousy day. A 'virtual' penny for your thoughts...please. *The Comment Box is yours!!!*